A stop valve and air conditioner thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a stop valve and an air conditioner with the same, which comprises a valve body, a valve core and a vacuum lock, the valve core is inserted into the valve body and used for stopping the stop valve, and the vacuum lock is installed on the valve body and used for locking or releasing the valve core. The stop valve and the air conditioner provided by the application lock the valve core in the valve body by arranging the vacuum lock on the stop valve, so that the vacuumizing of the connecting pipe, the evaporator and the stop valve pipe section (the second valve body and the third valve body) must be performed before the air conditioner is installed, and then the stop valve is loosened counterclockwise to be conducted, and the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are conducted. Thus, the installation personnel can be prevented from directly conducting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner by skipping the vacuumizing process of the condenser when the air conditioner is installed, so that the water vapor and oxygen in the connecting pipe and the evaporator enter the air conditioner refrigerant system, and problems such as the ice blocking of the capillary tube, the copper plating of the compressor and the deterioration of the compressor oil after the air conditioner is operated are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shut-off valve and also to an air conditioner, belonging to the field of air conditioner technology. Background Technology

[0002] The installation process for a split-type air conditioner piping system is as follows: Install the indoor unit, install the outdoor unit, install the connecting pipes between the indoor and outdoor units (one end of the large pipe connects to the large shut-off valve port of the outdoor unit condenser, and the other end connects to the gas collection pipe of the indoor unit evaporator; one end of the small pipe connects to the small shut-off valve port of the condenser, and the other end connects to the liquid inlet pipe of the evaporator), evacuate the indoor unit, the connecting pipes between the indoor and outdoor units, and the shut-off valve section (second and third valve bodies) (through the refrigerant charging port of the large shut-off valve), after evacuation is completed, open the valve cores of the large and small shut-off valves to allow the refrigerant to enter the connecting pipes and evaporator from the outdoor unit condenser, and then power on for a test run.

[0003] In the above process, vacuuming is a critical step. If the after-sales service technician skips the vacuuming step, the system will contain air. The air contains a certain amount of moisture and oxygen, which will cause problems such as capillary tube ice blockage, compressor copper plating, and compressor oil deterioration after the system is running, affecting the compressor's lifespan and the air conditioner's energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, the supervision and management of whether the aforementioned key vacuuming process is performed generally relies on installers uploading vacuuming videos. However, there are issues with the upload of these videos; installers may falsify the videos, editing them repeatedly for reuse, or saving videos of vacuuming on lower floors or the ground for use during installation on higher floors. There is currently no reliable hardware monitoring method to verify whether the key vacuuming process is performed. If pressure sensors are installed in the air conditioning unit system for monitoring and transmitting the vacuuming result curves, it requires powering on the unit and putting it into commissioning mode, and the unit needs to have communication capabilities; both the controller hardware and software are quite complex. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The primary technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a shut-off valve with a vacuum lock, which solves the problem that during the installation of an air conditioner, after the indoor and outdoor units are connected by connecting pipes, the evaporator and connecting pipes are not evacuated, resulting in residual water vapor and air in the connecting pipes and evaporator entering the refrigerant system.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A shut-off valve includes a valve body, a valve core, and a vacuum lock.

[0008] The valve core is inserted into the valve body and is used to block the shut-off valve by rotating clockwise to stop the refrigerant flow.

[0009] The vacuum lock is installed on the valve body and is used to lock or unlock the valve core.

[0010] Preferably, the valve body includes a first valve body and a second valve body.

[0011] One end of the first valve body is connected to one end of the second valve body, and the other ends of the first and second valve bodies extend in different directions.

[0012] The valve core is placed inside the first valve body, and a vacuum lock is installed on the first valve body;

[0013] The second valve body is equipped with a refrigerant injection nozzle for connecting to a vacuum pump for evacuation.

[0014] Preferably, the first valve body is provided with a valve body lock hole for inserting a vacuum lock 4.

[0015] Preferably, the valve core is provided with a valve core locking hole for placing a part of the vacuum lock.

[0016] Preferably, the vacuum lock includes a multi-hole end cap, a sealing ring mounting bracket, a sealing ring, and a lock tongue.

[0017] The locking tongue, sealing ring, sealing ring mounting bracket, and multi-hole end cap are sequentially installed inside the valve body locking hole.

[0018] Preferably, the valve core is provided with a valve core locking hole for placing part of the locking tongue or the entire locking tongue.

[0019] Preferably, the valve body also includes a third valve body.

[0020] One end of the third valve body is connected to one end of the first valve body and one end of the second valve body, and the other end of the third valve body extends in different directions from the other ends of the first valve body and the other ends of the second valve body.

[0021] Preferably, it also includes a valve cover, which is fitted over the opening of the valve body to protect the valve core.

[0022] An air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a first connecting pipe, and a second connecting pipe.

[0023] The indoor unit is installed inside the house, and the outdoor unit is installed outside the house. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe.

[0024] The outdoor unit includes the aforementioned shut-off valve.

[0025] Preferably, the indoor unit includes an inlet pipe and a gas collection pipe, while the outdoor unit includes a small shut-off valve and a large shut-off valve.

[0026] One end of the first connecting pipe is connected to the liquid inlet pipe, and the other end is connected to the small shut-off valve; one end of the second connecting pipe is connected to the gas collecting pipe, and the other end is connected to the large shut-off valve.

[0027] In summary, the shut-off valve and air conditioner provided by this invention, by incorporating a vacuum lock on the shut-off valve, locks the filter element inside the valve body. This ensures that during air conditioner installation, a vacuum must first be evacuated from the connecting pipes, evaporator, and shut-off valve connecting sections (second and third valve bodies) before the valve core can be rotated to open the shut-off valve and connect the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner. This prevents installers from skipping the vacuuming process of the connecting pipes and evaporator and directly connecting the indoor and outdoor units, which could lead to moisture and oxygen entering the refrigerant system and causing problems such as capillary tube ice blockage, compressor copper plating, and compressor oil deterioration after the air conditioner starts operating. Furthermore, it improves the compressor's lifespan and the air conditioner's energy efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the small and large stop valves and the first and second connecting pipes.

[0030] Figure 3 An exploded view of a shut-off valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the initial installation structure of a vacuum lock for a shut-off valve provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shut-off valve after the vacuum lock is installed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the vacuum lock structure of a shut-off valve after evacuation of the connecting pipe, evaporator, and shut-off valve connecting pipe section (second and third valve bodies) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shut-off valve that opens after the vacuum lock is released, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical content of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] like Figures 1-2As shown in the figure, an air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a first connecting pipe 13, and a second connecting pipe 14. The indoor unit 11 is installed inside the house, and the outdoor unit 12 is installed outside the house, and the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by the first connecting pipe 13 and the second connecting pipe 14.

[0037] Specifically, the indoor unit 11 includes an inlet pipe 111 and a gas collection pipe 112, and the outdoor unit 12 includes a small shut-off valve 121 and a large shut-off valve 122. One end of the first connecting pipe 13 is connected to the inlet pipe 111, and the other end is connected to the small shut-off valve 121; one end of the second connecting pipe 14 is connected to the gas collection pipe 112, and the other end is connected to the large shut-off valve 122.

[0038] It should be noted here that, as Figures 1-2 The air conditioner shown is in its pre-installed state. The actual installation process is as follows: First, install the indoor unit 11 and outdoor unit 12 separately. Then, connect the indoor unit 11 and outdoor unit 12 through the first connecting pipe 13 and the second connecting pipe 14. Next, evacuate the connecting pipes, evaporator, and the shut-off valve connection sections (second and third valve bodies) through the large shut-off valve 122. After evacuation, open the small shut-off valve 121 and the large shut-off valve 122 to allow refrigerant to flow from the condenser of the outdoor unit 12 into the evaporator of the indoor unit 11. Finally, power on and test run the unit. If it runs successfully, the installation is complete.

[0039] The air conditioner provided in this embodiment of the invention requires, during installation, a vacuum must first be applied to the condenser connecting pipe, evaporator, and shut-off valve connecting pipe sections (second and third valve bodies). Only after the vacuum lock of the shut-off valve is opened through negative pressure can the small shut-off valve 121 and the large shut-off valve 122 be opened. The step of vacuuming the connecting pipe, evaporator, and shut-off valve connecting pipe sections (second and third valve bodies) cannot be omitted; otherwise, the air conditioner cannot be installed or used properly.

[0040] The key to achieving the above installation process lies in the structure of the shut-off valve, which will be described in detail below.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a shut-off valve comprising a valve body 2, a valve core 3, a vacuum lock 4, and a valve cover 5. The valve core 3 is threaded into the valve body 2 and is used to block or open the shut-off valve; the valve cover 5 is fitted over the opening of the valve body 2 to protect the valve core 3. The vacuum lock 4 is installed on the valve body 2 and is used to lock the valve core 3 before the air conditioner is installed. When the air conditioner is installed, after evacuating the connecting pipe, evaporator, and shut-off valve connection section (second and third valve bodies), the vacuum lock 4 opens. Figure 6 (In the current state), the shut-off valve can be opened by turning valve core 3 with a hex wrench.

[0042] The valve body includes at least a first valve body and a second valve body. One end of the first valve body and one end of the second valve body are connected, and the other ends of the first valve body and the other ends of the second valve body extend in different directions. A valve core is placed inside the first valve body, and a vacuum lock is provided on the first valve body. A refrigerant injection nozzle is provided inside the second valve body for connecting to a vacuum pump for evacuation.

[0043] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, valve body 2 is a three-way valve, including a first valve body 21, a second valve body 22, and a third valve body 23. One end of the first valve body 21, one end of the second valve body 22, and one end of the third valve body 23 are connected, and the other ends of the first valve body 21, the second valve body 22, and the third valve body 23 extend in three different directions. A valve core 3 can be placed inside the first valve body 21, and a valve body locking hole 211 is provided on the first valve body 21 for inserting a vacuum lock 4. The second valve body 22 is a refrigerant injection port, and the third valve body 23 has a connecting flange at its end that connects to the aforementioned second connecting pipe 14. Vacuuming is performed through the second valve body 22 when evacuating the connecting pipe, evaporator, and shut-off valve connecting section (second and third valve bodies).

[0044] The valve core 3 is provided with a valve core locking hole 31, which is used to place part of the vacuum lock 4 when the air conditioner is manufactured and after the performance test is completed and it leaves the factory, so that the vacuum lock 4 locks the valve core 3.

[0045] The vacuum lock 4 includes a multi-hole end cap 41, a sealing ring mounting bracket 42, a sealing ring 43, and a locking tongue 44. The locking tongue 44, sealing ring 43, sealing ring mounting bracket 42, and multi-hole end cap 41 are sequentially installed in the valve body locking hole 211. The specific installation method of the vacuum lock is as follows: first, install the sealing ring 43 onto the sealing ring mounting bracket 42; then apply a small amount of glue to the center of the sealing ring mounting bracket 42 and bond it to the locking tongue 44; finally, after inserting it into the first valve body with the valve core installed, screw in the multi-hole end cap 41, with a tightening torque of 1-2 Nm.

[0046] During air conditioner installation, before evacuating the connecting pipes, evaporator, and shut-off valve connection sections (second and third valve bodies), part of the locking tongue 44 is installed in the valve body locking hole 211, and the other part is inserted into the valve core locking hole 31. That is, before evacuating the connecting pipes, evaporator, and shut-off valve connection sections (second and third valve bodies), the valve core 3 is inserted into the first valve body 21, with the valve body locking hole 211 and the valve core locking hole 31 aligned. The locking tongue 44 is simultaneously inserted into both the valve body locking hole 211 and the valve core locking hole 31 to lock the valve core 3 (see reference). Figure 5 After evacuation of the connecting pipe, evaporator, and shut-off valve connecting sections (second and third valve bodies), the locking tongue 44 disengages from the valve body locking hole 211 and fully enters the valve core locking hole 31, allowing the valve core 3 to be pulled out from the first valve body 21 (see reference). Figures 6-7 ).

[0047] The installation and disassembly processes of the vacuum lock are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] The valve core locking hole 31 is designed based on the position of the valve body locking hole 211 when the valve core is screwed clockwise 7NM into place. The valve core locking hole 31 is designed as an oblong blind hole with a locking tongue 44 for installation tolerance of ±0.2mm.

[0049] First, screw the valve core 3 into the first valve body 21 through the thread. After the air conditioner has completed the refrigerant recovery test, the valve core 3 is in the tightened and blocked shut-off valve state (the refrigerant is completely blocked in the pipeline system composed of the outdoor unit condenser, compressor, four-way valve, capillary tube, etc.). At this time, align the valve core locking hole 31 and the valve body locking hole 211, and both are connected to the atmosphere.

[0050] Then, a vacuum lock is installed on the valve body lock hole 211 of the first valve body.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the vacuum lock 4 is installed in the valve body lock hole 211, and from the outside to the inside of the first valve body 21, there are a multi-hole end cap 41, a sealing ring mounting bracket 42, a sealing ring 43 and a locking tongue 44.

[0052] Subsequently, as Figure 5 As shown, the vacuum lock is pushed further into the first valve body 21, so that part of the vacuum lock's latch 44 enters the valve core locking hole 31, while the other part remains in the valve body locking hole 211. At this point, the vacuum lock can lock the valve core 3, preventing it from being loosened from the first valve body 21.

[0053] When actually installing the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, first connect the first connecting pipe to the third valve body 23 of the large and small shut-off valves to connect the indoor and outdoor units. Then, a vacuum needs to be drawn from the connecting pipes, evaporator, and shut-off valve connecting sections (second and third valve bodies) before the valve core 3 can be loosened to allow the refrigerant in the outdoor unit to flow through the shut-off valve 2 connecting sections (second and third valve bodies 22 and 23). This establishes the connection between the indoor and outdoor refrigerant flow piping systems.

[0054] Specifically, such as Figure 6As shown, a vacuum is created by drawing a vacuum through the second valve body 22, causing the sealing ring mounting bracket 42, sealing ring 43, and locking tongue 44 to be pushed by external atmospheric pressure. The locking tongue 44 of the vacuum lock 4 disengages from the valve body locking hole 211 and enters the valve core locking hole 31. In other words, since the valve body 2 is a three-way valve, and the first, second, and third valve bodies are interconnected, drawing a vacuum on the second valve body 22 creates a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the valve body. External air enters the vacuum lock 4 through the porous end cap 41, pushing the sealing ring mounting bracket 42, sealing ring 43, and locking tongue 44 until the locking tongue 44 is fully inserted into the valve core locking hole 31. Thus, the locking tongue 44 of the vacuum lock 4 is completely disengaged from the valve body locking hole 211. When the valve core 3 is turned, the low-strength adhesive between the sealing ring mounting bracket 42 and the locking tongue 44 comes loose, releasing the valve core 3. It can then be turned counterclockwise to open the shut-off valve.

[0055] After the above unlocking process, as follows Figure 7 As shown, the valve core 3 can be pulled out from the first valve body 21 and turned counterclockwise to open the shut-off valve, allowing the three-way valve to be open.

[0056] Finally, the refrigerant recovered after testing during the outdoor unit manufacturer's production process will be connected between the indoor and outdoor units via large and small shut-off valves, the second connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe, and the evaporator.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment of the invention, the mounting flange 6 is used to fix the valve body 2 to the outer casing of the outdoor unit.

[0058] In this embodiment, the shut-off valve can be either a small shut-off valve 121 or a large shut-off valve 122. The structure and principle of the vacuum lock on the small shut-off valve 121 are the same as those of the vacuum lock on the large shut-off valve 122 described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0059] In summary, the shut-off valve and air conditioner provided by this invention, by incorporating a vacuum lock on the shut-off valve, locks the valve core inside the valve body. This ensures that during air conditioner installation, a vacuum must first be evacuated from the connecting pipes, evaporator, and shut-off valve connection sections (second and third valve bodies) before the valve can be turned counterclockwise to open the shut-off valve and thus the refrigerant piping system of the indoor and outdoor units. This prevents installers from skipping the condenser vacuuming process and directly connecting the indoor and outdoor units, which could lead to moisture and oxygen from the connecting pipes and evaporator entering the refrigerant system and causing problems such as capillary blockage, compressor copper plating, and compressor oil deterioration after the air conditioner starts operating. Furthermore, this improves the compressor's lifespan and the air conditioner's energy efficiency.

[0060] It should be noted that the terms "setting" and "installation" used in this invention refer to the fact that they can be obtained using one of a variety of processes, and are not limited to the processes listed in the embodiments.

[0061] It should be understood that the terms "external," "internal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0062] It should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0063] The present invention has been described in detail above. Any obvious modifications made to this invention by those skilled in the art without departing from its essential content will constitute an infringement of the patent rights of this invention and will incur corresponding legal liability.

Claims

1. A shut-off valve, characterized in that, It includes a valve body, a valve core, and a vacuum lock, wherein the valve core is inserted into the valve body and is used to shut off the shut-off valve; The vacuum lock is installed on the valve body and is used to lock or release the valve core; The valve body includes a first valve body and a second valve body. One end of the first valve body and one end of the second valve body are connected, and the other ends of the first valve body and the other ends of the second valve body extend in different directions. The valve core is placed inside the first valve body, and a vacuum lock is provided on the first valve body. The second valve body is equipped with a refrigerant injection nozzle for connecting to a vacuum pump to evacuate. The first valve body is provided with a valve body lock hole for inserting the vacuum lock; The valve core is provided with a valve core locking hole, which is designed as an oblong blind hole for placing a part of the vacuum lock. The vacuum lock includes a multi-hole end cap, a sealing ring mounting bracket, a sealing ring, and a lock tongue, wherein the lock tongue, the sealing ring, the sealing ring mounting bracket, and the multi-hole end cap are sequentially installed in the valve body lock hole; The valve core is provided with a valve core locking hole for placing part or the entire locking tongue. After vacuuming, the locking tongue disengages from the valve body locking hole and fully enters the valve core locking hole, so that the valve core can be pulled out from the first valve body.

2. The shut-off valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body further includes a third valve body, one end of which is connected to one end of the first valve body and one end of the second valve body, and the other end of the third valve body extends in different directions from the other ends of the first valve body and the other ends of the second valve body.

3. The shut-off valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a valve cover, which is fitted over the opening of the valve body to protect the valve core.

4. An air conditioner, characterized in that: The device includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a first connecting pipe, and a second connecting pipe. The indoor unit is installed inside the house, and the outdoor unit is installed outside the house. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected through the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe. The outdoor unit includes a shut-off valve as described in any one of claims 1-3.

5. The air conditioner as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The indoor unit includes an inlet pipe and a gas collection pipe, and the outdoor unit includes a small shut-off valve and a large shut-off valve. One end of the first connecting pipe is connected to the inlet pipe, and the other end is connected to the small shut-off valve. One end of the second connecting pipe is connected to the gas collection pipe, and the other end is connected to the large shut-off valve.

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