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, an outlet pipe, and a valve structure. At least a portion of the valve structure is positioned opposite to a first oil return port. Under a first operating condition, the first suction velocity of the gas discharged from the outlet pipe is greater than the second suction velocity under a second operating condition, resulting in a second pressure greater than the first pressure. The pressure difference between a third pressure inside the housing and outside the outlet pipe and the first pressure can drive the valve structure to open the first oil return port under the first operating condition, allowing liquid refrigerant to be discharged from the first oil return port. Under a second operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure and the second pressure is insufficient to drive the valve structure to close the first oil return port, preventing liquid refrigerant from being discharged from the first oil return port. According to this invention, it is possible to simultaneously ensure a small amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor under low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and a large amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor under rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, thereby 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 structure includes a housing, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a valve. The inlet pipe communicates with the interior of the housing, and the outlet pipe extends from one end of the housing into its interior.

[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 interior of the housing with the interior of the outlet pipe. At least a part of the valve structure is arranged opposite to the first oil return hole.

[0010] In the first operating condition, the gas velocity discharged from the outlet pipe is the first intake velocity, and the gas pressure at the first oil return hole inside the outlet pipe is the first pressure. In the second operating condition, the gas velocity discharged from the outlet pipe is the second intake velocity, and the gas pressure at the first oil return hole inside the outlet pipe is the second pressure. The first intake velocity is greater than the second intake velocity, causing the second pressure to be greater than the first pressure. The pressure inside the housing and outside the outlet pipe is the third pressure. The pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure can drive the valve structure to open the first oil return hole in the first operating condition, allowing liquid refrigerant to be discharged from the first oil return hole. The pressure difference between the third pressure and the second pressure is insufficient to drive the valve structure to close the first oil return hole in the second operating condition, preventing liquid refrigerant from being discharged from the first oil return hole.

[0011] In some implementations...

[0012] In the first operating condition, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the outlet pipe can cause the valve structure to move or deform and open the first return oil hole. In the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the outlet pipe can cause the valve structure to move or deform and close the first return oil hole.

[0013] In some implementations...

[0014] The valve structure is disposed on the inner wall of the outlet pipe and at least part of the structure is opposite to the first return oil hole. The valve structure can be driven by the pressure difference inside and outside the pipe to move or deform away from the first return oil hole in the first operating condition to create a gap with the first return oil hole and open the first return oil hole. The valve structure can also be driven by the pressure difference inside and outside the pipe to move or deform towards the first return oil hole in the second operating condition to fit with the first return oil hole and close the first return oil hole.

[0015] In some implementations...

[0016] The valve structure includes a valve plate, which is capable of adhering to the inner wall of the outlet pipe and having at least a portion of its structure opposite to the first return oil hole to close the first return oil hole. Under the first operating condition, the first pressure inside the outlet pipe is less than the third pressure outside the outlet pipe, and the pressure difference drives the valve plate to move away from the first return oil hole to open the first return oil hole. Under the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure outside the outlet pipe and the second pressure inside the outlet pipe is insufficient to drive the valve plate to move away from the first return oil hole, thereby closing the first return oil hole.

[0017] In some implementations...

[0018] The valve structure also includes a limiter and a fastener. The limiter is located on the side of the valve plate away from the first oil return hole so as to limit the movement distance of the valve plate.

[0019] The fastener secures the valve plate and the limiter to the inner wall of the outlet pipe as a whole. The outlet pipe has fastening holes that penetrate the inner and outer walls. The fastener is inserted into the fastening holes to secure the valve plate and the limiter to the inner wall of the outlet pipe as a whole.

[0020] In some implementations...

[0021] It also includes a branch pipe, one end of which is connected to the interior of the outlet pipe at the location of the first oil return hole, and the other end of which extends outward from the outlet pipe and into the housing and can communicate with the interior of the housing. The valve structure is disposed inside the branch pipe.

[0022] In some implementations...

[0023] The branch pipe is a pipe inclined to the horizontal direction. The end of the branch pipe that connects to the outlet pipe is the lower end of the branch pipe, and the free end of the branch pipe that extends toward the inside of the housing is the upper end of the branch pipe.

[0024] In some implementations...

[0025] The valve structure includes a fixed structure and a deformable structure. When the valve structure is disposed on the inner wall of the outlet pipe, the deformable structure is fixed to the inner wall of the outlet pipe by the fixed structure. When the liquid reservoir also includes a branch pipe, the deformable structure is fixed to the inside of the branch pipe by the fixed structure, and the deformable structure can generate gaps through deformation.

[0026] In the first operating condition, the first pressure inside the outlet pipe is less than the third pressure outside the outlet pipe. The pressure difference can drive the deformable structure to deform in the direction of the first return oil hole to form the gap and thus open the first return oil hole. In the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure outside the outlet pipe and the second pressure inside the outlet pipe is insufficient to drive the deformable structure to deform in the direction of the first return oil hole, so that no gap is formed and the first return oil hole is closed.

[0027] In some implementations...

[0028] The deformable structure is made of at least one of silicone, natural rubber, butyl rubber and polytetrafluoroethylene. The fixing structure includes at least one of a metal base, adhesive and metal sheet. The deformable structure can be fixed by the metal base, or the deformable structure can be glued and fixed by adhesive, or the deformable structure can be pressed and fixed by the metal sheet.

[0029] In some implementations...

[0030] The axis of the housing is vertical. The inlet pipe connects to the interior of the housing from the upper end of the housing. The outlet pipe passes through the interior of the housing from the lower end of the housing and extends upward to a third preset distance greater than 0 from the upper end of the housing.

[0031] The outlet pipe is also provided with a second oil return hole, the position of which is higher than that of the first oil return hole. The shell is also provided with a partition, which divides the shell into an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The partition is provided with a flow hole, and the upper cavity and the lower cavity are connected through the flow hole. The first oil return hole and the second oil return hole are both located in the lower cavity.

[0032] 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, and the operating frequency of the compressor under the first operating condition is greater than the operating frequency of the compressor under the second operating condition.

[0033] The present invention also provides an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned compressor assembly.

[0034] The liquid receiver, compressor assembly, and air conditioner provided by this invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0035] This invention utilizes a valve structure within the receiver housing. This valve structure controls the opening of the first oil return port based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the outlet pipe under different operating conditions. In the first operating condition (especially low-temperature heating and maximum cooling), a larger amount of refrigerant is required to enter the system, resulting in a relatively high compressor operating frequency and a higher airflow velocity in the outlet pipe. According to Bernoulli's principle, the first pressure in the outlet pipe is relatively low. By using the valve structure and controlling the third pressure inside the housing to be greater than the first pressure, this pressure difference drives the valve structure to open the first oil return port during the first operating condition. This allows more liquid refrigerant to enter 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. In the second operating condition (especially rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling), a smaller amount of refrigerant is required to enter the system, resulting in a relatively low compressor operating frequency and a lower airflow velocity in the outlet pipe. According to Bernoulli's principle, the second pressure in the outlet pipe is relatively low. By configuring the valve structure and controlling the pressure difference between the third pressure inside the housing and the second pressure to be insufficient to drive the valve structure to close the first oil return port in the second operating condition, a smaller amount of liquid refrigerant can enter the system for circulation. This meets the requirement that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is large, while the amount of refrigerant entering the system for circulation is small, during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions. Therefore, 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) is greater than... The amount of refrigerant circulating in the system under the second operating condition (especially low-temperature intermediate cooling and rated cooling conditions, due to the higher suction temperature) effectively adapts to different system refrigerant circulation amounts according to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching. It resolves the contradiction of 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 under low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and large under rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front cross-sectional view of a liquid separator in the prior art;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of Embodiment 1 of the liquid dispenser of the present invention under the first operating condition;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part A;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a front sectional view of Embodiment 1 of the liquid dispenser of the present invention under the second operating condition;

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of part B;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a front sectional view of embodiment 2 of the liquid dispenser of the present invention under the first operating condition;

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of part C;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a front sectional view of embodiment 3 of the liquid dispenser of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of part D.

[0045] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0046] 1. Shell; 2. Inlet pipe; 3. Outlet pipe; 4. Valve structure; 5. First oil return hole; 6. Valve plate; 7. Limiter; 8. Fastener; 9. Fastening hole; 10. Branch pipe; 11. Fixed structure; 12. Deformable structure; 13. Gap; 14. Second oil return hole; 15. Partition plate; 16. Upper cavity; 17. Lower cavity; 18. Flow hole. Detailed Implementation

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 9As shown, the present invention provides a liquid reservoir, which includes:

[0054] The system comprises a housing 1, an inlet pipe 2, an outlet pipe 3, and a valve structure 4. 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 its interior.

[0055] 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. At least a part of the structure of the valve structure 4 is arranged opposite to the first oil return hole 5.

[0056] In the first operating condition, the gas velocity discharged from the outlet pipe 3 is the first intake velocity, and the gas pressure at the first oil return hole 5 inside the outlet pipe (3) is the first pressure. In the second operating condition, the gas velocity discharged from the outlet pipe 3 is the second intake velocity, and the gas pressure at the first oil return hole 5 inside the outlet pipe 3 is the second pressure. The first intake velocity is greater than the second intake velocity, so that the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. The pressure inside the housing 1 and outside the outlet pipe 3 is the third pressure. The pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure can drive the valve structure 4 to open the first oil return hole 5 through the pressure difference in the first operating condition, and the liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the first oil return hole 5. The pressure difference between the third pressure and the second pressure is insufficient to drive the valve structure 4 to close the first oil return hole 5 through the pressure difference in the second operating condition, and the liquid refrigerant cannot be discharged from the first oil return hole 5. Preferably, the pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure is greater than the preset exhaust pressure that the valve structure can open, the pressure difference between the third pressure and the second pressure is less than the preset exhaust pressure that the valve structure can open, the third pressure is greater than the first pressure, and the third pressure is greater than the second pressure.

[0057] This invention utilizes a valve structure within the receiver housing. This valve structure controls the opening of the first oil return port based on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the outlet pipe under different operating conditions. In the first operating condition (especially low-temperature heating and maximum cooling), a larger amount of refrigerant is required to enter the system, resulting in a relatively high compressor operating frequency and a higher airflow velocity in the outlet pipe. According to Bernoulli's principle, the first pressure in the outlet pipe is relatively low. By using the valve structure and controlling the third pressure inside the housing to be greater than the first pressure, this pressure difference drives the valve structure to open the first oil return port during the first operating condition. This allows more liquid refrigerant to enter 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. In the second operating condition (especially rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling), a smaller amount of refrigerant is required to enter the system, resulting in a relatively low compressor operating frequency and a lower airflow velocity in the outlet pipe. According to Bernoulli's principle, the second pressure in the outlet pipe is relatively low. By configuring the valve structure and controlling the pressure difference between the third pressure inside the housing and the second pressure to be insufficient to drive the valve structure to close the first oil return port in the second operating condition, a smaller amount of liquid refrigerant can enter the system for circulation. This meets the requirement that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is large, while the amount of refrigerant entering the system for circulation is small, during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions. Therefore, 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) is greater than... The amount of refrigerant circulating in the system under the second operating condition (especially low-temperature intermediate cooling and rated cooling conditions, due to the higher suction temperature) effectively adapts to different system refrigerant circulation amounts according to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching. It resolves the contradiction of 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 under low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and large under rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0058] In some implementations...

[0059] Under the first operating condition, the temperature of the gas discharged from the outlet pipe 3 is a first temperature; under the second operating condition, the temperature of the gas discharged from the outlet pipe 3 is a second temperature, and the first temperature is lower than the second temperature; and / or,

[0060] In the first operating condition, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the outlet pipe 3 can cause the valve structure 4 to move or deform and open the first return oil hole 5. In the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the outlet pipe 3 can cause the valve structure 4 to move or deform and close the first return oil hole 5.

[0061] The first operating condition of this invention is preferably a low-temperature heating condition and a maximum cooling condition, and the second operating condition is preferably a rated cooling condition and a low-temperature intermediate cooling condition. In the low-temperature heating condition and the maximum cooling condition, the suction temperature of this invention is lower than the suction temperature of the rated cooling condition and the low-temperature intermediate cooling condition (the suction temperature is the suction temperature of the compressor when it enters the outlet pipe and is connected to the outlet pipe). In the first operating condition, the valve structure can be driven by the pressure difference to move or deform, thereby opening the first oil return hole and increasing the amount of circulating refrigerant entering the system under the first operating condition. In the second operating condition, the valve structure can be driven by the pressure difference to move or deform, closing the first oil return hole, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant circulating into the system under the second operating condition and improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0062] In some implementations...

[0063] The valve structure 4 is disposed on the inner wall of the outlet pipe 3 and at least part of its structure is opposite to the first return oil hole 5. The valve structure 4 can be driven by the pressure difference inside and outside the pipe to move or deform away from the first return oil hole 5 in the first operating condition to create a gap with the first return oil hole 5 and open the first return oil hole 5. The valve structure 4 can also be driven by the pressure difference inside and outside the pipe to move or deform towards the first return oil hole 5 in the second operating condition to fit with the first return oil hole 5 and close the first return oil hole 5.

[0064] This is a preferred structural form of embodiments 1 and 2 of the valve structure of the present invention. The valve structure is located on the inner wall of the outlet pipe, opposite to the first oil return hole. Therefore, when the pressure outside the outlet pipe is greater than the pressure inside the outlet pipe, pressure will drive the valve structure to move or deform away from the first oil return hole, thereby opening the first oil return hole. This is the first operating condition. When the pressure outside the outlet pipe is less than the pressure inside the outlet pipe plus the valve structure's preset exhaust pressure, pressure will drive the valve structure to move or deform towards the first oil return hole, thereby closing the first oil return hole. This is the second operating condition. Therefore, the present invention sets the valve structure on the inner wall of the initial draft, opposite to the first oil return hole, which can automatically adjust the opening or closing of the first oil return hole according to different operating conditions. In the first operating condition, the first oil return hole is opened to increase the system refrigerant circulation volume; in the second operating condition, the first oil return hole is closed to reduce the system refrigerant circulation volume. This adapts to different system refrigerant circulation volumes according to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching. It solves the contradiction of different requirements for the height of the distributor's oil return hole under different air conditioning operating conditions, thus improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0065] In some implementations...

[0066] The valve structure 4 includes a valve plate 6, which can be attached to the inner wall of the outlet pipe 3 and at least part of its structure is opposite to the first return oil hole 5 to close the first return oil hole 5. Under the first operating condition, the first pressure inside the outlet pipe 3 is less than the third pressure outside the outlet pipe 3, and the pressure difference drives the valve plate 6 to move away from the first return oil hole 5 to open the first return oil hole 5. Under the second operating condition, the second pressure inside the outlet pipe 3 is less than the third pressure outside the outlet pipe 3, and the pressure difference is insufficient to make the valve plate 6 move away from the first return oil hole 5, thereby closing the first return oil hole 5.

[0067] This is a preferred structural form of the valve structure in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The structure of the valve plate can effectively fit against the inner wall of the outlet pipe to close the first oil return hole. In the first operating condition, it can move away from the first oil return hole to open the first oil return hole and increase the refrigerant circulation volume of the system. In the second operating condition, it can move closer to the first oil return hole to close the first oil return hole and reduce the refrigerant circulation volume of the system. It can adapt to different refrigerant circulation volumes of the system according to different operating conditions, with good energy efficiency matching effect. It solves the contradiction problem that the height requirements of the distributor oil return hole are different under different air conditioning operating conditions, and improves the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0068] In some implementations...

[0069] The valve structure 4 also includes a limiter 7 and a fastener 8. The limiter 7 is disposed on the side of the valve plate 6 away from the first oil return hole 5 so as to limit the movement distance of the valve plate 6.

[0070] The fastener 8 secures the valve plate 6 and the limiter 7 to the inner wall of the outlet pipe 3. The outlet pipe 3 has a fastening hole 9 that penetrates the inner and outer walls. The fastener 8 is inserted into the fastening hole 9 to secure the valve plate 6 and the limiter 7 to the inner wall of the outlet pipe 3.

[0071] This is a preferred structural form of the valve structure in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The limiter can effectively limit the upward (away from the first return oil hole) movement of the valve plate, preventing the valve plate from moving excessively and causing breakage. The present invention also uses the structure of fasteners and fastening holes to fix the valve plate and the limiter to the inner wall of the outlet pipe as a whole, thus completing the installation and fixing of the valve structure.

[0072] In some implementations...

[0073] It also includes a branch pipe 10, one end of which is connected to the interior of the outlet pipe 3 at the position of the first oil return hole 5, and the other end of the branch pipe 10 extends outward from the outlet pipe 3 and into the housing 1, and can communicate with the interior of the housing 1. The valve structure 4 is disposed inside the branch pipe 10.

[0074] This is a preferred structural form of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. By setting the branch pipe, the first oil return hole of the outlet pipe can be extended and connected to the inside of the shell (outside of the outlet pipe), so that the fluid entering the outlet pipe from the branch pipe will not affect the gas flow path structure in the outlet pipe too much. The valve structure is set in the branch pipe, and can also sensitively sense the pressure difference, thereby improving the reaction speed and sensitivity.

[0075] In some implementations...

[0076] The branch pipe 10 is a pipe inclined to the horizontal direction. The end of the branch pipe 10 that is connected to the outlet pipe 3 is the lower end of the branch pipe 10, and the free end of the branch pipe 10 that extends toward the inside of the housing 1 is the upper end of the branch pipe 10.

[0077] The branch pipe of the present invention is preferably inclined toward the outside of the outlet pipe and extends upward, so that fluid inside the shell can be introduced into the branch pipe from the upper end of the branch pipe. First, it can sensitively transmit the pressure difference to the valve structure inside the branch pipe. Second, after the valve structure is opened, liquid refrigerant can be introduced through the top of the branch pipe. By utilizing gravity, the refrigerant can be discharged more effectively.

[0078] In some implementations...

[0079] The valve structure 4 includes a fixed structure 11 and a deformable structure 12. When the valve structure 4 is disposed on the inner wall of the outlet pipe 3, the deformable structure 12 is fixed to the inner wall of the outlet pipe 3 through the fixed structure 11. When the reservoir also includes a branch pipe 10, the deformable structure 12 is fixed to the inside of the branch pipe 10 through the fixed structure 11, and the deformable structure 12 can generate a gap 13 through deformation.

[0080] Under the first operating condition, the first pressure inside the outlet pipe 3 is less than the third pressure outside the outlet pipe 3. The pressure difference can drive the deformable structure 12 to deform in the direction of the first return oil hole 5 to form the gap 13 and thus open the first return oil hole 5. Under the second operating condition, the second pressure inside the outlet pipe 3 is less than the third pressure outside the outlet pipe 3. The pressure difference between the third pressure and the second pressure is insufficient to drive the deformable structure 12 to deform in the direction of the first return oil hole 5, so that no gap is formed and the first return oil hole 5 is closed.

[0081] This is a further preferred structural form of the valve structure of the present invention. The fixed structure can fix the deformable structure to the inner wall of the outlet pipe, and the fixed structure can also fix the deformable structure to the inside of the branch pipe. Furthermore, the valve structure of the present invention can generate a gap through the deformation of the deformable structure, and can communicate between the inside of the housing and the inside of the outlet pipe through the gap. In the first working condition, the first oil return hole can be opened to increase the refrigerant circulation volume of the system. In the second working condition, it moves towards the first oil return hole to close the first oil return hole and reduce the refrigerant circulation volume of the system. It adapts to different refrigerant circulation volumes according to different working conditions, and has a good energy efficiency matching effect. It solves the contradiction problem that the height requirements of the distributor oil return hole are different under different air conditioning working conditions, and improves the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0082] In some implementations...

[0083] The deformable structure 12 is made of at least one of silicone, natural rubber, butyl rubber and polytetrafluoroethylene. The fixing structure 11 includes at least one of a metal base, adhesive and metal sheet. The deformable structure 12 can be fixed by the metal base, or the deformable structure can be glued and fixed by adhesive, or the deformable structure can be pressed and fixed by the metal sheet.

[0084] This is the preferred material structure for the deformable structure of the present invention. Silicone, natural rubber, butyl rubber and polytetrafluoroethylene can all form effective deformation. Metal base, adhesive and metal sheet can all fix the deformable structure to the inner wall of the outlet pipe or to the inner wall of the branch pipe.

[0085] In some implementations...

[0086] The axis of the housing 1 is vertical. The inlet pipe 2 connects to the interior of the housing 1 from the upper end of the housing 1. The outlet pipe 3 passes through the interior of the housing 1 from the lower end of the housing 1 and extends upward to a third preset distance greater than 0 from the upper end of the housing 1.

[0087] The outlet pipe 3 is also provided with a second oil return hole 14, the position of which is higher than that of the first oil return hole 5. The housing 1 is also provided with a partition 15, which divides the interior of the housing 1 into an upper cavity 16 and a lower cavity 17. The partition 15 is provided with a flow hole 18, and the upper cavity 16 and the lower cavity 17 are connected through the flow hole 18. The first oil return hole 5 and the second oil return hole 14 are both located in the lower cavity 17.

[0088] This invention also allows for the discharge of liquid refrigerant (oil) stored inside the casing, especially in the second operating condition, via a second oil return hole. The second oil return hole is higher than the first oil return hole, reducing the amount of refrigerant discharged in the second operating condition. This reduces the system refrigerant circulation volume in the second operating condition compared to the first operating condition, ensuring that the liquid refrigerant inside the casing can only be discharged when it reaches the second oil return hole. This effectively adapts to different system refrigerant circulation volumes according to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching. It resolves the contradiction of different requirements for the height of the distributor's oil return hole under different air conditioning operating conditions, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0089] 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, and the operating frequency of the compressor under the first operating condition is greater than the operating frequency of the compressor under the second operating condition.

[0090] This invention provides a distributor with a pressure valve component (valve structure 4) located at the oil hole at the bottom of the distributor. At different compressor frequencies, the refrigerant flow rate inside the pipe varies. According to Bernoulli's principle, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the straight pipe of the distributor also varies, thus enabling the valve to open and close in two states, controlling the opening and closing of one of the oil holes at the bottom of the distributor.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The distributor of the present invention has an oil return hole at the bottom of its outlet pipe. It is characterized by also having a pressure valve component. When the compressor operates at different frequencies, the refrigerant flow rate in the pipe is different. According to Bernoulli's principle, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the straight pipe of the distributor is also different, thereby realizing the two states of valve opening and closing to control the opening and closing of one of the oil holes at the bottom of the distributor.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, this is the existing distributor structure. When the compressor is running, the refrigerant leaves the distributor from the straight pipe and enters the compressor. According to Bernoulli's principle, the refrigerant flow rate inside the pipe is faster, and the pressure decreases. Therefore, the pressure outside the pipe is greater than the pressure outside the pipe, and the faster the flow rate, the greater the pressure difference between the two positions.

[0095] For low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, the amount of refrigerant oil or refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor should be small, while ensuring sufficient refrigerant participates in the circulation to better utilize the system's capacity and meet the requirements of maximum cooling and low-temperature heating. Regarding refrigerant oil, high-frequency compressors generally have a higher oil discharge rate, requiring a larger amount of refrigerant oil inside the compressor, which in turn necessitates a smaller amount of refrigerant oil stored in the distributor. For rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, if the oil return hole is opened too low, the amount of liquid refrigerant circulating in the system will be too large, severely affecting compressor performance.

[0096] At the bottom of the distributor, there is a first oil return port, which has two states: open and closed. During maximum cooling and low-temperature heating, the system requires a large amount of refrigerant circulation, and the compressor operates at a high frequency with a high circulation velocity. The high refrigerant velocity inside the pipes creates a significant pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pipes. When the valve at the bottom of the first oil return port opens, liquid from the bottom can enter the compressor through the first oil return port.

[0097] In rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, the system refrigerant circulation volume is small, and excessive liquid circulation is not allowed, otherwise it will seriously affect the compressor's energy efficiency. At the same time, in rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, the compressor generally operates at low frequency, the refrigerant flow velocity in the pipes is small, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pipes is small, and the position valve of the first oil return hole at the bottom is closed, preventing liquid from entering the compressor from the bottom oil return hole; thus, liquid is stored at the bottom of the distributor, resulting in good energy efficiency matching.

[0098] The table below shows the matching data for the air conditioning system of the compressor of this invention. During maximum cooling and low-temperature heating conditions, a large refrigerant circulation volume is required, meaning less liquid is needed inside the distributor. Simultaneously, these two conditions also have a high operating frequency. At this time, the pressure difference between the oil return port location inside the suction distributor and the outside of the straight pipe is large. Setting the opening value of the pressure valve component to be less than this pressure difference will allow the pressure valve component to open, resulting in less liquid inside the distributor and meeting the requirement for a large refrigerant circulation volume.

[0099] In low-temperature intermediate refrigeration and rated refrigeration conditions, the system must not operate with excessive liquid, otherwise it will seriously affect the system's energy efficiency. This requires a large amount of refrigerant liquid in the distributor, while the operating frequency is also low. At this time, the pressure difference between the oil return hole inside the suction distributor and the outside and inside of the straight pipe is small. By setting the opening value of the pressure valve component to be greater than this pressure difference, the pressure valve component can be closed, resulting in a large amount of liquid in the distributor and excessive liquid circulation in the system.

[0100] Therefore, by controlling the opening and closing of the oil return hole at the bottom of the distributor through the compressor operating frequency, different requirements for the liquid storage at the bottom of the distributor under different operating conditions can be met.

[0101] Table 1

[0102]

[0103] The liquid separator of the present invention has two oil return holes at the bottom of its air outlet pipe, and a pressure valve component (valve structure 4) is provided at the first oil return hole at the lower end to control its opening and closing, or the opening size.

[0104] The two oil return holes are designed to prevent the system from operating at low frequencies for extended periods, which could lead to oil accumulation in the distributor and consequently, insufficient oil in the compressor, affecting its reliability. This is because if the bottom oil hole remains closed for an extended period, refrigerant oil may accumulate inside the distributor, causing a shortage of oil in the compressor.

[0105] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention; its distributor has two oil return holes at the bottom, and a pressure valve component is also provided at the bottom. The pressure valve component opens and closes according to different operating frequencies of the compressor. The pressure valve component is a valve plate structure. Under normal conditions, it is in contact with and closes the oil return holes. When the pressure difference is large, the valve plate bends and opens the oil return holes.

[0106] like Figure 7 The diagram shows a pressure valve component structure, which consists of a valve plate, a baffle, and rivets. The rivets are used to fix the valve plate and baffle in the straight pipe position of the distributor, and the baffle is used to limit the opening stroke of the valve plate to ensure that the valve plate does not bend excessively, causing bending or breakage.

[0107] like Figure 9 As shown, the pressure valve component is made of a soft material, such as silicone, natural rubber, butyl rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.

[0108] Preferably, the soft material structure is fixed by means of adhesive bonding, metal sheet pressing, or other methods.

[0109] Preferably, the soft material is slit at the oil return hole to achieve the function of a pressure valve; when the pressure difference is small, it is not enough to open the slit, but when the pressure difference is large, the slit structure is opened by the pressure difference, thus achieving the opening function.

[0110] The present invention is as follows Figure 8 As shown, its oil return port is a branch pipe structure (branch pipe 10) connected to a straight pipe, and the aforementioned valve structure 4 is installed on the branch pipe structure. This arrangement ensures that the valve components do not affect the gas flow path structure of the compressor's straight pipe. It also allows for more sensitive sensing of pressure differentials and a more rapid and responsive reaction.

[0111] The present invention also provides an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned compressor assembly.

[0112] 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 structure comprises a housing (1), an inlet pipe (2), an outlet pipe (3), and a valve structure (4). The inlet pipe (2) is connected to 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). At least a part of the structure of the valve structure (4) is arranged opposite to the first oil return hole (5). In the first operating condition, the gas velocity discharged from the outlet pipe (3) is the first suction velocity, and the gas pressure at the first oil return hole (5) inside the outlet pipe (3) is the first pressure. In the second operating condition, the gas velocity discharged from the outlet pipe (3) is the second suction velocity, and the gas pressure at the first oil return hole (5) inside the outlet pipe (3) is the second pressure. The first suction velocity is greater than the second suction velocity, so that the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. The pressure inside the housing (1) and outside the outlet pipe (3) is the third pressure. The pressure difference between the third pressure and the first pressure can drive the valve structure (4) to open the first oil return hole (5) in the first operating condition, and the liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the first oil return hole (5). The pressure difference between the third pressure and the second pressure is insufficient to drive the valve structure (4) to close the first oil return hole (5) in the second operating condition, and the liquid refrigerant cannot be discharged from the first oil return hole (5).

2. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first working condition, the pressure difference inside and outside the outlet pipe (3) can cause the valve structure (4) to move or deform and open the first return oil hole (5). In the second working condition, the pressure difference inside and outside the outlet pipe (3) can cause the valve structure (4) to move or deform and close the first return oil hole (5).

3. The liquid reservoir according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve structure (4) is disposed on the inner wall of the outlet pipe (3) and at least part of its structure is opposite to the first return oil hole (5). The valve structure (4) can be driven by the pressure difference inside and outside the pipe to move or deform away from the first return oil hole (5) under the first working condition to create a gap with the first return oil hole (5) and open the first return oil hole (5). The valve structure (4) can also be driven by the pressure difference inside and outside the pipe to move or deform towards the first return oil hole (5) under the second working condition to fit with the first return oil hole (5) and close the first return oil hole (5).

4. The liquid reservoir according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve structure (4) includes a valve plate (6), which can be attached to the inner wall of the outlet pipe (3) and at least part of its structure is opposite to the first return oil hole (5) to close the first return oil hole (5); under the first working condition, the first pressure inside the outlet pipe (3) is less than the third pressure outside the outlet pipe (3), and the pressure difference can drive the valve plate (6) to move away from the first return oil hole (5) to open the first return oil hole (5); under the second working condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure outside the outlet pipe (3) and the second pressure inside the outlet pipe (3) is insufficient to drive the valve plate (6) to move away from the first return oil hole (5) to close the first return oil hole (5).

5. The liquid reservoir according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve structure (4) also includes a limiter (7) and a fastener (8). The limiter (7) is located on the side of the valve plate (6) away from the first return oil hole (5) so as to limit the movement distance of the valve plate (6). The fastener (8) fixes the valve plate (6) and the limiter (7) together to the inner wall of the outlet pipe (3). The outlet pipe (3) is provided with a fastening hole (9) that penetrates the inner and outer walls. The fastener (8) fixes the valve plate (6) and the limiter (7) together to the inner wall of the outlet pipe (3) by passing through the fastening hole (9).

6. The liquid reservoir according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a branch pipe (10), one end of which is connected to the inside of the outlet pipe (3) at the position of the first return oil hole (5), and the other end of the branch pipe (10) extends outward from the outlet pipe (3) and into the housing (1), and can communicate with the inside of the housing (1). The valve structure (4) is disposed inside the branch pipe (10).

7. The liquid reservoir according to claim 6, characterized in that: The branch pipe (10) is a pipe inclined to the horizontal direction. The end of the branch pipe (10) that is connected to the outlet pipe (3) is the lower end of the branch pipe (10), and the free end of the branch pipe (10) that extends toward the inside of the housing (1) is the upper end of the branch pipe (10).

8. The liquid reservoir according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve structure (4) includes a fixed structure (11) and a deformable structure (12). When the valve structure (4) is disposed on the inner wall of the outlet pipe (3), the deformable structure (12) is fixed to the inner wall of the outlet pipe (3) through the fixed structure (11). When the reservoir also includes a branch pipe (10), the deformable structure (12) is fixed to the inside of the branch pipe (10) through the fixed structure (11). The deformable structure (12) can generate a gap (13) through deformation. Under the first operating condition, the first pressure inside the outlet pipe (3) is less than the third pressure outside the outlet pipe (3). The pressure difference can drive the deformable structure (12) to deform in the direction of the first return oil hole (5) to form the gap (13) and thus open the first return oil hole (5). Under the second operating condition, the pressure difference between the third pressure outside the outlet pipe (3) and the second pressure inside the outlet pipe (3) is insufficient to drive the deformable structure (12) to deform in the direction of the first return oil hole (5), so that no gap is formed and the first return oil hole (5) is closed.

9. The liquid reservoir according to claim 8, characterized in that: The deformable structure (12) is made of at least one of silicone, natural rubber, butyl rubber and polytetrafluoroethylene. The fixing structure (11) includes at least one of a metal base, adhesive and metal sheet. The deformable structure (12) can be fixed by the metal base, or the deformable structure can be glued and fixed by adhesive, or the deformable structure can be pressed and fixed by the metal sheet.

10. The liquid reservoir according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: The axis of the housing (1) is vertical. The inlet pipe (2) connects from the upper end of the housing (1) to the interior of the housing (1). The outlet pipe (3) passes through the lower end of the housing (1) into the interior of the housing (1) and extends upward to a third preset distance greater than 0 from the upper end of the housing (1). The outlet pipe (3) is also provided with a second oil return hole (14), the position height of the second oil return hole (14) is higher than the position height of the first oil return hole (5), the shell (1) is also provided with a partition (15), the partition (15) divides the interior of the shell (1) into an upper cavity (16) and a lower cavity (17), the partition (15) is provided with a flow hole (18), the upper cavity (16) and the lower cavity (17) are connected through the flow hole (18), the first oil return hole (5) and the second oil return hole (14) are both located in the lower cavity (17).

11. A compressor assembly, characterized in that: The liquid receiver, as described in any one of claims 1-10, further includes a compressor, wherein the liquid receiver is connected to the suction end of the compressor, and the operating frequency of the compressor under the first operating condition is greater than the operating frequency of the compressor under the second operating condition.

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

Images