Gas-liquid separator and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a gas-liquid separator and an air conditioner, the gas-liquid separator comprises a cylinder body, an accommodating cavity is formed in the cylinder body, and an oil pool is formed at the bottom of the accommodating cavity; the inlet pipe is arranged at the bottom of the barrel and configured to allow a refrigerant to flow into the containing cavity, and an outlet of the inlet pipe is close to the top of the barrel; the outlet pipe is arranged at the top of the barrel and is configured to allow the refrigerant to flow out of the accommodating cavity; the oil return pipe communicates with the oil pool and is configured to enable oil in the oil pool to flow out. The gas-liquid separator adopts a lower-inlet and upper-outlet pipeline layout mode, so that the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator can be increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to a gas-liquid separator and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] The gas-liquid separator is a very important component in an air conditioning system. Its inlet pipe is connected to the low-pressure side of the refrigeration system, and its outlet pipe is connected to the compressor's suction port. The chamber plays a role in gas-liquid separation during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0003] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of an existing gas-liquid separator. The gas-liquid separator includes a cylindrical body 100, with an inlet pipe 200 and an outlet pipe 300 located at the upper part of the cylindrical body 100. The outlet pipe 300 is U-shaped inside the cylindrical body 100, and an oil return hole is provided at the bottom of the U-shaped outlet pipe 300 for lubricating oil to flow back to the compressor. A pressure equalization hole is provided at the upper part of the U-shaped outlet pipe 300 to reduce the risk of liquid backflow caused by excessively high liquid levels inside the U-shaped outlet pipe 300 during shutdown pressure equalization. The effective volume of the gas-liquid separator is the liquid volume corresponding to the highest liquid level that the gas-liquid separator can reach during normal operation. However, during normal operation, the outlet pipe 300 contains gaseous refrigerant, so the effective volume also needs to be reduced by the volume occupied by the pipeline below the highest liquid level. Therefore, the larger the diameter of the inlet pipe 200 and the outlet pipe 300, the taller the cylindrical body, and the more outlet pipes 300 there are, the larger the effective volume occupied by the pipeline, and the lower the effective volume utilization rate within the cylindrical body 100.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the problems pointed out in the background art, this utility model proposes a gas-liquid separator and an air conditioner, which increases the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, a gas-liquid separator is provided. The gas-liquid separator includes a cylinder with a receiving cavity formed inside the cylinder and an oil pool formed at the bottom of the receiving cavity. An inlet pipe is disposed at the bottom of the cylinder and is configured to allow refrigerant to flow into the receiving cavity. The outlet of the inlet pipe is near the top of the cylinder. An outlet pipe is disposed at the top of the cylinder and is configured to allow refrigerant to flow out of the receiving cavity. An oil return pipe is connected to the oil pool and is configured to allow oil in the oil pool to flow out.

[0008] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the inlet pipe is located at the bottom of the cylinder, and the outlet pipe is located at the top of the cylinder. The pipeline adopts a bottom-in, top-out layout. The top-positioned outlet pipe allows for a short pipe design, which helps to increase the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator within the same cylinder size. At the same time, it can also prevent liquid accumulation in the outlet pipe after pressure equalization during shutdown, reducing the risk of liquid hammer.

[0009] With the inlet pipe positioned at the bottom, the shape and length of the inlet pipe outside the cylinder can be controlled based on the installation location and space dimensions of the gas-liquid separator within the outdoor unit. This facilitates height adjustment of the external piping, allowing for a more compact layout design within the outdoor unit's interior space. For example, the inlet pipe can be a straight section or a U-shaped bend outside the cylinder. This flexible piping design significantly improves the layout of the piping between the inlet pipe and the four-way reversing valve within the outdoor unit, contributing to a more compact overall layout.

[0010] The inlet pipe exhausts gas at the top of the cylinder's internal cavity, and the top of the cylinder impacts the discharged refrigerant, which helps improve the gas-liquid separation efficiency of the refrigerant.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet of the inlet pipe impacts the top wall of the cylinder, the top wall of the cylinder being configured to perform gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant.

[0012] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the refrigerant flows out from the top outlet of the inlet pipe and impacts the top wall of the cylinder, that is, the refrigerant impacts the cylinder cover, thereby increasing the gas-liquid separation efficiency by utilizing the cylinder cover.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, a flow guide is provided at the top of the receiving cavity, the flow guide divides the receiving cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity, the outlet of the inlet pipe is located in the upper cavity, the inlet of the outlet pipe is located in the lower cavity, the flow guide is provided with a port for refrigerant to flow through, and the flow guide is configured to guide the refrigerant in the upper cavity to the lower cavity.

[0014] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: by setting a flow guide, the refrigerant after gas-liquid separation is guided, reducing the influence of eddies on gas short-circuiting, which helps to further improve the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, a plurality of outlet pipes are provided at the top of the cylinder, and the plurality of outlet pipes are circumferentially symmetrically distributed relative to the top of the cylinder.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: For multi-compressor systems, the gas-liquid separator is equipped with multiple outlet pipes, which are circumferentially symmetrically distributed relative to the top of the cylinder, which is conducive to the flow uniformity layout of the multi-compressor system and avoids the phenomenon of compressor flow deviation.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the inlet pipe includes a first sub-inlet pipe that extends along the height direction of the cylinder and is located within the receiving cavity, with the outlet of the first sub-inlet pipe near the top of the cylinder; the inlet pipe also includes a second sub-inlet pipe that is connected to the first sub-inlet pipe and is located outside the receiving cavity.

[0018] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the external second sub-inlet pipe, based on the installation position and space size of the gas-liquid separator in the outdoor unit, can help to achieve height adjustment of the external pipeline by controlling the shape and length of the second sub-inlet pipe, which facilitates the layout design of the compact space inside the outdoor unit.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the second sub-inlet pipe includes a second sub-inlet pipe I and a second sub-inlet pipe II. The second sub-inlet pipe II is located on the outer periphery of the cylinder and extends along the height direction of the cylinder. The second sub-inlet pipe I is connected to the first sub-inlet pipe and the second sub-inlet pipe II.

[0020] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the inlet pipe has a three-section structure, which includes a first sub-inlet pipe, a second sub-inlet pipe I and a second sub-inlet pipe II connected in sequence. The first sub-inlet pipe and the second sub-inlet pipe II are both straight pipe sections, and the second sub-inlet pipe I is a U-shaped pipe section.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the outlet tube includes a first sub-outlet tube that extends along the height direction of the cylinder and is located within the receiving cavity; the outlet tube also includes a second sub-outlet tube that is connected to the first sub-outlet tube and extends to the side of the cylinder.

[0022] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the outlet pipe is an L-shaped section, and the length of the first sub-outlet pipe located in the receiving cavity is relatively short, which helps to increase the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator within the same cylinder size. At the same time, it can also prevent liquid accumulation in the outlet pipe after pressure equalization during shutdown, reducing the risk of liquid hammer.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the return oil pipe is located outside the cylinder, one end of the return oil pipe is connected to the oil tank, and the other end of the return oil pipe is connected to the second sub-outlet pipe.

[0024] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the return oil pipe is set on the outside of the cylinder, which does not occupy the internal volume of the gas-liquid separator, and helps to further increase the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, a control valve is provided on the return oil pipe, and the control valve is configured to adjust the return oil volume of the return oil pipe to achieve return oil control.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, an air conditioner is provided, including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is provided with an indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit is provided with a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit is also provided with a gas-liquid separator as described above, and the outlet pipe is connected to the air inlet of the compressor.

[0027] Other features and advantages of this utility model will become clearer after reading the specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an outdoor unit based on existing technology;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to the prior art;

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

[0032] Figure 4 This is a top view of a gas-liquid separator according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a top view of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a top view of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0038] Figure 10This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0039] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a top view of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0042] Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0043] Figure 15 This is a top view of a gas-liquid separator according to some other embodiments;

[0044] Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of a flow guide according to some embodiments.

[0045] Figure label:

[0046] 01. Compressor; 02. Gas-liquid separator; 03. Four-way reversing valve; 04. Outdoor heat exchanger; 05. Electronic expansion valve; 06. Liquid-side shut-off valve; 07. Gas-side shut-off valve;

[0047] 100. Cylinder body; 110. Circumferential cylinder wall; 120. Cylinder cover; 130. Cylinder bottom; 140. Receiving cavity; 141. Upper cavity; 142. Lower cavity;

[0048] 200, Inlet pipe; 210, First sub-inlet pipe; 220, Second sub-inlet pipe; 221, Second sub-inlet pipe I; 222, Second sub-inlet pipe II;

[0049] 300, Outgoing tube; 310, First outgoing tube; 320, Second outgoing tube;

[0050] 400. Return oil pipe; 410. Control valve;

[0051] 500, flow guide; 510, opening; 520, flat plate structure; 530, arc-shaped cover; 531, extension wall. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] 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. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0054] 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, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0058] In this application, the air conditioner performs a refrigeration cycle or a heating cycle by using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.

[0059] Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, which compresses it into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0060] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that condenses in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves its cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner regulates the temperature of the indoor space.

[0061] An air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, which comprises a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger. An air conditioner also includes an indoor unit, which comprises an indoor heat exchanger. An expansion valve can be provided in either the indoor or outdoor unit.

[0062] The indoor and outdoor heat exchangers function as either condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The outdoor unit includes a compressor 01 and a gas-liquid separator 02. Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator 02. The outdoor unit also includes an outdoor heat exchanger 04. The outdoor unit also includes a four-way reversing valve 03. The outdoor unit also includes an electronic expansion valve 05. The outdoor unit also includes a liquid-side shut-off valve 06. The outdoor unit also includes a gas-side shut-off valve 07.

[0064] When an air conditioner is cooling, the indoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger (04) acts as a condenser. Figure 1 The solid arrows represent the refrigerant flow direction. The refrigerant flowing out of compressor 01 flows sequentially through four-way reversing valve 03, outdoor heat exchanger 04, electronic expansion valve 05, liquid-side shut-off valve 06, indoor heat exchanger, gas-side shut-off valve 07, and then returns to compressor 01 through four-way reversing valve 03 and gas-liquid separator 02.

[0065] When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger (04) acts as an evaporator. Figure 1 The dashed arrows represent the refrigerant flow direction. The refrigerant flowing out of compressor 01 flows sequentially through four-way reversing valve 03, gas-side shut-off valve 07, indoor reversing device, liquid-side shut-off valve 06, electronic expansion valve 05, outdoor heat exchanger 04, and then returns to compressor 01 through four-way reversing valve 03 and gas-liquid separator 02.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 The gas-liquid separator 02 includes a cylindrical body 100, with an inlet pipe 200 and an outlet pipe 300 located at the top. "Inlet" and "outlet" refer to the flow direction of the refrigerant relative to the gas-liquid separator 02. The inlet pipe 200 is a short pipe located at the top of the cylindrical body 100. The outlet pipe 300 is a long pipe, forming a U-shape within the cylindrical body 100. An oil return hole is located at the bottom of the U-shaped outlet pipe 300, used for lubricating oil to return to the compressor 01. A pressure equalization hole is located at the top of the U-shaped outlet pipe 300, used to reduce the risk of liquid return due to excessively high liquid levels inside the U-shaped outlet pipe 300 during shutdown pressure equalization.

[0067] The effective volume of the gas-liquid separator 02 is the liquid volume corresponding to the highest liquid level that the gas-liquid separator 02 can reach during normal operation. However, during normal operation, the refrigerant in the outlet pipe 300 is in gaseous state. Therefore, the effective volume also needs to be reduced by the volume occupied by the pipeline below the highest liquid level. Thus, the larger the diameter of the inlet pipe 200 and the outlet pipe 300, the taller the cylinder 100, and the more outlet pipes 300 there are, the larger the effective volume occupied by the pipeline and the lower the utilization rate of the effective volume within the cylinder 100.

[0068] In order to increase the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator, a gas-liquid separator is provided in some embodiments of this application. Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator. Figure 4 This is a top view of a gas-liquid separator.

[0069] The gas-liquid separator 02 includes a cylindrical body 100. The cylindrical body 100 has a cylindrical structure and an internal receiving cavity 140. For example, the cylindrical body 100 includes a circumferential cylindrical wall 110, a cylinder cover 120 is provided at the top of the circumferential cylindrical wall 110, and a cylinder bottom 130 is provided at the bottom of the circumferential cylindrical wall 110. An oil pool is formed at the bottom of the receiving cavity 140.

[0070] The gas-liquid separator 02 also includes an inlet pipe 200. The inlet pipe 200 is located at the bottom of the cylinder 100. For example, the inlet pipe 200 is located at the bottom 130 of the cylinder and is fixedly connected to the bottom 130. The inlet pipe 200 is configured to allow refrigerant to flow into the receiving cavity 140. The refrigerant flows into the receiving cavity 140 through the inlet pipe 200, where gas-liquid separation occurs. The separated liquid flows into the oil sump at the bottom.

[0071] The outlet of the inlet pipe 200 is located near the top of the cylinder 100. The outlet of the inlet pipe 200 is directly opposite the center of the top of the cylinder 100. The refrigerant flows into the receiving cavity 140 through the inlet pipe 200 and flows out from the top outlet of the inlet pipe 200. The refrigerant impacts the top wall of the cylinder 100, that is, it impacts the cylinder cover 120, which increases the gas-liquid separation efficiency.

[0072] The gas-liquid separator 02 also includes an outlet pipe 300. The outlet pipe 300 is located at the top of the cylinder 100. For example, the outlet pipe 300 is located on the cylinder cover 120 and is fixedly connected to the cylinder cover 120. The outlet pipe 300 is configured to allow refrigerant to flow out of the receiving cavity 140. For example, the gaseous refrigerant separated in the receiving cavity 140 flows out through the outlet pipe 300 and into the compressor 01.

[0073] The gas-liquid separator 02 also includes an oil return pipe 400. The oil return pipe 400 is connected to the oil sump and is configured to supply oil flowing out of the oil sump, thereby achieving oil return.

[0074] In the gas-liquid separator 02 of this application, the inlet pipe 200 is located at the bottom of the cylinder 100, and the outlet pipe 300 is located at the top of the cylinder 100. The pipeline adopts a bottom-in, top-out layout. The top-positioned outlet pipe 300 allows for a short pipe design, which helps to increase the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator 02 within the same cylinder 100 dimensions. Simultaneously, it also prevents liquid accumulation in the outlet pipe 300 after pressure equalization during shutdown, reducing the risk of liquid hammer.

[0075] With the inlet pipe 200 positioned at the bottom, the shape and length of the inlet pipe 200 outside the cylinder 100 can be controlled based on the installation location and space dimensions of the gas-liquid separator 02 within the outdoor unit. This facilitates height adjustment of the external piping, allowing for a more compact layout design within the outdoor unit's interior space. For example, the inlet pipe 200 can be a straight section or a U-shaped bend outside the cylinder 100. This flexible piping design significantly improves the layout of the piping between the inlet pipe 200 and the four-way reversing valve 03 within the outdoor unit, contributing to a more compact overall layout.

[0076] The inlet pipe 200 exhausts gas at the upper part of the inner cavity of the cylinder 100. The top of the cylinder 100 impacts the discharged refrigerant, which helps to improve the gas-liquid separation efficiency of the refrigerant.

[0077] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The top of the receiving cavity 140 is provided with a flow guide 500, which divides the receiving cavity 140 into an upper cavity 141 and a lower cavity 142. The upper cavity 141 and the lower cavity 142 are arranged along the height direction of the cylinder 100, and the volume of the upper cavity 141 is smaller than the volume of the lower cavity 142.

[0078] The outlet of the inlet pipe 200 is located in the upper cavity 141, and the inlet of the outlet pipe 300 is located in the lower cavity 142. The flow guide 500 is provided with a port 510 for refrigerant flow, and the flow guide 500 is configured to guide the refrigerant in the upper cavity 141 to the lower cavity 142.

[0079] By setting the flow guide 500, the refrigerant after gas-liquid separation is guided to reduce the impact of eddies on gas short-circuiting, which helps to further improve the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0080] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The guide section 500 is a flat plate structure 520, which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cylinder 100. The flat plate structure 520 has openings 510 on its circumference, with multiple openings 510 spaced apart along its circumference. These circumferentially distributed openings 510 serve to guide the flow and accelerate the separation of droplets and gas. The outlet of the inlet pipe 200 is spaced from the openings 510, reducing the impact of eddies on gas short-circuiting and further improving the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0081] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figures 14 to 16 The flow guide 500 is an arc-shaped cover 530, which extends towards the top of the cylinder 100 and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cylinder 100. The arc-shaped cover 530 is provided with openings 510 on its periphery, and multiple openings 510 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the arc-shaped cover 530.

[0082] An extension wall 531 extending downwards to the cavity 142 is formed at the opening 510, further improving the flow guiding effect. The arc-shaped cover 530 is even more effective in gas-liquid separation and reducing gas turbulence.

[0083] In some embodiments of this application, the top of the cylinder 100 is provided with a plurality of outlet pipes 300, and the plurality of outlet pipes 300 are circumferentially symmetrically distributed with respect to the top of the cylinder 100.

[0084] Multi-compressor systems involve complex states such as single-compressor operation, dual-compressor operation, and single / dual-compressor switching operation, requiring uniform air intake and oil return to avoid flow bias towards a single compressor. In conventional dual-compressor systems, the gas-liquid separator can be improved through symmetrical design. However, since the inlet relies on airflow contact with the cylinder wall to increase gas-liquid separation efficiency, it's impossible to achieve pressure equalization among the multiple exhaust ports of multiple compressors. Furthermore, the conventional design's fixed upper inlet location, in today's context of increasing space utilization, compact equipment requirements, and small footprint, hinders the flexibility of layout with the four-way reversing valve.

[0085] To solve this technical problem, this application addresses multi-compressor systems by providing multiple outlet pipes 300 in the gas-liquid separator 02. These outlet pipes 300 are circumferentially symmetrically distributed relative to the top of the cylinder 100, which facilitates the uniform flow layout of the multi-compressor system and avoids compressor flow deviation.

[0086] Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment shown, in a dual compressor system, the gas-liquid separator 02 includes two outlet pipes 300. The outlet of the inlet pipe 200 is directly opposite the top center of the cylinder 100, and the two outlet pipes 300 are symmetrically distributed relative to the outlet of the inlet pipe 200.

[0087] Figure 7 and Figure 8 In another embodiment shown, in a three-compressor system, the gas-liquid separator 02 includes three outlet pipes 300. The outlet of the inlet pipe 200 is directly opposite the top center of the cylinder 100, and the three outlet pipes 300 are symmetrically distributed relative to the outlet of the inlet pipe 200.

[0088] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 3 The inlet pipe 200 includes a first sub-inlet pipe 210, which extends along the height direction of the cylinder 100 and is located within the receiving cavity 140. The outlet of the first sub-inlet pipe 210 is close to the top of the cylinder 100. The first sub-inlet pipe 210 extends towards the top of the cylinder 100, thereby improving the gas-liquid separation efficiency by utilizing the top wall of the cylinder 100.

[0089] The inlet pipe 200 also includes a second sub-inlet pipe 220, which is connected to the first sub-inlet pipe 210 and is located outside the receiving cavity 140. The externally mounted second sub-inlet pipe 220, based on the installation position and space dimensions of the gas-liquid separator 02 within the outdoor unit, allows for height adjustment of the external piping by controlling its shape and length, facilitating the layout design of the compact space inside the outdoor unit.

[0090] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 3The second sub-inlet pipe 220 includes a second sub-inlet pipe I 221 and a second sub-inlet pipe II 222. The second sub-inlet pipe II 222 is located on the outer periphery of the cylinder 100 and extends along the height direction of the cylinder 100. The second sub-inlet pipe I 221 is connected to the first sub-inlet pipe 210 and the second sub-inlet pipe II 222.

[0091] In other words, the inlet pipe 200 has a three-section structure, which includes a first sub-inlet pipe 210, a second sub-inlet pipe I 221 and a second sub-inlet pipe II 222 connected in sequence. The first sub-inlet pipe 210 and the second sub-inlet pipe II 222 are both straight pipe sections, and the second sub-inlet pipe I 221 is a U-shaped pipe section.

[0092] In other embodiments of this application, the second sub-inlet pipe 220 is a straight pipe section.

[0093] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 9 The outlet tube 300 includes a first sub-outlet tube 310, which extends along the height direction of the cylinder 100 and is located within the receiving cavity 140.

[0094] The outlet pipe 300 also includes a second sub-outlet pipe 320, which is connected to the first sub-outlet pipe 310 and extends to the side of the cylinder 100.

[0095] In other words, the outlet pipe 300 is an L-shaped section, and the first sub-outlet pipe 310 located within the receiving cavity 140 is shorter. Under the same cylinder 100 dimensions, this helps to increase the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator 02. At the same time, it can also prevent liquid accumulation in the outlet pipe 300 after shutdown and pressure equalization, reducing the risk of liquid hammer.

[0096] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 9 The return oil pipe 400 is located on the outside of the cylinder 100. One end of the return oil pipe 400 is connected to the oil sump, and the other end of the return oil pipe 400 is connected to the second sub-outlet pipe 320.

[0097] The return oil pipe 400 is located on the outside of the cylinder 100, which does not occupy the internal volume of the gas-liquid separator 02 and helps to further increase the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator 02.

[0098] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the gas-liquid separator 02 includes two outlet pipes 300 and two return oil pipes 400, with the two outlet pipes 300 and the two return oil pipes 400 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0099] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8In the embodiment shown, the gas-liquid separator 02 includes three outlet pipes 300 and three return oil pipes 400, with the three outlet pipes 300 and the three return oil pipes 400 arranged in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0100] In other embodiments of this application, reference is made to... Figure 3 The oil return pipe 400 is located on the outside of the cylinder 100. One end of the oil return pipe 400 is connected to the oil sump, and the other end of the oil return pipe 400 does not need to be connected to the outlet pipe 300. The other end of the oil return pipe 400 can be directly connected to the suction pipe of the compressor 01. In this design, the oil return pipe 400 is set on the outside of the cylinder 100, which does not occupy the internal volume of the gas-liquid separator 02, and helps to further increase the effective internal volume of the gas-liquid separator 02.

[0101] In some other embodiments of this application, the return oil pipe 400 is built-in and is located in the inner cavity of the cylinder 100. One end of the return oil pipe 400 is connected to the oil tank, and the other end of the return oil pipe 400 is connected to the outlet pipe 300.

[0102] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 10 The gas-liquid separator 02 has multiple oil return pipes 400. The oil inlets of the multiple oil return pipes 400 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the cylinder 100, which helps to ensure the oil return effect and improve the oil return efficiency.

[0103] For example, the gas-liquid separator 02 includes two oil return pipes 400, the oil inlets of the two oil return pipes 400 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the cylinder 100, and the oil outlets of the two oil return pipes 400 are connected to the same outlet pipe 300.

[0104] In some embodiments of this application, reference is made to Figure 11 A control valve 410 is installed on the return oil pipe 400. The control valve 410 is configured to adjust the return oil volume of the return oil pipe 400 to achieve return oil control.

[0105] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0106] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator, characterized in that, Including: The cylindrical body has an internal cavity, and an oil pool is formed at the bottom of the cavity; An inlet pipe is located at the bottom of the cylinder and is configured to allow refrigerant to flow into the receiving cavity. The outlet of the inlet pipe is located near the top of the cylinder. An outlet pipe is provided at the top of the cylinder, and the outlet pipe is configured to allow refrigerant to flow out of the receiving cavity; An oil return pipe is connected to the oil tank and is configured to allow oil to flow out of the oil tank.

2. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the inlet pipe impacts the top wall of the cylinder, which is configured to perform gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant.

3. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the receiving cavity is provided with a flow guide, which divides the receiving cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity. The outlet of the inlet pipe is located in the upper cavity, and the inlet of the outlet pipe is located in the lower cavity. The flow guide is provided with a port for refrigerant to flow through. The flow guide is configured to guide the refrigerant in the upper cavity to the lower cavity.

4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the cylinder is provided with a plurality of outlet pipes, which are circumferentially symmetrically distributed with respect to the top of the cylinder.

5. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet pipe includes a first sub-inlet pipe, which extends along the height direction of the cylinder and is located within the receiving cavity. The outlet of the first sub-inlet pipe is close to the top of the cylinder. The inlet pipe also includes a second sub-inlet pipe, which is connected to the first sub-inlet pipe and is located outside the receiving cavity.

6. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second sub-inlet pipe includes a second sub-inlet pipe I and a second sub-inlet pipe II. The second sub-inlet pipe II is located on the outer periphery of the cylinder and extends along the height direction of the cylinder. The second sub-inlet pipe I is connected to the first sub-inlet pipe and the second sub-inlet pipe II.

7. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet tube includes a first sub-outlet tube, which extends along the height direction of the cylinder and is located within the receiving cavity; The outlet pipe also includes a second sub-outlet pipe, which is connected to the first sub-outlet pipe and extends to the side of the cylinder.

8. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The return oil pipe is located on the outside of the cylinder. One end of the return oil pipe is connected to the oil tank, and the other end of the return oil pipe is connected to the second sub-outlet pipe.

9. The gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, A control valve is installed on the return oil pipe, and the control valve is configured to adjust the return oil volume of the return oil pipe.

10. An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein an indoor heat exchanger is disposed within the indoor unit, and a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger are disposed within the outdoor unit, characterized in that, The outdoor unit is also equipped with a gas-liquid separator, which is the gas-liquid separator as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and the outlet pipe is connected to the air inlet of the compressor.

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