Air conditioner outdoor unit and air conditioning system

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner outdoor unit and an air conditioner system. The air conditioner outdoor unit comprises a stop valve mounting plate. The stop valve mounting plate comprises a first plate part and a second plate part connected at an angle, and comprises a plurality of mounting positions, each mounting position comprising a first fixing part and a second fixing part connected with a corresponding stop valve, and the mounting positions at least comprise a first mounting position and a second mounting position. The first fixing part of the first mounting position is arranged on one of the first plate part and the second plate part, the second fixing part of the first mounting position is arranged on a first protruding structure of the other of the first plate part and the second plate part, and the surface of the first protruding structure for contacting the first stop valve and the surface of the first fixing part of the first mounting position for contacting the first stop valve extend in the same plane. The second mounting position is arranged on the second plate part. The structure enables the stop valve to be arranged at the bending position of the mounting plate through the first protruding structure, and improves the utilization rate of the mounting plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and more specifically to an outdoor air conditioning unit and an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technologies mostly use multiple bends to position the shut-off valves on different mounting planes, resulting in a dispersed arrangement of valves on the mounting plate, large distances between valves, and low space utilization. Therefore, an outdoor air conditioning unit is needed to at least partially solve these problems. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model description section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description section is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0004] To at least partially solve the above problems, a first aspect of this application provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] Multiple shut-off valves, wherein the multiple shut-off valves include at least a first shut-off valve and a second shut-off valve; and

[0006] A gate valve mounting plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion connected at an angle. The mounting plate includes multiple mounting positions for mounting corresponding gate valves. Each mounting position includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion spaced apart for connecting the gate valve. Each mounting position includes at least a first mounting position for mounting the first gate valve and a second mounting position for mounting the second gate valve. The second mounting position is located on the second plate portion.

[0007] Wherein, the second plate portion is provided with a first protruding structure, the first fixing portion of the first mounting position is provided on the first plate portion, the second fixing portion of the first mounting position is provided on the first protruding structure, and the surface of the first protruding structure for contacting the first shut-off valve and the surface of the first fixing portion of the first mounting position for contacting the first shut-off valve extend in the same plane; or, the first plate portion is provided with a first protruding structure, the first fixing portion of the first mounting position is provided on the first protruding structure, the second fixing portion of the first mounting position is provided on the second plate portion, and the surface of the first protruding structure for contacting the first shut-off valve and the surface of the second fixing portion of the first mounting position for contacting the first shut-off valve extend in the same plane.

[0008] According to this application, the first protruding structure allows the shut-off valve to be positioned at the bend in the shut-off valve mounting plate, fully utilizing the surface area of ​​the mounting plate without increasing its length. The bend in the mounting plate, with one shut-off valve positioned at the bend, allows for a compact arrangement of the shut-off valves, saving space and facilitating the miniaturization of the outdoor air conditioning unit. Alternatively, the compact arrangement of the shut-off valves provides more installation space for the fan, allowing for a larger fan in the outdoor air conditioning unit and improved heat exchange performance. The first protruding structure compensates for the misalignment caused by the plate bend, facilitating the installation of the first shut-off valve.

[0009] Optionally, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes at least three shut-off valves, and the shut-off valve mounting plate includes at least three mounting positions, wherein, except for the first mounting position, the remaining mounting positions are all located on the second plate.

[0010] According to this application, when the first protruding structure is located on the second plate, all the shut-off valves are concentrated on the second plate, which makes the shut-off valves compact and saves space. Simultaneously, the axes of the first and second shut-off valves are at a certain angle, which avoids interference between them and facilitates maintenance. When the first protruding structure is located on the first plate, all the shut-off valves are concentrated on the second plate, which makes the axes of all the shut-off valves parallel to each other, facilitating the installation of maintenance ports on the outdoor unit housing.

[0011] Optionally,

[0012] The bending angle formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion protrudes towards the front side of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure is disposed on the front side of the first plate portion; or

[0013] The bending angle formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion protrudes towards the front side of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure is disposed on the front side of the second plate portion; or

[0014] The bending angle formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion protrudes towards the rear side of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure is disposed on the rear side of the first plate portion; or

[0015] The bending angle formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion protrudes towards the rear side of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure is disposed on the rear side of the second plate portion.

[0016] According to this application, the bending direction of the gate valve mounting plate can be flexibly adjusted.

[0017] Optionally, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the first mounting position are spaced apart along a first direction, the first mounting position and the second mounting position are arranged along the first direction, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the second mounting position are spaced apart along the first direction, and the first fixing portion of the second mounting position is closer to the first mounting position than the second fixing portion of the second mounting position.

[0018] Wherein, at least a portion of the second fixing part of the first mounting position is aligned with at least a portion of the first fixing part of the second mounting position along the first direction.

[0019] According to this application, the first mounting position and the second mounting position are arranged along a first direction and are at least partially aligned in the first direction, so that the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve can be closer together, saving installation space.

[0020] Optionally, the first fixing part and the second fixing part of the second mounting position are disposed on the second protruding structure of the second plate portion.

[0021] According to this application, the second protruding structure lifts the second shut-off valve away from the surface of the main body of the shut-off valve mounting plate, which is beneficial for the user to operate the second shut-off valve.

[0022] Optionally, the shut-off valve further includes a third shut-off valve, and the mounting position further includes a third mounting position for mounting the third shut-off valve.

[0023] The third mounting position and the first mounting position are respectively located on opposite sides of the second mounting position along the first direction, and the first fixing part of the third mounting position is closer to the second mounting position than the second fixing part of the third mounting position.

[0024] According to this application, the third shut-off valve is installed on the second plate.

[0025] Optionally, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the second mounting position are spaced apart along the first direction, the first fixing portion of the second mounting position is closer to the first mounting position than the second fixing portion of the second mounting position, and at least a portion of the second fixing portion of the second mounting position is aligned with at least a portion of the first fixing portion of the third mounting position along the first direction.

[0026] According to this application, the third mounting position and the second mounting position are arranged along the first direction and are at least partially aligned in the first direction, so that the third shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve can be closer together, saving installation space.

[0027] Optionally, the second fixing part of the first mounting position and the first fixing part of the third mounting position are located on the same side of the first fixing part and the second fixing part of the second mounting position along a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0028] According to this application, the first mounting position and the third mounting position are located on the same side of the second mounting position along the second direction, which can save space occupied by multiple shut-off valves in the second direction.

[0029] Optionally, the size of the second shut-off valve is smaller than at least one of the first shut-off valve and the third shut-off valve; or

[0030] The size of the first shut-off valve is smaller than that of at least one of the second shut-off valve and the third shut-off valve.

[0031] According to this application, the second shut-off valve located in the middle has the smallest volume, which facilitates the proximity of shut-off valves to each other and saves installation space. The shut-off valve located at the end is the smallest, which allows multiple shut-off valves to be arranged close together at that end, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the outdoor unit or providing more space for the fan.

[0032] Optionally, the third shut-off valve is larger than the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve.

[0033] According to this application, the largest gate valve is located at one end of the gate valve mounting plate, which facilitates a compact arrangement of all gate valves.

[0034] Optionally, the size of the first shut-off valve is smaller than the size of the second shut-off valve.

[0035] According to this application, placing a smaller gate valve at the bend of the gate valve mounting plate can make multiple gate valves more compact.

[0036] Optionally, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner further includes a partition plate that divides the internal space of the outdoor unit into left and right parts.

[0037] The first plate portion is closer to the partition plate than the second plate portion; or, the second plate portion is closer to the partition plate than the first plate portion.

[0038] One end of the shut-off valve mounting plate of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner is usually connected to the partition plate. Some pipes and components are close to both the partition plate and the shut-off valve mounting plate, such as pipes connecting to the compressor and wiring harnesses for the control module. According to this application, when the first plate is close to the partition plate, multiple shut-off valves can be spaced a certain distance from the partition plate to avoid interference with the aforementioned pipes and components. With multiple shut-off valves away from the partition plate and the compressor, relatively complete installation space can be reserved in the machine room, facilitating the arrangement of pipes and the installation of other components. When the second plate is close to the partition plate, the shut-off valves are even closer to the partition plate, the compressor, etc., making the space in the first plate, which is further away from the partition plate, more complete, allowing for centralized arrangement of pipes.

[0039] The shut-off valve mounting plate further includes a third plate portion, which is integrally connected to the one of the first plate portion and the second plate portion that is closer to the central partition plate. The third plate portion includes:

[0040] A third fixing part is disposed at the end of the third plate portion that is farther from the first plate portion and the second plate portion and closer to the middle partition plate, for fixed connection with the middle partition plate.

[0041] The contact portion abuts against the surface of the partition plate on the side facing the partition plate.

[0042] According to this application, the gate valve mounting plate is connected to the middle partition plate on one side through two parts: a third fixing part and a contact part, which can ensure that the gate valve mounting plate is installed securely.

[0043] Optionally, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes at least three shut-off valves, and the shut-off valve mounting plate includes at least three mounting positions, wherein at least one of the mounting positions is disposed on the first plate portion.

[0044] According to this application, multiple shut-off valves can be respectively installed on both sides of the first shut-off valve, which is beneficial to make full use of the shut-off valve mounting plate.

[0045] A second aspect of this application provides an air conditioning system comprising:

[0046] Air conditioner indoor unit, and

[0047] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to either the first or second aspect.

[0048] According to the first aspect, when the shut-off valves are centrally located in the second plate, the shut-off valves in the outdoor unit of the air conditioning system are installed compactly. This allows the fragmented spaces originally separated by the shut-off valves to be consolidated into a relatively complete installation space for installing other pipes and components, which is beneficial for optimizing the layout of the mechanical compartment. Simultaneously, reducing the overall size of the shut-off valve mounting plate makes it possible to further compress the mechanical compartment space, which is conducive to miniaturization of the outdoor unit. Alternatively, without changing the size of the outdoor unit, compressing the mechanical compartment space allows for the installation of a larger fan, improving the heat exchange performance of the outdoor unit and enhancing the quality of the air conditioning system and the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this application, are provided for understanding the application. The drawings illustrate representative embodiments of the application and are used to explain the principles of the application, not to limit it.

[0050] In the attached image:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of this application, wherein part of the housing is omitted to show part of the internal structure;

[0052] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the diagram;

[0053] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A top view of a portion of the structure of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner;

[0054] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the shut-off valve in the diagram;

[0055] Figure 5 for Figure 2 Front view of the shut-off valve mounting plate;

[0056] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the shut-off valve mounting plate;

[0057] Figures 7 to 9 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of an outdoor air conditioning unit according to a specific embodiment of this application, showing the connection method between the shut-off valve mounting plate and the partition plate;

[0058] Figures 10 to 15 This is a top view of a partial structure of an outdoor air conditioning unit according to a specific embodiment of the present application, showing a shut-off valve mounting plate and a shut-off valve.

[0059] Figures 16 to 20This is a schematic diagram of the flow path of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 21 and Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path of an air conditioning system according to the second embodiment of this application.

[0061] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0062] 11: Outdoor heat exchanger

[0063] 11A: First outdoor heat exchanger

[0064] 11B: Second outdoor heat exchanger

[0065] 15: First end of heat exchanger

[0066] 16: Second end of heat exchanger

[0067] 19: Control Module

[0068] 20: Container Components

[0069] 21: First Container

[0070] 22: Second container

[0071] 23: The Third Container

[0072] 25: Medium Inlet

[0073] 26: Medium outlet

[0074] 31A: Third switching valve

[0075] 31B: Fourth switching valve

[0076] 34A / 44A / 64A: First interface of the switching valve

[0077] 34B / 44B / 64B: Second port of the switching valve

[0078] 34C / 44C / 64C: Third interface of the switching valve

[0079] 41: Second switching valve

[0080] 42: Second nut

[0081] 45: Gate valve

[0082] 45A: First shut-off valve

[0083] 45B: Second shut-off valve

[0084] 45C: Third shut-off valve

[0085] 46 / 46A / 46B / 46C: First nut

[0086] 47: Valve body

[0087] 48: Valve port

[0088] 49 / 49A / 49B / 49C: Installing Ears

[0089] 50: Gate valve mounting plate

[0090] 51: First board section

[0091] 52: Second section

[0092] 53: Third Board Section

[0093] 54: Third fixing part

[0094] 55: Contact Department

[0095] 56: Connecting part

[0096] 57: First protrusion structure

[0097] 57C: Second plane

[0098] 57D: Fourth Surface

[0099] 58: Second protrusion structure

[0100] 59: Bending Angle

[0101] 61: First switching valve

[0102] 65: Four-way valve

[0103] 65A: First port of the four-way valve

[0104] 65B: Second port of four-way valve

[0105] 65C: Third port of four-way valve

[0106] 65D: Fourth port of the four-way valve

[0107] 71: Third connecting pipe

[0108] 74: Second connecting pipe

[0109] 76: First connecting pipe

[0110] 80: Installation position

[0111] 81: First installation position

[0112] 81A: First mounting position, first fixing part

[0113] 81B: First mounting position, second fixing part

[0114] 81C: First plane

[0115] 81D: Third Surface

[0116] 82: Second mounting position

[0117] 82A: Second mounting position, first fixing part

[0118] 82B: Second mounting position, second fixing part

[0119] 83: Third installation position

[0120] 83A: Third mounting position, first fixing part

[0121] 83B: Third mounting position, second fixing part

[0122] 84: Openwork section

[0123] 91: Shell

[0124] 92: Capacity

[0125] 93: Middle partition

[0126] 100 / 110: Air conditioner indoor unit

[0127] 101: First Indoor Heat Exchanger

[0128] 102: First port of the first indoor heat exchanger

[0129] 103: Second port of the first indoor heat exchanger

[0130] 105: Second Indoor Heat Exchanger

[0131] 106: First port of the second indoor heat exchanger

[0132] 107: Second port of the second indoor heat exchanger

[0133] 200 / 210: Air conditioner outdoor unit

[0134] 300 / 310: Air conditioning system

[0135] D1: First Direction

[0136] D2: Second Direction

[0137] D3: Third direction

[0138] DH: Up and down direction

[0139] DT: Forward and backward direction

[0140] DW: Left and right directions

[0141] P: Plane

[0142] P1: First Virtual Plane

[0143] P2: Second Virtual Plane

[0144] SP: Plane of Symmetry Detailed Implementation

[0145] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0146] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided in the following description. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this application may have other embodiments.

[0147] The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component,” and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component.” The use of words such as “first,” “second,” and “third” does not indicate any order and can be interpreted as names.

[0148] It should be noted that the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0149] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0150] Unless otherwise stated, the numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also the subranges contained therein.

[0151] This application provides an outdoor unit for an air conditioner and an air conditioning system having the outdoor unit.

[0152] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0153] like Figure 1 As shown, the outdoor unit 200 of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of this application has a housing 91 and a partition 93. The housing 91 encloses an internal receiving space 92 of the outdoor unit 200. The partition 93 extends generally in a vertical direction DH. The partition 93 is connected to the housing 91 and divides the receiving space 92 of the outdoor unit 200 into left and right parts. The portion of the receiving space 92 located on the left side of the partition 93 is a first space, for example, for installing a heat exchanger and a fan. The portion of the receiving space 92 located on the right side of the partition 93 is a second space, for example, for installing a control module 19, a container assembly 20, and flow path components. The container assembly 20 is used to contain and process the heat exchange medium. The container assembly 20 includes, for example, a gas-liquid separator and a compressor 22. The flow path components include, for example, various valves, pipes, distributors, etc. The control module 19 is used to control the operation of the electrical control components of the outdoor unit 200.

[0154] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of shut-off valves 45 and shut-off valve mounting plates 50 are installed in the second space. The shut-off valves 45 are mounted on the shut-off valve mounting plates 50. The shut-off valve mounting plates 50 are, for example, mounted to the partition plate 93 and the housing 91.

[0155] Each shut-off valve 45 has a generally identical structure. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the shut-off valve 45 includes a valve body 47, a first nut 46, a second nut 42, two valve ports 48, and two mounting ears 49. The first nut 46, the second nut 42, the valve ports 48, and the mounting ears 49 are all connected to the valve body 47. The heat exchange medium flows into and out of the valve body 47 from the valve ports 48. Each valve port 48 is connected to a pipe 17, which is connected to the piping of the indoor and outdoor units respectively, allowing the heat exchange medium to circulate between the indoor and outdoor units. The first nut 46 is the nut at the process valve port, i.e., the maintenance port nut. Unscrewing the first nut 46 exposes the maintenance port, which is used for maintenance, such as connecting a pressure gauge during maintenance, evacuating the piping during machine installation, or connecting to a refrigerant recovery machine when recovering refrigerant. The second nut 42 serves a protective and dustproof function. Unscrewing the second nut 42 allows manual operation of its internal structure to control the opening and closing of the shut-off valve 45 (e.g., turning the valve with an Allen wrench). Typically, both the first nut 46 and the second nut 42 require a tool (e.g., a wrench) to tighten. A mounting lug 49 is provided on each of the opposite sides of the valve body 47. The mounting lug 49 is used to secure the valve to a mounting position to install the shut-off valve 45 in a preset position. The two mounting lugs 49 extend in the same plane. The shut-off valve 45 has a generally symmetrical structure, symmetrical about a plane of symmetry SP perpendicular to the extension plane of the mounting lugs 49.

[0156] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the gate valve mounting plate 50 includes multiple mounting positions 80. Each mounting position 80 corresponds to a gate valve 45 and is used to mount that gate valve 45. The mounting position 80 can be understood as the structure, components, and area occupied by the gate valve 45 on the gate valve mounting plate 50 used for mounting the gate valve 45.

[0157] The multiple shut-off valves 45 of the outdoor unit 200 include at least a first shut-off valve 45A and a second shut-off valve 45B. The multiple mounting positions 80 of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 include at least a first mounting position 81 for mounting the first shut-off valve 45A and a second mounting position 82 for mounting the second shut-off valve 45B. The multiple shut-off valves 45 of the outdoor unit 200 may also include a third shut-off valve 45C. The multiple mounting positions 80 of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 may also include a third mounting position 83 for mounting the third shut-off valve 45C.

[0158] Corresponding to the two mounting ears 49 of the shut-off valve 45, each mounting position 80 includes two spaced-apart fixing portions: a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion, which are used to connect to the corresponding two mounting ears 49 of the shut-off valve 45, respectively. For example, each fixing portion is connected to the mounting ear 49 by a fastener (e.g., a bolt). The fixing portion of the mounting position 80 can be understood as the part that contacts the mounting ear 49. Exemplarily, the fixing portion can be a threaded hole structure.

[0159] The two fixing parts of the first mounting position 81 are the first fixing part 81A and the second fixing part 81B. The two fixing parts of the second mounting position 82 are the first fixing part 82A and the second fixing part 82B. The two fixing parts of the third mounting position 83 are the first fixing part 83A and the second fixing part 83B. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 5 The portion of the gate valve mounting plate 50 between the two fixing parts in each mounting position 80 is provided with a cutout 84 to accommodate the valve body 47 and to allow space for the pipe connected to the gate valve 45 to pass through.

[0160] For example, the mounting position 80 may include two fixing parts for fixing to the shut-off valve 45, a cutout 84 for accommodating a pipe connected to the shut-off valve 45, and a portion of the main body of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 between the fixing parts and the cutout. (See comparison) Figure 2 and Figure 5 The area occupied by each mounting position 80 can be roughly determined.

[0161] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 is not a flat plate extending in a plane. For example, the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 includes a first plate portion 51 and a second plate portion 52 connected at an angle. The shut-off valve mounting plate 50 extends along a second direction D2, that is, the second direction D2 is parallel to the surface of the plate body of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are arranged along a first direction D1. The end of the second plate portion 52 away from the first plate portion 51 is offset from the first plate portion 51 in a third direction D3. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. For example, in the outdoor unit 200 of an air conditioner, the first direction D1 is the left-right direction, the second direction D2 is the up-down direction, and the third direction D3 is the front-back direction DT.

[0162] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first fixing part 81A of the first mounting position 81 is provided on the first plate portion 51. The second fixing part 81B of the first mounting position 81 is provided on the second plate portion 52. Therefore, the first mounting position 81 spans the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52. Since the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are arranged along the first direction D1, the first fixing part 81A and the second fixing part 81B are spaced apart along the first direction D1. The second mounting position 82 is provided on the second plate portion 52. Since the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are bent at a certain angle, the space occupied in the first direction D1 is reduced, and the space utilization in the front-rear direction DT is increased, making the utilization of the accommodating space 92 more effective. Therefore, the multiple shut-off valves 45 are more compact, and the size of the air conditioner outdoor unit in the first direction D1 can be further reduced, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the air conditioner outdoor unit.

[0163] To accommodate the planar structure of the two mounting ears 49, the second plate portion 52 is provided with a first protruding structure 57. The protruding structure can be understood as a structure that protrudes from the planar surface of the plate body. The second fixing portion 81B of the first mounting position 81 is provided in the first protruding structure 57. Wherein, as... Figure 3 As shown, the first fixing portion 81A of the first mounting position 81 has a first surface 81C for contacting one mounting lug 49A of the first shut-off valve 45A, and the first protruding structure 57 has a second surface 57C for contacting the other mounting lug 49A of the first shut-off valve 45A. Both the first surface 81C and the second surface 57C are planar and extend in the same plane P. That is, the second plate portion 52 compensates for the gap between the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 in the third direction D3 by the first protruding structure 57 (the first protruding structure 57 protrudes and extends in the third direction D3), thus constructing at least a portion of the first mounting position 81 as a planar structure.

[0164] Because of the first protruding structure 57, the first shut-off valve 45A can be installed at the bend of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The first shut-off valve 45A does not need to be completely disposed on the flat first plate portion 51; instead, the surfaces of the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 can be utilized, improving the utilization rate of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. Since the surface of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 is fully utilized, there is no need to increase the length of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 in the first direction D1.

[0165] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the bend angle 59 formed by the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 protrudes towards the front side of the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure 57 is disposed on the front side of the second plate portion 52. Consequently, the two mounting ears 49A of the first shut-off valve 45A are located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The first nut 46A of the first shut-off valve 45A is also located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. Therefore, during maintenance, the user can access the first nut 46A by removing the front panel of the housing 91.

[0166] Preferably, the first nut 46 of each shut-off valve 45 is located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The first nut 46A of the first shut-off valve 45A is located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The first nut 46B of the second shut-off valve 45B is located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The first nut 46C of the third shut-off valve 45C is located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50.

[0167] Since the first nut 46 and the second nut 42 are located on the same side of the mounting ear 49 along the axial direction DA of the valve body 47 (the axial direction DA is parallel to the plane of symmetry SP), and the second nut 42 is further away from the mounting ear 49 than the first nut 46, when the first nut 46 is located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50, the second nut 42 is also located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50, which facilitates operation.

[0168] In this invention, the front side of the outdoor unit 200 refers to the side closest to the front panel of the housing 91. The rear side refers to the side away from the front panel of the housing 91. The first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are preferably flat plates, or the main body is a flat plate, so the bending angle 59 is preferably an angle formed by two straight lines. In actual products, due to the needs of the manufacturing process, the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 may also be smoothly transitioned by a rounded corner with a small radius (e.g., a standard R-angle).

[0169] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5The first mounting position 81 and the second mounting position 82 are arranged along the first direction D1. The first fixing part 82A and the second fixing part 82B of the second mounting position 82 are spaced apart along the first direction D1. The first fixing part 82A of the second mounting position is closer to the first mounting position 81 than the second fixing part 82B of the second mounting position. There is at least one first virtual plane P1 perpendicular to the first direction D1, which intersects with both the second fixing part 81B of the first mounting position 81 and the first fixing part 82A of the second mounting position 82. In other words, in the projection of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 along the third direction D3 or the second direction D2, at least a portion of the second fixing part 81B of the first mounting position 81 and at least a portion of the first fixing part 82A of the second mounting position 82 are aligned in the first direction D1. That is, in the finished product, the second fixing part 81B of the first mounting position 81 and the first fixing part 82A of the second mounting position 82 are substantially aligned in the left-right direction DW. Furthermore, they are completely aligned in the first direction D1, that is, one is directly above the other. Thus, the two adjacent mounting ears 49A and 49B of the first shut-off valve 45A and the second shut-off valve 45B are staggered in the second direction D2, so that the two valve bodies 47 of the first shut-off valve 45A and the second shut-off valve 45B can be closer in the first direction D1, the multiple shut-off valves 45 are more compact, and the size of the shut-off valve mounting plate in the first direction D1 can be reduced.

[0170] Due to the function of the first protruding structure 57, the mounting ear 49 of the first shut-off valve 45A is generally parallel to the first plate portion 51, and the axial direction DA of the valve body 47 of the first shut-off valve 45A is generally perpendicular to the first plate portion 51. Meanwhile, the mounting ear 49 of the second shut-off valve 45B is parallel to the second plate portion 52, and the axial direction DA of the valve body 47 of the second shut-off valve 45B is generally perpendicular to the second plate portion 52. Since the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are at an angle, the valve bodies 47 of the first shut-off valve 45A and the second shut-off valve 45B are also at an angle. This is because... Figure 3 This is clearly visible. This keeps the first nuts 46 of the first shut-off valve 45A and the second shut-off valve 45B far apart from each other, and the two second nuts 42 are also far apart from each other, avoiding interference and facilitating the operation of the first nuts 46 and the second nuts 42 during maintenance.

[0171] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5A third mounting position 83 is provided on the second plate portion 52. The third mounting position 83 and the first mounting position 81 are located on opposite sides of the second mounting position 82 along the first direction D1. The first fixing portion 83A of the third mounting position 83 is closer to the second mounting position 82 than the second fixing portion 83B of the third mounting position 83. At least one second virtual plane P2 exists perpendicular to the first direction D1, and the second virtual plane P2 intersects both the second fixing portion 82B of the second mounting position and the first fixing portion 83A of the third mounting position. Similarly, at least a portion of the second fixing portion 82B of the second mounting position 82 and at least a portion of the first fixing portion 83A of the third mounting position 83 are aligned in the first direction D1. In the finished product, the second fixing portion 82B of the second mounting position 82 and the first fixing portion 83A of the third mounting position 83 are substantially aligned in the left-right direction DW. Furthermore, they can be completely aligned in the first direction D1, i.e., one is directly above the other. Thus, the two adjacent mounting ears 49B and 49C of the third shut-off valve 45C and the second shut-off valve 45B are offset in the second direction D2, so that the two valve bodies 47 of the third shut-off valve 45C and the second shut-off valve 45B can be closer in the first direction D1, and the multiple shut-off valves 45 are more compact.

[0172] Furthermore, the second fixing portion 81B of the first mounting position 81 and the first fixing portion 83A of the third mounting position 83 are located on the same side of the first fixing portion 82A and the second fixing portion 82B of the second mounting position 82 along the second direction D2. In the illustrated embodiment, the second fixing portion 81B of the first mounting position is located above the first fixing portion 82A and the second fixing portion 82B of the second mounting position 82, and the first fixing portion 83A of the third mounting position is also located above the first fixing portion 82A and the second fixing portion 82B of the second mounting position 82. In this way, the three shut-off valves 45 are more compact in the second direction D2. Of course, the second fixing portion 81B of the first mounting position and the first fixing portion 83A of the third mounting position can also be located below the first fixing portion 82A and the second fixing portion 82B of the second mounting position 82.

[0173] In the illustrated implementation, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first shut-off valve 45A and the third shut-off valve 45C sandwich the second shut-off valve 45B along the first direction D1, and the mounting lug 49A on the right side of the first shut-off valve 45A and the mounting lug 49C on the left side of the third shut-off valve 45C are close to the first nut 46B of the second shut-off valve 45B along the first direction D1. To facilitate rotation of the first nut 46B, as shown... Figure 6As shown, the first fixing part 82A and the second fixing part 82B of the second mounting position 82 are provided on the second protruding structure 58 of the second plate portion 52. The second protruding structure 58 protrudes substantially forward from the plate body of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 to lift the second shut-off valve 45B away from the surface of the plate body of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The third mounting position 83 can be directly provided on the plate body of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50.

[0174] After the second shut-off valve 45B is lifted forward, in the first direction D1, the first nut 46B of the second shut-off valve 45B is generally located between the valve bodies 47 of the other two shut-off valves 45. Understandably, the positional relationship of the three shut-off valves 45 in the first direction D1 ensures that, in the first direction D1, the gap between the first nut 46B of the second shut-off valve 45B and the valve bodies 47 of the other two shut-off valves 45 is sufficient to accommodate operating tools, such as allowing a wrench to be inserted into the gap to turn the first nut 46B.

[0175] The second protruding structure 58 can be composed of two spaced-apart protruding structures, for example, the two protruding structures are located on both sides of the hollow portion 84 of the second mounting position 82. The degree of protrusion of the two protruding structures can be the same or different, so that the plane of symmetry SP of the second shut-off valve 45B and the plane containing the main body of the second plate portion 52 form different angles. When the degree of protrusion of the two protruding structures is the same, the angle between the plane of symmetry SP of the second shut-off valve 45B and the plane containing the main body of the second plate portion 52 is approximately 90 degrees, or in other words, the two mounting ears 49 of the second shut-off valve 45B are parallel to the main body of the second plate portion 52. By setting the degree of protrusion of the two protruding structures, the space occupied by the second mounting position 82 on the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 can be reduced, achieving further compactness of the structure.

[0176] The first protrusion structure 57 and the second protrusion structure 58 can be formed by sheet metal stamping of the main body of the gate valve mounting plate 50, or they can be local protrusions set on the surface of the main body of the gate valve mounting plate 50 by welding, bonding or other connection methods. For example, the first protrusion structure 57 and the second protrusion structure 58 can be implemented by a gasket.

[0177] like Figure 1As shown, to save on the length of the discharge pipe of compressor 22, compressor 22 is arranged close to the partition 93 to be near the heat exchanger of outdoor unit 200. To avoid interference between components, the three shut-off valves 45 are relatively far from the partition 93. The first plate portion 51 is closer to the partition 93 than the second plate portion 52, so that along the first direction D1, the first shut-off valve 45A is closest to the partition 93, and the third shut-off valve 45C is farthest from the partition 93. Along the first direction D1, the first shut-off valve 45A is closest to compressor 22, and the third shut-off valve 45C is farthest from compressor 22. Preferably, the size of the third shut-off valve 45C is larger than the size of the first shut-off valve 45A and the second shut-off valve 45B. The largest shut-off valve being farthest from compressor 22 allows for more ample installation space.

[0178] Alternatively, the second shut-off valve 45B, located in the middle, can be the largest of the three shut-off valves 45. The second mounting position 82 is offset from the compressor 22 in the first direction D1, which also provides ample installation space.

[0179] Alternatively, the second shut-off valve 45B sandwiched in the middle has the smallest size, which is beneficial for the compact structure of multiple shut-off valves 45.

[0180] Alternatively, the first shut-off valve 45A, which is closest to the compressor 22, has the smallest size. This allows multiple shut-off valves 45 to be moved closer to the compressor 22 as a whole, reducing the width of the second space on the right side of the partition 93.

[0181] The dimensions of the first shut-off valve 45A and the second shut-off valve 45B may be the same or different. The dimension of the second shut-off valve 45B is smaller than at least one of the first shut-off valve 45A and the third shut-off valve 45C; or, the dimension of the first shut-off valve 45A is smaller than at least one of the second shut-off valve 45B and the third shut-off valve 45C.

[0182] To connect the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 to the partition plate 93, the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 further includes a third plate portion 53 for connection to the partition plate 93. The third plate portion 53 and the second plate portion 52 are located, for example, on opposite sides of the first plate portion 51 along a first direction D1. The third plate portion 53 and the first plate portion 51 are integrally connected. For example, the third plate portion 53 and the first plate portion 51 are constructed from the same plate, or they are welded together, or they are connected by fasteners.

[0183] The second fixing part 81B of the first mounting position 81 is located on the second plate, which allows the first shut-off valve 45A to be further away from the partition plate 93 and the compressor 22, while bringing the first shut-off valve 45A closer to the second shut-off valve 45B and the third shut-off valve 45C, making the three shut-off valves 45 more compact. By utilizing the bending angle 59 of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50, the three shut-off valves 45 are concentrated and connected to the second plate 52, so that most of the portion of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 from the first plate 51 to the third plate 53 exists as a pure plate without shut-off valves or other components. This portion of the plate has a limited thickness, thus limiting its space occupation. Figure 1 As shown, the control module 19 is located above the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The wiring harness of the control module 19 can extend downwards from the front or rear side of this plate to connect with the electrical control components at the bottom of the receiving space 92. Simultaneously, the space on the front or rear side of this plate can also be used for piping. This space has good overall integrity, resulting in fewer bends in the piping, simpler routing, and less likelihood of interference. In other words, the compact arrangement of multiple shut-off valves 45 allows for space for the wiring harness to pass through and for piping to be arranged.

[0184] In some embodiments, a wire clip and a terminal block can be installed on a portion of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 from the first plate portion 51 to the third plate portion 53. The wire clip can secure the wiring harness of the control module 19. The terminal block has multiple wiring terminals centrally located. The electrical control components in the outdoor unit can be connected to the wiring terminals of the terminal block via wires, and then connected to the control module 19 via wires from the wiring terminals of the terminal block. This makes the maintenance and disassembly of the various electrical control components more convenient.

[0185] The third plate portion 53 includes a third fixing portion 54 and a contact portion 55. The third fixing portion 54 and the contact portion 55 are spaced apart, for example, along a second direction D2. The third fixing portion 54 is used for fixed connection with the intermediate partition 93 to mount the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 to the intermediate partition 93. For example, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the third fixing part 54 is provided at the end of the third plate part 53 away from the first plate part 51, and is connected to the middle partition plate 93 by fasteners. Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the side of the contact portion 55 facing the partition plate 93 abuts against the surface of the partition plate 93, thereby generating static friction between the contact portion 55 and the partition plate 93. This allows the partition plate 93 to support, limit, and fix the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. The contact portion 55 can be formed by bending sheet metal or it can be a component welded to the main body of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50.

[0186] A connecting portion 56 is provided on the side of the second plate portion 52 away from the first plate portion 51 along the first direction D1. The connecting portion 56 is used to connect to the panel on the right side of the housing 91. The shut-off valve mounting plate 50 is fixed in the receiving space 92 by the connecting portion 56, the third fixing portion 54 and the contact portion 55.

[0187] The gate valve mounting plate 50 is, for example, a single piece of sheet metal, which is bent to form multiple parts such as the first plate part 51, the second plate part 52, and the third plate part 53. Reinforcing ribs and raised structures are formed by stamping.

[0188] In an embodiment not shown in this application, the third shut-off valve 45C is mounted on the first plate portion 51, with the third shut-off valve 45C and the second shut-off valve 45B sandwiching the first shut-off valve 45A in between. In this embodiment, the second shut-off valve 45B is furthest from the compressor and can be the largest of the three shut-off valves 45. The third shut-off valve 45C is closest to the compressor 22 and can be the smallest of the three shut-off valves 45. Alternatively, the first shut-off valve 45A, located in the middle, can be the smallest of the three shut-off valves 45.

[0189] like Figure 10 As shown, in some other embodiments, the bending angle 59 formed by the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 can also protrude towards the rear side of the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner. Correspondingly, the first protruding structure 57 is provided on the rear side of the second plate portion 52. Thus, the two mounting ears 49A of the first shut-off valve 45A are located on the rear side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50. Since the portion of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 located between the first fixing portion 81A and the second fixing portion 81B in the first mounting position 81 can be constructed with a material-deficient structure such as a hollow portion 84, it can still be ensured that the first nut 46A of the first shut-off valve 45A is located on the front side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50, which is convenient for maintenance.

[0190] like Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the first protrusion structure 57 may also be provided in the first plate portion 51. The first fixing portion 81A of the first mounting position 81 is provided in the first protrusion structure 57. The second fixing portion 81B of the first mounting position 81 is provided in the second plate portion 52. The fourth surface 57D of the first protrusion structure 57 for contacting the first shut-off valve 45A and the third surface 81D of the second fixing portion 81B of the first mounting position 81 for contacting the first shut-off valve 45A extend in the same plane P. Preferably, the remaining shut-off valves 45 (e.g., the second shut-off valve 45B and the third shut-off valve 45C) other than the first shut-off valve 45A are all provided in the second plate portion 52 away from the partition plate 93. By using the first protrusion structure 57 to position the first shut-off valve 45A at the bend angle 59, the surface of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 can be fully utilized, allowing for a compact arrangement of the multiple shut-off valves 45.

[0191] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, multiple shut-off valves 45 are parallel and installed on the same mounting surface, facilitating the installation of access ports on the outdoor unit's casing. The shut-off valve mounting plate 50 has a bend angle, allowing it to adapt more flexibly to the installation space within the machine room. For example, the two ends of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 are offset along a third direction D3, allowing each end to be connected to its respective mounting position more flexibly according to specific circumstances. In this case, the fatigue strength of the bent portion of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 is somewhat compromised. Therefore, designing the bend angle 59 at a relatively midpoint on the shut-off valve mounting plate 50, rather than avoiding the relative ends of all shut-off valves 45, reduces the degree of bending and damage.

[0192] like Figure 11 As shown, the bending angle 59 formed by the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 protrudes towards the front side of the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure 57 is provided on the front side of the first plate portion 51. Alternatively, as... Figure 12 As shown, the bending angle 59 formed by the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 protrudes toward the rear side of the air conditioner outdoor unit 200, and the first protrusion structure 57 is provided on the rear side of the first plate portion 51.

[0193] like Figure 13 As shown, in some other embodiments, both the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 may be provided with shut-off valves 45, so that there are shut-off valves 45 on both sides of the first shut-off valve 45A along the first direction D1. This can also make full use of the surface of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50, so that the multiple shut-off valves 45 are arranged compactly.

[0194] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in some embodiments, all shut-off valves 45 except for the first shut-off valve 45A can be disposed in the first plate portion 51, which is closer to the central partition 93. When multiple shut-off valves 45 are concentrated in the first plate portion 51, the extending direction of the second plate portion 52 changes relative to the first plate portion 51. This allows the second plate portion 52 to completely avoid other components, supporting the first shut-off valve 45A only through the small first protrusion structure 57, without affecting the arrangement of other components. In this case, the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 only needs to be bent once, simplifying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the multiple shut-off valves 45 are parallel and located near the front panel of the housing, facilitating disassembly and maintenance.

[0195] It is understandable that the first and second fixing parts of each mounting position are relative. For example, refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first fixing part is located on the left side of the figure, and the second fixing part is located on the right side of the figure. For example, refer to... Figure 14 and Figure 15The first fixing part is located on the right side of the figure, and the second fixing part is located on the left side of the figure. Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the example, the first fixing part of one mounting position can still be aligned at least partially with the second fixing part of the adjacent mounting position along the first direction D1. Alternatively, the second mounting position 82 sandwiched in the middle can still be offset from the other two mounting positions in the third direction D3 by the second protruding structure.

[0196] Understandably, the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 are relative terms. Without considering the position of the partition plate 93, that is, without considering the relative position of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 in the machine room, the first plate portion 51 and the second plate portion 52 can be interchanged. In other words, without considering the position of the partition plate 93, Figure 14 The structure shown is Figure 11 The structures shown are basically the same. Figure 15 The structure shown is Figure 12 The structures shown are basically the same. Therefore, it can also be understood that the second plate portion 52 is closer to the middle partition 93 than the first plate portion 51, and the second plate portion 52 is located between the first plate portion 51 and the third plate portion 53 along the first direction D1, and the second plate portion 52 is connected to the third plate portion 53. The second plate portion 52 is integrally connected to the third plate portion 53, for example.

[0197] When multiple shut-off valves 45 are concentrated in one of the first plate portion 51 or the second plate portion 52 closer to the middle partition plate 93, the shut-off valves 45 are closer to the compressor 22 and the middle partition plate 93, so that the space on the side of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 away from the middle partition plate 93 is more complete, and pipelines can be arranged in a concentrated manner.

[0198] like Figures 16 to 20 As shown, the outdoor unit 200 can be applied to the air conditioning system 300 according to the first embodiment of this application. The air conditioning system 300 includes an indoor unit 100. The indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200 are connected by a third connecting pipe 71, a first connecting pipe 76, and a second connecting pipe 74. A shut-off valve 45 is provided on the pipes connecting the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200. The third connecting pipe 71, the first connecting pipe 76, and the second connecting pipe 74 are all pipes connecting the indoor unit 100 and the outdoor unit 200, and each pipe is equipped with a shut-off valve 45.

[0199] The outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner includes, for example, two outdoor heat exchangers 11, three shut-off valves 45, a first switching valve 61, a second switching valve 41, a third switching valve 31A, a fourth switching valve 31B, and a container assembly 20. The indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner includes, for example, a first indoor heat exchanger 101 and a second indoor heat exchanger 105.

[0200] The container assembly 20 is used to handle the heat exchange medium (refrigerant). The container assembly 20 has a medium inlet 25 and a medium outlet 26. The heat exchange medium flows into the container assembly 20 from the medium inlet 25 and flows out of the container assembly 20 from the medium outlet 26. The container assembly 20 includes, for example, a gas-liquid separator 21 (also called a first container), a compressor 22 (also called a second container), and an oil separator 23 connected in series. The gas-liquid separator 21 separates the gas and liquid in the refrigerant. The compressor 22 compresses the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant gas into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas. The oil separator 23 separates the oil carried in the refrigerant.

[0201] The two outdoor heat exchangers 11 are a first outdoor heat exchanger 11A and a second outdoor heat exchanger 11B. Each outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a first heat exchange end 15 and a second heat exchange end 16 at its two ends. The first heat exchange end 15 is constructed, for example, as a manifold. The second heat exchange end 16 is constructed, for example, as a distributor. The two second heat exchange ends 16 are connected. When the heat exchange medium flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 11, it exchanges heat with the air.

[0202] Each of the first switching valve 61, the second switching valve 41, the third switching valve 31A, and the fourth switching valve 31B is equivalent to a three-way switching valve. Each switching valve has at least three switching valve ports, wherein the third switching valve port can be connected to one of the first switching valve port and the second switching valve port, respectively.

[0203] The third switching valve 31A is correspondingly configured with the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A. The fourth switching valve 31B is correspondingly configured with the second outdoor heat exchanger 11B. The third switching valve 31A and the fourth switching valve 31B are identical switching valves, each including at least a first switching valve port 34A, a second switching valve port 34B, and a third switching valve port 34C. The third switching valve port 34C is connected to the first heat exchange terminal 15 of the corresponding outdoor heat exchanger 11. Thus, the heat exchange medium either flows from the medium outlet 26 of the container assembly 20 into the outdoor heat exchanger 11 through the first heat exchange terminal 15 (when the third switching valve port 34C is connected to the first switching valve port 34A, such as...). Figure 16 (As shown), or the medium flows from the outdoor heat exchanger 11 through the first end 15 back to the container assembly 20 medium inlet 25 (when the switching valve third port 34C is connected to the switching valve second port 34B, such as...). Figure 17 (As shown). In other words, switching valves 31A and 31B are configured such that the first end 15 of the heat exchanger can communicate with one of the medium inlet 25 and the medium outlet 26.

[0204] The first end (lower end in the figure) of the third connecting pipe 71 of the air conditioning system 300 is used to connect to the second ends 16 of the two heat exchangers, and the second end (upper end in the figure) of the third connecting pipe 71 is used to connect to the first port 102 of the first indoor heat exchanger 101. It is understood that the third connecting pipe 71 extends from the outdoor unit 200 to the indoor unit 100. A first shut-off valve 45A is, for example, installed in the third connecting pipe 71. The heat exchange medium in the third connecting pipe 71 is liquid.

[0205] The first end (lower end in the figure) of the first connecting pipe 76 is used to connect to the medium inlet 25 or the medium outlet 26, and the second end (upper end in the figure) of the first connecting pipe 76 is used to connect to the second port 103 of the first indoor heat exchanger 101.

[0206] The first switching valve 61 has at least a first switching valve port 64A, a second switching valve port 64B, and a third switching valve port 64C. The third switching valve port 64C is connected to the first end of the first connecting pipe 76. This allows the first connecting pipe 76 to be connected to one of the medium inlet 25 and the medium outlet 26. It is understood that the first connecting pipe 76 extends from the outdoor unit 200 to the indoor unit 100 of the air conditioner. For example, a third shut-off valve 45C, the largest in size, is installed in the first connecting pipe 76. In the first connecting pipe 76, the heat exchange medium is gaseous.

[0207] When the first switching valve 61, the third switching valve 31A, and the fourth switching valve 31B are in different connected states, the air conditioning system 300 can respectively perform the functions of cooling, heating, and defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0208] like Figure 16 As shown, the air conditioning system 300 operates in cooling mode. Both switching valves 31A and 31B are in a state where the third port 34C of the switching valve is connected to the first port 34A of the switching valve, and the first switching valve 61 is in a state where the third port 64C of the switching valve is connected to the second port 64B of the switching valve. At this time, after the heat exchange medium flows out from the medium outlet 26, it first flows through the two outdoor heat exchangers 11, then flows into the first indoor heat exchanger 101 through the third connecting pipe 71, and then flows back to the medium inlet 25 from the first connecting pipe 76 and the first switching valve 61 (refer to the arrows indicating the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the figure). The two outdoor heat exchangers 11 are condensers, and the first indoor heat exchanger 101 is an evaporator.

[0209] like Figure 17As shown, the air conditioning system 300 operates in heating mode. Both switching valves 31A and 31B are in a state where their third port 34C is connected to their second port 34B, and the first switching valve 61 is in a state where its third port 64C is connected to its first port 64A. At this time, the heat exchange medium flows out from the medium outlet 26, first through the first switching valve 61 and the first connecting pipe 76 into the first indoor heat exchanger 101, then through the third connecting pipe 71 into the two outdoor heat exchangers 11, and finally through the two switching valves 31A and 31B, ultimately flowing back to the medium inlet 25. The two outdoor heat exchangers 11 are evaporators, and the first indoor heat exchanger 101 is a condenser.

[0210] When the air conditioning system 300 is in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 acts as an evaporator, absorbing heat from the surrounding air, causing the surrounding air temperature to drop. This may lead to frost formation on the outdoor heat exchanger 11, thus affecting heat exchange between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the air. Therefore, the air conditioning system 300 alternately defrosts the two outdoor heat exchangers 11 during heating. The air conditioning system 300 uses two switching valves 31A and 31B with different conduction states, so that one outdoor heat exchanger 11 acts as an evaporator and the other as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 acting as a condenser can then release heat to defrost.

[0211] Specifically, such as Figure 18 As shown, the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A defrosts by releasing heat. At this time, the conduction states of the first switching valve 61 and the fourth switching valve 31B are the same as those of the second outdoor heat exchanger 11A. Figure 17 The same applies. The third switching valve 31A is in a state where the third port 34C of the switching valve is connected to the first port 34A of the switching valve. After the heat exchange medium flows out from the medium outlet 26, it is diverted to the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A and the first indoor heat exchanger 101. Thus, for the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A, it receives the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium flowing out from the medium outlet 26 and becomes a condenser. The heat exchange medium flowing out from the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A and the first indoor heat exchanger 101 flows back to the container assembly 20 through the second outdoor heat exchanger 11B. The second outdoor heat exchanger 11B is still an evaporator. The first indoor heat exchanger 101 is still a condenser.

[0212] like Figure 19 As shown, the second outdoor heat exchanger 11B defrosts by releasing heat. At this time, the conduction states of the first switching valve 61 and the third switching valve 31A are the same as those of the second outdoor heat exchanger 11B. Figure 17The same applies. The fourth switching valve 31B is in a state where the third port 34C of the switching valve is connected to the first port 34A of the switching valve. After the heat exchange medium flows out from the medium outlet 26, it is diverted to the second outdoor heat exchanger 11B and the first indoor heat exchanger 101. Thus, for the second outdoor heat exchanger 11B, it receives the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium flowing out from the medium outlet 26 and becomes a condenser. The heat exchange medium flowing out from the second outdoor heat exchanger 11B and the first indoor heat exchanger 101 flows back to the container assembly 20 from the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A. The first outdoor heat exchanger 11A remains an evaporator. The first indoor heat exchanger 101 remains a condenser.

[0213] The first end (lower end in the figure) of the second connecting pipe 74 is used to connect to the medium inlet 25 or the medium outlet 26, and the second end (upper end in the figure) of the second connecting pipe 74 is used to connect to the first port 106 of the second indoor heat exchanger 105. The second port 107 of the second indoor heat exchanger 105 is used to connect to the first port 102 of the first indoor heat exchanger 101 or the second end of the third connecting pipe 71. It is understood that the second connecting pipe 74 extends from the outdoor unit 200 to the indoor unit 100. For example, a second shut-off valve 45B is installed in the second connecting pipe 74. The heat exchange medium in the second connecting pipe 74 is gaseous.

[0214] Specifically, the second switching valve 41 includes at least a first switching valve port 44A, a second switching valve port 44B, and a third switching valve port 44C. The third switching valve port 44C is connected to the first end of the second connecting pipe 74, thereby connecting the second connecting pipe 74 to one of the medium inlet 25 and the medium outlet 26.

[0215] like Figure 16 As shown, in the cooling mode of the air conditioning system 300, the second switching valve 41 is in a state where the third port 44C and the second port 44B of the switching valve are connected. This allows the heat exchange medium to flow from the outdoor heat exchanger 11 into the second indoor heat exchanger 105 via the third connecting pipe 71, and then back to the container assembly 20 via the second connecting pipe 74 and the second switching valve 41. The heat exchange medium flowing back from the second switching valve 41 and the first switching valve 61 flows back to the container assembly 20. At this time, the second indoor heat exchanger 105 functions the same as the first indoor heat exchanger 101, both being evaporators.

[0216] like Figures 17 to 19As shown, in the heating mode of the air conditioning system 300, the second switching valve 41 is in a state where the third port 44C of the switching valve is connected to the first port 44A of the switching valve. Therefore, the heat exchange medium flows into the second indoor heat exchanger 105 through the second switching valve 41 and the second connecting pipe 74, then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 11 through the third connecting pipe 71, and finally flows back to the container assembly 20 through switching valves 31A and / or 31B. After flowing out from the medium outlet 26, the heat exchange medium is diverted to the first switching valve 61 and the second switching valve 41. At this time, the second indoor heat exchanger 105 and the first indoor heat exchanger 101 have the same function, both being condensers.

[0217] like Figure 20 As shown, the air conditioning system 300 also has a reheat dehumidification operating mode. At this time, the conduction states of the third switching valve 31A, the fourth switching valve 31B, and the first switching valve 61 are... Figure 16 The same principle applies here, which allows the first indoor heat exchanger 101 to function as an evaporator for cooling. The air conditioning system 300 dehumidifies the air by lowering its temperature, causing moisture to be drawn out. However, excessively cold air can cause discomfort to users. To address this issue, the second switching valve 41 is in a state where its third port 44C is connected to its first port 44A, i.e., it is connected to... Figures 17 to 19 The states are the same. Thus, the second indoor heat exchanger 105 functions as a condenser, releasing heat. The air conditioner indoor unit 100 causes the airflow, cooled and dehumidified by the first indoor heat exchanger 101, to be reheated by the second indoor heat exchanger 105, thereby maintaining suitable indoor air temperature and humidity. The heat exchange medium flows out from the medium outlet 26 and is then diverted to the second switching valve 41, the third switching valve 31A, and the fourth switching valve 31B. The heat exchange medium flowing out from the second indoor heat exchanger 105 flows back to the container assembly 20 through the first indoor heat exchanger 101, the first connecting pipe 76, and the first switching valve 61.

[0218] exist Figures 16 to 20 In the example shown, among the three shut-off valves 45, for example, the third shut-off valve 45C has the largest size, and the size of the first shut-off valve 45A can be greater than, less than or equal to the size of the second shut-off valve 45B. The positions of the first shut-off valve 45A and the second shut-off valve 45B can be interchanged, that is, the first shut-off valve 45A is located in the second connecting pipe 74, and the second shut-off valve 45B is located in the third connecting pipe 71.

[0219] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, the air conditioning system 310 according to the second embodiment of this application includes an indoor air conditioning unit 110 and an outdoor air conditioning unit 210 according to the second embodiment of this application. Unlike the first embodiment, the indoor air conditioning unit 110 omits the second indoor heat exchanger 105, and the outdoor air conditioning unit 210 omits the second outdoor heat exchanger 11B. Correspondingly, the air conditioning system 310 omits the second connecting pipe 74. Furthermore, the outdoor air conditioning unit 210 omits the shut-off valve 45 on the second connecting pipe 74. Meanwhile, the outdoor air conditioning unit 210 replaces the four three-way switching valves in the first embodiment with a four-way valve 65.

[0220] Specifically, the four-way valve 65 includes a first port 65A, a second port 65B, a third port 65C, and a fourth port 65D. The first port 65A is connected to the medium outlet 26. The second port 65B is connected to the second port 103 of the first indoor heat exchanger 101 via a first connecting pipe 76. The third port 65C is connected to the first heat exchanger terminal 15 of the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A. The fourth port 65D is connected to the medium inlet 25. A larger second shut-off valve 45B is located in the first connecting pipe 76. A smaller first shut-off valve 45A is located in the third connecting pipe 71.

[0221] like Figure 21 As shown, in cooling mode, the first port 65A and the third port 65C of the four-way valve are connected, and the second port 65B and the fourth port 65D of the four-way valve are connected. Therefore, the heat exchange medium, after being discharged from the compressor 22, first passes through the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A, then through the first indoor heat exchanger 101, and then flows back to the suction side of the compressor 22. The first outdoor heat exchanger 11A is the condenser. The first indoor heat exchanger 101 is the evaporator.

[0222] like Figure 22 As shown, in heating mode, the first port 65A and the fourth port 65D of the four-way valve are connected, and the third port 65C and the second port 65B of the four-way valve are connected. Thus, the heat exchange medium, after being discharged from the compressor 22, first passes through the first indoor heat exchanger 101, then through the first outdoor heat exchanger 11A, and then flows back to the suction side of the compressor 22. The first outdoor heat exchanger 11A is the evaporator. The first indoor heat exchanger 101 is the condenser.

[0223] As described above, in the second embodiment, only two shut-off valves 45A and 45B need to be installed on the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 of the outdoor unit 210. When the second shut-off valve 45B is installed on the second plate portion 52, the two shut-off valves 45 are connected to the second plate portion 52 in a concentrated manner, making the two shut-off valves 45 more compact. This results in most of the portion of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 from the first plate portion 51 to the third plate portion 53 existing as a pure plate without any shut-off valves installed. Similar to the first embodiment with three shut-off valves 45 installed, sufficient space is left near this portion of the plate for arranging wiring harnesses or pipes, which can optimize the internal space layout. Terminal blocks or other components can also be installed on this portion of the plate, thereby improving the utilization rate of the shut-off valve mounting plate. When the second shut-off valve 45B is installed on the first plate portion 51, most of the second plate portion 52 exists as a pure plate, and the space near this portion of the plate is relatively complete, which can be used for arranging pipes or installing other components.

[0224] For any parts not described in the second embodiment, please refer to the description in the first embodiment.

[0225] Some components in the mechanical room 92, due to their large size or their installation as non-separable modules, require a significant amount of space. Furthermore, the piping within the mechanical room is complex. Therefore, sufficient space must be reserved in the mechanical room to accommodate these components and piping. If the shut-off valves are loosely arranged, occupying the space needed to accommodate these components and piping, interference may occur between the piping or components and the shut-off valves. Simultaneously, the piping or components may obstruct the shut-off valve service port, resulting in a narrow operating space and hindering maintenance near the service port. According to the technical solution of this application, the utilization rate of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 is improved, making the installation of multiple shut-off valves 45 more compact. By utilizing the bending angle 59 of the shut-off valve mounting plate 50, the space occupied by multiple shut-off valves 45 in the first direction D1 is reduced, and space is utilized more rationally in the third direction D3, making the multiple shut-off valves 45 more compact without increasing the size of the outdoor unit, thus optimizing the layout of the internal space of the outdoor unit. Alternatively, multiple shut-off valves 45 can be installed using the aforementioned shut-off valve mounting plate 50, which allows for a more compact arrangement of the multiple shut-off valves 45, making it possible to reduce the overall size of the shut-off valve mounting plate and the space of the compression mechanical chamber, thus facilitating the miniaturization of the outdoor unit.

[0226] In both the first and second embodiments, the shut-off valve mounting plate 50 can prevent interference between shut-off valves 45, facilitate the maintenance of shut-off valves 45, and the multiple shut-off valves 45 are installed compactly, saving internal space.

[0227] The processes and steps described in all the preferred embodiments above are merely examples. Unless adverse effects occur, various processing operations can be performed in a different order than those described above. The order of steps in the above process can also be added, combined, or deleted according to actual needs.

[0228] In understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of a described feature, element, component, group, whole, and / or step, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives.

[0229] The term "attached" or "joined" as used herein includes: a construction in which one element is directly fixed to another element by fixing it directly to another element; a construction in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to another element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connect," "joint," "couple," "install," "adhere," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate the amount of deviation from which modifications to the terminology do not significantly alter the final result.

[0230] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0231] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Multiple shut-off valves, wherein the multiple shut-off valves include at least a first shut-off valve and a second shut-off valve; and A gate valve mounting plate includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion connected at an angle. The mounting plate includes multiple mounting positions for mounting corresponding gate valves. Each mounting position includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion spaced apart for connecting the gate valve. Each mounting position includes at least a first mounting position for mounting the first gate valve and a second mounting position for mounting the second gate valve. The second mounting position is located on the second plate portion. Wherein, the second plate portion is provided with a first protruding structure, the first fixing portion of the first mounting position is provided on the first plate portion, the second fixing portion of the first mounting position is provided on the first protruding structure, and the surface of the first protruding structure for contacting the first shut-off valve and the surface of the first fixing portion of the first mounting position for contacting the first shut-off valve extend in the same plane; or, the first plate portion is provided with a first protruding structure, the first fixing portion of the first mounting position is provided on the first protruding structure, the second fixing portion of the first mounting position is provided on the second plate portion, and the surface of the first protruding structure for contacting the first shut-off valve and the surface of the second fixing portion of the first mounting position for contacting the first shut-off valve extend in the same plane.

2. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes at least three shut-off valves, and the shut-off valve mounting plate includes at least three mounting positions, wherein, except for the first mounting position, the other mounting positions are all located on the second plate.

3. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bending angle formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion protrudes towards the front side of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure is disposed on the front side of the first plate portion; or The bending angle formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion protrudes towards the front side of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure is disposed on the front side of the second plate portion; or The bending angle formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion protrudes toward the rear side of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure is disposed on the rear side of the first plate portion; or The bending angle formed by the first plate portion and the second plate portion protrudes towards the rear side of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the first protruding structure is disposed on the rear side of the second plate portion.

4. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the first mounting position are spaced apart along a first direction, and the first mounting position and the second mounting position are arranged along the first direction. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the second mounting position are spaced apart along the first direction, and the first fixing portion of the second mounting position is closer to the first mounting position than the second fixing portion of the second mounting position. Wherein, at least a portion of the second fixing part of the first mounting position is aligned with at least a portion of the first fixing part of the second mounting position along the first direction.

5. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first fixing part and the second fixing part of the second mounting position are disposed on the second protruding structure of the second plate.

6. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shut-off valve further includes a third shut-off valve, and the mounting position further includes a third mounting position for mounting the third shut-off valve. The third mounting position and the first mounting position are respectively located on opposite sides of the second mounting position along the first direction, and the first fixing part of the third mounting position is closer to the second mounting position than the second fixing part of the third mounting position.

7. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion of the second mounting position are spaced apart along the first direction. The first fixing portion of the second mounting position is closer to the first mounting position than the second fixing portion of the second mounting position. At least a portion of the second fixing portion of the second mounting position is aligned with at least a portion of the first fixing portion of the third mounting position along the first direction.

8. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second fixing part of the first mounting position and the first fixing part of the third mounting position are located on the same side of the first fixing part and the second fixing part of the second mounting position along a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The size of the second shut-off valve is smaller than at least one of the first shut-off valve and the third shut-off valve; or The size of the first shut-off valve is smaller than at least one of the second shut-off valve and the third shut-off valve; or The third shut-off valve is larger than the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve.

10. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size of the first shut-off valve is smaller than the size of the second shut-off valve.

11. The outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner also includes a partition, which divides the internal space of the outdoor unit into left and right parts. The first plate portion is closer to the partition plate than the second plate portion; or, the second plate portion is closer to the partition plate than the first plate portion.

12. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 11, characterized in that, The shut-off valve mounting plate further includes a third plate portion, which is integrally connected to the one of the first plate portion and the second plate portion that is closer to the central partition plate. The third plate portion includes: A third fixing part is disposed at the end of the third plate portion that is farther from the first plate portion and the second plate portion and closer to the middle partition plate, for fixed connection with the middle partition plate. The contact portion abuts against the surface of the partition plate on the side facing the partition plate.

13. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes at least three shut-off valves, and the shut-off valve mounting plate includes at least three mounting positions, wherein at least one of the mounting positions is located on the first plate portion.

14. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: Air conditioner indoor unit, and The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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