A liquid accumulator, compressor assembly and 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 partition. The partition divides the internal cavity of the housing into a first cavity and a second cavity. The outlet pipe has a first oil return hole and a second oil return hole. The first oil return hole is located in the first cavity, and the second oil return hole is located in the second cavity. The volume of the first cavity below the first oil return hole is S1, and the volume of the second cavity below the second oil return hole is S2, where S1 < S2. The first suction temperature in the first operating condition is lower than the second suction temperature in the second operating condition. Under the first operating condition, liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the first oil return hole, and under the second operating condition, liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the second oil return hole. According to this invention, it can simultaneously ensure that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is small under low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and that the amount of refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor is large 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 enclosure comprises a housing, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a partition. 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 partition divides the internal cavity of the shell into a first cavity and a second cavity. The outlet pipe is provided with a first oil return hole and a second oil return hole. The first oil return hole is located in the first cavity and can communicate with the interior of the outlet pipe. The second oil return hole is located in the second cavity and can communicate with the interior of the outlet pipe. The volume of the first cavity below the first oil return hole is S1, and the volume of the second cavity below the second oil return hole is S2, and S1 < S2.

[0010] Under the first operating condition, the temperature of the gas discharged from the outlet pipe is the first intake temperature, and under the second operating condition, the temperature of the gas discharged from the outlet pipe is the second intake temperature. The first intake temperature is lower than the second intake temperature. Under the first operating condition, liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the first oil return hole, and under the second operating condition, liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the second oil return hole.

[0011] In some implementations...

[0012] The axial direction of the housing is vertical, the first cavity is an upper cavity located above the partition, and the second cavity is a lower cavity located below the partition.

[0013] The distance between the first oil return hole and the upper end of the partition plate is h1, and the distance between the second oil return hole and the bottom of the housing is h2, with h1 < h2.

[0014] In some implementations...

[0015] The partition plate has a flow hole that allows fluid in the first cavity to flow into the second cavity. A valve structure is also provided on the partition plate at the flow hole. The valve structure can close the flow hole in the first operating condition to ensure that liquid refrigerant is stored in the first cavity and discharged from the first oil return hole to the outlet pipe. The valve structure can also open the flow hole in the second operating condition to allow liquid refrigerant to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity through the flow hole, and allow liquid refrigerant to be discharged from the second oil return hole to the outlet pipe.

[0016] In some implementations...

[0017] The valve structure is disposed at the lower end of the partition and at least part of its structure is opposite to the flow hole. The valve structure can close the flow hole by moving or deforming toward the partition in the first operating condition to fit against the partition. The valve structure can open the flow hole by moving or deforming away from the partition in the second operating condition to create a gap with the partition.

[0018] In some implementations...

[0019] The valve structure includes a metal sheet that can deform with temperature changes. In the first operating condition, the metal sheet contracts upward to fit against the partition and close the flow hole. In the second operating condition, the metal sheet expands downward to form a gap with the partition and open the flow hole.

[0020] In some implementations...

[0021] The metal sheet includes an upper metal sheet and a lower metal sheet. The upper metal sheet and the lower metal sheet are attached and integrally disposed on the lower surface of the partition. The expansion coefficient of the upper metal sheet is greater than that of the lower metal sheet. That is, in the first working condition, the upper metal sheet first tightens and deforms upward to fit with the partition, and then the lower metal sheet tightens and deforms upward to fit with the upper metal sheet. In the second working condition, the upper metal sheet first expands and deforms downward and pushes the lower metal sheet downward to deform integrally, so as to form a gap with the partition.

[0022] In some implementations...

[0023] The valve structure also includes fasteners that integrally fix the upper metal sheet and the lower metal sheet to the partition plate. The partition plate has a fastening hole that runs through it in the vertical direction. The fasteners are inserted into the fastening hole to integrally fix the upper metal sheet and the lower metal sheet to the partition plate.

[0024] In some implementations...

[0025] The volume of the first cavity is less than or equal to the volume of the second cavity. The partition completely separates the first cavity and the second cavity. Fluid in the first cavity can only enter the second cavity through the flow hole. The inlet pipe is connected to the first cavity, and the upper end of the outlet pipe is connected to the first cavity.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The present invention also provides an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned compressor assembly.

[0028] The liquid receiver, compressor assembly, and air conditioner provided by this invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0029] This invention utilizes a partition structure inside the receiver housing to divide the interior into first and second cavities. First and second oil return holes are located on the outlet pipe. The first oil return hole is located in the first cavity, and the second oil return hole is located in the second cavity. The volume of the first cavity below the first oil return hole is smaller than the volume of the second cavity below the second oil return hole. Furthermore, the first oil return hole is opened in the first operating condition, and the second oil return hole is opened in the second operating condition. This allows for the selection of different oil return holes to discharge liquid refrigerant under different operating conditions. Because the volume of the first cavity below the first oil return hole is smaller than the volume of the second cavity below the second oil return hole, the volume of liquid refrigerant stored in the receiver under the first operating condition is smaller than the volume of liquid refrigerant stored under the second operating condition. This ensures that under the first operating condition (especially during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling, due to its lower suction temperature), the liquid refrigerant... Under the condition of high refrigerant density, the amount of refrigerant circulating in the system is greater than that under the second operating condition (which, due to its higher suction temperature, is particularly relevant to low-temperature intermediate cooling and rated cooling conditions). This results in less refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor (more circulating refrigerant) during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and more refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor (less circulating refrigerant) during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions. This effectively adapts the refrigerant circulation volume to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching. It resolves the contradiction of varying requirements for the distributor's oil return hole height under different air conditioning operating conditions, ensuring that less refrigerant is stored at the bottom of the distributor during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and more during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, thus improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a front cross-sectional view of a liquid separator in the prior art;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of the liquid dispenser of the present invention in the first operating condition;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a front sectional view of the liquid dispenser of the present invention in the second operating condition;

[0033] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the valve structure of the liquid separator of the present invention. Figure 2 (Enlarged view of part I).

[0034] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0035] 1. Shell; 2. Inlet pipe; 3. Outlet pipe; 4. Baffle; 5. First cavity; 6. Second cavity; 7. First oil return hole; 8. Second oil return hole; 9. Flow hole; 10. Valve structure; 11. Metal plate; 12. Upper metal plate; 13. Lower metal plate; 14. Fastener; 15. Fastening hole. Detailed Implementation

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides a liquid reservoir, which includes:

[0043] The enclosure consists of a housing 1, an inlet pipe 2, an outlet pipe 3, and a partition 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 the interior of the housing 1.

[0044] The partition 4 divides the cavity inside the housing 1 into a first cavity 5 and a second cavity 6. The outlet pipe 3 is provided with a first oil return hole 7 and a second oil return hole 8. The first oil return hole 7 is located in the first cavity 5 and can communicate with the interior of the first cavity 5 and the interior of the outlet pipe 3. The second oil return hole 8 is located in the second cavity 6 and can communicate with the interior of the second cavity 6 and the interior of the outlet pipe 3. The volume of the first cavity 5 below the first oil return hole 7 is S1, and the volume of the second cavity 6 below the second oil return hole 8 is S2, and S1 < S2.

[0045] Under the first operating condition, the gas temperature discharged from the outlet pipe 3 is the first intake temperature, and under the second operating condition, the gas temperature discharged from the outlet pipe 3 is the second intake temperature. The first intake temperature is lower than the second intake temperature. Under the first operating condition, liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the first oil return hole 7, and under the second operating condition, liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the second oil return hole 8.

[0046] This invention utilizes a partition structure inside the receiver housing to divide the interior into first and second cavities. First and second oil return holes are located on the outlet pipe. The first oil return hole is located in the first cavity, and the second oil return hole is located in the second cavity. The volume of the first cavity below the first oil return hole is smaller than the volume of the second cavity below the second oil return hole. Furthermore, the first oil return hole is opened in the first operating condition, and the second oil return hole is opened in the second operating condition. This allows for the selection of different oil return holes to discharge liquid refrigerant under different operating conditions. Because the volume of the first cavity below the first oil return hole is smaller than the volume of the second cavity below the second oil return hole, the volume of liquid refrigerant stored in the receiver under the first operating condition is smaller than the volume of liquid refrigerant stored under the second operating condition. This ensures that under the first operating condition (especially during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling, due to its lower suction temperature), the liquid refrigerant... Under the condition of high refrigerant density, the amount of refrigerant circulating in the system is greater than that under the second operating condition (which, due to its higher suction temperature, is particularly relevant to low-temperature intermediate cooling and rated cooling conditions). This results in less refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor (more circulating refrigerant) during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and more refrigerant stored at the bottom of the distributor (less circulating refrigerant) during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions. This effectively adapts the refrigerant circulation volume to different operating conditions, resulting in good energy efficiency matching. It resolves the contradiction of varying requirements for the distributor's oil return hole height under different air conditioning operating conditions, ensuring that less refrigerant is stored at the bottom of the distributor during low-temperature heating and maximum cooling conditions, and more during rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions, thus improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0047] In some implementations...

[0048] The axis of the housing 1 is vertical. The first cavity 5 is an upper cavity located above the partition 4, and the second cavity 6 is a lower cavity located below the partition 4.

[0049] Furthermore, the distance between the first oil return hole 7 and the upper end of the partition plate 4 is h1, and the distance between the second oil return hole 8 and the bottom of the inner shell 1 is h2, with h1 < h2.

[0050] This is a preferred structural form of the housing, the first and second cavities, and the first and second oil return holes of the present invention. That is, the first and second cavities are arranged as an upper cavity and a lower cavity structure. The first oil return hole is located in the upper cavity and is a distance h1 from the upper end of the partition plate. The second oil return hole is located in the lower cavity and is a distance h2 from the bottom of the housing. This allows the volume of the first cavity 5 below the first oil return hole 7 to be S1 < the volume of the second cavity 6 below the second oil return hole 8 to be S2. This allows more liquid refrigerant to be discharged from the first oil return hole under the first operating condition, increasing the refrigerant circulation volume of the system. Under the second operating condition, relatively less liquid refrigerant is discharged from the second oil return hole, reducing the refrigerant circulation volume of the system. This ensures 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.

[0051] In some implementations...

[0052] The partition 4 has a flow hole 9, which allows fluid in the first cavity 5 to flow into the second cavity 6. The partition 4 is also provided with a valve structure 10 located at the flow hole 9. The valve structure 10 can close the flow hole 9 under the first operating condition to ensure that the liquid refrigerant is stored in the first cavity 5 and discharged from the first oil return hole 7 to the outlet pipe 3. The valve structure 10 can also open the flow hole 9 under the second operating condition to allow the liquid refrigerant to flow from the first cavity 5 to the second cavity 6 through the flow hole 9, so that the liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the second oil return hole 8 to the outlet pipe 3.

[0053] This is a preferred structural form of the partition of the present invention. By opening a flow hole on it, the fluid in the first cavity can be effectively discharged to the second cavity. By using the valve structure located at the flow hole on the partition, the flow hole can be closed under the first operating condition, so that the liquid refrigerant is stored in the first cavity and discharged from the first oil return hole. This allows a relatively large amount of liquid refrigerant to be discharged, increasing the system refrigerant circulation volume under low-temperature heating conditions and maximum cooling conditions. Under the second operating condition, the flow hole is opened, so that the liquid refrigerant is stored in the second cavity and discharged from the second oil return hole. This allows a relatively small amount of liquid to be discharged, reducing the amount of refrigerant circulating in the system under rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions.

[0054] In some implementations...

[0055] The valve structure 10 is disposed at the lower end of the partition 4 and at least part of its structure is opposite to the flow hole 9. The valve structure 10 can close the flow hole 9 by moving or deforming towards the partition 4 to fit against the partition 4 in the first working condition; the valve structure 10 can open the flow hole 9 by moving or deforming away from the partition 4 to create a gap with the partition 4 in the second working condition.

[0056] This is a preferred structural form of the valve structure of the present invention, which is located at the lower end of the baffle and can move or deform according to different operating conditions (different suction temperatures). Under the first operating condition (low suction temperature), it moves or deforms towards the baffle and fits against the baffle, thereby closing the flow hole, so that the refrigerant is stored in the first cavity and discharged from the first oil return hole, increasing the system refrigerant circulation volume under low temperature heating conditions and maximum cooling conditions; under the second operating condition (high suction temperature), it moves or deforms away from the baffle, thereby opening the flow hole, so that the refrigerant is stored in the second cavity and discharged from the second oil return hole, reducing the refrigerant circulation volume entering the system under rated cooling and low temperature intermediate cooling conditions.

[0057] In some implementations...

[0058] The valve structure 10 includes a metal sheet 11, which can deform with temperature changes. In the first operating condition, the metal sheet 11 is tightened and deformed upward to fit against the partition 4 and close the flow hole 9. In the second operating condition, the metal sheet 11 is expanded and deformed downward to form a gap with the partition 4 and open the flow hole 9.

[0059] This is a further preferred structural form of the valve structure of the present invention. Through the metal sheet structure that can deform with temperature changes, especially in the first operating condition, the metal sheet is tightened and deformed upwards, thereby fitting with the partition and closing the flow hole, so that the refrigerant is stored in the first cavity and discharged from the first oil return hole, increasing the system refrigerant circulation volume in low-temperature heating conditions and maximum cooling conditions; in the second operating condition, the metal sheet expands and deforms downwards to form a gap with the partition, thereby opening the flow hole, so that the refrigerant is stored in the second cavity and discharged from the second oil return hole, reducing the refrigerant circulation volume entering the system in rated cooling and low-temperature intermediate cooling conditions.

[0060] In some implementations...

[0061] The metal sheet 11 includes an upper metal sheet 12 and a lower metal sheet 13. The upper metal sheet 12 and the lower metal sheet 13 are attached and integrally disposed on the lower surface of the partition 4. The expansion coefficient of the upper metal sheet 12 is greater than that of the lower metal sheet 13. That is, in the first working condition, the upper metal sheet 12 first tightens and deforms upward to fit with the partition 4, and then the lower metal sheet 13 tightens and deforms upward to fit with the upper metal sheet 12. In the second working condition, the upper metal sheet 12 first expands and deforms downward and pushes the lower metal sheet 13 downward to deform integrally, so as to form a gap with the partition 4.

[0062] This is a further preferred structural form of the metal sheet of the present invention, namely, the metal sheet also includes a structure of at least two layers of metal sheets, which can form a close fit structure and be integrally disposed on the lower surface of the partition, thereby facing the flow hole; and the expansion coefficient of the upper metal sheet is greater than that of the lower metal sheet, which allows the upper metal sheet to shrink first to fit with the partition in the first working condition (lower intake temperature), and the lower metal sheet to shrink upward thereafter; in the second working condition (higher intake temperature), the upper metal sheet expands downward first and pushes the lower metal sheet to deform downward as a whole, thereby improving the response speed and sensitivity to temperature, shortening the response time, and improving the accuracy of the valve structure switching with the working condition. The lower metal sheet of the present invention can also play a limiting role to prevent it from opening too wide and provide a certain buffer time.

[0063] In some implementations...

[0064] The valve structure 10 further includes a fastener 14, which integrally fixes the upper metal plate 12 and the lower metal plate 13 to the partition 4. The partition 4 has a vertically penetrating fastening hole 15, and the fastener 14 is inserted into the fastening hole 15 to integrally fix the upper metal plate 12 and the lower metal plate 13 to the partition 4. The fastener is preferably a rivet, and the preferred fastening method is riveting.

[0065] This is a further preferred structural form of the valve structure of the present invention. Fasteners can be used to integrally fasten the upper and lower metal plates to the partition plate. Fastening holes are provided on the partition plate, allowing the fasteners to pass through the fastening holes, the upper metal plate, and the lower metal plate sequentially (the order of passing through can be variable), thereby fixing the two metal plates to the lower end of the partition plate. The fasteners of the present invention are preferably rivets, which are used to rivet the upper and lower metal plates to fix them to the partition plate, improving the fastening effect.

[0066] In some implementations...

[0067] The volume of the first cavity 5 is less than or equal to the volume of the second cavity 6. The partition 4 completely separates the first cavity 5 and the second cavity 6. The fluid in the first cavity 5 can only enter the second cavity 6 through the flow hole 9. The inlet pipe 2 is connected to the first cavity 5, and the upper end of the outlet pipe 3 is connected to the first cavity 5.

[0068] This is a preferred structural form of the first and second cavities of the present invention. The first cavity stores liquid refrigerant under the first operating condition (relatively low temperature). Since the first oil return hole is low, the amount of liquid refrigerant stored in it is relatively small. Therefore, the first cavity can be designed to have a smaller volume than the second cavity. The second cavity usually needs to store more liquid refrigerant, so it is designed to have a relatively large volume to increase the storage capacity and improve the storage performance under both operating conditions. The partition completely separates the two cavities, which can ensure that the flow hole is opened or closed accurately and effectively through the valve structure. This allows the liquid refrigerant to be controlled to enter the upper or lower cavity under different operating conditions (depending on the intake temperature), thereby controlling the amount of liquid refrigerant discharged under different operating conditions to meet the system's refrigerant requirements under different operating conditions.

[0069] 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.

[0070] This invention provides a liquid distributor, the cavity of which is divided into upper and lower chambers. The oil orifice in the upper chamber is positioned lower, resulting in a smaller liquid storage capacity; the oil orifice in the lower chamber is positioned higher, resulting in a larger liquid storage capacity. A flow orifice is provided between the upper and lower chambers, and the flow orifice is controlled to open or close by a valve. Its key feature is that the opening and closing of the flow orifice is controlled by the bending state of a bimetallic strip at different temperatures, thus determining whether the refrigerant flows to the chamber with the lower oil return orifice or the higher oil return orifice.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The liquid separator of this invention has its cavity divided into upper and lower chambers. The oil orifice in the upper chamber is positioned lower, resulting in a smaller liquid storage capacity; the oil orifice in the lower chamber is positioned higher, resulting in a larger liquid storage capacity. A flow orifice is provided between the upper and lower chambers, and the flow orifice is opened or closed by a valve. The valve is characterized by a bimetallic strip structure, which controls the opening and closing, or the degree of opening, of the flow orifice by sensing changes in the internal temperature of the liquid separator.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The table below shows the matching data for the air conditioning system of the compressor of this invention. The internal temperature of the distributor is close to the suction temperature. As can be seen from the table, the maximum cooling requires the distributor oil return hole to be opened very low, and the suction temperature is also low at this time; other operating conditions require the distributor oil return hole to be opened higher, and the suction temperature is also higher at this time.

[0076] Table 1

[0077]

[0078] Therefore, the present invention is designed to divide the distributor into upper and lower chambers with different heights for the oil return holes in the upper and lower chambers. The opening and closing of the distributor's flow holes are controlled by the suction temperature, thereby determining the location of the refrigerant in different chambers under different operating conditions, thus meeting the different requirements for the liquid storage at the bottom of the distributor under different operating conditions.

[0079] The distributor has its chamber divided into upper and lower chambers, with a bimetallic valve installed between the upper and lower chambers. The bimetallic valve is made of two metal materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. When the temperature is lower than the design value, the bimetallic valve is closed, and the refrigerant is located in the upper chamber with a low oil hole position and a small liquid storage volume. When the temperature is higher than the design value, the bimetallic valve is open, and the refrigerant is located in the lower chamber with a higher oil hole position and a larger liquid storage volume.

[0080] like Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of an existing liquid dispenser. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a bimetallic strip. A flow-through orifice is located at the dividing point of the separator's cavity. The valve at the flow-through orifice is composed of two overlapping bimetallic strips with different coefficients of thermal expansion. In the diagram, the upper strip has a larger coefficient of expansion, while the lower strip has a smaller coefficient. When the temperature inside the separator is lower than the design value, the upper material contracts more rapidly, causing the bimetallic strip to close the flow-through orifice. When the temperature is higher than the design value, the upper material expands more than the lower material, causing the bimetallic strip to bend and opening the flow-through orifice.

[0081] The present invention also provides an air conditioner that includes the aforementioned compressor assembly.

[0082] 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), an outlet pipe (3), and a partition (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 the interior of the housing (1). The partition (4) divides the cavity inside the shell (1) into a first cavity (5) and a second cavity (6). The outlet pipe (3) is provided with a first oil return hole (7) and a second oil return hole (8). The first oil return hole (7) is located in the first cavity (5) and can connect the inside of the first cavity (5) with the inside of the outlet pipe (3). The second oil return hole (8) is located in the second cavity (6) and can connect the inside of the second cavity (6) with the inside of the outlet pipe (3). The volume of the first cavity (5) below the first oil return hole (7) is S1, and the volume of the second cavity (6) below the second oil return hole (8) is S2, and S1 < S2. The gas temperature discharged from the outlet pipe (3) under the first operating condition is the first intake temperature, and the gas temperature discharged from the outlet pipe (3) under the second operating condition is the second intake temperature. The first intake temperature is lower than the second intake temperature. Under the first operating condition, the liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the first oil return hole (7), and under the second operating condition, the liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the second oil return hole (8). The axial direction of the housing (1) is vertical. The first cavity (5) is an upper cavity located above the partition (4), and the second cavity (6) is a lower cavity located below the partition (4). The distance between the first oil return hole (7) and the upper end of the partition plate (4) is h1, and the distance between the second oil return hole (8) and the bottom of the inner shell (1) is h2, with h1 < h2; The partition (4) is provided with a flow hole (9), which allows fluid in the first cavity (5) to flow into the second cavity (6). A valve structure (10) is also provided on the partition (4) and located at the flow hole (9).

2. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve structure (10) can close the flow hole (9) under the first operating condition to ensure that the liquid refrigerant is stored in the first cavity (5) and discharged from the first return oil hole (7) to the outlet pipe (3); the valve structure (10) can also open the flow hole (9) under the second operating condition to allow the liquid refrigerant to flow from the first cavity (5) to the second cavity (6) through the flow hole (9), so that the liquid refrigerant can be discharged from the second return oil hole (8) to the outlet pipe (3).

3. The liquid reservoir according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve structure (10) is disposed at the lower end of the partition (4) and at least part of its structure is opposite to the flow hole (9). The valve structure (10) can close the flow hole (9) by moving or deforming toward the partition (4) in the first working condition to fit with the partition (4); the valve structure (10) can open the flow hole (9) by moving or deforming away from the partition (4) in the second working condition to create a gap with the partition (4).

4. The liquid reservoir according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve structure (10) includes a metal sheet (11) that can deform with temperature changes. In the first operating condition, the metal sheet (11) is tightened and deformed upward to fit against the partition (4) and close the flow hole (9). In the second operating condition, the metal sheet (11) is expanded and deformed downward to form a gap with the partition (4) and open the flow hole (9).

5. The liquid reservoir according to claim 4, characterized in that: The metal sheet (11) includes an upper metal sheet (12) and a lower metal sheet (13). The upper metal sheet (12) and the lower metal sheet (13) are attached and integrally disposed on the lower surface of the partition (4). The expansion coefficient of the upper metal sheet (12) is greater than that of the lower metal sheet (13). That is, in the first working condition, the upper metal sheet (12) first tightens and deforms upward to fit with the partition (4), and then the lower metal sheet (13) tightens and deforms upward to fit with the upper metal sheet (12). In the second working condition, the upper metal sheet (12) first expands and deforms downward and pushes the lower metal sheet (13) downward to deform integrally, so as to form a gap with the partition (4).

6. The liquid reservoir according to claim 5, characterized in that: The valve structure (10) further includes a fastener (14), which fixes the upper metal plate (12) and the lower metal plate (13) integrally to the partition plate (4). The partition plate (4) has a fastening hole (15) through it in the vertical direction. The fastener (14) fixes the upper metal plate (12) and the lower metal plate (13) integrally to the partition plate (4) by passing through the fastening hole (15).

7. The liquid reservoir according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that: The volume of the first cavity (5) is less than or equal to the volume of the second cavity (6). The partition (4) completely separates the first cavity (5) and the second cavity (6). The fluid in the first cavity (5) can only enter the second cavity (6) through the flow hole (9). The inlet pipe (2) is connected to the first cavity (5), and the upper end of the outlet pipe (3) is connected to the first cavity (5).

8. A compressor assembly, characterized in that: The reservoir, including any one of claims 1-7, further includes a compressor, wherein the reservoir is connected in communication with the suction end of the compressor.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that: Includes the compressor assembly as described in claim 8.

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