Outdoor unit of multi-split air conditioner, mounting method and air conditioning system

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of air conditioners, in particular to a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit, an installation method of the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit and an air conditioner system. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit can be universally used for three-pipe and two-pipe air conditioner systems, and the problem that two or more different multi-split air conditioner outdoor units need to be designed and produced to be applied to the three-pipe multi-split air conditioner system and the two-pipe multi-split air conditioner system respectively is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of air conditioning, and in particular to a multi-split air conditioning outdoor unit, an installation method and an air conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] The three-pipe heat recovery multi-split air conditioning system is a multi-split air conditioning system that uses three refrigerant pipes to connect the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Specifically, in addition to the liquid pipe and gas pipe used in the standard multi-split system, the refrigerant pipe also adds a high-pressure gas pipe, which can realize the functions of cooling and heating the indoor unit at the same time in the same system, achieving more precise temperature and humidity control, and can achieve dehumidification without cooling.

[0003] The outdoor unit of a three-pipe heat recovery multi-split system usually has different connection methods, parts selection, copper pipe connection, etc. from the two-pipe standard multi-split system. For this reason, manufacturers need to design and produce different three-pipe and two-pipe outdoor units respectively, which are used according to the different application methods of the multi-split air conditioning system and cannot be interchanged. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit, an installation method for the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit, and an air-conditioning system, so that the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit can be universally used in three-pipe and two-pipe multi-split air-conditioning systems, thereby solving the problem of needing to design and produce more than two different multi-split air-conditioning outdoor units for use in three-pipe multi-split air-conditioning systems and two-pipe multi-split air-conditioning systems, respectively.

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit, comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, a four-way valve, a first valve and a second valve, wherein the four-way valve has a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, wherein the first port is connected to the discharge port of the compressor, the second port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor expansion valve and the first valve in sequence, and the third port is connected to the suction port of the compressor; the four-way valve can be switched to connect the first port and the second port, and connect the third port and the fourth port, or switched to connect the first port and the fourth port, and connect the second port and the third port; wherein the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit further comprises a first manifold, a second manifold, a third valve and a switching device, wherein the first manifold is connected between the discharge port of the compressor and the first port, the third valve is arranged on the first manifold, the second manifold is connected between the suction port of the compressor and the third port, the switching device is connected to the second manifold, the fourth port and the second valve respectively, and the switching device can be switched between a first switching state and a second switching state, wherein the switching device connects the fourth port and the second valve in the first switching state, and wherein the switching device connects the second manifold and the second valve in the second switching state.

[0006] Optionally, the switching device includes a fifth valve and a sixth valve, both ends of the fifth valve are connected to the fourth port and the second valve respectively, one end of the sixth valve is connected to the second manifold, and the other end is connected between the fifth valve and the second valve.

[0007] Optionally, the fifth valve and the sixth valve are both ball valves.

[0008] Optionally, the switching device is a three-way valve, three ports of which are respectively connected to the second manifold, the fourth port and the second valve.

[0009] Optionally, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit further includes a control unit, which is configured to perform the following actions: if the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit is applied to a two-pipe air conditioning system, the switching device is switched to a first switching state; if the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit is applied to a three-pipe air conditioning system, the switching device is switched to a second switching state. The fifth valve and the sixth valve may be electric ball valves or other types of electric valves.

[0010] Optionally, the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are all stop valves.

[0011] Optionally, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit includes:

[0012] a vapor-liquid separator connected between the third port and the suction port of the compressor;

[0013] The oil separator is connected between the first port and the discharge port of the compressor.

[0014] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an installation method for installing any one of the multi-split air conditioner outdoor units of the first aspect to form an air conditioning system, the installation method comprising the following steps:

[0015] If the air conditioning system to be installed is a two-pipe air conditioning system, the refrigerant pipes of the indoor units are connected by using the pipes where the first valve and the second valve are located, and the switching device is switched to the first switching state;

[0016] If the air-conditioning system to be installed is a three-pipe air-conditioning system, the refrigerant pipelines of the indoor units are connected respectively by the pipelines where the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are located, and the switching device is switched to the second switching state.

[0017] The third aspect of the present invention provides an air-conditioning system, comprising any one of the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit and indoor unit of the first aspect, the air-conditioning system is a two-pipe air-conditioning system, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit uses the pipelines where the first valve and the second valve are located to connect the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit respectively, and the switching device switches to the first switching state, or the air-conditioning system is a three-pipe air-conditioning system, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit uses the pipelines where the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are located to connect the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit respectively, and the switching device switches to the second switching state.

[0018] The fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit, including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, a four-way valve, a first valve and a second valve, the four-way valve having a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port being connected to the discharge port of the compressor, the second port being connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor expansion valve and the first valve in sequence, the third port being connected to the suction port of the compressor, and the fourth port being connected to the second valve, the four-way valve being switchable to connect the first port and the second port, and connect the third port and the fourth port, or being switchable to connect the first port and the fourth port, and connect the second port and the third port, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit also includes a first manifold, a third valve, a third manifold and a fourth valve, wherein the first manifold is connected between the discharge port of the compressor and the first port, the third valve is arranged on the first manifold, the third manifold is connected between the suction port of the compressor and the third port, and the fourth valve is arranged on the third manifold.

[0019] Optionally, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are all stop valves.

[0020] Optionally, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit includes a vapor-liquid separator and an oil separator, the vapor-liquid separator is connected between the third port and the suction port of the compressor, and the oil separator is connected between the first port and the discharge port of the compressor.

[0021] The fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides an installation method for installing any one of the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor units of the fourth aspect to form an air-conditioning system, the installation method comprising the following steps: if the air-conditioning system to be installed is a two-pipe air-conditioning system, the refrigerant pipes of the indoor units are connected respectively by using the pipes where the first valve and the second valve are located; if the air-conditioning system to be installed is a three-pipe air-conditioning system, the refrigerant pipes of the indoor units are connected respectively by using the pipes where the first valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are located.

[0022] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides an air-conditioning system, comprising any one of the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit and indoor unit of the fourth aspect, the air-conditioning system being a two-pipe air-conditioning system, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit utilizing the pipelines where the first valve and the second valve are located to connect the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit respectively, or the air-conditioning system being a three-pipe air-conditioning system, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit utilizing the pipelines where the first valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are located to connect the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit provided in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit provided in the first embodiment in which a control unit automatically controls the switching state of a switching device.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit using a three-way valve as a switching device provided in a first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 1 is a system diagram of a two-pipe air conditioning system formed by connecting the outdoor unit of a multi-split air conditioner to the indoor unit in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path when the two-pipe air conditioning system operates in the cooling mode in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path when the two-pipe air conditioning system operates in the heating mode in the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 4 is a system diagram of a three-pipe air conditioning system formed by connecting the outdoor units of the multi-split air conditioners to the indoor units in the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air-conditioning system operates in pure cooling mode in the first embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 9 1 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air-conditioning system operates in pure heating mode in the first embodiment.

[0032] Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air-conditioning system operates in the main cooling mode in the first embodiment.

[0033] Fig.11 1 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air-conditioning system operates in the main heating mode in the first embodiment.

[0034] Fig.12 It is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit provided in the second embodiment.

[0035] Fig.13 2 is a system diagram of a two-pipe air conditioning system formed by connecting the outdoor unit of a multi-split air conditioner to the indoor unit in the second embodiment.

[0036] Fig.14 4 is a system diagram of a three-pipe air conditioning system formed by connecting the outdoor units of multi-split air conditioners to the indoor units in the second embodiment.

[0037] Fig.15 2 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air-conditioning system operates in pure cooling mode in the second embodiment.

[0038] Fig.162 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air-conditioning system operates in pure heating mode in the second embodiment.

[0039] Fig.17 2 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air-conditioning system operates in the main cooling mode in the second embodiment.

[0040] Fig.18 2 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air-conditioning system operates in the main heating mode in the second embodiment.

[0041] Reference numerals:

[0042] 100-multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit; 11-compressor; 110-discharge port, 111-inlet port; 12-outdoor heat exchanger; 13-outdoor expansion valve; 14-gas-liquid separator; 15-oil separator; 16-control unit; 200-indoor unit; 21-indoor heat exchanger, 22-indoor expansion valve; FV-four-way valve; D-first port; C-second port; S-third port; E-fourth port; SW-switching device; V1-first valve; V2-second valve; V3-third valve; V4-fourth valve; V5-fifth valve; V6-sixth valve; V7-seventh valve; V8-eighth valve; P1-first manifold; P2-second manifold; P3-third manifold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0044] [First embodiment]

[0045] <Multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100>

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in the first embodiment. Figure 1The multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 provided in this embodiment includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor expansion valve 13, a four-way valve FV, a first valve V1 and a second valve V2, wherein the four-way valve FV has a first port D, a second port C, a third port S and a fourth port E, the first port D is connected to the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11, the second port C is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the outdoor expansion valve 13 and the first valve V1 in sequence, the third port S is connected to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11 (via the vapor-liquid separator 14), and the four-way valve FV can be switched to connect the first port D and the second port C, and connect the third port S and the fourth port E at the same time, or switched to connect the first port D and the fourth port E, and connect the second port C and the third port S at the same time.

[0047] In addition, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 further includes a first manifold P1, a second manifold P2, a third valve V3 and a switching device SW, wherein the first manifold P1 is connected between the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11 and the first port D, and the third valve V3 is disposed on the first manifold P1. The second manifold P2 is connected between the suction port 111 of the compressor 11 and the third port S, specifically between the inlet of the vapor-liquid separator 14 and the third port S.

[0048] The switching device SW is connected to the second manifold P2, the fourth port E and the second valve V2 respectively. The switching device SW can switch between a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, the switching device SW connects the fourth port E and the second valve V2. In the second switching state, the switching device SW connects the second manifold P2 and the second valve V2.

[0049] Specifically, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the switching device SW is a combination of a fifth valve V5 and a sixth valve V6, wherein both ends of the fifth valve V5 are respectively connected to the fourth port E and the second valve V2, one end of the sixth valve V6 is connected to the second manifold P2, and the other end is connected between the fifth valve V5 and the second valve V2.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first switching state refers to the state in which the fifth valve V5 is open and the sixth valve V6 is closed. In this state, the bypass connection between the second manifold P2 and the air pipe is cut off, and the fourth port E of the four-way valve FV is connected to the second valve V2 via the air pipe. The third valve V3 is also closed. At this time, the connection method of the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 is basically the same as that of the ordinary two-pipe outdoor unit. The indoor unit 200 can be connected by the pipeline where the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 are located to form a two-pipe air conditioning system.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second switching state refers to the state in which the fifth valve V5 is closed and the sixth valve V6 is opened. When the third valve V3 is opened, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 can be used as a three-pipe outdoor unit, and the indoor unit 200 is connected by the pipeline where the first valve V1, the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 are located, wherein the pipeline where the third valve V3 is located is a high-pressure gas pipe, so as to form a three-pipe air conditioning system.

[0052] By switching the switching device SW between the first switching state and the second switching state, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 provided in this embodiment can be used for both two-pipe air-conditioning systems and three-pipe air-conditioning systems. The same multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 can be adapted to form a two-pipe air-conditioning system or a three-pipe air-conditioning system, thereby reducing the types of multi-split air-conditioning outdoor units 100 that need to be designed and produced, thereby reducing costs. In addition, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 provided in this embodiment can also be obtained based on a simple modification of an existing model. Specifically, it can be obtained by adding a manifold and a switching device SW on the basis of a two-pipe outdoor unit or a three-pipe outdoor unit, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the existing model. In summary, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 provided in this embodiment can improve the versatility of two-pipe and three-pipe air-conditioning systems by using simple device changes.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first valve V1, the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 are all stop valves. Taking refrigeration as an example, the pipeline where the first valve V1 is located is a liquid pipeline, the pipeline where the second valve V2 is located is a gas pipeline, and the pipeline where the third valve V3 is located is a high-pressure gas pipeline.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fifth valve V5 and the sixth valve V6 can be ball valves, and the user or installer can manually switch the closed / open state of the ball valve to switch the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 to be suitable for a two-pipe air-conditioning system or a three-pipe air-conditioning system.

[0055] refer to Figure 2 The present embodiment also provides a multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 that automatically controls the switching state of the switching device SW using a control unit 16. Specifically, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 provided in the present embodiment includes a control unit 16, and the control unit 16 is respectively connected to the fifth valve V5 and the sixth valve V6 for communication. The fifth valve V5 and the sixth valve V6 are solenoid valves. The control unit 16 can electrically switch the closing / opening state of the fifth valve V5 and the sixth valve V6 to switch the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 to be adapted to a two-pipe air-conditioning system or a three-pipe air-conditioning system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the control unit 16 can switch the switching status of the fifth valve V5 and the sixth valve V6 according to the type of air-conditioning system that needs to be established or has been established by the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100, so as to adapt to the two-pipe and three-pipe air-conditioning systems more conveniently and intelligently.

[0057] refer to Figure 3 , this embodiment also provides a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 using a three-way valve as a switching device SW. Specifically, the three ports of the three-way valve are respectively connected to the second manifold P2, the fourth port E of the four-way valve FV, and the second valve V2. The three-way valve can connect the second manifold P2 to the second valve V2, and can also connect the fourth port E of the four-way valve FV to the second valve V2. Those skilled in the art can understand that in the above embodiments, the combination of the fifth valve V5 and the sixth valve V6 and the two structures of the three-way valve are only exemplary. In other embodiments, other suitable types of valves or combinations of valves can also be used, which will not be repeated here.

[0058] <Two-pipe air conditioning system>

[0059] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram of a two-pipe air conditioning system formed by connecting the outdoor unit 100 of a multi-split air conditioner to the indoor unit 200 in this embodiment. Figure 4 A multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 can be connected to multiple indoor units 200. For the convenience of display, the flow path switching structure of the indoor unit 200 is not shown in the figure. The indoor unit 200 at least includes an indoor expansion valve 22 and an indoor heat exchanger 21 connected in series.

[0060] The two-pipe air conditioning system has at least two operating modes: a cooling mode and a heating mode. In the cooling mode or the heating mode, the fifth valve V5 is open and the sixth valve V6 is closed.

[0061] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path when the two-pipe air conditioning system is operating in cooling mode in this embodiment. Figure 5 , the first port D and the second port C of the four-way valve FV are connected, and the third port S and the fourth port E are connected.

[0062] After being discharged from the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11, the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant (indicated by a solid arrow, the same below) passes through the oil separator 15, the first port D of the four-way valve FV, the second port C, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the outdoor expansion valve 13 in sequence, and is converted into a medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant (indicated by a hollow arrow, the same below), and enters the indoor unit 200 through the first valve V1. Then, the medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant passes through the indoor expansion valve 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 21, and is converted into a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant (indicated by a straight line with an arrow, the same below). The gaseous refrigerant flows back to the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 through the second valve V2, and passes through the fifth valve V5, the fourth port E of the four-way valve FV, the third port S and the vapor-liquid separator 14 in sequence, and flows back to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11, completing a cycle of refrigerant flow.

[0063] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path when the two-pipe air conditioning system is operating in heating mode in this embodiment. Figure 6 , the first port D and the fourth port E of the four-way valve FV are connected, and the second port C and the third port S are connected.

[0064] After being discharged from the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11, the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the oil separator 15, the first port D of the four-way valve FV, the fourth port E, the fifth valve V5, and the second valve V2 in sequence to enter the indoor unit 200. After passing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor expansion valve 22, it is transformed into a medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant, and then flows back to the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 through the first valve V1. After passing through the outdoor expansion valve 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12, it is transformed into a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. After passing through the second port C, the third port S of the four-way valve FV and the vapor-liquid separator 14, the gaseous refrigerant flows back to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11, completing a cycle of refrigerant flow.

[0065] <Three-pipe air conditioning system>

[0066] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-pipe air conditioning system formed by connecting the outdoor unit 100 of a multi-split air conditioner to the indoor unit 200 in this embodiment. Figure 7 , a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 can be connected to multiple indoor units 200 via a pipeline system including a valve box. The indoor unit 200 at least includes an indoor expansion valve 22 and an indoor heat exchanger 21 connected in series. In addition, the indoor unit 200 and the outdoor unit 100 are connected to the pipeline system, which at least includes a seventh valve V7 and an eighth valve V8. One end of the seventh valve V7 is connected to the pipeline where the second valve V2 is located, and the other end is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21. One end of the eighth valve V8 is connected to the pipeline where the third valve V3 is located, and the other end is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21. The pipelines where the seventh valve V7 and the eighth valve V8 are located are connected in parallel.

[0067] The three-pipe air conditioning system has at least four modes, namely, pure cooling mode, pure heating mode, main cooling mode and main heating mode. The pure cooling mode is a mode in which all the indoor units 200 in operation are in cooling conditions; the pure heating mode is a mode in which all the indoor units 200 in operation are in heating conditions; the main cooling mode is a mode in which most (may be the number or total power) of the indoor units 200 in operation are in cooling conditions, and a small number of the indoor units 200 in operation are in heating conditions; the main heating mode is a mode in which most of the indoor units 200 in operation are in heating conditions, and a small number of the indoor units 200 in operation are in cooling conditions. In other embodiments, it may also include a dehumidification mode, a dehumidification without cooling mode and other multiple modes, and the structure of the indoor unit 200, the piping connection method, the control method, etc. may be configured as needed, which will not be described in detail here. In the above modes, the fifth valve V5 is closed and the sixth valve V6 is opened.

[0068] Figure 8 : is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air conditioning system is operated in pure cooling mode in this embodiment. When operating in pure cooling mode, the seventh valve V7 of the indoor unit 200 that needs cooling operation is opened, and the eighth valve V8 is closed. Figure 8 , the first port D and the second port C of the four-way valve FV are connected, and the third port S and the fourth port E are connected.

[0069] The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11, and passes through the oil separator 15, the first port D of the four-way valve FV, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and the outdoor expansion valve 13 in sequence, and becomes a medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant, and then flows into the indoor unit 200 through the first valve V1. Then, the medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant passes through the indoor expansion valve 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 in sequence, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and returns to the outdoor unit through the seventh valve V7 and the pipeline where the second valve V2 is located. The gaseous refrigerant further passes through the sixth valve V6, the second manifold P2, and the vapor-liquid separator 14, and returns to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11, completing a cycle of refrigerant flow.

[0070] Fig. 9 : is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air conditioning system is operated in pure heating mode in this embodiment. When operating in pure heating mode, the seventh valve V7 of the indoor unit 200 that needs to be heated is opened, and the eighth valve V8 is closed. Fig. 9 , the first port D and the fourth port E of the four-way valve FV are connected, and the second port C and the third port S are connected.

[0071] The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11, passes through the oil separator 15 in sequence, and then flows into the indoor unit 200 through the pipeline where the second valve V2 is located. Then, the refrigerant passes through the seventh valve V7, the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the indoor expansion valve 22 in sequence, becomes a medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant, and returns to the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 through the pipeline where the first valve V1 is located. The medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant passes through the outdoor expansion valve 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. After passing through the second port C, the third port S, and the vapor-liquid separator 14 of the four-way valve FV in sequence, it returns to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11, completing a cycle of refrigerant flow.

[0072] Fig.10 Schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air conditioning system is operated in the main cooling mode in this embodiment. When the main cooling mode is operated, the third valve V3 is opened, and the indoor unit 200 ( Fig.10 The seventh valve V7 of the two indoor units 200 on the right side is opened, and the eighth valve V8 is closed. The indoor units 200 ( Fig.10 The eighth valve V8 of the left indoor unit 200 is opened, and the seventh valve V7 is closed. Fig.10 , the first port D and the second port C of the four-way valve FV are connected, and the third port S and the fourth port E are connected.

[0073] The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11 , passes through the oil separator 15 , and is divided into two paths at the first manifold P1 .

[0074] The first path passes through the first port D of the four-way valve FV, the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and the outdoor expansion valve 13 in sequence, becomes a medium-temperature medium-pressure refrigerant, and then flows into the indoor unit 200 through the first valve V1. Then, the medium-temperature medium-pressure refrigerant passes through the indoor expansion valve 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 in sequence, becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and returns to the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 through the seventh valve V7 and the pipeline where the second valve V2 is located. The gaseous refrigerant further passes through the sixth valve V6, the second manifold P2, and the vapor-liquid separator 14, and returns to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11, completing a cycle of refrigerant flow.

[0075] The second high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the indoor unit 200 through the pipeline where the third valve V3 is located. After passing through the eighth valve V8, the indoor heat exchanger 21, and the indoor expansion valve 22, it becomes a medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant, and merges with the medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant of the first route flowing into the indoor unit 200 from the first valve V1, and enters the first route refrigerant circulation.

[0076] Fig.11Schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air conditioning system is operated in the main heating mode in this embodiment. When the main heating mode is operated, the third valve V3 is opened, and the indoor unit 200 ( Fig.11 The seventh valve V7 of the indoor unit 200 on the left side is opened, and the eighth valve V8 is closed. The indoor unit 200 ( Fig.11 The eighth valve V8 of the two right indoor units 200) is opened, and the seventh valve V7 is closed. Fig.11 , the first port D and the fourth port E of the four-way valve FV are connected, and the second port C and the third port S are connected.

[0077] The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is discharged from the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11, passes through the oil separator 15, the first manifold P1 and the pipeline where the third valve V3 is located, and flows into the indoor unit 200. Then, the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the eighth valve V8, the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor expansion valve 22 of the indoor unit 200 that needs to be heated in sequence, and becomes a medium-temperature and medium-pressure refrigerant.

[0078] The medium-temperature medium-pressure refrigerant is divided into two paths. The first path of medium-temperature medium-pressure refrigerant directly flows back to the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 through the pipeline where the first valve V1 is located, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant after passing through the outdoor expansion valve 13 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12. The gaseous refrigerant passes through the second port C, the third port S and the vapor-liquid separator 14 of the four-way valve FV, and then flows back to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11, completing the refrigerant flow cycle.

[0079] The second medium-temperature medium-pressure refrigerant flows to the indoor unit 200 that needs cooling operation, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant after passing through the indoor expansion valve 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 21. The gaseous refrigerant passes through the seventh valve V7 and the pipeline where the second valve V2 is located, and flows back to the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100. Then, the gaseous refrigerant passes through the sixth valve V6 and the second manifold P2, and after merging with the first low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, it flows back to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11 through the vapor-liquid separator 14, completing the circulation of the refrigerant flow.

[0080] It should be noted that the above is only an exemplary description of the operating mode of the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit 100 of the first embodiment. By adjusting the structure of the indoor unit 200, the piping connection method, etc., those skilled in the art can completely change or increase the operating modes that can be used, and the present disclosure will not elaborate on this.

[0081] In the above manner, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in this embodiment can be combined with the indoor unit 200 to form a two-pipe air conditioning system, and can also be combined with the indoor unit 200 and the valve box to form a three-pipe air conditioning system, which has better versatility. The manufacturer only needs to design and produce one multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 to adapt to two air conditioning systems, effectively reducing the design and production costs.

[0082] [Second embodiment]

[0083] <Multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100>

[0084] Fig.12 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in the second embodiment. Fig.12 The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in the second embodiment includes a compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 12, an outdoor expansion valve 13, a four-way valve FV, a first valve V1 and a second valve V2, wherein the four-way valve FV has a first port D, a second port C, a third port S and a fourth port E, the first port D is connected to the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11, the second port C is sequentially connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 12, the outdoor expansion valve 13 and the first valve V1, the third port S is connected to the suction port 111 of the compressor 11, and the fourth port E is connected to the second valve V2. The four-way valve FV can be switched to connect the first port D and the second port C, and connect the third port S and the fourth port E, or switched to connect the first port D and the fourth port E, and connect the second port C and the third port S.

[0085] The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 also includes a first manifold P1, a third manifold P3, a third valve V3 and a fourth valve V4. The first manifold P1 is connected between the discharge port 110 of the compressor 11 and the first port D, the third valve V3 is arranged on the first manifold P1, the third manifold P3 is connected between the suction port 111 of the compressor 11 and the third port S, and the fourth valve V4 is arranged on the third manifold P3.

[0086] The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in the second embodiment has at least four refrigerant ports located on the shell surface or outside of the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100, namely, the refrigerant ports of the pipelines where the first valve V1, the second valve V2, the third valve V3 and the fourth valve V4 are respectively located. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 can use two or three of the refrigerant ports to connect with the indoor unit 200, thereby forming a two-pipe air conditioning system and a three-pipe air conditioning system.

[0087] Specifically, by connecting the refrigerant ports of the pipeline where the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 are located to the indoor unit 200, a two-pipe air conditioning system can be formed; by connecting the refrigerant ports of the pipeline where the first valve V1, the third valve V3 and the fourth valve V4 are located to the indoor unit 200 and the pipeline system including the valve box, a three-pipe air conditioning system can be formed. That is, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in the second embodiment can form an air conditioning system by selecting a suitable refrigerant port from the four refrigerant ports to connect to the indoor unit 200, so that it is applicable to the two-pipe air conditioning system and the three-pipe air conditioning system, reducing the types of multi-split air conditioner outdoor units 100 that need to be designed and produced, and reducing costs.

[0088] In addition, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in this embodiment can also be obtained based on a simple modification of an existing model. Specifically, it can be obtained by adding a manifold and a valve on the basis of a two-pipe outdoor unit or a three-pipe outdoor unit, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the existing model. In summary, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in this embodiment can improve the versatility of the two-pipe and three-pipe air conditioning systems by using simple device changes.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first valve V1, the second valve V2, the third valve V3 and the fourth valve V4 are all stop valves. Taking refrigeration as an example, the pipeline where the first valve V1 is located is a liquid pipe, the pipeline where the second valve V2 is located is an air pipe of a two-pipe air conditioning system, the pipeline where the third valve V3 is located is a high-pressure air pipe of a three-pipe air conditioning system, and the pipeline where the fourth valve V4 is located is an air pipe of a three-pipe air conditioning system.

[0090] <Two-pipe air conditioning system>

[0091] Fig.13 1 is a system diagram of a two-pipe air conditioning system formed by connecting the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 200 in the second embodiment. Fig.13 , the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 are open, and the third valve V3 and the fourth valve V4 are closed. When cooling, the first port D of the four-way valve FV is connected to the second port C, and the third port S is connected to the fourth port E. When heating, the first port D of the four-way valve FV is connected to the fourth port E, and the second port C is connected to the third port S.

[0092] The flow path of the refrigerant can refer to the first embodiment. Figure 5 , Figure 6 The refrigerant flow path in will not be described in detail here.

[0093] <Three-pipe air conditioning system>

[0094] Fig.14 1 is a system diagram of a three-pipe air conditioning system formed by connecting the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 to the indoor unit 200 in the second embodiment. Fig.14 The indoor unit 200 at least includes an indoor expansion valve 22 and an indoor heat exchanger 21 connected in series. In addition, the indoor unit 200 is connected to the outdoor unit 100 through a pipeline system, which at least includes a seventh valve V7 and an eighth valve V8. One end of the seventh valve V7 is connected to the pipeline where the fourth valve V4 is located, and the other end is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21. One end of the eighth valve V8 is connected to the pipeline where the third valve V3 is located, and the other end is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21. The pipelines where the seventh valve V7 and the eighth valve V8 are located are connected in parallel.

[0095] The three-pipe air-conditioning system has at least four modes: pure cooling mode, pure heating mode, main cooling mode and main heating mode. In other implementations, it can also include other modes such as dehumidification mode and dehumidification without cooling mode. The structure, piping connection method, control method, etc. of the indoor unit 200 can be configured according to needs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0096] Fig.15 2 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air conditioning system is operated in pure cooling mode in the second embodiment. When operating in pure cooling mode, the second valve V2 and the third valve V3 are both closed, the seventh valve V7 of the indoor unit 200 that needs cooling operation is opened, and the eighth valve V8 is closed. Fig.15 , the first port D and the second port C of the four-way valve FV are connected, and the third port S is connected to the fourth port E. The flow path of the refrigerant in the pure cooling mode is as follows Fig.15 As shown, no further description is given here.

[0097] Fig.16 2 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air conditioning system is operated in pure heating mode in the second embodiment. When operating in pure heating mode, the second valve V2 and the fourth valve V4 are closed, the eighth valve V8 of the indoor unit 200 that needs to be heated is opened, and the seventh valve V7 is closed. Fig.16 , the first port D of the four-way valve FV is connected to the fourth port E, and the second port C is connected to the third port S. The flow path of the refrigerant in the pure heating mode is as follows Fig.16 As shown, no further description is given here.

[0098] Fig.17 2 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air conditioning system is operated in the main cooling mode in the second embodiment. When the main cooling mode is operated, the first valve V1, the third valve V3 and the fourth valve V4 are all opened, and the indoor unit 200 ( Fig.17 The seventh valve V7 of the two indoor units 200 on the right side is opened, and the eighth valve V8 is closed. The indoor units 200 ( Fig.17 The eighth valve V8 of the left indoor unit 200 is opened, and the seventh valve V7 is closed. Fig.17, the first port D and the second port C of the four-way valve FV are connected, and the third port S is connected to the fourth port E. The flow path of the refrigerant in the main heating mode is as follows Fig.17 As shown, no further description is given here.

[0099] Fig.18 2 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow when the three-pipe air conditioning system is operated in the main heating mode in the second embodiment. When the system is operated in the main heating mode, the first valve V1, the third valve V3 and the fourth valve V4 are all opened, and the indoor unit 200 ( Fig.18 The seventh valve V7 of the indoor unit 200 on the left side is opened, and the eighth valve V8 is closed. The indoor unit 200 ( Fig.18 The eighth valve V8 of the two right indoor units 200) is opened, and the seventh valve V7 is closed. Fig.18 , the first port D of the four-way valve FV is connected to the fourth port E, and the second port C is connected to the third port S. The flow path of the refrigerant in the main heating mode is as follows Fig.18 As shown, no further description is given here.

[0100] In the above manner, the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 provided in this embodiment can use the pipeline where the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 are located to form a two-pipe air conditioning system with the indoor unit 200, and can also use the pipeline where the first valve V1, the third valve V3, and the fourth valve V4 are located to form a three-pipe air conditioning system with the indoor unit 200 and the valve box, which has better versatility. Manufacturers only need to design and produce one multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 to adapt to two air conditioning systems, effectively reducing the design and production costs.

[0101] It should be noted that, in the drawings of the present disclosure, for the sake of convenience, the connection pipeline between the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 is simplified. The actual connection pipeline may include many different forms and may also include other components not shown, such as valve boxes, valves, etc.

[0102] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure should be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit, comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, a four-way valve, a first valve and a second valve, The four-way valve has a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected to the discharge port of the compressor, the second port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor expansion valve and the first valve in sequence, and the third port is connected to the suction port of the compressor; The four-way valve can be switched to connect the first port and the second port, and connect the third port and the fourth port, or switched to connect the first port and the fourth port, and connect the second port and the third port; It is characterized in that The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit also includes: a first manifold connected between the discharge port of the compressor and the first port; a third valve, disposed on the first manifold; A second manifold connected between the suction port of the compressor and the third port; and a switching device, connected to the second manifold, the fourth port and the second valve, respectively, the switching device being switchable between a first switching state and a second switching state, In the first switching state, the switching device connects the fourth port and the second valve, In the second switching state, the switching device connects the second manifold and the second valve.

2. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching device includes a fifth valve and a sixth valve, wherein both ends of the fifth valve are respectively connected to the fourth port and the second valve, and one end of the sixth valve is connected to the second manifold, and the other end is connected between the fifth valve and the second valve.

3. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fifth valve and the sixth valve are both ball valves.

4. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching device is a three-way valve, and its three ports are respectively connected to the second manifold, the fourth port and the second valve.

5. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit further includes a control unit, which is configured to perform the following actions: If the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit is applied to a two-pipe air conditioning system, the switching device is switched to the first switching state. If the multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit is applied to a three-pipe air conditioning system, the switching device is switched to the second switching state.

6. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve, the second valve and the third valve are all stop valves.

7. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit comprises: a vapor-liquid separator connected between the third port and the suction port of the compressor; An oil separator is connected between the first port and the discharge port of the compressor.

8. An installation method, characterized in that: Used to install a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 to form an air conditioning system, the installation method comprising the following steps: If the air conditioning system to be installed is a two-pipe air conditioning system, the refrigerant pipes of the indoor units are connected to the pipes where the first valve and the second valve are located, respectively, and the switching device is switched to the first switching state; If the air-conditioning system to be installed is a three-pipe air-conditioning system, the refrigerant pipelines of the indoor units are connected respectively by the pipelines where the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are located, and the switching device is switched to the second switching state.

9. An air conditioning system, characterized in that: It comprises a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit and an indoor unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, The air conditioning system is a two-pipe air conditioning system, the outdoor unit of the multi-split air conditioning system is connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the indoor unit by using the pipelines where the first valve and the second valve are located, and the switching device is switched to the first switching state, or, The air-conditioning system is a three-pipe air-conditioning system, the multi-split air-conditioning outdoor unit uses the pipelines where the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are located to connect the refrigerant pipelines of the indoor unit respectively, and the switching device is switched to the second switching state.

10. A multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit, comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor expansion valve, a four-way valve, a first valve and a second valve, The four-way valve has a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, The first port is connected to the discharge port of the compressor, The second port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor expansion valve and the first valve in sequence. The third port is connected to the suction port of the compressor, The fourth port is connected to the second valve; The four-way valve can be switched to connect the first port and the second port, and connect the third port and the fourth port, or switched to connect the first port and the fourth port, and connect the second port and the third port; It is characterized in that The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit also includes: a first manifold connected between the discharge port of the compressor and the first port; a third valve, disposed on the first manifold; a third manifold connected between the suction port of the compressor and the third port; The fourth valve is arranged on the third manifold.

11. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are all stop valves.

12. The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit according to claim 10, characterized in that: The multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit comprises: a vapor-liquid separator connected between the third port and the suction port of the compressor; An oil separator is connected between the first port and the discharge port of the compressor.

13. An installation method, characterized in that: Used to install a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 to form an air conditioning system, the installation method comprising the following steps: If the air conditioning system to be installed is a two-pipe air conditioning system, the refrigerant pipes of the indoor units are connected respectively by using the pipes where the first valve and the second valve are located; If the air-conditioning system to be installed is a three-pipe air-conditioning system, the refrigerant pipelines of the indoor units are connected respectively by using the pipelines where the first valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are located.

14. An air conditioning system, characterized in that: It comprises a multi-split air conditioner outdoor unit and an indoor unit as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, The air conditioning system is a two-pipe air conditioning system, the outdoor unit of the multi-split air conditioning system uses the pipelines where the first valve and the second valve are located to connect the refrigerant pipelines of the indoor units respectively, or, The air conditioning system is a three-pipe air conditioning system, and the multi-split air conditioning outdoor unit uses the pipelines where the first valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are located to connect the refrigerant pipelines of the indoor units respectively.

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