Air conditioner and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an air conditioner and a vehicle, and the air conditioner comprises a first heat exchanger (3) of an annular structure; the second heat exchanger (5) is arranged in the annular structure, the second heat exchanger (5) comprises a first heat exchange part and a second heat exchange part, the first heat exchange part communicates with the first heat exchanger (3), the second heat exchange part is configured to exchange heat with the first heat exchange part, and the second heat exchange part is configured to circulate a medium exchanging heat with a refrigerant in the first heat exchange part; the compressor (1) is arranged in the annular structure, one of the first heat exchanger (3) and the second heat exchanger (5) is communicated with the first heat exchanger (3) to serve as a condenser, and the other one of the first heat exchanger (3) and the second heat exchanger (5) is communicated with an air suction port of the compressor (1) to serve as an evaporator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to an air conditioner and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Traditional vehicle and marine cooling systems are large and have limited cooling capacity, making them difficult to meet the requirements of modern specialized vehicles and ships for efficient cooling, miniaturization, and high reliability. In particular, they require excellent vibration resistance and waterproofing in complex environmental conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an air conditioner to improve the problem of large size of the air conditioner in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an air conditioner comprising:

[0005] The first heat exchanger has an annular structure;

[0006] a second heat exchanger disposed in the annular structure, the second heat exchanger comprising a first heat exchange portion communicating with the first heat exchanger and a second heat exchange portion configured to exchange heat with the first heat exchange portion, the second heat exchange portion being configured to circulate a medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first heat exchange portion; and

[0007] The compressor is arranged in a ring structure, one of the first heat exchange parts of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger is communicated with the first heat exchanger to serve as a condenser, and the other is communicated with the suction port of the compressor to serve as an evaporator.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further comprises:

[0009] a throttling component connected between the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger along the flow direction of the refrigerant; and

[0010] The refrigerant pump is arranged in a bypass pipeline bypassing the throttling component.

[0011] In some embodiments, the refrigerant pump and the throttling component are arranged in an annular structure.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further comprises:

[0013] an ambient temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of an environment in which the first heat exchanger is located;

[0014] The controller is connected to the ambient temperature sensor, the compressor, and the refrigerant pump and is configured as follows:

[0015] In response to the ambient temperature being within a first predetermined temperature range, turning on the compressor and turning off the refrigerant pump; and / or

[0016] In response to the ambient temperature being within a second predetermined temperature range, the compressor is turned off and the refrigerant pump is turned on, the second predetermined temperature range being lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

[0017] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to start the compressor and the refrigerant pump in response to the ambient temperature being within a third predetermined temperature range, where the third predetermined temperature range is higher than the second predetermined temperature range and lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

[0018] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a fan disposed at one axial end of the annular structure, with the air inlet side of the fan facing the inner side of the annular structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the annular structure is provided with a gap that passes through the inner and outer sides of the annular structure. The air conditioner further includes an electric control box arranged at the gap. The electric control box is provided with an openable cover toward the outer side of the annular structure.

[0020] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an interface disposed at the notch, and the interface is connected to the second heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger through a medium pipeline.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air conditioner also includes a first gas-liquid separator arranged in the annular structure, the first gas-liquid separator including a mixed refrigerant inlet connected to the outlet of the first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger to introduce a mixture of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant to be separated, and a gaseous refrigerant outlet that outputs the separated gaseous refrigerant and is connected to the compressor.

[0022] In some embodiments, the compressor comprises:

[0023] Compressor body;

[0024] The second gas-liquid separator includes an inlet connected to the gaseous refrigerant outlet of the first gas-liquid separator and an outlet for outputting the separated gaseous refrigerant and connected to the compressor body.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger, the first gas-liquid separator and the compressor are all disposed in the annular structure and arranged in sequence along the circumference of the annular structure.

[0026] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further comprises a frame structure supporting the first heat exchanger, the frame structure comprising a bottom plate located at one axial end of the annular structure,

[0027] The compressor is mounted on the base plate, and a shock-absorbing pad is provided between the compressor and the base plate;

[0028] The first gas-liquid separator is mounted on the bottom plate, and a shock-absorbing pad is provided between the first gas-liquid separator and the bottom plate;

[0029] The second heat exchanger is mounted on the bottom plate, and a shock-absorbing pad is arranged between the second heat exchanger and the bottom plate.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger includes a refrigerant pipeline extending along the circumference of the annular structure and fins connected to the refrigerant pipeline.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present application, a vehicle is provided, which includes the above-mentioned air conditioner.

[0032] By applying the technical solution of the present application, the first heat exchanger is an annular structure that is an overall ring-shaped structure, and the compressor and the second heat exchanger are arranged in the annular structure, which effectively reduces the overall volume of the air conditioner. Multiple components of the air conditioner are integrated in the annular structure, realizing the miniaturization of the air conditioner system.

[0033] Furthermore, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger arranged in the annular structure exchanges heat with the medium in the second heat exchange part, and the heat exchanger airflow of the first heat exchanger has little effect on the second heat exchanger, which can ensure the working efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0034] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a system of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the top structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the exploded structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram showing a beam of a frame of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a compressor and a mounting bracket thereof for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a second heat exchanger and a mounting bracket thereof of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of a condenser of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of a fan of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0045] Figure 10 A block diagram of a control system of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] In the picture:

[0047] 1. Compressor; 1a. Compressor body; 1b. Second gas-liquid separator; 2. Refrigerant pump; 3. First heat exchanger; 4. First gas-liquid separator; 5. Second heat exchanger; 6. Control valve; 7. Throttle component; 8. Electrical control box; 9. Fan; 10. Frame structure; 11. Compressor bracket; 12. Heat exchanger bracket; 13. Cover plate; 14. Fixing part; 15. Limiting part; 16. Fan bracket; 17. Fan mounting plate; 18. Exhaust temperature sensor; 19. High-pressure switch; 20. First pressure sensor; 21. Low-pressure switch; 22. Intake temperature sensor; 23. Medium pipeline; 23a. First medium pipeline; 23b. Second medium pipeline; 24. Filter; 25. Second pressure sensor; 26. Connector; 27. Beam structure; 28. Reactor; 29. Filter; 30. Interface; 31. Ambient temperature sensor; 32. Controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of this application and the above-mentioned figure descriptions are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0050] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means more than two; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly perpendicular, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but is within the allowable error range.

[0052] The directional words appearing in the following description are all directions shown in the figures, and do not limit the specific structure of this application. In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0053] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "include" and "comprising" used in this application may be open-ended or closed-ended. For example, "include" and "comprising" may mean that other components not listed may also be included or that only the listed components are included.

[0054] Unless otherwise specified, the term "or" is used in this application to be inclusive. For example, the phrase "A or B" means "A, B, or both A and B." More specifically, the condition "A or B" is satisfied if any of the following conditions are met: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); or both A and B are true (or exist).

[0055] Combine Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the air conditioner of this embodiment includes a compressor 1 , a first heat exchanger 3 , a throttling component 7 , a second heat exchanger 5 and a first gas-liquid separator 4 .

[0056] The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1 is transported to the first heat exchanger 3 for condensation. The condensed refrigerant is throttled and reduced in pressure by the throttling component 7 and then evaporates and absorbs heat in the second heat exchanger 5. The refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger 5 is transported to the first gas-liquid separator 4. The gaseous refrigerant separated by the first gas-liquid separator 4 is transported to the air intake of the compressor 1 and enters the compressor 1 again for compression.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 3 has an annular structure; the second heat exchanger 5 is disposed within the annular structure. The second heat exchanger 5 includes a first heat exchange portion communicating with the first heat exchange portion and a second heat exchange portion configured to exchange heat with the first heat exchange portion. The second heat exchange portion is configured to circulate a medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first heat exchange portion. The refrigerant, throttled by the throttling component 7, evaporates in the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger 5, absorbing heat and lowering the temperature of the medium in the second heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger 5. In other words, the first heat exchanger 3 functions as a condenser, while the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger 5 functions as an evaporator.

[0058] The compressor 1 is arranged in a ring structure, one of the first heat exchange parts of the first heat exchanger 3 and the second heat exchanger 5 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 1 to serve as a condenser, and the other is connected to the intake port of the compressor 1 to serve as an evaporator.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger 3 is an annular structure that is an entirety ring-shaped (or called a cylindrical structure that is an entirety cylindrical), and the compressor 1 and the second heat exchanger 5 are arranged in the annular structure, which effectively reduces the overall volume of the air conditioner. Multiple components of the air conditioner are integrated in the annular structure, realizing the miniaturization of the air conditioner system.

[0060] Furthermore, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger 5 arranged in the annular structure exchanges heat with the medium (such as water) in the second heat exchange part. The heat exchange airflow of the first heat exchanger 3 has little effect on the second heat exchanger 5, which can ensure the working efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger 5 is a plate heat exchanger. Figure 7 The plate heat exchanger is fixed with a sheet metal heat exchanger bracket 12 on all sides. The contact surface between the heat exchanger bracket 12 and the plate heat exchanger is affixed with a rubber pad, and the two are tightly fitted together.

[0062] In other embodiments, the air conditioner further comprises a four-way valve, comprising an inlet connected to the exhaust port of compressor 1, an outlet connected to the intake port of compressor 1, a first working port connected to first heat exchanger 3, and a second working port connected to the first heat exchange section of second heat exchanger 5. The four-way valve has a first state and a second state. When the four-way valve is in the first state, the inlet of the four-way valve is connected to the first working port, the outlet of the four-way valve is connected to the second working port, and the first heat exchange section of second heat exchanger 5 is used as an evaporator. When the four-way valve is in the second state, the inlet and the second working port of the four-way valve are connected, and the outlet of the four-way valve is connected to the first working port, and the first heat exchange section of second heat exchanger 5 is used as a condenser. The refrigerant compressed by compressor 1 condenses in the first heat exchange section of second heat exchanger 5 and heats the medium in the second heat exchange section. The condensed refrigerant is throttled by throttling component 7 and evaporates in first heat exchanger 3. The evaporated refrigerant then returns to compressor 1 for further compression.

[0063] The air conditioner further includes a throttle component 7 and a refrigerant pump 2. The throttle component 7 is connected between the first heat exchanger 3 and the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger 5 along the flow direction of the refrigerant. The refrigerant pump 2 is arranged in a bypass line bypassing the throttle component 7.

[0064] In the technical solution of this embodiment, the refrigerant condensed and throttled in the first heat exchanger 3 can be used to evaporate in the first heat exchange section of the second heat exchanger 5 to cool the medium in the second heat exchange section. Alternatively, the refrigerant pump 2 can be used to directly transport the refrigerant after dissipating heat in the first heat exchanger 3 to the first heat exchange section of the second heat exchanger 5 without throttling to cool the medium in the second heat exchange section (generally used in low-temperature operating conditions). When the temperature is low, the air-conditioning system of this embodiment directly uses the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the external environment in the first heat exchanger 3 to cool the medium in the second heat exchange section of the second heat exchanger 5, which is beneficial for reducing the energy consumption of the air-conditioning system and improving the cooling capacity and stability of the air-conditioning system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the refrigerant pump 2 and the throttling component 7 are arranged in a ring structure, which is conducive to making the structure of the air conditioner more compact, reducing the overall volume of the air conditioner and achieving miniaturization of the air conditioner.

[0066] See also Figure 10 The air conditioner further includes an ambient temperature sensor 31 and a controller 32. The ambient temperature sensor 31 is configured to detect the temperature T of the environment in which the first heat exchanger 3 is located;

[0067] The controller is signal-connected to the ambient temperature sensor 31, the compressor 1, and the refrigerant pump 2, and is configured as follows:

[0068] In response to the ambient temperature being within the first predetermined temperature range, turning on the compressor 1 and turning off the refrigerant pump 2; and / or

[0069] In response to the ambient temperature being within a second predetermined temperature range, the compressor 1 is turned off and the refrigerant pump 2 is turned on. The second predetermined temperature range is lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

[0070] In the technical solution of this embodiment, when the ambient temperature is in a higher first predetermined temperature range, a refrigerant circulation refrigeration system composed of a compressor 1, a first heat exchanger 3, a throttling component 7 and a first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger 5 is used to cool the medium in the second heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger 5; when the ambient temperature is in a lower second predetermined temperature range, the compressor 1 is turned off, and the refrigerant pump 2 transports the refrigerant that has been heat exchanged and cooled with the external environment in the first heat exchanger 3 to the first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger 5 to cool the medium in the second heat exchange part. Since the compressor 1 is turned off when the ambient temperature is in a lower second predetermined temperature, the refrigerant that has been heat exchanged and cooled with the environment in the first heat exchanger 3 is transported to the first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger 5 to cool the medium, which is beneficial to reducing the energy consumption of the air-conditioning system and improving the cooling capacity and stability of the air-conditioning system.

[0071] In some embodiments, the controller 32 is further configured to start the compressor 1 and the refrigerant pump 2 in response to the ambient temperature T being in a third predetermined temperature range, where the third predetermined temperature range is higher than the second predetermined temperature range and lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

[0072] When the temperature is in a third predetermined range that is higher than the second predetermined temperature range and lower than the first predetermined temperature range, the refrigerant circulation refrigeration system is used to cool the throttled refrigerant as the medium of the second heat exchanger part of the second heat exchanger 5, and the refrigerant pump 2 is used to cool the unthrottled refrigerant as the medium of the second heat exchanger part, which is beneficial to reducing energy consumption while ensuring the refrigeration effect.

[0073] The air conditioner further includes a control valve 6 disposed in a bypass line that bypasses the throttling component 7. A controller is signal-connected to the control valve 6 to control the opening and closing of the control valve. Specifically, the control valve 6 is opened when the refrigerant pump 2 is required to operate, and is closed when the refrigerant pump 2 is not required to operate. The control valve 6 is located upstream of the refrigerant pump 2 in the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0074] See also Figure 2 The air conditioner further comprises a fan 9 arranged at one axial end of the annular structure, with the air inlet side of the fan 9 facing the inner side of the annular structure. Figure 2, in the air inlet A of the first heat exchanger 3 of the blower 9, air flows radially into the inner cavity of the annular structure in multiple directions along the circumference of the annular structure, and then forms an air outlet B at one end in the axial direction of the annular structure. The air to be heat-exchanged with the first heat exchanger 3 flows to the first heat exchanger 3 from multiple directions in the circumferential direction of the annular structure, which is beneficial to increasing the amount of air to be heat-exchanged introduced, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchanger 3 and the overall efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0075] In some embodiments, 55°C ≥ the first predetermined temperature range ≥ 20°C; -30°C ≤ the second predetermined temperature range ≤ 0°C; 0°C < the first predetermined temperature range < 20°C.

[0076] After the air conditioner system is started, the controller 32 obtains the ambient temperature T:

[0077] After the system is started, the ambient temperature T is detected:

[0078] If 55°C ≥ T ≥ 20°C, the refrigerant pump 2 is closed, the compressor 1 and the blower 9 configured for the first heat exchanger 3 are started, and the opening degree of the throttling component 7 (such as an electronic expansion valve) is adjusted according to the PID algorithm.

[0079] If -30°C ≤ T ≤ 0°C, the compressor 1 is closed, the refrigerant pump 2 is started and the control valve 6 is opened to enable the refrigerant to flow through the circulation path of the refrigerant pump 2.

[0080] If 0°C < T < 20°C, the compressor 1 and the refrigerant pump 2 are started simultaneously, and their rotational speeds are distributed according to the cooling capacity demand ratio.

[0081] The air conditioner of this embodiment has the following multiple working modes:

[0082] High temperature mode (20°C - 55°C): The variable frequency compressor 1 is enabled as the main cold source, and the refrigerant flow rate is precisely adjusted in combination with the throttling component 7. At an ambient temperature of 45°C, a peak cooling capacity of 55 kW can be achieved.

[0083] Low temperature mode (-30°C - 0°C): Switch to the refrigerant pump 2 to drive the circulation, directly cool the refrigerant using the ambient cold source, and the refrigerant cooled by the environment cools the medium in the second heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger 5, avoiding the difficulties in starting the compressor 1 at low temperature and efficiency loss, and reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0084] Mixed mode (0°C to 20°C): The compressor 1 and the refrigerant pump 2 work together, and the load is dynamically distributed through an algorithm to improve the energy efficiency ratio (COP).

[0085] In some embodiments, the speed of the compressor 1 is adjustable, and the drive motor of the compressor 1 is optionally a variable frequency motor, so that the frequency of the current is adjusted to adjust the speed of the drive motor. In some embodiments, the speed of the refrigerant pump 2 is adjustable, and the drive motor of the refrigerant pump 2 is optionally a variable frequency motor, so that the frequency of the current is adjusted to adjust the speed of the drive motor. In some embodiments, the speed of the fan 9 is adjustable, and the drive motor of the fan 9 is optionally a variable frequency motor, so that the frequency of the current is adjusted to adjust the speed of the drive motor.

[0086] The controller 32 is connected to the compressor 1 , the fan 9 and the refrigerant pump 2 via a field bus to control the rotation speeds of the compressor 1 , the refrigerant pump 2 and the fan 9 , respectively.

[0087] Frequency conversion collaborative control: Integrates or collaboratively controls the frequency converters of compressor 1, fan 9, and refrigerant pump 2, unifies / collaborates frequency modulation through bus communication, and reduces electromagnetic interference and wiring complexity.

[0088] In some embodiments, the annular structure is provided with a gap that passes through the inner and outer sides of the annular structure, and the air conditioner further comprises an electric control box 8 provided at the gap, and the electric control box 8 is provided with an openable cover facing the outer side of the annular structure. Specifically, the annular structure is a circumferentially unclosed structure, and the above-mentioned gap is formed between the circumferential head and tail ends of the annular structure. Placing the electric control box 8 at the gap of the annular structure with the cover of the electric control box 8 facing the outer side of the annular structure is conducive to the maintenance of the electric control box 8. Furthermore, the air that exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger 3 under the action of the fan 9 can also cool the electric control box 8 to prevent the electrical components in the electric control box 8 from becoming overheated and causing malfunctions.

[0089] See also Figure 3 The air conditioner further includes a filter 29 disposed above the electric control box 8 . The air that exchanges heat with the first heat exchanger 3 under the action of the fan 9 can also cool the filter 29 .

[0090] The air conditioner further includes a reactor 28 disposed within the annular first heat exchanger 3. Optionally, the reactor 28 is located in the middle of the annular structure. The second heat exchanger 5, the first gas-liquid separator 4, the compressor 1, and the refrigerant pump 2 are sequentially arranged circumferentially within the annular structure.

[0091] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an interface 30 disposed at the notch, which is connected to the second heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger 5 via a medium pipeline 23. The medium pipeline includes a first medium pipeline 23a connected to the inlet of the second heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger 5 and a second medium pipeline 23b connected to the outlet of the second heat exchange portion. The interface 30 of the air conditioner for outputting low-temperature or high-temperature medium is formed on the outer surface of the air conditioner, i.e., at the notch mentioned above, which helps simplify the installation and connection of the air conditioner with the components to be cooled or heated, thereby simplifying the installation steps of the air conditioner and improving installation efficiency.

[0092] The air conditioner also includes a first gas-liquid separator 4 arranged in an annular structure, the first gas-liquid separator 4 includes a mixed refrigerant inlet connected to the outlet of the first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger 5 to introduce a mixture of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant to be separated, and a gaseous refrigerant outlet that outputs the separated gaseous refrigerant and is connected to the compressor 1.

[0093] The first heat exchanger 3 of this embodiment has an overall annular structure with a large area. The refrigerant can fully exchange heat with the external environment in the first heat exchanger 3. The refrigerant after heat exchange and throttling in the first heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat with the medium in the second heat exchange part in the first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger 5. The refrigerant evaporates in the first heat exchange part. Although the medium circulating in the second heat exchange part can effectively evaporate the refrigerant in the first heat exchange part, incomplete evaporation still occurs. In order to prevent the liquid refrigerant from entering the air intake of the compressor 1 and causing liquid hammer, a first gas-liquid separator 4 is also provided in the annular structure to improve the safety of the operation of the air conditioner while ensuring the compact structure of the air conditioner.

[0094] In some embodiments, the compressor 1 includes a compressor body 1a and a second gas-liquid separator 1b. The second gas-liquid separator 1b includes an inlet connected to the gaseous refrigerant outlet of the first gas-liquid separator 4 and an outlet for outputting the separated gaseous refrigerant and connected to the compressor body 1a.

[0095] In this embodiment, on the basis that the compressor 1 itself has the second gas-liquid separator 1 b , a first gas-liquid separator 4 is further provided to provide double protection for the compressor 1 to prevent it from suffering from liquid hammer.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger 5, the first gas-liquid separator 4, and the compressor 1 are all disposed within the annular structure and are sequentially arranged along the circumference of the annular structure. The second heat exchanger 5, the first gas-liquid separator 4, and the compressor 1 are sequentially arranged in the direction of refrigerant flow. Specifically, the refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger 5 enters the first gas-liquid separator 4 for gas-liquid diversion, and the separated gaseous refrigerant enters the air intake of the compressor 1 for further compression. Therefore, the second heat exchanger 5, the first gas-liquid separator 4, and the compressor 1 are arranged circumferentially along the annular component, which is conducive to simplifying the connecting pipelines, making the pipelines regular and the structure compact.

[0097] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further comprises a frame structure 10 supporting the first heat exchanger 3, the frame structure 10 comprising a bottom plate located at one axial end of the ring structure. The fan 9 is mounted at one axial end of the ring structure away from the bottom plate.

[0098] Compressor 1 is mounted on the baseplate, with a shock-absorbing pad disposed between them. A first gas-liquid separator 4 is mounted on the baseplate, with a shock-absorbing pad disposed between them. A second heat exchanger 5 is mounted on the baseplate, with a shock-absorbing pad disposed between them.

[0099] Specifically, a shock-absorbing pad is laid on the bottom plate of the frame structure, and components such as the compressor 1, the second heat exchanger 5, the first gas-liquid separator 4 and the refrigerant pump 2 are all connected to the bottom plate through the shock-absorbing pad.

[0100] See also Figure 6 The air conditioner also includes a compressor support 11 that supports the compressor 1. The compressor support 11 comprises multiple columns arranged circumferentially around the compressor 1 and a clamp mounted on the compressor 1. The multiple columns are mounted on the aforementioned base plate and arranged circumferentially around the clamp and connected to the clamp. In some embodiments, a shock-absorbing material is placed between the clamp and the compressor 1.

[0101] The frame structure 10 is composed of a plurality of interconnected beam structures 27, wherein the beam structure includes a plurality of vertical beams and a horizontal beam connecting the plurality of vertical beams. Figure 5 The beam structure 27 includes a plate base 27a that is bent into a closed or unclosed tubular shape and a reinforcing rib 27b that is disposed transversely within the tubular plate base and connected to the inner circumferential wall of the plate base 27a. In some embodiments, the cross section of the tubular shape is triangular, and accordingly, the reinforcing rib is triangular.

[0102] As shown in Figure 5, the frame structure's columns (vertical beams) and crossbeams are each made of 5mm thick sheet metal, with triangular reinforcing ribs welded evenly throughout the columns. A square reinforcing plate 27c is also welded between the center and bottom gaps of each column. As shown in Figure 2, triangular reinforcing connectors 26 are installed between the two connected beam structures 27 of the frame structure 10. Specifically, triangular reinforcing plates (connectors) are welded at the right-angled bends where the columns (number) are welded to the crossbeams. This prevents stress concentration at the corners during vibration, which could cause cracking in the frame. These measures connect all parts of the frame into a single entity, ensuring the overall strength of the frame.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 3 includes a refrigerant pipeline extending along the circumference of the annular structure and fins connected to the refrigerant pipeline. The first heat exchanger 3 (condenser) is a finned heat exchanger, which has good dustproof effect and is easy to clean.

[0104] Furthermore, the air conditioner's electrical interfaces are sealed with a double O-ring and potting compound, and the entire electrical control box is sprayed with conformal coating to ensure reliable operation in high-humidity and dusty environments.

[0105] See also Figure 3 and Figure 8 The first heat exchanger 3 is fixed to the columns of the frame structure with bolts, and the first heat exchanger 3 is provided with a top cover plate 13 to hold the first heat exchanger as a whole. The three inner sides of the first heat exchanger 3 are provided with side fixing parts 14 for fixing the first heat exchanger 3 and the frame structure 10. The fixing parts 14 fit tightly with the top cover plate 13, limiting and fixing the first heat exchanger 3 from above and on the inner side. The outside of the first heat exchanger 3 is provided with an outer limiting component 15 to limit the first heat exchanger 3 from the outside. The above fixing measures can firmly fix the first heat exchanger 3 and greatly reduce the risk of pipeline rupture due to vibration fatigue.

[0106] The compressor 1, refrigerant pump 2, and other components are secured with rubber shock-absorbing pads at their bases. The external frame (beam structure) is welded from a honeycomb aluminum alloy, with a water-based damping coating sprayed on the interior. The honeycomb aluminum alloy is strong and provides excellent vibration damping, while the rubber pads and water-based damping coating also provide excellent vibration damping. This three-stage vibration damping frame design reduces the vibration transmissibility to less than 5%.

[0107] See also Figure 9 Fan 9 is secured to an 8mm-thick fan mounting plate 17 using a fan bracket 16 supported by four 5mm-thick arc-shaped steel plates. The bottom of the arc-shaped steel bracket 16 is bolted to the internal column of the frame, while the fan mounting plate 17 is also bolted to the top of the frame. This multi-directional, high-strength, and highly reliable fixing ensures excellent vibration resistance for the fan components.

[0108] The air conditioner has external dimensions of 900×800×800mm. By designing the finned first heat exchanger 3 into a G-shape (an unenclosed ring structure), the air intake space on the side of the unit is maximized for heat exchange. Components such as the compressor 1, refrigerant pump 2, first gas-liquid separator 4, and second heat exchanger 5 are arranged in the space left between the finned condensers. The centrifugal fan 9 is placed at the top of the unit, shortening the refrigerant piping and maximizing the use of the unit's internal space, reducing the unit's volume to 0.576m³. Through the careful placement of components such as the compressor 1 and plate heat exchanger (second heat exchanger 5), and by designing and planning the unit's internal piping to the maximum machinable dimensions, this liquid cooling device fully utilizes every available space within the unit, resulting in a cooling capacity exceeding 50kW at an ambient temperature of 45°C.

[0109] See also Figure 1 The air conditioner of this embodiment further includes an exhaust temperature sensor 18 , a high pressure switch 19 , and a first pressure sensor 20 for detecting the exhaust pressure of the compressor 1 , which are arranged on the pipeline between the exhaust port of the compressor 1 and the first heat exchanger 3 .

[0110] The air conditioner further includes an intake temperature sensor 22 , a low pressure switch 21 , and a second pressure sensor 25 for detecting the intake pressure of the compressor 1 , which are arranged between the intake port of the compressor 1 and the first gas-liquid separator 4 .

[0111] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further comprises a filter 24, which is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger 3 and upstream of the throttling component 7 and the pipeline bypassing the throttling component 7. Optionally, the filter 24 is a bidirectional filter.

[0112] In summary, the air conditioner of this embodiment has the following features:

[0113] 1. Multi-mode refrigeration system improves the refrigeration capacity and stability of the cooling system. Specifically, the compressor 1, condenser and evaporator can be used to form a circulating refrigeration, or the refrigerant pump 2 can be used to refrigerate the refrigerant after heat exchange with the external environment as a circulating medium. Of course, the above two methods can also be combined for refrigeration.

[0114] 2. Compact integrated design to achieve miniaturization of the system. The compressor 1, the second heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant pump 2, the throttling component 7, the control valve 6 and other components are all arranged in the ring structure surrounded by the first heat exchanger 3.

[0115] 3. Anti-vibration and waterproof structure to adapt to complex and harsh environments.

[0116] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising the above-mentioned air conditioner.

[0117] The above are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: The first heat exchanger (3) is a circumferentially closed or unclosed annular structure; a second heat exchanger (5) disposed in the annular structure, the second heat exchanger (5) comprising a first heat exchange portion communicating with the first heat exchanger (3) and a second heat exchange portion configured to exchange heat with the first heat exchange portion, the second heat exchange portion being configured to circulate a medium for exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the first heat exchange portion; as well as A compressor (1) is arranged in the annular structure, wherein one of the first heat exchange parts of the first heat exchanger (3) and the second heat exchanger (5) is connected to the first heat exchanger (3) to serve as a condenser, and the other is connected to the suction port of the compressor (1) to serve as an evaporator.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a throttling component (7) connected between the first heat exchanger (3) and the first heat exchange portion of the second heat exchanger (5) along the flow direction of the refrigerant; and The refrigerant pump (2) is arranged in a bypass pipeline that bypasses the throttling component (7).

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that The refrigerant pump (2) and the throttling component (7) are arranged in the annular structure.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: an ambient temperature sensor (31) configured to detect the temperature of the environment in which the first heat exchanger (3) is located; The controller (32) is connected to the ambient temperature sensor (31), the compressor (1) and the refrigerant pump (2) in signal connection and is configured to: In response to the ambient temperature being within a first predetermined temperature range, turning on the compressor (1) and turning off the refrigerant pump (2); and / or In response to the ambient temperature being within a second predetermined temperature range, the compressor (1) is turned off and the refrigerant pump (2) is turned on, the second predetermined temperature range being lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that The controller (32) is further configured to start the compressor (1) and the refrigerant pump (2) in response to the ambient temperature being in a third predetermined temperature range, wherein the third predetermined temperature range is higher than the second predetermined temperature range and lower than the first predetermined temperature range.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a fan (9) arranged at one axial end of the annular structure, with the air inlet side of the fan (9) facing the inner side of the annular structure.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The annular structure is provided with a notch that passes through the inner side and the outer side of the annular structure. The air conditioner further comprises an electric control box (8) arranged at the notch. The electric control box (8) is provided with an openable cover plate facing the outer side of the annular structure.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that It also includes an interface (30) arranged at the notch, and the interface (30) is connected to the second heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger (5) through a medium pipeline (23).

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a first gas-liquid separator (4) arranged in the annular structure, the first gas-liquid separator (4) including a mixed refrigerant inlet connected to the outlet of the first heat exchange part of the second heat exchanger (5) for introducing a mixture of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant to be separated, and a gaseous refrigerant outlet for outputting the separated gaseous refrigerant and connected to the compressor (1).

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that The compressor (1) comprises: Compressor body (1a); The second gas-liquid separator (1b) includes an inlet connected to the gaseous refrigerant outlet of the first gas-liquid separator (4) and an outlet for outputting the separated gaseous refrigerant and connected to the compressor body (1a).

11. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that The second heat exchanger (5), the first gas-liquid separator (4) and the compressor (1) are all arranged in the annular structure and arranged in sequence along the circumference of the annular structure.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that It also includes a frame structure (10) supporting the first heat exchanger (3), wherein the frame structure (10) includes a bottom plate located at one axial end of the annular structure, The compressor (1) is mounted on the base plate, and a shock-absorbing pad is provided between the compressor (1) and the base plate; The first gas-liquid separator (4) is mounted on the bottom plate, and a shock-absorbing pad is provided between the first gas-liquid separator (4) and the bottom plate; The second heat exchanger (5) is mounted on the base plate, and a shock-absorbing pad is provided between the second heat exchanger (5) and the base plate.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The first heat exchanger (3) comprises a refrigerant pipeline extending along the circumference of the annular structure and fins connected to the refrigerant pipeline.

14. A means of transport, characterized in that: An air conditioner comprising the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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