KR102122587B1 - An air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system.
The air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor unit is disposed in the outdoor space, and is provided with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger; A plurality of indoor units disposed in the indoor space and provided with indoor heat exchangers; A gas-liquid separation unit including a gas-liquid separator for separating a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant among refrigerants discharged from the outdoor unit; And a distribution unit that is detachably coupled to the gas-liquid separation unit and distributes the gaseous refrigerant or liquid refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separation unit to the plurality of indoor units.

Description

An air conditioning system

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system.

The air conditioner is a device for maintaining the air in a predetermined space in the most suitable state according to the purpose and purpose. In general, the air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and a refrigeration cycle performing compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant is driven to cool or heat the predetermined space. .

The predetermined space may be variously proposed according to a place where the air conditioner is used. For example, when the air conditioner is disposed in a home or office, the predetermined space may be an indoor space in a house or building. On the other hand, when the air conditioner is disposed in a vehicle, the predetermined space may be a boarding space for people to board.

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

1 is a view showing the configuration of a conventional air conditioning system.

Referring to FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit 2 equipped with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, a plurality of distribution units 3 connected to the outdoor unit 1, and the plurality of distribution units 3 ), and includes a plurality of indoor units 4 equipped with indoor heat exchangers.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of distribution units 3 include a first distribution unit and a second distribution unit, and the plurality of indoor units 4 include a first indoor unit and a second indoor unit. Can be. The first distribution unit is connected to the first indoor unit, and the second distribution unit can be connected to the second indoor unit.

The plurality of distribution units (3) is a device for distributing the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit (2) to the plurality of indoor units (4), through the piping to the outdoor unit (1) and the plurality of indoor units (4) Can be connected.

In detail, the outdoor unit 2 and the distribution unit 3 may be connected through three pipes. The three pipes include a low-pressure engine 5, a liquid pipe 6, and a high-pressure engine 7.

The low-pressure engine 5 is a pipe that flows from the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle until it is evaporated in the evaporator and then flows into the compressor, and the liquid pipe 6 is a pipe that flows after being condensed in the condenser, and the high-pressure engine 7 is It may be understood as a pipe that flows after being compressed in the compressor and then flowing into the condenser.

Further, the three pipes may be branched and connected to the first distribution unit and the second distribution unit.

One distribution unit of the plurality of distribution units 3 and one indoor unit 4 of the plurality of indoor units 4 may be connected through two pipes. The two pipes include a gas pipe 8 through which a gaseous refrigerant flows and a liquid pipe 9 through which a liquid refrigerant flows.

That is, in the conventional air conditioning system, the outdoor unit 2 and the distribution unit 3 may be connected through three pipes, and the distribution unit 3 and the indoor unit 4 may be connected through two pipes.

However, in this way, when the outdoor unit 2 and the distribution unit 3 are connected through three pipes, the installation and assembly of the outdoor unit 2 and the distribution unit 3 is complicated, and the piping and outdoor unit (or distribution Since the welding portion for connecting the units) had to be provided excessively, there was a problem that installation reliability was deteriorated.

The present invention has been proposed to solve this problem, and has an object to provide an air conditioning system having a simple structure and easy installation.

The air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor unit is disposed in the outdoor space, and is provided with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger; A plurality of indoor units disposed in the indoor space and provided with indoor heat exchangers; A gas-liquid separation unit including a gas-liquid separator for separating a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit and a supercooler disposed on an outlet side of the gas-liquid separator; A distribution unit which is coupled to the gas-liquid separation unit and distributes gaseous refrigerant or liquid refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separation unit to the plurality of indoor units; Two first piping connections provided on one side of the gas-liquid separation unit and detachably connected to the outdoor unit; Three second pipe connection parts provided on the other side of the gas-liquid separation unit and detachably connected to the distribution unit; First and second connection pipes connecting the outdoor unit and the gas-liquid separation unit and separable by the first pipe connection unit; A third connection pipe connecting the outdoor unit to the gas-liquid separation unit by the second pipe connection, and guiding the gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator to the distribution unit; A fourth connection pipe connecting the outdoor unit with the gas-liquid separation unit by the second pipe connection, and guiding the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator to the distribution unit; A fifth connection pipe connecting the outdoor unit with the gas-liquid separation unit by the second pipe connection, and guiding a refrigerant from the distribution unit to the gas-liquid separation unit; A supercooling outlet pipe connected to an outlet side of the supercooler; And a connection pipe connected to the first connection pipe from a point of the supercooling outlet pipe, wherein the distribution unit includes refrigerant flow into one indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units or discharge of refrigerant passing through the one indoor unit. The first, second, and third distribution pipes to be guided are included, and the first, second, and third distribution pipes are provided for each of the plurality of indoor units, and the first, second, and third distribution pipes connected to the one indoor unit are The first, second, and third distribution pipes connected to other indoor units are respectively branched and extended, and the first distribution pipes are connected to the fifth connection pipe through which the gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator flows, and on one side, the One indoor unit is connected to one point of the second distribution pipe connected, the second distribution pipe is connected to a third connection pipe connected to the first connection pipe, and the fourth connection pipe is connected to the supercooling outlet pipe The third distribution pipe may be connected to the fourth connection pipe.

delete

According to the present invention, a gas-liquid separation unit is provided between the outdoor unit and the distribution unit, and the outdoor unit and the gas-liquid separation unit are connected by two pipes, thereby reducing material costs and reducing installation welds to improve installation reliability It has the advantage of being able to.

In addition, by providing a gas-liquid separation unit, the simultaneous operation in which the air conditioning system simultaneously implements cooling or heating operation, and the switching operation in which cooling or heating operation is switched and operated can be performed for the same outdoor unit configuration. There is.

In addition, since the gas-liquid separation unit can be detachably coupled to the outdoor unit and the distribution unit through a pipe connection, there is an advantage of easy installation and replacement of the gas-liquid separation unit.

In addition, when the gas-liquid separation unit and the distribution unit are removed, there is an effect that switching operation through the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is possible.

In addition, it is possible to further operate a plurality of indoor units by connecting additional distribution units in series, and thus, there is an advantage in that the installation freedom of the air conditioning system can be increased.

1 is a view showing the configuration of a conventional air conditioning system.
2 is a view showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cycle diagram showing a detailed configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view showing a refrigerant flow during operation for heating only in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a view showing a refrigerant flow when the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention additionally operates a cooling operation during a heating operation.
6 is a view showing a refrigerant flow during cooling-only operation in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a view showing a refrigerant flow when the heating operation is additionally performed during the cooling operation in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art to understand the spirit of the present invention may easily propose other embodiments within the scope of the same spirit.

2 is a view showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 2, the air conditioning system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor unit 100, the gas-liquid separation unit 200, the distribution unit 300 and a plurality of indoor units 400 Is included.

In detail, the gas-liquid separation unit 200 is detachably coupled to the outdoor unit 100. The air conditioning system 10 includes two pipes 191 and 192 connecting the outdoor unit 100 and the gas-liquid separation unit 200. The two pipes 191 and 192 include a first connection pipe 191 and a second connection pipe 192 connected to one side of the gas-liquid separation unit 200.

In addition, the gas-liquid separation unit 200 is provided with a first pipe connection 201 to which the first connection pipe 191 and the second connection pipe 192 are detachably coupled. That is, the gas-liquid separation unit 200 includes two first pipe connection parts 201.

The air conditioning system 10 includes three pipes 193, 194, 195 connecting the gas-liquid separation unit 200 and the distribution unit 300. The three pipes 193, 194, and 195 include a third connection pipe 193 connected to the other side of the gas-liquid separation unit 200, a fourth connection pipe 194, and a fifth connection pipe 195.

In addition, the gas-liquid separation unit 200 is provided with a second pipe connection 205 to which the third connection pipe 193, the fourth connection pipe 194, and the fifth connection pipe 195 are detachably coupled. do. That is, the gas-liquid separation unit 200 includes three second pipe connection parts 205.

The air conditioning system 10 includes a plurality of distribution pipes 390 connecting the distribution unit 300 and a plurality of indoor units 400. In the distribution pipe connecting the distribution unit 300 and one indoor unit 400, an inlet pipe guiding the inflow of refrigerant to the one indoor unit 400 and an outlet pipe guiding the outflow of refrigerant from the one indoor unit 400 This can be included.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the air conditioning system 10 will be described.

3 is a cycle diagram showing a detailed configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioning system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit 100 disposed outdoors, a gas-liquid separation unit 200 connected to the outdoor unit 100, and It includes a distribution unit 300 that is connected to the gas-liquid separation unit 200 and distributes refrigerant, and a plurality of indoor units 400 that allow the refrigerant distributed in the distribution unit 300 to flow in and exchange heat.

Although not shown in the figure, the indoor unit may include an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air in the indoor space and an expansion device (hereinafter, an indoor expansion device) for expanding refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger.

The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 101 and an outdoor gas-liquid separator 105 disposed at an inlet side of the compressor 101 and separating liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant among refrigerants to be introduced into the compressor 101. do. The gaseous refrigerant separated from the outdoor gas-liquid separator 105 may be introduced into the compressor 101.

The outdoor unit 100 includes a flow path switching unit 107 for guiding the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 101 toward the outdoor heat exchanger 111 or 112 or the gas-liquid separation unit 200. A four-way valve may be included in the flow path switching part 107.

When the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchangers (111, 112) from the flow path switching unit (107). On the other hand, when the air conditioner is in the heating operation, the refrigerant is introduced into the gas-liquid separation unit 200 from the flow path switching unit 107.

The outdoor heat exchangers 111 and 112 include a plurality of heat exchange parts. The plurality of heat exchange parts include a first heat exchange part 111 and a second heat exchange part 112 connected in parallel.

And, based on the cooling operation, the outdoor unit 100, the variable flow path 115 for guiding the flow of refrigerant from the outlet side of the first heat exchanger 111 to the inlet side of the second heat exchanger 112 and A variable valve 117 is provided in the variable flow path 115 to selectively block the flow of refrigerant. Depending on whether the variable valve 117 is on or off, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 111 may be selectively introduced into the second heat exchanger 112.

In detail, when the variable valve 117 is turned on or open, the refrigerant that has passed through the first heat exchanger 111 flows into the second heat exchanger 112 through the variable flow passage 115, and the second After passing through the heat exchanger 112, the second outdoor pipe 121b flows. On the other hand, when the variable valve 117 is turned off or closed, the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange unit 111 and then flows through the first outdoor pipe 121a.

The outdoor unit 100 is provided in a first outdoor pipe 121a and the first outdoor pipe 121a extending to an outlet side of the first heat exchange part 111, and a first outdoor expansion controlling a flow of refrigerant. Device 118 is included.

In addition, the outdoor unit 100, the second outdoor pipe 121b extending to the outlet side of the second heat exchange unit 112 and the second outdoor pipe 121b is provided to control the flow of the second refrigerant An outdoor expansion device 119 is included.

When the first outdoor expansion device 118 is opened or the opening degree thereof is increased, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger 111 and the first outdoor pipe 121a is increased. In addition, when the second outdoor expansion device 119 is opened or the opening degree thereof is increased, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange part 112 and the second outdoor pipe 121b is increased.

Meanwhile, the first outdoor expansion device 118 and the second outdoor expansion device 119 may be connected in parallel. In addition, the first outdoor expansion device 118 or the second outdoor expansion device 119 may be configured as an expansion valve (Electronic Expansion Valve), and expand the refrigerant to be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger (111, 112) during heating operation. I can do it.

The outdoor unit 100 includes an outdoor lamination unit 120 for laminating refrigerant that has passed through the first outdoor expansion device 118 and the second outdoor expansion device 119 during cooling operation. The refrigerant mixed in the outdoor lamination unit 120 may be discharged from the outdoor unit 100 and introduced into the gas-liquid separation unit 200. On the other hand, the outdoor lamination unit 120 may function to branch the first outdoor piping 121a or the second outdoor piping 121b during the heating operation. Therefore, the outdoor laminating part 120 may be referred to as an “outdoor basin part”.

The outdoor unit 100 includes bypass pipes 122, 123, and 124 for bypassing at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the first outdoor pipe 121a or the second outdoor pipe 121b.

The bypass pipes 122, 123, and 124 are connected to the outdoor lamination unit 120 and bypass the first outdoor pipe 121a or the second outdoor pipe 121b to extend to the second heat exchange unit 112. The first bypass pipe 122 is included. For example, in the case of simultaneously operating cooling with heating as a main body, the refrigerant may flow into the second outdoor heat exchange unit 112 from the outdoor lamination unit 120 via the first bypass pipe 122. .

In addition, the first bypass pipe 122 is provided with a first bypass valve 126 that controls the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the second outdoor heat exchange unit 112. The amount of refrigerant flowing through the first bypass pipe 122 may be adjusted according to the on/off of the first bypass valve 126 or the opening degree thereof.

A second bypass connected to the first bypass pipe 122 and bypassing the first bypass pipe 122 to the first outdoor heat exchanger 111 to the bypass pipes 122, 123 and 124. Pipe 123 is included. The second bypass pipe 123 may be connected to the variable flow path 115. That is, one end of the second bypass pipe 123 may be connected to the first bypass pipe 122 and the other end may be connected to the variable flow path 115.

For example, in the case of simultaneously operating cooling with heating as the main body, the refrigerant flowing through the first bypass pipe 122 passes through the second bypass pipe 123 and the variable flow path 115 to the first outdoor. It may be introduced into the heat exchanger 111.

In addition, the second bypass pipe 123 is provided with a second bypass valve 127 that controls the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the first outdoor heat exchanger 111. The amount of refrigerant flowing through the second bypass pipe 123 may be adjusted according to the on/off of the second bypass valve 127 or the opening degree thereof.

The bypass pipes 122, 123, and 124 include a third bypass pipe 124 extending from the second bypass pipe 123 to one side of the first outdoor heat exchanger 111. The third bypass pipe 124 may be connected to a pipe (hereinafter referred to as a flow path switching pipe) connecting the first outdoor heat exchange unit 111 and the flow path switching unit 107. That is, one end of the third bypass pipe 124 may be connected to the second bypass pipe 123 and the other end may be connected to the flow path switching pipe.

In addition, the third bypass pipe 124 is provided with a third bypass valve 128 that controls the flow rate of the refrigerant. The third bypass valve 128 may include an expansion valve for expanding the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101.

For example, when simultaneously operating heating with cooling as a main body, at least a part of the refrigerant to be introduced into the first outdoor heat exchanger 111 from the flow path switching unit 107 is the first outdoor heat exchanger 111. Bypass to flow to the third bypass pipe (124). In addition, the refrigerant in the gas phase flowing through the third bypass pipe 124 may be decompressed in the third bypass valve 128 to phase change to a two-phase refrigerant.

The air conditioning system 10 includes a first connection pipe 191 and a second connection pipe 192 connecting the outdoor unit 100 and the gas-liquid separation unit 200. The first connection pipe 191 extends from the flow path switching unit 107, and the second connection pipe 192 extends from the outdoor lamination unit 120.

The gas-liquid separation unit 200 includes a first pipe connection unit 201 detachably coupled to the first connection pipe 191 and the second connection pipe 192. Therefore, two first piping connection parts 201 may be provided.

The gas-liquid separation unit 200 includes bridge circuits 221 and 225 for guiding refrigerant introduced into the gas-liquid separation unit 200 through the first connection pipe 191 or the second connection pipe 192.

The bridge circuits 221 and 225 include a first bridge pipe 221 and a second bridge pipe 225.

The first bridge pipe 221 is coupled to the first connection pipe 191 and guides the refrigerant flowing through the first connection pipe 191 to the gas-liquid separator 210 during heating operation. In addition, the second bridge pipe 225 is coupled to the second connection pipe 192 and is configured to guide the refrigerant flowing through the second connection pipe 192 to the gas-liquid separator 210 during cooling operation. do.

The bridge circuits 221 and 225 include a first check valve 221a provided in the first bridge pipe 221 and a second check valve 225a provided in the second bridge pipe 225. The first check valve 221a and the second check valve 225a guide only one-way flow of the refrigerant in the pipes 221 and 225.

On one side of the bridge circuits 221 and 225, a third check valve 226 is provided. The third check valve 226 allows the refrigerant introduced into the gas-liquid separation unit 200 through the first connection pipe 191 to flow into the first bridge pipe 221, while the third connection pipe ( 193) to prevent the gas-liquid separation unit 200 from being discharged.

The gas-liquid separation unit 200 includes a gas-liquid separator 210 for separating gaseous and liquid refrigerants by introducing refrigerant flowing in the first bridge pipe 221 or refrigerant mixed in the outdoor lamination unit 120. do.

The gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator 210 may be introduced into the distribution unit 300, and the separated liquid refrigerant may be introduced into the supercooler 230. The supercooler 230 is disposed on the outlet side of the gas-liquid separator 210.

The supercooler 230 may be understood as an intermediate heat exchanger in which the first refrigerant circulating in the system 10 and a portion of the first refrigerant (second refrigerant) are exchanged after being branched.

The gas-liquid separation unit 200 includes a supercooling flow path 231 in which the second refrigerant is branched. And, the supercooling flow path 231 is provided with a supercooling expansion device 235 for decompressing the second refrigerant. The supercooling expansion device 235 may include an electric expansion valve (EVV).

The outlet side of the supercooler 230 is provided with a supercooling outlet pipe 245 and a first flow control unit 241 provided in the supercooling outlet pipe 245. The first flow control unit 241 is configured to adjust the amount of the first refrigerant passing through the supercooler 230.

For example, when the first flow control unit 241 is opened, heat exchange is performed in the supercooler 230, and the refrigerant that has passed through the supercooler 230 may flow into the distribution unit 300. . On the other hand, when the first flow control unit 241 is closed, heat exchange in the supercooler 230 does not occur.

In the gas-liquid separation unit 200, a refrigerant that extends from a point of the supercooling outlet pipe 245 and returns to the gas-liquid separation unit 200 after passing through the indoor unit 400 in the process of heating operation. A second flow control unit 243 for adjusting the amount of is included.

The first flow control unit 241 or the second flow control unit 243 may include an electric expansion valve (EVV) as an example of an expansion device. Therefore, according to the opening degree of the first flow rate control unit 241 or the second flow rate adjustment unit 243, the degree of decompression of the refrigerant passing through it may be adjusted.

The gas-liquid separation unit 200 is provided with a second pipe connecting portion 205. A plurality of connection pipes connected to the distribution unit 300 may be detachably coupled to the second pipe connection part 205. The plurality of connection pipes includes a third connection pipe 193, a fourth connection pipe 194, and a fifth connection pipe 195.

The gas-liquid separation unit 200 includes a gas-liquid separation lamination unit 250 to which a refrigerant is mixed. When the heating subject cooling operation is performed, the refrigerant that has passed through the second flow control unit 243 from the first and second indoor units 401 and 402, and the refrigerant evaporated in the third indoor unit 403 are added to the gas-liquid separation. It may be laminated at branch 250 (see FIG. 5).

In addition, when the cooling-only operation is performed, the second refrigerant passing through the supercooler 230 and the refrigerant evaporated from the plurality of indoor units 400 may be laminated in the gas-liquid separation lamination unit 250 ( See Figure 6).

The distribution unit 300 serves to distribute the refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separation unit 200 to a plurality of indoor units 400.

In detail, the distribution unit 300 includes a plurality of distribution pipes 310, 312 and 314 for guiding refrigerant inflow into one indoor unit 400 or discharge of refrigerant passing through the indoor unit 400. The plurality of distribution pipes 310, 312 and 314 include a first distribution pipe 310, a second distribution pipe 312 and a third distribution pipe 314.

The first distribution pipe 310 is a pipe through which gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator 210 flows, and the second distribution pipe 312 is a pipe connected to the third connection pipe 193, and the The third distribution pipe 314 may be understood as a pipe connected to the supercooled outlet pipe 245.

In addition, the first distribution pipe 310 is provided with a first distribution valve 321 to control the flow rate of the refrigerant, and the second distribution pipe 312 is provided with a second distribution valve 323 to flow the refrigerant. Control.

As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of distribution pipes 310, 312, 314 and distribution valves 321, 323 are provided corresponding to each indoor unit. In addition, the plurality of distribution pipes 310 and 312 and 314 provided to one indoor unit may be branched and extended from the plurality of distribution pipes 310 and 312 and 314 provided to other indoor units, respectively.

The indoor unit 400 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion device. When an indoor unit is cooled, the refrigerant introduced into the indoor unit may be depressurized in the indoor expansion device and then evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger.

Hereinafter, the operation and the refrigerant flow according to the operation mode in the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment will be described.

4 is a view showing a refrigerant flow during operation for heating only in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the operation and refrigerant flow when the air conditioning system 10 is dedicated to heating operation, that is, when all indoor units perform heating, will be described.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 flows the first connection pipe 191 through the flow path switching unit 107 and flows into the first bridge pipe 221. At this time, by the third check valve 226, the refrigerant is easily guided to the first bridge pipe 221 and can be introduced into the gas-liquid separator 210.

The refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator 210 is a high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator 210 flows into the distribution unit 300 through the fifth connection pipe 195. On the other hand, the supercooling expansion unit 235 and the first flow rate control unit 241 are closed, so that the refrigerant does not flow into the supercooler 230.

The refrigerant flowing into the distribution unit 300 is branched to flow the first distribution pipe 310 corresponding to each indoor unit 400, and may be condensed by flowing into the indoor unit 400. At this time, the first distribution valve 321 may be opened and the second distribution valve 323 may be closed. As a result, heating operation may be performed through the plurality of indoor units 400.

In addition, the refrigerant condensed in the indoor unit 400 is discharged from the indoor unit 400 to flow the third distribution pipe 314.

The refrigerant flowing through the third distribution pipe 314 corresponding to each indoor unit 400 passes through the second flow control unit 243 through the fourth connection pipe 194 after being laminated. At this time, the second flow rate control unit 243 is completely opened, and accordingly, a decompression effect of the refrigerant may not be generated.

The refrigerant that has passed through the second flow control unit 243 flows through the second bridge pipe 225 and flows into the outdoor unit 100 through the second connection pipe 192.

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit (100) is branched from the outdoor branch unit (120), and passes through the first outdoor pipe (121a) and the second outdoor pipe (121b) to the first heat exchanger (111) and the second It is evaporated in the heat exchange section 112.

At this time, the first bypass valve 126, the second bypass valve 127 and the third bypass valve 128 are closed, and accordingly, the bypass piping 122,123,124 from the outdoor branch 120 ) The flow of refrigerant to) may be limited.

Then, the variable valve 117 is closed, and thus the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 112 does not flow into the first heat exchanger 111, but is discharged from the first heat exchanger 111. Can be combined with the refrigerant.

The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchangers (111, 112) may be introduced into the compressor (101) through the flow path switching unit (107). This refrigerant cycle can be repeated.

5 is a view showing a refrigerant flow when the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention additionally operates a cooling operation during a heating operation. Referring to FIG. 5, the operation and refrigerant flow when the air conditioning system 10 mainly operates heating and some indoor units perform cooling (heating subject cooling operation) will be described.

Here, the term "heating subject cooling operation" may be understood as having more indoor units in which heating is performed than cooling.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 flows the first connection pipe 191 through the flow path switching unit 107 and flows into the first bridge pipe 221. At this time, by the third check valve 226, the refrigerant is easily guided to the first bridge pipe 221 and can be introduced into the gas-liquid separator 210.

The refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator 210 is a high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator 210 flows into the distribution unit 300 through the fifth connection pipe 195. On the other hand, the supercooling expansion unit 235 and the first flow rate control unit 241 are closed, so that the refrigerant does not flow into the supercooler 230.

The refrigerant flowing into the distribution unit 300 is branched to flow the first distribution pipe 310 corresponding to the first indoor unit 401 and the second indoor unit 402, and the first indoor unit 401 and the second Each may be introduced into the indoor unit 402 and condensed. Therefore, heating operation may be performed through the first indoor unit 401 and the second indoor unit 402.

In addition, at least a part of the refrigerant condensed in the first indoor unit 401 and the second indoor unit 402 is mixed and flows into the third indoor unit 403. The refrigerant introduced into the third indoor unit 403 is decompressed while passing through the indoor expansion device and then evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger. Accordingly, cooling operation may be performed through the third indoor unit 403.

In addition, the refrigerant evaporated from the third indoor unit 403 is discharged from the third indoor unit 403 to flow the second distribution pipe 312, and the gas-liquid separation is performed via the third connection pipe 193. It flows into the unit 200.

Meanwhile, the remaining refrigerant among the refrigerant condensed in the first indoor unit 401 and the second indoor unit 402 passes through the second flow rate adjusting unit 243 via the fourth connection pipe 194. The second flow control unit 243 is provided on the outlet side of the first indoor unit 401 and the second indoor unit 402.

The refrigerant may be decompressed in accordance with the opening degree of the second flow rate control portion 243 in the process of passing through the second flow rate control portion 243. For example, the smaller the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 243, the greater the pressure reduction effect.

In addition, the opening degree of the second flow rate adjusting unit 243 may be adjusted according to the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the third indoor unit 403.

For example, when the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 243 is small, the amount of refrigerant flowed into the third indoor unit 403 is relatively increased compared to the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second flow rate control unit 243. The low pressure (evaporation pressure) may tend to be lowered from the viewpoint of reliability of the refrigeration cycle.

On the other hand, when the opening degree of the second flow rate control unit 243 is increased, the amount of refrigerant flowing into the third indoor unit 403 is relatively smaller compared to the amount of refrigerant flowing into the second flow rate control unit 243. , From the viewpoint of reliability of the refrigeration cycle, a low pressure (evaporation pressure) may have a tendency to increase.

Accordingly, the opening degree of the second flow rate adjusting unit 243 may be controlled to an appropriate level of opening degree in consideration of the cooling capacity of the third indoor unit 403 or the reliability of the refrigeration cycle.

The refrigerant decompressed in the second flow rate adjusting unit 243, the refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separation unit 200 from the third indoor unit 403 via the third connection pipe 193 and the gas-liquid separation sum The branch 250 is incorporated.

Then, the laminated refrigerant flows into the outdoor unit 100 through the second bridge pipe 225. At this time, the laminated refrigerant may be a two-phase refrigerant in which a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant are mixed.

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit (100) is branched from the outdoor branch unit (120), and passes through the first outdoor pipe (121a) and the second outdoor pipe (121b) to the first heat exchanger (111) and the second It is evaporated in the heat exchange section 112. Then, the evaporated refrigerant may flow into the compressor 101 through the flow path switching unit 107.

In addition, the first bypass valve 126 and the second bypass valve 127 may be opened and the third bypass valve 128 may be closed.

By opening the first bypass valve 126 and the second bypass valve 127, some of the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 100 is branched from the outdoor branch unit 120 and branched refrigerant After passing through the first heat exchanger 111 and the second heat exchanger 112 through the first bypass pipe 122 and the second bypass pipe 123, it may be introduced into the compressor 101. have.

As described above, since the first and second bypass pipes 122 and 123 may be opened and refrigerant may flow, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which the pressure of the refrigerant is lost in the outdoor unit 100.

That is, the refrigerant passing through the outdoor branch unit 120 is a two-phase refrigerant, and among these, the gas phase refrigerant may have a large pressure loss in the process of passing through the piping, as well as the first and second outdoor pipes 121a and 121b. Rather, by opening the first and second bypass pipes 122 and 123, a flow space of the refrigerant is secured, and thus pressure loss can be reduced.

On the other hand, the third bypass valve 128 is closed, thereby preventing the two-phase refrigerant from flowing into the compressor 101 without going through the outdoor heat exchangers 111 and 112.

Then, the variable valve 117 is closed, and thus the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 112 does not flow into the first heat exchanger 111, but is discharged from the first heat exchanger 111. Can be combined with the refrigerant.

6 is a view showing a refrigerant flow during cooling-only operation in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the operation and refrigerant flow when the air conditioning system 10 is dedicated to cooling operation, that is, when all indoor units perform cooling, will be described.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 flows into the first outdoor heat exchanger 111 through the flow path switching unit 107 and is condensed. Then, the variable valve 117 may be opened. Therefore, a part of the refrigerant that has passed through the first outdoor heat exchanger 111 flows through the first outdoor pipe 121a, and the other part passes through the variable valve 117 to form the second outdoor heat exchanger 112. ) And condensed.

The refrigerant discharged from the second outdoor heat exchange unit 112 may be discharged from the outdoor unit 100 via the second outdoor pipe 121b.

At this time, the first bypass valve 126, the second bypass valve 127, and the third bypass valve 128 are closed to limit the flow of the refrigerant.

As described above, in the case of an operation exclusively for cooling, the variable valve 117 is opened so that the refrigerant may pass through a plurality of heat exchange parts 111 and 112 as a shield and condense. However, when the required cooling capacity is low, the variable valve 117 may be closed to control the refrigerant to pass through only the first heat exchanger 111.

The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit (100) flows through the second connection pipe (192) and may be introduced into the gas-liquid separator (210).

The refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator 210 is condensed refrigerant, or all or most of the refrigerant is formed as a liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator 210 passes through the supercooler 230 and the first flow control unit 241 and may be introduced into the distribution unit 300 through the fourth connection pipe 194. have.

At this time, the supercooling expansion unit 235 and the first flow control unit 241 may be opened to allow supercooling of the refrigerant in the supercooler 230. And, depending on the opening degree of the supercooling expansion unit 235, the supercooling degree of the first refrigerant in the supercooler 230 or the superheating degree of the second refrigerant may be controlled.

The refrigerant that has passed through the supercooler 230, that is, the first refrigerant is introduced into the third distribution pipe 314 through the fourth connection pipe 194 and evaporated in the indoor unit 400. As in the present exemplary embodiment, when a plurality of indoor units 300 are provided, the refrigerant may be branched into a third distribution pipe 314 corresponding to each indoor unit 400 and flow into the indoor unit 400.

Then, the refrigerant evaporated from the plurality of indoor units 400 flows through the second distribution pipe 312, and flows into the gas-liquid separation unit 200 through the third connection pipe 193.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant evaporated from the indoor unit 400 is mixed with the second refrigerant that has passed through the supercooler 230 in the gas-liquid separation lamination unit 250.

The laminated refrigerant flows into the outdoor unit 100 through the first connection pipe 191 and is compressed by the compressor 101. This refrigerant cycle can be repeated.

Meanwhile, the first distribution valve 321 is closed, and accordingly, the refrigerant flow from the gas-liquid separator 210 to the first distribution pipe 310 is limited.

7 is a view showing a refrigerant flow when the heating operation is additionally performed during the cooling operation in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the operation of the air conditioning system 10 and the refrigerant flow will be described in the case where the air-conditioning system 10 primarily operates cooling and some indoor units perform heating (cooling main heating operation).

Here, the term "cooling subject heating operation" may be understood as having more indoor units in which cooling is performed than heating.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor 101 is branched to the first outdoor heat exchanger 111 and the third bypass pipe 124 through the flow path switching unit 107 and flows. At this time, the third bypass valve 128 is opened.

The first bypass valve 126, the second bypass valve 127 and the variable valve 117 may be opened.

Accordingly, some of the refrigerant that has passed through the first outdoor heat exchanger 111 flows into the first outdoor expansion device 118 through the first outdoor piping 121a, and other refrigerants are variable. It flows into the second outdoor heat exchange part 112 via a valve 117 and is condensed.

Then, the remaining refrigerant flows to the second bypass pipe 123 through the second bypass valve 127. At this time, the refrigerant that has passed through the second bypass valve 127 is mixed with the refrigerant that has passed through the third bypass valve 128 to flow the second bypass pipe 123.

In addition, some of the refrigerant condensed in the second outdoor heat exchange part 112 flows through the first bypass valve 126 to the first bypass pipe 123. At this time, the refrigerant that has passed through the first bypass valve 126 is mixed with the refrigerant flowing through the second bypass pipe 123 to flow the first bypass pipe 122.

The refrigerant flowing through the first bypass pipe 122 is discharged from the outdoor unit 100 via the outdoor branch unit 120.

As such, some of the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 101 flows through the third bypass valve 128, and some refrigerant is discharged from the outdoor unit 110 by passing through the outdoor heat exchangers 111 and 112. The refrigerant may have a two-phase state above a set high pressure.

Meanwhile, the opening degree of the third bypass valve 128 may be adjusted according to the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first indoor unit 401 performing heating. Here, whether or not the amount of refrigerant flowing into the first indoor unit 401 is insufficient may be determined based on a high pressure (condensation pressure) of the refrigeration cycle. When the amount of refrigerant in the first indoor unit 401 is insufficient, the high pressure will be lowered.

For example, when the refrigerant flowing into the first indoor unit 401 is sufficient, the opening degree of the third bypass valve 128 is reduced, and when the refrigerant flowing into the first indoor unit 401 is insufficient, the first refrigerant is introduced. 3 By expanding the opening degree of the bypass valve 128, it is possible to control the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to be introduced into the first indoor unit 401 more.

The refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit 100 may be introduced into the gas-liquid separator 210 through the second connection pipe 192.

The gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator 210 flows to the first distribution pipe 310 corresponding to the first indoor unit 401 through the fifth connection pipe 195, and the first indoor unit 401 And may be condensed. Therefore, the first indoor unit 401 may perform heating.

The refrigerant condensed in the first indoor unit 401 is branched to the second indoor unit 402 and the third indoor unit 403 through the third distribution pipe 314 and flows. The refrigerant introduced into the second and third indoor units 402 and 403 may expand in an indoor expansion device and evaporate in an indoor heat exchanger to perform cooling.

The refrigerant evaporated from the second and third indoor units 402 and 403 is mixed and flows into the gas-liquid separation unit 200 through the third connection pipe 193.

Meanwhile, the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator 210 may selectively pass through the supercooler 230. In detail, the opening of the first flow rate adjusting unit 241 may be adjusted according to whether the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the second and third indoor units 402 and 403 is insufficient. For example, if the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the second and third indoor units 402 and 403 is insufficient, the low pressure will rise.

When the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the second and third indoor units 402 and 403 is insufficient, the opening degree of the first flow control unit 241 increases, and accordingly, the second and third indoor units from the first flow control unit 241 The amount of refrigerant flowing into (402,403) increases.

At this time, the refrigerant that has passed through the first flow rate adjusting unit 241 is mixed with the refrigerant that has passed through the first indoor unit 401, and may be introduced into the second and third indoor units 402 and 403.

On the contrary, if the amount of refrigerant to be introduced into the second and third indoor units 402 and 403 is sufficient, the opening degree of the first flow rate adjusting unit 241 may be reduced or closed, and accordingly, the first flow rate adjusting unit 241 The amount of refrigerant flowing into the second and third indoor units 402 and 403 may be reduced.

When the first flow control unit 241 is opened, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the supercooling degree of the first refrigerant or the superheating degree of the second refrigerant may be controlled according to the opening degree of the supercooling expansion unit 235. will be.

The refrigerant evaporated in the second and third indoor units (402,403) and the second refrigerant passing through the supercooler (230) are laminated in the gas-liquid separation lamination unit (250), and the combined refrigerant is the first connecting pipe ( 191) is introduced into the outdoor unit (100).

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 100 is compressed by the compressor 101 through the flow path switching unit 107. This refrigeration cycle can be repeated.

8 is a view showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the air conditioning system 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit 100, a gas-liquid separation unit 200, a plurality of distribution units 301,302, and a plurality of indoor units 400 ) Is included.

In detail, the gas-liquid separation unit 200 is detachably coupled to the outdoor unit 100. The air conditioning system 10 includes two pipes 191 and 192 connecting the outdoor unit 100 and the gas-liquid separation unit 200. The two pipes 191 and 192 include a first connection pipe 191 and a second connection pipe 192 connected to one side of the gas-liquid separation unit 200.

In addition, the air conditioning system 10 includes three pipes 193, 194, and 195 connecting the gas-liquid separation unit 200 and the first distribution unit 301. The three pipes 193, 194, and 195 include a third connection pipe 193 connected to the other side of the gas-liquid separation unit 200, a fourth connection pipe 194, and a fifth connection pipe 195.

The air conditioning system 10 includes a plurality of distribution pipes 390 connecting one distribution unit 301 and 302 with a plurality of indoor units 400. In the distribution pipe connecting the one distribution unit (301,302) and one indoor unit (400), an inflow pipe guiding the inflow of refrigerant to the one indoor unit (400) and an outflow guiding the outflow of refrigerant from the one indoor unit (400) Piping may be included.

The plurality of distribution units 300 includes a first distribution unit 301 and a second distribution unit 302 detachably coupled to the first distribution unit 301, and the first distribution unit 301 ) And the second distribution unit 302 may be connected by a distribution unit connection pipe 350. The refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separation unit 200 may be branched into the first distribution unit 301 and the second distribution unit 302.

The gas-liquid separation unit 200 and the first distribution unit 301 and the second distribution unit 302 may be connected in series.

In FIG. 8, the first and second distribution units 301 and 302 are shown to be combined, but unlike this, additional distribution units may be further combined. For example, an additional distribution unit may be connected in series to one side of the second distribution unit 302.

In this way, if necessary, a plurality of distribution units can be continuously installed on one side of the gas-liquid separation unit, thereby facilitating further installation of the system.

10: air conditioning system 100: outdoor unit
101: compressor 105: outdoor gas-liquid separator
111: first heat exchanger 112: second heat exchanger
122: first bypass piping 123: second bypass piping
124: third bypass piping 126: first bypass valve
127: 2nd bypass valve 128: 3rd bypass valve
191~195: 1st~5th connection piping 200: Gas-liquid separation unit
201: first pipe connection 205: second pipe connection
210: gas-liquid separator 221: first bridge piping
225: second bridge piping 230: supercooler
241: first flow control unit 243: second flow control unit
300: distribution unit 312: first indoor piping
314: second indoor piping 316: third indoor piping
400: indoor unit

Claims (16)

An outdoor unit disposed in an outdoor space and equipped with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger;
A plurality of indoor units disposed in the indoor space and provided with indoor heat exchangers;
A gas-liquid separation unit including a gas-liquid separator for separating a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant from the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor unit and a supercooler disposed on an outlet side of the gas-liquid separator;
A distribution unit which is coupled to the gas-liquid separation unit and distributes gaseous refrigerant or liquid refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separation unit to the plurality of indoor units;
Two first piping connections provided on one side of the gas-liquid separation unit and detachably connected to the outdoor unit;
Three second pipe connection parts provided on the other side of the gas-liquid separation unit and detachably connected to the distribution unit;
First and second connection pipes connecting the outdoor unit and the gas-liquid separation unit and separable by the first pipe connection unit;
A third connection pipe connecting the outdoor unit to the gas-liquid separation unit by the second pipe connection, and guiding the gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator to the distribution unit;
A fourth connection pipe connecting the outdoor unit with the gas-liquid separation unit by the second pipe connection, and guiding the liquid refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator to the distribution unit;
A fifth connection pipe connecting the outdoor unit with the gas-liquid separation unit by the second pipe connection, and guiding a refrigerant from the distribution unit to the gas-liquid separation unit;
A supercooling outlet pipe connected to an outlet side of the supercooler; And
And a connection pipe connected to the first connection pipe from a point of the supercooling outlet pipe,
The distribution unit includes first, second, and third distribution pipes for guiding refrigerant inflow into one indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units or discharge of refrigerant passing through the indoor unit,
The first, second, and third distribution pipes are provided corresponding to the plurality of indoor units, and the first, second, and third distribution pipes connected to the one indoor unit are from the first, second, and third distribution pipes connected to other indoor units. Each branched and extended,
The first distribution pipe is connected to the fifth connection pipe through which the gaseous refrigerant separated from the gas-liquid separator flows, and is joined at one point of the second distribution pipe to which the one indoor unit is connected.
The second distribution pipe is connected to a third connection pipe connected to the first connection pipe,
The fourth connection pipe is connected to the supercooling outlet pipe, and the third distribution pipe is an air conditioning system connected to the fourth connection pipe. According to claim 1,
In the gas-liquid separation unit,
An air conditioning system that is disposed on the outlet side of the supercooler and includes a first flow rate control unit for controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing into the distribution unit. According to claim 2,
The first flow control unit,
Air conditioning system, characterized in that closed during heating operation and opened during cooling operation. According to claim 1,
In the gas-liquid separation unit,
In the heating operation, a second flow rate control unit through which the refrigerant discharged from at least some of the plurality of indoor units passes is further included,
Air conditioning system characterized in that the amount of refrigerant flowing into the remaining indoor units of the plurality of indoor units is adjusted according to the opening degree adjustment of the second flow rate control unit. According to claim 1,
Some of the indoor heat exchangers provided in the indoor units function to condense the refrigerant,
The remaining indoor heat exchanger is an air conditioning system characterized in that it acts to evaporate the refrigerant. According to claim 1,
A first flow rate control unit disposed at an outlet side of the supercooler to control the amount of refrigerant discharged from the supercooler flowing into the distribution unit; And
An air conditioning system further comprising a second flow control unit through which the refrigerant discharged from at least some of the plurality of indoor units passes. The method of claim 6,
The first flow control unit is located between the point where the connecting pipe is branched from the supercooling outlet pipe and the supercooler,
The second air conditioner is an air conditioning system installed in the connection pipe. The method of claim 6,
When all of the plurality of indoor units perform heating, the second flow rate control unit is opened,
In the case of a heating subject cooling operation in which some of the indoor units of the plurality of indoor units perform heating and the other of the indoor units perform cooling, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the some indoor units flowing into the other of the indoor units is the second An air conditioning system controlled by the opening of the flow control unit. According to claim 1,
In cooling operation,
The first connection pipe guides the refrigerant from the gas-liquid separation unit to the outdoor unit,
The second connecting pipe guides the refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the gas-liquid separator. The method of claim 9,
A first bridge pipe coupled to the first connection pipe and guiding the refrigerant flowing through the first connection pipe to the gas-liquid separator during heating operation; And
An air conditioning system including a second bridge pipe coupled to the second connection pipe and guiding the refrigerant flowing through the second connection pipe to the gas-liquid separator during cooling operation. According to claim 1,
An air conditioning system in which the first, second and third distribution valves for controlling the flow rate of refrigerant are respectively installed in the first, second and third distribution piping. The method of claim 8,
In the case of a cooling subject heating operation in which some of the indoor units of the plurality of indoor units perform heating and the rest of the indoor units perform cooling, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the supercooler flowing into the remaining indoor units is the first flow rate. Air conditioning system controlled by the opening degree of the control unit. According to claim 1,
The gas-liquid separation unit, the air-conditioning system further comprises a gas-liquid separation unit to which the first connection pipe, the connection pipe and the third connection pipe are laminated. The method of claim 6,
In the gas-liquid separation unit,
A supercooling pipe for branching and introducing a refrigerant into the supercooler; And
An air conditioning system provided in the supercooling pipe and further including a supercooling expansion unit to control the flow of refrigerant through the supercooling pipe. The method of claim 6,
The distribution unit is provided with a plurality of are combined by the distribution unit connection pipe,
The air-conditioning system, characterized in that the gas-liquid separation unit and a plurality of distribution units are connected in series. The method of claim 6,
In the outdoor unit,
It is provided on the inlet side of the compressor, the air conditioning system further comprises an outdoor gas-liquid separator for separating the gaseous refrigerant among the refrigerant and flowing into the compressor.

Images