Valve island assembly, flow path unit, and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a valve island subassembly, flow path unit and air conditioner belong to air conditioning technical field, this valve island subassembly includes: first body and second body, first body and second body are connected through fastener, first body and second body jointly define refrigerant flow channel, first body and second body are connected at least partial welding, according to the valve island subassembly of utility model embodiment, first body and second body are connected through fastener and welding, first body and second body jointly define refrigerant flow channel, and the first body and second body connected by fastener can reduce the welding difficulty of both, promote the welding quality, and the manufacture and processing of valve island subassembly are more easy, low in cost, and high in reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to a valve island assembly, a flow path unit, and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, there is a flow path inside the valve island that connects the valve body and other functional components. In some solutions, the valve island is made by welding several plates, with space reserved on some plates to form the aforementioned flow path. However, due to the large welding area between the plates, there is a risk of poor welding on some contact surfaces, which leads to the risk of refrigerant leakage when flowing through the flow path inside the valve island, resulting in poor reliability of the valve island. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a valve island assembly that can improve the reliability of the valve island assembly and reduce the risk of refrigerant leakage.

[0004] This invention also proposes a flow path unit having the above-mentioned valve island assembly.

[0005] This utility model also proposes an air conditioner having the above-mentioned flow path unit.

[0006] A valve island assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first body and a second body, the first body and the second body being connected by fasteners, the first body and the second body jointly defining a refrigerant flow channel, and at least a portion of the first body and the second body being welded together.

[0007] According to the valve island assembly of this utility model embodiment, the first body and the second body are connected by fasteners and welding. The first body and the second body together define the refrigerant flow channel. The connection of the first body and the second body by fasteners can reduce the welding difficulty and improve the welding quality. The valve island assembly is easier to manufacture and process, has low cost and high reliability.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the weld between the first body and the second body surrounds the refrigerant channel, or the weld between the first body and the second body surrounds the refrigerant channel and the fastener.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first body has a connecting groove, a portion of the second body is installed in the connecting groove, and the second body is welded to the bottom wall of the connecting groove.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second body is also welded to the side wall of the connecting groove.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the first body and the second body includes a plurality of sub-bodies, the plurality of sub-bodies are stacked and connected by the fasteners, and adjacent two sub-bodies are welded together, the plurality of sub-bodies together defining at least a portion of the refrigerant flow channel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple second bodies, each of which is connected to the same side of the thickness direction of the first body, or at least one second body is connected to both sides of the thickness direction of the first body.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least two second bodies are integrally connected.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first body includes: a plurality of sub-first bodies, each of the sub-first bodies being connected to at least one second body.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the first body and the second body are made of aluminum and are connected by aluminum-silicon solder, or the first body is made of stainless steel and the second body is made of aluminum.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first body has a first connecting hole, the second body has a second connecting hole, and the fastener is inserted and fixed in the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the number of fasteners is multiple, and the multiple fasteners are spaced apart in the first body, with the maximum distance between two adjacent fasteners being less than or equal to 100mm.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the flow path unit includes: a valve island assembly, wherein the valve island assembly is the valve island assembly described above; and a functional component, wherein the functional component is in communication with the refrigerant flow channel.

[0019] According to the flow path unit of this utility model embodiment, the first body and the second body of the valve island assembly are connected by fasteners and welding. The first body and the second body together define the refrigerant flow channel. The first body and the second body connected by fasteners can reduce the welding difficulty of the two and improve the welding quality. The valve island assembly is easier to manufacture and process, has low cost and high reliability. The functional components are connected to the refrigerant flow channel. The flow path unit has high integration and occupies little space.

[0020] An air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the flow path unit described above.

[0021] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the first body and the second body of the valve island assembly of the air conditioner are connected by fasteners and welding. The first body and the second body together define the refrigerant flow channel. The connection of the first body and the second body by fasteners can reduce the welding difficulty and improve the welding quality. The valve island assembly is easier to manufacture and process, has low cost and high reliability. The functional components are connected to the refrigerant flow channel, the flow path unit has high integration and occupies little space, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the air conditioner.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the valve island assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The main view; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Sectional view at AA; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view at point B; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a valve island assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view; Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a valve island assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Top view; Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a valve island assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Top view; Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the flow path unit according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The main view.

[0024] Figure label: First body 1; connecting groove 11; sub-first body 12; first connecting hole 13; first body insertion interface 14; second body 2; connecting protrusion 21; second connecting hole 22; second body insertion interface 23; fastener 3; bolt 31; nut 32; gasket 33; refrigerant flow channel 4; connecting column 5; valve island assembly 10; Functional component 20; four-way valve 20a, first electronic expansion valve 20b, second electronic expansion valve 20c, first shut-off valve 20d, second shut-off valve 20e, plate heat exchanger 20f; flow path unit 100. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "thickness", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0028] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] The valve island assembly 10, the flow path unit 100, and the air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Reference Figures 1-5 As shown, the valve island assembly 10 includes: a first body 1 and a second body 2, the first body 1 and the second body 2 are connected by fasteners 3, the first body 1 and the second body 2 together define a refrigerant flow channel 4, and at least a portion of the first body 1 and the second body 2 are welded together.

[0031] Specifically, the first body 1 and the second body 2 are connected by fasteners 3. The clamping force of the fasteners 3 on the first body 1 and the second body 2 can fix the first body 1 and the second body 2 together and make them fit tightly together, so as to facilitate subsequent welding. The first body 1 can be constructed as a plate-shaped valve plate, and the second body 2 can be constructed as a block-shaped valve block.

[0032] The second body 2 has an open flow channel cavity. After the first body 1 and the second body 2 are fixed by the fastener 3, the first body 1 closes the opening on one side of the flow channel cavity, so that the first body 1 and the second body 2 together define the refrigerant flow channel 4, which allows the refrigerant of the air conditioner to flow. The first body 1 and the second body 2, after being connected by the fastener 3, can enter the welding furnace together. The welding furnace heats the first body 1 and the second body 2, and at least a portion of the first body 1 and the second body 2 have solder in the area where they are in contact. After the first body 1 and the second body 2 are heated at the solder area, they form a welded connection, thereby improving the reliability of the connection between the first body 1 and the second body 2 and reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage at the refrigerant flow channel 4.

[0033] It should be noted that the refrigerant flow channel 4 can be used to connect various functional components 20 in the air conditioner, allowing the refrigerant to flow between multiple functional components 20 to form a refrigerant circuit, thereby achieving heating or cooling functions. Therefore, the refrigerant flow channel 4 usually has multiple interfaces and its internal routing is relatively complex. If the refrigerant flow channel 4 in the valve island assembly 10 is directly machined, it is difficult to manufacture. Therefore, according to the embodiment of this utility model, the valve island assembly 10 can be machined on the second body 2 by means of machining or other methods to form an open flow channel cavity, and then the opening on one side of the flow channel cavity is closed by the first body 1 to form the refrigerant flow channel 4. This reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the refrigerant flow channel 4, reduces the manufacturing cost of the valve island assembly 10, and improves the yield of the valve island assembly 10.

[0034] Furthermore, since the first body 1 and the second body 2 together define the refrigerant flow channel 4, the contact area between the first body 1 and the second body 2 surrounds the outside of the refrigerant flow channel 4, and the welding area of ​​the first body 1 and the second body 2 can form a closed annular area to avoid the refrigerant flow channel 4 failing to seal at the connection between the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0035] It is understandable that the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be connected by fasteners 3 before welding. Due to the connection of fasteners 3, welding fixtures are not required when welding the first body 1 and the second body 2, thereby reducing the welding difficulty and cost of the first body 1 and the second body 2 and improving the welding efficiency of the first body 1 and the second body 2. At the same time, fasteners 3 can apply clamping force to the first body 1 and the second body 2, which can reduce the gap between the first body 1 and the second body 2 during welding, improve the welding quality, avoid the formation of false welds between the first body 1 and the second body 2, and prevent refrigerant leakage at the refrigerant flow channel 4. After welding is completed, fasteners 3 can still maintain the fastening of the first body 1 and the second body 2 to ensure the reliability of the connection between the first body 1 and the second body 2 and improve the vibration resistance and load resistance of the valve island assembly 10.

[0036] According to the embodiment of the present utility model, the valve island assembly 10 has a first body 1 and a second body 2 connected by fasteners 3 and welding. The first body 1 and the second body 2 together define the refrigerant flow channel 4. The connection of the first body 1 and the second body 2 by the fasteners 3 can reduce the welding difficulty and improve the welding quality. The valve island assembly 10 is easier to manufacture and process, has low cost and high reliability.

[0037] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the weld between the first body 1 and the second body 2 surrounds the refrigerant flow channel 4.

[0038] Specifically, the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be welded together in an area other than the fastener 3 connection point, and the welding area of ​​the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in bold lines, the weld seams of the first body 1 and the second body 2 avoid the fastener 3 to prevent shape changes at the weld joint from affecting the fastener 3, ensuring that the fastener 3 maintains good reliability after welding. The first body 1 and the second body 2 are welded together in the contact area outside the fastener 3 connection point, which ensures the welding area of ​​the first body 1 and the second body 2 and improves the reliability of the connection. The weld seam between the first body 1 and the second body 2 surrounds the refrigerant flow channel 4, which reduces the risk of refrigerant leakage at the contact joint of the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0039] It should be noted that whether the first body 1 and the second body 2 are welded at the joint can be adjusted by the distribution of the solder. For example, the solder can be distributed in the joint area of ​​the first body 1 and the second body 2 outside the connection of the fastener 3, that is, the solder avoids the connection of the fastener 3, so as to avoid the first body 1 and the second body 2 forming a weld at the connection of the fastener 3.

[0040] In some other embodiments of this utility model, the weld between the first body 1 and the second body 2 surrounds the refrigerant channel 4 and the fastener 3. All the mating areas of the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be welded together to facilitate the coating of solder, increase the welding area of ​​the first body 1 and the second body 2, and reduce the risk of leakage of the refrigerant channel 4 at the mating point of the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0041] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first body 1 has a connecting groove 11, a part of the second body 2 is installed in the connecting groove 11, and the second body 2 is welded to the bottom wall of the connecting groove 11.

[0042] Specifically, the second body 2 can be inserted into the connecting groove 11. The connecting groove 11 on the first body 1 serves as an assembly and positioning feature, facilitating the installation of the second body 2 at a preset position on the first body 1 and ensuring the installation accuracy of the second body 2 and the first body 1. Furthermore, the connecting groove 11 increases the contact area between the first body 1 and the second body 2. The bottom and side walls of the connecting groove 11 can support and limit the second body 2 in different directions, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the connection between the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0043] Optionally, the second body 2 is positioned and engaged with the side wall of the connecting groove 11 to facilitate the assembly and positioning of the first body 1 and the second body 2, thereby improving the fitting accuracy of the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0044] It should be noted that the clamping force of the fastener 3 on the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be parallel to the normal direction of the bottom wall of the connecting groove 11. That is, the clamping force of the fastener 3 on the first body 1 and the second body 2 can make the second body 2 fit tightly against the bottom wall of the connecting groove 11 to avoid incomplete welding and improve the welding quality.

[0045] In some embodiments, in the connection direction of the first body 1 and the second body 2, the shape of the connecting groove 11 can be adapted to the outer contour of the second body 2. The second body 2 can be directly inserted into the connecting groove 11 and positioned and engaged with the side wall of the connecting groove 11. The second body 2 is welded to the bottom wall of the connecting groove 11 and together defines the refrigerant flow channel 4. A part of the bottom wall of the connecting groove 11 forms a part of the refrigerant flow channel 4, and another part of the bottom wall of the connecting groove 11 can form a large contact area with the second body 2 for welding, thereby reducing the risk of leakage of the refrigerant flow channel 4 at the contact point of the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0046] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in the connection direction of the first body 1 and the second body 2, the second body 2 is provided with a connection protrusion 21 that is adapted to the shape of the connection groove 11. The connection protrusion 21 is inserted into the connection groove 11 and positioned and engaged with the side wall of the connection groove 11.

[0047] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second body 2 is also welded to the side wall of the connecting groove 11.

[0048] Specifically, a solder is also provided between the second body 2 and the side wall of the connecting groove 11 so that the second body 2 can be welded to the side wall of the connecting groove 11 after entering the welding furnace for heating, thereby increasing the welding area of ​​the first body 1 and the second body 2 and improving the sealing reliability of the refrigerant flow channel 4.

[0049] It is understood that the bottom wall and side wall of the connecting groove 11 are welded to the second body 2. The bottom wall and side wall of the connecting groove 11 can form a double-layer sealing structure outside the refrigerant flow channel 4 to improve the sealing reliability of the refrigerant flow channel 4. In addition, there is an angle (the angle can be 90°) between the side wall and the bottom wall of the connecting groove 11. When the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow channel 4 leaks to the connection between the bottom wall of the connecting groove 11 and the second body 2, the refrigerant needs to change direction and lose kinetic energy when it enters the connection between the side wall of the connecting groove 11 and the second body 2. This can reduce the refrigerant impact at the welded connection between the side wall of the connecting groove 11 and the second body 2 and reduce the risk of refrigerant leakage.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention (not shown in the figures), at least one of the first body 1 and the second body 2 includes a plurality of sub-bodies, which are stacked and connected by the fasteners, and adjacent sub-bodies are welded together, and the plurality of sub-bodies together define at least a portion of the refrigerant flow channel 4.

[0051] Specifically, at least one of the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be divided into multiple sub-bodies. The multiple sub-bodies can be stacked and connected in the clamping direction of the fasteners. The multiple sub-bodies are clamped and fixed by the fasteners. When the first body 1 and the second body 2 are welded, the adjacent sub-bodies are also welded simultaneously. The sub-bodies can be flat plate structures. Part of the interior of the sub-bodies can be hollowed out to form part of the refrigerant flow channel 4. When both the first body 1 and the second body 2 are divided into multiple sub-bodies, the multiple sub-bodies together define the refrigerant flow channel 4. When either the first body 1 or the second body 2 is divided into multiple sub-bodies, the multiple sub-bodies together define part of the refrigerant flow channel 4.

[0052] In the above embodiments, at least one of the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be divided into multiple sub-bodies, which can reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the first body 1 and the second body 2 and reduce the manufacturing cost of the valve island assembly 10.

[0053] In some embodiments of this utility model, there are multiple second bodies 2, each of which is connected to the same side of the thickness direction of the first body 1, or at least one second body 2 is connected to both sides of the thickness direction of the first body 1.

[0054] Specifically, each second body 2 can be connected to the first body 1 and together define the corresponding refrigerant flow channel 4. By setting multiple second bodies 2, the integration of the valve island assembly 10 can be improved, the valve island assembly 10's ability to regulate the refrigerant can be enhanced, and the complexity of the piping in the air conditioner can be reduced.

[0055] In some embodiments, each second body 2 is connected to the same side of the first body 1 in the thickness direction, for example, referring to... Figures 1-4 As shown, each second body 2 is connected to the upper surface of the first body 1 to facilitate the connection of the second body 2 with the functional component 20 or the pipeline.

[0056] In other embodiments, at least one second body 2 is connected to both sides of the first body 1 in the thickness direction. For example, one or more second bodies 2 are connected to the upper and lower surfaces of the first body 1. The positions of the multiple second bodies 2 are dispersed, which facilitates the connection of the second bodies 2 with the corresponding functional components 20 or pipelines.

[0057] It should be noted that when there are multiple second bodies 2, during the manufacturing of the valve island assembly 10, each second body 2 is first fixed to the first body 1 by the corresponding fastener 3, and then enters the welding furnace for overall heating, so that each second body 2 is welded to the first body 1. The setting of multiple second bodies 2 does not increase the number of welding steps and time, and the manufacturing efficiency of the valve island assembly 10 is high.

[0058] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 7 As shown, at least two second bodies 2 are connected together.

[0059] Specifically, two adjacent second bodies 2 can be integrally connected by connecting posts 5, thereby reducing the number of parts in the valve island assembly 10. This facilitates the quick installation of multiple second bodies 2 onto the first body 1, improving the manufacturing efficiency of the valve island assembly 10. The interconnection between different second bodies 2 also reduces the number of fasteners 3 used, allowing multiple second bodies 2 to be fixed with a smaller number of fasteners 3, thus reducing the cost of the valve island assembly 10.

[0060] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1and Figure 2 As shown, all of the multiple second bodies 2 are connected as one unit to reduce the number of parts in the valve island assembly 10, which facilitates the assembly and manufacturing of the valve island assembly 10.

[0061] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, among the multiple second bodies 2, a portion of the second bodies 2 are connected as one unit, while another portion of the second bodies 2 are set separately. The connection between the second bodies 2 can be set according to their size and position. For example, the smaller and closer second bodies 2 can be connected as one unit, while the larger second bodies 2 can be set separately to facilitate the assembly and manufacturing of the valve island assembly 10.

[0062] In some other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, each of the multiple second bodies 2 is set independently, that is, different second bodies 2 are not directly connected to each other. Each second body 2 is an independent component, which can ensure the installation accuracy of each second body 2 on the first body 1, avoid the mutual influence of manufacturing and assembly errors between two connected second bodies 2, ensure that the connection between the second body 2 and the first body 1 can fit tightly, and thus help improve the welding quality of the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0063] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the first body 1 includes: a plurality of sub-first bodies 12, each sub-first body 12 being connected to at least one second body 2.

[0064] Specifically, each sub-first body 12 is connected to at least one second body 2. The sub-first body 12 and the corresponding second body 2 are connected by fasteners 3 and welding and together define the refrigerant flow channel 4. By splitting the first body 1 into multiple sub-first bodies 12, the welding quality of the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be improved.

[0065] It is understandable that if the first body 1 is a single piece and the multiple second bodies 2 are also a single piece, when the first body 1 and the multiple second bodies 2 are heated together in the welding furnace, there may be temperature differences between different areas of the first body 1 and between the multiple second bodies 2. Due to thermal expansion and contraction, the first body 1 and the second bodies 2 may misalign or not fit together at the connection, thus affecting the welding quality and reducing the sealing performance of the refrigerant flow channel 4. To address this, the first body 1 can be disassembled into multiple sub-first bodies 12, with each second body 2 set independently, to reduce the impact of uneven heating on the welding quality and improve the welding quality of the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0066] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first body 1 and the second body 2 are both made of aluminum, and the two are connected by aluminum-silicon solder.

[0067] Specifically, both the first body 1 and the second body 2 are made of aluminum. Aluminum has low density and is lightweight, which significantly reduces the weight of the valve island assembly 10, facilitating transportation and installation. Aluminum also has excellent corrosion resistance, with a dense alumina protective film forming on its surface, effectively resisting the erosion of the refrigerant and any trace moisture and impurities it may carry, ensuring the long-term reliability and lifespan of the system. Furthermore, aluminum has good plasticity and is easily processed into complex shapes, meeting the processing requirements of the refrigerant flow channel 4.

[0068] The first body 1 and the second body 2 are joined by aluminum-silicon solder. The aluminum-silicon solder can be an Al-Si eutectic or near-eutectic alloy. The melting point of the aluminum-silicon solder matches well with the melting temperature of aluminum and aluminum alloys, allowing welding to be performed at a relatively low temperature. This reduces the thermal impact on the first body 1 and the second body 2, avoiding problems such as grain coarsening, decreased mechanical properties, and deformation caused by overheating. Simultaneously, the aluminum-silicon solder has excellent fluidity after melting, fully filling the weld gap through capillary action to form a smooth, dense, and defect-free weld, greatly improving the sealing and mechanical strength of the connection between the first body 1 and the second body 2. Furthermore, the solidified weld metal has a hypoeutectic or eutectic structure, with the silicon phase distributed in a fine and dispersed form. This not only provides high strength but also inherits the excellent plasticity and corrosion resistance of the aluminum-silicon system, effectively resisting refrigerant corrosion and ensuring long-term reliability of the first body 1 and the second body 2 at the weld joint.

[0069] In some other embodiments of this utility model, the first body 1 is a stainless steel part and the second body 2 is an aluminum part. The stainless steel first body 1 has low cost and high strength. The first body 1 can reliably support and fix the second body 2, reducing the risk of deformation and resonance of the valve island assembly 10. The aluminum second body 2 is lightweight and has strong corrosion resistance. The first body 1 and the second body 2 can be welded by zinc-based solder or aluminum-silicon solder.

[0070] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 5 As shown, the first body 1 has a first connecting hole 13, the second body 2 has a second connecting hole 22, and the fastener 3 is inserted and fixed in the first connecting hole 13 and the second connecting hole 22.

[0071] Specifically, when the second body 2 is installed on the first body 1, the first connecting hole 13 and the second connecting hole 22 are coaxially opposite each other. The fastener 3 can be inserted through the first connecting hole 13 and the second connecting hole 22 to fix the first body 1 and the second body 2 together and apply clamping force to the first body 1 and the second body 2 so that the first body 1 and the second body 2 form a tight fit.

[0072] In some embodiments, the reference Figure 5 As shown, the first connecting hole 13 and the second connecting hole 22 are uniformly smooth holes. The fastener 3 includes a bolt 31 and a nut 32. The bolt 31 passes through the first connecting hole 13 and the second connecting hole 22 and is threadedly engaged with the nut 32. A clamping force is applied to the first body 1 and the second body 2 through the head of the bolt 31 and the nut 32. Optionally, the fastener 3 may also include a washer 33, which can be clamped between the nut 32 and the first body 1 to avoid stress concentration.

[0073] In some other embodiments, one of the holes in the first connecting hole 13 and the second connecting hole 22 is a smooth hole and the other is a threaded hole. The fastener 3 is a screw that passes through the smooth hole and is threaded into the threaded hole. The fastener 3 is low in cost and easy to assemble.

[0074] In some other embodiments, the first connecting hole 13 and the second connecting hole 22 are both open holes, the fastener 3 is a rivet, and the first connecting hole 13 and the second connecting hole 22 are fixed by riveting.

[0075] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figures 1-5 As shown, the number of first connecting holes 13, second connecting holes 22 and fasteners 3 are all multiple and correspond one-to-one. That is to say, the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be connected by multiple fasteners 3, thereby forming a stable and reliable connection between the first body 1 and the second body 2, reducing the positional change between the first body 1 and the second body 2 during welding, and improving the welding accuracy of the first body 1 and the second body 2.

[0076] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, there are multiple fasteners 3, which are spaced apart on the first body 1, and the maximum distance between two adjacent fasteners 3 is less than or equal to 100mm.

[0077] Specifically, multiple spaced fasteners 3 can be used to improve the reliability and stability of the connection between the first body 1 and the second body 2. At the same time, the maximum distance between two adjacent fasteners 3 is less than or equal to 100mm. For example, the maximum distance between two adjacent fasteners 3 is 20mm, 50mm or 100mm. By controlling the maximum distance between two adjacent fasteners 3, the first body 1 and the second body 2 can be subjected to the clamping force of the fasteners 3 in different connection areas, so as to reduce the gap between the first body 1 and the second body 2, thereby improving the welding quality between the first body 1 and the second body 2 and improving the reliability of the refrigerant flow channel 4 seal.

[0078] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the flow path unit 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a valve island assembly 10 and a functional component 20. The valve island assembly 10 is the same as the valve island assembly 10 described in the above embodiment, and the functional component 20 is connected to the refrigerant flow channel 4. The functional component 20 can be at least one of the following: a four-way valve, a three-way valve, a reversing valve, a solenoid valve, an electronic expansion valve, a shut-off valve, a plate heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator, a compressor, an oil-liquid separator, a silencer, an oil separator, a liquid receiver, and a refrigerant heat dissipation pipe.

[0079] Specifically, the flow path unit 100 can be used in an air conditioner. The second body 2 may have a second body insertion interface 23 communicating with the refrigerant flow channel 4. The functional component 20 can be inserted and connected to the second body insertion interface 23, and the functional component 20 can communicate with the refrigerant flow channel 4 through the second body insertion interface 23. Alternatively, the first body 1 may also have a first body insertion interface 14 communicating with the refrigerant flow channel 4. The functional component 20 can be inserted and connected to the first body insertion interface 14, and the functional component 20 can communicate with the refrigerant flow channel 4 through the first body insertion interface 14.

[0080] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, there are multiple functional components 20, which include: a four-way valve 20a, a first electronic expansion valve 20b, a second electronic expansion valve 20c, a first shut-off valve 20d, a second shut-off valve 20e, and a plate heat exchanger 20f. In addition, the multiple functional components 20 may also include, but not shown in the figure, a gas-liquid separator, a compressor, an oil separator, and refrigerant heat dissipation pipes. The flow path of the refrigerant in the air conditioner can be simply summarized as follows: after flowing out of the compressor, the refrigerant flows into the oil separator, and after passing through the oil separator, it flows to the four-way valve 20a. Under the control of the four-way valve 20a, the refrigerant enters the valve island assembly 10 through the four-way valve 20a, and then flows through one of the first shut-off valves 20d and the second shut-off valve 20e to the indoor heat exchanger. After heat exchange, the refrigerant... The refrigerant flows back to the valve island assembly 10 through the first shut-off valve 20d and the second shut-off valve 20e, and flows along the refrigerant flow channel 4 in the valve island assembly 10 to the plate heat exchanger 20f. At this time, the refrigerant is split: part of the refrigerant flows to the first electronic expansion valve 20b, and after being further throttled by the first electronic expansion valve 20b, the refrigerant enters the valve island assembly 10. The refrigerant undergoes sufficient heat exchange in the plate heat exchanger 20f and flows back to the compressor under the guidance of the refrigerant flow channel 4 in the valve island assembly 10; the other part of the refrigerant flows out through the refrigerant heat dissipation pipe, flows through the second electronic expansion valve 20c, and finally enters the outdoor heat exchanger through the filter. After the outdoor heat exchanger exchanges heat with the outdoor environment, the refrigerant flows into the four-way valve 20a, and undergoes gas-liquid separation through the gas-liquid separator, and finally flows back to the compressor.

[0081] According to the flow path unit 100 of this utility model embodiment, the first body 1 and the second body 2 of the valve island assembly 10 are connected by fasteners 3 and welding. The first body 1 and the second body 2 together define the refrigerant flow channel 4. The first body 1 and the second body 2 connected by the fasteners 3 can reduce the welding difficulty and improve the welding quality. The valve island assembly 10 is easier to manufacture and process, has low cost and high reliability. The functional component 20 is connected to the refrigerant flow channel 4. The flow path unit 100 has a high degree of integration and occupies little space.

[0082] An air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the flow path unit 100 described above.

[0083] According to the embodiment of the present invention, in the air conditioner, the first body 1 and the second body 2 of the valve island assembly 10 are connected by fasteners 3 and welding. The first body 1 and the second body 2 together define the refrigerant flow channel 4. The connection of the first body 1 and the second body 2 by the fasteners 3 can reduce the welding difficulty and improve the welding quality. The valve island assembly 10 is easier to manufacture and process, has low cost and high reliability. The functional component 20 is connected to the refrigerant flow channel 4. The flow path unit 100 has a high degree of integration and occupies little space, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the air conditioner.

[0084] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A valve island assembly, characterized in that, include: A first body and a second body are connected by fasteners, the first body and the second body together define a refrigerant flow channel, and at least a portion of the first body and the second body are welded together.

2. The valve island assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weld between the first body and the second body surrounds the refrigerant channel, or the weld between the first body and the second body surrounds the refrigerant channel and the fastener.

3. The valve island assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first body has a connecting groove, a portion of the second body is installed in the connecting groove, and the second body is welded to the bottom wall of the connecting groove.

4. The valve island assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second body is also welded to the side wall of the connecting groove.

5. The valve island assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first body and the second body includes a plurality of sub-bodies, the plurality of sub-bodies being stacked and connected by the fasteners, and adjacent sub-bodies being welded together, the plurality of sub-bodies collectively defining at least a portion of the refrigerant flow path.

6. The valve island assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple second bodies, each of which is connected to the same side of the thickness direction of the first body, or at least one second body is connected to both sides of the thickness direction of the first body.

7. The valve island assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least two of the second bodies are connected together.

8. The valve island assembly according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first body includes: a plurality of sub-first bodies, each of which is connected to at least one second body.

9. The valve island assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first body and the second body are made of aluminum, and they are connected by aluminum-silicon solder; or The first body is made of stainless steel, and the second body is made of aluminum.

10. The valve island assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first body has a first connecting hole, the second body has a second connecting hole, and the fastener is inserted and fixed in the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole.

11. The valve island assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of fasteners is multiple, and the multiple fasteners are spaced apart on the first body, with the maximum distance between two adjacent fasteners being less than or equal to 100mm.

12. A flow path unit, characterized in that, include: Valve island assembly, wherein the valve island assembly is the valve island assembly according to any one of claims 1-11; A functional component, which is connected to the refrigerant flow channel.

13. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the flow path unit according to claim 12.

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