Air conditioner outdoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner outdoor unit and an air conditioner. The air conditioner outdoor unit is provided with a damping device on a refrigerant pipeline. The damping device comprises a first component, a connecting rod and a second component. The first component is arranged on the refrigerant pipeline. The connecting rod is arranged on the first component. The second component is arranged on the connecting rod. The second component and the first component and the connecting rod can move relatively. One of the first component and the second component is a conductor, and the other is a magnet. When the refrigerant pipeline vibrates and drives the first component and the connecting rod to vibrate, the relative movement occurs between the first component, the connecting rod and the second component, so that the conductor generates an induced current. The magnetic field generated by the induced current is opposite to the magnetic field of the magnet, which can prevent or slow down the movement of the first component to reduce the vibration of the refrigerant pipeline. The induced current in the conductor also causes the conductor to heat, so that part of the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipeline is converted into electric energy and heat energy, further consuming the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipeline, and realizing the damping of the refrigerant pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an outdoor unit and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] The compressor in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner acts as one of the excitation sources, transmitting vibrations through multiple paths during operation, such as the piping and the base. Vibration damping of the base is usually achieved through elastic structures (such as springs or vibration damping pads), while vibration of the piping is typically mitigated using rubber vibration damping blocks. After the piping is fixed to the rubber vibration damping blocks, when the piping vibrates due to the compressor, the rubber vibration damping blocks deform under the influence of the piping, thereby absorbing the vibration energy of the piping and achieving vibration damping.

[0003] However, since the outdoor unit of an air conditioner is located outdoors, and the ambient temperature of the outdoor unit is usually high when the air conditioner is working, the rubber vibration damping blocks are prone to aging, leading to reduced performance or even failure. Utility Model Content

[0004] The outdoor air conditioning unit and air conditioner provided in this application can reduce or eliminate the vibration of the pipes in the outdoor air conditioning unit and the noise caused by the vibration.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0006] chassis;

[0007] The compressor is located inside the housing;

[0008] A refrigerant pipe is located inside the housing and is connected to the compressor. The refrigerant pipe is used to deliver refrigerant to the compressor.

[0009] Vibration damping device, located inside the housing, is installed in the refrigerant pipe;

[0010] The vibration damping device includes:

[0011] The first component is fixed to the refrigerant pipe;

[0012] A connecting rod, which is fixed to the first component;

[0013] The second component is movably disposed on the connecting rod along the axial direction of the connecting rod. One of the first component and the second component is a conductor and the other is a magnet. The first component and the second component are configured to move relative to each other when the refrigerant pipe vibrates, so as to induce a current in the conductor.

[0014] The commonly used vibration damping device for air conditioner outdoor units is the rubber vibration damping block. However, the hardness and shape of the rubber vibration damping block are fixed, making dynamic adjustment impossible. Furthermore, due to the variable working environment of air conditioner outdoor units, with significant temperature and humidity differences, the rubber vibration damping block is prone to fatigue and aging, potentially leading to reduced performance or even complete failure. Therefore, this application's air conditioner outdoor unit incorporates a vibration damping device on the refrigerant pipeline to reduce vibrations generated during operation. The vibration damping device includes a first component fixed to the refrigerant pipeline, a connecting rod, and a second component movably mounted on the connecting rod. One of the first and second components is a conductor, and the other is a magnet. When the refrigerant pipeline vibrates, there is relative movement between the first and second components. When the magnet and conductor move relative to each other, based on Lenz's law, the conductor generates an induced current. The magnetic field generated by this induced current is opposite in direction to the magnetic field of the magnet, thus interacting with the magnet's magnetic field to impede or slow down the relative movement between the magnet and conductor. This effect is transmitted to the refrigerant pipeline through the first component, thereby achieving vibration damping of the refrigerant pipeline. Simultaneously, the induced current causes the conductor to generate heat. This means that some of the kinetic energy transferred from the vibration of the refrigerant pipe to the first component is converted into electrical and thermal energy, thus absorbing and converting the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipe and achieving vibration reduction. Therefore, the vibration reduction device of this application has a simple structure and can effectively reduce vibration in the internal pipes of the outdoor air conditioning unit. Furthermore, the conductor and magnet exhibit high structural and physical stability, are not prone to aging or wear, and thus extend the service life of the vibration reduction device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first component is a hollow columnar structure, the extension direction of the first component is the same as the axial direction of the connecting rod, the connecting rod is located inside the first component, and the two ends of the connecting rod in the axial direction are fixed to the two ends of the first component in the axial direction, and the second component is located inside the first component.

[0016] By placing the connecting rod and the second component inside the first component, the first component can protect the connecting rod and the second component. When the first component moves under the vibration of the refrigerant pipe, the first component can separate the second component from other components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, avoiding interference between the second component and other components of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, thereby ensuring that the second component can properly achieve the vibration reduction effect of the vibration damping device.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the second component is one;

[0018] The vibration damping device also includes:

[0019] The second component has elastic elements on both sides of the connecting rod along the axial direction. The elastic elements are located inside the first component, with one end of the elastic element connected to the first component and the other end of the elastic element connected to the second component.

[0020] Elastic elements are installed on opposite sides of the second component. When the refrigerant pipe is not vibrating, the two elastic elements allow the second component to be positioned in the middle of the connecting rod. When the refrigerant pipe vibrates, the first component and the connecting rod reciprocate relative to the second component along the axial direction of the connecting rod under the influence of vibration. Furthermore, as the first component and the connecting rod move, the second component compresses one of the elastic elements, converting the kinetic energy of the first component and the connecting rod into the elastic potential energy of the elastic element. In other words, the elastic element absorbs some of the kinetic energy, thus achieving vibration reduction. Simultaneously, the elastic element generates heat when deforming, meaning that some of the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipe is converted into heat energy, further improving the vibration reduction effect of the device.

[0021] In one possible implementation, there are multiple second components, each movably disposed on the connecting rod along the axial direction of the connecting rod, and the elastic elements are provided on opposite sides of the multiple second components along the axial direction of the connecting rod.

[0022] By using multiple second components, the weight of the vibration damping device can be increased, thereby increasing its inertia. When the compressor operates and causes the refrigerant pipes to vibrate, the vibration damping device is more stable due to its greater inertia. This makes it more difficult for the refrigerant pipes to move the second components of the vibration damping device, thus further reducing the vibration of the refrigerant pipes and the noise generated by the vibration.

[0023] In one possible implementation, there are multiple elastic elements, and the second component and the elastic elements are alternately arranged in the axial direction of the connecting rod, such that the elastic elements are provided on opposite sides of each second component in the axial direction of the connecting rod.

[0024] When multiple second components are configured, multiple elastic elements can be correspondingly configured, with each second component having an elastic element on each opposite side of the connecting rod along its axial direction. With this configuration, when the first component moves under the influence of the refrigerant pipe, causing relative movement between all the second components and the connecting rod, the multiple elastic elements are compressed by the multiple second components. These elastic elements absorb some of the kinetic energy of the first component and the connecting rod, thus achieving vibration reduction of the refrigerant pipe. Simultaneously, the deformation of the multiple elastic elements due to compression generates heat, and some of the kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy. This thermal energy is transferred to the air through heat exchange between the elastic elements and the air, further improving the vibration reduction effect of the vibration damping device.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the connecting rod has a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to its own axis, and the second component has a through hole whose cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the axis of the connecting rod matches the shape of the cross-section of the connecting rod, through which the connecting rod passes.

[0026] By setting the cross-section of the connecting rod perpendicular to its own axis to be non-circular, the connecting rod passes through a through hole on the second component, the shape of which matches the cross-sectional shape of the connecting rod. In this way, when there is relative movement between the second component and the connecting rod, they can only translate relative to each other, not rotate relative to each other. That is, when the refrigerant pipe vibrates, relative rotation between the second component and the connecting rod is prevented, ensuring that the movement of the first component under the influence of vibration allows the conductor to cut the magnetic field lines of the magnet, thereby inducing a current in the conductor and converting the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipe vibration into electrical and thermal energy, thus achieving vibration reduction.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner further includes:

[0028] A liquid storage tank is located inside the housing, and the liquid storage tank is arranged at a distance from the compressor and is in communication with the compressor;

[0029] An expansion valve is located inside the housing, and the expansion valve is arranged at a distance from the liquid storage tank;

[0030] The refrigerant piping includes:

[0031] A return gas pipe is connected at one end to the liquid storage tank and at the other end to the expansion valve. The vibration damping device is installed on the return gas pipe, and the expansion valve delivers refrigerant to the liquid storage tank through the return gas pipe.

[0032] The exhaust pipe is connected to the compressor at one end and to the expansion valve at the other end. The compressor delivers refrigerant to the expansion valve through the exhaust pipe.

[0033] Considering that the return pipe in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner has a large vibration amplitude, the vibration damping device is installed in the return pipe to reduce the vibration of the main vibration source and effectively improve the vibration reduction effect of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the return pipe includes:

[0035] The first straight pipe section, one end of which is connected to the liquid storage tank;

[0036] A bent section, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first straight pipe section;

[0037] The second straight pipe section has one end connected to the other end of the bent section and the other end connected to the compressor. The second straight pipe section is arranged opposite to the first straight pipe section. The vibration damping device is disposed on the second straight pipe section and located between the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section. The axial direction of the connecting rod is perpendicular to the axial direction of the second straight pipe section.

[0038] The return air pipe is designed with bends to extend its length, which increases the dissipation of vibration energy and achieves vibration reduction to a certain extent. It also increases the pipe's deformation redundancy, reduces the stiffness between the two connection ends, and prevents deformation or even breakage of the return air pipe due to vibration. Simultaneously, placing the vibration damping device in the second straight pipe section further reduces the vibration of the return air pipe. Furthermore, the space between the first and second straight pipe sections can be used to accommodate the vibration damping device, thereby improving the compactness of the air conditioner outdoor unit's internal structure and increasing space utilization.

[0039] In one possible implementation, the outer diameter of the return air pipe is 9mm-16mm, the first component is columnar and extends radially along the return air pipe, the radial dimension of the first component in the return air pipe is 72mm-160mm, and the first component is snapped onto the outside of the return air pipe.

[0040] The outer diameter of the return pipe is 9mm-16mm. Due to its small size and weight, the return pipe is relatively prone to significant vibration. Therefore, installing a vibration damping device on the return pipe can effectively reduce the internal vibration of the outdoor unit. However, the small size of the return pipe means there isn't enough space for the vibration damping device. A snap-fit ​​method allows the device to be directly attached to the return pipe, enabling quick installation and removal. The radial dimension of the first component on the return pipe is 72mm-160mm. This ensures sufficient space for the connecting rod and the second component, providing adequate vibration damping. It also ensures the device is relatively small enough to be installed inside the outdoor unit and snapped onto the return pipe. When the radial dimension of the first component is less than 72mm, the small size prevents the installation of a second component of sufficient size and weight, resulting in poor vibration damping performance. When the radial dimension of the first component in the return pipe is greater than 160mm, the size of the first component is too large, which can easily cause interference with other components inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, affecting the vibration reduction effect and hindering the compact design of the outdoor unit.

[0041] A second aspect of this application also provides an air conditioner including the outdoor unit of any of the above claims.

[0042] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0043] The air conditioner outdoor unit of this application includes a vibration damping device comprising a first component fixed to a refrigerant pipe and a second component movably fixed to the first component. One of the first and second components is a conductor, and the other is a magnet. When the refrigerant pipe vibrates, the first and second components move relative to each other. When the magnet and conductor move relative to each other, based on Lenz's law, the conductor generates an induced current. The magnetic field generated by this induced current is opposite in direction to the magnetic field of the magnet, thus interacting with the magnetic field of the magnet to impede or slow down the relative movement between the magnet and the conductor. This effect is transmitted to the refrigerant pipe through the first component, thereby achieving vibration damping of the refrigerant pipe. Simultaneously, the induced current causes the conductor to generate heat. That is, some of the kinetic energy transferred from the vibration of the refrigerant pipe to the first component is converted into electrical and thermal energy, thus absorbing and converting the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipe, also achieving vibration damping. The vibration damping device has a simple structure and can effectively dampen the internal pipes of the air conditioner outdoor unit. Furthermore, the conductor and magnet have high structural and physical stability, are not prone to aging or wear, and can extend the service life of the vibration damping device. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the arrangement of the compressor and vibration damping device in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a vibration damping device in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the expansion valve and liquid storage tank in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in this application embodiment;

[0048] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A front view of the structure shown;

[0049] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of region A in the middle;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a vibration damping device with an elastic element in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of the vibration damping device shown;

[0052] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view of the vibration damping device along the A-A' direction;

[0053] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vibration damping device with multiple second components in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a vibration damping device having multiple second components in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0057] 1. Air conditioner outdoor unit; 11. Housing; 12. Compressor; 13. Refrigerant pipe; 131. Return pipe; 1311. First straight pipe section; 1312. Bend section; 1313. Second straight pipe section; 132. Exhaust pipe; 14. Vibration damping device; 141. First component; 141a. First opening; 142. Connecting rod; 142a. First end; 142b. Second end; 143. Second component; 143a. Through hole; 144. Insulating protective sleeve; 144a. Second opening; 145. Bracket; 1451. Clamp; 146. Elastic element; 15. Expansion valve; 16. Liquid receiver; 2. Air conditioner; 21. Air conditioner indoor unit. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0059] In this application, the terms "upper," "rear," "inner," "outer," and "middle," etc., indicate orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing the present invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0060] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0061] Furthermore, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable link, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0062] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0063] When an air conditioner's outdoor unit is operating, the vibration of the compressor is transmitted through the refrigerant pipes, causing vibrations in multiple locations within the unit and generating noise. Furthermore, this vibration can lead to the loosening of some connecting structures or components within the outdoor unit, such as loosening or even falling screws, thus reducing the structural stability of the outdoor unit.

[0064] The inventors attempted vibration reduction using elastic structures or components. For example, fixing the pipes (refrigerant pipes) to rubber vibration damping blocks and utilizing the elasticity of the rubber to absorb energy. However, due to the large temperature and humidity differences in the working environment of the air conditioner outdoor unit, the rubber cannot be used for long and is prone to aging and failure. When directly using springs to dampen the refrigerant pipes, the internal structure and pipe routing of the air conditioner outdoor unit present challenges. There is insufficient space and a suitable location on the outdoor unit to effectively fix the springs while ensuring their proper function, increasing the difficulty of vibration damping setup.

[0065] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide an outdoor air conditioning unit. This outdoor unit incorporates a vibration damping device on its refrigerant piping. The device includes a first component fixed to the refrigerant piping and a second component movably fixed to the first component. One of the first and second components is a conductor, and the other is a magnet. When the refrigerant piping vibrates, the first and second components move relative to each other. When the magnet and conductor move relative to each other, based on Lenz's law, the conductor generates an induced current. The magnetic field generated by this induced current is opposite in direction to the magnetic field of the magnet, thus interacting with the magnet's magnetic field to impede or slow down the relative movement between the magnet and conductor. This effect is transmitted to the refrigerant piping through the first component, thereby achieving vibration damping. Simultaneously, the induced current causes the conductor to generate heat. In other words, some of the kinetic energy transferred from the refrigerant piping vibration to the first component is converted into electrical and thermal energy, thus absorbing and converting the kinetic energy of the refrigerant piping and achieving vibration damping. The vibration damping device has a simple structure and effectively reduces vibration in the internal piping of the outdoor air conditioning unit. In addition, conductors and magnets have high structural and physical stability, are not prone to aging or wear, and can extend the service life of vibration damping devices.

[0066] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0067] Please see Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the arrangement of the compressor and vibration damping device in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a vibration damping device in one embodiment of this application.

[0068] The air conditioner outdoor unit 1 provided in this application embodiment includes a housing 11. The housing 11 is the outer shell of the air conditioner outdoor unit 1, which is usually a sheet metal part and has a hollow hexahedral shape. The fan, motor and other components of the air conditioner outdoor unit are all located inside the housing 11.

[0069] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner also includes a compressor 12, which is disposed inside the casing 11. The compressor 12 provides power for the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner by converting low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas. For example, the pressure of the low-pressure gas can be 0.3MPa-1.1MPa, and the pressure of the high-pressure gas can be 1.7MPa-3.5MPa. Of course, the pressure of the low-pressure gas and the high-pressure gas can also be other magnitudes. Factors affecting the gas pressure include, but are not limited to, the type of refrigerant, the power of the compressor 12, and the diameter of the refrigerant pipe 13.

[0070] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner also includes a refrigerant pipe 13, which is connected to the compressor 12 and is used to transport refrigerant (also called refrigerant). The type of refrigerant can be selected according to actual needs and specifications, such as difluorochloromethane, difluoromethane, tetrafluoroethane, propane or other types, and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0071] Understandably, compressor 12 compresses low-pressure refrigerant into high-pressure refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to circulate in refrigerant pipe 13, thereby ensuring the refrigeration process continues. During this process, the vibration generated by compressor 12 is transmitted to refrigerant pipe 13, and refrigerant pipe 13 further transmits the vibration.

[0072] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner also includes a vibration damping device 14, which is disposed on the refrigerant pipe 13. When the refrigerant pipe 13 vibrates, the vibration damping device 14 can absorb or convert part of the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipe 13, thereby reducing the vibration of the refrigerant pipe 13 and thus reducing the negative effects caused by vibration, such as noise.

[0073] In some embodiments, the vibration damping device 14 includes a first component 141, which is fixed to the refrigerant pipe 13. When the refrigerant pipe 13 vibrates, the first component 141 vibrates synchronously with the refrigerant pipe 13 under the influence of the refrigerant pipe 13.

[0074] In some embodiments, the vibration damping device 14 further includes a connecting rod 142 and a second component 143, with the connecting rod 142 fixed to the first component 141. The second component 143 is movably disposed on the connecting rod 142. When the first component 141 moves synchronously with the connecting rod 142 under the action of the refrigerant pipe 13, the second component 143 moves relative to the first component 141 and the connecting rod 142. One of the first component 141 and the second component 143 is a conductor, and the other is a magnet. Thus, when there is relative movement between the first component 141 and the second component 143, the conductor will generate an induced current under the influence of the magnetic field of the magnet.

[0075] Understandably, based on Lenz's law, the magnetic field generated by the induced current in the conductor is opposite in direction to the magnetic field of the magnet, thus interacting with the magnet's magnetic field to prevent or slow down the relative motion between the magnet and the conductor. This effect is transmitted to the refrigerant pipe 13 through the first component 141, thereby achieving vibration reduction of the refrigerant pipe 13. Simultaneously, the induced current causes the conductor to generate heat. That is, some of the kinetic energy transferred from the vibration of the refrigerant pipe 13 to the first component 141 is converted into electrical and thermal energy, thus absorbing and converting the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipe 13, also achieving vibration reduction. The vibration damping device 14 has a simple structure and can achieve vibration reduction of the internal pipes of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. Furthermore, the conductor and magnet have high structural and physical stability, are not prone to aging or wear, and can extend the service life of the vibration damping device 14.

[0076] Optionally, the first component 141 is a conductor, and the second component 143 is a magnet. Alternatively, the first component 141 is a magnet, and the second component 143 is a conductor. This application uses the example of the first component 141 being a conductor and the second component 143 being a magnet, but it is not intended to imply that the following only applies to this example.

[0077] See also Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the expansion valve and liquid receiver in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner in this embodiment of the application. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shown is a front view of the structure. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged schematic diagram of region A in the middle.

[0078] Understandably, the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner also includes an expansion valve 15. The compressor 12 and the expansion valve 15 form a circuit through the refrigerant pipe 13, so that the refrigerant can circulate continuously under the power provided by the compressor 12 to achieve continuous cooling.

[0079] In some embodiments, the refrigerant pipe 13 includes a return pipe 131, one end of which is connected to an expansion valve 15, and the other end is connected to a compressor 12. The return pipe 131 is used to transport the low-pressure refrigerant that has completed refrigeration from the expansion valve 15 to the inside of the compressor 12. Typically, the return pipe 131 experiences significant vibration; therefore, a vibration damping device 14 can be fixed to the return pipe 131.

[0080] In some embodiments, the refrigerant pipe 13 further includes an exhaust pipe 132, wherein one end of the exhaust pipe 132 is connected to the compressor 12 and the other end is connected to the condenser (not shown). The exhaust pipe 132 is used to output the compressed high-pressure refrigerant to the condenser for cooling and temperature reduction in preparation for continued refrigeration.

[0081] Understandably, the refrigerant piping 13 is segmented, with different segments connecting different devices to form a circuit. Therefore, the condenser can also be connected to the expansion valve 15 via a portion of the refrigerant piping 13. The refrigerant cooled by the condenser exchanges heat at the expansion valve 15, achieving refrigeration. After refrigeration, the refrigerant is transported to the compressor 12 for compression and pressurization via the return pipe 131.

[0082] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner further includes a liquid receiver 16 located inside the casing 11. The liquid receiver 16 is connected to the compressor 12, and the return pipe 131 is connected to the liquid receiver 16. That is, the return pipe 131 is connected to the compressor 12 through the liquid receiver 16. The refrigerant flowing back from the return pipe 131 first enters the liquid receiver 16, and then enters the compressor 12 from the liquid receiver 16.

[0083] In some embodiments, the return pipe 131 includes a first straight pipe section 1311, a bent section 1312, and a second straight pipe section 1313. One end of the first straight pipe section 1311 is connected to the liquid storage tank 16, and the other end is connected to one end of the bent section 1312. The other end of the bent section 1312 is connected to one end of the second straight pipe section 1313, and the other end of the second straight pipe section 1313 is connected to the expansion valve 15, and then connected to the compressor 12 via the expansion valve 15 and the exhaust pipe 132. The return pipe 131, through its bent design, extends the pipe length, increasing the dissipation of vibration energy and achieving vibration reduction to a certain extent. It also increases the deformation redundancy of the pipe, reduces the stiffness between the two connecting ends of the return pipe 131, and prevents deformation or even breakage of the return pipe 131 due to vibration.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first straight pipe section 1311 is connected to the top of the liquid storage tank 16 and extends upward along the height direction of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. The bent section 1312 is connected to the first straight pipe section 1311 and bent. The second straight pipe section 1313 is connected to the bent section 1312 and extends downward along the height direction.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first straight pipe section 1311 and the second straight pipe section 1313 are arranged opposite to each other, and the first straight pipe section 1311, the bent section 1312, and the second straight pipe section 1313 together form a U-shaped pipe section, with the first component 141 snapped onto the second straight pipe section 1313. Providing the vibration damping device 14 in the second straight pipe section 1313 can further reduce the vibration of the return air pipe 131. Simultaneously, the space between the first straight pipe section 1311 and the second straight pipe section 1313 can also be used to accommodate the vibration damping device 14. Figure 5 Position A1 as shown can improve the compactness of the internal structure of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner and improve space utilization.

[0086] It should be noted that, since the return pipe 131 increases the dissipation of vibration energy by extending its length, after the second straight pipe section 1313 extends downward to the bottom of the liquid storage tank 16, another bend can be used to extend the return pipe 131 upward in the height direction to connect with the expansion valve 15. Therefore, a vibration damping device 14 can also be installed on the return pipe 131 below the liquid storage tank 16, such as... Figure 5 Position A2 is shown. Of course, if there is enough internal space in the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, vibration damping devices 14 can also be installed at other locations on the return pipe 131, and vibration damping devices 14 can also be installed on the exhaust pipe 132.

[0087] In some embodiments, the outer diameter d1 of the return pipe 131 is 9mm-16mm, for example, it can be 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm and one or more other values ​​within this range. That is, the return pipes at different locations can be set with different pipe diameters as needed. The first component 141 is snapped onto the outside of the return pipe 131. Since the return pipe 131 is small in size and weight, it is relatively prone to large-amplitude vibrations. Therefore, setting the vibration damping device 14 on the return pipe 131 can effectively reduce the internal vibration of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner. At the same time, the return pipe 131 is small in size and does not have enough space for installing the vibration damping device 14. By snapping it on, the vibration damping device can be directly snapped onto the return pipe 131, which can realize the quick installation and removal of the vibration damping device 14.

[0088] Please see also Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a vibration damping device with an elastic element in one embodiment of this application. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The diagram shown is a top view of the vibration damping device. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the vibration damping device along the A-A' direction.

[0089] In some embodiments, the vibration damping device 14 further includes a bracket 145, which is detachably fixed to the refrigerant pipe 13. The first component 141 is fixed to the bracket 145, that is, the first component 141 is fixed to the refrigerant pipe 13 via the bracket 145. In this way, when the vibration damping device 14 or the refrigerant pipe 13 is damaged, maintenance personnel can remove the vibration damping device 14 from the refrigerant pipe 13, which facilitates targeted maintenance and reduces the difficulty of product maintenance.

[0090] Understandably, bracket 145 can be an insulating bracket to prevent the induced current generated by the first component 141 from being conducted to other metal components. Bracket 145 can be fixed to the first component 141 by screwing, snapping, etc., and then fixed to the refrigerant pipe 13 by plugging, snapping, etc., or it can be fixed to the refrigerant pipe 13 with the help of straps.

[0091] In some embodiments, the bracket 145 has a gripper 1451 that can grip the outer wall of the return air pipe 131, thereby fixing the first component 141 to the return air pipe 131.

[0092] In some embodiments, the vibration damping device 14 further includes an insulating protective sleeve 144, which is fitted around the outer periphery of the first component 141. Thus, the insulating protective sleeve 144 protects the first component 141. Simultaneously, when the first component 141 is a conductor, the insulating protective sleeve 144 prevents the first component 141 from contacting other metal parts of the outdoor unit 1, thus preventing the induced current generated by the first component 141 from flowing to other conduction paths, which could reduce or completely disable the vibration damping effect.

[0093] Optionally, the insulating protective sleeve 144 may be a protective sleeve made of rubber, silicone, plastic, foam or other insulating materials, and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first component 141 is a hollow conductor, and the extending direction of the first component 141 is the same as the axial direction of the connecting rod 142. The connecting rod 142 is disposed inside the first component 141, and the two ends of the connecting rod 142 in the axial direction are fixed to the opposite ends of the first component 141 in the extending direction. The second component 143 is also located inside the first component 141. In this way, the first component 141 can protect the connecting rod 142 and the second component 143. When the first component 141 moves under the vibration of the refrigerant pipe 13, the first component 141 can separate the second component 143 from other components of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, avoiding interference between the second component 143 and other components of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, thereby ensuring that the second component 143 can normally achieve the vibration reduction effect of the vibration damping device 14.

[0095] Optionally, the first component 141 can be a hollow columnar structure, spherical structure, or cylindrical structure. The first component 141 can be made of one or more metals with good electrical conductivity, such as copper, copper-zinc alloy, or aluminum alloy. The first component 141 can be composed of multiple discrete components connected together, or it can be a single, integrally formed component. As long as the first component 141 can generate an induced current during relative movement with the second component 143, this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0096] Understandably, a window can be made on the first component 141 to form a first opening 141a, which facilitates the placement of the connecting rod 142 and the second component 143 inside the first component 141 and also facilitates maintenance of the connecting rod 142 and the second component 143 through the first opening 141a. Correspondingly, the insulating protective sleeve 144 has a second opening 144a corresponding to the first opening 141a, and the second opening 144a can expose the first opening 141a.

[0097] When the first component 141 is a magnet and the second component 143 is a conductor, the vibration damping device 14 may include a support frame (not shown), the first component 141 is fixed on the support frame, the first component 141 may be a plurality of magnet blocks arranged at intervals or around each other, and the connecting rod 142 is fixed on the support frame.

[0098] In some embodiments, the radial dimension d2 of the first component 141 on the return pipe 131 is 72mm-160mm, for example, 72mm, 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, 110mm, 120mm, 130mm, 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, or any other value within this range. Within this range, it is ensured that the first component 141 has sufficient space to accommodate the connecting rod 142 and the second component 143, so that the vibration damping device 14 has sufficient vibration damping effect. At the same time, it ensures that the vibration damping device 14 is relatively small in size, so that it can be installed inside the air conditioner outdoor unit 1 and snapped onto the return pipe 131. When d2 < 72mm, the size of the first component 141 is too small, and it is impossible to accommodate the second component 143 of sufficient size and weight on the first component 141, which will result in poor vibration damping effect of the vibration damping device 14. When d2 > 160mm, the size of the first component 141 is relatively large, which can easily interfere with other components inside the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner, affecting the vibration reduction effect and hindering the compact design of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner.

[0099] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the connecting rod 142 perpendicular to its own axial direction is non-circular, and the second component 143 is provided with a through hole 143a. The cross-sectional profile of the through hole 143a perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting rod 142 matches the shape of the cross-section of the connecting rod 142. The connecting rod 142 passes through the through hole 143a, allowing the second component 143 to move relative to the connecting rod 142. In this way, the second component 143 can only translate relative to the connecting rod 142 and cannot rotate relative to it. When the refrigerant pipe 13 vibrates, it can prevent the second component 143 from rotating relative to the connecting rod 142, ensuring that the movement generated by the second component 143 under the influence of vibration can cause the conductor to cut the magnetic field lines of the magnet, thereby generating an induced current in the conductor and converting the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipe vibration into electrical and thermal energy, thereby achieving vibration reduction.

[0100] For example, the cross section of the connecting rod 142 perpendicular to the axial direction can be set to an ellipse, a square, or other non-circular shape to prevent the second component 143 from rotating relative to the connecting rod 142.

[0101] It is understandable that the surface of the connecting rod 142 can be made smooth by polishing or other means, and the inner wall of the second component 143 surrounding the through hole 143a can also be made smooth in the same way. In this way, the frictional resistance between the connecting rod 142 and the second component 143 can be effectively reduced, making it easier for the first component 141 and the connecting rod 142 to move relative to the second component 143 under the influence of vibration.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second component 143 is a block-shaped member, such as a cube, a cuboid, or other shapes. Cube-shaped or cuboid-shaped second components 143 are more commonly used due to their regular shape and ease of processing.

[0103] See you again Figures 7 to 9 In some embodiments, the vibration damping device 14 further includes elastic elements 146. When there is one second component 143, there can be two elastic elements 146, and the two elastic elements 146 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second component 143 and located inside the first component 141. One end of each of the two elastic elements 146 is connected to the second component 143, and the other end is connected to the first component 141. In this way, when the refrigerant pipe 13 is not vibrating, the two elastic elements 146 can keep the second component 143 in the middle position of the connecting rod 142. When the refrigerant pipe 13 vibrates, the first component 141 and the connecting rod 142 can reciprocate relative to the second component 143 in the axial direction of the connecting rod 142 under the action of the vibration of the refrigerant pipe 13. Furthermore, when the first component 141 and the connecting rod 142 move, the second component 143 compresses one of the elastic elements 146, converting the kinetic energy of the first component 141 and the connecting rod 142 into the elastic potential energy of the elastic element 146. In other words, the elastic element 146 can absorb some of the kinetic energy, thereby achieving vibration reduction. Simultaneously, the elastic element 146 generates heat when deforming, meaning that some of the kinetic energy of the refrigerant pipe 13 is converted into heat energy, further improving the vibration reduction effect of the vibration damping device 14.

[0104] In some embodiments, the two elastic elements 146 can be configured such that when the second component 143 is in the middle position of the connecting rod 142, the two elastic elements 146 are in their natural state, meaning that neither elastic element 146 is compressed or stretched, and at least one end of each elastic element 146 is not in contact with the first component 141 or the second component 143. In other embodiments, the two elastic elements 146 can also be configured such that when the second component 143 is in the middle position of the connecting rod 142, the two elastic elements 146 are in their natural state and in contact with both the first component 141 and the second component 143. In this way, when the first component 141 and the connecting rod 142 begin to move, neither elastic element 146 stores elastic potential energy, and the second component 143 can more easily compress the elastic elements 146.

[0105] Please see also Figure 10 and Figure 11 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vibration damping device with multiple second components in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a vibration damping device having multiple second components in an embodiment of this application.

[0106] In some embodiments, multiple second components 143 may be provided, such as two. These second components 143 are all movably disposed on the connecting rod 142 along its axial direction, and are all located inside the first component 141. By increasing the number of second components 143, the overall weight of the vibration damping device 14 can be increased, thereby increasing the inertia of the vibration damping device 14. When the compressor 12 operates and causes the refrigerant pipe 13 to vibrate, the vibration damping device 14 is more stable due to its greater inertia, making it more difficult for the refrigerant pipe 13 to move the vibration damping device 14. This further reduces the vibration of the refrigerant pipe 13 and the noise generated by the vibration.

[0107] When multiple second components 143 are provided, more than two elastic elements 146 can be provided. The connecting rod 142 has a first end 142a and a second end 142b, which are respectively fixed to opposite sides inside the first component 141.

[0108] In some embodiments, when there are two elastic members 146, one elastic member 146 is located on the same side of the plurality of second components 143, such as the side near the first end 142a, and one end of the elastic member 146 can be connected to the second component 143 closest to the first end 142a, while the other end is connected to the first component 141. The other elastic member 146 is located on the other side of the plurality of second components 143, that is, the side near the second end 142b, and one end of the elastic member 146 can be connected to the second component 143 closest to the second end 142b, while the other end is connected to the other side of the first component 141.

[0109] In other embodiments, when there are multiple elastic elements 146, the second components 143 and elastic elements 146 can be alternately arranged, and each second component 143 has elastic elements 146 on both opposite sides. In this case, one end of the elastic element 146 closest to the first end 142a is connected to the second component 143 closest to the first end 142a, and the other end is connected to the first component 141. One end of the elastic element 146 closest to the second end 142b is connected to the second component 143 closest to the second end 142b, and the other end is connected to the first component 141. Of course, the second components 143 and elastic elements 146 do not have to be arranged alternately. For example, multiple elastic elements 146 can be arranged between two adjacent second components 143, and / or multiple second components 143 can be arranged between two adjacent elastic elements 146. With this configuration, when the first component 141 and the connecting rod 142 move axially along the connecting rod 142 under the influence of the refrigerant pipe 13, multiple elastic elements 146 are compressed by multiple second components 143. These elastic elements 146 absorb part of the kinetic energy of the first component 141 and the connecting rod 142, thereby achieving vibration reduction of the refrigerant pipe 13. At the same time, the deformation of the multiple elastic elements 146 under compression generates heat, and some of the kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy. The thermal energy is transferred to the air through heat exchange between the elastic elements 146 and the air, thereby further improving the vibration reduction effect of the vibration damping device 14.

[0110] Optionally, the elastic element 146 can be a spring, a sheet spring, a torsion spring, or a compression spring. When the elastic element 146 is set as a spring, the spring can be sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting rod 142. This can reduce the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the vibration damping device 14 and facilitate the assembly of the vibration damping device 14.

[0111] Please see also Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application.

[0112] The second aspect of this application provides an air conditioner 2, which includes the aforementioned outdoor unit 1 and an indoor unit 21. The indoor unit 21 is connected to the outdoor unit 1 and is installed indoors to provide cooling or heating to the room.

[0113] Optionally, the indoor unit 21 of the air conditioner can be a wall-mounted indoor unit or a cabinet indoor unit, and this application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0114] The above provides a detailed description of the outdoor unit and air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this utility model. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this utility model. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the idea of ​​this utility model. There may be changes in the specific implementation and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

Claims

1. An air conditioner outdoor unit characterized by comprising: include: chassis; The compressor is located inside the housing; A refrigerant pipe is located inside the housing and is connected to the compressor. The refrigerant pipe is used to deliver refrigerant to the compressor. A vibration damping device is located inside the housing and is installed on the refrigerant pipe; The vibration damping device includes: The first component is fixed to the refrigerant pipe; A connecting rod, which is fixed to the first component; The second component is movably disposed on the connecting rod along the axial direction of the connecting rod. One of the first component and the second component is a conductor and the other is a magnet. The first component and the second component are configured to move relative to each other when the refrigerant pipe vibrates, so as to induce a current in the conductor.

2. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component is a hollow columnar structure. The extension direction of the first component is the same as the axial direction of the connecting rod. The connecting rod is located inside the first component, and the two ends of the connecting rod in the axial direction are respectively fixed to the two ends of the first component in the axial direction. The second component is located inside the first component.

3. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vibration damping device also includes: The second component has elastic elements on both sides of the connecting rod along the axial direction. The elastic elements are located inside the first component, with one end of the elastic element connected to the first component and the other end of the elastic element connected to the second component.

4. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second component comprises multiple components, each of which is movably disposed on the connecting rod along the axial direction of the connecting rod, and the elastic element is provided on opposite sides of the connecting rod along the axial direction of the multiple components.

5. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second component and the elastic element are alternately arranged in the axial direction of the connecting rod, such that the elastic element is provided on both opposite sides of each second component in the axial direction of the connecting rod.

6. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod has a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to its own axis. The second component is provided with a through hole. The cross-sectional profile of the through hole perpendicular to the axis of the connecting rod matches the shape of the cross-section of the connecting rod. The connecting rod passes through the through hole.

7. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes: A liquid storage tank is located inside the housing, and the liquid storage tank is arranged at a distance from the compressor and is in communication with the compressor; An expansion valve is located inside the housing, and the expansion valve is arranged at a distance from the liquid storage tank; The refrigerant piping includes: A return gas pipe is connected at one end to the liquid storage tank and at the other end to the expansion valve. The expansion valve supplies refrigerant to the liquid storage tank through the return gas pipe. The vibration damping device is installed on the return gas pipe. An exhaust pipe, one end of which is connected with the compressor and the other end of which is connected with the expansion valve, the compressor delivering refrigerant to the expansion valve through the exhaust pipe.

8. The outdoor unit of claim 7, wherein, The gas return pipe comprises: a first straight pipe section, one end of which is connected with the liquid accumulator; a bent section, one end of which is connected with the other end of the first straight pipe section; a second straight pipe section, one end of which is connected with the other end of the bent section, the other end of which is connected with the compressor, the second straight pipe section being arranged opposite to the first straight pipe section, the vibration damping device being arranged on the second straight pipe section and between the first straight pipe section and the second straight pipe section, the axial direction of the connecting rod being perpendicular to the axial direction of the second straight pipe section.

9. The outdoor unit of claim 7, wherein, The outer diameter of the gas return pipe is 9-16 mm, the first part is columnar, and the first part extends along the radial direction of the gas return pipe, the size of the first part in the radial direction of the gas return pipe is 72-160 mm, and the first part is clamped on the outside of the gas return pipe.

10. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1-9.

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