Air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air conditioner, and relates to the field of air conditioners. A refrigerant outlet of a compressor is connected with a first port of a first three-way valve, a first port of a second three-way valve and a first port of a third three-way valve; a second port of the first three-way valve, a second port of the second three-way valve and a second port of the third three-way valve are all connected with a refrigerant inlet of the compressor, and a third port of the first three-way valve is connected with the first end of a first area of the outdoor side partition heat exchanger. A third port of the second three-way valve is connected with the first end of a second area of the outdoor side partition heat exchanger, the second end of the first area and the second end of the second area are both connected with the first end of the indoor side heat exchanger, and the second end of the indoor side heat exchanger is connected with a third port of the third three-way valve. According to the air conditioner, the flowing direction of the refrigerant in each area of the indoor side heat exchanger and the outdoor side partition heat exchanger is changed based on each three-way valve, so that the outdoor side partition heat exchanger is defrosted while the air conditioner heats the indoor space.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Existing air conditioner defrosting functions work by controlling a four-way valve to change the refrigerant flow direction, allowing high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to flow into the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby using the heat released by the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger. However, because the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator in defrosting mode, the refrigerant flowing into it is in a low-temperature, low-pressure state. This means that existing air conditioners cannot heat the indoor side when operating in defrosting mode. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application provides an air conditioner that heats the indoor unit while the air conditioner is operating in defrost mode. The specific solution is as follows:

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] The system includes a compressor, a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, a third three-way valve, an outdoor-side zone heat exchanger, and at least one indoor-side heat exchanger.

[0006] The refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the first port of the first three-way valve, the first port of the second three-way valve, and the first port of the third three-way valve, respectively. The second ports of the first three-way valve, the second three-way valve, and the third three-way valve are all connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor. The third port of the first three-way valve is connected to the first end of the first zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger. The third port of the second three-way valve is connected to the first end of the second zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger. The second ends of the first zone and the second zone are both connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger. The second end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the third port of the third three-way valve.

[0007] In one possible implementation, in the defrost mode of the first zone, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the first end of the first zone through the first port and the third port of the first three-way valve, and the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger through the first port and the third port of the third three-way valve. The second end of the first zone and the first end of the indoor heat exchanger are both connected to the second end of the second zone, and the first end of the second zone is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port and the second port of the second three-way valve.

[0008] In one possible implementation, in the defrost mode of the second zone, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the first end of the second zone through the first port and the third port of the second three-way valve, and the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger through the first port and the third port of the third three-way valve. The second end of the second zone and the first end of the indoor heat exchanger are both connected to the second end of the first zone, and the first end of the first zone is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port and the second port of the first three-way valve.

[0009] In one possible implementation, in heating mode, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger through the first port and the third port of the third three-way valve. The first end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the second end of the first zone and the second end of the second zone, respectively. The first end of the first zone is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port and the second port of the first three-way valve. The first end of the second zone is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port and the second port of the second three-way valve.

[0010] In one possible implementation, in cooling mode, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the first end of the first zone through the first port and the third port of the first three-way valve, and the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the first end of the second zone through the first port and the third port of the second three-way valve. The second end of the first zone and the second end of the second zone are both connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger, and the second end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port and the second port of the third three-way valve.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner further includes an oil separator and a high-pressure switch, wherein the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the inlet of the high-pressure switch via the oil separator, and the outlet of the high-pressure switch is connected to each of the first ports.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner further includes a gas-liquid separator and a low-pressure switch, each of the third ports being connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the outlet of the gas-liquid separator being connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor via the low-pressure switch.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner further includes: a first shut-off valve, wherein the second end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the third port of the third three-way valve via the first shut-off valve.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner further includes: a first electronic expansion valve, a second electronic expansion valve, and at least one third electronic expansion valve, wherein the second end of the first region is connected to the first end of the third electronic expansion valve through the first electronic expansion valve, the second end of the second region is connected to the first end of the third electronic expansion valve through the second electronic expansion valve, and the second end of the third electronic expansion valve is connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner further includes a second shut-off valve, wherein both the first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve are connected to the first end of the third electronic expansion valve via the second shut-off valve.

[0016] By means of the above technical solution, the air conditioner provided in this application is configured such that the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected to the first port of the first three-way valve, the first port of the second three-way valve, and the first port of the third three-way valve respectively; the second ports of the first three-way valve, the second port of the second three-way valve, and the second port of the third three-way valve are all connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor; the third port of the first three-way valve is connected to the first end of the first zone of the outdoor side partitioned heat exchanger; the third port of the second three-way valve is connected to the first end of the second zone of the outdoor side partitioned heat exchanger; the second ends of the first zone and the second ends of the second zone are both connected to the first end of the indoor side heat exchanger; and the second end of the indoor side heat exchanger is connected to the third port of the third three-way valve, thereby constructing a refrigerant circulation path. By adjusting the connection status of each port of the three-way valve, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows through one zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger while simultaneously flowing through the indoor heat exchanger. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant exiting both the indoor and outdoor zone heat exchangers flows into the compressor's refrigerant inlet through another zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger. Through controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first and second zones of the outdoor zone heat exchanger, defrosting of the outdoor zone heat exchanger is achieved while simultaneously heating using the indoor heat exchanger. Furthermore, compared to the four-way valves used in existing technologies, the three-way valves used in this application reduce structural complexity and hardware costs. Therefore, this application achieves both defrosting mode operation and indoor heating while reducing the hardware cost and structural complexity of the air conditioner. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the originals and elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0018] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of refrigerant flow in a defrosting mode is provided as one possible implementation of this application;

[0020] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of refrigerant flow in defrost mode for an outdoor zoned heat exchanger comprising multiple zones, provided as one possible implementation of this application;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of refrigerant flow in a defrosting mode, providing another possible implementation of this application;

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of refrigerant flow in a heating mode, providing another possible implementation of this application;

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of refrigerant flow in a refrigeration mode, providing another possible implementation of this application;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an air conditioner with zoned temperature control defrosting is provided as another possible implementation of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the implementation section of this application is for explaining specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0026] The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with technological advancements and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0027] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate; this is merely a way of distinguishing objects with the same attributes in the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to those processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0028] The first aspect of this application provides an air conditioner, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0029] The system comprises a compressor 11, a first three-way valve 12, a second three-way valve 13, a third three-way valve 14, an outdoor-side partitioned heat exchanger 15, and at least one indoor-side heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the first port 121 of the first three-way valve 12, the first port 131 of the second three-way valve 13, and the first port 141 of the third three-way valve 14, respectively. The second ports 122 of the first three-way valve 12, 132 of the second three-way valve 13, and 142 of the third three-way valve 14 are also connected. All are connected to the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11. The third port 123 of the first three-way valve 12 is connected to the first end of the first zone 151 of the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15. The third port 133 of the second three-way valve 13 is connected to the first end of the second zone 152 of the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15. The second end of the first zone 151 and the second end of the second zone 152 are both connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 16. The second end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14.

[0030] It should be noted that, in actual application scenarios, the compressor 11 mentioned above is a device used to compress the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet, and then output high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant through the refrigerant outlet.

[0031] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the first three-way valve 12, the second three-way valve 13, and the third three-way valve 14 can be three-way valves of the same or different models. These three-way valves can respond to a control signal by closing any one port and opening the remaining two ports.

[0032] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the aforementioned outdoor zoned heat exchanger can be a heat exchanger with at least two independent zones, or it can be a heat exchanger composed of at least two independent heat exchangers. For heat exchangers with at least two independent zones, the refrigerant flows independently within each independent zone, and there is no interaction between the refrigerants within each independent zone.

[0033] It should be noted that, in practical applications, this application configures the on / off states of the first three-way valve 12, the second three-way valve 13, and the third three-way valve to control the flow of high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 into the target areas of the indoor heat exchanger 16 and the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15 during defrosting mode. This allows the indoor heat exchanger 16 to heat the room while simultaneously defrosting the target areas of the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15 using the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. Subsequently, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the target areas of the indoor heat exchanger 16 and the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15 is introduced into the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through any area of ​​the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15 other than the target area, thus constructing a refrigerant circulation loop.

[0034] It should be noted that when the air conditioner is equipped with multiple indoor heat exchangers 16, the indoor heat exchangers can be configured in parallel. That is, the second end of the first zone 151 and the second end of the second zone 152 are both connected to the first end of each indoor heat exchanger 16, and the second end of each indoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14.

[0035] This application establishes a refrigerant circulation path by configuring the compressor's refrigerant outlet to connect to the first port of the first three-way valve, the first port of the second three-way valve, and the first port of the third three-way valve, respectively. The second ports of the first three-way valve, the second port of the second three-way valve, and the second port of the third three-way valve are all connected to the compressor's refrigerant inlet. The third port of the first three-way valve is connected to the first end of the first zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger, the third port of the second three-way valve is connected to the first end of the second zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger, the second ends of the first zone and the second ends of the second zone are both connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger, and the second end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the third port of the third three-way valve. By adjusting the connection status of each port of the three-way valve, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows through one zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger while simultaneously flowing through the indoor heat exchanger. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant exiting both the indoor and outdoor zone heat exchangers flows into the compressor's refrigerant inlet through another zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger. Through controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant in the first and second zones of the outdoor zone heat exchanger, defrosting of the outdoor zone heat exchanger is achieved while simultaneously heating using the indoor heat exchanger. Furthermore, compared to the four-way valves used in existing technologies, the three-way valves used in this application reduce structural complexity and hardware costs. Therefore, this application achieves both defrosting mode operation and indoor heating while reducing the hardware cost and structural complexity of the air conditioner.

[0036] In one possible implementation, in the defrost mode of the first zone 151, the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the first end of the first zone 151 through the first port 121 and the third port 123 of the first three-way valve 12. The refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the first port 141 and the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14. The second end of the first zone 151 and the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 are both connected to the second end of the second zone 152. The first end of the second zone 152 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through the third port 133 and the second port 132 of the second three-way valve 13.

[0037] It should be noted that, under the defrosting mode of the first zone mentioned above, the refrigerant flow diagram inside the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application can be as follows: Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Dashed lines indicate blocked pipes with no refrigerant flow, while arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow. Figure 2 As shown in the refrigerant flow diagram, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 flows into the first end of the first zone 151 of the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15 through the first port 121 and the third port 123 of the first three-way valve 12. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the first port 141 and the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14. At this time, the first zone 151 acts as a condenser, using the heat dissipated by the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to defrost the first zone 151. The indoor heat exchanger 16 also acts as a condenser, using the heat dissipated by the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to heat the room. Subsequently, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the first zone 151 and the indoor heat exchanger 16 flows into the second zone 152. At this time, the second zone 152 acts as an evaporator, converting the incoming liquid low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into gaseous low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, and then inputting it into the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11.

[0038] It should be noted that, in the defrosting mode of the first zone, this application configures the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 to be connected to the first end of the first zone 151 through the first port 121 and the third port 123 of the first three-way valve 12, and the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 to be connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the first port 141 and the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14, thereby realizing the defrosting of the first zone of the outdoor zone heat exchanger while the indoor heating mode is running. In one possible implementation, in the defrost mode of the second zone 152, the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the first end of the second zone 152 through the first port 131 and the third port 133 of the second three-way valve 13. The refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the first port 141 and the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14. The second end of the second zone 152 and the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 are both connected to the second end of the first zone 151. The first end of the first zone 151 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through the third port 123 and the second port 122 of the first three-way valve 12.

[0039] In one possible implementation, when the outdoor-side zoned heat exchanger 15 includes multiple zones, during the defrost mode of the air conditioner, at least one zone can be configured to introduce the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing out from other zones and the indoor-side heat exchanger into the refrigerant inlet of the compressor 11 to construct a complete refrigerant circulation loop. For ease of understanding, one possible implementation of this application is described below:

[0040] like Figure 3 The diagram shows the refrigerant flow in defrost mode for an outdoor zoned heat exchanger comprising multiple zones. The outdoor zoned heat exchanger includes a first zone 31, a second zone 32, and a third zone 33. The first ends of each of the zones 31, 32, and 33 are connected to the third port of their respective three-way valves. The second ends of each zone are connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger, and these second ends are interconnected. Assuming defrost operation is to be performed on zones 31 and 33, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows into zones 31 and 33 respectively from their first ends to perform the defrost operation. Subsequently, the liquid low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flowing out from the second end of the first zone 31 and the third zone 33 flows into the second zone 32 from the second end of the second zone 32 for vaporization. Finally, the gaseous low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flowing out from the first end of the second zone 32 flows into the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the three-way valve corresponding to the second zone.

[0041] It should be noted that, under the defrosting mode of the second zone mentioned above, the refrigerant flow diagram inside the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. Dashed lines indicate blocked pipes with no refrigerant flow, while arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow. Figure 4 As shown in the refrigerant flow diagram, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 flows into the first end of the second zone 152 of the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15 through the first port 131 and the third port 133 of the second three-way valve 13. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the first port 141 and the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14. At this time, the second zone 152 acts as a condenser, using the heat dissipated by the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to defrost the second zone 152. The indoor heat exchanger 16 also acts as a condenser, using the heat dissipated by the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to heat the room. Subsequently, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the second zone 152 and the indoor heat exchanger 16 flows into the first zone 151. At this time, the first zone 151 acts as an evaporator, converting the incoming liquid low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into gaseous low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, and then inputting it into the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11.

[0042] In one possible implementation, in heating mode, the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the first port 141 and the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14. The first end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to the second end of the first zone 151 and the second end of the second zone 152, respectively. The first end of the first zone 151 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through the third port 123 and the second port 122 of the first three-way valve 12. The first end of the second zone 152 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through the third port 133 and the second port 132 of the second three-way valve 13.

[0043] It should be noted that, under the aforementioned heating mode (where defrosting mode is not activated), the refrigerant flow diagram inside the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application can be as follows: Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. Dashed lines indicate blocked pipes with no refrigerant flow, while arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow. Figure 5 As shown in the refrigerant flow diagram, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 16 through the first port 141 and the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 16 also acts as a condenser, using the heat dissipated by the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to heat the room. Subsequently, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 16 flows into the first zone 151 and the second zone 152 of the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15, so that the first zone 151 and the second zone 152 act as evaporators to convert the incoming liquid low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into gaseous low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. Then, the gaseous low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the first zone 151 flows into the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through the third port 123 and the second port 122 of the first three-way valve 12, and the gaseous low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the second zone 152 flows into the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through the third port 133 and the second port 132 of the second three-way valve 13.

[0044] In one possible implementation, in cooling mode, the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the first end of the first zone 151 through the first port 121 and the third port 123 of the first three-way valve 12. The refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the first end of the second zone 152 through the first port 131 and the third port 133 of the second three-way valve 13. The second end of the first zone 151 and the second end of the second zone 152 are both connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 16. The second end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through the third port 143 and the second port 142 of the third three-way valve 14.

[0045] It should be noted that, under the above-mentioned cooling mode, the refrigerant flow diagram inside the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application can be as follows: Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. Dashed lines indicate blocked pipes with no refrigerant flow, while arrows indicate the direction of refrigerant flow. Figure 6 As shown in the refrigerant flow diagram, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 flows into the first zone 151 of the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15 through the first port 121 and the third port 123 of the first three-way valve 12. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 flows into the second zone 152 of the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15 through the first port 131 and the third port 133 of the second three-way valve 13. The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the first zone 151 and the second zone 152 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 16. The indoor heat exchanger 16 uses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to absorb heat and evaporate, thus cooling the indoor environment. Subsequently, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 16 flows into the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 through the third port 143 and the second port 142 of the third three-way valve 14.

[0046] It should be noted that in practical application scenarios, this application configures each three-way valve to adjust the refrigerant flow direction of the outdoor side heat exchanger and the indoor side heat exchanger, thereby enabling the defrost mode and heating mode to operate simultaneously while retaining the existing air conditioner's cooling, heating and defrosting modes, thus improving the heating efficiency of the air conditioner in heating mode.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application further includes an oil separator and a high-pressure switch, wherein the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 is connected to the inlet of the high-pressure switch through the oil separator, and the outlet of the high-pressure switch is connected to each of the first ports.

[0048] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the aforementioned oil separator is a device used to separate the lubricating oil from the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output by the compressor 11.

[0049] It should be noted that in practical applications, the aforementioned high-pressure switch is a safety protection device for the air conditioning system. When the pressure of the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output by the compressor 11 exceeds the design limit, it can lead to damage to the air conditioning system and the refrigerant circuit. Therefore, this application configures the refrigerant outlet 111 of the compressor 11 to be connected to the inlet of the high-pressure switch via an oil separator, thereby using the oil separator to separate the lubricating oil in the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant. Furthermore, by configuring the high-pressure switch, the compressor power supply is disconnected when the refrigerant pressure exceeds the design limit, thereby ensuring that the refrigerant circulation pipeline and the compressor are protected from high-pressure damage, improving the operational safety of the air conditioner.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application further includes a gas-liquid separator and a low-pressure switch, with each third port connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the outlet of the gas-liquid separator connected to the refrigerant inlet 112 of the compressor 11 via the low-pressure switch.

[0051] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the aforementioned gas-liquid separator is a device used to separate gaseous and liquid refrigerant. In cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger exists in both gaseous and liquid forms. Liquid refrigerant, when entering the compressor, can cause mechanical impact, increasing the risk of compressor damage. Therefore, this application uses a gas-liquid separator to separate the refrigerant entering the compressor, avoiding the risk of compressor damage and improving the operational safety of the air conditioner.

[0052] It should be noted that in practical applications, the aforementioned low-pressure switch is used to cut off the compressor power supply when the refrigerant pressure is too low (such as when refrigerant leaks), in order to prevent the compressor from running dry and causing damage.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application further includes: a first shut-off valve, wherein the second end of the indoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to the third port 143 of the third three-way valve 14 via the first shut-off valve.

[0054] It should be noted that in actual application scenarios, the aforementioned first shut-off valve is a device used to cut off the refrigerant passage between the indoor heat exchanger and the third three-way valve, thereby preventing refrigerant leakage from the indoor heat exchanger when maintenance personnel inspect the outdoor unit.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application further includes: a first electronic expansion valve, a second electronic expansion valve, and at least one third electronic expansion valve, wherein the second end of the first zone 151 is connected to the first end of the third electronic expansion valve through the first electronic expansion valve, the second end of the second zone 152 is connected to the first end of the third electronic expansion valve through the second electronic expansion valve, and the second end of the third electronic expansion valve is connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 16.

[0056] It should be noted that, in practical applications, the aforementioned first, second, and third electronic expansion valves are devices used to regulate refrigerant flow. This application, by configuring the first electronic expansion valve and connecting it to the first end of the third electronic expansion valve at the second end of the first zone 151, regulates the refrigerant flow within the first zone 151, thereby adjusting the defrosting efficiency, cooling efficiency, or heating efficiency of the air conditioner. Similarly, by configuring the second electronic expansion valve and connecting it to the first end of the third electronic expansion valve at the second end of the second zone 152, it regulates the refrigerant flow within the second zone 152, thereby adjusting the defrosting efficiency, cooling efficiency, or heating efficiency of the air conditioner. Simultaneously, by configuring the second end of the third electronic expansion valve to connect to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 16, it regulates the cooling or heating efficiency of the indoor heat exchanger 16.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the air conditioner provided in the first aspect of this application further includes: a second shut-off valve, wherein both the first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve are connected to the first end of the third electronic expansion valve through the second shut-off valve.

[0058] It should be noted that, in actual application scenarios, the second shut-off valve is similar to the first shut-off valve and is used to cut off the refrigerant passage between the indoor heat exchanger 16 and the outdoor zone heat exchanger 15, thereby preventing refrigerant leakage from the outdoor zone heat exchanger when maintenance personnel inspect the indoor unit.

[0059] To facilitate understanding of the air conditioner structure provided in this application, an example of a possible implementation of this application is described below:

[0060] like Figure 7The diagram shows a structural schematic of an air conditioner with zoned temperature control and defrosting. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The indoor unit is equipped with a first indoor heat exchanger 204, a second indoor heat exchanger 205, a third indoor heat exchanger 206, a third electronic expansion valve 201, a fourth electronic expansion valve 202, and a fifth electronic expansion valve 203. The refrigerant outlet of the compressor 101 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the oil separator 102. The refrigerant outlet of the oil separator 102 is connected to the first end of the first three-way valve 104, the second three-way valve 105, and the third three-way valve 106 via a high-pressure switch 103. The second ends of the first three-way valve 104, the second three-way valve 105, and the third three-way valve 106 are all connected to the refrigerant inlet of the compressor 101 via a gas-liquid separator 111 and a low-pressure switch 112. The third end of the first three-way valve 104 is connected to the first end of the first zone 107 of the outdoor zoned heat exchanger. The third end of the second three-way valve 105 is connected to the first end of the second zone 108 of the outdoor zone heat exchanger. The third end of the third three-way valve 106 is connected to the first end of the first indoor heat exchanger 204, the first end of the second indoor heat exchanger 205, and the first end of the third indoor heat exchanger 206 via the first shut-off valve 113. The second end of the first zone 107 is connected to the second shut-off valve 114 via the first electronic expansion valve 109, and the second end of the second zone 108 is connected to the second shut-off valve 114 via the second electronic expansion valve 110. The second shut-off valve 114 is connected to the second end of the first indoor heat exchanger 204 via the third electronic expansion valve 201, the second shut-off valve 114 is connected to the second end of the second indoor heat exchanger 205 via the fourth electronic expansion valve 202, and the second shut-off valve 114 is connected to the second end of the third indoor heat exchanger 206 via the fifth electronic expansion valve 203.

Claims

1. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: Compressor, first three-way valve, second three-way valve, third three-way valve, outdoor side sub-coil, and at least one indoor side coil, The refrigerant outlet of the compressor is connected with the first port of the first three-way valve, the first port of the second three-way valve, and the first port of the third three-way valve respectively, the second port of the first three-way valve, the second port of the second three-way valve, and the second port of the third three-way valve are all connected with the refrigerant inlet of the compressor, the third port of the first three-way valve is connected with the first end of the first zone of the outdoor side sub-coil, the third port of the second three-way valve is connected with the first end of the second zone of the outdoor side sub-coil, the second end of the first zone and the second end of the second zone are both connected with the first end of the indoor side coil, and the second end of the indoor side coil is connected with the third port of the third three-way valve. In the defrosting mode of the first zone, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is communicated with the first end of the first zone through the first port of the first three-way valve and the third port of the first three-way valve, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is communicated with the second end of the indoor side coil through the first port of the third three-way valve and the third port of the third three-way valve, the second end of the first zone and the first end of the indoor side coil are both communicated with the second end of the second zone, and the first end of the second zone is communicated with the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port of the second three-way valve and the second port of the second three-way valve.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein In the defrosting mode of the second zone, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is communicated with the first end of the second zone through the first port of the second three-way valve and the third port of the second three-way valve, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is communicated with the second end of the indoor side coil through the first port of the third three-way valve and the third port of the third three-way valve, the second end of the second zone and the first end of the indoor side coil are both communicated with the second end of the first zone, and the first end of the first zone is communicated with the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port of the first three-way valve and the second port of the first three-way valve.

3. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein In the heating mode, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is communicated with the second end of the indoor side coil through the first port of the third three-way valve and the third port of the third three-way valve, the first end of the first zone and the first end of the second zone are both communicated with the second end of the indoor side coil, the first end of the first zone is communicated with the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port of the first three-way valve and the second port of the first three-way valve, and the first end of the second zone is communicated with the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port of the second three-way valve and the second port of the second three-way valve.

4. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein ​ 5. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein In the refrigeration mode, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is communicated with the first end of the first zone through the first port of the first three-way valve and the third port of the first three-way valve, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is communicated with the first end of the second zone through the first port of the second three-way valve and the third port of the second three-way valve, the second end of the first zone and the second end of the second zone are both communicated with the first end of the indoor heat exchanger, and the second end of the indoor heat exchanger is communicated with the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the third port of the third three-way valve and the second port of the third three-way valve.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The air conditioner further comprises an oil separator and a high-pressure switch, the refrigerant outlet of the compressor is communicated with the inlet of the high-pressure switch through the oil separator, and the outlet of the high-pressure switch is connected with each first port.

7. The air conditioner of claim 6, wherein The air conditioner further comprises a gas-liquid separator and a low-pressure switch, each third port is connected with the inlet of the gas-liquid separator, and the outlet of the gas-liquid separator is communicated with the refrigerant inlet of the compressor through the low-pressure switch.

8. The air conditioner of claim 7, wherein The air conditioner further comprises a first stop valve, and the second end of the indoor heat exchanger is communicated with the third port of the third three-way valve through the first stop valve.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein The air conditioner further comprises a first electronic expansion valve, a second electronic expansion valve and at least one third electronic expansion valve, the second end of the first zone is connected with the first end of the third electronic expansion valve through the first electronic expansion valve, the second end of the second zone is connected with the first end of the third electronic expansion valve through the second electronic expansion valve, and the second end of the third electronic expansion valve is communicated with the first end of the indoor heat exchanger.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein The air conditioner further comprises a second stop valve, and the first electronic expansion valve and the second electronic expansion valve are both connected with the first end of the third electronic expansion valve through the second stop valve.

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