Air conditioner easy to control temperature
By using a two-stage evaporator and bypass circuit structure, combined with a control valve and inverter compressor, the problem of frequent start-stop of the air conditioner under low cooling demand is solved, achieving precise temperature control and stable compressor operation, thus improving user experience and equipment lifespan.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing air conditioners frequently start and stop when cooling demand is low, resulting in shortened compressor life, high noise, and inaccurate temperature control, making it difficult to meet cooling needs in high-temperature environments.
It adopts a two-stage evaporator structure, combined with bypass circuit and control valve to regulate refrigerant flow, to achieve precise control of cooling capacity, reduce the number of compressor start-stop cycles, and match cooling capacity requirements through variable frequency compressor.
It improves the accuracy of temperature control, reduces the number of compressor start-stop cycles, extends compressor life, reduces noise, ensures stable compressor operation, and enhances the user experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN223985385U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioner that is easy to control the temperature. Background Technology
[0002] As people's living standards continue to improve, higher demands are being placed on the temperature control performance of air conditioners. In summer, air conditioners, as the main cooling equipment, are used extremely frequently, and their temperature control accuracy, stability, and noise level directly affect the user experience.
[0003] In practical use, when cooling demand is low, common scenarios include users setting a high temperature when the outdoor temperature is relatively low, or during sleep at night. Even with the compressor running at its minimum frequency, conventional air conditioners often have excessive cooling capacity, causing the indoor temperature to drop continuously. For example, in an air conditioning system using conventional control strategies, if the user sets the temperature to 27°C, the compressor will only stop when the indoor temperature drops to 26°C. At the same time, because it's difficult to configure air conditioners with low cooling capacity to meet temperature control requirements, the cooling capacity is insufficient to meet actual needs in high-temperature environments.
[0004] After the compressor stops, the indoor temperature gradually rises, restarting when it reaches 28°C. This repeated start-stop cycle not only subjects the compressor to frequent large current surges and mechanical stress, affecting its lifespan, but also generates significant operating noise, severely impacting users' lives and rest. More importantly, this conventional control method, which relies solely on temperature thresholds to regulate the air conditioner's operation, fails to precisely maintain the indoor temperature at the user's setting. The temperature fluctuates within a certain range, making it difficult to create a stable and comfortable indoor environment, significantly reducing the user experience. Utility Model Content
[0005] One objective of this invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and provide an air conditioner that is easy to control the temperature.
[0006] A further objective of this invention is to avoid frequent start-stop cycles of the compressor.
[0007] Another further objective of this invention is to ensure the stable operation of the compressor.
[0008] In particular, this utility model provides an air conditioner that is easy to control the temperature, including a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator connected in series through refrigerant pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop;
[0009] The evaporator includes a first evaporator and a second evaporator connected in parallel with the first evaporator, and a first control valve for opening and closing the liquid inlet is provided at the liquid inlet of the first evaporator and / or the second evaporator.
[0010] The compressor has an exhaust end, a return end, and a bypass branch connecting the exhaust end and the return end. The bypass branch is used to controllably return refrigerant flowing from the exhaust end to the return end and to regulate the flow rate of the returned refrigerant.
[0011] Optionally, the bypass branch includes:
[0012] A bypass pipe, one end of which is connected to the discharge end of the compressor, and the other end of which is connected to the return end of the compressor; and
[0013] The first opening valve is installed on the bypass pipe. By changing its opening size, it can regulate the flow rate of refrigerant returning through the bypass pipe.
[0014] Optionally, a second opening valve is provided between the condenser and the evaporator, the second opening valve being used to regulate the refrigerant flow rate from the condenser into the evaporator.
[0015] Optionally, both the first opening valve and the second opening valve are electronic expansion valves.
[0016] Optionally, the liquid outlet of the first evaporator and / or the second evaporator is provided with a second control valve.
[0017] Optionally, the first control valve and the second control valve are solenoid valves, check valves, or shut-off valves.
[0018] Optionally, the heat exchange area of the first evaporator and the second evaporator is the same.
[0019] Optionally, the compressor is a variable frequency compressor.
[0020] Optionally, the easily temperature-controlled air conditioner is a vertical air conditioner, with the first evaporator and the second evaporator arranged vertically.
[0021] Optionally, the easily temperature-controlled air conditioner is a wall-mounted air conditioner, with the first evaporator and the second evaporator arranged horizontally.
[0022] This utility model discloses an easily temperature-controlled air conditioner. Its first and second evaporators are connected in parallel. When cooling demand is low, closing one inlet port via a control valve reduces the amount of refrigerant entering the entire evaporator, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant loop and preventing a continuous drop in indoor temperature due to over-cooling. A bypass branch between the compressor's discharge and return ends allows some refrigerant to flow directly back from the discharge end to the return end. When the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature, adjusting the refrigerant flow through the bypass branch reduces the amount of refrigerant entering the condenser and evaporator, thus achieving precise control of cooling capacity, improving temperature control accuracy, reducing compressor start-stop frequency, and extending compressor lifespan.
[0023] Furthermore, this invention's easily temperature-controlled air conditioner allows some refrigerant to flow back through a bypass pipe when cooling demand decreases, thereby reducing the compressor's workload and the number of start-stop cycles. When the compressor starts, the opening of the first valve can be appropriately increased to allow more refrigerant to flow back, thus reducing the discharge pressure and preventing excessive pressure at startup from impacting the compressor. When system pressure fluctuations occur, the opening of the first valve can be adjusted in real time to balance the compressor's discharge and return pressures, creating a stable pressure environment and reducing the risk of compressor damage due to abnormal pressure.
[0024] Furthermore, in this easily temperature-controlled air conditioner, the first and second evaporators have the same heat exchange area. The same heat exchange area means that, under the same refrigerant flow rate and cooling conditions, the first and second evaporators can exchange equal amounts of heat. In cooling mode, both can absorb heat evenly from the indoor air, ensuring that the temperature drops at a similar rate and magnitude in different areas of the room, thus avoiding localized overcooling or overheating.
[0025] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figure label:
[0030] 10. Air conditioner; 110. Compressor; 120. Condenser; 121. Second opening valve; 130. Evaporator; 131. First evaporator; 132. Second evaporator; 141. First control valve; 142. Second control valve; 150. Bypass branch; 151. Bypass pipe; 152. First opening valve. Detailed Implementation
[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments provided are intended to explain the present invention and not to limit it. In fact, various modifications and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0032] The following reference Figure 1-2 This description refers to an easily temperature-controlled air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "lateral," and "longitudinal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are used solely for the purpose of facilitating and simplifying the description of the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component 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 the present invention.
[0033] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.
[0034] In the description of this embodiment, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. The term "and / or" describes an association relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B.
[0035] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "some examples," "one example," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0036] It is understood that air conditioners 10 are generally classified into integrated air conditioners 10 in which all components are installed in a single unit, and split air conditioners 10 in which all components are installed in indoor and outdoor units. It should be noted that the air conditioner 10 disclosed in this embodiment is suitable for both split air conditioners 10 and integrated air conditioners 10.
[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the solid arrows show the flow path of the refrigerant under normal cooling demand. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The hollow arrows show the flow path of the refrigerant under low cooling demand.
[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 10 in this embodiment generally includes a compressor 110, a condenser 120 and an evaporator 130. The compressor 110, condenser 120 and evaporator 130 are connected in series in sequence through refrigerant pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop.
[0039] In cooling mode, after compressor 110 starts, it compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to increase its pressure and temperature, enabling it to release heat in subsequent processes. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters condenser 120, where it exchanges heat with the outdoor air. Due to the relatively low outdoor air temperature, the refrigerant releases heat, changing from a gaseous state to a liquid state, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through a throttling device, which suddenly reduces its pressure, transforming it into a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 130, where it absorbs heat from the indoor air, changing from a liquid state to a gaseous state, thereby lowering the indoor air temperature. The evaporated low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is then drawn back into compressor 110, beginning a new cycle.
[0040] In heating mode, the condenser 120 and evaporator 130 can be interchanged by changing the refrigerant flow direction through a four-way valve. Similar to cooling mode, compressor 110 compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the indoor evaporator 130 (which now acts as the condenser 120), where it exchanges heat with the indoor air, releasing heat and raising the indoor air temperature, causing the gaseous refrigerant to liquefy. The liquid refrigerant then passes through a throttling device, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the outdoor condenser 120 (which now acts as the evaporator 130), absorbs heat from the outdoor air, liquefies, and is then drawn into compressor 110, completing one cycle.
[0041] When using air conditioning in summer, if cooling demand decreases—for example, when the user sets the temperature high, the outdoor temperature is not high, or during nighttime sleep—the compressor 110 will continue to cool even when running at its lowest frequency, causing the indoor temperature to drop continuously. This is because simply reducing the operating frequency of the compressor 110 is insufficient to meet the low cooling capacity demand. At the same time, using a low-cooling-capacity air conditioner 10 would be insufficient to handle the cooling needs in high-temperature environments.
[0042] Once the indoor temperature drops to a certain level, the air conditioner will shut down. After shutting down, the indoor temperature will gradually rise, and after reaching a certain temperature, the air conditioner will restart. This repeated cycle not only generates noise from frequent starts and stops, severely impacting the user experience, but also accelerates the wear and tear on the internal components of the compressor, shortening its lifespan. More importantly, the indoor temperature fluctuates within a certain range, making it impossible to accurately maintain the set temperature, significantly reducing comfort.
[0043] To solve the above problems, this embodiment designs the evaporator 130 as a two-stage evaporator. The evaporator 130 includes a first evaporator 131 and a second evaporator 132 connected in parallel with the first evaporator 131. Furthermore, a first control valve 141 for opening and closing the liquid inlet is provided at the liquid inlet of the first evaporator 131 and / or the second evaporator 132.
[0044] The compressor 110 has an exhaust end, a return end, and a bypass branch 150 connected between the exhaust end and the return end for controlled refrigerant return from the exhaust end to the return end and for regulating the flow rate of the returned refrigerant.
[0045] With the above structure, when the cooling demand is low, closing one liquid inlet by controlling the valve can reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the entire evaporator 130, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circulation loop and avoiding a continuous drop in indoor temperature due to overcooling.
[0046] The bypass branch 150 can be controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant to flow directly from the exhaust end to the return end. When the indoor temperature is close to the set temperature, by adjusting the refrigerant flow through the bypass branch 150, the amount of refrigerant entering the condenser 120 and evaporator 130 can be reduced, thereby achieving precise control of the cooling capacity, improving the accuracy of temperature control, and consequently reducing the number of times the compressor 110 starts and stops, thus extending the service life of the compressor 110.
[0047] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the first control valve 141 is only shown at the liquid inlet of the second evaporator 132. However, in reality, a first control valve 141 can also be added to the liquid inlet of the first evaporator 131. When the cooling demand is low, if the first control valve 141 at the liquid inlet of the second evaporator 132 fails and cannot be closed as required, it can be closed by operating the first control valve 141 at the liquid inlet of the first evaporator 131. In this way, the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator 130 can be reduced, thus achieving low cooling capacity output and ensuring that the air conditioner 10 can still meet low cooling demand scenarios and maintain basic operating functions even if some components fail.
[0048] A second control valve 142 may be provided at the liquid outlet of the first evaporator 131 and / or the second evaporator 132. In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the second control valve 142 is shown only at the liquid outlet of the second evaporator 132.
[0049] In practical applications, when cooling demand decreases and the first control valve 141 closes to prevent refrigerant from entering the second evaporator 132, the second control valve 142 can close simultaneously to prevent any remaining refrigerant inside the second evaporator 132 from continuing to flow. Conversely, when the first control valve 141 opens and refrigerant enters the second evaporator 132 for heat exchange, the second control valve 142 also opens to ensure that the refrigerant can flow smoothly out of the second evaporator 132, maintaining the normal operation of the system.
[0050] The first control valve 141 and the second control valve 142 can be any one of a solenoid valve, a check valve, or a shut-off valve. Since the specific structures and working principles of solenoid valves, check valves, and shut-off valves are well known to those skilled in the art, they will not be elaborated upon here.
[0051] In an optional embodiment, the bypass branch 150 may include a bypass pipe 151 and a first opening valve 152. One end of the bypass pipe 151 is connected to the discharge end of the compressor 110, and the other end is connected to the return end of the compressor 110, thereby establishing a channel directly connecting the discharge end and the return end. The first opening valve 152 is disposed on the bypass pipe 151 and can flexibly adjust the flow rate of refrigerant returning through the bypass pipe 151 by changing its opening degree.
[0052] With the above structure, when the cooling demand decreases, some refrigerant is returned through the bypass pipe 151, thus reducing the workload of the compressor 110. This not only reduces the energy consumption of the compressor 110 but also effectively reduces its start-stop frequency. Frequent start-stop cycles cause significant wear and tear on the compressor 110, reducing its lifespan and generating considerable noise, which negatively impacts the user experience. Therefore, reducing the number of start-stop cycles improves the reliability and stability of the compressor 110, extends its lifespan, and creates a quiet and comfortable operating environment for users.
[0053] When compressor 110 starts, the system pressure changes significantly instantaneously. At this time, the opening of the first opening valve 152 can be appropriately increased to allow more refrigerant to flow back through the bypass pipe 151. This effectively reduces the discharge pressure of compressor 110, preventing excessive pressure during startup from impacting the compressor. Excessive pressure may damage the compressor 110's seals or cause motor overload; this method effectively protects the compressor 110, ensuring its safe and reliable startup.
[0054] When system pressure fluctuations occur, the first opening valve 152 can adjust its opening in real time. This dynamic adjustment balances the discharge and return pressures of the compressor 110, creating a stable pressure environment for it. A stable pressure environment is crucial for the normal operation of the compressor 110, reducing the risk of damage due to abnormal pressure and improving the stability and reliability of the entire air conditioning system.
[0055] In addition, a second opening valve 121 is provided between the condenser 120 and the evaporator 130. The second opening valve 121 is mainly used to regulate the refrigerant flow from the condenser 120 into the evaporator 130. By reasonably controlling the refrigerant flow, it can be ensured that the evaporator 130 can carry out heat exchange efficiently under different operating conditions, thereby improving the cooling effect and energy utilization efficiency of the air conditioner 10.
[0056] It is worth mentioning that both the first opening valve 152 and the second opening valve 121 are electronic expansion valves. Electronic expansion valves are characterized by fast response speed and high adjustment accuracy, and can quickly and accurately adjust the opening degree according to the actual operating conditions of the air conditioner 10, so as to achieve precise control of refrigerant flow.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the first evaporator 131 and the second evaporator 132 have the same heat exchange area.
[0058] The same heat exchange area means that, under the same refrigerant flow rate and cooling conditions, the first evaporator 131 and the second evaporator 132 can exchange heat in equal amounts. Under normal cooling demand, both can absorb heat evenly from the indoor air, making the temperature drop rate and magnitude similar in different areas of the room, avoiding localized overcooling or overheating. Under low cooling demand, only the first evaporator 131 operates. The cold air blown out by the first evaporator 131 can also be mixed with the room temperature air blown out by the second evaporator 132, achieving a mixed air function. This not only ensures stable airflow but also greatly improves the comfort of the airflow.
[0059] The compressor 110 in this embodiment is a variable frequency compressor 110. Compared to a traditional fixed frequency compressor 110, the variable frequency compressor 110 can flexibly adjust its operating frequency according to the real-time needs of the indoor environment. Under low cooling demand, the operating frequency is reduced to accurately match the cooling capacity, thereby avoiding energy waste and achieving energy saving. Under high cooling demand, such as at the initial stage of startup or in high-temperature environments, the operating frequency is rapidly increased to achieve rapid adjustment of the indoor temperature.
[0060] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 10 can be a vertical air conditioner 10, and the first evaporator 131 and the second evaporator 132 can be arranged vertically.
[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the first evaporator 131 is located above the second evaporator 132. Under low cooling demand, only the first evaporator 131 operates. The cold air passing through the first evaporator 131 will naturally sink and mix with the room temperature air blown out from the second evaporator 132, making the air temperature more gentle.
[0062] Of course, the air conditioner 10 can also be a wall-mounted air conditioner 10. Since the air outlet of the wall-mounted air conditioner 10 usually extends horizontally, the first evaporator 131 and the second evaporator 132 should be arranged horizontally to match the air outlet.
[0063] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.
Claims
1. An air conditioner easy to control temperature, characterized by, The compressor, the condenser and the evaporator are connected in series through refrigerant pipelines to form a refrigerant circulation loop; The evaporator comprises a first evaporator and a second evaporator connected in parallel with the first evaporator, and a first control valve is arranged at a liquid inlet of the first evaporator and / or the second evaporator to open and close the liquid inlet; The compressor has an exhaust end, a return end and a bypass branch connected between the exhaust end and the return end, the bypass branch being used to control the return of refrigerant from the exhaust end to the return end and adjust the flow of the returned refrigerant.
2. The temperature-controllable air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein The bypass branch comprises: a bypass pipe, one end of which is connected to the exhaust end of the compressor and the other end of which is connected to the return end of the compressor; and a first opening degree valve arranged on the bypass pipe to adjust the flow of the refrigerant returned through the bypass pipe by changing the opening degree of the valve.
3. The air conditioner easy to control temperature according to claim 2, wherein a second opening degree valve is arranged between the condenser and the evaporator to adjust the flow of the refrigerant flowing from the condenser to the evaporator.
4. The air conditioner easy to control temperature according to claim 3, wherein The first opening degree valve and the second opening degree valve are both electronic expansion valves.
5. The air conditioner easy to control temperature according to claim 1, wherein A second control valve is arranged at a liquid outlet of the first evaporator and / or the second evaporator.
6. The air conditioner easy to control temperature according to claim 5, wherein The first control valve and the second control valve are solenoid valves, check valves or stop valves.
7. The air conditioner easy to control temperature according to claim 1, wherein The heat exchange areas of the first evaporator and the second evaporator are the same.
8. The air conditioner easy to control temperature according to claim 1, wherein The compressor is a variable frequency compressor.
9. The air conditioner easy to control temperature according to claim 1, wherein The air conditioner easy to control temperature is a floor standing air conditioner, and the first evaporator and the second evaporator are arranged vertically.
10. The air conditioner easy to control temperature according to claim 1, wherein The air conditioner easy to control temperature is a wall mounted air conditioner, and the first evaporator and the second evaporator are arranged horizontally.