Gas-liquid separator, air conditioner and control method of air conditioner

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of air conditioners, in particular to a gas-liquid separator, an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner, and aims to solve the problems that the oil return reliability of the air conditioner is guaranteed, and damage to a compressor caused by the liquid impact phenomenon under certain working conditions can be avoided. In order to achieve the purpose, the gas-liquid separator comprises a cavity, the cavity is provided with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a first oil return opening, the gas outlet is used for being connected with a gas suction opening of the compressor, and a throttling element is arranged on a channel between the first oil return opening and the gas suction opening; the first air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, a second oil return opening is formed in the first air outlet pipe, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe is connected with the air outlet; the second air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe is connected with the air outlet; the first valve body is used for controlling connection and disconnection between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet; and the second valve body is used for controlling connection and disconnection between the first oil return port and the air suction port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of air conditioning, and specifically provides a gas-liquid separator, an air conditioner and a control method for the air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Traditional gas-liquid separators will have an oil return port on the outlet pipe of the gas-liquid separator. Due to the different densities and boiling points of the refrigerant oil and the refrigerant, the refrigerant and the refrigerant oil will be separated in the gas-liquid separator. Eventually, the liquid refrigerant oil will enter the outlet pipe from the oil return port and be driven back to the compressor by the flow of the gaseous refrigerant, thereby achieving the reliability of oil return. However, under certain extreme working conditions, there is a lot of refrigerant inside the gas-liquid separator. At this time, directly adopting the conventional oil return method will cause the liquid refrigerant to flow into the compressor along with the compressor oil driven by the gaseous refrigerant, resulting in liquid hammer damage to the compressor.

[0003] Accordingly, the art requires a new gas-liquid separator, an air conditioner, and a control method for the air conditioner to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, how to ensure the reliability of oil return of the air conditioner and avoid the damage of the compressor caused by liquid hammer under certain working conditions.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a gas-liquid separator, characterized in that the gas-liquid separator comprises: a cavity, the cavity is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet and a first oil return port, the air outlet is used to be connected to the air intake port of the compressor, and a throttling device is provided on the passage between the first oil return port and the air intake port; a first air outlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, the first air outlet pipe is provided with a second oil return port, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a second air outlet pipe, the second air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a first valve body, the first valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet; a second valve body, the second valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the first oil return port and the air intake port.

[0006] In the case of adopting the above technical solution, the present invention can control the connection and disconnection between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet, and control the connection and disconnection between the first oil return port and the air intake port, so that the mode of returning oil through the first air outlet pipe or the mode of returning oil through the oil return pipe and transporting refrigerant through the second air outlet pipe can be selectively adopted. In this way, the operating reliability of the air conditioner can be ensured, and the liquid hammer phenomenon in the oil return process under extreme working conditions can be avoided.

[0007] In a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator further includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the communication and blocking between the second gas outlet pipe and the gas outlet.

[0008] When the above technical solution is adopted, it can ensure that the compressor oil in the first outlet pipe returns to the driving force of the compressor, thereby avoiding the occurrence of abnormal oil return.

[0009] In the preferred technical scheme of the above-mentioned gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator includes a common pipe section, the first air outlet pipe includes a horizontal pipe section and a vertical pipe section, the vertical pipe section is connected to one end of the horizontal pipe section, the other end of the horizontal pipe section is the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe, the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe are connected to the air outlet through the common pipe section, and the second oil return port is arranged on the horizontal pipe section.

[0010] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned gas-liquid separator, the second gas outlet pipe is arranged along the vertical direction.

[0011] In a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned gas-liquid separator, the gas outlet is arranged on the top wall of the cavity; and / or the first oil return port is arranged on the bottom wall of the cavity.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned gas-liquid separator, the first valve body is a first solenoid valve, the third valve body is a third solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve is arranged on the horizontal pipe section between the second oil return port and the second air outlet pipe, and the third solenoid valve is arranged on the second air outlet pipe; and / or the second valve body is a second solenoid valve; or the first valve body and the third valve body together constitute a three-way valve, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet end, the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe and the common pipe section are connected through the three-way valve.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention further provides an air conditioner, comprising a compressor and a gas-liquid separator as described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0014] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a control method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner includes a compressor, an air-liquid separator and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is used to detect the ambient temperature, the air-liquid separator includes: a cavity, the cavity is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet and a first oil return port, the air outlet is connected to the air intake port of the compressor, and a throttling device is provided on the passage between the first oil return port and the air intake port; a first air outlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, the first air outlet pipe is provided with a second oil return port, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a second air outlet pipe, the second air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a first valve body, the first valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet; a second valve body, the second valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the first oil return port and the air intake port; the control method includes: after the air conditioner is activated, obtaining the ambient temperature; and controlling the actions of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature.

[0015] When the above technical solution is adopted, the connection between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet can be controlled based on the ambient temperature, and the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port can be controlled, that is, the ambient temperature is used to determine whether to use the mode of returning oil through the first air outlet pipe or the mode of returning oil through the oil return pipe. This can ensure the operating reliability of the air conditioner and avoid the liquid hammer phenomenon in the oil return process under extreme working conditions.

[0016] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the step of "controlling the action of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature" further includes: when the ambient temperature is greater than a first preset temperature, the first valve body is used to control the first outlet pipe and the outlet port to be connected, and the second valve body is used to control the first oil return port and the air intake port to be blocked.

[0017] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the step of "controlling the action of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature" further includes: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, before, at the same time or after the compressor is started, and / or when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, controlling the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port through the second valve body; controlling the blocking between the first outlet pipe and the outlet through the first valve body.

[0018] In the preferred technical solution of the control method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the step of "controlling the action of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature" further includes: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, after the compressor exits the startup phase, the first valve body is used to control the first outlet pipe and the outlet port to be connected, and the second valve body is used to control the first oil return port and the air intake port to be blocked.

[0019] In the preferred technical scheme of the control method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the gas-liquid separator also includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the connection and blockage between the second outlet pipe and the outlet; the step of "when the ambient temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the first valve body is used to control the connection between the first outlet pipe and the outlet, and the second valve body is used to control the blockage between the first return oil port and the air intake port" further includes: when the ambient temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the first valve body is used to control the connection between the first outlet pipe and the outlet, the second valve body is used to control the blockage between the first return oil port and the air intake port, and the third valve body is used to control the blockage between the second outlet pipe and the outlet.

[0020] In the preferred technical scheme of the control method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the gas-liquid separator also includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the connection and blockage between the second outlet pipe and the outlet; the step of "when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, before, at the same time or after the compressor starts, and / or when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port is controlled by the second valve body; the blockage between the first outlet pipe and the air outlet is controlled by the first valve body" further includes: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, before, at the same time or after the compressor starts, and / or when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port is controlled by the second valve body; the blockage between the first outlet pipe and the air outlet is controlled by the first valve body; the connection between the second outlet pipe and the air outlet is controlled by the third valve body.

[0021] In the preferred technical scheme of the control method of the above-mentioned air conditioner, the gas-liquid separator also includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the connection and blockage between the second air outlet pipe and the air outlet; the step of "when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, after the compressor exits the startup stage, the first valve body is used to control the connection between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet, and the second valve body is used to control the blockage between the first oil return port and the air intake port" further includes: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, after the compressor exits the startup stage, the first valve body is used to control the connection between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet, the second valve body is used to control the blockage between the first oil return port and the air intake port, and the third valve body is used to control the blockage between the second air outlet pipe and the air outlet.

[0022] Scheme 1. A gas-liquid separator, characterized in that the gas-liquid separator comprises: a cavity, the cavity is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet and a first oil return port, the air outlet is used to be connected to the air intake port of the compressor, and a throttling device is provided on the passage between the first oil return port and the air intake port; a first air outlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, the first air outlet pipe is provided with a second oil return port, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a second air outlet pipe, the second air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a first valve body, the first valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet; a second valve body, the second valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the first oil return port and the air intake port.

[0023] Option 2: The gas-liquid separator according to Option 1 is characterized in that the gas-liquid separator also includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the second air outlet pipe and the air outlet.

[0024] Option 3. The gas-liquid separator according to Option 2 is characterized in that the gas-liquid separator includes a common pipe section, the first air outlet pipe includes a horizontal pipe section and a vertical pipe section, the vertical pipe section is connected to one end of the horizontal pipe section, the other end of the horizontal pipe section is the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe, the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe are connected to the air outlet through the common pipe section, and the second oil return port is arranged on the horizontal pipe section.

[0025] Option 4: The gas-liquid separator according to Option 3 is characterized in that the second air outlet pipe is arranged in a vertical direction.

[0026] Option 5: The gas-liquid separator according to Option 1 is characterized in that the gas outlet is arranged on the top wall of the cavity; and / or the first oil return port is arranged on the bottom wall of the cavity.

[0027] Option 6. The gas-liquid separator according to Option 3 is characterized in that the first valve body is a first solenoid valve, the third valve body is a third solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve is arranged on the horizontal pipe section between the second oil return port and the second air outlet pipe, and the third solenoid valve is arranged on the second air outlet pipe; and / or the second valve body is a second solenoid valve; or the first valve body and the third valve body together constitute a three-way valve, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet end, the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe and the common pipe section are connected through the three-way valve.

[0028] Option 7: An air conditioner, characterized in that the air conditioner includes a compressor, and the air conditioner also includes a gas-liquid separator as described in any one of Options 1 to 6.

[0029] Solution 8, a control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that the air conditioner includes a compressor, a gas-liquid separator and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is used to detect the ambient temperature, the gas-liquid separator includes: a cavity, the cavity is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet and a first oil return port, the air outlet is connected to the air intake of the compressor, and a throttling device is provided on the passage between the first oil return port and the air intake port; a first air outlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, the first air outlet pipe is provided with a second oil return port, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a second air outlet pipe, the second air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a first valve body, the first valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet; a second valve body, the second valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the first oil return port and the air intake port; the control method includes: after the air conditioner is activated, obtaining the ambient temperature; and controlling the actions of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature.

[0030] Option 9. The control method of the air conditioner according to Option 8 is characterized in that the step of "controlling the action of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature" further includes: when the ambient temperature is greater than a first preset temperature, the first valve body is used to control the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet to be connected, and the second valve body is used to control the first oil return port and the air intake port to be blocked.

[0031] Option 10. The control method of the air conditioner according to Option 8 is characterized in that the step of "controlling the action of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature" further includes: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, before, at the same time or after the compressor is started, and / or when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, controlling the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port through the second valve body; controlling the blocking between the first outlet pipe and the outlet through the first valve body.

[0032] Option 11. The control method of the air conditioner according to Option 10 is characterized in that the step of "controlling the action of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature" further includes: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to a first preset temperature and greater than a second preset temperature, after the compressor exits the startup phase, the first valve body is used to control the first outlet pipe and the outlet port to be connected, and the second valve body is used to control the first oil return port and the intake port to be blocked.

[0033] Option 12. The control method of the air conditioner according to Option 9 is characterized in that the gas-liquid separator also includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the connection and blockage between the second outlet pipe and the outlet; the step of "when the ambient temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the first valve body is used to control the connection between the first outlet pipe and the outlet, and the second valve body is used to control the blockage between the first oil return port and the air intake port" further includes: when the ambient temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the first valve body is used to control the connection between the first outlet pipe and the outlet, the second valve body is used to control the blockage between the first oil return port and the air intake port, and the third valve body is used to control the blockage between the second outlet pipe and the outlet.

[0034] Option 13. The control method of the air conditioner according to Option 10 is characterized in that the gas-liquid separator also includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the connection and blocking between the second air outlet pipe and the air outlet; the step of "when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, before, at the same time or after the compressor is started, and / or when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, controlling the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port through the second valve body; controlling the blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet through the first valve body" further includes: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, before, at the same time or after the compressor is started, and / or when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, controlling the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port through the second valve body; controlling the blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet through the first valve body; controlling the connection between the second air outlet pipe and the air outlet through the third valve body.

[0035] Option 14. The control method of the air conditioner according to Option 11 is characterized in that the gas-liquid separator also includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the connection and blockage between the second air outlet pipe and the air outlet; the step of "when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, after the compressor exits the startup stage, the first valve body is used to control the connection between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet, and the second valve body is used to control the blockage between the first oil return port and the air intake port" further includes: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, after the compressor exits the startup stage, the first valve body is used to control the connection between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet, the second valve body is used to control the blockage between the first oil return port and the air intake port, and the third valve body is used to control the blockage between the second air outlet pipe and the air outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a main flow chart of the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 It is a possible logic diagram of the control method of the air conditioner of the present invention.

[0040] List of reference numerals:

[0041] 1- compressor; 2- outdoor heat exchanger; 3- throttle valve; 4- indoor heat exchanger; 5- four-way reversing valve; 6- gas-liquid separator; 61- cavity; 611- air inlet; 612- air outlet; 613- first oil return port; 62- air inlet pipe; 63- oil return pipe; 64- throttling element; 65- first air outlet pipe; 651- horizontal pipe section; 6511- second oil return port; 652- vertical pipe section; 66- second air outlet pipe; 67- first valve body; 68- second valve body; 69- third valve body; 60- common pipe section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments to them as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0043] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, in the description of the present invention, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the air conditioner of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit, on which a compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, a throttle valve 3 and an indoor heat exchanger 4 are sequentially arranged. Possibly, the air conditioner of the present invention also includes a four-way reversing valve 5, which is used to change the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit to achieve the switching of the cooling and heating modes, that is, the four-way reversing valve 5 is respectively connected to the suction port of the compressor 1, the exhaust port of the compressor 1, the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the outdoor heat exchanger 2. The air conditioner of the present invention also includes a gas-liquid separator 6, which includes a cavity 61. The cavity 61 is provided with an air inlet 611, an air outlet 612 and a first oil return port 613. The air inlet 611 and the air outlet 612 can be both arranged on the top wall of the cavity 61. The air inlet 611 is connected to an air inlet pipe 62. One end of the air inlet pipe 62 extends into the cavity 61, and the other end extends out of the cavity 61 and is connected to the four-way reversing valve 5. The air outlet 612 can be connected to the air intake port of the compressor 1 through a refrigerant branch pipe. The first oil return port 613 can be arranged on the bottom wall of the cavity 61. The first oil return port 613 is connected to the air intake port of the compressor 1 through the oil return pipe 63. The oil return pipe 63 is provided with a throttling device 64, and the throttling device 64 is preferably a capillary tube. In cooling mode, the four-way reversing valve 5 is controlled to perform the first action, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 1 flows into the air inlet pipe 62 from the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the throttle valve 3, and the indoor heat exchanger 4 in sequence, and returns to the compressor 1 after gas-liquid separation by the gas-liquid separator 6. In heating mode, the four-way reversing valve 5 is controlled to perform the second action, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 1 flows into the air inlet pipe 62 from the indoor heat exchanger 4, the throttle valve 3, and the outdoor heat exchanger 2 in sequence, and returns to the compressor 1 after gas-liquid separation by the gas-liquid separator 6. Of course, the setting positions of the above-mentioned air inlet 611, air outlet 612 and first oil return port 613 are not fixed. For example, the air inlet 611 and the air outlet 612 can be set at the upper part of the side wall of the cavity 61, and the first oil return port 613 can be set at the bottom of the side wall of the cavity 61.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes the above-mentioned compressor 1, outdoor heat exchanger 2 and outdoor fan, etc.; the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes the above-mentioned indoor heat exchanger 4 and part of the indoor fan, and the throttle valve 3 (such as a capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve) can be provided in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0046] The gas-liquid separator 6 of the present invention further includes a first air outlet pipe 65, a second air outlet pipe 66, a first valve body 67 and a second valve body 68, wherein the first air outlet pipe 65 and the second air outlet pipe 66 are arranged in the cavity 61, the first air outlet pipe 65 is provided with a second oil return port 6511, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe 65 and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe 66 are both connected to the air outlet 612. The first valve body 67 is used to control the connection and blocking between the first air outlet pipe 65 and the air outlet 612, and the second valve body 68 is used to control the connection and blocking between the first oil return port 613 and the air intake port. When the first valve body 67 controls the connection between the first outlet pipe 65 and the outlet port 612, the compressor oil in the cavity 61 will enter the first outlet pipe 65 from the second oil return port 6511, and then enter the compressor 1 from the outlet port 612 under the action of the refrigerant to achieve conventional oil return. This oil return method can achieve the reliability of system operation because the power of the compressor 1 oil return comes from the refrigerant circulation. When the second valve body 68 controls the connection between the first oil return port 613 and the air intake port, the compressor oil will enter the oil return pipe 63 from the first oil return port 613. After throttling by the throttling member 64, the liquid refrigerant is converted into gaseous refrigerant and returned to the compressor 1, so that the oil return pipe 63 is used for oil return under extreme working conditions to avoid liquid hammer during the oil return process. At the same time, the refrigerant can flow into the compressor 1 from the second outlet pipe 66, thereby realizing the refrigerant circulation.

[0047] As a possible implementation, the gas-liquid separator 6 of the present invention further includes a third valve body 69, which is used to control the connection and blocking between the second gas outlet pipe 66 and the gas outlet 612. This arrangement enables the blocking between the second gas outlet pipe 66 and the gas outlet 612 to be controlled by the third valve body 69 when conventional oil return is adopted, and the oil is returned only through the first gas outlet pipe 65 with the second oil return port 6511. Since the second gas outlet pipe 66 is not provided with an oil return port, it is in a cavity state. If the second gas outlet pipe 66 is connected to the gas outlet 612 during conventional oil return, there is no flow obstruction of liquid in the second gas outlet pipe 66, and the flow resistance will be very small. More refrigerant will return to the compressor 1 from the second gas outlet pipe 66, and the power to drive the compressor oil in the first gas outlet pipe 65 back to the compressor 1 will be very small. Therefore, the above arrangement can avoid the occurrence of abnormal oil return during conventional oil return.

[0048] As a possible implementation, the gas-liquid separator 6 includes a common pipe section 60, and the first air outlet pipe 65 includes a horizontal pipe section 651 and a vertical pipe section 652, that is, the horizontal pipe section 651 is arranged along the horizontal direction of the cavity 61, and the vertical pipe section 652 is arranged along the vertical direction of the cavity 61, and the vertical pipe section 652 is connected to one end of the horizontal pipe section 651, and the other end of the horizontal pipe section 651 is the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe 65, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe 65 and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe 66 are connected to the air outlet 612 through the common pipe section 60, and the second oil return port 6511 is arranged on the horizontal pipe section 651. Possibly, the second air outlet pipe 66 is arranged along the vertical direction. That is, a U-shaped structure is formed between the first air outlet pipe 65 and the second air outlet pipe 66; the common pipe section 60 can be L-shaped, one end of which is connected to the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe 65 and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe 66, and the other end is connected to the air outlet 612.

[0049] The first valve body 67, the second valve body 68, and the third valve body 69 can all be solenoid valves. For the sake of distinction, the first valve body 67 is referred to as the first solenoid valve 67, the second valve body 68 is referred to as the second solenoid valve 68, and the third valve body 69 is referred to as the third solenoid valve 69. The first solenoid valve 67 is disposed on the horizontal pipe section 651 between the second oil return port 6511 and the second air outlet pipe 66, the third solenoid valve 69 is disposed on the second air outlet pipe 66, the second solenoid valve 68 can be disposed on the oil return pipe 63, and of course the second solenoid valve 68 can also be disposed on the first oil return port 613 or other positions. Of course, the above description is not restrictive. As long as the first valve body 67 can control the connection and blocking between the first air outlet pipe 65 and the air outlet 612, the second valve body 68 can control the connection and blocking between the first oil return port 613 and the air intake port, and the third valve body 69 can control the connection and blocking between the second air outlet pipe 66 and the air outlet 612, the specific setting mode can be adjusted. For example, the first valve body 67 and the third valve body 69 together constitute a three-way valve, and the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe 65, the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe 66 and the common pipe section 60 are connected through the three-way valve, so that the connection between the first air outlet pipe 65 and the common pipe section 60 and the blocking between the second air outlet pipe 66 and the common pipe section 60 are achieved through the three-way valve; or the blocking between the first air outlet pipe 65 and the common pipe section 60 and the connection between the second air outlet pipe 66 and the common pipe section 60 are achieved. By setting the above-mentioned solenoid valve, the structure can be simplified, the response is fast, and the reliability is improved.

[0050] After the refrigerant enters the cavity 61 from the air inlet pipe 62, it will boil at a very low temperature and will be stratified in the gas-liquid separator 6, with the upper layer being the gaseous refrigerant. Since the vertical pipe section 652 of the first air outlet pipe 65 and the second air outlet pipe 66 are both arranged vertically, that is, the air inlet end of the first air outlet pipe 65 and the air inlet end of the second air outlet pipe 66 are both located at the upper part of the cavity 61, the upper gaseous refrigerant can enter the first air outlet pipe 65 and the second air outlet pipe 66, and the horizontal pipe section 651 is located in the compressor oil. The compressor oil can enter the horizontal pipe section 651 from the second oil return port 6511 on the horizontal pipe section 651, and then return to the compressor 1.

[0051] As a possible implementation, the air conditioner of the present invention further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature. For example, the temperature sensor is disposed on the housing of the outdoor unit including the outdoor heat exchanger 2, or is disposed on the air inlet of the outdoor unit.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for an air conditioner, the control method comprising the following steps:

[0053] Step S100: After the air conditioner is activated, the ambient temperature is obtained.

[0054] That is, after the air conditioner is activated, the ambient temperature is obtained through the temperature sensor.

[0055] Step S200: controlling the actions of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature.

[0056] Since the ambient temperature is directly related to the amount of liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, the first valve body and the second valve body are controlled based on the ambient temperature, that is, the connection between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet is controlled based on the ambient temperature, and the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port is controlled, that is, the ambient temperature is used to determine whether to use the mode of returning oil through the first air outlet pipe or the mode of returning oil through the oil return pipe. This can ensure the reliability of the air conditioner operation and avoid liquid hammer in the oil return process under extreme working conditions.

[0057] For the sake of convenience, the first valve body of the present invention will be introduced as a first solenoid valve, the second valve body will be introduced as a second solenoid valve, and the third valve body will be introduced as a third solenoid valve as an example.

[0058] Step S200 further includes:

[0059] Step S201: when the ambient temperature is greater than a first preset temperature, the first solenoid valve is controlled to open, the second solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to close.

[0060] Among them, the first preset temperature can be determined based on experiments, or based on formulas or experience. For example, the value range of the first preset temperature is 4-6 degrees Celsius, preferably 5 degrees Celsius. When the ambient temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, there will not be much liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator. At this time, the conventional oil return mode can be adopted, by controlling the first solenoid valve to open, the second solenoid valve to close, and the third solenoid valve to close, so that the gaseous refrigerant first only enters the first outlet pipe, and the compressor oil enters the first outlet pipe from the second oil return port. Driven by the refrigerant, the compressor oil returns to the compressor. Among them, controlling the third solenoid valve to close can ensure that there is enough power in the first outlet pipe to drive the flow of the compressor oil, thereby ensuring the normal oil return of the air conditioner.

[0061] Step S202: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, before, at the same time or after the compressor is started, the second solenoid valve is controlled to open, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to open.

[0062] Among them, the second preset temperature can be determined based on experiments, or based on formulas or experience. For example, the second preset temperature is 0 degrees Celsius. That is, when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, when the compressor is just started, the compressor oil and the refrigerant at the bottom of the cavity are mixed, and there is more liquid refrigerant in the cavity. In this case, the return oil pipe is used to return the oil, that is, the second solenoid valve is controlled to open, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to open. The gaseous refrigerant only enters the second outlet pipe, and then returns to the compressor from the second outlet pipe. The compressor oil and liquid refrigerant enter the return oil pipe from the first return oil port, and enter the capillary tube at the same time, so that the flow resistance becomes larger, and the refrigerant is throttled into a gaseous refrigerant, thereby avoiding the occurrence of liquid hammer during the oil return process and ensuring the normal start-up of the compressor.

[0063] Step S203: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, after the compressor exits the startup phase, the first solenoid valve is controlled to open, the second solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to close.

[0064] When the compressor is started, it will be forced to increase the frequency, that is, the frequency of the compressor will continue to rise. When it rises to the preset frequency, such as 50-60Hz, the compressor will exit the startup stage. After the compressor exits the startup stage, the refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator will enter the indoor unit, and the amount of refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator will be reduced to a normal state. In this case, the first solenoid valve is controlled to open, the second solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to close, that is, the oil is returned only through the first outlet pipe to ensure the reliability of the air conditioner operation.

[0065] Step S204: when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, the second solenoid valve is controlled to open, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to open.

[0066] That is, the ambient temperature is already extremely low at this time. In this case, the oil return pipe is directly used for oil return, that is, the second solenoid valve is controlled to open, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to open to avoid liquid hammer in the air conditioner during the oil return process.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, as a specific implementation, the control method of the present invention includes:

[0068] Step S301: After the air conditioner is activated, the ambient temperature Tao is obtained.

[0069] Step S302: when Tao>5°C, control the first solenoid valve to open, control the second solenoid valve to close, and control the third solenoid valve to close.

[0070] Step S303: When 5°C ≥ Tao > 0°C, before the compressor starts, the second solenoid valve is controlled to open, the first solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to open.

[0071] Step S304: when 5°C ≥ Tao > 0°C, after the compressor exits the startup phase, the first solenoid valve is controlled to open, the second solenoid valve is controlled to close, and the third solenoid valve is controlled to close.

[0072] Step S305: when 0°C ≥ Tao, control the second solenoid valve to open, control the first solenoid valve to close, and control the third solenoid valve to open.

[0073] The air conditioner of the present invention and its control method can prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor driven by the gaseous refrigerant along with the compressor oil under extreme working conditions: low temperature, ultra-low temperature heating and other conditions with low ambient temperature and small load (not turned on for a long time or a small number of times when the machine is turned on), and when there is a lot of refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, causing liquid hammer to damage the compressor.

[0074] Those skilled in the art can understand that the above-mentioned air conditioner also includes some other well-known structures, such as a processor, a controller, a memory, etc., wherein the memory includes but is not limited to a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a serial memory, a parallel memory or a register, etc., and the processor includes but is not limited to a CPLD / FPGA, a DSP, an ARM processor, a MIPS processor, etc. In order to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, these well-known structures are not shown in the drawings.

[0075] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator comprises: A cavity, wherein an air inlet, an air outlet and a first oil return port are provided on the cavity, wherein the air outlet is used to be connected to the air intake port of the compressor, and a throttling member is provided on the passage between the first oil return port and the air intake port; A first air outlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, a second oil return port is arranged on the first air outlet pipe, and an air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; A second air outlet pipe, the second air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, and an air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a first valve body, the first valve body being used to control the connection and blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet; The second valve body is used to control the communication and blocking between the first oil return port and the air intake port.

2. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator further includes a third valve body, and the third valve body is used to control the communication and blocking between the second gas outlet pipe and the gas outlet.

3. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The gas-liquid separator includes a common pipe section, the first air outlet pipe includes a horizontal pipe section and a vertical pipe section, the vertical pipe section is connected to one end of the horizontal pipe section, the other end of the horizontal pipe section is the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe, the air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe are connected to the air outlet through the common pipe section, and the second oil return port is arranged on the horizontal pipe section.

4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second air outlet pipe is arranged along the vertical direction.

5. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outlet is arranged on the top wall of the cavity; and / or The first oil return port is arranged on the bottom wall of the cavity.

6. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first valve body is a first solenoid valve, the third valve body is a third solenoid valve, the first solenoid valve is arranged on a horizontal pipe section between the second oil return port and the second air outlet pipe, and the third solenoid valve is arranged on the second air outlet pipe; and / or The second valve body is a second solenoid valve; or The first valve body and the third valve body together form a three-way valve, and the outlet end of the first outlet end, the outlet end of the second outlet pipe and the common pipe section are connected through the three-way valve.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner includes a compressor, and the air conditioner also includes the gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner comprises a compressor, a gas-liquid separator and a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is used to detect the ambient temperature, and the gas-liquid separator comprises: A cavity, wherein an air inlet, an air outlet and a first oil return port are provided on the cavity, the air outlet is connected to the air intake port of the compressor, and a throttling member is provided on the passage between the first oil return port and the air intake port; A first air outlet pipe, the first air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, a second oil return port is arranged on the first air outlet pipe, and an air outlet end of the first air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; A second air outlet pipe, the second air outlet pipe is arranged in the cavity, and an air outlet end of the second air outlet pipe is connected to the air outlet; a first valve body, the first valve body being used to control the connection and blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet; a second valve body, the second valve body being used to control the communication and blocking between the first oil return port and the air intake port; The control method comprises: After the air conditioner is activated, obtaining the ambient temperature; The first valve body and the second valve body are controlled to operate based on the ambient temperature.

9. The air conditioner control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The step of "controlling the actions of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature" further includes: When the ambient temperature is greater than a first preset temperature, the first valve body controls the first air outlet pipe to be connected to the air outlet, and the second valve body controls the first oil return port to be blocked from the air intake port.

10. The air conditioner control method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The step of "controlling the actions of the first valve body and the second valve body based on the ambient temperature" further includes: When the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature and greater than the second preset temperature, before, at the same time or after the compressor is started, and / or when the ambient temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, the second valve body is used to control the connection between the first oil return port and the air intake port; the first valve body is used to control the blocking between the first air outlet pipe and the air outlet.

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