AIR CONDITIONER

Abstract

 Disclosed is an air conditioner. The air conditioner of the present disclosure includes: a compressor which compresses a refrigerant; a condenser which condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; an expansion valve which expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser; an evaporator which evaporates the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve, the evaporator having a first tube and a second tube which respectively provide a passage through which the refrigerant flows; and a branch pipe which is installed between the expansion valve and the evaporator, and which distributes the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve to the first tube and the second tube, wherein the branch pipe includes: an inflow part which is elongated, and into which the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is flowed; a first part which is elongated in a direction intersecting a length direction of the inflow part, and which is connected to the first tube; a second part which is elongated in a length direction of the first part, and which is spaced apart from the first part in the length direction of the inflow part; and a buffer part which is connected to the inflow part, the first part, and the second part, the buffer part extending linearly or curvedly from the inflow part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner capable of uniformly distributing a refrigerant to tubes constituting an evaporator.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an air conditioner refers to an apparatus that cools or heats a room through processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. When an outdoor heat exchanger of air conditioner serves as a condenser and an indoor heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, a room can be cooled. Conversely, if an indoor heat exchanger of air conditioner serves as a condenser and an outdoor heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, a room can be heated.

[0003] For example, an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger may be a fin-tube heat exchanger having two or more tubes and fins. In addition, a branch pipe is provided in an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger to distribute a refrigerant to tubes constituting an evaporator.

[0004] At this time, according to a space restriction, a branch pipe and/or a pipe coupled thereto may be bent at least once. In this case, the refrigerant is non-uniformly distributed from the branch pipe to tubes constituting an evaporator, so that the performance of the heat exchanger may deteriorate. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a technology capable of uniformly distributing the refrigerant from a branch pipe to tubes constituting an evaporator.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[0005] An object of the present disclosure aims to solve the foregoing and other problems.

[0006] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide an air conditioner capable of improving performance of a heat exchanger by improving distribution characteristics of a refrigerant to tubes constituting an evaporator.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide a branch pipe having a buffer part that can help to distribute the refrigerant uniformly to the tubes constituting an evaporator.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure may be to provide various examples of a buffer part of branch pipe.

Technical Solution

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, in order to achieve the above and other objects, an air conditioner may include: a compressor which compresses a refrigerant; a condenser which condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; an expansion valve which expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser; an evaporator which evaporates the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve, the evaporator having a first tube and a second tube which respectively provide a passage through which the refrigerant flows; and a branch pipe which is installed between the expansion valve and the evaporator, and which distributes the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve to the first tube and the second tube, wherein the branch pipe may include: an inflow part which is elongated, and into which the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is flowed; a first part which is elongated in a direction intersecting a length direction of the inflow part, and which is connected to the first tube; a second part which is elongated in a length direction of the first part, and which is spaced apart from the first part in the length direction of the inflow part; and a buffer part which is connected to the inflow part, the first part, and the second part, the buffer part extending linearly or curvedly from the inflow part.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0010] The effects of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of improving performance of a heat exchanger by improving distribution characteristics of a refrigerant to tubes constituting an evaporator.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a branch pipe having a buffer part that can help to distribute the refrigerant uniformly to the tubes constituting an evaporator.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide various examples of a buffer part of branch pipe.

[0014] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] 

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner and a flow of refrigerant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views for explaining an outdoor heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a conventional branch pipe provided thereto.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a conventional branch pipe as compared to a branch pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining a refrigerant distribution characteristic of the branch pipe of FIG. 4, and shows the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through each passage of a first part and a second part of the branch pipe as a contour image.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are views for explaining a branch pipe having a linear buffer part according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a branch pipe having a linear buffer part according to another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a branch pipe having a linear buffer part according to another example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a branch pipe having a ring-shaped buffer part according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a refrigerant distribution characteristic of the branch pipe of FIG. 10, and shows the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each passage of a first part and a second part of the branch pipe as a contour image.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a branch pipe having a ring-shaped buffer part according to another example of the present disclosure.

Mode for Invention

[0016] Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be denoted by the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0017] In general, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such suffixes herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffixes do not have any special meaning or function.

[0018] In the present disclosure, that which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to assist in easy understanding of various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings.

[0019] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0020] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected with" another element, there may be intervening elements present. In contrast, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0021] A singular representation may include a plural representation unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In the present application, it should be understood that the terms "comprises, includes," "has," etc. specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner 1 may include an outdoor unit ODU and an indoor unit IDU. The outdoor unit ODU may include a compressor 2, a switching valve 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, an expansion valve 5, and an accumulator 7. The indoor unit IDU may include an indoor heat exchanger 6. Meanwhile, the air conditioner 1 may be referred to as a heat pump.

[0024] The compressor 2 may compress the refrigerant flowed from the accumulator 7 and discharge a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. In this case, a first pipe P1 may be installed between the accumulator 7 and the compressor 2 to provide a refrigerant passage leading from the accumulator 7 to the compressor 2. In addition, a second pipe P2 may be installed between the compressor 2 and the switching valve 3 to provide a refrigerant passage leading from the compressor 2 to the switching valve 3.

[0025] The switching valve 3 may switch a passage depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 1, and selectively guide the refrigerant flowed into the switching valve 3 to the outdoor heat exchanger 4 or the indoor heat exchanger 6. For example, the switching valve 3 may be a four-way valve. Meanwhile, a sixth pipe P6 may be installed between the switching valve 3 and the accumulator 7 to provide a refrigerant passage leading from the switching valve 3 to the accumulator 7.

[0026] The outdoor heat exchanger 4 can exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The direction of heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may vary depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 1. An outdoor fan 4a may be installed in one side of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to control the amount of air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 4. For example, the outdoor fan 4a may be driven by a motor. Meanwhile, a third pipe P3 may be installed between the switching valve 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to provide a refrigerant passage connecting the switching valve 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0027] The indoor heat exchanger 6 may exchange heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The heat transfer direction between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 6 may vary depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 1. An indoor fan 6a may be installed in one side of the indoor heat exchanger 6, and may adjust the amount of air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 6. For example, the indoor fan 6a may be driven by a motor. Meanwhile, a fifth pipe P5 may be installed between the switching valve 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 to provide a refrigerant passage connecting the switching valve 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 6.

[0028] The expansion valve 5 may be installed in a fourth pipe P4. Here, the fourth pipe P4 may be installed between the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6, and may provide a refrigerant passage connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6. The expansion valve 5 may expand the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor heat exchanger 4 or the indoor heat exchanger 6 in a low temperature-low pressure state, depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 1. For example, the expansion valve 5 may be an electronic expansion valve EEV capable of adjusting the opening degree of the passage of the fourth pipe P4.

[0029] A controller M (not shown) may control the operation of the air conditioner 1. The controller M may be electrically connected to each component of the air conditioner 1. The controller M may control the operation of the switching valve 3 and the expansion valve 5, depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 1. In addition, the controller M may adjust the operating frequency Hz of the compressor 2, depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 1.

<Cooling operation mode of air conditioner>

[0030] Referring to the left drawing of FIG. 1, when the air conditioner 1 receives a cooling operation signal, the controller M may perform the cooling operation of the air conditioner. For example, the cooling operation signal may be a signal arbitrarily input by a user. For another example, the cooling operation signal may be a signal that is provided to the controller M by a thermostat provided in the indoor space, when the indoor temperature detected by an indoor temperature sensor is higher than a desired temperature set by a user by a certain level or more.

[0031] Specifically, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowed into the compressor 2 from the accumulator 7 through the first pipe P1 may be discharged from the compressor 2 in a high-temperature, high-pressure state. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 may flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 through the second pipe P2, the switching valve 3, and the third pipe P3 sequentially.

[0032] As heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant may be condensed. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may serve as a condenser. The refrigerant condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may flow into the fourth pipe P4. In addition, the refrigerant flowing through the passage of the fourth pipe P4 passes through the expansion valve 5, expands in a low temperature-low pressure state, and may flow into the indoor heat exchanger 6.

[0033] As the thermal energy of indoor air is transferred from the indoor heat exchanger 6 to the refrigerant, the refrigerant may be evaporated. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 6 may serve as an evaporator. In addition, the indoor space may be cooled according to heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The refrigerant evaporated while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 6 may flow into the compressor 2 through the fifth pipe P5, the switching valve 3, the sixth pipe P6, the accumulator 7, and the first pipe P1 sequentially. Thus, a refrigerant cycle for the cooling operation of the air conditioner described above may be completed.

<Heating operation mode of air conditioner>

[0034] Referring to the right side of FIG. 1, when a heating operation signal is received by the air conditioner, the controller M may perform the heating operation of the air conditioner. For example, the heating operation signal may be a signal arbitrarily input by a user. For another example, the heating operation signal may be a signal that is provided to the controller M by a thermostat provided in the indoor space, when the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is lower than a desired temperature set by a user by a certain level or more.

[0035] Specifically, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowed into the compressor 2 from the accumulator 7 through the first pipe P1 may be compressed in the compressor 2 and discharged in a high-temperature, high-pressure state. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 may flow into the indoor heat exchanger 6 through the second pipe P2, the switching valve 3, and the fifth pipe P5 sequentially.

[0036] As heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 6, the refrigerant may be condensed. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 6 may serve as a condenser. In addition, the indoor space may be heated according to heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The refrigerant condensed while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 6 may flow into the fourth pipe P4. In addition, the refrigerant flowing through the passage of the fourth pipe P4 may pass through the expansion valve 5, expand in a low temperature-low pressure state, and may flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0037] As the thermal energy of the outdoor air is transferred from the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to the refrigerant, the refrigerant may be evaporated. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may serve as an evaporator. The refrigerant evaporated while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may flow into the compressor 2 through the third pipe P3, the switching valve 3, the sixth pipe P6, the accumulator 7, and the first pipe P1 sequentially. Thus, a refrigerant cycle for the heating operation of the air conditioner described above may be completed.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may be a fin-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 may include a first tube 41a, a second tube 41b, and a fin 42. Meanwhile, the direction indications of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and rear (R) shown in FIG. 2 are only for convenience of explanation, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited thereto.

[0039] Each of the first tube 41a and the second tube 41b may provide a passage through which the refrigerant flows. The first tube 41a may be elongated in the left-right direction as a whole, and may be formed to be wrinkled in the up-down direction. That is, the first tube 41a may be formed by repeatedly being extended long to the right and then bended downward to be folded to the left, being extended long to the left and then bended downward to be folded to the right, and being extended long to the right and then bended downward to be folded to the left. The second tube 41b may be located in front of the first tube 41a, and the shape of the second tube 41b may be the same as the shape of the first tube 41a as a whole.

[0040] The fin 42 may be coupled to outer circumferential surfaces of the first tube 41a and the second tube 41b. The first tube 41a and the second tube 41b may penetrate the fin 42. The fin 42 may be elongated in the up-down direction and may be a thin flat plate. There may be provided a plurality of fins 42, and the plurality of fins 42 may be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0041] Accordingly, the outside air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may pass through a space between the plurality of fins 42, and exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through each passage of the first tube 41a and the second tube 41b.

[0042] Meanwhile, the indoor heat exchanger 6 (see FIG. 1) may be a fin-tube heat exchanger like the outdoor heat exchanger 4 described above.

[0043] Meanwhile, depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 1, one of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 (see FIG. 1) may serve as an evaporator and the other may serve as a condenser. In this case, according to the operation of the air conditioner 1, the refrigerant may be expanded while passing through the expansion valve 5 (see FIG. 1), and may flow into the evaporator with a dryness value of less than 1.

[0044] A branch pipe 10 may be provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6. The branch pipe 10 may guide the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve 5 to the evaporator. Hereinafter, for brief description, the branch pipe 10 will be described by taking a case where the outdoor heat exchanger 4 serves as the evaporator as an example.

[0045] The branch pipe 10 may be installed between the first tube 41a and the fourth pipe P4 to provide a refrigerant passage connecting the first tube 41a and the fourth pipe P4. The branch pipe 10 may be installed between the second tube 41b and the fourth pipe P4 to provide a refrigerant passage connecting the second tube 41b and the fourth pipe P4. That is, the branch pipe 10 may include a first end connected to the fourth pipe P4, a second end connected to the first tube 41a, and a third end connected to the second tube 41b.

[0046] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowed into the branch pipe 10 from the fourth pipe P4 may be branched into the first tube 41a and the second tube 41b. In addition, the refrigerant passing through each of the first tube 41a and the second tube 41b may flow into the third pipe P3.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the branch pipe 10 may include an inflow part 11, a switching part 12, a branch part 13, a first part 14a, and a second part 14b.

[0048] The inflow part 11 may be elongated, and have a first end connected to the fourth pipe P4. For example, the inflow part 11 may extend in the left-right direction. Meanwhile, the inflow part 11 may be referred to as a straight pipe or a horizontal pipe. The switching part 12 may be bent from the inflow part 11, and extend in a direction intersecting the length direction of the inflow part 11. For example, the switching part 12 may extend in the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the switching part 12 may be referred to as a direction switching part, a curved pipe, or a bending part. The branch part 13 may have an inlet end connected to the switching part 12 and two outlet ends opposite to the inlet. Meanwhile, the branch part 13 may be referred to as a Y-shaped pipe.

[0049] The first part 14a may have the second end that is connected to one of the two outlet ends, and connected to the first tube 41a (see FIG. 2). The second part 14b may have the third end that is connected to the other one of the two outlet ends, and connected to the second tube 41b (see FIG. 2). The first part 14a and the second part 14b may be elongated in the length direction of the switching part 12, that is, in the up-down direction. The first part 14a and the second part 14b may be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the inflow part 11, that is, in the left-right direction.

[0050] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowed into the inflow part 11 may be branched into the first part 14a and the second part 14b via the switching part 12 and the branch part 13. In addition, the refrigerant flowed into the first part 14a may be provided to the first tube 41a (see FIG. 2), and the refrigerant flowed into the second part 14b may be provided to the second tube 41b (see FIG. 2).

[0051] Meanwhile, the refrigerant may be expanded while passing through the expansion valve 5 (see FIG. 1), and may be flowed into the inflow part 11 in a state of two phases. That is, the dryness of the refrigerant flowed into the inflow part 11 may be less than 1. In addition, the flow characteristics of the two-phase refrigerant may vary depending on the mass flow rate of the refrigerant or the dryness of the refrigerant. For example, the dryness of the refrigerant flowed into the inflow part 11 may be 0.2. In this case, at a mass flow rate within a certain range, the refrigerant flowed into the inflow part 11 may exhibit a stratified flow characteristic. That is, among the refrigerants flowing into the inflow part 11, gaseous refrigerant may intensively flow in the upper portion of the pipe, and liquid refrigerant may intensively flow in the lower portion of the pipe.

[0052] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowed into the inflow part 11 may be concentrated on a right inner surface relatively far from the inflow part 11 among the inner surfaces of the converting part 12 while passing through the switching part 12. Here, it can be understood that the liquid refrigerant is more affected by gravity, inertial force, or centrifugal force than the gaseous refrigerant, so that the flow of the liquid refrigerant is concentrated on a right inner surface of the switching part 12. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant passed through the branch part 13 may be concentrated on the second part 14b than the first part 14a (see the contour image of FIG. 5). In this case, the refrigerant may be unevenly distributed to the first tube 41a (see FIG. 2) and the second tube 41b (see FIG. 2), so that the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 may be degraded.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the branch pipe 10a may include an inflow part 11, a switching part 12', a branch part 13, a first part 14a, a second part 14b, and a buffer part 15.

[0054] The inflow part 11 may extend along an extension line EL1 parallel to the left-right direction. The switching part 12' may extend from the inflow part 11 in a direction intersecting the length direction of the inflow part 11. The switching part 12' may be elongated from the inflow part 11 along an extension line EL2 parallel to the up-down direction. Meanwhile, the switching part 12' may be referred to as a direction switching part or a vertical pipe. The branch part 13 may be branched from the switching part 12' and connected to the first part 14a and the second part 14b. The branch part 13 may include a first bending part 13a extending toward the first part 14a while being bent to the left which is a direction from the switching part 12' toward the inflow part 11, and a second bending part 13b extending toward the second part 14b while being bent to the right which is a direction opposite to the direction toward the inflow part 11.

[0055] The first part 14a may be elongated from the first bending part 13a along a first extension line EL4a parallel to the up-down direction. The second part 14b may be elongated from the second bending part 13b along a second extension line EL4b parallel to the up-down direction. The first extension line EL4a is the central axis of the first part 14a, the second extension line EL4b is the central axis of the second part 14b, and the distance between the first extension line EL4a and the second extension line EL4b may be G.

[0056] In this case, the branch part 13 may extend along an extension line EL3 drawing an arc of a first radius r1 with respect to a first center C1. Here, the first center C1 may be located between the first extension line EL4a and the second extension line EL4b, and may be located on a horizontal line HL connecting the lower end of the first part 14a and the lower end of the second part 14b. In addition, the first radius r1 may be equal to or smaller than half of the distance G.

[0057] For example, the inner diameter D1 of the inflow part 11, the inner diameter D2 of the switching part 12', the inner diameter D3 of the branch part 13, the inner diameter D4a of the first part 14a, and the inner diameters D4b of the second part 14b may be the same.

[0058] The buffer part 15 may extend from the inflow part 11 in the length direction of the inflow part 11. The buffer part 15 may extend to the right from the inflow part 11. One end of the buffer part 15 toward the inflow part 11 may be blocked, but the other end opposite to the one end may be closed. The switching part 12' may be located between the inflow part 11 and the buffer part 15. In other words, the buffer part 15 may be opposite the inflow part 11 with respect to the switching part 12'. The buffer part 15 may be connected to the inflow part 11 and may be connected to the first part 14a and the second part 14b through the switching part 12' and the branch part 13. For example, the inner diameter D5 of the buffer part 15 may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the inflow part 11.

[0059] For example, a first distance a, which is the distance between the inner surface of the distal end of the buffer part 15 and the extension line EL2 extending in the up-down direction while passing through the center of the switching part 12', may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the inflow part 11. In this case, the inner diameter D1 may be 7 mm, and the first distance a may be 5 to 7 mm.

[0060] For another example, the first distance a, which is the distance between the inner surface of the distal end of the buffer part 15 and the extension line EL2 extending in the up-down direction while passing through the center of the switching part 12' may be equal to or larger than the inner diameter D1 of the inflow part 11. In this case, the inner diameter D1 may be 7 mm, and the first distance a may be 7 to 15 mm.

[0061] At least a part of the refrigerant flowing through the inflow part 11 may collide with the buffer part 15 or be guided to the switching part 12' via the buffer part 15. That is, the biased flow of the refrigerant corresponding to the direction change of the passage leading from the inflow part 11 to the switching part 12' may be alleviated. Thus, the buffer part 15 may help the flow of the refrigerant passing through the switching part 12' to be uniformly formed in an internal space of the switching part 12'. Meanwhile, the internal space of the buffer part 15 may be referred to as a buffer area.

[0062] Accordingly, distribution characteristics of the refrigerant with respect to the first part 14a and the second part 14b may be improved. That is, since the refrigerant is considerably evenly distributed to the first tube 41a (see FIG. 2) and the second tube 41b (see FIG. 2), the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 can be improved.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 8, a branch pipe 10a' may include a buffer part 15' instead of the buffer part 15 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

[0064] The buffer part 15' may extend from the inflow part 11 in the length direction of the inflow part 11. The buffer part 15' may extend from the inflow part 11 to the right. One end of the buffer part 15' toward the inflow part 11 may be opened, while the other end opposite to the one end may be blocked. The switching part 12' may be located between the inflow part 11 and the buffer part 15'. In other words, the buffer part 15' may be opposite the inflow part 11 with respect to the switching part 12'. The buffer part 15' may be connected to the inflow part 11, and may be connected to the first part 14a and the second part 14b through the switching part 12' and the branch part 13. For example, the inner diameter D5' of the buffer part 15' may be greater than the inner diameter D1 of the inflow part 11. In this case, the inner diameter D1 may be 7 mm, and the inner diameter D5' may be 7 to 15 mm.

[0065] For example, a second distance b, which is the distance between the inner surface of the distal end of the buffer part 15' and the extension line EL2 extending in the up-down direction while passing through the center of the switching part 12', may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the inflow part 11. In this case, the inner diameter D1 may be 7 mm, and the second distance b may be 5 to 7 mm.

[0066] For another example, the second distance b, which is the distance between the inner surface of the distal end of the buffer part 15' and the extension line EL2 extending in the up-down direction while passing through the center of the switching part 12', may be equal to or larger than the inner diameter D1 of the inflow part 11. In this case, the inner diameter D1 is 7 mm, and the second distance b may be 7 to 15 mm.

[0067] At least a part of the refrigerant flowing through the inflow part 11 may collide with the buffer part 15' or be guided to the switching part 12' via the buffer part 15'. That is, the biased flow of the refrigerant corresponding to the direction change of the passage leading from the inflow part 11 to the switching part 12' may be alleviated. Thus, the buffer part 15' may help the flow of the refrigerant passing through the switching part 12' to be more uniformly formed in an internal space of the switching part 12'. Meanwhile, the internal space of the buffer part 15' may be referred to as a buffer area.

[0068] Accordingly, distribution characteristics of the refrigerant with respect to the first part 14a and the second part 14b may be improved. That is, since the refrigerant is considerably more evenly distributed to the first tube 41a (see FIG. 2) and the second tube 41b (see FIG. 2), the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 can be improved.

[0069] Meanwhile, the branch pipe 10a' may include a groove 16 described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 9, the branch pipe 10a" may include the configuration of the branch pipe 10a described above with reference to FIG. 7 and the groove 16.

[0071] The groove 16 may be formed by being recessed from the inner surface of the inflow part 11. The groove 16 may be spirally formed on the inner surface of the inflow part 11. A third distance c, which is the distance between the left distal end of the groove 16 and the extension line EL2 extending in the up-down direction while passing through the center of the switching part 12', may be greater than the first distance a. For example, the third distance c may be 3 to 5 times the first distance a.

[0072] For example, the groove 16 may be formed while being recessed from the inner surface of the buffer part 15. The groove 16 formed in the buffer part 15 may be connected to the groove 16 formed in the inflow part 11. For another example, the groove 16 may not be formed in the buffer part 15.

[0073] In this case, the refrigerant flowing through the inflow part 11 may swirl while passing through an area where the groove 16 is formed. That is, in the area where the groove 16 is formed, the stratified flow characteristics of two-phase refrigerant flowed into the inflow part 11 may be alleviated. In addition, the buffer part 15 may alleviate a flow bias phenomenon of the refrigerant corresponding to the change in direction of the passage leading from the inflow part 11 to the switching part 12'. Thus, the groove 16 and the buffer part 15 can help the flow of the refrigerant passing through the switching part 12' to be formed more uniformly in the internal space of the switching part 12'. Meanwhile, the area where the groove 16 is formed may be referred to as a swirl area.

[0074] Accordingly, distribution characteristics of the refrigerant with respect to the first part 14a and the second part 14b may be further improved. That is, since the refrigerant is more uniformly distributed to the first tube 41a (see FIG. 2) and the second tube 41b (see FIG. 2), the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 can be further improved.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a branch pipe 10b may include an inflow part 11, a switching part 12", a branch part 13, a first part 14a, a second part 14b, and a buffer part 17.

[0076] The inflow part 11 may extend along an extension line EL1 parallel to the left-right direction. The switching part 12" may extend in a direction intersecting the length direction of the inflow part 11. The switching part 12" may be elongated along an extension line EL2 parallel to the up-down direction. The branch part 13 may be branched from the switching part 12" and connected to the first part 14a and the second part 14b. The branch part 13 may include a first bending part 13a extending toward the first part 14a while being bent to the left which is a direction from the switching part 12" toward the inflow part 11, and a second bending part 13b extending toward the second part 14b while being bent to the right which is a direction opposite to the direction toward the inflow part 11.

[0077] The first part 14a may be elongated from the first bending part 13a along a first extension line EL4a parallel to the up-down direction. The second part 14b may be elongated from the second bending part 13b along a second extension line EL4b parallel to the up-down direction. The first extension line EL4a is the central axis of the first part 14a, the second extension line EL4b is the central axis of the second part 14b, and the distance between the first extension line EL4a and the second extension line EL4b may be G.

[0078] The buffer part 17 may be formed in a ring or donut shape as a whole. In this case, the opening (no reference numeral) of the buffer part 17 may be provided in the front-rear direction which is a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the inflow part 11 and the length direction of the switching part 12". The right distal end of the inflow part 11 may be coupled to one side of the buffer part 17 in the radial direction of the buffer part 17. The lower end of the switching part 12" may be coupled to the other side of the buffer part 17 in the radial direction of the buffer part 17. An angle between the one side and the other side of the buffer part 17 may be 90 degrees.

[0079] In this case, the buffer part 17 may extend along an extension line EL7 drawing a circle of a second radius r2 with respect to a second center C2. Here, the second center C2 may be located between the first extension line EL4a and the second extension line EL4b, and may be located on the extension line EL1. In addition, the second radius r2 may be equal to or smaller than half of the distance G.

[0080] A part of the refrigerant flowing through the inflow part 11 may move in a counterclockwise direction toward the lower portion of the buffer part 17, and the remainder may move in a clockwise direction toward the upper portion of the buffer part 17. In addition, the refrigerant passing through the buffer part 17 may be guided to the switching part 12". That is, the biased flow of the refrigerant corresponding to the change in the direction of the passage leading from the inflow part 11 to the switching part 12" may be alleviated. Thus, the buffer part 17 can help the flow of the refrigerant passing through the switching part 12" to be formed uniformly in the internal space of the switching part 12'. Meanwhile, the internal space of the buffer part 17 may be referred to as a buffer area.

[0081] Accordingly, distribution characteristics of the refrigerant with respect to the first part 14a and the second part 14b can be further improved (see the contour image of FIG. 11). That is, since the refrigerant is uniformly distributed to the first tube 41a (see FIG. 2) and the second tube 41b (see FIG. 2), the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 can be further improved.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 12, a branch pipe 10c may include an inflow part 11, a first part 14a, a second part 14b, and a buffer part 18.

[0083] The inflow part 11 may be extended along an extension line EL1 parallel to the left-right direction. The first part 14a may be elongated along the first extension line EL4a parallel to the up-down direction. The second part 14b may be elongated along the second extension line EL4b parallel to the up-down direction. The first extension line EL4a is a central axis of the first part 14a, the second extension line EL4b is a central axis of the second part 14b, and the distance between the first extension line EL4a and the second extension line EL4b may be G.

[0084] The buffer part 18 may be formed in a ring or donut shape as a whole. In this case, the opening (no reference numeral) of the buffer part 18 may be provided in the front-rear direction which is a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the inflow part 11 and the length direction of the first part 14a or the second part 14b. A right distal end of the inflow part 11 may be coupled to a first point of the buffer part 18 in the radial direction of the buffer part 18. A lower end of the first part 14a may be coupled to a second point of the buffer part 18 in the radial direction of the buffer part 18. A lower end of the second part 14b may be coupled to a third point of the buffer part 18 in the radial direction of the buffer part 18. An angle between the first point and the second point of the buffer part 18 may be less than 90 degrees. An angle between the first point and the third point of the buffer part 18 may be greater than 90 degrees.

[0085] In this case, the buffer part 18 may extend along an extension line EL8 drawing a circle of a third radius r3 with respect to a third center C3. Here, the third center C3 may be located between the first extension line EL4a and the second extension line EL4b, and may be located on the extension line EL1. In addition, the third radius r3 may be greater than half of the distance G.

[0086] A part of the refrigerant flowing through the inflow part 11 may move in a counterclockwise direction toward the lower portion of the buffer part 18, and the remainder may move in a clockwise direction toward the upper portion of the buffer part 18. In addition, the refrigerant passing through the buffer part 18 may be guided to the first part 14a and the second part 14b. That is, the biased flow of the refrigerant corresponding to the change in direction of the passage leading from the inflow part 11 to the first part 14a or the second part 14b can be alleviated. Meanwhile, the inner space of the buffer part 18 may be referred to as an extended buffer area.

[0087] Accordingly, distribution characteristics of the refrigerant with respect to the first part 14a and the second part 14b may be further improved. That is, since the refrigerant is more uniformly distributed to the first tube 41a (see FIG. 2) and the second tube 41b (see FIG. 2), the performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 can be further improved.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, the air conditioner according to an aspect of the present disclosure may include: a compressor which compresses a refrigerant; a condenser which condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; an expansion valve which expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser; an evaporator which evaporates the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve, the evaporator having a first tube and a second tube which respectively provide a passage through which the refrigerant flows; and a branch pipe which is installed between the expansion valve and the evaporator, and which distributes the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve to the first tube and the second tube, wherein the branch pipe may include: an inflow part which is elongated, and into which the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is flowed; a first part which is elongated in a direction intersecting a length direction of the inflow part, and which is connected to the first tube; a second part which is elongated in a length direction of the first part, and which is spaced apart from the first part in the length direction of the inflow part; and a buffer part which is connected to the inflow part, the first part, and the second part, the buffer part extending linearly or curvedly from the inflow part.

[0089] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the branch pipe may further include: a switching part extending from the inflow part in the length direction of the first part; and a branch part which is branched from the switching part and connected to the first part and the second part, wherein the buffer part extends from the inflow part in the length direction of the inflow part, and is opposite the inflow part with respect to the switching part.

[0090] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner diameter of the buffer part may be equal to an inner diameter of the inflow part.

[0091] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part may be spaced apart by a first distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part, and the first distance may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the inflow part.

[0092] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part may be spaced apart by a first distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part, and the first distance may be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the inflow part.

[0093] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner diameter of the buffer part may be larger than an inner diameter of the inflow part.

[0094] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part may be spaced apart by a second distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part, and the second distance may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the inflow part.

[0095] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, an inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part may be spaced apart by a second distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part, and the second distance may be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the inflow part.

[0096] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the branch pipe may further include a groove which is formed while being recessed from an inner surface of the inflow part, and which is formed in a spiral shape on the inner surface of the inflow part, the inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part may be spaced apart by a first distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part, and a distal end of the groove may be spaced apart from the extension line by a third distance larger than the first distance.

[0097] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the groove may extend to the inner surface of the buffer part.

[0098] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the buffer part may be formed in a ring shape, the inflow part may be coupled to one side of the buffer part in a radial direction of the buffer part, and the branch pipe may further include: a switching part which is coupled to the other side of the buffer part in a radial direction of the buffer part, and which extends in a length direction of the first part; and a branch part which is branched from the switching part, and which is connected to the first part and the second part.

[0099] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the branch part may further include: a first bending part which extends toward the first part while being bent in a direction from the switching part toward the inflow part; and a second bending part which extends toward the second part while being bent in a direction opposite to a direction from the switching part toward the inflow part.

[0100] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the buffer part may extend while drawing a circle having a radius equal to or smaller than half of a distance between a central axis of the first part and a central axis of the second part.

[0101] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the buffer part may be formed in a ring shape, the inflow part may be coupled to a first point of the buffer part in a radial direction of the buffer part, the first part may be coupled to a second point of the buffer part in the radial direction of the buffer part, the second part may be coupled to a third point of the buffer part in the radial direction of the buffer part, an angle between the first point and the second point may be less than 90 degrees, and an angle between the first point and the third point may be greater than 90 degrees.

[0102] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the buffer part may extend while drawing a circle having a radius greater than half of a distance between a central axis of the first part and a central axis of the second part.

[0103] Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used jointly or combined in each configuration or function.

[0104] For example, it means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawings may be combined with configuration B described in other embodiments and/or drawings. That is, even if the coupling between the components is not directly described, it means that the coupling is possible except for the case where it is described that the coupling is impossible.

[0105] The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising:

a compressor which compresses a refrigerant;

a condenser which condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor;

an expansion valve which expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser;

an evaporator which evaporates the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve, the evaporator having a first tube and a second tube which respectively provide a passage through which the refrigerant flows; and

a branch pipe which is installed between the expansion valve and the evaporator, and which distributes the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve to the first tube and the second tube,

wherein the branch pipe comprises:

an inflow part which is elongated, and into which the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is flowed;

a first part which is elongated in a direction intersecting a length direction of the inflow part, and which is connected to the first tube;

a second part which is elongated in a length direction of the first part, and which is spaced apart from the first part in the length direction of the inflow part; and

a buffer part which is connected to the inflow part, the first part, and the second part, the buffer part extending linearly or curvedly from the inflow part.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the branch pipe further comprises:

a switching part extending from the inflow part in the length direction of the first part; and

a branch part which is branched from the switching part and connected to the first part and the second part,

wherein the buffer part extends from the inflow part in the length direction of the inflow part, and is opposite the inflow part with respect to the switching part.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the buffer part is equal to an inner diameter of the inflow part.

4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein an inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part is spaced apart by a first distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part,
wherein the first distance is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the inflow part.

5. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein an inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part is spaced apart by a first distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part,
wherein the first distance is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the inflow part.

6. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the buffer part is larger than an inner diameter of the inflow part.

7. The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein an inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part is spaced apart by a second distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part,
wherein the second distance is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the inflow part.

8. The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein an inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part is spaced apart by a second distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part,
wherein the second distance is equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the inflow part.

9. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the branch pipe further comprises a groove which is formed while being recessed from an inner surface of the inflow part, and which is formed in a spiral shape on the inner surface of the inflow part,

wherein the inner surface of a distal end of the buffer part is spaced apart by a first distance from a virtual extension line extending in a length direction of the switching part while passing through a center of the switching part,

wherein a distal end of the groove is spaced apart from the extension line by a third distance larger than the first distance.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein the groove extends to the inner surface of the buffer part.

11. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the buffer part is formed in a ring shape,

wherein the inflow part is coupled to one side of the buffer part in a radial direction of the buffer part,

wherein the branch pipe further comprises:

a switching part which is coupled to the other side of the buffer part in a radial direction of the buffer part, and which extends in a length direction of the first part; and

a branch part which is branched from the switching part, and which is connected to the first part and the second part.

12. The air conditioner of claim 11, wherein the branch part further comprises:

a first bending part which extends toward the first part while being bent in a direction from the switching part toward the inflow part; and

a second bending part which extends toward the second part while being bent in a direction opposite to a direction from the switching part toward the inflow part.

13. The air conditioner of claim 12, wherein the buffer part extends while drawing a circle having a radius equal to or smaller than half of a distance between a central axis of the first part and a central axis of the second part.

14. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the buffer part is formed in a ring shape,

wherein the inflow part is coupled to a first point of the buffer part in a radial direction of the buffer part,

wherein the first part is coupled to a second point of the buffer part in the radial direction of the buffer part,

wherein the second part is coupled to a third point of the buffer part in the radial direction of the buffer part,

wherein an angle between the first point and the second point is less than 90 degrees, and

an angle between the first point and the third point is greater than 90 degrees.

15. The air conditioner of claim 14, wherein the buffer part extends while drawing a circle having a radius greater than half of a distance between a central axis of the first part and a central axis of the second part.

Drawing