Integrated four-way valve set, air conditioner outdoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an integrated four-way valve group, an air conditioner outdoor unit and an air conditioner. The integrated four-way valve group comprises at least two valve bodies, the at least two valve bodies are arranged in sequence along a first direction, the first direction is arranged at an angle with respect to the axial direction of each valve body, each valve body is provided with a first valve port, a second valve port and two third valve ports, each valve body has at least a first state and a second state which can be switched alternately, when the valve body is in the first state, the first valve port is connected to one of the third valve ports on the same valve body, when the valve body is in the second state, the first valve port is connected to the other third valve port on the same valve body, and in the first state or the second state, the second valve port is connected to the third valve port on the same valve body which is not connected to the first valve port; a first integrated pipe connected to the first valve ports of the at least two valve bodies; and / or a second integrated pipe connected to the second valve ports of the at least two valve bodies. The integrated four-way valve group of the present disclosure can reduce the space occupation and improve the structural compactness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more particularly to an integrated four-way valve assembly, an outdoor air conditioning unit, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, when an outdoor air conditioner unit needs to be connected to multiple indoor air conditioner units, multiple reversing valves need to be installed inside the outdoor air conditioner unit. These valves are connected to the indoor air conditioner units respectively, allowing for individual control of the heat exchange status of each indoor unit. However, due to space limitations inside the outdoor air conditioner unit, installing multiple reversing valves inside the unit would occupy a significant amount of installation space. Furthermore, each reversing valve needs to be connected to the compressor separately, resulting in a large number of pipes, messy routing, and difficulties in pipe welding and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides an integrated four-way valve assembly, an outdoor air conditioning unit, and an air conditioner.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an integrated four-way valve assembly is provided, comprising: at least two valve bodies arranged sequentially along a first direction, the first direction being at an angle to the axial direction of each valve body; each valve body having a first valve port, a second valve port, and two third valve ports; each valve body having at least a first state and a second state that can be alternately switched; when a valve body is in the first state, the first valve port is connected to one of the third valve ports on the same valve body; when a valve body is in the second state, the first valve port is connected to another of the third valve ports on the same valve body; and in either the first or second state, the second valve port is connected to a third valve port on the same valve body that is not connected to the first valve port; a first integrated pipe connected to the first valve ports of the at least two valve bodies; and / or a second integrated pipe connected to the second valve ports of the at least two valve bodies. This design helps reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly, improves the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly, reduces the welding cost and difficulty of the pipeline, and facilitates the maintenance of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the arrangement directions of the two third valve ports of the same valve body intersect the first direction; and / or, the arrangement directions of the two third valve ports of the same valve body are parallel to the axial direction of the valve body. This design reduces the arrangement spacing between at least two valve bodies, improves the compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly, ensures the orderly arrangement of pipelines, and facilitates pipeline welding, installation, and subsequent maintenance.

[0006] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second valve port is located between two third valve ports within the same valve body, and the second valve port and the two third valve ports are spaced apart along the axial direction of the same valve body. This design arranges the pipes corresponding to the second valve port and the two third valve ports along the axial direction of the valve body, resulting in an orderly pipe arrangement and facilitating pipe installation and maintenance.

[0007] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the axes of the at least two valve bodies are parallel to each other, so that the axial directions of the at least two valve bodies are consistent, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first valve ports of the at least two valve bodies are arranged on the same side; and / or, the second valve ports of the at least two valve bodies are arranged on the same side; and / or, the third valve ports of the at least two valve bodies are arranged on the same side, so that the arrangement of the first valve ports and / or the second valve ports and / or the third valve ports of the at least two valve bodies and the corresponding connected pipelines is more regular, avoiding the pipelines from being arranged in an interlaced manner, and also facilitating the connection of the first integrated pipe to the first valve port and / or the connection of the second integrated pipe to the second valve port.

[0009] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the two third valve ports and the second valve port of the same valve body are all disposed opposite to the first valve port in a second direction of the valve body, wherein the second direction is set at an angle to both the axial direction of the valve body and the first direction. This design avoids the first integrated pipe connected to the first valve port and the second integrated pipe connected to the second valve port being disposed in the first direction of the valve body, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly, improves space utilization, and also provides sufficient operating space for pipeline welding, assembly, and subsequent maintenance.

[0010] In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of the two third valve ports of at least one valve body is blocked. This design saves on piping connecting the third valve ports, thereby reducing the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first integrated tube extends along the first direction, and / or the second integrated tube extends along the first direction, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the first integrated tube and / or the second integrated tube outside the first direction, reduce the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly, and reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least two valve bodies are staggered on the projection in the first direction. This design helps to avoid interference between the valve bodies while ensuring the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least two valve bodies are arranged overlappingly on the projection in the first direction. This design helps to improve the integration of the integrated four-way valve assembly in the first direction, reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly outside the first direction, and make the structure of the integrated four-way valve assembly more compact.

[0014] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first integrated tube has a first channel and a first interface connected to each other. The first channel is connected to the first valve port of the at least two valve bodies, and the first interface is connected to the first valve port of the at least two valve bodies via the first channel. This is beneficial for reducing the number of pipe connections, reducing the space occupied by the pipes, and reducing the number of solder joints and welding costs.

[0015] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first integrated pipe includes: a first main pipe having a first flow channel, the first interface being formed in the first main pipe and connected to the first flow channel; and at least two first branch pipes, each corresponding to one of the at least two valve bodies, one end of each first branch pipe being connected to the first valve port of the corresponding valve body, the other end of each first branch pipe being connected to the first main pipe, and a first internal flow channel of the first branch pipe communicating with the first flow channel, the first flow channel and the first internal flow channel forming the first channel. This design helps ensure a balanced and stable fluid flow rate within each valve body, and by setting the first main pipe, it simplifies the pipe layout and saves space.

[0016] In some embodiments of this disclosure, within the same valve body, the arrangement direction of the first valve port and the two third valve ports is parallel to the axial direction of the first branch pipe corresponding to the same valve body. This design allows the first branch pipe to be connected to the valve body without bending, reducing the space occupied by the first branch pipe and making the arrangement of each first branch pipe simpler.

[0017] In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of the third valve ports is connected to a valve port pipe within the same valve body, and the axial direction of the valve port pipe is parallel to the axial direction of the first branch pipe corresponding to the same valve body. This design ensures that the axial direction of the first branch pipe and the axial direction of the valve port pipe both extend in the same direction, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the first branch pipe and the valve port pipe in other directions, reduce the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly, and improve the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first main pipe includes at least two first openings, each corresponding to one of the at least two first branch pipes. The at least two first openings are arranged sequentially along the first direction, and each first branch pipe is connected to the first flow channel via its corresponding first opening. This arrangement ensures that the arrangement direction of the at least two first branch pipes is the same as that of the at least two valve bodies, resulting in a more regular and orderly arrangement of the first branch pipes. This, in turn, facilitates the connection between the first branch pipes and the first main pipe, as well as subsequent maintenance.

[0019] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first main pipe includes a first manifold, which is connected to each of the first branch pipes. The axial direction of the first manifold is angled to the axial direction of at least one of the first branch pipes, and the axial direction of the first manifold is parallel to the first direction. This design ensures that the axial direction of the first manifold and the arrangement direction of the valve body are both in the first direction, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the first manifold in other directions, thereby reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly and improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first main pipe further includes a first manifold, wherein the first manifold and at least one first branch pipe are disposed opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the first manifold, the axial direction of the first manifold is the same as the axial direction of the at least one first branch pipe, and the axial direction of the first manifold is at an angle to the axial direction of the first manifold. This design helps to avoid the first manifold and at least one first branch pipe occupying too much space in different extension directions, which facilitates the reduction of the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly and improves the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0021] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least two first branch pipes are arranged at an axial interval along the first manifold. This design ensures that the at least two first branch pipes occupy and are arranged in the axial space of the first manifold, optimizing space allocation, improving space utilization, and thus making the structure of the integrated four-way valve assembly more compact.

[0022] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the valve bodies located at both ends in the first direction are end valve bodies, and the first branch pipe connected to the end valve bodies is a first end branch pipe; on the axial projection of the first end branch pipe, the two points furthest apart axially on the first manifold fall on the end valve bodies at both ends. This design helps to avoid the first manifold being too long at both ends and occupying too much space, and also prevents the two ends of the first manifold from exceeding the two end valve bodies and affecting the installation and connection of other pipelines.

[0023] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first manifold includes first protruding pipe portions at both ends. In the axial direction of the first manifold, each first branch pipe is located between the first protruding pipe portions at both ends, which helps to protect the connection between the first manifold and the first branch pipe and improves the connection reliability of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0024] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the integrated four-way valve assembly further includes: a first bypass pipe, one end of which is connected to the first manifold, and the other end of which is connected to an indoor heat exchanger. A first control valve is provided on the first bypass pipe to control the flow rate of the first bypass pipe. This design facilitates adjusting the refrigerant flow rate in the first bypass pipe according to the system operating conditions, thereby achieving subcooling control and improving the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system.

[0025] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the integrated four-way valve assembly further includes: A pressure sensing tube is provided, with one end connected to the first manifold and the other end equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure at the first interface. This configuration allows for real-time monitoring of the refrigerant's high-pressure level at the first interface, thereby enabling corresponding control of the refrigerant in different pipelines and improving the stability and adjustment accuracy of the air conditioning system.

[0026] In some embodiments of this disclosure, each valve body includes a D port, an E port, a C port, and an S port. The first valve port is one of the D port or the S port, the second valve port is the other of the D port or the S port, and the two third valve ports are the E port and the C port, respectively. Through this configuration, the valve body can change the connection between the D port, E port, C port, and S port by switching states, thereby realizing the switching between cooling and heating modes of the air conditioning system and improving the stability and reliability of system operation.

[0027] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second integrated tube has a second channel and a second interface connected together. The second channel connects to the second valve ports of the at least two valve bodies, and the second interface communicates with the second valve ports of the at least two valve bodies via the second channel. This design reduces the number of pipes, thereby reducing the space occupied by the pipes and providing sufficient operating space for pipe welding and subsequent maintenance, while also reducing the difficulty of welding and repair.

[0028] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second integrated transistor includes: A second main pipe, the second main pipe having a second flow channel, the second interface being formed in the second main pipe and connected to the second flow channel; and At least two second branch pipes are provided, each corresponding to one of the at least two valve bodies. One end of each second branch pipe is connected to the second valve port of the corresponding valve body, and the other end of each second branch pipe is connected to the second main pipe. The second internal flow channel of the second branch pipe is connected to the second flow channel, and the second flow channel and the second internal flow channel constitute the second channel.

[0029] In this embodiment, at least two valve bodies are connected to the second main pipe and at least two second branch pipes, so that the fluid in the valve body flows to the second main pipe after passing through each second branch pipe. The fluid is then connected to the air inlet of the gas-liquid separator through the second interface of the second main pipe. This avoids the need for separate pipes to connect each valve body, simplifies the pipe layout, and saves space.

[0030] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the integrated four-way valve assembly further includes: The second bypass pipe has one end connected to the second main pipe and the other end connected to the indoor heat exchanger. A second control valve is installed on the second bypass pipe to control its flow rate. This design allows for adjustment of the refrigerant flow rate within the second bypass pipe according to system operating conditions, thereby achieving subcooling control and improving the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system.

[0031] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first integrated pipe and the second integrated pipe, which are connected to the same valve body, are arranged opposite to each other in a second direction of the valve body, and the second direction forms an angle with both the axial direction of the valve body and the first direction. This design allows the first and second integrated pipes to be arranged opposite each other in the second direction of the valve body, making full use of the space on both sides of the valve body in the second direction, avoiding mutual contact and interference between the first and second integrated pipes, and improving the space utilization rate of the overall structure of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0032] In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of the first integrated tube and the second integrated tube is integrally formed with each of the valve bodies. This design further improves the overall structural strength of the integrated four-way valve assembly, reduces the number of mounting parts, and increases the installation efficiency of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0033] In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of the valve bodies is connected to a pilot valve, which is connected to a first valve tube, a second valve tube, a third valve tube, and a fourth valve tube. The two ends of the first valve tube are respectively connected to the pilot valve and one axial end of the valve body connected to the pilot valve. The two ends of the second valve tube are respectively connected to the pilot valve and the other axial end of the valve body connected to the pilot valve. The two ends of the third valve tube are respectively connected to the pilot valve and the first valve port. The two ends of the fourth valve tube are respectively connected to the pilot valve and the second valve port.

[0034] In this embodiment, the refrigerant in the first valve pipe, second valve pipe, third valve pipe and fourth valve pipe acts on the pilot valve to control the valve body to switch between the first state and the second state. This helps to improve the accuracy of valve body state switching, avoid valve body state control lag, and improve the response rate of valve body state switching.

[0035] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the two third valve ports and the second valve port of the same valve body are all disposed opposite to the first valve port in the second direction of the valve body, wherein the second direction is disposed at an angle to both the axial direction of the valve body and the first direction; in at least one valve body, the pilot valve and the first valve port are disposed on the same side of the valve body in the second direction, and the pilot valve and the first valve port are arranged along the axial direction of the valve body, which is beneficial to make full use of the space on the first valve port side in the second direction of the valve body, avoids the pilot valve and the two third valve ports, the second valve port and their connecting pipes from occupying space and interfering with each other, and improves space utilization.

[0036] In some embodiments of this disclosure, in at least one valve body, the pilot valve is connected to the central region of the valve body in the axial direction, and the first valve port is offset from the center of the valve body in the axial direction. This design allows the pilot valve to be positioned closer to the center of the valve body, preventing the pilot valve from extending away from the first valve port and protruding from the valve body in the axial direction, thereby reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly and reducing the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0037] In some embodiments of this disclosure, in the first direction, the distance between two adjacent valve bodies is a, and the maximum size of the pilot valve is b, satisfying a < b; and / or, in the second direction, the maximum size of the pilot valve is c, satisfying a < c, wherein the second direction is set at an angle to both the axial direction of each valve body and the first direction.

[0038] In this embodiment, by setting a < b and / or a < c, it is advantageous to set the dimensions of the pilot valve in both the first and second directions to be larger than the distance between two adjacent valve bodies. This allows for the selection of a larger pilot valve, improving the pilot valve's ability to control and switch valve body states. Furthermore, the distance a between two adjacent valve bodies is not limited by the maximum dimensions c in the second direction and b in the first direction of the pilot valve, allowing for a more compact arrangement between adjacent valve bodies and thus reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0039] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a valve body, a pilot valve, a first valve tube, a second valve tube, a third valve tube, and a fourth valve tube are connected to form a four-way valve. Within the same four-way valve, the distance between the two furthest points of the four-way valve in the radial direction perpendicular to the second direction is greater than or equal to 35 mm and less than or equal to 41 mm. The second direction forms an angle with both the axial direction of each valve body and the first direction. This design helps to reduce the structural dimensions of the four-way valve in the first direction, resulting in a smaller overall size of the integrated four-way valve assembly. It also prevents the structural dimensions of the four-way valve in the first direction from being too small, ensuring the structural strength of the four-way valve.

[0040] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pilot valve includes: A pilot valve body is connected to a valve body, and the pilot valve body is provided with an extension that extends axially along the valve body. A coil portion is provided at the axial end of the pilot valve body near the valve body, and the coil portion is sleeved on the circumferential periphery of the extension portion.

[0041] In this embodiment, by setting a pilot valve and a coil part, with the coil part sleeved around the circumferential periphery of the extension part, it is easy to achieve precise positioning and assembly of the coil part and the pilot valve body, thereby improving assembly efficiency. The coil part controls the pilot valve to switch the state of the valve body, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0042] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the extension extends in a direction away from the first valve port. This design allows the coil portion to be positioned in a direction away from the first valve port, thus avoiding interference from the first valve port's location during coil installation, improving coil installation efficiency, and facilitating coil maintenance and replacement.

[0043] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a connecting hole is provided at one end of the extension near the valve body. The pilot valve further includes a fastener, one end of which passes through the coil portion and is connected to the connecting hole, while the other end of the fastener abuts against the coil portion to restrict its movement. This design helps to make the connection between the coil portion and the extension of the pilot valve body more secure, restricts the circumferential and axial movement of the coil portion in the extension, prevents the coil portion from shifting or loosening, and ensures the connection stability of the coil portion.

[0044] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the integrated four-way valve assembly includes at least three valve bodies arranged sequentially along the first direction; the valve body located between the valve bodies at both ends in the first direction is a middle valve body; in at least one of the middle valve bodies, a pilot valve is disposed on one side of the middle valve body in a second direction, wherein the second direction forms an angle with both the axial direction of each valve body and the first direction. This design helps to reduce the space occupied by the pilot valve in the first direction, thereby reducing the size of the integrated four-way valve assembly in the first direction, improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly, and reducing the space occupied for installation.

[0045] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the valve bodies located at both ends in the first direction are end valve bodies; at least one pilot valve on the end valve body is disposed on the side of the end valve body away from the middle valve body in the first direction. This design ensures that the pilot valve on at least one end valve body is not disposed between adjacent valve bodies, which helps to reduce the distance between the end valve body and adjacent valve bodies, thereby reducing the size of the integrated four-way valve assembly in the first direction, improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly, and reducing the space occupied for installation.

[0046] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the valve bodies located at both ends in the first direction are end valve bodies; in at least one end valve body, the pilot valve is disposed on one side of the end valve body in the second direction. This design ensures that the pilot valve on at least one end valve body is not disposed between adjacent valve bodies, which helps reduce the space occupied by the pilot valve between valve bodies, thereby allowing for a more compact arrangement of the valve bodies, improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly, and reducing the space required for installation.

[0047] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pilot valves of the at least three valve bodies are located on the same side of the first valve port, and / or the pilot valves of the at least three valve bodies are located on the same side of the valve bodies. This design ensures that the pilot valves of the at least three valve bodies are positioned uniformly, facilitating unified installation and maintenance of each pilot valve, improving installation and maintenance efficiency, and also making the installation positions of the pilot valves neat and orderly.

[0048] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the integrated four-way valve assembly has both a first integrated tube and a second integrated tube. The third valve tube is connected to the first integrated tube and connected to the corresponding first valve port through the first integrated tube. The fourth valve tube is connected to the second integrated tube and connected to the corresponding second valve port through the second integrated tube. This helps to ensure the structural strength after the third valve tube is connected to the first integrated tube, as well as the structural strength after the fourth valve tube is connected to the second integrated tube, thereby improving the working reliability of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0049] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the pilot valve includes a coil portion. On the same pilot valve body, a first valve tube extends beyond the coil portion of the pilot valve and toward one axial end of the valve body connected to the pilot valve; a second valve tube extends beyond the first valve port and toward the other axial end of the valve body connected to the pilot valve; and a fourth valve tube extends beyond the valve body connected to the pilot valve and toward the second integrated tube. This design facilitates the switching of the pilot valve's control valve body state, avoids interference between pipelines, and improves space utilization.

[0050] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first valve tube, the second valve tube, and the fourth valve tube are all connected to the side of the pilot valve opposite to the third valve tube. This design avoids excessive piping on one side of the pilot valve body, which could cause interference, and allows for a more balanced use of space on the first and second sides of the pilot valve body, thus improving space utilization.

[0051] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the third valve tubes of at least two of the pilot valves are all disposed on the same side in the first direction of the corresponding pilot valve. This design ensures that the pilot valves are installed in a neat and orderly manner, avoiding misalignment of different pilot valves and facilitating improved installation efficiency.

[0052] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an outdoor air conditioning unit is provided, the outdoor air conditioning unit having a fan chamber and a compressor chamber arranged adjacent to each other, the compressor chamber being provided with a compressor and an integrated four-way valve assembly as described above.

[0053] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, by setting the integrated four-way valve assembly inside the compressor cavity, helps to reduce the structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly, reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly in the compressor cavity, and improve the utilization rate of the space inside the compressor cavity.

[0054] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the integrated four-way valve assembly is disposed above the compressor, and at least one of the first valve ports of the valve body is disposed at the bottom of the valve body. This design avoids interference between the pilot valve and numerous top pipelines, reduces installation difficulty, improves the space utilization at the bottom of the valve body, and the fewer pipelines at the bottom of the valve body also facilitate the installation and maintenance of the pilot valve.

[0055] In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least one of the valve bodies is connected to a pilot valve; on the same valve body, the pilot valve is located away from the fan cavity relative to the first valve port. This design helps to avoid obstruction by the fan cavity and components within the fan cavity, facilitates the installation and maintenance of the pilot valve, reduces the difficulty of installing and maintaining the pilot valve, and improves the efficiency of installing and maintaining the pilot valve.

[0056] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a side plate, which is disposed on the side of the compressor chamber away from the fan chamber. The axial direction of each valve body is angled with the side plate. Within the same valve body, the shortest distance between the end of the valve body closest to the side plate and the side plate is a first distance, and the shortest distance between the end of the pilot valve connected to the valve body closest to the side plate and the side plate is a second distance. The first distance is less than the second distance. This design allows for a larger installation gap between the pilot valve and the side plate, preventing interference between the pilot valve and the side plate and ensuring the reliability of the pilot valve connection.

[0057] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second distance is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 60 mm, so that the distance between the pilot valve and the side plate is neither too large nor too small, which can meet the operating space required for the installation and maintenance of the pilot valve, and avoid the waste of press chamber space due to excessive distance.

[0058] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a gas-liquid separator disposed within the compressor chamber, the outlet of the gas-liquid separator being connected to the return port of the compressor; the integrated four-way valve assembly further includes a return pipe, one end of which is connected to the second integrated pipe, and the other end of which is connected to the gas-liquid separator, the return pipe having at least one bend, the at least one bend being used to avoid the valve body, such design can prevent the return pipe from contacting or colliding with the valve body, ensuring the reliability of the return pipe connection.

[0059] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioner is provided, comprising: an integrated four-way valve assembly as described above; or, an outdoor unit and an indoor unit as described above, wherein the indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit. This design reduces the number of pipes connected to the integrated four-way valve assembly, resulting in a more compact pipe layout, reduced space occupation by the integrated four-way valve assembly, and allows for more installation space, making it easier to install the integrated four-way valve assembly in the air conditioner.

[0060] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit being as described above, the integrated four-way valve assembly having both a first integrated pipe and a second integrated pipe, and the indoor unit having at least two integrated pipes; the outdoor unit includes a compressor, a first outdoor heat exchanger and a first outdoor throttling component, a second outdoor heat exchanger, a second outdoor throttling component, a first reversing assembly, and a second reversing assembly; the first reversing assembly has a first port, a second port, and a third port, and the second reversing assembly has a first inlet / outlet, a second inlet / outlet, and a third inlet / outlet; the first integrated pipe is connected to the compressor's exhaust port, the second integrated pipe is connected to the compressor's return port, and the at least two valve bodies include a first valve body and a second valve body, one of the two third valve ports of the first valve body being connected to the first end of the first outdoor heat exchanger. The first end of the first outdoor throttling component is connected to the second end of the first outdoor heat exchanger. One of the two third valve ports of the second valve body is connected to the first end of the second outdoor heat exchanger. The first end of the second outdoor throttling component is connected to the second end of the second outdoor heat exchanger. The second ends of both the first and second outdoor throttling components are connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units via a first pipe. The first inlet / outlet is connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units via a second pipe. The other of the two third valve ports of the first valve body is connected to the third inlet / outlet. The other of the two third valve ports of the second valve body is connected to the second inlet / outlet. The first port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor. The second port is connected to the return port of the compressor. The third port is connected to at least some of the indoor air conditioning units via a third pipe. This design allows at least two indoor air conditioning units to be connected to the first and second outdoor heat exchangers, thus forming a complete refrigerant flow path, ensuring smooth refrigerant flow, and guaranteeing the normal operation of the air conditioner in cooling, heating, and other functional modes.

[0061] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the at least two valve bodies further include a third valve body, one of the two third valve ports of the third valve body being connected to the third pipe, and the other of the two third valve ports of the third valve body being blocked; the third valve body constitutes the first reversing assembly, the first valve port of the third valve body constitutes the first port, the second valve port of the third valve body constitutes the second port, and the third valve port of the third valve body connected to the third pipe constitutes the third port. This design allows the first, second, and third valve bodies to adopt a unified structural form, which is beneficial for improving the versatility and assembly consistency of the integrated four-way valve assembly, simplifying the processing technology of the integrated four-way valve assembly, and facilitating assembly and subsequent maintenance.

[0062] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first reversing assembly includes a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve has a third interface and a fourth interface, and the second control valve has a fifth interface and a sixth interface. The third interface is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, the fourth interface and the fifth interface are both connected to the third pipe, and the sixth interface is connected to the return port of the compressor. The third interface constitutes the first port, the fourth interface and the fifth interface constitute the third port, and the sixth interface constitutes the second port. Through the above configuration, accurate control of the refrigerant flow direction can be achieved, improving the regulation accuracy of the refrigerant circuit, thereby enhancing the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system.

[0063] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second reversing assembly includes a three-way valve having a P port, an A port, and a B port. The P port of the three-way valve constitutes the first inlet / outlet, the A port of the three-way valve constitutes the second inlet / outlet, and the B port of the three-way valve constitutes the third inlet / outlet. Alternatively, the second reversing assembly includes a third control valve and a fourth control valve. The third control valve has a first connecting port and a second connecting port, and the fourth control valve has a third connecting port and a fourth connecting port. The first connecting port and the fourth connecting port constitute the first inlet / outlet, the second connecting port constitutes the second inlet / outlet, and the third connecting port constitutes the third inlet / outlet.

[0064] In this embodiment, the design, by including a third and a fourth control valve in the second reversing assembly, facilitates accurate control of the refrigerant flow direction, improves the regulation precision of the refrigerant circuit, and thus enhances the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system. Including a three-way valve in the second reversing assembly improves its integration, reduces the number of components and installation space, simplifies the piping connection structure, and facilitates the installation of integrated four-way valve assemblies.

[0065] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects: The integrated four-way valve assembly provided in this disclosure includes at least two valve bodies arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each valve body is provided with at least a first valve port, a second valve port, and two third valve ports. The first valve ports of the at least two valve bodies are connected by a first integrated pipe, and / or the second valve ports of the at least two valve bodies are connected by a second integrated pipe. Compared with the method of connecting each directional valve independently to the compressor, the sequential arrangement of each valve body along the first direction helps to reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly and improve the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly. The first integrated pipe connecting the first valve ports of the at least two valve bodies and / or the second integrated pipe connecting the second valve ports of the at least two valve bodies reduces the number of individual connection pipes for each valve body, reduces the complexity of pipe connection, thereby reducing the welding cost and welding difficulty of the pipes, and also facilitates the maintenance of the integrated four-way valve assembly.

[0066] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0067] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0068] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a four-way valve according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated four-way valve assembly with two valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated four-way valve assembly with two valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first integrated tube of an integrated four-way valve assembly having two valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first manifold of an integrated four-way valve assembly having two valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second integrated pipe of an integrated four-way valve assembly having two valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second manifold of an integrated four-way valve assembly having two valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated four-way valve assembly with three valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 ; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated four-way valve assembly with three valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 ; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first integrated tube of an integrated four-way valve assembly having three valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second integrated pipe of an integrated four-way valve assembly having three valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated four-way valve assembly with four valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 ; Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of an integrated four-way valve assembly with four valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 ; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first integrated tube of an integrated four-way valve assembly having four valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second integrated pipe of an integrated four-way valve assembly having four valve bodies, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of a valve port pipe according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the pilot valve of an integrated four-way valve assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of an integrated four-way valve manifold according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 ; Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Enlarged view of section A; Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the pilot valve and the valve body according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 ; Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between the pilot valve and the valve body according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 ; Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the installation position of an integrated four-way valve manifold according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 ; Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an integrated four-way valve assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of an integrated four-way valve assembly in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 25 yes Figure 24 Enlarged view of section B; Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 27 This is a refrigerant flow diagram of an air conditioner in cooling mode, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 28 This is a refrigerant flow diagram of an air conditioner in cooling mode, according to another exemplary embodiment; Figure 29 This is a refrigerant flow diagram of an air conditioner in cooling mode, according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0069] In the diagram: 100, Integrated four-way valve assembly; 10, Four-way valve; 1, Valve body; 11, First valve port; 12, Second valve port; 13, Third valve port; 14, End valve body; 15, Middle valve body; 16, Central area; 17, First valve body; 18, First reversing assembly; 181, Third valve body; 19, Second valve body; 2, First integrated pipe; 21, First main pipe; 211, First manifold; 2111, First protruding pipe section; 212, First collector pipe; 213. First interface; 214. First opening; 22. First branch pipe; 221. First end branch pipe; 3. Second integrated pipe; 31. Second main pipe; 311. Second manifold; 3111. Second protruding pipe section; 312. Second manifold; 313. Second interface; 314. Second opening; 32. Second branch pipe; 321. Second end branch pipe; 4. Pilot valve; 401. First valve pipe; 402. Second valve pipe; 403. Third valve pipe; 404. 41. Fourth valve pipe; 41. Pilot valve body; 411. Extension; 4111. Connection hole; 42. Coil section; 43. Bracket; 51. Fan chamber; 511. Outdoor heat exchanger; 52. Compressor chamber; 521. Compressor; 522. Gas-liquid separator; 53. Side plate; 54. Middle partition; 61. First outdoor heat exchanger; 62. First outdoor throttling component; 63. Second outdoor heat exchanger; 64. Second outdoor throttling component; 65. Second reversing assembly; 66. 1. Three-way valve; 652. Third control valve; 653. Fourth control valve; 7. Indoor heat exchange components; 71. Indoor throttling components; 72. Indoor heat exchanger; 81. First pipe; 82. Second pipe; 83. Third pipe; 91. First bypass pipe; 92. First control valve; 93. Pressure measuring pipe; 94. Pressure sensor; 95. Second bypass pipe; 96. Second control valve; 97. Valve port pipe; 98. Return pipe; 981. Bend; 99. Terminal cable. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure.

[0071] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides an integrated four-way valve assembly, such as Figure 2 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 includes at least two valve bodies 1. The at least two valve bodies 1 are arranged sequentially along a first direction, which forms an angle with the axial direction of each valve body 1. The valve bodies 1 may be configured as hollow structures. For example, the first direction is... Figure 2 The X-axis direction is parallel, and the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 can be configured to have, for example, a parallel X-axis direction. Figure 2 The two valve bodies 1 shown can also be configured as follows: Figure 8The three valve bodies 1 shown can also be configured as follows: Figure 12 The four valve bodies 1 shown. The angle between the first direction and the axis of each valve body 1 can be different. The angle between the first direction and the axis of each valve body 1 can be set to 90° or 60°.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, each valve body 1 is provided with a first valve port 11, a second valve port 12, and two third valve ports 13. Each valve body 1 has at least a first state and a second state that can be switched alternately. When the valve body 1 is in the first state, the first valve port 11 is connected to one of the third valve ports 13 on the same valve body 1. When the valve body 1 is in the second state, the first valve port 11 is connected to the other third valve port 13 on the same valve body 1. In either the first or second state, the second valve port 12 is connected to a third valve port 13 on the same valve body 1 that is not connected to the first valve port 11. The flow path of the fluid in the valve body 1 is controlled by switching the valve body 1 between the first and second states. For example, when the valve body 1 is applied in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, the fluid in the valve body 1 is set as refrigerant.

[0073] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 , Figures 8-9 as well as Figures 12-13 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 also includes a first integrated pipe 2, which is connected to the first valve ports 11 of at least two valve bodies 1. Exemplarily, fluid can flow through the first integrated pipe 2 and into at least two valve bodies 1 via the first valve ports 11 of each valve body 1.

[0074] In this embodiment, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 includes at least two valve bodies 1 and a first integrated pipe 2. The at least two valve bodies 1 are arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each valve body 1 is provided with at least a first valve port 11, a second valve port 12, and two third valve ports 13. The first valve ports 11 of the at least two valve bodies 1 are connected through the first integrated pipe 2. Compared with the method of each reversing valve being independently connected to the compressor 521, the sequential arrangement of each valve body 1 along the first direction is beneficial to reducing the space occupation of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100. The first integrated pipe 2 connects the first valve ports 11 of the at least two valve bodies 1, reducing the number of pipes used to connect each valve body 1 to the compressor 521 individually, reducing the complexity of pipe connection, thereby reducing the welding cost and welding difficulty of the pipes, and also facilitating the maintenance of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 , Figures 8-9 as well as Figures 12-13As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 also includes a second integrated pipe 3, which connects to the second valve ports 12 of at least two valve bodies 1. Exemplarily, fluid within at least two valve bodies 1 can flow into the second integrated pipe 3 through the corresponding second valve ports 12.

[0076] In this embodiment, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 includes at least two valve bodies 1 and a second integrated pipe 3. The at least two valve bodies 1 are arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each valve body 1 is provided with at least a first valve port 11, a second valve port 12, and two third valve ports 13. The second valve ports 12 of the at least two valve bodies 1 are connected through the second integrated pipe 3. Compared with the method of each reversing valve being independently connected to the compressor 521, the sequential arrangement of each valve body 1 along the first direction is beneficial to reducing the space occupation of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100. The second integrated pipe 3 connects the second valve ports 12 of the at least two valve bodies 1, reducing the number of separate connection pipes for each valve body 1, reducing the complexity of pipe connection, thereby reducing the welding cost and welding difficulty of the pipes, and also facilitating the maintenance of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 , Figures 8-9 as well as Figures 12-13 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 also includes a first integrated pipe 2 and a second integrated pipe 3. The first integrated pipe 2 is connected to the first valve port 11 of at least two valve bodies 1, and the second integrated pipe 3 is connected to the second valve port 12 of at least two valve bodies 1. This design helps to reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, improve the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, reduce the welding cost and welding difficulty of the pipeline, and facilitate the maintenance of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0078] In some embodiments, the arrangement directions of the two third valve ports 13 on the same valve body 1 intersect the first direction, such that the arrangement directions of the two third valve ports 13 on the same valve body 1 are set at an angle to the first direction. Since at least two valve bodies 1 are arranged along the first direction and pipelines need to be provided to connect to the third valve ports 13, if the arrangement directions of the two third valve ports 13 on the same valve body 1 are parallel to the first direction, the pipelines connecting the third valve ports 13 will interfere with the arrangement of the valve bodies 1, affecting the arrangement spacing between at least two valve bodies 1. With the above arrangement, it is beneficial to avoid the third valve ports 13 interfering with the arrangement of at least two valve bodies 1 in the first direction, reduce the arrangement spacing between at least two valve bodies 1, and improve the compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0079] In some embodiments, the arrangement direction of the two third valve ports 13 of the same valve body 1 is parallel to the axial direction of the valve body 1. This can avoid the messy connection arrangement of the pipelines connecting the third valve ports 13 in the circumferential direction of the valve body 1, ensure the orderly arrangement of the pipelines, and also facilitate the welding installation and subsequent maintenance of the pipelines.

[0080] In some embodiments, the arrangement directions of the two third valve ports 13 of the same valve body 1 intersect in the first direction, and / or the arrangement directions of the two third valve ports 13 of the same valve body 1 are parallel to the axial direction of the valve body 1, thereby reducing the arrangement spacing between at least two valve bodies 1, improving the compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, ensuring the orderly arrangement of pipelines, and facilitating pipeline welding, installation, and subsequent maintenance.

[0081] In some embodiments, the second valve port 12 is located between two third valve ports 13 of the same valve body 1, and the second valve port 12 and the two third valve ports 13 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the same valve body 1. This design makes the pipelines corresponding to the second valve port 12 and the two third valve ports 13 arranged along the axial direction of the valve body 1, so that the pipelines are arranged in an orderly manner, which facilitates the installation and maintenance of the pipelines.

[0082] In some embodiments, the axes of at least two valve bodies 1 are parallel to each other, so that the axial directions of at least two valve bodies 1 are consistent. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and avoids the large structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and the large installation space occupied by it due to the different axial directions of at least two valve bodies 1.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first valve ports 11 of at least two valve bodies 1 are arranged on the same side, and / or the second valve ports 12 of at least two valve bodies 1 are arranged on the same side, and / or the third valve ports 13 of at least two valve bodies 1 are arranged on the same side. This design facilitates the uniform arrangement of pipelines connecting the same valve ports on the same side of the valve bodies 1, thereby making the arrangement of the first valve ports 11 and / or the second valve ports 12 and / or the third valve ports 13 of at least two valve bodies 1 and the corresponding connected pipelines more regular, avoiding the pipelines from being arranged in an interlaced manner, and also facilitating the connection of the first integrated pipe 2 to the first valve port 11 and / or the second integrated pipe 3 to the second valve port 12.

[0084] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the two third valve ports 13 and the second valve port 12 of the same valve body 1 are both arranged opposite to the first valve port 11 in a second direction of the valve body 1. The second direction is angled to both the axial direction and the first direction of each valve body 1. For example, the second direction is... Figure 1 The direction of the Z-axis is parallel to the direction of the valve body, and the axial direction of the valve body is parallel to the direction of the Z-axis. Figure 1The Y-axis is parallel to the center, and the second direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve body 1 and the first direction. This design avoids the two third valve ports 13 and the second valve port 12 being arranged relative to the first valve port 11 in the first direction. This also avoids the first integrated pipe 2 connected to the first valve port 11 and the second integrated pipe 3 connected to the second valve port 12 being located in the first direction of the valve body 1. This avoids the first integrated pipe 2 or the second integrated pipe 3 occupying installation space in the first direction, thus allowing the spacing between at least two valve bodies 1 arranged sequentially in the first direction to be smaller and the valve bodies 1 to be arranged more compactly. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, improve space utilization, and also provides sufficient operating space for pipeline welding, assembly, and subsequent maintenance.

[0085] In some embodiments, at least one of the two third valve ports 13 of at least one valve body 1 is blocked. Exemplarily, one of the third valve ports 13 is blocked, and the other third valve port 13 is connected to a pipeline. When the first valve port 11 is connected to the blocked third valve port 13, the second valve port 12 is connected to the unblocked third valve port 13. When the first valve port 11 is connected to the unblocked third valve port 13, the second valve port 12 is connected to the blocked third valve port 13. By controlling the state of the valve body 1 to control the flow path of the fluid within the valve body 1, the fluid can flow through the same third valve port 13 in different states. This design saves on the pipeline connecting the third valve port 13, thereby reducing the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the first integrated pipe 2 extends along the first direction and connects to the first valve port 11 of at least two valve bodies 1. The extension direction of the first integrated pipe 2 is consistent with the arrangement direction of the at least two valve bodies 1, which makes the arrangement and connection of the first integrated pipe 2 and the valve body 1 more orderly, avoids the pipeline connection disorder, and also helps to reduce the space occupied by the first integrated pipe 2 outside the first direction, thereby making the overall structure size of the integrated four-way valve group 100 smaller and the space occupied smaller.

[0087] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the second integrated pipe 3 extends along the first direction and connects to the second valve port 12 of at least two valve bodies 1. The extension direction of the second integrated pipe 3 is consistent with the arrangement direction of the at least two valve bodies 1, which makes the arrangement and connection of the second integrated pipe 3 and the valve body 1 more orderly, avoids the pipeline connection disorder, and also helps to reduce the space occupied by the second integrated pipe 3 outside the first direction, thereby making the overall structure size of the integrated four-way valve group 100 smaller and the space occupied smaller.

[0088] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3As shown, the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3 both extend along the first direction. The extension direction of the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3 is consistent with the arrangement direction of at least two valve bodies 1. This is beneficial to make the pipeline connection of the integrated four-way valve group 100 orderly, and can also reduce the space occupied by the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3 outside the first direction, further reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve group 100 and reducing the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve group 100.

[0089] In some embodiments, at least two valve bodies 1 are misaligned in the projection along the first direction. Misalignment means that at least a portion of the at least two valve bodies 1 does not overlap in the projection along the first direction. For example, in the projection along the first direction and in the axial direction of the valve bodies 1, at least two valve bodies 1 may be misaligned along the axial direction of one of the valve bodies 1, meaning that at least two valve bodies 1 are at least partially non-overlapping in the axial direction of one of the valve bodies 1. Alternatively, in the projection along the first direction and in the radial direction of the valve bodies 1, at least two valve bodies 1 may be misaligned along the radial direction of one of the valve bodies 1, meaning that at least two valve bodies 1 are at least partially non-overlapping in the radial direction of one of the valve bodies 1. This design helps to avoid the structural congestion in the first direction caused by multiple valve bodies 1 being arranged along the first direction, and avoids interference between valve bodies 1. The staggered arrangement allows adjacent valve bodies 1 to avoid each other without increasing the spacing between them. While ensuring structural compactness, it also provides sufficient operating space for the installation and connection of each valve body 1 and pipeline, reducing installation difficulty and improving installation efficiency.

[0090] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, at least two valve bodies 1 are arranged coincidentally in the projection of the first direction. This coincidence means that the projections of at least two valve bodies 1 completely overlap in the first direction. This design improves the integration of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 in the first direction, reduces the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 outside the first direction, and makes the structure of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 more compact.

[0091] In some embodiments, see Figures 1-5The first integrated pipe 2 has a first channel and a first interface 213. The first interface 213 is connected to the first channel, and the first channel is connected to the first valve port 11 of at least two valve bodies 1. The first interface 213 is connected to the first valve port 11 of at least two valve bodies 1 via the first channel. Compared with the complex pipeline in related technologies where each reversing valve is independently connected to the compressor 521, the number of pipelines is reduced, the pipeline layout is simplified, and the space occupied by the pipeline is reduced. Sufficient operating space is provided for pipeline welding and subsequent maintenance, reducing the difficulty of welding and maintenance. The reduction in the number of pipelines reduces the number of welding points, reduces welding costs, reduces the risk of refrigerant leakage due to excessive welding points, and improves the reliability and service life of the integrated valve group.

[0092] In some embodiments, see Figures 1-5 The first integrated pipe 2 includes a first main pipe 21 and at least two first branch pipes 22. The first main pipe 21 has a first flow channel, and a first interface 213 is formed in the first main pipe 21 and connected to the first flow channel. Each of the at least two first branch pipes 22 corresponds one-to-one with at least two valve bodies 1, meaning each valve body 1 is connected to one first branch pipe 22. Each first branch pipe 22 has two oppositely arranged ends. One end of each first branch pipe 22 is connected to the first valve port 11 of the corresponding valve body 1, and the other end of each first branch pipe 22 is connected to the first main pipe 21. The first branch pipe 22 has a first internal flow channel, which connects to the first flow channel. The first flow channel and the first internal flow channel form a first channel. The first interface 213 is connected to the valve body 1 through the first flow channel and the first internal flow channel.

[0093] In this embodiment, at least two valve bodies 1 are connected to the first main pipe 21 and at least two first branch pipes 22, so that after the fluid enters the first flow channel through the first interface 213, it is evenly distributed to each first branch pipe 22 and then flows into the corresponding valve body 1, ensuring that the fluid flow rate in each valve body 1 is balanced and stable. Each valve body 1 is connected to the first main pipe 21 through each first branch pipe 22, and is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 521 through the first interface 213 of the first main pipe 21. This avoids each valve body 1 being individually connected to the compressor 521 through a pipeline, simplifying the pipeline layout and saving space.

[0094] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Within the same valve body 1, the arrangement direction of the first valve port 11 and the two third valve ports 13 is parallel to the axial direction of the corresponding first branch pipe 22 of the same valve body 1. For example, the arrangement direction of the first valve port 11 and the two third valve ports 13 is vertical, and the axial direction of the first branch pipe 22 connected to the same valve body 1 is also vertical. This design allows the first branch pipe 22 to be connected to the valve body 1 without bending, reducing the space occupied by the first branch pipe 22 and making the arrangement of each first branch pipe 22 simpler.

[0095] In some embodiments, such as Figure 16 As shown, in the same valve body 1, at least one third valve port 13 is connected to a valve port pipe 97. Exemplarily, one third valve port 13 may be connected to the valve port pipe 97 while the other third valve port 13 is blocked; alternatively, both third valve ports 13 may be connected to valve port pipes 97. The axial direction of the valve port pipe 97 is parallel to the axial direction of the corresponding first branch pipe 22 in the same valve body 1, ensuring that the axial directions of the first branch pipe 22 and the valve port pipe 97 extend in the same direction. This helps reduce the space occupied by the first branch pipe 22 and the valve port pipe 97 in other directions, reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and improving its structural compactness.

[0096] In some embodiments, see Figures 1-5 The first main pipe 21 includes at least two first openings 214, each corresponding to at least two first branch pipes 22. The at least two first openings 214 are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and each first branch pipe 22 is connected to a first flow channel via its corresponding first opening 214, thus ensuring the at least two first branch pipes 22 are arranged sequentially along the first direction. For example, the at least two first branch pipes 22 are arranged parallel to each other axially. This arrangement ensures that the arrangement direction of the at least two first branch pipes 22 is the same as the arrangement direction of the at least two valve bodies 1, making the arrangement of the first branch pipes 22 more regular and orderly, thereby facilitating the connection and subsequent maintenance between the first branch pipes 22 and the first main pipe 21.

[0097] In some embodiments, see Figures 8-10 As shown, the first main pipe 21 also includes a first manifold 211, which is connected to each first branch pipe 22. For example, the connection states between different first branch pipes 22 and the first manifold 211 can be different. That is, when at least one first branch pipe 22 is connected to the first manifold 211, there can be at least one other first branch pipe 22 that is not connected to the first manifold 211, so as to control the fluid flow path in the integrated four-way valve group 100 to meet the usage requirements. The fluid in the first manifold 211 can flow to the first branch pipe 22 connected to the first manifold 211. The axial direction of the first manifold 211 is set at an angle to the axial direction of at least one first branch pipe 22, and the axial direction of the first manifold 211 is parallel to the first direction. This design makes the axial direction of the first manifold 211 and the arrangement direction of the valve body 1 both in the first direction, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the first manifold 211 in other directions, thereby reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0098] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8As shown, the first main pipe 21 also includes a first manifold 212. The first manifold 212 and at least one first branch pipe 22 are arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the first manifold 211 to avoid contact interference caused by the first manifold 212 and the first branch pipe 22 being too close, and to avoid affecting the arrangement of the first manifold 212 and the first branch pipe 22. The axial direction of the first manifold 212 is the same as the axial direction of at least one first branch pipe 22, and the axial direction of the first manifold 212 is set at an angle to the axial direction of the first manifold 211. This angle can be set as a right angle. Exemplarily, the first manifold 212 is disposed at the top of the first manifold 211 in the circumferential direction, and the first branch pipe 22 is disposed at the bottom of the first manifold 211 in the circumferential direction. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the direction pointed by the Z-axis is the bottom in the vertical direction.

[0099] This design ensures that the extension direction of the first manifold 212 is the same as the extension direction of at least one first branch pipe 22, which helps to avoid the first manifold 212 and at least one first branch pipe 22 occupying too much space in different extension directions, thus reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0100] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, at least two first branch pipes 22 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the first manifold 211. For example, at least two first branch pipes 22 are arranged parallel to each other along the axial direction. This design allows at least two first branch pipes 22 to occupy and be arranged in the space along the axial direction of the first manifold 211, which optimizes the space allocation, improves the space utilization, and thus helps to make the structure of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 more compact.

[0101] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 8 and 12 As shown, the valve body 1 located at both ends in the first direction is the end valve body 14, and the first branch pipe 22 connected to the end valve body 14 is the first end branch pipe 221. On the axial projection of the first end branch pipe 221, the two points that are furthest apart in the axial direction of the first manifold 211 fall on the end valve bodies 14 at both ends, that is, on the axial projection of the first end branch pipe 221, neither end of the first manifold 211 extends beyond the two end valve bodies 14, so as to avoid the two ends of the first manifold 211 being too long and occupying too much space, and also to avoid the two ends of the first manifold 211 extending beyond the two end valve bodies 14 and affecting the installation and connection of other pipelines.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 8 and 12As shown, the first manifold 211 has two ends including a first protruding pipe portion 2111. The two points furthest apart in the axial direction of the first manifold 211 are located on the two first protruding pipe portions 2111 respectively. The extension direction of the two first protruding pipe portions 2111 is in the same direction as the axial direction of the first manifold 211. In the axial direction of the first manifold 211, each first branch pipe 22 is located between the two first protruding pipe portions 2111, so that the connection between the first branch pipe 22 and the first manifold 211 is not located at the two ends of the first manifold 211. This ensures that during installation and maintenance, other structures will preferentially contact the two first protruding pipe portions 2111, avoiding direct collision with the connection between the first manifold 211 and the first branch pipe 22. Thus, the two first protruding pipe portions 2111 provide protection for the connection between the first manifold 211 and the first branch pipe 22, improving the connection reliability of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0103] In some embodiments, such as Figure 22 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 also includes a first bypass pipe 91. One end of the first bypass pipe 91 is connected to the first manifold 211, and the other end of the first bypass pipe 91 is used to connect to the indoor heat exchanger 72, so as to form a first bypass flow path between the first manifold 211 and the indoor heat exchanger 72. A first control valve 92 is provided on the first bypass pipe 91. The first control valve 92 is used to control the flow rate and opening / closing state of the first bypass pipe 91. For example, the first control valve 92 can be set as a solenoid valve. This design is beneficial for adjusting the refrigerant flow rate in the first bypass pipe 91 according to the system operating conditions, thereby realizing subcooling control and improving the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system.

[0104] In some embodiments, such as Figures 22-23 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 also includes a pressure measuring tube 93. One end of the pressure measuring tube 93 is connected to the first manifold 211, and the other end of the pressure measuring tube 93 is equipped with a pressure sensor 94. The pressure measuring tube 93 extends upward from the end connected to the first manifold 211. The pressure measuring tube 93 can be fixedly connected to the first bypass pipe 91 by a fastener to improve the connection stability of the pressure measuring tube 93 and the first bypass pipe 91. The pressure sensor 94 is used to detect the pressure at the first interface 213. For example, when the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 is installed in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the first interface 213 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 521. The pressure measuring tube 93 is used to measure the high pressure of the refrigerant at the first interface 213 in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Through the above settings, the high pressure of the refrigerant at the first interface 213 can be monitored in real time, thereby realizing the corresponding regulation of the refrigerant in different pipelines and improving the stability and regulation accuracy of the air conditioning system.

[0105] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 24As shown, each valve body 1 includes a D port, an E port, a C port, and an S port. The first valve port 11 is either the D port or the S port, the second valve port 12 is either the D port or the S port, and the two third valve ports 13 are the E port and the C port, respectively. For example, when the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 is installed in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, the D port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 521, the S port is connected to the suction port of the gas-liquid separator 522, the exhaust port of the gas-liquid separator 522 is connected to the return port of the compressor 521, and the E port and C port are respectively connected to one of the indoor heat exchanger 72 and the outdoor heat exchanger 511. In the first state of the valve body 1, the D port is connected to the E port, and the C port is connected to the S port. In the second state of the valve body 1, the D port is connected to the C port, and the E port is connected to the S port. Through the above configuration, the valve body 1 can change the connection between the D port, E port, C port, and S port by switching states, thereby realizing the switching between cooling and heating modes of the air conditioning system and improving the stability and reliability of system operation.

[0106] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 as well as Figures 6-7 As shown, the second integrated pipe 3 has a second channel and a second interface 313 connected to each other. The second channel connects to the second valve ports 12 of at least two valve bodies 1, and the second interface 313 is connected to the second valve ports 12 of at least two valve bodies 1 via the second channel. Compared with the complex pipeline in the related technology where each reversing valve is independently connected to the compressor 521, the number of pipelines is reduced, the pipeline layout is simplified, and the space occupied by the pipeline is reduced. This provides sufficient operating space for pipeline welding and subsequent maintenance, reduces the difficulty of welding and maintenance, and the reduction in the number of pipelines results in a reduction in the number of welding points, which reduces welding costs, reduces the risk of refrigerant leakage due to excessive welding points, and improves the reliability and service life of the integrated valve group.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 as well as Figures 6-7 As shown, the second integrated pipe 3 includes a second main pipe 31 and at least two second branch pipes 32. The second main pipe 31 has a second flow channel, and a second interface 313 is formed in the second main pipe 31 and connected to the second flow channel. At least two second branch pipes 32 correspond one-to-one with at least two valve bodies 1, meaning each valve body 1 is connected to one corresponding second branch pipe 32. Each second branch pipe 32 has two oppositely arranged ends; one end of each second branch pipe 32 is connected to the second valve port 12 of the corresponding valve body 1, and the other end of each second branch pipe 32 is connected to the second main pipe 31. A second internal flow channel is provided inside each second branch pipe 32, and the second internal flow channel connects to the second flow channel. The second flow channel and the second internal flow channel form a second channel, and the second interface 313 is connected to the valve body 1 through the second flow channel and the second internal flow channel.

[0108] In this embodiment, at least two valve bodies 1 are connected to the second main pipe 31 and at least two second branch pipes 32 respectively, so that the fluid in the valve body 1 flows to the second main pipe 31 after passing through each second branch pipe 32. The second interface 313 of the second main pipe 31 is connected to the air intake of the gas-liquid separator 522, which avoids the need for each valve body 1 to be connected by a separate pipeline, simplifies the pipeline layout, and saves space.

[0109] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, in the same valve body 1, the arrangement direction of the first valve port 11 and the two third valve ports 13 is parallel to the axial direction of the corresponding second branch pipe 32 of the same valve body 1. For example, the arrangement direction of the first valve port 11 and the two third valve ports 13 is vertical, and the axial direction of the second branch pipe 32 connected to the same valve body 1 is also vertical. This design allows the second branch pipe 32 to be connected to the valve body 1 without bending, reducing the space occupied by the second branch pipe 32 and making the arrangement of each second branch pipe 32 simpler.

[0110] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 as well as Figures 6-7 As shown, the second main pipe 31 includes at least two second openings 314, each corresponding to at least two second branch pipes 32. The at least two second openings 314 are arranged sequentially along a first direction, and each second branch pipe 32 connects to a second flow channel via its corresponding second opening 314, thus ensuring the at least two second branch pipes 32 are arranged sequentially along the first direction. For example, the at least two second branch pipes 32 are arranged parallel to each other axially. This arrangement ensures that the arrangement direction of the at least two second branch pipes 32 is the same as the arrangement direction of the at least two valve bodies 1, making the arrangement of the second branch pipes 32 more regular and orderly, thereby facilitating the connection and subsequent maintenance between the second branch pipes 32 and the second main pipe 31.

[0111] In some embodiments, such as Figures 8-11As shown, the second main pipe 31 also includes a second manifold 311, which is connected to each second branch pipe 32. For example, the connection states between different second branch pipes 32 and the second manifold 311 can be different. That is, when at least one second branch pipe 32 is connected to the second manifold 311, there can be at least one other second branch pipe 32 that is not connected to the second manifold 311, so as to control the fluid flow path in the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 to meet the usage requirements. Fluid in the second branch pipe 32, which is connected to the second manifold 311, can flow into the second manifold 311. The axial direction of the second manifold 311 is set at an angle to the axial direction of at least one second branch pipe 32, and the axial direction of the second manifold 311 is parallel to the first direction. This design ensures that the axial direction of the second manifold 311 and the arrangement direction of the valve body 1 are both in the first direction, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the second manifold 311 in other directions, thereby reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0112] In some embodiments, such as Figures 8-11 As shown, the second main pipe 31 also includes a second manifold 312. The second manifold 312 and at least one second branch pipe 32 are arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction of the first manifold 211 to avoid contact interference caused by the second manifold 312 and the second branch pipe 32 being too close, thus avoiding affecting the arrangement of the second manifold 312 and the second branch pipe 32. The axial direction of the second manifold 312 is the same as the axial direction of at least one second branch pipe 32, and the axial direction of the second manifold 312 is set at an angle to the axial direction of the second manifold 311. This angle can be set as a right angle. For example, the second manifold 312 is disposed at the bottom of the second manifold 311 in the circumferential direction, and the second branch pipe 32 is disposed at the top of the second manifold 311 in the circumferential direction. This design ensures that the extension direction of the second manifold 312 is the same as that of at least one second branch pipe 32, which helps to avoid the second manifold 312 and at least one second branch pipe 32 occupying too much space in different extension directions. This facilitates the reduction of the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and improves the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0113] In some embodiments, such as Figures 8-11 As shown, at least two second branch pipes 32 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the second manifold 311. For example, at least two second branch pipes 32 are arranged parallel to each other along the axial direction. This design allows at least two second branch pipes 32 to occupy and be arranged in the space along the axial direction of the second manifold 311, which optimizes the space allocation, improves the space utilization, and thus helps to make the structure of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 more compact.

[0114] In some embodiments, such as Figures 8-11As shown, the valve body 1 located at both ends in the first direction is the end valve body 14, and the first branch pipe 22 connected to the end valve body 14 is the second end branch pipe 321. On the axial projection of the second end branch pipe 321, the two points that are furthest apart in the axial direction of the second manifold 311 fall on the end valve bodies 14 at both ends, that is, on the axial projection of the second end branch pipe 321, neither end of the second manifold 311 extends beyond the two end valve bodies 14, so as to avoid the two ends of the second manifold 311 being too long and occupying too much space, and also to avoid the two ends of the second manifold 311 extending beyond the two end valve bodies 14 and affecting the installation and connection of other components.

[0115] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figures 13-15 As shown, the second manifold 311 has two ends including second protruding pipe portions 3111. The two points furthest apart in the axial direction of the second manifold 311 are located on the two second protruding pipe portions 3111 respectively. The extension direction of the two second protruding pipe portions 3111 is in the same direction as the axial direction of the second manifold 311. In the axial direction of the second manifold 311, each second branch pipe 32 is located between the two ends of the second protruding pipe portions 3111, so that the connection between the second branch pipe 32 and the second manifold 311 is not located at the two ends of the second manifold 311. This ensures that during the installation and maintenance of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, other structures will preferentially contact the two second protruding pipe portions 3111, avoiding direct collision with the connection between the second manifold 311 and the second branch pipe 32. Thus, the two second protruding pipe portions 3111 provide protection for the connection between the second manifold 311 and the second branch pipe 32, thereby improving the connection reliability of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0116] In some embodiments, such as Figures 22-23 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 also includes a second bypass pipe 95. One end of the second bypass pipe 95 is connected to the second main pipe 31, and the other end is used to connect to the indoor heat exchanger 72, so as to form a second bypass flow path between the second main pipe 31 and the indoor heat exchanger 72. The second bypass flow path can be connected to the first bypass flow path. A second control valve 96 is provided on the second bypass pipe 95. The second control valve 96 is used to control the flow rate and opening / closing state of the second bypass pipe 95. For example, the second control valve 96 can be set as a solenoid valve. This design is beneficial to adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the second bypass pipe 95 according to the system operating conditions, thereby realizing subcooling control and improving the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system.

[0117] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2-3 , Figures 8-9 and Figures 12-13As shown, the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3, connected to the same valve body 1, are arranged opposite to each other in a second direction of the valve body 1. The second direction is at an angle to both the axial direction and the first direction of the valve body 1. Exemplarily, the second direction can be perpendicular to both the axial direction and the first direction of the valve body 1, or it can be parallel to the axial direction of at least one first branch pipe 22, or it can be parallel to the axial direction of at least one second branch pipe 32. This design allows the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3 to be arranged opposite each other in the second direction of the valve body 1, making full use of the space on both sides of the valve body 1 in the second direction, avoiding mutual contact and interference between the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3, and improving the space utilization rate of the overall structure of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0118] In some embodiments, such as Figures 2-3 , Figures 8-9 and Figures 12-13 As shown, at least one of the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3 is integrally formed with each valve body 1. Exemplarily, the first integrated pipe 2 can be integrally formed with each valve body 1, the second integrated pipe 3 can be integrally formed with each valve body 1, or both the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3 can be integrally formed with each valve body 1. This integral connection can be achieved by welding. This design further improves the overall structural strength of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, reduces the number of mounting parts, and improves the installation efficiency of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0119] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, at least one valve body 1 is connected to a pilot valve 4, which is used to control the switching between the first and second states of the valve body 1. The pilot valve 4 is connected to a first valve pipe 401, a second valve pipe 402, a third valve pipe 403, and a fourth valve pipe 404.

[0120] The first valve pipe 401 is connected at both ends to the pilot valve 4 and one axial end of the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve 4, respectively, so that the refrigerant in the valve body 1 can flow through the first valve pipe 401 to the pilot valve 4. The second valve pipe 402 is connected at both ends to the pilot valve 4 and the other axial end of the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve body 41, respectively, so that the refrigerant in the valve body 1 can flow through the second valve pipe 402 to the pilot valve 4. The third valve pipe 403 is connected at both ends to the pilot valve 4 and the first valve port 11, respectively, so that the refrigerant in the first integrated pipe 2 can flow through the third valve pipe 403 to the pilot valve 4. The fourth valve pipe 404 is connected at both ends to the pilot valve 4 and the second valve port 12, respectively, so that the refrigerant in the second integrated pipe 3 can flow through the fourth valve pipe 404 to the pilot valve 4.

[0121] In this embodiment, the refrigerant in the first valve pipe 401, the second valve pipe 402, the third valve pipe 403 and the fourth valve pipe 404 acts on the pilot valve 4 to control the valve body 1 to switch between the first state and the second state. This helps to improve the accuracy of the valve body 1 state switching, avoid the lag in the valve body 1 state control, and improve the response rate of the valve body 1 state switching.

[0122] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 has a first integrated pipe 2 and a second integrated pipe 3. A third valve pipe 403 is connected to the pilot valve 4 and the first integrated pipe 2, and is connected to the corresponding first valve port 11 through the first integrated pipe 2. A fourth valve pipe 404 is connected to the pilot valve 4 and the second integrated pipe 3, and is connected to the corresponding second valve port 12 through the second integrated pipe 3. Exemplarily, the first integrated pipe 2 and the second integrated pipe 3 are located on opposite sides of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 in the second direction. The first integrated pipe 2 can be disposed at the bottom of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, and the second integrated pipe 3 can be disposed at the top of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100. With the above configuration, the first valve port 11 is connected to the pilot valve 4 through the first integrated pipe 2 and the third valve pipe 403, and the second valve port 12 is connected to the pilot valve 4 through the second integrated pipe 3 and the fourth valve pipe 404. This helps to ensure the structural strength after the third valve pipe 403 is connected to the first integrated pipe 2, and the structural strength after the fourth valve pipe 404 is connected to the second integrated pipe 3, thereby improving the working reliability of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 and avoiding refrigerant leakage inside the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0123] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the two third valve ports 13 and the second valve port 12 on the same valve body 1 are arranged opposite to the first valve port 11 in the second direction of the valve body 1, wherein the second direction is set at an angle to both the axial direction and the first direction of the valve body 1. This arrangement, with the two third valve ports 13 and the second valve port 12 on opposite sides of the same valve body 1 relative to the first valve port 11, avoids the valve ports being concentrated on the same side, increases the spacing between different valve ports, and provides sufficient operating space for welding, assembly, and subsequent maintenance of the refrigerant piping. It also helps reduce the risk of contact interference between the pipes connected to the two third valve ports 13, the second valve port 12, and the first valve port 11.

[0124] like Figures 2-3 , Figures 8-9 and Figures 12-13As shown, in at least one valve body 1, the pilot valve 4 and the first valve port 11 are located on the same side in the second direction of the valve body 1, and the pilot valve 4 and the first valve port 11 are arranged along the axial direction of the valve body 1. This is beneficial to make full use of the space on the side of the first valve port 11 in the second direction of the valve body 1, and avoids the pilot valve 4 and the two third valve ports 13, the second valve port 12 and their connecting pipes from occupying space and interfering with each other, thereby improving the space utilization rate.

[0125] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, in at least one valve body 1, a pilot valve 4 is connected to the central region 16 of the valve body 1 in the axial direction. A first valve port 11 is offset from the center of the valve body 1 in the axial direction. For example, when a second valve port 12 is located between two third valve ports 13, the second valve port 12 is located in the central region 16 of the valve body 1. The first valve port 11 and one of the third valve ports 13 are respectively located on opposite sides of the valve body 1 in the circumferential direction, and the first valve port 11 and one of the third valve ports 13 are coaxially arranged. This design allows the pilot valve 4 to be located closer to the center of the valve body 1, preventing the pilot valve 4 from extending away from the first valve port 11 and protruding from the valve body 1 in the axial direction. This reduces the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, reduces the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, and improves the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0126] In some embodiments, such as Figures 18-20 As shown, in the first direction, the distance between two adjacent valve bodies 1 is 'a', and the maximum size of the pilot valve 4 is 'b'. The maximum size of the pilot valve 4 in the first direction refers to the distance between the two farthest points of the pilot valve 4 in the first direction, satisfying a < b. For example, 15mm ≤ a ≤ 20mm, where a can take values ​​of 15mm, 17mm, 18mm, and 20mm, preferably a = 15mm. The pilot valve 4 can be disposed on one side of the valve body 1 in the second direction, such that the pilot valve 4 is offset from the valve body 1 in the first direction. This prevents the pilot valve 4 connected to one of the adjacent valve bodies 1 from contacting and interfering with the connection of the other valve body 1. This design allows the size of the pilot valve 4 in the first direction to be larger than the distance between two adjacent valve bodies 1, thereby enabling the selection of a larger pilot valve 4, improving the ability of the pilot valve 4 to control the switching state of the valve body 1, and making the distance a between two adjacent valve bodies 1 not limited by the maximum size b of the pilot valve 4 in the first direction, thus allowing the two adjacent valve bodies 1 to be set more compactly, thereby reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0127] In some embodiments, such as Figures 18-20As shown, in the second direction, the maximum size of the pilot valve 4 is c, where the maximum size of the pilot valve 4 in the second direction refers to the distance between the two points of the pilot valve 4 furthest apart in the second direction, satisfying a < c. For example, 15mm ≤ a ≤ 20mm, where a can take values ​​of 15mm, 17mm, 18mm, and 20mm, preferably a = 15mm. The pilot valve 4 can be disposed on one side of the valve body 1 in the second direction, so that the pilot valve 4 is offset from the valve body 1 in the first direction. This prevents the pilot valve 4 connected to one of the adjacent valve bodies 1 from contacting and interfering with the connection of the other valve body 1. This design allows the size of the pilot valve 4 in the second direction to be larger than the distance between the two adjacent valve bodies 1, thereby enabling the selection of a larger pilot valve 4, improving the pilot valve 4's ability to control and switch the state of the valve body 1, and ensuring that the distance a between the two adjacent valve bodies 1 is not limited by the maximum size c of the pilot valve 4 in the second direction. This allows the two adjacent valve bodies 1 to be disposed more compactly, thereby reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0128] In some embodiments, such as Figures 18-20 As shown, in the first direction, the distance between two adjacent valve bodies 1 is a, and in the second direction, the maximum size of the pilot valve 4 is c, satisfying a < b and a < c. This allows the size of the pilot valve 4 in both the first and second directions to be set larger than the distance between two adjacent valve bodies 1, thereby enabling the selection of a larger pilot valve 4 and improving the ability of the pilot valve 4 to control and switch the state of the valve body 1. Furthermore, the distance a between two adjacent valve bodies 1 is not limited by the maximum size c of the pilot valve 4 in the second direction and the maximum size b in the first direction, thus allowing the two adjacent valve bodies 1 to be set more compactly, thereby reducing the overall structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0129] In some embodiments, such as Figure 21 As shown, a valve body 1, a pilot valve 4, a first valve pipe 401, a second valve pipe 402, a third valve pipe 403, and a fourth valve pipe 404 are connected to form a four-way valve 10. A first integrated pipe 2 connects multiple four-way valves 10. In the same four-way valve 10, the distance between the two farthest points of the four-way valves 10 in the radial direction perpendicular to the second direction of the valve body 1 is d, which satisfies that d is greater than or equal to 35 mm and less than or equal to 41 mm. For example, d can take values ​​of 32 mm, 38 mm, and 40 mm. This design ensures that the size range of d is not too large or too small, which helps to reduce the structural size of the four-way valve 10 in the first direction, making the overall size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 smaller, and preventing the value of d from being too small, thus ensuring the structural strength of the four-way valve 10.

[0130] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3As shown, the pilot valve 4 includes a pilot valve body 41 and a coil portion 42. One pilot valve body 41 is connected to one valve body 1. The pilot valve body 41 is provided with an extension portion 411, which extends along the axial direction of the valve body 1. Exemplarily, the extension portion 411 is configured as a columnar structure.

[0131] A coil portion 42 is disposed at the axial end of the pilot valve body 41 near the valve body 1, and the coil portion 42 is sleeved around the circumferential periphery of the extension portion 411. Exemplarily, the coil portion 42 is configured as an electric coil, which surrounds the periphery of the extension portion 411. The coil portion 42 is used to generate electromagnetic force, thereby controlling the operation of the pilot valve 4 to achieve switching between a first state and a second state of the valve body 1. Exemplarily, as... Figure 1 As shown, the pilot valve 4 also includes a bracket 43, and the pilot valve body 41 can be welded to the bracket 43. The valve body 1 and the pilot valve body 41 are connected by welding the bracket 43 to the valve body 1.

[0132] In this embodiment, by setting a pilot valve 4 and a coil part 42, the coil part 42 is sleeved on the circumferential periphery of the extension part 411, which facilitates the precise positioning and assembly of the coil part 42 and the pilot valve body 41, improving assembly efficiency. The coil part 42 controls the operation of the pilot valve 4 to switch the state of the valve body 1, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the integrated four-way valve group 100.

[0133] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the extension 411 extends in a direction away from the first valve port 11, so that the coil part 42 is disposed in the direction away from the first valve port 11, so as to avoid the first valve port 11 from interfering with the installation of the coil part 42, improve the installation efficiency of the coil part 42, and also facilitate the maintenance and replacement of the coil part 42.

[0134] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the extension 411 has a connecting hole 4111 at one end near the valve body 1. Exemplarily, after the coil part 42 is connected to the extension 411, the connecting hole 4111 can be located inside the coil part 42 and connected to the outside of the coil part 42 through a perforation on the coil part 42, or one end of the extension 411 near the valve body 1 can extend out of the coil part 42. A fastener is provided on the pilot valve 4. The fastener can be a screw, threaded rod, or bolt. One end of the fastener passes through the coil part 42 and is connected to the connecting hole 4111, while the other end abuts against the coil part 42 to restrict the movement of the coil part 42 in the axial direction of the extension 411. This design helps to make the connection between the coil part 42 and the extension 411 of the pilot valve body 41 more secure, restricting the circumferential and axial movement of the coil part 42 in the extension 411, preventing displacement or loosening of the coil part 42, and ensuring the connection stability of the coil part 42.

[0135] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, the coil part 42 is connected to a terminal bus 99. The terminal bus 99 is a flexible structure that can be bent to adapt to different installation spaces and reduce the assembly difficulty of the terminal bus 99.

[0136] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 includes at least three valve bodies 1, which are arranged sequentially along a first direction. Exemplarily, the three valve bodies 1 are arranged axially parallel, which helps to reduce the spacing between the valve bodies 1 and reduce the structural space occupied. The valve body 1 located between the two valve bodies 1 at both ends in the first direction is a middle valve body 15. In at least one middle valve body 15, a pilot valve 4 is disposed on one side of the middle valve body 15 in a second direction. Exemplarily, this could mean that all the pilot valves 4 of the middle valve bodies 15 are disposed on one side of the middle valve body 15 in the second direction, or it could mean that the pilot valves 4 of some middle valve bodies 15 are disposed on one side of the middle valve body 15 in the second direction, while the pilot valves 4 of other middle valve bodies 15 are not disposed in the second direction. The pilot valve 4 can be disposed at the top or bottom of the middle valve body 15 in the vertical direction.

[0137] In this embodiment, as Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, in at least one central valve body 15, a pilot valve 4 is disposed on one side of the central valve body 15 in the second direction. The second direction is set at an angle to the first direction, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the pilot valve 4 in the first direction, thereby reducing the size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 in the first direction, improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, and reducing the space occupied for installation.

[0138] In some embodiments, the valve bodies 1 located at both ends in the first direction are end valve bodies 14. At least one pilot valve 4 on an end valve body 14 is disposed on the side of the end valve body 14 away from the middle valve body 15 in the first direction. Exemplarily, only one end valve body 14 may have its pilot valve 4 disposed on the side away from the middle valve body 15 in the first direction, or both end valve bodies 14 may have their pilot valves 4 disposed on the side away from the middle valve body 15 in the first direction. This design ensures that the pilot valve 4 on at least one end valve body 14 is not disposed between adjacent valve bodies 1, which helps to reduce the distance between the end valve body 14 and adjacent valve bodies 1, thereby reducing the size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 in the first direction, improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, and reducing the space occupied during installation.

[0139] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, the valve bodies 1 located at both ends in the first direction are end valve bodies 14. In at least one end valve body 14, a pilot valve 4 is disposed on one side of the end valve body 14 in the second direction. Exemplarily, the pilot valve 4 of only one end valve body 14 may be disposed on one side of the end valve body 14 in the second direction, or the pilot valves 4 of both end valve bodies 14 may be disposed on one side of the end valve body 14 in the second direction. Wherein, when the second direction is parallel to the vertical direction, one side of the end valve body 14 in the second direction may be the top side of the end valve body 14 or the bottom side of the end valve body 14. This design ensures that the pilot valve 4 on at least one end valve body 14 is not disposed between adjacent valve bodies 1, which helps to reduce the space occupied by the pilot valve 4 between valve bodies 1, thereby making the valve bodies 1 more compact, improving the structural compactness of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, and reducing the space occupied for installation.

[0140] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, at least three pilot valves 4 of valve bodies 1 are located on the same side of the first valve port 11. For example, all at least three pilot valves 4 of valve bodies 1 may be located on the same side of all first valve ports 11 in the axial direction of valve body 1. And / or, at least three pilot valves 4 of valve bodies 1 may be located on the same side of valve body 1. For example, all at least three pilot valves 4 of valve bodies 1 may be located at the top or bottom of valve body 1 in the vertical direction. This design ensures that the positions of the pilot valves 4 of at least three valve bodies 1 are uniform, facilitating unified installation and maintenance of each pilot valve 4, improving installation and maintenance efficiency, and also making the installation positions of the pilot valves 4 neat and orderly.

[0141] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, on the same pilot valve 4, a first valve tube 401 extends past the coil portion 42 of the pilot valve 4 and toward one axial end of the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve 4. Exemplarily, on the same pilot valve 4, the first valve tube 401 extends from one end connected to the pilot valve 4 toward one axial end of the valve body 1, and the coil portion 42 of the pilot valve 4 is disposed on this extension path and does not contact the first valve tube 401. In one radial direction of the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve 4, the first valve tube 401 and the coil portion 42 of the pilot valve 4 at least partially overlap.

[0142] like Figure 17As shown, on the same pilot valve 4, a second valve tube 402 extends past the first valve port 11 and toward the other end of the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve 4 in the axial direction. Exemplarily, on the same pilot valve 4, the second valve tube 402 extends from one end connected to the pilot valve 4 toward the other end of the valve body 1 in the axial direction, and the first valve port 11 is located on this extension path and does not contact the second valve tube 402. In one radial direction of the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve 4, the second valve tube 402 at least partially overlaps with the first valve port 11.

[0143] like Figure 17 As shown, on the same pilot valve 4, a fourth valve tube 404 extends beyond the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve 4 and into the second integrated pipe 3. Exemplarily, on the same pilot valve 4, the fourth valve tube 404 extends from one end connected to the pilot valve 4 into the second integrated pipe 3 and connects to the second integrated pipe 3, and the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve 4 is disposed on the extension path of the fourth valve tube 404. In one radial direction of the valve body 1 connected to the pilot valve 4, the fourth valve tube 404 at least partially overlaps with the valve body 1.

[0144] In this embodiment, by limiting the extension paths of the first valve pipe 401, the second valve pipe 402 and the fourth valve pipe 404, the pilot valve 4 can control the state switching of the valve body 1, avoiding interference between the pipes and improving space utilization.

[0145] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 and Figure 21 As shown, on the same pilot valve 4, the first valve pipe 401, the second valve pipe 402, and the fourth valve pipe 404 are all connected to the side of the pilot valve body 41 opposite to the third valve pipe 403. Exemplarily, the pilot valve body 41 has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. When the third valve pipe 403 is located on the first side of the pilot valve body 41, the first valve pipe 401, the second valve pipe 402, and the fourth valve pipe 404 are all located on the second side of the pilot valve body 41. When the first valve pipe 401, the second valve pipe 402, and the fourth valve pipe 404 are located on the first side of the pilot valve body 41, the third valve pipe 403 is located on the second side of the pilot valve body 41. This design avoids excessive piping on one side of the pilot valve body 41, preventing mutual interference, and allows for a balanced use of space on the first and second sides of the pilot valve body 41, improving space utilization.

[0146] In some embodiments, such as Figures 18-19As shown, the third valve pipes 403 of at least two pilot valves 4 are all disposed on the same side in the first direction of the corresponding pilot valve 4, and the first valve pipes 401, second valve pipes 402, and fourth valve pipes 404 of at least two pilot valves 4 are also all disposed on the same side in the first direction of the corresponding pilot valve 4. For example, the third valve pipes 403 of at least two pilot valves 4 are disposed on the first side of the corresponding pilot valve 4, and the first valve pipes 401, second valve pipes 402, and fourth valve pipes 404 of at least two pilot valves 4 are all disposed on the second side of the corresponding pilot valve 4. The first side and the second side are two sides disposed opposite to each other in the first direction of the pilot valve 4. On two adjacent valve bodies 1 arranged along the first direction, the first side of the pilot valve 4 on one valve body 1 and the second side of the pilot valve 4 on the other valve body 1 are disposed facing each other. This design ensures that the same valve pipes in the first valve pipe 401, second valve pipe 402, third valve pipe 403, and fourth valve pipe 404 of the pilot valves 4 in at least two valve bodies 1 are positioned in the same location on the corresponding pilot valve body 41. This makes the installation position of the pilot valves 4 regular and orderly, avoids the disorderly arrangement of different pilot valves 4, and facilitates the improvement of the installation efficiency of the pilot valves 4.

[0147] In some embodiments, at least two pilot valves 4 and the first valve tube 401, second valve tube 402, third valve tube 403, and fourth valve tube 404 connected thereto are configured as standard parts. Standard parts refer to the fact that each pilot valve 4 has the same structure, the same arrangement direction, and the connection position and arrangement direction of the first valve tube 401, second valve tube 402, third valve tube 403, and fourth valve tube 404 on the corresponding pilot valve 4 are also the same. This is beneficial because different pilot valves 4 and the first valve tube 401, second valve tube 402, third valve tube 403, and fourth valve tube 404 connected thereto can be directly replaced, which helps to improve maintenance efficiency.

[0148] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure also provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, such as... Figure 24 As shown, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner has a fan chamber 51 and a compressor chamber 52 arranged adjacent to each other, separated by a partition 54. An outdoor fan is installed in the fan chamber 51, which has an air inlet and an air outlet. An outdoor heat exchanger 511 is installed at the air inlet. The outdoor fan drives the airflow to enter the fan chamber 51 through the air inlet. After the airflow passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 511 and exchanges heat with it, it flows out of the fan chamber 51 through the air outlet. A compressor 521 and an integrated four-way valve assembly 100 are installed in the compressor chamber 52. The integrated four-way valve assembly 100 is the same as the one described in the above embodiment. The exhaust port of the compressor 521 is connected to the first integrated pipe 2 of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100.

[0149] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner has an integrated four-way valve assembly 100 installed inside the compressor chamber 52. This reduces the structural size of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, reduces the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 inside the compressor chamber 52, and improves the utilization rate of the space inside the compressor chamber 52.

[0150] In some embodiments, such as Figures 24-26 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 is positioned above the compressor 521. At least one valve body 1 has its first valve port 11 located at the bottom of the valve body 1, such that the first valve port 11 of at least one valve body 1 faces the compressor 521. The first integrated pipe 2 is located at the bottom of the valve body 1, and the second integrated pipe 3 is located at the top of the valve body 1. Since the top of the valve body 1 in the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 has more pipes connected than the bottom of the valve body 1, the space occupancy rate of the top of the valve body 1 is higher, and the free space at the bottom of the valve body 1 is larger. The pilot valve 4 of at least one valve body 1 and the first valve port 11 of the same valve body 1 are both located at the bottom of the valve body 1, which can avoid the pilot valve 4 from contacting and interfering with the numerous top pipes, reduce the installation difficulty, and improve the space utilization rate of the bottom of the valve body 1. At the same time, the fewer pipes at the bottom of the valve body 1 also facilitate the installation and maintenance of the pilot valve 4.

[0151] In some embodiments, such as Figure 25 As shown, at least one valve body 1 is connected to a pilot valve 4. On the same valve body 1, the pilot valve 4 is located away from the fan chamber 51 relative to the first valve port 11. For example, a side plate 53 is provided on the side of the compressor chamber 52 away from the fan chamber 51. The side plate 53 is detachable. The pilot valve 4 is located near the side plate 53 relative to the first valve port 11, so that the pilot valve 4 can be installed and maintained after the side plate 53 is removed. This design helps to avoid obstruction by the fan chamber 51 and the components inside the fan chamber 51, facilitates the installation and maintenance of the pilot valve 4, reduces the difficulty of installing and maintaining the pilot valve 4, and improves the efficiency of installing and maintaining the pilot valve 4.

[0152] In some embodiments, such as Figure 25 As shown, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a side plate 53. The side plate 53 is located on the side of the compressor chamber 52 away from the fan chamber 51. The axial direction of each valve body 1 is set at an angle to the side plate 53, that is, the axial direction of each valve body 1 is not parallel to the side plate 53. This allows the pilot valve 4 of each valve body 1 to be set at one end of the axial direction of the valve body 1 and close to the side plate 53, which facilitates the installation and maintenance of the pilot valve 4 after the side plate 53 is removed.

[0153] In the same valve body 1, the shortest distance between the end of the valve body 1 closest to the side plate 53 and the side plate 53 is the first distance L1, and the shortest distance between the end of the pilot valve 4 connected to the valve body 1 closest to the side plate 53 and the side plate 53 is the second distance L2. The first distance L1 is less than the second distance L2. For example, the value of L2 is in the range of 20-60mm, and L2 can be 20mm, 30mm, 48mm, 52mm and 60mm, preferably L2=52mm.

[0154] In this embodiment, by setting the first distance L1 to be smaller than the second distance L2, a larger installation gap is created between the pilot valve 4 and the side plate 53, which can avoid contact interference between the pilot valve 4 and the side plate 53 and ensure the connection reliability of the pilot valve 4.

[0155] In some embodiments, the second distance is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 60 mm. For example, L2 can be 20 mm, 30 mm, 48 mm, 52 mm, and 60 mm, preferably L2 = 52 mm. This design ensures that the distance between the pilot valve 4 and the side plate 53 is neither too large nor too small, thus meeting the operating space requirements for the installation and maintenance of the pilot valve 4 while avoiding wasting space in the compressor chamber 52 due to an excessively large distance.

[0156] In some embodiments, such as Figures 22-26 As shown, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a gas-liquid separator 522, which is disposed in the compressor chamber 52. The outlet of the gas-liquid separator 522 is connected to the return port of the compressor 521. The integrated four-way valve group 100 also includes a return pipe 98, one end of which is connected to the second integrated pipe 3, and the other end of which is connected to the suction port of the gas-liquid separator 522. The return pipe 98 has at least one bend 981, which is used to avoid the valve body 1. The second manifold 312 is located at the top of at least one valve body 1, and the air intake of the gas-liquid separator 522 is located at the bottom of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100. Therefore, when the second manifold 312 is connected to the air intake of the gas-liquid separator 522 through the return pipe 98, it needs to pass through the valve body 1 of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100. The return pipe 98 has at least one bend 981, which is used to avoid the valve body 1. This design can prevent the return pipe 98 from contacting or colliding with the valve body 1 and ensure the reliability of the return pipe 98 after connection.

[0157] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure also provides an air conditioner, such as Figure 26As shown, the air conditioner includes the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 as described above. The integrated four-way valve assembly 100 is installed in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. This design reduces the number of pipes connected to the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, makes the pipe layout more compact, reduces the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, and allows for more installation space to be reserved for the installation of the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, making it easier to install the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 in the air conditioner.

[0158] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure also provides an air conditioner, such as Figure 26 As shown, the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit as described above. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected by refrigerant pipes. The integrated four-way valve assembly 100 is installed in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. This design reduces the number of pipes connected to the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, makes the pipe layout more compact, reduces the space occupied by the integrated four-way valve assembly 100, and allows for more installation space, making it easier to install the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 in the air conditioner.

[0159] In some embodiments, such as Figure 27 As shown, the integrated four-way valve assembly 100 has a first integrated pipe 2 and a second integrated pipe 3. The indoor unit of the air conditioner has at least two such units. The outdoor unit includes a compressor 521, a first outdoor heat exchanger 61, a first outdoor throttling component 62, a second outdoor heat exchanger 63, a second outdoor throttling component 64, a first reversing assembly 18, and a second reversing assembly 65. The first outdoor throttling component 62 is used to throttle the refrigerant flowing out of or into the first outdoor heat exchanger 61. The second outdoor throttling component 64 is used to throttle the refrigerant flowing out of or into the second outdoor heat exchanger 63. The first integrated pipe 2 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 521, and the second integrated pipe 3 is connected to the return port of the compressor 521. For example, the second integrated pipe 3 can be connected to the intake port of the gas-liquid separator 522, and connected to the return port of the compressor 521 through the outlet port of the gas-liquid separator 522.

[0160] At least two valve bodies 1 include a first valve body 17 and a second valve body 19. The first valve ports 11 of the first valve body 17 and the second valve body 19 are both connected to the first integrated pipe 2, and the second valve ports 12 of the first valve body 17 and the second valve body 19 are both connected to the second integrated pipe 3.

[0161] One of the two third valve ports 13 of the first valve body 17 is connected to the first end of the first outdoor heat exchanger 61. The first end of the first outdoor throttling component 62 is connected to the second end of the first outdoor heat exchanger 61, and the second end of the first outdoor throttling component 62 is connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units through the first pipe 81. One of the two third valve ports 13 of the second valve body 19 is connected to the first end of the second outdoor heat exchanger 63. The first end of the second outdoor throttling component 64 is connected to the second end of the second outdoor heat exchanger 63, and the second end of the second outdoor throttling component 64 is connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units through the first pipe 81. The second reversing assembly 65 is disposed between the integrated four-way valve group 100 and the indoor heat exchanger 72. The second reversing assembly 65 has a first inlet / outlet, a second inlet / outlet, and a third inlet / outlet. The first inlet / outlet is connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units through the second pipe 82. The other of the two third valve ports 13 of the first valve body 17 is connected to the third inlet / outlet, and the other of the two third valve ports of the second valve body 19 is connected to the second inlet / outlet. For example, the first inlet / outlet may be connected to the second inlet / outlet, but not to the third inlet / outlet. Alternatively, the first inlet / outlet may not be connected to the second inlet / outlet, but is connected to the third inlet / outlet. Or, the first inlet / outlet may be connected to both the second and third inlet / outlet simultaneously.

[0162] The first reversing assembly 18 has a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 521, the second port is connected to the return port of the compressor 521, and the third port is connected to at least a portion of the indoor air conditioning unit via a third pipe 83. The second valve ports 12 of the first valve body 17 and the second valve body 19 are both connected to the second integrated pipe 3, which is connected to the return port of the compressor 521.

[0163] For example, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes at least one indoor heat exchange component 7. Each indoor heat exchange component 7 includes an indoor throttling component 71 and an indoor heat exchanger 72. The second end of the first outdoor throttling component 62 and the second end of the second outdoor throttling component 64 are both connected to the first end of the indoor throttling component 71 through a first pipe 81. The second end of the indoor throttling component 71 is connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 72. The second end of at least one indoor heat exchanger 72 of the same indoor unit is connected to the first inlet and outlet of the second reversing assembly 65 through a second pipe 82. The second end of at least another indoor heat exchanger 72 of the same indoor unit is connected to the third port of the first reversing assembly 18 through a third pipe 83.

[0164] like Figure 27As shown, the arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow. In cooling mode, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is pressurized by the compressor 521 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant and discharged through the exhaust port. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is divided into two paths. One path of refrigerant enters the first manifold 212 and flows out through one of the two third valve ports 13 of the first valve body 17 to the first outdoor heat exchanger 61. The refrigerant condenses and liquefies in the first outdoor heat exchanger 61, releasing heat and becoming liquid refrigerant. At this time, the first outdoor heat exchanger 61 acts as a condenser. After the liquid refrigerant is throttled and depressurized by the first outdoor throttling component 62, it enters the first pipe 81 and flows to the indoor heat exchange component 7 of at least one indoor air conditioning unit. Another refrigerant enters the first manifold 212 and flows out through one of the two third valve ports 13 of the second valve body 19 to the second outdoor heat exchanger 63. The refrigerant condenses and liquefies in the second outdoor heat exchanger 63, releasing heat to become liquid refrigerant. At this time, the second outdoor heat exchanger 63 acts as a condenser. The liquid refrigerant in the second outdoor heat exchanger 63 enters the first pipe 81 after being throttled and depressurized by the second outdoor throttling component 64, and flows to the indoor heat exchange component 7 of at least one indoor air conditioning unit.

[0165] The refrigerant can be split into at least two streams when flowing through the indoor unit of the air conditioner. One stream of refrigerant is throttled by the indoor throttling device 71 of at least one indoor heat exchange component 7 to form a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which then enters the indoor heat exchanger 72. The refrigerant then evaporates and vaporizes, absorbing heat from the indoor air to become a gaseous refrigerant to lower the indoor temperature. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 72 acts as an evaporator. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 72 then flows through the third pipe 83 to the third port of the first reversing assembly 18. After that, the refrigerant flows through the second port of the first reversing assembly 18 to the gas-liquid separator 522, and then flows through the gas-liquid separator 522 to the compressor 521. Another path of refrigerant flowing through the indoor unit of the air conditioner is throttled by the indoor throttling component 71 of at least another indoor heat exchange component 7, forming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant before entering the indoor heat exchanger 72. The refrigerant then evaporates and vaporizes, absorbing indoor heat to become gaseous refrigerant and lower the indoor temperature. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 72 acts as an evaporator. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 72 then flows through the second pipe 82 to the first inlet and outlet of the second reversing assembly 65. The refrigerant flowing to the first inlet and outlet passes through the other of the two third valve ports 13 of the first valve body 17, and then through the second valve port 12 of the first valve body 17 and the second manifold 312 to the suction port of the gas-liquid separator 522, and then flows through the gas-liquid separator 522 to the compressor 521.

[0166] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned arrangement enables at least two indoor air conditioning units to be connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger 61 and the second outdoor heat exchanger 63, thereby forming a complete refrigerant flow path, ensuring smooth refrigerant flow, and ensuring the normal operation of the air conditioner's cooling, heating, and other functional modes.

[0167] In some embodiments, the air conditioner also has a defrost mode. In defrost mode, the first outdoor heat exchanger 61 and the second outdoor heat exchanger 63 defrost alternately, while the indoor unit operates normally. Exemplarily, in defrost mode, the first outdoor heat exchanger 61 acts as a condenser, the second outdoor heat exchanger 63 acts as an evaporator, and all indoor heat exchangers 72 in the indoor unit function as condensers. This allows for defrosting of the first outdoor heat exchanger 61 while maintaining the heating capacity of the indoor unit. After operating in defrost mode for a certain period, by changing the refrigerant flow path so that the first outdoor heat exchanger 61 acts as an evaporator, the second outdoor heat exchanger 63 acts as a condenser, and all indoor heat exchangers 72 in the indoor unit function as condensers, this allows for defrosting of the second outdoor heat exchanger 63 while ensuring the heating capacity of the indoor unit. This design allows for alternating defrosting of the first outdoor heat exchanger 61 and the second outdoor heat exchanger 63, preventing the indoor unit from failing to heat due to both entering defrosting simultaneously. This ensures the indoor unit always operates normally, maintains stable indoor temperature, and enhances the user experience.

[0168] In some embodiments, such as Figure 27 As shown, at least two valve bodies 1 also include a third valve body 181. One of the two third valve ports 13 of the third valve body 181 is connected to a third pipe 83 and is connected to at least a portion of the indoor air conditioning unit through the third pipe 83. The other of the two third valve ports 13 of the third valve body 181 is blocked. The first valve port 11 of the third valve body 181 is connected to a first integrated pipe 2, and the second valve port 12 of the third valve body 181 is connected to a second integrated pipe 3. The first integrated pipe 2 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 521, and the second integrated pipe 3 is connected to the return port of the compressor 521. The third valve body 181 constitutes a first reversing assembly 18. The first valve port 11 of the third valve body 181 constitutes a first port, the second valve port 12 of the third valve body 181 constitutes a second port, and the third valve port 13 of the third valve body 181 connected to the third pipe 83 constitutes a third port.

[0169] In this embodiment, the first reversing component 18 is set as the third valve body 181, so that the first valve body 17, the second valve body 19 and the third valve body 181 adopt a unified structural form, which is beneficial to improve the versatility and assembly consistency of the integrated four-way valve group 100, simplify the processing technology of the integrated four-way valve group 100, and facilitate assembly and subsequent maintenance.

[0170] In some embodiments, such as Figure 28 and Figure 29As shown, the first reversing assembly 18 includes a first control valve 92 and a second control valve 96. The first control valve 92 has a third interface and a fourth interface. The first control valve 92 can be configured as a solenoid valve, and can control the connection or disconnection between the third interface and the fourth interface. The second control valve 96 has a fifth interface and a sixth interface. The second control valve 96 can be configured as a solenoid valve, and can control the connection or disconnection between the fifth interface and the sixth interface. The third interface is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 521, the fourth and fifth interfaces are both connected to the third pipe 83, and the sixth interface is connected to the return port of the compressor 521. The third interface constitutes the first port, the fourth and fifth interfaces constitute the third port, and the sixth interface constitutes the second port. It should be noted that... Figure 29 The first control valve 92 in the middle and Figure 22 The first control valve 92 in the middle has the same structure. Figure 29 The second control valve 96 in Figure 22 The second control valve 96 in the middle has the same structure.

[0171] In this embodiment, by setting the first reversing component 18 to include a first control valve 92 and a second control valve 96, accurate control of the refrigerant flow direction can be achieved, the regulation accuracy of the refrigerant circuit can be improved, and the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system can be enhanced.

[0172] In some embodiments, such as Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the second reversing assembly 65 includes a third control valve 652 and a fourth control valve 653. The third control valve 652 has a first connection port and a second connection port, and the fourth control valve 653 has a third connection port and a fourth connection port. Both the first and fourth connection ports are connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units via a second pipe 82. The third connection port is connected to the third valve port 13 of the two third valve ports 13 of the first valve body 17 that is not connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger 61. The second connection port is connected to the third valve port 13 of the two third valve ports 13 of the second valve body 19 that is not connected to the second outdoor heat exchanger 63. The first and fourth connection ports constitute the first inlet and outlet, the second connection port constitutes the second inlet and outlet, and the third connection port constitutes the third inlet and outlet. This design facilitates accurate control of the refrigerant flow direction, improves the regulation accuracy of the refrigerant circuit, and thus enhances the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioning system.

[0173] In some embodiments, such as Figure 27 and Figure 28As shown, the second reversing assembly 65 includes a three-way valve 651, which has a P port, an A port, and a B port. The P port of the three-way valve 651 is connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units via a second pipe. The B port of the three-way valve 651 is connected to the third valve port 13 of the two third valve ports 13 of the first valve body 17 that is not connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger 61. The A port of the three-way valve 651 is connected to the third valve port 13 of the two third valve ports 13 of the second valve body 19 that is not connected to the second outdoor heat exchanger 63. The P port of the three-way valve 651 constitutes the first inlet and outlet, the A port of the three-way valve 651 constitutes the second inlet and outlet, and the B port of the three-way valve 651 constitutes the third inlet and outlet. This design helps to improve the integration of the second reversing assembly 65, reduce the number of parts and installation space, simplify the pipeline connection structure, and facilitate the installation of the integrated four-way valve group 100.

[0174] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only.

[0175] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. An integrated four-way valve assembly, characterized in that, include: At least two valve bodies are arranged sequentially along a first direction, which is at an angle to the axial direction of each valve body. Each valve body is provided with a first valve port, a second valve port, and two third valve ports. Each valve body has at least a first state and a second state that can be switched alternately. When the valve body is in the first state, the first valve port is connected to one of the third valve ports on the same valve body. When the valve body is in the second state, the first valve port is connected to another of the third valve ports on the same valve body. In either the first state or the second state, the second valve port is connected to a third valve port on the same valve body that is not connected to the first valve port. A first integrated tube, the first integrated tube being connected to the first valve port of the at least two valve bodies; And / or, The second integrated tube is connected to the second valve port of the at least two valve bodies.

2. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arrangement directions of the two third valve ports of the same valve body intersect at the first direction; and / or, The arrangement direction of the two third valve ports of the same valve body is parallel to the axial direction of the valve body.

3. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second valve port is located between the two third valve ports of the same valve body, and the second valve port and the two third valve ports are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the same valve body.

4. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The axes of the at least two valve bodies are parallel to each other.

5. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first valve ports of the at least two valve bodies are arranged on the same side; and / or, The second valve ports of the at least two valve bodies are arranged on the same side; and / or, The third valve port of the at least two valve bodies is arranged on the same side.

6. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two third valve ports and the second valve port of the same valve body are all arranged opposite to the first valve port in a second direction of the valve body, wherein the second direction is arranged at an angle to both the axial direction of the valve body and the first direction.

7. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the two third valve ports of the valve body is blocked.

8. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first integrated tube extends along the first direction, and / or the second integrated tube extends along the first direction.

9. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two valve bodies are misaligned in the projection of the first direction.

10. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two valves are arranged in an overlapping configuration on the projection in the first direction.

11. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first integrated tube has a first channel and a first interface connected to each other. The first channel is connected to the first valve port of the at least two valve bodies, and the first interface is connected to the first valve port of the at least two valve bodies via the first channel.

12. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first integrated transistor includes: A first main pipe, the first main pipe having a first flow channel, the first interface being formed in the first main pipe and connected to the first flow channel; and At least two first branch pipes are provided, each corresponding to one of the at least two valve bodies. One end of each first branch pipe is connected to the first valve port of the corresponding valve body, and the other end of each first branch pipe is connected to the first main pipe. The first internal flow channel of the first branch pipe is connected to the first flow channel, and the first flow channel and the first internal flow channel constitute the first channel.

13. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, In the same valve body, the arrangement direction of the first valve port and the two third valve ports is parallel to the axial direction of the first branch pipe corresponding to the same valve body.

14. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, In the same valve body, at least one of the third valve ports is connected to a valve port pipe, the axial direction of which is parallel to the axial direction of the first branch pipe corresponding to the same valve body.

15. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first main pipe includes at least two first openings, each of which corresponds to one of the at least two first branch pipes. The at least two first openings are arranged sequentially along the first direction, and each first branch pipe is connected to the first flow channel via its corresponding first opening.

16. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first main pipe includes: A first manifold is connected to each of the first branch pipes. The axial direction of the first manifold is set at an angle to the axial direction of at least one of the first branch pipes, and the axial direction of the first manifold is parallel to the first direction.

17. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first main pipe also includes: The first manifold is arranged opposite to at least one first branch pipe in the circumferential direction of the first manifold. The axial direction of the first manifold is the same as that of at least one first branch pipe, and the axial direction of the first manifold is at an angle to the axial direction of the first manifold.

18. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The at least two first branch pipes are arranged at axial intervals along the first manifold.

19. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The valve body located at both ends in the first direction is the end valve body, and the first branch pipe connected to the end valve body is the first end branch pipe; On the axial projection of the first end branch pipe, the two points that are furthest apart in the axial direction of the first manifold fall on the end valve bodies at both ends.

20. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first manifold has first protruding pipe portions at both ends, and each of the first branch pipes is located between the first protruding pipe portions at both ends along the axial direction of the first manifold.

21. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The integrated four-way valve assembly also includes: A first bypass pipe, one end of which is connected to the first manifold, and the other end of which is used to connect to the indoor heat exchanger, is provided with a first control valve, which is used to control the flow rate of the first bypass pipe.

22. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The integrated four-way valve assembly also includes: A pressure sensing tube is provided, one end of which is connected to the first manifold, and the other end of which is equipped with a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure at the first interface.

23. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each valve body includes a D port, an E port, a C port, and an S port. The first valve port is one of the D port or the S port, the second valve port is the other of the D port or the S port, and the two third valve ports are the E port and the C port, respectively.

24. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second integrated tube has a second channel and a second interface connected to each other. The second channel is connected to the second valve port of the at least two valve bodies, and the second interface is connected to the second valve port of the at least two valve bodies via the second channel.

25. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that, The second integrated transistor includes: A second main pipe, the second main pipe having a second flow channel, the second interface being formed in the second main pipe and connected to the second flow channel; and At least two second branch pipes are provided, each corresponding to one of the at least two valve bodies. One end of each second branch pipe is connected to the second valve port of the corresponding valve body, and the other end of each second branch pipe is connected to the second main pipe. The second internal flow channel of the second branch pipe is connected to the second flow channel, and the second flow channel and the second internal flow channel constitute the second channel.

26. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that, The integrated four-way valve assembly also includes: The second bypass pipe has one end connected to the second main pipe and the other end connected to the indoor heat exchanger. A second control valve is installed on the second bypass pipe to control the flow rate of the second bypass pipe.

27. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first integrated pipe and the second integrated pipe, which are connected to the same valve body, are arranged opposite each other in a second direction of the valve body, and the second direction is set at an angle to both the axial direction of the valve body and the first direction.

28. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first integrated tube and the second integrated tube is integrally formed with each of the valve bodies.

29. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the valve bodies is connected to a pilot valve, which is connected to a first valve tube, a second valve tube, a third valve tube, and a fourth valve tube. The two ends of the first valve tube are respectively connected to the pilot valve and one axial end of the valve body connected to the pilot valve. The two ends of the second valve tube are respectively connected to the pilot valve and the other axial end of the valve body connected to the pilot valve. The two ends of the third valve tube are respectively connected to the pilot valve and the first valve port. The two ends of the fourth valve tube are respectively connected to the pilot valve and the second valve port.

30. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, The two third valve ports and the second valve port of the same valve body are all arranged opposite to the first valve port in a second direction of the valve body, wherein the second direction is arranged at an angle to both the axial direction of the valve body and the first direction; In at least one of the valve bodies, the pilot valve and the first valve port are disposed on the same side of the valve body in the second direction, and the pilot valve and the first valve port are arranged along the axial direction of the valve body.

31. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, In at least one of the valve bodies, the pilot valve is connected to the central region of the valve body in the axial direction, and the first valve port is disposed off-center from the center of the valve body in the axial direction.

32. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, In the first direction, the distance between two adjacent valve bodies is a, and the maximum size of the pilot valve is b, satisfying a < b; And / or, In the second direction, the maximum dimension of the pilot valve is c, which satisfies a < c, wherein the second direction is set at an angle to both the axial direction of each valve body and the first direction.

33. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, A valve body, a pilot valve, a first valve tube, a second valve tube, a third valve tube, and a fourth valve tube are connected to form a four-way valve. In the same four-way valve, the distance between the two farthest points of the four-way valve in the radial direction perpendicular to the second direction is greater than or equal to 35 mm and less than or equal to 41 mm. The second direction is set at an angle to both the axial direction of each valve body and the first direction.

34. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, The pilot valve includes: A pilot valve body is connected to a valve body, and the pilot valve body is provided with an extension that extends axially along the valve body. A coil portion is provided at the axial end of the pilot valve body near the valve body, and the coil portion is sleeved on the circumferential periphery of the extension portion.

35. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 34, characterized in that, The extension extends in a direction away from the first valve port.

36. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 34, characterized in that, The extension portion has a connection hole at one end near the valve body. The pilot valve also includes a fastener, one end of which passes through the coil portion and is connected to the connection hole, and the other end of which abuts against the coil portion to restrict the movement of the coil portion.

37. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, The integrated four-way valve assembly includes at least three valve bodies, which are arranged sequentially along the first direction; The valve body located between the valve bodies at both ends in the first direction is a middle valve body. In at least one of the middle valve bodies, the pilot valve is disposed on one side of the middle valve body in the second direction, wherein the second direction is set at an angle to both the axial direction of each valve body and the first direction.

38. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 37, characterized in that, The valve body located at both ends in the first direction is an end valve body; At least one of the pilot valves on the end valve body is disposed on the side of the end valve body away from the middle valve body in the first direction.

39. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 37, characterized in that, The valve body located at both ends in the first direction is an end valve body; In at least one of the end valve bodies, the pilot valve is disposed on one side of the end valve body in the second direction.

40. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 39, characterized in that, The pilot valves of the at least three valve bodies are located on the same side of the first valve port, and / or the pilot valves of the at least three valve bodies are located on the same side of the valve bodies.

41. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that, The integrated four-way valve assembly has both a first integrated tube and a second integrated tube. The third valve tube is connected to the first integrated tube and is connected to the corresponding first valve port through the first integrated tube. The fourth valve tube is connected to the second integrated tube and is connected to the corresponding second valve port through the second integrated tube.

42. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that, The pilot valve includes a coil section. On the same pilot valve, a first valve tube extends beyond the coil section of the pilot valve and toward one axial end of the valve body connected to the pilot valve. A second valve tube extends beyond the first valve port and toward the other axial end of the valve body connected to the pilot valve. A fourth valve tube extends beyond the valve body connected to the pilot valve and toward the second integrated tube.

43. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 41, characterized in that, On the same pilot valve, the first valve tube, the second valve tube, and the fourth valve tube are all connected to the side of the pilot valve opposite to the third valve tube.

44. The integrated four-way valve assembly according to claim 43, characterized in that, The third valve tubes of at least two of the pilot valves are all located on the same side in the first direction of the corresponding pilot valve.

45. An outdoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner has a fan chamber and a compressor chamber arranged adjacent to each other, and the compressor chamber is provided with a compressor and an integrated four-way valve assembly as described in any one of claims 1-44.

46. ​​The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 45, characterized in that, The integrated four-way valve assembly is located above the compressor, and at least one of the first valve ports of the valve body is located at the bottom of the valve body.

47. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 45, characterized in that, At least one of the valve bodies is connected to a pilot valve; On the same valve body, the pilot valve is located away from the fan cavity relative to the first valve port.

48. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 47, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a side plate, which is disposed on the side of the compressor chamber away from the fan chamber, and the axial direction of each valve body is set at an angle to the side plate; In the same valve body, the shortest distance between the end of the valve body near the side plate and the side plate is the first distance, and the shortest distance between the end of the pilot valve connected to the valve body near the side plate and the side plate is the second distance, wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

49. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 48, characterized in that, The second distance is greater than or equal to 20mm and less than or equal to 60mm.

50. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 45, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a gas-liquid separator, which is disposed in the compressor chamber and the outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the return port of the compressor. The integrated four-way valve assembly also includes a return pipe, one end of which is connected to the second integrated pipe and the other end of which is connected to the gas-liquid separator. The return pipe has at least one bend, which is used to avoid the valve body.

51. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The integrated four-way valve assembly as described in any one of claims 1-44; or, The air conditioner outdoor unit and air conditioner indoor unit as described in any one of claims 45-50, wherein the air conditioner indoor unit is connected to the air conditioner outdoor unit.

52. The air conditioner according to claim 51, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit being the outdoor unit as described in any one of claims 45-50, the integrated four-way valve assembly having both the first integrated pipe and the second integrated pipe, and the indoor unit having at least two of them; The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a compressor, a first outdoor heat exchanger, a first outdoor throttling component, a second outdoor heat exchanger, a second outdoor throttling component, a first reversing assembly, and a second reversing assembly; The first commutation component has a first port, a second port, and a third port; the second commutation component has a first inlet / outlet, a second inlet / outlet, and a third inlet / outlet. The first integrated pipe is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the second integrated pipe is connected to the return port of the compressor. The at least two valve bodies include a first valve body and a second valve body. One of the two third valve ports of the first valve body is connected to the first end of the first outdoor heat exchanger. The first end of the first outdoor throttling component is connected to the second end of the first outdoor heat exchanger. One of the two third valve ports of the second valve body is connected to the first end of the second outdoor heat exchanger. The first end of the second outdoor throttling component is connected to the second end of the second outdoor heat exchanger. The second ends of the first outdoor throttling component and the second ends of the second outdoor throttling component are both connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units through the first pipe. The first inlet / outlet is connected to at least two indoor air conditioning units via a second pipe, the other of the two third valve ports of the first valve body is connected to the third inlet / outlet, and the other of the two third valve ports of the second valve body is connected to the second inlet / outlet. The first port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, the second port is connected to the return port of the compressor, and the third port is connected to at least part of the indoor unit of the air conditioner via a third pipe.

53. The air conditioner according to claim 52, characterized in that, The at least two valve bodies further include a third valve body, one of the two third valve ports of the third valve body is connected to the third pipe, and the other of the two third valve ports of the third valve body is blocked. The third valve body constitutes the first reversing assembly, the first valve port of the third valve body constitutes the first port, the second valve port of the third valve body constitutes the second port, and the third valve port of the third valve body connected to the third pipe constitutes the third port.

54. The air conditioner according to claim 52, characterized in that, The first reversing assembly includes a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve has a third interface and a fourth interface, and the second control valve has a fifth interface and a sixth interface. The third interface is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, the fourth and fifth interfaces are both connected to the third pipe, and the sixth interface is connected to the return port of the compressor. The third interface constitutes the first port, the fourth and fifth interfaces constitute the third port, and the sixth interface constitutes the second port.

55. The air conditioner according to claim 52, characterized in that, The second reversing assembly includes a three-way valve having a P port, an A port, and a B port. The P port of the three-way valve constitutes the first inlet / outlet, the A port of the three-way valve constitutes the second inlet / outlet, and the B port of the three-way valve constitutes the third inlet / outlet; or, The second reversing assembly includes a third control valve and a fourth control valve. The third control valve has a first connection port and a second connection port, and the fourth control valve has a third connection port and a fourth connection port. The first connection port and the fourth connection port constitute the first inlet and outlet, the second connection port constitutes the second inlet and outlet, and the third connection port constitutes the third inlet and outlet.

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