HEAT PUMP

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365 (c), of an International application No. PCT/KR2025/002750, filed on Feb. 27, 2025 which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2024-0039105, filed on Mar. 21, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a heat pump including a distribution unit provided to distribute heating water.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a heat pump refers to a heating and cooling device that transfers heat from a low-temperature heat source to a high temperature source or from a high-temperature heat source to a low temperature heat source using heat generation or condensation heat of a refrigerant.

A heat pump may include an outdoor unit having a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger. The outdoor unit may be provided to heat a refrigerant, and the heated refrigerant may be provided to heat heating water by heat exchange with the heating water. In other words, the heating water heated by the refrigerant may be used for heating or hot water supply, serving as an alternative to fossil fuels.

A heat pump may include a distribution unit that is installed indoors and receives the heated heating water and distributes the heating water to a plurality of heating spaces or hot water supply spaces.

The distribution unit supplied with heating water from the outdoor unit may supply the heating water to the heating spaces or hot water supply spaces through pipes connected to each heating space.

The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heat pump including a distribution unit with a structure that increases spatial utilization.

An aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heat pump including a distribution unit that may be disposed even in indoor spaces with a low ceiling height.

An aspect of the disclosure is to provide a heat pump including a distribution unit with a structure that allows easy management of water pipes connected to the distribution unit.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

Technical Solution

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a heat pump is provided. The heat pump includes an outdoor unit including a heat exchanger and configured to heat heating water through the heat exchanger, and a distribution unit connected to the outdoor unit through a water pipe and configured to receive the heating water and distribute the received heating water to heating units. The distribution unit includes a cabinet forming a machine room therein, a first cover including a cover portion installed on an upper side of the cabinet and configured to cover a part of the machine room, and a second cover connected to the water pipe, the second cover including a second cover body configured to cover another part of the machine room. The second cover is configured to be connected to the first cover such that the second cover body is positioned lower than the cover portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a heat pump is provided. The heat pump includes an outdoor unit including a heat exchanger and configured to heat heating water through the heat exchanger, a distribution unit configured to receive the heating water and distribute the received heating water to heating units, a first water pipe configured to supply heating water from the outdoor unit to the distribution unit, a second water pipe configured to supply heating water from the distribution unit to the heating units. The distribution unit includes a cabinet forming a machine room therein, a first cover including a cover portion installed on an upper side of the cabinet and configured to cover a part of the machine room, and a second cover configured to be connected to the first cover and including a second cover body installed on an upper rear side of the cabinet and disposed lower than the cover portion to cover another part of the machine room, and through holes provided to allow the first water pipe and the second water pipe to pass therethrough.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a heat pump is provided. The heat pump includes an outdoor unit including a heat exchanger and configured to heat heating water through the heat exchanger, a distribution unit connected to the outdoor unit through a water pipe and configured to receive the heating water and distribute the received heating water to heating units. The distribution unit includes a cabinet including side panels and forming a machine room, a tank disposed in the machine room and connected to the water pipe to store the heating water, a first cover including a cover portion configured to cover a part of the machine room and an extension portion bent downward from the cover portion, and a second cover including a second cover body configured to be connected to the extension portion to cover another part of the machine room and disposed lower than the cover portion. The heat pump includes a piping space formed by the extension portion, the side panels, and the second cover, and through which the water pipe passes, the piping space being formed to be disposed inside the cabinet.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a heat pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a heat pump, in which a distribution unit and water pipes are separated according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the distribution unit and the water pipes shown in FIG. 2, which is viewed at a different angle according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a heat pump, in which a distribution unit and water pipes are separated, and the distribution unit is disassembled according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a distribution unit separated from a heat pump, in which parts of the distribution unit are disassembled according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a side panel of a distribution unit in a heat pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged drawing of a portion of the side panel shown in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged drawing of a portion of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a side panel of a heat pump, in which an opening cover is removed according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a heat pump, showing a portion of a distribution unit having an opening cover removed from a side panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a top view of a distribution unit of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers

are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

In the description of the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the drawings.

In addition, the terms “comprises,” “includes,” and “has” are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. used in the disclosure may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The term “and/or” includes combinations of one or all of a plurality of associated listed items.

The terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” and “bottom” as herein used are defined with respect to the drawings, but the terms may not restrict the shape and position of the respective components.

It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “connected to,” “coupled to,” “supported by,” or “in contact with” another component, it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being “on” another component, it may be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

When referring to the direction of rotation, the clockwise direction may be expressed as the first direction, and the counterclockwise direction, which is the opposite direction of the first direction, may be expressed as the second direction. Such expressions may be commonly used to describe specific details for implementing the disclosure, but the rotational direction of the components of the disclosure is not limited by these terms.

It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a heat pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, as an example, a heat pump 1 may include an outdoor unit 200 including a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger. The heat pump 1 may include an indoor unit 600 connected to the outdoor unit 200 through a refrigerant pipe 60.

In the outdoor unit 200, a refrigerant provided to be heated by passing through the compressor, the expansion valve, and the heat exchanger may flow. As an example, the outdoor unit 200 may be provided to be disposed outdoors and exchange heat with outdoor air.

As an example, the outdoor unit 200 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the outdoor unit 200 may absorb heat of the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant. In addition, the outdoor unit 200 may release the heat of the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant.

In FIG. 1, a single outdoor unit is illustrated, but the number of outdoor units is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. For example, the heat pump may include a plurality of outdoor units 200.

The refrigerant may flow between the outdoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 600 through the refrigerant pipe 60. The refrigerant pipe 60 may include a refrigerant supply pipe 61 provided to supply refrigerant from the outdoor unit 200 to the indoor unit 600, and a refrigerant recovery pipe 62 provided to recover refrigerant from the indoor unit 600 to the outdoor unit 200.

For example, the refrigerant heated in the outdoor unit 200 may flow to the indoor unit 600 through the refrigerant supply pipe 61. Thereafter, the refrigerant may be cooled by exchanging heat with indoor air through a heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit 600. The refrigerant that has completed heat exchange with the indoor air may be recovered back to the outdoor unit 200 along the refrigerant recovery pipe 62.

The refrigerant supply pipe 61 may be provided with an indoor unit valve 620. The indoor unit valve 620 may be provided to be openable and closeable, and may control the flow of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant supply pipe 61. For example, when the indoor unit 600 is operated and refrigerant needs to be supplied to the indoor unit 600, the indoor unit valve 620 may be opened, and the refrigerant may flow from the outdoor unit 200 to the indoor unit 600.

Thereafter, when the operation of the indoor unit 600 is stopped, the indoor unit valve 620 may be closed to block the supply of refrigerant from the outdoor unit 200 to the indoor unit 600.

The heat pump 1 may include a distribution unit 100 connected to the outdoor unit 200 through a water pipe P. As to be described below, the distribution unit 100 may be provided to distribute heating water to heating units 300, 400, and 500 that heat heating locations requiring heating.

For example, the heating water may be provided to be heated in the outdoor unit 200. For example, the heating water may be heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant heated through the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 200.

The above description is only one example of various methods in which heating water is heated, and it should be understood that the heating water may be heated through a separate heating device installed indoors. Hereinafter, a method in which heating water is heated through the outdoor unit 200 will be described as an example.

The water pipe P is provided to connect the outdoor unit 200 and the distribution unit 100 to each other, and may include a heating water pipe 10 through which heating water may flow.

The heating water pipe 10 may include a heating water supply pipe 11 provided to supply heated heating water from the outdoor unit 200 to the distribution unit 100, and a heating water recovery pipe 12 provided to recover heating water from the distribution unit 100 to the outdoor unit 200. For example, the heating water supply pipe 11 and the heating water recovery pipe 12 may be connected to the distribution unit 100 through an upper side of a cabinet 110 forming the external appearance of the distribution unit 100. Details thereof will be described below.

For example, the distribution unit 100 may be disposed in an indoor space O. Accordingly, the heating water supply pipe 11 and the heating water recovery pipe 12 may be provided to connect the outdoor unit 200 installed outdoors to the distribution unit 100 installed indoors. In other words, a part of the heating water supply pipe 11 and the heating water recovery pipe 12 may be configured to extend to the outdoor space and another part may be configured to extend to the indoor space O.

For example, the heating units 300, 400, and 500 may be provided to supply thermal energy to a location requiring heating by utilizing heating water. In addition, the heating units 300, 400, and 500 may be provided to directly supply heating water to a location requiring hot water.

The heating units 300, 400, and 500 may include a first heating unit 300. For example, the first heating unit 300 may include a hot water supply unit 300. For example, the first heating unit 300 may be installed indoors.

The hot water supply unit 300 may be provided to directly provide heated heating water to a user according to a user's request.

The water pipe P may include a first water pipe 30 provided to connect the distribution unit 100 and the first heating unit 300 to each other, and through which heating water may flow. For example, a first supply pipe 31 and a first recovery pipe 32 may be connected to the distribution unit 100 through the upper side of the cabinet 110 forming the external appearance of the distribution unit 100. Details thereof will be described below.

The first water pipe 30 may include the first supply pipe 31 provided to supply heating water from the distribution unit 100 to the first heating unit 300, and the first recovery pipe 32 provided to recover heating water from the first heating unit 300 to the distribution unit 100.

For example, the first supply pipe 31 may be provided with a first heating valve 310 configured to open and close the first supply pipe 31 according to a user's request.

When the first heating valve 310 opens the first supply pipe 31, heating water may be discharged from the first heating unit 300. When the first heating valve 310 closes the first supply pipe 31, heating water may not be discharged from the first heating unit 300.

The heating units 300, 400, and 500 may include a second heating unit 400. For example, the second heating unit 400 may be installed indoors.

For example, the second heating unit 400 may include a device that is provided to heat the indoor space O by exchanging heat of heating water with the indoor air. For example, the second heating unit 400 may include a radiator 410 that is provided to exchange heat with indoor air.

The water pipe P may include a second water pipe 40 provided to connect the distribution unit 100 and the second heating unit 400 to each other, and through which heating water may flow. For example, a second supply pipe 41 and a second recovery pipe 42 may be connected to the distribution unit 100 through the upper side of the cabinet 110 that forms the external appearance of the distribution unit 100. Details thereof will be described below.

The second water pipe 40 may include the second supply pipe 41 provided to supply heating water from the distribution unit 100 to the second heating unit 400, and the second recovery pipe 42 provided to recover heating water from the second heating unit 400 to the distribution unit 100.

For example, the second heating unit 400 may include a second heating valve 420 operable to open and close the second supply pipe 41 according to a user's request. When the second heating valve 420 opens the second supply pipe 41, heating water may be discharged from the second heating unit 400. When the second heating valve 420 closes the second supply pipe 41, heating water may not be discharged from the second heating unit 400.

The second heating unit 400 may include a second heating unit controller 430 configured to control the operation of the second heating valve 420 and the operation of the radiator 410.

A user may control the second heating unit controller 430, thereby controlling the operation of the second heating valve 420 and the radiator 410.

The heating units 300, 400, and 500 may include a third heating unit 500. For example, the third heating unit 500 may be installed indoors. The third heating unit 500 may include an underfloor heater 510.

For example, the third heating unit 500 may be configured to heat the floor of a space in which the underfloor heater 510 is installed through the heat of heating water. That is, the underfloor heater 510 may be installed to pass through the floor in which the third heating unit 500 is installed.

The water pipe P may include a third water pipe 50 provided to connect the distribution unit 100 and the third heating unit 500 to each other, and through which heating water may flow.

For example, a third supply pipe 51 and a third recovery pipe 52 may be connected to the distribution unit 100 through the upper side of the cabinet 110 forming the external appearance of the distribution unit 100. Details thereof will be described below.

The third water pipe 50 may include the third supply pipe 51 provided to supply heating water from the distribution unit 100 to the third heating unit 500, and the third recovery pipe 52 provided to recover heating water from the third heating unit 500 to the distribution unit 100.

For example, the third heating unit 500 may include a third heating valve 520 operable to open and close the third supply pipe 51 according to a user's request.

When the third heating valve 520 opens the third supply pipe 51, heating water may be discharged from the third heating unit 500. When the third heating valve 520 closes the third supply pipe 51, heating water may not be discharged from the third heating unit 500.

The third heating unit 500 may include a third heating unit controller 530 provided to control the operation of the third heating valve 520 and the underfloor heater 510. The user may control the third heating unit controller 530, thereby controlling the operation of the third heating valve 520 and the underfloor heater 510.

The types of the heating units and the methods of supplying thermal energy to the heating location described above are merely examples, and it should be understood that the heating unit may be installed and operated in various locations requiring heating and hot water supply.

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a heat pump, in which a distribution unit and water pipes are separated according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the distribution unit and the water pipe shown in FIG. 2, which is viewed at a different angle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the distribution unit 100 may include a cabinet 110 forming an external appearance. A machine room 118, see FIG. 4 may be formed inside the cabinet 110.

The cabinet 110 may include a front panel 111 forming a front surface (+X direction), side panels 120 and 150 forming both side surfaces (+Y direction and −Y direction), and a rear panel 112 forming a rear surface (−X direction).

The front panel 111 and the side panels 120 and 150 may be formed to have heights H1 correspond to each other. The height H1−H2 of the rear panel 112 may be formed lower than the height H1 of the front panel 111 and the side panels 120 and 150.

A manipulation portion 101 formed to face forward (+X direction) may be provided on the front panel 111. The manipulation portion 101 may communicate with the indoor space O through a front panel opening 102, see FIG. 4 formed on the front panel 111.

For example, a user may control the operation of the distribution unit 100 through the manipulation portion 101. For example, controlling the operation of the distribution unit 100 may include controlling the opening and closing of the first heating valve 310, the second heating valve 420, and the third heating valve 520. For example, the manipulation portion 101 may be provided to display information about the distribution unit 100.

The side panels 120 and 150 may include a first side panel 150 forming a right surface (−Y direction) of the distribution unit 100 and a second side panel 120 forming a left surface (+Y direction) of the distribution unit 100.

The first side panel 150 may include a first side panel body 151 forming the external appearance thereof. The first side panel 150 may include a first upper end bent surface 151a formed by an upper edge of the first side panel body 151 being bent to the left (+Y direction).

The first side panel 150 may include a first side end bent surface 151b formed by a side edge located at the rear (−X direction) of the first side panel body 151 being bent to the left.

The first side panel body 151 has a shape with the end portions thereof being bent rather than a general flat plate shape due to the first upper end bent surface 151a and the first side end bent surface 151b, thereby ensuring rigidity compared to a flat plate shape, and preventing the first side panel body 151 from being deformed by an external force.

The first side panel 150 may include a first opening cover 152 located on a rear (−X direction) upper (+Z direction) side of the first side panel body 151.

The first opening cover 152 may be formed to cover a first opening 154, which will be described below), formed to pass through the first side panel body 151. Details thereof will be described below.

The second side panel 120 may include a second side panel body 121 forming the external appearance. The second side panel 120 may include a second upper end bent surface 121a formed by an upper edge of a second side panel body 121 being bent to the right (+Y direction).

The second side panel 120 may include a second side end bent surface 121b formed by a rear side edge of the second side panel body 121 being bent to the right.

The second side panel body 121 has a shape with the end portions thereof being bent rather than a general plate flat shape due to the second upper end bent surface 121a and the second side end bent surface 121b, thereby ensuring rigidity compared to a flat plate shape, and preventing the second side panel body 121 from being deformed by an external force.

The second side panel 120 may include a second opening cover 122 located on a rear upper side of the second side panel body 121. The second opening cover 122 may be formed to cover a second opening 124, which will be described below) formed to pass through the second side panel body 121.

The distribution unit 100 may be disposed in an indoor space O such that the rear panel 112 faces a wall surface W indoors. For example, the distribution unit 100 may be provided such that the rear panel 112 is adjacent to the wall surface W. For example, the distribution unit 100 may be provided such that the rear panel 112 is in contact with the wall surface W.

The distribution unit 100 may include a first cover 130 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 110 and covering a part of the machine room 118, and a second cover 140 connected to the first cover 130 to cover another part of the machine room 118.

For example, the first cover 130 may be provided to cover the upper (+Z direction) front (+X direction) side of the machine room 118.

The first cover 130 may include a cover portion 131 that covers the machine room 118 and an extension portion 132 that is bent downward (−Z direction) from the cover portion 131.

The cover portion 131 may be supported by being coupled to the front panel 111 at one end 131a thereof. The cover portion 131 may include a shape of a plate and may be provided to cover the upper front side of the machine room 118.

The cover portion 131 may be extended in the left-right direction (+Y direction and −Y direction) to be adjacent to the pair of side panels 120 and 150. For example, the cover portion 131 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the upper edge of each of the pair of side panels 120 and 150.

The length of the cover portion 131 in the front-rear direction may be set shorter than the length of the side panels 120 and 150 in the front-rear direction. The front end of the cover portion 131 may be provided to be adjacent to the front end of the side panels 120 and 150.

The extension portion 132 may be formed to be bent downward from the other end 131b of the cover portion 131. For example, the other end 131b of the cover portion 131 may be the end portion of the cover portion 131 in the rear direction. An upper end 132b of the extension portion 132 may join the other end 131b of the cover portion 131. The extension portion 132 may also have a shape roughly in the form of a plate.

The extension portion 132 may be extended left and right to be adjacent to the pair of side panels 120 and 150. The extension portion 132 may be formed as one part of the cover portion 131, but it should be understood that the cover portion 131 and the extension portion 132 may be formed as separate components that are separable from each other.

Since the extension portion 132 extends downward from the rear end of the cover portion 131, the extension portion 132 may extend toward the machine room 118. Accordingly, the extension portion 132 may extend such that the lower end of the extension portion 132 faces the machine room 118.

For example, the second cover 140 may be formed as one part with the first cover 130.

The second cover 140 may be formed to extend toward the rear side (−X direction). The other end 141a of the second cover facing toward the rear side may be coupled to the rear panel 112 of the cabinet 110. The length of the second cover 140 in the left-right direction may correspond to the length of the first cover 130 in the left-right direction.

Since the second cover 140 is positioned lower than the first cover 130, the second cover 140 may be positioned between the upper edge and the lower edge of the side panels 120 and 150. For example, the height at which the second cover 140 is positioned may correspond to a value of the height H1 of the cabinet 110 minus a length (+H2 by which the extension portion 132 of the first cover 130 extends, resulting in a height of H1−H2.

The second cover 140 may include a second cover body 141 forming the external appearance thereof. The second cover 140 may be connected to water pipes P. More specifically, the second cover 140 may include a plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b formed to allow the water pipes P to pass therethrough.

The plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b may be formed to pass through the second cover body 141. The distribution unit 100 may include a bracket 13 configured to connect the water pipes P and the through holes to each other. The bracket 13 may include a plurality of brackets 13 installed in each of the plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b.

A portion of the water pipes P may be provided in the machine room 118. Another portion of the water pipes P may extend to the outside of the machine room 118 by passing through the second cover 140 through the above-described plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b.

The water pipes P passing through the second cover 140 may extend upward and then in a direction intersecting the upper-lower directions (+X direction and −X direction).

The heat pump 1 may include a piping space S through which the water pipes P passing through the second cover 140 extend.

More specifically, the piping space S may be defined as a space surrounded by the extension portion 132 of the first cover 130, the first side panel 150, the second side panel 120, and the second cover 140. For example, the piping space S may include a shape of approximately a rectangular parallelepiped.

The piping space S may be formed on the upper rear side of the distribution unit 100. The piping space S may be formed to be open toward the upper side (+Z direction) and the rear side (−X direction). For example, when the rear panel 112 of the distribution unit 100 is provided adjacent to the wall surface W of the indoors, the rear side of the piping space S may be covered by the wall surface W.

The length of the piping space S in the upper-lower direction may approximately correspond to the length H2 of the extension portion 132 extending in the upper-lower direction. Accordingly, the water pipes P passed through the second cover 140 may be extended by the length of the piping space S in the upper-lower direction and then pass through the cover portion 131 of the first cover 130.

Therefore, even when the distribution unit 100 is installed in an indoor space with a low ceiling height, the water pipes P may ensure an extendable distance corresponding to the length of the piping space S in the upper-lower direction.

A portion of the side panels 120 and 150 forming the piping space S may include an opening that communicates with the piping space S (see FIG. 10). The user may easily access the water pipes P extending in the piping space S through the openings 124 and 154, see FIG. 10 to maintain and repair the water pipes P (see M1 and, M2). The openings 124 and 154 may be in a covered state by opening covers 122 and 152. Details thereof will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a heat pump, in which a distribution unit and water pipes are separated, and the distribution unit is disassembled according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a distribution unit separated from a heat pump, in which parts of the distribution unit are disassembled according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cabinet 110 may include a lower panel 114. The lower panel may form a lower surface of the cabinet 110.

The distribution unit 100 may include a machine room 118 formed inside the cabinet 110.

For example, the machine room 118 may be defined as a space formed by a front panel 111, a pair of side panels 120 and 150, a lower panel 114, a rear panel 112, a first cover 130, and a second cover 140.

The distribution unit 100 may include a tank 115 disposed in the machine room 118. For example, the water pipes P may be connected to the tank 115. For example, the tank 115 may accommodate extra heating water.

The water pipes P may include tank connection pipes 115a and 115b connected to the tank 115. Heating water may be introduced from the outside into the tank 115 through the tank connection pipes 115a and 115b. Heating water may be discharged from the tank 115 to the outside through the tank connection pipes 115a and 115b.

The distribution unit 100 may include a filter device 117 configured to communicate with the water pipes P. The filter device 117 may be configured to filter out foreign substances included in the heating water that has passed through the filter device 117.

For example, the water pipe P may include filter device connection pipes 117a and 117b that communicate with the filter device 117. For example, heating water flowing from the outside to the distribution unit 100 through the water pipe P may be provided to pass through the filter device 117.

The distribution unit 100 may include an auxiliary heater 116 configured to communicate with the water pipe P. The water pipe P may include auxiliary heater connection pipes 116a and 116b that are in communication with the auxiliary heater 116. The auxiliary heater 116 may be configured to heat the heating water passing through the auxiliary heater 116.

Therefore, even when the temperature of the heating water flowing from the outside to the distribution unit 100 is lowered, the heating water is allowed to pass through the auxiliary heater, to maintain the temperature required for the heating location.

The heating units 300, 400, and 500 may include an electrical portion 103 in which a manipulation portion 101 is installed. The electrical portion 103 may include a printed circuit board and various electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board.

The electrical portion 103 may be provided such that the manipulation portion 101 communicates with the front panel opening 102. Through this, a user may control the operation of the distribution unit 100 by manipulating the manipulation portion 101.

For example, the electrical portion 103 may be disposed such that the height of the electrical portion 103 in the upper-lower direction (+Z direction and −Z direction) at which the upper end of the electrical portion 103 is located is higher than the height at which the second cover 140 is located. In other words, the electrical portion 103 may be disposed such that the height at which the upper end of the electrical portion 103 is positioned is higher than the height at which the second cover body 141 is positioned.

For example, the electrical portion 103 may be provided such that the height in the upper-lower direction (+Z direction and −Z direction) at which the upper end of the electrical portion 103 is positioned is lower than the height of the cover portion 131 of the first cover 130. For example, the electrical portion 103 may be provided such that the position of the upper end of the electrical portion 103 in the upper-lower direction (+Z direction and −Z direction) is between the position of the cover portion 131 in the upper-lower direction and the position of the second cover body 141 in the upper-lower direction.

For example, the second cover 140 may be a separate configuration that is detachably coupled to the first cover 130. For example, the second cover 140 may be coupled to the extension portion 132 of the first cover 130. More specifically, one end 141b of the second cover facing forward (+X direction) may be configured to be coupled to the lower end 132a of the extension portion 132 of the first cover 130 facing downward (−Z direction).

The second cover 140 may include second cover support portions 142 extending upward from both left and right ends of the second cover body 141. For example, the second cover support portions 142 may include an approximately quadrangular shape, but are not limited thereto.

The second cover support portions 142 may be provided to support the second cover 140 by being coupled to the side panels 120 and 150. For example, the second cover support portions 142 may be provided to be coupled to the first side panel 150 and the second side panel 120, respectively.

The second cover support portion 142 may include a support portion opening 143.

The support portion opening 143 may be formed to pass through the second cover support portion 142. The support portion opening 143 may communicate with the piping space S.

The support portion opening 143 may communicate with the openings of the side panels 120 and 150 described below. Therefore, the indoor space may communicate with the piping space S through the opening and the support portion opening 143.

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a side panel of a distribution unit in a heat pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged drawing of a portion of the side panel shown in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged drawing of a portion of FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The following description of the side panel is made in relation to the first side panel 150. It should be understood that the description of the side panel provided below may be equally applied to the second side panel 120.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the first side panel 150 may include a first opening 154 formed to pass through the first side panel body 151, a first opening cover 152 covering the first opening 154, and a hole 160 formed on the outside of the first opening 154 and passing through the first side panel body 151 to be connected to the opening. For example, the first opening cover 152 may be formed as one part with the first side panel body 151.

The first opening 154 may be formed to pass through a portion of the first side panel body 151 forming the piping space S.

For example, the first opening 154 may be formed on the upper rear side of the first side panel body 151. The first opening 154 may include an approximately quadrangular shape, but is not limited thereto.

The first opening cover 152 may be configured to cover a portion of the first opening 154. The first opening cover 152 may be supported on the first side panel body 151 by a connection tip 159 connected to the first side panel 150.

The hole 160 may be formed on the outside of the first opening 154. For example, the hole 160 may be formed by cutting out a portion of the first side panel body 151 forming the first opening 154.

The connection tip 159 may be formed such that one end 159b of the connection tip protrudes from the first side panel body 151 and the other end 159a of the connection tip protrudes from the first opening cover 152.

The connection tip 159 may be extended to pass by the holes 160. The connection tip 159 may connect the first opening cover 152 to the first side panel body 151 such that the first opening cover 152 may be supported.

For example, the hole 160 may include a first hole portion 155 formed by cutting a portion of the edge of the first side panel 150 forming the first opening 154, and a second hole portion 156 formed to be recessed in the outer direction of the first opening 154 from the first hole portion 155.

For example, the diameter of the first hole portion 155 may be formed smaller than the diameter of the second hole portion 156. The connection tip 159 may be extended to pass by the first hole portion 155 and the second hole portion 156.

In order for a user to access the piping space S from the outside of the distribution unit 100 through the first opening 154, the first opening cover 152 needs to be removed. To this end, the user may insert a cutting tool, etc. into the second hole portion 156 to cut the connection tip 159.

For example, a diameter D2 of the second hole portion 156 may include a diameter that allows a part of a cutting portion of the cutting tool, etc. to be inserted to cut the connection tip 159.

The first side panel 150 may include a pair of recessed portions 158a and 158b forming the second hole portion 156. For example, a distance D4 between the pair of recessed portions 158a and 158b may include a separation distance that allows a part of the cutting tool, etc. to be inserted.

The user may insert a part of the cutting portion of the cutting tool into the second hole portion 156 to cut the connection tip 159. The user may cut the connection tip 159 to remove the first opening cover 152 and then access the piping space S through the first opening 154.

The first side panel 150 may include a pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b that protrude to face each other while forming the first hole portions 155

The pair of recessed portions 158a and 158b may be formed to be connected to the pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b.

For example, each protruding end of the pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b may include a round shape.

In a state in which the connection tip 159 is cut, a part of the connection tip 159 extended from the first side panel body 151 may be positioned on the second hole portion 156, and a cut end of the connection tip 159 facing the first opening 154 may have a sharp shape.

In this case, in order to prevent a part of the user's body that has passed through the first opening 154 from being damaged by the cut end of the connection tip, a distance D3 between the pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b may be formed to be shorter than a part of the user's body. Accordingly, a part of the user's body may be prevented from being inserted into the second hole portion 156 through an area between the pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b. For example, the part of the user's body may include a finger.

In addition, since each end of the pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b includes a round shape, the user's body may be prevented from being damaged by contact with the pair of protrusion portions.

The hole 160 may include a plurality of holes 160 provided along the edge of the first side panel 150 forming the first opening 154.

The connection tip 159 may include a plurality of connection tips 159 provided to pass by each of the plurality of holes 160. The plurality of connection tips 159 may be provided along the edge of the first opening cover 152). The plurality of connection tips 159 may each be formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of holes 160.

In the above, the first opening cover 152 is described and illustrated as being formed as one part with the first side panel body 151 by the connection tip 159, but this is merely an example, and the first opening cover 152 may include various structures that cover the first opening 154 such as by opening and closing the first opening 154 through a hinge or the like.

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a side panel of a heat pump, in which an opening cover is removed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a heat pump, showing a portion of a distribution unit having an opening cover removed from a side panel according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a distribution unit of a heat pump according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, a user may remove the opening cover 122 and 152 and access the piping space S from the outside of the distribution unit 100.

When the distribution unit 100 is installed indoors, the distribution unit may be installed such that the rear panel 112 is adjacent to the wall surface W of the indoor space. In addition, when the ceiling height is low, the user may be restricted from accessing the piping space S through the upper space of the distribution unit 100.

In this case, the user may easily access the piping space S through the openings 124 and 154 by removing the opening cover 122 and 152, and thus effectively maintain and manage the water pipe P extending in the piping space S (see M1 and M2).

For example, the second cover 140 may include a plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b arranged in the left-right direction such that the water pipes P may pass therethrough. The water pipes P may be extended from the inside to the outside of the distribution unit 100 through the plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b.

For example, the plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b may include a first recovery pipe through hole 145a and a first supply pipe through hole 145b.

For example, the plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b may include a second recovery pipe through hole 146a and a second supply pipe through hole 146b.

For example, the plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b may include a third recovery pipe through hole 147a and a third supply pipe through hole 147b.

The plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b arranged in the left-right direction (+Y direction and −Y direction) may be arranged to form a plurality of rows ROW along the front-rear direction (+X direction and −X direction).

For example, some of the plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b arranged in the left-right direction may be disposed at the rear to form a first row R1. For example, some of the plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b arranged in the left-right direction may be disposed at the front of the first row R1 to form a second row R2. Some of the remaining holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b arranged in the left-right direction may be disposed d at the front of the second row R2 to form a third row R3.

For example, the distance between the first row RI and the third row R3 formed by the plurality of holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b may be provided to correspond to the diameter of the opening in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the user may effectively observe and maintain the water pipes P coupled to the plurality of through holes 144a, 144b, 145a, 145b, 146a, 146b, 147a, and 147b through the opening.

A heat pump 1 according to an aspect of the disclosure includes an outdoor unit 200 including a heat exchanger and configured to heat heating water through the heat exchanger. The heat pump 1 includes a distribution unit 100 connected to the outdoor unit 200 through a water pipe P and configured to receive the heating water and distribute the received heating water to heating units 300, 400 and 500. The distribution unit 100 includes a cabinet 110 forming a machine room 118 therein. The distribution unit 100 includes a first cover 130 including a cover portion 131 installed on an upper side of the cabinet 110 and configured to cover a part of the machine room 118. The distribution unit 100 includes a second cover 140 connected to the water pipe P, the second cover 140 including a second cover body 141 configured to cover another part of the machine room 118. The second cover 140 is configured to be connected to the first cover 130 such that the second cover body 141 is positioned lower than the cover portion 131.

The first cover 130 may include an extension portion 132 that is bent downward from the cover portion 131. The second cover 140 may be configured to be coupled to the extension portion 132 and extend rearward.

One end 141b of the second cover 140 may be configured to be coupled to one end 132a of the extension portion 132 that faces downward. The other end 141a of the second cover 140 may be configured to be coupled to the cabinet 110.

The cabinet 110 may include side panels 120 and 150 configured to cover a side portion of the second cover 140. The heat pump 1 may further include a piping space S through which the water pipe P passes, the piping space S being formed by the extension portion 132, the side panels 120 and 150, and the second cover 140.

The side panels 120 and 150 may include panel bodies 121 and 151 and openings 124 and 154 formed to pass through the panel bodies 121 and 151 and communicating with the piping space S.

The side panels 120 and 150 may further include opening covers 122 and 152 configured to cover the openings 124 and 154.

The opening covers 122 and 152 may be formed integrally with the panel bodies 121 and 151.

The side panels 120 and 150 may include a hole 160 formed to pass through the panel bodies 121 and 151, the hole 160 including a first hole portion 155 formed by cutting out a portion of an edge of the side panels 120 and 150 forming the openings 124 and 154. The side panels 120 and 150 may include a connection tip 159 positioned between the holes 160 and configured to connect the opening covers 122 and 152 and the panel bodies 121 and 151.

The hole 160 may include a second hole portion 156 formed as a recess depressed from the first hole portion 155 in an outward direction of the openings 124 and 154.

The first hole portion 155 may have a diameter DI smaller than a diameter D2 of the second hole portion 156.

The side panels 120 and 150 may include: a pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b configured to form the first hole portion 155 and facing each other. The side panels 120 and 150 may include a pair of recessed portions 158a and 158b configured to be connected to the pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b and form the second hole 160. Each of protruding ends of the pair of protrusion portions 157a and 157b may include a round shape.

One end 159b of the connection tip 159 may be connected to the opening covers 122 and 152. Another end 159a of the connection tip 159 may be connected to a portion of the side panels 120 and 150 that forms the second hole portion 156.

The connection tip 159 may extend to pass by the first hole portion 155 and the second hole portion 156.

The hole 160 may include a plurality of holes 160 arranged along an edge portion of the side panels 120 and 150 forming the openings 124 and 154. The connection tip 159 may include a plurality of connection tips 159 arranged along an edge of the opening covers 122 and 152 and configured to pass by the plurality of holes 160.

The second cover 140 may include a plurality of through hole 160s arranged along a left-right direction for the water pipe P to pass therethrough. The plurality of through hole 160s may be arranged to form a plurality of rows along a front-rear direction.

A heat pump 1 according to an aspect of the disclosure includes: an outdoor unit 200 including a heat exchanger and configured to heat heating water through the heat exchanger. The heat pump 1 includes a distribution unit 100 configured to receive the heating water and distribute the received heating water to heating units 300, 400 and 500. The heat pump 1 includes a first water pipe 30 configured to supply heating water from the outdoor unit 200 to the distribution unit 100. The heat pump 1 includes a second water pipe 40 configured to supply heating water from the distribution unit 100 to the heating units 300, 400, and 500. The distribution unit 100 includes a cabinet 110 forming a machine room 118 therein. The distribution unit 100 includes a first cover 130 including a cover portion 131 installed on an upper side of the cabinet 110 and configured to cover a part of the machine room 118. The distribution unit 100 includes a second cover 140 including a second cover body 141 installed on an upper rear side of the cabinet 110 and disposed lower than the cover portion 131, and through holes 160 provided to allow the first water pipe 30 and the second water pipe 40 to pass therethrough.

The first cover 130 may include an extension portion 132 that is bent downward from the cover portion 131. One end 141b of the second cover may be configured to be coupled to one end 132a of the extension portion 132 that faces downward, and the other end 141a of the second cover may be configured to be coupled to the cabinet 110.

The cabinet 110 may include side panels 120 and 150 configured to cover side portions of the second cover 140. The heat pump 1 may further include a piping space S through which the first water pipe 30 and the second water pipe 40 pass, the piping space S being formed by the extension portion 132, the side panels 120 and 150, and the second cover 140. The side panels 120 and 150 may include panel bodies 121 and 151, openings 124 and 154 formed to pass through the panel bodies 121 and 151 and communicating with the piping space S, and opening covers 122 and 152 configured to cover the openings 124 and 154.

The side panels 120 and 150 may include a hole 160 formed to pass through the panel bodies, the hole 160 including a hole formed by a portion of an edge of the side panels 120 and 150 forming the openings that has been cut out. The side panels 120 and 150 may include a connection tip 159 positioned between the holes 160 and configured to connect the opening covers and the panel bodies.

A heat pump 1 according to an aspect of the disclosure includes: an outdoor unit 200 including a heat exchanger and configured to heat heating water through the heat exchanger. The heat pump 1 includes a distribution unit 100 connected to the outdoor unit 200 through a water pipe P and configured to receive the heating water and distribute the received heating water to heating units 300, 400 and 500. The distribution unit 100 includes a cabinet 110 including side panels 120 and 150 and forming a machine room 118. The distribution unit 100 includes a tank 115 disposed in the machine room and connected to the water pipe P to store the heating water. The distribution unit 100 includes a first cover 130 including a cover portion 131 configured to cover a part of the machine room 118 and an extension portion 132 bent downward from the cover portion 131. The distribution unit 100 includes a second cover 140 including a second cover body 141 configured to be connected to the extension portion 132 to cover another part of the machine room 118 and disposed lower than the cover portion 131. The heat pump 1 includes a piping space S formed by the extension portion 132, the side panels 120 and 150, and the second cover 140, and through which the water pipe P passes, the piping space S being formed to be disposed inside the cabinet 110.

According to the concept of the disclosure, since the water pipe connected to the distribution unit is connected to the second cover body positioned lower than the cover portion, the water pipe can be smoothly extended even when the distribution unit is positioned in an indoor space with a low ceiling height.

According to the concept of the disclosure, since the user smoothly accesses the piping space, in which the water pipe runs, through the opening of the side panel, the water pipe can be easily maintained and repaired.

The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.