Heat pump system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a heat pump system. The heat pump system comprises a water tank assembly, an air conditioner indoor unit, an outdoor heat exchanger and a heat pump assembly. The water tank assembly comprises a water tank and a water tank heat exchanger. The air conditioner indoor unit comprises a main heat exchanger. The heat pump assembly comprises a refrigerant circulating pipeline, a first four-way valve and a second four-way valve, the refrigerant circulating pipeline comprises a first connecting pipeline, a second connecting pipeline, a third connecting pipeline and a fourth connecting pipeline, and the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are communicated with the outdoor heat exchanger. The first four-way valve is communicated with a refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger through a first connecting pipeline, and the second four-way valve is communicated with a first refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger through a second connecting pipeline; the outdoor heat exchanger communicates with the second refrigerant opening of the main heat exchanger through a third connecting pipeline, a refrigerant outlet of the water tank heat exchanger communicates with the third connecting pipeline through a fourth connecting pipeline, and the communicating position is located between the outdoor heat exchanger and the main heat exchanger. The heat pump system provided by the embodiment of the utility model can provide multiple functions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of heat pump technology, and in particular to a heat pump system. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, there is a heat pump system that has both hot water production and air conditioning functions. However, the functions of this heat pump system are mostly relatively simple. With the development of the market, users expect the heat pump system to have more functions. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application hope to provide a heat pump system with more functions.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a heat pump system, comprising:

[0005] A water tank assembly, the water tank assembly comprising a water tank and a water tank heat exchanger having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet;

[0006] An air-conditioning indoor unit, the air-conditioning indoor unit comprising a main heat exchanger having a first refrigerant port and a second refrigerant port;

[0007] outdoor heat exchanger;

[0008] A heat pump assembly, the heat pump assembly includes a refrigerant circulation pipeline and a first four-way valve and a second four-way valve arranged in the refrigerant circulation pipeline, the refrigerant circulation pipeline includes a first connecting pipeline, a second connecting pipeline, a third connecting pipeline and a fourth connecting pipeline, the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are respectively connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the first four-way valve is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger through the first connecting pipeline, and the second four-way valve is connected to the first refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger through the second connecting pipeline; the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the second refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger through the third connecting pipeline, and the refrigerant outlet of the water tank heat exchanger is connected to the third connecting pipeline through the fourth connecting pipeline, and the connection point is located between the outdoor heat exchanger and the main heat exchanger.

[0009] In one embodiment, the air-conditioning indoor unit includes an auxiliary heat exchanger having a third refrigerant port and a fourth refrigerant port, the first connecting pipe has a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe, and the refrigerant circulation pipe includes a fifth connecting pipe, the first branch pipe is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger, the second branch pipe is connected to the third refrigerant port of the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the fourth refrigerant port of the auxiliary heat exchanger is connected to the third connecting pipe through the fifth connecting pipe.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connection point between the fifth connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe is located between the outdoor heat exchanger and the main heat exchanger.

[0011] In one embodiment, there are multiple air-conditioning indoor units, the second connecting pipe has a third branch pipe connected to the first refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger of each air-conditioning indoor unit in a one-to-one correspondence, the third connecting pipe has a fourth branch pipe connected to the second refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger of each air-conditioning indoor unit in a one-to-one correspondence, the second branch pipe and the fifth connecting pipe respectively correspond to the auxiliary heat exchangers of the air-conditioning indoor units, and each of the fifth connecting pipes is connected to the corresponding fourth branch pipe.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heat pump assembly includes a switch valve provided on the first connecting pipeline, and the switch valve is used to open or close the second branch pipeline.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first connecting pipeline includes a main pipeline respectively connected to the first four-way valve, the first branch pipeline and the second branch pipeline, the connection point of the main pipeline with the first branch pipeline is a first connection position, and the connection point with the second branch pipeline is a second connection position, the first connection position is located between the first four-way valve and the second connection position, and the switch valve is arranged in the main pipeline and is located between the first connection position and the second connection position.

[0014] In one embodiment, the heat pump assembly includes a compressor arranged in the refrigerant circulation pipeline, the refrigerant circulation pipeline includes a refrigerant return pipeline and a refrigerant outflow pipeline respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the compressor, and the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are respectively connected to the refrigerant return pipeline and the refrigerant outflow pipeline.

[0015] In one embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the first four-way valve is in communication with the first heat exchanger, and the second four-way valve is in communication with the second heat exchanger.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are connected, and the third connecting pipeline has a fifth branch pipeline and a sixth branch pipeline, the fifth branch pipeline is connected to the first heat exchanger, and the sixth branch pipeline is connected to the second heat exchanger.

[0017] In one embodiment, the heat pump assembly includes a first throttle valve and a second throttle valve, the first throttle valve is arranged on the fifth branch pipe, and the second throttle valve is arranged on the sixth branch pipe.

[0018] An embodiment of the present application provides a heat pump system, which can be set to at least multiple modes such as a separate cooling mode, a separate hot water mode, a separate hot water mode, a hot water + cooling mode, and a hot water + heating mode. At the same time, the hot water + cooling mode also has an energy-saving effect. Therefore, the heat pump system of the embodiment of the present application can provide users with multiple functions to meet the different needs of users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present application. The single-sided arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the single cooling mode;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the heat pump system shown in FIG. 1 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the heating mode alone;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The structural diagram of the heat pump system shown in the figure, the single-sided arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the single hot water production mode;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The structural diagram of the heat pump system shown in the figure, the single-sided arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the hot water + cooling mode;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The structural diagram of the heat pump system shown in the figure, the single-sided arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the hot water + heating mode;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of another heat pump system according to an embodiment of the present application. The single-sided arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the hot water production + dehumidification mode;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the heat pump system shown in FIG. 1 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the single cooling mode.

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 6 The structural diagram of the heat pump system shown in the figure, the single-sided arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the hot water + heating mode;

[0027] Figure 9 for Figure 6The structural diagram of the heat pump system shown in the figure, the single-sided arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the hot water + cooling mode;

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 6 The structural diagram of the heat pump system shown in the figure, the single-sided arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the first stage of defrosting;

[0029] Figure 11 for Figure 6 The structural diagram of the heat pump system shown in FIG. 1 shows the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline in the second stage of defrosting.

[0030] Description of Reference Numerals

[0031] 10. Water tank assembly; 20. Air conditioner indoor unit; 21. Main heat exchanger; 21a. First refrigerant port; 21b. Second refrigerant port; 22. Auxiliary heat exchanger; 22a. Third refrigerant port; 22b. Fourth refrigerant port; 30. Outdoor heat exchanger; 31. First heat exchanger; 32. Second heat exchanger; 40. Heat pump assembly; 41. Refrigerant circulation line; 411. First connecting line; 4111. Main line; 4112. First branch line; 4113. Second branch pipeline; 412, second connecting pipeline; 413, third connecting pipeline; 4131, fourth branch pipeline; 4132, fifth branch pipeline; 4133, sixth branch pipeline; 414, fourth connecting pipeline; 415, fifth connecting pipeline; 416, refrigerant return pipeline; 417, refrigerant outflow pipeline; 42, first four-way valve; 43, second four-way valve; 44, switch valve; 45, compressor; 46, first throttle valve; 47, second throttle valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present application embodiment provides a heat pump system. Figure 1 The heat pump system includes a water tank assembly 10, an air conditioner indoor unit 20, an outdoor heat exchanger 30 and a heat pump assembly 40.

[0033] The number of water tank assemblies 10 can be one or more.

[0034] The water tank assembly 10 includes a water tank (not shown) and a water tank heat exchanger (not shown) having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet.

[0035] The water tank is used to store domestic water, and the water tank heat exchanger heats the domestic water into hot water through heat exchange.

[0036] The number of the air-conditioning indoor unit 20 may be one or more.

[0037] The air-conditioning indoor unit 20 is used to realize air conditioning functions such as cooling and heating.

[0038] The air-conditioning indoor unit 20 includes a main heat exchanger 21 , and the air-conditioning indoor unit 20 mainly realizes air conditioning functions such as cooling and heating through the main heat exchanger 21 .

[0039] The main heat exchanger 21 has a first refrigerant port 21 a and a second refrigerant port 21 b . One of the first refrigerant port 21 a and the second refrigerant port 21 b is used for allowing refrigerant to flow into the main heat exchanger 21 , and the other is used for allowing refrigerant to flow out of the main heat exchanger 21 .

[0040] The heat pump assembly 40 includes a refrigerant circulation pipeline 41 and a first four-way valve 42 and a second four-way valve 43 disposed in the refrigerant circulation pipeline 41 .

[0041] The refrigerant circulation pipe 41 is a pipe through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0042] See also Figure 1 The heat pump assembly 40 is provided with a compressor 45 on the refrigerant circulation pipeline 41 , and the compressor 45 is used to drive the refrigerant to circulate along the refrigerant circulation pipeline 41 .

[0043] See also Figure 1 The refrigerant circulation pipeline 41 includes a first connecting pipeline 411, a second connecting pipeline 412, a third connecting pipeline 413 and a fourth connecting pipeline 414. The first connecting pipeline 411, the second connecting pipeline 412, the third connecting pipeline 413 and the fourth connecting pipeline 414 are all part of the refrigerant circulation pipeline 41.

[0044] The first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 are both four-way valves, that is, the heat pump system is provided with at least two four-way valves.

[0045] Please continue reading Figure 1 The first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 are connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 30 respectively, and the first four-way valve 42 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger through the first connecting pipe 411, and the second four-way valve 43 is connected to the first refrigerant port 21a of the main heat exchanger 21 through the second connecting pipe 412; the outdoor heat exchanger 30 is connected to the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21 through the third connecting pipe 413, and the refrigerant outlet of the water tank heat exchanger is connected to the third connecting pipe 413 through the fourth connecting pipe 414, and the connection point is located between the outdoor heat exchanger 30 and the main heat exchanger 21.

[0046] It can be understood that the communication of the first four-way valve 42 mentioned above refers to the communication achieved by the first four-way valve 42 through its own working ports, and the communication of the second four-way valve 43 refers to the communication achieved by the second four-way valve 43 through its own working ports.

[0047] See also Figure 1 The refrigerant circulation pipeline 41 may be provided with a refrigerant return pipeline 416 and a refrigerant outflow pipeline 417 respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the compressor 45. The first four-way valve 42 is respectively connected to the refrigerant return pipeline 416 and the refrigerant outflow pipeline 417, and the second four-way valve 43 is also respectively connected to the refrigerant return pipeline 416 and the refrigerant outflow pipeline 417. In other words, the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the compressor 45 can flow to the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 respectively through the refrigerant outflow pipeline 417. The refrigerant flowing out of the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 can also flow into the refrigerant return pipeline 416 respectively, and then flow back to the compressor 45 from the inlet of the compressor 45 through the refrigerant return pipeline 416.

[0048] Specifically, by controlling the power on and power off of the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 , various functions of the heat pump system can be realized.

[0049] For example, see Figure 1 The heat pump system can be set to a cooling-only mode, that is, the air conditioner indoor unit 20 performs cooling operation while the water tank is not in operation. In cooling-only mode, the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 are de-energized. A portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 45 flows through the first four-way valve 42 into the outdoor heat exchanger 30, while another portion of the refrigerant flows through the second four-way valve 43 into the outdoor heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the outdoor airflow, then flows through the third connecting pipe 413 from the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21 into the main heat exchanger 21. There, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor airflow to achieve cooling. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows out of the first refrigerant port 21a of the main heat exchanger 21 and flows back to the compressor 45 through the second connecting pipe 412 and the second four-way valve 43, thus circulating in this cycle.

[0050] For example, see Figure 2The heat pump system can be set to a heating-only mode, that is, the air conditioner indoor unit 20 operates in heating mode while the water tank is not in operation. In this heating-only mode, the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 are energized, and the connection between the first connecting pipe 411 and the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger is blocked (the connection between the first connecting pipe 411 and the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger can be blocked by providing an on-off valve, etc.), that is, refrigerant does not flow into the water tank heat exchanger. At least part of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 45 passes through the second four-way valve 43 and the second connecting pipe 412, flows into the main heat exchanger 21 from the first refrigerant port 21a of the main heat exchanger 21, and realizes heating by exchanging heat with the indoor air flow. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows out from the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 through the third connecting pipe 413. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow and then flows back to the compressor 45 through the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 respectively, and the circulation continues.

[0051] For example, see Figure 3 The heat pump system can be set to a separate hot water production mode, that is, the water tank operates to produce hot water while the air conditioner indoor unit 20 is inoperative. In this separate hot water production mode, the first four-way valve 42 is energized, the second four-way valve 43 is de-energized, and the communication path between the third connecting line 413 and the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21 is blocked (the communication path between the third connecting line 413 and the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21 can be blocked by, for example, providing an on-off valve). In other words, refrigerant does not flow into the main heat exchanger 21. At least a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 45 flows through the first four-way valve 42 and the first connecting line 411, and flows into the water tank heat exchanger from the refrigerant inlet. There, it exchanges heat with domestic water, heating the domestic water into hot water. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows out from the refrigerant outlet of the water tank heat exchanger and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 through the fourth connecting pipe 414 and the third connecting pipe 413. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow and flows back to the compressor 45 through the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 respectively, and the circulation continues.

[0052] For example, see Figure 4The heat pump system can also be set to a hot water production + cooling mode. That is, while the air conditioner indoor unit 20 is cooling, the water tank is also producing hot water. In this mode, the first four-way valve 42 is energized, and the second four-way valve 43 is de-energized. A portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 45 passes through the first four-way valve 42 and the first connecting pipe 411, flows into the water tank heat exchanger from the refrigerant inlet, and exchanges heat with domestic water to heat the domestic water into hot water. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows out of the refrigerant outlet of the water tank heat exchanger and flows into the third connecting pipe 413 through the fourth connecting pipe 414. At the same time, another portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 45 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 through the second four-way valve 43. After heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 30, it flows into the third connecting pipe 413 and merges with the refrigerant from the fourth connecting pipe 414. After that, the refrigerant flows into the main heat exchanger 21 through the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flowing into the main heat exchanger 21 achieves cooling by exchanging heat with the indoor airflow. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows out of the first refrigerant port 21a of the main heat exchanger 21 and flows back to the compressor 45 through the second connecting pipe 412 and the second four-way valve 43. This cycle of flow allows for simultaneous cooling while producing hot water.

[0053] Since the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 30 merges with the refrigerant flowing out of the water tank heat exchanger and flows into the main heat exchanger 21 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 20, this mode can recover the cooling capacity of the refrigerant after heat exchange in the water tank heat exchanger, thereby achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0054] For example, see Figure 5 The heat pump system can also be configured in a hot water + heating mode. This means that while the air conditioner indoor unit 20 is heating, the water tank is also heating water. In this mode, the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 are energized. A portion of the refrigerant from the compressor 45 flows through the first four-way valve 42 and the first connecting pipe 411, entering the water tank heat exchanger from the refrigerant inlet. This refrigerant then exchanges heat with domestic water, heating the domestic water into hot water. The heat-exchanged refrigerant then flows out of the refrigerant outlet of the water tank heat exchanger and flows through the fourth connecting pipe 414 into the third connecting pipe 413. Simultaneously, another portion of the refrigerant from the compressor 45 flows through the second four-way valve 43 and the second connecting pipe 412, entering the main heat exchanger 21 from the first refrigerant port 21a. This refrigerant then exchanges heat with the indoor airflow, achieving heating. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows into the third connecting pipe 413 from the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21, and merges with the refrigerant from the fourth connecting pipe 414 and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow and then flows back to the compressor 45 through the first four-way valve 42 and the second four-way valve 43 respectively, and circulates in this way, so that heating can be carried out while hot water is produced.

[0055] It can be seen that the heat pump system of the embodiment of the present application can at least be set to multiple modes such as a separate cooling mode, a separate hot water mode, a separate hot water mode, a hot water + cooling mode, and a hot water + heating mode. At the same time, the hot water + cooling mode also has an energy-saving effect. Therefore, the heat pump system of the embodiment of the present application can provide users with multiple functions to meet the different needs of users.

[0056] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 The air-conditioning indoor unit 20 may be provided with an auxiliary heat exchanger 22 , that is, the air-conditioning indoor unit 20 is provided with at least two heat exchangers.

[0057] The auxiliary heat exchanger 22 is used to perform auxiliary heat exchange.

[0058] The auxiliary heat exchanger 22 has a third refrigerant port 22a and a fourth refrigerant port 22b. One of the third refrigerant port 22a and the fourth refrigerant port 22b of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 is used for allowing refrigerant to flow into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22, and the other is used for allowing refrigerant to flow out of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22.

[0059] Please continue reading Figure 6 The first connecting pipeline 411 has a first branch pipeline 4112 and a second branch pipeline 4113, and the refrigerant circulation pipeline 41 includes a fifth connecting pipeline 415. The first branch pipeline 4112 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger, and the second branch pipeline 4113 is connected to the third refrigerant port 22a of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22. The fourth refrigerant port 22b of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 is connected to the third connecting pipeline 413 through the fifth connecting pipeline 415.

[0060] That is, a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first connecting pipe 411 can flow into the water tank heat exchanger through the first branch pipe 4112, and the other portion of the refrigerant can flow into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 through the second branch pipe 4113. The refrigerant flowing out of the fourth refrigerant port 22b of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 flows into the third connecting pipe 413 through the fifth connecting pipe 415 and merges with the refrigerant in the third connecting pipe 413.

[0061] In order to facilitate the refrigerant flowing out of the fourth refrigerant port 22b of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 to merge with the refrigerant in the third connecting pipe 413, please refer to Figure 6 The connection point between the fifth connecting pipe 415 and the third connecting pipe 413 may be located between the outdoor heat exchanger 30 and the main heat exchanger 21 .

[0062] See also Figure 6For a heat pump system having multiple air-conditioning indoor units 20, the second connecting pipe 412 can be provided with a third branch pipe that is connected one-to-one with the first refrigerant port 21a of the main heat exchanger 21 of each air-conditioning indoor unit 20, and the third connecting pipe 413 can be provided with a fourth branch pipe 4131 that is connected one-to-one with the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21 of each air-conditioning indoor unit 20. The second branch pipe 4113 and the fifth connecting pipe 415 respectively correspond one-to-one with the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 20, and each fifth connecting pipe 415 is connected to the corresponding fourth branch pipe 4131.

[0063] The auxiliary heat exchanger 22 mainly cooperates with the main heat exchanger 21. For example, see Figure 6 The heat pump system can also be configured in a hot water production + dehumidification mode. In this mode, the first four-way valve 42 is energized and the second four-way valve 43 is deenergized. A portion of the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 45 flows through the first four-way valve 42 into the first connecting pipe 411. A portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first connecting pipe 411 flows through the first branch pipe 4112 and into the water tank heat exchanger from the refrigerant inlet. There, it exchanges heat with domestic water, heating the domestic water into hot water. After heat exchange, the refrigerant flows out of the refrigerant outlet of the water tank heat exchanger and flows through the fourth connecting pipe 414 into the third connecting pipe 413. Another portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first connecting pipe 411 flows through the second branch pipe 4113 into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 from the third refrigerant port 22a of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22. After exchanging heat with the indoor airflow, it flows out of the fourth refrigerant port 22b and flows through the fifth connecting pipe 415 into the third connecting pipe 413. At the same time, another portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 45 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 through the second four-way valve 43. After heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 30, it flows into the third connecting pipe 413. After merging with the refrigerant from the fourth connecting pipe 414 and the refrigerant from the fifth connecting pipe 415, the refrigerant flows into the main heat exchanger 21 through the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flowing into the main heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the indoor airflow to achieve dehumidification. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows out of the first refrigerant port 21a of the main heat exchanger 21, passes through the second connecting pipe 412 and the second four-way valve 43, and flows back to the compressor 45. This circulation cycle allows dehumidification while producing hot water.

[0064] Since the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 30 is combined with the refrigerant flowing out of the water tank heat exchanger and the refrigerant flowing out of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 and then flows into the main heat exchanger 21 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 20, this mode can recover the cooling capacity of the refrigerant after heat exchange between the water tank heat exchanger and the auxiliary heat exchanger 22, thereby achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0065] In addition, since the refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 comes from the first connecting pipe 411, the refrigerant actually releases heat to achieve heat exchange with the indoor air flow when flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger 22. That is to say, the heat exchange method of the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 is the same as the heat exchange method of the water tank heat exchanger. The refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 can release heat to increase the room temperature, so as to better prevent the room temperature from being too low during the dehumidification process and affecting the user experience.

[0066] For example, see Figure 7 In the single cooling mode, the refrigerant can flow into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 and the main heat exchanger 21 respectively for heat exchange, thereby improving the cooling effect of the air-conditioning indoor unit 20.

[0067] For example, see Figure 8 In the hot water + heating mode, a portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first connecting pipe 411 flows into the water tank heat exchanger via the first branch pipe 4112. Another portion of the refrigerant flowing into the first connecting pipe 411 flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 via the second branch pipe 4113. After exchanging heat with the indoor airflow, the refrigerant flows out of the fourth refrigerant port 22b and flows into the third connecting pipe 413 via the fifth connecting pipe 415. The refrigerant flowing into the third connecting pipe 413 from the second refrigerant port 21b of the main heat exchanger 21 merges with the refrigerant flowing into the third connecting pipe 413 via the fifth connecting pipe 415 and the refrigerant flowing into the third connecting pipe 413 via the fourth connecting pipe 414, and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat with the outdoor airflow, then flows back to the compressor 45 via the second four-way valve 43, thus circulating in this cycle.

[0068] That is, the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 and the main heat exchanger 21 can respectively exchange heat with the indoor airflow to achieve heating, thereby improving the heating effect of the air-conditioning indoor unit 20.

[0069] In addition, in the separate heating mode, it is also possible to cut off the communication path between the first connecting pipe 411 and the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger, so that the refrigerant flowing into the first connecting pipe 411 only flows into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22, and does not flow into the water tank heat exchanger. Therefore, in the separate heating mode, the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 and the main heat exchanger 21 can be used to exchange heat with the indoor air flow respectively.

[0070] Please continue reading Figure 9 The heat pump assembly 40 may further include an on-off valve 44 on the first connecting pipe 411. The on-off valve 44 is configured to open or close the second branch pipe 4113. In other words, the on-off valve 44 may open the second branch pipe 4113 to allow the refrigerant to flow into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22, or may close the second branch pipe 4113 to prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22.

[0071] It can be understood that the switch valve 44 is used to connect or cut off the second branch pipeline 4113. Therefore, the setting position of the switch valve 44 will not affect the connection or cutoff of the first branch pipeline 4112.

[0072] For example, see Figure 9 The first connecting pipeline 411 includes a main pipeline 4111 respectively connected to the first four-way valve 42, the first branch pipeline 4112 and the second branch pipeline 4113. For the convenience of description, the connection point between the main pipeline 4111 and the first branch pipeline 4112 can be referred to as the first connection position, and the connection point between the main pipeline 4111 and the second branch pipeline 4113 can be referred to as the second connection position. The first connection position can be located between the first four-way valve 42 and the second connection position. The switch valve 44 can be set in the main pipeline 4111 and located between the first connection position and the second connection position.

[0073] That is to say, the refrigerant flowing into the first connecting pipeline 411 through the first four-way valve 42 first flows into the main pipeline 4111, and then flows into the first branch pipeline 4112 and the second branch pipeline 4113 along the main pipeline 4111 in sequence. Since the switch valve 44 is arranged on the main pipeline 4111 and is located between the first connecting position and the second connecting position, when the switch valve 44 is closed, the refrigerant can flow into the first branch pipeline 4112 but cannot flow into the second branch pipeline 4113.

[0074] See also Figure 9 For a heat pump system having multiple air-conditioning indoor units 20, the switch valve 44 can be set between the first connection position and the second connection position that are closest to each other. When the switch valve 44 is closed, all the second branch pipes 4113 can be cut off at the same time.

[0075] In other embodiments, the switch valve 44 may also be provided on the second branch pipe 4113 . For a heat pump system having multiple air-conditioning indoor units 20 , it is equivalent to providing a switch valve 44 on each second branch pipe 4113 .

[0076] See also Figure 9 In the hot water + cooling mode, the switch valve 44 can be closed to prevent the refrigerant from flowing into the auxiliary heat exchanger 22, so as to avoid the refrigerant flowing through the auxiliary heat exchanger 22 releasing heat and affecting the cooling effect.

[0077] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 10The outdoor heat exchanger 30 includes a first heat exchanger 31 and a second heat exchanger 32. The first four-way valve 42 is in communication with the first heat exchanger 31, and the second four-way valve 43 is in communication with the second heat exchanger 32. In other words, the outdoor heat exchanger 30 can be provided with at least two heat exchangers. The refrigerant can flow into the first heat exchanger 31 through the first four-way valve 42, or flow from the first heat exchanger 31 into the first four-way valve 42. Similarly, the refrigerant can flow into the second heat exchanger 32 through the second four-way valve 43, or flow from the second heat exchanger 32 into the second four-way valve 43.

[0078] In addition, it is understandable that the refrigerant may also flow between the first heat exchanger 31 and the third connecting pipe 413 and between the second heat exchanger 32 and the third connecting pipe 413 .

[0079] For example, see Figure 10 The first heat exchanger 31 can be connected to the second heat exchanger 32. At the same time, the third connecting pipeline 413 has a fifth branch pipeline 4132 and a sixth branch pipeline 4133. The fifth branch pipeline 4132 is connected to the first heat exchanger 31, and the sixth branch pipeline 4133 is connected to the second heat exchanger 32.

[0080] That is to say, the first heat exchanger 31 is connected to the third connecting pipeline 413 through the fifth branch pipeline 4132, and the second heat exchanger 32 is connected to the third connecting pipeline 413 through the sixth branch pipeline 4133. In addition, the refrigerant can also flow between the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32.

[0081] This arrangement can achieve segmented defrosting of the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 .

[0082] For example, taking the heat pump system in the single heating mode or the hot water + heating mode as an example, in the single heating mode or the hot water + heating mode, the refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 31 through the fifth branch pipe 4132, and after heat exchange with the outdoor air flow, flows back to the compressor 45 through the first four-way valve 42; the refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger 32 through the sixth branch pipe 4133, and after heat exchange with the outdoor air flow, flows back to the compressor 45 through the second four-way valve 43.

[0083] See also Figure 10 When a defrost command is received, the heat pump system switches to the defrost mode and enters the first defrost stage. In the first defrost stage, the first four-way valve 42 can be controlled to be de-energized so that part of the refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 31 through the first four-way valve 42. The refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger 31 releases heat to defrost the first heat exchanger 31. The refrigerant after heat release flows into the second heat exchanger 32, and after heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 32, it flows back to the compressor 45 through the second four-way valve 43.

[0084] Please continue reading Figure 11 After the first heat exchanger 31 completes defrosting, the heat pump system enters the second defrosting stage. In the second defrosting stage, the first four-way valve 42 can be controlled to be powered on, and the second four-way valve 43 can be controlled to be powered off, so that part of the refrigerant flows into the second heat exchanger 32 through the second four-way valve 43. The refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 32 releases heat to defrost the second heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant after heat release flows into the first heat exchanger 31, and after heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 31, flows back to the compressor 45 through the first four-way valve 42.

[0085] That is, the first heat exchanger 31 may be defrosted first, and after the first heat exchanger 31 is defrosted, the second heat exchanger 32 may be defrosted.

[0086] See also Figure 10 The heat pump assembly 40 may further include a first throttle valve 46 and a second throttle valve 47. The first throttle valve 46 is disposed in the fifth branch pipe 4132, and the second throttle valve 47 is disposed in the sixth branch pipe 4133. During the defrosting process of the first heat exchanger 31, the opening of the first throttle valve 46 may be increased, for example, to a maximum opening. After the first heat exchanger 31 is defrosted, the opening of the first throttle valve 46 is returned to the opening required for normal heating. Similarly, during the defrosting process of the second heat exchanger 32, the opening of the second throttle valve 47 may be increased, for example, to a maximum opening. After the second heat exchanger 32 is defrosted, the opening of the second throttle valve 47 is returned to the opening required for normal heating.

[0087] In addition, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the second heat exchanger 32 may be defrosted first, and then the first heat exchanger 31 may be defrosted after the second heat exchanger 32 is defrosted. That is, the first defrosting stage and the second defrosting stage described above may be interchangeable.

[0088] For a heat pump system equipped with an auxiliary heat exchanger 22, in a single heating mode or a hot water + heating mode, the air-conditioning indoor unit 20 can always maintain heating operation during defrosting, thereby reducing the impact of the defrosting process on heating and improving the user experience.

[0089] In the description of this application, the descriptions with reference to the terms "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in yet other embodiments", or "exemplary" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this application, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples described in this application and features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0090] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A heat pump system, characterized in that: include: A water tank assembly, the water tank assembly comprising a water tank and a water tank heat exchanger having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet; An air-conditioning indoor unit, the air-conditioning indoor unit comprising a main heat exchanger having a first refrigerant port and a second refrigerant port; outdoor heat exchanger; A heat pump assembly, the heat pump assembly includes a refrigerant circulation pipeline and a first four-way valve and a second four-way valve arranged in the refrigerant circulation pipeline, the refrigerant circulation pipeline includes a first connecting pipeline, a second connecting pipeline, a third connecting pipeline and a fourth connecting pipeline, the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are respectively connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the first four-way valve is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger through the first connecting pipeline, and the second four-way valve is connected to the first refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger through the second connecting pipeline; the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the second refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger through the third connecting pipeline, and the refrigerant outlet of the water tank heat exchanger is connected to the third connecting pipeline through the fourth connecting pipeline, and the connection point is located between the outdoor heat exchanger and the main heat exchanger.

2. The heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that The air-conditioning indoor unit includes an auxiliary heat exchanger having a third refrigerant port and a fourth refrigerant port, the first connecting pipe has a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe, the refrigerant circulation pipe includes a fifth connecting pipe, the first branch pipe is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the water tank heat exchanger, the second branch pipe is connected to the third refrigerant port of the auxiliary heat exchanger, and the fourth refrigerant port of the auxiliary heat exchanger is connected to the third connecting pipe through the fifth connecting pipe.

3. The heat pump system according to claim 2, characterized in that The connection point between the fifth connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe is located between the outdoor heat exchanger and the main heat exchanger.

4. The heat pump system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: There are multiple air-conditioning indoor units, the second connecting pipe has a third branch pipe connected to the first refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger of each air-conditioning indoor unit in a one-to-one correspondence, the third connecting pipe has a fourth branch pipe connected to the second refrigerant port of the main heat exchanger of each air-conditioning indoor unit in a one-to-one correspondence, the second branch pipe and the fifth connecting pipe respectively correspond to the auxiliary heat exchangers of the air-conditioning indoor units, and each fifth connecting pipe is connected to the corresponding fourth branch pipe.

5. The heat pump system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The heat pump assembly includes a switch valve provided on the first connecting pipeline, and the switch valve is used to open or close the second branch pipeline.

6. The heat pump system according to claim 5, characterized in that The first connecting pipeline includes a main pipeline respectively connected to the first four-way valve, the first branch pipeline and the second branch pipeline. The connection point of the main pipeline with the first branch pipeline is a first connection position, and the connection point with the second branch pipeline is a second connection position. The first connection position is located between the first four-way valve and the second connection position. The switch valve is arranged in the main pipeline and is located between the first connection position and the second connection position.

7. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The heat pump assembly includes a compressor arranged in the refrigerant circulation pipeline, the refrigerant circulation pipeline includes a refrigerant return pipeline and a refrigerant outflow pipeline respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the compressor, and the first four-way valve and the second four-way valve are respectively connected to the refrigerant return pipeline and the refrigerant outflow pipeline.

8. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The outdoor heat exchanger includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The first four-way valve is in communication with the first heat exchanger, and the second four-way valve is in communication with the second heat exchanger.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 8, characterized in that The first heat exchanger is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the third connecting pipeline has a fifth branch pipeline and a sixth branch pipeline. The fifth branch pipeline is connected to the first heat exchanger, and the sixth branch pipeline is connected to the second heat exchanger.

10. The heat pump system according to claim 9, characterized in that The heat pump assembly includes a first throttle valve and a second throttle valve, wherein the first throttle valve is arranged on the fifth branch pipeline, and the second throttle valve is arranged on the sixth branch pipeline.

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