Pipeline structure, refrigerant switching device, and heating and ventilation system

Abstract

The application discloses a pipeline structure, a refrigerant switching device and a heating and ventilation system. The pipeline structure comprises a plurality of metal refrigerant pipes and a metal interface pipe. Each metal refrigerant pipe comprises a butt joint pipe section, and the metal interface pipe comprises a main pipe body. The main pipe body has a plurality of adapter branches. Each adapter branch is connected with one butt joint pipe section, so that the heat exchange medium in the internal flow channel of the main pipe body can enter and exit the internal flow channel of the corresponding metal refrigerant pipe at each adapter branch. The butt joint pipe has a hardness H1, and the adapter branch has a hardness H2, and H2 >= H1. By providing the adapter branch to support the butt joint pipe section, even in the case that the length of the metal interface pipe is relatively long, the connection between the butt joint pipe section and the adapter branch is not easily deformed by various stresses, and the plurality of metal refrigerant pipes and the metal interface pipe can be pre-assembled into an integrated body for batch assembly, and then connected with other pipelines, so that the assembly efficiency and stability are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a pipeline structure, a refrigerant switching device, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] The refrigerant switching device is part of the HVAC system and is used to deliver low-temperature heat exchange medium to the indoor unit for cooling, or to deliver high-temperature heat exchange medium to the indoor unit for heating.

[0003] The refrigerant switching device includes a piping structure for transporting the heat exchange medium. Multiple delivery pipes in the piping structure are connected to corresponding gas and liquid pipes to form a refrigerant passage connecting the indoor and outdoor units. However, the large number of delivery pipes connecting the gas and liquid pipes makes assembly and alignment difficult. Furthermore, after assembly, various stresses can easily lead to instability in the piping structure, affecting the operation of the refrigerant switching device. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a pipeline structure, a refrigerant switching device, and an HVAC system, which can solve the problem of unstable assembly of the pipeline structure of the refrigerant switching device.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a piping structure for a refrigerant switching device, the piping structure comprising:

[0006] Multiple metal refrigerant pipes, each of which includes a connecting pipe section; and

[0007] A metal interface pipe includes a main body with multiple transition branches, each of which is connected to a connecting pipe section, so that the heat exchange medium in the internal flow channel of the main body can enter and exit the internal flow channel of the corresponding metal refrigerant pipe at each of the transition branches.

[0008] The connecting pipe has a hardness of H1, and the transition branch has a hardness of H2, where H2 ≥ H1.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the main body includes a main section, and the transition branch is a transition flange protruding from the outer peripheral wall of the main section, the transition flange having a transition channel communicating with the internal flow channel of the main body;

[0010] The connecting pipe section is sleeved with the transition flange so that the internal flow channel of the main pipe is connected to the internal flow channel of the metal refrigerant pipe.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the connecting pipe section is inserted into the adapter branch; or, the connecting pipe section is sleeved on the outer periphery of the adapter flange.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the end of the connecting pipe section contacts the outer peripheral wall surface of the main pipe section.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the transition flange is integrally formed with the main pipe section; the material of the transition flange is stainless steel; the material of the main pipe section is stainless steel; and the material of the connecting pipe section is at least one of stainless steel, copper alloy, copper, aluminum alloy, and aluminum.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, the metal interface tube includes a transition end tube disposed at the end of the main body, and the metal interface tube further includes a filter installed on the transition end tube, the filter including a filter screen for filtering the heat exchange medium entering and exiting the main body.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the filter is disposed inside the adapter tube; or, the filter is disposed between the adapter tube and the main tube.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the filter is disposed between the adapter tube and the main tube;

[0017] The metal interface tube further includes a first transition portion, which is located at the axial end of the main body. The main body is made of stainless steel, while the first transition portion is made of a material different from stainless steel.

[0018] The filter has a first connector that is radially overlapped with the first transition portion. The radially overlapping portion of the first connector and the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion are made of the same material or have the same main component material.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the material of the radially overlapping portion of the first connector is one of copper or a copper alloy, and the material of the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion is one of copper or a copper alloy; or the material of the radially overlapping portion of the first connector is one of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the material of the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion is one of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the filter includes a second connector that is radially overlapped with the adapter tube, wherein the radially overlapping portion of the second connector and the radially overlapping portion of the adapter tube are made of the same material or have the same main components.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the material of the radially overlapping portion of the second connector is one of copper or a copper alloy, and the material of the radially overlapping portion of the adapter tube is one of copper or a copper alloy; or the material of the radially overlapping portion of the second connector is one of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the material of the radially overlapping portion of the adapter tube is one of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the adapter tube includes a main pipe and a second transition section connected to the main pipe. The main pipe is made of stainless steel, and the second transition section is made of a different material than stainless steel. The second transition section is radially overlapped with the second connector.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the radially overlapping portion of the second connector is made of copper or a copper alloy, the adapter tube is made of copper or a copper alloy, and the axial end of the adapter tube is radially overlapped with the second connector by solder; or the radially overlapping portion of the second connector is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the adapter tube is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the axial end of the adapter tube is radially overlapped with the second connector by solder.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the filter includes a tank made of stainless steel, and the first connector and the second connector are respectively welded to the axial ends of the tank, wherein the main component of the first connector and the second connector is copper.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the main pipe is made of stainless steel, and the connecting pipe section is made of at least one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy. The metal interface pipe further includes:

[0026] A first transition section is provided at the axial end of the main body, and the material of the first transition section is any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy;

[0027] The adapter tube is connected to the first transition section.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the axial end of the adapter tube is radially overlapped with the first transition portion, and the radially overlapping portion of the axial end of the adapter tube and the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion are made of the same material with the same main composition.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the adapter tube is made entirely of any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the adapter tube includes a main section and a second transition section. The main section is made of stainless steel, and the second transition section is made of the same material as the first transition section or has the same main component material. The first transition section and the second transition section overlap radially.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, the metal interface tube includes a transition end tube disposed at the end of the main body, and the metal interface tube further includes a filter installed on the transition end tube. The filter includes a filter screen that protrudes from the transition end tube toward the main body to filter the heat exchange medium entering and exiting the main body.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the filter is disposed inside the adapter tube; or, the filter is disposed between the adapter tube and the main tube.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the piping structure includes multiple metal interface pipes;

[0034] The main bodies of the multiple metal interface pipes are parallel and arranged side by side with intervals in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the main body;

[0035] The connecting pipe section includes a first section connected to the main pipe body. The first section is a straight pipe, and the first sections of multiple metal refrigerant pipes connected to the same metal interface pipe are arranged in parallel.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the piping structure includes a first gas interface pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe includes a first refrigerant pipe connected to the first gas interface pipe. Each of the first refrigerant pipes is used to communicate with the indoor unit to deliver a high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the indoor unit.

[0037] The piping structure includes a first liquid interface pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe includes a second refrigerant pipe connected to the first liquid interface pipe. Each second refrigerant pipe is used to communicate with the indoor unit to receive the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium returned by the indoor unit.

[0038] The piping structure includes a second liquid interface pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe includes a third heat exchange pipe connected to the second liquid interface pipe. Each of the third heat exchange pipes is used to communicate with the indoor unit to deliver a low-temperature liquid heat exchange medium to the indoor unit.

[0039] The piping structure includes a second gas interface pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe includes a fourth heat exchange pipe connected to the second gas interface pipe. Each of the fourth heat exchange pipes is used to communicate with the indoor unit to receive the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium returned by the indoor unit.

[0040] Wherein, at least one of the first gas interface tube, the second gas interface tube, the first liquid interface tube, and the second liquid interface tube is formed of the metal interface tube.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the metal refrigerant pipe for communicating with the same indoor unit includes the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe;

[0042] The first refrigerant pipe is reused as the fourth heat exchange pipe. The metal refrigerant pipe also includes a first auxiliary pipe, one end of which is connected to the first refrigerant pipe and the other end of which is connected to the second gas interface pipe.

[0043] The second refrigerant pipe is reused as the third heat exchange pipe. The metal refrigerant pipe also includes a second auxiliary pipe, one end of which is connected to the second liquid interface pipe and the other end of which is connected to the second refrigerant pipe.

[0044] Secondly, this application provides a refrigerant switching device, including a refrigerant switching housing and a piping structure as described above, wherein the piping structure is disposed in the internal space of the refrigerant switching housing.

[0045] Thirdly, this application provides a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a refrigerant switching device as described above, wherein the piping structure of the refrigerant switching device connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and forms a heating cycle and a cooling cycle.

[0046] In some exemplary embodiments, the heating cycle includes an outdoor unit connected in sequence: a first gas interface pipe, a first refrigerant pipe, an indoor unit, a second refrigerant pipe, a first liquid interface pipe, and an outdoor unit.

[0047] The refrigeration cycle includes an outdoor unit, a second liquid interface pipe, a third heat exchange pipe, an indoor unit, a fourth heat exchange pipe, a second gas interface pipe, and an outdoor unit connected in sequence.

[0048] At least one of the first gas interface pipe, the second gas interface pipe, the first liquid interface pipe, and the second liquid interface pipe is formed of the metal interface pipe, and the first refrigerant pipe, the second refrigerant pipe, the third heat exchange pipe, and the fourth heat exchange pipe are formed of the metal refrigerant pipe.

[0049] Based on the pipeline structure, refrigerant switching device, and HVAC system of this application embodiment, by setting a transition branch to provide support for the connecting pipe section, the connection between the connecting pipe section and the transition branch is not easily deformed. Even when the metal interface pipe is long, the connection between the connecting pipe section and the transition branch is not easily affected by various stresses and can still maintain good connection stability. In this way, not only can the structural stability of the pipeline structure be improved when it is applied to the refrigerant switching device, so as to maintain the stable operation of the refrigerant switching device in a frequent heat exchange environment, but it can also realize the pre-assembly of multiple metal refrigerant pipes and metal interface pipes into one piece during the assembly of the pipeline structure. After batch assembly, they are then connected to other pipelines, effectively improving the assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0050] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a pipeline structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of a metal refrigerant pipe installed on a metal interface pipe according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of the connection between the transfer pipe section and the connecting pipe section according to an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present application showing a filter installed between the main body and the adapter pipe.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a front view schematic diagram of a filter installed in an adapter pipe according to an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a filter installed between the main body and the adapter pipe according to an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a filter connected to a main body according to one embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first connector connected to a first transition pipe and a second connector connected to a second transition pipe according to an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a second connector connected to an adapter tube according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present application showing the adapter tube connected to the first transition tube;

[0061] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a second transition tube connected to a first transition tube according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange medium's routing in the pipeline structure under full heating mode according to an embodiment of this application.

[0063] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchange medium's routing in the pipeline structure under full cooling mode according to an embodiment of this application.

[0064] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the routing of the heat exchange medium in the pipeline structure under the main heating mode of one embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the routing of the heat exchange medium in the pipeline structure under the main cooling mode of one embodiment of this application.

[0066] Figure label:

[0067] 10. Piping structure; 20. Outdoor unit; 30. Indoor unit;

[0068] 100. Metal interface pipe; 110. Main body; 111. Main section; 112. Adapter branch; 1121. Adapter flange; 120. Adapter end pipe; 121. Main section; 122. Second transition pipe; 130. Filter; 131. First connector; 132. Second connector; 133. Tank body; 140. First transition section;

[0069] 200. Metal refrigerant pipe; 210. Connecting pipe section; 211. First section; 212. Second section; 213. Transition section; 220. Transfer pipe section;

[0070] 101. First gas interface pipe; 102. Second gas interface pipe; 103. First liquid interface pipe; 104. Second liquid interface pipe; 201. First refrigerant pipe; 202. Second refrigerant pipe; 203. First auxiliary pipe; 204. Second auxiliary pipe; 205. First liquid pipe; 206. Second liquid pipe; 300. Heat exchanger; 310. First flow path; 320. Second flow path; 400. Electronic expansion valve; 500. Pressure relief pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0071] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0072] The inventors discovered that refrigerant switching devices can connect to multiple indoor units to control the switching between cooling and heating modes. Therefore, the piping structure of the refrigerant switching device has a large number of branch pipes. The piping structure includes gas and liquid pipes, which connect to multiple branch pipes to distribute and collect the heat exchange medium, allowing it to flow smoothly within each branch in the relevant mode. However, due to the large number of branch pipes, the complex routing of multiple branch pipes, and the need for multiple valves to control the opening and closing of related pipes, the assembly of the refrigerant switching device's piping structure is very inconvenient. Furthermore, the stability of the refrigerant switching device's piping structure is affected by factors such as pipe deformation, tension between pipes, thermal expansion and contraction, and the weight of the pipes themselves. Based on this, this application provides a piping structure, a refrigerant switching device, and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

[0073] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of a pipe structure 10 according to an embodiment of this application. The pipe structure 10 is used as a refrigerant switching device to connect the indoor unit and outdoor unit of the heating and ventilation system, and is used to adjust the heating and ventilation system to switch back and forth between cooling mode and heating mode.

[0074] The piping structure 10 of this application embodiment can be used to connect one outdoor unit to at least one indoor unit. When the piping structure 10 connects one outdoor unit to multiple indoor units, by controlling the opening and closing of each pipe, it is possible to achieve that some indoor units are in heating mode, other indoor units are in heating mode, or all indoor units are in heating mode, or all indoor units are in cooling mode.

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, the piping structure 10 includes metal refrigerant pipes 200, which are used to connect to indoor units, and multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 are connected to the same indoor unit. The piping structure 10 also includes metal interface pipes 100 connected to the metal refrigerant pipes 200. The heat exchange medium within the piping structure 10 can flow within the internal channels of both the metal refrigerant pipes 200 and the metal interface pipes 100. Each metal interface pipe 100 is connected to multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 to distribute and collect the heat exchange medium, thereby connecting one outdoor unit to at least one indoor unit.

[0076] In this embodiment, there are many metal refrigerant pipes 200 connected to the same metal interface pipe 100, and a certain width needs to be reserved between two adjacent metal refrigerant pipes 200. At the same time, the relative positions between the various structural components of the pipeline structure 10 also need to be taken into account. This places very high demands on the processing accuracy and alignment accuracy of the metal refrigerant pipes 200 and the metal interface pipe 100. The more metal refrigerant pipes 200 there are, the higher the probability of pipeline misalignment. Poor alignment at any position of the metal refrigerant pipes 200 and the metal interface pipe 100 will affect the connection stability of the pipeline structure 10, and in the frequent heat exchange environment, it is easier to accelerate the aging of the pipeline structure 10, and in severe cases, pipeline damage may even occur. In addition, the large number of metal refrigerant pipes 200 connected to the same metal interface pipe 100 makes it necessary to set the length of the metal interface pipe 100 to be relatively long. Under the gravity of the metal interface pipe 100 and the heat exchange medium, the metal interface pipe 100 is prone to deformation, making assembly inconvenient. It also makes it easy for poor connection to occur at the docking position between the metal interface pipe 100 and the metal refrigerant pipe 200.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, each metal refrigerant pipe 200 includes a connecting section 210, and each metal interface pipe 100 includes a main body 110. The main body 110 has multiple transition branches 112, each of which is connected to a connecting section 210. This allows the heat exchange medium within the internal flow channel of the main body 110 to enter and exit the internal flow channel of the corresponding metal refrigerant pipe 200 at each transition branch 112. The connecting section has a hardness H1, and the transition branches 112 have a hardness H2, where H2 ≥ H1. In this embodiment, the hardness of each metal pipe is statistically calculated using Brinell hardness.

[0078] This embodiment of the application provides support for the connecting pipe section 210 by setting the transition branch 112, so that the connection between the connecting pipe section 210 and the transition branch 112 is not easily deformed. Even when the metal interface pipe 100 is long, the connection between the connecting pipe section 210 and the transition branch 112 is not easily affected by various stresses and can still maintain good connection stability. In this way, not only can the structural stability of the pipeline structure 10 be improved when it is applied to the refrigerant switching device, so as to maintain the stable operation of the refrigerant switching device in a frequent heat exchange environment, but also multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 and metal interface pipes 100 can be pre-assembled into one piece during the assembly of the pipeline structure 10. After batch assembly, they can be connected with other pipelines, which effectively improves the assembly efficiency.

[0079] The pipeline structure 10 may include multiple metal interface pipes 100, and multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 may be connected to each metal interface pipe 100. After the multiple metal interface pipes 100 and the multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 are assembled into one unit, the metal refrigerant pipes 200 and the metal interface pipes 100 are respectively connected to other pipeline interfaces.

[0080] In this embodiment, both the metal refrigerant pipe 200 and the metal interface pipe 100 are made of metal. The connection between the metal refrigerant pipe 200 and the metal interface pipe 100 can be fixed by welding, and the gap at the joint of the metal refrigerant pipe 200 and the metal interface pipe 100 can be sealed. The connections between the metal refrigerant pipe 200 and other pipes, as well as the connections between the metal interface pipe 100 and other pipes, can all be fixed by welding.

[0081] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, whenever a structure involving multiple pipes connected to one pipe is involved, a structure in which multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 are connected to a metal interface pipe 100 can be adopted.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 110 of the metal interface pipe 100 includes a main pipe section 111, to which the metal refrigerant pipe 200 is fixed, thereby fixing the relative positions of the metal interface pipe 100 and the metal refrigerant pipe 200. Optionally, the main pipe section 111 is a stainless steel flute-shaped pipe. Stainless steel flute-shaped pipes have good structural strength, capable of supporting multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 connected to them without easily deforming, thus improving connection stability. Furthermore, stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, effectively resisting the erosion of the heat exchange medium in environments with frequent heat exchange. In other embodiments, the main pipe section 111 may also be made of other materials; any material that allows the main pipe section 111 to bear weight without easily deforming and has good corrosion resistance is suitable for this application.

[0083] Optionally, the transition branch 112 is a transition opening formed on the outer peripheral wall of the main pipe section 111. The transition opening communicates with the internal flow channel of the main pipe section 111. The connecting pipe section 210 of the metal refrigerant pipe 200 is inserted into the transition opening and fixedly connected to the main pipe section 111. The wall surface of the main pipe section 111 that defines the transition opening can provide support for the connecting pipe section 210, improving the connection stability at this location. In this case, the hardness of the main pipe section 111 is H2, which is greater than the hardness of the connecting pipe section 210, in order to provide support for the connecting pipe section 210.

[0084] Optionally, such as Figure 2As shown, the transition support 112 is a transition flange 1121 protruding from the outer peripheral wall of the main pipe section 111. The transition flange 1121 has a transition channel that connects to the internal flow channel of the main pipe body 110. The connecting pipe section 210 is sleeved with the transition flange 1121 so that the internal flow channel of the main pipe body 110 is connected to the internal flow channel of the metal refrigerant pipe 200. For example, the connecting pipe section 210 is inserted into the transition channel, and then the connecting pipe section 210 and the transition flange 1121 are sealed together; or, the connecting pipe section 210 can be sleeved on the outer periphery of the transition flange 1121, and then the connecting pipe section 210 and the transition flange 1121 are sealed together. By using a socket connection, the interaction area between the transition branch 112 and the connecting pipe section 210 is increased, reducing the occurrence of abnormal situations such as loosening or deformation at the connection between the transition branch 112 and the connecting pipe section 210, and further improving the connection stability at the connection between the transition branch 112 and the connecting pipe section 210.

[0085] In this embodiment, the transition flange 1121 is integrally formed with the main pipe section 111, giving the connection between the transition flange 1121 and the main pipe section 111 good structural strength and resistance to deformation. For example, the transition flange 1121 is integrally formed by punching a hole in the peripheral wall of the main pipe section 111, or the transition flange 1121 is integrally welded with the main pipe section 111. When there are multiple transition flanges 1121 connected to the same main pipe section 111, all transition flanges 1121 are integrally formed with the main pipe section 111.

[0086] In addition, the transition flange 1121 also needs to have good structural strength and be resistant to deformation. Optionally, the material of the transition flange 1121 is stainless steel. In some other embodiments, the transition flange 1121 may also be made of other materials. Any material that can make the hardness of the transition flange 1121 greater than the hardness of the connecting pipe section 210 is suitable for this application. Furthermore, the transition flange 1121 and the main pipe section 111 can be made of the same material to enhance the connection structural strength between the transition flange 1121 and the main pipe section 111. For example, the transition flange 1121 is a stainless steel flange, and the material of the main pipe section 111 is stainless steel.

[0087] Optionally, the material of the connecting pipe section 210 is at least one of stainless steel, copper alloy, copper, aluminum alloy, and aluminum, which facilitates welding the connecting pipe section 210 to the main pipe body 110 as a whole. When the transition support 112 is made of stainless steel, and the connecting pipe section 210 is also made of stainless steel, the hardness H2 of the transition support 112 is equal to the hardness H1 of the connecting pipe section 210. When the connecting pipe section 210 is made of copper, the hardness H2 of the transition support 112 is greater than the hardness H1 of the connecting pipe section 210. Both copper and stainless steel have good corrosion resistance, and when the heat exchange medium enters the gap at the connection between the connecting pipe section 210 and the main pipe body 110, it will not easily corrode the pipe wall.

[0088] like Figure 3 As shown, the metal refrigerant pipe 200 also includes a transfer pipe section 220, which is connected to the connecting pipe section 210, and the internal flow channels of the two are interconnected. The transfer pipe section 220 is used to connect with relevant pipe interfaces, valve body interfaces, etc. of the piping structure 10, or it can also be used to connect with other pipe interfaces outside the refrigerant switching device to guide the relevant flow channels of the HVAC system and form a smooth heat exchange medium transmission channel. The transfer pipe section 220 can be bent at least once based on the position of the pipe interface it is connected to in order to meet the alignment requirements. The shape and connection position of the transfer pipe section 220 are not limited in this embodiment, and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0089] Both the connecting pipe section 210 and the transition pipe section 220 are made of metal to allow for integral welding, facilitating the integration of the pipeline structure 10 into a single unit before connection to other structures. The materials of the connecting pipe section 210 and the transition pipe section 220 can be the same or different. For example, both can be made of copper, or both can be made of stainless steel, or the connecting pipe section 210 can be made of stainless steel and the transition pipe section 220 can be made of copper.

[0090] Of course, in some other embodiments, the metal refrigerant pipe 200 may not include the adapter section 220, and the metal refrigerant pipe 200 may only include the connecting section 210, which is connected to the corresponding pipe interface. Based on the position of the relevant pipe interface, the connecting section 210 may be configured with a multi-segment bending structure to facilitate pipe connection.

[0091] In addition to the metal refrigerant pipe 200, the metal interface pipe 100 of this embodiment can also be used to connect with other pipe interfaces outside the refrigerant switching device. The metal interface pipe 100 may include a transition pipe 120 located at the end of the main pipe 110. The transition pipe 120 is connected to other pipe interfaces to be connected, thereby connecting the internal flow channels of the main pipe 110 with other pipe interfaces.

[0092] In addition, considering the need to filter the heat exchange medium flowing into and out of the main pipe 110, the metal interface pipe 100 also includes a filter 130, which includes a filter screen to filter the heat exchange medium flowing into and out of the main pipe 110. One end of the filter 130 can be connected to the end of the transition pipe 120, and the other end can be connected to another pipe interface outside the refrigerant switching device to be connected; or, as... Figure 4 As shown, a filter 130 can also be connected between the adapter pipe 120 and the main pipe 110; or, as shown... Figure 3 or Figure 5As shown, the filter screen of filter 130 is located inside the adapter tube 120.

[0093] The assembly method of the filter 130 located inside the transition pipe 120 includes, but is not limited to, pressing the filter 130 into the interior of the transition pipe 120, or embedding the edge structure of the filter 130 at the connection between the transition pipe 120 and the main pipe 110, so that the filter screen covers the internal flow channel of the transition pipe 120 in the flow direction of the heat exchange medium inside the transition pipe 120. Furthermore, based on filtration requirements, the size of the selected filter 130's filter screen is greater than or equal to the flow rate of the internal flow channel of the main pipe 110. In this case, the inner diameter of the relevant position on the transition pipe 120 where the filter screen is installed can be designed to meet the installation requirements of the filter screen. The material of the transition pipe 120 is also selected to be the same as the material of the pipe interface to be connected, and the specific selection can be made according to actual needs.

[0094] The heat exchange medium can enter and exit the main body 110 from both ends of the main body section 111. The metal interface pipe 100 includes at least one filter 130. Preferably, the metal interface pipe 100 includes two filters 130. Correspondingly, the metal interface pipe 100 also includes two adapter pipes 120 installed corresponding to the two filters 130. The two filters 130 are respectively located at opposite ends of the main body section 111, and the adapter branch 112 is located between the two filters 130, so as to more fully filter the heat exchange medium entering and exiting the main body 110, and can also filter the heat exchange medium entering and exiting the metal refrigerant pipe 200, eliminating the need to install filter elements on the metal refrigerant pipe 200, thereby reducing the flow resistance inside the pipeline structure 10.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, the filter 130 is disposed between the adapter tube 120 and the main tube 110, and the configuration of the filter 130, the adapter tube 120 and the main tube 110 has multiple embodiments.

[0096] First embodiment

[0097] Optionally, such as Figure 7 As shown, the main body 110 is made of stainless steel, the main body of the filter 130 and the adapter pipe 120 are also made of stainless steel, and the two ends of the filter 130 are welded to the main body 110 and the adapter pipe 120 respectively. At this time, the welding between the main body 110, the filter 130 and the adapter pipe 120 is stainless steel-stainless steel welding, which is formed by furnace welding, eliminating the need for manual brazing by operators through torch brazing or other manual operations.

[0098] Second embodiment

[0099] Optionally, such as Figure 8As shown, the filter 130 is located between the adapter pipe 120 and the main pipe 110. The main pipe 110 is made of stainless steel, and the main body of the filter 130 and the main body of the adapter pipe 120 are both made of stainless steel.

[0100] The metal interface pipe 100 also includes a first transition portion 140, which is located at the axial end of the main body 110. The main body 110 is made of stainless steel, while the first transition portion 140 is made of a different material than stainless steel. The main body 110 and the first transition portion 140 are formed by soldering in a solder furnace.

[0101] The filter 130 has a first connector 131 and a second connector 132. The materials of the first connector 131 and the second connector are different from stainless steel. The filter 130 and the first connector 131, and the filter 130 and the second connector are all formed by soldering in a solder furnace.

[0102] The first connector 131 and the first transition portion 140 are radially overlapped. The radially overlapping portions of the first connector 131 and the first transition portion 140 are made of the same material or have the same main components. Optionally, the radially overlapping portion of the first connector 131 is made of copper or a copper alloy, and the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion 140 is made of copper or a copper alloy. Optionally, the radially overlapping portion of the first connector 131 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion 140 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The first connector 131 and the first transition portion 140 are brazed manually using methods such as torch brazing. The melting point of the solder between the first connector 131 and the first filter portion 140 is lower than that between the first connector 131 and the filter 130. This allows the first connector 131 to be detached from the first transition portion 140 through on-site melting. Because the melting point of the solder between the first connector 131 and the filter 130 is higher, when the first connector 131 melts and detaches from the first transition portion 140, the solder between the first connector 131 and the filter 130 has not yet melted, and the two remain in a fixed welded state. Therefore, the filter 130 with the first connector 131 attached can be disassembled for easy replacement and maintenance. When it is necessary to connect the filter 130 to the main body 110, the first connector 131 is simply welded back to the first transition portion 140.

[0103] The second connector 132 is radially overlapped with the adapter tube 120. The radially overlapping portions of the second connector 132 and the adapter tube 120 are made of the same material or have the same main components. Optionally, the radially overlapping portion of the second connector 132 is made of copper or a copper alloy, and the radially overlapping portion of the adapter tube 120 is made of copper or a copper alloy. Optionally, the radially overlapping portion of the second connector 132 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the radially overlapping portion of the adapter tube 120 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0104] At this point, optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the adapter tube 120 includes a main tube 121 and a second transition section 122 connected to the main tube 121. The main tube 121 is made of stainless steel, and the second transition section 122 is made of a different material than stainless steel. The second transition section 122 is radially overlapped with the second connector 132 so as to weld the second transition section 122 to the second connector 132.

[0105] Third embodiment

[0106] Optionally, such as Figure 8 As shown, the filter 130 is located between the adapter tube 120 and the main tube 110. The main tube 110 is made of stainless steel, the main body of the filter 130 is made of stainless steel, and the main body of the adapter tube 120 is made of copper or aluminum.

[0107] Fourth embodiment

[0108] The filter 130 is located between the adapter tube 120 and the main tube 110. The main tube 110 is made of stainless steel, and the main body of the filter 130 is made of any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. The main body of the adapter tube 120 is made of any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

[0109] Fifth embodiment

[0110] The filter 130 is located between the adapter pipe 120 and the main body 110. The main body 110 is made of stainless steel. The main body of the filter 130 and the adapter pipe 120 are made of any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. The adapter pipe 120 is made of stainless steel.

[0111] Or, such as Figure 9As shown, the radially overlapping portion of the second connector 132 is made of copper or a copper alloy, and the adapter tube 120 is made of copper or a copper alloy. The axial end of the adapter tube 120 is radially overlapped with the second connector 132 via solder. Optionally, the radially overlapping portion of the second connector 132 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the adapter tube 120 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The axial end of the adapter tube 120 is radially overlapped with the second connector 132 via solder.

[0112] The filter 130 includes a tank 133 and interface portions (not shown) formed by contraction at both ends of the tank 133. A first connector 131 and a second connector 132 are respectively disposed on the inner (or outer) peripheral wall surface of the interface portion. In the flow direction of the fluid inside the filter 130, the flow area of ​​the internal flow channel of the tank 133 is greater than the flow area of ​​the internal flow channel of the first connector 131 and the internal flow area of ​​the internal flow channel of the second connector 132. Optionally, the tank 133 is made of stainless steel, and the first connector 131 and the second connector 132 are respectively welded to the axial ends of the tank 133. The first connector 131 and the second connector 132 are pipes or coatings, and the main component of the pipes or coatings is copper, or the main component of the pipes or coatings is aluminum.

[0113] In some other embodiments, a filter may not be provided between the main body 110 and the adapter pipe 120. Optionally, the main body 110 is made of stainless steel, and the adapter pipe 120 is made of at least one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy. The metal interface pipe 100 also includes a first transition portion 140, which is located at the axial end of the main body 110. The first transition portion 140 is made of any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy. Figure 10 As shown, the adapter tube 120 is connected to the first transition section 140, that is, the adapter tube 120 can be directly connected to the main body 110 through the first transition section 140. At this time, the filter 130 can be installed inside the adapter tube 120.

[0114] The axial end of the adapter tube 120 is radially overlapped with the first transition portion 140. The radially overlapping portions of the axial end of the adapter tube 120 and the radially overlapping portions of the first transition portion 140 are made of the same main material. Optionally, as... Figure 10 As shown, the adapter tube 120 is entirely made of any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. Optionally, as... Figure 11As shown, the adapter tube 120 includes a main tube 121 and a second transition tube 122. The main tube 121 is made of stainless steel. The material of the second transition tube 122 is the same as or has the same main component material as the first transition tube 140. The first transition tube 140 and the second transition tube 122 overlap radially.

[0115] The main pipe section 111 of the main pipe body 110 is a straight pipe, and the length direction of the main pipe section 111 is the length direction of the main pipe body 110. The pipeline structure 10 includes multiple metal interface pipes 100. The main pipe bodies 110 of the multiple metal interface pipes 100 are parallel, and the main pipe bodies 110 of the multiple metal interface pipes 100 are arranged side by side and spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the main pipe body 110. In this way, when multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 are connected to the same main pipe body 110, it is convenient to arrange the multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 in an orderly manner, so that the entire pipeline structure 10 is compact.

[0116] The connecting pipe section 210 includes a first section 211 connected to the main pipe body 110. The first section 211 is a straight pipe. The first sections 211 of multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 connected to the same metal interface pipe 100 are arranged in parallel, which arranges the multiple metal refrigerant pipes 200 in an orderly manner, which facilitates assembly and helps to reduce the size of the pipeline structure 10. The length direction of the first section 211 is at an angle to the length direction of the main pipe body 110. Preferably, the length direction of the first section 211 is perpendicular to the length direction of the main pipe body 110.

[0117] The connecting pipe section 210 further includes a second section 212 connected to the transition pipe section 220. The second section 212 is also a straight pipe and is coaxially arranged with the first section 211, making the connecting pipe section 210 as a whole a straight pipe. Alternatively, the connecting pipe section 210 may also include a transition section 213 connecting the second section 212 and the first section 211. The transition section 213 is arranged at an angle to both the second section 212 and the first section 211, making the connecting pipe section 210 a bent pipe, so as to align and cooperate with the transition pipe section 220 to meet the pipeline layout requirements. The above is only an exemplary description of the shape of the connecting pipe section 210. The shape of the connecting pipe section 210 is not limited in this application embodiment, and can be selected according to actual needs.

[0118] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 The piping structure 10 in this embodiment includes at least four pipes: a first gas interface pipe 101, a second gas interface pipe 102, a first liquid interface pipe 103, and a second liquid interface pipe 104. These four pipes facilitate the collection and distribution of flow in the piping structure 10, and enable the indoor and outdoor units to cooperate in switching between cooling and heating modes. At least one of the first gas interface pipe 101, the second gas interface pipe 102, the first liquid interface pipe 103, and the second liquid interface pipe 104 is formed of a metal interface pipe 100. Figures 12-15The diagram shown illustrates the flow path of the heat exchange medium when the pipeline structure 10 in the relevant embodiment has a first gas interface pipe 101, a second gas interface pipe 102, a first liquid interface pipe 103, and a second liquid interface pipe 104.

[0119] Specifically, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first gas interface pipe 101 is used to connect to the pipe interface A of the outdoor unit to receive the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium supplied by the outdoor unit. The metal refrigerant pipe 200 includes a first refrigerant pipe 201 connected to the first gas interface pipe 101. The first refrigerant pipe 201 is used to connect to the indoor unit to supply the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the indoor unit. The metal refrigerant pipe 200 includes a second refrigerant pipe 202 connected to the pipe interface A of the indoor unit to receive the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium returning from the indoor unit. The second refrigerant pipe 202 is connected to a first liquid interface pipe 103, and the first liquid interface pipe 103 is connected to the pipe interface B of the outdoor unit to supply the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium to the outdoor unit. Thus, the outdoor unit - first gas interface pipe 101 - first refrigerant pipe 201 - indoor unit - second refrigerant pipe 202 - first liquid interface pipe 103 - outdoor unit are connected in sequence to form the heating cycle of the HVAC system.

[0120] like Figure 11 As shown, the second liquid interface pipe 104 is connected to the pipe interface B of the outdoor unit to receive the low-temperature liquid heat exchange medium supplied by the outdoor unit. The metal refrigerant pipe 200 includes a third heat exchange pipe connected to the second liquid interface pipe 104. The third heat exchange pipe is connected to the indoor unit to supply the low-temperature liquid heat exchange medium to the indoor unit. The piping structure 10 includes a second gas interface pipe 102. The metal refrigerant pipe 200 includes a fourth heat exchange pipe connected to the indoor unit to receive the medium-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium returning from the indoor unit. The fourth heat exchange pipe is also connected to the second gas interface pipe 102. The second gas interface pipe 102 is connected to the pipe interface C of the outdoor unit to supply the medium-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the outdoor unit. Thus, the outdoor unit - second liquid interface pipe 104 - third heat exchange pipe - indoor unit - fourth heat exchange pipe - second gas interface pipe 102 - outdoor unit are connected in sequence to form the refrigeration cycle of the HVAC system.

[0121] like Figure 13As shown in the embodiment of this application, in order to simplify the number of pipelines, the first refrigerant pipe 201 is reused as the fourth heat exchange pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe 200 also includes a first auxiliary pipe 203, one end of the first auxiliary pipe 203 is connected to the first refrigerant pipe 201 and the other end is connected to the second gas interface pipe 102. The second refrigerant pipe 202 is also reused as the third heat exchange pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe 200 also includes a second auxiliary pipe 204, one end of the second auxiliary pipe 204 is connected to the second liquid interface pipe 104 and the other end is connected to the second refrigerant pipe 202. When there are multiple indoor units, the first refrigerant pipes 201 of the multiple indoor units are connected to the same first gas interface pipe 101, the second refrigerant pipes 202 of the multiple indoor units are connected to the same first liquid interface pipe 103, and the multiple first auxiliary pipes 203, which are connected one-to-one with the multiple first refrigerant pipes 201, are connected to the same second gas interface pipe 102, and the multiple second auxiliary pipes 204, which are connected one-to-one with the multiple second refrigerant pipes 202, are connected to the same second liquid interface pipe 104.

[0122] like Figure 13 As shown, the metal refrigerant pipe 200 also includes a first liquid pipe 205 connected to the outdoor unit. The first liquid pipe 205 is connected to the first liquid interface pipe 103 to transport the heat exchange medium between the first liquid interface pipe 103 and the outdoor unit. The first liquid pipe 205 is also connected to the second liquid interface pipe 104 to transport the heat exchange medium between the second liquid interface pipe 104 and the outdoor unit. In this way, the heat exchange medium is collected and distributed through the first liquid pipe 205, the first gas interface pipe 101, the first liquid interface pipe 103, the second gas interface pipe 102, and the second liquid interface pipe 104, thereby enabling the HVAC system to have both full heating mode and full cooling mode.

[0123] Furthermore, the piping structure 10 also includes a heat exchanger 300 and an electronic expansion valve 400. The heat exchanger 300 has a first flow path 310 and a second flow path 320. The electronic expansion valve 400 is disposed in the second flow path 320 to cool the heat exchange medium in the second flow path 320. The heat exchange medium in the second flow path 320 is used to cool the heat exchange medium in the first flow path 310.

[0124] The first flow path 310 has one end connected to the first liquid pipe 205 and the pipe section connecting the first liquid pipe 205 and the pipe interface B of the outdoor unit. The other end of the first flow path 310 is connected to the second liquid interface pipe 104, thus connecting the first liquid pipe 205 to the second liquid interface pipe 104 through the first flow path 310. The second flow path 320 has one end connected to the second liquid interface pipe 104 and the other end connected to the pipe interface C of the outdoor unit, allowing a portion of the heat exchange medium in the first flow path 310 to enter the indoor unit through the second liquid interface pipe 104, and another portion of the heat exchange medium to flow back to the outdoor unit through the second flow path 320. Optionally, the metal refrigerant pipe 200 also includes a second liquid pipe 206, one end of which is connected to the second flow path 320 of the heat exchanger 300, and the other end of which is connected to the end of the second gas interface pipe 102 for connection to the pipe interface C of the outdoor unit, in order to simplify the number of pipes in the pipe structure 10 for connection to the outdoor unit. Thus, by adding heat exchanger 300, second liquid pipe 206 and electronic expansion valve 400, the heat exchange medium is collected and distributed, so that the HVAC system also has a main heating mode and a main cooling mode.

[0125] The following example uses a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system comprising four indoor units, one outdoor unit, and one refrigerant switching device to illustrate the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the HVAC system under four operating modes: full heating mode, full cooling mode, main heating mode, and main cooling mode. Specifically, all the first refrigerant pipes 201 corresponding to the four indoor units are connected to the first gas interface pipe 101; all the second refrigerant pipes 202 corresponding to the four indoor units are connected to the first liquid interface pipe 103; all the first auxiliary pipes 203 corresponding to the four indoor units are connected to the second gas interface pipe 102; and all the second auxiliary pipes 204 corresponding to the four indoor units are connected to the second liquid interface pipe 104.

[0126] like Figure 12 The diagram shows the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the piping structure 10 in full heating mode. In this mode, all four indoor units of the HVAC system are used for heating. Specifically, the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium delivered by pipe interface A of the outdoor unit enters the first gas interface pipe 101 and flows according to... Figure 12The arrow in Line 1 indicates that the heat exchange medium flows back to the outdoor unit. The flow path of the heat exchange medium corresponding to a single indoor unit in Line 1 is as follows: Outdoor unit pipe interface A - First gas interface pipe 101 - First refrigerant pipe 201 - Indoor unit (high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium releases heat to form medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium) - Second refrigerant pipe 202 - First liquid interface pipe 103 - First liquid pipe 205 - Outdoor unit pipe interface B. Specifically, the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium entering the first gas interface pipe 101 flows through the four first refrigerant pipes 201 to the four indoor units respectively. The medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium output from the four indoor units flows through the four second refrigerant pipes 202 to the same first liquid interface pipe 103 and then flows back to the outdoor unit.

[0127] like Figure 13 The diagram shows the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the piping structure 10 in full cooling mode. In this mode, all four indoor units of the HVAC system are used for cooling. Specifically, the low-temperature liquid heat exchange medium delivered by the outdoor unit enters the first liquid pipe 205 and flows according to... Figure 13 The arrow in line 2 indicates that the heat exchange medium flows back to the outdoor unit. The flow path of the heat exchange medium corresponding to a single indoor unit is as follows: outdoor unit pipe interface B - first liquid pipe 205 - first flow path 310 of heat exchanger 300 - second liquid interface pipe 104 - second auxiliary pipe 204 - second refrigerant pipe 202 - indoor unit (low temperature liquid heat exchange medium absorbs heat to form medium temperature gaseous heat exchange medium) - first refrigerant pipe 201 - first auxiliary pipe 203 - second gas interface pipe 102 - outdoor unit pipe interface C.

[0128] like Figure 14 The diagram shows the flow path of the heat exchange medium within the piping structure 10 in the main heating mode. In this mode, three indoor units of the HVAC system are used for heating, and one indoor unit is used for cooling. At this time, the heat exchange medium flowing through each heating indoor unit flows according to the flow path before the first liquid pipe 205 in line 1. After the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium enters the first liquid pipe 205, a portion of the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium flows directly back to the pipe interface B of the outdoor unit through the first liquid pipe 205, and the other portion of the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium enters the first... A portion of the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium flowing out of the first flow path 310 of the heat exchanger 300 enters the second flow path 320 of the heat exchanger 300. After being cooled by the electronic expansion valve 400, it is used to cool the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium in the first flow path 310 of the heat exchanger 300. The other portion of the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium flowing out of the first flow path 310 of the heat exchanger 300 enters the second liquid interface pipe 104, and flows through the indoor unit of the refrigeration unit and then back to the pipe interface C of the outdoor unit according to the flow path after the second liquid interface pipe 104 in line 2.

[0129] like Figure 15The diagram shows the flow path of the heat exchange medium in the pipe structure 10 under the main cooling mode. In this mode, three indoor units of the HVAC system are used for cooling and one indoor unit is used for heating. At this time, the heat exchange medium flowing through each cooling indoor unit flows according to the flow path in line 2. Among them, the low-temperature liquid heat exchange medium flowing out of the first flow path 310 of the heat exchanger 300 is also diverted to the second flow path 320 of the heat exchanger 300, and is cooled by the electronic expansion valve 400 to cool the low-temperature liquid heat exchange medium in the first flow path 310 of the heat exchanger 300. In this mode, the heat exchange medium flowing through the heating indoor unit flows according to the flow path before the first liquid pipe 205 in line 1, and after entering the first liquid pipe 205, it merges with the low-temperature liquid heat exchange medium in the first liquid pipe 205 and enters the first flow path 310 of the heat exchanger 300, and then continues to enter the second liquid interface pipe 104.

[0130] The above is merely an illustrative diagram illustrating the flow path when the refrigerant switching device of this application is connected to four indoor units. In the embodiments of this application, the number of indoor units connected to the same refrigerant switching device can also be two, three, five, or other numbers of indoor units. The specific number of indoor units connected to the same refrigerant switching device can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not limit this.

[0131] The pipeline structure 10 in this embodiment of the application also includes a one-way valve and a switching valve body for controlling the pipeline disconnection. The one-way valve is used to control the one-way disconnection of the pipeline in which it is located, and the switching valve body is used to control the two-way disconnection of the pipeline in which it is located. For example, the first auxiliary pipe 203 is equipped with a first one-way valve that allows unidirectional flow from the first refrigerant pipe 201 to the second gas interface pipe 102; the section of the first refrigerant pipe 201 located between the first auxiliary pipe 203 and the first gas interface pipe 101 is equipped with a second one-way valve that allows unidirectional flow from the first gas interface pipe 101 to the indoor unit; the section of the first refrigerant pipe 201 located between the first auxiliary pipe 203 and the indoor unit is equipped with a first switch valve body; the section of the second refrigerant pipe 202 located between the second auxiliary pipe 204 and the indoor unit is equipped with a second switch valve body; the section of the second refrigerant pipe 202 located between the second auxiliary pipe 204 and the first liquid interface pipe 103 has a third one-way valve that allows unidirectional flow from the indoor unit to the first liquid interface pipe 103; and the second auxiliary pipe 204 has a fourth one-way valve that allows unidirectional flow from the second liquid interface pipe 104 to the first refrigerant pipe 201. The above is merely an illustrative description of the configuration of the check valve and the switching valve body. The specific configuration can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it.

[0132] The metal refrigerant pipe 200 may also include a pressure relief pipe 500, one end of which is connected to the indoor unit and the other end is connected to the second gas interface pipe 102. The pressure relief pipe 500 is used to connect the indoor unit and the second gas interface pipe 102 when the pressure of the indoor unit is abnormal, so as to regulate the pressure of the indoor unit.

[0133] This application embodiment also provides a refrigerant switching device, which includes a refrigerant switching housing and a pipeline structure 10 as described above, the pipeline structure 10 being disposed in the internal space of the refrigerant switching housing.

[0134] The pipe section of the piping structure 10 that is connected to the external piping interface can extend out of the refrigerant switching housing and be fixedly installed in the refrigerant switching housing so that the piping structure 10 can be assembled with the external piping interface. The external piping interface may include piping interfaces of HVAC systems such as indoor units, outdoor units, or hydraulic modules.

[0135] The refrigerant switching device also includes a support component installed inside the refrigerant switching housing. The metal refrigerant pipe 200 and metal interface pipe 100 of the pipeline structure 10 can be supported or fixedly installed on the support component, which provides support for the metal refrigerant pipe 200 and metal interface pipe 100 to prevent deformation.

[0136] This application embodiment also provides a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, which includes an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and the above-mentioned refrigerant switching device. The piping structure 10 of the refrigerant switching device connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and forms a heating cycle and a cooling cycle.

[0137] The heating cycle includes an outdoor unit connected in sequence: first gas interface pipe 101, first refrigerant pipe 201, indoor unit, second refrigerant pipe 202, first liquid interface pipe 103, and outdoor unit.

[0138] The refrigeration cycle includes the following components connected in sequence: outdoor unit - second liquid interface pipe 104 - third heat exchange pipe - indoor unit - fourth heat exchange pipe - second gas interface pipe 102 - outdoor unit.

[0139] At least one of the first gas interface pipe 101, the second gas interface pipe 102, the first liquid interface pipe 103, and the second liquid interface pipe 104 is formed by a metal interface pipe 100, and the first refrigerant pipe 201, the second refrigerant pipe 202, the third heat exchange pipe, and the fourth heat exchange pipe are formed by a metal refrigerant pipe 200.

[0140] Optionally, the HVAC system includes one outdoor unit, multiple indoor units, and a refrigerant switching device. The refrigerant switching device collects and distributes the heat exchange medium between the outdoor unit and the multiple indoor units, thereby enabling the HVAC system to have four operating modes: full heating mode, full cooling mode, main heating mode, and main cooling mode. The flow path of the heat exchange medium in these four operating modes has been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0141] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0142] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pipeline structure, characterized in that, For a refrigerant switching device, the piping structure includes: Multiple metal refrigerant pipes, each of which includes a connecting pipe section; and A metal interface pipe includes a main body with multiple transition branches, each of which is connected to a connecting pipe section, so that the heat exchange medium in the internal flow channel of the main body can enter and exit the internal flow channel of the corresponding metal refrigerant pipe at each of the transition branches. The connecting pipe section has a hardness of H1, and the transition branch has a hardness of H2, where H2 ≥ H1.

2. The pipeline structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body includes a main section, and the transition support is a transition flange protruding from the outer peripheral wall of the main section; The connecting pipe section is sleeved with the transition flange so that the internal flow channel of the main pipe is connected to the internal flow channel of the metal refrigerant pipe.

3. The pipeline structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting pipe section is inserted into the transition branch; or... The connecting pipe section is fitted around the outer periphery of the transition flange.

4. The pipeline structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the connecting pipe section is in contact with the outer peripheral wall of the main pipe section.

5. The pipeline structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transition flange is integrally formed with the main pipe section; The material of the transition flange is stainless steel; The main pipe section is made of stainless steel. The material of the connecting pipe section is at least one of stainless steel, copper alloy, copper, aluminum alloy, and aluminum.

6. The pipeline structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal interface pipe includes a transition end pipe disposed at the end of the main body, and the metal interface pipe also includes a filter installed on the transition end pipe, the filter including a filter screen to filter the heat exchange medium entering and leaving the main body.

7. The pipeline structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The filter is located inside the adapter pipe; or, The filter is located between the adapter pipe and the main pipe.

8. The pipeline structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The metal interface tube further includes a first transition portion, which is located at the axial end of the main body. The main body is made of stainless steel, while the first transition portion is made of a material different from stainless steel. The filter has a first connector that is radially overlapped with the first transition portion. The radially overlapping portion of the first connector and the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion are made of the same material or have the same main component material.

9. The pipeline structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The material of the radially overlapping portion of the first joint is copper or a copper alloy, and the material of the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion is copper or a copper alloy; or The material of the radially overlapping portion of the first joint is either aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the material of the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion is either aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

10. The pipeline structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The filter includes a second connector that is radially overlapped with the adapter tube. The radially overlapping portion of the second connector and the radially overlapping portion of the adapter tube are made of the same material or have the same main components.

11. The pipeline structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The material of the radially overlapping portion of the second connector is either copper or a copper alloy, and the material of the radially overlapping portion of the adapter tube is either copper or a copper alloy; or The material of the radially overlapping portion of the second connector is either aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the material of the radially overlapping portion of the adapter tube is either aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

12. The pipeline structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The adapter tube includes a main pipe and a second transition section connected to the main pipe. The main pipe is made of stainless steel, and the second transition section is made of a different material than stainless steel. The second transition section is radially overlapped with the second connector.

13. The pipeline structure according to claim 11, characterized in that, The radially overlapping portion of the second connector is made of copper or a copper alloy, and the adapter tube is also made of copper or a copper alloy. The axial end of the adapter tube is radially overlapped with the second connector via solder; or The material of the radially overlapping portion of the second connector is either aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the material of the adapter tube is either aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The axial end of the adapter tube is radially overlapped with the second connector by solder.

14. The pipeline structure according to claim 10, characterized in that, The filter includes a tank made of stainless steel. The first connector and the second connector are respectively welded to the two axial ends of the tank. The main component of the first connector and the second connector is copper.

15. The pipeline structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body is made of stainless steel, and the connecting pipe section is made of at least one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy. The metal interface pipe further includes: A first transition section is provided at the axial end of the main body, and the material of the first transition section is any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, and aluminum alloy; An adapter tube is connected to the first transition section.

16. The pipeline structure according to claim 15, characterized in that, The axial end of the adapter tube is radially overlapped with the first transition portion, and the radially overlapping portion of the axial end of the adapter tube and the radially overlapping portion of the first transition portion are made of the same material.

17. The pipeline structure according to claim 16, characterized in that, The adapter tube is made of any one of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

18. The pipeline structure according to claim 15, characterized in that, The adapter tube includes a main section and a second transition section. The main section is made of stainless steel, and the second transition section is made of the same material as the first transition section or has the same main component material. The first transition section and the second transition section overlap radially.

19. The pipeline structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipeline structure includes multiple metal interface pipes; The main bodies of the multiple metal interface pipes are parallel and arranged side by side with intervals in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the main body; The connecting pipe section includes a first section connected to the main pipe body. The first section is a straight pipe, and the first sections of multiple metal refrigerant pipes connected to the same metal interface pipe are arranged in parallel.

20. The pipeline structure according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that, The piping structure includes a first gas interface pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe includes a first refrigerant pipe connected to the first gas interface pipe. Each of the first refrigerant pipes is connected to the indoor unit to deliver a high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium to the indoor unit. The piping structure includes a first liquid interface pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe includes a second refrigerant pipe connected to the first liquid interface pipe. Each second refrigerant pipe is used to communicate with the indoor unit to receive the medium-temperature liquid heat exchange medium returned by the indoor unit. The piping structure includes a second liquid interface pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe includes a third heat exchange pipe connected to the second liquid interface pipe. Each of the third heat exchange pipes is used to communicate with the indoor unit to deliver a low-temperature liquid heat exchange medium to the indoor unit. The piping structure includes a second gas interface pipe, and the metal refrigerant pipe includes a fourth heat exchange pipe connected to the second gas interface pipe. Each of the fourth heat exchange pipes is used to communicate with the indoor unit to receive the high-temperature gaseous heat exchange medium returned by the indoor unit. Wherein, at least one of the first gas interface tube, the second gas interface tube, the first liquid interface tube, and the second liquid interface tube is formed of the metal interface tube.

21. The pipeline structure according to claim 20, characterized in that, The metal refrigerant pipe used to communicate with the same indoor unit includes the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe; The first refrigerant pipe is reused as the fourth heat exchange pipe. The metal refrigerant pipe also includes a first auxiliary pipe, one end of which is connected to the first refrigerant pipe and the other end of which is connected to the second gas interface pipe. The second refrigerant pipe is reused as the third heat exchange pipe. The metal refrigerant pipe also includes a second auxiliary pipe, one end of which is connected to the second liquid interface pipe and the other end of which is connected to the second refrigerant pipe.

22. A refrigerant switching device, characterized in that, include: Refrigerant switching housing; and The piping structure as described in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the piping structure is disposed in the internal space of the refrigerant switching housing.

23. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: Outdoor unit; Indoor unit; and The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the piping structure of the refrigerant switching device connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and forms a heating cycle and a cooling cycle.

24. The HVAC system according to claim 23, characterized in that, The heating cycle includes an outdoor unit connected in sequence: a first gas interface pipe, a first refrigerant pipe, an indoor unit, a second refrigerant pipe, a first liquid interface pipe, and an outdoor unit. The refrigeration cycle includes an outdoor unit, a second liquid interface pipe, a third heat exchange pipe, an indoor unit, a fourth heat exchange pipe, a second gas interface pipe, and an outdoor unit connected in sequence. At least one of the first gas interface pipe, the second gas interface pipe, the first liquid interface pipe, and the second liquid interface pipe is formed of the metal interface pipe, and the first refrigerant pipe, the second refrigerant pipe, the third heat exchange pipe, and the fourth heat exchange pipe are formed of the metal refrigerant pipe.

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