Air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air conditioner, air conditioner includes: compressor, and compressor has import, export and air supplement mouth, outdoor heat exchanger, indoor heat exchanger, first four -way valve, heat exchanger, heat exchanger has the first heat exchange passage and the second heat exchange passage of mutual heat exchange, and the first heat exchange passage is connected with indoor heat exchanger and outdoor heat exchanger respectively, and one end of the second heat exchange passage is connected with indoor heat exchanger and outdoor heat exchanger respectively, and another end is optionally connected with import or air supplement mouth, control valve, control valve is connected with the eighth end of second heat exchange passage, import and air supplement mouth respectively, and control valve selectively controls the eighth end of second heat exchange passage and import or air supplement mouth intercommunication. The utility model discloses an air conditioner through setting control valve to adjust the refrigerant flow under refrigeration mode and heating mode, can realize the air supplement of compressor under heat mode and the secondary supercooling of refrigerant under refrigeration mode, also can simplify the structure of refrigerant flow path, and the production is convenient.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Air conditioners in related technologies typically include a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger, which are connected to form a refrigerant circuit.

[0003] In addition, the air conditioner is equipped with multiple heat exchangers. Some heat exchangers are used to replenish gas and increase enthalpy of the compressor in heating mode to improve the heating efficiency of the air conditioner, while other heat exchangers are used to perform secondary subcooling of the refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger in cooling mode to improve the cooling efficiency of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0004] However, this design leads to a complex refrigerant flow path in the air conditioner, which in turn makes the manufacturing process difficult and inconvenient to produce. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of this utility model is to provide an air conditioner that uses a control valve to regulate the refrigerant flow direction in cooling and heating modes. This not only enables the compressor to receive additional gas and increase enthalpy in heating mode and to undergo secondary subcooling of the refrigerant in cooling mode, but also simplifies the structure of the refrigerant flow path, facilitating production.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, an air conditioner is proposed according to an embodiment of this utility model. The air conditioner includes: a compressor having an inlet, an outlet, and a gas inlet; an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with outdoor air; an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with indoor air, with a first end of the indoor heat exchanger connected to a third end of the outdoor heat exchanger; and a first four-way valve having: a first port connected to the outlet; a second port connected to a fourth end of the outdoor heat exchanger; a third port connected to the inlet; and a fourth port connected to a second end of the indoor heat exchanger. The second four-way valve controls the connection of the first port to the fourth port and the second port to the third port, or controls the connection of the first port to the second port and the third port to the fourth port. The air conditioner further includes: a heat exchanger having the following mutual heat exchange channels: a first heat exchange channel, the fifth end of which is connected to the third end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the sixth end of which is connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger; a second heat exchange channel including a seventh end and an eighth end; in cooling mode, refrigerant flows from the third end of the outdoor heat exchanger to the seventh end of the second heat exchange channel; in heating mode, refrigerant flows from the first end of the indoor heat exchanger to the seventh end of the second heat exchange channel; the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel is selectively connected to the inlet or the air inlet; wherein, the air conditioner further includes: a control valve, the control valve being connected to the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel, the inlet, and the air inlet respectively, the control valve selectively controlling the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel to connect to the inlet or the air inlet.

[0007] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: By adding a control valve, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange channel can be controlled. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel and then flows back to the compressor through the control valve. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel can flow to the indoor heat exchanger after cooling down, thereby performing secondary subcooling on the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel to improve the subcooling degree and thus improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the control valve can connect the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel to the gas inlet. At this time, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel and its temperature rises. The refrigerant with the increased temperature can flow into the gas inlet through the control valve to replenish the compressor and increase its enthalpy, thereby increasing the amount of refrigerant flowing from the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger and thus improving the heating effect of the air conditioner. Furthermore, the air conditioner of this utility model embodiment adds a control valve after the second heat exchange channel to regulate the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel in both cooling and heating modes. This allows for increased subcooling of the refrigerant during cooling and increased enthalpy of the compressor during heating, provided that only one heat exchanger is used. This improves both the heating and cooling efficiency of the air conditioner, simplifies the structure of the air conditioner and the refrigerant flow path, reduces manufacturing difficulty, and improves production efficiency, thereby reducing costs.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger; or, the heat exchanger is a tube-and-shell heat exchanger.

[0009] The above technical solutions have the following advantages or beneficial effects: the structure of plate heat exchangers and shell-and-tube heat exchangers is relatively simple, which helps to reduce costs, and can ensure that the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel is relatively high.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the control valve is configured as a second four-way valve, and the second four-way valve includes: a first valve port connected to the inlet; a second valve port connected to the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel; a third valve port connected to the gas supply port; and a fourth valve port closed. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the first valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, and the second valve port is connected to the third valve port; when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the first valve port is connected to the second valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the fourth valve port.

[0011] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: In both cooling and heating modes, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange channel can be adjusted by the second four-way valve to achieve enthalpy increase by supplying gas to the compressor in heating mode, and secondary subcooling of the refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger in cooling mode. Furthermore, the four-way valve has a simple structure and low cost; using it as a control valve helps save costs and simplifies control.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the control valve is constructed as a three-way valve, and the three-way valve includes: a fifth valve port connected to the inlet; a sixth valve port connected to the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel; and a seventh valve port connected to the gas inlet; wherein, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the sixth valve port is connected to the seventh valve port; and when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the sixth valve port is connected to the fifth valve port.

[0013] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: In both cooling and heating modes, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange channel can be adjusted by the three-way valve to achieve gas replenishment and enthalpy increase for the compressor in heating mode, and secondary subcooling of the refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger in cooling mode.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes: a first throttling element, one end of which is connected to the third end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the other end of which is connected to the fifth end of the first heat exchange channel and the seventh end of the second heat exchange channel, respectively.

[0015] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger can be throttled and cooled by the first throttling element before flowing to the indoor heat exchanger, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant and improving the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the indoor air, which is beneficial to improving the cooling effect of the air conditioner; while when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger can be throttled and cooled by the first throttling element before flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger, which is beneficial to improving the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, allowing the refrigerant to better absorb the heat of the outdoor air and heat up to a high temperature.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes a refrigerant heat dissipation module, which is connected to the other end of the first throttling element and the fifth end of the first heat exchange channel, respectively, and the refrigerant heat dissipation module is used to dissipate heat for the electronic components of the air conditioner.

[0017] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the low-temperature refrigerant can absorb the heat of the electronic components through the refrigerant heat dissipation module, so as to avoid the operating temperature of the electronic components being too high, ensure that the electronic components can operate normally, and thus ensure the stability and reliability of the air conditioner operation.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes: a second throttling element, one end of which is connected to the third end of the outdoor heat exchanger and the first end of the indoor heat exchanger, and the other end of which is connected to the seventh end of the second heat exchange channel.

[0019] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchange channel can be throttled and cooled by the second throttling element, so that the refrigerant after being throttled and cooled by the second throttling element can better absorb the heat of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple indoor heat exchangers, which are arranged in parallel and include at least: a first indoor heat exchanger, one end of which is connected to the sixth end of the first heat exchange channel, and the other end of which is connected to the fourth interface; and a second indoor heat exchanger, one end of which is connected to the sixth end of the first heat exchange channel, and the other end of which is connected to the fourth interface.

[0021] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the air conditioner can be a multi-split air conditioner, and multiple indoor heat exchangers can be distributed in multiple areas of the room to improve the flexibility of air conditioner use. Furthermore, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the air in different areas of the room through multiple indoor heat exchangers, which can adjust the indoor temperature in different areas. In addition, multi-split air conditioners can adjust the compressor frequency and refrigerant flow according to the actual indoor load, resulting in higher overall energy efficiency.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes: a first on / off valve, which is disposed between the first end of the indoor heat exchanger and the sixth end of the first heat exchange channel; and a second on / off valve, which is disposed between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger and the fourth interface.

[0023] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: When the air conditioner is in the off state, both the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve can be in the closed state, which can block the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path, so as to avoid the refrigerant from generating pressure difference in a local position in the refrigerant flow path due to the influence of ambient temperature during the off period, thereby ensuring that the air conditioner can be easily started after it is stopped.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes: an oil separator having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an oil return port, the air inlet being connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the air outlet being connected to the first interface; a first capillary tube having one end connected to the oil return port and the other end connected to the inlet of the compressor; a second capillary tube and a third on / off valve having the second capillary tube and the third on / off valve connected in series and then connected in parallel with the first capillary tube.

[0025] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: by setting an oil separator in the refrigerant flow path, the lubricating oil and refrigerant can be separated. The separated refrigerant can flow to the first four-way valve through the outlet, and the separated lubricating oil can flow back to the compressor through the oil return port. This can ensure that there is enough lubricating oil in the compressor to enable the compressor to operate normally, and can also prevent the refrigerant from carrying lubricating oil into the refrigerant flow path.

[0026] 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

[0027] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner cooling according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner in heating mode according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner cooling process according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heating principle of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure label: 100. Compressor; 110. Inlet; 120. Outlet; 130. Air supply port; 200. Outdoor heat exchanger; 201. Third end; 202. Fourth end; 300, Indoor heat exchanger; 301, First end; 302, Second end; 310, First indoor heat exchanger; 320, Second indoor heat exchanger; 400. First four-way valve; 411. First port; 412. Second port; 413. Third port; 414. Fourth port; 500, Heat exchanger; 510, First heat exchange channel; 511, Fifth end; 512, Sixth end; 520, Second heat exchange channel; 521, First filter; 522, Seventh end; 523, Eighth end; 600, Control valve; 610, Second four-way valve; 611, First valve port; 612, Second valve port; 613, Third valve port; 614, Fourth valve port; 620, Three-way valve; 621, Fifth valve port; 622, Sixth valve port; 623, Seventh valve port; 710. First throttling element; 711. Second filter; 720. Refrigerant heat dissipation module; 730. Second throttling element; 740. First on / off valve; 750. Second on / off valve; 800. Oil separator; 810. Air inlet; 820. Air outlet; 830. Oil return port; 831. Third filter; 910, First capillary tube; 920, Second capillary tube; 921, Third on / off valve; 930, Gas-liquid separator. Detailed Implementation

[0029] 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 are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, and "several" means one or more.

[0033] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a compressor 100. The compressor 100 has an inlet 110, an outlet 120 and a gas inlet 130. High-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant can flow out through the outlet 120 and flow back to the compressor 100 through the inlet 110 after completing the heating cycle or cooling cycle. Moreover, in the heating mode of the air conditioner, the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path can flow back to the compressor 100 through the gas inlet 130 to replenish the compressor 100 and increase its enthalpy, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0035] An air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger 200 and an indoor heat exchanger 300. The outdoor heat exchanger 200 is used for heat exchange with outdoor air, and the indoor heat exchanger 300 is used for heat exchange with indoor air. The first end 301 of the indoor heat exchanger 300 is connected to the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200. Thus, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 can act as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 300 can act as an evaporator. The refrigerant can release heat to the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 200, changing the refrigerant from a high-temperature state to a medium- or low-temperature state. The cooled refrigerant can then absorb heat from the indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 300 to cool the room. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 200 can act as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 300 can act as a condenser. The refrigerant can release heat into the room through the indoor heat exchanger 300 to heat the room. The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 300 can absorb heat from the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 200, so that the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs heat and rises to become a high-temperature refrigerant before flowing back to the compressor 100 from the inlet 110.

[0036] The air conditioner may include a first four-way valve 400, which has a first port 411 connected to an outlet 120, allowing refrigerant flowing from the compressor 100 outlet 120 to flow to the first port 411. The first four-way valve 400 also has a second port 412 connected to a fourth terminal 202 of an outdoor heat exchanger 200, allowing refrigerant flowing from the second port 412 to flow to or from the outdoor heat exchanger 200 to the second port 412. Finally, the first four-way valve 400 has a third port 413 connected to an inlet 110, allowing refrigerant to flow through the third port 413 to the inlet 110 and then back into the compressor 100. The first four-way valve 400 has a fourth port 414, which is connected to the second end 302 of the indoor heat exchanger 300. In this way, the refrigerant flowing out of the fourth port 414 can flow to the indoor heat exchanger 300, or the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 300 can flow to the fourth port 414.

[0037] Specifically, the first four-way valve 400 controls the first interface 411 to be connected to the fourth interface 414 and the second interface 412 to be connected to the third interface 413, or the first four-way valve 400 controls the first interface 411 to be connected to the second interface 412 and the third interface 413 to be connected to the fourth interface 414.

[0038] In other words, by controlling the state of the first four-way valve 400, the flow direction of the refrigerant within the first four-way valve 400 can be changed, thereby adjusting the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path. Specifically, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the first port 411 can be connected to the fourth port 414, and the second port 412 can be connected to the third port 413. This allows the high-temperature refrigerant flowing from the compressor 100 outlet 120 to flow through the first port 411 and the fourth port 414 to the indoor heat exchanger 300. The refrigerant can release heat into the room through the indoor heat exchanger 300. Subsequently, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and then flow back to the compressor 100 through the second port 412 and the third port 413, thus achieving the heating function of the air conditioner. The air conditioner operates in a cooling cycle. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the first interface 411 can be connected to the second interface 412 and the third interface 413 can be connected to the fourth interface 414. In this way, the high-temperature refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 100 outlet can flow to the outdoor heat exchanger 200 through the first interface 411 and the second interface 412 to release heat to the outside through the outdoor heat exchanger 200. Subsequently, the refrigerant can absorb indoor heat through the indoor heat exchanger 300 and then flow back to the compressor 100 through the fourth interface 414 and the third interface 413, thereby realizing the cooling cycle of the air conditioner.

[0039] In addition, the air conditioner may also include a heat exchanger 500, which has a first heat exchange channel 510 and a second heat exchange channel 520 for mutual heat exchange.

[0040] The fifth end 511 of the first heat exchange channel 510 is connected to the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the sixth end 512 of the first heat exchange channel 510 is connected to the first end 301 of the indoor heat exchanger 300.

[0041] The seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520 is connected to the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and the first end 301 of the indoor heat exchanger 300, respectively. In cooling mode, the refrigerant flows from the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 to the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520. In heating mode, the refrigerant flows from the first end 301 of the indoor heat exchanger 300 to the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520. The eighth end 523 of the second heat exchange channel 520 can be selectively connected to the inlet 110 or the air inlet 130.

[0042] The first heat exchange channel 510 is the main flow path, while the second heat exchange channel 520 is the auxiliary flow path. Specifically, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flows from the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 to the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520. At this time, the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520 only has refrigerant flow between itself and the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and there is no refrigerant flow between itself and the indoor heat exchanger 300. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant flows from the first end 301 of the indoor heat exchanger 300 to the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520. At this time, the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520 only has refrigerant flow between itself and the indoor heat exchanger 300, and there is no refrigerant flow between itself and the outdoor heat exchanger 200.

[0043] In this way, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel 520 can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510. The refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel 520 can absorb heat from the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510, which can increase the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel 520 and decrease the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510.

[0044] Therefore, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the eighth end 523 of the second heat exchange channel 520 can be connected to the inlet 110. This allows the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510 to be cooled before flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 300, thus performing secondary subcooling on the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510 to increase the subcooling degree of the refrigerant and improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the eighth end 523 of the second heat exchange channel 520 can be connected to the gas inlet 130. After absorbing the heat from the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510, the temperature of the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel 520 rises. The refrigerant with the increased temperature flows back to the compressor 100 through the gas inlet 130, thereby increasing the enthalpy of the compressor 100 and improving the amount of refrigerant flowing from the compressor 100 to the indoor heat exchanger 300, thus improving the heating effect of the air conditioner.

[0045] The air conditioner may also include a control valve 600, which is connected to the eighth end 523 of the second heat exchange channel 520, the inlet 110 and the air supply port 130 respectively. The control valve 600 selectively controls the eighth end 523 of the second heat exchange channel 520 to connect with the inlet 110 or the air supply port 130.

[0046] Therefore, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchange channel 520 can be controlled by the control valve 600. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel 520, after absorbing heat from the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510, can flow back to the compressor 100 through the control valve 600. Furthermore, the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510 can flow to the indoor heat exchanger 300 after cooling, thus enabling secondary subcooling of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510 to increase the subcooling degree and thereby improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the control valve 600 can connect the eighth end 523 of the second heat exchange channel 520 to the gas inlet 130. At this time, the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel 520 absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510 and its temperature rises. The refrigerant with the increased temperature can flow into the gas inlet 130 through the control valve 600 to replenish the compressor 100 and increase its enthalpy. This can increase the amount of refrigerant flowing from the compressor 100 to the indoor heat exchanger 300, thereby improving the heating effect of the air conditioner.

[0047] Furthermore, the air conditioner of this utility model embodiment adds a control valve 600 after the second heat exchange channel 520 to regulate the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel 520 in both cooling and heating modes. This allows for increased refrigerant subcooling during cooling and increased enthalpy by supplementing the compressor 100 with gas during heating, all while using only one heat exchanger 500. This improves both the heating and cooling efficiency of the air conditioner, simplifies the structure of the air conditioner and the refrigerant flow path, reduces manufacturing difficulty, and improves production efficiency, thereby reducing costs.

[0048] Thus, the air conditioner according to this utility model embodiment can adjust the refrigerant flow direction in cooling and heating modes by setting a control valve 600. This can achieve both gas replenishment and enthalpy increase for the compressor 100 in heating mode and secondary subcooling of the refrigerant in cooling mode. It can also simplify the structure of the refrigerant flow path and facilitate production.

[0049] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchanger 500 is a plate heat exchanger, which ensures high heat exchange efficiency for the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510 and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel 520. In addition, the plate heat exchanger has a simple structure, which helps to reduce costs.

[0050] Alternatively, heat exchanger 500 can be a tube-and-shell heat exchanger. The structure of a tube-and-shell heat exchanger is relatively simple, which can effectively reduce costs. It should be noted that heat exchanger 500 is not limited to plate heat exchangers or tube-and-shell heat exchangers. As long as heat exchanger 500 can realize heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510 and the second heat exchange channel 520, it is sufficient.

[0051] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the control valve 600 is configured as a second four-way valve 610, and the second four-way valve 610 may include a first valve port 611, which is connected to the inlet 110. In this way, the refrigerant flowing through the second four-way valve 610 can flow to the inlet 110 through the first valve port 611, so that the refrigerant flows back into the compressor 100.

[0052] The second four-way valve 610 may include a second valve port 612, which is connected to the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel 520, so that the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel 520 can flow to the second four-way valve 610 through the second valve port 612.

[0053] The second four-way valve 610 may include a third valve port 613, which is connected to the gas supply port 130. In this way, the refrigerant flowing through the second four-way valve 610 can flow through the third valve port 613 to the gas supply port 130 to supply gas and increase enthalpy to the compressor 100.

[0054] The second four-way valve 610 may include a fourth valve port 614, which is closed, for example, by using a cap to block the refrigerant connected to the fourth valve port 614.

[0055] Understandably, four-way valves have a simple structure and low cost. Using a four-way valve as the control valve 600 helps to save costs and is easy to control.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the first valve port 611 is connected to the fourth valve port 614, and the second valve port 612 is connected to the third valve port 613. At this time, the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 300 can be divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant can flow to the first heat exchange channel 510, and then flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 200. In this way, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and then flow into the compressor 100. The other part of the refrigerant can flow to the second heat exchange channel 520, and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel 520 can absorb heat from the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510 and be heated. The heated refrigerant can flow through the second valve port 612 and the third valve port 613 to the gas injection port 130 to replenish the compressor 100 and increase its enthalpy. This can increase the amount of refrigerant flowing from the compressor 100 to the indoor heat exchanger 300, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the first valve port 611 is connected to the second valve port 612, and the third valve port 613 is connected to the fourth valve port 614. At this time, the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 can be divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant can flow to the indoor heat exchanger 300 through the first heat exchange channel 510, and the other part of the refrigerant can flow to the second heat exchange channel 520 and flow to the inlet 110 through the second valve port 612 and the first valve port 611, so as to flow back to the compressor 100. The refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel 520 can absorb the heat of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510, so as to achieve secondary subcooling of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510, thereby improving the subcooling degree and thus improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0058] In other specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 4-6As shown, the control valve 600 is configured as a three-way valve 620, and the three-way valve 620 may include a fifth valve port 621, which is connected to the inlet 110. In this way, the refrigerant flowing through the three-way valve 620 can flow to the inlet 110 through the fifth valve port 621, so that the refrigerant flows back into the compressor 100.

[0059] The three-way valve 620 may include a sixth valve port 622, which is connected to the eighth end 523 of the second heat exchange channel 520, so that the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel 520 can flow to the three-way valve 620 through the sixth valve port 622.

[0060] The three-way valve 620 may include a seventh valve port 623, which is connected to the gas supply port 130. In this way, the refrigerant flowing through the three-way valve 620 can flow to the gas supply port 130 through the third valve port 613 to supply gas and increase the enthalpy of the compressor 100.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the sixth valve port 622 and the seventh valve port 623 are connected. At this time, the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 300 can be divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant can flow through the first heat exchange channel 510 and then through the outdoor heat exchanger 200. In this way, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and flows back to the compressor 100. The other part of the refrigerant can flow to the second heat exchange channel 520, and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel 520 can absorb heat from the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510 and become heated. The heated refrigerant can then flow through the sixth valve port 622 and the seventh valve port 623 to the gas supply port 130 to replenish the compressor 100 and increase its enthalpy. This can increase the amount of refrigerant flowing from the compressor 100 to the indoor heat exchanger 300, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the sixth valve port 622 and the fifth valve port 621 are connected. At this time, the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 can be divided into two parts. One part of the refrigerant can flow to the indoor heat exchanger 300 through the first heat exchange channel 510, and the other part of the refrigerant can flow to the second heat exchange channel 520 and flow to the inlet 110 through the sixth valve port 622 and the fifth valve port 621, so as to flow back to the compressor 100. The refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel 520 can absorb the heat of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel 510, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510, so as to achieve secondary subcooling of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510, thereby improving the subcooling degree and thus improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0063] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-6As shown, the air conditioner may also include a first throttling element 710, one end of which is connected to the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the other end of which is connected to the fifth end 511 of the first heat exchange channel 510 and the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520.

[0064] The first throttling element 710 can be an electronic expansion valve, but is not limited to this.

[0065] Therefore, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger 200 passes through the first throttling element 710, which throttles and cools the refrigerant, thus lowering its temperature. This allows the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 300 to better absorb heat from the indoor air, improving the heat exchange efficiency and thus enhancing the air conditioner's cooling effect. Conversely, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 300 passes through the first throttling element 710, which throttles and cools the refrigerant, further allowing the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 200 to better absorb heat from the outdoor air. This improves the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, enabling the refrigerant to better absorb heat from the outdoor air and reach a high temperature. The high-temperature refrigerant can then flow back to the compressor 100 through inlet 110.

[0066] The air conditioner may also include a second filter 711. One end of the second filter 711 may be connected to the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the other end of the second filter 711 may be connected to one end of the first throttling element 710. In this way, the second filter 711 can be used to filter the refrigerant flowing through it to avoid clogging of the first throttling element 710.

[0067] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, the air conditioner may also include a refrigerant heat dissipation module 720, which is connected to the other end of the first throttling element 710 and the fifth end 511 of the first heat exchange channel 510, respectively. The refrigerant heat dissipation module 720 is used to dissipate heat for the electronic components of the air conditioner.

[0068] Therefore, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger 200 can flow to the refrigerant heat dissipation module 720. In this way, the refrigerant can exchange heat with the electronic components of the air conditioner through the refrigerant heat dissipation module 720. The low-temperature refrigerant can absorb the heat of the electronic components to avoid the operating temperature of the electronic components being too high, ensuring that the electronic components can operate normally, and thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the air conditioner's operation.

[0069] Similarly, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 300 can also flow to the refrigerant heat dissipation module 720. At this time, the refrigerant can also exchange heat with the electronic components of the air conditioner through the refrigerant heat dissipation module 720. The low-temperature refrigerant can absorb the heat of the electronic components to avoid the operating temperature of the electronic components being too high, ensuring that the electronic components can operate normally, and thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the air conditioner's operation.

[0070] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, the air conditioner may also include a second throttling element 730, one end of which is connected to the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and the first end 301 of the indoor heat exchanger 300, and the other end of which is connected to the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520.

[0071] The second throttling element 730 can be an electronic expansion valve, but is not limited to this.

[0072] Therefore, the refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchange channel 520 can first flow through the second throttling element 730, which can then throttle and cool the refrigerant flowing to the second heat exchange channel 520, so that the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange channel 520 can better absorb the heat of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange channel 510.

[0073] The air conditioner may also include a first filter 521. One end of the first filter 521 may be connected to the third end 201 of the outdoor heat exchanger 200 and the first end 301 of the indoor heat exchanger 300, respectively, and the other end of the first filter 521 may be connected to the seventh end 522 of the second heat exchange channel 520. In this way, the first filter 521 can be used to filter the refrigerant flowing to the second throttling element 730 to avoid clogging of the second throttling element 730.

[0074] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, there are multiple indoor heat exchangers 300, which are arranged in parallel and may include at least a first indoor heat exchanger 310 and a second indoor heat exchanger 320.

[0075] One end of the first indoor heat exchanger 310 is connected to the sixth end 512 of the first heat exchange channel 510, and the other end of the first indoor heat exchanger 310 is connected to the fourth interface 414. Additionally, the plurality of indoor heat exchangers 300 may include a second indoor heat exchanger 320, one end of which is connected to the sixth end 512 of the first heat exchange channel 510, and the other end of which is connected to the fourth interface 414.

[0076] Understandably, the number of indoor heat exchangers 300 is not limited to two; it can also be three, four, or more connected in parallel.

[0077] By setting multiple indoor heat exchangers 300, the air conditioner can be a multi-split air conditioner. The multiple indoor heat exchangers 300 can be distributed in multiple areas of the room to improve the flexibility of air conditioner use. The refrigerant can exchange heat with the air in different areas of the room through multiple indoor heat exchangers 300, so the indoor temperature in different areas can be adjusted. In addition, the multi-split air conditioner can adjust the frequency of the compressor 100 and the refrigerant flow according to the actual indoor load, resulting in higher overall energy efficiency.

[0078] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, the air conditioner may also include a first on / off valve 740 and a second on / off valve 750.

[0079] The first on / off valve 740 is located between the first end 301 of the indoor heat exchanger 300 and the sixth end 512 of the first heat exchange channel 510, and the second on / off valve 750 is located between the second end 302 of the indoor heat exchanger 300 and the fourth interface 414.

[0080] For example, the first on / off valve 740 can be a liquid pipe shut-off valve, and the second on / off valve 750 can be a gas pipe shut-off valve.

[0081] The first on / off valve 740 can control the flow of refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger 300 and the outdoor heat exchanger 200, and the second on / off valve 750 can control the flow of refrigerant between the compressor 100 and the indoor heat exchanger 300.

[0082] Specifically, when the air conditioner is running, both the first on / off valve 740 and the second on / off valve 750 can be in the open state to ensure that the refrigerant can flow smoothly in the refrigerant flow path, enabling the air conditioner to cool or heat. When the air conditioner is off, both the first on / off valve 740 and the second on / off valve 750 can be in the closed state, which can block the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path to avoid the refrigerant from experiencing local pressure differences in the refrigerant flow path due to ambient temperature during the off-state, thereby ensuring that the air conditioner can start easily.

[0083] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-6 As shown, the air conditioner may also include an oil separator 800, which has an air inlet 810, an air outlet 820 and an oil return port 830. The air inlet 810 is connected to the compressor outlet 120, and the air outlet 820 is connected to the first interface 411.

[0084] The refrigerant in the compressor 100 can flow through the outlet 120 to the inlet 810 of the oil separator 800 to enter the oil separator 800. It can be understood that the lubricating oil can lubricate the compressor 100 to ensure its normal operation. During the cooling or heating cycle of the air conditioner, in order to prevent the lubricating oil from flowing into the refrigerant flow path with the refrigerant, the oil separator 800 is set in the refrigerant flow path. This can separate the lubricating oil from the refrigerant. The separated refrigerant can flow through the outlet 820 to the first interface 411, and then into the first four-way valve 400. Furthermore, the separated lubricating oil can flow back into the compressor 100 through the oil return port 830. This can ensure that there is enough lubricating oil in the compressor 100 to enable the compressor 100 to operate normally, and can also prevent the refrigerant from carrying lubricating oil into the refrigerant flow path.

[0085] In addition, the air conditioner may also include a first capillary tube 910, one end of which is connected to the oil return port 830 and the other end is connected to the inlet 110 of the compressor 100.

[0086] With this configuration, the lubricating oil separated by the oil separator 800 can flow through the return port 830, through the first capillary tube 910, and finally to the inlet 110, so that the lubricating oil flows back into the compressor 100. Furthermore, the first capillary tube 910 can limit the speed at which the lubricating oil returns to the compressor 100, preventing the lubricating oil separated in the oil separator 800 from returning to the compressor 100 all at once. The first capillary tube 910 can be used to maintain the pressure balance between the oil separator 800 and the compressor 100, ensuring the normal operation of the compressor 100.

[0087] In addition, the air conditioner may also include a second capillary tube 920 and a third on-off valve 921, which are connected in series and then in parallel with the first capillary tube 910. The third on-off valve 921 may be a solenoid valve, but is not limited to this.

[0088] Therefore, the lubricating oil separated by the oil separator 800 can flow through the oil return port 830, the second capillary tube 920, and the third on / off valve 921, and finally flow to the inlet 110 so that the lubricating oil can flow back into the compressor 100.

[0089] In other words, the lubricating oil separated by the oil separator 800 can flow back to the compressor 100 through two paths. Specifically, when the air conditioner is running normally or the frequency of the compressor 100 is greater than the preset frequency, the third on-off valve 921 can be closed, so that the lubricating oil in the oil separator 800 can flow to the inlet 110 through the first capillary tube 910, so that the lubricating oil flows back to the compressor 100. On the other hand, when the frequency of the compressor 100 is less than or equal to the preset frequency, the third on-off valve 921 can be opened, so that the lubricating oil in the oil separator 800 can flow to the inlet 110 through the first capillary tube 910, the second capillary tube 920, and the third on-off valve 921, so that the lubricating oil flows back to the compressor 100. It should be noted that the degree to which the third shut-off valve 921 is opened is related to the frequency of the compressor 100. For example, the lower the frequency of the compressor 100, the greater the degree to which the third shut-off valve 921 is opened; the higher the frequency of the compressor 100, the smaller the degree to which the third shut-off valve 921 is opened. That is, there is a negative correlation between the degree to which the third shut-off valve 921 is opened and the frequency of the compressor 100.

[0090] In addition, the air conditioner may also include a third filter 831. One end of the third filter 831 can be connected to the oil return port 830 of the oil separator 800, and the other end of the third filter 831 can be connected to one end of the first capillary tube 910 and one end of the second capillary tube 920 respectively. In this way, the filter can filter the lubricating oil flowing out of the oil return port 830 and prevent the first capillary tube 910 or the second capillary tube 920 from being blocked.

[0091] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner may also include a gas-liquid separator 930, which can be connected to the inlet 110 of the compressor 100. In this way, the gas-liquid separator 930 can be used to separate the refrigerant flowing back to the compressor 100 into gas and liquid, thereby preventing liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor 100 and causing damage to the compressor 100, so as to ensure that the compressor 100 can operate normally.

[0092] Other components and operations of the air conditioner according to the embodiments of this utility model are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0093] The air conditioner of this invention 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, and supplies refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air.

[0094] The compressor compresses refrigerant gas under high temperature and pressure 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.

[0095] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed 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 and humidity of the indoor space.

[0096] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "specific embodiment" and "specific example" refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example that is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, comprising: A compressor having an inlet, an outlet, and a gas supply port; An outdoor heat exchanger, which is used for heat exchange with outdoor air; An indoor heat exchanger is used for heat exchange with indoor air, and a first end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to a third end of the outdoor heat exchanger. A first four-way valve, the first four-way valve having: A first interface, which is connected to the outlet; The second interface is connected to the fourth end of the outdoor heat exchanger; A third interface, which is connected to the inlet; The fourth interface is connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger. The first four-way valve controls the first interface to be connected to the fourth interface and the second interface to be connected to the third interface, or controls the first interface to be connected to the second interface and the third interface to be connected to the fourth interface. Its features are, The air conditioner also includes: Heat exchangers, wherein the heat exchangers have mutual heat exchange capabilities: The first heat exchange channel has a fifth end connected to the third end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a sixth end connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger. The second heat exchange channel includes the seventh and eighth ends; In cooling mode, the refrigerant flows from the third end of the outdoor heat exchanger to the seventh end of the second heat exchange channel; In heating mode, refrigerant flows from the first end of the indoor heat exchanger to the seventh end of the second heat exchange channel; The eighth end of the second heat exchange channel can be selectively connected to the inlet or the air supply port; The air conditioner also includes: A control valve is connected to the eighth end, the inlet, and the air supply port of the second heat exchange channel, respectively. The control valve selectively controls the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel to connect with the inlet or the air supply port.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger; or... The heat exchanger is a tube-and-shell heat exchanger.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control valve is configured as a second four-way valve, and the second four-way valve includes: A first valve port is connected to the inlet. The second valve port is connected to the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel; The third valve port is connected to the air supply port; The fourth valve port is closed; When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the first valve port is connected to the fourth valve port, and the second valve port is connected to the third valve port. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the first valve port is connected to the second valve port, and the third valve port is connected to the fourth valve port.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control valve is configured as a three-way valve, and the three-way valve includes: The fifth valve port is connected to the inlet; The sixth valve port is connected to the eighth end of the second heat exchange channel; The seventh valve port is connected to the air supply port; When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the sixth valve port is connected to the seventh valve port; When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the sixth valve port is connected to the fifth valve port.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first throttling element, one end of which is connected to the third end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the other end of which is connected to the fifth end of the first heat exchange channel and the seventh end of the second heat exchange channel, respectively.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A refrigerant heat dissipation module is connected to the other end of the first throttling element and the fifth end of the first heat exchange channel, respectively. The refrigerant heat dissipation module is used to dissipate heat for the electronic components of the air conditioner.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The second throttling element has one end connected to the third end of the outdoor heat exchanger and the first end of the indoor heat exchanger, and the other end connected to the seventh end of the second heat exchange channel.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indoor heat exchangers are multiple, and the multiple indoor heat exchangers are connected in parallel and include at least: The first indoor heat exchanger has one end connected to the sixth end of the first heat exchange channel, and the other end of the first indoor heat exchanger is connected to the fourth interface. The second indoor heat exchanger has one end connected to the sixth end of the first heat exchange channel, and the other end connected to the fourth interface.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first on / off valve is located between the first end of the indoor heat exchanger and the sixth end of the first heat exchange channel. The second on / off valve is located between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger and the fourth interface.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An oil separator having an air inlet, an air outlet, and an oil return port, wherein the air inlet is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the air outlet is connected to the first interface; A first capillary tube, one end of which is connected to the oil return port and the other end of which is connected to the inlet of the compressor; The second capillary tube and the third on / off valve are connected in series and then in parallel with the first capillary tube.

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