air conditioner

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically to an air conditioner. This application aims to solve the problems of high cylinder and motor temperatures and poor compressor stability caused by the miniaturization design of existing air conditioners. To this end, the air conditioner of this application includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, and an indoor heat exchanger. The compressor cylinder is provided with a gas inlet. The air conditioner also includes a flow distribution device, which includes a housing and a mixing inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe, and a liquid outlet pipe disposed on the housing. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The inlet of the first pipe section is connected to the compressor, the outlet of the first pipe section is connected to the mixing inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second pipe section, the outlet of the second pipe section is connected to the inlet of the throttling element, and the gas outlet pipe is connected to the gas inlet. This application can reduce the cylinder and motor temperatures during compressor operation and improve the compressor's poor operational stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in science and technology and the worsening energy crisis, the home appliance industry is striving to reduce overall appliance costs and energy consumption. Taking air conditioners as an example, to achieve efficiency gains and cost reductions, for air conditioners of the same capacity, compressor displacement is decreasing, while the compressor's operating frequency and pressure ratio are correspondingly increasing. This inevitably leads to higher temperatures in the compressor's cylinder and motor. Higher temperatures in the cylinder and motor have a greater impact on the compressor's operational reliability, thus affecting the overall reliability of the air conditioner.

[0003] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address at least one of the aforementioned problems in the prior art, namely, the high cylinder and motor temperatures and poor compressor stability caused by the miniaturization design of existing air conditioners, this application provides an air conditioner comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, and an indoor heat exchanger. The compressor cylinder is provided with a gas inlet. The air conditioner also includes a flow divider, comprising a housing and a mixing inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe, and a liquid outlet pipe disposed on the housing. The outdoor heat exchanger comprises a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The inlet of the first pipe section is connected to the compressor, the outlet of the first pipe section is connected to the mixing inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second pipe section, the outlet of the second pipe section is connected to the inlet of the throttling element, and the gas outlet pipe is connected to the gas inlet.

[0005] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the air conditioner further includes a valve mechanism, the valve mechanism includes a valve inlet and a first valve outlet, the valve inlet is connected to the gas outlet pipe, the first valve outlet is connected to the gas supply port, and the valve mechanism is configured such that when open, the valve inlet is connected to the first valve outlet, and when closed, the valve inlet is disconnected from the first valve outlet.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the valve mechanism further includes a second valve outlet, which is connected to the suction port of the compressor. The valve mechanism is further configured to selectively connect to one of the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet when open, and to simultaneously disconnect the valve inlet from both the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet when closed.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the mixing inlet pipe is disposed on the bottom surface of the outer casing, the gas outlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are both disposed on the top surface of the outer casing, a separation pipe is disposed inside the outer casing, the two ends of the separation pipe are respectively connected to the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe, the separation pipe is provided with micropores, the separation pipe is connected to the gas outlet pipe through the micropores, and the flow divider is configured to allow a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering through the mixing inlet pipe to flow out through the gas outlet pipe, while the remaining gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flows out through the liquid outlet pipe.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the mixing inlet pipe is located in the middle of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet pipe is located in the middle of the top surface.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the diameters of the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are both larger than the diameter of the separating pipe.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the micropores are disposed at the middle of the separation tube along its length; and / or

[0011] Two micropores are provided, and the two micropores are arranged opposite each other along the radial direction of the separation tube; and / or

[0012] The diameter of the micropores is 0.3-0.5 mm.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the outer casing is truncated cone-shaped.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, multiple gas outlet pipes are provided, and the multiple gas outlet pipes are evenly distributed circumferentially along a concentric circle with the outer circle of the top surface of the outer casing.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above-described air conditioner, the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer casing is larger than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface of the outer casing; and / or

[0016] The ratio of the radius of the concentric circles to the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell is 0.5-0.75.

[0017] It should be noted that, in the preferred technical solution of this application, the air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, and an indoor heat exchanger. The compressor cylinder is provided with a gas inlet. The air conditioner also includes a flow distribution device, which includes a housing and a mixing inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe, and a liquid outlet pipe disposed on the housing. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The inlet of the first pipe section is connected to the compressor, the outlet of the first pipe section is connected to the mixing inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the second pipe section, the outlet of the second pipe section is connected to the inlet of the throttling element, and the gas outlet pipe is connected to the gas inlet.

[0018] The air conditioner disclosed in this application reduces the temperature of the compressor cylinder and motor during operation and improves the compressor's operational stability by installing a flow-diverting device between the first and second pipe sections of the outdoor heat exchanger, with the gas outlet pipe of the flow-diverting device connected to the compressor's gas inlet. Specifically, during the cooling process, the refrigerant passing through the first pipe section liquefies into a gas-liquid mixture. This mixture then enters the flow-diverting device, where the liquid refrigerant continues to circulate, while the gaseous refrigerant flows back to the compressor's gas inlet through the gas outlet pipe, cooling the compressor cylinder and preventing excessively high temperatures in the compressor cylinder and motor. By placing the flow-diverting device between the first and second pipe sections of the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant pressure can be used to achieve rapid separation and recirculation of the gaseous refrigerant, improving the cooling effect of the compressor cylinder.

[0019] Furthermore, by setting up a valve mechanism, automatic control of cylinder cooling can be achieved, improving control accuracy.

[0020] Furthermore, by setting a second valve outlet on the valve mechanism and connecting the second valve outlet to the compressor's suction port, the compressor's suction temperature and suction pressure can be effectively increased during heating, delaying frosting and maintaining stable heating operation.

[0021] Furthermore, the flow-dividing device is configured such that a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture entering through the mixing inlet pipe passes through micropores and flows out through the gas outlet pipe, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out through the liquid outlet pipe. Thus, after the gaseous refrigerant becomes a medium-temperature, medium-pressure gas-liquid mixture in the first pipe section, it enters the mixing inlet pipe at high speed. A portion of the refrigerant flashes into gaseous form due to pressure drop and friction. This flashed gaseous refrigerant, resisted by the liquid refrigerant ahead, passes through the micropores and flows back through the gas outlet pipe to the compressor's gas inlet, cooling the compressor cylinder. The majority of the gas-liquid mixture continues to flow forward under the centrifugal force of the high-speed liquid flow, entering the second pipe section to continue heat exchange. Secondly, compared to existing gas-liquid separators, the flow-dividing device of this application can separate a portion of the gaseous refrigerant, reducing refrigerant pressure drop. Furthermore, this application features a cavity containing only one separation tube, with both ends connected to the mixing inlet and liquid outlet tubes, facilitating product miniaturization. The miniaturized distribution device can be directly integrated with an outdoor heat exchanger, such as by connecting it directly between two refrigerant pipes, without requiring a separate unit. The mixing inlet tube is positioned in the center of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet tube in the center of the top surface, simplifying the manufacturing process and allowing the separation tube to be a straight pipe, minimizing pressure loss along the flow path.

[0022] Furthermore, by setting the diameters of both the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe to be larger than the diameter of the separator pipe, the flow velocity of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant in the separator pipe can be increased, the pressure drop of the refrigerant can be reduced, and the gas-liquid separation effect can be guaranteed.

[0023] Furthermore, by placing the micropores in the middle of the separation tube along its length, a better gas-liquid separation effect can be obtained.

[0024] Furthermore, by setting up multiple gas outlet pipes, the separation amount of gaseous refrigerant can be guaranteed.

[0025] Furthermore, by making the outer shell truncated cone-shaped with the radius of the outer circle of the top surface being larger than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface, the installation space of the diversion device can be saved, making the installation method more flexible, and reducing pressure drop and refrigerant flow noise. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The air conditioner of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a system diagram of the air conditioner in cooling mode according to this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a system diagram of the air conditioner in heating mode according to this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the diversion device of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant flow path of the diversion device in this application;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a top view of the diversion device of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the diversion device of this application.

[0033] List of reference numerals

[0034] 1. Compressor; 11. Gas inlet; 2. Outdoor heat exchanger; 21. First pipe section; 22. Second pipe section; 3. Throttling element; 4. Indoor heat exchanger; 5. Four-way valve; 6. Flow divider; 61. Outer shell; 62. Mixing inlet pipe; 63. Gas outlet pipe; 64. Liquid outlet pipe; 65. Separator pipe; 66. Micro-orifice; 7. Valve mechanism; 71. Valve inlet; 72. First valve outlet; 73. Second valve outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, although this embodiment is described in conjunction with a wall-mounted air conditioner, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other application scenarios without departing from the principles of this application. For example, this application can also be applied to cabinet air conditioners, recessed air conditioners, etc.

[0036] It should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "inner," and "outer," indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 This paper describes the air conditioner described in this application. Among other things, Figure 1 This is a system diagram of the air conditioner in cooling mode according to this application; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the diversion device of this application.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, to address the issues of high cylinder and motor temperatures and poor compressor stability caused by the miniaturized design of existing air conditioners, the air conditioner of this application includes a compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, a throttling element 3, an indoor heat exchanger 4, a four-way valve 5, and a flow divider 6. The compressor 1 has a gas inlet 11 on its cylinder. The four-way valve 5 includes four ports: P, E, S, and C. The outdoor heat exchanger 2 includes a first pipe section 21 and a second pipe section 22. The flow divider 6 includes a housing 61 and a mixing inlet pipe 62, a gas outlet pipe 63, and a liquid outlet pipe 64 disposed on the housing 61.

[0040] With the connections complete, the exhaust port of compressor 1 is connected to the P port of four-way valve 5, and the suction port of compressor 1 is connected to the S port of four-way valve 5. The C port of four-way valve 5 is connected to the inlet of the first pipe section 21, the outlet of the first pipe section 21 is connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 of the flow divider 6, the gas outlet pipe 63 is connected to the make-up gas port 11, the liquid outlet pipe 64 is connected to the inlet of the second pipe section 22, the outlet of the second pipe section 22 is connected to the inlet of the throttling element 3, the throttling element 3 is connected to the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger 4, and the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 4 is connected to the E port of four-way valve 5.

[0041] Under the above configuration, when the air conditioner operates in cooling mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 enters the first pipe section 21 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 after passing through the P and C ports of the four-way valve 5. It undergoes heat exchange and liquefaction, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure saturated gas-liquid mixture. Subsequently, the gas-liquid mixture enters through the mixing inlet pipe 62, and then the gaseous refrigerant flows out through the gas outlet pipe 63 and back to the compressor 1's gas inlet 11. The liquid refrigerant continues to enter the second pipe section 22 for cooling and heat exchange, and finally flows out through the outlet of the second pipe section 22 into the throttling element 3 for throttling. After passing through the throttling element 3, the liquid refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant then enters the indoor heat exchanger 4 through the inlet, where it exchanges heat with the indoor air to achieve evaporation, becoming a gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant returns to the compressor 1 from the suction port of the compressor 1 after passing through the E and S ports of the four-way valve 5 from the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 4.

[0042] By installing a flow divider 6 between the first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and connecting the gas outlet pipe 63 of the flow divider 6 to the gas inlet 11 of the compressor 1, the temperature of the compressor cylinder and motor during operation can be reduced, thus improving the operational stability of the compressor 1. Specifically, during the refrigeration process, the refrigerant passing through the first pipe section 21 liquefies into a gas-liquid mixture. This mixture then enters the flow divider 6, where the liquid refrigerant continues to circulate, while the gaseous refrigerant flows back to the gas inlet 11 of the compressor 1 through the gas outlet pipe 63, cooling the compressor cylinder and preventing excessively high temperatures in the compressor cylinder and motor. By placing the flow divider 6 between the first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the refrigerant pressure can be used to achieve rapid separation and reflux of the gaseous refrigerant, improving the cooling effect of the compressor cylinder.

[0043] The following reference Figures 1 to 5 This paper describes a preferred embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present application. Figure 2 This is a system diagram of the air conditioner in heating mode according to this application; Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant flow path of the diversion device in this application; Figure 5 This is a top view of the diversion device of this application.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the air conditioner is a wall-mounted air conditioner, which includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is equipped with a compressor 1, a four-way valve 5, a throttling element 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, and a flow divider 6, etc., while the indoor unit is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 4, etc. A gas injection port 11 is provided in the middle of the compressor 1 cylinder, through which gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor 1 to achieve medium-pressure gas injection.

[0045] The outdoor heat exchanger 2 includes a first pipe section 21 and a second pipe section 22, with the first pipe section 21 located above the second pipe section 22. The first pipe section 21 is divided into two flow paths, with its inlet located in the middle. After entering through the inlet of the first pipe section 21, the refrigerant flows along both the upper and lower flow paths, then merges and enters the mixing inlet pipe 62 of the flow divider 6. The inlet of the second pipe section 22 is located at the upper part, and its outlet is located at the lower part. The inlet of the second pipe section 22 is connected to the liquid outlet pipe 64 of the flow divider 6, and its outlet is connected to the inlet of the throttling element 3.

[0046] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a valve mechanism 7, which includes a valve inlet 71, a first valve outlet 72, and a second valve outlet 73. The gas outlet pipe 63 of the diversion device 6 is connected to the valve inlet 71, the first valve outlet 72 is connected to the gas inlet 11 of the compressor 1, and the second valve outlet 73 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 1. The valve mechanism 7 is configured to selectively connect to one of the first valve outlet 72 and the second valve outlet 73 when open, and to simultaneously disconnect the valve inlet 71 from both the first valve outlet 72 and the second valve outlet 73 when closed.

[0047] The valve mechanism 7 can be a directional control valve, specifically a pneumatic or electromagnetic three-position three-way valve. In the neutral position, the valve inlet 71 is isolated from the first valve outlet 72 and the second valve outlet 73; in the left position, the valve inlet 71 is connected to the first valve outlet 72; and in the right position, the valve inlet 71 is connected to the second valve outlet 73. Of course, besides a directional control valve, those skilled in the art can choose other forms of valve mechanism 7, as long as the valve mechanism 7 can achieve the above-mentioned function of "selectively connecting to one of the first valve outlet 72 and the second valve outlet 73 when open, and simultaneously isolating the valve inlet 71 from both the first valve outlet 72 and the second valve outlet 73 when closed." For example, the valve mechanism 7 can also be a combination of a three-way valve and a solenoid valve, or a combination of two solenoid valves, etc.

[0048] When valve inlet 71 is connected to the first valve outlet 72, the gaseous refrigerant separated by the diverter 6 can flow back to the compressor 1's air inlet 11 to cool the compressor 1's cylinder. When valve inlet 71 is connected to the second valve outlet 73, the gaseous refrigerant separated by the diverter 6 can flow back to the compressor 1's suction port, thereby effectively increasing the compressor 1's suction temperature and suction pressure.

[0049] For example, in cooling mode, the cylinder of compressor 1 is prone to high temperatures. At this time, by connecting the control valve inlet 71 to the first valve outlet 72, gaseous refrigerant can be recirculated back to the compressor 1's gas inlet 11 to cool the compressor 1's cylinder. Through careful research, calculation, and analysis, the inventors have determined that the temperature of the gaseous refrigerant entering the compressor 1's gas inlet 11 can be controlled between 45-55°C. During cooling operation, the cylinder temperature is typically between 80-150°C. The added gaseous refrigerant effectively lowers the cylinder temperature, maintaining it within a reasonable temperature range and ensuring the stability and reliability of the compressor 1's cylinder.

[0050] In heating mode, the smaller the displacement and the higher the pressure ratio of compressor 1, the more severe the frosting on the outdoor unit. This reduces the suction pressure, leading to frequent system defrosting triggers. By connecting the control valve inlet 71 to the second valve outlet 73, gaseous refrigerant can be recirculated back to the compressor 1's suction port to increase its suction temperature and pressure. Through research, calculation, and analysis, the inventors have determined that the temperature of the gaseous refrigerant entering the compressor 1's suction port can be controlled between 0 and 5°C, while the temperature entering the suction port through the four-way valve 5 is between -1 and -20°C. This replenished gaseous refrigerant effectively increases the suction temperature and pressure, delaying outdoor unit frosting and maintaining stable heating operation.

[0051] See Figures 3 to 5 In a preferred embodiment, the diversion device 6 includes a housing 61, which is an inverted frustum shape, meaning the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the housing 61 is larger than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface. A cavity is formed inside the housing 61, and a separation pipe 65 is disposed within the cavity. A mixing inlet pipe 62 is disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 61, and a gas outlet pipe 63 and a liquid outlet pipe 64 are disposed on the top surface of the housing 61. The two ends of the separation pipe 65 are respectively connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, and micropores 66 are formed on the separation pipe 65. The diversion device 6 is configured to allow a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture entering through the mixing inlet pipe 62 to flow out through the gas outlet pipe 63, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out through the liquid outlet pipe 64. Preferably, when installed between the first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 22 of the condenser, the diversion device 6 is installed upright.

[0052] Preferably, see Figure 3The mixing inlet pipe 62 is located in the middle of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet pipe 64 is located in the middle of the top surface. The separation pipe 65 is a straight pipe, and its two ends are directly connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, respectively. Regarding the pipe diameter, the diameter of the mixing inlet pipe 62 (i.e.,...) Figure 3 a) and the diameter of the liquid outlet pipe 64 (i.e. Figure 3 In section b), all diameters are greater than those of the separator 65 (i.e., ...). Figure 3 (c) In one specific embodiment, the length of the separation tube 65 can be any value between 35-38 mm, the diameter of the mixing inlet tube 62 can be any value between 6.35-8.5 mm, the diameter of the liquid outlet tube 64 can be any value between 4.5-6.35 mm, and the diameter of the separation tube 65 can be any value between 4.0-4.5 mm.

[0053] See Figure 3 and Figure 5 Multiple gas outlet pipes 63 are provided. In this application, two gas outlet pipes 63 are provided. The two gas outlet pipes 63 are evenly distributed circumferentially along concentric circles with the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell 61, so that the center of the cross-section of the two gas outlet pipes 63 and the center of the cross-section of the liquid outlet pipe 64 are connected by a straight line. The diameter of the two gas outlet pipes 63 (i.e., Figure 3 The values ​​of 'd' in the diagram are equal, and both are equal to the diameter of the liquid outlet pipe 64. The radii of the concentric circles (i.e.,...) Figure 5 The radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell 61 (i.e., r) is the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell 61. Figure 5 The ratio of R to R is 0.5-0.6. In one specific embodiment, the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the outer shell 61 can be any value between 12-15 mm, and the radius of the concentric circles can be any value between 6-9 mm.

[0054] See back Figure 3 Two micro-holes 66 are provided, arranged radially opposite to each other along the connecting tube, and located at the middle of the separation tube 65 along its length. In this application, the diameter of the micro-holes 66 is 0.3-0.5 mm, and the line connecting the axes of the two micro-holes 66 is parallel to the line connecting the centers of the cross-sections of the two gas outlet tubes 63 and lies in the same vertical plane. In other words, the opening direction of the two micro-holes 66 is exactly towards the axial direction of the two gas outlet tubes 63.

[0055] See Figure 4 In the above configuration, when the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant enters the separation pipe 65 through the mixing inlet pipe 62, most of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant continues to flow forward under the centrifugal force of the high-speed liquid flow, and eventually flows out through the liquid outlet pipe 64. Meanwhile, some refrigerant flashes into gaseous refrigerant due to pressure drop and friction. This gaseous refrigerant, resisted by the liquid refrigerant ahead, passes through the micropores 66 and flows out through the gas outlet pipe 63, thus achieving effective separation of some of the gaseous refrigerant.

[0056] The flow divider 6 of this application is configured such that a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture entering through the mixing inlet pipe 62 passes through the micropores 66 and flows out through the gas outlet pipe 63, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out through the liquid outlet pipe 64. Thus, after the gaseous refrigerant becomes a medium-temperature, medium-pressure gas-liquid mixture after passing through the first pipe section 21, the gas-liquid mixture refrigerant enters the mixing inlet pipe 62 at high speed. Part of the refrigerant flashes into gaseous refrigerant due to pressure drop and friction. This flashed gaseous refrigerant, resisted by the liquid refrigerant ahead, passes through the micropores 66 and flows back through the gas outlet pipe 63 to the compressor 1's air inlet 11, cooling the compressor 1 cylinder. The majority of the gas-liquid mixture refrigerant continues to flow forward under the centrifugal force of the high-speed liquid flow, entering the second pipe section 22 to continue participating in heat exchange. Furthermore, compared to existing gas-liquid separators, the flow divider 6 of this application can achieve partial separation of the gaseous refrigerant, reducing refrigerant pressure drop. Furthermore, this application features a cavity with only one separation tube 65, connected at both ends to the mixing inlet tube 62 and the liquid outlet tube 64, facilitating product miniaturization. The miniaturized flow divider 6 can be directly integrated with the outdoor heat exchanger 2, such as by connecting it directly between two refrigerant pipes, without requiring a separate device. The mixing inlet tube 62 is positioned in the middle of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet tube 64 in the middle of the top surface, simplifying the manufacturing process and allowing the separation tube 65 to be a straight tube, minimizing pressure loss along the pipe. By ensuring that the diameters of both the mixing inlet tube 62 and the liquid outlet tube 64 are larger than the diameter of the separation tube 65, the flow velocity of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant within the separation tube 65 is increased, reducing refrigerant pressure drop and ensuring effective gas-liquid separation. By placing the micropores 66 in the middle of the separation tube 65 along its length, optimal gas-liquid separation is achieved. The presence of multiple gas outlet tubes 63 ensures the separation of the gaseous refrigerant. By making the outer casing 61 truncated cone shape with the radius of the outer circle of the top surface larger than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface, the installation space of the diversion device 6 can be saved, making the installation method more flexible, and reducing pressure drop and refrigerant flow noise.

[0057] By setting valve mechanism 7, automatic control of cylinder cooling can be achieved, improving control accuracy. By setting a second valve outlet 73 on valve mechanism 7, and the second valve outlet 73 being connected to the suction port of compressor 1, the suction temperature and suction pressure of compressor 1 can be effectively increased during heating, delaying frosting and maintaining stable heating operation.

[0058] It should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can adjust the above settings to make this application applicable to more specific application scenarios.

[0059] For example, in an alternative embodiment, although the air conditioner of this application is described in conjunction with a four-way valve 5, it is clear that the diversion device 6 of this application can also be applied to a cooling-only air conditioner or a heating-only air conditioner.

[0060] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the valve mechanism 7 of this application is described in conjunction with having a first valve outlet 72 and a second valve outlet 73, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can choose whether to provide the valve mechanism 7 and the specific arrangement of the valve mechanism 7 based on the specific application scenario. For example, the valve mechanism 7 may not be provided, or only the first valve outlet 72 may be provided, etc.

[0061] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although in the diversion device 6 of this application, the mixing inlet pipe 62 is located in the middle of the bottom surface and there is only one of it, and the liquid outlet pipe 64 is located in the middle of the top surface and there is also only one of it, and the separation pipe 65 is a straight pipe with the diameters of both the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64 being larger than the diameter of the separation pipe 65, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In other embodiments, those skilled in the art can change the above-mentioned arrangement according to the specific application scenario. For example, the positions of the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64 can be adjusted, and their number can also be adjusted. The separation pipe 65 can be set as a non-straight pipe, and its diameter can be greater than or equal to the diameters of the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, etc.

[0062] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the number of gas outlet pipes 63 is not fixed, and those skilled in the art can adjust their number based on design requirements. For example, with Figure 6 As shown in the example, the gas outlet pipe 63 can also be set to three, with the three gas outlet pipes 63 evenly distributed on the concentric circles of the outer circle of the top surface. Of course, the gas outlet pipe 63 can also be set to one, four or more.

[0063] For example, in another alternative embodiment, the arrangement of two micropores 66 located in the middle of the separation tube 65 along its length is not the only option; those skilled in the art can adjust it as needed. For instance, the number of micropores 66 can be adjusted based on the number of gas outlet tubes 63, and their placement can also be moved up or down.

[0064] For example, in another alternative embodiment, although the housing 61 is described as an inverted frustum shape, this is not the only embodiment. The shape of the housing 61 can also be cylindrical, rectangular, etc.

[0065] Of course, the alternative implementation methods described above, as well as the alternative implementation methods and preferred implementation methods, can be used in combination to create new implementation methods that are suitable for more specific application scenarios.

[0066] Finally, combining Figure 1 and Figure 2 The working process of the air conditioner described in this application will be introduced.

[0067] See Figure 1 When the air conditioner operates in cooling mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 enters the first pipe section 21 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 through the P and C interfaces of the four-way valve 5, where it is split into two paths for heat exchange and liquefaction, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure saturated gas-liquid mixture. Subsequently, the two liquefied gas-liquid mixtures merge and enter the separation pipe 65 from the mixing inlet pipe 62. In the separation pipe 65, the liquid refrigerant, under the influence of centrifugal force, carries some of the gaseous refrigerant directly through the liquid outlet pipe 64 to the second pipe section 22. A portion of the gaseous refrigerant flashes out and passes through the micropores 66, flowing out through the two gas outlet pipes 63. The gaseous refrigerant flowing from the two gas outlet pipes 63 merges and enters the valve mechanism 7 through the valve inlet 71, then flows back to the compressor 1's gas inlet 11 from the first valve outlet 72, cooling the compressor 1's cylinder. The gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant, containing a small amount of gaseous refrigerant, enters the second pipe section 22 and liquefies. It then flows out from the outlet of the second pipe section 22 and enters the throttling element 3 for throttling. After passing through the throttling element 3, the liquid refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger 4 through the inlet, where it exchanges heat with the indoor air and evaporates, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant then flows from the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 4 through the E and S ports of the four-way valve 5 and returns to the compressor 1 from the suction port, completing one cycle.

[0068] See Figure 2When the air conditioner operates in heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 enters the indoor heat exchanger 4 after passing through the P and E ports of the four-way valve 5. There, it exchanges heat with the indoor air and liquefies, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through the throttling element 3, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. All of this low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant enters the second pipe section 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 for heat exchange, resulting in partial refrigerant evaporation and the majority becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Subsequently, the gas-liquid mixture, containing a majority of the gaseous refrigerant, enters the separation pipe 65 of the diverter 6 through the liquid outlet pipe 64. Under the action of centrifugal force and gravity, the liquid refrigerant and part of the gaseous refrigerant flow directly to the first pipe section 21, while part of the gaseous refrigerant and a small amount of flashing gaseous refrigerant flow out through the micropores 66 and into the valve mechanism 7 through the gas outlet pipe 63. The gas then flows back to the suction port of the compressor 1 through the second valve outlet 73, increasing the suction temperature and pressure of the compressor 1 and delaying frost formation. After further heat exchange and evaporation, the liquid and gaseous refrigerants entering the first pipe section 21 are completely converted into gaseous refrigerant. Finally, after passing through the C and S ports of the four-way valve 5, they return to the compressor 1 from the suction port, completing one cycle.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, any of the claimed embodiments in the claims of this application can be used in any combination.

[0070] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, and an indoor heat exchanger, characterized by, The cylinder of the compressor is provided with a gas supplement port, and the air conditioner further comprises a flow splitting device, the flow splitting device comprising a shell, a mixed inlet pipe, a gas outlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe arranged in the shell, the outdoor heat exchanger comprising a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the inlet of the first pipe section being in communication with the compressor, the outlet of the first pipe section being in communication with the mixed inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe being in communication with the inlet of the second pipe section, the outlet of the second pipe section being in communication with the inlet of the throttling element, and the gas outlet pipe being in communication with the gas supplement port; The mixed inlet pipe is arranged on the bottom surface of the shell, the gas outlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are arranged on the top surface of the shell, and a separation pipe is arranged in the shell, the two ends of the separation pipe being in communication with the mixed inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe respectively, and a plurality of micropores being arranged on the separation pipe, the separation pipe being in communication with the gas outlet pipe through the micropores, the flow splitting device being arranged to enable part of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering the mixed inlet pipe to flow out of the gas outlet pipe, and the remaining gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to flow out of the liquid outlet pipe; The mixed inlet pipe is arranged in the middle of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet pipe is arranged in the middle of the top surface; The diameters of the mixed inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are greater than the diameter of the separation pipe.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The air conditioner further comprises a valve mechanism, the valve mechanism comprising a valve inlet and a first valve outlet, the valve inlet being in communication with the gas outlet pipe, and the first valve outlet being in communication with the gas supplement port, the valve mechanism being arranged to be in communication between the valve inlet and the first valve outlet when opened, and to be blocked between the valve inlet and the first valve outlet when closed.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein The valve mechanism further comprises a second valve outlet, the second valve outlet being in communication with the suction port of the compressor, and the valve mechanism being further arranged to be selectively in communication with one of the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet when opened, and to be blocked between the valve inlet and the first valve outlet and the second valve outlet when closed.

4. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The micropores are arranged in the middle of the separation pipe along the length direction; and / or The micropores are arranged in pairs, the two micropores being arranged opposite to each other along the radial direction of the separation pipe; and / or The diameter of the micropores is 0.3-0.5mm.

5. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The shell is in the shape of a circular truncated cone.

6. The air conditioner of claim 5, wherein A plurality of gas outlet pipes are arranged, the plurality of gas outlet pipes being uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction of a concentric circle of the top surface of the shell.

7. The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein The radius of the top surface of the shell is greater than the radius of the bottom surface of the shell; and / or The ratio of the radius of the concentric circle to the radius of the top surface of the shell is 0.5-0.75.

Images