Joint assembly, four-way valve assembly, and air conditioning system

Abstract

A joint assembly, a four-way valve assembly, and an air conditioning system are provided. Herein, the joint assembly comprises a first pipe member (10); a second pipe member (20); a first connecting sleeve (30) connected to one end of the first pipe member (10); and a second connecting sleeve (40) connected to one end of the second pipe member (20). The first connecting sleeve (30) is connected to the second connecting sleeve (40). The first connecting sleeve (30) is a first straight pipe, and the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second straight pipe installed to be nested with the first straight pipe. Alternatively, the first connecting sleeve (30) is a first variable diameter pipe, and the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second variable diameter pipe installed to be nested with the first variable diameter pipe. The above technical solution effectively solves the problem of limiting the welding of stainless steel pipe groups and copper pipe groups due to volume limitations in the welding furnace.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed on April 13, 2021, with application number 202120752797.6 and title of invention "joint assembly, four-way valve assembly and air conditioning system".

[0002] This application relates to the field of heat exchange system technology, and more specifically to joint assemblies, four-way valve assemblies, and air conditioning systems. Background Technology

[0003] HVAC systems typically involve connections between groups of stainless steel pipes and groups of copper pipes. To facilitate welding by the HVAC manufacturer, a single copper joint can generally be installed in the stainless steel pipe group to facilitate welding with the pipe group.

[0004] Generally, copper joints and stainless steel pipe groups are welded together in a welding furnace. However, due to the volume limitations of the welding furnace, the space occupied by stainless steel pipe groups is relatively large, which restricts the welding of copper joints and stainless steel pipe groups.

[0005] The main objective of the present application is to solve the problem in the related technology where the length of stainless steel pipes is limited due to volume limitations of the welding furnace by providing a joint assembly, a four-way valve assembly, and an air conditioning system.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present application provides a joint assembly. It comprises a first pipe member; a second pipe member; a first connecting sleeve connected to one end of the first pipe member; and a second connecting sleeve connected to one end of the second pipe member. The first connecting sleeve is connected to the second connecting sleeve. The first connecting sleeve is a first straight pipe, and the second connecting sleeve is a second straight pipe installed to be nested with the first straight pipe. Or, the first connecting sleeve is a first variable diameter pipe, and the second connecting sleeve is a second variable diameter pipe installed to be nested with the first variable diameter pipe.

[0007] Additionally, if the first connecting sleeve is the first straight pipe and the second connecting sleeve is the second straight pipe, the first pipe member is the third variable diameter pipe and the second pipe member is the fourth variable diameter pipe. The first pipe member and the first connecting sleeve are installed to be nested, and the second connecting sleeve and the second pipe member are installed to be nested.

[0008] Additionally, the first pipe member includes a first straight section, a first diameter expansion section, and a second straight section connected in sequence. The second pipe member includes a third straight section, a second diameter expansion section, and a fourth straight section connected in sequence. A first connecting sleeve is installed to cover the second straight section. A second connecting sleeve is installed to cover the first connecting sleeve. A third straight section is installed to cover the second connecting sleeve. The end of the second connecting sleeve abuts against the second diameter expansion section.

[0009] In addition, the angle between the outer wall of the first diameter expansion section and the outer wall of the first straight section is 120 degrees or more.

[0010] In addition, the length of the first connecting sleeve is greater than the length of the second connecting sleeve, and the length of the second connecting sleeve is greater than the length of the fourth straight section.

[0011] Additionally, one end of the first connecting sleeve located within the second pipe member protrudes from the first pipe member. One end of the second connecting sleeve located within the second pipe member protrudes from the first pipe member.

[0012] Additionally, the first pipe member includes a fifth straight section, a first diameter reduction section, and a sixth straight section connected in sequence. The second pipe member includes a seventh straight section, a third diameter expansion section, and an eighth straight section connected in sequence. A first connecting sleeve is installed to cover the fifth straight section. The end of the first connecting sleeve abuts the first diameter reduction section. A second connecting sleeve is installed to cover the first connecting sleeve. The eighth straight section is installed to cover the second connecting sleeve. The end of the second connecting sleeve abuts the third diameter expansion section.

[0013] In addition, the angle between the outer wall of the first diameter reduction section and the outer wall of the fifth straight section is 120 degrees or more.

[0014] Additionally, if the first connecting sleeve is a first variable diameter pipe and the second connecting sleeve is a second variable diameter pipe, the first pipe member is a third straight pipe and the second pipe member is a fourth straight pipe. The first end of the first connecting sleeve is installed to be nested with one end of the first pipe member. The second end of the first connecting sleeve is installed to be nested with the first end of the second connecting sleeve. The second end of the second connecting sleeve is installed to be nested with one end of the second pipe member.

[0015] Additionally, the first connecting sleeve includes a ninth straight section, a second diameter reduction section, a tenth straight section, a fourth diameter expansion section, and an eleventh straight section connected in sequence. The second connecting sleeve includes a twelfth straight section, a fifth diameter expansion section, and a thirteenth straight section connected in sequence. The ninth straight section is installed to cover one end of the first pipe member. The end of the first pipe member abuts the second diameter reduction section. One end of the twelfth straight section is nested within the eleventh straight section. The end of the twelfth straight section abuts the fourth diameter expansion section. One end of the second pipe member is nested within the thirteenth straight section. The end of the second pipe member abuts the fifth diameter expansion section.

[0016] In addition, the material of the first pipe member and the second pipe member is stainless steel, and the material of the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve is copper.

[0017] Another aspect of the present application provides a four-way valve assembly. This includes a four-way valve and a joint assembly. The joint assembly is the joint assembly described above.

[0018] Another aspect of the present application provides an air conditioning system. The system includes a four-way valve assembly. The four-way valve assembly is the four-way valve assembly described above.

[0019] In applying the technical solution of the present application, the joint assembly comprises a first pipe member, a second pipe member, a first connecting sleeve, and a second connecting sleeve. The first connecting sleeve is connected to one end of the first pipe member. The second connecting sleeve is connected to one end of the second pipe member. The first connecting sleeve is connected to the second connecting sleeve. Here, the first connecting sleeve is a first straight pipe, and the second connecting sleeve is a second straight pipe installed to be nested with the first straight pipe. Or, the first connecting sleeve is a first variable diameter pipe, and the second connecting sleeve is a second variable diameter pipe installed to be nested with the first variable diameter pipe. As such, both the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve are relatively short. Inside the welding furnace, the first pipe member can first be connected to the first connecting sleeve, and the second pipe member can be connected to the second connecting sleeve. Then, outside the welding furnace, the first connecting sleeve is again connected to the second connecting sleeve to connect the first pipe member and the second pipe member together. As such, the technical solution of the present application does not require consideration of a welding furnace that is too small to prevent the connection length of the interconnected first pipe member and second pipe member from being limited. Accordingly, the technical solution of the present application effectively solves the problem in related technology where the length of the stainless steel pipe is limited due to the limited volume of the welding furnace. In addition, the second straight pipe and the first straight pipe are installed to be nested, thereby reinforcing the connection strength of the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve. Alternatively, the first variable diameter pipe can reinforce the structural strength of the first pipe member itself, and the second variable diameter pipe can reinforce the structural strength of the second pipe member itself. By reinforcing the connection strength of the first pipe member and the second pipe member in this way, the quality of the connection between the first pipe member and the second pipe member can be guaranteed. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] The drawings attached to the specification, which constitute part of this application, are intended to aid in a further understanding of this application. Exemplary embodiments of this application and descriptions thereof are intended to interpret this application and do not limit it. The description of the attached drawings is as follows. FIG. 1 is a front view of Example 1 of a joint assembly according to the present application. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the joint assembly in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of point A of the joint assembly in Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a front view of Example 2 of a joint assembly according to the present application. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the joint assembly in Figure 4. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of point B of the joint assembly in Figure 5. FIG. 7 is a front view of Example 3 of a joint assembly according to the present application. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the joint assembly in Figure 7. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of point C of the joint assembly in Figure 8. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application is described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present application. The described embodiments are only some of the embodiments, not all of the present application. One or more exemplary embodiments described below are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present application or its application or use.

[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the joint assembly of Example 1 comprises a first pipe member (10), a second pipe member (20), a first connecting sleeve (30), and a second connecting sleeve (40). The first connecting sleeve (30) is connected to one end of the first pipe member (10). The second connecting sleeve (40) is connected to one end of the second pipe member (20). The first connecting sleeve (30) is connected to the second connecting sleeve (40). Here, the first connecting sleeve (30) is a first straight pipe, and the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second straight pipe installed to be nested with the first straight pipe.

[0023] By applying the technical solution of Example 1, both the first connecting sleeve (30) and the second connecting sleeve (40) are relatively short. Inside the welding furnace, the first pipe member (10) can first be connected to the first connecting sleeve (30), and the second pipe member (20) can be connected to the second connecting sleeve (40). Then, outside the welding furnace, the first connecting sleeve (30) can be connected to the second connecting sleeve (40) again to connect the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20) together. In this way, the technical solution of the present application does not require consideration of a welding furnace that is too small to prevent the connection length of the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20) being limited. Therefore, the technical solution of Example 1 effectively solves the problem in the related technology where the length of the stainless steel pipe is limited due to the limited volume of the welding furnace. Additionally, the second straight pipe and the first straight pipe can be installed to nest, thereby strengthening the connection strength of the first connecting sleeve (30) and the second connecting sleeve (40). In this way, by reinforcing the connection strength between the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20), the quality of the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20) being connected together can be ensured. Since the welding furnace is too small, the first pipe member (10) or the second pipe member (20) can be cut into multiple sections.

[0024] In Example 1, one end of the first connecting sleeve (30) and the first pipe member (10) adopts furnace soldering, uses copper-based solder, and has a melting point of 1000 degrees or higher. Connecting the second connecting sleeve (40) to one end of the second pipe member (20) adopts furnace soldering, uses copper-based solder, and has a melting point of 1000 degrees or higher. The first connecting sleeve (30) and the second connecting sleeve (40) adopt flame welding, use phosphorus-copper solder, and have a welding temperature of 900 degrees or lower. In this way, by applying different melting points of solder depending on the connection location, it is possible to ensure that each welding location is not affected.

[0025] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the first connecting sleeve (30) is a first straight pipe and the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second straight pipe, the first pipe member (10) is a third variable diameter pipe and the second pipe member (20) is a fourth variable diameter pipe. The first pipe member (10) and the first connecting sleeve (30) are installed to be nested, and the second connecting sleeve (40) and the second pipe member (20) are installed to be nested. In this way, the first pipe member (10), the first connecting sleeve (30), the second connecting sleeve (40), and the second pipe member (20) are stacked together in sequence. Since there is no contact between the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20), the connection strength between the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20) is greatly increased.

[0026] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first pipe member (10) includes a first straight section (11), a first diameter expansion section (12), and a second straight section (13) connected in sequence. The second pipe member (20) includes a third straight section (21), a second diameter expansion section (22), and a fourth straight section (23) connected in sequence. A first connecting sleeve (30) is installed to cover the second straight section (13). A second connecting sleeve (40) is installed to cover the first connecting sleeve (30). A third straight section (21) is installed to cover the second connecting sleeve (40). The end of the second connecting sleeve (40) contacts the second diameter expansion section (22). In this way, not only can the stability of the connection point between the first connecting sleeve (30) and the second straight section (13) be increased, but the stability of the connection point between the second straight section (13), the first connecting sleeve (30), the second connecting sleeve (40), and the fourth straight section (23) can also be increased.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the angle between the outer wall of the first diameter expansion section (12) and the outer wall of the first straight section (11) is 120 degrees or more. In this way, stress concentration does not easily occur at the transition point between the outer wall of the first diameter expansion section (12) and the outer wall of the first straight section (11), making processing easier. The angle between the outer wall of the first diameter expansion section (12) and the outer wall of the first straight section (11) is preferably 120 degrees or 150 degrees.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, in order to ensure connection stability between the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20), the length of the first connecting sleeve (30) is greater than the length of the second connecting sleeve (40), and the length of the second connecting sleeve (40) is greater than the length of the fourth straight section (23).

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 3, one end of the first connecting sleeve (30) located within the second pipe member (20) protrudes from the first pipe member (10). One end of the second connecting sleeve (40) located within the second pipe member (20) protrudes from the first pipe member (10). In this way, the contents (e.g., gas or liquid) within the second straight section (13) flow smoothly into the third straight section (21), thereby reducing the impact of the second diameter expansion section (22) on the flow capacity.

[0030] In Example 1, the material of the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20) is stainless steel, and the material of the first connecting sleeve (30) and the second connecting sleeve (40) is copper.

[0031] In Example 2 of the joint assembly of the present application, the difference from Example 1 lies in the structural form of the first pipe member. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, in Example 2, the first pipe member (10) includes a sequentially connected fifth straight section (14), a first diameter reduction section (15), and a sixth straight section (16). The second pipe member (20) includes a sequentially connected seventh straight section (24), a third diameter expansion section (25), and an eighth straight section (26). A first connecting sleeve (30) is installed to cover the fifth straight section (14). The end of the first connecting sleeve (30) abuts the first diameter reduction section (15). A second connecting sleeve (40) is installed to cover the first connecting sleeve (30). The eighth straight section (26) is installed to cover the second connecting sleeve (40). The end of the second connecting sleeve (40) contacts the third diameter expansion section (25). In this way, not only can the stability of the connection point between the first connecting sleeve (30) and the fifth straight section (14) be increased, but the stability of the connection point between the sixth straight section (16), the first connecting sleeve (30), the second connecting sleeve (40), and the eighth straight section (26) can also be increased.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the angle between the outer wall of the first diameter reduction section (15) and the outer wall of the fifth straight section (14) is 120 degrees or more. In this way, stress concentration does not easily occur at the transition point between the outer walls of the first diameter reduction section (15) and the fifth straight section (14), making processing easier. The angle between the outer wall of the first diameter reduction section (15) and the outer wall of the fifth straight section (14) is preferably 120 degrees or 150 degrees.

[0033] In Example 3 of the joint assembly of the present application, the difference from Example 1 lies in the structural form of the first pipe member, the first connecting sleeve, the second connecting sleeve, and the second pipe member. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, in Example 3, when the first connecting sleeve (30) is a first variable diameter pipe and the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second variable diameter pipe, the first pipe member (10) is a third straight pipe and the second pipe member (20) is a fourth straight pipe. The first end of the first connecting sleeve (30) is installed to be nested with one end of the first pipe member (10). The second end of the first connecting sleeve (30) is installed to be nested with the first end of the second connecting sleeve (40). The second end of the second connecting sleeve (40) is installed to be nested with one end of the second pipe member (20). The first variable diameter pipe can strengthen the structural strength of the first pipe member (10) itself, and the second variable diameter pipe can strengthen the structural strength of the second pipe member (20) itself. In this way, by strengthening the connection strength between the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20), the quality of the connection between the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20) can be guaranteed. At the same time, when flame welding is performed between the first pipe member and the first connecting sleeve, the first pipe member is prevented from burning during flame welding, and the first pipe member is made to have relatively excellent corrosion resistance, thereby extending the service life of the first connecting sleeve.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first connecting sleeve (30) includes a sequentially connected ninth straight section (31), a second diameter reduction section (32), a tenth straight section (33), a fourth diameter expansion section (34), and an eleventh straight section (35). The second connecting sleeve (40) includes a sequentially connected twelfth straight section (41), a fifth diameter expansion section (42), and a thirteenth straight section (43). The ninth straight section (31) is installed to cover one end of the first pipe member (10). In this way, connection stability between the ninth straight section (31) and one end of the first pipe member (10) can be ensured. The end of the first pipe member (10) is in contact with the second diameter reduction section (32), and one end of the twelfth straight section (41) is nested within the eleventh straight section (35). In this way, the connection stability between one end of the 12th straight section (41) and the 11th straight section (35) can be ensured. The end of the 12th straight section (41) abuts the 4th diameter expansion section (34). One end of the 2nd pipe member (20) is nested within the 13th straight section (43). The end of the 2nd pipe member (20) abuts the 5th diameter expansion section (42). In this way, the connection stability between one end of the 2nd pipe member (20) and the 13th straight section (43) can be ensured.

[0035] The present application further provides a four-way valve assembly. The four-way valve assembly of the present embodiment includes a four-way valve and a joint assembly. The joint assembly is the joint assembly described above. Since the joint assembly described above can solve the problem in the related technology where the length of a stainless steel pipe is limited due to volume limitations caused by welding, the four-way valve assembly including the joint assembly can also solve the same technical problem.

[0036] The present application further provides an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system of the present embodiment includes a four-way valve assembly. The four-way valve assembly is the four-way valve assembly described above. Since the four-way valve assembly described above can solve the problem in the related technology where the length of a stainless steel pipe is limited due to volume limitations caused by welding, the air conditioning system including the four-way valve assembly can also solve the same technical problem.

[0037] The foregoing is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and does not limit the present application. Those skilled in the art to which this application pertains may make various modifications and changes to the present invention. All modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the scope of the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application. Explanation of the symbols

[0038] The attached drawings above include the following reference numerals. 10-1st pipe member, 11-1st straight section, 12-1st diameter expansion section, 13-2nd straight section, 14-5th straight section, 15-1st diameter reduction section, 16 is 6th straight section, 20-2nd pipe member, 21-3rd straight section, 22-2nd diameter expansion section, 23-4th straight section, 24-7th straight section, 25-3rd diameter expansion section, 26-8th straight section, 30-1st connecting sleeve, 31-9th straight section, 32-2nd diameter reduction section, 33-10th straight section, 34-4th diameter expansion section, 35-11th straight section, 40-2nd connecting sleeve, 41-12th straight section, 42-5th diameter expansion section, 43-13th straight section.

Claims

Claim 1 In a joint assembly, a first pipe member (10); a second pipe member (20); and a first connecting sleeve (30) connected to one end of the first pipe member (10); and includes a second connecting sleeve (40) connected to one end of the second pipe member (20), wherein the first connecting sleeve (30) is connected to the second connecting sleeve (40), the first connecting sleeve (30) is a first straight pipe, the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second straight pipe, the second pipe member (20) is a fourth variable diameter pipe, the first straight pipe is installed to be nested inside the second straight pipe, the first pipe member (10) is installed to be nested inside the first connecting sleeve (30), the second connecting sleeve (40) is installed to be nested inside the second pipe member (20), the second pipe member (20) includes a third straight section (21), a second diameter expansion section (22), and a fourth straight section (23) connected in sequence, the second connecting sleeve (40) is installed to cover the first connecting sleeve (30), and the fourth straight A joint assembly in which a section (23) is installed to cover the second connecting sleeve (40), the end of the second connecting sleeve (40) abuts the second diameter expansion section (22), the length of the second connecting sleeve (40) is greater than the length of the fourth straight section (23), one end of the first connecting sleeve (30) abuts the end of the second connecting sleeve (40), the length of the first connecting sleeve (30) is greater than the length of the second connecting sleeve (40), the one end of the first connecting sleeve (30) located within the second pipe member (20) protrudes from the first pipe member (10), and the end of the second connecting sleeve (40) located within the second pipe member (20) protrudes from the first pipe member (10). Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe member (10) comprises a first straight section (11), a first diameter expansion section (12), and a second straight section (13) connected in sequence, and the first connecting sleeve (30) is installed to cover the second straight section (13). Claim 4 A joint assembly according to paragraph 3, wherein the angle between the outer wall of the first diameter expansion section (12) and the outer wall of the first straight section (11) is 120 degrees or more. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first pipe member (10) includes a fifth straight section (14), a first diameter reduction section (15), and a sixth straight section (16) connected in sequence, and the first connecting sleeve (30) is installed to cover the sixth straight section (16), and the end of the first connecting sleeve (30) contacts the first diameter reduction section (15). Claim 8 A joint assembly according to claim 7, wherein the angle between the outer wall of the first diameter reduction section (15) and the outer wall of the fifth straight section (14) is 120 degrees or more. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein the material of the first pipe member (10) and the second pipe member (20) is stainless steel, and the material of the first connecting sleeve (30) and the second connecting sleeve (40) is copper. Claim 12 A four-way valve assembly comprising a four-way valve and a joint assembly according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, 7 through 8 and 11. Claim 13 An air conditioning system comprising a four-way valve assembly according to Clause 12.

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