Valve assembly and air conditioning unit

Abstract

The utility model provides a valve assembly and an air conditioning unit. The valve assembly comprises a valve body, a high-pressure connector, a plurality of distribution connectors, a guide pipe and a driving part. A distribution cavity of the valve assembly is defined by the valve body. The high-pressure connector is connected to the valve body and communicated with the distribution cavity. A plurality of distribution interfaces are connected to the valve body and are communicated with the distribution cavity. The guide pipe is arranged in the distribution cavity. The driving part is connected to the conduit and used for driving the conduit to rotate. Wherein the conduit comprises a fixed end and a movable end, and the fixed end is communicated with the high-pressure interface. The driving part is connected to the movable end and drives the movable end to rotate with the high-voltage connector as the axis so that the movable end can be switched among the distribution connectors. According to the arrangement of the valve assembly, the refrigerant can flexibly flow between the pipeline system of the air conditioning unit and the multiple heat exchangers, and therefore the flexibility and efficiency during refrigerant distribution are improved. And when the air conditioning unit carries out operations such as defrosting, the whole working process cannot be influenced, and the use experience of a user is effectively improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of air conditioning units, and in particular to a valve assembly and an air conditioning unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] During the heating operation of the air conditioning unit, the unit needs to be defrosted regularly. When the unit is in the defrosting state, it will stop working, thereby affecting the user's experience.

[0003] To solve this problem, the existing air conditioning unit adopts an alternating defrosting heat pump, that is, multiple heat exchangers are alternately defrosted in time. Such a structure can reduce water temperature fluctuations and four-way valve actions, and improve the user's experience. However, in order to connect multiple heat exchangers and four-way valves and other structures, a large number of electromagnetic valves and check valves are required in the existing scheme to form a multi-way switching circuit, thereby causing the unit system to have complex parts and many joints, making the assembly and maintenance process difficult. UTILITY MODEL CONTENT

[0004] The present application provides a valve assembly and an air conditioning unit to solve some or all of the deficiencies in the related art.

[0005] The present application provides a valve assembly, comprising a valve body, a high-pressure interface, a plurality of distribution interfaces, a guide pipe, and a driving member. The valve body surrounds to form a distribution cavity of the valve assembly. The high-pressure interface is connected to the valve body and communicates with the distribution cavity. A plurality of distribution interfaces are connected to the valve body and communicate with the distribution cavity. The guide pipe is arranged inside the distribution cavity. The driving member is connected to the guide pipe for driving the guide pipe to rotate. Wherein, the guide pipe comprises a fixed end and a movable end, the fixed end communicates with the high-pressure interface. The driving member is connected to the movable end and drives the movable end to rotate around the high-pressure interface, so as to switch the movable end between a plurality of distribution interfaces.

[0006] Optionally, the driving member comprises a compression sleeve, a driving head, and a compression part. The compression sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the movable end. The driving head is connected to the compression sleeve for driving the compression sleeve and the guide pipe to rotate. The compression part is arranged between the driving head and the compression sleeve for pressurizing the compression sleeve to compress the movable end.

[0007] Optionally, the compression part comprises a plug and a compression head. The plug is inserted into one end of the compression sleeve away from the guide pipe. The compression head is connected to the side of the plug away from the compression sleeve for providing pressure to compress the compression sleeve or releasing pressure to unload the compression sleeve.

[0008] Optionally, the valve assembly further comprises a sealing gasket arranged in the distribution cavity. The sealing gasket is arranged at a side of the distribution cavity close to the distribution interface, and is configured to provide sealing for the distribution interface.

[0009] Optionally, the valve assembly further comprises a cover plate arranged in the distribution cavity. The cover plate is attached to a side of the sealing gasket away from the distribution interface, and is connected to the conduit. When the conduit rotates, the cover plate is driven to rotate.

[0010] Optionally, the cover plate comprises a first circular hole and a second circular hole. The first circular hole is coaxially arranged with the fixed end of the conduit, and the second circular hole is coaxially arranged with the movable end of the conduit. The fixed end of the conduit is in communication with the high-pressure interface through the first circular hole. The movable end of the conduit is in communication with the distribution interface through the second circular hole.

[0011] Optionally, the cover plate comprises a plurality of long waist holes. The plurality of long waist holes are distributed along the circumferential side of the cover plate, and are respectively in communication with the plurality of distribution interfaces.

[0012] Optionally, a side of the distribution cavity away from the top surface of the valve body comprises an opening. The driving member comprises an end plate and a driving head. The end plate is arranged on the opening of the distribution cavity, and is configured to seal the distribution cavity. The driving head is arranged on a side of the end plate facing the distribution cavity, and is connected to the conduit, and is configured to drive the conduit to rotate.

[0013] Optionally, the valve assembly further comprises a bearing arranged in the distribution cavity. The bearing is arranged at the fixed end of the conduit.

[0014] Optionally, the valve assembly further comprises a shaft seal arranged in the distribution cavity. The shaft seal is arranged at a connection between the conduit and the high-pressure interface.

[0015] Optionally, the valve assembly further comprises a main interface. The main interface is connected to the valve body, and is in communication with the distribution cavity, and is configured to circulate fluid.

[0016] The application further provides an air conditioning unit comprising the valve assembly as described above, a plurality of heat exchangers, and a pipeline system. The valve assembly comprises a main interface, and the main interface is in communication with the pipeline system. The refrigerant in the pipeline system flows into the valve assembly through the main interface, and is distributed to the plurality of heat exchangers through the distribution interface; or the refrigerant in the plurality of heat exchangers flows into the valve assembly through the distribution interface, and flows into the pipeline system through the main interface.

[0017] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further comprises a condenser and a first valve assembly. The pipeline system comprises a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first pipeline communicates an outlet of the condenser with a main interface of the first valve assembly, and the second pipeline communicates the first pipeline with a high-pressure interface of the first valve assembly. The distribution interfaces of the first valve assembly are connected to the inlet ends of the plurality of heat exchangers, respectively.

[0018] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further comprises an expansion valve, which is arranged in the first pipeline and used to adjust the pressure and flow of the refrigerant in the pipeline system.

[0019] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further comprises a first stop valve, which is arranged in the second pipeline and used to control the opening and closing of the second pipeline.

[0020] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further comprises a compressor and a second valve assembly. The pipeline system further comprises a collecting pipeline, a third pipeline and a fourth pipeline. The collecting pipeline communicates a main interface of the second valve assembly with an inlet of the compressor. The third pipeline communicates an outlet of the compressor with an inlet of the condenser. The fourth pipeline communicates a high-pressure interface of the second valve assembly with the inlet of the condenser.

[0021] Optionally, the air conditioning unit further comprises a second stop valve, which is arranged in the fourth pipeline and used to control the opening and closing of the fourth pipeline.

[0022] The technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application can have the following beneficial effects:

[0023] As can be seen from the above embodiment, the structure of the valve assembly is arranged to enable the refrigerant to flow flexibly between the pipeline system of the air conditioning unit and the plurality of heat exchangers, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the refrigerant distribution. In addition, the valve assembly is arranged with a guide pipe, a driving member and a high-pressure interface, so that during the operation of the air conditioning unit, the driving member can drive the guide pipe to rotate to enable the high-pressure interface to communicate with one of the distribution interfaces, thereby enabling the high-pressure fluid to flow from the high-pressure interface into the heat exchanger for defrosting, cleaning and the like. At the same time, the other distribution interfaces are still in communication with the distribution cavity. That is, when any one of the heat exchangers in the air conditioning unit is defrosted or the like, it will not affect the normal operation of the other heat exchangers, thereby not affecting the overall operation of the air conditioning unit, effectively improving the user experience.

[0024] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 Structure diagram of air conditioning unit in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 Structure diagram of valve assembly in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 3 Exploded view of valve assembly structure in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 4 Sectional view of part of valve assembly structure in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 5 Sectional view of valve assembly in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 6 Top view of valve assembly when air conditioning unit is in defrosting state in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 7 Top view of valve assembly when air conditioning unit is in non-defrosting state in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 8 Sectional view of valve assembly when air conditioning unit is in non-defrosting state in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 9 Sectional view of driving member in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 10 Structure diagram of sealing gasket in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 11 Structure diagram of cover plate in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 12 Sectional view of valve assembly in another embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 13 Sectional view of valve assembly in still another embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 14 Top view of valve assembly in still another embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 15A sectional view of the valve assembly in another embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 16 A top view of the valve assembly in another embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Explanation of reference signs:

[0043] 100, air conditioning unit; 1, valve assembly; 10a, first valve assembly; 10b, second valve assembly; 11, valve body; 12, distribution cavity; 121, opening; 13a, high-pressure interface; 13b, distribution interface; 13c, main interface; 14, conduit; 141, fixed end; 142, movable end; 15, driving member; 151, compression sleeve; 152, driving head; 153, compression part; 1531, plug; 1532, compression head; 154, end plate; 16, gasket; 17, cover plate; 171, first circular hole; 172, second circular hole; 173, long waist hole; 18, bearing; 19, coupling; 2, heat exchanger; 3, pipeline system; 31, first pipeline; 32, second pipeline; 33, third pipeline; 34, fourth pipeline; 35, summary pipeline; 4, condenser; 5, compressor; 6, expansion valve; 7, first stop valve; 8, second stop valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The technical solutions in the embodiments (or, “modes”) of the present application will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated.

[0045] If the embodiments of the present application involve directional indications or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inner, outer, top, bottom, center, vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, transverse, length, width, counterclockwise, clockwise, axial, radial, circumferential, etc.), such terms are only used to explain the relative positional relationships, movement conditions, etc. between components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the drawings); if the specific posture changes, the directional indications or positional relationships also change accordingly. In addition, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. in the embodiments of the present application are only used for convenience of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0046] As Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning unit 100 provided by the present application comprises a valve assembly 1, a plurality of heat exchangers 2 and a pipeline system 3. The valve assembly 1 comprises a main interface 13c and a distribution interface 13b, and the main interface 13c is in communication with the pipeline system 3. Among them, the refrigerant in the pipeline system 3 flows into the valve assembly 1 through the main interface 13c, and is distributed to the plurality of heat exchangers 2 through the distribution interface 13b; the refrigerant in the plurality of heat exchangers 2 flows into the valve assembly 1 through the distribution interface 13b, and flows into the pipeline system 3 through the main interface 13c.

[0047] The design of the main interface 13c and the distribution interface 13b of the valve assembly 1 of the present application enables the refrigerant of the air conditioning unit 100 to enter the valve assembly 1 from the pipeline system 3 and be distributed to the plurality of heat exchangers 2 through the distribution interface 13b, realizing parallel distribution of the refrigerant; the refrigerant in the plurality of heat exchangers 2 can also be collected into the valve assembly 1 through the distribution interface 13b, and then flow back to the pipeline system 3 through the main interface 13c. As can be seen, the air conditioning unit 100 of the present application optimizes the flow path of the refrigerant by the arrangement of the valve assembly 1, reduces the energy loss in the distribution process, improves the energy efficiency ratio of the air conditioning unit 100, and also effectively simplifies the structure of the air conditioning unit 100, improves the convenience of assembly, maintenance and disassembly and the like.

[0048] At the same time, the arrangement of the valve assembly 1 also enables the refrigerant to flow flexibly between the pipeline system 3 and the plurality of heat exchangers 2, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the refrigerant distribution. In addition, the arrangement of the valve assembly 1 also enables the refrigerant distribution of the plurality of heat exchangers 2 to be controlled through each interface of the valve assembly 1, so that the air conditioning unit 100 can dynamically adjust the refrigerant flow and distribution of each heat exchanger 2 according to actual demand, unit state, heat exchanger 2 load change and the like, thereby avoiding overloading or idling of part of the heat exchangers 2, optimizing the operating efficiency of the heat exchangers 2, and also enabling other heat exchangers 2 to still normally circulate refrigerant for work when a single heat exchanger 2 is defrosted or fails. Therefore, the arrangement of the valve assembly 1 also improves the reliability and stability of the air conditioning unit 100.

[0049] It should be noted that in the actual assembly process, the structure of the air conditioning unit 100 can be adjusted accordingly according to different working scenes, use requirements and the like, for example: in the case of a plurality of heat exchangers 2, the valve assembly 1 can be arranged in the middle of the plurality of heat exchangers 2, and the main interface 13c and the distribution interface 13b of the valve assembly 1 can be arranged on the left and right sides of the valve assembly 1 respectively, and the pipeline system 3 can be connected to the main interface 13c and the distribution interface 13b of the valve assembly 1 respectively. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 1 can be arranged at both the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger 2, thereby simplifying the piping system 3 of the air conditioning unit 100 to a greater extent; in other alternative embodiments, the valve assembly 1 can be arranged only at the refrigerant inlet of the heat exchanger 2, so that the refrigerant in the piping system 3 flows into the valve assembly 1 through the main interface 13c and is distributed to the plurality of heat exchangers 2 through the distribution interfaces 13b; or the valve assembly 1 can be arranged only at the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 2, so that the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 2 flows into the valve assembly 1 through the distribution interfaces 13b and flows into the piping system 3 through the main interface 13c, and therefore the present application does not limit this.

[0050] With reference to Figure 2 Figure 3 and Figure 4 In alternative embodiments, the valve assembly 1 of the present application comprises a valve body 11, a high-pressure interface 13a, a plurality of distribution interfaces 13b, a guide pipe 14, and a driving member 15. The valve body 11 encloses a distribution cavity 12 of the valve assembly 1. The high-pressure interface 13a is connected to the valve body 11 and communicates with the distribution cavity 12. The plurality of distribution interfaces 13b are connected to the valve body 11 and communicate with the distribution cavity 12. The guide pipe 14 is arranged inside the distribution cavity 12. The driving member 15 is connected to the guide pipe 14 and drives the guide pipe 14 to rotate. The guide pipe 14 comprises a fixed end 141 and a movable end 142, and the fixed end 141 communicates with the high-pressure interface 13a. The driving member 15 is connected to the movable end 142 and drives the movable end 142 to rotate about the high-pressure interface 13a, so as to switch the movable end 142 between the plurality of distribution interfaces 13b.

[0051] The valve assembly 1 of the present application can collect the refrigerant fluid in the distribution cavity 12 and distribute it to each heat exchanger 2 through the distribution interfaces 13b, and at the same time, the refrigerant fluid of each heat exchanger 2 can be collected in the distribution cavity 12 through the distribution interfaces 13b and reflow into the piping system 3. It can be seen that the structure of the valve assembly 1 in the present application allows the refrigerant to flow flexibly between the piping system 3 and the plurality of heat exchangers 2 of the air conditioning unit 100, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the refrigerant distribution. In addition, by arranging the guide pipe 14, the driving member 15, and the high-pressure interface 13a, the driving member 15 can drive the guide pipe 14 to rotate during the operation of the air conditioning unit 100, so that the high-pressure interface 13a communicates with one of the distribution interfaces 13b, thereby causing the high-pressure fluid to flow from the high-pressure interface 13a into the heat exchanger 2 for defrosting, cleaning, and the like. At the same time, the other distribution interfaces 13b are still in communication with the distribution cavity 12. That is, when any one of the heat exchangers 2 in the air conditioning unit 100 is defrosted or the like, it will not affect the normal operation of the other heat exchangers 2, and therefore will not affect the overall operation of the air conditioning unit 100, effectively improving the user experience. ​

[0052] Of course, in some special cases, for example, when a certain heat exchanger 2 fails or leaks, the valve assembly 1 of the present application can also drive the movable end 142 of the guide pipe 14 to rotate to the distribution interface 13b corresponding to the failed heat exchanger 2 through the driving member 15, so as to isolate the distribution interface 13b from the distribution cavity 12, that is, to block the refrigerant from flowing into the failed heat exchanger 2. Thus, the failed heat exchanger 2 can be individually repaired, removed, etc., without affecting the normal operation of other heat exchangers 2, effectively improving the reliability and stability of the air conditioning unit 100, and improving the convenience and efficiency of the maintenance process, thereby ensuring the user's experience.

[0053] In an optional embodiment, the air conditioning unit 100 of the present application further comprises a condenser 4 and a first valve assembly 10a. The pipeline system 3 comprises a first pipeline 31 and a second pipeline 32, the first pipeline 31 communicates the outlet of the condenser 4 with the main interface 13c of the first valve assembly 10a, and the second pipeline 32 communicates the first pipeline 31 with the high-pressure interface 13a of the first valve assembly 10a. The distribution interfaces 13b of the first valve assembly 10a are respectively connected to the inlet ends of the plurality of heat exchangers 2.

[0054] In the operation process of the air conditioning unit 100, the refrigerant flows from the outlet of the condenser 4 into the first pipeline 31, and is distributed to each heat exchanger 2 through the distribution interfaces 13b of the first valve assembly 10a. When any one of the heat exchangers 2 needs to be defrosted, the driving member 15 of the first valve assembly 10a can drive the guide pipe 14 to rotate, so that the movable end 142 of the guide pipe 14 rotates to the distribution interface 13b corresponding to the heat exchanger 2, and the distribution interface 13b is communicated with the high-pressure interface 13a. The above arrangement enables the high-pressure refrigerant fluid in the heat exchanger 2 being defrosted to flow into the guide pipe 14 through the distribution interface 13b, and flow into the second pipeline 32 from the high-pressure interface 13a. Since the second pipeline 32 is communicated with the first pipeline 31, the high-pressure refrigerant fluid can continue to enter the pipeline system 3 along the first pipeline 31.

[0055] As can be seen, the air conditioning unit 100 of the present application effectively improves the flow efficiency of the refrigerant in the pipeline through the arrangement of the valve assembly 1 and the pipeline system 3, simplifies the pipeline arrangement of the air conditioning unit 100, thereby effectively reducing the production, assembly and use cost of the management system, and improving the convenience in the assembly process. In addition, the arrangement of the second pipeline 32 of the present application also enables the air conditioning unit 100 to independently control each heat exchanger 2, so as to independently complete the defrosting, cleaning, etc. of the heat exchanger 2 on the basis of ensuring the normal operation of the unit, effectively improving the continuity, autonomy and intelligence of the air conditioning unit 100 in the working process, and ensuring the user's experience.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the air conditioning unit 100 further comprises an expansion valve 6, which is arranged in the first pipeline 31, for adjusting the pressure and flow of the refrigerant in the pipeline system 3.

[0057] The air conditioning unit 100 of the present application is provided with the expansion valve 6 at the first pipeline 31, so that by adjusting the opening degree of the valve, the pressure of the refrigerant after flowing out of the condenser 4 can be accurately controlled. In other words, the refrigerant in the pipeline system 3 will change from a high-pressure state to a low-pressure state at the expansion valve 6, thereby providing suitable pressure conditions for the subsequent heat exchange process.

[0058] From Figure 1 It can also be seen that the position where the second pipeline 32 is connected to the first pipeline 31 is located between the expansion valve 6 and the condenser 4. That is, the high-pressure fluid flowing out of the second pipeline 32 will also be adjusted in pressure by the expansion valve 6 before entering the heat exchanger 2 for work. As can be seen, the arrangement of the expansion valve 6 and the pipeline system 3 of the present application ensures the safety and stability of the heat exchanger 2, and ingeniously recycles the high-pressure fluid in the defrosting process for cyclic utilization, effectively improving the working efficiency of the air conditioning unit 100 and the utilization rate of the working fluid.

[0059] In an optional embodiment, the air conditioning unit 100 further comprises a compressor 5 and a second valve assembly 10b. The pipeline system 3 further comprises a collection pipeline 35, a third pipeline 33 and a fourth pipeline 34. Among them, the collection pipeline 35 communicates the main interface 13c of the second valve assembly 10b with the inlet of the compressor 5. The third pipeline 33 communicates the outlet of the compressor 5 with the inlet of the condenser 4. The fourth pipeline 34 communicates the high-pressure interface 13a of the second valve assembly 10b with the inlet of the condenser 4.

[0060] Similarly, the air conditioning unit 100 is provided with the second valve assembly 10b at the outlet end of the heat exchanger 2, which collects the refrigerant that has completed heat exchange in each heat exchanger 2 through a plurality of distribution interfaces 13b, and flows into the collection pipeline 35 through the main interface 13c, and then is compressed by the compressor 5 to form high-pressure fluid for subsequent work. As can be seen, through the arrangement of the second valve assembly 10b and the collection pipeline 35, the air conditioning unit 100 can more efficiently recycle the refrigerant in each heat exchanger 2 into the pipeline system 3, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the refrigerant circulation in the air conditioning unit 100, simplifying the overall structure of the pipeline system 3, and thereby improving the convenience of the production, assembly, maintenance and other processes of the air conditioning unit 100.

[0061] Meanwhile, the air conditioning unit 100 is provided with a third pipeline 33 and a fourth pipeline 34, the third pipeline 33 can deliver the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas generated by the compression of the compressor 5 to the condenser 4 for heat exchange, so as to drive the circulation of the entire pipeline system 3; while the fourth pipeline 34 can directly deliver the high-pressure fluid to the heat exchanger 2, so as to perform defrosting, cleaning and other operations on the heat exchanger 2. It can be seen that the third pipeline 33 and the fourth pipeline 34 in the present application are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other, so that when a single heat exchanger 2 fails or enters the defrosting mode, the other heat exchangers 2 will not be affected, thereby ensuring the working continuity and stability of the air conditioning unit 100 and improving the user's experience.

[0062] In an optional embodiment, the air conditioning unit 100 further comprises a first stop valve 7, which is arranged in the second pipeline 32 and is used to control the opening and closing of the second pipeline 32.

[0063] By arranging the first stop valve 7, the air conditioning unit 100 can more directly control the opening and closing of the second pipeline 32, thereby better controlling the operation of the heat exchanger 2, so that the air conditioning unit 100 can use different working conditions, improving the flexibility and stability when adjusting the pipeline system 3.

[0064] Similarly, in an optional embodiment, the air conditioning unit 100 further comprises a second stop valve, which is arranged in the fourth pipeline 34 and is used to control the opening and closing of the fourth pipeline 34.

[0065] Similar to the first stop valve 7 described above, the arrangement of the second stop valve of the air conditioning unit 100 in the present application can more directly control the opening and closing of the fourth pipeline 34, thereby better controlling the operation of the heat exchanger 2, so that the air conditioning unit 100 can use different working conditions, improving the flexibility and stability when adjusting the pipeline system 3.

[0066] In general, in the actual working process of the air conditioning unit 100, the first stop valve 7 and the second stop valve are in the disconnected state by default, and the refrigerant fluid compressed by the compressor 5 enters the condenser 4 through the third pipeline 33. Subsequently, the fluid passing through the condenser 4 flows into the first pipeline 31 and enters the first valve assembly 10a after pressure regulation by the expansion valve 6. In the distribution cavity 12 of the first valve assembly 10a, the refrigerant fluid enters each heat exchanger 2 for heat exchange through the distribution interface 13b, and then flows into the distribution cavity 12 of the second valve assembly 10b through the distribution interface 13b of the second valve assembly 10b. Finally, the refrigerant fluid flows back to the compressor 5 through the third pipeline 33 for the next compression operation.

[0067] During the operation of the air conditioning unit 100, the heat exchanger 2 can fail or need to be defrosted, cleaned, or the like. This embodiment takes defrosting as an example. For example, when the air conditioning unit 100 detects that the heat exchanger a needs to be defrosted, the drive member 15 of the first valve assembly 10a and the second valve assembly 10b will be controlled first, and the conduits 14 of the two valve assemblies 1 are connected to the distribution interface 13b which is in communication with the heat exchanger a, so as to communicate the second pipeline 32, the first valve assembly 10a, the heat exchanger a, the second valve assembly 10b and the fourth pipeline 34. Subsequently, the air conditioning unit 100 can control the first stop valve 7 and the second stop valve to open, so that the high-pressure fluid flowing out of the compressor 5 can flow into the fourth pipeline 34 and enter the heat exchanger a to defrost the heat exchanger a. Finally, the fluid after defrosting flows through the second pipeline 32 and enters the first pipeline 31, thereby forming a reverse circulation defrosting pipeline. It can be seen that the above process is independent of the normal heat exchange pipeline of the air conditioning unit 100, and when the heat exchanger a is defrosted, the normal work of other heat exchangers 2 will not be affected, thereby ensuring the continuity and stability of the air conditioning unit 100 during operation, and ensuring the user experience.

[0068] In optional embodiments, in combination with Figure 4 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the drive member 15 comprises a compression sleeve 151, a drive head 152 and a compression part 153. The compression sleeve 151 is sleeved outside the movable end 142. The drive head 152 is connected to the compression sleeve 151 and is used to drive the compression sleeve 151 and the conduit 14 to rotate. The compression part 153 is arranged between the drive head 152 and the compression sleeve 151 and is used to pressurize the compression sleeve 151 to compress the movable end 142.

[0069] The drive member 15 of the present application sleeves the compression sleeve 151 outside the movable end 142 of the conduit 14, which provides stable support and fixation for the conduit 14 by wrapping the movable end 142, avoids loosening or deviation of the movable end 142 during rotation, and at the same time, the arrangement of the compression sleeve 151 also avoids the compression part 153 directly acting on the conduit 14, thereby avoiding the pipe body from being broken due to too much force on the outer sidewall of the conduit 14. In addition, it can be seen from the figure that the drive head 152 is arranged in a cylindrical shape, which can provide better sealing effect for the distribution cavity 12 on the one hand, and ensure that the center of gravity of the drive head 152 is more stable during rotation, thereby ensuring that the compression sleeve 151 and the conduit 14 can rotate more stably.

[0070] In optional embodiments, continuing to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The side of the distribution cavity 12 away from the top surface of the valve body 11 comprises an opening 121. The driving member 15 comprises an end plate 154. The end plate 154 is arranged to cover the opening 121 of the distribution cavity 12 to seal the distribution cavity 12. The driving head 152 is arranged on the side of the end plate 154 facing the distribution cavity 12.

[0071] The valve assembly 1 of the present application forms a complete sealing structure for the distribution cavity 12 by the arrangement of the driving head 152 and the end plate 154, so as to prevent leakage of refrigerant from the opening 121. At the same time, the sealing effect of the end plate 154 also ensures the high-pressure environment inside the distribution cavity 12, avoiding the decrease of system efficiency caused by refrigerant leakage. In addition, the valve assembly 1 improves the convenience, anti-interference, and the convenience of installation and disassembly of the driving head 152 by the cooperation of the driving head 152 and the end plate 154, so that the valve assembly 1 can be more conveniently disassembled, repaired, and replaced when it fails or needs to be replaced. For example, if the user initially adopts the valve assembly 1 with four distribution interfaces 13b shown in the figure, but replaces the air conditioning unit 100 during use, and replaces the heat exchanger 2 with five or more, only the valve body 11 and the driving head 152 need to be disassembled, and a valve body 11 with five or more distribution interfaces 13b needs to be replaced, without replacing the entire valve assembly 1. In this way, the use and maintenance costs of the valve assembly 1 can also be reduced.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, the valve assembly 1 further comprises a bearing 18 arranged in the distribution cavity 12. The bearing 18 is arranged at the fixed end 141 of the guide pipe 14.

[0073] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the arrangement of the bearing 18 in the present application makes the rotation process of the guide pipe 14 more stable, improving the reliability of the valve assembly 1 during use. At the same time, the arrangement of the bearing 18 also prevents the fixed end 141 from being deformed due to excessive torque, thereby further ensuring the stability of the guide pipe 14.

[0074] In an optional embodiment, the valve assembly 1 further comprises a shaft seal arranged in the distribution cavity 12. The shaft seal is arranged to seal the connection between the guide pipe 14 and the high-pressure interface 13a.

[0075] The arrangement of the shaft seal in the present application effectively improves the sealing effect of the bearing 18 position, thereby ensuring the sealing of the valve body 11 and preventing refrigerant leakage, thereby reducing the energy loss of the system and improving the energy efficiency.

[0076] In the actual operation of the air conditioning unit 100, when the air conditioning unit 100 needs to connect the high-pressure interface 13a to the heat exchanger 2, the driving head 152 drives the compression part 153, the compression sleeve 151, and the conduit 14 to rotate. After the movable end 142 of the conduit 14 is rotated to the position of the corresponding distribution interface 13b, the driving member 15 applies pressure to the compression sleeve 151 through the compression part 153, so that the conduit 14 is pressed to the corresponding distribution interface 13b. As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the high-pressure interface 13a, the conduit 14, and the corresponding distribution interface 13b are separated from the distribution cavity 12 to form an independent fluid passage. When the heat exchanger 2 of the air conditioning unit 100 does not need to be defrosted or the like, the driving member 15 can control the compression part 153 to release the pressure, and drive the compression sleeve 151 and the conduit 14 to rotate through the driving head 152. As shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the movable end 142 of the conduit 14 is rotated to the position where the valve body 11 is not connected to the distribution interface 13b, so that the movable end 142 of the conduit 14 is sealed by the inner wall of the valve body 11, and the corresponding distribution interface 13b is communicated with the distribution cavity 12. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 7 , the area marked by the solid line is the position of each distribution interface 13b, and the area marked by the dashed line is the preset position. When the high-pressure interface 13a does not need to be connected to the pipeline system 3, the movable end 142 of the conduit 14 is rotated to the preset position and sealed by the inner wall of the valve body 11. Of course, in other optional embodiments, the preset position can be determined according to the position, number, and the like of the distribution interface 13b, or can be adjusted according to the actual working scene, user demand, and the like. For example, only a specific area is set as the preset position, so as to facilitate the control and maintenance of the valve assembly 1; or the area adjacent to the distribution interface 13b is set as the preset position, so as to reduce the rotation angle of the driving member 15. Therefore, the present application does not limit this.

[0077] In the optional embodiment as shown in Figure 9 , the compression part 153 includes a plug 1531 and a pressing head 1532. The pressing head 1532 is connected to the side of the plug 1531 away from the compression sleeve 151. In the present application, the plug 1531 and the pressing head 1532 are arranged in a stepped manner. The outer diameter of the plug 1531 is smaller than the inner diameter of the compression sleeve 151, and the outer diameter of the pressing head 1532 is greater than the inner diameter of the compression sleeve 151. Therefore, in the working process of the valve assembly 1, the plug 1531 can be inserted into the end of the compression sleeve 151 away from the conduit 14, and the pressing head 1532 can provide pressure to compress the compression sleeve 151 or release the pressure to unload the compression sleeve 151.

[0078] In actual use, due to the structure of the driving member 15, the pressing part 153 can be inserted into the pressing sleeve 151 through the plug 1531, and then the pressing head 1532 can be pressed to compact the pressing sleeve 151. In the present application, the plug 1531 is arranged on the pressing part 153, so that the original shape of the pressing sleeve 151 can be maintained while the pressing sleeve 151 is subjected to force, thereby ensuring that the pressing sleeve 151 is subjected to more uniform force and has better sealing performance.

[0079] In optional embodiments, the valve assembly 1 further comprises a sealing gasket 16 arranged in the distribution cavity 12. The sealing gasket 16 is arranged on the side of the distribution cavity 12 close to the distribution interface 13b, and is used to provide sealing for the distribution interface 13b.

[0080] In the present application, the sealing gasket 16 is arranged on the side of the distribution cavity 12 close to the distribution interface 13b to form a tight seal, thereby effectively improving the sealing performance of the valve body 11, preventing refrigerant leakage, reducing energy loss of the system, and improving energy efficiency. In addition, in the present application, the sealing gasket 16 is made of a deformable material, so that the pressing part 153 does not need to completely release the pressure during the rotation of the driving head 152, and the guide pipe 14 can be driven to rotate. Such an arrangement not only ensures that the guide pipe 14 does not deform greatly, but also ensures the sealing performance between the guide pipe 14 and the valve body 11. Figure 10 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the sealing gasket 16 is provided with corresponding holes according to the specific positions of the distribution interface 13b and the high-pressure interface 13a, so that the fluid in the distribution cavity 12 can flow smoothly into the distribution interface 13b. In other optional embodiments, the number and position of the holes in the sealing gasket 16 can be adjusted according to the number and position of the distribution interface 13b and the high-pressure interface 13a, such as providing only two circular holes, or providing more holes, etc. Therefore, the present application does not limit this.

[0081] In optional embodiments, the valve assembly 1 further comprises a cover plate 17 arranged in the distribution cavity 12. The cover plate 17 is attached to the side of the sealing gasket 16 away from the distribution interface 13b, and is connected to the guide pipe 14. When the guide pipe 14 rotates, the cover plate 17 is driven to rotate.

[0082] In the present application, the cover plate 17 is attached to the side of the gasket 16 away from the dispensing interface 13b, and the two work together to effectively enhance the sealing of the dispensing cavity 12, further preventing refrigerant leakage and ensuring the stability of the system. In addition, since the cover plate 17 rotates with the conduit 14, that is, the movable end 142 of the conduit 14, the compression sleeve 151, and the cover plate 17 rotate synchronously, such a structure reduces the possibility of the compression sleeve 151 and the movable end 142 of the conduit 14 being damaged by lateral friction, ensuring the structural stability of the conduit 14 and the compression sleeve 151, and reducing the possibility of internal structural failure of the valve assembly 1.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 11 the cover plate 17 includes a first circular hole 171 and a second circular hole 172. The first circular hole 171 is coaxially arranged with the fixed end 141 of the conduit 14, and the second circular hole 172 is coaxially arranged with the movable end 142 of the conduit 14. The fixed end 141 of the conduit 14 communicates with the high-pressure interface 13a through the first circular hole 171. The movable end 142 of the conduit 14 communicates with the dispensing interface 13b through the second circular hole 172.

[0084] Similarly, the cover plate 17 of the present application is also provided with a first circular hole 171 and a second circular hole 172 corresponding to the fixed end 141 and the movable end 142 of the conduit 14, so that after the conduit 14 rotates, the high-pressure interface 13a and the dispensing interface 13b can be smoothly communicated, thereby ensuring the smooth and stable flow path of the high-pressure fluid and improving the stability and reliability of the system.

[0085] Continuing to refer to Figure 11 In an alternative embodiment, the cover plate 17 includes a plurality of long waist holes 173, which are distributed along the circumferential side of the cover plate 17 and respectively correspond to a plurality of dispensing interfaces 13b.

[0086] Since the cover plate 17 of the present application can rotate with the conduit 14, the cover plate 17 of the present application is provided with a plurality of long waist holes 173, which can communicate with the dispensing interface 13b through the long waist hole 173 when the conduit 14 communicates the high-pressure interface 13a and one of the dispensing interfaces 13b, and when the conduit 14 is in the idle position (i.e., the preset position mentioned above), thereby ensuring higher efficiency and reliability of the valve assembly 1 during the distribution of the refrigerant. At the same time, due to the arrangement of the first circular hole 171, the second circular hole 172, and the long waist hole 173, the inner edges of the first circular hole 171, the second circular hole 172, and the long waist hole 173 will always sweep the surface of the gasket 16 during the rotation of the driving member 15, thereby being able to play a role in removing impurities, improving the reliability and sealing of the valve assembly 1.

[0087] It should be noted that in the above-described embodiments, the valve assembly 1 is described as including one main interface 13c, one high-pressure interface 13a, and four distribution interfaces 13b. In actual application scenarios, the specific structure of the valve assembly 1 can be set according to the structure of the management system, the number of heat exchangers 2, and the specific needs of the user, and the present application does not limit this.

[0088] Specifically, in another alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 12 , two valve assemblies 1 can be coupled together, i.e., the two valve assemblies 1 share the same end plate 154, and the shaft coupling 19 is provided on the end plate 154, so that the driving heads 152 of the two valve assemblies 1 can be synchronously controlled to rotate through the shaft coupling 19, forming a double multiple-way valve. Such a structure makes the control process of the air conditioning unit 100 more integral and stable, and at the same time, the coupled valves can be controlled by the same set of motors, effectively reducing the production cost.

[0089] In other alternative embodiments, the valve assembly 1 can be set to have other different functions by adjusting the number of interfaces. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 , the valve assembly 1 only includes two distribution interfaces 13b and one high-pressure interface 13a, thereby forming a two-position three-way valve; and in the embodiments shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the valve assembly 1 includes one main interface 13c, two distribution interfaces 13b, and one high-pressure interface 13a, thereby forming a four-way reversing valve, and so on. As described above, for different air conditioning units 100, the user can only replace the valve body 11, i.e., the valve assembly 1 can be applied to various different pipeline systems 3, and it can be seen that the application range of the valve assembly 1 is very wide. Therefore, the present application does not limit the specific interface setting of the valve assembly 1.

[0090] It should be noted that the technical solutions or technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined or supplemented with each other without conflict. The scope of protection of the present application is not limited to the precise structures described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings; any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, characterized in that, include: The valve body encloses a distribution cavity that forms the valve assembly; A high-pressure interface is connected to the valve body and communicates with the distribution chamber; Multiple distribution interfaces are connected to the valve body and communicate with the distribution chamber; A catheter is disposed inside the dispensing cavity; as well as A driving component, connected to the conduit, is used to drive the conduit to rotate; The conduit includes a fixed end and a movable end, the fixed end being connected to the high-pressure interface; the drive is connected to the movable end and drives the movable end to rotate about the high-pressure interface as an axis, so that the movable end can switch between multiple distribution interfaces.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component includes: The compression sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the movable end; A drive head, connected to the clamping sleeve, is used to drive the clamping sleeve and the guide tube to rotate; and A clamping part is disposed between the drive head and the clamping sleeve, and is used to pressurize the clamping sleeve to clamp the movable end.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping part includes a plug and a pressure head; the plug is inserted into the end of the clamping sleeve away from the conduit; the pressure head is connected to the side of the plug away from the clamping sleeve, and is used to provide pressure to clamp the clamping sleeve, or to release pressure to unload the clamping sleeve.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve assembly further includes a sealing gasket disposed in the dispensing chamber; wherein the sealing gasket is disposed on the side of the dispensing chamber near the dispensing interface, for providing a seal for the dispensing interface.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve assembly further includes a cover plate disposed in the dispensing chamber; the cover plate is attached to the side of the sealing gasket away from the dispensing interface and is connected to the conduit, and when the conduit rotates, it drives the cover plate to rotate.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover plate includes a first circular hole and a second circular hole; wherein, the first circular hole is coaxially arranged with the fixed end of the conduit, and the second circular hole is coaxially arranged with the movable end of the conduit; the fixed end of the conduit is connected to the high-pressure interface through the first circular hole; and the movable end of the conduit is connected to the distribution interface through the second circular hole.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover plate includes multiple elongated holes, which are distributed along the periphery of the cover plate and are respectively connected to multiple distribution interfaces.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the distribution chamber away from the top surface of the valve body includes an opening; the drive component includes an end plate and a drive head; The end plate covers the opening of the distribution cavity to seal the distribution cavity; the drive head is disposed on the side of the end plate facing the distribution cavity and is connected to the conduit to drive the conduit to rotate.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly also includes a bearing disposed in the distribution chamber; the bearing is disposed at the fixed end of the conduit.

10. The valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The valve assembly further includes a shaft seal disposed in the distribution chamber; the shaft seal is disposed at the connection between the conduit and the high-pressure interface.

11. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly also includes a main interface; the main interface is connected to the valve body and communicates with the distribution chamber for fluid flow.

12. An air conditioning unit, characterized in that, Includes a valve assembly, a plurality of heat exchangers, and a piping system as described in any one of claims 1-11; the valve assembly includes a main interface connected to the piping system; In this system, the refrigerant in the piping system flows into the valve assembly through the main interface and is distributed to multiple heat exchangers through the distribution interface; or, the refrigerant in the multiple heat exchangers flows into the valve assembly through the distribution interface and into the piping system through the main interface.

13. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit also includes a condenser and a first valve assembly; the piping system includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first pipeline connecting the outlet of the condenser to the main interface of the first valve assembly, and the second pipeline connecting the first pipeline to the high-pressure interface of the first valve assembly; the distribution interface of the first valve assembly is respectively connected to the inlet end of multiple heat exchangers.

14. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit also includes an expansion valve, which is installed in the first pipeline and is used to regulate the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant in the pipeline system.

15. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit also includes a first shut-off valve, which is disposed in the second pipeline and is used to control the on / off state of the second pipeline.

16. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit also includes a compressor and a second valve assembly; the piping system also includes a main pipe, a third pipe and a fourth pipe; wherein, the main pipe connects the main interface of the second valve assembly to the inlet of the compressor; the third pipe connects the outlet of the compressor to the inlet of the condenser; and the fourth pipe connects the high-pressure interface of the second valve assembly to the inlet of the condenser.

17. The air conditioning unit as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The air conditioning unit also includes a second shut-off valve, which is disposed in the fourth pipeline and is used to control the on / off state of the fourth pipeline.

Images