KR20180053899A - An air conditioner and a method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof.
An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connection pipe having a first branch portion and a second branch portion; A refrigerant storage device for bypassing and storing at least a part of the refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe; A first bypass pipe branched from the first branch and guiding the refrigerant of the connection pipe to the refrigerant storage device; And a second bypass pipe branched from the second branch and guiding the refrigerant of the connection pipe to the refrigerant storage device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner,

The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof.

The air conditioner is a device for keeping the air in a predetermined space in a most suitable condition according to the purpose of use and purpose. Generally, the air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, and a refrigerant cycle for compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant is driven to cool or heat the predetermined space .

The predetermined space may be variously proposed depending on the place where the air conditioner is used. For example, when the air conditioner is installed in a home or an office, the predetermined space may be an indoor space of a house or a building. On the other hand, when the air conditioner is disposed in a car, the predetermined space may be a boarding space on which a person boarded.

On the other hand, the air conditioner can be operated so as to be switchable to the cooling mode or the heating mode. When the air conditioner is operated in the cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. On the other hand, when the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. The air conditioner may be provided with a flow control valve for controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant so that the cooling operation or the heating operation can be switched.

The air conditioner includes a gas-liquid separator disposed at an inlet side of the compressor for separating the gaseous refrigerant from the refrigerant passing through the evaporator and allowing the gaseous refrigerant to flow into the compressor.

The present applicant has filed the following application with respect to an air conditioning system in which the amount of refrigerant stored in the gas-liquid separator can be controlled.

[Prior Application]

1. Registration number (Registration date): 10-1201635 (November 8, 2012)

2. Name of invention: air conditioner

In the conventional application, the refrigerant is overheated in the supercooling heat exchanger under the control of the supercooling regulator, and the amount of refrigerant is controlled by evaporating the refrigerant stored in the gas-liquid separator from the superheated refrigerant. According to this control, the amount of the refrigerant transferred from the supercooling heat exchanger to the gas-liquid separator is reduced and the amount of the refrigerant that can be controlled is reduced.

In order to realize such a system, a supercooling heat exchanger and a supercooling amount adjusting unit are required, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost.

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve such problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner having a system in which an expansion action of a refrigerant cycle is performed by one expansion device, The purpose.

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connection pipe having a first branch portion and a second branch portion; A refrigerant storage device for bypassing and storing at least a part of the refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe; A first bypass pipe branched from the first branch and guiding the refrigerant of the connection pipe to the refrigerant storage device; And a second bypass pipe branched from the second branch and guiding the refrigerant of the connection pipe to the refrigerant storage device.

The expansion device may be positioned between the first branch portion and the second branch portion.

A joint portion to which the first and second bypass pipes are joined; And an inlet pipe extending from the ridge portion to the refrigerant storage device for introducing the refrigerant into the refrigerant storage device.

And a first valve installed in the inflow pipe and being controlled on or off.

And a capillary tube installed in the first bypass pipe or the second bypass pipe for reducing a flow rate or a flow rate of the refrigerant.

A first bypass valve installed in the first bypass pipe; And a second bypass valve installed in the second bypass pipe.

A first capillary tube installed in the first bypass pipe; And a second capillary tube installed in the second bypass pipe.

The refrigerant storage device may further include a first connection unit to which the first bypass pipe is connected; And a second connection part to which the second bypass pipe is connected.

A first check valve installed in the first bypass pipe; And a second check valve installed in the second bypass pipe.

And a solenoid valve and a capillary tube installed in the inflow pipe.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an air conditioner, comprising: sensing a supercooling degree of a condensed refrigerant by a temperature sensor provided in the condenser; And

The refrigerant of the connection pipe is discharged through the first bypass pipe branched from the inlet side of the expansion device or the second bypass pipe branched from the outlet side of the expansion device, To the refrigerant storage device.

A first branched portion provided at an inlet side of the expansion device; A first bypass pipe branched from the first branch portion; A second branched portion provided at an outlet side of the expansion device; And a second bypass pipe branched from the second branch portion.

The first bypass pipe branched from the inlet side of the expansion device or the second bypass pipe branched from the outlet side of the expansion device can be closed if the sensed subcooling degree is below the set subcooling degree.

According to the present invention, since an expansion device is installed in a connection pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger and a plurality of bypass pipes extending from the connection pipe to the refrigerant storage device are provided, the amount of refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner can be easily .

In particular, since the plurality of bypass pipes extend in parallel at the inlet and the outlet of the expansion device, the refrigerant can be guided to the refrigerant storage device regardless of the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner.

The bypass pipe is provided with a valve or a capillary for controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing therein. This prevents the refrigerant from being excessively introduced into the refrigerant storage device, thereby deteriorating the cooling or heating performance of the air conditioner .

In addition, the refrigerant storage device is configured such that the first storage part, through which the refrigerant passed through the condenser can be introduced and stored, and the second storage part where the refrigerant to be introduced into the compressor is stored, is integrally formed in one case, It is possible to simplify the structure.

In more detail, the first and second reservoirs are partitioned by the partition wall, the refrigerant may be introduced into the first reservoir through the bypass pipe, and the refrigerant stored in the second reservoir may be discharged to the compressor . Accordingly, the refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner can be easily stored in the refrigerant storage device, and the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage device can be easily supplied to the refrigerant cycle.

In addition, since the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant storage device or the refrigerant supply to the refrigerant cycle can be controlled based on the degree of supercooling of the condensed refrigerant, an appropriate amount of refrigerant can be circulated depending on the room load.

1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing a flow of a refrigerant during a cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flow chart showing a control method of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a system diagram showing a state where a refrigerant is stored in a refrigerant storage device during a cooling operation of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a system diagram showing how a refrigerant is stored in a refrigerant storage device during a cooling operation of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing a state where refrigerant is transferred from the first storage unit to the second storage unit of the refrigerant storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a flow of a refrigerant during a cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig.

1 and 2, an air conditioner 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor 110 for compressing refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 130 for exchanging heat between outdoor air and refrigerant, An indoor heat exchanger 150 for performing heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant, an expansion device 140 for expanding the refrigerant, and an outdoor heat exchanger 130, a compressor 110, an indoor heat exchanger 150, And a refrigerant pipe 200 connecting the expansion device 140 to form a refrigerant cycle.

The indoor heat exchanger (150) may be installed inside the indoor unit (20). The indoor unit (20) includes an indoor fan (151) provided at one side of the indoor heat exchanger (150) to generate a blowing force. The indoor unit (20) is provided with a second temperature sensor (152) for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the indoor heat exchanger (150), in particular, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed in the heating operation. For example, the second temperature sensor 152 may be coupled to the indoor heat exchanger 150.

1 may be installed in the outdoor unit 30 except for the indoor heat exchanger 150 and the indoor fan 151. As another example, the expansion device 140 may be installed in the indoor unit 20 or the outdoor unit 30.

At one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (130), an outdoor fan (131) for generating a wind power may be provided. The outdoor heat exchanger 130 may be provided with a first temperature sensor 132 for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 130, in particular, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed during the cooling operation. For example, the first temperature sensor 132 may be coupled to the outdoor heat exchanger 130.

The air conditioner 100 is provided with a flow switching unit (not shown) for selectively switching the flow direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 to any one of the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the indoor heat exchanger 150 120). For example, the flow switching unit 120 may include a four way valve.

The refrigerant pipe 200 includes a suction pipe 210 for guiding suction of the refrigerant into the compressor 110. The suction pipe 210 may be connected to a suction port of the compressor 110.

The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes a discharge pipe 220 through which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 110 is discharged. The discharge pipe 220 may extend from the discharge port of the compressor 110 to the flow switching unit 120.

The outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the indoor heat exchanger 150 may function as a condenser or an evaporator depending on the operation mode of the refrigerant system. For example, when the air conditioner 100 is in a heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the indoor heat exchanger 150 function as an evaporator and a condenser, respectively. On the other hand, when the air conditioner 100 is in the cooling operation mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the indoor heat exchanger 150 may function as a condenser and an evaporator, respectively.

At this time, depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 100, the flow direction of the refrigerant passing through the compressor 110 may be switched by the flow switching unit 120. That is, in the heating mode, the refrigerant that has passed through the flow switching unit 120 in the compressor 110 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 150, and flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 130 in the cooling mode.

The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes a first guide pipe 230 extending from the flow switching unit 120 to the outdoor heat exchanger 130 to guide the flow of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing from the discharge pipe 220 into the flow switching unit 120 may be introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger 130 through the first guide pipe 230 during the cooling operation.

The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes a second guide pipe 235 extending from the flow switching unit 120 to the indoor heat exchanger 150 to guide the flow of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing into the flow switching unit 120 from the discharge pipe 220 during the heating operation may be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 150 through the second guide pipe 235. [

The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes a connection pipe 250 connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and the indoor heat exchanger 150. The connection pipe 250 extends from the outdoor heat exchanger 130 to the indoor heat exchanger 150. In other words, the connection pipe 250 extends from the indoor heat exchanger 150 to the outdoor heat exchanger 130.

The expansion device 140 may be installed in the connection pipe 250. The expansion device (140) is configured to reduce the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (130) or the indoor heat exchanger (150). The expansion device 140 may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV) capable of adjusting the opening degree.

The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes a plurality of bypass pipes 260 and 270 branched from the connection pipe 250.

In detail, the refrigerant pipe 200 is connected to a first bypass pipe 260 branching from one point of the connection pipe 250 and a second bypass pipe 270 branched from another point of the connection pipe 250 ). A first branch 251 is formed at one point of the connection pipe 250 and a second branch 253 is formed at another point of the connection pipe 250.

The expansion device 140 may be disposed at a point between the first and second branches 251 and 253. That is, the first and second branches 251 and 253 may be provided at an inlet and an outlet of the expansion device 140. In other words, the first and second branches 251 and 253 may be provided at the front end and the rear end of the expansion device 140.

More specifically, when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation, the first branch 251 is disposed at the inlet or the front end of the expansion device 140, It is understood that the second branch 253 is disposed at the outlet or the rear end of the expansion device 140.

On the other hand, when the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, the first branched portion 251 is disposed at the outlet portion or the rear end portion of the expansion device 140, The second branch 253 may be disposed at the inlet or the front end of the expansion device 140.

The air conditioner 10 further includes capillary tubes 265 and 275 installed in the plurality of bypass pipes 260 and 270 to control the amount of refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipes 260 and 270. In detail, the capillary tubes 265 and 275 are provided with a first capillary tube 265 installed in the first bypass piping 260 and a second capillary tube 263 installed in the second bypass piping 270, And a re-tube 275 is included.

The length or the inner diameter of the first capillary tube 265 or the second capillary tube 275 may be set such that only a part of the refrigerant circulating through the connection pipe 250 flows through the first bypass pipe 260 Can be determined in a range that can flow into the second bypass pipe (270).

For example, the first and second capillary tubes 265 and 275 may have a diameter ranging from 1 to 1.5 mm and a length ranging from 1200 mm to 1800 mm. Accordingly, the first and second capillary tubes 265 and 275 may have a length of 20% Or less may be branched into the first bypass pipe 260 or the second bypass pipe 270.

The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes a joint portion 280 to which the first and second bypass pipes 260 and 270 are connected. The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes an inflow pipe 285 extending from the joint portion 280 to the refrigerant storage device 300 and guiding inflow of the refrigerant into the refrigerant storage device 300.

The inflow pipe 285 may be provided with a first valve 287 capable of controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing through the inflow pipe 285. In one example, the first valve 287 may include a solenoid valve for controlling the opening or closing of the inflow pipe 285. When the first valve 287 is opened, the refrigerant flows into the refrigerant storage device 300 through the inflow pipe 285. When the first valve 287 is turned off (closed), the refrigerant flows through the inflow pipe 285 285 is limited.

As another example, the first valve 287 may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

The refrigerant storage device 300 may function as a refrigerant circulating in the air conditioner 10, that is, a reservoir capable of storing a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant system. In addition, the refrigerant storage device 300 may be understood as a configuration in which at least a portion of the stored refrigerant is introduced into the compressor 110.

The refrigerant storage device 300 includes a storage body 310 for forming refrigerant storage spaces 330 and 340. For example, the storage body 310 may have a cylindrical shape. Inside the storage body 310, a partition plate 320 separating the storage spaces 330 and 340 into two spaces is provided.

The storage spaces 330 and 340 include a first storage unit 330 and a second storage unit 340 which are partitioned by the partition plate 320. In detail, the storage spaces 330 and 340 include a first storage unit 330 formed on the lower side of the partition plate 320 and a second storage unit 340 formed on the upper side of the partition plate 320 . In the first storage part 330, high-pressure condensed refrigerant can be stored based on the refrigerant cycle. The second storage unit 340 may store low-pressure refrigerant.

The inflow pipe 285 may be connected to the lower portion of the storage body 310 to communicate with the first storage unit 330. The suction pipe 210 may be connected to the upper end of the storage body 310 to communicate with the second storage unit 340.

That is, the first storage part 330 is understood as a "receiver" as a reservoir of refrigerant flowing through the inflow pipe 285. The second storage unit 340 may be understood as a "gas-liquid separator" connected to the suction pipe 210 for supplying the refrigerant to the compressor 110. [ Among the refrigerant flowing into the second storage part 340, the separated gaseous refrigerant can be discharged to the suction pipe 210.

In other words, the refrigerant storage device 300 can be understood as an apparatus integrally formed with the receiver and the gas-liquid separator.

The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes a delivery pipe 290 for guiding the refrigerant stored in the first storage unit 330 to the second storage unit 340. The delivery pipe 290 may be provided with a second valve 297 capable of controlling the amount of refrigerant flowing through the delivery pipe 290.

For example, the second valve 297 may include a solenoid valve for controlling the opening or closing of the delivery pipe 290. When the second valve 297 is turned on, the refrigerant in the first storage part 330 flows into the second storage part 340 through the delivery pipe 290, and when the second valve 297 is turned off The inflow of the refrigerant through the delivery pipe 290 is limited. Since the pressure of the first storage part 330 is higher than the pressure of the second storage part 340, the refrigerant flow from the first storage part 330 to the second storage part 340 Lt; / RTI >

The refrigerant pipe 200 further includes a low pressure pipe 240 extending from the flow switching unit 120 to the refrigerant storage device 300. For example, the low-pressure pipe 240 is connected to the upper portion of the storage body 310 and may supply the refrigerant to the second storage portion 340.

As another example, the second valve 297 may include an electronic expansion valve (EEV).

Referring to FIG. 2, the flow of the refrigerant during the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner according to the present embodiment will be briefly described. At this time, the cooling or heating operation is performed by the refrigerant storage device 300 or the general refrigerant storage device 300,

First, when the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation (see a solid line arrow, the same applies hereinafter), the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 110 flows into the flow switching unit 120 via the discharge pipe 220 . The refrigerant is diverted in the flow switching unit 120 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 130 through the first guide pipe 230 to be condensed. The condensed refrigerant flows through the connection pipe 250 and is decompressed in the expansion device 140.

Meanwhile, the first valve 287 and the second valve 297 may be turned off. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe 250 can be restricted from flowing to the first bypass pipe 260 or the second bypass pipe 270.

The refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device 140 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 150 and evaporates and the evaporated refrigerant flows into the flow switching unit 120 through the second guide pipe 235. The refrigerant is discharged from the flow switching unit 120 and flows into the second storage unit 340 of the refrigerant storage device 300 via the low pressure pipe 240. The separated gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant storage device 300 and can be sucked into the compressor 110 via the suction pipe 210. This refrigerant cycle can be repeated.

Next, when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation (see the dotted line, the same applies hereinafter), the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 110 flows into the flow switching unit 120 via the discharge pipe 220 do. The refrigerant is diverted in the flow switching unit 120 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 150 through the second guide pipe 235 and is condensed. The condensed refrigerant flows through the connection pipe 250 and is decompressed in the expansion device 140.

Meanwhile, the first valve 287 and the second valve 297 may be turned off. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe 250 can be restricted from flowing to the first bypass pipe 260 or the second bypass pipe 270.

The refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device 140 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant flows into the flow switching unit 120 through the first guide pipe 230. The refrigerant is discharged from the flow switching unit 120 and flows into the second storage unit 340 of the refrigerant storage device 300 via the low pressure pipe 240. The separated gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant is discharged from the refrigerant storage device 300 and can be sucked into the compressor 110 via the suction pipe 210. This refrigerant cycle can be repeated.

3 is a flow chart showing a control method of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the control method of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The air conditioner 10 is turned on, and cooling or heating operation can be started. Of course, the user may input a cooling operation or a heating operation command through the input unit (S11).

The control of the flow switching unit 120 can be performed depending on the cooling or heating operation. 2, when the air conditioner 10 performs cooling operation, the flow switching unit 120 communicates the discharge pipe 220 and the first guide pipe 230, And the refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger (110) is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger (130) side. The refrigerant can be condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (130).

On the other hand, when the air conditioner 10 performs the heating operation, the flow switching unit 120 communicates the discharge pipe 220 and the second guide pipe 235, To the indoor heat exchanger (150). Then, the refrigerant can be condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 150 (S12).

When the air conditioner 10 performs the cooling operation, the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant can be recognized through the first temperature sensor 132 provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 130. The supercooling degree can be understood as a difference value between the condensation temperature and the outlet temperature of the condenser. The condensation temperature is a value calculated from the high pressure of the cycle sensed by the high pressure sensor, and the outlet temperature of the condenser can be sensed by the second temperature sensor 132.

When the supercooling degree is too low, it is understood that a relatively small amount of liquid refrigerant exists in the condenser, so that it can be understood that the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant system is relatively small as compared with the load. Therefore, it can be understood that the additional supply of the refrigerant to the refrigerant system is required.

On the other hand, when the supercooling degree is too high, it is understood that a relatively large amount of liquid refrigerant exists in the condenser, so that it can be understood that the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant system is relatively larger than the load. Therefore, it can be understood that a part of the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant system must be stored.

The first valve 287 is turned on to store the refrigerant in the refrigerant storage device 300 and the second valve 297 is turned on when the degree of supercooling through the first temperature sensor 132 is higher than the set subcooling degree, So that the refrigerant in the first storage part 330 is prevented from flowing into the second storage part 340.

On the other hand, if the subcooling degree through the first temperature sensor 132 is below the set subcooling degree, the first valve 287 is turned off to prevent the refrigerant from being stored in the refrigerant storage device 300, The valve 297 is turned on to guide the refrigerant of the first storage part 330 into the second storage part 340 (S13, S14, S15).

When the air conditioner 10 is operating in a heating mode, the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant can be recognized through the second temperature sensor 152 provided in the indoor unit 20. The process of controlling the first and second valves 287 and 297 may be the same as the control in cooling operation (S16 and S17) according to whether the recognized subcooling degree is equal to or less than the set subcooling degree.

FIG. 4 is a system diagram showing a state in which refrigerant is stored in a refrigerant storage device during a cooling operation of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a system diagram showing a state where a refrigerant is stored in a refrigerant storage device during a cooling operation, and FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a state in which refrigerant is transferred from a first storage portion to a second storage portion of the refrigerant storage device according to the first embodiment of the present invention Fig.

Referring to FIG. 4, a refrigerant flowing through a connection pipe 250 during a cooling operation of the air conditioner 10 flows into the refrigerant storage device 300.

More specifically, as described above, if the supercooling degree detected by the first temperature sensor 132 is equal to or higher than the set supercooling degree, at least a portion of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and flowing through the connection pipe 250 The refrigerant flows to the second bypass pipe 270 through the second branched portion 253. At this time, the refrigerant flowing into the second bypass pipe 270 may have a high-pressure liquid state as a refrigerant before being depressurized by the expansion device 140.

The flow rate or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the second bypass pipe 270 decreases as it passes through the second capillary tube 275. The remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe 250 may be decompressed in the expansion device 140 to have a low-pressure two-phase state.

The reduced pressure refrigerant flows to the first branched portion 251 side and may be restricted from flowing into the first bypass pipe 260. This is because the pressure on the side of the ridge portion 280 is formed to be higher than the pressure on the side of the first branching portion 251.

Since the first valve 287 is turned on, the refrigerant in the second bypass pipe 270 flows in the inflow pipe 285 via the joint portion 280. The refrigerant in the inflow pipe 285 may be introduced into the refrigerant storage device 300 and stored in the first storage unit 330.

Meanwhile, a part of the refrigerant of the second bypass pipe 270 may be introduced into the first bypass pipe 260 from the joint part 280. However, since the first capillary tube 265 acts as a resistor, the amount of refrigerant introduced may be small.

The second valve 297 is turned off, so that the refrigerant in the first storage part 330 can be restricted from being transferred to the second storage part 340.

The refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device 140 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 150 and is evaporated and the evaporated refrigerant is introduced into the second switching part 120 of the refrigerant storage device 300 340) to the compressor (110).

5, a refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe 250 during the heating operation of the air conditioner 10 flows into the refrigerant storage device 300. As shown in FIG.

As described above, if the supercooling degree detected by the second temperature sensor 152 is equal to or higher than the set supercooling degree, at least a portion of the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 150 and flowing through the connection pipe 250 The refrigerant flows to the first bypass pipe 260 through the first branched portion 251. At this time, the refrigerant flowing into the first bypass pipe 260 may have a high-pressure liquid state as a refrigerant before being depressurized by the expansion device 140.

The flow rate or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first bypass pipe 260 decreases as it passes through the first capillary tube 265. The remaining refrigerant in the refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe 250 may be decompressed in the expansion device 140 to have a low-pressure two-phase state.

The decompressed refrigerant flows toward the second branched portion 253 and may be restricted from flowing into the second bypass pipe 270. This is because the pressure at the side of the ridge portion 280 is formed higher than the pressure at the side of the second branch portion 253.

Since the first valve 287 is turned on, the refrigerant of the first bypass pipe 260 flows through the inlet pipe 285 via the connecting portion 280. The refrigerant in the inflow pipe 285 may be introduced into the refrigerant storage device 300 and stored in the first storage unit 330.

Meanwhile, a part of the refrigerant in the first bypass pipe 260 may be introduced into the second bypass pipe 270 from the second joint pipe 280. However, since the second capillary tube 275 acts as a resistor, the amount of refrigerant introduced may be small.

The second valve 297 is turned off, so that the refrigerant in the first storage part 330 can be restricted from being transferred to the second storage part 340.

The refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device 140 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 130 and evaporates and the evaporated refrigerant is introduced into the second switching unit 120 of the refrigerant storage device 300 340) to the compressor (110).

6, when the supercooling degree of the condensed refrigerant in the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner is lower than the predetermined supercooling degree, the refrigerant in the first storage part 330 is supplied to the second storage part 340 And is discharged from the second storage part 340 to the suction pipe 210, so that refrigerant can be supplied to the refrigerant system.

In detail, as described above, the subcooling degree of the condensed refrigerant can be detected by the first temperature sensor 132 during the cooling operation, and by the second temperature sensor 152 during the heating operation.

The refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe 250 may be restricted from flowing into the first bypass pipe 260 or the second bypass pipe 270 because the first valve 287 is turned off. Also, since the second valve 297 is turned on, the refrigerant in the first storage part 330 can be transferred to the second storage part 240.

Hereinafter, the second and third embodiments of the present invention will be described. These embodiments differ from the first embodiment only in some configurations. Therefore, the differences will be mainly described, and the description and the reference numerals of the first embodiment are used for the same parts as those in the first embodiment.

7 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7, the air conditioner 10a according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a first bypass pipe 260a extending from the first branch 251 to the refrigerant storage device 300, And a second bypass pipe 270a extending from the second branch 253 to the refrigerant storage device 300 is included.

The storage body 310 of the refrigerant storage device 300 is provided with a first connection part 311 to which the first bypass pipe 260a is connected and a second connection part to which the second bypass pipe 270a is connected 312).

The air conditioner 10a is provided with a first bypass valve 266a provided in the first bypass pipe 260a and a second bypass valve 276a provided in the second bypass pipe 270a, . For example, the first bypass valve 266a or the second bypass valve 276a may include a solenoid valve capable of on or off control.

The first capillary tube 265a provided in the first bypass pipe 260a and the second capillary tube 265a provided in the second bypass pipe 270a are connected to the air conditioner 10a, 275a. The first and second capillary tubes 265a and 275a may function to reduce the flow rate or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the first and second bypass pipes 260a and 270a.

When the refrigerant is to be stored in the refrigerant storage device 300 during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10a, the second bypass valve 276a is turned on and the first bypass valve 266a and the second The valve 297 can be controlled to be off. Accordingly, the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 130 may be introduced into the refrigerant storage device 300 through the second bypass pipe 270a.

On the other hand, when the refrigerant is to be stored in the refrigerant storage device 300 during the heating operation of the air conditioner 10a, the first bypass valve 266a is turned on and the second bypass valve 276a and The second valve 297 can be controlled to be off. Accordingly, the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 150 may be introduced into the refrigerant storage device 300 through the first bypass pipe 260a.

The first and second bypass valves 266a and 276a are turned off and the second valve 297 is turned on when the refrigerant is to be supplied to the cycle during the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner 10a . Accordingly, the refrigerant stored in the first storage part 330 can be transferred to the second storage part 340 through the transfer pipe 290. [

By such a configuration and control method, it is possible to easily store the refrigerant in the refrigerant storage device or supply the refrigerant from the refrigerant storage device to the system.

8 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

8, the air conditioner 10b according to the third embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first bypass pipe 260b branching from the first branch 251 and a second branch pipe 253 branched from the second branch 253 And a second bypass piping 270b branched therefrom. The first and second bypass pipes 260b and 270b may be connected to each other at the joint portion 280b.

The first check valve 268b provided to the first bypass pipe 260b and the second check valve 278b provided to the second bypass pipe 270b are further connected to the air conditioner 10b .

The first check valve 268b guides the flow of the refrigerant from the first branched portion 251 toward the ridge portion 280b and guides the flow of refrigerant from the ridge portion 280b toward the first branched portion 251 Limit the flow of refrigerant. The second check valve 278b guides the flow of the refrigerant from the second branched portion 253 toward the ridge portion 280b and the second branched portion 253 from the ridge portion 280b, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI >

The air conditioner 10b further includes an inflow pipe 285b extending from the ridge portion 280b to the refrigerant storage device 300 to guide the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage device 300. [ A first valve 287b may be installed in the inflow pipe 285b. For example, the first valve 287b may include a solenoid valve capable of on or off control.

A capillary tube 288b may be installed in the inflow pipe 285b. The capillary tube 288b may function to reduce the flow rate or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the inflow pipe 285b.

When the refrigerant is to be stored in the refrigerant storage device 300 during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10b, the first valve 287b may be turned on and the second valve 297 may be turned off. Therefore, the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 130 may be introduced into the refrigerant storage device 300 through the second bypass pipe 270b. On the other hand, the first check valve 268b may limit the refrigerant flow from the ridge portion 280b to the first branched portion 251. [

On the other hand, when the refrigerant is to be stored in the refrigerant storage device 300 during the heating operation of the air conditioner 10a, the first valve 287b is turned on and the second valve 297 is turned off have. Accordingly, the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 150 may be introduced into the refrigerant storage device 300 through the first bypass pipe 260b. On the other hand, the second check valve 278b may limit the flow of refrigerant from the ridge portion 280b to the second branch portion 253.

When the refrigerant is to be supplied to the cycle during the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner 10a, the first valve 287b may be turned off and the second valve 297 may be turned on. Accordingly, the refrigerant stored in the first storage part 330 can be transferred to the second storage part 340 through the transfer pipe 290. [

By such a configuration and control method, it is possible to easily store the refrigerant in the refrigerant storage device or supply the refrigerant from the refrigerant storage device to the system.

10: air conditioner 110: compressor
120: flow switching unit 130: outdoor heat exchanger
140: expansion device 150: indoor heat exchanger
151: First branch branch 162: Second branch branch
200: refrigerant pipe 260: first bypass pipe
265: first capillary tube 270: second bypass piping
275: second capillary tube 280:
287: first valve 297: second valve
300: refrigerant storage device 330: first storage part
340: second storage unit

Claims (15)

A compressor for compressing the refrigerant;
A condenser for condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor;
An expansion device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser;
An evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device; And
A connection pipe extending from the condenser to the evaporator, the connection pipe having a first branch portion and a second branch portion;
A refrigerant storage device for bypassing and storing at least a part of the refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe;
A first bypass pipe branched from the first branch and guiding the refrigerant of the connection pipe to the refrigerant storage device; And
And a second bypass pipe branched from the second branch portion and guiding the refrigerant of the connection pipe to the refrigerant storage device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the expansion device is located between the first branched portion and the second branched portion. The method according to claim 1,
A joint portion to which the first and second bypass pipes are joined; And
Further comprising an inflow pipe extending from the ridge portion to the refrigerant storage device for introducing the refrigerant into the refrigerant storage device. The method of claim 3,
Further comprising a first valve installed in the inflow pipe and being controlled to be on or off. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a capillary tube installed in the first bypass pipe or the second bypass pipe for reducing a flow rate or a flow rate of the refrigerant. The method according to claim 1,
In the refrigerant storage device,
A first reservoir for storing a refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe;
A second storage unit for supplying the refrigerant to the compressor; And
And a partition plate for partitioning the first and second storage units. The method according to claim 6,
A transfer pipe extending from the first storage unit to the second storage unit and transferring the refrigerant stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit; And
And a second valve installed in the delivery pipe. The method according to claim 1,
A first bypass valve installed in the first bypass pipe; And
And a second bypass valve installed in the second bypass pipe. 9. The method of claim 8,
A first capillary tube installed in the first bypass pipe; And
And a second capillary tube installed in the second bypass pipe. 9. The method of claim 8,
In the refrigerant storage device,
A first connection part to which the first bypass pipe is connected; And
And a second connection portion to which the second bypass pipe is connected. The method of claim 3,
A first check valve installed in the first bypass pipe; And
And a second check valve installed in the second bypass pipe. 12. The method of claim 11,
And a solenoid valve and a capillary tube installed in the inflow pipe. A compressor for compressing the refrigerant; A condenser for condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor; An expansion device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser; An evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device; And a connection pipe extending from the condenser to the evaporator; And a refrigerant storage device for bypassing and storing at least a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the connection pipe, the method comprising the steps of:
Sensing a degree of supercooling of the condensed refrigerant by a temperature sensor provided in the condenser; And
The refrigerant of the connection pipe is discharged through the first bypass pipe branched from the inlet side of the expansion device or the second bypass pipe branched from the outlet side of the expansion device, And supplying the refrigerant to the refrigerant storage device. 14. The method of claim 13,
A first branched portion provided at an inlet side of the expansion device;
A first bypass pipe branched from the first branch portion;
A second branched portion provided at an outlet side of the expansion device; And
And a second bypass pipe branched from the second branch. 14. The method of claim 13,
And closes the first bypass piping branched from the inlet side of the expansion device or the second bypass piping branched from the outlet side of the expansion device if the sensed subcooling degree is less than the set subcooling degree, Control method.

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