Air conditioner and air conditioning system thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of air conditioner and air conditioning system thereof, the air conditioning system includes: compressor, gas-liquid separator and drive pump;Compressor has oil pool;Gas-liquid separator has first oil outlet;The import of oil storage device is communicated with first oil outlet, and the outlet of oil storage device is communicated with oil pool by oil return pipeline;Drive pump is arranged on oil return pipeline, configured to make the oil liquid in oil storage device flow to oil pool.The air conditioning system of the utility model can avoid the problem of oil shortage of compressor, prolong the service life of compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to an air conditioner and its air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards, air conditioners have become an indispensable electrical appliance in people's lives. In related technologies, when air conditioners start up in low-temperature heating mode or after defrosting, the compressor rapidly increases its frequency, causing a sudden large amount of oil to be drawn from the compressor's oil sump. Furthermore, because the oil return hole of the gas-liquid separator is small, the oil drawn from the compressor cannot flow back to the compressor's oil sump in a timely manner, resulting in a problem of insufficient oil in the compressor's oil sump. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner and air conditioning system that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0004] One objective of this invention is to solve the problem of insufficient oil in the oil sump of the compressor.

[0005] Specifically, this utility model proposes an air conditioning system.

[0006] This utility model also proposes an air conditioner.

[0007] The air conditioning system of this utility model includes: a compressor having an oil sump; a gas-liquid separator having a first oil outlet; an oil storage device having an inlet connected to the first oil outlet and an outlet connected to the oil sump via a return oil pipeline; and a drive pump disposed on the return oil pipeline and configured to cause the oil in the oil storage device to flow to the oil sump.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air conditioning system further includes: an intake pipe connected between the compressor and the gas-liquid separator; a balancing pipe, one end of which is connected to the intake pipe; and an oil storage device defining a receiving cavity for storing oil, the other end of which is connected to the receiving cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the other end of the balancing conduit is connected to the receiving cavity, and the other end of the balancing conduit is lower than one end of the balancing conduit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the receiving cavity is provided with the inlet and the outlet; both the inlet and the outlet are located at the bottom of the receiving cavity; the inlet is connected to the first oil outlet through an oil inlet pipe; and a first switching valve is provided on the oil inlet pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments, a filter screen is provided at the outlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the oil storage device includes: an inner housing defining the receiving cavity; an outer housing disposed within the outer housing; and an insulation layer filling the space between the inner housing and the outer housing; the insulation layer being made of a heat-insulating material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the oil storage device further includes a heater disposed in the receiving cavity and configured to heat the oil.

[0014] In some embodiments, the oil storage device further includes: a level detector disposed in the receiving cavity and configured to detect the oil level; and a temperature detector disposed in the receiving cavity and configured to detect the oil temperature.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air conditioning system further includes: a heat utilization device, the heat utilization device including a refrigerant circulation pipeline and a second switching valve, the second switching valve being disposed on the refrigerant circulation pipeline; the refrigerant circulation pipeline including a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section; the first heat exchange section being disposed on the compressor to absorb the heat generated by the compressor; the second heat exchange section being disposed in the receiving cavity to heat the oil in the receiving cavity.

[0016] The air conditioner of this utility model includes any of the air conditioning systems described above.

[0017] The air conditioning system of this embodiment includes an oil storage device connected between a compressor and a gas-liquid separator. The oil storage device stores oil and is connected to the compressor's oil sump via a return oil pipeline. A drive pump is installed on the return oil pipeline to drive the oil flow to the compressor's oil sump. When a large amount of oil is drawn from the compressor, the oil stored in the oil storage device can be replenished to the compressor's oil sump through the return oil pipeline by the drive pump, thereby preventing oil shortage in the compressor, ensuring lubrication, and extending the compressor's service life.

[0018] The above and other objects, advantages and features of this utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the present invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or components. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the oil storage device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioning system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] Air conditioning system 10;

[0028] Compressor 100;

[0029] Gas-liquid separator 200; First oil outlet 210;

[0030] Oil storage device 300; inlet 310; outlet 320; receiving cavity 330; filter screen 340; inner shell 350; outer shell 360; insulation layer 370; heater 380;

[0031] Return oil line 410; drive pump 420; suction line 430; balance line 440; oil inlet line 450; first switch valve 460;

[0032] Heat utilization device 500; refrigerant circulation pipeline 510; first heat exchange section 511; second heat exchange section 512; second switching valve 520;

[0033] Air conditioner 20. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following reference Figures 1 to 6This invention describes an air conditioner and its air conditioning system according to embodiments of the present invention. In this description, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0035] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," "link," "fix," and "couple" 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 or an electrical connection; 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 expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "below" of the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0038] The air conditioning system 10 of this utility model is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the air conditioning system 10 of this utility model embodiment includes a compressor 100, a gas-liquid separator 200, an oil storage device 300, and a drive pump 420.

[0040] The compressor 100 has an oil sump, and the gas-liquid separator 200 has a first oil outlet 210. The inlet 310 of the oil storage device 300 is connected to the first oil outlet 210, so that the oil separated in the gas-liquid separator 200 can sequentially enter the oil storage device 300 through the first oil outlet 210 and the inlet 310 of the oil storage device 300. The oil storage device 300 can store oil, and the outlet 320 of the oil storage device 300 is connected to the oil sump via a return oil line 410, so that the oil in the oil storage device 300 can enter the oil sump of the compressor 100 through the return oil line 410. A drive pump 420 is installed on the return oil line 410, and the drive pump 420 is configured to cause the oil in the oil storage device 300 to flow to the oil sump.

[0041] The specific operation process of the air conditioning system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] When the compressor 100 is operating stably (e.g., the air conditioning system 10 is in heating mode and the compressor 100 frequency reaches 70% of its maximum operating frequency), the oil separated in the gas-liquid separator 200 enters the oil storage device 300 sequentially through the first oil outlet 210 and the inlet 310 of the oil storage device 300. The drive pump 420 drives the oil sequentially through the outlet 320 of the oil storage device 300 and the return oil line 410 into the oil sump of the compressor 100. Since the amount of oil pumped from the compressor 100's oil sump is relatively small and the oil sump's capacity is limited, a portion of the oil separated in the gas-liquid separator 200 will accumulate in the oil storage device 300.

[0043] When the compressor 100 is in a state of rapid frequency increase (for example, when the air conditioning system 10 is in heating mode and the compressor 100 is in the frequency increase stage after the oil return mode is completed), a large amount of oil in the compressor 100 is drawn away. At this time, the oil stored in the oil storage device 300 flows into the oil sump of the compressor 100 through the driving action of the drive pump 420, thereby replenishing the oil sump of the compressor 100 and preventing the compressor 100 from running out of oil.

[0044] Compared with related technologies, the air conditioning system 10 of this embodiment includes an oil storage device 300 connected between the compressor 100 and the gas-liquid separator 200. The oil storage device 300 can store oil and is connected to the oil sump of the compressor 100 via a return oil pipeline 410. A drive pump 420 is installed on the return oil pipeline 410 to drive the oil to flow to the oil sump of the compressor 100. When a large amount of oil is drawn from the compressor 100, the oil stored in the oil storage device 300 can be replenished to the oil sump of the compressor 100 through the return oil pipeline 410 driven by the drive pump 420, thereby preventing oil shortage in the compressor 100, ensuring lubrication, and extending the service life of the compressor 100.

[0045] In some alternative embodiments, when the air conditioning system 10 is in heating mode and the air conditioning system 10 has completed defrosting or oil return mode, the compressor 100 is in the frequency boosting stage. The compressor 100 frequency reaches 30% of its maximum operating frequency, driving the pump 420 to run, so as to drive the oil in the oil storage device 300 to flow into the oil sump of the compressor 100.

[0046] When the compressor 100 reaches 70% of its maximum operating frequency after defrosting or oil return mode is completed, the drive pump 420 is shut down.

[0047] In some alternative embodiments, the air conditioning system 10 of this embodiment also includes an outdoor temperature sensor, so that the air conditioning system 10 can detect the outdoor ambient temperature in real time, so that the air conditioning system 10 of this embodiment can adjust the operating state of the drive pump 420 according to the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the air conditioning system 10 is in heating mode and the outdoor ambient temperature is between -15°C and 7°C, the compressor 100 has been idle for more than a first preset time (e.g., 20 minutes). When the compressor 100 starts and the compressor 100 frequency reaches 25% of the maximum frequency, the drive pump 420 is run to drive the oil in the oil storage device 300 into the oil sump of the compressor 100.

[0049] When compressor 100 increases its frequency to 60% of its maximum operating frequency, drive pump 420 is shut off.

[0050] In some alternative embodiments, when the air conditioning system 10 of this embodiment is in heating mode and the outdoor ambient temperature is less than -15°C, the compressor 100 has been idle for more than a second preset time (e.g., 10 minutes) and the compressor 100 has been started and its frequency has reached 30% of the maximum frequency, the pump 420 is driven to run, so as to drive the oil in the oil storage device 300 to flow into the oil sump of the compressor 100.

[0051] When compressor 100 increases its frequency to 55% of its maximum operating frequency, drive pump 420 is shut down.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first oil outlet 210 is located at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 200, which facilitates the oil separated by the gas-liquid separator 200 to flow out fully from the first oil outlet 210.

[0053] Furthermore, the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 200 includes a concave conical bottom surface, with the first oil outlet 210 located at the lowest point of the bottom surface. This further facilitates the efficient outflow of the oil separated by the gas-liquid separator 200 from the first oil outlet 210.

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the air conditioning system 10 of this embodiment further includes an intake pipe 430 and a balancing pipe 440. The intake pipe 430 is connected between the compressor 100 and the gas-liquid separator 200, so that the gaseous refrigerant separated by the intake pipe 430 enters the compressor 100 through the intake pipe 430. One end of the balancing pipe 440 is connected to the intake pipe 430. The oil storage device 300 defines a receiving cavity 330 for storing oil, and the other end of the balancing pipe 440 is connected to the receiving cavity 330. That is, the receiving cavity 330 of the oil storage device 300 is connected to the intake pipe 430 through the balancing pipe 440, so that the gas in the receiving cavity 330 can flow into the intake pipe 430 through the balancing pipe 440, and the gas in the intake pipe 430 can also flow into the receiving cavity 330 through the balancing pipe 440, thereby balancing the gas pressure in the receiving cavity 330. The gas is a gaseous refrigerant.

[0055] When the drive pump 420 causes the oil in the oil storage device 300 to flow out, the gas in the suction pipe 430 flows into the receiving cavity 330 through the balance pipe 440, preventing the receiving cavity 330 from being drawn into negative pressure, and ensuring that the oil in the oil storage device 300 can flow smoothly to the oil sump of the compressor 100.

[0056] When the compressor 100 stops supplying oil to the oil sump of the compressor 100, and the gas-liquid separator 200 continues to supply oil to the oil storage device 300, the oil flows into the receiving cavity 330, causing the gas in the receiving cavity 330 to be squeezed out. The squeezed-out gas enters the suction pipe 430 through the balance pipe 440, thereby ensuring that the oil can flow smoothly into the receiving cavity 330.

[0057] In some embodiments, the other end of the balancing pipe 440 is connected to the receiving cavity 330, and the other end of the balancing pipe 440 is lower than one end of the balancing pipe 440. This prevents the oil in the receiving cavity 330 from flowing into the intake pipe 430 through the other end of the balancing pipe 440, thus ensuring the stability of the air conditioning system 10 in this embodiment of the invention.

[0058] In some optional embodiments, the receiving cavity 330 is provided with an opening located at the highest point of the receiving cavity 330, thereby increasing the distance between the opening and the liquid surface of the oil in the receiving cavity 330 and preventing oil from entering the opening. The other end of the balancing pipe 440 is connected to the opening, thereby preventing oil from entering the balancing pipe 440.

[0059] In some optional embodiments, the other end of the balancing pipe 440 passes through an opening, that is, the balancing pipe 440 is installed on the oil storage device 300 through the opening, and the ratio of the distance between the other end of the balancing pipe 440 and the top wall of the receiving cavity 330 to the overall height of the receiving cavity 330 is less than 1 / 3. This avoids the other end of the balancing pipe 440 from contacting the oil and facilitates the installation of the balancing pipe 440 on the oil storage device 300.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the receiving cavity 330 is provided with an inlet 310 and an outlet 320. Both the inlet 310 and the outlet 320 are located at the bottom of the receiving cavity 330, so that the oil in the receiving cavity 330 can flow out of the receiving cavity 330 fully. Moreover, the inlet 310 and the outlet 320 are far away from the opening or the other end of the balance pipe 440, thereby preventing the oil from entering the balance pipe 440.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, inlet 310 is connected to first outlet 210 via oil inlet pipe 450; a first switching valve 460 is provided on oil inlet pipe 450. That is to say, the first switching valve 460 can control the opening and closing of oil inlet pipe 450, thereby controlling whether the oil in gas-liquid separator 200 enters receiving chamber 330, thus avoiding excessive oil in receiving chamber 330.

[0062] For example, in this embodiment, when the air conditioning system 10 is in heating mode, and the oil level in the receiving cavity 330 is lower than 2 / 3 of the volume of the receiving cavity 330, and the compressor 100 frequency is greater than 70% of its maximum operating frequency, the first switching valve 460 opens. When the oil level in the receiving cavity 330 is higher than 2 / 3 of the volume of the receiving cavity 330, and the compressor 100 frequency is less than or equal to 70% of the compressor 100's maximum operating frequency, the first switching valve 460 closes.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, a filter screen 340 is provided at the outlet 320 of the receiving cavity 330. Impurities in the oil are filtered out through the filter screen 340, thereby ensuring that the compressor 100 can operate normally.

[0064] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the oil storage device 300 also includes a heater 380, which is disposed in the receiving cavity 330 and configured to heat the oil. That is, the oil in the receiving cavity 330 is heated by a heating element to prevent the oil temperature from being too low, thereby improving the lubrication effect of the oil after it enters the compressor 100.

[0065] Alternatively, the heating belt can be an electric heating belt.

[0066] In some embodiments, the oil storage device 300 further includes a level detector and a temperature detector. The level detector is disposed in the receiving cavity 330 and configured to detect the oil level. The temperature detector is also disposed in the receiving cavity 330 and configured to detect the oil temperature. By monitoring the oil level and temperature in the receiving cavity 330 separately using the level detector and temperature detector, the air conditioning system 10 of this embodiment can control the opening and closing of the first switching valve 460 based on the oil level and temperature.

[0067] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the oil storage device 300 includes an inner shell 350, an outer shell 360, and an insulation layer 370. The inner shell 350 defines a receiving cavity 330. The inner shell 350 is disposed within the outer shell 360; the insulation layer 370 is filled between the inner shell 350 and the outer shell 360, and the insulation layer 370 is made of heat-insulating material. Thus, the insulation layer 370 keeps the oil warm, preventing the oil temperature from dropping, reducing the heating time of the heater 380, and saving energy.

[0068] The insulation layer 370 can be made of rubber and plastic insulation cotton, phenolic foam or glass wool.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning system 10 of this embodiment further includes a heat utilization device 500, which includes a refrigerant circulation pipeline 510 and a second switching valve 520, the second switching valve 520 being disposed on the refrigerant circulation pipeline 510. The refrigerant circulation pipeline 510 includes a first heat exchange section 511 and a second heat exchange section 512; the first heat exchange section 511 is disposed on the compressor 100 to absorb the heat generated by the compressor 100; the second heat exchange section 512 is disposed in the receiving cavity 330 to heat the oil in the receiving cavity 330. That is, refrigerant (e.g., water) circulates in the refrigerant circulation pipeline 510, and the refrigerant absorbs the heat generated by the compressor 100 during operation through the first heat exchange section 511. When the refrigerant flows to the second heat exchange section 512, it releases the absorbed heat, thereby heating the oil in the receiving cavity 330.

[0070] The first heat exchanger 511 is disposed on the surface of the compressor 100, and the second heat exchanger 512 extends through the outer shell 360, the insulation layer 370 and the inner shell 350 into the receiving cavity 330 so that the second heat exchanger 512 can heat the oil in the receiving cavity 330.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, there are two compressors 100, including a first compressor 100 and a second compressor 100. There are two oil return lines 410: one end of one oil return line 410 is connected to the oil sump of the first compressor 100, and the other end is connected to the outlet 320; the other oil return line 410 is connected to the oil sump of the second compressor 100, and the other end is connected to the second outlet 320. In other words, by connecting two oil return lines 410 between the first compressor 100 and the second compressor 100 and the oil storage device 300 respectively, the oil storage device 300 can supply oil to both the first compressor 100 and the second compressor 100, thereby preventing oil shortages in both compressors. Furthermore, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the air conditioner 20 of this embodiment includes the air conditioning system 10 of any of the above embodiments. The air conditioning system 10 of the air conditioner 20 of this embodiment includes an oil storage device 300 connected between the compressor 100 and the gas-liquid separator 200. The oil storage device 300 can store oil and is connected to the oil sump of the compressor 100 via an oil return pipe 410. A drive pump 420 is installed on the oil return pipe 410 to drive the oil to flow to the oil sump of the compressor 100. When a large amount of oil is drawn from the compressor 100, the oil stored in the oil storage device 300 can be replenished to the oil sump of the compressor 100 through the oil return pipe 410 driven by the drive pump 420, thereby preventing oil shortage in the compressor 100, ensuring lubrication of the compressor 100, and improving the service life of the compressor 100.

[0073] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although many exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood and recognized as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: The compressor has an oil sump; The gas-liquid separator has a first oil outlet; The oil storage device has an inlet connected to the first oil outlet and an outlet connected to the oil pool via a return oil pipeline. A drive pump is installed on the return oil line and configured to direct the oil in the oil storage device to the oil sump.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The suction line is connected between the compressor and the gas-liquid separator; A balancing line, one end of which is connected to the intake line; The oil storage device defines a cavity for storing oil, and the other end of the balancing pipeline is connected to the cavity.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The other end of the balancing conduit is connected to the receiving cavity, and the other end of the balancing conduit is lower than one end of the balancing conduit.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The receiving cavity is provided with the inlet and the outlet; both the inlet and the outlet are located at the bottom of the receiving cavity; The inlet is connected to the first outlet via an oil inlet pipe; a first switching valve is installed on the oil inlet pipe.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A filter screen is installed at the outlet.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The oil storage device includes: The inner shell defines the receiving cavity; An outer shell, wherein the inner shell is disposed within the outer shell; An insulation layer is provided between the inner shell and the outer shell; the insulation layer is made of a heat-insulating material.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The oil storage device further includes a heater disposed in the receiving cavity and configured to heat the oil.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The oil storage device also includes: A level detector is disposed in the receiving cavity and configured to detect the liquid level height of the oil. A temperature detector is disposed in the containment cavity and configured to detect the temperature of the oil.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A heat utilization device, the heat utilization device including a refrigerant circulation pipeline and a second switching valve, the second switching valve being disposed on the refrigerant circulation pipeline; The refrigerant circulation pipeline includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section; the first heat exchange section is disposed on the compressor to absorb the heat generated by the compressor; the second heat exchange section is disposed in the receiving cavity to heat the oil in the receiving cavity.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioning system included in any one of claims 1-9.

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