Modular expansion device and air conditioning system

Abstract

The application provides a modular expansion device and an air conditioning system, the expansion device comprising an expansion module and a flow control module in axial communication, the expansion module being provided with an orifice plate valve, high-pressure liquid being expanded into low-pressure liquid by the orifice plate valve and then entering the flow control module, the flow control module comprising an adjusting plug and a flow cutoff plate, a flow gap being formed between the tapered sealing plug body of the adjusting plug and the flow-through hole of the flow cutoff plate, the size of the flow gap being adjusted by moving the position of the adjusting plug, so as to realize flow adjustment. Meanwhile, the expansion device is also integrated with a check valve to realize reverse flow, when the reverse flow occurs, the high pressure of the high-pressure liquid opens the check valve, and a large amount of liquid flows out reversely from the channel of the check valve, without causing damage to the orifice plate valve due to high pressure. The components of the expansion device are detachably connected, when the whole device needs to be maintained or upgraded and optimized, only a single component needs to be replaced, so as to save the cost of users and facilitate recycling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and more particularly to a modular expansion device and an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] One of the most efficient methods for transferring heat from one place to another is to use a phase change refrigeration cycle. In this process, a low-pressure liquid refrigerant is transferred to an evaporator, where it absorbs heat and evaporates into a low-pressure gas. Next, a compressor draws this low-pressure gas through an intake or suction pipe, compresses it into a high-pressure gas, and then exhausts it through a discharge pipe. A condenser further receives this high-pressure, high-temperature gas and transfers its heat to a lower-temperature environment. As the heat is released, the gas condenses into a liquid, and the high-pressure liquid flows out of the condenser. The high-pressure liquid continues to be connected to an expansion device that regulates the liquid pressure and flow rate. After passing through the expansion device, it expands into a low-pressure liquid, which then re-enters the evaporator, completing the cycle.

[0003] As cooling systems become smaller and more energy-efficient, the amount of refrigerant decreases, but the ratio of maximum to minimum flow rate increases. For example, a modern vending machine may be optimized to require less energy than an older machine to maintain a specific internal temperature, but when the machine is refilled with hot drinks, both the old and modern machines require the same cooling capacity to lower the beverage's temperature in the same amount of time. Therefore, the ratio of the refrigeration system's maximum to minimum power consumption states continues to increase. Using a fixed-flow expansion device could save significant costs, but the device cannot adjust the flow rate according to the system's needs. Electronic expansion devices can achieve variable flow rates, but they are typically expensive, and achieving the low flow rates required for efficient cooling is difficult with current technology. In variable flow expansion devices, a small opening is typically enlarged or contracted by a pneumatic or electromagnetic actuator, with the valve adjusted by monitoring the temperature of the gas flowing out of the evaporator. However, in both methods, the minimum flow rate required for the lowest cooling power is often much higher than that required by modern high-efficiency systems. Furthermore, pneumatic systems may fail to properly regulate the flow rate, and electromagnetic systems may malfunction due to damage to electrical components caused by high-temperature liquids. Additionally, neither of these types of variable flow systems is designed for reverse flow and may be unable to handle the high pressures required for reverse flow, and may be damaged when the system changes function.

[0004] Modern refrigeration systems are sometimes designed with reverse-flow fluid circulation, requiring expansion devices to allow fluid to flow unrestricted in the opposite direction. This new requirement is difficult to meet with expansion devices with fixed flow rates, and also adds extra cost and complexity to variable-flow electronic expansion devices. Furthermore, existing expansion devices are often integrated, making component replacement or upgrades impossible when user needs change, increasing costs and wasting resources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this invention is to provide a modular expansion device and an air conditioning system to solve the problems of difficult flow regulation and inability to achieve reverse flow in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above and other related objectives, the present invention provides a modular expansion device, which includes an expansion module and a flow control module connected along the axial direction;

[0007] The expansion module has a first cavity, which is connected to a first pipeline. An orifice valve is provided at one end of the first cavity near the flow control module. When flowing in the forward direction, the high-pressure liquid from the first pipeline expands into low-pressure liquid through the orifice valve and then enters the flow control module.

[0008] The flow control module contains a second cavity, within which is an adjustable plug that can move axially. The adjustable plug has a conical sealing plug. A flow-blocking plate perpendicular to the axial direction is fixed to the inner wall of the second cavity. The flow-blocking plate has a flow hole concentric with the axial direction. The sealing plug is inserted into the flow hole and forms a flow gap with the flow hole. The size of the flow gap is adjusted by moving the position of the adjustable plug, thereby achieving flow regulation. The second cavity is also connected to a second pipeline. When flowing in the forward direction, the low-pressure liquid entering the flow control module flows out from the second pipeline after passing through the flow gap.

[0009] Optionally, it also includes an additional module; the additional module has a third cavity formed therein, the third cavity including a first column segment, a first cone segment and a second column segment that are connected along the axial direction, the first column segment being connected to the first cavity through a first branch pipe, and the second column segment being connected to the second cavity through a second branch pipe; the inner cone surface of the first cone segment and the check plug that mates with the inner cone surface form a check valve.

[0010] Optionally, the radius of the check plug decreases sequentially along the direction from the first column segment to the second column segment.

[0011] Optionally, a spring is provided between the end face of the check plug near the first column and the end face of the first column away from the check plug. The spring is used to provide a thrust to the check plug toward the second column to ensure that the check valve is in the closed state when the flow is positive.

[0012] Optionally, the orifice valve includes a valve orifice and an expansion chamber that are axially connected. The radius of the expansion chamber is larger than the radius of the valve orifice. High-pressure liquid enters the expansion chamber through the flow orifice to achieve expansion.

[0013] The present invention also provides another modular expansion device, which includes an expansion module and a flow control module connected along the axial direction;

[0014] The expansion module has a first cavity, which is connected to a first pipeline. The end of the first cavity near the flow control module is set as an inner conical surface. The conical check plug cooperates with the inner conical surface to form a check valve. Along the direction from the expansion module to the flow control module, the radius of the check plug decreases sequentially.

[0015] The check plug has an axially penetrating orifice plate flow channel inside. The radius of the end of the orifice plate flow channel away from the flow control module is smaller than the radius of the end of the flow channel near the flow control module. During forward flow, the high-pressure liquid from the first pipeline expands into low-pressure liquid through the orifice plate flow channel and then enters the flow control module.

[0016] Optionally, the flow control module has a second cavity, which contains an adjusting plug that can move axially. The adjusting plug has a conical sealing plug. A flow-blocking plate perpendicular to the axial direction is fixed to the inner wall of the second cavity. The flow-blocking plate has a flow hole concentric with the axial direction. The sealing plug is inserted into the flow hole and forms a flow gap with the flow hole. The flow rate is adjusted by moving the position of the adjusting plug to adjust the size of the flow gap.

[0017] Optionally, the second cavity is connected to a second pipeline, and during forward flow, the low-pressure liquid entering the flow control module flows out through the flow gap and then out of the second pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, a spring is provided between the check plug and the end face of the first cavity. The spring is used to provide a thrust to the check plug toward the flow control module to ensure that the check valve is in the closed state when the flow is positive.

[0019] The present invention also provides an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system including the modular expansion device as described above.

[0020] As described above, this invention provides a modular expansion device and an air conditioning system. The expansion device includes an expansion module and a flow control module connected axially. An orifice valve is installed within the expansion module. High-pressure liquid expands to low-pressure liquid through the orifice valve and then enters the flow control module. The flow control module includes an adjusting plug and a flow-stopping plate. A flow gap is formed between the conical sealing body of the adjusting plug and the flow hole of the flow-stopping plate. The size of the flow gap is adjusted by moving the position of the adjusting plug, thereby achieving flow regulation. Simultaneously, the expansion device also integrates a check valve to achieve reverse flow. During reverse flow, the high pressure of the high-pressure liquid opens the check valve, allowing a large amount of liquid to flow out in reverse from the check valve's channel without creating high pressure on the orifice valve and causing damage. The check valve, orifice valve, adjusting plug, and flow-stopping plate of this expansion device are all detachably connected for easy replacement. When the entire device needs maintenance or upgrades, only individual components need to be replaced, thus achieving modularity, saving user costs; and facilitating recycling, reducing the impact on resources and the environment, and achieving sustainable development. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 The diagram shows the principle of the refrigeration cycle.

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic of the forward flow of liquid in the expansion device of the present invention, where the check valve and the orifice valve are connected in parallel.

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram shows a reverse flow of liquid in the expansion device of the present invention, where the check valve and the orifice valve are connected in parallel.

[0024] Figure 4 The diagram shows the forward flow of liquid in the expansion device of the present invention, where the orifice valve is integrated into the check plug.

[0025] Figure 5 The diagram shows the reverse flow of liquid in the expansion device of the present invention, where the orifice valve is integrated into the check plug.

[0026] Component designation explanation

[0027] 11. Expansion Module

[0028] 21 Flow Control Module

[0029] 31 Additional Modules

[0030] 101 First Pipeline

[0031] 111 Valve Hole

[0032] 112 Expansion cavity

[0033] 110 orifice valve

[0034] 201 Second Pipeline

[0035] 210 Adjustable plug

[0036] 211 Sealing plug

[0037] 213 Cutoff plate

[0038] 214 Flow gap

[0039] 301 First Branch Pipe

[0040] 302 Second Branch Pipe

[0041] 311 Check plug

[0042] 312 Spring

[0043] 313 Orifice Plate Flow Channel Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0045] In the detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the cross-sectional views illustrating the device structure may be partially enlarged and not to scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In actual fabrication, the three-dimensional spatial dimensions of length, width, and depth should be included.

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower than,” “below,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the accompanying drawings and other elements or features. It will be understood that these spatial relation terms are intended to include directions other than those depicted in the drawings for the device in use or operation. Furthermore, when a layer is referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or there may be one or more layers in between. The phrase “between” as used herein includes both endpoint values.

[0047] In the context of this application, the structure described above the first feature may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, or embodiments in which additional features are formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

[0048] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the illustrations only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this embodiment provides a modular expansion device, which includes an expansion module 11 and a flow control module 21 that are connected along the axial direction;

[0051] The expansion module 11 has a first cavity, which is connected to a first pipeline 101. An orifice valve 110 is provided at one end of the first cavity near the flow control module 21. High-pressure liquid from the first pipeline 101 is expanded into low-pressure liquid by the orifice valve 110 and then enters the flow control module 21.

[0052] The flow control module 21 has a second cavity, and the second cavity is provided with an adjusting plug 210 that can move along the axial direction. The adjusting plug 210 has a conical sealing plug 211. The inner wall of the second cavity is fixed with a flow-blocking plate 213 perpendicular to the axial direction. The flow-blocking plate 213 has a flow hole concentric with the axial direction. The sealing plug 211 is inserted into the flow hole and forms a flow gap 214 with the flow hole. The flow rate is adjusted by moving the position of the adjusting plug 210 to adjust the size of the flow gap 214.

[0053] The second cavity is connected to the second pipe 201, and the low-pressure liquid entering the flow control module 21 flows out from the second pipe 201 after passing through the flow gap 214.

[0054] Furthermore, it also includes an additional module 31, which has a third cavity. The third cavity includes a first column section, a first cone section, and a second column section that are connected along the axial direction. The first column section is connected to the first cavity through a first branch pipe 301, and the second column section is connected to the second cavity through a second branch pipe 302. The inner cone surface of the first cone section and the check plug 311 that cooperates with the inner cone surface form a check valve.

[0055] Specifically, along the direction from the first column segment to the second column segment, the radius of the check plug 311 decreases sequentially. A spring 312 is provided between the end face of the check plug 311 near the first column segment and the end face of the first column segment away from the check plug 311. The spring 312 is used to provide the check plug 311 with a thrust toward the second column segment to ensure that when flowing in the forward direction, the check plug 311 is in close contact with the inner conical surface, so that the check valve is in the closed state.

[0056] Furthermore, the orifice valve 110 includes a valve hole 111 and an expansion chamber 112 that are axially connected. The radius of the expansion chamber 112 is larger than the radius of the valve hole 111. High-pressure liquid enters the expansion chamber 112 through the flow hole to achieve expansion. The orifice valve 110 is in sealed contact with the first cavity.

[0057] Furthermore, the first pipe 101 is arranged axially, and the second pipe 201 is arranged perpendicular to the axial direction. Both the first branch pipe 301 and the second branch pipe 302 are arranged perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0058] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, during forward flow, the high-pressure liquid from the first pipeline 101 expands into low-pressure liquid through the orifice valve 110 and enters the flow control module 21. Simultaneously, it enters the first column section through the first branch pipe 301. The pressure of the high-pressure liquid forces the check valve to close, ensuring that liquid only enters the flow control module 21 through the orifice valve 110. The adjusting plug 210 of the flow control module 21 can move axially to adjust the size of the flow gap 214, thereby regulating the flow rate of the liquid flowing out of the second pipeline 201. When the adjusting plug 210 moves to the right, the flow gap 214 increases, and the flow rate increases; when the adjusting plug 210 moves to the left, the flow gap 214 decreases, and the flow rate decreases. The movement of the adjusting plug 210 can be adjusted using a stepper motor. All modules and components of this expansion device are detachably connected for easy replacement. In particular, the orifice valve 110 can be replaced according to user requirements without replacing the entire flow control system, thus achieving modularity.

[0059] When flowing in the opposite direction, such as Figure 2 As shown, the high-pressure liquid from the second pipeline 201 first passes through the flow control module 21, and is drawn out by the sealing plug 211, with the flow orifice fully open. Further, the high-pressure liquid in the flow control module 21 flows into the auxiliary module 31 in large quantities through the second branch. The high pressure opens the check valve, and the liquid enters the first pipeline 101 through the first branch and the first cavity, achieving reverse flow. Simultaneously, a small amount of fluid also flows reversely into the first cavity through the orifice valve 110. Because the amount of liquid entering the orifice valve 110 is small, the pressure on both sides of the orifice valve 110 is almost the same, and it will not create high pressure on the orifice valve 110, causing damage.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] This embodiment also provides a modular expansion device. Unlike the expansion device in Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 1, the orifice valve and the check valve are respectively set in the expansion module and the auxiliary module, and can be regarded as being in parallel. In this embodiment, the orifice valve is integrated into the check plug of the check valve, and both are set in the expansion module.

[0062] Specifically, such as Figures 3-4 As shown, the expansion device includes an expansion module 11 and a flow control module 21 connected along the axial direction; a first cavity is formed inside the expansion module 11, and the first cavity is connected to a first pipeline 101. The end of the first cavity near the flow control module 21 is set as an inner conical surface, and a conical check plug 311 cooperates with the inner conical surface to form a check valve. Along the direction from the expansion module 11 to the flow control module 21, the radius of the check plug 311 decreases sequentially.

[0063] The check plug 311 has an axially extending orifice plate channel 313 inside. The radius of the end of the orifice plate channel 313 away from the flow control module 21 is smaller than the radius of the end of the channel near the flow control module 21, thus integrating an orifice plate valve inside the check plug 311. The orifice plate channel 313 corresponds to the combination of valve hole 111 and expansion chamber 112 in the above embodiment. High-pressure liquid from the first pipeline 101 is expanded into low-pressure liquid through the orifice plate channel 313 and then enters the flow control module 21.

[0064] Furthermore, a second cavity is formed within the flow control module 21. An adjusting plug 210 capable of moving axially is provided within the second cavity. The adjusting plug 210 has a conical sealing plug 211. A flow-blocking plate 213 perpendicular to the axial direction is fixed to the inner wall of the second cavity. The flow-blocking plate 213 has a flow hole concentric with the axial direction. The sealing plug 211 is inserted into the flow hole and forms a flow gap 214 with the flow hole. The flow rate is adjusted by moving the position of the adjusting plug 210 to adjust the size of the flow gap 214.

[0065] The second cavity is connected to the second pipe 201, and the low-pressure liquid entering the flow control module 21 flows out from the second pipe 201 after passing through the flow gap 214.

[0066] Furthermore, a spring 312 is provided between the check plug 311 and the end face of the first cavity. The spring 312 is used to provide the check plug 311 with a thrust toward the flow control module 21 to ensure that the check valve is in the closed state when the flow is positive.

[0067] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, during forward flow, the high-pressure liquid from the first pipeline 101 is kept closed by a check valve. The high-pressure liquid expands into a low-pressure liquid only through the orifice channel 313 within the check plug 311, and then enters the flow control module 21. The adjusting plug 210 of the flow control module 21 can move axially to adjust the size of the flow gap 214, thereby regulating the flow rate of the liquid flowing out of the second pipeline 201. When the adjusting plug 210 moves to the right, the flow gap 214 increases, and the flow rate increases; when the adjusting plug 210 moves to the left, the flow gap 214 decreases, and the flow rate decreases. The movement of the adjusting plug 210 can be adjusted by a stepper motor. All modules and components of this expansion device are detachably connected for easy replacement. In particular, the check plug 311 can be replaced according to user requirements without replacing the entire flow control system, thus achieving modularity.

[0068] When flowing in the opposite direction, such as Figure 4 As shown, the high pressure from the second pipeline 201 first passes through the flow control module 21, and is extracted by the sealing plug 211, with the flow orifice fully open. Further, the high-pressure liquid in the flow control module 21 opens the check valve, and the liquid enters the first cavity and the first pipeline through the gap between the check plug 311 and the inner conical surface, achieving reverse flow. Simultaneously, a small amount of fluid also flows reversely into the first cavity through the orifice plate channel 313. Because the amount of liquid entering the orifice plate channel 313 is small, the pressure at both ends of the orifice plate channel 313 is almost the same, and it will not create high pressure that could damage it.

[0069] In summary, this invention provides a modular expansion device and air conditioning system. The expansion device includes an expansion module and a flow control module connected along the axial direction. An orifice valve is installed within the expansion module. High-pressure liquid expands to low-pressure liquid through the orifice valve and then enters the flow control module. The flow control module includes an adjusting plug and a flow-stopping plate. A flow gap is formed between the conical sealing body of the adjusting plug and the flow hole of the flow-stopping plate. The size of the flow gap is adjusted by moving the position of the adjusting plug, thereby achieving flow regulation. Simultaneously, the expansion device also integrates a check valve to achieve reverse flow. During reverse flow, the high pressure of the high-pressure liquid opens the check valve, allowing a large amount of liquid to flow out in reverse from the check valve's channel without creating high pressure and damaging the orifice valve. The check valve, orifice valve, adjusting plug, and flow-stopping plate of this expansion device are all detachably connected for easy replacement. When the entire device needs maintenance or upgrades, only individual components need to be replaced, thus achieving modularity, saving user costs; and facilitating recycling, reducing the impact on resources and the environment, and achieving sustainable development.

[0070] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular expansion device, characterized in that, The modular expansion device includes an expansion module and a flow control module connected along the axial direction. The expansion module has a first cavity, which is connected to a first pipeline. An orifice valve is provided at one end of the first cavity near the flow control module. When flowing in the forward direction, the high-pressure liquid from the first pipeline expands into low-pressure liquid through the orifice valve and then enters the flow control module. The flow control module contains a second cavity, within which is an axially movable adjusting plug. The adjusting plug has a conical sealing plug. A flow-blocking plate perpendicular to the axial direction is fixed to the inner wall of the second cavity. The flow-blocking plate has a flow hole concentric with the axial direction. The sealing plug is inserted into the flow hole, forming a flow gap with the flow hole. The size of the flow gap is adjusted by moving the position of the adjusting plug, thereby achieving flow regulation. The second cavity is also connected to a second pipeline. During forward flow, the low-pressure liquid entering the flow control module flows out through the flow gap and then out through the second pipeline. The modular expansion device also includes an additional module, which forms a third cavity. The third cavity includes a first column section, a first cone section, and a second column section that are connected along the axial direction. The first column section is connected to the first cavity through a first branch pipe, and the second column section is connected to the second cavity through a second branch pipe. The inner cone surface of the first cone section and the check plug that mates with the inner cone surface form a check valve.

2. The modular expansion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction from the first column segment to the second column segment, the radius of the check plug decreases sequentially.

3. The modular expansion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A spring is provided between the end face of the check plug near the first column and the end face of the first column away from the check plug. The spring is used to provide the check plug with a thrust toward the second column to ensure that the check valve is in the closed state when the flow is positive.

4. The modular expansion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orifice valve includes a valve orifice and an expansion chamber that are connected along the axial direction. The radius of the expansion chamber is larger than the radius of the valve orifice. High-pressure liquid enters the expansion chamber through the flow orifice to achieve expansion.

5. A modular expansion device, characterized in that, The modular expansion device includes an expansion module and a flow control module connected along the axial direction. The expansion module has a first cavity, which is connected to a first pipeline. The end of the first cavity near the flow control module is set as an inner conical surface. The conical check plug cooperates with the inner conical surface to form a check valve. Along the direction from the expansion module to the flow control module, the radius of the check plug decreases sequentially. The check plug has an axially penetrating orifice plate flow channel inside. The radius of the end of the orifice plate flow channel away from the flow control module is smaller than the radius of the end of the orifice plate flow channel closer to the flow control module. During forward flow, the high-pressure liquid from the first pipeline expands into low-pressure liquid through the orifice plate flow channel and then enters the flow control module. The flow control module has a second cavity, which contains an adjusting plug that can move axially. The adjusting plug has a conical sealing plug. A flow-blocking plate perpendicular to the axial direction is fixed to the inner wall of the second cavity. The flow-blocking plate has a flow hole concentric with the axial direction. The sealing plug is inserted into the flow hole and forms a flow gap with the flow hole. The flow rate is adjusted by moving the position of the adjusting plug to adjust the size of the flow gap.

6. The modular expansion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second cavity is connected to a second pipeline. When the flow is forward, the low-pressure liquid that enters the flow control module flows out through the flow gap and then out of the second pipeline.

7. The modular expansion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A spring is provided between the check plug and the end face of the first cavity. The spring provides a thrust to the check plug toward the flow control module to ensure that the check valve is closed when the flow is positive.

8. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, Includes the modular expansion device as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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