Gas-liquid separation device of air conditioner, air conditioner and control method of gas-liquid separation device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner, the air conditioner and a control method of the gas-liquid separation device.The gas-liquid separation device comprises a flash evaporator provided with a containing cavity and used for storing a refrigerant; the guide pipe assembly is connected with a refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator and used for guiding a refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline into the flash evaporator and guiding the refrigerant in the flash evaporator out of the refrigerant pipeline; the liquid level sensor is arranged in the containing cavity of the flash evaporator and used for detecting the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the containing cavity; the electronic valve is arranged in the catheter assembly and is used for controlling the on-off of the catheter assembly; the heating equipment is connected with the flash evaporator and is used for heating the refrigerant stored in the flash evaporator; and the working state of the heating equipment is determined according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant. The heating equipment heats the refrigerant, so that the liquid refrigerant in the flash evaporator is gasified, the liquid return phenomenon of the compressor of the air conditioner is avoided, the refrigerant is prevented from causing liquid impact on the compressor, and the compressor and the air conditioner are protected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to a gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a control method for the gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] With the development of smart homes, air conditioners have become an indispensable household appliance in people's lives. However, when the air conditioner is in a low-temperature smart working state at night, the heating capacity decreases as the ambient temperature decreases. At this time, frost will occur on the surface of the condenser, which can easily lead to a serious decrease in the COP (Coefficient of Performance) and heating capacity of the air conditioner, thereby affecting the use of the air conditioner. In order to avoid this phenomenon, in the related technology, the general defrosting method for the condenser surface is reverse cycle hot steam defrosting, but this method is because the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor is directly bypassed to the outdoor condenser for defrosting. The refrigerant coming out of the condenser after defrosting is cooled into liquid refrigerant and flows directly to the compressor without evaporation, which will cause serious liquid return to the compressor and even damage the compressor. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention are proposed to provide a gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a control method for a gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner that overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] A flash evaporator, wherein the flash evaporator has a containing cavity for storing a refrigerant;

[0006] A conduit assembly connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator, and used to introduce the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline into the flash evaporator, and to guide the refrigerant in the flash evaporator to the refrigerant pipeline;

[0007] A liquid level sensor is disposed in the receiving chamber of the flash evaporator and is used to detect the liquid level of the refrigerant in the receiving chamber;

[0008] An electronic valve, arranged in the catheter assembly, for controlling the on and off of the catheter assembly;

[0009] A heating device is connected to the flash evaporator and is used to heat the refrigerant stored in the flash evaporator; the working state of the heating device is determined according to the liquid level of the refrigerant.

[0010] Optionally, the catheter assembly comprises:

[0011] The first conduit is connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator, and is used to introduce the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline into the flash evaporator;

[0012] The second conduit is connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator, and is used to export the refrigerant in the flash evaporator to the refrigerant pipeline;

[0013] The electronic valve includes:

[0014] The first valve is arranged in the first conduit and is used to control the introduction of the refrigerant into the flash evaporator;

[0015] The second valve is arranged in the second conduit and is used to control the export of the refrigerant from the flash evaporator;

[0016] The third valve is arranged in the refrigerant pipeline and is located between the first valve and the second valve. The third valve is used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the flash evaporator.

[0017] Optionally, the gas-liquid separation device further includes:

[0018] A pressure sensor is arranged in the refrigerant pipeline and is located on one side of the first valve, and is used to detect the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipeline; the on-off of the first valve, the second valve and the third valve, and the working state of the heating device are determined according to the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipeline.

[0019] The present invention also discloses an air conditioner, including the gas-liquid separation device, the refrigerant pipeline, the compressor, the four-way valve, the bypass valve, the condenser, the throttling device and the evaporator of the above-mentioned air conditioner; the gas-liquid separation device, the compressor, the four-way valve, the bypass valve, the condenser, the throttling device and the evaporator are connected through the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner.

[0020] The present invention also discloses a control method for the gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner. The gas-liquid separation device is the gas-liquid separation device of the above-mentioned air conditioner, and the method includes:

[0021] When in the defrosting mode, obtain the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator of the air conditioner;

[0022] According to the liquid level height of the refrigerant, control the working state of the heating device.

[0023] Optionally, after obtaining the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator, it further includes:

[0024] When in the heating mode, obtain the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner, the outdoor ambient temperature and the pressure value of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner;

[0025] Determine the operation mode of the gas-liquid separation device according to the operating frequency of the compressor, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant.

[0026] Control the opening and closing of the electronic valve and the operating state of the heating device according to the operation mode.

[0027] Optionally, controlling the operating state of the heating device according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant includes:

[0028] When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is less than or equal to the first preset height, control the operating state of the heating device to be in the off state;

[0029] When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the second preset height, control the operating state of the heating device to be in the on state; the second preset height is greater than the first preset height.

[0030] Optionally, determining the operation mode of the gas-liquid separation device according to the operating frequency of the compressor, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant includes:

[0031] When the operating frequency of the compressor is less than or equal to the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the first preset pressure value, determine that the operation mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the first heating mode;

[0032] When the operating frequency of the compressor is greater than the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is less than the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the first preset pressure value, determine that the operation mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the second heating mode; the flow rate of the refrigerant corresponding to the second heating mode is greater than the flow rate of the refrigerant corresponding to the first heating mode.

[0033] Optionally, controlling the opening and closing of the electronic valve and the operating state of the heating device according to the operation mode includes:

[0034] When the operation mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the first heating mode, obtain the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within a preset time period;

[0035] When the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than the second preset pressure value, and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, open the second valve and close the third valve, and control the opening and closing of the second valve and the third valve according to the liquid level height;

[0036] When the operation mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the second heating mode, obtain the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within a preset time period;

[0037] When the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the third preset pressure value and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant within a preset time period is less than the preset change amount, control the working state of the heating device to be the on state, open the first valve, and control the on / off of the first valve and the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height.

[0038] Optionally, the controlling the on / off of the second valve and the third valve according to the liquid level height includes:

[0039] When the liquid level height is greater than the third preset height, close the second valve and open the third valve;

[0040] The controlling the on / off of the first valve and the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height includes:

[0041] When the liquid level height is less than the fourth preset height, control the working state of the heating device to be the off state and close the first valve.

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages:

[0043] The embodiments of the present invention provide a gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner. The gas-liquid separation device introduces the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline into the flash evaporator through an electronic valve and a conduit assembly, exports the refrigerant in the flash evaporator to the refrigerant pipeline, and heats the refrigerant stored in the flash evaporator through a heating device. Among them, the working state of the heating device is determined according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the accommodation cavity of the flash evaporator detected by a liquid level sensor. Furthermore, in the defrosting mode, the heating device is controlled to heat the refrigerant according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator, so that the liquid refrigerant in the flash evaporator is vaporized, preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor of the air conditioner, avoiding the phenomenon of liquid return in the compressor of the air conditioner, preventing the refrigerant from causing liquid hammer to the compressor, and protecting the compressor and the air conditioner. Description of the Drawings

[0044] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of a gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 is a structural block diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 is a step flowchart of a control method for a gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 is a step flowchart of another control method for a gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of the steps of another control method for the gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0050] 01 - Gas-liquid separation device, 11 - Flash evaporator, 12 - Duct assembly, 13 - Liquid level sensor, 14 - Electronic valve, 15 - Heating device, 121 - First duct, 122 - Second duct, 141 - First valve, 142 - Second valve, 143 - Third valve, 16 - Pressure sensor, 02 - Refrigerant pipeline, 03 - Compressor, 04 - Four-way valve, 05 - Bypass valve, 06 - Condenser, 07 - Throttling device, 08 - Evaporator. Detailed implementation manners

[0051] To make the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation manners.

[0052] In the related art, when defrosting the condenser, the refrigerant of the air conditioner will cause serious liquid return to the compressor, and even damage the compressor. To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner. The core concept is that the gas-liquid separation device introduces the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline into the flash evaporator through an electronic valve and a duct assembly, exports the refrigerant in the flash evaporator to the refrigerant pipeline, and heats the refrigerant stored in the flash evaporator through a heating device. Among them, the working state of the heating device is determined according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the accommodation cavity of the flash evaporator detected by the liquid level sensor. Furthermore, in the defrosting mode, the heating device is controlled to heat the refrigerant according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator, so that the liquid refrigerant in the flash evaporator is vaporized, preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor of the air conditioner, avoiding the liquid return phenomenon of the compressor of the air conditioner, preventing the refrigerant from causing liquid hammer to the compressor, and protecting the compressor and the air conditioner.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1 , a structural block diagram of a gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The gas-liquid separation device 01 may include:

[0054] A flash evaporator 11 having an accommodation cavity for storing refrigerant;

[0055] A duct assembly 12 connected to the refrigerant pipeline 02 of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator 11 for introducing the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline 02 into the flash evaporator 11 and exporting the refrigerant in the flash evaporator 11 to the refrigerant pipeline 02.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present invention, one end of the conduit assembly 12 passes through one end of the flash evaporator 11 and is connected to the flash evaporator 11. At the same time, the other end of the conduit assembly 12 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner. The refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 02 can be introduced into the accommodation cavity of the flash evaporator 11 through the conduit assembly 12, and the refrigerant in the accommodation cavity can also be exported to the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner through the conduit assembly 12.

[0057] A liquid level sensor 13 is arranged in the accommodation cavity of the flash evaporator 11 and is used to detect the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the accommodation cavity.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid level sensor 13 can be arranged in the accommodation cavity of the flash evaporator 11. The liquid level sensor 13 can detect the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the accommodation cavity of the flash evaporator 11, that is, detect the liquid level height of the liquid refrigerant in the accommodation cavity.

[0059] An electronic valve 14 is arranged in the conduit assembly 12 and is used to control the on-off of the conduit assembly 12;

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic valve 14 is arranged in the conduit assembly 12 and the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner, and is used to control the on-off of the conduit assembly 12 and control the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the flash evaporator 11.

[0061] A heating device 15 is connected to the flash evaporator 11 and is used to heat the refrigerant stored in the flash evaporator 11; the working state of the heating device 15 is determined according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the heating device 15 is connected to the flash evaporator 11 and can be arranged at the bottom of the flash evaporator 11 to heat the liquid refrigerant stored in the flash evaporator 11 into gaseous refrigerant. Among them, the working state of the heating device 15 can be determined according to the liquid level height of the liquid refrigerant in the flash evaporator 11.

[0063] In one embodiment, the conduit assembly 12 includes: a first conduit 121, which is connected to the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator 11 and is used to introduce the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 02 into the flash evaporator 11; a second conduit 122, which is connected to the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator 11 and is used to export the refrigerant in the flash evaporator 11 to the refrigerant pipe 02; the electronic valve 14 includes: a first valve 141, which is arranged in the first conduit 121 and is used to control the introduction of the refrigerant into the flash evaporator 11; a second valve 142, which is arranged in the second conduit 122 and is used to control the export of the refrigerant from the flash evaporator 11; a third valve 143, which is arranged in the refrigerant pipe 02 and is located between the first valve 141 and the second valve 142, and the third valve 143 is used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the flash evaporator 11.

[0064] Specifically, the conduit assembly 12 may include a first conduit 121 and a second conduit 122. The electronic valve 14 may include a first valve 141, a second valve 142, and a third valve 143. The first conduit 121 and the second conduit 122 may be arranged side by side at a certain distance through the top of the flash evaporator 11 and connected to the flash evaporator 11. At the same time, the first conduit 121 and the second conduit 122 are also respectively connected to the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner. The first valve 141 may be disposed in the first conduit 121, the second valve 142 may be disposed in the second conduit 122, and the third valve 143 may be disposed in the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner and located between the first valve 141 and the second valve 142.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separation device 01 may further include: a pressure sensor 16, disposed in the refrigerant pipe 02 and located on one side of the first valve 141, for detecting the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipe 02; the on-off states of the first valve 141, the second valve 142, and the third valve 143, and the working state of the heating device 15 are determined according to the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipe 02.

[0066] Specifically, the pressure sensor 16 in the gas-liquid separation device 01 may be disposed in the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner and located on one side of the first valve 141, that is, the distance from the pressure sensor 16 to the first valve 141 is less than the distance from the pressure sensor 16 to the second valve 142. The pressure sensor 16 can detect the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipe 02 of the air conditioner. The air conditioner can determine the on-off states of the first valve 141, the second valve 142, and the third valve 143, and the working state of the heating device 15 according to the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipe 02.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner introduces the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline into the flash evaporator through the electronic valve and the conduit assembly, exports the refrigerant in the flash evaporator to the refrigerant pipeline, and heats the refrigerant stored in the flash evaporator through the heating device. Among them, the working state of the heating device is determined according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the accommodation cavity of the flash evaporator detected by the liquid level sensor. Furthermore, in the defrosting mode, the heating device is controlled to heat the refrigerant according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator, so that the liquid refrigerant in the flash evaporator is vaporized, preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor of the air conditioner, avoiding the phenomenon of liquid return in the compressor of the air conditioner, preventing the refrigerant from causing liquid hammer to the compressor, and protecting the compressor and the air conditioner.

[0068] Such as Figure 2As shown in the figure, a structural block diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The air conditioner includes a gas-liquid separation device 01, a refrigerant pipeline 02, a compressor 03, a four-way valve 04, a bypass valve 05, a condenser 06, a throttling device 07, and an evaporator 08 of the above air conditioner; the gas-liquid separation device 01, the compressor 03, the four-way valve 04, the bypass valve 05, the condenser 06, the throttling device 07, and the evaporator 08 are connected through the refrigerant pipeline 02 of the air conditioner.

[0069] Specifically, one end of the compressor 03 is connected to the gas-liquid separation device 01 through the refrigerant pipeline 02, that is, one end of the compressor 03 is connected to one end of the pressure sensor in the gas-liquid separation device 01 through the refrigerant pipeline 02. The other end of the compressor 03 is respectively connected to one end of the bypass valve 05 and the first end of the four-way valve 04 through the refrigerant pipeline 02. The other end of the bypass valve 05 is respectively connected to one end of the condenser 06 and one end of the throttling device 07 through the refrigerant pipeline 02. The other end of the throttling device 07 is connected to one end of the evaporator 08 through the refrigerant pipeline 02. The other end of the evaporator 08 is connected to the second end of the four-way valve 04 through the refrigerant pipeline 02. The other end of the condenser 06 is connected to the third end of the four-way valve 04 through the refrigerant pipeline 02. The fourth end of the four-way valve 04 is connected to the gas-liquid separation device 01 through the refrigerant pipeline 02, that is, the fourth end of the four-way valve 04 is respectively connected to the second valve and the third valve in the gas-liquid separation device 01 through the refrigerant pipeline 02. Among them, the compressor 03 is used to compress the refrigerant, the four-way valve 04 is used to control the flow direction of the refrigerant, the bypass valve 05 is used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant, the condenser 06 is used to absorb the heat in the outdoor air through the refrigerant, the throttling device 07 is used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant, and the evaporator 08 is used to exchange the heat in the indoor air through the refrigerant.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present invention, the evaporator 08 is arranged indoors; the gas-liquid separation device 01, the compressor 03, the four-way valve 04, the bypass valve 05, the condenser 06, and the throttling device 07 are arranged outdoors.

[0071] As Figure 3 shown, a step flow chart of a control method for a gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The gas-liquid separation device is the gas-liquid separation device of the above air conditioner. The method may specifically include the following steps:

[0072] Step 301, when in the defrosting mode, obtain the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator of the air conditioner.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, a control method of a gas-liquid separation device can be applied to the controller of an air conditioner. In the defrosting mode, the controller can control the bypass valve to open, close the third valve in the gas-liquid separation device, and at the same time open the first valve and the second valve. In this mode, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor does not all enter the indoor evaporator, but a part of it directly bypasses to the outdoor condenser. This process can release a large amount of heat, causing the frost layer on the surface of the outdoor condenser to quickly melt due to heat. The gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flowing out from the condenser flows into the flash evaporator. Inside the flash evaporator, the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant are efficiently separated. Among them, the gaseous refrigerant part of the refrigerant smoothly enters the compressor. The liquid level sensor in the liquid level separation device can detect the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator of the air conditioner, and the controller can obtain the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator of the air conditioner.

[0074] Step 302, control the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention, after the controller obtains the liquid level height of the refrigerant, it can control the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant, that is, the controller can control whether the heating device is turned on to heat the refrigerant in the flash evaporator according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant.

[0076] In one embodiment, controlling the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant may include: when the liquid level height of the refrigerant is less than or equal to the first preset height, controlling the working state of the heating device to be in the off state; when the liquid level height of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the second preset height, controlling the working state of the heating device to be in the on state; the second preset height is greater than the first preset height.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the flowchart of the steps of a control method for a gas-liquid separation device of another air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown. When in the defrosting mode, obtain the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator of the air conditioner, and determine whether the liquid level height of the refrigerant is greater than a first preset height. When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is less than or equal to the first preset height, control the working state of the heating device to the off state, that is, control the heating device to remain off. When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is less than or equal to the first preset height, it indicates that the evaporation rate of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator is sufficient at this time, and there is no need to start the heating device at the bottom. When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is greater than the first preset height, start the defrosting anti-liquid hammer mode, and determine whether the liquid level height of the refrigerant is less than a second preset height. When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is less than the second preset height, control the working state of the heating device to the off state, that is, control the heating device to remain off. When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the second preset height, control the working state of the heating device to the on state. When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the second preset height, it indicates that the evaporation rate in the flash evaporator cannot meet the requirements at this time, and it is necessary to turn on the heating device to heat the refrigerant in the flash evaporator to accelerate the evaporation rate of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator. In this way, the refrigerant that originally flowed to the compressor can re-enter the compressor in a stable gaseous form after being heated and evaporated.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present invention, after obtaining the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator, it may further include: when in the heating mode, obtain the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner; determine the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device according to the operating frequency of the compressor, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant; control the on-off of the electronic valve and the working state of the heating device according to the operating mode.

[0079] Specifically, in the case of a relatively high outdoor ambient temperature during the day, the operating frequency of the compressor is at a relatively low level, and the heating demand for the air conditioner operation is also relatively low. However, due to the outdoor ambient temperature, the refrigerant pressure of the air conditioner is in a relatively high state, that is, the exhaust pressure of the air conditioner is in a relatively high state. At this time, the amount of refrigerant circulated by the air conditioner is relatively large, resulting in a relatively low refrigerant flow rate and velocity in the outdoor condenser. This makes the refrigerant stay in the outdoor condenser for a long time and cannot absorb heat and evaporate sufficiently. When in the heating mode, the controller can obtain the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner. Then, it can determine the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device according to the operating frequency of the compressor, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant. Finally, it controls the on-off of the electronic valve and the working state of the heating device according to the operating mode.

[0080] In one embodiment, determining the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device according to the operating frequency of the compressor, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant may include: when the operating frequency of the compressor is less than or equal to a preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to a first preset pressure value, determining that the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is a first heating mode; when the operating frequency of the compressor is greater than the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is less than the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the first preset pressure value, determining that the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is a second heating mode; the flow rate of the refrigerant corresponding to the second heating mode is greater than the flow rate of the refrigerant corresponding to the first heating mode.

[0081] Specifically, when the operating frequency of the compressor is less than or equal to the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the first preset pressure value, it can be determined that the air conditioner is in a stable state, that is, in the first heating mode, and the first heating mode can be a low heating mode.

[0082] When the outdoor ambient temperature gradually decreases at night, the operating frequency of the air conditioner compressor will gradually increase, and the refrigerant flow rate and flow velocity in the outdoor condenser will increase accordingly. At this time, the user's heating demand will also become higher, and more refrigerant is required to participate in the heating cycle to ensure the heating capacity. At this time, when the operating frequency of the compressor is greater than the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is less than the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the first preset pressure value, it can be determined that the air conditioner is in a stable state, that is, in the second heating mode, and the first heating mode can be a high heating mode.

[0083] In one embodiment, controlling the on / off of the electronic valve and the working state of the heating device according to the operating mode may include: when the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the first heating mode, obtaining the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within a preset time period; when the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than a second preset pressure value, and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, opening the second valve and closing the third valve, and controlling the on / off of the second valve and the third valve according to the liquid level height; when the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the second heating mode, obtaining the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within a preset time period; when the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than a third preset pressure value, and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, controlling the working state of the heating device to be the on state, opening the first valve, and controlling the on / off of the first valve and the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height.

[0084] Specifically, when in the first heating mode, the pressure change amount of the refrigerant within a preset time period can be obtained. When the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than the second preset pressure value and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, the second valve is opened and the third valve is closed. Since the refrigerant accumulated in the flash evaporator due to incomplete evaporation will gradually raise the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator, the on-off of the second valve and the third valve can be controlled according to the liquid level height. When in the first heating mode, the pressure change amount of the refrigerant within a preset time period can be obtained. When the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the third preset pressure value and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, the working state of the heating device can be controlled to be the on state, and the first valve is opened, so that the refrigerant inside the flash evaporator evaporates into gaseous refrigerant and participates in the heat cycle, and the on-off of the first valve and the working state of the heating device are controlled according to the liquid level height.

[0085] In one embodiment, controlling the on-off of the second valve and the third valve according to the liquid level height may include: when the liquid level height is greater than the third preset height, closing the second valve and opening the third valve; controlling the on-off of the first valve and the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height may include: when the liquid level height is less than the fourth preset height, controlling the working state of the heating device to be the off state and closing the first valve.

[0086] Specifically, when controlling the on-off of the second valve and the third valve according to the liquid level height, when the liquid level height is greater than the third preset height, the second valve can be closed and the third valve can be opened to prevent the refrigerant in the flash evaporator from participating in the heat cycle. By such an operation, the amount of refrigerant participating in the actual heating operation is reduced, thereby improving the heating energy efficiency, reducing the compressor load at the same time, and improving the heating stability. The heating energy efficiency at low loads can be improved.

[0087] When controlling the on-off of the first valve and the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height, when the liquid level height is less than the fourth preset height, it indicates that the refrigerant in the flash evaporator has been completely vaporized and fully participates in the heating cycle. At this time, the working state of the heating device can be controlled to be the off state and the first valve can be closed. The fourth preset height can be the lowest height inside the flash evaporator.

[0088] Such as Figure 5As shown in the figure, a flowchart of the steps of a control method for a gas-liquid separation device of another air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to the operating frequency of the compressor, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant, the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is determined. When the operating frequency of the compressor is less than or equal to the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the first preset pressure value, it is determined that the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the first heating mode; when the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than the second preset pressure value, and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, the second valve is opened, and the third valve is closed; when the liquid level height is greater than the third preset height, the second valve is closed, and the third valve is opened.

[0089] When the operating frequency of the compressor is greater than the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is less than the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the first preset pressure value, it is determined that the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the second heating mode; when the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the third preset pressure value, and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, the working state of the heating device is controlled to be the on state, and the first valve is opened. When the liquid level height is less than the fourth preset height, the working state of the heating device is controlled to be the off state, and the first valve is closed.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present invention, when in the defrosting mode, the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator of the air conditioner is obtained; according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant, the working state of the heating device is controlled. Furthermore, in the defrosting mode, according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator, the heating device is controlled to heat the refrigerant, so that the liquid refrigerant in the flash evaporator is vaporized, preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing back to the compressor of the air conditioner, avoiding the phenomenon of liquid return in the compressor of the air conditioner, preventing the refrigerant from causing liquid hammer to the compressor, and protecting the compressor and the air conditioner.

[0091] It should be noted that for the method embodiments, for the sake of simple description, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations. However, those skilled in the art should know that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited by the described action sequences, because according to the embodiments of the present invention, certain steps can be performed in other sequences or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also know that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions involved are not necessarily essential to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner. The key points of each embodiment are the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts among the embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0093] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention can be provided as a method, apparatus, or computer program product. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the embodiments of the present invention can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk memory, CD-ROM, optical memory, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0094] The embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, terminal devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing terminal devices to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing terminal devices generate a device for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more of the processes Figure 1 or a plurality of processes and / or blocks

[0095] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of guiding a computer or other programmable data processing terminal devices to work in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate a manufactured article including an instruction device, and the instruction device implements the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more of the processes Figure 1 or a plurality of processes and / or blocks

[0096] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing terminal devices, such that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable terminal devices to generate a computer-implemented process. Thus, the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable terminal devices provide steps for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more of the processes Figure 1 or a plurality of processes and / or blocks

[0097] Although the preferred embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art can make additional changes and modifications once they know the basic creative concepts. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be construed to include the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] Finally, it should also be noted that in this text, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or terminal device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or further includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or terminal device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or terminal device comprising the said element.

[0099] The above has introduced in detail a gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner, an air conditioner, and a control method for a gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner. Specific examples are used in this text to elaborate on the principle and implementation manner of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and its core idea of the present invention; at the same time, for those of ordinary skill in the art, according to the idea of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation manner and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separation device for an air conditioner, characterized in that, Comprising: A flash evaporator having a receiving cavity for storing refrigerant. A conduit assembly connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator, for introducing the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline into the flash evaporator and exporting the refrigerant in the flash evaporator to the refrigerant pipeline. A liquid level sensor disposed in the receiving cavity of the flash evaporator for detecting the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the receiving cavity. An electronic valve disposed in the conduit assembly for controlling the on / off of the conduit assembly. A heating device connected to the flash evaporator for heating the refrigerant stored in the flash evaporator; the working state of the heating device is determined according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant.

2. The gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that The conduit assembly includes: A first conduit connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator for introducing the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline into the flash evaporator. A second conduit connected to the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner and the flash evaporator for exporting the refrigerant in the flash evaporator to the refrigerant pipeline. The electronic valve includes: A first valve disposed in the first conduit for controlling the introduction of the refrigerant into the flash evaporator. A second valve disposed in the second conduit for controlling the export of the refrigerant from the flash evaporator. A third valve disposed in the refrigerant pipeline and located between the first valve and the second valve, and the third valve is used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant introduced into the flash evaporator.

3. The gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation device further includes: A pressure sensor disposed in the refrigerant pipeline and on one side of the first valve for detecting the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipeline; the on / off of the first valve, the second valve and the third valve, and the working state of the heating device are determined according to the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipeline.

4. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes the gas-liquid separation device, refrigerant pipeline, compressor, four-way valve, bypass valve, condenser, throttling device and evaporator of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-3; the gas-liquid separation device, the compressor, the four-way valve, the bypass valve, the condenser, the throttling device and the evaporator are connected through the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner.

5. A control method for a gas-liquid separation device of an air conditioner, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation device is the gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-3, and the method includes: When in the defrosting mode, obtaining the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator of the air conditioner. Controlling the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant.

6. The control method of the gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, After obtaining the liquid level height of the refrigerant in the flash evaporator, it further includes: When in the heating mode, obtaining the operating frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner, the outdoor ambient temperature and the refrigerant pressure value in the refrigerant pipeline of the air conditioner. Determining the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device according to the operating frequency of the compressor, the outdoor ambient temperature and the refrigerant pressure value. Controlling the on / off of the electronic valve and the working state of the heating device according to the operating mode.

7. The control method of the gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The controlling the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height of the refrigerant includes: When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is less than or equal to the first preset height, control the working state of the heating device to the off state; When the liquid level height of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the second preset height, control the working state of the heating device to the on state; the second preset height is greater than the first preset height.

8. The control method of the gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, Determine the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device according to the operating frequency of the compressor, the outdoor ambient temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant, including: When the operating frequency of the compressor is less than or equal to the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than or equal to the first preset pressure value, determine the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device to be the first heating mode; When the operating frequency of the compressor is greater than the preset operating frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature is less than the preset temperature, and the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the first preset pressure value, determine the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device to be the second heating mode; the flow rate of the refrigerant corresponding to the second heating mode is greater than the flow rate of the refrigerant corresponding to the first heating mode.

9. The control method of the gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, Control the on-off of the electronic valve and the working state of the heating device according to the operating mode, including: When the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the first heating mode, obtain the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within a preset time period; When the pressure value of the refrigerant is greater than the second preset pressure value, and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, open the second valve, and close the third valve, and control the on-off of the second valve and the third valve according to the liquid level height; When the operating mode of the gas-liquid separation device is the second heating mode, obtain the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within a preset time period; When the pressure value of the refrigerant is less than the third preset pressure value, and the pressure change amount of the refrigerant pressure value within the preset time period is less than the preset change amount, control the working state of the heating device to the on state, and open the first valve, and control the on-off of the first valve and the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height.

10. The control method of the gas-liquid separation device of the air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, Control the on-off of the second valve and the third valve according to the liquid level height, including: When the liquid level height is greater than the third preset height, close the second valve, and open the third valve; Control the on-off of the first valve and the working state of the heating device according to the liquid level height, including: When the liquid level height is less than the fourth preset height, control the working state of the heating device to the off state, and close the first valve.

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