Air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air conditioner, and belongs to the technical field of air treatment. The air conditioner comprises a gas-liquid separator, wherein the gas-liquid separator comprises a tank body, a gas inlet pipe and a gas outlet pipe; the floating oil return device is used for conveying oil mixed on the upper layer of the liquid refrigerant to the air outlet pipe, and the floating oil return device comprises an oil return pipe, and the first end of the oil return pipe is communicated with the air outlet pipe; the floating oil return head can float on the liquid level of the tank body and comprises a sphere part communicated with the second end of the oil return pipe; the suction nozzle part is connected with the ball part, and an oil return opening is formed in the suction nozzle part; when oil in the gas-liquid separator is layered above the liquid refrigerant, the compressor operates to enable the oil to flow to the gas outlet pipe through the suction nozzle part, the ball part and the oil return pipe, and then the oil returns to the compressor through the gas outlet pipe. According to the air conditioner, the oil return efficiency of the gas-liquid separator can be improved, and the reliability of an air conditioning system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air handling technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] A gas-liquid separator is a device used in air conditioners. It is typically connected to the low-pressure side of the compressor. Its function is to separate the refrigerant returning from the evaporator to the compressor into gas and liquid, with only the gas returning to the compressor. However, the separated liquid refrigerant contains dissolved oil, so it is necessary to return the oil to the compressor to maintain the correct oil level.

[0003] To facilitate oil return, the outlet pipe of a gas-liquid separator is typically designed with an oil return hole, allowing the oil to return to the compressor. Existing gas-liquid separators use a fixed oil return hole with a fixed height. When the miscibility of oil and refrigerant decreases, causing oil and refrigerant stratification, the oil is on top of the refrigerant, while the oil return hole is located in the liquid refrigerant. This not only results in low oil return efficiency but also leads to a large amount of liquid returning, causing insufficient compressor lubrication and liquid compression problems, ultimately damaging the unit. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application addresses at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems by providing an air conditioner that can improve the oil return efficiency of the gas-liquid separator and enhance the reliability of the air conditioning system.

[0005] An air conditioner includes: a compressor for compressing refrigerant; a gas-liquid separator connected to the suction side of the compressor for separating the gaseous and liquid states of the refrigerant, the gas-liquid separator including: a tank; an inlet pipe connected to the tank for delivering refrigerant into the tank; an outlet pipe with its suction port located inside the tank and its outlet extending outside the tank and connected to the suction side of the compressor for supplying gaseous refrigerant to the compressor; and a floating oil return device for delivering oil mixed on the surface of the liquid refrigerant to the outlet pipe.

[0006] The floating oil return device includes: an oil return pipe with a first end and a second end at its two ends, the first end of which is connected to the vent pipe; and a floating oil return head that can float on the liquid surface of the tank. The floating oil return head includes: a spherical part that is connected to the second end of the oil return pipe; and a suction nozzle that is connected to the spherical part and has an oil return port.

[0007] When the oil stratifies above the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, the compressor operation causes the oil to be filtered by the filter screen, and then flows through the suction nozzle, the ball section, and the oil return pipe to the outlet pipe, and then returns to the compressor through the outlet pipe.

[0008] In this application, by setting a floating oil return device connected to the outlet pipe, since the floating oil return head of the floating oil return device floats on the liquid surface, it can transport the oil located on the upper layer of refrigerant to the outlet pipe, and then the oil can continue to return to the compressor through the outlet pipe. Therefore, the floating oil return device of this application ensures normal oil return when the oil and refrigerant are separated.

[0009] By connecting the suction nozzle to the spherical part with the suction nozzle facing downwards, it is easier for oil to enter the floating oil return device through the suction nozzle. This avoids the problem that the oil return port cannot always face downwards when it is directly set on the spherical part, thus ensuring oil return efficiency.

[0010] In some embodiments, an oil return port is provided at the end of the suction nozzle that is away from the ball.

[0011] By setting the oil return port at the end of the suction nozzle away from the ball, it can be ensured that the oil return port is always located at the lower end, so that the upper oil can enter the floating oil return device from the oil return port.

[0012] In some embodiments, a filter screen is provided at the oil return port to filter impurities mixed in with the oil.

[0013] By installing a filter screen at the oil return port, impurities in the oil can be filtered out, preventing them from entering the compressor and causing damage.

[0014] In some embodiments, the nozzle portion is flared outwards from the direction away from the sphere portion.

[0015] By making the suction nozzle flared, the area of ​​the oil return port can be increased, which in turn increases the area of ​​the filter screen, thus avoiding the problem of the filter screen being easily clogged and affecting the oil return efficiency.

[0016] In some embodiments, the floating return head further includes a neck connected between the ball portion and the nozzle portion, the neck being cylindrical.

[0017] By providing a neck between the sphere and the nozzle, which acts as a transitional connection, the problem of sharp points forming at the connection point when the nozzle and sphere are directly connected can be avoided, thus preventing fluid flow from being affected.

[0018] In some embodiments, the interior of the sphere is divided into a cavity and a return oil cavity. The cavity is used to provide buoyancy so that the sphere can float on the liquid surface, and the return oil cavity is used to communicate with the return oil pipe and the suction nozzle.

[0019] By dividing the space inside the spherical part into two parts, the problem of slow flow rate caused by an excessively large return oil chamber can be avoided.

[0020] In some embodiments, the axis of the nozzle portion is perpendicular to the partition portion and passes through the center O of the sphere portion.

[0021] By setting the axis of the suction nozzle to pass through the center of the ball O, the shape of the floating oil return head can be made more regular.

[0022] In some embodiments, the spherical portion is provided with an outwardly extending connector portion for connection with the return oil pipe.

[0023] By setting a connector on the ball part, it is easier to connect the return oil pipe to the ball part.

[0024] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid separator further includes: an isolation element connected to an outlet pipe or a tank, wherein a floating space is defined within the isolation element and the floating space is in communication with the external space of the isolation element so that oil and liquid refrigerant can flow into the floating space; and a floating oil return device is located within the floating space.

[0025] By setting up an isolation component, the floating return head can be limited, preventing it from vibrating with the liquid.

[0026] In some embodiments, the isolation element includes: an isolation plate, the space between two isolation plates forming a floating space, and the isolation plate having a plurality of permeation holes.

[0027] By setting two spaced-apart baffles, the lateral movement range of the floating return oil head is limited to between the two baffles.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lateral distance between the two partition plates is denoted as W, and the diameter of the sphere is denoted as D, where D < W ≤ 2D. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the refrigerant system of an air conditioner according to some embodiments is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A front view of a gas-liquid separator of an air conditioner according to some embodiments is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 An internal structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to some embodiments is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an omitted cylinder of a gas-liquid separator according to some embodiments is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 An internal cross-sectional view of a gas-liquid separator according to some embodiments is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a floating oil return device for a gas-liquid separator according to some embodiments is shown;

[0035] Figure 7A partial cross-sectional view of a floating oil return device of a gas-liquid separator according to some embodiments is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an omitted cylinder of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments is shown;

[0037] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the gas outlet pipe, floating oil return device, and isolation element of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments is shown;

[0038] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a floating oil return device and an isolator for a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments is shown.

[0039] In the above diagrams, 100 is the outdoor unit; 111 is the compressor; 112 is the outdoor heat exchanger; 113 is the four-way valve; 114 is the outdoor throttling device; 115 is the gas-liquid separator; 116 is the outdoor fan; 200 is the indoor unit; 211 is the indoor heat exchanger; 212 is the indoor throttling device; 213 is the indoor fan; 310 is the tank; 311 is the cylinder; 312 is the upper end cover; 313 is the lower end cover; 314 is the base; 320 is the air inlet pipe; 320a is the inlet; 320b is the outlet; 330 is the air outlet pipe; 330a is the air intake port; 330 is the air outlet pipe; 330 is the air intake port; 330 is the air outlet ... b. Air outlet; 331. First air outlet pipe section; 332. Bent pipe section; 333. Second air outlet pipe section; 400. Floating oil return device; 410. Oil return pipe; 411. Rigid pipe head; 420. Floating oil return head; 421. Ball part; 4211. Separator part; 4212. Cavity; 4213. Oil return chamber; 4214. Connector part; 422. Suction nozzle part; 4221. Oil return port; 423. Filter screen; 424. Neck; 500. Isolation element; 500a. Floating space; 510. Isolation plate; 511. Permeation hole; 520. Connecting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives and implementation methods of this application clearer, the exemplary implementation methods of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the exemplary embodiments of this application. Obviously, the exemplary embodiments described are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0042] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail, with examples of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The air conditioner described in this application is applicable to integrated units where the outdoor and indoor units are combined into one machine, and also to split units where the outdoor and indoor units are separate entities. When the outdoor and indoor units are split units, the outdoor unit is also referred to as the outdoor unit, and the indoor unit is also referred to as the indoor unit.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 An air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application includes an outdoor unit 100, located in an outdoor space and used to perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air; and an indoor unit 200, located in an indoor space and used to perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air.

[0047] The outdoor unit 100 includes: a compressor 111 for compressing refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger 112 for performing heat exchange between outdoor air and refrigerant; a four-way valve 113 for selectively guiding the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 111 to the outdoor heat exchanger 112 or the indoor unit 200 according to the heating or cooling mode; an outdoor throttling device 114 for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant; and a gas-liquid separator 115 for preventing unevaporated liquid refrigerant from flowing to the compressor 111.

[0048] The discharge end of compressor 111 is connected to port D of four-way valve 113. Port C of four-way valve 113 is connected to outdoor heat exchanger 112. Port E of four-way valve 113 is connected to indoor heat exchanger 211 of indoor unit 200. Port S of four-way valve is connected to inlet of gas-liquid separator 115. Outlet of gas-liquid separator 115 is connected to suction end of compressor 111.

[0049] When the compressor 111 is powered on, it uses the rotational force of the compressor motor (not shown) to compress the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant to a high pressure.

[0050] In cooling mode, the four-way valve 113 guides the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 111 to the outdoor heat exchanger 112, and in heating mode, it guides the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 111 to the indoor unit 200.

[0051] The outdoor heat exchanger 112 functions as a condenser in cooling mode to condense the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 111, thereby liquefying the gaseous refrigerant. In heating mode, it functions as an evaporator to evaporate the refrigerant depressurized by the indoor unit 200, thereby vaporizing the liquid refrigerant.

[0052] Outdoor fan 116 blows outdoor air to outdoor heat exchanger 112.

[0053] The outdoor throttling device 114 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant by throttling it. When the refrigerant passes through a narrow passage, its pressure decreases without heat exchange with the outside. Specifically, the outdoor throttling device 114 can be an expansion valve or a capillary tube, etc.

[0054] The indoor unit 200 includes an indoor heat exchanger 211, which performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air.

[0055] In cooling mode, the indoor heat exchanger 211 is used as an evaporator to evaporate low-pressure liquid refrigerant, thereby vaporizing the liquid refrigerant. In heating mode, it is used as a condenser to condense high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, thereby liquefying the gaseous refrigerant.

[0056] The indoor fan 213 blows the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 211 into the indoor space.

[0057] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 200 does not include an indoor throttling device 212. The outdoor throttling device 114 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in both cooling and heating modes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 200 may include an indoor throttling device 212 to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 211 in cooling mode. In heating mode, an outdoor throttling device 114 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 112.

[0059] The flow of refrigerant in the air conditioner in cooling or heating mode will be described below.

[0060] When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the compressor 111 of the outdoor unit 100 compresses the refrigerant to a high pressure. As the refrigerant is compressed, its pressure and temperature increase.

[0061] Compressed refrigerant is guided to outdoor heat exchanger 112 via four-way valve 113. In outdoor heat exchanger 112, the refrigerant condenses, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and outdoor air during this process. Specifically, the refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state.

[0062] After the condensed liquid refrigerant passes through the outdoor throttling device 114, it is supplied to the indoor unit 200.

[0063] The refrigerant supplied to the indoor unit 200 is depressurized by the indoor throttling device 212, and the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced at the same time.

[0064] The depressurized refrigerant is evaporated through the indoor heat exchanger 211, and heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air is performed simultaneously during the evaporation of the refrigerant. Specifically, the refrigerant changes to a gaseous state.

[0065] The evaporated gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor unit 100 and also to the gas-liquid separator 115 via the four-way valve 113. In the gas-liquid separator 115, the refrigerant is separated into unevaporated liquid refrigerant and evaporated gaseous refrigerant, and the gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 111 again to complete one refrigerant cycle.

[0066] As described above, in cooling mode, the air conditioner can use the heat exchange between the refrigerant generated in the indoor heat exchanger 211 and the indoor air to cool the indoor air.

[0067] When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant is compressed to high pressure by the compressor 111 of the outdoor unit 100, and the temperature of the refrigerant increases with the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0068] After passing through the four-way valve 113, the compressed refrigerant is guided to the indoor unit 200.

[0069] The refrigerant is condensed by the indoor heat exchanger 211, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the indoor air during the condensation process. Specifically, the refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state.

[0070] After the condensed liquid refrigerant passes through the indoor throttling device 212, the condensed refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor unit 100 again.

[0071] The refrigerant supplied to the outdoor unit 100 is depressurized by the outdoor throttling device 114, and the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced at the same time.

[0072] The depressurized refrigerant is evaporated through the outdoor heat exchanger 112, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the outdoor air during the evaporation process. Specifically, the refrigerant changes to a gaseous state.

[0073] The gaseous refrigerant evaporated by the outdoor heat exchanger 112 is supplied to the gas-liquid separator 115 via the four-way valve 113. In the gas-liquid separator 115, the refrigerant is separated into unevaporated liquid refrigerant and evaporated gaseous refrigerant, and the gaseous refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 111 again to complete one refrigerant cycle.

[0074] As described above, in heating mode, the air conditioner can use the heat exchange between the refrigerant generated in the indoor heat exchanger 211 and the indoor air to heat the indoor air.

[0075] The structure of the gas-liquid separator 115 is described below:

[0076] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The gas-liquid separator 115 includes a tank 310. The tank 310 is a closed cylinder, which constitutes the general appearance of the gas-liquid separator 115.

[0077] In some embodiments, the tank 310 may include a cylindrical body 311. The cylindrical body 311 is cylindrical with open upper and lower ends.

[0078] The tank body 310 may include an upper cover 312. The upper cover 312 is connected to the upper end of the cylinder 311 and is used to close the upper end of the cylinder 311.

[0079] The tank body 310 may include a lower end cover 313. The upper end cover 313 is connected to the bottom end of the cylinder body 311 and is used to close the bottom end of the cylinder body 311.

[0080] The gas-liquid separator 115 may include a base 314. The base 314 is connected to the bottom end of the lower end cover 313 and is used for fixed connection with the housing of the outdoor unit 100.

[0081] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid separator 115 may include an inlet pipe 320 for supplying refrigerant into the tank 310. The inlet pipe 320 extends through the tank 310.

[0082] A portion of the air intake pipe 320 is located outside the tank body 310, and a portion of the air intake pipe 320 extends into the tank body 310.

[0083] The external port of the intake pipe 320 is the inlet 320a of the gas-liquid separator 115, which is used to supply refrigerant.

[0084] The port of the inlet pipe 320 that extends into the tank 310 is the outlet 320b of the inlet pipe 320, which is used to allow refrigerant to flow out into the tank 310.

[0085] The gas-liquid separator 115 may include an outlet pipe 330 for allowing refrigerant to flow out of the tank 310. The outlet pipe 330 extends through the tank 310.

[0086] Most of the vent pipe 330 is located inside the tank 310, and one end of the vent pipe 330 extends outside the tank 310.

[0087] The port of the outlet pipe 330 located inside the tank 310 is the intake port 330a, which is used to allow gaseous refrigerant to flow into the outlet pipe 330; the port of the outlet pipe 330 exposed outside the tank 310 is the outlet port 330b of the gas-liquid separator 115, which is used to allow gaseous refrigerant to flow out of the gas-liquid separator 115.

[0088] In the refrigerant flow path, the output side of the evaporator is connected to the inlet 320a of the gas-liquid separator 115, and the outlet 330b of the gas-liquid separator 115 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 111, so that the refrigerant passing through the evaporator flows to the inlet pipe 320. After the gas-liquid separator 115 separates the unevaporated liquid refrigerant from the gaseous refrigerant, it continues to supply the gaseous refrigerant to the suction side of the compressor 111.

[0089] According to embodiments of this application, in conjunction with Figure 1 The S port of the four-way valve 113 is connected to the inlet 320a of the gas-liquid separator 115, and the outlet 330b of the gas-liquid separator 115 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 111.

[0090] In some embodiments, the intake pipe 320 is generally "L"-shaped and includes a first intake portion. The first intake portion extends vertically and its top end is an inlet 320a.

[0091] The intake pipe 320 includes a second intake section. The second intake section extends laterally, and its free end is the outlet 320b.

[0092] The inlet pipe 320 is located at the top of the tank 310, which allows the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant to rotate and separate fully within the tank 310.

[0093] The first and second air intake sections are connected by an arc-shaped section.

[0094] In some embodiments, the vent pipe 330 is U-shaped, with both ports of the vent pipe 330 located at the top.

[0095] The gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant flows into the tank 310 along the inlet pipe 320. The liquid refrigerant is heavier and settles at the bottom of the tank 310, while the gaseous refrigerant flows out of the gas-liquid separator 115 along the outlet pipe 330, thereby achieving gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant.

[0096] During the separation of gaseous and liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 115, the gaseous refrigerant continues to be supplied to the compressor 111, while the liquid refrigerant accumulates inside the gas-liquid separator 115. Normally, oil dissolves in the liquid refrigerant, requiring the oil to return to the compressor to maintain the required oil level. Therefore, an oil return hole is provided on the outlet pipe 330 of the gas-liquid separator 115 to allow the oil to return to the compressor 111.

[0097] When the miscibility between oil and refrigerant decreases and oil and refrigerant separate into layers, the oil will be on top of the refrigerant, and the oil return hole will be in the liquid refrigerant. This will not only result in low oil return efficiency but also a large amount of liquid return, causing insufficient lubrication of the compressor and problems with liquid compression.

[0098] To solve this technical problem, in some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 3 to 6 The gas-liquid separator 115 includes a floating oil return device 400 for conveying oil located on the upper layer of liquid refrigerant to the gas outlet pipe 330.

[0099] The floating oil return device 400 includes an oil return pipe 410. The two ends of the oil return pipe 410 are a first end and a second end, respectively. The first end of the oil return pipe 410 is connected to the vent pipe 330. The second end of the oil return pipe 410 is used to connect to the floating oil return head 420.

[0100] The return oil pipe 410 is made of flexible hose and can deform. So that when the position of the floating return oil head 420 changes, the return oil pipe 410 can adapt to the change of the floating return oil head 420 and deform accordingly.

[0101] In some embodiments, a rigid pipe head 411 is connected to the first end of the return oil pipe 410. The rigid pipe head 411 is welded to the vent pipe 330 to achieve the connection between the return oil pipe 410 and the vent pipe 330.

[0102] In other embodiments, the return oil pipe 410 may be made of a rigid pipe material that cannot be deformed. The first end of the return oil pipe 410 is rotatably connected to the vent pipe 330. When the floating return oil head 420 changes position, the return oil pipe 410 can rotate to adapt to the positional change of the floating return oil head 420.

[0103] In some embodiments, the floating return oil device 400 includes a floating return oil head 420. The floating return oil head 420 floats on the liquid surface and is used to supply oil at the liquid surface to the return oil pipe 410.

[0104] By setting a floating oil return device 400 connected to the outlet pipe 330, since the floating oil return head 420 of the floating oil return device 400 floats on the liquid surface, it can transport the oil located on the upper layer of the refrigerant to the outlet pipe 330. Then the oil can continue to return to the compressor 111 from the outlet pipe 330. Therefore, the floating oil return device 400 of this application ensures normal oil return when the oil and refrigerant are separated.

[0105] Reference Figure 7 The floating return head 420 includes a spherical portion 421. The spherical portion 421 may be hollow inside to facilitate the floating of the floating return head 420 on the liquid surface.

[0106] The ball portion 421 is connected to the second end of the return oil pipe 410. The internal space of the ball portion 421 is in communication with the return oil pipe 410 so that oil can flow through the ball portion 421 to the return oil pipe 410.

[0107] The floating oil return head 420 includes a suction nozzle 422. The suction nozzle 422 is connected to the ball part 421. The suction nozzle 422 is provided with an oil return port 4221. Oil in the tank 310 can enter the floating oil return head 420 through the oil return port 4221.

[0108] In some embodiments, the nozzle portion 422 is connected to the outside of the ball portion 421. The oil return port 4221 is located on the nozzle portion 422 at the end away from the ball portion 421.

[0109] In some embodiments, the floating return head 420 may include a filter screen 423. The filter screen 423 is disposed at the return port 4221 to filter impurities and prevent impurities mixed in with the oil from entering the floating return head 420 with the oil.

[0110] If impurities enter the floating return head 420, they may become clogged inside, causing difficulty in oil return.

[0111] If impurities are drawn into compressor 111 along with the oil, compressor 111 will be damaged.

[0112] Therefore, in this application, by setting a filter screen 423 at the oil return port 4221, the problem of blocked oil return path and difficulty in oil return can be avoided, and the problem of impurities damaging compressor 111 can also be avoided.

[0113] In some embodiments, the nozzle portion 422 is flared. The maximum inner diameter of the nozzle portion 422 is located at the end of the nozzle portion 422 away from the ball portion 421. The oil return port 4221 is located at the maximum inner diameter of the nozzle portion 422.

[0114] The nozzle 422 is flared, which increases the area of ​​the oil return port 4221. The filter screen 423 is located at the oil return port 4221, which increases the filtration area of ​​the filter screen 423, reduces the clogging of the filter screen 423, reduces pressure loss, and ensures the oil return effect.

[0115] If the area of ​​the oil return port 4221 and the filter screen 423 is relatively small, impurities can easily adhere to the filter screen 423 and completely clog it. This will increase pressure loss and affect the oil return effect from the oil return port 4221.

[0116] When the area of ​​filter screen 423 is relatively large, impurities will not completely clog filter screen 423 when it performs its filtering function, thus ensuring normal oil return at oil return port 4221.

[0117] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the suction nozzle portion 422, perpendicular to its axis, gradually increases from the spherical portion 421 towards the oil return port 4221. The cross-sectional area is largest at the oil return port 4221.

[0118] In some embodiments, the nozzle portion 422 is conical. The end of the nozzle portion 422 away from the spherical portion 421 is the larger diameter end of the cone. The oil return port 4221 is provided at the larger diameter end of the nozzle portion 422.

[0119] In some embodiments, the floating return head 420 may include a neck 424. The neck 424 is connected between the ball portion 421 and the suction mouth portion 422. The neck 424 may be cylindrical.

[0120] The neck 424 serves as a transitional connection between the spherical part 421 and the suction nozzle part 422, which is beneficial to the shaping of the structure and to the smooth flow of oil in the floating return head 420.

[0121] If the neck 424 is not present, and the nozzle 422 is directly connected to the ball part 421, a sharp point will be formed at the connection between the nozzle 422 and the ball part 421. The sharp point may cause fluid energy loss, vortex generation and pressure fluctuation, all of which will hinder the flow of fluid.

[0122] Therefore, this application provides a neck 424 between the ball portion 421 and the nozzle portion 422. The neck 424 avoids the formation of sharp points and ensures smooth oil flow.

[0123] In some embodiments, the axis of the suction nozzle 422 passes through the center O of the sphere 421, which makes the overall shape of the floating oil return head 420 more regular and is beneficial to the integral molding of the floating oil return head 420.

[0124] In some embodiments, the axis of the neck 424 coincides with the axis of the nozzle portion 422. The axis of the neck 424 passes through the center O of the sphere portion 421.

[0125] In some embodiments, the interior of the sphere portion 421 is divided by the partition portion 4211 into a cavity 4212 and an oil return cavity 4213.

[0126] Cavity 4221 is used to provide sufficient buoyancy for floating return head 420.

[0127] The oil return chamber 4213 is connected to the oil return pipe 410 and the suction nozzle 422, and serves as part of the oil return path.

[0128] In some embodiments, the axis of the suction nozzle 422 is perpendicular to the partition 4211. Taking the partition 4211 as the dividing line, since the suction nozzle 422, the return oil pipe 410 and other structures are connected to one side of the return oil chamber 4213, the weight of the side where the suction nozzle 422 is located is greater than that of the side where the cavity 4212 is located. Therefore, when the floating return oil head 420 floats on the liquid surface, the cavity 4212 is located on the upper side of the return oil chamber 4213 to ensure that the return oil port 4221 faces downward.

[0129] In some embodiments, the spherical portion 421 is provided with an outwardly extending connector portion 4214. The connector portion 4214 is used to connect to the second end of the return oil pipe 410.

[0130] The connector 4214 is provided on the side wall of the ball part 421 that forms the oil return cavity 4213, so that the oil return pipe 410 can communicate with the oil return cavity 4213 after being connected to the connector 4214.

[0131] The joint 4214 and the return oil pipe 410 can be connected by means of bonding or clamping.

[0132] In some embodiments, the volume of cavity 4212 is denoted as V1, and the volume of return oil cavity 4213 is denoted as V2. 0.8≤V1:V2≤1.2.

[0133] If V1:V2<0.8, then the volume of cavity 4212 is relatively small, and the volume of return oil cavity 4213 is relatively large. The flow rate of oil in return oil cavity 4213 will be slower, affecting the return oil efficiency.

[0134] If V1:V2>1.2, then the volume of cavity 4212 is relatively large, the volume of return oil cavity 4213 is relatively small, and the area of ​​the side wall surrounding the return oil cavity 4213 on the spherical part 421 is relatively small, which may cause the nozzle part 422, connector part 4214, etc. to be not distributed on the spherical part 421.

[0135] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 8 to 10The gas-liquid separator 115 may include a separator 500. The separator 500 is used to confine the floating oil return device 400 within a predetermined space.

[0136] The isolator 500 is connected to the vent pipe 330, or the isolator 500 is connected to the tank body 310.

[0137] A floating space 500a is defined within the isolation member 500. The floating space 500a communicates with the external space of the isolation member 500 so that oil and liquid refrigerant can flow into the floating space 500a.

[0138] The floating oil return device 400 is located in the floating space 500a.

[0139] When gas-liquid separator 115 is inlet, the refrigerant inside is agitated and not statically stable. Without the isolator 500, the floating oil return head 420 would vibrate inside the gas-liquid separator 115, affecting the oil return effect and generating noise. However, with the isolator 500 installed, liquid refrigerant can enter the isolator 500 without directly impacting the floating oil return head 420, thus ensuring the oil return effect.

[0140] The isolator 500 is mainly used to limit the lateral vibration of the floating return head 420, but does not restrict the floating return head 420 from rising and falling with the liquid level.

[0141] Therefore, the lateral width of the floating space 500a is relatively narrow, and the height of the floating space 500a will not affect the maximum height that the floating return head 420 can rise to.

[0142] In some embodiments, the spacer 500 includes two spacer plates 510. The two spacer plates 510 are vertically arranged. A predetermined interval is provided between the two spacer plates 510. This predetermined interval forms a floating space 500a.

[0143] The floating return oil device 400 is located between two isolation plates 510, which can limit the lateral sway of the floating return oil head 420.

[0144] In some embodiments, the separator 500 includes a connecting plate 520. The connecting plate 520 is connected between two separator plates 510 for connecting the two separator plates 510 together.

[0145] The connecting plate 520 can be connected to the top of the two isolation plates 510. Due to the blocking effect of the connecting plate 520 and the isolation plates 510, the liquid disturbance in the floating space 500a can be greatly reduced.

[0146] In some embodiments, the isolation plate 510 is provided with a plurality of permeation holes 511. The permeation holes 511 allow the inside and outside of the floating space 500a to communicate with each other.

[0147] In some embodiments, the penetration holes 511 are distributed over the separator plate 510 at a predetermined interval.

[0148] In some embodiments, the distance between two separator plates 510, i.e., the lateral width of the floating space 500a, is denoted as W, and the diameter of the spherical part 421 is denoted as D.

[0149] D < W, which can ensure that the floating oil return head 420 can be accommodated in the floating space 500a.

[0150] W ≤ 2D. If W > 2D, that is, the distance between two separator plates 510 is relatively large, then the lateral movement space of the floating oil return head 420 in the floating space 500a is still relatively large, which will greatly weaken the isolation effect of the isolator 500 on the floating oil return head 420.

[0151] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 3 , the first end of the oil return pipe 410 is connected to the side of the air outlet pipe 330 near the air outlet 330b.

[0152] The air outlet pipe 330 includes a first air outlet pipe segment 331. The first air outlet pipe segment 331 extends linearly, the upper port of the first air outlet pipe segment 331 is the air suction port 330a, and the lower port of the first air outlet pipe segment 331 is used to connect to the bent pipe segment 332.

[0153] The air outlet pipe 330 includes a bent pipe segment 332. The bent pipe segment 332 is arc-shaped. One port of the bent pipe segment 332 is connected to the lower port of the first air outlet pipe segment 331, and the other port of the bent pipe segment 332 is used to connect to the lower port of the second air outlet pipe segment 332.

[0154] The air outlet pipe 330 includes a second air outlet pipe segment 333. The second air outlet pipe segment 333 extends linearly. The upper port of the second air outlet pipe segment 333 is located outside the tank body 310, which is the air outlet 330b. The lower port of the second air outlet pipe segment 333 is connected to the bent pipe segment 332.

[0155] The first end of the oil return pipe 410 is connected to the second air outlet pipe segment 333 of the air outlet pipe 330.

[0156] The oil in the tank body 310 flows through the oil return pipe 410 to the second air outlet pipe segment 3 of the air outlet pipe 330, and then flows through the second air outlet pipe segment 333 to the compressor 111. If the oil return pipe 410 is connected to the first air outlet pipe segment 333, this will increase the flow path of the oil on the air outlet pipe 330, thereby reducing the oil return efficiency.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first end of the oil return pipe 410 is connected to the middle in the height direction of the second air outlet pipe segment 333. [[ID=If the return oil pipe 410 is connected to the lower part of the second vent pipe section 333, the length of the return oil pipe 410 needs to be designed to be relatively long so that the floating return oil head 420 can still float on the liquid surface when the liquid level in the tank 310 is high.

[0159] Similarly, if the return oil pipe 410 is connected to the upper part of the second vent pipe section 333, the length of the return oil pipe 410 also needs to be designed to be relatively long so that the floating return oil head 420 can float on the liquid surface when the liquid level in the tank 310 is low.

[0160] If the return oil pipe 410 is relatively long, and the liquid level changes frequently inside the tank 310, the return oil pipe 410 is prone to entanglement due to frequent deformation.

[0161] In addition, if the return oil pipe 410 is long, it will occupy more space inside the tank 310, which will reduce the volume of liquid that the tank 310 can store.

[0162] Therefore, in this application, the first end of the return oil pipe 410 is connected to the middle of the second vent pipe section 333, which can avoid the problem of the return oil pipe 410 being too long.

[0163] In some embodiments, the midpoint of the portion of the second vent pipe section 333 located inside the tank body 310 is M. The connection point between the oil return pipe 410 and the vent pipe 330 is located below point M.

[0164] In most cases, the amount of liquid stored in the gas-liquid separator 115 will not be too much, and the floating return head 420 will hardly reach the top of the tank 310. Therefore, the position of the return pipe 410 can be lower than the midpoint M, and the length of the return pipe 410 can be shorter.

[0165] In some embodiments, the baffle plate 510 is welded to the second vent pipe section 333 to achieve the connection of the baffle plate 510 within the tank body 310.

[0166] In some embodiments, the connecting plate 520 may be welded to the second vent pipe section 333.

[0167] In some embodiments, the bottom end of the spacer 500 is open. The bottoms of the two spacers 510 have no connecting structure.

[0168] There is a distance between the bottom end of the separator 500 and the bottom wall of the tank 310.

[0169] In some embodiments, the end of the isolation member 500 away from the second vent segment 333 is open. The ends of the two isolation plates 510 away from the second vent segment 333 have no connecting structure.

[0170] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0171] For ease of explanation, the above description has been provided in conjunction with specific embodiments. However, the above exemplary discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the specific forms disclosed above. Various modifications and variations can be obtained based on the above teachings. The selection and description of the above embodiments are for the purpose of better explaining the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better utilize the described embodiments and various different variations of embodiments suitable for specific use considerations.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Compressor, used to compress refrigerant; A gas-liquid separator, connected to the suction side of the compressor, is used to separate the gaseous and liquid states of the refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator includes: Tank body; An intake pipe, which is connected to the tank body, is used to deliver refrigerant into the tank body; An outlet pipe, wherein the inlet of the outlet pipe is located inside the tank, and the outlet of the outlet pipe extends outside the tank and is connected to the inlet side of the compressor, for supplying gaseous refrigerant to the compressor; A floating oil return device is used to transport oil mixed on the surface of liquid refrigerant to the outlet pipe. The floating oil return device includes: The oil return pipe has a first end and a second end at its two ends, and the first end of the oil return pipe is connected to the air outlet pipe. A floating oil return head, which can float at the liquid surface of the tank, includes: The spherical part is connected to the second end of the return oil pipe; The suction nozzle is connected to the ball part, and the suction nozzle is provided with an oil return port; When the oil in the gas-liquid separator separates above the liquid refrigerant, the compressor operates so that the oil flows through the suction nozzle, the ball section, and the oil return pipe to the outlet pipe, and then returns to the compressor through the outlet pipe.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter screen is installed at the oil return port to filter out impurities mixed in with the oil.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The nozzle portion is flared outwards from the direction away from the spherical portion.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The floating return head also includes: The neck, connecting the spherical part and the suction nozzle part, is cylindrical.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the spherical part is divided into a cavity and an oil return cavity. The cavity is used to provide buoyancy so that the spherical part can float on the liquid surface. The oil return cavity is used to communicate with the oil return pipe and the suction nozzle.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The axis of the nozzle is perpendicular to the partition and passes through the center O of the sphere.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spherical part is provided with an outwardly extending connector for connecting to the return oil pipe.

8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separator also includes: An isolator is connected to the outlet pipe or the tank body. A floating space is defined within the isolator and the floating space is in communication with the external space of the isolator so that oil and liquid refrigerant can flow into the floating space. The floating return head is located within the floating space.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The isolation element includes: The isolation plates are arranged vertically, and the space between two isolation plates forms the floating space. The isolation plates are provided with multiple permeation holes.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Compressor, used to compress refrigerant; A gas-liquid separator, connected to the suction side of the compressor, is used to separate the gaseous and liquid states of the refrigerant. The gas-liquid separator includes: Tank body; An intake pipe, which is connected to the tank body, is used to deliver refrigerant into the tank body; An outlet pipe, wherein the inlet of the outlet pipe is located inside the tank, and the outlet of the outlet pipe extends outside the tank and is connected to the inlet side of the compressor, for supplying gaseous refrigerant to the compressor; A floating oil return device is used to transport oil mixed in liquid refrigerant to the outlet pipe, the floating oil return device comprising: The oil return pipe has a first end and a second end at its two ends, and the first end of the oil return pipe is connected to the air outlet pipe. A floating oil return head, which floats on the liquid surface of the tank, includes: The spherical part is connected to the second end of the return oil pipe; The suction nozzle is connected to the ball part, and an oil return port is provided at the end of the suction nozzle away from the ball part; When the oil in the gas-liquid separator separates above the liquid refrigerant, the compressor operates so that the oil flows through the suction nozzle, the ball section, and the oil return pipe to the outlet pipe, and then returns to the compressor through the outlet pipe.

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