Heat pump unit

Abstract

The application provides a heat pump unit, and relates to the technical field of heat pumps. The heat pump unit comprises a water receiving tray, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a refrigerant control assembly. The first heat exchanger, the refrigerant control assembly and the second heat exchanger are connected in series and connected at both ends of the compressor through a four-way valve to form a heat exchange cycle. The refrigerant control assembly comprises a control valve, a first expansion valve, a bottom plate heating element, a throttling element and a second expansion valve. The control valve, the first expansion valve and the bottom plate heating element are connected in series and connected in parallel with the throttling element to the second expansion valve. The heat pump unit of the application realizes refrigerant flow shunt control, improves the deicing efficiency and thus improves the operation efficiency of the heat pump unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat pump technology, and more particularly to a heat pump unit. Background Technology

[0002] In low-temperature environments, the heat exchanger of an outdoor unit used for heating often experiences varying degrees of frost formation. Therefore, the unit needs to be defrosted. During the defrosting process, the defrost water flows through the fins to the chassis and is then discharged through the drain trough. When the drainage speed is slow or the chassis is tilted due to installation, causing water to accumulate in the chassis, the chassis may freeze or even block the drain holes. Therefore, the unit needs chassis anti-icing control.

[0003] In related technologies, the common methods for de-icing the chassis are to lay electric heating in the chassis drainage channel or to directly introduce the main refrigerant pipe into the chassis for de-icing.

[0004] However, the method of using electric heating to defrost the chassis by laying the chassis drainage channel cannot continuously heat the chassis, increasing power consumption. After long-term use, it is prone to faults such as leakage. Furthermore, the method of introducing the main refrigerant pipe into the chassis for defrosting cannot control the refrigerant flow, which can easily cause pipe blockage. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides a heat pump unit to solve the problems of continuous heating of the chassis and control of refrigerant flow.

[0006] This application provides a heat pump unit, including:

[0007] Water tray;

[0008] compressor;

[0009] The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are selectively connected to the compressor through controllable conductive parts, respectively;

[0010] A refrigerant control assembly is connected in series between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; the refrigerant control assembly includes a control valve, a first expansion valve, a chassis heating element, a throttling element, and a second expansion valve; the control valve, the first expansion valve, and the chassis heating element are connected in series in sequence, and are connected in parallel with the throttling element to the second expansion valve; the chassis heating element is used to heat the water receiving pan;

[0011] When the water tray is frozen, at least the control valve, the first expansion valve, the chassis heating element, and the first heat exchanger in the refrigerant control assembly are in a conductive state, so that the high-temperature refrigerant provided by the compressor and the first heat exchanger flows through the chassis heating element to heat the water tray and melt the ice.

[0012] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, it is possible to include a four-way valve as the controllable conductive component, which includes a first interface, a second interface, a third interface, and a fourth interface.

[0013] The first interface is connected to the first heat exchanger, the second interface is connected to the compressor outlet, the third interface is connected to the second heat exchanger, and the fourth interface is connected to the compressor inlet.

[0014] When the heat pump unit is in heating mode and the water tray is frozen, the compressor outlet and the first heat exchanger are connected through the first and second interfaces so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant provided by the compressor flows into the first heat exchanger and condenses into high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and then the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is delivered to the chassis heating element.

[0015] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, it is possible to include an icing detection device, which is installed in the water receiving pan to detect the icing status within the water receiving pan.

[0016] When the water tray is in the first freezing state, the control valve in the refrigerant control component is in the open state, and the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve and the chassis heating element, and then flows to the second expansion valve to throttle the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0017] When the water tray is in the second freezing state, in the refrigerant control assembly, both the control valve and the throttling device are in the conducting state. A portion of the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve and the chassis heating element, and then flows to the second expansion valve. The other portion of the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the throttling device and then flows to the second expansion valve, so as to throttle the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0018] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, it is possible to include a icing detection device, which is a temperature detection device installed in the water collection pan to detect the temperature of the environment in which the water collection pan is located.

[0019] When the ambient temperature of the water receiving pan is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the water receiving pan is determined to be in a non-icing state; the control valve is in the closed state, and the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the throttling element and flows to the second expansion valve;

[0020] When the temperature of the environment where the water tray is located is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature and less than the first preset temperature, the water tray is determined to be in the first freezing state.

[0021] When the temperature of the environment where the water tray is located is lower than the second preset temperature, the water tray is determined to be in the second freezing state.

[0022] When the water tray is in a non-frozen state, a first frozen state, or a second frozen state, the heat pump unit is in heating operation mode.

[0023] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, when the heat pump unit is in cooling operation mode, the compressor outlet is connected to the second heat exchanger through the second and third interfaces, and the compressor inlet is connected to the first heat exchanger through the fourth and first interfaces. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant provided by the compressor enters the second heat exchanger to form a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In the refrigerant control component, the control valve is in the closed state, and the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger flows through the throttling device to the first heat exchanger to be cooled and depressurized into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and then flows back to the compressor.

[0024] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, it is possible to include an icing detection device that also includes a combined temperature and humidity detection device, an infrared thermal imaging device, and / or a conductivity detection device.

[0025] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, the first heat exchanger can be a plate heat exchanger, which has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, and both the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are equipped with temperature sensors.

[0026] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, it is possible to have a second heat exchanger that is a finned heat exchanger, and a fan is installed in conjunction with the finned heat exchanger.

[0027] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, it is possible to further include a liquid storage tank, which is connected to a connecting pipe between the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant control component.

[0028] In the aforementioned heat pump unit, it is possible to have a chassis heating element including a heating tube coiled around a water receiving pan. The heating tube includes a first connection port and a second connection port, with the first connection port connected to a first expansion valve and the second connection port connected to a second expansion valve.

[0029] The heat pump unit provided in this application achieves flow diversion control by sequentially connecting the control valve, the first expansion valve, and the chassis heating element in the refrigerant control component in series, and then connecting them in parallel with a throttling device to one end of the second expansion valve. This improves de-icing efficiency and avoids pipe blockage. By installing an ice detection device in the water receiving pan, real-time monitoring data of the water receiving pan is achieved to prevent de-icing. When the heat pump unit is in heating operation mode, the flow rate of refrigerant through the chassis heating module is adjusted by controlling the on / off state of the control valve and the opening degree of the first expansion valve to prevent ice formation and achieve precise de-icing. When the heat pump unit is in cooling operation mode, the control valve is closed to prevent refrigerant from entering the chassis heating element, thereby reducing heat loss. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of a heat pump unit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the chassis heating element structure of the heat pump unit provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the refrigerant control component of the heat pump unit in a non-icing state, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant control component of a heat pump unit in the first freezing state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant control component of a heat pump unit in the second freezing state, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant control component of the heat pump unit in cooling operation mode, as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0038] 10. Water collection tray; 11. Ice detection device;

[0039] 20. Compressor; 21. Compressor inlet; 22. Compressor outlet;

[0040] 30. First heat exchanger; 31. Refrigerant inlet; 32. Refrigerant outlet;

[0041] 40. Refrigerant control assembly; 41. Control valve; 42. First expansion valve; 43. Chassis heating element; 431. Heating tube; 432. First connection port; 433. Second connection port; 44. Throttling element; 45. Second expansion valve;

[0042] 50. Second heat exchanger; 51. Fan; 52. Capillary tube; 53. Separator;

[0043] 60. Four-way valve; 61. First port; 62. Second port; 63. Third port; 64. Fourth port;

[0044] 70. Liquid storage tank; 71. First buffer component; 72. Second buffer component.

[0045] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0047] In some related technologies, the main refrigerant pipe is introduced into the chassis for de-icing. This method cannot control the refrigerant flow and is prone to pipe blockage. Other methods involve laying electric heaters in the chassis drainage channel to defrost the chassis. This method cannot continuously heat the chassis, increases power consumption, and is prone to faults such as leakage after long-term use.

[0048] In view of this, this application provides a heat pump unit, including a water receiving pan, a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a refrigerant control component. The first heat exchanger, the refrigerant control component, and the second heat exchanger are connected in series and selectively connected to both ends of the compressor via a four-way valve. By connecting the control valve, the first expansion valve, and the chassis heating element in the refrigerant control component in series, and then connecting them in parallel with a throttling device to one end of the second expansion valve, flow diversion control is achieved. An ice detection device is installed in the water receiving pan to achieve real-time monitoring of the water receiving pan and prevent defrosting. When the heat pump unit is in heating mode, the flow rate of refrigerant through the chassis heating module is adjusted by controlling the on / off state of the control valve and the opening degree of the first expansion valve to prevent freezing and achieve precise defrosting. When the heat pump unit is in cooling mode, the control valve is closed to prevent refrigerant from entering the chassis heating element, thereby reducing heat loss.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application embodiment provides a heat pump unit, including: a water receiving pan 10; a compressor 20; a first heat exchanger 30 and a second heat exchanger 50, which are selectively connected to the compressor 20 through controllable conductive elements; a refrigerant control assembly 40, connected in series between the first heat exchanger 30 and the second heat exchanger 50; the refrigerant control assembly 40 includes a control valve 41, a first expansion valve 42, a chassis heating element 43, a throttling element 44, and a second expansion valve 45; the control valve 41, the first expansion valve 42, and the chassis heating element 43 are connected in series and connected in parallel with the throttling element 44 to the second expansion valve 45; the chassis heating element 43 is used to heat the water receiving pan 10; when the water receiving pan 10 is in an icing state, in the refrigerant control assembly 40, at least the control valve 41, the first expansion valve 42, the chassis heating element 43, and the first heat exchanger 30 are in a conductive state, so that the high-temperature refrigerant provided by the compressor 20 and the first heat exchanger 30 flows through the chassis heating element 43 to heat and defrost the water receiving pan 10.

[0050] For example, the first heat exchanger 30, the refrigerant control component 40, and the second heat exchanger 50 are connected in series and selectively connected to both ends of the compressor 20 through a four-way valve 60. The compressor 20 compresses low-temperature, low-pressure gas into high-temperature, high-pressure gas to drive the refrigerant to perform heat exchange circulation. In heating mode, the first heat exchanger 30 is a condenser and the second heat exchanger 50 is an evaporator. In cooling mode, the first heat exchanger 30 is an evaporator and the second heat exchanger 50 is a condenser. The connection mode with the compressor 20 is switched through the four-way valve 60 to realize the switching between cooling and heating modes.

[0051] Control valve 41, first expansion valve 42, and chassis heating element 43 are connected in series and in parallel with throttling element 44 to second expansion valve 45. When freezing is detected in the water receiving pan 10, on the one hand, control valve 41, first expansion valve 42, and second expansion valve 45 in refrigerant control assembly 40 are turned on, and the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing from first heat exchanger 30 flows through chassis heating element 43, transferring heat to water receiving pan 10 to defrost; on the other hand, refrigerant control assembly 40... The control valve 41, the first expansion valve 42, the throttling element 44, and the second expansion valve 45 are all open. Part of the refrigerant flows through the control valve 41, the first expansion valve 42, and the chassis heating element 43, while another part flows through the throttling element 44. This allows the refrigerant control component 40 to control the refrigerant flow, thereby controlling the refrigerant flow through the chassis heating element 43 and improving the de-icing efficiency. Finally, the refrigerant from the two branches converges to the second expansion valve 45, which then regulates the refrigerant flow.

[0052] For example, the control valve 41 can be a solenoid valve, and the control accuracy can be guaranteed by controlling it with a solenoid valve. The first expansion valve 42 and the second expansion valve 45 can be electronic expansion valves.

[0053] As one feasible implementation, the controllable conductor includes a four-way valve 60, which includes a first port 61, a second port 62, a third port 63, and a fourth port 64. The first port 61 is connected to the first heat exchanger 30, the second port 62 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 20, the third port 63 is connected to the second heat exchanger 50, and the fourth port 64 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 20. When the heat pump unit is in heating operation mode and the water tray 10 is frozen, the outlet of the compressor 20 and the first heat exchanger 30 are connected through the first port 61 and the second port 62, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant provided by the compressor 20 flows into the first heat exchanger 30 and condenses into high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is delivered to the chassis heating element 43.

[0054] For example, the four-way valve 60 can be used to switch between the heating and cooling operation modes of the heat pump unit. By mechanically displacing the slider inside the valve body, the flow path of the refrigerant in the heat pump unit is changed. When the icing detection element 11 detects that the water tray 10 is in an icing state, the heat pump unit starts the heating operation mode. At this time, the compressor outlet 22, the first port 61, the second port 62 and the first heat exchanger 30 are connected, so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant provided by the compressor 20 flows into the first heat exchanger 30 and condenses into high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The compressor outlet 22, the fourth port 64, the third port 63 and the second heat exchanger 50 are connected, so that the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 50 flows into the compressor 20. When the heat pump unit is in cooling operation mode, the compressor outlet 22, the second interface 62, and the third interface 63 are connected to the second heat exchanger 50, and the compressor inlet 21, the fourth interface 64, and the first interface 61 are connected to the first heat exchanger 30. Through the above two connection methods, the heat pump unit can switch between heating operation mode and cooling operation mode.

[0055] For example, a temperature sensor T1 and a pressure sensor P1 are provided between the outlet of the compressor 20 and the second port 62 of the four-way valve 60 to detect the temperature and pressure of the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor outlet 22; a temperature sensor T2 and a pressure sensor P2 are provided between the inlet of the compressor 20 and the fourth port 64 of the four-way valve 60 to detect the temperature and pressure of the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing into the compressor 20 through the four-way valve 60.

[0056] As one feasible implementation method, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the heat pump unit also includes an icing detection element 11, which is installed on the water receiving pan 10 to detect the icing state within the water receiving pan 10. When the water receiving pan 10 is in a first icing state, the control valve 41 in the refrigerant control assembly 40 is in the open state, and the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve 42 and the chassis heating element 43, and then flows to the second expansion valve 45 to throttle the high-temperature refrigerant. When the water receiving pan 10 is in a second icing state, both the control valve 41 and the throttling element 44 in the refrigerant control assembly 40 are in the open state, and a portion of the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve 42 and the chassis heating element 43, and then flows to the second expansion valve 45. The other portion of the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the throttling element 44 and then flows to the second expansion valve 45 to throttle the high-temperature refrigerant.

[0057] As one feasible implementation, the icing detection element 11 includes a temperature detection element disposed on the water receiving pan 10 to detect the temperature of the environment in which the water receiving pan 10 is located. When the temperature of the environment in which the water receiving pan 10 is located is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water receiving pan 10 is determined to be in a non-icing state. The control valve 41 is in the closed state, and the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the throttling element 44 and flows to the second expansion valve 45. When the temperature of the environment in which the water receiving pan 10 is located is greater than or equal to a second preset temperature and less than a first preset temperature, the water receiving pan 10 is determined to be in a first icing state. When the temperature of the environment in which the water receiving pan 10 is located is less than a second preset temperature, the water receiving pan 10 is determined to be in a second icing state. When the water receiving pan 10 is in a non-icing state, a first icing state, or a second icing state, the heat pump unit is in heating operation mode.

[0058] As one feasible implementation, when the heat pump unit is in cooling operation mode, the outlet of the compressor 20 is connected to the second heat exchanger 50 through the second interface 62 and the third interface 63, and the inlet of the compressor 20 is connected to the first heat exchanger 30 through the fourth interface 64 and the first interface 61. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant provided by the compressor 20 enters the second heat exchanger 50 to form a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In the refrigerant control component 40, the control valve 41 is in the closed state, and the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 50 flows through the throttling device 44, flows to the first heat exchanger 30 to cool and depressurize into a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and flows back to the compressor 20.

[0059] For example, the heat pump unit operates in both heating and cooling modes. In heating mode, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 20 flows into the first heat exchanger 30 through the first port 61 of the four-way valve 60. The heat exchanger acts as a condenser, condensing the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the first buffer 71 and then to the refrigerant control component 40 to defrost the chassis. After being throttled by the second expansion valve 45, the throttled, cooled, and depressurized liquid refrigerant flows through the second buffer 72 and the capillary tube 52 to the second heat exchanger 50. The heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, evaporating the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. After being evaporated, the gaseous refrigerant flows through the third port 63 of the four-way valve 60 and then through the fourth port 64 into the inlet of the compressor 20, completing the heating cycle.

[0060] In the embodiments of this application, the capillary tube 52 can be a copper tube with an extremely fine inner diameter. The capillary tube 52 reduces the regulating pressure of the second expansion valve 45, which compensates for the inability of the capillary tube 52 to dynamically adjust. Through the synergistic effect of the capillary tube 52 and the second expansion valve 45, the stability of the heat pump unit is improved. When the electronic expansion valve fails, the capillary tube 52 can also serve as an emergency throttling channel to control the flow of refrigerant.

[0061] For example, the refrigerant control assembly 40 is provided with an icing detection element 11. The temperature sensor in the icing detection element 11 is used to detect the ambient temperature of the drip tray 10, denoted by T. When the ambient temperature T detected by the temperature sensor satisfies T1≥a, the icing detection element 11 determines that the drip tray is not icing at this time. Under this condition, refer to Figure 3 As shown, the solid arrow indicates the direction of refrigerant flow. The control valve 41 in the refrigerant control assembly 40 is closed, and the throttling device 44 is open. The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 30 flows through the throttling device 44 and the second expansion valve 45 in sequence for throttling.

[0062] When the ambient temperature T detected by the temperature sensor satisfies a>T2≥b, the icing detection sensor 11 determines that the system is in the first icing state. Under these conditions, refer to... Figure 4 As shown, the control valve 41 and the first expansion valve 42 in the refrigerant control assembly 40 are both in the open state. The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 30 flows through the control valve 41, the first expansion valve 42 and the chassis heating element 43 in sequence to defrost the chassis, and then flows through the second expansion valve 45 for throttling.

[0063] When the ambient temperature T detected by the temperature sensor satisfies T3 < b, the icing detection sensor 11 determines that it is in the second icing state. Under this condition, refer to Figure 5 As shown, the control valve 41, the first expansion valve 42, and the throttling device 44 in the refrigerant control assembly 40 are all in the conducting state. A portion of the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 30 flows sequentially through the control valve 41, the first expansion valve 42, and the chassis heating element 43 to defrost the chassis. A portion of the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the throttling device 44. After that, the refrigerant from both branches converges to the second expansion valve 45 for throttling. In this way, the refrigerant flow rate can be controlled, and the condensed refrigerant can be used to heat the chassis for defrosting as needed.

[0064] In the above, 'a' represents the first preset temperature, which can be 5℃, and 'b' represents the second preset temperature, which can be -12℃. The first preset temperature is greater than the second preset temperature. A well-designed preset temperature can reduce the number of ineffective defrosting cycles and prevent energy loss. For different levels of icing, the heat pump unit can activate corresponding modes for icing prevention and precise defrosting, improving defrosting efficiency and thus enhancing the overall operating efficiency of the heat pump unit.

[0065] When the icing detection device 11 detects that the water tray 10 is in a non-icing state, a first icing state, or a second icing state, the heat pump unit is in heating operation mode. The first icing detection state indicates that the ambient temperature of the water tray 10 is low and the amount of ice on the water tray 10 is small. The second icing detection state indicates that the ambient temperature of the water tray 10 is even lower and the amount of ice on the water tray 10 is larger. Therefore, the heat pump unit can accurately de-ice the water tray 10 according to real-time monitoring data, improve the de-icing efficiency, and thus improve the system operating efficiency.

[0066] When the heat pump unit is in cooling operation mode, refer to Figure 6 As shown, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 20 flows into the four-way valve 60 through the second port 62, and flows out of the four-way valve 60 through the third port 63, entering the second heat exchanger 50. At this time, the second heat exchanger 50 acts as a condenser, condensing the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Then, it flows through each capillary tube 52 into the distributor 53 and is collected in the second buffer 72, and then flows into the refrigerant control assembly 40. At this time, the control valve 4 in the refrigerant control assembly 40... 1. When the circuit is closed, the refrigerant flow path of the chassis heating element 43 is blocked. Therefore, the refrigerant passing through the second expansion valve 45 flows directly through the throttling element 44 into the first heat exchanger 30. At this time, the heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, so that the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Finally, it enters the compressor inlet 21 through the first port 61 and the fourth port 64 of the four-way valve 60 to complete the refrigeration cycle. This can prevent the refrigerant from overcooling and causing the refrigerant to heat up due to the refrigerant flowing through the chassis heating module.

[0067] For example, the first buffer 71 and the second buffer 72 mentioned above are liquid pipes. The first buffer 71 is connected between the first heat exchanger 30 and the refrigerant control component 40, and the second buffer 72 is connected between the refrigerant control component 40 and the second heat exchanger 50. The first heat exchanger 30 can not only buffer the pressure shock caused by the sudden change in the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 30, but also avoid the instability caused by the instantaneous pressure difference generated when the first expansion valve 42 is opened and closed, thus ensuring heat exchange efficiency. The second heat exchanger 50 has the function of gas-liquid separation, which can intercept the airflow of liquid refrigerant entering the second heat exchanger 50.

[0068] As one possible implementation, the icing detection element 11 also includes a combined temperature and humidity detection element, an infrared thermal imaging element, and / or a conductivity detection element.

[0069] For example, a temperature and humidity joint detection device is set in the icing-sensitive area of ​​the chassis, and an infrared thermal imaging device is set above the chassis as a non-contact detection device to detect the temperature difference in the area and identify local low temperature points. A conductive detection device can be set at the electrodes on both sides of the drain pipe to determine the icing state of the water tray 10 through the change in resistance. First, the icing state inside the water tray 10 is determined by the temperature and humidity joint detection device, then the icing area is located by the infrared thermal imaging device, and finally the icing state and the thickness of the ice layer can be verified by the conductive detection device. The three detection devices work together to avoid misjudgment by a single detection device, or to accurately detect the state of the water tray 10 when a certain detection device is damaged. When any two of the above detection devices detect that the water tray 10 is icing, the heat pump unit starts the heating mode to defrost.

[0070] As one feasible implementation, the first heat exchanger 30 is a plate heat exchanger, which has a refrigerant inlet 31 and a refrigerant outlet 32, and both the refrigerant inlet 31 and the refrigerant outlet 32 ​​are equipped with temperature sensors.

[0071] For example, a plate heat exchanger is made by stamping metal plates to form specific corrugations, which are then stacked in an alternating manner to form heat dissipation channels, thereby achieving heat transfer of the refrigerant. The corrugated structure increases the contact area of ​​the refrigerant, significantly improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0072] The refrigerant inlet 31 has a temperature sensor T3, which is used to detect the initial temperature of the refrigerant entering the first heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant outlet 32 ​​has a temperature sensor T4, which is used to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchanger 30. The difference between the initial temperature and the outlet temperature reflects the actual heat exchange. The larger the difference, the higher the heat exchange efficiency, thereby quantifying the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchanger 30.

[0073] As one feasible implementation, the second heat exchanger 50 is a finned heat exchanger, and a fan 51 is provided in conjunction with the finned heat exchanger.

[0074] For example, the second heat exchanger 50 adopts a finned heat exchanger structure and is driven by a fan 51. Specifically, copper and / or aluminum metal fins are spirally or parallelly attached to the surface of the heat dissipation tube, which can effectively increase the heat exchange area and thus improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0075] When the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the second heat exchanger 50, the heat exchange tubes transfer heat to the heat dissipation fins through the tube walls. The heat diffuses along the surface of the heat dissipation fins, and the fan 51 drives the cold air to carry away the heat from the surface of the heat dissipation fins, thus completing the heat exchange.

[0076] For example, the second heat exchanger 50 is also provided with a temperature sensor T5, which directly measures the temperature of the fin surface or the refrigerant, dynamically provides feedback on the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchanger 50, and thus detects abnormal temperatures.

[0077] As one possible implementation, it also includes a liquid storage tank 70, which is connected to a connecting pipe between the first heat exchanger 30 and the refrigerant control assembly 40.

[0078] For example, the liquid storage tank 70 is not only used to store liquid refrigerant and to receive high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the first heat exchanger 30 to reduce the load on the first heat exchanger 30, but also to adapt to changes in the load of the first heat exchanger 30. Specifically, when the load of the first heat exchanger 30 increases, the liquid storage tank 70 can replenish the liquid refrigerant in time, and when the load of the first heat exchanger 30 decreases, the liquid storage tank 70 can store excess liquid refrigerant in time to ensure stable operation of the unit. It can also be used to prevent the accumulation of liquid refrigerant, specifically to prevent the accumulation of liquid refrigerant in the second heat exchanger 50, maintain the heat exchange area and heat exchange efficiency, and avoid a decrease in the cooling capacity of the unit.

[0079] In the heat pump unit provided in this application embodiment, the material of the liquid storage tank 70 needs to take into account both structural strength and low temperature adaptability. Therefore, austenitic stainless steel can be selected as the inner liner to resist refrigerant corrosion, and carbon steel can be selected as the outer shell to provide structural support and be coated with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0080] As one feasible implementation method, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the chassis heating element 43 includes a heating tube 431, which is coiled around the water receiving tray 10. The heating tube 431 includes a first connection port 432 and a second connection port 433. The first connection port 432 is connected to the first expansion valve 42, and the second connection port 433 is connected to the second expansion valve 45.

[0081] For example, the drip tray 10 provided in this application embodiment is used to collect a large amount of condensate caused by temperature difference; in other embodiments, a drain pipe can be provided in the drip tray 10 so that the condensate flows quickly to the floor drain to avoid water accumulation causing short circuit or freezing.

[0082] For example, the heating element 431, typically made of stainless steel and with rubber-sealed ends, is installed along a spiral path close to the bottom of the drip tray 10. This increases the contact area, allowing for uniform heat conduction. The heating element 431 is connected between the first expansion valve 42 and the second expansion valve 45 via the first connection port 432 and the second connection port 433. When the condensate in the drip tray 10 freezes, the control valve 41, the first expansion valve 42, and the second expansion valve 45 are all activated. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant then transfers heat to the drip tray 10 through the heating element 431, thus defrosting. The heating element 431, working in conjunction with the dual expansion valves, precisely controls the temperature of the pipe wall by adjusting the refrigerant flow rate, preventing over- or under-defrosting.

[0083] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0084] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility models disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0085] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat pump unit, characterized by include: Water receiving tray (10); Compressor (20); The first heat exchanger (30) and the second heat exchanger (50) are selectively connected to the compressor (20) through controllable conductive components, respectively. A refrigerant control assembly (40) is connected in series between the first heat exchanger (30) and the second heat exchanger (50); the refrigerant control assembly (40) includes a control valve (41), a first expansion valve (42), a chassis heater (43), a throttling device (44), and a second expansion valve (45); the control valve (41), the first expansion valve (42), and the chassis heater (43) are connected in series and connected in parallel with the throttling device (44) to the second expansion valve (45); the chassis heater (43) is used to heat the water receiving pan (10); When the water tray (10) is frozen, at least the control valve (41), the first expansion valve (42), the chassis heating element (43), and the first heat exchanger (30) in the refrigerant control assembly (40) are in a conductive state, so that the high-temperature refrigerant provided by the compressor (20) and the first heat exchanger (30) flows through the chassis heating element (43) to heat and melt the water tray (10).

2. The heat pump unit of claim 1, wherein, The controllable conduction component includes a four-way valve (60), which includes a first interface (61), a second interface (62), a third interface (63), and a fourth interface (64). The first interface (61) is connected to the first heat exchanger (30), the second interface (62) is connected to the outlet of the compressor (20), the third interface (63) is connected to the second heat exchanger (50), and the fourth interface (64) is connected to the inlet of the compressor (20). When the heat pump unit is in heating operation mode and the water receiving pan (10) is in an icy state, the outlet of the compressor (20) and the first heat exchanger (30) are connected through the first interface (61) and the second interface (62) so that the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant provided by the compressor (20) flows into the first heat exchanger (30) and condenses into high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant, and the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is delivered to the chassis heating element (43).

3. The heat pump unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an icing detection device (11), which is disposed on the water receiving pan (10) and is used to detect the icing state in the water receiving pan (10); When the water receiving pan (10) is in the first freezing state, in the refrigerant control assembly (40), the control valve (41) is in the conducting state, and the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve (42) and the chassis heating element (43), and flows to the second expansion valve (45) to throttle the high-temperature refrigerant; When the water receiving pan (10) is in the second freezing state, in the refrigerant control assembly (40), the control valve (41) and the throttling device (44) are both in the conducting state. A portion of the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the first expansion valve (42) and the chassis heating element (43) and flows to the second expansion valve (45). Another portion of the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the throttling device (44) and flows to the second expansion valve (45) to throttle the high-temperature refrigerant.

4. The heat pump unit of claim 3, wherein, The icing detection device (11) includes a temperature detection device, which is disposed on the water receiving pan (10) and is used to detect the temperature of the environment in which the water receiving pan (10) is located; When the temperature of the environment where the water receiving pan (10) is located is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, it is determined that the water receiving pan (10) is in a non-icing state; the control valve (41) is in a closed state, and the high-temperature refrigerant flows through the throttling element (44) and flows to the second expansion valve (45). When the temperature of the environment where the water receiving tray (10) is located is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature and less than the first preset temperature, it is determined that the water receiving tray (10) is in the first freezing state. When the temperature of the environment where the water receiving tray (10) is located is lower than the second preset temperature, it is determined that the water receiving tray (10) is in the second freezing state; When the water receiving pan (10) is in the non-icing state, the first icing state, and the second icing state, the heat pump unit is in the heating operation mode.

5. The heat pump unit of claim 2, wherein, When the heat pump unit is in cooling operation mode, the outlet of the compressor (20) is connected to the second heat exchanger (50) through the second interface (62) and the third interface (63), and the inlet of the compressor (20) is connected to the first heat exchanger (30) through the fourth interface (64) and the first interface (61). The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant provided by the compressor (20) enters the second heat exchanger (50) to form a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. In the refrigerant control component (40), the control valve (41) is in the closed state. The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger (50) flows through the throttling device (44) and flows to the first heat exchanger (30) to cool and depressurize into a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and then flows back to the compressor (20).

6. The heat pump unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The icing detection device (11) also includes a temperature and humidity detection device, an infrared thermal imaging device, and / or a conductivity detection device.

7. The heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchanger (30) is a plate heat exchanger, which has a refrigerant inlet (31) and a refrigerant outlet (32). Both the refrigerant inlet (31) and the refrigerant outlet (32) are equipped with temperature sensors.

8. The heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heat exchanger (50) is a finned heat exchanger, and the finned heat exchanger is equipped with a fan (51).

9. The heat pump unit according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid storage tank (70), which is connected to a connecting pipe between the first heat exchanger (30) and the refrigerant control assembly (40).

10. The heat pump unit according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The chassis heating element (43) includes a heating tube (431), which is coiled around the water receiving tray (10). The heating tube (431) includes a first connection port (432) and a second connection port (433). The first connection port (432) is connected to the first expansion valve (42), and the second connection port (433) is connected to the second expansion valve (45).

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