Piston expander and air conditioner

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide a piston expander and an air conditioner, which relate to the field of air conditioning technology. The piston expander provided in the embodiments of the present application includes an expansion tube, a piston assembly and a crank-connecting rod mechanism. By improving the piston assembly, a new way of intake and exhaust is realized. The piston expander has a reasonable and compact structure, realizes the conversion of high-pressure gas to low-pressure gas, can be used in air conditioners, and meets the requirements of operation under low-load conditions. In addition, the mechanical energy of the reciprocating motion of the piston part of the piston expander can be output as torque through the crank-connecting rod mechanism, so that the work of gas expansion can be effectively utilized. The air conditioner provided in the embodiments of the present application includes the above-mentioned piston expander.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, most expanders used in air conditioning or refrigeration systems are rotor and scroll expanders. Their structures are improved upon rotor and scroll compressors. They primarily recover energy in two ways: one is to connect the expander's main shaft to the compressor's main shaft, creating an integrated expander-compressor system. The refrigerant expands in the expander, driving the expander's main shaft, which is then connected to the compressor's main shaft, outputting work directly to the compressor shaft, powering the compressor. The other is to connect the expander's main shaft to a generator's shaft, generating electricity. The generator's AC power is rectified into DC, which is then inverted back to AC for the compressor. However, existing expanders are structurally inadequate. As a result, when the air conditioning system is operating at low load, the compressor's suction and exhaust pressure differential is low, insufficient to drive the expander. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem solved by the present application is that the existing expander is difficult to operate under low load conditions of the air-conditioning system.

[0004] To solve the above problems, in a first aspect, the present application provides a piston expander, comprising an expansion tube, a piston assembly, and a crank-connecting rod mechanism; a first blocking portion is provided at one end of the expansion tube, and the piston assembly comprises a piston portion, a conduit, a transmission rod, a first valve core, and a second valve core; the piston portion is provided in the expansion tube and divides the inner cavity of the expansion tube into an expansion cavity and an exhaust cavity; the exhaust cavity is communicated with the outside of the expansion tube; the expansion cavity is located between the first blocking portion and the piston portion; the conduit, the piston portion, and the transmission rod are axially connected in sequence; the conduit passes through the first blocking portion and thus passes out of the expansion cavity; and the transmission rod is in driving connection with the crank-connecting rod mechanism;

[0005] The piston part is provided with a first air channel, a second air channel, an air inlet, a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port. One end of the first air channel is connected to the conduit, and the other end is connected to the expansion chamber through the air inlet. The two ends of the second air channel are connected to the expansion chamber and the exhaust chamber through the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port respectively. The first valve core is movably inserted in the piston part. The first valve core has a first position blocking the first air channel and a second position opening the first air channel. In the process of the piston part moving to expand the expansion chamber, the first valve core can be squeezed by the inner wall of the expansion tube and move from the second position to the first position; the second valve core is arranged in the second air channel and can move along the second air channel. A flow channel is opened on the second valve core, and the air flow in the second air channel can pass through the second valve core through the flow channel. The second valve core has a third position blocking the second exhaust port and a fourth position opening the second exhaust port. The second valve core can move to the third position under the action of the air pressure in the expansion chamber. An elastic member is also provided in the second air channel, and the second valve core has a tendency to move to the fourth position under the action of the elastic member.

[0006] The present application provides a novel piston expander. By improving the piston assembly, the expander can operate according to the following process during use: When the expansion chamber begins to expand, gas enters the expansion chamber through the conduit and the first air passage. The pressure in the expansion chamber increases, causing the piston to move and the expansion chamber to expand. At this time, the second valve core, due to the pressure in the expansion chamber, overcomes the force of the elastic member and remains in the third position, blocking the second exhaust port, preventing the gas in the expansion chamber from flowing through the second air passage to the exhaust chamber. When the expansion chamber expands to a certain extent, the first valve core moves from the second position to the first position, thereby blocking the first air passage and preventing the gas in the conduit from continuing to enter the expansion chamber. The piston continues to expand the expansion chamber under the influence of air pressure, inertia (or the inertia of the crank-connecting rod mechanism), etc., until the piston reaches the first limit position (at which point the expansion chamber is at its largest). When the piston reaches the first limit position, the air pressure in the expansion chamber drops sufficiently low, and the elastic member overcomes the air pressure, pushing the second valve core to the fourth position, thereby opening the second exhaust port. After that, the crank of the crank-connecting rod mechanism will continue to rotate, the piston part will return from the first extreme position, and the expansion chamber will gradually decrease. During this process, because the second valve core is always in the fourth position under the action of the elastic member, the second air channel is always connected to the expansion chamber and the exhaust chamber, and the gas in the expansion chamber is discharged to the exhaust chamber until the piston part moves to the second extreme position (at this time, the expansion chamber is the smallest). Next, the expansion chamber draws in gas through the conduit, and the operation repeats in this way. This piston expander has a reasonable and compact structure, realizes the conversion of high-pressure gas to low-pressure gas, and can be used in air conditioners to meet the requirements of low-load operation. In addition, the mechanical energy of the reciprocating motion of the piston part of the piston expander can be output as torque through the crank-connecting rod mechanism, so that the work of gas expansion can be effectively utilized.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the piston portion is provided with an insertion hole, the insertion hole radially extending from the outer peripheral side of the piston portion to the first air passage, the first valve core is movably inserted into the insertion hole, the first valve core having an outer end and an inner end, the inner end of the first valve core being able to block the first air passage when the first valve core is in a first position, and the outer end of the first valve core being able to extend out of the piston portion when the first valve core is in a second position;

[0008] At least one of the outer end of the first valve core and the inner circumference of the expansion tube is provided with an inclined surface, the normal vector of the inclined surface is inclined to the movement direction of the piston part, and when the piston part moves to expand the expansion chamber, the first valve core can move from the second position to the first position under the guidance of the inclined surface.

[0009] In this embodiment, the first valve core is radially inserted into the piston portion, with its outer end capable of abutting the inner circumference of the expansion tube. At least one of the outer end of the first valve core and the inner circumference of the expansion tube is provided with an inclined surface. This inclined surface guides the piston portion during movement, pushing the first valve core into the piston portion without hindering the piston's linear motion. This allows the inner end of the first valve core to block the first air passage, thereby preventing further air from entering the expansion chamber.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, a first inclined surface is provided on the outer end of the first valve core, and a second inclined surface is provided on the inner circumference of the expansion tube. When the piston moves to expand the expansion chamber, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can contact and slide relative to each other, thereby moving the first valve core from the second position to the first position. In this embodiment, by providing the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface on the first valve core and the expansion tube, respectively, the first valve core can be more smoothly pushed to the first position during the process of the piston expanding the expansion chamber, thereby blocking the first airway.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, a relief hole is further provided at one end of the piston portion facing the expansion chamber, the relief hole extending to the insertion hole, a mating portion protruding from the first blocking portion, a third inclined surface provided at the end of the mating portion, and a fourth inclined surface provided on the first valve core. When the piston portion moves to the minimum volume of the expansion chamber, the mating portion extends into the insertion hole through the relief hole and the third inclined surface abuts the fourth inclined surface. During the insertion of the mating portion into the insertion hole, the third inclined surface can slide relative to the fourth inclined surface and force the first valve core to move to the second position. In this embodiment, after the first valve core moves to the first position, it is necessary to return to the second position when the piston portion moves to the second extreme position (at which time the expansion chamber is at its minimum) to ensure that the catheter can supply air to the expansion chamber. The third inclined surface on the mating portion can cause the first valve core to move to the second position, thereby achieving a reset effect.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the second valve core is in contact with the inner wall of the second air channel, and the flow channel of the second valve core is a through hole that penetrates the second valve core.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, at least one exhaust groove is provided on the end surface of the second valve core near the first exhaust port. The exhaust groove extends radially along the second valve core, with one end of the exhaust groove communicating with the flow channel and the other end extending to the outer circumferential surface of the second valve core. In this embodiment, by providing the radially extending exhaust groove on the second valve core, even when the end surface of the second valve core abuts the inner wall of the expansion tube when the second valve core is in the fourth position, the opening of the flow channel will not be blocked, thereby preventing the flow of gas in the first air channel from being obstructed. The airflow entering the first exhaust port can enter the flow channel through the exhaust groove and then flow through the flow channel to the second exhaust port.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the elastic member is a spring, a protrusion is provided on the end surface of the second valve core close to the first exhaust port, the spring is sleeved on the protrusion, and the spring is used to provide thrust to the second valve core.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the piston expander includes an air inlet pipe axially connected to the expansion pipe, the air inlet pipe forms an air inlet cavity, and an end of the conduit away from the piston portion is inserted into the air inlet cavity.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, a second sealing portion is provided at one end of the expansion tube remote from the first sealing portion, forming an exhaust chamber between the second sealing portion and the piston portion. The piston expander further includes an outlet pipe axially connected to the end of the expansion tube remote from the first sealing portion. The outlet pipe defines a receiving chamber within the outlet pipe. The crank-connecting rod mechanism is disposed within the receiving chamber, and the output shaft of the crank-connecting rod mechanism extends through a sidewall of the receiving chamber. The drive rod of the piston assembly passes through the second sealing portion and is in driving connection with the crank-connecting rod mechanism. In this embodiment, the crank-connecting rod mechanism is disposed within the receiving chamber for ease of securement.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the outlet pipe further includes an outlet cavity, which is separated from the receiving chamber by a third blocking portion. A gas supply pipe is further provided within the receiving chamber, one end of which is connected to the second blocking portion and communicates with the exhaust chamber, and the other end of which is connected to the third blocking portion and communicates with the outlet cavity. In this embodiment, the outlet cavity of the outlet pipe receives gas from the exhaust chamber via the gas supply pipe, preventing this gas from affecting the operation of the crank-connecting rod mechanism. This gas can then be transported further downstream via the outlet pipe.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the crank-connecting rod mechanism includes a connecting rod, an output shaft, and a crank connected to the output shaft. One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to a transmission rod, and the other end is rotatably connected to the crank. An inertia wheel is also provided on the output shaft. There may be one or more inertia wheels, with the axis of each inertia wheel coinciding with the axis of the output shaft. In this embodiment, the provision of the inertia wheel enables the crank of the crank-connecting rod mechanism to pass through its extreme positions (relative to the near or far point of the expansion tube) under the action of inertia, thereby smoothly performing circular motion.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application provides an air conditioner comprising the piston expander of any one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the air conditioner includes an outdoor fan, and the output shaft of the crank-connecting rod mechanism is drivingly connected to the rotating shaft of the outdoor fan. In this embodiment, by providing a piston expander in the air conditioner, the expansion of the refrigerant can provide power for the outdoor fan, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the air conditioner includes a generator, the output shaft of the crank-connecting rod mechanism being drivingly connected to the generator, which is used to supply power to the air conditioner's electrical components. In this embodiment, by providing a piston expander and a generator within the air conditioner, the expansion of the refrigerant can be used to generate electricity for use by other electrical components, thereby improving energy efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a piston expander in one embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a piston expander in a first state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a piston portion, a guide rod, and a transmission rod in an embodiment of the present application from a first perspective;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a piston portion, a guide rod, and a transmission rod in an embodiment of the present application from a second viewing angle;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a piston portion, a guide rod, and a transmission rod in one embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a first valve core in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an expansion tube in one embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an air intake pipe in one embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a second valve core in a first viewing angle in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a second valve core in an embodiment of the present application at a second viewing angle;

[0032] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of a crank-connecting rod mechanism (connecting rod omitted) in one embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a piston expander in a second state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a piston expander in a third state according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a piston expander in a fourth state in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals: 010-piston expander; 100-expansion tube; 101-expansion chamber; 102-exhaust chamber; 103-second inclined surface; 110-second blocking portion; 200-inlet pipe; 201-inlet chamber; 210-first blocking portion; 220-matching portion; 221-third inclined surface; 300-outlet pipe; 301-accommodating chamber; 302-outlet chamber; 303-axial hole; 310-third blocking portion; 320-air delivery pipe; 400-piston assembly; 410-piston portion; 411-first Air duct; 412-second air duct; 413-air inlet; 414-first exhaust port; 415-second exhaust port; 416-avoidance hole; 417-jack; 420-conduit; 430-transmission rod; 440-first valve core; 441-first inclined plane; 442-fourth inclined plane; 450-second valve core; 451-flow channel; 452-exhaust groove; 453-protrusion; 460-elastic member; 500-crank-connecting rod mechanism; 510-output shaft; 520-crank; 530-connecting rod; 540-flying wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In vapor-compression refrigeration systems, the throttling element is crucial for regulating system flow and maintaining system pressure differentials. Currently, throttling elements in refrigeration equipment (including air conditioners) are mostly throttling valves (expansion valves) or capillary tubes. Their operating principle is to rapidly reduce the refrigerant pressure across the throttling element by exploiting localized resistance losses. Throttling losses are irreversible. In theory, replacing the irreversible isenthalpic throttling process with a reversible adiabatic expansion process can reduce system entropy gain. Expanders can theoretically achieve adiabatic expansion of the refrigerant, allowing for energy recovery and utilization. Existing expanders are categorized by structure: rotor (single or dual rotor), scroll, vane, and piston. Based on their operating principle, they can be divided into velocity-type (Pelton-type expanders) and volume-type. Based on their energy recovery method, they can be categorized into integrated expander-compressor units and expander-generator units. The expanders currently used in air conditioning or refrigeration systems are mostly rotor and scroll expanders. Their structures are improved on rotor and scroll compressors. There are two main ways to recover energy. One is to connect the expander main shaft to the compressor main shaft, that is, an expansion-compression integrated machine. The refrigerant expands in the expander, driving the expander main shaft. The expander main shaft is connected to the compressor main shaft, and the work is directly output to the compressor shaft to provide power for the compressor. The other is to connect the expander main shaft to the generator shaft, drive the generator to generate electricity, rectify the AC power generated by the generator into DC power, and then invert it into AC power for the compressor. However, the above existing structures and methods have the following disadvantages:

[0038] 1. The expander structure with an improved rotor and scroll compressor is large in size and high in cost. When the air conditioner is running at low load, the suction and exhaust pressure difference of the compressor is small and insufficient to drive the expander to operate.

[0039] 2. The movement direction of the rotor and scroll expander is inconsistent with the expansion direction of the refrigerant, which will cause friction loss.

[0040] 3. The expander speed is generally low. When the compressor runs at high frequency, the expansion-compression integrated machine will cause the compressor to do negative work (the compressor drives the expander to rotate) because the expander and compressor speeds are not synchronized, and may even cause vibration.

[0041] 4. The output power of the existing expander is about 50W. The expander-generator plays a negligible role in supplying the generator's electrical energy to the compressor, and the cost is high.

[0042] 5. The piston expander is a reciprocating motion, and the output work is difficult to utilize.

[0043] 6. The air intake (structure) method of the expander is mostly electronically controlled, which is costly.

[0044] To address at least one of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a piston expander 010 and an air conditioner equipped with the piston expander 010. This improvement achieves a more reasonable air intake and exhaust method, enabling the air conditioner to operate under low load conditions.

[0045] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a piston expander 010 in one embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a piston expander 010 in a first state in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the piston expander 010 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes an inlet pipe 200, an expansion pipe 100, and an outlet pipe 300 axially connected in sequence, and also includes a piston assembly 400 and a crank-connecting rod mechanism 500. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 200, the expansion pipe 100, and the outlet pipe 300 can be detachably connected by screws.

[0047] In this embodiment, the air inlet pipe 200 forms an air inlet chamber 201, the expansion tube 100 forms an expansion chamber 101 and an exhaust chamber 102, and the air outlet pipe 300 forms a accommodating chamber 301 and an air outlet chamber 302. In this embodiment, the exhaust chamber 102 is in communication with the exterior of the expansion tube 100 (specifically, with the air outlet chamber 302). The air inlet chamber 201, the expansion chamber 101, the exhaust chamber 102, the accommodating chamber 301, and the air outlet chamber 302 are arranged in sequence. The air inlet chamber 201 and the expansion chamber 101 are separated by a first blocking portion 210, the expansion chamber 101 and the exhaust chamber 102 are separated by a piston portion 410 of the piston assembly 400, the exhaust chamber 102 and the accommodating chamber 301 are separated by a second blocking portion 110, and the accommodating chamber 301 and the air outlet chamber 302 are separated by a third blocking portion 310.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the piston portion 410 , the guide rod and the transmission rod 430 in one embodiment of the present application from a first perspective; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the piston portion 410, the guide rod and the transmission rod 430 in one embodiment of the present application from a second viewing angle; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the piston portion 410, the guide rod and the transmission rod 430 in one embodiment of the present application. Figures 1 to 5 In this embodiment, the piston assembly 400 includes a piston portion 410 , a guide tube 420 , a transmission rod 430 , and a first valve core 440 , a second valve core 450 , and an elastic member 460 provided on the piston portion 410 .

[0049] In this embodiment, the conduit 420, the piston portion 410 and the transmission rod 430 are axially connected in sequence, the expansion chamber 101 is located between the first blocking portion 210 and the piston portion 410, the conduit 420 passes through the first blocking portion 210 and thus passes through the expansion chamber 101 and is inserted into the air intake chamber 201; the transmission rod 430 is transmission-connected to the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500.

[0050] The piston portion 410 is provided with a first air passage 411, a second air passage 412, an air inlet 413, a first exhaust port 414, and a second exhaust port 415. One end of the first air passage 411 is connected to the conduit 420, and the other end is connected to the expansion chamber 101 through the air inlet 413. The two ends of the second air passage 412 are connected to the expansion chamber 101 and the exhaust chamber 102 through the first exhaust port 414 and the second exhaust port 415 respectively. The first valve core 440 is movably inserted into the piston portion 410. The first valve core 440 has a first position (see FIG. 4 ) that blocks the first air passage 411. Figures 12 to 14 the position of the first valve core 440) and the second position of opening the first air passage 411 (ie Figure 1 The position of the first valve core 440 in the expansion chamber 101), in the process of the piston part 410 moving to expand the expansion chamber 101, the first valve core 440 can be squeezed by the inner wall of the expansion tube 100 and move from the second position to the first position; the second valve core 450 is arranged in the second air channel 412 and can move along the second air channel 412. The second valve core 450 is provided with a flow channel 451, and the air flow in the second air channel 412 can pass through the second valve core 450 through the flow channel 451. The second valve core 450 has a third position for blocking the second exhaust port 415 and a fourth position for opening the second exhaust port 415. The second valve core 450 can move to the third position under the action of the air pressure in the expansion chamber 101. An elastic member 460 is also provided in the second air channel 412. The second valve core 450 has a tendency to move to the fourth position under the action of the elastic member 460.

[0051] In this embodiment, the piston portion 410 is provided with a socket 417 that extends radially from the outer circumference of the piston portion 410 to the first air passage 411. A first valve core 440 is movably inserted into the socket 417. The first valve core 440 has an outer end and an inner end. When the first valve core 440 is in a first position, the inner end of the first valve core 440 blocks the first air passage 411. When the first valve core 440 is in a second position, the outer end of the first valve core 440 extends out of the piston portion 410. Optionally, at least one of the outer end of the first valve core 440 and the inner circumference of the expansion tube 100 is provided with an inclined surface, the normal vector of the inclined surface being inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the piston portion 410. When the piston portion 410 moves to expand the expansion chamber 101, the first valve core 440 can be guided by the inclined surface to move from the second position to the first position. The first valve core 440 is radially inserted into the piston portion 410, with its outer end being able to abut against the inner circumference of the expansion tube 100. At least one of the outer end of the first valve core 440 and the inner circumference of the expansion tube 100 is provided with an inclined surface, so that when the piston part 410 moves, the inclined surface can play a guiding role. Without hindering the linear movement of the piston part 410, the first valve core 440 is squeezed into the piston part 410, so that the inner end of the first valve core 440 blocks the first air channel 411, thereby preventing the expansion chamber 101 from continuing to take in air.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a first valve core 440 in one embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an expansion tube 100 in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, specifically in this embodiment, a first inclined surface 441 is provided on the outer end of the first valve core 440, and a second inclined surface 103 is provided on the inner circumference of the expansion tube 100. When the piston portion 410 moves to expand the expansion chamber 101, the first inclined surface 441 and the second inclined surface 103 can contact and slide relative to each other, thereby moving the first valve core 440 from the second position to the first position. In this embodiment, by providing the first inclined surface 441 and the second inclined surface 103 on the first valve core 440 and the expansion tube 100, respectively, the first valve core 440 can be more smoothly pushed to the first position during the process of the piston portion 410 expanding the expansion chamber 101, thereby blocking the first air channel 411.

[0053] In this embodiment, an escape hole 416 is further provided at one end of the piston portion 410 facing the expansion chamber 101 , and the escape hole 416 extends to the insertion hole 417 . Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air intake pipe 200 in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 8As shown, the first blocking portion 210 is a part of the end of the intake pipe 200 in this embodiment, and a fitting portion 220 is convexly provided on the surface of the first blocking portion 210 facing the expansion chamber 101, and a third inclined surface 221 is provided at the end of the fitting portion 220, and a fourth inclined surface 442 is provided on the first valve core 440. When the piston portion 410 moves to the minimum volume of the expansion chamber 101 (defined as the second extreme position of the piston portion 410), the fitting portion 220 extends into the socket 417 through the avoidance hole 416 and the third inclined surface 221 is fitted with the fourth inclined surface 442, wherein, in the process of inserting the fitting portion 220 into the socket 417, the third inclined surface 221 can slide relative to the fourth inclined surface 442 and force the first valve core 440 to move to the second position. It can be understood that after the first valve core 440 moves to the first position, it needs to be restored to the second position when the piston part 410 moves to the second extreme position to ensure that the conduit 420 can supply air to the expansion chamber 101, and the third inclined surface 221 on the mating part 220 can make the first valve core 440 move to the second position, thereby achieving a reset effect.

[0054] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second valve core 450 in one embodiment of the present application at a first viewing angle; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second valve core 450 in a second viewing angle in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In conjunction with the aforementioned figures, the outer circumference of the second valve core 450 abuts the inner wall of the second air passage 412, and the flow passage 451 of the second valve core 450 is a through-hole extending through the second valve core 450. In this embodiment, at least one exhaust groove 452 is provided on the end surface of the second valve core 450 near the first exhaust port 414. The exhaust groove 452 extends radially along the second valve core 450, with one end communicating with the flow passage 451 and the other end extending to the outer circumference of the second valve core 450. It will be appreciated that the provision of the radially extending exhaust groove 452 on the second valve core 450 ensures that, even when the end surface of the second valve core 450 abuts the inner wall of the expansion tube 100 in the fourth position, the opening of the flow passage 451 is not blocked, thereby preventing gas flow in the first air passage 411 from being obstructed. Air entering the first exhaust port 414 can enter the flow passage 451 through the exhaust groove 452, and then flow through the flow passage 451 to the second exhaust port 415.

[0055] Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic member 460 is a spring. A protrusion 453 is provided on the end surface of the second valve core 450 near the first exhaust port 414. The spring is sleeved on the protrusion 453 and is used to provide thrust to the second valve core 450. When the air pressure in the expansion chamber 101 is sufficiently high, the second valve core 450 can overcome the thrust of the spring under the action of the air pressure and reach the first position. When the air pressure in the expansion chamber 101 is insufficient, the restoring force of the spring can push the second valve core 450 to the second position, thereby opening the second exhaust port 415.

[0056] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the outlet pipe 300 is axially connected to the end of the expansion tube 100 away from the first blocking portion 210. The crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 is disposed within the accommodating chamber 301 of the outlet pipe 300. The transmission rod 430 of the piston assembly 400 passes through the second blocking portion 110 and is in driving connection with the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500. In this embodiment, the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 is disposed within the accommodating chamber 301 for ease of fixation. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 (connecting rod 530 omitted) in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 11 The crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 includes a connecting rod 530, an output shaft 510, and a crank 520 connected to the output shaft 510. One end of the connecting rod 530 is rotatably connected to the transmission rod 430, and the other end is rotatably connected to the crank 520. The output shaft 510 is also provided with an inertia wheel 540. In this embodiment, the crank 520 is formed by bending the middle portion of the output shaft 510 and is capable of rotating about the axis of the output shaft 510. The provision of the inertia wheel 540 enables the crank 520 of the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 to pass through its limit position (the near or far point relative to the expansion tube 100) under the action of inertia, thereby smoothly performing circular motion. The output shaft 510 of the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 extends through the side wall of the accommodating chamber 301 through the axial hole 303 to transmit kinetic energy to the outside.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, an air delivery pipe 320 is further provided within the accommodating chamber 301. One end of the air delivery pipe 320 is connected to the second blocking portion 110 and communicates with the exhaust chamber 102, and the other end of the air delivery pipe 320 is connected to the third blocking portion 310 and communicates with the air outlet chamber 302. In this embodiment, the air outlet chamber 302 of the air outlet pipe 300 receives gas from the exhaust chamber 102 through the air delivery pipe 320, preventing such gas from affecting the operation of the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500. Such gas can then be further transported downstream via the air outlet pipe 300.

[0058] Figures 12 to 14 This is a schematic diagram of the piston expander 010 in different states in the embodiment of this application. Figure 2 as well as Figures 12 to 14 The piston expander 010 provided in the embodiment of the present application operates according to the following process when in use:

[0059] from Figure 2Starting from the state shown, when the expansion chamber 101 is at its smallest, the piston is in the second extreme position, the crank 520 of the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 is at the near point relative to the expansion tube 100, and the first valve core 440 is in the second position, thereby keeping the first air channel 411 unobstructed. At this time, when expansion begins, gas enters from the conduit 420 and enters the expansion chamber 101 through the first air channel 411. The air pressure in the expansion chamber 101 increases, causing the piston part 410 to move and the expansion chamber 101 to expand. In the process of the expansion chamber 101 expanding and the exhaust chamber 102 shrinking, the gas in the exhaust chamber 102 is sent to the air outlet chamber 302 through the air supply pipe 320 and discharged to the downstream. Therefore, the pressure in the exhaust chamber 102 is lower than that in the expansion chamber 101. At this time, the second valve core 450 is kept in the third position due to the pressure of the expansion chamber 101 overcoming the force of the elastic member 460, blocking the second exhaust port 415, so that the gas in the expansion chamber 101 cannot flow to the exhaust chamber 102 through the second air channel 412. When the expansion chamber 101 expands to a certain extent, it reaches Figure 12 In the state, the first valve core 440 will move from the second position to the first position due to the guidance of the first inclined surface 441 and the second inclined surface 103, thereby blocking the first air channel 411, and the gas in the conduit 420 cannot continue to enter the expansion chamber 101. Next, the expansion chamber 101 still has a considerable air pressure, and the piston part 410 will continue to expand the expansion chamber 101 under the air pressure and inertia (or the inertia of the crank connecting rod mechanism 500) until the piston part 410 moves to the first limit position (see Figure 13 , at which point the expansion chamber 101 is at its largest.) When the piston 410 reaches the first limit position, the crank 520 of the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 reaches a point farthest from the expansion tube 100, and the air pressure in the expansion chamber 101 drops sufficiently low. The elastic member 460 overcomes the air pressure and pushes the second valve core 450 to the fourth position, thereby opening the second exhaust port 415 and unblocking the second air passage 412. The crank 520 and output shaft 510 of the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 then continue to rotate in the same direction, driven by the inertia wheel 540, while the piston 410 returns from the first limit position, and the expansion chamber 101 gradually decreases. Figure 14 As shown. During this process, since the second valve core 450 is always in the fourth position under the action of the elastic member 460, the second air channel 412 is always connected to the expansion chamber 101 and the exhaust chamber 102, and the gas in the expansion chamber 101 is discharged to the exhaust chamber 102 until the piston part 410 moves to the second extreme position. In the process of the piston part 410 moving to the second extreme position, the matching part 220 will extend into the avoidance hole 416 of the piston part 410, and through the sliding fit of the third inclined surface 221 and the fourth inclined surface 442, the first valve core 440 will return to the second position, thereby restoring the first air channel 411 to be unobstructed. After the piston part 410 moves to the second extreme position, the expansion chamber 101 will then inhale gas through the conduit 420 and the first air channel 411, and the operation will be repeated in this way.

[0060] The present application also provides an air conditioner (not shown) comprising the piston expansion valve of the aforementioned embodiment. The piston expansion valve can be connected to a pipeline for transporting refrigerant. After passing through the piston expansion valve, the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is converted into low-pressure refrigerant. Furthermore, the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 can perform external work, utilizing the work generated by the expansion of the gaseous refrigerant.

[0061] Optionally, the air conditioner includes an external fan, and the output shaft 510 of the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 is drivingly connected to the rotating shaft of the external fan. Alternatively, the air conditioner includes a generator, and the output shaft 510 of the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500 is drivingly connected to the generator, which is used to power the air conditioner's electrical components, such as a compressor and a fan. By converting the expansion work of the gaseous refrigerant in the piston expander 010 into electrical energy or providing power for the external fan, energy efficiency can be improved.

[0062] In summary, the piston expander 010 provided in the embodiments of the present application has a reasonable and compact structure, achieves the conversion of high-pressure gas to low-pressure gas, and can be used in air conditioners to meet the requirements of low-load operation. Furthermore, the mechanical energy generated by the reciprocating motion of the piston portion 410 of the piston expander 010 can be output as torque through the crank-connecting rod mechanism 500, effectively utilizing the work of gas expansion.

[0063] Although the present application is disclosed as above, the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be based on the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A piston expander, characterized in that: The invention comprises an expansion tube (100), a piston assembly (400) and a crank-connecting rod mechanism (500); a first blocking portion (210) is provided at one end of the expansion tube (100); the piston assembly (400) comprises a piston portion (410), a guide tube (420), a transmission rod (430), a first valve core (440) and a second valve core (450); the piston portion (410) is provided in the expansion tube (100) and divides the inner cavity of the expansion tube (100) into an expansion cavity (101) and an exhaust cavity (102). 102), the exhaust chamber (102) is communicated with the outside of the expansion tube (100), the expansion chamber (101) is located between the first blocking portion (210) and the piston portion (410), the conduit (420), the piston portion (410) and the transmission rod (430) are axially connected in sequence, the conduit (420) passes through the first blocking portion (210) and thus passes out of the expansion chamber (101), and the transmission rod (430) is transmission-connected to the crank-connecting rod mechanism (500); The piston portion (410) is provided with a first air passage (411), a second air passage (412), an air inlet (413), a first exhaust port (414) and a second exhaust port (415). One end of the first air passage (411) is connected to the conduit (420), and the other end is connected to the expansion chamber (101) through the air inlet (413). Both ends of the second air passage (412) are connected to the expansion chamber (101) and the exhaust chamber (102) through the first exhaust port (414) and the second exhaust port (415), respectively. The first valve core (440) is movably inserted into the piston portion (410). The first valve core (440) has a first position for blocking the first air passage (411) and a second position for opening the first air passage (411). When the piston portion (410) moves to expand the expansion chamber (101), the first valve core (440) is opened. 40) can be squeezed by the inner wall of the expansion tube (100) and move from the second position to the first position; the second valve core (450) is arranged in the second air channel (412) and can move along the second air channel (412); a flow channel (451) is opened on the second valve core (450), and the air flow in the second air channel (412) can pass through the second valve core (450) through the flow channel (451); the second valve core (450) has a third position for blocking the second exhaust port (415) and a fourth position for opening the second exhaust port (415); the second valve core (450) can move to the third position under the action of the air pressure of the expansion chamber (101); an elastic member (460) is also provided in the second air channel (412); the second valve core (450) has a tendency to move to the fourth position under the action of the elastic member (460).

2. The piston expander according to claim 1, wherein: The piston portion (410) is provided with an insertion hole (417), the insertion hole (417) radially extending from the outer peripheral side of the piston portion (410) to the first air channel (411), the first valve core (440) is radially movably inserted into the insertion hole (417), the first valve core (440) having an outer end and an inner end, when the first valve core (440) is in the first position, the inner end thereof can block the first air channel (411), and when the first valve core (440) is in the second position, the outer end thereof can extend out of the piston portion (410); At least one of the outer end of the first valve core (440) and the inner circumference of the expansion tube (100) is provided with an inclined surface, and the normal vector of the inclined surface is inclined to the movement direction of the piston part (410). When the piston part (410) moves to expand the expansion chamber (101), the first valve core (440) can move from the second position to the first position under the guidance of the inclined surface.

3. The piston expander according to claim 2, wherein: The outer end of the first valve core (440) is provided with a first inclined surface (441), and the inner circumferential side of the expansion tube (100) is provided with a second inclined surface (103). When the piston part (410) moves to expand the expansion chamber (101), the first inclined surface (441) and the second inclined surface (103) can fit together and slide relative to each other, so that the first valve core (440) moves from the second position to the first position.

4. The piston expander according to claim 2, wherein: The piston portion (410) is further provided with an avoidance hole (416) at one end facing the expansion chamber (101), and the avoidance hole (416) extends to the insertion hole (417). A matching portion (220) is convexly provided on the first blocking portion (210), and a third inclined surface (221) is provided at the end of the matching portion (220). A fourth inclined surface (442) is provided on the first valve core (440). When the piston portion (410) moves to the minimum volume of the expansion chamber (101), the matching portion (220) extends into the insertion hole (417) through the avoidance hole (416) and the third inclined surface (221) is fitted with the fourth inclined surface (442). In the process of the matching portion (220) being inserted into the insertion hole (417), the third inclined surface (221) can slide relative to the fourth inclined surface (442) and force the first valve core (440) to move to the second position.

5. The piston expander according to claim 1, wherein: The outer peripheral surface of the second valve core (450) is in contact with the inner wall of the second air channel (412), and the flow channel (451) of the second valve core (450) is a through hole that penetrates the second valve core (450).

6. The piston expander according to claim 5, characterized in that At least one exhaust groove (452) is provided on the end surface of one end of the second valve core (450) close to the first exhaust port (414), and the exhaust groove (452) extends along the radial direction of the second valve core (450). One end of the exhaust groove (452) is connected to the flow channel (451), and the other end extends to the outer peripheral surface of the second valve core (450).

7. The piston expander according to claim 5, characterized in that The elastic member (460) is a spring, and a protrusion (453) is provided on the end surface of the second valve core (450) close to the first exhaust port (414). The spring is sleeved on the protrusion (453) and is used to provide thrust to the second valve core (450).

8. The piston expander according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The piston expander (010) includes an air inlet pipe (200), the air inlet pipe (200) is axially connected to the expansion pipe (100), the air inlet pipe (200) forms an air inlet cavity (201), and the end of the conduit (420) away from the piston part (410) is inserted into the air inlet cavity (201).

9. The piston expander according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A second blocking portion (110) is provided at one end of the expansion tube (100) away from the first blocking portion (210), and the exhaust chamber (102) is formed between the second blocking portion (110) and the piston portion (410). The piston expander (010) further comprises an outlet pipe (300), wherein the outlet pipe (300) is axially connected to the end of the expansion tube (100) away from the first blocking portion (210), and an accommodating chamber (301) is formed in the outlet pipe (300). The crank-connecting rod mechanism (500) is provided in the accommodating chamber (301), and the output shaft (510) of the crank-connecting rod mechanism (500) passes through the side wall of the accommodating chamber (301). The transmission rod (430) of the piston assembly (400) passes through the second blocking portion (110) and is transmission-connected to the crank-connecting rod mechanism (500).

10. The piston expander according to claim 9, characterized in that An air outlet cavity (302) is further provided in the air outlet pipe (300), and the air outlet cavity (302) is separated from the accommodating cavity (301) by a third blocking portion (310). An air supply pipe (320) is further provided in the accommodating cavity (301), one end of the air supply pipe (320) is connected to the second blocking portion (110) and communicates with the exhaust cavity (102), and the other end of the air supply pipe (320) is connected to the third blocking portion (310) and communicates with the air outlet cavity (302).

11. The piston expander according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The crank-connecting rod mechanism (500) comprises a connecting rod (530), an output shaft (510), and a crank (520) connected to the output shaft (510); one end of the connecting rod (530) is rotatably connected to the transmission rod (430), and the other end is rotatably connected to the crank (520); an inertia wheel (540) is also provided on the output shaft (510).

12. An air conditioner, characterized in that: It comprises the piston expander (010) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein: The air conditioner comprises an external fan, and the output shaft (510) of the crank-connecting rod mechanism (500) is in transmission connection with the rotating shaft of the external fan.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein: The air conditioner comprises a generator, and the output shaft (510) of the crank-connecting rod mechanism (500) is in driving connection with the generator, and the generator is used to supply power to electrical components of the air conditioner.

Images