KR20240164230A - Air Conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a compressor; an outdoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging a refrigerant flowing through the compressor with outside air; at least one outdoor unit including the outdoor heat exchanger and having first and second engines and a liquid pipe connected thereto; a plurality of indoor units each having an indoor heat exchanger and being connected to the outdoor unit via one of the first and second engines and the liquid pipe; a first switching valve for switching the outdoor heat exchanger into a condenser or an evaporator; a second switching valve for switching the first engine into a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe; and a third switching valve for switching the second engine into a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe.

Description

Air Conditioner

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and more specifically, to an air conditioner capable of simultaneous cooling and heating operations.

Nowadays, there is a continuous trend of developing multi-air conditioners that cool or heat each room in order to cool or heat an indoor space divided into multiple rooms more efficiently.

An air conditioner can have an outdoor unit and multiple indoor units each connected. Depending on the connection method of the multiple indoor and outdoor units, it can be used as a switching air conditioner or a simultaneous air conditioner.

A simultaneous air conditioner has one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units via three refrigerant pipes, so that each of the multiple indoor units can perform cooling and heating operations simultaneously. To this end, the simultaneous air conditioner places a distributor between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and provides condensed refrigerant to the indoor unit of a room requiring cooling to cool the room, and provides compressed refrigerant to the indoor unit of a room requiring heating to heat the room.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0055362 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022-0214056 disclose simultaneous air conditioners equipped with distributors.

In the conventional simultaneous cycle, such as in the preceding literature, three pipes, a high-pressure organ, a low-pressure organ, and a liquid pipe, come out from the outdoor unit and are connected to the distributor unit. In the conventional simultaneous cycle, a refrigerant flow path is formed through a low-pressure pipe and a liquid pipe in an indoor unit requiring cooling, and a refrigerant flow path is formed through a high-pressure pipe and a liquid pipe in an indoor unit requiring heating, depending on the opening and closing of the high-pressure valve and the low-pressure valve inside the distributor unit.

Since the conventional simultaneous cycle requires a lot of piping between the distributor unit and the outdoor unit and between the distributor unit and the indoor unit, the installation piping becomes complicated, the installation space for the distributor unit needs to be secured, and the installation cost increases due to the number of welding points, etc.

In addition, in many cases, the distributor unit is installed indoors, and when the valve is opened, impact noises such as the pressure difference of the refrigerant may occur, and this noise may cause discomfort to the user.

Republic of Korea Publication Patent No. 10-2018-0055362 United States Patent Publication No. 2022-0214056

The problem that the present disclosure seeks to solve is to provide an air conditioner capable of simultaneous cooling and heating operation and operation in various operation modes without a distributor.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of simultaneous operation while reducing manufacturing costs, installation costs, and installation space.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simultaneous air conditioner capable of controlling indoor units by group.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of effective simultaneous operation depending on the load generated from multiple indoor units.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of operating in response to load fluctuations occurring in a plurality of indoor units.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of high-efficiency heat recovery operation while simultaneously implementing hot water heating and cooling operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that is compatible with existing products by providing various operation modes and thus being usable as a simultaneous air conditioner equipped with a switching type or distributor.

The tasks of the present disclosure are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to achieve the above task, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to an engine and a common liquid pipe, and the engine flows a high-pressure or low-pressure refrigerant according to the operation mode of the connected indoor units, thereby enabling simultaneous operation without a distributor.

In order to achieve the above task, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of indoor units divided into two or more groups, and each group is connected to an outdoor unit and an engine and two common liquid pipes, thereby enabling simultaneous operation between groups without a distributor.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned task, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure implements various operation modes by using three switching valves, so that it can be used not only in a simultaneous type but also in a switching type or connected to an existing distributor.

In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging a refrigerant flowing through the compressor with outside air, at least one outdoor unit including the outdoor heat exchanger and having first and second engines and a liquid pipe connected thereto, a plurality of indoor units each having an indoor heat exchanger and being connected to the outdoor unit via one of the first and second engines and the liquid pipe, a first switching valve for switching the outdoor heat exchanger into a condenser or an evaporator, a second switching valve for switching the first engine into a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe, and a third switching valve for switching the second engine into a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe.

It may include a first indoor unit group connected to the outdoor unit and the first engine, and a second indoor unit group connected to the outdoor unit and the second engine.

The first engine can flow high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant or low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the first indoor unit group, and the second engine can flow high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant or low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the second indoor unit group.

The above outdoor heat exchanger can be used as a condenser or an evaporator based on the load of the first and second indoor unit groups.

If the difference between the evaporation heat and the condensation heat required according to the load of the first and second indoor unit groups is within the heat balance state set by the preset standard, the current mode of the outdoor heat exchanger can be maintained.

When the first indoor unit group performs heating operation and the second indoor unit group performs cooling operation, if the heating load is greater, the first switching valve may be turned on, the second switching valve may be turned off, and the third switching valve may be turned on.

When the first indoor unit group performs heating operation and the second indoor unit group performs cooling operation, if the cooling load is greater, the first switching valve may be turned off, the second switching valve may be turned off, and the third switching valve may be turned on.

When the first indoor unit group performs cooling operation and the second indoor unit group performs heating operation, if the heating load is greater, the first switching valve may be turned on, the second switching valve may be turned on, and the third switching valve may be turned off.

When the first indoor unit group performs cooling operation and the second indoor unit group performs heating operation, if the cooling load is greater, the first switching valve may be turned off, the second switching valve may be turned on, and the third switching valve may be turned off.

When the above plurality of indoor units perform heating operation, the first switching valve may be turned on, the second switching valve may be turned off, and the third switching valve may be turned off.

When the above plurality of indoor units perform cooling operation, the first switching valve may be turned off, the second switching valve may be turned on, and the third switching valve may be turned on.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of indoor units may be connected only to the first engine. In this case, when the plurality of indoor units perform cooling operation, the first switching valve may be turned off, the second switching valve may be turned on, and the third switching valve may be turned on. In addition, when the plurality of indoor units perform heating operation, the first switching valve may be turned on, the second switching valve may be turned off, and the third switching valve may be turned on.

An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a distributor connected to the first and second engines and the liquid pipe. In this case, when the plurality of indoor units perform cooling operation or the cooling load is greater, the first switching valve may be turned off, the second switching valve may be turned off, and the third switching valve may be turned on. In addition, when the plurality of indoor units perform heating operation or the heating load is greater, the first switching valve may be turned on, the second switching valve may be turned off, and the third switching valve may be turned on.

An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a compressor; and at least one outdoor unit including an outdoor heat exchanger for heat-exchanging a refrigerant flowing through the compressor with outside air; and a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor units and having indoor heat exchangers, the plurality of indoor units including a first indoor unit group and a second indoor unit group, the outdoor unit and the first indoor unit group being connected by a first engine and a liquid pipe, the outdoor unit and the second indoor unit group being connected by a second engine and the liquid pipe, and the outdoor unit including a first switching valve for switching the outdoor heat exchanger into a condenser or an evaporator, a second switching valve for switching the first engine into a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe, and a third switching valve for switching the second engine into a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe.

The first engine can flow high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant or low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the first indoor unit group, and the second engine can flow high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant or low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the second indoor unit group.

The above outdoor heat exchanger can be used as a condenser or an evaporator based on the load of the first and second indoor unit groups.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to operate in various operation modes and simultaneously heat and cool without a distributor, and to reduce manufacturing costs, installation costs, and installation space.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a simultaneous air conditioner capable of controlling indoor units by group can be provided.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to effectively perform optimal operation according to the load occurring in a plurality of indoor units.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a technical advantage of being able to operate in response to load fluctuations occurring in a plurality of indoor units.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, high-efficiency heat recovery operation is possible while simultaneously implementing hot water heating and cooling operations.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a technical advantage in that it can be used as a simultaneous air conditioner having a switching type or a distributor by providing various operation modes, thereby being compatible with existing products.

Meanwhile, various other effects will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description according to the embodiments of the present disclosure to be described later.

FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b are system configuration diagrams of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 2A to 2D are drawings for reference in the description of outdoor unit piping control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3a illustrates an installation example of a conventional simultaneous air conditioner, and FIG. 3b illustrates an installation example of a simultaneous air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4a illustrates an example of a dehumidifying reheat heat exchanger-linked operation of a conventional air conditioner, and FIG. 4b illustrates an example of a dehumidifying reheat heat exchanger-linked operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a system configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a cycle configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 8 to 13 are drawings for reference in explaining various operations of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 14 to 19 are drawings for reference in explaining various operations of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 20 and 21 are drawings for reference in an explanation regarding a case where an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used in connection with a distributor.
FIGS. 22 and 23 are drawings for reference in an explanation regarding a case where an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used in a switching type.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The suffixes “module” and “part” used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

When it is said that a component is “connected” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is said that a component is “directly connected” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings.

FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b are system configuration diagrams of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1a, an air conditioner (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more outdoor units (20) and a plurality of indoor units (10) connected to the outdoor units (20).

The outdoor unit (20) includes a compressor (see 122a, 122b of FIG. 7) and an outdoor heat exchanger (see 124a, 124b of FIG. 7) that exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing through the compressor (122a, 122b) and outside air.

A plurality of indoor units (10) are equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (see 112 in Fig. 7) and are connected to the outdoor unit (20) through a plurality of pipes (2, 4, 6).

Referring to Fig. 1a, the plurality of indoor units (10) include a first indoor unit group (10a) and a second indoor unit group (10b).

The above outdoor unit (10) and the first indoor unit group (10a) are connected by the first engine (4) and the liquid pipe (6). In addition, the outdoor unit (10) and the second indoor unit group (10b) are connected by the second engine (6) and the liquid pipe (6). That is, the first and second indoor unit groups (10a) are each connected to the same outdoor unit (10) by dedicated engines (4, 6). In addition, the first and second indoor unit groups (10a) are connected to the same outdoor unit (10) by a common liquid pipe (2). Therefore, the first and second indoor unit groups (10a) are each connected to the outdoor unit (20) by two pipes.

The above-mentioned multiple indoor units (10) are divided into two or more groups and can be controlled by group. Each group can include one or more indoor units (10). That is, a group can be composed of one indoor unit (10) or a plurality of indoor units (10).

Referring to FIG. 1a, the first indoor unit group (10a) includes three indoor units (10a1, 10a2, 10a3), and the second indoor unit group (10b) includes three indoor units (10b1, 10b2, 10b3).

Referring to Fig. 1b, one indoor unit group (10a) may include three indoor units (10a1, 10a2, 10a3), and another indoor unit group may include one hot water indoor unit (30). The hot water indoor unit (30) may include a water tank (32) containing water, and a hot water unit (31) equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (112) to heat water in the water tank (32).

The present disclosure is not limited to the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the indoor units (10) may be divided into groups of 3 or 4, which are more than 2, and may be connected to the outdoor units (20) by their own dedicated organs and may be group-controlled. In addition, the number of indoor units (10) included in each group may be combined in various ways from 1 to N, depending on the installation environment.

The air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has a total of three pipe structures, including two engines (4, 6) and a liquid pipe (1), for the outdoor unit (20) equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b), like a conventional simultaneous cycle, but each engine (4, 6) is connected only to a different indoor unit group (10a, 10b), so that the indoor unit (20) has a two-pipe structure. That is, when looking at the indoor unit (10) as a standard, it is different from the conventional simultaneous cycle in that it is connected to the outdoor unit (20) by two pipes.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by controlling the pressure of the organs (4, 6) to be changed to high pressure and low pressure, respectively, the cooling and heating operations of the indoor units (10a, 10b) connected to each organ (4, 6) can be implemented independently, and there is no need for a distributor connection.

Referring to Fig. 1a, an outdoor unit (20) and a plurality of indoor units (10) are directly connected to refrigerant pipes (2, 4, 6). The outdoor unit (20) is connected to the indoor unit (10) through a service valve via three pipes: a first refrigerant pipe (4), a second refrigerant pipe (6), and a liquid pipe (2).

The indoor units (10) are divided into groups (10a, 10b) having the same operation mode, and each group (10a, 10b) is connected to the first engine (4) and the second engine (6), respectively, and the liquid pipe (2) is commonly connected to all indoor units (10).

The indoor units (10a1, 10a2, 10a3) of the group (10a) connected to the first engine (4) all have the same operation mode of overall cooling or overall heating. The indoor units (10b1, 10b2, 10b3) of the group connected to the second engine (6) also all have the same operation mode of overall cooling or overall heating.

The independent groups (10a, 10b) connected to the first engine (4) and the second engine (6) have independent driving modes without being influenced by each other.

The first organ (4) can freely change its role as a high-pressure gas pipe through which high-temperature and high-pressure hot gas discharged from a compressor (122a, 122b) passes, or as a low-pressure gas pipe through which low-temperature and low-pressure gas superheated from an evaporator passes, and this change in role can be performed by valve control, etc., inside the outdoor unit (10).

The second organ (6) can also freely change its role as a high-pressure gas pipe through which high-temperature and high-pressure hot gas discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) passes, or as a low-pressure gas pipe through which low-temperature and low-pressure gas superheated from the evaporator passes, and this change in role can be performed by valve control, etc., inside the outdoor unit (10).

The air conditioner further includes a switching valve (e.g., 210, 220, 230 of FIG. 7) that sends the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) to at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) and the indoor heat exchanger (112) arranged inside the plurality of indoor units (10). The outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) can be switched to a condenser or an evaporator through the control of the switching valve (210, 220, 230), and can be operated freely regardless of the indoor unit operation mode.

The refrigerant, which is transferred to the indoor unit (10) as a high-temperature, high-pressure hot gas from the first engine (4) or the second engine (6) and condensed, is transferred to the evaporator through the liquid pipe (2), superheated, and then recovered to the compressor (122a, 122b) through the low-pressure engine. At this time, the role of the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) or an indoor heat exchanger (112) that is operated for cooling.

When the indoor unit group (10a, 10b) is operated for heating and cooling, it is possible to implement high-efficiency heat recovery operation in which most of the condensation and evaporation processes take place in the indoor heat exchanger (112). At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) mode can be selectively operated as an evaporator or condenser to fill in the missing parts.

The first engine (4) can flow high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant or low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the first indoor unit group (10a), and the second engine (6) can flow high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant or low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the second indoor unit group (10b).

FIGS. 2A to 2D are drawings for reference in the description of outdoor unit piping control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. There are four cases of piping control methods of the outdoor unit (20) in FIGS. 2A to 2D.

Fig. 2a illustrates a case where both the first engine (4) and the second engine (6) are operated at low pressure by control of the switching valve (210, 220, 230). The piping control method of Fig. 2a is a piping control method that can be used when both the first indoor unit group (10a) and the second indoor unit group (10b) are operated for cooling.

Fig. 2b illustrates a case where both the first engine (4) and the second engine (6) are operated at high pressure by the switching valves (210, 220, 230). The piping control method of Fig. 2b is a piping control method that can be used when both the first indoor unit group (10a) and the second indoor unit group (10b) are operated for heating.

Fig. 2c illustrates a case where the first engine (4) is operated at low pressure and the second engine (6) is operated at high pressure. The piping control method of Fig. 2c is a piping control method that can be used when the first indoor unit group (10a) connected to the first engine (4) is operated for cooling and the second indoor unit group (10b) connected to the second engine (6) is operated for heating.

Fig. 2d illustrates a case where the first engine (4) is operated at high pressure and the second engine (6) is operated at low pressure. The piping control method of Fig. 2d is a piping control method that can be used when the first indoor unit group (10a) connected to the first engine (4) is operated for heating and the second indoor unit group (10b) connected to the second engine (6) is operated for cooling.

Indoor units in a group connected to the same organization cannot operate in different modes, and can stand by in a stopped state if there is an operation input in a mode other than the operation mode determined by priority.

The low pressure pipe forms a refrigerant flow from the indoor unit (10) side to the outdoor unit (20), the high pressure pipe forms a refrigerant flow from the outdoor unit (20) side to the indoor unit (10), and the flow direction of the liquid pipe (6) changes depending on the load configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the organs (4,6) do not have their roles fixed as high-pressure pipes or low-pressure pipes, but can change their roles as high-pressure pipes or low-pressure pipes depending on the load of the connected indoor unit groups (10a, 10b). Accordingly, simultaneous operation is possible for heating operation or cooling operation by group (10a, 10b) without a distributor.

FIG. 3a illustrates an installation example of a conventional simultaneous air conditioner, and FIG. 3b illustrates an installation example of a simultaneous air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Fig. 3a, in the case of simultaneous operation where indoor heating and cooling are implemented simultaneously, a distributor (HR unit (40) for changing the high-pressure and low-pressure paths) must be installed between the outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (10).

In the case of the conventional simultaneous type using a distributor (40), after the output of the distributor (40), each indoor unit (10) must be connected with two pipes in the section (45), and since the distributor (40) itself has many pipe connection points and is installed on the indoor side, there are problems such as narrow installation space, operating noise, and valve switching shock.

Referring to Fig. 3b, the indoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (20) can be connected by a two-pipe Y-branch. Since the simultaneous type according to the embodiment of the present disclosure does not require the distributor (40) itself, the installation piping length including the section (55) before the indoor unit (10) is reduced to half of the existing level, the space constraint for installing a separate distributor (40) disappears, and valve switching shock and noise, etc. are eliminated.

FIG. 4a illustrates an example of a dehumidifying reheat heat exchanger-linked operation of a conventional air conditioner, and FIG. 4b illustrates an example of a dehumidifying reheat heat exchanger-linked operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Fig. 4a, in the past, even when an outdoor unit (20) was installed in conjunction with an AHU (Air Handling Unit) (60), etc., a distributor (40) was connected or a distributor (40) was inserted inside the indoor unit and used.

AHU (60) may be a ventilation device that brings outside air into the room and sends inside air to the outside. AHU (60) may be connected to an outdoor unit (20) through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

In Fig. 4a, the AHU (60) is connected to the outdoor unit (20) through three pipes: a liquid pipe through which liquid refrigerant flows, a high-pressure refrigerant pipe through which high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows, and a low-pressure refrigerant pipe through which low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows. The AHU (60) includes a plurality of heat exchangers (61, 62, 63) for exchanging heat between flowing air and refrigerant, a distributor (40) for causing refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit (20) to flow to at least one of the plurality of heat exchangers (61, 62, 63), and for sending refrigerant flowing from at least one of the plurality of heat exchangers (61, 62, 63) to the outdoor unit (20).

The AHU (60) may be equipped with various heat exchangers (61, 62, 63). For example, the plurality of heat exchangers (61, 62, 63) may include a main heat exchanger arranged on a supply path for heat-exchanging outside air flowing with the refrigerant, a recovery heat exchanger arranged on a discharge path for heat-exchanging inside air flowing with the refrigerant, and a reheat heat exchanger arranged on a supply path for heat-exchanging outside air that has passed through the main heat exchanger with the refrigerant. In addition, the plurality of heat exchangers (61, 62, 63) may further include an ox-heat heat exchanger arranged on a supply path for heat-exchanging outside air that has passed through the reheat heat exchanger, a preheat heat exchanger arranged on a supply path for preheating air that is introduced into an outside air intake port, etc.

Referring to Fig. 4b, the heat exchangers (61, 62, 63) can be connected to the outdoor unit (20) by two pipes, each of which is a dedicated engine and a common liquid pipe. According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, by controlling the pressure of the engine coming from the outdoor unit (20) to be freely switched between high and low pressures, when installing in conjunction with the AHU (60), the installation cost and time can be drastically improved by eliminating the insertion of a distributor (40) or a mechanism that acts as a distributor (40).

Meanwhile, separately from the pipe control method of FIGS. 2a to 2d, the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) can be freely switched between a condenser and an evaporator. The outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) can be used as a condenser or an evaporator based on the load of the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b).

If the difference between the evaporation heat and the condensation heat required according to the load of the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) is within the preset standard value and is in a heat balance state, the current mode of the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) can be maintained.

If the difference between the evaporation heat and the condensation heat required according to the load of the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) is within the preset standard value and is in a heat balance state, the current mode of the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) can be maintained.

In addition, if the difference between the evaporation heat and the condensation heat is large and the heat balance is not in a state, the current mode of the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) can be switched to supplement the insufficient heat.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outdoor unit (20) has a plurality of heat exchangers, and when the heat balance state is not in progress, if there is a heat exchanger capable of switching the mode to the condenser or the evaporator, the mode of the heat exchanger is switched, and if there is no heat exchanger capable of switching the mode to the condenser or the evaporator, the current mode of the outdoor heat exchanger can be maintained.

An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of outdoor units (20a, 20b, 20c), and when the heat balance state is not achieved, if there is an outdoor unit capable of switching the mode to the condenser or the evaporator, the outdoor heat exchanger mode of the corresponding outdoor unit is switched, and if there is no outdoor unit capable of switching the mode to the condenser or the evaporator, the current mode of the outdoor heat exchangers of all the outdoor units (20) can be maintained.

Figure 5 is a system configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of outdoor units (20a, 20b, 20c) may be connected to a first indoor unit group (10a) through two pipes (organ (4), liquid pipe (2)), and may be connected to a second indoor unit group (10b) through two pipes (organ (6), liquid pipe (2)).

In an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when connecting a plurality of indoor units (10) and one or more outdoor units (20) with refrigerant pipes, the indoor units that maintain the same operation mode are divided into indoor unit groups (10a, 10b), and the indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) are connected to the outdoor unit (20) with their respective engines (4, 6) and common liquid pipes (2). Indoor units within the same group (10a, 10b) can be connected by minimizing the use of piping by using a Y branch or the like.

Each organ (4, 6) operates as a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe depending on the operating mode of the connected indoor unit group (10a, 10b).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Fig. 6, the outdoor unit (20) can communicate with the indoor unit (10) to determine the operation mode of the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) (S610).

The operation modes within the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) are operated in the same manner. If an operation input that violates the main operation mode within the group is input, the corresponding indoor unit stands by in a stopped state. The main operation modes within the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) can be separately designated by a remote control device, etc., or can be determined by the mode of the indoor unit that is turned on first.

If the operation mode of the first indoor unit group (10a) is heating (S620), the first engine (4) is controlled inside the outdoor unit by a high-pressure pipe (S622). If the operation mode of the first indoor unit group (10a) is cooling (S620), the first engine (4) is controlled inside the outdoor unit by a low-pressure pipe (S624).

If the operation mode of the second indoor unit group (10b) is heating (S630), the second engine (6) is controlled inside the outdoor unit by a high-pressure pipe (S632). If the operation mode of the second indoor unit group (10b) is cooling (S630), the second engine (6) is controlled inside the outdoor unit by a low-pressure pipe (S634).

Meanwhile, the outdoor unit (20) can determine whether there is a heat balance and a heat shortage during operation (S640). The outdoor unit (20) can determine the heat shortage during the entire operation by using cycle data such as indoor temperature, average value of indoor unit piping temperature, system pressure, outdoor temperature, outdoor unit fan RPM, and outdoor unit piping temperature.

If it is determined that the condensation heat of the entire system is insufficient, the outdoor unit (20) controls the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) as a condenser (S650). In addition, if it is determined that the evaporation heat of the entire system is insufficient, the outdoor unit (20) controls the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) as an evaporator (S655).

When a plurality of outdoor units (20) (20a, 20b, 20c) are provided, the operation mode of the plurality of outdoor units (20a, 20b, 20c) can be changed sequentially one by one.

Meanwhile, even if the evaporation heat of the entire system is judged to be insufficient, if the current outdoor unit can no longer be changed to an evaporator, the current mode is maintained (S660). Also, if the condensation heat of the entire system is judged to be insufficient, but the current outdoor unit can no longer be changed to a condenser, the current mode is maintained (S660).

FIG. 7 is a cycle configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 8 to 13 are drawings for reference in explanations of various operations of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, an air conditioner (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more outdoor units (20) and a plurality of indoor units (10) connected to the outdoor units (20).

The outdoor unit (20) includes a compressor (122a, 122b) and an outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the compressor (122a, 122b) and the outside air.

In addition, each of the multiple indoor units (10) has an indoor heat exchanger (112) and is connected to the outdoor unit (20) through multiple pipes (2, 4, 6).

A plurality of indoor units (10) are each connected to the outdoor unit (20) through a first engine (4) and a liquid pipe (6) or connected to the outdoor unit (20) through a second engine (6) and a liquid pipe (6).

Meanwhile, the outdoor unit (20) includes a switching valve (210, 220, 230) that controls the flow of refrigerant. For example, the combination of operations of the switching valves (210, 220, 230) causes the flow of refrigerant in the air conditioner (1) to be formed in a different path. The switching valves (210, 220, 230) may be four-way valves.

The first switching valve (210) switches the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) to a condenser or an evaporator. In addition, the second switching valve (220) switches the first engine (4) to a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe. In addition, the third switching valve (230) switches the second engine (6) to a high-pressure pipe or a low-pressure pipe.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of indoor units (10) include a first indoor unit group (10a) and a second indoor unit group (10b). The outdoor unit (10) and the first indoor unit group (10a) are connected by a first engine (4) and a liquid pipe (6). In addition, the outdoor unit (10) and the second indoor unit group (10b) are connected by a second engine (6) and a liquid pipe (6). That is, the first and second indoor unit groups (10a) are each connected to the same outdoor unit (10) by dedicated engines (4, 6). In addition, the first and second indoor unit groups (10a) are connected to the same outdoor unit (10) by a common liquid pipe (2). Therefore, the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) are each connected to the outdoor unit (20) by two pipes.

The second engine (4) can flow high temperature and high pressure refrigerant or low temperature and low pressure refrigerant according to the operation mode of the first indoor unit group (10a), and the second engine (6) can flow high temperature and high pressure refrigerant or low temperature and low pressure refrigerant according to the operation mode of the second indoor unit group (10b). The outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) can be used as a condenser or an evaporator based on the loads of the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b).

The first switching valve (210) above determines the use of the condenser and evaporator of the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b). When power is supplied to the first switching valve (210), the outdoor unit (20) is in evaporator mode, and when power is not supplied, it can be in condenser mode.

The second switching valve (220) determines the heating and cooling of the first indoor unit group (10a). The indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) operate in a condenser (heating) mode when power is supplied to the second switching valve (220), and in an evaporator (cooling) mode when power is not supplied to the second switching valve (220). In the same manner, the third switching valve (230) determines the heating and cooling of the second indoor unit group (10b).

Meanwhile, the power on/off applied to the switching valve (210, 220, 230) can be changed according to the refrigerant piping system structure. What is important is that the mode of the evaporator/condenser of the heat exchanger can be individually changed by turning the power on/off to the switching valve (210, 220, 230).

In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the cycle configurations illustrated in the drawings. For example, the compressor (122a, 122b), the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b), etc. may be provided singly, and accordingly, the flow path and valve configurations may be different.

The liquid pipe (2) is branched and connected to each of a plurality of indoor units (10a, 10b). The first engine (4) is branched and connected to each of the indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a). The second engine (6) is branched and connected to each of the indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b).

A valve (114) may be placed in the engine (2,4) connected to the indoor unit (10). For example, a valve (114) may be placed in each of the plurality of second engines (6) that are branched. The valve (114) may also be placed inside each indoor unit (10).

The outdoor unit (20) includes a compressor (122a, 122b) that compresses a refrigerant, and an outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The outdoor unit (20) includes a switching valve (210, 220, 230) that sends the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) to the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) and at least one of the indoor heat exchangers (112) arranged inside the plurality of indoor units (10). The outdoor unit (20) may include an expansion valve (130a, 130b) that expands the refrigerant flowing to or from the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b).

The outdoor unit (20) includes a first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) and a second outdoor heat exchanger (124b). The first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) is arranged to be connected to the first switching valve (210). Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) can flow through the first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) before the second outdoor heat exchanger (124b).

The first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) and the second outdoor heat exchanger (124b) are arranged to be connected in series or in parallel. Referring to Fig. 7, the first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) and the second outdoor heat exchanger (124b) are each individually connected to the liquid pipe (2). That is, in the outdoor unit (20), a first branch liquid pipe (132a) is arranged to connect the first outdoor heat exchanger (124a), and a second branch liquid pipe (132b) is arranged to connect the second outdoor heat exchanger (124b). A bypass pipe (133) may be connected in parallel to the second branch liquid pipe (132b).

A bypass valve (133a) that allows refrigerant flowing inside the bypass pipe (133) to flow in one direction may be arranged in the bypass pipe (133). The bypass valve (133a) may use a check valve that allows refrigerant flowing inside the bypass pipe (133) to flow in one direction. The bypass valve (133a) may enable refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger to flow in the direction of the indoor unit. Accordingly, the bypass valve (133a) may block refrigerant from flowing from the indoor unit to the outdoor heat exchanger.

A first expansion valve (130a) is arranged in the first branch pipe (132a). A second expansion valve (130b) is arranged in the second branch pipe (132b). Each of the first expansion valve (130a) and the second expansion valve (130b) can enable or block the flow of refrigerant flowing in the first branch pipe (132a) and the second branch pipe (132b), respectively. In addition, each of the first expansion valve (130a) and the second expansion valve (130b) can expand the refrigerant flowing in the first branch pipe (132a) and the second branch pipe (132b), respectively.

The first branch liquid pipe (132a) can connect the first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) and the liquid pipe (2). The second branch liquid pipe (132b) can connect the second outdoor heat exchanger (124b) and the liquid pipe (2).

A first connecting pipe (140) connecting the first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) and the second outdoor heat exchanger (124b) may be arranged in the outdoor unit (20). A first connecting pipe valve (141) for opening and closing a flow path inside the first connecting pipe (140) may be arranged in the first connecting pipe (140). The first connecting pipe valve (141) may open and close the flow path inside the first connecting pipe (140) or expand it. That is, the first connecting pipe valve (141) may open and close the flow path inside the first connecting pipe (140) or adjust the size of the flow path inside the first connecting pipe (140).

A first branch pipe (132a) may be connected to the first connecting pipe (140). The first branch pipe (132a) may be connected to the first connecting pipe (140) closer to the first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) than the first connecting pipe valve (141).

In the outdoor unit (20), an outdoor heat exchanger connection pipe (138) that connects the first switching valve (210) and the first outdoor heat exchanger (124a) can be placed.

In the outdoor unit (20), a second connecting pipe (142) is arranged to connect the first connecting pipe (140) and the outdoor heat exchanger connecting pipe (138). The second connecting pipe (142) can connect the first connecting pipe (140) and the first switching valve (210). The second connecting pipe (142) can connect the first connecting pipe (140) and the first switching valve (210) through the outdoor heat exchanger connecting pipe (138).

A second connecting pipe (142) may be provided with a second connecting pipe valve (142a) that opens and closes a passage formed inside the second connecting pipe (142).

The second connecting pipe valve (142a) may use a check valve that forms the flow of refrigerant in one direction. The second connecting pipe valve (142a) may enable the refrigerant flowing in the second connecting pipe (142) to flow only in the direction from the first connecting pipe (140) to the outdoor heat exchanger connecting pipe (138).

In the outdoor unit (20), a third connecting pipe (144, 145) connecting the first branch pipe (132b)/second branch pipe (132b) and the first switching valve (210) may be arranged. In the third connecting pipe (144, 145), a third connecting pipe valve (144a, 145a) that opens and closes a flow path formed inside the third connecting pipe (144, 145) may be arranged. Some of the refrigerant that has passed through the second outdoor heat exchanger (124b) via the third connecting pipe (144, 145) may flow to the compressor (122a, 122b) via the first switching valve (210).

The outdoor unit (20) may include an oil separator (129a, 129b) that recovers oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b). The oil separated in the oil separator (129a, 129b) may be recovered to the compressor (122a, 122b) through an oil recovery path (157a, 157b).

The compressor (122a, 122b) or the oil separator (129a, 129b) can be connected to the first connecting passage (159). The first connecting passage (159) can be connected to a switching valve (210, 220, 230). The switching valve (210, 220, 230) can be connected to an accumulator (134).

The outdoor unit (20) includes an accumulator (134) that separates the refrigerant flowing through the compressor (122a, 122b) into a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant and sends only the liquid refrigerant to the compressor (122a, 122b). A receiver may be connected to a receiver inlet path (174) and a receiver outlet path (175). A refrigerant control valve (180, 181) may be installed in at least one of the receiver inlet path (174) and the receiver outlet path (175). The refrigerant control valve (180, 181) may be an electronic expansion valve (EEV). A refrigerant inlet control valve (180) may be installed in the receiver inlet path (174), and a refrigerant discharge control valve (181) may be installed in the receiver outlet path (175).

The discharge path (177) can guide the gaseous refrigerant from the accumulator (134) to the compressor (122a, 122b). The discharge path (177) can connect the refrigerant suction path (178a, 78b) and the accumulator (134). The gaseous refrigerant can be discharged from the accumulator (134) to the discharge path (177), and can flow by being divided into the first refrigerant suction path (178a) and the second refrigerant suction path (178b), and can be sucked into the first compressor (122a) and the second compressor (122b), respectively.

The steam inlet bypass path (176) can connect the bypass outlet path (167d) and the accumulator (134). A bypass valve (185) can be installed in the steam inlet bypass path (176). The bypass valve (185) can control the amount of refrigerant flowing into the accumulator (134) through the steam inlet bypass path (176).

An oil passage (184) may be connected to the bottom of the accumulator (134). This is to circulate oil accumulated underneath inside the accumulator (134). An oil return valve (186) may be installed in the oil passage (184). The oil return valve (186) may control the amount of oil flowing out of the accumulator (134) through the oil passage (184).

The compressor (122a, 122b) may be connected to the accumulator (134). The refrigerant suction path of the compressor (122a, 122b) may be communicated with the accumulator (134). The discharge path (177) connected to the accumulator (134) may be connected to the refrigerant suction path (178a, 78b) connected to the compressor (122a, 122b). The first refrigerant suction path (178a) may connect the discharge path (177) and the first compressor (122a), and the second refrigerant suction path (178b) may connect the discharge path (177) and the second compressor (122b).

The first switching valve (210) can be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger connection pipe (138). The second switching valve (220) can be connected to the first engine (4). The third switching valve (230) can be connected to the second engine (6). The first switching valve (210) can communicate the compressor (122a, 122b) with the outdoor heat exchanger connection pipe (138). The second switching valve (220) can communicate the second connection path (205) and the first engine (4). The second connection path (205) can be connected to the accumulator (134). The third switching valve (230) can communicate the third connection path (215) and the second engine (6). The third connection path (215) can be connected to the accumulator (134).

The outdoor unit (20) may include an outdoor fan (164). The outdoor fan (164) may be positioned to face the outdoor heat exchanger (126a, 126b). The outdoor fan (164) may serve to blow outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger (126a, 126b).

The outdoor unit (20) may include a supercooler (167) that supercools a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe (2) and sends it to the compressor (122a, 122b) or the accumulator (134). The supercooler (167) is connected to the liquid pipe (2), and the liquid pipe (2) may be extended to the outside of the outdoor unit (20). The cooler (167) may supercool the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (126a, 126b) during full-room cooling operation or simultaneous cooling operation.

The supercooler (167) may include a supercooling heat exchanger (167a), a bypass path (167b), and a supercooling expansion mechanism (167c). The bypass path (167b) may connect the liquid pipe (2) and the supercooling heat exchanger (167a). When the cooling main room is operated or the cooling main room is operated simultaneously, the bypass path (167b) may guide a portion of the refrigerant flowing along the liquid pipe (2) into the supercooling heat exchanger (167a). The supercooling expansion mechanism (167c) may be installed in the bypass path (167b). The supercooling expansion mechanism (167c) may be an electronic expansion valve (EEV). When the cooling main body is operated simultaneously or the cooling main body is operated simultaneously, the refrigerant flowing into the bypass path (167b) can be expanded while passing through the subcooling expansion device (167c) and guided into the subcooling heat exchanger (167a). The bypass outlet path (167d) can connect the subcooling heat exchanger (167a) and the compressor (122a, 122b). One end of the bypass outlet path (167d) can be connected to the subcooling heat exchanger (167a), and the other end can be connected to the steam inlet bypass path (176). The refrigerant flowing into the bypass outlet path (167d) can be sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b). When the bypass valve (185) is opened during full-scale cooling operation or simultaneous cooling operation, some of the refrigerant flowing into the bypass outlet path (167d) may flow into the vapor inlet bypass path (176) and the remaining part may flow into the vapor inlet paths (182a, 182b). The refrigerant may be sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b) through the vapor inlet paths (182a, 182b). In addition, an expansion valve may be installed in the vapor inlet paths (182a, 182b) to prevent liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor (122a, 122b).

A plurality of temperature sensors may be arranged in the outdoor unit (20). For example, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor may measure the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b). In addition, the outdoor heat exchanger outlet temperature sensor may be arranged on the outlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) to measure the temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b).

The above outdoor unit (20) may further include a heat sink (190) connected to the liquid pipe (2). The heat sink (190) may be connected to an inverter circuit board (not shown) that drives the compressor (122a, 122b) and may cool the inverter circuit board.

In the air conditioner of the present disclosure, the direction of flow of refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) can vary depending on the operating mode in which it operates. In addition, in the air conditioner of the present disclosure, the refrigerant can flow to at least one of the two outdoor heat exchangers (124a, 124b) depending on the operating mode in which it operates.

Additionally, the flow direction of the odor can be controlled depending on the operation of the switching valve (210, 220, 230).

Below, with reference to the drawings, the cycle for the four operating modes of simultaneous operation, namely cooling only (cooling operation only), heating only (heating operation only), cooling main (both cooling and heating modes, outdoor heat exchanger is a condenser), and heating main (both cooling and heating modes, outdoor heat exchanger is an evaporator), is described in detail.

Figure 8 is a heating main cycle diagram for simultaneous cooling and heating operation. This is a case where the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) is used as an evaporator because the condenser is larger than the evaporator when the heating load is large.

Referring to Fig. 8, when the first indoor unit group (10a) performs heating operation and the second indoor unit group (10b) performs cooling operation, if the heating load is greater, the heating main unit operates.

When the heating main body is in operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, the third switching valve (230) is turned on, and the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) is used as an evaporator.

Referring to Fig. 8, when the heating main body is operated, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) moves to the first switching valve (210), the second switching valve (220), and the third switching valve (230).

Meanwhile, the refrigerant that has passed through the first switching valve (210) does not move to the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) and does not form any further flow.

In addition, the discharged refrigerant that has passed through the second switching valve (220) moves to the heating operation indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) and is condensed. Some of the condensed refrigerant moves to the cooling operation indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b) and is evaporated, then moves to the accumulator (134) through the third switching valve (230) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b). In addition, the refrigerant that has been condensed in the heating operation indoor units (10a1, 10a2) and then moves to the second indoor unit group (10b) moves to the outdoor evaporator through the outdoor EEV (130a, 130b) and then is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b) through the accumulator (134).

Meanwhile, the third switching valve (230) is controlled in a direction in which the discharged refrigerant no longer flows after passing through the third switching valve (230).

Figure 9 is a cooling main cycle diagram for simultaneous cooling and heating operation. This is a case where the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) is used as a condenser because the evaporator is larger than the condenser when the cooling load is large.

Referring to Fig. 9, when the first indoor unit group (10a) performs heating operation and the second indoor unit group (10b) performs cooling operation, if the cooling load is greater, the cooling main unit operation occurs.

When the cooling main body is in operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, the third switching valve (230) is turned on, and the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) is used as a condenser.

Referring to Fig. 9, when the heating main body is operated, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) moves to the first switching valve (210), the second switching valve (220), and the third switching valve (230).

The refrigerant passing through the first switching valve (210) moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) and is condensed. Thereafter, the refrigerant passes through the outdoor EEV (130a, 130b) and moves to the cooling operation indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b) and is expanded. The expanded refrigerant passes through the third switching valve (230) and moves to the accumulator (134) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

The discharged refrigerant passing through the second switching valve (220) moves to the heating operation indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) and is condensed. The condensed refrigerant moves to the cooling operation indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b), is evaporated, and then moves to the accumulator (134) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

Meanwhile, the third switching valve (230) is controlled in a direction in which the discharged refrigerant no longer flows after passing through the third switching valve (230).

Figures 10 and 11 are the same simultaneous operations as Figures 8 and 9, but the operation modes of each group (10a, 10b) are changed.

Figure 10 is a heating main cycle diagram for simultaneous cooling and heating operation. This is a case where the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) is used as an evaporator because the condenser is larger than the evaporator when the heating load is large.

Referring to Fig. 10, when the first indoor unit group (10a) performs cooling operation and the second indoor unit group (10b) performs heating operation, if the heating load is greater, the heating main unit operates.

When the heating main body is in operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned on, the third switching valve (230) is turned off, and the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) is used as an evaporator.

Referring to Fig. 10, when the heating main body is operated, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) moves to the first switching valve (210), the second switching valve (220), and the third switching valve (230).

Meanwhile, the refrigerant that has passed through the first switching valve (210) does not move to the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) and does not form any further flow.

In addition, the discharged refrigerant that has passed through the second switching valve (220) does not move to the cooling operation indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) and does not form any further flow.

Meanwhile, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) passes through the third switching valve (230) and then moves to the heating operation indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b) and is condensed. Some of the condensed refrigerant moves to the cooling operation indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) and is evaporated, then moves to the accumulator (134) through the second switching valve (220) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

In addition, after being condensed in the heating operation indoor unit (10b1, 10b2), the refrigerant moves to the first indoor unit group (10a) and the remaining refrigerant moves to the outdoor evaporator via the outdoor EEV (130a, 130b) and then is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b) via the accumulator (134).

Figure 11 is a cooling main cycle diagram for simultaneous cooling and heating operation. This is a case where the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) is used as a condenser because the evaporator is larger than the condenser when the cooling load is large.

Referring to Fig. 11, when the first indoor unit group (10a) performs cooling operation and the second indoor unit group (10b) performs heating operation, if the cooling load is greater, the cooling main unit operation occurs.

When the cooling main body is in operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned on, the third switching valve (230) is turned off, and the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) is used as a condenser.

Referring to Fig. 11, when the heating main body is operated, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) moves to the first switching valve (210), the second switching valve (220), and the third switching valve (230).

The refrigerant passing through the first switching valve (210) moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) and is condensed. Thereafter, the refrigerant passes through the outdoor EEV (130a, 130b) and moves to the cooling operation indoor unit (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) and is expanded. The expanded refrigerant passes through the second switching valve (220) and moves to the accumulator (134) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

The discharged refrigerant passing through the second switching valve (220) does not move to the cooling operation indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) and does not form any further flow.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) passes through the third switching valve (230) and then moves to the cooling operation indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b) and is condensed. A portion of the condensed refrigerant moves to the cooling operation indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) and evaporates.

Figure 12 is a cycle configuration diagram in which all indoor units perform heating operation.

Referring to Fig. 12, when the plurality of indoor units (10) perform heating operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned off.

Referring to Fig. 12, during heating operation, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) moves to the first switching valve (210), the second switching valve (220), and the third switching valve (230), and the refrigerant passing through the first switching valve (210) does not move to the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) and does not form any further flow.

The refrigerant passing through the second switching valve (220) moves to the heating operation indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a), and the condensed refrigerant passes through the liquid pipe (2) and the outdoor EEV (130a, 130b), evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b), and then passes through the accumulator (134) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

The refrigerant passing through the third switching valve (230) moves to the heating operation indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b), and the condensed refrigerant passes through the liquid pipe (2) and the outdoor EEV (130a, 130b), evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b), and then passes through the accumulator (134) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

Figure 13 is a cycle configuration diagram in which all indoor units perform cooling operation.

Referring to Fig. 13, when the plurality of indoor units (10) perform cooling operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned on, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on.

Referring to FIG. 13, during cooling operation, high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) moves to the first switching valve (210), the second switching valve (220), and the third switching valve (230), and the refrigerant passing through the first switching valve (210) moves to the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b) and is condensed, and moves to the evaporator of the indoor unit (10) passing through the outdoor EEV (130a, 130b).

The refrigerant evaporated in the first indoor unit group (10a) passes through the second switching valve (220) and the accumulator (134) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

The refrigerant evaporated in the second indoor unit group (10b) passes through the third switching valve (230), accumulator (134), and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

Meanwhile, the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) does not flow any further after passing the second switching valve (220) and the third switching valve (230).

FIGS. 14 to 19 are drawings for reference in explaining various operations of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as a system that produces cold water and hot water by replacing heating and cooling as needed. The first indoor unit group (10a) and/or the second indoor unit group (10b) are configured with a water heater (30), and the water heater (30) can produce hot water or cold water according to a cycle. The hot water or cold water operation can correspond to the heating or cooling operation, respectively. Therefore, the six operation modes described above can be applied equally.

Figure 14 illustrates heating (hot water) main operation when the water heater (30) of the first indoor unit group (10a) performs hot water operation and the indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b) perform cooling operation.

Figure 15 illustrates the operation of a heating (hot water) main unit when the water heater (30a) of the first indoor unit group (10a) performs hot water operation and the water heater (30b) of the second indoor unit group (10b) performs cold water operation.

Figure 16 illustrates the operation of a cooling (cold water) main unit when the water heater (30) of the first indoor unit group (10a) performs hot water operation and the indoor units (10b1, 10b2) of the second indoor unit group (10b) perform cooling operation.

Figure 17 illustrates the operation of a cooling (cold water) main unit when the water heater (30a) of the first indoor unit group (10a) performs hot water operation and the water heater (30b) of the second indoor unit group (10b) performs cold water operation.

Figure 18 illustrates an example of cooling (cold water) main unit operation when the indoor units (10a1, 10a2) of the first indoor unit group (10a) perform heating operation and the water heater (30) of the second indoor unit group (10b) performs cold water operation.

Figure 19 illustrates the operation of a heating (hot water) main unit when the water heater (30a) of the first indoor unit group (10a) performs hot water operation and the water heater (30b) of the second indoor unit group (10b) performs hot water operation.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing various operation modes, it can be used as a simultaneous air conditioner having a switching type or a distributor, thereby being compatible with existing products.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a switching heat pump without a distributor (HR unit) (40), a simultaneous heat recovery with a distributor (40), and a simultaneous operation hybrid heat pump without a distributor (40) can all be implemented.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are drawings for reference in a description of a case where an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used in connection with a distributor. FIGS. 20 and 21 are installation scenes for a simultaneous heat recovery cycle, in which a distributor (40) is installed and all three pipes are used.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, an outdoor unit (20) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be connected to a distributor (40) through the first and second units (4,6) and a liquid pipe (6). In addition, the distributor (40) is connected to a plurality of indoor units (10).

Figure 20 is a cycle diagram for the cooling-only/cooling-main mode among the simultaneous operation modes.

Referring to Fig. 20, when the plurality of indoor units (10) perform cooling operation or the cooling load is greater, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on. Accordingly, the cooling main/cooling operation can be performed.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) passes through the first switching valve (210) and is condensed.

The refrigerant passing through the second switching valve (220) moves to the high pressure engine and liquid pipe of the distributor (40). Each liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant moves to the cooling and heating indoor unit through the distributor (40).

The refrigerant that has condensed while passing through the heating indoor unit is recovered by the distributor (40), combined with the refrigerant that has condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (124a, 124b), and moved to the cooling indoor unit. Thereafter, the evaporated refrigerant moves to the outdoor unit (20) through the low-pressure gas pipe of the distributor (40), and is recovered by the compressor (122a, 122b) through the third switching valve (230).

In the case where there is only an indoor cooling unit, the flow of discharged refrigerant passing through the second switching valve (220) is blocked when the valve in the distributor (40) closes.

Figure 21 is a cycle diagram for the heating-only/heating main mode among the simultaneous operation modes.

Referring to Fig. 21, when the plurality of indoor units (10) perform heating operation or the heating load is greater, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on. Accordingly, heating main/heating operation can be performed.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) is blocked without further flow after passing through the first switching valve (210), and the discharged gas refrigerant passing through the second switching valve (220) is moved to the high-pressure engine of the distributor (40).

The discharged gas refrigerant passing through the distributor (40) moves to the heating indoor unit, and the condensed refrigerant passing through the heating indoor unit moves to the cooling indoor unit. Thereafter, the refrigerant evaporated in the cooling indoor unit moves to the outdoor unit (20) through the distributor (40) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b) through the third switching valve (230). In addition, the refrigerant condensed in the heating indoor unit moves to the cooling indoor unit, and some of the refrigerant passes through the distributor (40) and the outdoor evaporative heat exchanger and is recovered by the compressor (122a, 122b).

In the case where there is only a heating indoor unit, the discharged refrigerant that has passed through the second switching valve (220) passes through the distributor (40) and is condensed in the heating indoor unit, and the distributor (40) is controlled to close the low-pressure valve for cooling so that the high-pressure gas refrigerant is not introduced at low pressure.

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 are drawings for reference in a description of a case where an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used in a switching type, and a switching type heat pump cycle is exemplified.

When used as a switching type, the liquid pipe (2) is used, but some organs are not connected and used. For example, the plurality of indoor units (10) can be connected only to the first organ (4) among the organs (4, 6).

Fig. 22 is a cycle diagram for a switching cooling operation. Among the three pipes (2, 4, 6), one pipe (6) is not used, and the cycle is configured with two pipes (2, 4).

When the above plurality of indoor units (10) perform cooling operation, the first switching valve (210) may be turned off, the second switching valve (220) may be turned on, and the third switching valve (230) may be turned on.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) passes through the first switching valve (210) and is condensed. The condensed refrigerant moves to the cooling indoor unit, and the evaporated refrigerant moves through the second switching valve (220). Thereafter, the refrigerant passes through the accumulator (134) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

Meanwhile, the pipe connected to the third switching valve (230) is not used and is installed with the service valve closed.

Fig. 23 is a cycle diagram for a switching heating operation. Among three pipes (2, 4, 6), one pipe (6) is not used, and the cycle is configured with two pipes (2, 4).

When the above multiple indoor units (10) perform heating operation, the first switching valve (210) may be turned on, the second switching valve (220) may be turned off, and the third switching valve (230) may be turned on.

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (122a, 122b) passes through the second switching valve (220) and moves to the indoor heating unit. The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heating unit expands and evaporates in the outdoor unit (20) and then passes through the accumulator (134) and is sucked into the compressor (122a, 122b).

Meanwhile, the pipe connected to the third switching valve (230) is not used and is installed with the service valve closed.

In the case of simultaneous operation where indoor heating and cooling are implemented simultaneously, the pressure of three pipes was fixed in the past, and these three pipes were connected to the HR unit to implement simultaneous operation.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure of two engines (4, 6) coming from an outdoor unit (20) can be freely switched between high pressure and low pressure, thereby eliminating the insertion of an HR unit or a mechanism that functions as an HR unit, thereby drastically improving installation cost and time.

In addition, when using the HR unit, each indoor unit after the HR unit must be connected with two pipes, and since the HR unit itself has many pipe connection points and is installed indoors, there are problems such as narrow installation space, operating noise, and valve switching shock.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the HR unit itself is not required, the installation piping length is reduced to half that of a conventional unit, the space constraints for separate HR installation are eliminated, and valve switching shock and noise are eliminated.

In addition, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, not only is a simultaneous operation cycle possible without an HR unit, but a cycle is also proposed that enables simultaneous operation with a switching type and an HR unit that an existing outdoor unit had. Accordingly, it can be used interchangeably with existing products.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 24, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can operate in three control modes depending on whether pipes (2, 4, 6) and a distributor (40) are used.

An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can operate as a switching heat pump (2010) without a distributor (HR unit) (40) by controlling three switching valves (210, 220, 230).

The switching heat pump (2410) uses one engine and one liquid pipe, and does not use a distributor, as described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. The switching heat pump (2410) controls the switching valve (210, 220, 230) depending on whether the connected indoor unit is performing cooling or heating operation (S2410).

Referring to Fig. 22, during cooling operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned on, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on.

Referring to Fig. 23, during heating operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on.

In addition, the air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can operate as a simultaneous heat recovery (2420) using a distributor by controlling three switching valves (210, 220, 230).

Simultaneous heat recovery (2420) uses three pipes and a distributor as described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. Simultaneous heat recovery (2420) controls the switching valve (210, 220, 230) according to the load of the connected indoor unit (S2420).

Referring to Fig. 20, during cooling operation or cooling main operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on.

Referring to Fig. 21, during heating operation or heating main operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on.

In addition, the air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can operate as a simultaneous operation hybrid heat pump (2430) without a distributor (40) by controlling three switching valves (210, 220, 230).

The hybrid heat pump (2430) uses three pipes and does not use a distributor, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20. The hybrid heat pump (2430) controls the switching valve (210, 220, 230) according to the load of the connected indoor unit (S2430).

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a case where the first indoor unit group (10a) performs heating operation and the second indoor unit group (10b) performs cooling operation.

Referring to Fig. 8, when the heating main body is operated, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on.

Referring to Fig. 9, when the cooling main body is operated, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a case where the first indoor unit group (10a) performs cooling operation and the second indoor unit group (10b) performs heating operation.

Referring to Fig. 10, when the heating main body is operated, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned on, and the third switching valve (230) is turned off.

Referring to Fig. 11, when the cooling main body is operated, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned on, and the third switching valve (230) is turned off.

Referring to Fig. 13, when both the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) are in cooling operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned off, the second switching valve (220) is turned on, and the third switching valve (230) is turned on.

Referring to Fig. 12, when both the first and second indoor unit groups (10a, 10b) are in heating operation, the first switching valve (210) is turned on, the second switching valve (220) is turned off, and the third switching valve (230) is turned off.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be individually understood from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

2: Liquid pipe
4: 1st organ
6: Second organ
10: Indoor unit
20 : Outdoor unit

Claims (20)

A compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant flowing through the compressor and outside air, and at least one outdoor unit including the outdoor heat exchanger and connected to first and second engines and liquid pipes;
A plurality of indoor units, each having an indoor heat exchanger, and connected to the outdoor unit through the liquid pipe and one of the first and second engines;
A first switching valve for switching the outdoor heat exchanger to a condenser or an evaporator;
A second switching valve for switching the first organ to a high pressure pipe or a low pressure pipe; and,
An air conditioner comprising a third switching valve for switching the second engine to a high pressure pipe or a low pressure pipe. In the first paragraph,
An air conditioner including a first indoor unit group connected to the outdoor unit and the first engine, and a second indoor unit group connected to the outdoor unit and the second engine. In the second paragraph,
The above first engine flows high temperature and high pressure refrigerant or low temperature and low pressure refrigerant according to the operation mode of the first indoor unit group,
The above second engine is an air conditioner that flows high temperature and high pressure refrigerant or low temperature and low pressure refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the second indoor unit group. In the third paragraph,
The above outdoor heat exchanger is an air conditioner used as a condenser or an evaporator based on the load of the first and second indoor unit groups. In the third paragraph,
An air conditioner that maintains the current mode of the outdoor heat exchanger when the difference between the evaporation heat and the condensation heat required according to the load of the first and second indoor unit groups is within a heat balance state within a preset standard value. In the third paragraph,
When the first indoor unit group performs heating operation and the second indoor unit group performs cooling operation, if the heating load is greater,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned on, the second switching valve is turned off, and the third switching valve is turned on. In the third paragraph,
When the first indoor unit group performs heating operation and the second indoor unit group performs cooling operation, if the cooling load is greater,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned off, the second switching valve is turned off, and the third switching valve is turned on. In the third paragraph,
When the first indoor unit group performs cooling operation and the second indoor unit group performs heating operation, if the heating load is greater,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned on, the second switching valve is turned on, and the third switching valve is turned off. In the third paragraph,
When the first indoor unit group performs cooling operation and the second indoor unit group performs heating operation, if the cooling load is greater,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned off, the second switching valve is turned on, and the third switching valve is turned off. In the third paragraph,
When the above multiple indoor units perform heating operation,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned on, the second switching valve is turned off, and the third switching valve is turned off. In the third paragraph,
When the above multiple indoor units perform cooling operation,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned off, the second switching valve is turned on, and the third switching valve is turned on. In the first paragraph,
An air conditioner in which the above-mentioned multiple indoor units are connected only to the above-mentioned first engine. In Article 12,
When the above multiple indoor units perform cooling operation,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned off, the second switching valve is turned on, and the third switching valve is turned on. In Article 12,
When the above multiple indoor units perform heating operation,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned on, the second switching valve is turned off, and the third switching valve is turned on. In the first paragraph,
An air conditioner further comprising a distributor connected to the first and second organs and the liquid pipe. In Article 15,
If the above multiple indoor units perform cooling operation or the cooling load is greater,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned off, the second switching valve is turned off, and the third switching valve is turned on. In Article 15,
If the above multiple indoor units perform heating operation or the heating load is greater,
An air conditioner in which the first switching valve is turned on, the second switching valve is turned off, and the third switching valve is turned on. At least one outdoor unit including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange between refrigerant flowing through the compressor and outside air; and
It comprises a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit and having an indoor heat exchanger;
The above plurality of indoor units include a first indoor unit group and a second indoor unit group,
The above outdoor unit and the first indoor unit group are connected to the first organ and the liquid pipe,
The above outdoor unit and the second indoor unit group are connected to the second organ and the liquid pipe,
The above outdoor unit,
A first switching valve for switching the above outdoor heat exchanger to a condenser or an evaporator;
A second switching valve for switching the first organ to a high pressure pipe or a low pressure pipe, and
An air conditioner comprising a third switching valve for switching the second engine to a high pressure line or a low pressure line. In Article 18,
The above first engine flows high temperature and high pressure refrigerant or low temperature and low pressure refrigerant according to the operation mode of the first indoor unit group,
The above second engine is an air conditioner that flows high temperature and high pressure refrigerant or low temperature and low pressure refrigerant depending on the operation mode of the second indoor unit group. In Article 18,
The above outdoor heat exchanger is an air conditioner used as a condenser or an evaporator based on the load of the first and second indoor unit groups.

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