Air conditioner
By using multiple branches and adjustable pressure relief components in the air conditioner, precise heat dissipation control of different areas within the electrical box is achieved, solving the problem of electronic component damage caused by the difficulty in controlling refrigerant heat dissipation and improving the stability and lifespan of the air conditioner.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO HISENSE HITACHI AIR CONDITIONING SYST
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
In existing air conditioners, refrigerant heat dissipation control is difficult, which can easily lead to excessively high or low temperatures inside the electrical box, damaging electronic components and affecting operational stability and lifespan.
Multiple branches and adjustable pressure relief components are used to dissipate heat into different areas of the electrical box through different branches, and the temperature is adjusted to meet the needs of each area, avoiding excessively high or low temperatures.
This improves the operational stability and lifespan of the air conditioner, ensures that electronic components operate stably within a suitable temperature range, and prevents damage from condensation.
Smart Images

Figure CN224381658U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and more particularly to an air conditioner. Background Technology
[0002] An air conditioner, also known as an air conditioning unit, is a device that uses artificial means to regulate and control parameters such as temperature, humidity, and airflow of the air inside a building or structure. Air conditioners contain an electrical box with circuit boards and other electrical components. The temperature inside the electrical box gradually rises, and excessively high temperatures can be dangerous; therefore, heat dissipation is necessary within the electrical box.
[0003] In existing technologies, some manufacturers use air cooling, while in other scenarios, refrigerant pipes are used to enter the electrical box to dissipate heat from the electrical components inside.
[0004] However, in the existing technology, the refrigerant heat dissipation solution is very difficult to control because the refrigerant temperature is low and the temperature difference between the refrigerant and the electronic components inside the electrical box is large. In addition, the outdoor environment is very different in winter and summer, which can easily lead to condensation inside the electrical box and damage to the electronic components. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model solves, to at least a certain extent, one of the technical problems in the related art.
[0006] Therefore, this application aims to provide an air conditioner in which refrigerant enters the electrical box through different branches to dissipate heat to different areas. By adjusting different adjustable pressure relief components, the temperature of the corresponding branch entering the electrical box can be adjusted to meet the heat dissipation needs of different areas, thereby avoiding performance degradation or damage to electronic components caused by excessively high temperatures in the electrical box, and also avoiding condensation damage to electronic components caused by excessively low temperatures in the electrical box, thus improving the operational stability and service life of the air conditioner.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an air conditioner, comprising:
[0008] First outdoor heat exchanger;
[0009] An indoor heat exchanger, wherein the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger;
[0010] A compressor for supplying refrigerant to the first outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger;
[0011] The second outdoor heat exchanger has its input end connected to the output end of the compressor.
[0012] Electrical box;
[0013] Multiple branch circuits, one end of which is connected to the output end of the second outdoor heat exchanger and the other end of which is connected to the input end of the compressor; each branch circuit passes through a different area within the electrical box;
[0014] Multiple adjustable pressure relief components are provided, the number of which is the same as the number of branches and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; in each branch, the pressure relief component is located in a section between the electrical box and the second outdoor heat exchanger.
[0015] The refrigerant output from the compressor is cooled by the second outdoor heat exchanger and then enters the branch circuit. After being depressurized and cooled by the pressure relief component, it enters the electrical box, cools the corresponding area inside the electrical box, and then flows back to the compressor.
[0016] In the technical solution, the refrigerant enters the electrical box through different branches to dissipate heat to different areas. By adjusting different adjustable pressure relief components, the temperature of the corresponding branch entering the electrical box can be adjusted to meet the heat dissipation needs of different areas. This avoids the performance degradation or damage of electronic components caused by excessively high temperatures in the electrical box, and also avoids condensation in the electrical box caused by excessively low temperatures, which could damage electronic components. This improves the operational stability and service life of the air conditioner.
[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the electrical box includes a pressure drive module area, a fan drive module area, and other circuit areas; the branch is provided in three parts and passes through the pressure drive module area, the fan drive module area, and the other circuit areas respectively.
[0018] In the technical solution, the electrical box is divided into a pressure-driven module area, a fan-driven module area, and other circuit areas. These three areas are the three main heat-generating areas within the electrical box, and since the heat generation of these three areas differs, the required heat dissipation also differs. Three branches pass through these areas respectively, enabling the air conditioner to provide targeted cooling for the heat dissipation needs of different functional modules within the electrical box. This allows for more efficient utilization of the refrigerant's cooling capacity, ensuring that each module operates stably within a suitable temperature range.
[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the electrical box includes a circuit board with a first side and a second side on its two sides; the first side is provided with the other circuit area; and the second side is provided with the pressure drive module area and the air drive module.
[0020] In the technical solution, the structure inside the electrical box is more compact and rational. This facilitates centralized management and maintenance of different functional areas; on the other hand, it also provides a clearer path planning for the layout of branch circuits, allowing the branch circuits to fit more closely to each functional area, further improving heat dissipation efficiency. At the same time, it also helps to reduce the flow resistance of refrigerant in the branch circuits, improving the overall performance and energy efficiency ratio of the system.
[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the three branches are respectively the first branch, the second branch, and the third branch;
[0022] The first branch is located on the first side of the circuit board;
[0023] The second branch is located on the second side of the circuit board and is attached to the pressure drive module area;
[0024] The third branch is located on the second side of the circuit board and is attached to the area of the wind drive module.
[0025] In this technical solution, the precise branch layout design allows the refrigerant to dissipate heat more accurately to each functional area, avoiding uneven heat dissipation. Simultaneously, the close-fitting branch design maximizes heat dissipation efficiency, ensuring that heat within the electrical box is effectively and promptly conducted away, further enhancing the air conditioner's operational stability and reliability, and extending the lifespan of the electronic components within the electrical box.
[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the output end of the second outdoor heat exchanger is connected to a main line, and each of the branch lines is connected in parallel to the main line, and the pipe diameter of each of the branch lines is the same.
[0027] The technical solution ensures a relatively balanced refrigerant flow and pressure in each branch, facilitating adjustment via adjustable pressure relief components on different branches. This makes it easier to control the cooling capacity of branches passing through the electrical box, enabling precise temperature control of the branches entering the electrical box and preventing excessively high or low temperatures. Simultaneously, the uniform pipe diameter facilitates simultaneous production, reducing production costs.
[0028] In some embodiments of this application, a pipeline connects the first outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; a bypass is provided on the pipeline, which connects the pipeline to the main pipeline; a bypass valve is provided on the bypass, which is used to control the opening and closing of the bypass.
[0029] In this technical solution, when the air conditioner needs to adjust the refrigerant flow or direction under certain special operating conditions, the refrigerant can be switched or diverted between the bypass and main circuits by opening and closing the bypass valve. For example, if the refrigerant passing through the second outdoor heat exchanger is insufficient to dissipate heat inside the electrical box, the bypass valve is opened to allow the refrigerant flowing between the first outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to enter the branch circuit, where it is then depressurized and cooled through the corresponding adjustable pressure relief component. This design effectively replenishes the refrigerant flow in the branch circuit, ensuring that the heat dissipation needs of each area within the electrical box are fully met, and preventing the electrical box temperature from becoming too high due to insufficient refrigerant.
[0030] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner further includes a gas-liquid separator, the output end of which is connected to the input end of the compressor; the output end of the branch is connected to the input end of the gas-liquid separator.
[0031] In this technical solution, the gas-liquid separator effectively separates the gaseous and liquid components of the refrigerant, ensuring that the refrigerant entering the compressor is gaseous. This improves the compressor's efficiency and reliability, prevents liquid slugging caused by liquid refrigerant entering the compressor, and extends the compressor's lifespan. Simultaneously, this design also helps to further optimize the refrigerant's recycling efficiency, enhancing the overall performance and energy efficiency of the air conditioner.
[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the adjustable pressure relief element is an electronic expansion valve.
[0033] In this technical solution, an electronic expansion valve is used as an adjustable pressure relief component. Compared to traditional mechanical expansion valves, electronic expansion valves offer higher adjustment accuracy and response speed, and they are also electrically controllable. This allows for real-time and precise adjustment of refrigerant flow and pressure based on the actual operating conditions of the air conditioner and the heat dissipation requirements of different areas within the electrical box, thus achieving more accurate heat dissipation control.
[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner further includes an outdoor fan for blowing outdoor air toward the first outdoor heat exchanger and / or the second outdoor heat exchanger.
[0035] In this technical solution, the forced convection of the outdoor fan accelerates the airflow around the first and second outdoor heat exchangers, improving the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the air, thus dissipating heat from the refrigerant to the outdoor environment more quickly. This not only helps improve the cooling capacity of the air conditioner but also reduces the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger to some extent, minimizing the impact of heat on the surrounding environment. Furthermore, it enhances the stability and reliability of the air conditioner in high-temperature environments, improving its overall performance.
[0036] In addition, this application also provides an air conditioner, which includes:
[0037] An outdoor heat exchanger, comprising a main heat exchange section and a secondary heat exchange section;
[0038] An indoor heat exchanger, which is connected to the main heat exchange section;
[0039] A compressor for supplying refrigerant to the main heat exchange section, the secondary heat exchange section and the indoor heat exchanger;
[0040] Electrical box;
[0041] Multiple branches, one end of which is connected to the output end of the secondary heat exchange section and the other end of which is connected to the input end of the compressor; each branch passes through a different area of the electrical box;
[0042] Multiple adjustable pressure relief components are provided, the number of which is the same as the number of branches and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; in each branch, the pressure relief component is located in a section between the electrical box and the secondary heat exchange section;
[0043] The refrigerant output from the compressor is cooled by the secondary heat exchange section and then enters the branch circuit. After being depressurized and cooled by the pressure relief component, it enters the electrical box, cools the corresponding area inside the electrical box, and then flows back to the compressor.
[0044] In the technical solution, the refrigerant enters the electrical box through different branches to dissipate heat to different areas. By adjusting different adjustable pressure relief components, the temperature of the corresponding branch entering the electrical box can be adjusted to meet the heat dissipation needs of different areas. This avoids the performance degradation or damage of electronic components caused by excessively high temperatures in the electrical box, and also avoids condensation in the electrical box caused by excessively low temperatures, which could damage electronic components. This improves the operational stability and service life of the air conditioner.
[0045] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0049] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical box of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0050] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the electrical box of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0051] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0052] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0053] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0054] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;
[0055] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application.
[0056] In the above diagrams: 100, First outdoor heat exchanger; 200, Second outdoor heat exchanger; 300, Compressor; 400, Electrical box; 401, Pressure drive module area; 402, Air drive module area; 403, Other circuit areas; 500, Branch circuit; 600, Adjustable pressure relief component; 700, Bypass valve; 800, Gas-liquid separator; 900, Main heat exchange section; 110, Secondary heat exchange section. Detailed Implementation
[0057] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0058] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0059] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0060] In this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0061] The present invention will now be described in detail through exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that, without further description, elements, structures, and features in one embodiment may be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments.
[0062] In this application, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit includes a casing, an indoor heat exchanger, and an indoor fan. The indoor heat exchanger and indoor fan are housed within the casing. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, and a compressor. The compressor circulates refrigerant within the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers. Under the action of the indoor fan, indoor air enters the casing, exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger, and is then discharged into the room. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger flows into the outdoor unit, where, under the action of the outdoor fan, the heat from the refrigerant is exchanged with the outdoor heat exchanger, thus achieving circulation.
[0063] In the following, embodiments of this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0064] Referring to all the accompanying drawings, in an illustrative embodiment of the air conditioner of this utility model, the air conditioner includes a first outdoor heat exchanger 100, an indoor heat exchanger, and a compressor 300. The indoor heat exchanger is connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger 100. The compressor 300 is used to input refrigerant to the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 and the indoor heat exchanger. In cooling mode, the compressor 300 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, sends it to the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 for condensation and heat release, then the refrigerant flows to the indoor heat exchanger to absorb indoor heat and vaporize, before returning to the compressor 300 to complete the cycle. In heating mode, the compressor 300 compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid, sends it to the indoor heat exchanger for condensation and heat release, then the refrigerant flows to the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 to absorb outdoor heat and vaporize, before returning to the compressor 300 to complete the cycle.
[0065] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an electrical box 400, a second outdoor heat exchanger 200, multiple branch circuits 500, and multiple adjustable pressure relief components 600. The input end of the second outdoor heat exchanger 200 is connected to the output end of the compressor 300. One end of each branch circuit 500 is connected to the output end of the second outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the other end is connected to the input end of the compressor 300; each branch circuit 500 passes through a different area within the electrical box 400. The number of adjustable pressure relief components 600 is the same as the number of branch circuits 500, and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; in each branch circuit 500, the pressure relief component is located between the electrical box 400 and the second outdoor heat exchanger 200. The refrigerant output from the compressor 300, after being cooled by the second outdoor heat exchanger 200, enters the branch circuits 500, and after being depressurized and cooled by the pressure relief components, it enters the electrical box 400, cools the corresponding area within the electrical box 400, and then flows back to the compressor 300.
[0066] Through the above scheme, the refrigerant enters the electrical box 400 through different branches 500 to dissipate heat in different areas. By adjusting different adjustable pressure relief components 600, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the electrical box 400 through the corresponding branch 500 can be adjusted to meet the heat dissipation needs of different areas. This avoids performance degradation or damage to electronic components in the electrical box 400 due to excessively high temperatures, and also avoids condensation damage to electronic components in the electrical box 400 due to excessively low temperatures, thereby improving the operational stability and service life of the air conditioner.
[0067] Specifically, compressor 300 compresses the refrigerant and outputs it to the second outdoor heat exchanger 200. As the refrigerant passes through the second outdoor heat exchanger 200, it exchanges heat with the outdoor air, thereby lowering its temperature. When the refrigerant is delivered to branch 500 and passes through the corresponding adjustable pressure relief valve, the valve releases the refrigerant pressure, significantly reducing its temperature. The low-temperature refrigerant then dissipates heat through the corresponding area of electrical box 400. The refrigerant that has passed through electrical box 400 flows back to compressor 300, completing the cycle.
[0068] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, and the compressor 300, the first outdoor heat exchanger 100, and the second outdoor heat exchanger 200 are all disposed inside the outdoor unit. This facilitates heat exchange between the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 and the second outdoor heat exchanger 200 and the outdoor air, enabling the transfer of temperature from inside the air conditioner to the outside. Furthermore, the compressor 300 generates considerable noise; placing it inside the outdoor unit reduces its impact on users.
[0069] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit, and an indoor heat exchanger is disposed in the indoor unit. The indoor heat exchanger exchanges heat with the indoor air to regulate the indoor temperature.
[0070] In some embodiments, the electrical box 400 may be located inside the outdoor unit. As a key component for controlling and distributing power, the electrical box 400 is responsible for power distribution to equipment such as the compressor 300 and fan motor. Furthermore, it enables control and protection functions for the entire air conditioning system through circuit connections. The outdoor unit's electrical box 400 may also include control circuit boards, power switches, protection devices, etc., for controlling the air conditioner's operating mode, adjusting temperature, and monitoring faults.
[0071] In some embodiments, the electrical box 400 can be installed in the indoor unit. This reduces the corrosion of electrical components caused by harsh outdoor environments, extending their service life. Furthermore, installing it in the indoor unit facilitates fault detection and maintenance.
[0072] In some embodiments, the electrical box 400 includes a pressure-driven module area 401, a fan-driven module area 402, and other circuit areas 403. Three branch lines 500 are provided, each passing through one of the pressure-driven module area 401, the fan-driven module area 402, and the other circuit areas 403. Dividing the electrical box 400 into these three areas—pressure-driven module area 401, fan-driven module area 402, and other circuit areas 403—represents the three main heat-generating areas within the electrical box 400, each with different heat generation requirements and therefore different heat dissipation needs. The three branch lines 500 correspondingly pass through these areas, enabling the air conditioner to provide targeted cooling for the different functional modules within the electrical box 400. This allows for more efficient utilization of the refrigerant's cooling capacity, ensuring stable operation of each module within a suitable temperature range.
[0073] In some embodiments, the electrical box 400 includes a circuit board with a first side and a second side on its two sides. The first side has other circuit areas 403; the second side has a pressure drive module area 401 and a fan drive module. The structure within the electrical box 400 is more compact and rational. This facilitates centralized management and maintenance of different functional areas; furthermore, it provides a clearer path planning for the arrangement of the branch circuits 500, allowing them to better fit the functional areas, further improving heat dissipation efficiency. It also helps reduce the flow resistance of the refrigerant in the branch circuits 500, improving the overall system performance and energy efficiency ratio.
[0074] In some embodiments, one of the three branches 500 is the first branch, which is located on the first side of the circuit board.
[0075] In some embodiments, one of the three branches 500 is a second branch, which is located on the second side of the circuit board and is attached to the pressure drive module area.
[0076] In some embodiments, the last of the three branches 500 is the third branch, which is located on the second side of the circuit board and is attached to the fan drive module area 402.
[0077] It is understood that the branch 500 in this application is specifically a pipe used to transport refrigerant, and the refrigerant in the branch 500 dissipates heat from various areas on the circuit board.
[0078] The first branch 500 is mainly used for heat dissipation of the pressure drive module area 401. Any refrigerant pipe passing through the pressure drive module area 401 can be referred to as the first branch 500. In this application, there is preferably only one first branch 500. However, it is not possible for multiple refrigerant pipes to pass through the pressure drive module area 401. If multiple refrigerant pipes pass through the pressure drive module area 401, all of these refrigerant pipes can be referred to as the first branch 500.
[0079] The second branch 500 is mainly used for heat dissipation of the fan-driven module area 402. Any refrigerant pipe passing through the fan-driven module area 402 can be referred to as the second branch 500. In this application, there is preferably only one second branch 500. However, it is not possible for multiple refrigerant pipes to pass through the fan-driven module area 402. When multiple refrigerant pipes pass through the fan-driven module area 402, all of these refrigerant pipes can be referred to as the second branch 500.
[0080] The third branch 500 is mainly used for heat dissipation from other circuit areas 403. Any refrigerant pipe passing through other circuit areas 403 can be referred to as the third branch 500. In this application, there is preferably only one third branch 500. However, it is not possible for multiple refrigerant pipes to pass through other circuit areas 403. When multiple refrigerant pipes pass through other circuit areas 403, all of these refrigerant pipes can be referred to as the third branch 500.
[0081] This precise branch 500 layout design allows the refrigerant to dissipate heat more accurately to each functional area, avoiding uneven heat dissipation. At the same time, the close-fitting branch 500 design maximizes heat dissipation efficiency, ensuring that heat within the electrical box 400 is effectively and promptly conducted away, further enhancing the air conditioner's operational stability and reliability, and extending the lifespan of the electronic components within the electrical box 400.
[0082] In some embodiments, the output end of the second outdoor heat exchanger 200 is connected to a main line, and each branch line 500 is connected in parallel to the main line, with each branch line 500 having the same pipe diameter. This ensures a relatively balanced refrigerant flow and pressure in each branch line 500, facilitating adjustment via adjustable pressure relief components 600 on different branch lines 500. This makes it easier to control the cooling capacity of the branch lines 500 passing through the electrical box 400, enabling precise temperature control of the branch lines 500 entering the electrical box 400 and preventing excessively high or low temperatures. Simultaneously, the identical pipe diameter also facilitates simultaneous manufacturing, reducing production costs.
[0083] In some embodiments, a pipeline connects the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 and the indoor heat exchanger; a bypass is provided on the pipeline, connecting the pipeline to the main pipeline; a bypass valve 700 is provided on the bypass, which is used to control the opening and closing of the bypass. When the air conditioner needs to adjust the flow rate or direction of the refrigerant under certain special operating conditions, the switching or diversion of the refrigerant between the bypass and the main pipeline can be achieved by opening and closing the bypass valve 700. For example, if the refrigerant passing through the second outdoor heat exchanger 200 is insufficient to dissipate heat inside the electrical box 400, the bypass valve 700 is opened to allow the refrigerant flowing between the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 and the indoor heat exchanger to enter the branch 500, and then depressurize and cool down through the corresponding adjustable pressure relief component. This design can effectively supplement the refrigerant flow in the branch 500, ensuring that the heat dissipation needs of each area inside the electrical box 400 are fully met, and avoiding excessive temperature of the electrical box 400 due to insufficient refrigerant.
[0084] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a gas-liquid separator 800, the output of which is connected to the input of the compressor 300; the output of the branch circuit 500 is also connected to the input of the gas-liquid separator 800. The gas-liquid separator 800 effectively separates the gaseous and liquid components of the refrigerant, ensuring that the refrigerant entering the compressor 300 is gaseous, thereby improving the operating efficiency and reliability of the compressor 300, preventing liquid slugging caused by liquid refrigerant entering the compressor 300, and extending the service life of the compressor 300. Simultaneously, this design also helps to further optimize the refrigerant recycling efficiency, improving the overall performance and energy efficiency of the air conditioner.
[0085] In some embodiments, the adjustable pressure relief element 600 is an electronic expansion valve. Compared to traditional mechanical expansion valves, using an electronic expansion valve as the adjustable pressure relief element 600 offers higher adjustment accuracy and response speed, and it is also electrically controllable. This allows for real-time and precise adjustment of the refrigerant flow and pressure based on the actual operating conditions of the air conditioner and the heat dissipation requirements of different areas within the electrical box 400, thereby achieving more accurate heat dissipation control.
[0086] In another embodiment, the adjustable pressure relief component 600 can also be a pressure relief valve, a pneumatic proportional valve, etc.
[0087] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes an outdoor fan for blowing outdoor air toward a first outdoor heat exchanger 100. The outdoor fan can also be used to blow outdoor air toward a second outdoor heat exchanger 200.
[0088] The forced convection effect of the outdoor fan can accelerate the airflow around the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 and the second outdoor heat exchanger 200, improving the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the air, thereby dissipating the heat in the refrigerant to the outdoor environment more quickly. This not only helps improve the cooling capacity of the air conditioner, but also reduces the surface temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger to a certain extent, reducing the impact of heat on the surrounding environment. It also helps improve the operational stability and reliability of the air conditioner in high-temperature environments, enhancing its overall performance.
[0089] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature of each area within the electrical box 400. The controller is configured to detect the current temperature value of each area within the electrical box 400 via the temperature sensor, determine whether the current temperature value of each area is greater than a first preset temperature value, and if so, open the adjustable pressure relief valve on the corresponding branch 500; otherwise, no action is taken. The closer the current temperature value is to the first preset temperature value, the smaller the opening of the adjustable pressure relief valve. The closer the current temperature value is to a second preset temperature value, the larger the opening of the adjustable pressure relief valve.
[0090] Furthermore, the controller is configured to detect the current temperature values of the pressure drive module area 401, the air drive module area 402, and other circuit areas 403 within the electrical box 400 using temperature sensors, determine whether the current temperature value of the pressure drive module area 401 is greater than a first preset temperature value, and if so, open the adjustable pressure relief valve on the corresponding branch 500; otherwise, close the adjustable pressure relief valve on the corresponding branch 500, or keep the adjustable pressure relief valve on the corresponding branch 500 closed.
[0091] Determine whether the current temperature value of the wind drive module area 402 is greater than the first preset temperature value. If so, open the adjustable pressure relief valve on the corresponding branch 500. If not, do not perform any action.
[0092] Determine whether the current temperature value of other circuit areas 403 is greater than the first preset temperature value. If so, open the adjustable pressure relief valve on the corresponding branch 500. If not, do not perform any action.
[0093] It is worth noting that the first preset temperature value may differ when comparing the current temperature values of different regions. That is, the specific values of the first preset temperature value may differ when judging the wind drive module region 402 and the pressure drive module region 401.
[0094] Specifically, the first branch passes through the pressure drive module area 401, and the refrigerant in the first branch dissipates heat from the pressure drive module area 401. It is determined whether the current temperature value of the pressure drive module area 401 is greater than a first preset temperature value. If it is, the adjustable pressure relief valve on the first branch is opened; if not, the adjustable pressure relief valve on the first branch is closed.
[0095] The second branch passes through the fan drive module area 402, and the refrigerant in the second branch dissipates heat from the fan drive module area 402. It is determined whether the current temperature value of the fan drive module area 402 is greater than the first preset temperature value. If it is, the adjustable pressure relief valve on the second branch is opened; if not, the adjustable pressure relief valve on the second branch is closed.
[0096] The third branch passes through other circuit areas 403, and dissipates heat from other circuit areas 403 through the refrigerant in the third branch. It is determined whether the current temperature value of other circuit areas 403 is greater than the first preset temperature value. If it is, the adjustable pressure relief valve on the third branch is opened; if not, the adjustable pressure relief valve on the third branch is closed.
[0097] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine whether the current temperature value of each area is greater than a second preset temperature value. If so, the bypass valve 700 is opened. If not, the bypass valve 700 is closed or kept closed. When the temperature is greater than the second preset temperature value, it indicates that the temperature is too high, and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger cannot achieve a cooling effect. Therefore, opening the bypass valve 700 allows the refrigerant flowing between the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 and the indoor heat exchanger to enter the branch 500, effectively replenishing the refrigerant flow in the branch 500. This ensures that the heat dissipation needs of each area within the electrical box 400 are fully met, preventing the electrical box 400 from overheating due to insufficient refrigerant.
[0098] In addition, this application also provides an air conditioner, which differs from the air conditioner described above in that it only has one outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a main heat exchange section 900 and a secondary heat exchange section 110; the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the main heat exchange section 900. The compressor 300 is used to input refrigerant into the main heat exchange section 900, the secondary heat exchange section 110 and the indoor heat exchanger.
[0099] One end of branch 500 is connected to the output end of secondary heat exchange section 110, and the other end is connected to the input end of compressor 300; each branch 500 passes through different areas of electrical box 400. The number of adjustable pressure relief components 600 is the same as the number of branches 500 and they are set one-to-one; in branch 500, the pressure relief component is located in the section between electrical box 400 and secondary heat exchange section 110;
[0100] After the refrigerant output from compressor 300 is cooled by the secondary heat exchange section 110, it enters branch circuit 500 and is then cooled by the pressure relief component before entering electrical box 400. After cooling the corresponding area in electrical box 400, it flows back to compressor 300.
[0101] Through the above scheme, the refrigerant enters the electrical box 400 through different branches 500 to dissipate heat in different areas. By adjusting different adjustable pressure relief components 600, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the electrical box 400 through the corresponding branch 500 can be adjusted to meet the heat dissipation needs of different areas. This avoids performance degradation or damage to electronic components in the electrical box 400 due to excessively high temperatures, and also avoids condensation damage to electronic components in the electrical box 400 due to excessively low temperatures, thereby improving the operational stability and service life of the air conditioner.
[0102] It is worth noting that, unlike the first outdoor heat exchanger 100 and the second outdoor heat exchanger 200 mentioned above, the main heat exchange section 900 and the secondary heat exchange section 110 in this design can be connected by a structure, such as fins or a shell. The main difference between the main heat exchange section 900 and the secondary heat exchange section 110 lies in their functions: the main heat exchange section 900 is used to supply refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger, while the secondary heat exchange section 110 is only used to supply refrigerant to each branch circuit 500.
[0103] This can also be understood as follows: the refrigerant passing through the main heat exchange section 900 will only enter the indoor heat exchanger or compressor 300. The refrigerant passing through the second heat exchange section will only enter the branch circuit 500 and dissipate heat to different areas within the electrical box 400.
[0104] The advantage of this solution over the aforementioned second outdoor heat exchanger 200 is that this solution can be achieved with only one outdoor heat exchanger. Compared with setting two outdoor heat exchangers, this solution has a higher degree of integration, occupies less space, and the size of the outdoor unit can also be smaller.
[0105] In this design, compressor 300 compresses the refrigerant and outputs it to the secondary heat exchange section 110 of the outdoor heat exchanger. As the refrigerant passes through the secondary heat exchange section 110, it exchanges heat with the outdoor air, thereby lowering its temperature. When the refrigerant is delivered to branch 500 and passes through the corresponding adjustable pressure relief valve, the valve releases the refrigerant pressure, significantly reducing its temperature. The low-temperature refrigerant then dissipates heat through the corresponding area of the electrical box 400. The refrigerant then flows back to compressor 300 after passing through the electrical box 400, completing the cycle.
[0106] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: It includes: First outdoor heat exchanger; An indoor heat exchanger, wherein the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the first outdoor heat exchanger; A compressor for supplying refrigerant to the first outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; The second outdoor heat exchanger has its input end connected to the output end of the compressor. Electrical box; Multiple branch circuits, one end of which is connected to the output end of the second outdoor heat exchanger and the other end of which is connected to the input end of the compressor; each branch circuit passes through a different area within the electrical box; Multiple adjustable pressure relief components are provided, the number of which is the same as the number of branches and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; in each branch, the pressure relief component is located in a section between the electrical box and the second outdoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant output from the compressor is cooled by the second outdoor heat exchanger and then enters multiple branches. After being depressurized and cooled by the pressure relief device, it enters the electrical box, cools the corresponding area inside the electrical box, and then flows back to the compressor.
2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The electrical box includes a pressure drive module area, a fan drive module area, and other circuit areas; the branch circuit is provided in three parts, which respectively pass through the pressure drive module area, the fan drive module area, and the other circuit areas.
3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrical box includes a circuit board with a first side and a second side on its two sides. The first side is provided with the other circuit area, and the second side is provided with the pressure drive module area and the air drive module.
4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The three branches are referred to as the first branch, the second branch, and the third branch. The first branch is located on the first side of the circuit board; The second branch is located on the second side of the circuit board and is attached to the pressure drive module area; The third branch is located on the second side of the circuit board and is attached to the area of the wind drive module.
5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output end of the second outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the main line, and each of the branch lines is connected in parallel to the main line, and the pipe diameter of each of the branch lines is the same.
6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pipeline connects the first outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; a bypass is provided on the pipeline, which connects the pipeline to the main pipeline; a bypass valve is provided on the bypass, which is used to control the opening and closing of the bypass.
7. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a gas-liquid separator, the output end of which is connected to the input end of the compressor; the output end of the branch circuit is connected to the input end of the gas-liquid separator.
8. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The adjustable pressure relief component is an electronic expansion valve.
9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes an outdoor fan, which is used to blow outdoor air toward the first outdoor heat exchanger and / or the second outdoor heat exchanger.
10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, It includes: An outdoor heat exchanger, comprising a main heat exchange section and a secondary heat exchange section; An indoor heat exchanger, which is connected to the main heat exchange section; A compressor for supplying refrigerant to the main heat exchange section, the secondary heat exchange section and the indoor heat exchanger; Electrical box; Multiple branches, one end of which is connected to the output end of the secondary heat exchange section and the other end of which is connected to the input end of the compressor; each branch passes through a different area of the electrical box; Multiple adjustable pressure relief components are provided, the number of which is the same as the number of branches and they are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence; in each branch, the pressure relief component is located in a section between the electrical box and the secondary heat exchange section; The refrigerant output from the compressor is cooled by the secondary heat exchange section and then enters the branch circuit. After being depressurized and cooled by the pressure relief component, it enters the electrical box, cools the corresponding area inside the electrical box, and then flows back to the compressor.