Air conditioner

An air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses refrigerant; a condenser that condenses the refrigerant; at least one expansion valve that expands the refrigerant; a gas-liquid separator that separates and discharges the refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant; an evaporator that evaporates the liquid refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator; a refrigerant inflow pipe that connects the expansion valve and the gas-liquid separator; a bypass pipe that connects the gas-liquid separator and the compressor; and a refrigerant discharge pipe that connects the gas-liquid separator and the evaporator. The gas-liquid separator may include a housing in which a portion of the refrigerant inflow pipe, the bypass pipe, and the refrigerant discharge pipe may be disposed, and first and second partition walls disposed in the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0085992, filed in Korea on Jul. 13, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

An air conditioner is disclosed herein.

In general, an air conditioner refers to an apparatus that cools and heats a room through compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerant. If an outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner serves as a condenser, whereas an indoor heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, the room may be cooled. On the other hand, if the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner serves as an evaporator, whereas the indoor heat exchanger serves as a condenser, the room may be heated.

A conventional air conditioner includes a gas-liquid separator that receives a refrigerant that has passed through an expansion valve and separates and discharges the received refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. In this case, the gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator is injected into a compressor, and the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator may be supplied to an evaporator.

However, if the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant are not sufficiently separated in the gas-liquid separator, there is a problem in that the liquid refrigerant is injected into the compressor, causing damage to the compressor. Recently, a lot of research has been conducted on a method of increasing a separation rate of gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant in a gas-liquid separator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected with” another element, there may be intervening elements present. In contrast, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “directly connected with” another element, there are no intervening elements present. A singular representation may include a plural representation unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “includes” or “has” used herein should be considered as indicating the presence of several components, functions, or steps, disclosed in the specification, and it is also understood that more or fewer components, functions, or steps may likewise be utilized.

Referring toFIG.1, an air conditioner1may include a compressor2, a switching valve3, an outdoor heat exchanger4, an indoor heat exchanger5, expansion valves Va and Vb, and a gas-liquid separator10. In addition, the air conditioner1may include an injection valve Vi.

The compressor2may compress refrigerant introduced from an accumulator (not shown) and discharge a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. A first pipe P1may be installed between the compressor2and the switching valve3to provide a flow path for refrigerant from the compressor2to the switching valve3.

The switching valve3may receive a refrigerant which is discharged from the compressor2and passed through a first pipe P1. In addition, the switching valve3may guide the refrigerant introduced through the first pipe P1to the outdoor heat exchanger4or the indoor heat exchanger5, selectively. For example, the switching valve3may be a four-way valve. A seventh pipe P7may be installed between the switching valve3and the compressor2to provide a flow path for refrigerant from the switching valve3to the compressor2. In this case, the accumulator may be installed in the seventh pipe P7to provide gas refrigerant to the compressor2.

The outdoor heat exchanger4may heat-exchange the refrigerant and outdoor air. A direction of heat transfer between the refrigerant and outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger4may differ depending on an operation mode of the air conditioner, that is, depending on whether it is a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode. An outdoor fan4amay be disposed at one side of the outdoor heat exchanger4to adjust an amount of air provided to the outdoor heat exchanger4. For example, the outdoor fan4amay be driven by an electric motor. A second pipe P2may be installed between the switching valve3and the outdoor heat exchanger4to provide a flow path for refrigerant connecting the switching valve3and the outdoor heat exchanger4.

The indoor heat exchanger5may heat-exchange the refrigerant and heat transfer medium. A direction of heat transfer between the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium in the indoor heat exchanger5may differ depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner, that is, depending on whether it is a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode. A sixth pipe P6may be installed between the switching valve3and the indoor heat exchanger5to provide a flow path for refrigerant connecting the switching valve3and the indoor heat exchanger5.

For example, the heat transfer medium may be indoor air, and heat exchange may be performed between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger5. In this case, an indoor fan5amay be disposed at one side of the indoor heat exchanger5to adjust an amount of air provided to the indoor heat exchanger5. For example, the indoor fan5amay be driven by an electric motor.

For another example, the heat transfer medium may be water, and heat exchange may be performed between the refrigerant and water in the indoor heat exchanger5. In this case, the water that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger5may be supplied to a radiator (not shown) installed indoors or a pipe installed in a floor to cool or heat an indoor space, or may be used to supply hot or cold water to a room by heating or cooling the water stored in a hot water tank. The indoor heat exchanger5may be a plate heat exchanger provided with a plurality of heat transfer plates stacked on each other. In this case, the refrigerant and water may flow through a flow path formed between a plurality of heat transfer plates, and may exchange heat with each other in a non-contact manner. When the heat transfer medium is water, the air conditioner may be referred to as an air-to-water heat pump (AWHP).

The first expansion valve Va and the second expansion valve Vb may be installed between the outdoor heat exchanger4and the indoor heat exchanger5. More specifically, the first expansion valve Va may be installed in a third pipe P3facing the second pipe P2, across the outdoor heat exchanger4. In addition, the second expansion valve Vb may be installed in a fifth pipe P5facing a sixth pipe P6, across the indoor heat exchanger5. Depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner, the first expansion valve Va and the second expansion valve Vb may expand the refrigerant supplied from one of the outdoor heat exchanger4or the indoor heat exchanger5at a low temperature and low pressure.

The gas-liquid separator10may receive the expanded refrigerant from the first expansion valve Va or the second expansion valve Vb. A part or portion of the third pipe P3and a part or portion of the fifth pipe P5may be installed in the gas-liquid separator10. In other words, the third pipe P3may provide a flow path of refrigerant connecting the outdoor heat exchanger4and the gas-liquid separator10, and the fifth pipe P5may provide a flow path of refrigerant connecting the indoor heat exchanger5and the gas-liquid separator10. The gas-liquid separator10may separate and discharge the refrigerant introduced through the third pipe P3or the fifth pipe P5into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

The fourth pipe P4may provide a flow path for refrigerant connecting the gas-liquid separator10and a medium pressure stage of the compressor2described hereinafter. In this case, the injection valve Vi may be installed in a fourth pipe P4to open and close the flow path of the fourth pipe P4.

Referring to (a) ofFIG.1, the compressor2may compress the refrigerant introduced from the accumulator and discharge the compressed refrigerant in a high temperature and high pressure state. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor2may flow into the outdoor heat exchanger4through the first pipe P1, the switching valve3, and the second pipe P2, sequentially.

As heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger4, the refrigerant may be condensed. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger4may serve as a condenser. The refrigerant which is condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger4may pass through the first expansion valve Va in the third pipe P3and may be expanded to a range corresponding to the medium pressure stage of the compressor2. Here, the medium pressure stage of the compressor2may be understood as a pressure, that is, a low pressure, formed between the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor2and the pressure, that is, a high pressure, of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor2. For example, the first expansion valve Va may be an electronic expansion valve (EEV) capable of adjusting an opening degree of the flow path of the third pipe P3. The refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the first expansion valve Va may flow into the gas-liquid separator10in a two-phase state.

The gas-liquid separator10may separate and discharge the two-phase refrigerant that flows in the gas-liquid separator10through the third pipe P3into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The gas refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator10may flow into the medium pressure stage of the compressor2through the fourth pipe P4. In this case, the injection valve Vi may be a solenoid valve or an EEV that opens and closes the fourth pipe P4. The liquid refrigerant separated by the gas-liquid separator10may flow into the fifth pipe P5. The liquid refrigerant that flows in the fifth pipe P5may pass through the second expansion valve Vb and expand to a range corresponding to a low pressure stage of the compressor2. For example, the second expansion valve Vb may be an EEV. The refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the second expansion valve Vb may flow to the indoor heat exchanger5through the fifth pipe P5.

As the heat energy of the indoor air is transferred from the indoor heat exchanger5to the refrigerant, the refrigerant may be evaporated. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger5may serve as an evaporator. Further, according to the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air, a temperature of the indoor air is lowered, so that the indoor space may be cooled. The refrigerant which is evaporated while passing through the indoor heat exchanger5may flow into the compressor2through a sixth pipe P6, the switching valve3, and a seventh pipe P7, sequentially, so that a refrigerant cycle for a cooling operation of the above-described air conditioner may be completed.

Referring to (b) ofFIG.1, the compressor2may compress the refrigerant introduced from the accumulator and discharge the compressed refrigerant in a high temperature and high pressure state. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor2may flow to the indoor heat exchanger5through the first pipe P1, the switching valve3, and the sixth pipe P6, sequentially.

As heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger5, the refrigerant may be condensed. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger5may serve as a condenser. In addition, according to the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air, a temperature of the indoor air may be increased, so that the indoor space may be heated. The refrigerant which is condensed while passing through the indoor heat exchanger5may pass through the second expansion valve Vb in the fifth pipe P5and may be expanded to a range corresponding to the medium pressure stage of the compressor2. Here, the medium pressure stage of the compressor2may be understood as a pressure formed between the pressure, that is, the low pressure, of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor2and the pressure, that is, the high pressure, of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor2. For example, the second expansion valve Vb may be an electronic expansion valve (EEV) capable of adjusting an opening degree of the flow path of the fifth pipe P5. The refrigerant expanded while passing through the second expansion valve Vb may flow to the gas-liquid separator10in a two-phase state.

The gas-liquid separator10may separate and discharge the two-phase refrigerants that flows into the gas-liquid separator10through the fifth pipe P5into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator10may flow into the medium pressure stage of the compressor2through the fourth pipe P4. In this case, the injection valve Vi may be a solenoid valve or an EEV that opens and closes the fourth pipe P4. The liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator10may flow into the third pipe P3. The liquid refrigerant that flows into the third pipe P3may pass through the first expansion valve Va and may expand to a range corresponding to the low pressure stage of the compressor2. For example, the first expansion valve Va may be an EEV. The refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the first expansion valve Va may flow to the outdoor heat exchanger4through the third pipe P3.

As the heat energy of outdoor air is transferred from the outdoor heat exchanger4to the refrigerant, the refrigerant may be evaporated. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger4may serve as an evaporator. The refrigerant which is evaporated while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger4may flow into the compressor2through the second pipe P2, the switching valve3, and the seventh pipe P7, sequentially, so that a refrigerant cycle for the above-described heating operation of air conditioner may be completed.

Referring toFIG.2, fourth pipe P4′ may provide a flow path for refrigerant connecting the gas-liquid separator10and seventh pipe P7. In this case, the injection valve Vi may be installed in the fourth pipe P4′ to open and close the flow path of the fourth pipe P4′. Accordingly, the gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator10may flow into the low pressure stage of the compressor2through the fourth pipe P4′.

Referring to (a) ofFIG.2, in the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger4may be expanded to a range corresponding to the low pressure stage of the compressor2in the first expansion valve Va. In addition, the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator10may be provided to the indoor heat exchanger5through the fifth pipe P5, and the second expansion valve Vb may completely open the flow path of the fifth pipe P5. In addition, the gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator10may flow to the seventh pipe P7through the fourth pipe P4′ and may be provided to a suction end of the compressor2.

Referring to (b) ofFIG.2, in the heating operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is condensed while passing through the indoor heat exchanger5may be expanded to a range corresponding to the low pressure stage of the compressor2in the second expansion valve Vb. In addition, the liquid refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator10may be provided to the outdoor heat exchanger4through the third pipe P3, and the first expansion valve Va may completely open the flow path of third pipe P3. In addition, the gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator10may flow to the seventh pipe P7through the fourth pipe P4′ and may be provided to the suction end of the compressor2.

Referring toFIG.3, the gas-liquid separator10may include a base11, a housing12, a cap13, a first partition wall14, and a second partition wall15. According to this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator10may further include a third partition wall located between the first partition wall14and the second partition wall15, in addition to the first partition wall14and the second partition wall15described hereinafter.

The base11may form a lower surface of the gas-liquid separator10. The base11may be formed in a circular plate shape as a whole, and the housing12, the first partition wall14, and the second partition wall15may be installed thereon.

The housing12may form a side surface of the gas-liquid separator10. The housing12may be formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole, and may accommodate the first partition wall14and the second partition wall15therein. A lower end of the housing12may be in close contact with the base11to prevent the refrigerant from leaking from an inside of the housing12to an outside.

The cap13may form an upper surface of the gas-liquid separator10. The cap13may be formed in a circular plate shape as a whole, and a hole through which the third pipe P3, the fourth pipe P4, and the fifth pipe P5may pass may be formed in the cap13. An upper end of the housing12may be in close contact with the cap13to prevent the refrigerant from leaking from the inside of the housing12to the outside.

The first partition wall14and the second partition wall15may be installed in an internal accommodation space of the housing12. The first partition wall14and the second partition wall15may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval d. The lower end of the first partition wall14and the lower end of the second partition wall15may be fixed on the base11. A side surface of the first partition wall14and a side surface of the second partition wall15may be fixed to an inner surface of the housing12. An upper end of the first partition wall14and an upper end of the second partition wall15may be spaced apart from a lower surface of the cap13.

Accordingly, the first partition wall14and the second partition wall15may divide the internal accommodation space of the housing12in a horizontal direction into a first space Sa, which is a space between the first partition wall14and the inner surface of the housing12, a second space Sb, which is a space between the first partition wall14and the second partition wall15, and a third space Sc, which is a space between the second partition wall15and the inner surface of the housing12. In addition, a fourth space Sd may be formed between the lower surface of the cap13and the first and second partition walls14and15.

The third pipe P3may be vertically connected to an upper side of the gas-liquid separator10through a hole in the cap13, and may be disposed in the internal accommodation space of the housing12. The third pipe P3may be disposed in the fourth space Sd and in the first space Sa, which is the space between the inner surface of the housing12and the first partition wall14. A distal end P3aof the third pipe P3may be spaced apart from the base11and may be adjacent to the upper surface of the base11.

The fourth pipe P4may be vertically connected to the upper side of the gas-liquid separator10through a hole in the cap13, and may be disposed in the internal accommodation space of the housing12. The fourth pipe P4may be disposed in the fourth space Sd. A distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4may be located between the first partition wall14and the second partition wall15in the horizontal direction. In other words, the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4may be located in the fourth space Sd above the second space Sb, which is the space between the first partition wall14and the second partition wall15.

The fifth pipe P5may be vertically connected to the upper side of the gas-liquid separator10through a hole in the cap13, and may be disposed in the internal accommodation space of the housing12. The fifth pipe P5may be disposed in the fourth space Sd and in the third space Sc, which is the space between the inner surface of the housing12and the second partition wall15. A distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5may be spaced apart from the base11and may be adjacent to the upper surface of the base11.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, the first partition wall14and the second partition wall15may be formed in a plate shape as a whole. A lower surface of the first partition wall14may be fixed on the base11. In a vertical direction, a height Ha of the first partition wall14may be smaller than a height Ht of the housing12. Accordingly, an upper surface of the first partition wall14may be located below the cap13.

The first partition wall14may include a first surface14athat contacts the inner surface of the housing12in the horizontal direction, and a second surface14bthat faces the first surface14aand contacts the inner surface of the housing12. A point at which the upper surface, the lower surface, the first surface14a, and the second surface14bof the first partition wall14meet each other may be referred to as a “corner”. More specifically, a point at which the upper surface of the first partition wall14and the first surface14ameet may be referred to as a “first corner”, a point at which the upper surface of the first partition wall14and the second surface14bmeet may be referred to as a “second corner”, a point at which the lower surface of the first partition wall14and the first surface14ameet may be referred to as a “third corner”, and a point at which the lower surface of the first partition wall14and the second surface14bmeet may be referred to as a “fourth corner”.

In this case, a first opening140may be formed by cutting out a portion of an outer surface of the first partition wall14. For example, the first opening140may be formed by cutting out the fourth corner of the first partition wall14. Thus, one end of the first opening140may be connected to the lower surface of the first partition wall14and the other end may be connected to the second surface14b. For example, the first opening140may extend in a direction crossing the upper surface of the base11. In this case, the first opening140may form an acute angle with respect to the upper surface of the base11. Accordingly, the first space Sa and the second space Sb may communicate with each other through the first opening140.

In addition, the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3may be located closer to the first surface14athan the first opening140or the second surface14b. In other words, the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3may be located between a virtual first vertical line14mthat passes through a center of the first partition wall14and extends in the vertical direction and the first surface14a, and the first opening140may be located between the first vertical line14mand the second surface14b.

A lower surface of the second partition wall15may be fixed on the base11. In the vertical direction, a height Ha of the second partition wall15may be smaller than the height Ht of the housing12. Accordingly, an upper surface of the second partition wall15may be located below the cap13.

The second partition wall15may include a first surface15athat contacts the inner surface of the housing12in the horizontal direction, and a second surface15bthat faces the first surface15aand contacts the inner surface of the housing12. A point at which the upper surface, the lower surface, the first surface15a, and the second surface15bof the second partition wall15meet each other may be referred to as a “corner”. More specifically, a point at which the upper surface of the second partition wall15and the first surface15ameet may be referred to as a “first corner”, a point at which the upper surface of the second partition wall15and the second surface15bmeet may be referred to as a “second corner”, a point at which the lower surface of the second partition wall15and the first surface15ameet may be referred to as a “third corner”, and a point at which the lower surface of the second partition wall15and the second surface15bmeet may be referred to as a “fourth corner”.

In this case, a second opening150may be formed by cutting out a portion of an outer surface of the second partition wall15. For example, the second opening150may be formed by cutting out the fourth corner of the second partition wall15. Accordingly, one end of the second opening150may be connected to the lower surface of the second partition wall15and the other end may be connected to the second surface15b. For example, the second opening150may extend in a direction crossing the upper surface of the base11. In this case, the second opening150may form an acute angle with respect to the upper surface of the base11. Accordingly, the third space Sc and the second space Sb may communicate with each other through the second opening150. For example, a direction in which the first opening140extends and a direction in which the second opening150extends may cross each other.

In addition, a distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5may be located closer to the first surface15athan the second opening150or the second surface15b. In other words, the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5may be located between a virtual second vertical line15mthat passes through a center of the second partition wall15and extends in the vertical direction and the first surface15a, and the second opening150may be located between the first vertical line15mand the second surface15b.

A first direction from the first surface14ato the second surface14bof the first partition wall14and a second direction from the first surface15ato the second surface15bof the second partition wall15may be opposite to each other. Accordingly, the second opening150may be formed in a portion that is farthest from the first opening140among the lower end of the second partition wall15. In other words, in the horizontal direction, the first opening140and the second opening150may face each other, across a circle center of an inner circumferential surface of the housing12. An inner radius R of the housing12may be defined based on the circle center.

In the heating operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the first expansion valve Va (seeFIG.1) may flow into the first space Sa of the housing12in a two-phase state through the third pipe P3. In this case, the third pipe P3may be referred to as a “refrigerant inflow pipe”. In addition, the two-phase refrigerant flowing into the first space Sa may flow along the inner surface of the housing12, the first partition wall14, and the second partition wall15, and may be separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

More specifically, at least a portion of the gas refrigerant, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, may move upward from the first space Sa toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4and be provided to the compressor2(seeFIG.1). In this case, the fourth pipe P4may be referred to as a “bypass pipe”. As the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3is relatively far apart from the first opening140, it is possible to prevent the gas refrigerant from flowing into the first opening140.

In addition, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, the remaining refrigerant excluding the gas refrigerant flowing into the fourth pipe P4may flow into the second space Sb from the first space Sa through the first opening140, and may flow into the third space Sc from the second space Sb through the second opening150(refer to reference numeral Fa). In this case, the gas refrigerant included in the remaining refrigerant during the above-described refrigerant flow process may move upward toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the third space Sc may flow into the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, and pass through the above-described second expansion valve Vb, and the indoor heat exchanger5, for example. In this case, the fifth pipe P5may be referred to as a “refrigerant discharge pipe”.

In the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the second expansion valve Vb (seeFIG.1) may flow into the third space Sc of the housing12through the fifth pipe P5in a two-phase state. In this case, the fifth pipe P5may be referred to as a “refrigerant inflow pipe”. In addition, the two-phase refrigerant flowing into the third space Sc may flow along the inner surface of the housing12, the second partition wall15, and the first partition wall14, and may be separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

More specifically, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, at least a portion of the gas refrigerant may move upward from the third space Sc toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4and be provided to the compressor2(seeFIG.1). In this case, the fourth pipe P4may be referred to as a “bypass pipe”. As the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5is relatively far apart from the second opening150, the gas refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the second opening150.

In addition, the remaining refrigerant excluding the gas refrigerant flowing into the fourth pipe P4, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, may flow into the second space Sb from the third space Sc through the second opening150, and may flow into the first space Sa from the second space Sb through the first opening140. In this case, the gas refrigerant included in the remaining refrigerant during the above-described refrigerant flow process may move upward toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the first space Sa may flow into the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, and may pass through the above-described first expansion valve Va, and the outdoor heat exchanger4, for example. In this case, the third pipe P3may be referred to as a “refrigerant discharge pipe”.

Accordingly, gas-liquid separation efficiency in the gas-liquid separator10may be increased, and reliability of the compressor may be obtained by preventing the liquid refrigerant from being discharged through the fourth pipe P4. In addition, it is easy to manage a level of the liquid refrigerant, thereby improving performance or efficiency of the air conditioner.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, third pipe P3′ and fifth pipe P5′ may be horizontally connected to a side surface of gas-liquid separator10through a hole formed in the side surface of the gas-liquid separator10, and may be disposed in the internal accommodation space of the housing12. The third pipe P3′ may be provided with first expansion valve Va (seeFIG.1). The third pipe P3′ may be disposed in the first space Sa, which is the space between the inner surface of the housing12and the first partition wall14. The distal end P3a′ of the third pipe P3′ may be spaced apart from the base11and may be adjacent to the upper surface of the base11.

In addition, the distal end P3a′ of the third pipe P3′ may be located closer to the first surface14athan the first opening140or the second surface14b. In other words, the distal end P3a′ of the third pipe P3′ may be located between the virtual first vertical line14mthat extends in the vertical direction while passing through the center of the first partition wall14and the first surface14a, and the first opening140may be located between the first vertical line14mand the second surface14b.

The fifth pipe P5′ may be provided with second expansion valve Vb (seeFIG.1). The fifth pipe P5′ may be disposed in the third space Sc, which is the space between the inner surface of the housing12and the second partition wall15. The distal end P5a′ of the fifth pipe P5′ may be spaced apart from the base11and may be adjacent to the upper surface of the base11.

In addition, the distal end P5a′ of the fifth pipe P5′ may be located closer to the first surface15athan the second opening150or the second surface15b. In other words, the distal end P5a′ of the fifth pipe P5′ may be located between the virtual second vertical line15mthat extends in the vertical direction while passing through the center of the second partition wall15and the first surface15a, and the second opening150may be located between the second vertical line15mand the second surface15b.

In the heating operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the first expansion valve Va (seeFIG.1) may flow into the first space Sa of the housing12through the third pipe P3′ in a two-phase state. In this case, the third pipe P3′ may be referred to as a “refrigerant inflow pipe”. In addition, the two-phase refrigerant flowing into the first space Sa may flow along the inner surface of the housing12, the first partition wall14, and the second partition wall15, and may be separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

More specifically, at least a portion of the gas refrigerant, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3a′ of the third pipe P3′, may move upward from the first space Sa toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4and be provided to the compressor2(seeFIG.1). In this case, the fourth pipe P4may be referred to as a “bypass pipe”. As the distal end P3a′ of the third pipe P3′ is relatively far apart from the first opening140, the gas refrigerant may be prevented from flowing to the first opening140.

In addition, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3a′ of the third pipe P3′, the remaining refrigerant excluding the gas refrigerant flowing into the fourth pipe P4may flow into the second space Sb from the first space Sa through the first opening140, and may flow into the third space Sc from the second space Sb through the second opening150(refer to reference numeral Fb). In this case, the gas refrigerant included in the remaining refrigerant during the above-described refrigerant flow process may move upward toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the third space Sc may flow into the distal end P5a′ of the fifth pipe P5′, and pass through the above-described second expansion valve Vb, and the indoor heat exchanger5, for example. In this case, the fifth pipe P5′ may be referred to as a “refrigerant discharge pipe”.

In the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the second expansion valve Vb (seeFIG.1) may flow into the third space Sc of the housing12through the fifth pipe P5′ in a two-phase state. In this case, the fifth pipe P5′ may be referred to as a “refrigerant inflow pipe”. In addition, the two-phase refrigerant flowing into the third space Sc may flow along the inner surface of the housing12, the second partition wall15, and the first partition wall14, and may be separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

More specifically, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5a′ of the fifth pipe P5′, at least a portion of the gas refrigerant may move upward from the third space Sc toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4and be provided to the compressor2(seeFIG.1). In this case, the fourth pipe P4may be referred to as a “bypass pipe”. As the distal end P5a′ of the fifth pipe P5′ is relatively far apart from the second opening150, the gas refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the second opening150.

In addition, the remaining refrigerant excluding the gas refrigerant flowing into the fourth pipe P4, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, may flow into the second space Sb from the third space Sc through the second opening150, and may flow into the first space Sa from the second space Sb through the first opening140. In this case, the gas refrigerant included in the remaining refrigerant during the above-described refrigerant flow process may move upward toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the first space Sa may flow into the distal end P3a′ of the third pipe P3′, and may pass through the above-described first expansion valve Va, and the outdoor heat exchanger4, for example. In this case, the third pipe P3′ may be referred to as a “refrigerant discharge pipe”.

Accordingly, gas-liquid separation efficiency in the gas-liquid separator10may be increased, and reliability of the compressor may be obtained by preventing the liquid refrigerant from being discharged through the fourth pipe P4. In addition, it is easy to manage a level of the liquid refrigerant, thereby improving performance or efficiency of the air conditioner.

Referring toFIG.7, gas-liquid separator10may include a first partition wall16and a second partition wall17. The first partition wall16and the second partition wall17may be installed in the internal accommodation space of the housing12. The first partition wall16and the second partition wall17may be spaced apart from each other. A lower end of the first partition wall16and a lower end of the second partition wall17may be fixed on the base11. A side surface of the first partition wall16and a side surface of the second partition wall17may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing12. An upper end of the first partition wall16and an upper end of the second partition wall17may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the cap13.

Accordingly, the first partition wall16and the second partition wall17may divide the internal accommodation space of the housing12in the horizontal direction into a first space Se, which is a space between the first partition wall16and the inner surface of the housing12, a second space Sf, which is a space between the first partition wall16and the second partition wall17, and a third space Sg, which is a space between the second partition wall17and the inner surface of the housing12. In addition, a fourth space Sh may be formed between the lower surface of the cap13and the first and second partition walls16and17.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the first partition wall16and the second partition wall17may be formed as a whole in a plate shape which is bent at least once in a radial direction of the housing12.

The lower surface of the first partition wall16may be fixed on the base11. In the vertical direction, a height Hc of the first partition wall16may be smaller than the height Ht of the housing12. Accordingly, the upper surface of the first partition wall16may be located below the cap13.

The first partition wall16may include a first plate161and a second plate162. The first plate161and the second plate162may be coupled to each other along a virtual first vertical line16mextending in the vertical direction while passing through a center of the first partition wall16. Each of the first plate161and the second plate162may be formed flat. The second plate162may be inclined at a predetermined angle (ea) with respect to the first plate161. For example, ea may be an obtuse angle.

The first partition wall16may include a first surface16athat contacts the inner surface of the housing12in the horizontal direction, and a second surface16bthat faces the first surface16aand contacts the inner surface of the housing12. In this case, the first surface16amay be provided on the first plate161and the second surface16bmay be provided on the second plate162.

A point at which the upper surface, the lower surface, the first surface16a, and the second surface16bof the first partition wall16meet each other may be referred to as a “corner”. More specifically, a point at which the upper surface of the first partition wall16and the first surface16ameet may be referred to as a “first corner”, a point at which the upper surface of the first partition wall16and the second surface16bmeet may be referred to as a “second corner”, a point at which the lower surface of the first partition wall16and the first surface16ameet may be referred to as a “third corner”, and a point at which the lower surface of the first partition wall16and the second surface16bmeet may be referred to as a “fourth corner”. In this case, the first corner and the third corner may be provided in the first plate161and the second corner and the fourth corner may be provided in the second plate162.

In this case, a first opening160may be formed by cutting out a portion of an outer surface of the first partition wall16. For example, the first opening160may be formed by cutting out the fourth corner of the first partition wall16. Thus, one end of the first opening160may be connected to the lower surface of the first partition wall16and the other end may be connected to the second surface16b. For example, the first opening160may extend in a direction crossing the upper surface of the base11. In this case, the first opening160may form an acute angle with respect to the upper surface of the base11. Accordingly, the first space Se and the second space Sf may communicate with each other through the first opening160.

In addition, the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3may be located closer to the first surface16athan the first opening160or the second surface16b. In other words, the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3may be located closer to the first plate161than the second plate162.

A lower surface of the second partition wall17may be fixed on the base11. In the vertical direction, a height Ha of the second partition wall17may be smaller than the height Ht of the housing12. Accordingly, the upper surface of the second partition wall17may be located below the cap13.

The second partition wall17may include a first plate171and a second plate172. The first plate171and the second plate172may be coupled to each other along a virtual second vertical line17mextending in the vertical direction while passing through a center of the second partition wall17. Each of the first plate171and the second plate172may be formed flat. The second plate172may be inclined at a predetermined angle (θb) with respect to the first plate171. For example, θbmay be an obtuse angle.

The second partition wall17may include a first surface17athat contacts the inner surface of the housing12in the horizontal direction, and a second surface17bthat faces the first surface17aand contacts the inner surface of the housing12. In this case, the first surface17amay be provided on the first plate171and the second surface17bmay be provided on the second plate172.

A point at which the upper surface, the lower surface, the first surface17a, and the second surface17bof the second partition wall17meet each other may be referred to as a “corner”. More specifically, a point at which the upper surface of the second partition wall17and the first surface17ameet may be referred to as a “first corner”, a point at which the upper surface of the second partition wall17and the second surface17bmeet may be referred to as a “second corner”, a point at which the lower surface of the second partition wall17and the first surface17ameet may be referred to as a “third corner”, and a point at which the lower surface of the second partition wall17and the second surface17bmeet may be referred to as a “fourth corner”. At this time, the first corner and the third corner may be provided in the first plate171, and the second corner and the fourth corner may be provided in the second plate172.

In this case, a second opening170may be formed by cutting out a portion of an outer surface of the second partition wall17. For example, the second opening170may be formed by cutting out the fourth corner of the second partition wall17. Thus, one end of the second opening170may be connected to the lower surface of the second partition wall17and the other end may be connected to the second surface17b. For example, the second opening170may extend in a direction crossing the upper surface of the base11. In this case, the second opening170may form an acute angle with respect to the upper surface of the base11. Thus, the third space Sg and the second space Sf may communicate with each other through the second opening170. For example, a direction in which the first opening160extends and a direction in which the second opening170extends may cross each other.

In addition, a distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5may be located closer to the first surface17athan the second opening170or the second surface17b. In other words, the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5may be located closer to the first plate171than the second plate172.

A first direction from the first surface16atoward the second surface16bin the first partition wall16and a second direction from the first surface17atoward the second surface17bin the second partition wall17may be opposite to each other. Thus, the second opening170may be formed in a portion which is farthest from the first opening160among the lower end of the second partition wall17. In other words, in the horizontal direction, the first opening160and the second opening170may face each other, across a circle center of the inner circumferential surface of the housing12. The inner radius R of the housing12may be defined based on the circle center.

In the heating operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the first expansion valve Va (seeFIG.1) may flow into the first space Sa of the housing12through the third pipe P3in a two-phase state. In this case, the third pipe P3may be referred to as a “refrigerant inflow pipe”. In addition, the two-phase refrigerant flowing into the first space Sa may flow along the inner surface of the housing12, the first partition wall16, and the second partition wall17, and may be separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

More specifically, at least a portion of the gas refrigerant, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, may move upward from the first space Se toward the fourth space Sh, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4and be provided to the compressor2(seeFIG.1). In this case, the fourth pipe P4may be referred to as a “bypass pipe”. As the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3is relatively far apart from the first opening160, the gas refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the first opening160. In addition, due to the plate shape which is bent once in the radial direction of the housing12of the first partition wall16, the liquid refrigerant, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, may be prevented from flowing into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4through the fourth space Sh.

In addition, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, the remaining refrigerant excluding the gas refrigerant flowing into the fourth pipe P4may flow into the second space Sf from the first space Se through the first opening160, and may flow into the third space Sg from the second space Sf through the second opening170(refer to reference numeral Fc). In this case, the gas refrigerant included in the remaining refrigerant during the above-described refrigerant flow process may move upward toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the third space Sg may flow into the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, and may pass through the above-described second expansion valve Vb, and the indoor heat exchanger5, for example. At this time, the fifth pipe P5may be referred to as a “refrigerant discharge pipe”.

In the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the second expansion valve Vb (seeFIG.1) may flow into the third space Sc of the housing12through the fifth pipe P5in a two-phase state. At this time, the fifth pipe P5may be referred to as a “refrigerant inflow pipe”. In addition, the two-phase refrigerant flowing into the third space Sg may flow along the inner surface of the housing12, the second partition wall17, and the first partition wall16, and may be separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

More specifically, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, at least a portion of the gas refrigerant may move upward from the third space Sg toward the fourth space Sh, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4and be provided to the compressor2(seeFIG.1). At this time, the fourth pipe P4may be referred to as a “bypass pipe”. As the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5is relatively far apart from the second opening170, the gas refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the second opening170. In addition, due to the plate shape which is bent once in the radial direction of the housing12of the second partition wall17, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, the liquid refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4through the fourth space Sh.

In addition, the remaining refrigerant excluding the gas refrigerant flowing into the fourth pipe P4, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, may flow into the second space Sf through the second opening170from the third space Sg, and may flow into the first space Se through the first opening160from the second space Sf. In this case, the gas refrigerant included in the remaining refrigerant during the above-described refrigerant flow process may move upward toward the fourth space Sh, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the first space Se may flow into the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, and may pass through the above-described first expansion valve Va, and the outdoor heat exchanger4, for example. At this time, the third pipe P3may be referred to as a “refrigerant discharge pipe”.

Accordingly, gas-liquid separation efficiency in the gas-liquid separator10may be increased, and reliability of the compressor may be obtained by preventing the liquid refrigerant from being discharged through the fourth pipe P4. In addition, it is easy to manage the level of the liquid refrigerant, thereby improving performance or efficiency of the air conditioner.

Referring toFIG.9, gas-liquid separator10may include a first partition wall18and a second partition wall19. The first partition wall18and the second partition wall19may be installed in the internal accommodation space of the housing12. The first partition wall18and the second partition wall19may be spaced apart from each other. A lower end of the first partition wall18and a lower end of the second partition wall19may be fixed on the base11. A side surface of the first partition wall18and a side surface of the second partition wall19may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing12. An upper end of the first partition wall18and an upper end of the second partition wall19may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the cap13.

Accordingly, the first partition wall18and the second partition wall19may divide the internal accommodation space of the housing12in the horizontal direction into a first space Si, which is a space between the first partition wall18and the inner surface of the housing12, a second space Sj, which is a space between the first partition wall18and the second partition wall19, and a third space Sk, which is a space between the second partition wall19and the inner surface of the housing12. In addition, a fourth space SI may be formed between the lower surface of the cap13and the first and second partition walls16and17.

Referring toFIGS.9and10, the first partition wall18and the second partition wall19may be formed as a whole in a plate shape, and may be inclined with respect to the base11.

A lower surface of the first partition wall18may be fixed on the base11. In the vertical direction, a height Hc of the first partition wall18may be smaller than the height Ht of the housing12. Accordingly, an upper surface of the first partition wall18may be located below the cap13.

The first partition wall18may extend lengthwise in a direction crossing the base11. The first partition wall18may be inclined at a predetermined angle (θc) with respect to the base11. For example, θcmay be an acute angle. In this case, the lower end of the first partition wall18may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing12, and the upper end of the first partition wall18may contact the inner surface of the housing12.

The first partition wall18may include a first surface18athat contacts the inner surface of the housing12in the horizontal direction, and a second surface18bthat faces the first surface18aand contacts the inner surface of the housing12. A point at which the upper surface, the lower surface, the first surface18a, and the second surface18bof the first partition wall18meet each other may be referred to as a “corner”. More specifically, a point at which the upper surface of the first partition wall18and the first surface18ameet may be referred to as a “first corner”, a point at which the upper surface of the first partition wall18and the second surface18bmeet may be referred to as a “second corner”, a point at which the lower surface of the first partition wall18and the first surface18ameet may be referred to as a “third corner”, and a point at which the lower surface of the first partition wall18and the second surface18bmeet may be referred to as a “fourth corner”.

In this case, a first opening180may be formed by cutting out a portion of an outer surface of the first partition wall18. For example, the first opening180may be formed by cutting out the fourth corner of the first partition wall18. Thus, one end of the first opening180may be connected to the lower surface of the first partition wall18and the other end may be connected to the second surface18b. For example, the first opening180may extend in a direction crossing the upper surface of the base11. In this case, the first opening180may form an acute angle with respect to the upper surface of the base11. Accordingly, the first space Si and the second space Sj may communicate with each other through the first opening180.

In addition, the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3may be located closer to the first surface18athan the first opening180or the second surface18b. In other words, the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3may be located between the first virtual line18mextending in the vertical direction while passing through a center of the first partition wall18and the first surface18a, and the first opening180may be located between the first vertical line18mand the second surface18b.

The lower surface of the second partition wall19may be fixed on the base11. In the vertical direction, a height Ha of the second partition wall19may be smaller than the height Ht of the housing12. Accordingly, the upper surface of the second partition wall19may be located below the cap13.

The second partition wall19may extend lengthwise in a direction crossing the base11. The second partition wall19may be inclined at a predetermined angle (θd) with respect to the base11. For example, θdmay be an acute angle. In this case, the lower end of the second partition wall19may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing12, and the upper end of the second partition wall19may contact the inner surface of the housing12.

The second partition wall19may include a first surface19athat contacts the inner surface of the housing12in the horizontal direction, and a second surface19bthat faces the first surface19aand contacts the inner surface of the housing12. A point at which the upper surface, the lower surface, the first surface19a, and the second surface19bof the second partition wall19meet each other may be referred to as a “corner”. More specifically, a point at which the upper surface of the second partition wall19and the first surface19ameet may be referred to as a “first corner”, a point at which the upper surface of the second partition wall19and the second surface19bmeet may be referred to as a “second corner”, a point at which the lower surface of the second partition wall19and the first surface19ameet may be referred to as a “third corner”, and a point at which the lower surface of the second partition wall19and the second surface19bmeet may be referred to as a “fourth corner”.

In this case, a second opening190may be formed by cutting out a portion of an outer surface of the second partition wall19. For example, the second opening190may be formed by cutting out the fourth corner of the second partition wall19. Thus, one end of the second opening190may be connected to the lower surface of the second partition wall19and the other end may be connected to the second surface19b. For example, the second opening190may extend in a direction crossing the upper surface of the base11. In this case, the second opening190may form an acute angle with respect to the upper surface of the base11. Thus, the third space Sk and the second space Sj may communicate with each other through the second opening190. For example, a direction in which the first opening180extends and a direction in which the second opening190extends may cross each other.

In addition, a distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5may be located closer to the first surface19athan the second opening190or the second surface19b. In other words, the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5may be located between a virtual second vertical line19mextending in the vertical direction while passing through a center of the second partition wall19and the first surface19a, and the second opening190may be located between the second vertical line19mand the second surface19b.

A first direction from the first surface18aof the first partition wall18toward the second surface18band a second direction from the first surface19aof the second partition wall19toward the second surface19bmay be opposite to each other. Thus, the second opening190may be formed in a portion which is farthest from the first opening180among the lower end of the second partition wall19. In other words, in the horizontal direction, the first opening180and the second opening190may face each other, across a circle center of the inner circumferential surface of the housing12. The inner radius R of the housing12may be defined based on the circle center.

In the heating operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the first expansion valve Va (seeFIG.1) may flow into the first space Si of the housing12through the third pipe P3in a two-phase state. In this case, the third pipe P3may be referred to as a “refrigerant inflow pipe”. In addition, the two-phase refrigerant flowing into the first space Si may flow along the inner surface of the housing12, the first partition wall18, and the second partition wall19, and may be separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

More specifically, at least a portion of the gas refrigerant, among the two-phase refrigerants discharged from the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, may move upward from the first space Si toward the fourth space SI, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4and be provided to the compressor2(seeFIG.1). At this case, the fourth pipe P4may be referred to as a “bypass pipe”. As the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3is relatively far apart from the first opening180, the gas refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the first opening180. In addition, due to the configuration in which the first partition wall18is inclined toward the inner surface of the housing12as it extends upward from the base11, the liquid refrigerant, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, may be prevented from flowing into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4through the fourth space SI.

In addition, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, the remaining refrigerant excluding the gas refrigerant flowing into the fourth pipe P4may flow into the second space Sj from the first space Si through the first opening180, and may flow into the third space Sk from the second space Sj through the second opening190(refer to reference numeral F1). In this case, the gas refrigerant included in the remaining refrigerant during the above-described refrigerant flow process may move upward toward the fourth space Sd, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the third space Sk may flow into the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, and may pass through the above-described second expansion valve Vb, and the indoor heat exchanger5, for example. At this time, the fifth pipe P5may be referred to as a “refrigerant discharge pipe”.

In the cooling operation mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant which is expanded while passing through the second expansion valve Vb (seeFIG.1) may flow into the third space Sk of the housing12through the fifth pipe P5in a two-phase state. At this time, the fifth pipe P5may be referred to as a “refrigerant inflow pipe”. In addition, the two-phase refrigerant flowing into the third space Sk may flow along the inner surface of the housing12, the second partition wall19, and the first partition wall18, and may be separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

More specifically, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, at least a portion of the gas refrigerant may move upward from the third space Sk toward the fourth space SI, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4and be provided to the compressor2(seeFIG.1). At this time, the fourth pipe P4may be referred to as a “bypass pipe”. As the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5is relatively far apart from the second opening190, the gas refrigerant may be prevented from flowing into the second opening190. In addition, due to the configuration in which the second partition wall19is inclined toward the inner surface of the housing12as it extends upward from the base11, the liquid refrigerant, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, may be prevented from flowing into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4through the fourth space SI.

In addition, the remaining refrigerant excluding the gas refrigerant flowing into the fourth pipe P4, among the two-phase refrigerant discharged from the distal end P5aof the fifth pipe P5, may flow into the second space Sj through the second opening190from the third space Sk, and may flow into the first space Si through the first opening180from the second space Sj. In this case, the gas refrigerant included in the remaining refrigerant during the above-described refrigerant flow process may move upward toward the fourth space SI, and may flow into the distal end P4aof the fourth pipe P4. As a result, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the first space Si may flow into the distal end P3aof the third pipe P3, and may pass through the above-described first expansion valve Va, and the outdoor heat exchanger4, for example. At this time, the third pipe P3may be referred to as a “refrigerant discharge pipe”.

Accordingly, gas-liquid separation efficiency in the gas-liquid separator10may be increased, and reliability of the compressor may be obtained by preventing the liquid refrigerant from being discharged through the fourth pipe P4. In addition, it is easy to manage the level of the liquid refrigerant, thereby improving performance or efficiency of the air conditioner.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, an air conditioner is provided that may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a condenser that condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; an expansion valve that expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser; a gas-liquid separator, through which the refrigerant passed through the expansion valve may flow, that separates and discharges the refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant; an evaporator that evaporates the liquid refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator; a refrigerant inflow pipe that connects the expansion valve and the gas-liquid separator; a bypass pipe that connects the gas-liquid separator and the compressor; and a refrigerant discharge pipe that connects the gas-liquid separator and the evaporator. The gas-liquid separator may include a housing in which the refrigerant inflow pipe, the bypass pipe, and the refrigerant discharge pipe may be disposed; a first partition wall, which is disposed in an internal space of the housing and including a first opening formed by cutting out a part or portion of an outer surface thereof, that is disposed adjacent to the refrigerant inflow pipe, and a second partition wall, which is spaced apart from the first partition wall and disposed in the internal space of the housing and includes a second opening formed by cutting out a part or portion of an outer surface thereof, that is disposed adjacent to the refrigerant discharge pipe.

The first partition wall and the second partition wall may divide a first space, which is a space between the first partition wall and an inner surface of the housing, a second space, which is a space between the first partition wall and the second partition wall, and a third space, which is a space between the second partition wall and an inner surface of the housing. The refrigerant inflow pipe may be disposed in the first space, and the refrigerant discharge pipe may be disposed in the third space.

The gas-liquid separator may further include a base to which a lower end of the first partition wall and a lower end of the second partition wall may be fixed. The first opening may extend in a direction crossing an upper surface of the base, and may have one end connected to the lower end of the first partition wall. The second opening may extend in a direction crossing the upper surface of the base, and may have one end connected to the lower end of the second partition wall.

The refrigerant inflow pipe may be adjacent to the upper surface of the base and may have a distal end spaced apart from the first opening. The refrigerant discharge pipe may be adjacent to the upper surface of the base and may have a distal end spaced apart from the second opening.

The one end of the first opening may be formed in a portion, among the lower end of the first partition wall, which is farthest from the lower end of the second partition wall. The one end of the second opening may be formed in a portion, among the lower end of the second partition wall, which is farthest from the lower end of the first partition wall. A direction in which the first opening extends and a direction in which the second opening extends may cross each other.

The housing may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Further, each of the first partition wall and second partition wall may be bent at least once in a radial direction of the housing. Each of the first partition wall and second partition wall may be inclined while forming an acute angle with respect to the base.

The gas-liquid separator may further include a cap which is spaced upward from the first partition wall and the second partition wall and is coupled to an upper end of the housing. The bypass pipe may be installed in the cap, and may have a distal end disposed in a fourth space located above the second space and below the cap.

The bypass pipe may be connected in a vertical direction of the housing. Each of the refrigerant inflow pipe and the refrigerant discharge pipe may be connected to the housing in a vertical direction or in a horizontal direction.

An air conditioner according to embodiments has at least the following advantages.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of increasing a separation rate of gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant by providing a partition wall in a gas-liquid separator. Further, according to embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of obtaining reliability of a compressor by preventing liquid refrigerant from being discharged into a bypass pipe through which gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator flows. Furthermore, according to embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to provide various embodiments of a structure of a partition wall provided in a gas-liquid separator.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner capable of increasing a separation rate of gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant by providing a partition wall in a gas-liquid separator. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an air conditioner capable of obtaining reliability of a compressor by preventing liquid refrigerant from being discharged into a bypass pipe through which gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator flows. Embodiments disclosed herein furthermore provide various embodiments of structure of a partition wall provided in a gas-liquid separator.

In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, an air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a condenser that condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; an expansion valve that expands the refrigerant passing through the condenser; a gas-liquid separator, through which the refrigerant passed through the expansion valve flows, that separates and discharges the refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant; an evaporator that evaporates the liquid refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator; a refrigerant inflow pipe that connects the expansion valve and the gas-liquid separator; a bypass pipe that connects the gas-liquid separator and the compressor; and a refrigerant discharge pipe that connects the gas-liquid separator and the evaporator. The gas-liquid separator may include a housing in which the refrigerant inflow pipe, the bypass pipe, and the refrigerant discharge pipe may be disposed; a first partition wall, which is disposed in an internal space of the housing, and includes a first opening formed by cutting out a portion of an outer surface thereof, that is disposed adjacent to the refrigerant inflow pipe, and a second partition wall, which is spaced apart from the first partition wall and disposed in the internal space of the housing and includes a second opening formed by cutting out a portion of an outer surface thereof, that is disposed adjacent to the refrigerant discharge pipe.

Additional scope of applicability will become apparent from the description. However, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, and thus, description and specific embodiments should be understood as being given by way of example only.

Certain or other embodiments described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Certain or other embodiments described above may have configurations or functions used in combination or jointly.

For example, it means that a configuration A described in a specific embodiment and/or drawing may be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and/or drawing. That is, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except for the case where the combination is described to be impossible.

The above detailed description should not be construed as restrictive in all respects and should be considered as illustrative. The scope should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope are included in the scope.