DRAIN PLUG AND HEAT PUMP

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2025/002722 designating the United States, filed on Feb. 27, 2025, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2024-0055029, filed on Apr. 24, 2024, and 10-2024-0075295, filed on Jun. 10, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to a drain plug and a heat pump.

Description of Related 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 medium or from a high-temperature heat source to a low-temperature medium using heat generation or condensation heat of a refrigerant.

The 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. The heating water heated by the refrigerant may be used for space heating or hot water supply.

The 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.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a drain plug with an improved structure and a heat pump including the same.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a drain plug with an improved drainage performance and a heat pump including the same.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a drain plug capable of draining water inside a base and water inside a water frame (e.g., a tank, a tray, a valve, a pipe, and the like) and a heat pump including the same.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a drain plug capable of discharging leaked refrigerant to the outside of a housing and a heat pump including the same.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a drain plug capable of preventing/inhibiting a guide from being separated and a heat pump including the same.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a drain plug capable of preventing/inhibiting a guide from being twisted and a heat pump including the same.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a drain plug capable of easily setting a drainage direction in response to various installation environments and a heat pump including the same.

A heat pump according to an example embodiment of the disclosure may include: a housing including a base; a guide disposed inside the housing and configured to guide water; and a drain plug detachably mountable on the base. The drain plug may include: a drain body forming a drain passage; a through hole formed to pass through the drain body, the through hole configured to guide water of the base to the drain passage while the drain plug is mounted on the base; and a guide connection portion extending from the drain body and connectable to the guide, the guide connection portion configured to guide water of the guide to the drain passage while the drain plug is mounted on the base and the guide connection portion is connected to the guide.

A heat pump according to an example embodiment of the disclosure may include: a housing including a base in which an opening is formed; a water frame provided on an inside of the housing and configured to receive water; a drain plug detachably mounted to the base; and a guide configured to connect the water frame and the drain plug and to transfer water in the water frame to the drain plug. The drain plug may include: a drain body configured to be inserted into the opening; a guide connection portion extending upward from the drain body and vertically connected to the guide, the guide connection portion configured to receive water guided by the guide; and a stopper protruding from an outer surface of the drain body and configured to come into contact with at least a portion of a rim defining the opening of the base.

A drain plug detachably mounted on a base of a housing according to an example embodiment of the disclosure may include: a drain body; a through hole formed to pass through the drain body and configured to allow communication between the inside of the housing and the drain passage, the through hole configured to allow water of the base to enter therethrough; and a guide connection portion extending upward from the drain body and connectable to a guide disposed inside the housing to guide water, the guide connection portion being configured to guide water guided by the guide to enter therethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 a diagram illustrating an example heat pump according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a distribution unit according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a distribution unit according to various embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interior of a distribution unit according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interior of a distribution unit viewed in a different direction from that shown in FIG. 4 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion A shown in FIG. 4 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion B shown in FIG. 5 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion C shown in FIG. 5 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit according to various embodiments;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a part of an outdoor unit according to various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a configuration of a part of an outdoor unit according to various embodiments;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a drain plug, a base, and a guide according to various embodiments;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a drain plug, a base, and a guide according to various embodiments;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a drain plug according to various embodiments;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a drain plug viewed in a different direction from that shown in FIG. 14 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a drain plug viewed in a different direction from those shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 12 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E′ of FIG. 12 according to various embodiments;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain plug in a first position according to various embodiments;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain plug in a second position according to various embodiments;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain plug in a third position according to various embodiments; and

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain plug in a fourth position according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding example embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

In this disclosure, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

The terms of “˜part”, “˜module” and “˜member” may be implemented in hardware or software. In various embodiments, a plurality of “˜parts”, “˜modules” and “˜members” may be implemented as a single component. In various embodiments, a single “˜part”, “˜module” and “˜member” may include multiple components.

Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components, without limiting the component in other aspects e.g., importance or order.

When one (e.g., a first) element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., a second element with or without the term “functionally” or “communicatively,” may refer, for example, to the one element being connected to the other element directly, wirelessly, or via a third element.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this disclosure, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

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.

Throughout the disclosure, when a member is referred to as being “on” another member, the member is in contact with another member or yet another member is interposed between the two members.

Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “top”, “lower”, “bottom”, “vertical direction”, “vertically” and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of each component.

Hereinafter, various example embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 a diagram illustrating an example heat pump according to various embodiments.

The heat pump 1 may perform indoor heating, indoor cooling, indoor floor heating, and/or hot water supply through heat exchange between air and a refrigerant, heat exchange between refrigerant and refrigerant, and/or heat exchange between refrigerant and water.

Referring to FIG. 1, the heat pump 1 may include an outdoor unit 20. The heat pump 1 may include at least one indoor unit 10, 30, 40, 50, and/or 60 that is connected to the outdoor unit 20 through at least one pipe R and/or W) and is disposed indoors. The heat pump 1 may include an indoor unit 60. The heat pump 1 may include a distribution unit 10. The heat pump 1 may include heating units 30, 40, and/or 50. There is no limitation on the number of outdoor units 20 and indoor devices.

The outdoor unit 20 may be disposed outdoors. The outdoor unit 20 may exchange heat with outdoor air. The outdoor unit 20 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air by utilizing phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the outdoor unit 20 may release heat of the refrigerant to the outdoor air by utilizing condensation of the refrigerant. In addition, the outdoor unit 20 may absorb heat of the outdoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant.

The indoor unit 60 may be disposed indoors. The indoor unit 60 may exchange heat with indoor air. The indoor unit 60 may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the indoor unit 60 may absorb heat of the indoor air into the refrigerant by utilizing evaporation of the refrigerant, thereby cooling an air conditioning space. In addition, the indoor unit 60 may release the heat of the refrigerant into the indoor air utilizing the condensation of the refrigerant, thereby heating the air-conditioning space. The indoor unit 60 may be referred to as a heating and cooling device 60.

The distribution unit 10 may be disposed indoors. The distribution unit 10 may be provided to distribute heating water to the heating units 30, 40 and/or 50 that heat heating locations requiring heating.

In the disclosure, heating water may refer to water used for heating. The heating water may flow along the water pipe W.

For example, the heating water may be provided to be heated in the outdoor unit 20. For example, the heating water may be heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant through the heat exchanger 26, see FIG. 10 of the outdoor unit 20.

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 by a separate heating device installed indoors. For example, a heat exchanger may be installed in the distribution unit 10, and the heating water may be heated in the distribution unit 10. Hereinafter, a method in which the heating water is heated by the outdoor unit 20 will be described as an example.

The heating units 30, 40, and/or 50 may be installed indoors. The heating units 30, 40, and/or 50 may be provided to supply heat energy to a location requiring heating by utilizing the heating water. In addition, the heating units 30, 40, and/or 50 may be provided to directly supply the heating water to a location requiring hot water supply.

The heat pump 1 may include a first heating unit 30.

For example, the first heating unit 30 may include a hot water supply unit 31. The hot water supply unit 31 may be provided to directly supply heated heating water to a user according to a user's request.

For example, the first heating unit 30 may include a first heating valve 32. The first heating valve 32 may be provided on a water pipe W connecting the outdoor unit 20 and the first heating unit 30. The first heating valve 32 may open and close the water pipe W or control the flow rate of water flowing through the water pipe W. In the drawing, the first heating valve 32 is illustrated as a single unit thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first heating valve 32 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof.

The heat pump 1 may include a second heating unit 40.

For example, the second heating unit 40 may include a device configured to heat an indoor space by performing heat exchange between heating water and indoor air. For example, the second heating unit 40 may include a radiator 41 configured to release heat energy of the heating water into the indoor atmosphere.

For example, the second heating unit 40 may include a second heating valve 42. The second heating valve 42 may be provided on a water pipe W connecting the outdoor unit 20 and the second heating unit 40. The second heating valve 42 may open and close the water pipe W or control the flow rate of water flowing through the water pipe W. In the drawing, the second heating valve 42 is illustrated as a single unit thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second heating valve 42 may be provided as a plurality thereof.

For example, the second heating unit 40 may include a second heating unit controller 43. The second heating unit controller 43 may be provided to control the operation of the second heating valve 42 and/or the operation of the radiator 41.

The heat pump 1 may include a third heating unit 50.

For example, the third heating unit 30 may be provided to heat at least a portion of a space in which the third heating unit 30 is installed. For example, the third heating unit 50 may include an underfloor heater 51. For example, the third heating unit 50 may be provided to heat the floor of a space in which the underfloor heater 51 is installed through the heat of the heating water. The underfloor heater 51 may be installed to pass the floor in which the third heating unit 50 is installed.

For example, the third heating unit 50 may include a third heating valve 52. The third heating valve 52 may be arranged on a water pipe W connecting the outdoor unit 20 and the third heating unit 50. The third heating valve 52 may open and close the water pipe W or control the flow rate of water flowing through the water pipe W. In the drawing, the third heating valve 52 is illustrated as a single unit thereof, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the third heating valve 52 may be provided as a plurality of units thereof.

For example, the third heating unit 50 may include a third heating unit controller 53. The third heating unit controller 53 may be provided to control the operation of the third heating valve 52 and/or the operation of the underfloor heater 51.

The heat pump 1 may include a refrigerant pipe R. Any pipe provided for the flow of refrigerant may be referred to as a refrigerant pipe R. The refrigerant pipe R may be provided to connect the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 60. The refrigerant may flow between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 60 through the refrigerant pipe R. There is no limitation on the number of refrigerant pipes R. The number of refrigerant pipes R may vary depending on the number of outdoor units 20 and the number of indoor units 60.

The heat pump 1 may include water pipes W. Any pipes provided for the flow of water may be referred to as water pipes W. The water pipes W may be provided to connect the outdoor unit 20 and the distribution unit 10, or to connect the distribution unit 10 and the heating units 30, 40 and/or 50. Water may flow between the outdoor unit 20 and the distribution unit 10 through the water pipes W. Water may flow between the distribution unit 10 and the heating units 30, 40 and/or 50 through the water pipes W. The water pipe W may be provided to provide water heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 26, see FIG. 10 to the heating units 30, 40 and/or 50 or to recover water from the heating unit 30, 40 and/or 50. There is no limitation on the number of water pipes W. The number of water pipes W may vary depending on the number of outdoor units 20, the number of distribution units 10 and the number of heating units.

As will be described below, for convenience in distinguishing the water pipes W, a water pipe W at least partially disposed inside the distribution unit 10 may be referred to/marked as a water pipe W1 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 to 5), and a water pipe W at least partially disposed inside the outdoor unit 20 may be referred to/marked as a water pipe W2 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and 11).

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a distribution unit according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a distribution unit according to various embodiments. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interior of a distribution unit according to various embodiments. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interior of a distribution unit viewed in a different direction from that shown in FIG. 4 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the distribution unit 10 may include a housing 11. The housing 11 may form the external appearance of the distribution unit 10. The housing 11 may accommodate components for the operation of the distribution unit 10. For example, the housing 11 may accommodate components, such as a tank 14, a tray 15, a filtering device (not shown), an auxiliary heater (not shown), and a water pipe W1. The housing 11 may be referred to as a cabinet 11, a case 11, a main body 11, and the like.

For example, the housing 11 may include a roughly box shape.

Hereinafter, an example of the structure of the housing 11 will be described.

The housing 11 may include a front panel 101. The front panel 101 may form the front of the distribution unit 10.

The housing 11 may include a rear panel 102. The rear panel 102 may form the rear of the distribution unit 10.

The housing 11 may include a first side panel 103. The first side panel 103 may form the left side of the distribution unit 10.

The housing 11 may include a second side panel 104. The second side panel 104 may form the right side of the distribution unit 10.

The housing 11 may include a top cover 105. The top cover 105 may form the upper surface of the distribution unit 10. The top cover 105 may cover a space formed by being surrounded by the front panel 101, the rear panel 102, the first side panel 103, and the second side panel 104. The top cover 105 may be detachably coupled to the upper portions of each of the front panel 101, the rear panel 102, the first side panel 103, and the second side panel 104. The top cover 105 may be integrally formed with some of the front panel 101, the rear panel 102, the first side panel 103, and the second side panel 104.

The housing 11 may include a base 100. Details of the base will be described below.

The distribution unit 10 may include a pipe fixing portion 1051 formed on the housing 11. For example, the pipe fixing portion 1051 may be formed on the top cover 105. The pipe fixing portion 1051 may be provided to fix a water pipe W1 extending from the inside of the housing 11 to the outside of the housing 11.

The distribution unit 10 may include a manipulator 12. At least a portion of the manipulator 12 may be provided on the front panel 101. For example, a user may control the operation of the distribution unit 10 through the manipulator 12. For example, controlling the operation of the distribution unit 10 may include controlling the opening and closing of the first heating valve 32, the second heating valve 42, and the third heating valve 52. For example, the manipulator 12 may be provided to receive user input. For example, the manipulator 12 may be provided to display information about the distribution unit 10.

The distribution unit 10 may include an electrical equipment portion 13. The electrical equipment portion 13 may be provided as a part of the manipulator 12. The electrical equipment portion 13 may include a printed circuit board and various electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board.

The distribution unit 10 may include a water tank 14. The water tank 14 may be arranged inside the housing 11. The water tank 14 may be provided to receive water. For example, the water tank 14 may be provided to store heating water. For example, the water tank 14 may be provided to store water heat-exchanged by a heat exchanger. The water tank 14 may be provided to be connected to a water pipe W1. As will be described below, the water tank 14 corresponds to an example of a water frame.

The distribution unit 10 may include a tray 15. The tray 15 may be arranged inside the housing 11. The tray 15 may be provided to support the water pipe W1. The water pipe W1 may be placed on the tray 15. The tray 15 may be provided to receive water. Water formed on the surface of the water pipe W1 may be collected in the tray 15. For example, the condensate may be collected in the tray 15. As will be described below, the tray 15 is an example of a water frame.

The distribution unit 10 may include a filtering device (not shown) configured to be in communication with the water pipe W. The filtering device may be configured to filter out foreign substances accommodated in the heating water passing through the filtering device. Although not clearly shown in the drawing, the filtering device may be placed on the tray 15.

The distribution unit 10 may include an auxiliary heater (not shown) configured to be in communication with the water pipe W. The auxiliary heater may be configured to heat the heating water passing through the auxiliary heater. Therefore, even when the temperature of the heating water flowing from the outside to the distribution unit 10 is lowered, the temperature required for the heating location may be maintained by allowing the heating water to pass through the auxiliary heater. Although not clearly shown in the drawing, the auxiliary heater may be disposed on the tray 15.

The heat pump 1 may include a drainage structure. At least one unit included in the heat pump 1 may include a drainage structure. The distribution unit 10 may include a drainage structure. The drainage structure may include a base 100. The drainage structure may include at least one guide 200. The drainage structure may include at least one drain plug 300. The drainage structure described in the disclosure is not limited to the heat pump 1 and units of the heat pump 1 (e.g., the distribution unit, the outdoor unit, the heating unit, and/or the indoor unit). It should be understood that the drainage structure described in the disclosure may be applied to various products.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A shown in FIG. 4 according to various embodiments. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of portion B shown in FIG. 5 according to various embodiments. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of portion C shown in FIG. 5 according to various embodiments.

A drainage structure applied to the distribution unit 10 will be described as an example with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 (which may be referred to as FIGS. 6 to 8).

For convenience of description, the base 100, the guide 200, and the drain plug 300 may be distinguished as follows considering various embodiments to be described below (see, e.g., FIGS. 9, 10 and 11).

The base 100 of the distribution unit 10 may be referred to/expressed as a distribution base 100a, and the base 100 of the outdoor unit 20 to be described below may be referred to/expressed as an outdoor base 100c. Since the distribution base 100a is a base 100 of the distribution unit 10, it should be understood that the distribution base 100a may be referred to as a base 100a. Since the outdoor base 100c is a base 100 of the outdoor unit 20, it should be understood that the outdoor base 100c may be referred to as a base 100c. When there is no need to distinguish between each applied product, the base may be referred to/expressed as a base 100. For example, the description of the base 100 may be common to/applicable to both the distribution base 100a and the outdoor base 100c.

In an example in which the distribution unit 10 includes two drain plugs 300, one of the two drain plugs may be referred to/expressed as a first drain plug 300a, and the other one of the two drain plugs may be referred to/expressed as a second drain plug 300b. A drain plug 300 of the outdoor unit 20 described below may be referred to/expressed as a third drain plug 300c. However, the configurations of the first drain plug 300a, the second drain plug 300b, and the third drain plug 300c are not limited by the ordinal numbers of “first”, “second”, and “third”. When there is no need to distinguish between each applied product, the drain plug may be referred to/expressed as a drain plug 300. That is, the description of the drain plug 300 may be a description common to/applicable to all of the first drain plug 300a, the second drain plug 300b, and the third drain plug 300c.

In an example in which the distribution unit 10 includes two guides 200, one of the two guides may be referred to/expressed as the first guide 200a, and the other one of the two guides may be referred to/expressed as the second guide 200b. A guide 200 of the outdoor unit 20 to be described below may be referred to/expressed as a third guide 200c. However, the configurations of the first guide 200a, the second guide 200b, and the third guide 200c are not limited by the ordinal numbers “first”, “second”, and “third” When there is no distinction between each applied product, the guide may be referred to/expressed as a guide 200. That is, the description of the guide 200 may be a description common/applicable to all of the first guide 200a, the second guide 200b, and the third guide 200c.

The distribution unit 10 may include a distribution base 100a. The housing 11 may include the distribution base 100a. The distribution base 100a may form a lower surface of the distribution unit 10. The distribution base 100a may form the bottom of the housing 11. The distribution base 100a may be provided to be supported by the ground. Components for the operation of the distribution unit 10 may be placed on the distribution base 100a. The distribution base 100a may support components for the operation of the distribution unit 10. For example, the distribution base 100a may include a substantially flat plate shape.

The distribution unit 10 may include a water frame. The water frame may be disposed inside the housing 11 and may be provided to accommodate water. The water frame may collectively refer to components disposed inside the housing 11 and accommodating water. For example, the water frame may be a water tank 14. For example, the water frame may be a tray 15. For example, the water frame may be a water pipe W1.

The distribution unit 10 may include at least one drain plug 300a; 300b. The drain plug 300a; 300b may be provided to drain water collected in the distribution base 100a and water accommodated in the water frame.

The distribution unit 10 may include at least one guide 200a; 200b. The guide 200a; 200b may be disposed inside the housing 11 and provided to guide water. The guide 200a; 200b may be provided to guide water inside the water frame to the drain plug 300a; 300b. The guide 200a; 200b may connect the water frame to the drain plug 300a; 300b. A first end portion 210 of the guide 200a; 200b may be connectable to the drain plug 300a; 300b. A second end portion 220 of the guide 200a; 200b may be connectable to the water frame.

For example, referring to FIG. 6, the distribution unit 10 may include a distribution base 100a, a first drain plug 300a, and a first guide 200a. The water frame may be a tank 14.

The first drain plug 300a may be mounted on the distribution base 100a. The first guide 200a may connect the tank 14 and the first drain plug 300a. The first end portion 210a of the first guide 200a may be connected to the first drain plug 300a, and the second end portion 220a of the first guide 200a may be connected to the tank 14. The first guide 200a may guide water accommodated in the tank 14 to the first drain plug 300a. The water stored in the tank 14 may pass through the first guide 200a and flow to the first drain plug 300a.

At least one clip 70 may be detachably mounted to the first guide 200a. For example, two clips 70 may each be arranged adjacent to a corresponding one of the end portions of the first guide 200a.

For example, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the distribution unit 10 may include a distribution base 100a, a second drain plug 300b, and a second guide 200b. The water frame may be a tray 15.

The second drain plug 300b may be mounted on the distribution base 100a. The second guide 200b may connect the tray 15 and the second drain plug 300b. A first end portion 210b of the second guide 200b may be connected to the second drain plug 300b, and a second end portion 220b of the second guide 200b may be connected to the tray 15. For example, the tray 15 may include a tray body 151 and a tray hole 152 formed to pass through the tray body 151. For example, the tray 15 may have a shape that is inclined toward the tray hole 152 for smooth flow of water. The second guide 200b may allow communication between the tray hole 152 and the second drain plug 300b. The second guide 200b may be provided to guide water in the tray body 151 to the second drain plug 300b. Water collected in the tray body 151 may pass through the tray hole 152 and the second guide 200b and flow to the second drain plug 300b.

At least one clip 70 may be detachably mounted to the second guide 200b. For example, two clips 70 may each be arranged adjacent to a corresponding one the two end portions of the second guide 200b.

The drawing illustrates an example in which the distribution unit 10 includes two drain plugs 300a and 300b and two guides 200a and 200b. However, the disclosure is not limited to that shown in the drawing. The distribution unit 10 may include a single drain plug 300 and a single guide 200. The distribution unit 10 may include three or more drain plugs 300 and three or more guides 200.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit according to various embodiments. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a part of an outdoor unit according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the outdoor unit 20 may include a housing 21. The housing 21 may form the external appearance of the outdoor unit 20. The housing 21 may accommodate components for the operation of the outdoor unit 20. For example, the housing 21 may accommodate components, such as a first heat exchanger 22, a compressor 23, a fan 24, a control box 25, a second heat exchanger 26, an expansion tank 27, a valve 28, see FIG. 11, and a water pipe W2. The housing 21 may be referred to as a cabinet 21, a case 21, a main body 21, and the like.

For example, the housing 21 may have a roughly box shape.

Hereinafter, an example of the structure of the housing 21 will be described.

The housing 21 may include a first front frame 201. The first front frame 201 may cover the front (+X side) of a heat exchange room R1 to be described below. An outlet 2011 may be formed in the first front frame 201.

The housing 21 may include a second front frame 202. The second front frame 202 may cover the front (+X side) of a machine room R2 to be described below. For example, the second front frame 202 may be formed in a substantially flat plate shape.

For example, the second front frame 202 may have a plurality of heat dissipation holes that allows communication between the machine room R2 and the outside of the outdoor unit 20 to release heat within the machine room R2.

The housing 21 may include a first rear frame 203. The first rear frame 203 may form a part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit 20. The first rear frame 203 may be arranged at the rear (−X side) of the heat exchange room R1. An inlet 2031 may be formed in the first rear frame 203.

The housing 21 may include a second rear frame 204. The second rear frame 204 may form another part of the rear exterior of the outdoor unit 20. The second rear frame 204 may cover the rear (−X side) of the machine room R2.

For example, the second rear frame 204 may have a plurality of heat dissipation holes that allow communication between the machine room R2 and the exterior of the outdoor unit 20 to release heat within the machine room R2.

The housing 21 may include a first side frame 205. The first side frame 205 may form a left side of the outdoor unit 20. The first side frame 205 may cover the heat exchange room R1. The first side frame 205 may cover the heat exchange room R1 from the left side. An inlet 2051 may be formed in the first side frame 205.

The housing 21 may include a second side frame 206. The second side frame 206 may form a right side of the outdoor unit 20. The second side frame 206 may cover the machine room R2. The second side frame 206 may cover the machine room R2 from the right side.

For example, the second side frame 206 may have a plurality of heat dissipation holes that allow communication between the machine room R2 and the outside of the outdoor unit 20 to release heat within the machine room R2.

The housing 21 may include a top cover 207. The top cover 207 may form an upper surface of the outdoor unit 20. The top cover 207 may cover the upper side (+Z side) of the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The top cover 207 may cover various components of the outdoor unit 20 accommodated inside the housing 21 from the upper side. The top cover 207 may be coupled to upper portions of each of the first front frame 201, the second front frame 202, the second rear frame 204, the first side frame 205, and the second side frame 206. Alternatively, the top cover 207 may be formed integrally with some of the first front frame 201, the second front frame 202, the second rear frame 204, the first side frame 205, and the second side frame 206.

The housing 21 may include a grille 208. The grille 208 may cover the front (+X side) of the first front frame 201. The grille 208 may cover the front (+X side) of the outlet 2011. The grille 208 may be coupled to the first front frame 201. The grille 208 may form a part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit 20.

The housing 21 may include a front cover 209. The front cover 209 may cover the front (+X side) of the second front frame 202. The front cover 209 may be coupled to the second front frame 202. The front cover 209 may form another part of the front exterior of the outdoor unit 20.

The housing 21 may include a base 100. Details of the base will be described below.

The housing 21 may include an inlet 2031; 2051 formed to allow air to be introduced and an outlet 2011 formed to allow air to be discharged. As the fan 24 rotates, air outside the housing 21 may be introduced through the inlet 2031; 2051, and after heat exchange with the first heat exchanger 22, the air may be discharged to the outside of the housing 21 through the outlet 2011.

The outdoor unit 20 may include a heat exchange room R1 formed inside the housing 21. Outside air may be introduced to the heat exchange room R1, and the introduced air may be discharged back to the outside. In the heat exchange room R1, heat exchange may take place between the first heat exchanger 22 and air introduced from the outside. For example, components, such as the first heat exchanger 22, the fan 24, and the like may be arranged in the heat exchange room R1.

The outdoor unit 20 may include a machine room R2 formed inside the housing 21. For example, components, such as a compressor 23, a control box 25, a second heat exchanger 26, an expansion tank 27, and the like may be arranged in the machine room R2.

Inside the housing 21, the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2 may be divided from each other. The outdoor unit 20 may include a partition 29 that divides the heat exchange room R1 from the machine room R2. The partition 29 may be arranged between the heat exchange room R1 and the machine room R2. The partition 29 may be coupled to the housing 21.

The outdoor unit 20 may include the first heat exchanger 22. The first heat exchanger 22 may be provided to exchange heat with outdoor air. The first heat exchanger 22 may be provided to allow refrigerant to flow therein. In the first heat exchanger 22, heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air may be performed.

The outdoor unit 20 may include the compressor 23. The compressor 23 may compress refrigerant gas and discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas. For example, the compressor 23 may include a motor and a compression mechanism, and the compression mechanism may compress the refrigerant gas by a torque of the motor.

The outdoor unit 20 may include the fan 24. The fan 24 may be provided to circulate air. The fan 24 may allow air to be introduced and discharged.

The outdoor unit 20 may include the second heat exchanger 26. The second heat exchanger 26 may be provided to exchange heat between the refrigerant and water. The second heat exchanger 26 may be disposed inside the housing 21. For example, the second heat exchanger 26 may be disposed in the machine room R2. For example, the second heat exchanger 26 may include a plate heat exchanger.

The outdoor unit 20 may not include the second heat exchanger 26. For example, a heat exchanger for heat-exchanging refrigerant and water may be disposed indoors. The heat exchanger for heat-exchanging the refrigerant and water may be provided as a component of one of units disposed indoors, or may be provided as a separate component from units disposed indoors.

The outdoor unit 20 may include the water pipe W2 provided to allow water to be introduced from the outside or discharged. The water pipe W2 may be connected to the second heat exchanger 26. The water pipe W2 may be provided to supply water to the second heat exchanger 26 or to discharge water heat-exchanged by the second heat exchanger 26. The water pipe W2 may have at least a portion disposed inside the housing 21. For example, the water pipe W2 may have at least a portion disposed in the machine room R2.

Water introduced into the outdoor unit 20 from the outside through the water pipe W2 may perform heat exchange with a high-temperature refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 26. Within the second heat exchanger 26, the water may absorb heat from the high-temperature refrigerant and transfer the heat to the outside of the outdoor unit 20 through the water pipe W2.

The outdoor unit 20 may include the expansion tank 27. When the water temperature increases by the second heat exchanger 26, the volume inside the water pipe W2 may increase, and the expansion tank 27 may be provided to prevent/inhibit the water pressure from suddenly increasing due to the increase in volume. The expansion tank 27 may be disposed inside the housing 21. For example, the expansion tank 27 may be disposed in the machine room R2.

The outdoor unit 20 may include the valve 28 (see, e.g., FIG. 11). The valve 28 may be provided to be connected to the water pipe W2. The valve 28 may be provided to receive water. The valve 28 may be provided to control the pressure of the water inside the water pipe W2 and/or the temperature of the water inside the water pipe W2. For example, the valve 28 may be opened based on the pressure of the water inside the water pipe W2 being higher than a set pressure or the temperature of the water inside the water pipe W2 being higher than a set temperature. For example, as the valve 28 is opened, water in the water pipe W2 may flow into the valve 28. As an example, the valve 28 may include a temperature and pressure relief valve (TPR valve).

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a configuration of a part of an outdoor unit according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 11, a drainage structure of the outdoor unit 20 is described.

The outdoor unit 20 may include an outdoor base 100c. The housing 21 may include the outdoor base 100c. The outdoor base 100c may form a lower surface of the outdoor unit 20. The outdoor base 100c may form the bottom of the housing 21. The outdoor base 100c may be provided to be supported by the ground. Components for the operation of the outdoor unit 20 may be placed on the outdoor base 100c. The outdoor base 100c may support components for the operation of the outdoor unit 20. For example, the outdoor base 100c may include a substantially flat plate shape.

The outdoor unit 20 may include a water frame. The water frame may be disposed inside the housing 21 and may be configured to receive water. The water frame may collectively refer to components disposed inside the housing 21 and configured to receive water. For example, the water frame may be a valve 28. For example, the water frame may be a water pipe W2.

The outdoor unit 20 may include at least one drain plug 300c. The drain plug 300c may be configured to drain water collected in the outdoor base 100c and water received in the water frame.

The outdoor unit 20 may include at least one guide 200c. The guide 200c may be disposed inside the housing 21 and may be configured to guide water. The guide 200c may be provided to guide water inside the water frame to the drain plug 300c. The guide 200c may connect the water frame to the drain plug 300c.

For example, referring to FIG. 11, the outdoor unit 20 may include an outdoor base 100c, a third drain plug 300c, and a third guide 200c. The water frame may include a valve 28.

The third drain plug 300c may be mounted on the outdoor base 100c. The third guide 200c may connect the valve 28 and the third drain plug 300c. The first end portion 210c of the third guide 200c may be connected to the third drain plug 300c, and the second end portion 220c of the third guide 200c may be connected to the valve 28. The third guide 200c may guide water received in the valve 28 to the third drain plug 300c. The water in the valve 28 may pass through the third guide 200c and flow to the third drain plug 300c.

At least one clip 70 may be detachably mounted to the third guide 200c. For example, the clip 70 may be arranged adjacent to the second end portion 220c of the third guide 200c.

The drawing illustrates an example in which the outdoor unit 20 includes a single drain plug 300c and a single guide 200c. However, the disclosure is not limited to that shown in the drawing. The outdoor unit 20 may include a plurality of drain plugs 300 and a plurality of guides 200.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a drain plug, a base, and a guide according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a drain plug, a base, and a guide according to various embodiments. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a drain plug according to various embodiments. FIG. 15 is a view of a drain plug viewed in a different direction from that shown in FIG. 14 according to various embodiments. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a drain plug viewed in a different direction from those shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment, a product having a drainage structure (e.g., a heat pump 1, a distribution unit 10, an outdoor unit 20, or other home appliances) may include a base 100, a guide 200, and a drain plug 300. Accordingly, the housing described below may be a housing of a product having a drainage structure. In addition, the base described below may be a base of a housing of a product having a drainage structure.

The base 100 may include an opening 110. The opening 110 may be provided to allow the drain plug 300 to be inserted therein. The opening 110 may be formed to pass through the base 100. The opening 110 may allow communication between an inside I of the housing and an outside O of the housing.

The opening 110 may include a body hole 111. The body hole 111 may be provided to correspond to a drain body 310 of the drain plug 300 to be described below.

The opening 110 may include a stopper hole 112. The stopper hole 112 may include a hole extending from a portion of the body hole 111. The stopper hole 112 may extend from a portion of the body hole 111 to the outside of the body hole 111. For example, the stopper hole 112 may extend radially outwardly of the body hole 111. The stopper hole 112 may extend along a circumferential direction (d, see FIG. 13 of the body hole 111. The stopper hole 112 may extend along a circumference of the body hole 111. For example, the stopper hole 112 may include an approximately circular arc shape.

The stopper hole 112 may be provided to correspond to a stopper 350 of the drain plug 300 described below. There is no limitation on the number of stopper holes 112. However, the number of stopper holes 112 may correspond to the number of stoppers 350.

For example, when the drain plug 300 includes a first stopper 350a and a second stopper 350b, the opening 110 may include a first stopper hole 112a and a second stopper hole 112b. The first stopper hole 112a may extend from a portion of the body hole 111 to the outside of the body hole 111, and the second stopper hole 112b may extend from another portion of the body hole 111 to the outside of the body hole 111. The second stopper hole 112b may be spaced apart from the first stopper hole 112a along the circumferential direction d of the body hole 111.

The base 100 may include a rim 120 provided to define the opening 110. As the opening 110 is formed in the base 100, the rim 120 may be formed. A portion inside of the rim 120 in the base 100 may be the opening 110.

For example, the opening 110 may include a first edge portion 121 provided to define the body hole 111 and a second edge portion 122 provided to define the stopper hole 112. The second edge portion 122 may extend from the first edge portion 121 to the outside of the first edge portion 121.

The guide 200 may be arranged on the inside I of the housing. The guide 200 may be provided to guide water on the inside I of the housing.

The guide 200 may be provided to connect a water frame (e.g., a water tank 14, a tray 15, a valve 28, and a water pipe W) to the drain plug 300. The first end portion 210 of the guide 200 is connectable to the drain plug 300, and the second end portion 220 of the guide 200 is connectable to the water frame. The first end portion 210 of the guide 200 is coupleable to the drain plug 300, and the second end portion 220 of the guide 200 is coupleable to the water frame. The first end portion 210 of the guide 200 may communicate with the drain plug 300, and the second end portion 220 of the guide 200 may communicate with the water frame.

The guide 200 may be provided to guide water accommodated in the water frame to the drain plug 300. The guide 200 may be provided to transfer water within the water frame to the drain plug 300. The guide 200 may include a guide passage 230 configured to allow water in the water frame to flow. For example, water flowing along the guide passage 230 may flow downward.

The guide 200 may be referred to as a hose 200, a duct 200, a tube 200, a line 200, a pipe 200, a conduit 200, and the like.

The drain plug 300 may be detachably mountable on the base 100. The drain plug 300 may be detachably couplable to the base 100. The drain plug 300 may be mounted on the base 100 by being inserted into the opening 110. For example, the drain plug 300 may be inserted into the opening 110 from below the base 100. While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, a portion of the drain plug 300 may be positioned on the inside I of the housing, and another portion of the drain plug 300 may be positioned on the outside O of the housing.

The drain plug 300 may include a drain body 310. The drain body 310 may be insertable into the opening 110. The drain body 310 may be provided to correspond to the body hole 111 of the opening 110. The drain body 310 may be inserted into the body hole 111 of the opening 110. The drain body 310 may be provided to be positioned within the body hole 111 of the opening 110. For example, the drain body 310 may include a substantially hollow shape.

The drain body 310 may form a drain passage 311. The drain passage 311 may be configured to allow the flow of water. The drain passage 311 may be provided to discharge water introduced into the drain passage 311 to the outside O of the housing. While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the drain passage 311 may extend from the inside I of the housing to the outside O of the housing.

The drain body 310 may include a bent portion 312. The bent portion 312 may be required to set the drainage direction of the drain plug 300. The bent portion 312 may allow water to flow smoothly along the drain passage 311.

The drain body 310 may include a body protrusion 313. The body protrusion 313 may protrude from the outer surface of the drain body 310. For example, when a hose is connected to the discharge port 340 described below, the body protrusion 313 may be provided to be in close contact with the hose. For example, the body protrusion 313 may be provided as a plurality of body protrusions, and the plurality of body protrusions 313 may be spaced apart along the extension direction of the drain body 310. However, there is no limitation on the number of body protrusions 313.

The drain plug 300 may include a discharge port 340. The discharge port 340 may be formed at one end portion of the drain body 310. The discharge port 340 may be provided at one end portion 3111 of the drain passage 311. The discharge port 340 may be provided to discharge water introduced into the drain plug 300. The discharge port 340 may be provided to discharge water guided by the drain passage 311. While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the discharge port 340 may be disposed on the outside O of the housing. The discharge port 340 may be provided to communicate with the outside O of the housing.

The drain plug 300 may include a through hole 320. The through hole 320 may be formed to pass through the drain body 310. The through hole 320 may be provided to communicate with the drain passage 311. While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the through hole 320 may allow communication between the inside I of the housing and the drain passage 311. The through hole 320 may be provided to allow water to flow.

For example, the drain plug 300 may include a plurality of through holes 320, and the plurality of through holes 320 may be spaced apart along the circumference of the drain body 310. For example, the drain plug 300 may include two through holes 320, and the two through holes 320 may be provided to face each other.

For example, the through hole 320 may include an approximately “U” shape. For example, the through hole 320 may include a first hole portion 321, a second hole portion 322, and a third hole portion 323. The first hole portion 321 may extend approximately along the vertical direction (Z direction). The second hole portion 322 may be spaced apart from the first hole portion 321 and may extend approximately along the vertical direction (Z direction). The third hole portion 323 may be provided to connect the first hole portion 321 and the second hole portion 322.

However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and the number and/or shape of the through holes 320 may vary.

The drain plug 300 may include a guide connection portion 330. The guide connection portion 330 may extend from the drain body 310. For example, the guide connection portion 330 may extend upwardly from the drain body 310. For example, the guide connection portion 330 may extend along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction) from the drain body 310. The guide connection portion 330 may be provided on an upper portion of the drain body 310.

The guide connection portion 330 may be provided to be connectable to the guide 200. The guide connection portion 330 may be provided to be coupleable to the guide 200. For example, the guide connection portion 330 may be connectable to the guide 200 in a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). For example, the guide 200 may be inserted around the guide connection portion 330. For example, the guide 200 may be provided to surround the guide connection portion 330. For example, the guide 200 may be provided to cover the guide connection portion 330. As the guide connection portion 330 and the guide 200 are connected, the intrusion of rodents, pests, and the like may be prevented and/or reduced.

The guide connection portion 330 may include a connecting passage 331. The connecting passage 331 may be connected to the drain passage 311. A first end portion of the connecting passage 331 may be provided to communicate with the drain passage 311, and a second end portion 3311 of the connecting passage 331 may be provided to be open. For example, the second end portion 3311 of the connecting passage 331 may be open upward. While the guide connection portion 330 and the guide 220 are connected, the second end portion 3311 of the connecting passage 331 may communicate with the guide passage 230.

The guide connection portion 330 may include a connecting body 332. The connecting body 332 may include a substantially hollow shape. The connecting body 332 may form the connecting passage 331. The connecting body 332 may form the overall appearance of the guide connection portion 330. The guide 200 may be inserted around the connecting body 332.

The guide connection portion 330 may include a contact protrusion 333. The contact protrusion 333 may be provided to contact an inner surface of the guide 200. The contact protrusion 333 may protrude from an outer surface of the connecting body 332. For example, the contact protrusion 333 may include a shape that tapers upward. With such a shape, the guide connection portion 330 and the guide 200 may not be easily separated. For example, the contact protrusion 333 may be provided as a plurality of contact protrusions, and the plurality of contact protrusions 333 may be spaced apart along the extension direction of the guide connection portion 330. However, there is no limitation on the number of contact protrusions 333.

The drain plug 300 may include a stopper 350. The stopper 350 may be formed on the drain body 310. The stopper 350 may protrude from the outer surface of the drain body 310. The stopper 350 may be provided to limit the rotation range of the drain plug 300 with respect to the base 100. The stopper 350 may be provided to interfere with the base 100.

The stopper 350 may be insertable into the opening 110. The stopper 350 may be provided to correspond to the stopper hole 112 of the opening 110. The stopper 350 may be provided to be located within the stopper hole 112 of the opening 110. The stopper 350 may not be located within the body hole 111 of the opening 110. The stopper 350 may be configured not to pass through the body hole 111 of the opening 110.

For example, the drain plug 300 may include a plurality of stoppers 350, and the plurality of stoppers 350 may be spaced apart along the circumference of the drain body 310. For example, the drain plug 300 may include a first stopper 350a and a second stopper 350b. For example, when the first stopper 350a is aligned with the first stopper hole 112a, the second stopper 350b may be aligned with the second stopper hole 112b. For example, when the first stopper 350a is aligned with the second stopper hole 112b, the second stopper 350b may be aligned with the first stopper hole 112a. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and there is no limitation on the number of stoppers 350. For example, the drain plug 300 may include a single stopper 350.

The drain plug 300 may include a plate 360. The plate 360 may extend from the outer surface of the drain body 310. The plate 360 may be formed below the guide connection portion 330. While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the plate 360 may be disposed on the outside O of the housing. The plate 360 may be in close contact with a lower surface 1002, see FIGS. 17 and 18 of the base 100. The plate 360 may be disposed below the opening 110. For example, the plate 360 may have a shape that tapers downward. For example, the plate 360 may include an approximately funnel shape.

The plate 360 may be provided to guide water passing through the opening 110 to the drain passage 311. Accordingly, water passing through the opening 110 may be guided by the drain passage 311 and thus be discharged through the discharge port 340.

The drain plug 300 may include a locking protrusion 370. The locking protrusion 370 may be formed at a surrounding of the through hole 320.

A first side 372 of the locking protrusion 370 may be connected to the drain body 310, and a second side 373 of the locking protrusion 370 may be surrounded by the through hole 320. For example, the first side 372 may be provided as a fixed end, and the second side 373 may be provided as a free end. The second side 373 may be provided to rotate with respect to the first side 372.

The locking protrusion 370 may be provided to be elastically deformable. While the drain plug 300 is being inserted into the opening 110, the locking protrusion 370 may be pressed by the rim 120 to be elastically deformed. The locking protrusion 370 may be provided to be in contact with the first edge portion 121. When the drain plug 300 is completely mounted on the base 100, the locking protrusion 370 may be restored to its original shape.

While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the locking protrusion 370 may be provided to be supported by the upper surface (1001, see FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) of the base 100. The locking protrusion 370 may be provided to contact the upper surface 1001 of the base 100. At least a portion of the locking protrusion 370 may be disposed on the inside I of the housing. While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the locking protrusion 370 may prevent/inhibit the drain plug 300 from being separated downward from the base 100.

The locking protrusion 370 may have a shape that tapers upward. The locking protrusion 370 may include a slope 371 to facilitate passage through the opening 110. While the drain plug 300 is being mounted on the base 100, the slope 371 may be pressed by the first edge portion 121.

For example, the drain plug 300 may include a plurality of locking protrusions 370, and the plurality of locking protrusions 370 may be spaced apart along the circumference of the drain body 310. For example, the drain plug 300 may include two locking protrusions 370, and the two locking protrusions 370 may be provided to face each other. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the number and/or shape of the locking protrusions 370 may vary.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 12 according to various embodiments. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E′ of FIG. 12 according to various embodiments.

The upper surface 1001 of the base 100 may be provided to face the inside I of the housing. The upper surface 1001 of the base 100 may be provided to contact the locking protrusion 370 of the drain plug 300. The lower surface 1002 of the base 100 may be provided to face the outside O of the housing. The lower surface 1002 of the base 100 may be provided to contact the plate 360 of the drain plug 300.

The guide 200 may be disposed on the inside I of the housing. The guide 200 may connect the drain plug 300 and the water frame. The first end portion 210 of the guide 200 may be connected to the guide connection portion 330 of the drain plug 300. The first end portion 210 of the guide 200 may communicate with the guide connection portion 330 of the drain plug 300. The second end portion 220 of the guide 200 may be connected to the water frame. The second end portion 220 of the guide 200 may communicate with the water frame.

The guide 200 may be provided to guide water from the inside I of the housing. The guide 200 may guide water accommodated in the water frame to the drain plug 300. The guide 200 may transfer water inside the water frame to the drain plug 300. The water inside the water frame may flow along the guide 200 toward the drain plug 300.

For example, the guide 200 may connect the drain plug 300 and the water tank 14 (see, e.g., FIG. 6). The second end portion 220 of the guide 200 may communicate with the water tank 14. In this case, the guide 200 may be provided to guide water in the water tank 14 to the drain plug 300.

For example, the guide 200 may connect the drain plug 300 and the tray 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8). The second end portion 220 of the guide 200 may communicate with the tray 15. In this case, the guide 200 may be provided to guide water in the tray 15 to the drain plug 300. The guide 200 may be provided to guide water accumulated in the tray body 151 to the drain plug 300.

For example, the guide 200 may connect the drain plug 300 and the valve 28 (see, e.g., FIG. 11). The second end portion 220 of the guide 200 may communicate with the valve 28. In this case, the guide 200 may be provided to guide water from the valve 28 to the drain plug 300.

However, the disclosure is not limited to the examples described above, and the water frame may be provided in various forms as long as it can be arranged inside the housing and configured to receive water.

The drain plug 300 may be mounted on the base 100 by being inserted into the opening 110. A part of the drain plug 300 may be disposed on the inside I of the housing, and the remaining part of the drain plug 300 may be disposed on the outside O of the housing. The guide connection portion 330 may be disposed on the inside I of the housing and connected to the guide 200. The discharge port 340 may be disposed on the outside O of the housing. The discharge port 340 may communicate with the outside O of the housing.

While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the through hole 320 may be provided to guide water in the base 100 to the drain passage 311. The through hole 320 may be provided to accommodate water of the base 100. The through hole 320 may be provided to allow water inside the base 100 to be introduced thereto. Water collected in the base 100 may pass through the through hole 320 and flow to the drain passage 311.

While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100 and the guide connection portion 330 and the guide 200 are connected to each other, the guide connection portion 330 may be provided to guide water inside the guide 200 to the drain passage 311. While the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100 and the guide connection portion 330 is connected to the guide 200, the guide connection portion 330 may be configured to guide water from the guide 200 to the drain passage 311. The guide connection portion 330 may be provided to accommodate water guided by the guide 200. The guide connection portion 330 may be provided to allow water guided by the guide 200 to be introduced thereto. The guide connection portion 330 may be provided to accommodate water from the water frame through the guide 200. Water inside the guide 200 may pass through the guide connection portion 330 and flow into the drain passage 311.

The drain plug 300 may be provided to be mounted on the base 100 to perform drainage. In addition, the drain plug 300 may be provided not only to discharge water but also to discharge refrigerant.

A fluid flow will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

An example of a flow of water (F1, see a solid arrow) drained from the base 100 through the drain plug 300 will be described.

Water may accumulate in the base 100. For example, defrost water, condensate, and the like may be collected in the base 100. When water accumulated in the base 100 is left for a long time, contamination, corrosion, damage, and the like may occur, or the efficiency of the product may be lowered. Therefore, water of the base 100 may be drained.

The water of the base 100 may flow the through hole 320. The water in the base 100 may pass through the through hole 320. The water accumulated in the base 100 may pass through the through hole 320 and flow to the drain passage 311. The drain passage 311 may guide the water introduced from the base 100 through the through hole 320. The water introduced through the through hole 320 may flow along the drain passage 311 to the discharge port 340. The discharge port 340 may discharge the water introduced through the through hole 320 to the outside O of the housing.

An example of a flow of water (F2, see a dashed arrow) drained from a water frame through the drain plug 300 is described.

The water frame may accommodate water. For example, when maintaining and repairing the water tank 14, water of the water tank 14 may be drained (see, e.g., FIG. 6). For example, when water collected in the tray 15 is left for a long time, contamination, corrosion, and the like may occur, and when the water overflows and flows into the electrical equipment portion 13, the water may cause a malfunction. Therefore, water of the tray 15 may be drained (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8). For example, in order to control the temperature and/or pressure of the water in the water pipe W2, it may be required to discharge the water introduced into the valve 28 from the water pipe W2 (see, e.g., FIG. 11).

The water accommodated in the water frame may flow through the guide 200 to the guide connection portion 330. Water in the water frame may be guided along the guide 200 and pass through the guide connection portion 330. The water guided by the guide 200 may pass through the guide connection portion 330 and flow into the drain passage 311. The drain passage 311 may guide water introduced through the guide connection portion 330 from the guide 200. The water introduced through the guide connection portion 330 may flow along the drain passage 311 to the discharge port 340. The discharge port 340 may discharge water introduced through the guide connection portion 330 to the outside O of the housing.

According to the disclosure, the drain plug 300 may discharge not only water accumulated in the base 100 but also water accommodated in the water frame. The drain plug 300 may simultaneously discharge water in the base 100 and water in the water frame. The discharge port 340 may be provided to discharge water introduced through the through hole 320 and water introduced through the guide connection portion 330. That is, the drain plug 300 may have a dual drainage structure. Both drainage of the base 100 and drainage of the water frame are performed with only a single drain plug 300. The drainage performance and usability of the drain plug 300 may be improved.

An example of a flow of refrigerant (L, see a dashed arrow) discharged from the inside I of the housing to the outside O of the housing through the drain plug 300 will be described.

A component (e.g., a refrigerant pipe) that receives and/or guides the refrigerant may be disposed on the inside I of the housing. For example, when a crack occurs in the refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may leak, and the leaked refrigerant may cause an accident, such as a fire or explosion. Therefore, the leaked refrigerant may need to be discharged.

The leaked refrigerant may flow to the through hole 320. The leaked refrigerant may pass through the through hole 320. The leaked refrigerant may pass through the through hole 320 and flow into the drain passage 311. The drain passage 311 may guide the refrigerant introduced through the through hole 320. The refrigerant introduced through the through hole 320 may flow along the drain passage 311 to the discharge port 340. The discharge port 340 may discharge the refrigerant introduced through the through hole 320 to the outside O of the housing.

According to the disclosure, the drain plug 300 may discharge the leaked refrigerant. As a result, the drain plug 300 may prevent and/or reduce accidents, such as fire and explosion caused by the leaked refrigerant in advance.

The drain plug 300 may be provided to prevent/inhibit the guide 200 from being separated. The guide connection portion 330 of the drain plug 300 and the guide 200 may be connected to each other. For example, the guide connection portion 330 and the guide 200 may be coupled in a forced fit manner. For example, when the guide is inserted into the opening of the base without a separate fixation, the guide may be easily separated from the base due to the pressure of the water inside the guide. However, in the case of the disclosure, the guide 200 may be fixed to the base 100 through the drain plug 300 and may not be easily displaced. Accordingly, the water inside the guide 200 may be drained through the drain plug 300 without infiltrating into the machine room or other parts inside the product.

In addition, water leakage between the drain plug 300 and the base 100 may be minimized or prevented/reduced. The upper part of the drain plug 300 (e.g., the guide connection portion 330) may be connected to the guide 200. The guide 200 may hold the upper part of the drain plug 300. For example, the guide connection portion 330 and the guide 200 may be coupled in a forced fit manner. For example, when the upper part of the drain plug is not connected to the guide, the coupling force between the drain plug and the base may be reduced, resulting in a gap. In the case of the disclosure, since the guide connection portion 330 of the drain plug 300 is connected to the guide 200, the formation of a gap between the drain plug 300 and the base 100 may be minimized and/or reduced. As a result, water leakage between the drain plug 300 and the base 100 may be reduced and/or prevented.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain plug in a first position according to various embodiments. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain plug in a second position according to various embodiments. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain plug in a third position according to various embodiments. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drain plug in a fourth position according to various embodiments.

The drain plug 300 may include a stopper 350, and the opening 110 of the base 100 may include a stopper hole 112.

The stopper 350 may be provided to interfere with the base 100 to limit the rotation range of the drain plug 300 relative to the base 100. As a result, the drain plug 300 may only rotate within a predetermined rotation range.

The stopper 350 may be provided to contact at least a portion of the rim 120 defining the opening 110 of the base 100. The stopper 350 may interfere with the second edge portion 122 defining the stopper hole 112. The stopper 350 may be provided to come into contact with the second edge portion 122. The stopper 350 may be provided to be caught by the second edge portion 122 when the stopper 350 rotates beyond the predetermined rotation range. The stopper 350 may be positioned only within the stopper hole 112 by interfering with the second edge portion 122. The stopper 350 may be prevented/inhibited from moving toward the body hole 111 due to interference with the second edge portion 122.

The stopper hole 112 may extend along the circumferential direction d of the body hole 111. The stopper hole 112 may include a first point 131 and a second point 132 formed on the opposite side of the first point 131. The first point 131 may be a point adjacent to the first edge portion 121, and the second point 132 may be another point provided on the opposite side of the first point 131 and adjacent to the first edge portion 121.

The drain plug 300 is rotatable between a position in which the stopper 350 is arranged at the first point 131 (see, e.g., FIG. 19 or FIG. 21) and a position in which the stopper 350 is arranged at the second point 132 (see, e.g., FIG. 20 or FIG. 22). The drain plug 300 is rotatable within the predetermined rotation range.

Referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the first stopper 350a may correspond to the first stopper hole 112a, and the second stopper 350b may correspond to the second stopper hole 112b. The drain plug 300 may be rotatable between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The rotation range of the drain plug 300 may be limited to an area between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

Referring to FIG. 19, the drain plug 300 may be arranged at the first position P1. The first stopper 350a may be arranged at a first point 131a of the first stopper hole 112a, and the second stopper 350b may be arranged at a first point 131b of the second stopper hole 112b. For example, the first point 131a of the first stopper hole 112a and the first point 131b of the second stopper hole 112b may be arranged to face each other.

Referring to FIG. 20, the drain plug 300 may be arranged at the second position P2. The first stopper 350a may be arranged at a second point 132a of the first stopper hole 112a, and the second stopper 350b may be arranged at a second point 132b of the second stopper hole 112b. For example, the second point 132a of the first stopper hole 112a and the second point 132b of the second stopper hole 112b may be arranged to face each other.

For example, the drain plug 300 arranged at the first position P1 may move to the second position P2 by rotating clockwise. For example, the drain plug 300 provided at the second position P2 may move to the first position P1 by rotating counterclockwise.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the discharge port 340 may be provided to face relatively outside of the base 100. The discharge port 340 may be provided to face a rim 1003 of the base 100.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the first stopper 350a may correspond to the second stopper hole 112b, and the second stopper 350b may correspond to the first stopper hole 112a. The drain plug 300 may be rotatable between a third position P3 and a fourth position P4. The rotation range of the drain plug 300 may be limited to an area between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4.

Referring to FIG. 21, the drain plug 300 may be arranged at the third position P3. The first stopper 350a may be arranged d at the first point 131b of the second stopper hole 112b, and the second stopper 350b may be arranged at the first point 131a of the first stopper hole 112a.

Referring to FIG. 22, the drain plug 300 may be arranged at the fourth position P4. The first stopper 350a may be arranged at the second point 132b of the second stopper hole 112b, and the second stopper 350b may be arranged at the second point 132a of the first stopper hole 112a.

For example, the drain plug 300 arranged at the third position P3 may move to the fourth position P4 by rotating clockwise. For example, the drain plug 300 arranged at the fourth position P4 may move to the third position P3 by rotating counterclockwise.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the discharge port 340 may be provided to face relatively inside of the base 100. The discharge port 340 may be arranged not to face the rim 1003 of the base 100.

According to the disclosure, the drain plug 300 may include the stopper 350 configured to limit the rotation range of the drain plug 300 relative to the base 100. The stopper 350 may prevent/block the drain plug 300 from rotating approximately 360 degrees relative to the base 100. As a result, the guide 200 connected to the drain plug 300 may be prevented/inhibited from being twisted. For example, with the drain plug rotating approximately 360 degrees after being mounted on the base, the guide may be twisted, and the flow of water flowing along the guide may not be smooth. For example, when the drain plug rotates after being mounted on the base, a gap may be formed between the base and the drain plug.

According to the disclosure, the drainage direction of the drain plug 300 may be easily set in response to various installation environments. When the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the drainage direction of the drain plug 300 may be set. In addition, after the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100, the drainage direction of the drain plug 300 may be adjusted by rotating the drain plug 300 within a predetermined rotation range.

For example, when the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100 such that the first stopper 350a corresponds to the first stopper hole 112a and the second stopper 350b corresponds to the second stopper hole 112b (see, e.g., FIGS. 19 and 20), the drainage direction of the drain plug 300 may be directed toward relatively outside of the base 100. The drain plug 300 may be rotated between the first position P1 and the second position P2, which allows the drainage direction of the drain plug 300 to be adjusted.

For example, when the drain plug 300 is mounted on the base 100 such that the first stopper 350a corresponds to the second stopper hole 112b and the second stopper 350b corresponds to the first stopper hole 112a (see, e.g., FIGS. 21 and 22), the drainage direction of the drain plug 300 may be directed toward relatively inside of the base 100. The drain plug 300 may rotate between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4, which allows the drainage direction of the drain plug 300 to be adjusted.

Although the drawing illustrates a heat pump as an example, the disclosure is not limited to that shown in the drawing. The drain plug 300 according to the disclosure is not only applied to the heat pump 1 and the units 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and/or 60 of the heat pump 1. The drain plug 300 according to the disclosure may be applied to all products having a component that receives water (e.g., a humidifier, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and the like). For example, the drain plug 300 may be mounted on a base 100 of a humidifier, the through hole 320 of the drain plug 300 may guide water of the base 100 of the humidifier, and the drain plug 300 may be connected to a water tank disposed inside the humidifier to guide water in the water tank.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a heat pump may include: a housing including a base; a guide provided inside the housing and configured to guide water; and a drain plug detachably mountable on the base. The drain plug may include: a drain body forming a drain passage; a through hole formed to pass through the drain body, the through hole configured to guide water of the base to the drain passage while the drain plug is mounted on the base. The drain plug may include a guide connection portion extending from the drain body and connectable to the guide, the guide connection portion may be configured to guide water of the guide to the drain passage while the drain plug is mounted on the base and the guide connection portion is connected to the guide.

While the drain plug is mounted on the base, the drain passage may be configured to extend from an inside of the housing to an outside of the housing, and configured to guide water introduced through the through hole from the base and water introduced through the guide connection portion from the guide.

The drain plug may further include a discharge port provided at one end of the drain passage and configured to communicate with the outside of the housing. The discharge port may be configured to discharge the water guided by the drain passage.

The drain plug may further include a stopper protruding from an outer surface of the drain body. The stopper may be configured to interfere with the base to limit a rotation range of the drain plug with respect to the base.

The base may include an opening. The drain plug may be mounted on the base by being inserted into the opening. The stopper may be configured to contact at least a portion of a rim defining the opening of the base.

The base may include an opening. The drain plug may be mounted on the base by being inserted into the opening. The opening may further include a body hole provided to correspond to the drain body. The opening may include a stopper hole extending from a portion of the body hole to the outside of the body hole, and provided to correspond to the stopper.

The stopper hole may extend along a circumferential direction of the body hole and has a first point and a second point formed on an opposite side of the first point. The drain plug may be rotatable between a position in which the stopper is arranged at the first point of the stopper hole and a position in which the stopper is arranged at the second point of the stopper hole.

The stopper may be a first stopper, and the stopper hole may be a first stopper hole. The drain plug may further include a second stopper spaced apart from the first stopper and protruding from an outer surface of the drain body. The opening may further include a second stopper hole extending from another portion of the body hole to the outer side of the body hole, and provided to correspond to the second stopper.

The guide connection portion may further include a contact protrusion configured to contact an inner surface of the guide.

The guide connection portion may extend upward from the drain body and may be vertically connectable to the guide. The contact protrusion may have a shape that is tapered upward.

The heat pump may further include: a heat exchanger; and a water tank disposed on the inside of the housing and configured to store water heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger. The guide may be configured to connect the water tank and the drain plug, and guide water of the water tank to the drain plug.

The heat pump may further include: a heat exchanger; a heating unit disposed indoors, outside of the housing; a water pipe configured to provide water heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger to the heating unit or to recover water from the heating unit, at least a portion of the water pipe being disposed on the inside of the housing; and a tray disposed inside the housing and configured to support the water pipe, the tray including a tray body and a tray hole formed to pass through the tray body. The guide may be configured to allow communication between the tray hole and the drain plug, and guide water of the tray body to the drain plug.

The heat pump may further include: a heat exchanger; a water pipe connected to the heat exchanger and configured to provide water to the heat exchanger or to discharge water heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger; and a valve connected to the water pipe and configured to open base on a pressure of the water in the water pipe W being higher than a set pressure or a temperature of the water in the water pipe being higher than a set temperature. The guide may be configured to connect the valve and the drain plug and guide water of the valve to the drain plug.

The base may include an opening. The drain plug may be mounted on the base by being inserted into the opening. The drain plug may further include a plate extending from an outer surface of the drain body and coming into close contact with a lower surface of the base, the plate having a shape tapered downward and configured to guide water passing through the opening to the drain passage.

The base may include an opening. The drain plug may be mounted on the base by being inserted into the opening. The drain plug may further include a locking protrusion formed along a circumference of the through hole, the locking protrusion configured to be supported by an upper surface of the base.

According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a heat pump may include a housing including a base in which an opening is formed; a water frame provided on an inside of the housing and configured to receive water; a drain plug detachably mounted to the base; and a guide configured to connect the water frame and the drain plug to transfer water in the water frame to the drain plug. The drain plug may include a drain body configured to be inserted into the opening. The drain plug may include a guide connection portion extending upward from the drain body and vertically connected to the guide. The guide connection portion may be configured to receive water guided by the guide. The drain plug may include a stopper protruding from an outer surface of the drain body. The stopper may be configured to come into contact with at least a portion of a rim defining the opening of the base.

The drain plug may further include a through hole formed to pass through the drain body and configured to receive water of the base.

The drain plug may further include a discharge port formed at one end of the drain body and provided to communicate with the outside of the housing. The discharge port may be configured to discharge water introduced through the guide connection portion and water introduced through the through hole.

The opening may include a body hole provided to correspond to the drain body; and a stopper hole extending from a portion of the body hole to the outside of the body hole and provided to correspond to the stopper.

The drain plug according to an example embodiment of the disclosure may be detachably mounted on the base of the housing. The drain plug may include: a drain body; a through hole formed to pass through the drain body and configured to allow communication between the inside of the housing and the drain passage, the through hole configured to allow water of the base to enter therethrough; and a guide connection portion extending upward from the drain body and connectable to a guide disposed inside the housing to guide water, the guide connection portion configured to guide water guided by the guide to enter therethrough.

According to the disclosure, the drain plug can have an improved structure.

According to the disclosure, the drain plug can drain water of the base and water of the water frame. That is, the drain plug can have a dual drain structure. As a result, the drainage performance of the drain plug can be improved, and the usability of a product including the drain plug (e.g., a heat pump) can also be increased.

According to the disclosure, the drain plug can discharge leaked refrigerant through the through hole. As a result, accidents such as explosion and fire can be prevented and/or reduced.

According to the disclosure, the drain plug can prevent/inhibit the guide from being separated. As a result, water in the guide can be prevented and/or reduced from flowing into the machine room inside the product.

According to the disclosure, the drain plug can include a stopper configured to limit the rotation range of the drain plug. As a result, twisting of the guide connected to the drain plug can be prevented/reduced.

According to the disclosure, it is easy to set the drainage direction of the drain plug in response to various installation environments.

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 illustrated and described reference to various example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.