KR20180112246A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, the present invention relates to an air conditioner. The air conditioner comprises: an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor, and having one refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit; an auxiliary outdoor unit having an auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger and an auxiliary compressor and forming one refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The refrigerant cycle formed of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is operated at a general cooling mode and a general heating mode. The refrigerant cycle comprising the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, and the auxiliary outdoor unit is operated at an additional cooling mode, an additional first stage heating mode, and an additional second stage heating mode.

Description

AIR CONDITIONER

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

The air conditioner is an appliance for keeping the indoor air in the most suitable condition according to the purpose and purpose. For example, in the summer, the room is controlled in a cool air condition, while in winter, the room is warmed. In addition, the humidity of the room can be controlled and the air in the room can be controlled in a pleasant clean state.

In detail, the air conditioner is driven with a refrigeration cycle for compressing, condensing, expanding and evaporating the refrigerant, thereby performing the cooling or heating operation of the indoor space.

Such an air conditioner can be broadly divided into a separate type air conditioner separated from an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and an integrated type air conditioner in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are installed together in a single cabinet. The indoor unit is provided with an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with outdoor air is disposed in the outdoor unit.

At this time, a plurality of the outdoor units may be provided. The plurality of outdoor units are provided with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, respectively.

Generally, a plurality of outdoor units are connected in parallel so that the refrigerant is circulated. That is, no refrigerant flows between different outdoor units.

However, when the outdoor unit is operated in an outdoor environment having a very low outdoor temperature, a plurality of outdoor units may be connected in series to perform multi-stage compression of the refrigerant. In this connection, the following prior art documents have been disclosed.

(1) Prior art 1: Registered patent No. 10-1071409, registered on September 30, 2011, Hot water and cold water production system using two-stage heat pump cycle

(2) Prior art 2: Registered patent No. 10-1196505, registered on October 25, 2012, Heat pump using two-stage compressor

In the prior art documents 1 and 2, the required pressure ratio can be achieved when the outdoor temperature is extremely low by providing the refrigerant in two stages by compressing the refrigerant through a plurality of outdoor units.

However, such two-stage compression suffers from serious deterioration in the capacity and efficiency of the air conditioner, except in a special case where the outdoor temperature is very low. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is inefficient to operate except for a specific area.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that additionally uses an additional outdoor unit as needed.

Further, there is provided an air conditioner which can achieve the above object by using a detachable auxiliary outdoor unit without changing the internal structure of the existing outdoor unit.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor, an outdoor unit including the indoor unit and a refrigerant cycle, an auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger, and an auxiliary compressor And an auxiliary outdoor unit unit forming one refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit unit and the outdoor unit unit, wherein the refrigerant cycle formed by the indoor unit unit and the outdoor unit unit is driven in a general cooling mode and a general heating mode, The refrigerant cycle formed by the outdoor unit and the auxiliary outdoor unit is driven in the additional cooling mode, the additional one-stage heating mode, and the additional two-stage heating mode.

A first connection pipe and a second connection pipe for connecting the outdoor unit unit and the indoor unit unit, a third connection pipe for connecting the outdoor unit unit and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit, a third connection pipe for connecting the outdoor unit unit and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit, A fifth connecting pipe connecting the indoor unit and the auxiliary outdoor unit, and a sixth connecting pipe connecting the one outdoor unit and the auxiliary outdoor unit.

The refrigerant can be flowed only through the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe among the first to sixth connection pipes when being driven in the normal cooling mode or the general heating mode.

When the refrigerant is driven in the additional cooling mode or the additional first-stage heating mode, the refrigerant flows only into the first connection pipe, the second connection pipe, the fifth connection pipe, and the sixth connection pipe among the first to sixth connection pipes .

When the additional two-stage heating mode is operated, the refrigerant may flow into the first to sixth connection pipes.

When the additional two-stage heating mode is operated, the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the outdoor unit through the third connection pipe.

The refrigerant compressed in the compressor may be introduced into the auxiliary outdoor unit through the fourth connection pipe and compressed in the auxiliary compressor.

The outdoor unit includes a first outdoor coupling hole to be coupled to the first connection pipe, a second outdoor coupling hole to be coupled to the second connection pipe, and a third outdoor coupling hole to be coupled to the third connection pipe, The refrigerant is introduced into the outdoor unit through the second outdoor coupling hole and the third outdoor coupling hole and the refrigerant is discharged from the outdoor unit through the first outdoor coupling hole .

When the vehicle is driven in the normal cooling mode or the general heating mode, the third outdoor coupling hole may be closed.

The auxiliary outdoor unit includes a first auxiliary coupling hole to be coupled to the third connection pipe, a second auxiliary coupling hole to be coupled to the fourth connection pipe, a third auxiliary coupling hole to be coupled to the fifth connection pipe, And a fourth auxiliary coupling hole that is coupled to the auxiliary outdoor unit unit and connected to the auxiliary outdoor unit unit through the fourth auxiliary coupling hole and the sixth auxiliary coupling hole, , The third auxiliary coupling hole and the fifth auxiliary coupling hole, the refrigerant can be discharged from the auxiliary outdoor unit.

The following effects can be expected in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention.

It is possible to form an additional refrigerant cycle by adding an auxiliary outdoor unit unit if necessary.

It is possible to install the auxiliary outdoor unit unit by combining the connection piping without requiring the installation of a separate device, and it is advantageous that the efficient utilization can be expected.

In addition, there is an advantage that it can be used separately as separate units by separating the connection piping.

There is an advantage that it is possible to provide an air conditioner that operates in various modes such as a general cooling mode, a general heating mode, an additional cooling mode, an additional one-stage heating mode, and an additional two-stage heating mode,

In particular, in the case of the additional heating mode, the additional one-stage heating mode is generally operated, but when the outdoor air is very low, the additional two-stage heating mode can be operated.

1 is a view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view showing a general cooling mode of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a general heating mode of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.
5 is a view illustrating an additional cooling mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating an additional first stage heating mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating an additional two-stage heating mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view illustrating a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a view showing a cooling mode of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a view illustrating a first stage heating mode of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a view illustrating a two-stage heating mode of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the spirit of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and that those skilled in the art, upon reading and understanding the spirit of the invention, may easily suggest other embodiments within the scope of the same concept.

The air conditioner includes an indoor unit installed in a predetermined space (hereinafter referred to as indoor) for providing conditioned air, and an outdoor unit installed in a space outside the predetermined space (hereinafter, outdoor) to form a refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit. For convenience of explanation, only an outdoor unit installed outdoors is shown in Fig.

1 is a view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an outdoor unit unit 10 and an auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20.

The outdoor unit unit (10) includes a cabinet (100) forming an external appearance. Although a box-shaped cabinet 100 extending in the height direction is shown in FIG. 1, this is exemplary and the cabinet 100 may be provided in various shapes to form an internal space.

In addition, the cabinet 100 is provided with at least one suction port 110 and a discharge port 120. 1 illustrates an inlet 110 formed on a side surface of the cabinet 100 and a discharge port 120 formed on an upper surface of the cabinet 100. As shown in FIG. Outdoor air can be introduced into and discharged from the interior space of the cabinet 100 through the inlet 110 and the outlet 120. [

2, the outdoor heat exchanger 130, the compressors 140 and 150, and the gas-liquid separator 160 are installed in the internal space of the cabinet 100. In addition, various devices such as an outdoor fan and an oil separator for forced convection of outdoor air may be further included.

The outdoor heat exchanger (130) is heat-exchanged with outdoor air introduced through the inlet (110) by the outdoor fan. The heat-exchanged air flows back to the outside through the discharge port (120).

The compressor includes a first compressor (140) and a second compressor (145) connected in parallel. The first compressor (140) and the second compressor (145) may be provided with the same performance or may be provided in different forms and performances as necessary. The number of compressors is not limited to two, which is merely an example.

The gas-liquid separator 160 is disposed at the inlet side of the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 150. The gas-liquid separator 160 separates the gaseous refrigerant before the refrigerant flows into the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 150. Liquid separator 160 is divided into the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145 and flows.

In the internal space of the cabinet 100, piping connecting the components described above are disposed. In addition, since the outdoor unit unit 10 is connected to the indoor unit or the like to form a refrigerant cycle, pipes extending to the outside of the cabinet 100 are included in the pipes.

In the cabinet 100, a plurality of outdoor coupling holes into which the outwardly extending pipes are coupled are formed. In other words, the refrigerant can be connected to the connection pipe for coupling with other devices through the outdoor coupling hole, and flow to other devices to which the refrigerant is connected.

The plurality of outdoor coupling holes include a first outdoor coupling hole 172, a second outdoor coupling hole 174, and a third outdoor coupling hole 176. 1, the plurality of outdoor coupling holes are arranged in parallel to the lower front of the cabinet 100. However, the plurality of outdoor coupling holes may be formed at various positions of the cabinet 100 have.

At this time, a connection pipe connected to the indoor unit is coupled to a part of the plurality of outdoor coupling holes, and at least a connection pipe connected to the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 is coupled. That is, the outdoor unit 10 is connected to the indoor unit and the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 so as to form a refrigerant cycle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 is smaller than the outdoor unit 10. However, this is an example, and the shape and size of the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 may be variously provided.

The auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 may include an auxiliary cabinet 200 forming an outer appearance, an auxiliary intake port 210 formed in the auxiliary cabinet 200, and an auxiliary discharge port 220. 2, the auxiliary heat exchanger 230, the auxiliary compressor 240, and the auxiliary liquid separator 260 may be installed in the auxiliary cabinet 200.

In addition, the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 is provided with a plurality of auxiliary coupling holes into which connection pipes connected to other devices are coupled. The plurality of auxiliary coupling holes include a first auxiliary coupling hole 262, a second auxiliary coupling hole 264, a third auxiliary coupling hole 266, and a fourth auxiliary coupling hole 268.

At this time, a connection pipe connected to the indoor unit is coupled to a part of the plurality of auxiliary coupling holes, and a connection pipe connected at least part to the outdoor unit unit 10 is coupled. That is, the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 is connected to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit 10 to form a refrigerant cycle.

2 is a view showing a refrigerant cycle of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of illustration, FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of a refrigerant cycle in which refrigerant flows by omitting additional devices.

As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected through a connection pipe. At this time, the indoor unit includes an indoor unit unit 30 having an indoor heat exchanger 300 and an indoor expansion valve 310. At this time, the indoor unit 30 may be provided in various shapes and numbers.

In addition, the indoor unit unit 30 is provided with a plurality of indoor connection holes to which connection pipes connected to other devices are coupled. The plurality of indoor coupling holes include a first indoor coupling hole 322, a second indoor coupling hole 324, and a third indoor coupling hole 326.

Referring to FIG. 2, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 30 are connected through a first coupling line 40 and a second coupling line 50. In detail, the first coupling line 40 is coupled to the first outdoor coupling hole 172 and the first coupling hole 322, and the second coupling line 50 is coupled to the second outdoor coupling Hole 174 and the second indoor coupling hole 324, respectively.

Thus, the refrigerant flows along the first coupling line 40 and the second coupling line 50, and the outdoor unit unit 10 and the indoor unit unit 30 form one refrigerant cycle. Hereinafter, the case where the refrigerant flows only in one refrigerant cycle formed by the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 30 is referred to as a general mode. The normal mode includes a normal cooling mode and a general heating mode, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.

In this manner, the outdoor unit unit 10 and the indoor unit unit 30 alone form a refrigerant cycle. However, there may be a case where the desired effect can not be obtained only by the outdoor unit 10 in a cold place or the like where the performance of the outdoor unit is deteriorated. In this case, the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 can be further connected to operate more effectively.

Referring to FIG. 2, the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 are connected through a third coupling line 60. In detail, the third coupling line 60 is coupled to the third outdoor coupling hole 176 and the first auxiliary coupling hole 272, respectively.

The fourth connection pipe 70 is connected to the second auxiliary coupling hole 264 and the first connection pipe 40 and the third auxiliary coupling hole 266 and the third indoor coupling hole 326 And a sixth connection pipe 268 connected to the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 268 and the second connection pipe 50, respectively. One point of the first connection pipe 40 coupled with the fourth connection pipe 70 is referred to as a first connection portion 47 and the second connection pipe 40 coupled with the sixth connection pipe 90, One point of the second connection portion 50 is referred to as a second connection portion 59. [

The refrigerant flows along at least one of the first to sixth connection pipes 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 and the outdoor unit unit 10, the indoor unit unit 30 and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 may form one refrigerant cycle. Hereinafter, a case where refrigerant flows through one refrigerant cycle formed by the outdoor unit unit 10, the indoor unit unit 30, and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 is referred to as an addition mode.

That is, the additional mode means an operation mode in which the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 is further installed through the third to sixth connection pipes 60, 70, 80, 90. The additional mode includes an additional cooling mode, an additional one-stage heating mode, and an additional two-stage heating mode, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG.

Thus, the air conditioner according to the present invention can be operated in a normal mode or an additional mode. The inner structure of the outdoor unit unit 10 and the indoor unit unit 30 is not changed and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 is coupled or separated through the third to sixth connecting pipes 60, The operation mode can be changed.

2, the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 and the third to sixth connection pipes 60, 70, 80, and 90 are connected. As described above, this configuration is not used in the normal mode, and the refrigerant does not flow using a valve or the like. Also, the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 and the third to sixth connection pipes 60, 70, 80, and 90 can be completely separated and operated in the normal mode.

Referring to FIG. 2, a piping line connecting the internal structures of the outdoor unit unit 10, the indoor unit unit 30, and the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 will be described in detail.

The outdoor heat exchanger 130, the first compressor 140, the second compressor 145, and the gas-liquid separator 160 are disposed in the outdoor unit unit 10 as described above. In addition, the outdoor unit unit 10 is provided with a first outdoor four-way valve 180 and a second outdoor four-way valve 190.

The piping line connecting the gas-liquid separator 160 to the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145 is referred to as a compressor inlet line 144. The compressor inlet line 144 may also be understood as a gas-liquid separator outlet line. The compressor inlet line 144 connects the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145 in parallel so that the refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator 160 flows through the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145, The compressor 145 can be divided and flowed.

A piping line through which the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145 flows is referred to as a compressor discharge line 146. The compressor discharge line 146 extends to the first outdoor branch 150. The compressor discharge line 144 connects the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145 in parallel and the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145 is connected to each other So that it can flow.

The first outdoor branch line 150 and the first outdoor branch line 150 connected to the compressor discharge line 146 are connected to the first outdoor connection line 185 and the second outdoor connection line 195, respectively. The first outdoor connection line 185 and the second outdoor connection line 195 extend to the first outdoor four-way valve 180 and the second outdoor outdoor valve 190, respectively.

The first outdoor four-way valve 180 is connected to the first outdoor connection line 185, the first cut line 189, the first gas-liquid inflow line 187, and the first outdoor joint line 183, do. In detail, the first outdoor four-way valve 185 is connected to the first outdoor connection line 185 and the first cut line 189, the first gas liquid inflow line 187, and the first outdoor connection line 183 To communicate the first outdoor connection line 185 with the first outdoor connection line 183 and the first cut line 189 with the first gas-liquid inflow line 187, respectively, .

At this time, the first cutting line 189 is closed to prevent the refrigerant from flowing. The first gas-liquid inflow line 187 extends to connect with the gas-liquid separator 160, and the first outdoor joint line 183 extends to be connected to the first outdoor joint hole 172.

The second outdoor four-way valve 190 is connected to the second outdoor connection line 195, the second cutting line 199, the second gas-liquid inflow line 197, and the outdoor heat exchange line 132 in four directions. In detail, the second outdoor four-way valve 190 connects the second outdoor connection line 195 and the second cut line 199, the second gas-liquid inlet line 197 and the outdoor heat exchange line 132 to the second outdoor connection line 195, Or may be provided to communicate the second outdoor connection line 195 with the outdoor heat exchange line 132 and the second cut line 199 with the second gas liquid inflow line 197, respectively.

At this time, the second cutting line 199 is closed to prevent the refrigerant from flowing. The second gas-liquid inflow line 197 is extended to be connected to the gas-liquid separator 160, and the outdoor heat exchanger line 132 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 130.

The outdoor heat exchanger 130 is connected to a second outdoor coupling line 134 extending from the second outdoor coupling hole 174. That is, the outdoor heat exchanger 130 is coupled to the outdoor heat exchange line 132 and the second outdoor joint line 134 such that the refrigerant flows in one direction.

A third outdoor coupling line 151 extending from the third outdoor coupling hole 176 is coupled to one side of the second gas-liquid inflow line 197. One point of the second gas-liquid inflow line 197 to which the third outdoor joint line 151 is coupled is referred to as a second outdoor branch line 152.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor unit unit 10 includes injection lines 171 and 177 connecting the second outdoor coupling line 134 and the compressors 140 and 145. Injection expansion valves 178 and 179 and injection heat exchangers 173 and 175 may be installed in the injection lines 171 and 177, respectively.

In detail, a first injection heat exchanger (173) and a second injection heat exchanger (175) are installed in the second outdoor coupling line (134). The refrigerant line provided with the first injection heat exchanger 173 is referred to as a first injection line 171 and the refrigerant line provided in the second injection heat exchanger 175 is referred to as a second injection line 177.

A first injection expansion valve 178 and a second injection expansion valve 179 are provided in the first injection line 171 and the second injection line 177, respectively. At least one injection valve 148 may be installed in the first injection line 171 and the second injection line 177. At this time, the injection valve 148 can be understood as a valve that opens or closes the flow of the refrigerant.

The first injection line 171 and the second injection line 177 extend to the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145. That is, the first injection line 171 and the second injection line 177 connect the second outdoor coupling line 134 to the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 145.

The auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger 230, the auxiliary compressor 240 and the auxiliary liquid separator 260 are disposed in the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 as described above. The auxiliary outdoor unit 20 is provided with a first auxiliary four-way valve 280 and a second auxiliary four-way valve 290.

The piping line connecting the auxiliary liquid separator 260 and the auxiliary compressor 240 is called an auxiliary compressor inlet line 244. The auxiliary compressor inlet line 244 may also be understood as an auxiliary liquid separator discharge line. The auxiliary compressor inlet line 244 is provided to allow the refrigerant discharged from the auxiliary liquid separator 260 to flow to the auxiliary compressor 240.

Also, a piping line through which the refrigerant discharged from the auxiliary compressor 240 flows is referred to as an auxiliary compressor discharge line 246. The auxiliary compressor discharge line 246 extends to the first auxiliary branch 250.

The first auxiliary branch line 250 connected to the auxiliary compressor discharge line 246 and the first auxiliary branch line 250 is connected to the first auxiliary connection line 285 and the second auxiliary connection line 295. The first auxiliary connection line 285 and the second auxiliary connection line 295 extend to the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 and the second auxiliary four-way valve 290, respectively.

The first auxiliary four-way valve 280 is connected to the first auxiliary connection line 285, the third auxiliary connection line 289, the first auxiliary liquid inflow line 287 and the third auxiliary coupling line 283 in four directions Respectively. In detail, the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 is connected to the first auxiliary connection line 285 and the third auxiliary connection line 289, the first auxiliary liquid inflow line 287, The third auxiliary connection line 283 and the first auxiliary liquid inflow line 287 are connected to each other through the first auxiliary connection line 283 and the second auxiliary connection line 283, Respectively.

At this time, the third auxiliary coupling line 283 extends to be connected to the third auxiliary coupling hole 266. The first auxiliary liquid inflow line 287 extends to be connected to the auxiliary liquid separator 260.

A second auxiliary coupling line 265 extending from the second auxiliary coupling hole 264 is coupled to one side of the third auxiliary coupling line 283. One point of the third auxiliary coupling line 283 to which the second auxiliary coupling line 265 is coupled is referred to as a second auxiliary branching portion 252.

Also, the third auxiliary connection line 299 extends to the fourth auxiliary branch 256. The fourth auxiliary branching part 256 connects the third auxiliary connecting line 299, the fourth auxiliary connecting line 257 and the fifth auxiliary connecting line 255.

The fourth auxiliary connection line 257 is coupled to one side of the second auxiliary liquid inflow line 297 and the fifth auxiliary connection line 255 is connected to one side of the third auxiliary coupling line 283 . One point of the third auxiliary connection line 283 to which the fifth auxiliary connection line 255 is coupled is referred to as a third auxiliary branch 254.

The second auxiliary four-way valve 290 is connected to the second auxiliary connection line 295, the auxiliary cutting line 299, the second auxiliary liquid inflow line 297 and the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232, do. In detail, the second auxiliary four-way valve 290 is connected to the second auxiliary connection line 295 and the auxiliary cutting line 299, the second auxiliary liquid inflow line 297 and the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232 And the second auxiliary connection line 295 and the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232 and the auxiliary cutting line 299 and the second auxiliary liquid inflow line 297 are communicated with each other .

At this time, the auxiliary cutting line 299 closes the pipe to prevent the refrigerant from flowing. The second auxiliary liquid inflow line 297 extends to be connected to the auxiliary liquid separator 260.

The first auxiliary heat exchange line 232 extends to the fifth auxiliary branch 233. The fifth auxiliary branched portion 233 connects the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232, the second auxiliary heat exchange line 234, and the first auxiliary coupling line 238.

The second auxiliary heat exchange line 234 is coupled to the auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger 230 and the first auxiliary coupling line 238 extends to the first auxiliary coupling hole 262.

The auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger 230 is connected to the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236 extending from the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 268. That is, the outdoor heat exchanger 230 is coupled to the second auxiliary heat exchange line 234 and the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236 so that the refrigerant flows in one direction.

Valves may be installed in each piping line. In detail, the first valve 238a is connected to the first auxiliary coupling line 238 and the second valve 283a and the third valve 283b are connected to the third auxiliary coupling line 283. At this time, the second valve 283a is disposed between the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 and the second auxiliary branch 252, and the third valve 283b is disposed between the second auxiliary branch 252 And the third branched portion 254.

The fourth valve 295a is connected to the second auxiliary connection line 295, the fifth valve 255a is connected to the fifth auxiliary connection line 255, and the sixth valve (not shown) is connected to the fourth auxiliary connection line 257. [ 257a.

At this time, the first to fifth valves may be provided as solenoid valves for opening the flow of refrigerant. Also, the sixth valve 257a may be provided as a one-way valve that restricts the flow of the refrigerant in only one direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the sixth valve 257a is opened only when the refrigerant flows from left to right in the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 2, the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 includes auxiliary injection lines 271 and 277 for connecting the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236 and the auxiliary compressor 240. Auxiliary injection expansion valves 278 and 279 and auxiliary injection heat exchangers 275 and 278 may be installed in the auxiliary injection lines 271 and 277. [

In more detail, the first auxiliary injection heat exchanger 273 and the second auxiliary injection heat exchanger 275 are installed in the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236. The refrigerant line provided with the first auxiliary injection heat exchanger 273 is referred to as a first auxiliary injection line 271 and the refrigerant line provided to the second auxiliary injection heat exchanger 275 is referred to as a second auxiliary injection line 277 .

A first auxiliary injection expansion valve 278 and a second auxiliary injection expansion valve 279 are provided in the first auxiliary injection line 271 and the second auxiliary injection line 277, respectively. At least one auxiliary injection valve 272 may be installed in the first auxiliary injection line 271 and the second auxiliary injection line 277. At this time, the auxiliary injection valve 272 can be understood as a valve that opens or closes the flow of the refrigerant.

The first auxiliary injection line 271 and the second auxiliary injection line 277 extend to the auxiliary compressor 240. That is, the first auxiliary injection line 271 and the second auxiliary injection line 277 connect the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236 and the auxiliary compressor 240.

The auxiliary outdoor unit unit 30 includes a two-stage compression injection line 274 and a two-stage compression injection expansion valve 276. The two-stage compression injection line 274 is installed to connect one side of the fifth auxiliary connection line 255 and one side of the first auxiliary injection line 271.

As described above, the indoor unit unit 30 is provided with the indoor heat exchanger 300 and the indoor expansion valve 310.

The indoor heat exchanger 300 includes a first indoor coupling line 332 connected to the first indoor coupling hole 322 and a second indoor coupling line 334 connected to the second indoor coupling hole 324, Respectively. The indoor expansion valve 310 is disposed in the second indoor coupling line 334.

Also, a third room coupling line 336 connecting one side of the third room coupling hole 326 and the first room coupling line 332 is included. One point of the first indoor coupling line 332 to which the third indoor coupling line 336 is connected is referred to as an indoor branching unit 340.

The first indoor coupling line 332 includes a indoor valve 332a disposed between the first indoor coupling hole 326 and the indoor branch 340.

The flow of the refrigerant when the air conditioner is operated through such a configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. As described above, in the normal mode, the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 and the structure for connecting the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 are unnecessary. 3 and 4, which show the general mode, are shown here.

3 is a view showing a general cooling mode of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the air conditioner is operated in the normal cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 300 functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 130 functions as a condenser. Thus, the refrigerant circulates in turn through the compressor-outdoor heat exchanger-expansion valve-indoor heat exchanger.

Hereinafter, the circulation process of the refrigerant starting from the indoor heat exchanger 300 will be described in detail.

The indoor heat exchanger (300) functions as an evaporator, thereby evaporating the liquid refrigerant into the gaseous refrigerant and depriving the room air of heat. Accordingly, the indoor air temperature is lowered and the indoor space can be cooled.

The gaseous refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (300) flows into the first indoor coupling hole (322) along the first indoor coupling line (332). At this time, the indoor valve 332a is opened so that the refrigerant can flow. The refrigerant flowing to the outside of the indoor unit unit 30 through the first indoor coupling hole 322 flows toward the outdoor unit unit 10 along the first coupling line 40.

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit unit 10 through the first outdoor coupling hole 172 flows to the first outdoor four-way valve 180 along the first outdoor coupling line 183. At this time, the first outdoor four-way valve 180 is connected to the first outdoor coupling line 183, the first gas-liquid inflow line 187, the first indoor coupling line 185 and the first outdoor cutting line 189 .

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing into the first gas-liquid inflow line 187 passes through the gas-liquid separator 160, flows along the compressor inflow line 144, flows through the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 140, (150). The compressed refrigerant flows to the first outdoor branch 150 along the compressor discharge line 146.

At this time, since the first outdoor connection line 185 is connected to the first outdoor cut line 189 and closed, the refrigerant flows to the second outdoor outdoor valve 190 through the second outdoor connection line 195 Flow. At this time, the second outdoor square valve 190 is connected to the second outdoor coupling line 195, the outdoor heat exchange line 132, the second gas-liquid inlet line 197 and the second outdoor cut line 199 .

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchange line (132) passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (130). The outdoor heat exchanger 130 functions as a condenser, and the gaseous refrigerant introduced from the outdoor heat exchange line 132 is phase-changed into liquid-phase refrigerant and flows into the second outdoor coupling line 134.

The refrigerant flowing along the second outdoor coupling line 134 flows to the outside of the outdoor unit unit 10 through the second outdoor coupling hole 174, And flows toward the unit (30). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit unit 30 through the second indoor coupling hole 324 passes through the second indoor coupling line 334 and is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 310. The expanded liquid-phase refrigerant is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 300 and circulated as described above.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a general heating mode of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG.

When the air conditioner is operated in the normal heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger 300 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 130 functions as an evaporator. Thus, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor-indoor heat exchanger-expansion valve-outdoor heat exchanger in order.

Hereinafter, the circulation process of the refrigerant starting from the indoor heat exchanger 300 will be described in detail.

Since the indoor heat exchanger 300 functions as a condenser, the gaseous refrigerant is condensed into the liquid refrigerant and the room air is deprived of heat. Accordingly, the temperature of the indoor air is increased and the indoor space can be heated.

The liquid refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (300) passes through the second indoor coupling line (334) and is expanded by the indoor expansion valve (310). The expanded refrigerant flows out of the indoor unit unit 30 through the second indoor coupling hole 324 and flows toward the outdoor unit unit 10 along the second coupling line 50.

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit unit 10 through the second outdoor coupling hole 174 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 130 along the second outdoor coupling line 134. The outdoor heat exchanger 130 functions as an evaporator, and the liquid refrigerant introduced from the second outdoor coupling line 134 is phase-changed into gaseous refrigerant and flows into the outdoor heat exchange line 132.

The phase-change refrigerant flows to the second outdoor four-way valve (180) along the outdoor heat exchange line (132). At this time, the second outdoor four-way valve 190 connects the outdoor heat exchange line 132 and the second gas-liquid inflow line 197, the second outdoor connection line 195 and the second outdoor cut line 199 .

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing into the second gas-liquid inflow line 197 passes through the gas-liquid separator 160, flows along the compressor inflow line 144 and flows into the first compressor 140 and the second compressor 140. [ (150). The compressed refrigerant flows to the first outdoor branch 150 along the compressor discharge line 146.

At this time, since the second outdoor connection line 195 is connected to the second outdoor cut line 199, the refrigerant flows to the first outdoor outdoor valve 180 through the first outdoor connection line 185 Flow. At this time, the first outdoor four-way valve 180 is connected to the first outdoor connection line 185, the first outdoor coupling line 183, the first gas-liquid inflow line 187, and the first outdoor cutting line 189 .

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing along the first outdoor coupling line 183 flows to the outside of the outdoor unit unit 10 through the first outdoor coupling hole 172, and the refrigerant flowing along the first coupling line And flows toward the indoor unit (30). The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor unit unit 30 through the first indoor coupling hole 322 is provided to the indoor heat exchanger 300 along the first indoor coupling line 332, Circulate. At this time, the indoor valve 332a is opened so that the refrigerant can flow.

In this way, the outdoor unit unit 10 and the indoor unit unit 30 form one refrigerant cycle, and can be operated in the normal cooling mode and the general heating mode. The air conditioner of the present invention can be operated in various operation modes by further providing the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 and the connection pipe in the outdoor unit unit 10 and the indoor unit unit 30. [

In detail, the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 30 is installed at a predetermined position, and the third outdoor coupling hole 176 and the first auxiliary coupling hole 262 are connected through the third connection pipe 60 And connects the outdoor unit unit (10) and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit (20). The first connection part 47 formed on the first connection pipe 60 and the second auxiliary connection hole 264 are connected to each other through the fourth connection pipe 70.

The third indoor coupling hole 326 and the third auxiliary coupling hole 266 are connected through the fifth connection pipe 80 to connect the indoor unit unit 30 and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 do. The second connection unit 59 formed in the second connection pipe 50 and the third auxiliary connection hole 268 are connected through the sixth connection pipe 90.

Hereinafter, an additional mode of the air conditioner connected in this way will be described in detail.

5 is a view illustrating an additional cooling mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the air conditioner is operated in the additional cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 300 functions as an evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 230 function as a condenser. Thus, the refrigerant circulates in turn through the compressor-outdoor heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger-expansion valve-indoor heat exchanger.

That is, in the additional cooling mode, the outdoor unit unit 10 and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 30 are connected in parallel to form a refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit unit 30, respectively. Hereinafter, the circulation process of the refrigerant starting from the indoor heat exchanger 300 will be described in detail.

The indoor heat exchanger (300) functions as an evaporator, thereby evaporating the liquid refrigerant into the gaseous refrigerant and depriving the room air of heat. Accordingly, the indoor air temperature is lowered and the indoor space can be cooled.

The gaseous refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (300) flows along the first indoor coupling line (332). At this time, the refrigerant is branched into the first indoor coupling line 332 and the third indoor coupling line 336 in the indoor branching part 340. Accordingly, some of the refrigerant passes through the first indoor coupling hole 322 and the remaining refrigerant flows through the third indoor coupling hole 326 to the outside of the indoor unit 30.

At this time, the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit unit 10 along the first coupling line 40 through the first indoor coupling hole 322 is the same as the normal cooling mode. Therefore, the flow of the refrigerant in the outdoor unit 10 is omitted from the description of the above description.

The refrigerant having passed through the third indoor coupling hole 326 flows toward the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 along the fifth connection line 80. The refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 through the third auxiliary coupling hole 326 through which the fifth connection line 80 is connected flows along the third auxiliary coupling line 283.

In detail, the second valve 283a and the third valve 283b are opened, and the fifth valve 255a is provided in a locked state. Accordingly, the refrigerant does not flow from the third auxiliary branching portion 254 to the fifth auxiliary connecting line 255.

The refrigerant flows to the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 along the third auxiliary coupling line 283. At this time, the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 is connected to the third auxiliary coupling line 283, the first auxiliary liquid inflow line 287, the first auxiliary connection line 285, 289).

The refrigerant flowing into the first auxiliary liquid inflow line 287 flows through the auxiliary liquid separator 260 and flows along the auxiliary compressor inflow line 244 and is compressed in the auxiliary compressor 240 . The compressed refrigerant flows along the auxiliary compressor discharge line (246) to the first outdoor branch (150).

The refrigerant flows to the second auxiliary four-way valve 290 through the second auxiliary connection line 195 because the first auxiliary connection line 285 is connected to the third auxiliary connection line 289 and closed. do. Also, the fourth valve 295a is opened.

At this time, the second auxiliary four-way valve 290 is connected to the second auxiliary connection line 295, the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232, the second auxiliary liquid inflow line 297 and the auxiliary cutting line 299, Respectively. Accordingly, the refrigerant flows to the fifth auxiliary branched portion 233 through the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232.

At this time, the first valve 238a is provided to close the first auxiliary coupling line 238, and the refrigerant flows from the fifth auxiliary branched portion 233 to the second auxiliary heat exchange line 234. The refrigerant flowing into the second auxiliary heat exchange line 234 passes through the auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger 230. The gaseous refrigerant introduced from the second auxiliary heat exchange line 234 is phase-changed into liquid-phase refrigerant and flows into the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236.

The refrigerant flowing along the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236 flows to the outside of the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 through the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 268 and flows along the sixth coupling line 90 And flows toward the indoor unit (30).

The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit unit 10 and the refrigerant that has passed through the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 in the second coupling unit 59 are connected to each other through the second coupling line 50, (324). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit unit 30 through the second indoor coupling hole 324 passes through the second indoor coupling line 334 and is expanded by the indoor expansion valve 310. The expanded liquid-phase refrigerant is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 300 and circulated as described above.

6 is a diagram illustrating an additional first stage heating mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the air conditioner is operated in the first-stage heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger 300 functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 230 function as an evaporator. Thus, the refrigerant circulates in turn through the compressor-indoor heat exchanger-expansion valve-outdoor heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger.

That is, in the additional first-stage heating mode, the outdoor unit unit 10 and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 30 are connected in parallel to form a refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit unit 30, respectively. Hereinafter, the circulation process of the refrigerant starting from the indoor heat exchanger 300 will be described in detail.

Since the indoor heat exchanger 300 functions as a condenser, the gaseous refrigerant is condensed into the liquid refrigerant and the room air is deprived of heat. Accordingly, the temperature of the indoor air is increased and the indoor space can be heated.

The liquid refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (300) passes through the second indoor coupling line (334) and is expanded by the indoor expansion valve (310). The expanded refrigerant flows out of the indoor unit 30 through the second indoor coupling hole 324 and flows along the second coupling line 50.

At this time, the refrigerant is branched at the second connection part (59) into the second combination line (50) and the sixth combination line (90). At this time, the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit unit 10 along the second coupling line 50 is the same as the normal heating mode. Therefore, the flow of the refrigerant in the outdoor unit 10 is omitted from the description of the above description.

The refrigerant flowing into the sixth coupling line 90 flows into the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 through the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 268. The refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 flows to the auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger 230 along the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236.

The sub-outdoor heat exchanger 230 functions as an evaporator, and the liquid-phase refrigerant introduced into the fourth sub-coupling line 236 is phase-changed into gaseous refrigerant and flows into the second sub-heat-exchanging line 234. At this time, the first valve 238a closes the first auxiliary coupling line 238, and the refrigerant flows from the fifth branch 233 to the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232.

The refrigerant flows to the second auxiliary four-way valve (290) along the first auxiliary heat exchange line (232). At this time, the second auxiliary four-way valve 290 connects the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232, the second auxiliary liquid inflow line 297, the second auxiliary connection line 295 and the auxiliary cutting line 299 .

The refrigerant flowing into the second auxiliary liquid inflow line 297 flows through the auxiliary liquid separator 260 and flows along the auxiliary compressor inflow line 244 and is compressed in the auxiliary compressor 240 . The compressed refrigerant flows to the first auxiliary branch 250 along the auxiliary compressor discharge line 246.

At this time, since the second auxiliary connection line 295 is closed and connected to the auxiliary cutting line 299, the refrigerant flows to the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 through the first auxiliary connection line 285 . At this time, the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 is connected to the first auxiliary connection line 285, the second auxiliary coupling line 283, the first auxiliary liquid inflow line 287, 289).

The refrigerant flowing along the second auxiliary coupling line 283 flows to the outside of the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 through the third auxiliary coupling hole 266, To the indoor unit (30). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit unit 30 through the third indoor coupling hole 326 is connected to the refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit unit 10 from the indoor branching unit 340.

The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor unit unit 10 and the refrigerant that has passed through the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 are connected to the indoor heat exchanger 300 along the first indoor coupling line 332, Circulate. At this time, the indoor valve 332a is opened so that the refrigerant can flow.

7 is a diagram illustrating an additional two-stage heating mode of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

When the air conditioner is operated in the second-stage heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger 300 functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 230 function as an evaporator.

At this time, the outdoor unit unit 10 and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 30 are connected in series. In detail, the refrigerant having passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the auxiliary heat exchanger 230 passes through the compressors 140 and 145 and the auxiliary compressor 240 in order. Accordingly, the refrigerant circulates in turn through the compressor-auxiliary compressor-indoor heat exchanger-expansion valve-outdoor heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger.

That is, in the additional two-stage heating mode, the outdoor unit unit 10, the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20, and the indoor unit unit 30 form one refrigerant cycle. Hereinafter, the circulation process of the refrigerant starting from the indoor heat exchanger 300 will be described in detail.

Since the indoor heat exchanger 300 functions as a condenser, the gaseous refrigerant is condensed into the liquid refrigerant and the room air is deprived of heat. Accordingly, the temperature of the indoor air is increased and the indoor space can be heated.

The liquid refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger (300) passes through the second indoor coupling line (334) and is expanded by the indoor expansion valve (310). The expanded refrigerant flows out of the indoor unit 30 through the second indoor coupling hole 324 and flows along the second coupling line 50.

At this time, the refrigerant is branched at the second connection part (59) into the second combination line (50) and the sixth combination line (90).

The refrigerant flowing toward the outdoor unit unit (10) along the second joint line (50) flows into the outdoor unit unit (10) through the second outdoor joint hole (174). The refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 130 along the second outdoor coupling line 134 connected to the second outdoor coupling hole 174. The outdoor heat exchanger 130 functions as an evaporator, and the liquid refrigerant introduced from the second outdoor coupling line 134 is phase-changed into gaseous refrigerant and flows into the outdoor heat exchange line 132.

The phase-change refrigerant flows to the second outdoor four-way valve (180) along the outdoor heat exchange line (132). At this time, the second outdoor four-way valve 190 connects the outdoor heat exchange line 132 and the second gas-liquid inflow line 197, the second outdoor connection line 195 and the second outdoor cut line 199 . Thus, the refrigerant flows to the gas-liquid separator 160 along the second gas-liquid inflow line 197.

On the other hand, the refrigerant flowing toward the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 along the sixth coupling line 90 flows into the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 through the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 268. The refrigerant flows to the auxiliary heat exchanger 230 along the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236 connected to the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 268. [ The auxiliary heat exchanger 230 functions as an evaporator, and the liquid refrigerant introduced from the fourth auxiliary coupling line 236 is phase-changed into gaseous refrigerant and flows into the second auxiliary heat exchange line 234.

The refrigerant flowing into the second auxiliary heat exchange line 234 flows from the fifth branched portion 233 to the first auxiliary coupling line 238. In detail, the second auxiliary four-way valve 290 connects the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232 and the second auxiliary connection line 295, and the second auxiliary connection line 295 connects the fourth valve (295a). Accordingly, the first auxiliary heat exchange line 232 is closed and the refrigerant flows to the first auxiliary coupling line 238. At this time, the first valve 238a is opened to allow the refrigerant to flow into the first auxiliary coupling line 238.

The first auxiliary coupling line 238 is connected to the first auxiliary coupling hole 262 and the refrigerant flows to the outside of the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 through the first auxiliary coupling hole 262. The refrigerant flows toward the outdoor unit unit 10 along the third connection pipe 60 and flows into the outdoor unit unit 10 through the third outdoor coupling hole 176. [

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit unit (10) flows to the second outdoor branch (152) along the third outdoor coupling line (151). At this time, the refrigerant flows from the second outdoor branching section 152 to the gas-liquid separator 160 along the second gas-liquid inflow line 197.

That is, the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the refrigerant that has passed through the auxiliary heat exchanger 230 in the second outdoor branching portion 152 are connected to the gas-liquid separator 160. The refrigerant passes through the gas-liquid separator 160, flows along the compressor inlet line 144, and is compressed in the compressor 140. The compressed refrigerant flows to the first outdoor branch 150 along the compressor discharge line 146.

At this time, since the second outdoor connection line 195 is connected to the second outdoor cut line 199, the refrigerant flows to the first outdoor outdoor valve 180 through the first outdoor connection line 185 Flow. At this time, the first outdoor four-way valve 180 is connected to the first outdoor connection line 185, the first outdoor coupling line 183, the first gas-liquid inflow line 187, and the first outdoor cutting line 189 .

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing along the first outdoor coupling line 183 flows to the outside of the outdoor unit unit 10 through the first outdoor coupling hole 172, and the refrigerant flowing along the first coupling line .

At this time, the indoor valve 332a is closed, and the refrigerant flows to the fourth connecting pipe 70 in the first connecting part 47. The refrigerant flows toward the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 through the fourth coupling pipe 70 and flows into the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 20 through the second auxiliary coupling hole 264. [

The refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary outdoor unit unit 30 flows to the second auxiliary branching unit 252 along the second auxiliary coupling line 265. At this time, the third valve 283b is closed so that the refrigerant flows from the second auxiliary branch 252 to the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 along the third auxiliary coupling line 283.

At this time, the first auxiliary four-way valve 280 is connected to the third auxiliary coupling line 283, the first auxiliary liquid inflow line 287, the first auxiliary connection line 285, 289). Accordingly, the refrigerant flows into the auxiliary liquid separator (260) along the first auxiliary liquid inflow line (287). The refrigerant having passed through the auxiliary liquid separator 260 flows to the auxiliary compressor 240 along the auxiliary compressor inlet line 244 and is compressed.

That is, the refrigerant passes through the compressor (140, 150), is compressed in one stage, passes through the auxiliary compressor (240), and is compressed in two stages.

The refrigerant compressed in two stages in the auxiliary compressor 240 flows to the first auxiliary branch 250 along the auxiliary compressor discharge line 246. At this time, since the second auxiliary connection line 295 is closed by the fourth valve 295a, the refrigerant flows to the first auxiliary connection line 285. [

At this time, the first auxiliary connection line 285 and the third auxiliary connection line 283 are connected by the first auxiliary four-way valve 280, and the refrigerant flows along the third auxiliary connection line 283 And flows to the fourth auxiliary branched portion 256. Since the fifth valve 255a is opened and the sixth valve 257a is installed to block the flow direction of the refrigerant, the refrigerant flows to the third auxiliary branch 254 along the fifth auxiliary connection line 255, do.

The refrigerant flows from the third auxiliary branch 254 toward the third auxiliary coupling hole 266 because the third valve 283b is closed. The refrigerant discharged from the auxiliary outdoor unit 20 through the third auxiliary coupling hole 266 flows into the third indoor coupling hole 326 along the fifth coupling pipe 80.

The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit unit 30 through the third indoor coupling hole 326 flows to the indoor branching unit 340 along the third indoor coupling line 336. The indoor valve 332a is closed and the refrigerant is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 300 along the first indoor coupling pipe 332 to circulate the process described above.

In this way, the air conditioner can be operated in a more various mode by further installing the auxiliary outdoor unit. Particularly, the additional two-stage compression mode can be very usefully used in a state where the performance of the air conditioner is not ensured because the outside air is very low.

3 to 7, the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the injection lines 171 and 177, the auxiliary injection lines 271 and 277, and the two-stage compression injection line 274 is not shown in the drawings I did. The injection lines 171 and 177, the auxiliary injection lines 271 and 277 and the two-stage compression injection line 274 can selectively increase the efficiency of the air conditioner by selectively flowing the refrigerant.

For example, in the normal heating mode, some of the refrigerant flowing along the second outdoor coupling line 134 may flow along the first injection line 171. The refrigerant flowing along the first injection line 171 is expanded in the first induction expansion valve 178 and flows in the first injection heat exchanger 173 along the second outdoor coupling line 134 Heat exchange with the refrigerant is performed.

Accordingly, the refrigerant passing through the first injection line 171 receives heat and evaporates, and the evaporated refrigerant is supplied to the compressors 140 and 145. Also, the refrigerant passing through the second outdoor coupling line 134 may flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 130 in a heat-deprived state, and the heat exchange efficiency may be increased.

Also, the two-stage compression injection line 274 may be operated in this manner in an additional two-stage compression mode.

The air conditioner having one outdoor unit and one indoor unit has been described above. Hereinafter, an air conditioner having a plurality of outdoor unit units and a plurality of indoor unit units will be described.

The air conditioner includes an indoor unit installed in a predetermined space (hereinafter referred to as indoor) for providing conditioned air, and an outdoor unit installed in a space outside the predetermined space (hereinafter, outdoor) to form a refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit. For convenience of explanation, only an outdoor unit installed outdoors is shown in Fig.

8 is a view illustrating an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of outdoor unit units 10, 10a and an auxiliary unit 400.

As shown in Fig. 8, the plurality of outdoor unit units includes a first outdoor unit unit 10 and a second outdoor unit unit 10a. The first outdoor unit unit 10 and the second outdoor unit unit 10a are provided with the same outer appearance and internal structure, and 'a' is added to the second outdoor unit unit 10a for identification, do. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as those of the first outdoor unit 10 are used to describe common features, but the second outdoor unit 10a also corresponds to the second outdoor unit 10a.

In addition, the outdoor unit unit 10 is provided in the same form as the outdoor unit unit described with reference to FIG. 1, and a description thereof will be omitted. However, the outdoor unit unit 10 further includes a fourth outdoor coupling hole 170.

The auxiliary unit 400 is provided with a plurality of auxiliary coupling holes for coupling an auxiliary cabinet 410 forming an outer appearance and a connection pipe connected to other devices. Fig. 8 shows a part of the auxiliary coupling hole, which will be described in detail in Fig.

9 is a view illustrating a refrigerant cycle of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 9 shows a simplified refrigerant cycle in which the auxiliary devices are omitted and the refrigerant flows.

As shown in FIG. 9, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected to each other through a connection pipe. At this time, the indoor unit includes a plurality of indoor unit units 30a, 30b, and 30c provided in various shapes. In particular, the plurality of indoor unit units 30a, 30b, and 30c may be connected through the distributor 32 and operated in a desired mode. 9, the shape, internal structure, and connection structure of the distributor 32, the indoor unit units 30a, 30b, and 30c are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the auxiliary unit 400 is connected to the outdoor unit unit 10 and the distributor 32 via a plurality of coupling lines. The auxiliary unit 400 is provided with a first auxiliary distribution coupling hole 422, a second auxiliary distribution coupling hole 424 and a third auxiliary distribution coupling hole 426 connected to the distributor 32.

The auxiliary unit 400 is provided with first to seventh auxiliary coupling holes 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437 connected to the outdoor unit unit 10. An auxiliary four-way valve 440 is provided in the auxiliary unit 10.

In detail, the auxiliary unit 400 includes a first auxiliary line 451 connecting the first auxiliary coupling hole 431 and the auxiliary four-way valve 440, a second auxiliary coupling hole 452 connecting the second auxiliary coupling hole 432, And a second auxiliary line 452 connecting the first auxiliary distribution connection holes 422. [ The auxiliary four-way valve 440 is connected to the second auxiliary distribution coupling hole 424 through a third auxiliary line 453 and the third auxiliary distribution coupling hole 426 and the fourth auxiliary line 454, and are connected through the sixth auxiliary coupling hole 436 and the fifth auxiliary line 455, respectively.

A sixth auxiliary line 456 connecting one side of the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 434 and one side of the third auxiliary line 453 and a sixth auxiliary line 456 connecting the fifth auxiliary coupling hole 435 and the second auxiliary line 453, A seventh auxiliary line 457 connecting one side of the fourth auxiliary line 454 with the seventh auxiliary coupling hole 437 and a seventh auxiliary line 458 connecting one side of the fourth auxiliary line 454, 3 auxiliary coupling hole 433 and a ninth auxiliary line 459 connecting one side of the eighth auxiliary line 458.

At this time, one point of the third auxiliary line 453 coupled with the sixth auxiliary line 456 is referred to as a first auxiliary branch line 461, the second auxiliary line 453 coupled to the seventh auxiliary line 457, One point of the first auxiliary line 452 is connected to the second auxiliary branch line 463 and one point of the fourth auxiliary line 454 coupled to the eighth auxiliary line 458 is connected to the third auxiliary branch line 465, One point of the eighth auxiliary line 458 coupled with the auxiliary line 459 is referred to as a fourth auxiliary branching portion 467.

In addition, the auxiliary unit 400 may be provided with a plurality of valves. In detail, the first valve 471 is connected to the second auxiliary line 452, the second valve 473 is connected to the third auxiliary line 453, the third valve 475 is connected to the eighth auxiliary line 458, Respectively.

9, the auxiliary unit 400 includes an auxiliary injection line 480 connecting the ninth auxiliary line 459 and the fifth auxiliary line 455 to each other. In the auxiliary injection line 480, an auxiliary injection expansion valve 484 and an auxiliary injection heat exchanger 482 may be provided.

The internal structure of the outdoor unit unit 10 is the same as the internal structure of the outdoor unit unit described in FIG. 2, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The outdoor unit unit 10 further includes a fourth outdoor coupling line 136 connecting the third outdoor coupling line 134 and the fourth outdoor coupling hole 170. One point of the third outdoor coupling line 134 to which the fourth outdoor coupling line 136 is coupled is referred to as a third outdoor branching unit 153.

The outdoor unit unit 10 further includes a third outdoor connection line 138 connecting one side of the third outdoor coupling line 134 and one side of the compressor inlet line 144. One point of the third outdoor coupling line 134 to which the third outdoor connection line 138 is coupled is referred to as a fourth outdoor branch line 154 and the third outdoor connection line 138 is coupled One point of the compressor inlet line 144 is referred to as a fifth outdoor branch 155.

A first outdoor valve 156 is provided between the third outdoor branching unit 153 and the fourth outdoor branching unit 154. The fourth outdoor branching unit 154, And a second outdoor valve (157) is provided between the second outdoor valve (155). The compressor inlet line 144 is provided with a third outdoor valve 158 that allows only the flow of refrigerant in the direction of the compressors 140 and 145 from the gas-liquid separator 160.

The flow of the refrigerant when the air conditioner is operated through such a structure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG.

10 is a view showing a cooling mode of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When the air conditioner is operated in the cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (130, 130a) functions as a condenser. Therefore, the gaseous refrigerant flows from the indoor unit side to the outdoor unit side, and the liquid refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit side to the indoor unit side and circulates.

At this time, the distributor 32 provides refrigerant to at least one of the plurality of indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c. Hereinafter, the circulation process of the refrigerant starting from the distributor 32 will be described in detail.

The gaseous refrigerant flows from the distributor 32 to the auxiliary unit 400 side and flows into the auxiliary unit 400 through the second auxiliary distribution connection hole 424. [ The introduced refrigerant is branched at the first auxiliary branching part 461 and flows into the third auxiliary line 453 and the sixth auxiliary line 456, respectively.

First, the refrigerant flowing into the third auxiliary line 453 flows to the auxiliary four-way valve 440. At this time, the auxiliary four-way valve 440 is arranged to connect the third auxiliary line 453 and the first auxiliary line 451 so that the refrigerant flows along the first auxiliary line 451, And flows into the hole 431.

The refrigerant discharged to the outside of the auxiliary unit 400 in the first auxiliary coupling hole 431 flows to the first outdoor unit unit 10 side and flows into the first outdoor unit unit 10 through the first outdoor coupling hole 172, And flows into the inside of the unit 10.

And flows to the first outdoor four-way valve (180) along the first outdoor coupling line (183). At this time, the first outdoor four-way valve 180 connects the first outdoor coupling line 183 and the first gas-liquid inflow line 187, and the refrigerant flows along the first gas-liquid inflow line 187 to the gas- Separator 160 as shown in FIG.

The refrigerant flows through the gas-liquid separator 160 and the compressors 140 and 145 to the first outdoor branch 150 along the compressor discharge line 146 while being compressed. The refrigerant is flowed from the first outdoor branch 150 to the second outdoor four-way valve 190 through the second outdoor connection line 195. At this time, the second outdoor square valve (190) connects the second outdoor connection line (195) and the outdoor heat exchange line (132).

The refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 130 to be phase-changed into liquid-phase refrigerant along the outdoor heat exchange line 132 and flows into the second outdoor coupling hole 174 along the second outdoor coupling line 134 The first outdoor unit 10, and the second outdoor unit 10, respectively.

The refrigerant discharged from the first outdoor unit unit 10 flows into the third auxiliary coupling hole 433 and flows into the auxiliary unit 400 and flows along the ninth auxiliary line 459. At this time, the third valve 475 is closed and the refrigerant flowing along the ninth sub-line 459 flows from the fourth sub branching part 467 to the third sub branching part 465.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant flowing along the sixth auxiliary line 456 is discharged to the outside of the auxiliary unit 400 through the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 434, and the refrigerant discharged from the second outdoor unit unit 10a And flows into the one outdoor coupling hole 172a. The flow of the refrigerant in the second outdoor unit unit 10a sequentially passes through the compressors 140a and 145a and the outdoor heat exchanger 130a in the same manner as the first outdoor unit unit 10.

The refrigerant discharged from the second outdoor unit unit 10a through the second outdoor coupling hole 174a of the second outdoor unit unit 10a flows through the sixth auxiliary coupling hole 436 into the auxiliary unit 400, Respectively. And flows from the auxiliary four-way valve 440 to the fourth auxiliary line 454 along the fifth auxiliary line 455 to the auxiliary four-way valve 440.

The refrigerant flowing from the third auxiliary branching unit 465 to the ninth auxiliary line 459 through the first outdoor unit unit 10 and the refrigerant flowing through the second outdoor unit unit 10a, The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant pipe 454 is mixed. The refrigerant flows into the distributor 32 along the third auxiliary distribution joint hole 426 and the distributor 32 can distribute the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor unit units 30a, 30b and 30c.

11 is a view illustrating a first stage heating mode of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When the air conditioner is operated in the first heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (130, 130a) functions as an evaporator. Accordingly, the liquid refrigerant flows from the indoor unit side to the outdoor unit side, and the gaseous refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit side to the indoor unit side and circulates.

At this time, the distributor 32 provides refrigerant to at least one of the plurality of indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c. Hereinafter, the circulation process of the refrigerant starting from the distributor 32 will be described in detail.

The liquid refrigerant flows from the distributor 32 to the auxiliary unit 400 and flows into the auxiliary unit 400 through the third auxiliary distribution and connection hole 426. [ The introduced refrigerant is branched at the third auxiliary branch portion 465 and flows into the fourth auxiliary line 454 and the eighth auxiliary line 458, respectively.

The refrigerant flowing into the eighth auxiliary line 458 flows from the fourth auxiliary branching portion 467 to the ninth auxiliary line 467 and flows through the third auxiliary coupling hole 433 to the auxiliary unit (400). At this time, the third valve 475 closes the eighth auxiliary line 458.

The refrigerant discharged from the third auxiliary coupling hole 433 flows into the second outdoor coupling hole 174 and flows into the first outdoor unit unit 10. The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 130 along the second outdoor coupling line 134 flows to the second outdoor four-way valve 190 along the outdoor heat exchange line 132.

The refrigerant flowing from the second outdoor valve (190) to the first gas-liquid inflow line (197) passes through the gas-liquid separator (160) and the compressors (140, 145). The compressed refrigerant flows along the compressor discharge line 146 to the first outdoor branch 150 and flows along the first outdoor connection line 185 and the first outdoor coupling line 183, Is discharged from the first outdoor unit (10) through the outdoor coupling hole (172).

The discharged refrigerant flows into the auxiliary unit 400 through the first auxiliary coupling hole 431 and flows through the first auxiliary line 451 and the third auxiliary line 453, And flows into the hole 424.

The refrigerant flowing into the fourth auxiliary line 454 flows from the auxiliary four-way valve 440 to the fifth auxiliary line 455 and flows through the sixth auxiliary coupling hole 436 to the auxiliary unit 400 .

The discharged refrigerant flows into the second outdoor coupling hole 174a of the second outdoor unit unit 10a and flows into the second outdoor unit unit 10a. The flow of the refrigerant in the second outdoor unit unit 10a passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 130a and the compressors 140a and 145a in the same manner as the first outdoor unit unit 10.

The refrigerant discharged from the second outdoor unit 10a through the first outdoor coupling hole 172a of the second outdoor unit unit 10a flows through the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 434 to the refrigerant discharged from the auxiliary unit 400, Respectively. And flows to the first auxiliary branching part 461 along the sixth auxiliary line 456.

The refrigerant flowing from the first auxiliary branching unit 461 to the third auxiliary line 453 through the first outdoor unit unit 10 and the refrigerant flowing through the second outdoor unit unit 10a, The refrigerant flowed into the refrigerant pipe 456 is lapped. The refrigerant flows into the distributor 32, and the distributor 32 can distribute the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor unit units 30a, 30b and 30c.

12 is a view illustrating a two-stage heating mode of the air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When the air conditioner is operated in the two-stage heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (130, 130a) functions as an evaporator in the same manner as the one-stage heating mode. Accordingly, the liquid refrigerant flows from the indoor unit side to the outdoor unit side, and the gaseous refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit side to the indoor unit side and circulates.

Unlike the one-stage heating mode in which the first outdoor unit unit 10 and the second outdoor unit unit 10a are connected in parallel, the first outdoor unit unit 10 and the second outdoor unit unit 10a ) Constitute a refrigerant cycle connected in series.

At this time, the distributor 32 provides refrigerant to at least one of the plurality of indoor units 30a, 30b, and 30c. Hereinafter, the circulation process of the refrigerant starting from the distributor 32 will be described in detail.

The liquid refrigerant flows from the distributor 32 to the auxiliary unit 400 and flows into the auxiliary unit 400 through the third auxiliary distribution and connection hole 426. [ The introduced refrigerant flows from the third auxiliary branching portion 465 to the eighth auxiliary line 458.

Further, the refrigerant is branched at the fourth auxiliary branching portion 467 and flows into the ninth auxiliary line 459 and the eighth auxiliary line 458, respectively.

First, the refrigerant flowing into the ninth auxiliary line 459 is discharged from the auxiliary unit 400 through the third auxiliary coupling hole 433. The refrigerant discharged from the third auxiliary coupling hole 433 flows into the second outdoor coupling hole 174 and flows into the first outdoor unit unit 10.

The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 130 along the second outdoor coupling line 134 flows to the second outdoor four-way valve 190 along the outdoor heat exchange line 132. At this time, the second outdoor square valve 190 connects the outdoor heat exchange line 132 to the first gas-liquid inflow line 197.

On the other hand, the refrigerant flowing into the eighth auxiliary line 468 is discharged from the auxiliary unit 400 through the seventh auxiliary coupling hole 437. The refrigerant discharged from the seventh auxiliary coupling hole 437 flows into the fourth outdoor coupling hole 170a of the second outdoor unit unit 10a.

In addition, the refrigerant flows along the fourth outdoor joint line 136a to the third outdoor branch 153a and flows toward the outdoor heat exchanger 130a along the second outdoor joint line 134a . At this time, the first outdoor valve 156a is closed and the refrigerant flowing into the third outdoor branching part 153a flows toward the outdoor heat exchanger 130a.

The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (130a) flows to the second outdoor four-way valve (190a) along the outdoor heat exchange line (132a). The refrigerant flows into the third outdoor coupling hole 176a along the third outdoor coupling line 151a and is discharged from the second outdoor unit unit 10a.

The refrigerant discharged from the second outdoor unit unit 10a flows into the auxiliary unit 400 through the fifth auxiliary coupling hole 435 and flows through the seventh auxiliary line 457 and the second auxiliary line 452 And is discharged from the second auxiliary coupling hole 432. [ The discharged refrigerant flows through the third outdoor coupling hole (176) of the first outdoor unit (10).

And the refrigerant flows to the second outdoor branching part 152 through the third outdoor coupling line 151. At this time, the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (130) of the first outdoor unit unit (10) and the outdoor heat exchanger (130a) of the second outdoor unit unit (10a) Liquid refrigerant flows to the gas-liquid separator 160.

The refrigerant passes through the gas-liquid separator 160 and the compressors 140 and 145 and is compressed. The compressed refrigerant flows along the compressor discharge line 146 to the first outdoor branch 150 and flows along the first outdoor connection line 185 and the first outdoor coupling line 183, Is discharged from the first outdoor unit (10) through the outdoor coupling hole (172).

The refrigerant flows into the auxiliary unit 400 through the first auxiliary coupling hole 431 and flows from the auxiliary four-way valve 440 to the fifth auxiliary line 455 to flow into the sixth auxiliary coupling hole 436 ). The refrigerant discharged from the sixth auxiliary coupling hole 436 flows into the second outdoor coupling hole 174a of the second outdoor unit unit 10a and flows along the second outdoor coupling line 134a, (154a).

Since the first outdoor valve 156a is closed, the refrigerant flows to the third outdoor connection line 138a and flows along the compressor inlet line 144a to the compressors 140a and 145a. That is, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressors 140 and 145 of the first outdoor unit unit 10 and compressed by the compressors 140a and 145a of the second outdoor unit unit 10a.

The two-stage compressed refrigerant flows to the first outdoor branch line 150a along the compressor discharge line 146a and flows along the first outdoor connection line 185a and the first outdoor coupling line 183a. And is discharged from the second outdoor unit 10a through the first outdoor coupling hole 172a.

The refrigerant flows into the auxiliary unit 400 through the fourth auxiliary coupling hole 434 and flows into the distributor 32 through the second auxiliary distribution coupling hole 424 along the sixth auxiliary line 456, .

10: outdoor unit 20: auxiliary outdoor unit
30: indoor unit unit 130: outdoor heat exchanger
140, 145: compressor 160: gas-liquid separator
230: auxiliary heat exchanger 240: auxiliary compressor
260: auxiliary liquid separator 300: indoor heat exchanger
310: indoor expansion valve

Claims (10)

An indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger;
An outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor and forming a refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit; And
And an auxiliary outdoor unit provided with an auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger and a subsidiary compressor and forming one refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit and the outdoor unit,
The refrigerant cycle formed by the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is driven in the normal cooling mode and the general heating mode,
Wherein the refrigerant cycle formed by the indoor unit unit, the outdoor unit unit, and the auxiliary outdoor unit unit is driven in an additional cooling mode, an additional one-stage heating mode, and an additional two-stage heating mode. The method according to claim 1,
A first connection pipe and a second connection pipe connecting the outdoor unit unit and the indoor unit unit;
A third connection pipe connecting the outdoor unit and the auxiliary outdoor unit;
A fourth connection pipe connecting one side of the first connection pipe and the auxiliary outdoor unit;
A fifth connection pipe connecting the indoor unit and the auxiliary outdoor unit; And
And a sixth connection pipe connecting one side of the second connection pipe and the auxiliary outdoor unit. 3. The method of claim 2,
When it is driven in the normal cooling mode or the general heating mode,
Wherein the refrigerant flows only through the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe among the first to sixth connection pipes. 3. The method of claim 2,
In the case of driving in the additional cooling mode or the additional one-stage heating mode,
Wherein the refrigerant flows only through the first connection pipe, the second connection pipe, the fifth connection pipe and the sixth connection pipe among the first to sixth connection pipes. 3. The method of claim 2,
In the case of the additional two-stage heating mode,
And the refrigerant flows into the first to sixth connection pipes. 6. The method of claim 5,
In the case of the additional two-stage heating mode,
And the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the auxiliary outdoor heat exchanger flows into the outdoor unit through the third connection pipe. 6. The method of claim 5,
In the case of the additional two-stage heating mode,
Wherein the refrigerant compressed in the compressor flows into the auxiliary outdoor unit through the fourth connection pipe and is compressed in the auxiliary compressor. The method according to claim 1,
In the outdoor unit,
A first outdoor coupling hole coupled with the first connection pipe;
A second outdoor coupling hole coupled with the second connection pipe; And
And a third outdoor coupling hole coupled with the third connection pipe,
The refrigerant is introduced into the outdoor unit through the second outdoor coupling hole and the third outdoor coupling hole and the refrigerant is discharged from the outdoor unit through the first outdoor coupling hole The air conditioner comprising: 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the third outdoor coupling hole is closed when driven in a normal cooling mode or a general heating mode. The method according to claim 1,
In the auxiliary outdoor unit,
A first auxiliary coupling hole coupled to the third connection pipe;
A second auxiliary coupling hole coupled to the fourth connection pipe;
A third auxiliary coupling hole coupled to the fifth connection pipe; And
And a fourth auxiliary coupling hole that is coupled to the sixth connection pipe,
The refrigerant flows into the auxiliary outdoor unit through the fourth auxiliary coupling hole and the sixth auxiliary coupling hole and flows through the third auxiliary coupling hole and the fifth auxiliary coupling hole And the refrigerant is discharged from the auxiliary outdoor unit.

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