Air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model relates to an air conditioner which comprises a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger and a gas-liquid separator. The outdoor heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange part and a second heat exchange part. The gas-liquid separator comprises a first separation chamber and a second separation chamber. A communication part is arranged between the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber. The communication part is used to control the on-off of the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber. The first separation chamber is connected with a third valve port and an input end of the compressor. The second separation chamber is connected with the first heat exchange part and the second heat exchange part. In different modes, one of the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber is used as a low-temperature side, and the other is used as a high-temperature side. Through the heat exchange between the low-temperature side gas and the high-temperature side gas, the low-pressure side liquid-phase refrigerant is evaporated, the compressor backflow is avoided, the liquid-phase refrigerant retention of the low-temperature side gas is reduced to a certain extent, and the operation reliability of the compressor is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and in particular relates to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In air conditioners, the basic function of the gas-liquid separator is to separate and retain the liquid in the return pipe to prevent liquid slugging in the compressor. As air conditioner products are optimized, the overall size of the product is gradually reduced. In order to ensure sufficient heat exchange area for the heat exchanger, the space size inside the compressor compartment is gradually reduced.

[0003] For large-capacity air conditioner models, the compressor compartment needs to simultaneously house the compressor, gas-liquid separator, liquid receiver, four-way valve, expansion valve, refrigerant piping, and other hardware. If these hardware components are arranged separately, there will be insufficient space. Furthermore, in order to further improve the energy efficiency of heat pumps, the existing heat exchanger zoning design further restricts space. In addition, heat exchangers in different zones may have excessive refrigerant dryness, and there may be problems such as pressure loss and reduced heat exchange capacity within the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an air conditioner that solves the problems existing in the prior art, such as the reduced size of the compressor compartment, the partitioned design of the heat exchanger leading to limited installation space for the gas-liquid separator and liquid receiver, and excessive refrigerant dryness in the heat exchanger causing pressure loss.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: This utility model proposes an air conditioner, which includes: compressor; A four-way valve has a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port and a fourth valve port formed thereon, and the output end of the compressor is connected to the first valve port; An indoor heat exchanger, which is connected to the second valve port; An outdoor heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section, the first heat exchange section being connected to a fourth valve port, and the second heat exchange section being connected to the indoor heat exchanger; and A gas-liquid separator includes a first separation chamber and a second separation chamber, with a connecting portion between the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber for controlling the opening and closing of the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber. The first separation chamber is connected to the third valve port and the input end of the compressor, and the second separation chamber is connected to the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section.

[0006] In some embodiments of this application, the gas-liquid separator is provided with a partition, which is used to separate the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber, and to realize partial heat transfer within the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber.

[0007] During cooling, when the outdoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser, the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first and second separation chambers is achieved through the partition, which reduces the dryness of the refrigerant entering the second heat exchange section and increases the subcooling of the refrigerant at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0008] During heating, the outdoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber is achieved through the partition. This helps to reduce the dryness of the refrigerant entering the first heat exchanger, reduce the pressure loss in the first heat exchanger, and improve the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting part includes a connecting pipe, and a second expansion valve is provided on the connecting pipe for adjusting the opening degree of the connecting pipe.

[0010] By adjusting the opening of the second expansion valve, the amount of liquid refrigerant is stored in the second separation chamber. During heating operation, when the mass flow rate of refrigerant entering the gas-liquid separator per unit time is the same, the volume ratio of gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator is greater than that of liquid refrigerant because the density of gaseous refrigerant is much smaller than that of liquid refrigerant. Due to the pressure difference, the liquid refrigerant flows into the first heat exchange section. This application controls the volume of gaseous refrigerant in the second separation chamber by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve, so that a portion of the gaseous refrigerant is input into the second separation chamber through the connecting pipeline, thereby reducing the discharge of liquid refrigerant and achieving the purpose of liquid storage.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the first separation chamber is located above the second separation chamber, and an input pipe section and an output pipe section are provided at the top of the first separation chamber. The height of the input port of the input pipe section extending into the first separation chamber is higher than the height of the output port of the output pipe section extending into the first separation chamber. The input pipe section is connected to a third valve port, and the output pipe section is connected to the input end of the compressor.

[0012] The first and second separation chambers are arranged vertically, which helps to reduce the footprint of the gas-liquid separator and makes the structure more compact.

[0013] The refrigerant returned from the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger enters the first separation chamber through the inlet pipe section. The gaseous refrigerant separated in the first separation chamber is returned to the compressor through the outlet pipe section. The height of the inlet in the first separation chamber is higher than the height of the outlet inlet extending from the outlet pipe section into the first separation chamber. This helps to prevent the mixed refrigerant input from the inlet pipe section from being directly output to the compressor through the outlet pipe section, which could cause problems such as liquid slugging.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, a first pipe section is provided on the side wall of the second separation chamber, and a second pipe section is provided at the bottom of the second separation chamber. The first pipe section is connected to the first heat exchange section through a first auxiliary path, and the second pipe section is connected to the second heat exchange section through a second auxiliary path.

[0015] During refrigeration, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section is introduced into the second separation chamber through the second auxiliary circuit and the second pipe section, and then output from the first pipe section and the first auxiliary circuit to the second heat exchange section.

[0016] During heating, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section is fed into the second separation chamber through the first auxiliary path and the first pipe section, and then transported to the first heat exchange section through the second pipe section and the second auxiliary path.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the gas-liquid separator includes a separation cylinder, the partition is horizontally disposed within the separation cylinder, and a support is provided at the bottom of the separation cylinder.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the output end of the compressor is connected to the first valve port via a first refrigerant main line, the second valve port is connected to the indoor heat exchanger via a second refrigerant main line, the third valve port is connected to the input pipe section via a third refrigerant main line, and the fourth valve port is connected to the first heat exchange section via a fourth refrigerant main line.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the output pipe section is connected to the input end of the compressor via a fifth refrigerant main line, and the indoor heat exchanger and the second heat exchange section are connected via a sixth refrigerant main line, with a first expansion valve provided on the sixth refrigerant main line.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, under refrigeration conditions, the four-way valve is configured such that: the first valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, and the second valve port is connected to the third valve port; the second expansion valve is in a closed state.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, under heating conditions, the four-way valve is configured such that the first valve port is connected to the second valve port, the third valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, and the second expansion valve is in a non-closed state.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are: The air conditioner involved in this application has a gas-liquid separator divided into a first separation chamber and a second separation chamber, which are connected by a connecting part. In different operating modes of the air conditioner, one of the first separation chambers and the other of the second separation chamber serve as the low-temperature side and the other as the high-temperature side. Through heat exchange between the low-temperature side gas separator and the high-temperature side gas separator, the liquid refrigerant on the low-pressure side is evaporated, which helps to avoid liquid return from the compressor and improves the subcooling effect of the refrigerant on the high-temperature side, increasing the subcooling degree of the main circuit; it also reduces the dryness of the refrigerant entering the evaporator and improves the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator; and it reduces the liquid refrigerant retention on the low-temperature side gas separator to a certain extent, improving the operating reliability of the compressor.

[0023] In addition, the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber are connected by a connecting part to realize the liquid storage function of the high-temperature side gas separation. This can reduce the volume of the original liquid storage tank or reduce the liquid storage equipment, thereby reducing equipment costs and floor space.

[0024] Other features and advantages of this utility model will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an air conditioner system according to an embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a four-way valve according to an embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic plan view of a gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment; Figure 6 A perspective view of a gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow between the gas-liquid separator and the outdoor heat exchanger under cooling conditions. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow within an air conditioning system under cooling conditions. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant flow between the gas-liquid separator and the outdoor heat exchanger under heating conditions. Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow within an air conditioning system under cooling conditions. Figure label: 10. First refrigerant main road; 20. Second refrigerant main road; 30. Third refrigerant main road; 40. Fourth refrigerant main road; 50. Fifth refrigerant main road; 60. Sixth refrigerant main road; 70. First auxiliary road; 80. Second auxiliary road; 100. Compressor; 200, Four-way valve; 210, First valve port; 220, Second valve port; 230, Third valve port; 240, Fourth valve port; 300. Indoor heat exchanger; 400. Outdoor heat exchanger; 410. First heat exchange section; 420. Second heat exchange section; 500, Gas-liquid separator; 501, Separation cylinder; 510, First separation chamber; 511, Input pipe section; 512, Output pipe section; 520, Second separation chamber; 521, First pipe section; 522, Second pipe section; 530, Connecting pipe; 531, Second expansion valve; 540, Divider; 550, Support section; 600. First expansion valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 application.

[0029] 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of this invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0033] In this application, the air conditioner performs a refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation to cool or heat an indoor space.

[0034] Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, which compresses it into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0035] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that condenses in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves its cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner regulates the temperature of the indoor space.

[0036] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner refers to the part of the refrigeration cycle that includes the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor unit of an air conditioner includes the indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve can be provided in either the indoor or outdoor unit.

[0037] The indoor and outdoor heat exchangers function as either condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode; when the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 This utility model proposes an air conditioner, which includes a compressor 100, a four-way valve 200, an indoor heat exchanger 300, an outdoor heat exchanger 400, and a gas-liquid separator 500.

[0039] Compressor 100 is used to compress low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant.

[0040] The four-way valve 200 has a first valve port 210, a second valve port 220, a third valve port 230 and a fourth valve port 240.

[0041] The output end of the compressor 100 is connected to the first valve port 210, and the indoor heat exchanger 300 is connected to the second valve port 220; the outdoor heat exchanger 400 includes a first heat exchange section 410 and a second heat exchange section 420, the first heat exchange section 410 is connected to the fourth valve port 240, and the second heat exchange section 420 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 300.

[0042] refer to Figures 3-6 The gas-liquid separator 500 includes a first separation chamber 510 and a second separation chamber 520. A connecting part is provided between the first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520. The connecting part is used to control the opening and closing of the first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520.

[0043] The first separation chamber 510 is connected to the third valve port 230 and the input end of the compressor 100, and the second separation chamber 520 is connected to the first heat exchange section 410 and the second heat exchange section 420.

[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the gas-liquid separator 500 includes a separation cylinder 501, and a partition 540 is provided inside the separation cylinder 501. The first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520 are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the partition 540.

[0045] The first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520 are arranged vertically, which helps to reduce the floor space of the gas-liquid separator 500 and make the structure more compact.

[0046] The partition 540 is used to separate the first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520, and to facilitate partial heat transfer within the first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520.

[0047] The air conditioner involved in this application has a gas-liquid separator 500 divided into a first separation chamber 510 and a second separation chamber 520. The first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520 are connected by a connecting part. In different operating modes of the air conditioner, one of the first separation chamber 510 and the other of the second separation chamber 520 serves as a low-temperature side and the other serves as a high-temperature side. Through heat exchange between the low-temperature side gas separator and the high-temperature side gas separator, the liquid phase refrigerant on the low-pressure side evaporates, avoiding liquid return from the compressor 100. It also helps to improve the subcooling effect of the refrigerant on the high-temperature side, increasing the subcooling degree of the main circuit; reducing the dryness of the refrigerant entering the heat exchanger, which serves as the evaporator, and improving its heat exchange capacity; and reducing the retention of liquid phase refrigerant in the low-temperature side gas separator to a certain extent, thus improving the operational reliability of the compressor 100.

[0048] In addition, the first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520 are connected by a connecting part to realize the liquid storage function of the high-temperature side gas separation. This can reduce the volume of the original liquid storage tank or reduce the liquid storage equipment, thereby reducing equipment costs and floor space.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, the top of the first separation chamber 510 is provided with an input pipe section 511 and an output pipe section 512. The input pipe section 511 is connected to the third valve port 230, and the output pipe section 512 is connected to the input end of the compressor 100.

[0050] The input pipe section 511 extends into the first separation chamber 510 with an arc-shaped bend at one end, and the output pipe section 512 extends into the first separation chamber 510 in a U-shape.

[0051] The height of the input port of the input pipe section 511 extending into the first separation chamber 510 is higher than the height of the output port of the output pipe section 512 extending into the first separation chamber 510.

[0052] The height of the inlet in the first separation chamber 510 is higher than the height of the outlet in the outlet section 512 extending into the first separation chamber 510. This helps to prevent the mixed refrigerant input from the inlet section 511 from being directly output from the outlet section 512 to the compressor 100, thus avoiding problems such as liquid slugging.

[0053] The refrigerant fed back from the indoor heat exchanger 300 or the outdoor heat exchanger 400 enters the first separation chamber 510 through the inlet pipe section 511. The gaseous refrigerant separated in the first separation chamber 510 is fed back to the compressor 100 through the outlet pipe section 512.

[0054] In some embodiments of this application, a first pipe section 521 is provided on the side wall of the second separation chamber 520, and a second pipe section 522 is provided at the bottom of the second separation chamber 520. The first pipe section 521 is connected to the first heat exchange section 410 through the first auxiliary path 70, and the second pipe section 522 is connected to the second heat exchange section 420 through the second auxiliary path 80.

[0055] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 During cooling, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 410 is input into the second separation chamber 520 through the second auxiliary path 80 and the second pipe section 522, and then output from the first pipe section 521 and the first auxiliary path 70 to the second heat exchange section.

[0056] Specifically, during refrigeration, the first valve port 210 of the four-way valve 200 is connected to the fourth valve port 240, and the second valve port 220 is connected to the third valve port 230.

[0057] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output from the compressor 100 passes through the first valve port 210 and the fourth valve port 240 to the first heat exchange section 410 for heat exchange. After heat exchange, the refrigerant passes through the second auxiliary path 80 and the second pipe section 522 to the second separation chamber 520. The refrigerant in the second separation chamber 520 passes through the first pipe section 521 and the second auxiliary path 80 to the second heat exchange section 420. After heat exchange in the second heat exchange section 420, it is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 300 for heat exchange. Finally, the refrigerant output from the indoor heat exchanger 300 passes through the second valve port 220 and the third valve port 230 to enter the first separation chamber 510 from the input pipe section 511. The gaseous refrigerant in the first separation chamber 510, after gas-liquid separation, is finally returned to the compressor 100.

[0058] When cooling, the outdoor heat exchanger 400 acts as a condenser, and the heat exchange of the refrigerant in the first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520 is achieved through the partition 540, which reduces the dryness of the refrigerant entering the second heat exchange section and increases the subcooling of the refrigerant at the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 400.

[0059] refer to Figure 9 , Figure 10 When heating, the first valve port 210 of the four-way valve 200 is connected to the second valve port 220, and the third valve port 230 is connected to the fourth valve port 240.

[0060] The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant output from the compressor 100 passes through the first valve port 210 and the fourth valve port 240 to the indoor heat exchanger 300 for heat exchange. The refrigerant after heat exchange is then transported to the second heat exchange section 420. The refrigerant output from the second heat exchange section 420 passes through the first auxiliary path 70 and the first pipeline to the second separation chamber 520. The refrigerant in the second separation chamber 520 is then transported from the second pipeline and the second auxiliary path 80 to the first heat exchange section 410. The refrigerant output from the first heat exchange section 410 passes through the fourth valve port 240 and the third valve port 230, and is then transported from the input pipeline to the first separation chamber 510. Finally, the refrigerant separated in the first separation chamber 510 is transported back to the compressor 100 through the output pipeline.

[0061] When heating, the outdoor heat exchanger 400 acts as an evaporator, and the heat exchange of the refrigerant in the first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520 is achieved through the partition 540. This helps to reduce the dryness of the refrigerant entering the first heat exchanger, reduce the pressure loss in the first heat exchanger, and improve the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchanger.

[0062] In some embodiments of this application, the connecting part includes a connecting pipe 530, and a second expansion valve 531 is provided on the connecting pipe 530. The second expansion valve 531 is used to adjust the opening degree of the connecting pipe 530.

[0063] By adjusting the opening of the second expansion valve 531, the amount of liquid refrigerant can be stored in the second separation chamber 520.

[0064] During heating, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange section 420 is fed into the second separation chamber 520 through the first auxiliary path 70 and the first pipe section 521, and then transported to the first heat exchange section 410 through the second pipe section 522 and the second auxiliary path 80.

[0065] Specifically, during heating operation, when the mass flow rate of refrigerant entering the gas-liquid separator 500 per unit time is the same, the volume ratio of gaseous refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 500 is greater than that of liquid refrigerant because the density of gaseous refrigerant is much smaller than that of liquid refrigerant. Due to the pressure difference, the liquid refrigerant flows into the first heat exchange section 410.

[0066] This application controls the accumulation of gaseous refrigerant in the second separation chamber 520 by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve, so that a portion of the gaseous refrigerant is input into the second separation chamber 520 through the connecting pipe 530, thereby reducing the discharge of liquid refrigerant and achieving the purpose of liquid storage.

[0067] Combination Figure 8 , Figure 10In some embodiments of this application, the output end of the compressor 100 is connected to the first valve port 210 via the first refrigerant main line 10, the second valve port 220 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 300 via the second refrigerant main line 20, the third valve port 230 is connected to the input pipe section 511 via the third refrigerant main line 30, and the fourth valve port 240 is connected to the first heat exchange section 410 via the fourth refrigerant main line 40.

[0068] In some embodiments of this application, the output pipe section 512 is connected to the input end of the compressor 100 via a fifth refrigerant main line 50, and the indoor heat exchanger 300 and the second heat exchange section are connected via a sixth refrigerant main line 60. A first expansion valve 600 is provided on the sixth refrigerant main line 60.

[0069] In some embodiments of this application, under cooling conditions, the four-way valve 200 is configured such that: the first valve port 210 is connected to the fourth valve port 240, and the second valve port 220 is connected to the third valve port 230; the second expansion valve 531 is in a closed state.

[0070] The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant output from the compressor 100 is transported to the four-way valve 200 through the first refrigerant main line 10. After being output through the first valve port 210 and the fourth valve port 240, it is transported to the first heat exchange section 410 through the fourth refrigerant main line 40 for heat exchange.

[0071] After heat exchange in the first heat exchange section 410, the refrigerant is transported to the second separation chamber 520 via the second auxiliary path 80 and the second pipe section 522. The refrigerant in the second separation chamber 520 is transported to the second heat exchange section 420 via the first pipe section 521 and the second auxiliary path 80. The first pipe section 521 is located on the side wall of the second separation chamber 520 and is close to the partition section 540. Therefore, the gaseous refrigerant in the second separation chamber 520 is transported to the second heat exchange section 420 via the first pipe section 521 and the first auxiliary path 70, where it undergoes heat exchange.

[0072] After heat exchange in the second heat exchange section 420, the refrigerant is transported to the indoor heat exchanger 300 via the sixth refrigerant main line 60 for further heat exchange. Finally, the refrigerant output from the indoor heat exchanger 300 is transported to the four-way valve 20 via the second refrigerant main line 20. After passing through the second valve port 220 and the third valve port 230, it enters the input pipe section 511 via the third refrigerant main line 30 and is finally transported to the first separation chamber 510.

[0073] After gas-liquid separation in the first separation chamber 510, the gaseous refrigerant is finally output from the output pipe section 512 and then returned to the compressor 100 via the fifth refrigerant main line 50.

[0074] During refrigeration operation, the second expansion valve 531 remains fully closed. At this time, the second separation chamber 520 achieves the purpose of liquid storage.

[0075] During refrigeration operation, since the second separation chamber 520 contains high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, while the first separation chamber 510 contains low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, the separation section 540 can achieve a certain degree of condensation heat exchange. This allows heat from the second separation chamber 520 to be transferred to the first separation chamber 510, lowering the temperature of the second separation chamber 520. This causes the refrigerant entering the second heat exchange section 420 to be in a low-dryness / subcooled state, effectively increasing the subcooling of the refrigerant at the outlet of the second heat exchange section 420, preventing refrigerant flashing in the liquid pipe, and improving refrigeration capacity. Furthermore, if the heat exchange efficiency of the separation section 540 is high, a separate dedicated subcooler is not required in the refrigeration system flow path, which helps reduce equipment costs and installation volume.

[0076] During refrigeration operation, since the second separation chamber 520 contains a higher temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and the first separation chamber 510 contains a lower temperature gas-phase refrigerant, the second separation chamber 520 can reduce the dryness of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to a certain extent after condensation heat exchange through the partition 540, and increase the content of liquid refrigerant in the two-phase state, thereby achieving the efficient heat exchange effect of the first heat exchange section 410.

[0077] In some embodiments of this application, under heating conditions, the four-way valve 200 is configured such that the first valve port 210 is connected to the second valve port 220, the third valve port 230 is connected to the fourth valve port 240, and the second expansion valve 531 is in a non-closed state.

[0078] Specifically, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant output from the compressor 100 is transported to the four-way valve 200 via the first refrigerant main line 10, and then output to the indoor heat exchanger 300 via the first valve port 210 and the fourth valve port 240 of the four-way valve 200 for heat exchange.

[0079] After heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 300, the refrigerant is transported to the second heat exchange section 420 via the sixth refrigerant main line 60. During the transport process, it passes through the first expansion valve 600. The refrigerant output from the second heat exchange section 420 is transported to the second separation chamber 520 via the first auxiliary line 70 and the first pipeline. The refrigerant in the second separation chamber 520 is transported to the first heat exchange section 410 via the second pipeline and the second auxiliary line 80.

[0080] The refrigerant output from the first heat exchange section 410 is transported to the four-way valve 200 via the fourth refrigerant main line 40. After passing through the fourth valve port 240 and the third valve port 230, it is transported from the input pipeline to the first separation chamber 510 via the third refrigerant main line 30. Finally, the refrigerant separated in the first separation chamber 510 is transported back to the compressor 100 via the output pipeline from the fifth refrigerant main line 50.

[0081] During heating operation, after the two-phase refrigerant evaporates through the second heat exchange section 420, the dryness of the refrigerant increases and the proportion of gaseous refrigerant increases. Through the centrifugal separation effect of the second separation chamber 520, the gas and liquid phases are separated.

[0082] During heating, the second expansion valve 531 opens, and the separated gaseous refrigerant flows from the second separation chamber 520 to the first separation chamber 510 through the flow pipeline and the second expansion valve 531. The liquid refrigerant flows into the first heat exchange section 410 through the second pipeline at the bottom of the second separation chamber 520 for secondary evaporation. Because the contact area between the liquid and the wall of the first heat exchange section 410 is larger, the heat exchange capacity per unit area of ​​the first heat exchange section 410 can be effectively increased.

[0083] As the internal volume of the indoor unit tends to decrease, the amount of refrigerant required by the air conditioning system is less when the whole room is in heating mode or when the system is operating at a low load. The air conditioning system needs to accommodate the excess refrigerant, which is usually stored in the indoor unit or in the receiver.

[0084] In this scheme, the amount of liquid refrigerant stored in the second separation chamber 520 can be achieved by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve. Assuming that the mass flow rate of refrigerant entering the gas-liquid separator 500 is the same over a period of time, since the density of the gaseous refrigerant is much smaller than that of the liquid refrigerant, the volume ratio of the gaseous refrigerant in the separator is greater than that of the liquid refrigerant. Due to the pressure difference, the liquid refrigerant flows into the upper heat exchanger through the drain pipe. The volume of gaseous refrigerant in the second separation chamber 520 can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the expansion valve, thereby reducing the discharge of liquid refrigerant and achieving the purpose of liquid storage.

[0085] In summary, this solution not only achieves efficient heat exchange in the upper heat exchanger but also enables liquid storage, effectively reducing the volume of the liquid storage tank in the main liquid pipe or eliminating the liquid storage equipment, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the compressor compartment of the air conditioning equipment.

[0086] Refer again Figure 3 The air conditioner involved in this application has a compressor 100, a four-way valve 200, an outdoor heat exchanger 400, and a gas-liquid separator 500 housed in the outer casing. The gas-liquid separator 500 of this application has a support part 550 at the bottom of its separation cylinder 501 for support at the bottom of the outer casing.

[0087] The support part 550 is a bracket structure. Its upper end is fixed to the bottom of the separation cylinder 501 by welding or other mechanical connection, and its lower end is detachably connected to the bottom of the outer shell by support structures such as legs.

[0088] The vertical arrangement of the first separation chamber 510 and the second separation chamber 520 helps to reduce the space occupied by the gas-liquid separator 500 in the outer casing and improve the space utilization of the existing equipment.

[0089] Whenever possible, the various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied individually, and these individual aspects can serve as the subject of a divisional application.

[0090] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0091] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: compressor; A four-way valve has a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port and a fourth valve port formed thereon, and the output end of the compressor is connected to the first valve port; An indoor heat exchanger, which is connected to the second valve port; An outdoor heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section, wherein the first heat exchange section is connected to a fourth valve port and the second heat exchange section is connected to the indoor heat exchanger. as well as A gas-liquid separator includes a first separation chamber and a second separation chamber, with a connecting portion between the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber for controlling the opening and closing of the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber. The first separation chamber is connected to the third valve port and the input end of the compressor, and the second separation chamber is connected to the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separator is provided with a partition, which is used to separate the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber, and to realize partial heat transfer within the first separation chamber and the second separation chamber.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part includes a connecting pipe, and a second expansion valve is provided on the connecting pipe. The second expansion valve is used to adjust the opening degree of the connecting pipe.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first separation chamber is located above the second separation chamber. An input pipe section and an output pipe section are provided at the top of the first separation chamber. The height of the input pipe section extending into the input port of the first separation chamber is higher than the height of the output pipe section extending into the output port of the first separation chamber. The input pipe section is connected to a third valve port, and the output pipe section is connected to the input end of the compressor.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first pipe section is provided on the side wall of the second separation chamber, and a second pipe section is provided at the bottom of the second separation chamber. The first pipe section is connected to the first heat exchange section through a first auxiliary path, and the second pipe section is connected to the second heat exchange section through a second auxiliary path.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separator includes a separation cylinder, the partition is horizontally disposed inside the separation cylinder, and a support is provided at the bottom of the separation cylinder.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The compressor's output end is connected to the first valve port via a first refrigerant main line, the second valve port is connected to the indoor heat exchanger via a second refrigerant main line, the third valve port is connected to the input pipe section via a third refrigerant main line, and the fourth valve port is connected to the first heat exchange section via a fourth refrigerant main line.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The output pipe section is connected to the input end of the compressor via a fifth refrigerant main line, and the indoor heat exchanger and the second heat exchange section are connected via a sixth refrigerant main line, with a first expansion valve installed on the sixth refrigerant main line.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the cooling state, the four-way valve is configured such that the first valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, the second valve port is connected to the third valve port, and the second expansion valve is in the closed state.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, In heating mode, the four-way valve is configured such that the first valve port is connected to the second valve port, the third valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, and the second expansion valve is in a non-closed state.

Images