Drainage device and heat pump system

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a kind of drainage device and heat pump system, wherein, drainage device includes pipeline assembly, switch assembly and drive assembly;Pipeline assembly includes refrigerant connecting pipe, waterway connecting pipe and the drainage pipe with drain port;Switch assembly includes the first switch for selectively conducting or cutting off refrigerant connecting pipe and the second switch for selectively conducting or cutting off waterway connecting pipe, one of first switch and second switch is power-on closed switch, wherein another is temperature memory switch;When the first switch conducts refrigerant connecting pipe, drive assembly is under the action of refrigerant from refrigerant connecting pipe by movement, and the water flow path between waterway connecting pipe and drain port is conducted.The drainage device of the embodiment of the present application can automatically drain the water in the waterway of heat pump system when power failure or user mistakenly turn off power supply is encountered in the weather with lower temperature, so that the convenience of drainage can be improved.

Description

[0001] Case Analysis

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent No. 202210899958.3, filed on July 28, 2022, entitled "A Drainage Device and Heat Pump System". Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of heat pump technology, and more particularly to a drainage device and a heat pump system. Background Technology

[0004] In related technologies, with the improvement of living standards, users have increasingly higher requirements for air conditioning performance, leading to the emergence of combined air conditioning systems with both underfloor and ground water supply. These products require heat exchange between refrigerant and water, allowing the water flow to transfer the cooling or heating capacity of the refrigerant to terminals such as underfloor heating pipes, indoor air conditioning units (combined underfloor and ground water supply), and fan coil units (combined underfloor and ground water supply), thereby achieving the purpose of regulating indoor temperature.

[0005] Because these products are equipped with water pipes for water flow, and water generally freezes at 0°C, freezing can cause the water pipes and components involved in water circulation to crack or deform due to freezing. Therefore, in related technologies, to solve the problem of product damage from freezing, a manual drain switch is usually installed at the lowest point of the water pipe. In cold weather, in the event of a power outage, the user can manually open the drain switch to drain the water from the water pipe and prevent the product from freezing.

[0006] However, in cold weather, if there is a power outage or the user accidentally turns off the power, and the user forgets to turn on the drain switch, the water pipes and components involved in water circulation will still be damaged by freezing due to the water freezing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, embodiments of this application aim to provide a drainage device and a heat pump system that facilitate drainage.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a drainage device for a heat pump system, comprising:

[0009] Piping assembly, the piping assembly including refrigerant connection pipe, water connection pipe and drain pipe with drain outlet;

[0010] A switching assembly, the switching assembly including a first switch for selectively turning on or off the refrigerant connection pipe and a second switch for selectively turning on or off the water connection pipe, wherein one of the first switch and the second switch is an energized closing switch and the other is a temperature memory switch;

[0011] When the first switch connects the refrigerant connection pipe, the drive component moves under the action of the refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe, thereby opening the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet.

[0012] In one embodiment, the drainage device includes a resilient reset member, and the piping assembly includes a bypass pipe communicating with the refrigerant connection pipe;

[0013] When the first switch is turned on, the refrigerant connection pipe is activated, and the drive assembly causes the elastic reset member to undergo elastic deformation through movement.

[0014] When the first switch switches from the open state of connecting the refrigerant connection pipe to the closed state of disconnecting the refrigerant connection pipe, the drive assembly is reset under the elastic force of the elastic reset member, and at least a portion of the refrigerant located between the drive assembly and the first switch flows back through the bypass pipe.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bypass conduit includes a bypass capillary tube, which communicates with the refrigerant connection pipe in the region between the drive assembly and the first switch; or,

[0016] The bypass pipeline includes a bypass connecting pipe and a one-way valve disposed on the bypass connecting pipe. The bypass connecting pipe and the refrigerant connecting pipe are connected in the area between the drive assembly and the first switch.

[0017] In one embodiment, the water connection pipe is connected to the drain pipe; the drive assembly includes a slider slidably disposed in the drain pipe, a portion of the slider extending into the refrigerant connection pipe and making sealed contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe;

[0018] The refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe pushes the slider to slide, thereby opening the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet.

[0019] In one embodiment, the slider has a drainage channel, and when the slider connects the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet, the water connection pipe is connected to the drain outlet through the drainage channel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the drainage channel is connected to the water connection pipe, and the slider has a first water outlet connected to the drainage channel;

[0021] When the first switch is in the closed state that cuts off the refrigerant connection pipe, the first water inlet and the drain outlet are offset.

[0022] When the slider connects the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet, the first water outlet moves to a position connected to the drain outlet.

[0023] In one embodiment, the slider has a first sliding portion that slides within the drain pipe;

[0024] The drain pipe is provided with a first limiting part that mates with the first sliding part, and the first limiting part is located on the side of the first sliding part closer to the refrigerant connection pipe; and / or,

[0025] The drain pipe is provided with a second limiting part, which is located on the side of the first sliding part away from the refrigerant connection pipe.

[0026] In one embodiment, the refrigerant connection pipe is separated from the drain pipe, and the drive assembly includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member. A portion of the structure of the first transmission member extends into the refrigerant connection pipe and is in sealed contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe.

[0027] When the first switch is turned on, the refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe pushes the first transmission component to slide, and the first transmission component drives the second transmission component to move, so that the second transmission component opens the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first transmission member includes a guide member and a rack disposed at one end of the guide member, and the second transmission member includes a gear and an opening / closing member disposed on the gear;

[0029] The guide extends into the refrigerant connection pipe and makes sealing contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe; the rack meshes with the gear; and the opening and closing element extends into the water connection pipe and / or the drain pipe.

[0030] The refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe pushes the guide to slide, causing the rack to drive the gear to rotate, and the opening and closing element opens the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet.

[0031] In one embodiment, the opening and closing element is a sleeve with a water passage. When the sleeve opens the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet, the water connection pipe is connected to the drain outlet through the water passage.

[0032] In one embodiment, the axis of the water connection pipe extends along a first direction, the axis of the drain pipe extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a third water outlet communicating with the water passage is provided on the side wall of the sleeve; the sleeve passes through the water connection pipe and is sleeved with the drain pipe, the third water outlet is located inside the water connection pipe, and the water passage is communicating with the drain pipe.

[0033] When the first switch is in the closed state that cuts off the refrigerant connection pipe, the third water outlet is out of sync with the water flow path in the water connection pipe;

[0034] When the sleeve connects the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet, the third water outlet moves to the water flow path inside the water connection pipe.

[0035] In one embodiment, the water connection pipe includes a main water pipe and a limiting ring communicating with the main water pipe, and the sleeve is sealed and inserted into the limiting ring.

[0036] In one embodiment, the drainage device includes a limiting member that cooperates with the first transmission member, the limiting member being located on the side of the first transmission member opposite to the refrigerant connection pipe.

[0037] In one embodiment, the drainage device has a manual drainage mode, in which at least one of the first switch and the second switch remains in a normally closed state that can be manually opened.

[0038] Another embodiment of this application provides a heat pump system, including a refrigerant pipeline, a water circuit, and the aforementioned drainage device, wherein the refrigerant connection pipe is connected to the refrigerant pipeline, and the water circuit connection pipe is connected to the water circuit.

[0039] In one embodiment, the heat pump system includes a heat pump main unit with a main unit refrigerant pipe and a main unit water pipe, wherein the refrigerant connection pipe is connected to the refrigerant pipeline through the main unit refrigerant pipe, and the water connection pipe is connected to the water pipeline through the main unit water pipe; or,

[0040] The heat pump system includes a hydraulic module with a hydraulic refrigerant pipe and a hydraulic water pipe. The refrigerant connection pipe is connected to the refrigerant pipeline through the hydraulic refrigerant pipe, and the water circuit connection pipe is connected to the water circuit through the hydraulic water pipe.

[0041] This application provides a drainage device and a heat pump system. The drainage device is provided with a pipeline assembly, a switch assembly and a drive assembly. The pipeline assembly includes a refrigerant connection pipe, a water connection pipe and a drain pipe with a drain outlet. The refrigerant connection pipe is used to communicate with the refrigerant pipeline of the heat pump system, and the water connection pipe is used to communicate with the water pipeline of the heat pump system. The switching assembly includes a first switch for selectively opening or closing the refrigerant connection pipe and a second switch for selectively opening or closing the water connection pipe. One of the first and second switches is an energized closing switch, and the other is a temperature memory switch. That is, the energized closing switch can open one of the refrigerant connection pipe and the water connection pipe when the power is off, and the temperature memory switch can open the other of the refrigerant connection pipe and the water connection pipe when the temperature is not higher than the set temperature. When the first switch opens the refrigerant connection pipe, the drive assembly moves under the action of the refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe, which can open the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain. Thus, when the first switch opens the refrigerant connection pipe and the second switch opens the water connection pipe, that is, when the energized closing switch is in the de-energized state and the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is not higher than the set temperature, the water from the water connection pipe can be discharged from the drain. In other words, the drainage device in this embodiment of the application drains water from the water circuit of the heat pump system through the drain outlet when the power-on closed switch is in the power-off state and the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is not higher than the set temperature. Thus, in cold weather, when there is a power outage or the user accidentally turns off the power, the water in the water circuit of the heat pump system can be automatically drained without the user's manual operation. While facilitating drainage, it can also minimize the risk of the water circuit of the heat pump system and the components involved in water circulation being damaged by freezing due to water. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage device of the first embodiment of this application in a non-drainage state;

[0043] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the drainage device in the drainage state.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage device in the non-drainage state according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the drainage device of the third embodiment of this application in a non-draining state, with the water connection pipe and the opening and closing parts in the figure in cross-section.

[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 4The diagram shows a partial view of the drainage device from another perspective, with the water connection pipe, drainage pipe, and opening / closing components shown in cross-section.

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the structure of the drainage device in the drainage state.

[0048] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows a partial view of the drainage device from another perspective, with the water connection pipe, drainage pipe, and opening / closing components shown in cross-section.

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0050] Piping assembly 10; refrigerant connection pipe 11; water connection pipe 12; main water pipe 121; limiting ring 122; drain pipe 13; drain outlet 13a; first limiting part 13b; second limiting part 13c; bypass pipe 14; bypass capillary tube 141; bypass connection pipe 142; one-way valve 143; switch assembly 20; first switch 21; second switch 22; drive assembly 30; slider 31; drain channel 31a; first water outlet 31b; first sliding part 311; second sliding part 312; first transmission component 32; guide component 321; rack 322; second transmission component 33; gear 331; opening and closing component 332; water passage 332a; third water outlet 332b; elastic reset component 40; limiting component 50. Detailed Implementation

[0051] One embodiment of this application provides a drainage device for a heat pump system. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 7 The drainage device includes a pipe assembly 10, a switch assembly 20, and a drive assembly 30.

[0052] The piping assembly 10 includes a refrigerant connection pipe 11, a water connection pipe 12, and a drain pipe 13 having a drain outlet 13a. The refrigerant connection pipe 11 is a fitting for supplying refrigerant flow, the water connection pipe 12 is a fitting for supplying water flow, and the drain pipe 13 is a fitting for discharging water from the water connection pipe 12 from the drain outlet 13a.

[0053] The switching assembly 20 includes a first switch 21 for selectively turning on or off the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and a second switch 22 for selectively turning on or off the water connection pipe 12. One of the first switch 21 and the second switch 22 is an energized closing switch, and the other is a temperature memory switch.

[0054] A closed switch is a switch that closes when energized and opens when de-energized.

[0055] A temperature memory switch is a switch that opens and closes based on temperature changes. The opening and closing of a temperature memory switch is mainly related to the temperature.

[0056] In this embodiment, the temperature memory switch can be configured to open and close according to changes in outdoor temperature.

[0057] One of the first switch 21 and the second switch 22 is an energized closing switch, and the other is a temperature memory switch. The energized closing switch is used to connect one of the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and the water connection pipe 12 when the power is off, and the temperature memory switch is used to connect the other of the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and the water connection pipe 12 when the temperature is not higher than the set temperature. That is, if the energized closing switch is used to selectively connect or disconnect the refrigerant connection pipe 11, then the temperature memory switch is used to selectively connect or disconnect the water connection pipe 12, and if the energized closing switch is used to selectively connect or disconnect the water connection pipe 12, then the temperature memory switch is used to selectively connect or disconnect the refrigerant connection pipe 11.

[0058] The set temperature is a preset temperature value. In cold weather, in order to turn on the temperature memory switch before the water freezes, the set temperature should generally be greater than or equal to the freezing point of water in the current environment. For example, under standard atmospheric pressure, the set temperature can be set to 0℃, 1℃, etc.

[0059] "Temperature not higher than the set temperature" means that the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature.

[0060] Temperature memory switches can come in various types. For example, in one implementation, the temperature memory switch is not electrically connected to the control circuit of the heat pump system. The switch relies entirely on its own characteristics to open and close. That is, as long as the temperature sensed by the switch is not higher than the set temperature, the switch will automatically open. Once open, if the temperature sensed by the switch exceeds the set temperature, it will automatically close. This type of temperature memory switch can also automatically open and close after a power outage.

[0061] In another implementation, the temperature memory switch can also be electrically connected to the control circuit of the heat pump system. That is, the temperature memory switch needs to cooperate with the control circuit to achieve on / off operation. For example, the temperature memory switch can be equipped with a temperature sensor. When the power is on, if the temperature sensor detects that the current temperature is not higher than the set temperature, it transmits a first control signal to the control circuit. The control circuit then controls the temperature memory switch to open based on the received first control signal. If the temperature sensor detects that the current temperature is higher than the set temperature, it transmits a second control signal to the control circuit. The control circuit then controls the temperature memory switch to close based on the received second control signal. This type of temperature memory switch can open and close when powered on, but after power is off, regardless of temperature changes, the temperature memory switch cannot switch between on and off. In other words, if the temperature memory switch is in the open state before power is off, it will remain in the open state after power is off, regardless of temperature changes; if the temperature memory switch is in the closed state before power is off, it will remain in the closed state after power is off, regardless of temperature changes. This type of temperature memory switch can be kept on while the power is on. For example, the set temperature can be set to a relatively high value based on the temperature in cold weather. In this way, the temperature memory switch will basically remain on in cold weather, and it will not turn off even if there is a power outage.

[0062] For example, please refer to Figure 1 A power-on closed switch is installed on the refrigerant connection pipe 11, and a temperature memory switch is installed on the water connection pipe 12. When the power-on closed switch is energized, it closes the refrigerant connection pipe 11, meaning the refrigerant flow path within it is blocked. When the temperature exceeds the set temperature, the temperature memory switch closes the water connection pipe 12, meaning the water flow path within it is blocked. When the power-on closed switch is de-energized, it opens the refrigerant connection pipe 11, meaning the refrigerant flow path within it is opened. However, if the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is higher than the set temperature, the temperature memory switch remains closed, preventing the water connection pipe 12 from flowing. This is equivalent to the refrigerant connection pipe 11 being switched to the open state, while the water connection pipe 12 remains closed. If the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the temperature memory switch will open the water connection pipe 12. In other words, the temperature memory switch will only open the water flow path in the water connection pipe 12 if the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is equal to or lower than the set temperature.

[0063] It should be noted that when the power-on closed switch is in the energized state, if the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the temperature memory switch will also conduct water circuit connection pipe 12. However, since the power-on closed switch is in the energized state, the power-on closed switch remains in the closed state of cutting off refrigerant connection pipe 11. This is equivalent to the water circuit connection pipe 12 being switched to the conducting state, but the refrigerant connection pipe 11 remaining in the closed state.

[0064] In other words, the condition for both the power-on closed switch and the temperature memory switch to be open is that the power-on closed switch is in a de-energized state, and the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is not higher than the set temperature.

[0065] In some embodiments, the energized closing switch can be installed on the water connection pipe 12, and the temperature memory switch can be installed on the refrigerant connection pipe 11. The way the energized closing switch and the temperature memory switch are combined is roughly the same as in the above embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0066] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 2 When the first switch 21 connects the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the drive component 30 moves under the action of the refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe 11, thus opening the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a.

[0067] The water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a refers to the path along which the water flows from the water connection pipe 12 to the drain outlet 13a.

[0068] Specifically, please refer to Figure 1 When the first switch 21 is in the closed state of cutting off the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the drive assembly 30 cuts off the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a. At this time, even if the second switch 22 is in the open state of opening the water connection pipe 12, the water from the water connection pipe 12 will not be discharged from the drain outlet 13a.

[0069] Please see Figure 2When the first switch 21 connects the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the refrigerant flows along the refrigerant flow path within the refrigerant connection pipe 11, exerting a force on the drive component 30. Under the force exerted by the refrigerant, the drive component 30 can move relative to the refrigerant connection pipe 11. Through this movement, the drive component 30 connects the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a. If the second switch 22 is in the closed state, cutting off the water connection pipe 12, the water from the water connection pipe 12 will not be discharged from the drain outlet 13a. If the second switch 22 is switched to the open state, the water can be discharged through the drain outlet 13a. In other words, as long as the first switch 21 connects the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the drive component 30 can connect the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a. However, the water from the water connection pipe 12 will only be discharged from the drain outlet 13a when both the first switch 21 and the second switch 22 are in the open state.

[0070] Another embodiment of this application provides a heat pump system, which includes a refrigerant pipeline, a water circuit, and a drainage device as described in any embodiment of this application. The refrigerant connection pipe 11 is connected to the refrigerant pipeline, and the water circuit connection pipe 12 is connected to the water circuit.

[0071] A heat pump system can be a dual-supply system, meaning that the terminals of a heat pump system can be two types, such as underfloor heating and an indoor air conditioning unit (or fan coil unit). A heat pump system can also be a multi-supply system, meaning that the terminals of a heat pump system can be two or more types, such as underfloor heating, a hot water tank, and an indoor air conditioning unit (or fan coil unit).

[0072] The refrigerant piping is the piping that supplies refrigerant during the operation of the heat pump system, while the water piping is the piping that supplies water during the operation of the heat pump system. The refrigerant connection pipe 11 being connected to the refrigerant piping means that the refrigerant in the refrigerant connection pipe 11 originates from the refrigerant piping of the heat pump system, and the water connection pipe 12 being connected to the water piping means that the water in the water connection pipe 12 originates from the water piping of the heat pump system. In other words, when both the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and the water connection pipe 12 are connected, water from the water piping of the heat pump system flows into the water connection pipe 12 and is then discharged through the drain outlet 13a.

[0073] For example, in a heat pump system using both surface and ground water, the refrigerant connection pipe 11 can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline through the refrigerant pipe of the heat pump host, and the water connection pipe 12 can be connected to the water pipeline through the water pipeline of the heat pump host. That is, the refrigerant pipe of the heat pump host is connected to the refrigerant pipeline, and the water pipeline of the host is connected to the water pipeline. The refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline flows into the refrigerant connection pipe 11 through the refrigerant pipe of the host, and the water in the water pipeline flows into the water connection pipe 12 through the water pipeline of the host.

[0074] For example, in a heat pump system using natural refrigerant and water, the heat pump system is equipped with a hydraulic module having a hydraulic refrigerant pipe and a hydraulic water pipe. The refrigerant connection pipe 11 can be connected to the refrigerant pipeline through the hydraulic refrigerant pipe, and the water connection pipe 12 can be connected to the water pipeline through the hydraulic water pipe. That is, the hydraulic refrigerant pipe of the hydraulic module is connected to the refrigerant pipeline, and the hydraulic water pipe is connected to the water pipeline. The refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline flows into the refrigerant connection pipe 11 through the hydraulic refrigerant pipe, and the water in the water pipeline flows into the water connection pipe 12 through the hydraulic water pipe.

[0075] The drainage device in this embodiment includes a pipe assembly 10, a switch assembly 20, and a drive assembly 30. The pipe assembly 10 includes a refrigerant connection pipe 11, a water connection pipe 12, and a drain pipe 13 with a drain outlet 13a. The refrigerant connection pipe 11 is used to connect to the refrigerant pipe of the heat pump system, and the water connection pipe 12 is used to connect to the water pipe of the heat pump system. The switch assembly 20 includes a first switch 21 for selectively opening or closing the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and a second switch 22 for selectively opening or closing the water connection pipe 12. One of the first switch 21 and the second switch 22 is an energized closing switch, and the other is a temperature memory switch. That is, the energized closing switch can open one of the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and the water connection pipe 12 when the power is off, and the temperature memory switch can open the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and the water connection pipe 12 when the temperature is not higher than a set temperature. In another aspect of 2, when the first switch 21 is connected to the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the drive component 30 moves under the action of the refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe 11, which can open the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a. Thus, when the first switch 21 is connected to the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and the second switch 22 is connected to the water connection pipe 12, that is, when the energized closed switch is in the de-energized state and the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is not higher than the set temperature, the water from the water connection pipe 12 can be discharged from the drain outlet 13a. In other words, the drainage device in this embodiment of the application discharges water from the water circuit of the heat pump system through the drain outlet 13a when the power-on closed switch is in the power-off state and the temperature sensed by the temperature memory switch is not higher than the set temperature. Thus, in cold weather, when there is a power outage or the user accidentally turns off the power, the water in the water circuit of the heat pump system can be automatically discharged without the user's manual operation. While facilitating drainage, it can also minimize the risk of the water circuit of the heat pump system and the components involved in water circulation being damaged by freezing due to water.

[0076] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drainage device includes an elastic reset member 40, which can be a tension spring, compression spring, or other component capable of elastic deformation. Figure 1The elastic reset member 40 shown is connected to the drive assembly 30. In some embodiments, if the elastic reset member 40 is a compression spring, then the elastic reset member 40 may not be connected to the drive assembly 30.

[0077] Please see Figure 2 The piping assembly 10 includes a bypass pipe 14 connected to the refrigerant connection pipe 11. When the first switch 21 turns on the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the drive assembly 30 causes the elastic reset member 40 to undergo elastic deformation through movement. That is, during the process of the drive assembly 30 moving under the action of the refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the drive assembly 30 also applies a force to the elastic reset member 40. In other words, the force of the refrigerant is greater than the elastic deformation capacity of the elastic reset member 40, thereby causing the elastic reset member 40 to undergo elastic deformation.

[0078] Please see Figure 1 When the first switch 21 switches from the open state of connecting the refrigerant connection pipe 11 to the closed state of cutting off the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the drive assembly 30 is reset under the elastic force of the elastic reset member 40, and at least part of the refrigerant located between the drive assembly 30 and the first switch 21 flows back through the bypass pipe 14.

[0079] Backflow refers to at least a portion of the refrigerant located between the drive assembly 30 and the first switch 21 flowing back to the refrigerant line of the heat pump system through the bypass pipe 14. In other words, the bypass pipe 14 is connected to the refrigerant line.

[0080] It is understandable that the bypass pipe 14 can be directly connected to the refrigerant pipe. For heat pump systems using both ground and water, the bypass pipe 14 can also be connected to the refrigerant pipe through the main refrigerant pipe of the heat pump host. For heat pump systems using both ground and water, the bypass pipe 14 can also be connected to the refrigerant pipe through the hydraulic refrigerant pipe.

[0081] Specifically, after the elastic reset member 40 undergoes elastic deformation, regardless of whether the second switch 22 switches from the open state of the water circuit connection pipe 12 to the closed state of the water circuit connection pipe 12, as long as the first switch 21 switches from the open state to the closed state, the force of the refrigerant will decrease. Under the elastic force of the elastic reset member 40, the drive assembly 30 moves in the opposite direction to the previous direction of movement. During the movement, at least a portion of the refrigerant in the refrigerant connection pipe 11 located between the drive assembly 30 and the first switch 21 flows back to the refrigerant pipeline of the heat pump system through the bypass pipe 14 under the compression of the drive assembly 30. Thus, the drive assembly 30 can be reset.

[0082] The bypass pipe 14 can have various structural forms; for example, please refer to [link to example]. Figure 1The bypass line 14 includes a bypass capillary 141, which is connected to the refrigerant connection line 11 in the area between the drive assembly 30 and the first switch 21. That is, at least a portion of the refrigerant located between the drive assembly 30 and the first switch 21 can flow back through the bypass capillary 141.

[0083] For example, please refer to Figure 3 The bypass pipe 14 may also include a bypass connecting pipe 142 and a one-way valve 143 disposed on the bypass connecting pipe 142. The one-way valve 143 is used to control the refrigerant to flow only from the refrigerant connecting pipe 11 to the refrigerant pipeline, and not to flow back to the refrigerant connecting pipe 11. The bypass connecting pipe 142 and the refrigerant connecting pipe 11 are connected in the area between the drive assembly 30 and the first switch 21. That is, at least a portion of the refrigerant located between the drive assembly 30 and the first switch 21 can flow back through the bypass connecting pipe 142.

[0084] In some embodiments, a reset element may not be provided; for example, the drive component 30 can be reset manually.

[0085] The drainage device can also have various structural forms. For example, in one embodiment, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Water pipe 12 is connected to drain pipe 13, meaning they are connected together to form a single structure. For example, water pipe 12 can be welded to drain pipe 13, or they can be integrally formed. Refrigerant pipe 11 can be connected to or separated from drain pipe 13. Separation means that refrigerant pipe 11 and drain pipe 13 are two independently installed pipes, not connected together to form a single structure.

[0086] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The drive assembly 30 includes a slider 31 slidably disposed in the drain pipe 13. A portion of the slider 31 extends into the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and is in sealing contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe 11. In other words, the part of the slider 31 that is in sealing contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe 11 has a piston-like structure.

[0087] It should be noted that the part of the slider 31 located inside the drain pipe 13 can be configured to either be in sealed contact with the wall of the drain pipe 13 or not, depending on the needs. For example, if the refrigerant connection pipe 11 is connected to the drain pipe 13, the part of the slider 31 located inside the drain pipe 13 can either be in sealed contact with the wall of the drain pipe 13 or not. If the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and the drain pipe 13 are separate, the part of the slider 31 located inside the drain pipe 13 generally needs to be in sealed contact with the wall of the drain pipe 13.

[0088] Please continue reading. Figure 2 The refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe 11 pushes the slider 31 to slide, thus opening the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a. In other words, when the first switch 21 is closed, the slider 31 blocks the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a; when the first switch 21 is switched to the open state, the slider 31, under the thrust of the refrigerant, slides to open the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a.

[0089] Further, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The slider 31 can be equipped with a drainage channel 31a. When the slider 31 opens the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a, the water connection pipe 12 is connected to the drain outlet 13a through the drainage channel 31a. That is to say, after the second switch 22 is opened, the water from the water connection pipe 12 first flows into the drainage channel 31a on the slider 31, then flows out from the drainage channel 31a, and is discharged through the drain outlet 13a.

[0090] For example, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drainage channel 31a is connected to the water connection pipe 12, meaning that the drainage channel 31a and the water connection pipe 12 are always in a connected state. As long as the second switch 22 is open, water from the water connection pipe 12 can flow into the drainage channel 31a. The slider 31 has a first water outlet 31b that is connected to the drainage channel 31a. When the first switch 21 is closed, the first water outlet 31b is offset from the drain outlet 13a. That is, when the first switch 21 is closed, the first water outlet 31b and the drain outlet 13a are not connected. If the second switch 22 is open, water will not be discharged from the drain outlet 13a.

[0091] Please continue reading. Figure 2 When slider 31 opens the water flow path between water connection pipe 12 and drain outlet 13a, the first water inlet 31b moves to a position connected to drain outlet 13a. That is, after the first switch 21 is opened, slider 31, under the thrust of the refrigerant, slides to move the first water inlet 31b to a position connected to drain outlet 13a. Thus, when both the first switch 21 and the second switch 22 are opened, water can be discharged from drain outlet 13a.

[0092] In some embodiments, the refrigerant connection pipe 11 can be connected to the side wall of the drain pipe 13, and the drain channel 31a and the drain outlet 13a are always in communication. Meanwhile, a second water outlet communicating with the drain channel 31a is provided on the slider 31. When the first switch 21 is in the closed state, the second water outlet is offset from the water connection pipe 12. Refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe 11 pushes the slider 31 to slide, thus connecting the second water outlet with the water connection pipe 12. In other words, the second water outlet is located on the side of the drain channel 31a near the water connection pipe 12 and cooperates with the water connection pipe 12.

[0093] In some embodiments, a first water inlet 31b and a second water inlet may be provided on the slider 31 at the same time. When the first switch 21 is in the closed state, the first water inlet 31b is offset from the drain outlet 13a, and the second water inlet is offset from the water connection pipe 12. The refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe 11 pushes the slider 31 to slide, so that the first water inlet 31b is connected to the drain outlet 13a, and the second water inlet is connected to the water connection pipe 12.

[0094] In some embodiments, the slider 31 may not be provided with a drainage channel 31a. For example, when the first switch 21 is in the closed state, the slider 31 closes the drain outlet 13a. After the first switch 21 is opened, the slider 31 slides and is offset from the drain outlet 13a. This means that the water from the water connection pipe 12 flows into the drain pipe 13 and is discharged through the drain outlet 13a, instead of flowing through the slider 31.

[0095] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For ease of description, the part of the slider 31 that slides inside the drain pipe 13 is referred to as the first sliding part 311, and correspondingly, the part of the slider 31 that makes sealing contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe 11 is referred to as the second sliding part 312. A first limiting part 13b that cooperates with the first sliding part 311 may be provided inside the drain pipe 13. The first limiting part 13b is located on the side of the first sliding part 311 closer to the refrigerant connection pipe 11. That is, when the slider 31 moves to its limit position in the direction of the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the first sliding part 311 abuts against the first limiting part 13b. Thus, the first sliding part 311 can be limited to prevent it from coming out of the drain pipe 13 under certain circumstances.

[0096] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2A second limiting part 13c can also be provided inside the drain pipe 13. The second limiting part 13c is located on the side of the first sliding part 311 away from the refrigerant connection pipe 11. That is, when the slider 31 moves to the limit position away from the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the first sliding part 311 abuts against the second limiting part 13c. Thus, the first sliding part 311 can also be limited to avoid the slider 31 moving too far and crossing the water flow path between the water passage connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a when the refrigerant thrust is too large.

[0097] Figure 1 The drain pipe 13 is provided with both a first limiting part 13b and a second limiting part 13c. In some embodiments, the drain pipe 13 may only have the first limiting part 13b, or only have the second limiting part 13c, or may not have the first limiting part 13b and the second limiting part 13c.

[0098] Additionally, please see Figure 1 For a drainage device equipped with an elastic reset member 40, the elastic reset member 40 can be installed inside the drainage pipe 13.

[0099] In another embodiment, please refer to Figures 4 to 7 The refrigerant connection pipe 11 is separated from the drain pipe 13, and the water connection pipe 12 can be connected to or separated from the drain pipe 13.

[0100] Please continue reading. Figures 4 to 7 The drive assembly 30 includes a first transmission member 32 and a second transmission member 33. A portion of the first transmission member 32 extends into the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and makes sealing contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe 11. In other words, the part of the first transmission member 32 that makes sealing contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe 11 has a piston-like structure. When the first switch 21 opens the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe 11 pushes the first transmission member 32 to slide. The first transmission member 32 then drives the second transmission member 33 to move, thereby opening the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a. That is, the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a can also be opened by the cooperation of both transmission members.

[0101] For example, please refer to Figures 4 to 7 The first transmission component 32 includes a guide component 321 and a rack 322 disposed at one end of the guide component 321. The second transmission component 33 includes a gear 331 and an opening and closing component 332 disposed on the gear 331. The guide component 321 extends into the refrigerant connection pipe 11 and is in sealed contact with the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe 11. The rack 322 meshes with the gear 331. Figures 4 to 7The opening and closing element 332 extends into the water connection pipe 12 and the drain pipe 13. In some embodiments, the opening and closing element 332 may extend only into the water connection pipe 12 or only into the drain pipe 13.

[0102] Please continue reading. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe 11 pushes the guide 321 to slide, causing the rack 322 to drive the gear 331 to rotate, and the opening and closing part 332 opens the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a.

[0103] Specifically, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the first switch 21 is in the closed state, the opening and closing element 332 cuts off the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a.

[0104] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 After the first switch 21 is opened, the refrigerant pushes the guide 321 to slide, and the rack 322 also moves with the guide 321. During the movement, the rack 322 drives the gear 331 to rotate, and the opening and closing part 332 rotates with the gear 331. Thus, the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a can be opened.

[0105] The opening / closing element 332 can have various structural forms; for example, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 4 to 7 The opening / closing element 332 can be a sleeve with a water passage 332a. When the sleeve opens the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a, the water connection pipe 12 is connected to the drain outlet 13a through the water passage 332a. That is, after the second switch 22 is opened, the water from the water connection pipe 12 first flows into the water passage 332a, then flows out from the water passage 332a, and then is discharged through the drain outlet 13a.

[0106] by Figures 4 to 7 Taking the drainage device shown as an example, the axis of the water connection pipe 12 can extend along the first direction, and the axis of the drainage pipe 13 can extend along the second direction that intersects with the first direction. That is to say, the extension direction of the water connection pipe 12 can be perpendicular to the extension direction of the drainage pipe 13, or it can be oblique to the extension direction of the drainage pipe 13.

[0107] Please continue reading. Figures 4 to 7The sleeve has a third water outlet 332b on its side wall that communicates with the water passage 332a; the sleeve passes through the water connection pipe 12 and is sleeved with the drain pipe 13. The third water outlet 332b is located inside the water connection pipe 12, and the water passage 332a communicates with the drain pipe 13. In other words, the part of the sleeve with the third water outlet 332b is inserted into the water connection pipe 12, and the water passage 332a is always connected to the drain pipe 13.

[0108] To facilitate the insertion of the portion of the sleeve with the third water outlet 332b into the water connection pipe 12, please refer to the example provided. Figures 4 to 7 The water connection pipe 12 can be equipped with a main water pipe 121 and a limiting ring 122 connected to the main water pipe 121. The sleeve is sealed in the limiting ring 122. That is to say, the limiting ring 122 can limit the sleeve. At the same time, the sealing between the limiting ring 122 and the sleeve can minimize the leakage of water from the gap between the limiting ring 122 and the sleeve.

[0109] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the first switch 21 is in the closed state of cutting off the refrigerant connection pipe 11, the third water outlet 332b is offset from the water flow path in the water connection pipe 12. That is to say, even if the second switch 22 is opened, the water flow from the water connection pipe 12 will not flow into the water passage 332a.

[0110] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the sleeve opens the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a, the third water inlet 332b moves to the water flow path within the water connection pipe 12. In other words, after the first switch 21 is opened, the gear 331, driven by the rack 322, rotates, causing the sleeve to rotate. This allows the third water inlet 332b to move to the water flow path within the water connection pipe 12. When both the first switch 21 and the second switch 22 are open, water can flow from the third water inlet 332b into the water passage 332a and then out through the drain outlet 13a.

[0111] In some embodiments, the sleeve may pass through the drain pipe 13 and be sleeved with the water connection pipe 12, the third water outlet 332b may be located inside the drain pipe 13, and the water passage 332a may be connected to the water connection pipe 12.

[0112] In some embodiments, the opening and closing element 332 may not be a sleeve. For example, the opening and closing element 332 may be an arc-shaped plate with a fourth water passage. The arc-shaped plate guides the water flow path between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a in a manner that is roughly the same as that of the sleeve. However, compared with the sleeve, the arc-shaped plate does not have a water passage 332a.

[0113] It should be noted that the relative positions of the water connection pipe 12 and the drain pipe 13 are not limited to extending the axis of the water connection pipe 12 along the first direction and extending the axis of the drain pipe 13 along the second direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the water connection pipe 12 can be set at one end of the drain pipe 13 and connected to the drain pipe 13. The opening and closing member 332 can extend into the water connection pipe 12, into the drain pipe 13, or into the connection between the water connection pipe 12 and the drain pipe 13.

[0114] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 4 to 7 The drainage device may also be equipped with a limiting member 50 that cooperates with the first transmission member 32. The limiting member 50 is located on the side of the first transmission member 32 away from the refrigerant connection pipe 11.

[0115] Specifically, please refer to Figures 4 to 7 For a drainage device equipped with an elastic reset member 40, the elastic reset member 40 can be fixed on the limiting member 50. This means that the limiting member 50 and the elastic reset member 40 cooperate to limit the first transmission member 32, ensuring that the opening / closing member 332 can move to the position that connects the water flow path between the water passage connecting pipe 12 and the drain outlet 13a. In some embodiments, for drainage devices without an elastic reset member 40 or with the elastic reset member 40 located in other positions, the first transmission member 32 can also be limited by abutting against the limiting member 50.

[0116] Additionally, the drainage device can also be set to a manual drainage mode. In manual drainage mode, at least one of the first switch 21 and the second switch 22 remains in a normally closed state that can only be opened manually. That is, at least one of the first switch 21 and the second switch 22 remains normally closed and can only be opened manually. For example, the temperature memory switch and / or the power-on closing switch can be set to always be in the closed state using a control circuit. In other words, in the event of a power outage, regardless of whether the temperature is low or high, the drainage device will not automatically drain water; drainage will only occur by manually opening the corresponding switch. In some scenarios, such as when a heat pump system needs maintenance, the drainage device can be switched to manual drainage mode, thereby improving its user-friendliness.

[0117] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or "exemplary," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0118] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A drainage device for a heat pump system, characterized in that, include: A piping assembly, comprising a refrigerant connection pipe, a water connection pipe, and a drain pipe having a drain outlet, wherein the water connection pipe is connected to the drain pipe; A switching assembly, the switching assembly including a first switch for selectively turning on or off the refrigerant connection pipe and a second switch for selectively turning on or off the water connection pipe, wherein one of the first switch and the second switch is an energized closing switch and the other is a temperature memory switch; The drive assembly includes a slider slidably disposed in the drain pipe, a portion of the slider extending into the refrigerant connection pipe and sealingly contacting the pipe wall of the refrigerant connection pipe; when the first switch is turned on, the refrigerant from the refrigerant connection pipe pushes the slider to slide, causing the slider to open the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet, thereby allowing water from the water connection pipe to be discharged from the drain outlet when the second switch is switched to the open state.

2. The drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage device includes a resilient reset element, and the piping assembly includes a bypass pipe connected to the refrigerant connection pipe; When the first switch is turned on, the refrigerant connection pipe is activated, and the drive assembly causes the elastic reset member to undergo elastic deformation through movement. When the first switch switches from the open state of connecting the refrigerant connection pipe to the closed state of disconnecting the refrigerant connection pipe, the drive assembly is reset under the elastic force of the elastic reset member, and at least a portion of the refrigerant located between the drive assembly and the first switch flows back through the bypass pipe.

3. The drainage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bypass conduit includes a bypass capillary tube, which communicates with the refrigerant connection pipe in the area between the drive assembly and the first switch; or... The bypass pipeline includes a bypass connecting pipe and a one-way valve disposed on the bypass connecting pipe. The bypass connecting pipe and the refrigerant connecting pipe are connected in the area between the drive assembly and the first switch.

4. The drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider has a drainage channel. When the slider opens the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet, the water connection pipe is connected to the drain outlet through the drainage channel.

5. The drainage device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drainage channel is connected to the water connection pipe, and the slider has a first water outlet connected to the drainage channel; When the first switch is in the closed state that cuts off the refrigerant connection pipe, the first water inlet and the drain outlet are offset. When the slider connects the water flow path between the water connection pipe and the drain outlet, the first water outlet moves to a position connected to the drain outlet.

6. The drainage device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The slider has a first sliding portion that slides within the drain pipe; The drain pipe is provided with a first limiting part that mates with the first sliding part, and the first limiting part is located on the side of the first sliding part closer to the refrigerant connection pipe; and / or, The drain pipe is provided with a second limiting part, which is located on the side of the first sliding part away from the refrigerant connection pipe.

7. The drainage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage device has a manual drainage mode, in which at least one of the first switch and the second switch remains in a normally closed state that can be manually opened.

8. A heat pump system, characterized in that, It includes a refrigerant pipeline, a water circuit, and a drainage device as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the refrigerant connecting pipe is connected to the refrigerant pipeline, and the water circuit connecting pipe is connected to the water circuit.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heat pump system includes a heat pump main unit with main unit refrigerant pipes and main unit water pipes. The refrigerant connection pipe is connected to the refrigerant pipeline through the main unit refrigerant pipes, and the water connection pipe is connected to the water pipeline through the main unit water pipes; or, The heat pump system includes a hydraulic module with a hydraulic refrigerant pipe and a hydraulic water pipe. The refrigerant connection pipe is connected to the refrigerant pipeline through the hydraulic refrigerant pipe, and the water circuit connection pipe is connected to the water circuit through the hydraulic water pipe.

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