air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner, comprising: an indoor unit, at least two outdoor units and at least two regulating devices corresponding to the at least two outdoor units, wherein the outdoor unit comprises a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor unit liquid pipe and an outdoor unit gas pipe, the compressor is connected with the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger is connected with an indoor unit liquid pipe of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit liquid pipe, the outdoor unit gas pipe is connected with an indoor unit gas pipe of the indoor unit and connected with the compressor; the regulating device comprises a first valve, a second valve, a branch pipe and a third valve, the first valve is arranged on the outdoor unit liquid pipe and controls the on-off of the outdoor unit liquid pipe, the second valve is arranged on the outdoor unit gas pipe and controls the on-off of the outdoor unit gas pipe, the branch pipe connects a part of the outdoor unit liquid pipe between the first valve and the outdoor heat exchanger and a part of the outdoor unit gas pipe between the second valve and the compressor, and the third valve is arranged on the branch pipe and controls the on-off of the branch pipe. In this way, the influence of the defrosting process of the outdoor unit on the indoor thermal comfort can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] When an air conditioner is heating a room, frost on the outdoor heat exchanger inevitably affects heat transfer. A common defrosting method uses a reverse cycle, switching the air conditioner to cooling mode, allowing the high-temperature refrigerant to condense in the outdoor heat exchanger and evaporate in the indoor heat exchanger. However, this defrosting method prevents continuous heating in the room, affecting indoor thermal comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A technical problem to be solved by this application is to reduce the impact of the outdoor unit defrosting process on indoor thermal comfort.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor unit liquid pipe, and an indoor unit gas pipe, both of which are connected to the indoor heat exchanger;

[0006] At least two outdoor units, each of the at least two outdoor units includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor unit liquid pipe, and an outdoor unit gas pipe, the compressor is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the indoor unit liquid pipe through the outdoor unit liquid pipe, the outdoor unit gas pipe is connected to the indoor unit gas pipe, and is connected to the compressor; and

[0007] At least two control devices, at least two control devices correspond to at least two outdoor units one by one, and each includes a first valve, a second valve, a branch pipe and a third valve. The first valve is arranged on the outdoor unit liquid pipe to control the on-off of the outdoor unit liquid pipe. The second valve is arranged on the outdoor unit gas pipe to control the on-off of the outdoor unit gas pipe. The branch pipe connects the part of the outdoor unit liquid pipe located between the first valve and the outdoor heat exchanger and the part of the outdoor unit gas pipe located between the second valve and the compressor. The third valve is arranged on the branch pipe to control the on-off of the branch pipe.

[0008] In some embodiments, the control device also includes an evaporation component, which has a first channel and a second channel that can exchange heat with each other, the first channel is connected to the part of the branch pipe located between the third valve and the outdoor unit air pipe, and the second channel is connected to the part of the outdoor unit air pipe located between the second valve and the indoor unit air pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second passage is located or not located on a portion of the outdoor unit gas pipe between the second valve and the indoor unit gas pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control device also includes a connecting pipe and a fourth valve. The connecting pipe connects the second channel and the part of the outdoor unit liquid pipe located between the first valve and the indoor unit liquid pipe. The fourth valve is arranged on the connecting pipe to control the opening and closing of the connecting pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments, the opening of the fourth valve is adjustable or non-adjustable.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fourth valve is a throttle valve.

[0013] In some embodiments, the control device also includes a supercooling component, which has a first flow channel and a second flow channel that can exchange heat with each other. The first flow channel is connected to the part of the branch pipe located between the first channel and the third valve, and the second flow channel is connected to the part of the outdoor unit liquid pipe located between the first valve and the indoor unit liquid pipe.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit further includes a first throttling member disposed on the outdoor unit liquid pipe, and the first valve is disposed on a portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe located between the first throttling member and the indoor unit liquid pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the opening of the third valve is adjustable or non-adjustable; and / or the first valve and / or the second valve can be bidirectionally switched on and off.

[0016] In some embodiments, the third valve is a throttle valve.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit further includes a bypass pipe and a second throttling member, the bypass pipe connects the outdoor unit liquid pipe and the inlet of the compressor, and the second throttling member is arranged on the bypass pipe.

[0018] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit also includes a subcooler, which has a first flow path and a second flow path that can exchange heat with each other, the first flow path is connected to the portion of the bypass pipe located between the second throttling device and the compressor inlet, and the second flow path is connected to the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe located between the outdoor heat exchanger and the first valve.

[0019] In the present application, by equipping each outdoor unit with a control device, and using the first valve, second valve and third valve of the control device to control the on-off relationship between the liquid pipe and gas pipe between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, as well as between the liquid pipe and gas pipe of the outdoor unit, a part of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can perform self-circulation defrosting without absorbing heat from the indoor room. Moreover, during the defrosting process, another part of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can operate in heating mode to provide high-temperature refrigerant for the indoor unit, thereby realizing continuous heating on the indoor side. In this way, continuous heating of the indoor unit during the defrosting process can be achieved, reducing the impact of the outdoor unit's defrosting process on indoor thermal comfort.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air conditioner in the embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the control device.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The refrigerant flow diagram of the air conditioner in cooling mode is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The refrigerant flow diagram of the air conditioner shown in the cooling-subcooling mode.

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The refrigerant flow diagram of the air conditioner in heating mode is shown.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 1 The refrigerant flow diagram of the air conditioner shown is in the defrost-continuous heating mode.

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a control device according to a first variant of the illustrated embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner in a second variant of the illustrated embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the control device.

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of the control device of the third variant of the embodiment shown.

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner in a fourth variant of the illustrated embodiment.

[0033] Figure 12 for Figure 11A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the control device.

[0034] Figure 13 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner in a fifth variant of the illustrated embodiment.

[0035] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the control device.

[0036] Description of reference numerals:

[0037] 100. Air conditioning;

[0038] 1. Outdoor unit; 11. Compressor; 12. Switching valve; 13. Outdoor heat exchanger; 14. First throttle element; 15. Second throttle element; 16. Subcooler; 161. First flow path; 162. Second flow path; 17. Outdoor unit liquid pipe; 171. First liquid pipe section; 172. Second liquid pipe section; 18. Outdoor unit gas pipe; 181. First gas pipe section; 182. Second gas pipe section; 19. Gas-liquid separator; 10. Bypass pipe;

[0039] 2. Control device; 21. First valve; 22. Second valve; 23. Third valve; 24. Fourth valve; 25. Evaporation component; 251. First channel; 252. Second channel; 253. First port; 254. Second port; 255. Third port; 256. Fourth port; 26. Subcooling component; 261. First flow channel; 262. Second flow channel; 263. First interface; 264. Second interface; 265. Third interface; 266. Fourth interface; 27. Branch pipe; 28. Connecting pipe;

[0040] 3. Indoor unit; 31. Indoor unit liquid pipe; 32. Indoor unit gas pipe; 33. Indoor heat exchanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without carrying out creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0043] In the description of the present application, it needs to be understood that the orientation words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "transverse, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" and the like indicated orientation or position relationship is generally based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, without making the opposite statement, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the indicated device or element must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the scope of protection of the present application; the orientation words "inner, outer" refer to the inner and outer of the contour of each component itself.

[0044] In the description of the present application, it needs to be understood that the use of "first", "second" and the like to limit parts is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding parts, and the above words have no special meaning unless otherwise stated, therefore, it cannot be understood as a limitation on the scope of protection of the present application.

[0045] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present application described below can be combined with each other as long as there is no conflict.

[0046] In the heating mode of the air conditioner, the outdoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, and the surface temperature is lower than the ambient temperature. Therefore, after running for a period of time, frost will appear on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger, which will increase the heat transfer resistance of the outdoor heat exchanger and reduce the heat exchange efficiency, thereby affecting the heating effect of the air conditioner.

[0047] Therefore, the air conditioner needs to enter the defrosting mode frequently during the heating process, and then re-enter the heating mode after the frost on the outdoor heat exchanger is completely removed.

[0048] Usually, in the defrosting mode, the outdoor heat exchanger is switched from an evaporator to a condenser, the indoor heat exchanger is switched from a condenser to an evaporator, and the refrigerant discharged by the compressor first passes through the outdoor heat exchanger to release heat to the outside and condense, the released heat heats the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger to defrost, and then the refrigerant flows to the indoor heat exchanger after throttling and evaporates to absorb heat.

[0049] When the above defrosting mode is used, the refrigerant needs to be first changed into low-temperature liquid refrigerant at the outdoor heat exchanger. When the low-temperature liquid refrigerant flows through the indoor unit, the temperature is relatively low, and it is inevitable to absorb heat from the indoor, thereby reducing the indoor temperature and affecting the indoor thermal comfort. Moreover, in order to minimize the influence of the refrigeration effect generated by the evaporation of the indoor heat exchanger during defrosting on the indoor thermal comfort, the indoor fan usually stops running during defrosting, and only natural convection is used for heat exchange, which has low heat exchange efficiency, poor heat exchange, and is prone to liquid backflow.

[0050] It can be seen that, by using the above defrosting mode, the indoor unit cannot continuously heat, which affects the indoor thermal comfort.

[0051] In view of the above situation, the present application improves the structure of the air conditioner to achieve continuous heating of the indoor unit during the defrosting process, thereby reducing the impact of the outdoor unit's defrosting process on indoor thermal comfort.

[0052] Figures 1-14 The structure of the air conditioner in this application is shown exemplarily.

[0053] See also Figures 1-14 In the present application, the air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit 3, at least two outdoor units 1 and at least two control devices 2.

[0054] The indoor unit 3 includes an indoor heat exchanger 33 , an indoor unit liquid pipe 31 , and an indoor unit gas pipe 32 . The indoor unit liquid pipe 31 and the indoor unit gas pipe 32 are both connected to the indoor heat exchanger 33 .

[0055] At least two outdoor units 1 each include a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor unit liquid pipe 17, and an outdoor unit gas pipe 18. Compressor 11 is connected to outdoor heat exchanger 13. Outdoor heat exchanger 13 is connected to indoor unit liquid pipe 31 via outdoor unit liquid pipe 17. Outdoor unit gas pipe 18 is connected to indoor unit gas pipe 32 and is also connected to compressor 11.

[0056] At least two control devices 2 correspond to at least two outdoor units 1, and each includes a first valve 21, a second valve 22, a branch pipe 27, and a third valve 23. The first valve 21 is located on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and controls the flow of air through the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17. The second valve 22 is located on the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 and controls the flow of air through the outdoor unit gas pipe 18. The branch pipe 27 connects the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 between the first valve 21 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 with the portion of the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 between the second valve 22 and the compressor 11. The third valve 23 is located on the branch pipe 27 and controls the flow of air through the branch pipe 27.

[0057] In the above scheme, the air conditioner 100 is a multi-split air conditioner unit, and by equipping each outdoor unit 1 with a control device 2, the first valve 21, the second valve 22 and the third valve 23 of the control device 2 are used to control the on-off relationship between the liquid pipe and the gas pipe between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 3, as well as the liquid pipe and the gas pipe of the outdoor unit 1, so that a part of the outdoor units 1 of the air conditioner 100 can perform self-circulation defrosting without absorbing heat from the indoor room. Moreover, during the defrosting process, another part of the outdoor units 1 of the air conditioner 100 can operate for heating, providing high-temperature refrigerant for the indoor unit 3, thereby realizing continuous heating on the indoor side. In this way, continuous heating of the indoor unit 3 during the defrosting process can be realized, reducing the impact of the defrosting process of the outdoor unit 1 on the indoor thermal comfort.

[0058] Among them, the outdoor unit 1 that is undergoing defrosting has its corresponding first valve 21 and second valve 22 closed, and the third valve 23 opened, so that the high-temperature refrigerant provided by the compressor 11 of the outdoor unit 1 that is undergoing defrosting can flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the third valve 23 in sequence and return to the compressor 11 to form a self-circulation. During the corresponding self-circulation process, the refrigerant does not flow to the indoor unit 3 or other outdoor units 1, and can be defrosted more fully. While the outdoor unit 1 that is undergoing heating has its corresponding first valve 21 and second valve 22 opened, and the third valve 23 closed, so that the outdoor unit 1 that is undergoing heating can provide high-temperature refrigerant to the indoor unit 3 and cooperate with the indoor unit 3 to complete the indoor heating cycle. In this way, the defrosting process does not need to absorb heat from the room, and the indoor heating process can be carried out continuously without being affected by the defrosting process. Therefore, continuous heating of the indoor unit 3 during the defrosting process can be achieved, reducing the impact of the defrosting process of the outdoor unit 1 on the indoor thermal comfort.

[0059] In this application, a part of the outdoor units 1 are defrosting, and the other part of the outdoor units 1 cooperate with the indoor units 3 to perform continuous defrosting, which is called the defrosting-continuous heating mode. Figure 6 Taking the case of dual outdoor units as an example, the defrost-continuous heating mode of the air conditioner 100 in this application is further explained.

[0060] When the air conditioner 100 includes two outdoor units 1, in order to simplify the description, one of the outdoor units 1 is referred to as the first outdoor unit, the other outdoor unit 1 is referred to as the second outdoor unit, and the two control devices 2 corresponding to the first outdoor unit and the second outdoor unit are respectively referred to as the first control device and the second control device.

[0061] Specifically, in Figure 6 In the figure, the outdoor unit 1 and the control device 2 on the left are the first outdoor unit and the first control device, and the outdoor unit 1 and the control device 2 on the right are the second outdoor unit and the second control device.

[0062] Figure 6 What is shown is the situation where the first outdoor unit is defrosting and the second outdoor unit is heating.

[0063] See also Figure 6 When the first outdoor unit is defrosting, the switching valve 12 (for example, a four-way valve) of the first outdoor unit is powered off, and the first valve 21 and the second valve 22 of the first control device are closed, and the third valve 23 is opened, so that the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 of the first outdoor unit are disconnected, and the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 of the first outdoor unit are connected, so that the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 of the first outdoor unit can enter the outdoor heat exchanger 13 through the switching valve 12 for defrosting, and then become a medium-pressure low-temperature refrigerant, and flow through the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17, the branch pipe 27 where the third valve 23 is located, and the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 in turn, and then return to the compressor 11 to complete the self-circulation of the defrosting process.

[0064] When the first outdoor unit is defrosting, the second outdoor unit starts heating. The switching valve 12 of the second outdoor unit is energized, and the first and second valves 21 and 22 of the second control device are opened, while the third valve 23 is closed. This connects the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 of the second outdoor unit with the indoor unit liquid pipe 31 of the indoor unit 3, and the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 of the second outdoor unit with the indoor unit gas pipe 32 of the indoor unit 3. The outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 of the second outdoor unit is disconnected from the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 of the second outdoor unit. This allows the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 of the second outdoor unit to enter the indoor unit gas pipe 32 of the indoor unit 3 through the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 of the second outdoor unit, providing continuous heat for indoor heating. The refrigerant eventually returns to the compressor 11 of the second outdoor unit via the indoor unit liquid pipe 31 of the indoor unit 3 and the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 of the second outdoor unit, completing the heating cycle.

[0065] It can be seen that the air conditioner 100 provided in the present application can realize continuous heating of the indoor unit 3 during the defrosting process, reduce the impact of the defrosting process of the outdoor unit 1 on indoor thermal comfort, and effectively improve indoor thermal comfort.

[0066] Since the solution of the present application utilizes the advantage that different modules of the multi-split system can operate independently to achieve continuous heating during the defrosting process, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 1 in defrosting operation and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 1 in heating operation can be naturally insulated by the insulation between the outdoor units 1, and there is no need to carry out special insulation design for the corresponding outdoor heat exchangers 13. Therefore, the structure is relatively simple. Moreover, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 1 in defrosting operation and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 1 in heating operation can be fully put into defrosting and heating operation respectively, and the heat exchange volume is large. Therefore, it is conducive to achieving a better heat exchange effect, and then achieving a better defrosting and heating effect. In actual operation, the higher heating demand on the indoor side can be met by increasing the output of the outdoor unit 1 in heating operation.

[0067] In addition, based on the solution of the present application, during the defrost process, the high-temperature refrigerant provided by the outdoor unit 1 in heating operation does not need to flow into the outdoor unit 1 participating in the defrost operation to participate in the defrost cycle, but can flow into the room more fully and participate in the indoor heating cycle. Therefore, it is conducive to achieving a better indoor heating effect.

[0068] The outdoor unit 1 generally includes a first throttling member 14 provided on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17. In this case, see Figure 1 and Figure 2The setting position of the first valve 21 on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 can be specifically located on the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 between the first throttling device 14 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31, that is, on the side of the first throttling device 14 away from the indoor heat exchanger 13. In this way, the first valve 21 can control the on-off of the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located on the side of the first throttling device 14 away from the indoor heat exchanger 13, thereby controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing out of the first throttling device 14.

[0069] In the present application, the first valve 21 and the second valve 22 may have only two states, open and closed, without regulating the refrigerant flow rate. Furthermore, the first valve 21 and / or the second valve 22 may be bidirectional on / off valves to facilitate bidirectional communication of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and / or the outdoor unit gas pipe 18, thereby meeting the different operating requirements of the air conditioner 100 in different modes, such as cooling, heating, and defrosting.

[0070] In addition, the opening of the third valve 23 can be adjustable or non-adjustable. When the opening of the third valve 23 is non-adjustable, the third valve 23 only controls the on-off of the branch pipe 27, but does not regulate the refrigerant flow through the branch pipe 27. When the opening of the third valve 23 is adjustable, the third valve 23 can not only control the on-off of the branch pipe 27, but also regulate the refrigerant flow through the branch pipe 27, which is more conducive to improving the defrosting efficiency. For example, in some embodiments, the third valve 23 is a throttle valve that can throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27, so that the refrigerant in the outdoor unit 1 undergoing defrosting can better self-circulate, achieving a more complete and efficient defrosting process.

[0071] As a further improvement to the above embodiments, see Figures 1-10 The control device 2 may include not only the first valve 21, the second valve 22, the branch pipe 27, and the third valve 23, but also an evaporation component 25. The evaporation component 25 has a first channel 251 and a second channel 252 that can exchange heat with each other. The first channel 251 is connected to the portion of the branch pipe 27 located between the third valve 23 and the outdoor unit air pipe 18, and the second channel 252 is connected to the portion of the outdoor unit air pipe 18 located between the second valve 22 and the indoor unit air pipe 32.

[0072] The evaporation component 25 provided can utilize the high-temperature refrigerant provided by the outdoor unit 1 performing heating to evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27 of the outdoor unit 1 performing defrosting during the defrosting process, so that the defrosting cycle can be completed more smoothly and the defrosting efficiency can be effectively improved.

[0073] The second channel 252 may or may not be located on the portion of the outdoor unit air pipe 18 between the second valve 22 and the indoor unit air pipe 32. When the second channel 252 is located on the portion of the outdoor unit air pipe 18 between the second valve 22 and the indoor unit air pipe 32, the second channel 252 and the outdoor unit air pipe 18 are in the same pipeline. In this case, static heat conduction (natural convection) between the refrigerants can be utilized to evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27 of the outdoor unit 1 during defrost operation. When the second channel 252 is not located on the portion of the outdoor unit air pipe 18 between the second valve 22 and the indoor unit air pipe 32, the second channel 252 and the outdoor unit air pipe 18 are in different pipelines. In this case, heat exchange between the refrigerants can be utilized to evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27 of the outdoor unit 1 during defrost operation, resulting in higher heat exchange efficiency.

[0074] Also, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the evaporator 25 is included, the control device 2 may further include a connecting pipe 28 and a fourth valve 24. The connecting pipe 28 connects the second channel 252 of the evaporator 25 with the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located between the first valve 21 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31. The fourth valve 24 is disposed on the connecting pipe 28 to control the opening and closing of the connecting pipe 28. Thus, the second channel 252 of the evaporator 25 is also connected to the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 via the connecting pipe 28, and the opening and closing between the second channel 252 and the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 is controlled by the fourth valve 24. During defrost operation, refrigerant entering the second channel 252 can pass through the fourth valve 24 and the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 to merge with refrigerant from the indoor unit after heat exchange. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor 11 of the outdoor unit 1 in heating operation to participate in the next cycle. This improves defrost efficiency while reducing refrigerant loss in the outdoor unit 1 in heating operation.

[0075] The fourth valve 24 can be adjustable or non-adjustable in opening. When the opening of the fourth valve 24 is non-adjustable, the fourth valve 24 only controls the on-off of the connecting pipe 28, but does not regulate the flow of refrigerant flowing through the connecting pipe 28. When the opening of the fourth valve 24 is adjustable, the fourth valve 24 can not only control the on-off of the connecting pipe 28, but also regulate the flow of refrigerant flowing through the connecting pipe 28, which is more conducive to improving the defrosting efficiency. For example, in some embodiments, the fourth valve 24 is a throttle valve that can throttle and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the connecting pipe 28, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor unit 1 in heating operation and exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing back to the outdoor unit 1 in defrosting operation can circulate better.

[0076] Also, see Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, the control device 2 includes not only an evaporation component 25, but also a supercooling component 26. The supercooling component 26 has a first flow channel 261 and a second flow channel 262 that can exchange heat with each other. The first flow channel 261 is connected to the portion of the branch pipe 27 located between the first channel 251 and the third valve 23, and the second flow channel 262 is connected to the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located between the first valve 21 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31.

[0077] The supercooling component 26 provided can utilize the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27 to further cool the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 to the indoor unit liquid pipe 31, thereby achieving a supercooling effect and meeting the further supercooling demand of the air conditioner 100.

[0078] As a further improvement to the outdoor unit 1 in the above embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outdoor unit 1 may further include a bypass pipe 10 and a second throttle member 15. The bypass pipe 10 connects the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and the inlet of the compressor 11. The second throttle member 15 is provided on the bypass pipe 10. In this way, the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 can flow back to the compressor 11 after being throttled by the second throttle member 15, thereby realizing the internal circulation of the outdoor unit 1. During the corresponding internal circulation process, defrosting can be performed without absorbing heat from the indoor side. Therefore, it is beneficial to further improve the defrosting efficiency and reduce the impact of the defrosting process on the indoor temperature.

[0079] Also, see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 1 includes not only a bypass pipe 10 and a second throttle member 15, but also a subcooler 16. The subcooler 16 has a first flow path 161 and a second flow path 162 that can exchange heat with each other. The first flow path 161 is connected to a portion of the bypass pipe 10 located between the second throttle member 15 and the inlet of the compressor 11, and the second flow path 162 is connected to a portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the first valve 21.

[0080] The subcooler 16 can utilize the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 to cool the refrigerant after being throttled by the second throttle element 15, thereby smoothly completing the internal circulation of the outdoor unit 1. Furthermore, when the outdoor unit 1 includes the subcooler 16 and the control device 2 includes the subcooling component 26, the subcooler 16 and the subcooling component 26 can achieve a two-stage subcooling effect, effectively meeting the two-stage subcooling requirement of the air conditioner 100.

[0081] Next, combine Figures 1-14 The embodiments shown are used to further illustrate the present application.

[0082] First, let’s introduce Figures 1-6 The embodiment shown.

[0083] like Figures 1-6 As shown, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit 3, two outdoor units 1 and two control devices 2.

[0084] The indoor unit 3 includes an indoor unit liquid pipe 31, an indoor unit gas pipe 32, and an indoor heat exchanger 33. The indoor unit liquid pipe 31 and the indoor unit gas pipe 32 are both connected to the indoor heat exchanger 33.

[0085] The two outdoor units 1 have the same structure, both including a compressor 11, a switching valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, a first throttle 14, a bypass pipe 10, a second throttle 15, a subcooler 16, an outdoor unit liquid pipe 17, an outdoor unit gas pipe 18 and a gas-liquid separator 19.

[0086] The compressor 11 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 via a switching valve 12. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is connected to the indoor unit liquid pipe 31 via an outdoor unit liquid pipe 17. The outdoor unit gas pipe 18 is connected to the indoor unit gas pipe 32 and is also connected to the compressor 11 via the switching valve 12. The switching valve 12 is a four-way valve. When it is energized, it connects the compressor 11 outlet to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and the outdoor unit gas pipe 18, respectively. A gas-liquid separator 19 is located between the switching valve 12 and the compressor 11 inlet for gas-liquid separation.

[0087] A first throttling member 14 is provided on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the first throttling member 14 is an expansion valve, specifically, an electronic expansion valve, which is provided on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 for throttling and reducing pressure.

[0088] The bypass pipe 10 connects the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and the gas-liquid separator 19. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the bypass pipe 10 connects the gas-liquid separator 19 to the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located between the first throttle member 14 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31. The first throttle member 14 is located between the connection point between the bypass pipe 10 and the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13. In other words, the connection point between the bypass pipe 10 and the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 is located on the side of the first throttle member 14 away from the outdoor heat exchanger 13. A second throttle member 15 is provided on the bypass pipe 10 for throttling and reducing pressure. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second throttle member 15 comprises an expansion valve (e.g., an electronic expansion valve). Thus, after passing through the first throttle member 14, the refrigerant is split into two paths: one path continues to flow downstream along the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17, while the other path flows into the bypass pipe 10, is throttled and reduced in pressure by the second throttle member 15, and then flows back to the compressor 11 through the gas-liquid separator 19, completing the internal circulation of the outdoor unit 1 through the bypass pipe 10.

[0089] The subcooler 16 is provided on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and the bypass pipe 10, and is used to utilize the refrigerant flowing along the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 to cool the refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe 10, so as to make the internal circulation of the outdoor unit 1 flowing through the bypass pipe 10 more smoothly completed. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the subcooler 16 has a first flow path 161 and a second flow path 162 that can exchange heat with each other. The first flow path 161 is located in the portion of the bypass pipe 10 between the second throttle member 15 and the gas-liquid separator 19, and the second flow path 162 is located in the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located at the first throttle member 14 and away from the outdoor heat exchanger 13. In this case, the connection point between the bypass pipe 10 and the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 is located between the subcooler 16 and the first throttle member 14, and the subcooler 16 is located between the second throttle member 15 and the gas-liquid separator 19. The subcooler 16 can use the refrigerant flowing along the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 to subcool the refrigerant after it has been throttled by the second throttle member 15. This allows the refrigerant flowing out of the second throttle member 15 to be further cooled before passing through the gas-liquid separator 19 and returning to the compressor 11, successfully completing the internal circulation process of the outdoor unit 1 through the bypass pipe 10.

[0090] The two control devices 2 correspond one-to-one to the two outdoor units 1, and the two control devices 2 have the same structure, both including a first valve 21, a second valve 22, a branch pipe 27, a third valve 23, a connecting pipe 28, a fourth valve 24, an evaporation component 25 and a supercooling component 26.

[0091] The first valve 21 is provided on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and is used to control the on-off of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first valve 21 is disposed on the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located between the first throttle member 14 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31. Specifically, the first valve 21 is disposed on the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located between the subcooler 16 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31. Thus, the first valve 21 divides the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 into two sections: a first liquid pipe section 171 located between the first valve 21 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and a second liquid pipe section 172 located between the first valve 21 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first valve 21 is a two-way on-off valve, capable of controlling the bidirectional flow between the first and second liquid pipe sections 171, 172, and thereby controlling the bidirectional flow between the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31.

[0092] The second valve 22 is provided on the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 and is used to control the on-off of the outdoor unit gas pipe 18. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the second valve 22 is disposed on the portion of the outdoor unit air pipe 18 between the switching valve 12 and the indoor unit air pipe 32. Thus, the second valve 22 divides the outdoor unit air pipe 18 into two sections: a first air pipe section 181 located between the switching valve 12 and the second valve 22, and a second air pipe section 182 located between the second valve 22 and the indoor unit air pipe 32. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second valve 22 is a two-way on-off valve, capable of controlling the bidirectional flow between the first air pipe section 181 and the second air pipe section 182, and thereby controlling the bidirectional flow between the outdoor unit air pipe 18 and the indoor unit air pipe 32.

[0093] The branch pipe 27 connects the first liquid pipe section 171 (i.e., the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 between the first valve 21 and the outdoor heat exchanger 13) and the first gas pipe section 181 (i.e., the portion of the outdoor unit gas pipe 18 between the second valve 22 and the switching valve 12), and the branch pipe 27 is provided with a third valve 23. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the third valve 23 is a throttle valve, specifically, an expansion valve, which is arranged on the branch pipe 27. It not only controls the on-off of the branch pipe 27, but also controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27, and throttles and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27.

[0094] The evaporation component 25 is provided on the branch pipe 27 and is used to evaporate the refrigerant after the refrigerant is throttled and depressurized by the third valve 23. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the evaporation component 25 includes a first channel 251 and a second channel 252 that can exchange heat with each other. The first channel 251 is located on the branch pipe 27, and specifically on the portion of the branch pipe 27 between the third valve 23 and the first air pipe section 181, connecting the third valve 23 with the first air pipe section 181. The second channel 252 is not located on the outdoor unit air pipe 18, but connects the second air pipe section 182 with the second liquid pipe section 172. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the first channel 251 has two ports, namely a first port 253 and a second port 254. The first port 253 is in communication with the third valve 23, and the second port 254 is in communication with the first air pipe segment 181, so that the first channel 251 connects the third valve 23 with the first air pipe segment 181. The second channel 252 has two ports, namely a third port 255 and a fourth port 256. The third port 255 is connected to the second air pipe segment 182, and the fourth port 256 is connected to the second liquid pipe segment 172 via the connecting pipe 28. Thus, the second channel 252 connects the second air pipe segment 182 with the second liquid pipe segment 172, thereby connecting the second channel 252 of the evaporation component 25 with the second air pipe segment 182 and the second liquid pipe segment 172.

[0095] The fourth valve 24 is provided on the connecting pipe 28. Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the fourth valve 24 is a throttle valve, specifically, an expansion valve, which is arranged on the connecting pipe 28. It not only controls the on-off of the connecting pipe 28, but also controls the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the connecting pipe 28, and throttles and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the connecting pipe 28.

[0096] The supercooling component 26 is provided on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and the branch pipe 27, and is used to use the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27 to further cool the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 to the indoor unit liquid pipe 31, thereby achieving the purpose of supercooling. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the position of the supercooling component 26 on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 is located on the second liquid pipe section 172, and the position of the supercooling component 26 on the branch pipe 27 is located between the evaporation component 25 and the third valve 23. Specifically, Figure 2 It can be seen that in this embodiment, the supercooling component 26 includes a first flow channel 261 and a second flow channel 262 that can exchange heat with each other. The first flow channel 261 is located on the branch pipe 27 and is located between the first channel 251 and the third valve 23 of the evaporation component 25. Its two interfaces, namely the first interface 263 and the second interface 264, are respectively connected to the first port 253 of the first channel 251 and the third valve 23. The second flow channel 262 is located on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 and is located on the second liquid pipe section 172. Its two interfaces, namely the third interface 265 and the fourth interface 266, are respectively connected to the first valve 21 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31. Moreover, as Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the position of the second flow channel 262 on the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 is located on the side of the connection point between the connecting pipe 28 and the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 close to the first valve 21. At this time, the connecting pipe 28 is connected to the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe 17 located between the supercooling component 26 and the indoor unit liquid pipe 31.

[0097] Based on the above structural arrangement, the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment can realize cooling mode, cooling-subcooling mode, heating mode and defrosting-continuous heating mode. Figures 3-6 These four modes are described below in turn.

[0098] Figure 3 FIG shows the refrigerant flow path of the air conditioner 100 in the cooling mode of this embodiment. Figure 3As shown, in the cooling mode, the switching valve 12 of each outdoor unit 1 is in the power-off state, and the first valve 21 and the second valve 22 of each regulating device 2 are in the open state, while the third valve 23 and the fourth valve 24 are in the closed state. Thus, when the two outdoor units 1 are working, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged by the compressor 11 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 13 through the switching valve 12 to be condensed, then passes through the cooler 16, enters the regulating device 2, and then flows to the indoor unit liquid pipe 31 through the second flow passage 262 of the supercooling component 26 of the regulating device 2, and is subjected to indoor heat exchange. The refrigerant after the indoor heat exchange successively passes through the second gas pipe section 182, the first gas pipe section 181, and the switching valve 12, and then returns to the gas-liquid separator 19, and finally returns to the compressor 11, thereby completing the indoor cooling process.

[0099] Figure 4 The refrigerant flow path of the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment in the cooling-recooling mode is shown. As shown, Figure 4 The difference between the cooling-recooling mode and the cooling mode is that the third valve 23 is not closed but open, that is, in the cooling-recooling mode, the switching valve 12 of each outdoor unit 1 is in the power-off state, and the first valve 21, the second valve 22, and the third valve 23 of each regulating device 2 are in the open state, while the fourth valve 24 is in the closed state. Thus, when the two outdoor units 1 are working, the refrigerant that enters the regulating device 2 from the outdoor heat exchanger 13 through the first liquid pipe section 171 is divided into two paths. One path enters the first flow passage 261 of the supercooling component 26 through the third valve 23, exchanges heat with the other path of the refrigerant that enters the regulating device 2 and flows through the second flow passage 262 of the supercooling component 26, and then flows to the first gas pipe section 181 through the first passage 251 of the evaporation component 25 after the heat exchange, and then returns to the compressor 11 through the gas-liquid separator 19, while the other path is cooled again after flowing through the second flow passage 262 of the supercooling component 26, and then flows to the indoor unit liquid pipe 31 through the second liquid pipe section 172 to be subjected to indoor heat exchange.

[0100] Figure 5 The refrigerant flow path of the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment in the cooling-recooling mode is shown. As shown, Figure 5As shown, the difference between the heating mode and the cooling mode is that the switching valve 12 is no longer de-energized, but energized. That is to say, in the heating mode, the switching valve 12 of each outdoor unit 1 is in the energized state, and the first valve 21 and the second valve 22 of each control device 2 are in the open state, while the third valve 23 and the fourth valve 24 are in the closed state. In this way, when the two outdoor units 1 are working, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 enters the indoor side through the switching valve 12, the first air pipe section 181, the second valve 22 and the second air pipe section 182 for heat exchange and condensation. The condensed refrigerant then enters the outdoor heat exchanger 13 through the second liquid pipe section 172, the second flow channel 262 of the supercooling component 26, the first valve 21 and the first liquid pipe section 171 to evaporate, and then returns to the gas-liquid separator 19 through the switching valve 12, and finally returns to the compressor 11, and the cycle continues.

[0101] Figure 6 FIG. 1 shows the refrigerant flow path of the air conditioner 100 in the defrosting-continuous heating mode of this embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, in the defrost-continuous heating mode, one of the two outdoor units 1 is in defrosting operation while the other is in heating operation. Here, the first outdoor unit on the left is in defrosting operation while the second outdoor unit on the right is in heating operation as an example for explanation.

[0102] Among them, the switching valve 12 of the first outdoor unit is powered off, and the first valve 21 and the second valve 22 of the corresponding first control device are closed, and the third valve 23 and the fourth valve 24 are opened. In this way, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 of the first outdoor unit enters the outdoor heat exchanger 13 through the switching valve 12 for defrosting, and is converted into medium-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant and enters the first control device through the first liquid pipe section 171, and enters the first channel 251 of the evaporation component 25 through the third valve 23, the first flow channel 261 of the supercooling component 26 and the first port 253 of the evaporation component 25.

[0103] The second outdoor unit's switching valve 12 is powered on, and its corresponding second regulating device's first valve 21 and second valve 22 are opened, and the third valve 23 and fourth valve 24 are closed. In this way, the high-temperature refrigerant discharged by the second outdoor unit's compressor 11 enters the second regulating device through the first gas pipe section 181, and then flows into the second gas pipe section 182 through the second valve 22 of the second regulating device. After that, at the intersection of the second gas pipe section 182 of the second outdoor unit, the second gas pipe section 182 of the first outdoor unit, and the indoor unit gas pipe 32, the refrigerant is divided into two paths. One path flows to the indoor unit gas pipe 32 and enters the indoor heat exchanger to provide continuous heat to the indoor unit. The other path flows into the second gas pipe section 182 of the first outdoor unit and enters the second passage 252 of the evaporative component 25 of the first regulating device through the third port 255 of the evaporative component 25. The refrigerant flowing through the first passage 251 of the evaporative component 25 of the first regulating device from the first outdoor unit is evaporated, and the refrigerant itself is condensed. After the refrigerant flowing through the first passage 251 of the evaporative component 25 of the first outdoor unit is evaporated, it is discharged through the second port 254 of the evaporative component 25 of the first regulating device, enters the first gas pipe section 181 of the first outdoor unit, returns to the gas-liquid separator 19 of the first outdoor unit, and finally returns to the compressor 11 of the first outdoor unit. The refrigerant flowing through the second passage 252 of the evaporative component 25 of the first regulating device from the second outdoor unit is condensed, discharged through the fourth port 256 of the evaporative component 25 of the first regulating device, and enters the second liquid pipe section 172 of the first outdoor unit through the fourth valve 24. The refrigerant is combined with the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger, enters the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the second outdoor unit through the second liquid pipe section 172 of the second regulating device, the first valve 21, and the first liquid pipe section 171, evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and finally returns to the compressor 11 through the switching valve 12 of the second outdoor unit and the gas-liquid separator 19.

[0104] In the above four operating modes, the valve states of the air conditioner 100 are shown in the following table.

[0105]

[0106]

[0107] It can be seen that the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment can switch between heating mode, cooling-overcooling mode, heating mode, and defrosting-continuous heating mode by controlling the opening and closing states of the switching valve 12, the first valve 21, the second valve 22, the third valve 23, and the fourth valve 24. It not only meets the normal cooling, heating, and cooling-overcooling requirements, but also meets the demand for continuous indoor heating during defrosting. The working flexibility is strong, the working performance is good, and the cooling, heating, and defrosting processes can be carried out efficiently.

[0108] It should be noted that in order to achieve continuous heating of the room during defrosting, the air conditioner 100 is not limited to Figures 1-6 The structural form shown. Figures 7-14 That is, it is shown as an example Figures 1-6 Variations of the illustrated embodiment.

[0109] Next is Figures 7-14 In order to simplify the description, the following will only focus on the differences between and among the various variations. Figures 1-6 For differences between the embodiments shown and those not described, please refer to the previous description. Figures 1-6 The description of the illustrated embodiments is understood as well as the description of other variants.

[0110] First, let’s introduce Figure 7 The first variant is shown.

[0111] like Figure 7 As shown, the first variant, with Figures 1-6 The differences between the illustrated embodiments primarily lie in the structure of the control device 2. Specifically, in this second variation, the control device 2 no longer includes the subcooling component 26. The first channel 251 of the evaporating component 25 is no longer connected to the third valve 23 via the first flow channel 261 of the subcooling component 26, but is instead directly connected to the third valve 23. Furthermore, the first valve 21 is no longer connected to the indoor unit liquid pipe 31 via the second flow channel 262 of the subcooling component 26, but is instead directly connected to the indoor unit liquid pipe 31.

[0112] The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment can still flexibly switch between heating mode, cooling-supercooling mode, heating mode and defrost-continuous heating mode by controlling the switching states of the switching valve 12, the first valve 21, the second valve 22, the third valve 23 and the fourth valve 24. However, it no longer uses the supercooling component 26 to provide secondary supercooling for the outdoor unit, which can meet the working requirements of the air conditioner 100 that does not require further supercooling.

[0113] As can be seen, the supercooling component 26 can be set according to demand. For air conditioners 100 that require further supercooling, the supercooling component 26 can be set to provide supercooling for the outdoor unit 1; while for air conditioners 100 that do not require further supercooling, the supercooling component 26 can be omitted.

[0114] Next, we will introduce Figures 8-9 The second variation is shown.

[0115] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the second variant, with Figures 1-6The difference between the illustrated embodiments also primarily lies in the structure of the control device 2. Specifically, in this second variation, the control device 2 still includes the evaporator 25 and the subcooling component 26, but the second channel 252 of the evaporator 25 is no longer located on a separate line from the outdoor unit air pipe 18 of the outdoor unit 1. Instead, it is located on the same line. In other words, the second channel 252 of the evaporator 25 is located on the outdoor unit air pipe 18, sharing the same line. In this case, the third port 255 and the fourth port 256 of the second channel 252 of the evaporator 25 are both located on the outdoor unit air pipe 18, and the fourth port 256 is no longer connected to the second liquid pipe segment 172 via the connecting pipe 28.

[0116] Based on the above settings, when the outdoor unit 1 connected to the control device 2 is in defrosting operation, the high-temperature refrigerant introduced through the second air pipe section 182 no longer exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the first channel 251, but instead uses natural heat conduction between the refrigerants to evaporate the refrigerant flowing through the first channel 251.

[0117] Specifically, in Figures 1-6 In the embodiment shown, the high-temperature refrigerant from the second outdoor unit in heating operation, after entering the second gas pipe section 182 of the first outdoor unit, will further flow through the second channel 252 of the evaporation component 25 of the first control device and flow into the second liquid pipe section 172 of the first outdoor unit. In the corresponding process, heat exchange will be carried out at the evaporation component 25 with the refrigerant flowing through the first channel 251. Since the refrigerant is flowing, the heat exchange efficiency is relatively high. Figures 8-9 In the second variant shown, since the second valve 22 of the first control device is closed, the high-temperature refrigerant from the second outdoor unit in heating operation no longer flows after entering the second air pipe section 182 of the first outdoor unit and is in a non-flowing state. Therefore, at the evaporation component 25 of the first control device, only static heat conduction between the refrigerants can be used for heat exchange. The heat exchange efficiency is relatively low, but it can also meet the requirements of the defrost cycle.

[0118] Next, we will introduce Figure 10 The third variation is shown.

[0119] like Figure 10 As shown, the third variation is Figures 8-9 As in the second modification shown, the second channel 252 of the evaporation component 25 is also on the same line as the outdoor unit air pipe 18, but Figures 8-9 The difference of the second variation shown is that the control device 2 no longer includes the supercooling component 26. This structure is used to meet the requirements of the air conditioner 100 that does not require further supercooling.

[0120] Next, we will introduce Figures 11-12 The fourth variation is shown.

[0121] like Figures 11-12 As shown, in this fourth modification, the regulating device 2 no longer includes the evaporation component 25 and the supercooling component 26 .

[0122] In this way, when the outdoor unit is defrosting, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 13 for condensation and defrosting. The condensed refrigerant enters the control device 2, is throttled and reduced in pressure again by the third valve 23, passes through the first air pipe section 181, enters the gas-liquid separator 19, and finally returns to the compressor 11.

[0123] In this variant, the high-temperature refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor unit 1 that is performing heating will also flow into the second air pipe section 182 of the outdoor unit 1 that is performing defrosting. However, since the second valve 22 of the control device corresponding to the outdoor unit 1 that is performing defrosting is in a closed state, the high-temperature refrigerant entering the second air pipe section 182 of the outdoor unit 1 that is performing defrosting cannot pass through the second valve 22 to enter the first air pipe section 181 of the outdoor unit 1 that is performing defrosting. Therefore, in this variant, during defrosting, the high-temperature refrigerant of the outdoor unit 1 that is performing heating is not used to exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the branch pipe 27, but the heat generated by the work of the compressor 11 is directly used to realize the defrost cycle.

[0124] As can be seen, not only can the subcooling element 26 be optionally provided as needed, but the evaporation element 25 can also be optionally provided as needed. When the evaporation element 25 is provided, it is convenient to utilize the fluid heat source refrigerant to achieve rapid defrosting of the outdoor unit 1. When the evaporation element 25 is not provided, the structure is simpler, but the defrosting efficiency is slightly lower.

[0125] Final Introduction Figures 13-14 The fifth variation is shown.

[0126] like Figures 13-14 As shown, the fifth variation, with Figures 11-12 The fourth modification is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 , which also no longer includes the evaporation component 25 and the supercooling component 26, but Figures 11-12 The difference from the fourth modification shown is that in this fifth modification, the third valve 23 is no longer a throttle valve, but becomes a valve without a throttle function.

[0127] Thus, when outdoor unit 1 is defrosting, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from compressor 11 enters outdoor heat exchanger 13 for condensation and defrosting. After throttling and pressure reduction at first throttle element 14, it enters control device 2, passes through third valve 23, returns to first air pipe section 181, and ultimately flows through inlet air-liquid separator 19 and returns to compressor 11. During the defrosting process, third valve 23 is in a connected state, facilitating the return of low-temperature refrigerant from outdoor unit 1, which has condensed through outdoor heat exchanger 13, to the outdoor side, thus forming a defrosting cycle.

[0128] In each embodiment of the present application, the control device 2 can be arranged outside the outdoor unit 1, or can also be arranged inside the outdoor unit 1, and the installation is flexible.

[0129] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner (100), characterized in that: include: The indoor unit (3) comprises an indoor heat exchanger (33), an indoor unit liquid pipe (31) and an indoor unit gas pipe (32), wherein the indoor unit liquid pipe (31) and the indoor unit gas pipe (32) are both connected to the indoor heat exchanger (33); At least two outdoor units (1), each of the at least two outdoor units (1) comprising a compressor (11), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an outdoor unit liquid pipe (17), and an outdoor unit air pipe (18); the compressor (11) is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (13); the outdoor heat exchanger (13) is connected to the indoor unit liquid pipe (31) via the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17); the outdoor unit air pipe (18) is connected to the indoor unit air pipe (32), and is also connected to the compressor (11); At least two control devices (2), the at least two control devices (2) corresponding to the at least two outdoor units (1) one-to-one, and each comprising a first valve (21), a second valve (22), a branch pipe (27), and a third valve (23), the first valve (21) being arranged on the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17) to control the on-off of the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17), the second valve (22) being arranged on the outdoor unit gas pipe (18) to control the on-off of the outdoor unit gas pipe (18), the branch pipe (27) connecting a portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17) located between the first valve (21) and the outdoor heat exchanger (13) and a portion of the outdoor unit gas pipe (18) located between the second valve (22) and the compressor (11), the third valve (23) being arranged on the branch pipe (27) to control the on-off of the branch pipe (27); and The evaporation component (25) has a first channel (251) and a second channel (252) capable of exchanging heat with each other, wherein the first channel (251) is connected to a portion of the branch pipe (27) located between the third valve (23) and the outdoor unit air pipe (18), and the second channel (252) is connected to a portion of the outdoor unit air pipe (18) located between the second valve (22) and the indoor unit air pipe (32).

2. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second passage (252) is located on a portion of the outdoor unit air pipe (18) between the second valve (22) and the indoor unit air pipe (32).

3. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that The second channel (252) is not located on the portion of the outdoor unit gas pipe (18) located between the second valve (22) and the indoor unit gas pipe (32). The control device (2) further comprises a connecting pipe (28) and a fourth valve (24). The connecting pipe (28) connects the second channel (252) and the portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17) located between the first valve (21) and the indoor unit liquid pipe (31). The fourth valve (24) is provided on the connecting pipe (28) to control the on / off state of the connecting pipe (28).

4. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that The opening of the fourth valve (24) is adjustable or non-adjustable.

5. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that The fourth valve (24) is a throttle valve.

6. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The control device (2) further includes a supercooling component (26), wherein the supercooling component (26) has a first flow channel (261) and a second flow channel (262) that can exchange heat with each other, wherein the first flow channel (261) is connected to a portion of the branch pipe (27) located between the first channel (251) and the third valve (23), and the second flow channel (262) is connected to a portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17) located between the first valve (21) and the indoor unit liquid pipe (31).

7. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The outdoor unit (1) further comprises a first throttling member (14), the first throttling member (14) being arranged on the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17), and the first valve (21) being arranged on a portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17) located between the first throttling member (14) and the indoor unit liquid pipe (31).

8. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The opening of the third valve (23) is adjustable or non-adjustable; and / or the first valve (21) and / or the second valve (22) can be bidirectionally switched on and off.

9. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that The third valve (23) is a throttle valve.

10. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The outdoor unit (1) further comprises a bypass pipe (10) and a second throttling member (15), wherein the bypass pipe (10) connects the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17) and the inlet of the compressor (11), and the second throttling member (15) is arranged on the bypass pipe (10).

11. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that The outdoor unit (1) further includes a subcooler (16), the subcooler (16) having a first flow path (161) and a second flow path (162) that can exchange heat with each other, the first flow path (161) being connected to a portion of the bypass pipe (10) located between the second throttling member (15) and the inlet of the compressor (11), and the second flow path (162) being connected to a portion of the outdoor unit liquid pipe (17) located between the outdoor heat exchanger (13) and the first valve (21).

Images