Diverter and air conditioner

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically to a flow-dividing device and an air conditioner. This application aims to solve the problem that the heat exchange efficiency of refrigerant in the condenser gradually decreases along the pipeline flow. To this end, the flow-dividing device of this application includes a housing, with a cavity formed inside the housing. A mixing inlet pipe is provided on the bottom surface of the housing, and a gas outlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe are provided on the top surface of the housing. A separation pipe is provided inside the cavity, with its two ends connected to the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe, respectively. Micropores are formed on the separation pipe. The flow-dividing device is configured to allow a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture entering through the mixing inlet pipe to pass through the micropores and flow out through the gas outlet pipe, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out through the liquid outlet pipe. By providing a flow-dividing device, this application can achieve effective separation of the gas-liquid mixture, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With energy shortages and the establishment of the macro-level goal of carbon neutrality, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions are currently the most critical technological routes for home appliance companies. Taking air conditioners as an example, as a major consumer of electricity among household appliances, improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners is crucial for energy conservation.

[0003] As a crucial working medium in air conditioners, the refrigerant undergoes a transformation within the condenser, changing from a gaseous state to a liquid state through heat release. The applicant's research revealed that as refrigerant liquefaction progresses, the amount of gaseous refrigerant in the condenser piping decreases, while the amount of liquid refrigerant increases. When the liquid refrigerant accumulates to a certain level, it envelops the gaseous refrigerant, forming a circular flow within the piping. This results in increased heat transfer resistance between the gaseous refrigerant and the external environment, causing a gradual decrease in heat exchange efficiency along the piping flow, leading to higher overall unit energy efficiency and increased power consumption.

[0004] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address at least one of the aforementioned problems in the prior art, namely, to solve the problem of the gradual decrease in heat exchange efficiency of existing refrigerants in condensers along the pipeline flow, this application provides a flow-dividing device. The flow-dividing device includes a housing, with a cavity formed inside the housing. A mixing inlet pipe is provided on the bottom surface of the housing, and a gas outlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe are provided on the top surface of the housing. A separation pipe is provided inside the cavity, with its two ends connected to the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe, respectively. The separation pipe has micropores. The flow-dividing device is configured to allow a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixture entering through the mixing inlet pipe to pass through the micropores and flow out through the gas outlet pipe, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out through the liquid outlet pipe.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned diversion device, 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.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned diversion device, the diameter of the mixing inlet pipe and the diameter of the liquid outlet pipe are both larger than the diameter of the separation pipe.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned diversion device, the micropores are disposed in the middle of the separation tube along its length.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned diversion device, two micropores are provided, and the two micropores are arranged opposite each other along the radial direction of the separation tube; and / or

[0010] The diameter of the micropores is 0.3-0.5 mm.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned diversion device, the outer casing is frustum-shaped.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned diversion device, 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 shell.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-described diversion device, the radius of the outer circle of the top surface of the housing is larger than the radius of the outer circle of the bottom surface of the housing; and / or

[0014] 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.

[0015] This application also provides an air conditioner, which includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, an indoor heat exchanger, and the aforementioned flow distribution device. 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 gas 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 liquid outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the throttling element.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air conditioner, a directional valve is further provided between the liquid outlet pipe and the inlet of the throttling element. The directional valve is configured to allow refrigerant to flow from the liquid outlet pipe to the throttling element only.

[0017] It should be noted that, in the preferred technical solution of this application, the diversion device includes a housing, an interior cavity is formed inside the housing, a mixing inlet pipe is provided on the bottom surface of the housing, a gas outlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe are provided on the top surface of the housing, a separation pipe is provided inside the cavity, the two ends of the separation pipe are respectively connected to the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe, and micropores are provided on the separation pipe. The diversion device is configured to allow a portion of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering through the mixing inlet pipe to pass through the micropores and flow out through the gas outlet pipe, while the remaining gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flows out through the liquid outlet pipe.

[0018] The flow-dividing device of this application can effectively separate gas-liquid mixed refrigerant, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant. Furthermore, compared to existing gas-liquid separators, this application is easier to miniaturize, more suitable for integration with condensers or evaporators, and experiences less pressure loss during operation. Specifically, the flow-dividing device is configured such that a portion of the gaseous refrigerant entering through the mixing inlet pipe passes through micropores and flows out through the gas outlet pipe, while the remaining gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flows out through the liquid outlet pipe. This causes the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to flash into gaseous form due to pressure drop and friction after entering the mixing inlet pipe at high speed. The flashed gaseous refrigerant, resisted by the liquid refrigerant ahead, passes through the micropores and flows out through the gas outlet pipe, while the majority of the liquid refrigerant continues to flow forward under the centrifugal force of the high-speed liquid flow, thus achieving effective separation of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant. Secondly, compared to the limitations of existing gas-liquid separators which have multiple internal pipes and cannot be miniaturized, this application features only one separation pipe within its cavity, with both ends connected to the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe, making product miniaturization easier. Furthermore, the miniaturized distribution device can be directly integrated with the condenser and evaporator, such as by connecting directly between two refrigerant pipes, without requiring a separate device to occupy space.

[0019] Furthermore, 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. This simplifies the product manufacturing process, allows the separator pipe to be a straight pipe, and minimizes pressure loss along the flow path.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Furthermore, by placing the micropores in the middle of the separation tube along its length, a better gas-liquid separation effect can be obtained.

[0022] Furthermore, by setting up multiple gas outlet pipes, the separation amount of gaseous refrigerant can be guaranteed.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The air conditioner of this application, by setting a diversion device between the first and second pipe sections of the outdoor heat exchanger, can divert most of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to continue participating in the heat exchange of the second pipe section, while the liquid refrigerant flows directly to the throttling element to participate in throttling, thereby realizing the diversion of gaseous and liquid refrigerant, avoiding the liquid refrigerant from hindering the heat exchange of gaseous refrigerant, improving the heat exchange effect of gaseous refrigerant, and ensuring heat exchange efficiency.

[0025] Furthermore, by installing a directional valve between the liquid outlet pipe and the inlet of the throttling element, the refrigerant can be blocked from passing through in heating mode. This prevents the refrigerant flow path from becoming dispersed and the pressure from decreasing during heating, which would result in excessively low inlet pressure of the outdoor heat exchanger and cause frost formation on the outdoor unit. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The distribution device and 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; 2. Outdoor heat exchanger; 21. First pipe section; 22. Second pipe section; 3. Throttling element; 4. Indoor heat exchanger; 5. Four-way valve; 6. Diverter; 61. Outer shell; 62. Mixing inlet pipe; 63. Gas outlet pipe; 64. Liquid outlet pipe; 65. Separator pipe; 66. Micro-orifice; 7. Directional valve. 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, in order to solve the problem that the heat exchange efficiency of existing refrigerants gradually decreases along the pipeline flow in the condenser, 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 distribution device 6. The four-way valve 5 includes four ports, namely a P port, an E port, an S port, and a C port. The outdoor heat exchanger 2 includes a first pipe section 21 and a second pipe section 22. The diversion device 6 includes a housing 61, with a cavity formed inside the housing 61. A mixing inlet pipe 62 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 61, and a gas outlet pipe 63 and a liquid outlet pipe 64 are provided on the top surface of the housing 61. A separation pipe 65 is provided inside the cavity, with both ends of the separation pipe 65 connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, respectively. Micro-holes 66 are provided 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 pass through the micro-holes 66 and flow out through the gas outlet pipe 63, while the remaining gas-liquid mixture flows out through the liquid outlet pipe 64.

[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 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 liquid outlet pipe 64 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, where it undergoes heat exchange and liquefaction, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure saturated gas-liquid mixture. Subsequently, the gas-liquid mixture enters the separator pipe 65 from the mixing inlet pipe 62. Within the separator pipe 65, the liquid refrigerant, under the influence of centrifugal force and gravity, flows directly through the liquid outlet pipe 64 to the throttling element 3. A portion of the gaseous refrigerant flashes out and passes through the micro-hole 66, then flows out through the gas outlet pipe 63. The gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the gas outlet pipe 63 continues to enter the second pipe section 22 for cooling and heat exchange, becoming liquid again. Finally, it 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 then enters the indoor heat exchanger 4 through the inlet, where it exchanges heat with the indoor air and evaporates, becoming a gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant then returns to the compressor 1 from the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 4 through the E and S ports of the four-way valve 5 and from the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0042] The air conditioner of this application, by setting a diversion device 6 between the first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 22 of the outdoor heat exchanger 2, can divert most of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to continue participating in the heat exchange of the second pipe section 22, while the liquid refrigerant flows directly to the throttling element 3 to participate in throttling, thereby realizing the diversion of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, avoiding the liquid refrigerant from hindering the heat exchange of gaseous refrigerant, improving the heat exchange effect of gaseous refrigerant, and ensuring heat exchange efficiency.

[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 2As 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.

[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 the two flow paths and then merges to enter 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 gas outlet pipe 63 of the flow divider 6, and the liquid outlet pipe 64 of the flow divider 6 merges with the outlet of the second pipe section 22 and then connects to the throttling element 3.

[0046] A directional valve 7 is installed on the pipeline between the junction of the liquid outlet pipe 64 and the second pipe section 22 and the liquid outlet pipe 64. The directional valve 7 is configured to allow refrigerant to flow only from the liquid outlet pipe 64 to the throttling element 3. In this application, the directional valve 7 is a one-way valve. Of course, in other embodiments, the directional valve 7 can also be an electrically controlled valve such as a solenoid valve or a throttling valve, as long as the valve meets the condition of allowing refrigerant to flow only from the liquid outlet pipe 64 to the throttling element 3.

[0047] See Figures 3 to 5 In a preferred embodiment, the flow divider 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 tube 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 tube 65 are respectively connected to the mixing inlet pipe 62 and the liquid outlet pipe 64, and micropores 66 are formed on the separation tube 65. When installed between the first pipe section 21 and the second pipe section 22 of the condenser, the flow divider 6 is preferably installed in an inverted configuration.

[0048] Preferably, see Figure 3 The 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.

[0049] 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 0.5-0.75. 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.

[0050] See back Figure 3 Two micro-holes 66 are provided, arranged radially opposite to each other along the separation tube 65, 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.

[0051] 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 liquid 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 the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant.

[0052] The flow divider 6 of this application can effectively separate the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant. Furthermore, compared to existing gas-liquid separators, this application is easier to miniaturize, more suitable for integration with condensers or evaporators, and experiences less pressure loss during operation. Specifically, the flow divider 6 is configured such that a portion of the gaseous refrigerant 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 mixed refrigerant flows out through the liquid outlet pipe 64. This causes the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to flash into gaseous form due to pressure drop and friction after entering the mixing inlet pipe 62 at high speed. The flashed gaseous refrigerant, resisted by the liquid refrigerant ahead, passes through the micropores 66 and flows out through the gas outlet pipe 63, while the majority of the liquid refrigerant continues to flow forward under the centrifugal force of the high-speed liquid flow, thus achieving effective separation of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant. Secondly, as can be seen from the aforementioned dimensional parameters, compared to the shortcomings of existing gas-liquid separators which have multiple tubes inside the shell and cannot be miniaturized, the cavity of this application only has one separation tube 65, and both ends of the separation tube 65 are connected to the mixing inlet tube 62 and the liquid outlet tube 64, making it easier to achieve product miniaturization. Furthermore, the miniaturized flow divider 6 can be directly used in conjunction with the condenser and evaporator, such as by directly connecting them between two refrigerant pipes, without needing to occupy space as a separate device. The mixing inlet tube 62 is located in the middle of the bottom surface, and the liquid outlet tube 64 is located in the middle of the top surface, which simplifies the product manufacturing process, allowing the separation tube 65 to be a straight tube and minimizing pressure loss along the pipe. By setting the diameters of both the mixing inlet tube 62 and the liquid outlet tube 64 to be larger than the diameter of the separation tube 65, the flow velocity of the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant in the separation tube 65 can be increased, reducing the refrigerant pressure drop and ensuring gas-liquid separation effect. By placing the micropores 66 in the middle of the separation tube 65 along its length, a better gas-liquid separation effect can be obtained. By setting multiple gas outlet pipes 63, the separation amount of gaseous refrigerant can be guaranteed. The frustum-shaped outer casing 61, with the radius of its top outer circle larger than its bottom outer circle, saves space for the distribution device 6, allowing for more flexible installation and reducing pressure drop and refrigerant flow noise. A directional valve 7 is installed between the liquid outlet pipe 64 and the inlet of the throttling element 3 to impede refrigerant flow in heating mode, preventing the refrigerant flow path from becoming dispersed and pressure from decreasing during heating, which could lead to excessively low inlet pressure in the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and cause frost formation on the outdoor unit. Inverting the distribution device 6 reduces the accumulation of gaseous refrigerant and helps reduce the pressure drop of liquid refrigerant. The arrangement of the two micro-holes 66, with their opening direction aligned with the axis of the two gas outlet pipes 63, reduces the pressure drop of gaseous refrigerant and improves the separation effect.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Finally, combining Figure 1 and Figure 2 The working process of the air conditioner described in this application will be introduced.

[0061] 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 streams for heat exchange and liquefaction, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure saturated gas-liquid mixture. Subsequently, the two streams of liquefied gas-liquid mixture merge and enter the separator pipe 65 from the mixing inlet pipe 62. In the separator pipe 65, the liquid refrigerant, under the influence of centrifugal force and gravity, flows directly through the liquid outlet pipe 64 to the one-way valve, while the gaseous refrigerant partially flashes out and passes through the micro-hole 66, flowing out through the two gas outlet pipes 63. The gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the two gas outlet pipes 63 merges and continues to enter the second pipe section 22 for cooling and heat exchange, becoming liquid again. Finally, it flows out from the outlet of the second pipe section 22 and, together with the liquid refrigerant flowing through the one-way valve, 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 exits 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.

[0062] See Figure 2 When 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. It exchanges heat with the indoor air to liquefy, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure saturated 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 and evaporation, with most of it becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Subsequently, the gas-liquid mixture containing most of the gaseous refrigerant enters the casing 61 of the diversion device 6 through two gas outlet pipes 63. The gaseous refrigerant then enters the separation pipe 65 through the micropores 66, and then enters the first pipe section 21 through the separation pipe 65 and the mixing inlet pipe 62. A small amount of liquid refrigerant flashes into gaseous refrigerant in the casing 61, and then enters the first pipe section 21 through the micropores 66. If the amount of liquid refrigerant is large, it can also enter the first pipe section 21 through the micropores 66 to continue heat exchange and evaporation. The gaseous refrigerant entering the first pipe section 21 eventually returns to the compressor 1 from the suction port of the compressor 1 after passing through the C and S ports of the four-way valve 5, completing one cycle.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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. A flow dividing device for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, and an indoor heat exchanger, the flow dividing device being characterized by, The shunt device comprises a shell, a cavity is formed in the shell, a mixing inlet pipe is arranged on the bottom surface of the shell, a gas outlet pipe and a liquid outlet pipe are arranged on the top surface of the shell, a separation pipe is arranged in the cavity, two ends of the separation pipe are communicated with the mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe respectively, and micropores are arranged on the separation pipe; the shunt device is arranged to enable part of the gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant entering the mixing inlet pipe to pass through the micropores and flow out of the gas outlet pipe, and the remaining gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flows out of the liquid outlet pipe; The mixing 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 mixing inlet pipe and the liquid outlet pipe are greater than the diameter of the separation pipe; The outdoor heat exchanger comprises a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the inlet of the first pipe section is communicated with the compressor, the outlet of the first pipe section is communicated with the mixing inlet pipe, the gas outlet pipe is communicated with the inlet of the second pipe section, the outlet of the second pipe section is communicated with the inlet of the throttling element, and the liquid outlet pipe is communicated with the inlet of the throttling element.

2. The shunt device of claim 1, wherein, The micropores are arranged in the middle of the separation pipe along the length direction.

3. The shunt device of claim 2, wherein, The micropores are arranged in two, and the two micropores are arranged opposite along the radial direction of the separation pipe; and / or The diameter of the micropores is 0.3-0.5mm.

4. The shunt of claim 1, wherein, The shell is in the shape of a circular truncated cone.

5. The shunt of claim 4, wherein, The gas outlet pipe is arranged in multiple, and the multiple gas outlet pipes are uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction of the concentric circle of the top surface of the shell.

6. The shunt device of claim 5, 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.

7. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The air conditioner comprises the shunt device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The air conditioner of claim 7, wherein A directional valve is further arranged between the liquid outlet pipe and the inlet of the throttling element, and the directional valve is arranged to allow the refrigerant to flow from the liquid outlet pipe to the throttling element only.

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