A liquid receiver, a compressor assembly, and an air conditioner

Abstract

This invention provides a liquid receiver, a compressor assembly, and an air conditioner. The liquid receiver includes a housing, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. The housing has a variable volume cavity containing gas. Under a first operating condition, the suction pressure in the outlet pipe is a first pressure; under a second operating condition, the suction pressure in the outlet pipe is a second pressure, which is greater than the first pressure. The pressure in the variable volume cavity is a third pressure. Under the first operating condition, the pressure difference between the third and first pressures increases the volume of the variable volume cavity, thereby increasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole. Under the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the second and third pressures decreases the volume of the variable volume cavity, thereby decreasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole. According to this invention, a small amount of refrigerant is stored at the bottom of the distributor under low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, while a large amount is stored at the bottom of the distributor under rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, thus improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of compressor technology, and more specifically to a liquid receiver, a compressor assembly, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] As market competition intensifies, the two components of air conditioning systems are becoming smaller and smaller, and system matching is becoming more and more refined; among them, the height of the oil return hole of the compressor distributor is becoming increasingly important.

[0003] This is because, under low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, the amount of refrigeration oil or refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor should be small in order to maximize the system's capacity and meet the requirements of maximum cooling and low-temperature heating. However, if the oil return hole is opened too low, the amount of liquid refrigerant circulating in the system will be too large under rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, which will seriously affect the compressor's performance.

[0004] In other words, for low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, the first oil return hole of the distributor needs to be opened lower, while for rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, the first oil return hole needs to be opened higher.

[0005] Because existing liquid distributors have technical problems such as insufficient refrigerant storage at the bottom of the distributor when simultaneously ensuring low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and excessive refrigerant storage at the bottom of the distributor when in rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, this invention studies and designs a liquid receiver, compressor assembly, and air conditioner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art liquid distributor, which cannot simultaneously guarantee that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the liquid distributor is small when the low temperature heating condition and the maximum cooling condition are both met, and that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the liquid distributor is large when the rated cooling condition and the low temperature intermediate cooling condition are met, thereby providing a liquid receiver, compressor assembly and air conditioner.

[0007] To address the above problems, the present invention provides a liquid reservoir comprising:

[0008] The enclosure comprises a housing, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe, wherein the inlet pipe communicates with the interior of the housing, and the outlet pipe extends from one end of the housing into the interior of the housing.

[0009] The outlet pipe is provided with a first oil return hole, which is located in the housing. The first oil return hole can connect the inside of the housing with the inside of the outlet pipe. The inside of the housing has a variable volume cavity, which is filled with gas.

[0010] In the first operating condition, the suction pressure in the outlet pipe is the first pressure. The interior of the housing is connected to the outlet pipe, and the pressure inside the housing is also the first pressure. In the second operating condition, the suction pressure in the outlet pipe is the second pressure, which is greater than the first pressure. The pressure inside the variable cavity is the third pressure. In the first operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure increases the volume of the variable cavity, thereby reducing the volume inside the housing and increasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole. In the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the second pressure and the third pressure decreases the volume of the variable cavity, thereby increasing the volume inside the housing and decreasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole.

[0011] In some implementations...

[0012] The housing contains an airbag structure, which forms a variable cavity. The airbag structure can deform according to the pressure difference between its inside and outside. In the first operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure inside the airbag structure and the first pressure outside the airbag structure causes the airbag structure to expand, increasing the volume of the variable cavity. In the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the second pressure outside the airbag structure and the third pressure inside the airbag structure causes the airbag structure to contract, decreasing the volume of the variable cavity.

[0013] In some implementations...

[0014] A piston assembly is disposed inside the housing. The piston assembly includes a fixed member and a moving member, and a variable cavity is formed between the fixed member and the moving member. The fixed member is fixed, and the moving member can move towards or away from the fixed member. When the moving member moves towards the fixed member, the volume of the variable cavity gradually decreases, and when the moving member moves away from the fixed member, the volume of the variable cavity gradually increases. In the first operating condition, the moving member is driven by the pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure to move away from the fixed member, thereby increasing the volume of the variable cavity. In the second operating condition, the moving member is driven by the pressure difference between the second pressure and the third pressure to move towards the fixed member, thereby decreasing the volume of the variable cavity.

[0015] In some implementations...

[0016] The fixing member is radially opposite to the first oil return hole, and a first gap channel is formed between the fixing member and the outlet pipe. The fixing member divides the internal cavity of the housing into a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity and the second cavity are connected through the first gap channel. The outer peripheral wall of the fixing member is fixed to the housing. The moving member is slidably connected to the fixing member, so that the moving member can slide relative to the fixing member.

[0017] In some implementations...

[0018] The fixing member is an annular structure, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the outlet pipe. The radial inner peripheral wall of the fixing member is spaced apart from the outer wall of the outlet pipe to form the first gap channel. The radial inner peripheral wall of the fixing member is radially opposite to the first oil return hole. The fixing member has a first concave structure with its opening facing a first axial direction. The moving member has a second concave structure with its opening facing a second axial direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction. The openings of the first concave structure and the second concave structure are opposite to each other. The first concave structure and the second concave structure are connected to form the variable cavity between them. The moving member slides back and forth in the first concave structure.

[0019] In some implementations...

[0020] In the longitudinal section, the fastener includes a first radial inner plate, a first flat plate, and a first radial outer plate. The first radial inner plate is connected to the radial inner end of the first flat plate and extends toward the first axial direction. The first radial outer plate is connected to the radial outer end of the first flat plate and also extends toward the first axial direction, such that the first radial inner plate, the first flat plate, and the first radial outer plate form the first concave structure with the opening facing the first axial direction.

[0021] The moving part includes a second radial inner plate, a second flat plate, and a second radial outer plate. The second radial inner plate is connected to the radial inner end of the second flat plate and extends in the direction of the second axis. The second radial outer plate is connected to the radial outer end of the second flat plate and also extends in the direction of the second axis. The second axis is opposite to the first axis, such that the second radial inner plate, the second flat plate, and the second radial outer plate form a second concave structure with the opening facing the second axis.

[0022] The radial inner wall of the second radial inner side plate is in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the first radial inner side plate and can slide relative to each other, and the radial outer wall of the second radial outer side plate is in contact with the radial inner wall of the first radial outer side plate and can slide relative to each other.

[0023] In some implementations...

[0024] The first radial inner plate, the first flat plate, and the first radial outer plate are all annular structures, making the first concave structure an annular cavity. The second radial inner plate, the second flat plate, and the second radial outer plate are also annular structures, making the second concave structure also an annular cavity, so that the variable cavity forms an annular cavity with variable volume.

[0025] In some implementations...

[0026] The first cavity is an upper cavity, the second cavity is a lower cavity, the moving part is disposed in the lower cavity, and the upper end of the moving part is connected to the fixed part. The first oil return hole is disposed at a position opposite to the lower cavity. The fixed part is a cylinder, the moving part is a piston, and the piston is connected to the lower end of the cylinder.

[0027] In some implementations...

[0028] The variable cavity is further provided with an elastic structure. The elastic structure applies an elastic force F to the moving part in the direction away from the fixed part. Under the first operating condition, the third pressure plus the elastic force is greater than the first pressure. The resultant force on the moving part is directed away from the fixed part, thereby increasing the volume of the variable cavity and reducing the internal volume of the housing, thus increasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole. Under the second operating condition, the third pressure plus the elastic force is less than the second pressure. The resultant force on the moving part is directed closer to the fixed part, thereby reducing the volume of the variable cavity and increasing the internal volume of the housing, thus reducing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole.

[0029] In some implementations...

[0030] The variable cavity is supplied with atmospheric pressure from outside the housing or with exhaust pressure from inside the compressor, and the variable cavity is connected to the outside of the housing through a ventilation channel.

[0031] The present invention also provides a compressor assembly, which includes the aforementioned liquid receiver and a compressor, wherein the liquid receiver is connected to the suction end of the compressor.

[0032] The present invention also provides an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned compressor assembly.

[0033] The liquid receiver, compressor assembly, and air conditioner provided by this invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0034] This invention utilizes a variable-volume cavity within the receiver housing. This cavity's volume is controlled by adjusting the pressure difference between its interior and exterior based on varying operating conditions. In the first operating condition (especially low-temperature heating and maximum cooling), the initial pressure in the outlet pipe is relatively low, requiring a larger amount of refrigerant to enter the system. The variable-volume cavity, with its internal pressure equal to the initial pressure in the outlet pipe (housing), maintains a third pressure, which is greater than the initial pressure. This pressure difference increases the volume of the variable-volume cavity in the first operating condition, thereby reducing the volume of the internal cavity. This allows more liquid refrigerant to be forced into the system for circulation, satisfying the requirement of a smaller amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor and a larger amount circulating in the system during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions. In the second operating condition (especially rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling), the second pressure in the outlet pipe is relatively high, requiring a smaller amount of refrigerant to enter the system. Again, the variable-volume cavity, with its internal pressure equal to the initial pressure in the outlet pipe (housing), maintains a third pressure, which is greater than the initial pressure. This pressure difference allows the volume of the variable-volume cavity to increase, thereby reducing the volume of the internal cavity. This allows more liquid refrigerant to be forced into the system for circulation, meeting the requirement of a smaller amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor and a larger amount circulating in the system during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions. The pressure is controlled within a range lower than the second pressure, allowing this pressure difference to reduce the volume of the variable cavity in the second operating condition, thereby increasing the volume of the internal cavity of the shell. This means that less liquid refrigerant can enter the system for circulation, meeting the requirement that a large amount of refrigerant is stored at the bottom of the distributor and a small amount of refrigerant enters the system for circulation during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions. This also reduces the amount of refrigerant circulating in the system under the first operating condition (where the suction temperature is low, especially during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling, and the liquid refrigerant density is high). The amount of refrigerant circulating in the system is greater than that in the second operating condition (which is characterized by a higher suction temperature, especially in low-temperature intermediate cooling and rated cooling conditions). It effectively adapts to different system refrigerant circulation volumes according to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching. It resolves the contradiction between different requirements for the height of the distributor oil return hole under different air conditioning operating conditions, ensuring that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is small in low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and large in rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a front cross-sectional view of a liquid separator in the prior art;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of Embodiment 1 of the liquid dispenser of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a front sectional view of embodiment 2 of the liquid dispenser of the present invention under the first operating condition;

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a front sectional view of embodiment 2 of the liquid dispenser of the present invention under the second operating condition;

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part B;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a front sectional view of the liquid separator embodiment 3 of the present invention under the first working condition (based on embodiment 2, with the addition of an elastic structure and a venting channel);

[0042] Figure 8 This is a front sectional view of embodiment 3 of the liquid dispenser of the present invention under the second operating condition;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a front sectional view of Embodiment 4 of the air conditioner (including a distributor and a compressor) of the present invention (a structural diagram of the fit when Embodiment 3 is applied to the compressor).

[0044] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0045] 1. Housing; 2. Inlet pipe; 3. Outlet pipe; 4. Piston assembly; 5. First oil return hole; 6. Variable volume cavity; 7. Fixing component; 8. Moving component; 9. First clearance channel; 10. First radial inner side plate; 11. First flat plate; 12. First radial outer side plate; 13. Second radial inner side plate; 14. Second flat plate; 15. Second radial outer side plate; 16. First concave structure; 17. Second concave structure; 18. Airbag structure; 19. First cavity; 20. Second cavity; 21. Elastic structure; 22. Ventilation channel; 23. Liquid reservoir; 24. Compressor. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0048] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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 on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0050] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0052] like Figures 2 to 9 As shown, the present invention provides a liquid reservoir, which includes:

[0053] The housing 1, the inlet pipe 2, and the outlet pipe 3 are connected. The inlet pipe 2 communicates with the interior of the housing 1, and the outlet pipe 3 extends from one end of the housing 1 into the interior of the housing 1.

[0054] The outlet pipe 3 is provided with a first oil return hole 5, which is located in the housing 1. The first oil return hole 5 can connect the interior of the housing 1 with the interior of the outlet pipe 3. The housing 1 has a variable cavity 6 inside, and the variable cavity 6 is provided with gas (preferably sealed).

[0055] In the first operating condition, the suction pressure in the outlet pipe 3 is the first pressure. The interior of the housing 1 is connected to the outlet pipe 3, and the pressure inside the housing 1 is also the first pressure. In the second operating condition, the suction pressure in the outlet pipe 3 is the second pressure, which is greater than the first pressure. The pressure inside the variable cavity 6 is the third pressure. In the first operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure can increase the volume of the variable cavity 6, thereby reducing the volume inside the housing 1 and increasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole 5. In the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the second pressure and the third pressure can reduce the volume of the variable cavity 6, thereby increasing the volume inside the housing 1 and reducing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole 5.

[0056] This invention utilizes a variable-volume cavity within the receiver housing. This cavity's volume is controlled by adjusting the pressure difference between its interior and exterior based on varying operating conditions. In the first operating condition (especially low-temperature heating and maximum cooling), the initial pressure in the outlet pipe is relatively low, requiring a larger amount of refrigerant to enter the system. Therefore, the variable-volume cavity, with its internal third pressure and the initial pressure inside the outlet pipe (housing), is maintained at a pressure difference greater than the initial pressure. This pressure difference increases the volume of the variable-volume cavity in the first operating condition, thereby reducing the volume of the internal cavity. This allows more liquid refrigerant to be forced into the system for circulation, satisfying the requirement of a smaller amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor and a larger amount circulating in the system during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions. In the second operating condition (especially rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling), the second pressure in the outlet pipe is relatively high, requiring a smaller amount of refrigerant to enter the system. Therefore, the variable-volume cavity, with its internal third pressure and the initial pressure inside the outlet pipe (housing), further enhances this effect. The third pressure is controlled within a range lower than the second pressure, so that this pressure difference can reduce the volume of the variable cavity in the second operating condition, thereby increasing the volume of the internal cavity of the shell. This allows a smaller amount of liquid refrigerant to enter the system for circulation, meeting the requirement that a large amount of refrigerant is stored at the bottom of the distributor and a small amount of refrigerant enters the system for circulation during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions. This also ensures that the refrigerant entering the system for circulation under the first operating condition (in which the suction temperature is low, especially during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling, the liquid refrigerant density is high) is circulated. The amount of refrigerant circulating in the system is greater than that in the second operating condition (which is characterized by a higher suction temperature, especially in low-temperature intermediate cooling and rated cooling conditions). It effectively adapts to different system refrigerant circulation amounts according to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching. It resolves the contradiction between different requirements for the height of the distributor oil return hole under different air conditioning operating conditions, ensuring that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is small in low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and large in rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0057] Example 1, as Figure 2 In some implementation methods,

[0058] An airbag structure 18 is provided inside the housing 1, and the variable cavity 6 is formed inside the airbag structure 18. The airbag structure 18 can deform with the change of the pressure difference between its inside and outside. In the first working condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure inside the airbag structure 18 and the first pressure outside the airbag structure 18 can cause the airbag structure 18 to expand, and the volume of the variable cavity 6 increases. In the second working condition, the pressure difference between the second pressure outside the airbag structure 18 and the third pressure inside the airbag structure 18 can cause the airbag structure 18 to contract, and the volume of the variable cavity 6 decreases.

[0059] This is a preferred structural form of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, namely, an airbag structure is provided inside the shell. The airbag structure deforms according to the pressure difference between the inside and outside, causing the volume of the variable cavity inside to increase or decrease. In the first operating condition, the volume of the variable cavity can be increased, thereby reducing the volume of the cavity inside the shell. This allows more liquid refrigerant to be pressed into the system for circulation, meeting the requirement that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is small and the amount of refrigerant entering the system for circulation is large during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions. In the second operating condition, the volume of the variable cavity is reduced, thereby increasing the volume of the cavity inside the shell. This allows less liquid refrigerant to enter the system for circulation, meeting the requirement that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is large and the amount of refrigerant entering the system for circulation is small during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions.

[0060] like Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of an existing liquid dispenser. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; the distributor has a first oil return hole at the bottom; a variable volume cavity (variable cavity 6) is also provided below the first oil return hole. The variable volume cavity in the diagram is a gasbag structure, sealed with gas. When the internal pressure of the distributor increases, the gasbag expands, and the volume of liquid stored below the oil hole at the bottom of the distributor decreases. When the internal pressure of the distributor decreases, the gasbag shrinks, and the volume of liquid stored below the oil hole at the bottom of the distributor increases. Maximum cooling and low-temperature heating systems require a large refrigerant circulation volume, while the suction pressure is low. Rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions require avoiding excessive liquid refrigerant participation in the circulation, while the suction pressure is high. Therefore, this solution can address the issue of varying refrigerant requirements under different operating conditions.

[0061] Example 2, as Figure 3-6 In some implementation methods,

[0062] A piston assembly 4 is disposed inside the housing 1. The piston assembly 4 includes a fixed member 7 and a moving member 8. A variable cavity 6 is formed between the fixed member 7 and the moving member 8. The fixed member 7 is fixed, and the moving member 8 can move closer to or away from the fixed member 7. When the moving member 8 moves toward the fixed member 7, the volume of the variable cavity 6 gradually decreases. When the moving member 8 moves away from the fixed member 7, the volume of the variable cavity 6 gradually increases. In the first operating condition, the moving member 8 is driven by the pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure to move away from the fixed member 7, thereby increasing the volume of the variable cavity 6. In the second operating condition, the moving member 8 is driven by the pressure difference between the second pressure and the third pressure to move toward the fixed member 7, thereby decreasing the volume of the variable cavity 6.

[0063] This is a preferred structural form of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Through the structure of the piston assembly, the piston assembly includes a fixed part and a moving part, and a variable cavity is formed between the two. In the first operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure can drive the moving part to move away from the fixed part, which can increase the volume of the variable cavity, thereby reducing the volume of the internal cavity of the shell. This allows more liquid refrigerant to enter the system for circulation, meeting the requirement that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is small and the amount of refrigerant entering the system for circulation is large when the low-temperature heating condition and the maximum cooling condition are met. In the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the second pressure and the third pressure can drive the moving part to move closer to the fixed part to reduce the volume of the variable cavity, thereby increasing the volume of the internal cavity of the shell. This allows less liquid refrigerant to enter the system for circulation, meeting the requirement that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is large and the amount of refrigerant entering the system for circulation is small when the rated cooling condition and the low-temperature intermediate cooling condition are met.

[0064] Figure 3-6 As shown, the variable volume chamber inside the liquid separator of this invention adopts a cylinder-piston combination structure. The cylinder and piston are sealed with gas, and the piston can slide inside the cylinder to achieve changes in volume. In the figure, when the internal pressure of the liquid separator increases, the piston moves upward, the volume decreases, and the liquid storage volume below the oil hole at the bottom of the liquid separator increases; when the internal pressure of the liquid separator decreases, the piston moves downward, the volume increases, and the liquid storage volume below the oil hole at the bottom of the liquid separator decreases.

[0065] Preferably, Figure 3-6 The gas enclosed in the compressor is the same gas as the refrigerant used in the compressor; this design ensures that even if a leak or other accident occurs, it will not have a significant impact.

[0066] In some implementations...

[0067] The fixing member 7 and the first oil return hole 5 are arranged radially opposite each other, and a first gap channel 9 is formed between the fixing member 7 and the outlet pipe 3. The fixing member 7 divides the internal cavity of the housing 1 into a first cavity 19 and a second cavity 20. The first cavity 19 and the second cavity 20 are connected through the first gap channel 9. The outer peripheral wall of the fixing member 7 is fixed to the housing 1. The moving member 8 is slidably connected to the fixing member 7, so that the moving member 8 can slide relative to the fixing member 7.

[0068] This is a further preferred structural form of the fixed and moving parts of the present invention. The fixed part is radially opposite to the first oil return hole and forms a first gap channel at intervals so that the first and second cavities are connected. The moving part is slidably connected to the fixed part, which can effectively and automatically control the volume of the variable cavity to increase or decrease according to the different suction pressure formed under different working conditions. This adaptively reduces or increases the volume of fluid in the internal cavity of the shell, so that more liquid refrigerant can enter the system for circulation in the first working condition, which meets the requirements of low temperature heating condition and maximum cooling condition, where the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is small and the amount of refrigerant entering the system for circulation is large. In the second working condition, less liquid refrigerant can enter the system for circulation, which meets the requirements of rated cooling condition and low temperature intermediate cooling condition, where the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is large and the amount of refrigerant entering the system for circulation is small.

[0069] In some implementations...

[0070] The fixing member 7 is an annular structure, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the outlet pipe 3. The radial inner peripheral wall of the fixing member 7 is spaced apart from the outer wall of the outlet pipe 3 to form the first gap channel 9. The radial inner peripheral wall of the fixing member 7 is radially opposite to the first oil return hole 5. The fixing member 7 has a first concave structure 16 with its opening facing the first axial direction. The moving member 8 has a second concave structure 17 with its opening facing the second axial direction, which is opposite to the first axial direction. The openings of the first concave structure 16 and the second concave structure 17 are opposite to each other. The first concave structure 16 and the second concave structure 17 are connected to form the variable cavity 6 between them. The moving member 8 slides back and forth in the first concave structure 16.

[0071] This is a further preferred structural form of the fixing member and the moving member of the present invention, namely, both the fixing member and the moving member are in the form of annular structures, the moving member slides back and forth in the first recessed structure to form a sliding moving structure, and the annular structure can form a large variable cavity space, providing a sufficiently strong third pressure to achieve the effect of driving the moving member to move.

[0072] In some implementations...

[0073] In the longitudinal section, the fastener 7 includes a first radial inner plate 10, a first flat plate 11, and a first radial outer plate 12. The first radial inner plate 10 is connected to the radial inner end of the first flat plate 11 and extends toward the first axial direction. The first radial outer plate 12 is connected to the radial outer end of the first flat plate 11 and also extends toward the first axial direction, such that the first radial inner plate 10, the first flat plate 11, and the first radial outer plate 12 form the first concave structure 16 with the opening facing the first axial direction.

[0074] The moving component 8 includes a second radial inner plate 13, a second flat plate 14, and a second radial outer plate 15. The second radial inner plate 13 is connected to the radial inner end of the second flat plate 14 and extends in the second axial direction. The second radial outer plate 15 is connected to the radial outer end of the second flat plate 14 and also extends in the second axial direction. The second axial direction is opposite to the first axial direction, such that the second radial inner plate 13, the second flat plate 14, and the second radial outer plate 15 form a second concave structure 17 with an opening facing the second axial direction.

[0075] The radial inner wall of the second radial inner side plate 13 is attached to the outer peripheral wall of the first radial inner side plate 10 and can slide relative to each other, and the radial outer wall of the second radial outer side plate 15 is attached to the radial inner wall of the first radial outer side plate 12 and can slide relative to each other.

[0076] This is a further preferred structural form of the fixing member and the moving member of the present invention. The fixing member forms a first concave structure opening towards a first axial direction (preferably downward) through a first radial inner side plate, a first flat plate and a first radial outer side plate. The moving member forms a second concave structure opening towards a second axial direction (preferably upward) through a second radial inner side plate, a second flat plate and a second radial outer side plate. The openings of the two concave structures are joined to form a variable cavity. Gas is introduced into the variable cavity to generate a third pressure. The second radial inner side plate and the second radial outer side plate of the moving member slide within the first concave structure formed by the fixing member. The structure of the fixing member encloses the structure of the moving member inside it to ensure the sealing of the variable cavity.

[0077] In some implementations...

[0078] The first radial inner plate 10, the first flat plate 11, and the first radial outer plate 12 are all annular structures, making the first concave structure 16 an annular cavity. The second radial inner plate 13, the second flat plate 14, and the second radial outer plate 15 are also annular structures, making the second concave structure 17 also an annular cavity, so that the variable cavity 6 forms an annular cavity with variable volume.

[0079] This is a further preferred form of cooperation between the moving part and the fixed part of the present invention. The specific structures of the fixed part and the moving part are both annular structures, so that the variable cavity also forms an annular cavity, which can effectively increase the volume of the variable cavity to provide a sufficiently strong third pressure to achieve the effect of driving the moving part.

[0080] In some implementations...

[0081] The first cavity 19 is an upper cavity, the second cavity 20 is a lower cavity, the moving part 8 is disposed in the lower cavity, and the upper end of the moving part 8 is connected to the fixing part 7. The first oil return hole 5 is disposed at a position opposite to the lower cavity. The fixing part 7 is a cylinder, the moving part 8 is a piston, and the piston is connected to the lower end of the cylinder.

[0082] This is a further preferred structural form of the reservoir of the present invention, namely, the reservoir is placed vertically, the first cavity above the fixing member is the upper cavity, the second cavity below the fixing member is the lower cavity, and the moving member is slidably connected to the lower end of the fixing member. The fixing member is preferably a stationary cylinder, and the moving member is preferably a piston capable of movement.

[0083] In some implementations...

[0084] The variable cavity 6 is further provided with an elastic structure 21. The elastic structure 21 applies an elastic force F to the moving member 8 in a direction away from the fixed member 7. Under the first operating condition, the third pressure plus the elastic force is greater than the first pressure, and the resultant force on the moving member 8 is directed away from the fixed member 7, thereby increasing the volume of the variable cavity 6, thereby reducing the internal volume of the housing 1 and increasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole 5. Under the second operating condition, the third pressure plus the elastic force is less than the second pressure, and the resultant force on the moving member 8 is directed closer to the fixed member 7, thereby reducing the volume of the variable cavity 6, thereby increasing the internal volume of the housing 1 and reducing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole 5.

[0085] The present invention further provides an elastic structure in the variable cavity, which provides an elastic force acting on the moving part away from the fixed part. This avoids the situation where the third pressure decreases due to gas leakage inside the variable cavity during long-term operation, thus preventing the piston from being driven. It provides an auxiliary force to ensure that the piston movement can be smoothly and normally controlled according to different operating conditions to increase or decrease the volume of the variable cavity. This ensures that different refrigerant circulation volumes of the system are adapted to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching and resolving the contradiction that different operating conditions of the air conditioner require different heights of the distributor oil return hole.

[0086] like Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the variable volume chamber inside the separator adopts a cylinder-piston combination structure. The enclosed space of the cylinder and piston is connected to the external atmospheric pressure, and a spring is installed between the cylinder and piston. That is to say, the internal pressure of the combination structure is constant atmospheric pressure, while the external pressure is the internal pressure of the separator. When the internal pressure of the separator is greater than the sum of atmospheric pressure and spring pressure, the piston moves upward, the volume occupied by the enclosed space decreases, and the liquid storage volume below the oil hole at the bottom of the separator increases; when the internal pressure of the separator decreases, the piston moves downward under the action of atmospheric pressure and spring force, the volume increases, and the liquid storage volume below the oil hole at the bottom of the separator decreases.

[0087] This design ensures that the pressure within the sealed space remains constant, and even in the event of minor leaks (gas leaks within the variable volume cavity), it guarantees excellent regulation.

[0088] In some implementations...

[0089] The variable cavity 6 is supplied with atmospheric pressure from outside the housing 1 or with the exhaust pressure from inside the compressor. The variable cavity 6 is connected to the outside of the housing 1 via a venting channel 22. This invention also allows the variable cavity to be connected to atmospheric pressure outside the housing or the exhaust pressure from inside the compressor via the venting channel. Connecting the variable cavity to atmospheric pressure allows the atmospheric pressure plus spring force to be compared with the suction pressure inside the distributor. Connecting the variable cavity to the pressure inside the compressor housing (exhaust pressure) ensures the stability of the internal pressure of the variable cavity and prevents leakage that could affect the control of the refrigerant quantity.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown, the variable volume chamber inside the distributor of this invention adopts a cylinder-piston combination structure. The enclosed space of the cylinder and piston is connected to the high pressure inside the shell. As shown in the table above, under the maximum cooling and low-temperature heating conditions, the internal pressure difference of the compressor is large. Under the action of the pressure difference, the piston overcomes the spring force and moves downward, increasing the volume and decreasing the liquid storage volume below the oil hole at the bottom of the distributor. Under the conditions of low-temperature intermediate cooling and rated cooling, the internal pressure difference of the compressor is small. Under the spring force of the piston, it moves upward, decreasing the volume and increasing the liquid storage volume below the oil hole at the bottom of the distributor.

[0091] The present invention also provides a compressor assembly, which includes the aforementioned liquid receiver 23 and a compressor 24, wherein the liquid receiver is connected to the suction end of the compressor.

[0092] At the bottom of the distributor of this invention, below the first oil return hole 5, a variable volume cavity (variable volume cavity 6) is provided. The volume of this cavity is inversely proportional to the internal pressure of the distributor. For low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, the cavity has a large volume, occupying a large bottom volume, resulting in less residual liquid inside the distributor and good capacity utilization, meeting system requirements. For rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, the cavity has a small volume, occupying a small bottom volume, resulting in more residual liquid inside the distributor, reducing the refrigerant circulation volume in the system, and achieving good energy efficiency matching.

[0093] As shown in the table below, the refrigerant circulation volume requirement is large for maximum cooling and low-temperature heating systems, while the suction pressure is low; for rated cooling, low-temperature intermediate cooling, and other operating conditions, it is necessary to avoid too much liquid refrigerant participating in the circulation, while the suction pressure is high.

[0094] Therefore, by controlling the pressure inside the dispenser to control the volume of the aforementioned cavity, the liquid storage volume at the bottom of the dispenser can be controlled.

[0095] Table 1

[0096]

[0097] The invention achieves the following effects: in low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, the amount of residual liquid inside the distributor is small, the capacity is well utilized, and the system requirements are met; in rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, the amount of refrigerant stored inside the distributor is large, and the energy efficiency matching effect is good.

[0098] The present invention can solve the following technical problem: the contradictory problem of different requirements for the height of the oil return hole of the distributor under different air conditioning operating conditions.

[0099] The present invention also provides an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned compressor assembly.

[0100] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid reservoir, characterized in that: include: The enclosure consists of a housing (1), an inlet pipe (2), and an outlet pipe (3). The inlet pipe (2) communicates with the interior of the housing (1), and the outlet pipe (3) extends from one end of the housing (1) into the interior of the housing (1). The outlet pipe (3) is provided with a first oil return hole (5), which is located in the housing (1). The first oil return hole (5) can connect the interior of the housing (1) with the interior of the outlet pipe (3). The housing (1) has a variable volume cavity (6) inside, and gas is provided in the variable volume cavity (6). In the first operating condition, the suction pressure in the outlet pipe (3) is the first pressure. The inside of the housing (1) is connected to the outlet pipe (3), and the pressure inside the housing (1) is also the first pressure. In the second operating condition, the suction pressure in the outlet pipe (3) is the second pressure. The second pressure is greater than the first pressure. The pressure inside the variable cavity (6) is the third pressure. In the first operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure can increase the volume of the variable cavity (6), thereby reducing the volume inside the housing (1) and increasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole (5). In the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the second pressure and the third pressure can reduce the volume of the variable cavity (6), thereby increasing the volume inside the housing (1) and reducing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole (5).

2. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with an airbag structure (18) inside, and the variable cavity (6) is formed inside the airbag structure (18). The airbag structure (18) can deform with the change of the pressure difference inside and outside. In the first working condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure inside the airbag structure (18) and the first pressure outside the airbag structure (18) can cause the airbag structure (18) to expand, and the volume of the variable cavity (6) increases. In the second working condition, the pressure difference between the second pressure outside the airbag structure (18) and the third pressure inside the airbag structure (18) can cause the airbag structure (18) to contract, and the volume of the variable cavity (6) decreases.

3. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with a piston assembly (4), which includes a fixed member (7) and a moving member (8). The fixed member (7) and the moving member (8) form a variable cavity (6). The fixed member (7) is fixed, and the moving member (8) can move closer to or away from the fixed member (7). When the moving member (8) moves toward the fixed member (7), the volume of the variable cavity (6) gradually decreases. When the moving member (8) moves away from the fixed member (7), the volume of the variable cavity (6) gradually increases. In the first working condition, the moving member (8) is driven by the pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure to move away from the fixed member (7), thereby increasing the volume of the variable cavity (6). In the second working condition, the moving member (8) is driven by the pressure difference between the second pressure and the third pressure to move toward the fixed member (7), thereby decreasing the volume of the variable cavity (6).

4. The liquid reservoir according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing member (7) is arranged radially opposite to the first oil return hole (5), and a first gap channel (9) is formed between the fixing member (7) and the outlet pipe (3). The fixing member (7) divides the internal cavity of the housing (1) into a first cavity (19) and a second cavity (20). The first cavity (19) and the second cavity (20) are connected through the first gap channel (9). The outer peripheral wall of the fixing member (7) is fixed to the housing (1). The moving member (8) is slidably connected to the fixing member (7), so that the moving member (8) can slide relative to the fixing member (7).

5. The liquid reservoir according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing member (7) is an annular structure. The annular fixing member (7) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the outlet pipe (3), and the radial inner peripheral wall of the fixing member (7) is spaced from the outer wall of the outlet pipe (3) to form the first gap channel (9). The radial inner peripheral wall of the fixing member (7) is radially opposite to the first oil return hole (5). The fixing member (7) has a first concave structure (16) with an opening facing the first axial direction. The moving member (8) has a second concave structure (17) with an opening facing the second axial direction. The second axial direction is opposite to the first axial direction, so that the opening of the first concave structure (16) and the opening of the second concave structure (17) are opposite to each other. The first concave structure (16) and the second concave structure (17) are connected to each other to form the variable cavity (6) between them. The moving member (8) slides back and forth in the first concave structure (16).

6. The liquid reservoir according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the longitudinal section, the fastener (7) includes a first radial inner plate (10), a first flat plate (11), and a first radial outer plate (12). The first radial inner plate (10) is connected to the radial inner end of the first flat plate (11) and extends toward the first axial direction. The first radial outer plate (12) is connected to the radial outer end of the first flat plate (11) and also extends toward the first axial direction, so that the first radial inner plate (10), the first flat plate (11), and the first radial outer plate (12) form the first concave structure (16) with the opening facing the first axial direction. The moving part (8) includes a second radial inner plate (13), a second flat plate (14), and a second radial outer plate (15). The second radial inner plate (13) is connected to the radial inner end of the second flat plate (14) and extends in the direction of the second axial direction. The second radial outer plate (15) is connected to the radial outer end of the second flat plate (14) and also extends in the direction of the second axial direction. The second axial direction is opposite to the first axial direction, so that the second radial inner plate (13), the second flat plate (14), and the second radial outer plate (15) form a second concave structure (17) with the opening facing the second axial direction. The radial inner wall of the second radial inner side plate (13) is attached to the outer peripheral wall of the first radial inner side plate (10) and can slide relative to each other, and the radial outer wall of the second radial outer side plate (15) is attached to the radial inner wall of the first radial outer side plate (12) and can slide relative to each other.

7. The liquid reservoir according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first radial inner plate (10), the first flat plate (11) and the first radial outer plate (12) are all annular structures, making the first concave structure (16) an annular cavity. The second radial inner plate (13), the second flat plate (14) and the second radial outer plate (15) are also annular structures, making the second concave structure (17) also an annular cavity, so that the variable cavity (6) forms an annular cavity with variable volume.

8. The liquid reservoir according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first cavity (19) is the upper cavity, the second cavity (20) is the lower cavity, the moving part (8) is disposed in the lower cavity, and the upper end of the moving part (8) is connected to the fixing part (7). The first oil return hole (5) is disposed at a position opposite to the lower cavity. The fixing part (7) is a cylinder, the moving part (8) is a piston, and the piston is connected to the lower end of the cylinder.

9. The liquid reservoir according to claim 3, characterized in that: The variable cavity (6) is also provided with an elastic structure (21). The elastic structure (21) applies an elastic force F to the moving part (8) in a direction away from the fixed part (7). Under the first working condition, the third pressure plus the elastic force is greater than the first pressure. The resultant force on the moving part (8) is directed away from the fixed part (7), thereby increasing the volume of the variable cavity (6) and reducing the volume inside the housing (1), thus increasing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole (5). Under the second working condition, the third pressure plus the elastic force is less than the second pressure. The resultant force on the moving part (8) is directed closer to the fixed part (7), thereby reducing the volume of the variable cavity (6) and increasing the volume inside the housing (1), thus reducing the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged from the first oil return hole (5).

10. The liquid reservoir according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The variable cavity (6) is supplied with atmospheric pressure from outside the housing (1) or with exhaust pressure from inside the compressor. The variable cavity (6) is connected to the outside of the housing (1) through a ventilation channel (22).

11. A compressor assembly characterized by: The liquid reservoir, as described in any one of claims 1-10, further includes a compressor, wherein the liquid reservoir is connected in communication with the suction end of the compressor.

12. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: Includes the compressor assembly as described in claim 11.

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