An air conditioner waste heat recovery device

Abstract

The present invention discloses an air-conditioning waste heat recovery device, which relates to the technology of air-conditioning waste heat recovery and includes a compressor, a first four-way valve, a heat exchange water tank, a first one-way valve, a first three-way joint, a second four-way valve, an air-conditioning main body, a second three-way joint and a third three-way joint that are sequentially connected end to end through pipelines to form a refrigeration and hot water circulation; the present invention provides an air-conditioning waste heat recovery device. When using the waste heat of the air conditioner to heat the water in the heat exchange water tank, the refrigerant flows through the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve. During the operation of the system, the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve do not need to be frequently switched, so that the wear can be reduced, the phenomenon of loose sealing or even air leakage can be avoided as much as possible, and the situation of high-temperature burnout of the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve can also be avoided. Coupled with the pipeline design of the energy-saving air-conditioning water heater system, more solenoid valves can be avoided, the work is more reliable, and the entire energy-saving air-conditioning water heater system operates more reliably.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to air conditioner waste heat recovery technology, and in particular to an air conditioner waste heat recovery device. Background Art

[0002] Existing heat pump water heaters and air conditioners function separately. Users often install an air conditioner and a separate heat pump water heater, or rely on solar water heaters, gas water heaters, electric water heaters, or boilers for hot water. This not only increases household expenses but also takes up more indoor space. While existing technologies exist to combine heat pump water heaters with air conditioners, these products have a high failure and maintenance rate, hindering their market adoption and resulting in a lack of mature products.

[0003] For example, the patent with the authorization announcement number CN219037126U and the authorization announcement date of May 16, 2023, entitled "Air Conditioner and Water Heater Online Control System" includes: an air conditioner and a water heater, wherein the air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a first throttle valve, and an indoor heat exchanger, wherein the first valve port of the four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, the second valve port of the four-way valve is connected to the indoor heat exchanger, the third valve port of the four-way valve is connected to the return air port of the compressor, the fourth valve port of the four-way valve is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the first throttle valve is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; and the water heater includes a heat exchanger, wherein the first end of the heat exchanger is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the first throttle valve, and the second end of the heat exchanger is connected to an on-off control valve, and the on-off control valve is respectively connected to the second and fourth valve ports of the four-way valve. This patent can save electricity, reduce electricity costs, and improve user experience by combining the air conditioner and the water heater.

[0004] In the above patent, there are nine operating modes. Among these nine operating modes, four modes are that the first valve port and the second valve port are connected, and five modes are that the first valve port and the fourth valve port are connected. There are 20 situations when switching from the connection between the first valve port and the second valve port to the connection between the first valve port and the fourth valve port. There are also 20 situations when switching from the connection between the first valve port and the fourth valve port to the connection between the first valve port and the second valve port. In order to meet different working conditions, a single four-way valve needs to switch the operating mode frequently, which means that the four-way valve needs to be frequently switched to different valve ports. In this process, the main slide valve in the four-way valve structure needs to slide frequently in the valve body. Other connection structures in the prior art are similar, and their operating conditions generally exceed five. Frequent sliding of the main slide valve will lead to accelerated wear, and it is also easy to have poor sealing or even air leakage, which shortens the life of the four-way valve and causes malfunction of the air conditioning water heater system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner to solve the above deficiencies in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner includes a compressor, a first four-way valve, a heat exchange water tank, a first one-way valve, a first three-way valve, a second four-way valve, an air conditioner main body, a second three-way valve, and a third three-way valve that are connected end to end in sequence through pipelines to form a refrigeration and hot water circulation; it further includes a heat exchanger, a fourth three-way valve, a second one-way valve, and a third one-way valve. The first four-way valve is also connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is connected to the fourth three-way valve. The fourth three-way valve is connected to the first three-way valve through the second one-way valve, and the fourth three-way valve is connected to the second four-way valve through the third one-way valve.

[0008] In the above waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner, a first throttling device is further connected between the second four-way valve and the air conditioner main body. The second throttling device is used to reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.

[0009] In the above waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner, both the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve include a main inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet. The main inlet of the first four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor. The first outlet of the first four-way valve is connected to the heat exchange water tank. The third outlet of the first four-way valve is connected to the heat exchanger. The first outlet of the second four-way valve is connected to the air conditioner main body.

[0010] In the above waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner, the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, the third three-way valve, and the fourth three-way valve all include a main interface, a first branch port, and a second branch port. The first branch port of the first three-way valve is connected to the heat exchange water tank. The second branch port of the first three-way valve is connected to the first branch port of the fourth three-way valve. The main interface of the first three-way valve is connected to the main inlet of the second four-way valve. The first branch port of the second three-way valve is connected to the air conditioner main body. The second branch port of the second three-way valve is connected to the second outlet of the second four-way valve. The main interface of the second three-way valve is connected to the first branch port of the third three-way valve. The second branch port of the third three-way valve is connected to the second outlet of the first four-way valve. The main interface of the third three-way valve is connected to the intake port of the compressor. The second branch port of the fourth three-way valve is connected to the third outlet of the second four-way valve. The main interface of the fourth three-way valve is connected to the heat exchanger.

[0011] For the above-mentioned air-conditioning waste heat recovery device, in the refrigeration and hot water production mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the main inlet of the first four-way valve, the first outlet of the first four-way valve, the hot water exchange tank, the first one-way valve, the first branch port of the first three-way valve, the main interface of the first three-way valve, the main interface of the second four-way valve, the first outlet of the second four-way valve, the air-conditioning main body, the first branch port of the second three-way valve, the main interface of the second three-way valve, the first branch port of the third three-way valve and the main interface of the third three-way valve, and finally returns to the compressor.

[0012] For the above-mentioned air-conditioning waste heat recovery device, in the refrigeration mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the main inlet of the first four-way valve, the third outlet of the first four-way valve, the heat exchanger, the main interface of the fourth three-way valve, the first branch port of the fourth three-way valve, the second branch port of the first three-way valve, the main interface of the first three-way valve, the main inlet of the second four-way valve, the first outlet of the second four-way valve, the air-conditioning main body, the first branch port of the second three-way valve, the main interface of the second three-way valve, the first branch port of the third three-way valve and the main interface of the third three-way valve, and finally returns to the compressor.

[0013] For the above-mentioned air-conditioning waste heat recovery device, in the hot water production mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the main inlet of the first four-way valve, the first outlet of the first four-way valve, the hot water exchange tank, the first one-way valve, the first branch port of the first three-way valve, the main interface of the first three-way valve, the main interface of the second four-way valve, the third outlet of the second four-way valve, the main interface of the second four-way valve, the second branch port of the fourth three-way valve, the heat exchanger, the third outlet of the first four-way valve, the second outlet of the first four-way valve, the second branch port of the third three-way valve and the main interface of the third three-way valve, and finally returns to the compressor.

[0014] For the above-mentioned air-conditioning waste heat recovery device, the hot water exchange tank includes a water storage bucket, a heat exchange medium is arranged in the water storage bucket, the first outlet of the first four-way valve is communicated with the heat exchange medium, and a liquid is also contained in the water storage bucket.

[0015] For the above-mentioned air-conditioning waste heat recovery device, a second throttling device is further connected between the second four-way valve and the second one-way valve, and the second throttling device is used to reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.

[0016] For the above-mentioned air-conditioning waste heat recovery device, in the refrigeration and hot water production mode, the second outlet of the second four-way valve is partially communicated with the second branch port of the second three-way valve, and part of the refrigerant returns to the third three-way valve through the second outlet of the second four-way valve and finally returns to the compressor.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the present invention provides an air-conditioning waste heat recovery device, including three modes: a refrigeration and hot water production mode, a refrigeration mode, and a hot water production mode. No matter which working mode, the refrigerant needs to flow through the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve. However, when switching between these three modes, sometimes only the pipelines inside the first four-way valve or the second four-way valve need to be switched. By using two four-way valves, the frequent switching of a single four-way valve is reduced, and the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve do not need to switch the pipelines frequently at the same time, which can reduce wear, avoid the phenomenon of poor sealing or even air leakage as much as possible, and also avoid the situation of high-temperature burnout of the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve. Coupled with the pipeline design of the energy-saving air-conditioning water heater system, it can avoid using more solenoid valves and use the first check valve, the second check valve or the third check valve in the system. The first check valve, the second check valve or the third check valve do not need to be energized, are not easily damaged, and work more reliably, making the entire energy-saving air-conditioning water heater system operate more reliably. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a structural block diagram of an air-conditioning waste heat recovery device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a structural block diagram of the air-conditioning waste heat recovery device in the refrigeration and hot water production mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a structural block diagram of the air-conditioning waste heat recovery device in the refrigeration mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a structural block diagram of the air-conditioning waste heat recovery device in the hot water production mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the second four-way valve provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Local enlarged view at X.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the second four-way valve provided by another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 7Partial enlarged view at Y.

[0027] Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the second four-way valve in the third working mode of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the operation of the air-conditioning waste heat recovery device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Compressor; 2. First four-way valve; 3. Heat exchange water tank; 4. First check valve; 5. First three-way joint; 6. Second four-way valve; 61. Valve body; 611. Main valve pipe; 612. First branch pipe; 613. Second branch pipe; 614. Third branch pipe; 615. Slide block; 616. Communication groove; 617. Compression spring; 618. Supporting bracket; 619. Movable ball; 62. Connecting frame; 621. Through port; 622. L-shaped support plate; 623. Sliding groove; 624. Blocking plate; 625. Limiting spring; 626. Stop block; 627. Stop groove; 628. Sealing block; 7. Air-conditioning main body; 8. Second three-way joint; 9. Third three-way joint; 10. Heat exchanger; 11. Fourth three-way joint; 12. Second check valve; 13. Third check valve. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further introduced in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] As Figure 1-10 shown, an air-conditioning waste heat recovery device provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor 1, a first four-way valve 2, a heat exchange water tank 3, a first check valve 4, a first three-way joint 5, a second four-way valve 6, an air-conditioning main body 7, a second three-way joint 8, and a third three-way joint 9 that are sequentially connected end to end through pipelines to form a refrigeration and hot water circulation; it further includes a heat exchanger 10, a fourth three-way joint 11, a second check valve 12, and a third check valve 13. The first four-way valve 2 is further connected to the heat exchanger 10. The heat exchanger 10 is connected to the fourth three-way joint 11. The fourth three-way joint 11 is connected to the first three-way joint 5 through the second check valve 12. The fourth three-way joint 11 is communicated with the second four-way valve 6 through the third check valve 13.

[0033] Specifically in this embodiment, the compressor 1, the first four-way valve 2, the water exchange tank 3, the first one-way valve 4, the first three-way valve 5, the second four-way valve 6, the air conditioner body 7, the second three-way valve 8, the third three-way valve 9, the heat exchanger 10, the fourth three-way valve 11, the second one-way valve 12 and the third one-way valve 13 can all directly use the corresponding mechanisms in the existing technology, so their specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail. In the cooling and hot water cycle, the compressor 1 is used to inhale refrigerant and output high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant enters the first four-way valve 2 through the first four-way valve 2. The heat exchange water tank 3 heats the low-temperature water in the heat exchange water tank 3 to high-temperature water, which is hot water. The heat exchange water tank 3 is used to exchange heat with the high-temperature refrigerant. The air-conditioning body 7 (i.e., the indoor unit) is used to output gas with a temperature roughly the same as that of the refrigerant after heat exchange. In the cooling and hot water mode, the refrigerant flow directions in the first four-way valve 2, the first three-way valve 5, the second four-way valve 6, the second three-way valve 8, and the third three-way valve 9 are all unidirectional, and only the refrigerant flow needs to be satisfied. No further details will be given here. The heat exchanger 10 (i.e., the outdoor unit) is placed in the external environment. When the refrigerant does not pass through the water exchange tank 3, it will pass through the heat exchanger 10. Both the heat exchanger 10 and the water exchange tank 3 are used to exchange heat with the refrigerant. The difference is that the heat exchanger 10 will discharge the heat, while the water exchange tank 3 will use the heat to heat the liquid for easy use. When the waste heat of the air conditioner is used to heat the water in the water exchange tank 3 (and cool it at the same time), the refrigerant flows through the first four-way valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6. At this time, the first four-way valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6 only need to open one pipeline to complete cooling and hot water production. Moreover, during the operation of the system, the first four-way valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6 only need to open one pipeline to complete cooling and hot water production. The valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6 do not need to be frequently switched, which can reduce wear and tear, avoid the phenomenon of loose sealing or even air leakage as much as possible, and avoid the situation where the first four-way valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6 are burned out by high temperature. Combined with the piping design of the energy-saving air-conditioning water heater system, it can avoid the use of more solenoid valves and use the first one-way valve 4, the second one-way valve 12 and the third one-way valve 13 in the system. The first one-way valve 4, the second one-way valve 12 and the third one-way valve 13 do not need to be energized, are not easily damaged, and work more reliably, making the operation of the entire energy-saving air-conditioning cooling and hot water system more reliable.

[0034] The entire air-conditioning waste heat recovery device includes three working modes, namely the refrigeration and hot water production mode, the refrigeration mode, and the hot water production mode. In the refrigeration and hot water production mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 1, the first four-way valve 2, the hot water exchange tank 3, the first one-way valve 4, the first three-way valve 5, the second four-way valve 6, the first throttling device, the air-conditioning main body 7, the second three-way valve 8, and the third three-way valve 9, and finally returns to the compressor 1. During this process, the high-temperature refrigerant output by the compressor 1 flows through the hot water exchange tank 3 and is heat-exchanged to heat the liquid in the hot water exchange tank 3. At this time, the cooled high-temperature refrigerant output from the first outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is further cooled by the first throttling device and then enters the air-conditioning main body 7, and the air-conditioning main body 7 outputs a gas with a temperature approximately the same as that of the refrigerant after heat exchange; in the refrigeration mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 1, the first four-way valve 2, the heat exchanger 10, the fourth three-way valve 11, the first three-way valve 5, the second four-way valve 6, the first throttling device, the air-conditioning main body 7, the second three-way valve 8, and the third three-way valve 9, and finally returns to the compressor 1; at this time, the refrigerant does not pass through the hot water exchange tank 3 and thus does not heat the water in the hot water exchange tank 3, and at this time, the refrigerant passes through the heat exchanger 10 and discharges heat through the heat exchanger 10. At this time, the cooled high-temperature refrigerant output from the first outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is further cooled by the first throttling device and then enters the air-conditioning main body 7, and the air-conditioning main body 7 outputs a gas with a temperature approximately the same as that of the refrigerant after heat exchange; in the hot water production mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 1, the first four-way valve 2, the hot water exchange tank 3, the first one-way valve 4, the first three-way valve 5, the second four-way valve 6, the second throttling device, the fourth three-way valve 11, the heat exchanger 10, the first four-way valve 2, and the third three-way valve 9, and finally returns to the compressor 1; at this time, the refrigerant passes through the hot water exchange tank 3 to heat the liquid in the hot water exchange tank 3. At the same time, the cooled high-temperature refrigerant output from the third outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is further cooled by the second throttling device and then enters the heat exchanger 10, and returns to the compressor 1 after passing through the heat exchanger 10 (the cold air is discharged to the outdoor environment through the heat exchanger 10), but the refrigerant does not pass through the air-conditioning main body 7, so no cold air will be output from the air-conditioning main body 7.

[0035] Obviously, in the above three working modes, the first four-way valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6 are used. When the cooling and hot water mode is switched to the cooling mode, of the two four-way valves, only the first four-way valve 2 needs to be switched so that the main inlet of the first four-way valve 2 is connected to the third outlet of the first four-way valve 2, and the second four-way valve 6 does not need to be switched; when the cooling and hot water mode is switched to the hot water mode, of the two four-way valves, only the second four-way valve 6 needs to be switched so that the main inlet of the second four-way valve 6 is connected to the third outlet of the second four-way valve 6; and, obviously, in order to make full use of energy, the cooling and hot water mode The mode is the most commonly used mode, that is, switching from the cooling and hot water mode to the hot water mode or the cooling mode is the most common situation, and switching from the hot water mode or the cooling mode to the cooling and hot water mode is also a common working mode. In these four cases, only one of the first four-way valve 2 or the second four-way valve 6 is needed to switch the pipeline, which greatly reduces the number of times a single four-way valve needs to be switched. Without frequent switching, wear can be reduced, and the phenomenon of loose sealing or even air leakage can be avoided as much as possible, and the situation of high-temperature burning of the first four-way valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6 can be avoided.

[0036] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, an air-conditioning outdoor unit 14 is further included. The air-conditioning outdoor unit 14 includes a compressor 1 and a heat exchanger 10. The air-conditioning outdoor unit 14 is mainly used to provide a working environment for the compressor 1 and the heat exchanger 10.

[0037] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, a first throttling device is further connected between the second four-way valve 6 and the air-conditioning main body 7, and the first throttling device is preferably a capillary tube, which is used to reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, thereby achieving a cooling effect; a second throttling device is further connected between the second four-way valve 6 and the second one-way valve 12, and the second throttling device is also preferably a capillary tube, which is used to reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, thereby achieving a cooling effect.

[0038] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, the first four-way valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6 both include a main inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet and a third outlet; the main inlet of the first four-way valve 2 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 1, the first outlet of the first four-way valve 2 is connected to the heat exchange water tank 3, and the third outlet of the first four-way valve 2 is connected to the heat exchanger 10; the first outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is connected to the air conditioner main body 7.

[0039] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the first three-way valve 5, the second three-way valve 8, the third three-way valve 9, and the fourth three-way valve 11 each include a main interface, a first branch port, and a second branch port; the first branch port of the first three-way valve 5 is connected to the heat exchange water tank 3, the second branch port of the first three-way valve 5 is connected to the first branch port of the fourth three-way valve 11, and the main interface of the first three-way valve 5 is connected to the main inlet of the second four-way valve 6; the first branch port of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the air conditioner main body 7, the second branch port of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the second outlet of the second four-way valve 6, and the main interface of the second three-way valve 8 is connected to the first branch port of the third three-way valve 9; the second branch port of the third three-way valve 9 is connected to the second outlet of the first four-way valve 2, and the main interface of the third three-way valve 9 is communicated with the inlet of the compressor 1; the second branch port of the fourth three-way valve 11 is connected to the third outlet of the second four-way valve 6, and the main interface of the fourth three-way valve 11 is communicated with the heat exchanger 10.

[0040] In addition, a first check valve 4 is connected between the heat exchange water tank 3 and the first branch port of the first three-way valve 5; a second check valve 12 is connected between the second branch port of the first three-way valve 5 and the first branch port of the fourth three-way valve 11, and a third check valve 13 is connected between the third outlet of the second four-way valve 6 and the second branch port of the fourth three-way valve 11.

[0041] The following is a detailed description of three working modes: The entire air conditioner waste heat recovery device includes three working modes, namely, the refrigeration and hot water production mode, the refrigeration mode, and the hot water production mode. In the refrigeration and hot water production mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 1, the main inlet of the first four-way valve 2, the first outlet of the first four-way valve 2, the heat exchange water tank 3, the first check valve 4, the first branch port of the first three-way valve 5, the main interface of the first three-way valve 5, the main interface of the second four-way valve 6, the first outlet of the second four-way valve 6, the first throttling device, the air conditioner main body 7, the first branch port of the second three-way valve 8, the main interface of the second three-way valve 8, the first branch port of the third three-way valve 9, and the main interface of the third three-way valve 9, and finally returns to the compressor 1. During this process, the high-temperature refrigerant output by the compressor 1 flows through the heat exchange water tank 3 and is heat-exchanged to heat the liquid in the heat exchange water tank 3. At this time, the high-temperature refrigerant cooled after being output from the first outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is cooled again by the first throttling device and then enters the air conditioner main body 7, and the air conditioner main body 7 outputs a gas with a temperature approximately the same as that of the heat-exchanged refrigerant.

[0042] In the refrigeration mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 1, the main inlet of the first four-way valve 2, the third outlet of the first four-way valve 2, the heat exchanger 10, the main interface of the fourth three-way valve 11, the first branch port of the fourth three-way valve 11, the second branch port of the first three-way valve 5, the main interface of the first three-way valve 5, the main inlet of the second four-way valve 6, the first outlet of the second four-way valve 6, the first throttling device, the air-conditioning main body 7, the first branch port of the second three-way valve 8, the main interface of the second three-way valve 8, the first branch port of the third three-way valve 9 and the main interface of the third three-way valve 9, and finally returns to the compressor 1; at this time, the refrigerant does not pass through the heat exchange water tank 3, so it will not heat the water in the heat exchange water tank 3. At this time, the refrigerant passes through the heat exchanger 10, and the heat is discharged through the heat exchanger 10. At this time, the cooled high-temperature refrigerant output from the first outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is cooled again by the first throttling device and then enters the air-conditioning main body 7, and the air-conditioning main body 7 outputs a gas with a temperature approximately the same as that of the heat-exchanged refrigerant.

[0043] In the hot water heating mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 1, the main inlet of the first four-way valve 2, the first outlet of the first four-way valve 2, the heat exchange water tank 3, the first check valve 4, the first branch port of the first three-way valve 5, the main interface of the first three-way valve 5, the main interface of the second four-way valve 6, the third outlet of the second four-way valve 6, the second throttling device, the second branch port of the fourth three-way valve 11, the main interface of the fourth three-way valve 11, the heat exchanger 10, the third outlet of the first four-way valve 2, the second outlet of the first four-way valve 2, the second branch port of the third three-way valve 9 and the main interface of the third three-way valve 9, and finally returns to the compressor 1; at this time, the refrigerant passes through the heat exchange water tank 3 to heat the liquid in the heat exchange water tank 3. At the same time, the cooled high-temperature refrigerant output from the third outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is cooled again by the second throttling device and then enters the heat exchanger 10, and returns to the compressor 1 after passing through the heat exchanger 10. However, the refrigerant does not pass through the air-conditioning main body 7, so no cold air will be output.

[0044] In yet another embodiment provided by the present invention, the heat exchange water tank 3 includes a water storage bucket, a coil pipe is arranged in the water storage bucket, the first outlet of the first four-way valve 2 is communicated with the coil pipe, a heat exchange medium is further contained in the water storage bucket, the heat exchange medium is preferably antifreeze, and water that can flow is further contained in the water storage bucket (the water and the heat exchange medium are isolated by an inner tank, and the heat exchange medium is contained in the inner tank). When the refrigerant passes through the coil pipe, heat is exchanged with the heat exchange medium in the water storage bucket, and then the water is heated by the heat exchange medium.

[0045] In another embodiment provided by the present invention, during the refrigeration and hot water circulation and refrigeration process, the second outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is partially communicated with the second branch port of the second three-way valve 8, and part of the refrigerant flows back to the third three-way valve 9 through the second outlet of the second four-way valve 6 and finally flows back into the compressor 1; during the hot water production process, part of the refrigerant can also flow back to the third three-way valve 9 through the second outlet of the second four-way valve 6 and finally flow back into the compressor 1. In addition, the second outlet of the second four-way valve 6 is also used to reverse the flow direction of the refrigerant.

[0046] In addition, when using this system as an air conditioner, it can be made into a single-unit air conditioner or a central air conditioner, and can be used in various occasions such as family residences, hotels, restaurants, barbershops, bath centers, and swimming pools, and hot water can be provided throughout the year.

[0047] In summer, hot water and cold air are provided; the refrigerant passes through the compressor 1, the first four-way valve 2, the second four-way valve 6, etc., and then exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange water tank 3 through the coil, and the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the water inside the heat exchange water tank 3. The water in the heat exchange water tank 3 is used for bathing; on the other hand, the cold produced by the refrigerant after passing through the capillary tube cools the room through the air conditioner main body 7.

[0048] In winter, hot water is provided; the refrigerant passes through the compressor 1, the first four-way valve 2, the second four-way valve 6, etc., and then exchanges heat with the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange water tank 3 through the coil, and the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the water inside the heat exchange water tank 3. The water in the heat exchange water tank 3 is used for bathing or heating the radiator. On the other hand, the cold produced by the refrigerant after passing through the capillary tube is discharged outdoors through the heat exchanger 10.

[0049] To ensure the sealing effect of the first four-way valve 2 and the second four-way valve 6, the first four-way valve 2 or the second four-way valve 6 (taking the second four-way valve 6 as an example) can be further improved. The second four-way valve 6 in the prior art includes a valve body 61. A working chamber is provided inside the valve body 61. One end of the arc-shaped side wall of the valve body 61 is connected to a main valve pipe 611 (defining the direction where the main valve pipe 611 is located as the upper side). The other end of the arc-shaped side wall of the valve body 61 is successively connected to a first branch pipe 612, a second branch pipe 613, and a third branch pipe 614 (defining the direction where the first branch pipe 612, the second branch pipe 613, and the third branch pipe 614 are located as the lower side. In addition, defining the direction close to the first branch pipe 612 as the left, and the direction close to the third branch pipe 614 as the right. The three are from left to right, which are respectively the above-mentioned first outlet, second outlet, and third outlet). The first branch pipe 612, the second branch pipe 613, and the third branch pipe 614 have the same diameter. One ends of the first branch pipe 612, the second branch pipe 613, and the third branch pipe 614 located inside the working chamber are all installed on a backing plate. One end of the backing plate facing the main valve pipe 611 is a plane. Two piston plates are slidably installed in the working chamber. Connecting frames 62 are fixed to one ends of the two piston plates close to each other. A slider 615 is commonly installed between the two connecting frames 62. The slider 615 is preferably square. One end of the slider 615 close to the main valve pipe 611 can be a plane or an arc surface, preferably an arc surface. The slider 615 slides in the working chamber. One end of the slider 615 close to the backing plate is sealingly connected to the backing plate in a dynamic sealing manner. The main function of the backing plate is to make the slider 615 slide stably and is conducive to maintaining a sealed environment. A communication groove 616 is opened at one end of the slider 615 close to the first branch pipe 612. The communication groove 616 is preferably arc-shaped. The communication groove 616 can only cover two adjacent pipe orifices among the first branch pipe 612, the second branch pipe 613, and the third branch pipe 614. In this way, the communication groove 616 can at most only cover the pipe orifices of the first branch pipe 612 and the second branch pipe 613 or the second branch pipe 613 and the third branch pipe 614, which is convenient for switching the refrigerant flow pipeline. It also includes a pilot valve (not shown in the figure). The pilot valve is used to drive the piston plate to move in the working chamber to realize the switching of the pipeline. The pilot valve is prior art and will not be elaborated here. The above technical solutions related to the second four-way valve 6 are all prior art. Here, for the convenience of description, the structure of the second four-way valve 6 is basically introduced. Regarding the working principle and working process of the second four-way valve 6, no more elaboration will be made here.

[0050] Further, a sliding groove is formed in the slider 615, the connecting frame 62 is slidably installed in the sliding groove, and a compression spring 617 is connected between the connecting frame 62 and the sliding groove. The initial state of the compression spring 617 is set to be compressed. A top support bracket 618 is fixed to one end of the slider 615 close to the main valve pipe 611. An active ball 619 is slidably installed at one end of the top support bracket 618 close to the main valve pipe 611. The active ball 619 abuts against the inner wall of the valve body 61. The main function of the active ball 619 is to reduce the sliding wear between the top support bracket 618 and the inner wall of the valve body 61. Thus, when one end of the slider 615 close to the backing plate slides on the backing plate and wears, under the elastic action of the compression spring 617, the slider 615 is pushed downward to always fit on the backing plate, so as to avoid refrigerant leakage as much as possible. However, this solution can only be used as a temporary protection solution for excessive wear of the slider 615. To ensure normal operation, the slider 615 still needs to be replaced in time.

[0051] Still further, in the prior art, the pilot valve drives the slider 615 to move by changing the fluid flow direction and pressure difference. However, during the flow of high-temperature refrigerant, since the slider 615 is not locked, the flow of the refrigerant may still push the slider 615 to slide, so that the refrigerant may leak into other pipelines. For this reason, the present embodiment provides a further solution to solve the above technical problem. In the present embodiment, both ends of the connecting frame 62 are slidably attached to the inner wall of the working chamber. A through port 621 is formed in the connecting frame 62. That is to say, the high-temperature refrigerant can only enter the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614 through the through port 621. An L-shaped support plate 622 is formed at the lower end of the connecting frame 62. The L-shaped support plate 622 is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section is vertically fixed to the lower end of the connecting frame 62, and the second section is vertically connected to the first section. A sliding groove 623 is formed in the second section of the L-shaped support plate 622. The through port 621 and the sliding groove 623 are arranged in corresponding cooperation. The lower end surface of the second section is parallel to the lower end surface of the backing plate, and the backing plate does not block the sliding of the second section. A blocking plate 624 is slidably installed in the sliding groove 623. A limiting spring 625 is connected between the blocking plate 624 and the L-shaped support plate 622. A stop block 626 is formed at the lower end of the blocking plate 624. The stop block 626 is preferably an isosceles trapezoid. In addition, two oppositely arranged stop grooves 627 are formed in the backing plate. The stop grooves 627 are preferably isosceles trapezoids. The stop block 626 and the adjacent stop groove 627 are arranged in corresponding cooperation. The stop block 626 can be inserted into the stop groove 627. In the initial state, under the elastic action of the limiting spring 625, the stop block 626 extends below the sliding groove 623.

[0052] The second four-way valve 6 mainly has two working modes during operation. In the first working mode, the main valve pipe 611 is connected to the first branch pipe 612, and the second branch pipe 613 is connected to the third branch pipe 614. In the second working mode, the main valve pipe 611 is connected to the third branch pipe 614, and the first branch pipe 612 is connected to the second branch pipe 613. These two working modes are mainly used for different refrigerant flow directions. However, the switching between these two working modes is the same in terms of working principle and process. The following takes the switching from the first working mode to the second working mode as an example for a specific working description: The pilot valve controls the piston plate to move, causing the slider 615 to move from right to left. The connecting frame 62 also moves synchronously, causing the right-side blocking plate 624 and the stop block 626 to approach the backing plate. The connecting frame 62 continues to move, causing the stop block 626 to contact the backing plate. The backing plate squeezes the stop block 626 to move upward and simultaneously squeezes the limit spring 625. When the stop block 626 moves to the upper end of the backing plate, it is pressed tightly against the backing plate under the elastic action of the limit spring 625. The connecting frame 62 continues to move, driving the stop block 626 to snap into the stop groove 627. Moreover, since the through port 621 and the sliding groove 623 are correspondingly arranged, the refrigerant flowing out from the through port 621 will also exert a certain pressure on the blocking plate 624, causing the blocking plate 624 and the stop block 626 to be more tightly pressed against the backing plate. In this way, through the elastic action of the limit spring 625 and the refrigerant flowing out from the through port 621, the state of the slider 615 in the first working mode or the second working mode is more stable, avoiding the slider 615 from sliding due to the flow of the refrigerant in a stable working state, and thus minimizing the occurrence of refrigerant leakage.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, different from the prior art, the main function of the second branch pipe 613 is to control the refrigerant reflux (the main function of the second branch pipe 613 in the prior art is to be connected to the third branch pipe 614 or the first branch pipe 612 to ensure the smooth flow of the refrigerant after switching). In extreme cases (such as the gas temperature output by the compressor 1 not meeting the working conditions or the gas output by the compressor 1 containing more liquid), it is necessary to completely reflux the refrigerant. For this reason, this embodiment provides a further solution to achieve the full reflux of the refrigerant through the second four-way valve 6. The blocking plate 624 is circular, and the diameter of the blocking plate 624 is equal to the inner diameter of the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614. In addition, a sealing block 628 is installed at both the left and right ends of the bottom of the communication groove 616. The length of the sealing block 628 is less than the inner diameter of the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614. This is to prevent the sealing block 628 from sealing the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614. The main function of the sealing block 628 is to seal the gap between the slider 615 and the backing plate under specific circumstances.

[0054] When the slider 615 is in the first working mode or the second working mode during normal operation, it will stop further axial sliding. However, in this embodiment, a pilot valve is required to further control the axial sliding of the slider 615. Taking the second working mode as an example, the slider 615 continues to slide axially to the right, so that the left baffle 624 continues to move to the right. When the baffle 624 moves above the first branch pipe 612, the sliding of the slider 615 stops. At this time, the baffle 624 cuts off the refrigerant flow in the first branch pipe 612. At the same time, the right sealing block 628 seals with the right side of the upper end of the backing plate. That is to say, at this time, the refrigerant flow in the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614 is blocked, and the refrigerant can only enter the second branch pipe 613 after flowing out from the left through-port 621, thus realizing the full reflux of the refrigerant from the second branch pipe 613. Moreover, obviously, under the impact of the refrigerant flow, the baffle 624 will continue to move downward for a certain distance until it enters the first branch pipe 612. In this way, the baffle 624 can also block the axial sliding of the slider 615 at this time. Define the movement of the baffle 624 at this time as the third working mode. When it is necessary to switch to other working modes, the compressor can be stopped. After the baffle 624 is reset upward and then continues to move. In this way, without adding an additional power source, the pilot valve can control the baffle 624 to enter the third working mode. In this embodiment, the baffle 624 has three functions. First, in the first working mode or the second working mode, it presses the stop block 626 downward to assist in pressing and limiting. Second, in the third working mode, the stop block 626 completely blocks the pipe orifice of the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614 to seal the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614 to achieve full reflux. Third, in the third working mode, the baffle 624 is inserted into the pipe orifice of the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614, which can stabilize the state of the slider 615 and prevent the slider 615 from performing meaningless axial sliding. Moreover, obviously, the baffle 624 inserted into the pipe orifice of the first branch pipe 612 or the third branch pipe 614 can clean the impurities on the inner wall of the pipe orifice.

[0055] Only some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described by way of illustration above. Without doubt, for those of ordinary skill in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above drawings and description are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner waste heat recovery device, characterized in that, It includes a compressor, a first four-way valve, a heat exchange water tank, a first one-way valve, a first three-way joint, a second four-way valve, an air-conditioning main body, a second three-way joint, and a third three-way joint that are connected end to end in sequence through pipelines to form a refrigeration and hot water circulation; It further includes a heat exchanger, a fourth three-way joint, a second one-way valve, and a third one-way valve. The first four-way valve is also connected to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is connected to the fourth three-way joint. The fourth three-way joint is connected to the first three-way joint through the second one-way valve, and the fourth three-way joint is connected to the second four-way valve through the third one-way valve; The second four-way valve includes a valve body. A working cavity is arranged inside the valve body. One end of the arc-shaped side wall of the valve body is connected to a main valve pipe. The other end of the arc-shaped side wall of the valve body is sequentially connected to a first branch pipe, a second branch pipe, and a third branch pipe. One ends of the first branch pipe, the second branch pipe, and the third branch pipe located inside the working cavity are all installed on a backing plate. One end of the backing plate facing the main valve pipe is a plane. Two piston plates are slidably installed inside the working cavity. One ends of the two piston plates close to each other are both fixed with connecting frames. A slider is jointly installed between the two connecting frames. The slider is square, and one end of the slider close to the main valve pipe is an arc surface. The slider slides inside the working cavity. One end of the slider close to the backing plate is movably sealed and connected to the backing plate. A communication groove is opened at one end of the slider close to the first branch pipe, and the communication groove can only cover two adjacent pipe orifices among the first branch pipe, the second branch pipe, and the third branch pipe; A sliding groove is opened on the slider. The connecting frame is slidably installed in the sliding groove, and a compression spring is connected between the connecting frame and the sliding groove. The initial state of the compression spring is set to be compressed. A top support bracket is fixed at one end of the slider close to the main valve pipe. A movable ball is slidably installed at one end of the top support bracket close to the main valve pipe, and the movable ball abuts against the inner wall of the valve body.

2. The air-conditioning waste heat recovery device according to claim 1, wherein A first throttling device is also connected between the second four-way valve and the air-conditioning main body. The first throttling device is used to reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.

3. The waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve include a main inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet; The main inlet of the first four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor. The first outlet of the first four-way valve is connected to the heat exchange water tank. The third outlet of the first four-way valve is connected to the heat exchanger; The first outlet of the second four-way valve is connected to the air-conditioning main body.

4. The waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that The first three-way joint, the second three-way joint, the third three-way joint, and the fourth three-way joint all include a main interface, a first branch port, and a second branch port; The first branch port of the first three-way joint is connected to the heat exchange water tank. The second branch port of the first three-way joint is connected to the first branch port of the fourth three-way joint. The main interface of the first three-way joint is connected to the main inlet of the second four-way valve; The first branch port of the second three-way joint is connected to the air-conditioning main body. The second branch port of the second three-way joint is connected to the second outlet of the second four-way valve. The main interface of the second three-way joint is connected to the first branch port of the third three-way joint; The second branch port of the third three-way joint is connected to the second outlet of the first four-way valve. The main interface of the third three-way joint is communicated with the intake port of the compressor; The second branch port of the fourth three-way valve is connected to the third outlet of the second four-way valve, and the main port of the fourth three-way valve is communicated with the heat exchanger.

5. The air conditioner waste heat recovery device according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the refrigeration and hot water mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the main inlet of the first four-way valve, the first outlet of the first four-way valve, the hot water tank, the first check valve, the first branch port of the first three-way valve, the main port of the first three-way valve, the main port of the second four-way valve, the first outlet of the second four-way valve, the air-conditioning main body, the first branch port of the second three-way valve, the main port of the second three-way valve, the first branch port of the third three-way valve and the main port of the third three-way valve, and finally returns to the compressor.

6. The waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that In the refrigeration mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the main inlet of the first four-way valve, the third outlet of the first four-way valve, the heat exchanger, the main port of the fourth three-way valve, the first branch port of the fourth three-way valve, the second branch port of the first three-way valve, the main port of the first three-way valve, the main inlet of the second four-way valve, the first outlet of the second four-way valve, the air-conditioning main body, the first branch port of the second three-way valve, the main port of the second three-way valve, the first branch port of the third three-way valve and the main port of the third three-way valve, and finally returns to the compressor.

7. The air-conditioning waste heat recovery device according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the hot water mode, the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the main inlet of the first four-way valve, the first outlet of the first four-way valve, the hot water tank, the first check valve, the first branch port of the first three-way valve, the main port of the first three-way valve, the main port of the second four-way valve, the third outlet of the second four-way valve, the second branch port of the fourth three-way valve, the main port of the fourth three-way valve, the heat exchanger, the third outlet of the first four-way valve, the second outlet of the first four-way valve, the second branch port of the third three-way valve and the main port of the third three-way valve, and finally returns to the compressor.

8. The air conditioner waste heat recovery device according to claim 3, wherein The hot water tank includes a water storage bucket, a heat exchange medium is arranged in the water storage bucket, the first outlet of the first four-way valve is communicated with the heat exchange medium, and a liquid is also contained in the water storage bucket.

9. The waste heat recovery device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, A second throttling device is further connected between the second four-way valve and the second check valve, and the second throttling device is used to reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.

10. The air-conditioning waste heat recovery device according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the refrigeration and hot water mode, the second outlet of the second four-way valve is partially communicated with the second branch port of the second three-way valve, and part of the refrigerant flows back to the third three-way valve through the second outlet of the second four-way valve and finally flows back into the compressor.

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