Air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of air conditioners, air conditioner includes: outdoor unit shell assembly, valve island assembly and pipeline assembly, outdoor unit shell assembly includes the top cover and bottom plate oppositely arranged along up-down direction, valve island assembly is provided with flow path and the connecting port being communicated with flow path, pipeline assembly is connected with at least part connecting port, pipeline assembly is located on the upside of valve island assembly and the highest position of the part opposite to valve island assembly along up-down direction is first position, pipeline assembly and top cover jointly define the accommodating space located above first position. According to the air conditioner of the utility model, the arrangement difficulty of the internal part of machine shell assembly can be reduced and the space utilization inside outdoor unit shell assembly is improved. In addition, corresponding function module can be flexibly selected according to the demand of air conditioner and installed in accommodating space, so that the flexibility of air conditioner function adjustment can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As people's living standards improve, air conditioners have gradually entered thousands of households, becoming an important household appliance in daily life. Air conditioners typically consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The compressor assembly is located inside the outdoor unit. In addition to the compressor, the compressor assembly also includes a large number of refrigerant connection pipes, occupying a lot of installation space inside the outdoor unit casing. This increases the difficulty of planning and arranging the various components inside the outdoor unit, and also results in low space utilization inside the outdoor unit. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model proposes an air conditioner that, by setting a valve island assembly and defining a accommodating space between the pipe assembly and the top cover, can reduce the difficulty of arranging the internal components of the casing assembly and improve the space utilization rate inside the outdoor unit casing assembly.

[0004] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an outdoor unit housing assembly, including a top cover and a bottom plate disposed opposite each other in a vertical direction; a valve island assembly, the valve island assembly having a flow path and a connection port communicating with the flow path; and a pipe assembly, the pipe assembly being connected to at least a portion of the connection port, the highest position of the portion of the pipe assembly located on the upper side of the valve island assembly and opposite to the valve island assembly in a vertical direction being a first position, the pipe assembly and the top cover jointly defining an accommodating space located above the first position.

[0005] According to the embodiments of the present invention, by setting a valve island assembly and defining a receiving space between the pipe assembly and the top cover, the air conditioner can provide more flexible options for the internal arrangement of the outdoor unit casing assembly, thereby reducing the difficulty of arranging the internal components of the casing assembly and improving the space utilization rate inside the outdoor unit casing assembly. Furthermore, corresponding functional modules can be flexibly selected and installed in the receiving space according to the needs of the air conditioner, thereby improving the flexibility of air conditioner function adjustments.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the first position and the top cover is H1, the distance between the top cover and the bottom plate is H2, and H1 / H2≥10%.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the distance between the first position and the top cover in the vertical direction is not less than 6cm.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes a compressor and a reversing valve, the piping assembly includes an exhaust pipe, the reversing valve is located above the valve island assembly, the reversing valve includes at least a first valve port and a second valve port, the first valve port is located at the top of the reversing valve, the exhaust port of the compressor is connected to the first valve port through the exhaust pipe, the highest position of the exhaust pipe is the first position, and the second valve port is connected to the connection port of the valve island assembly.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the exhaust pipe includes a bent section and a connecting section. The bent section is connected to the upper side of the connecting section and is located above the reversing valve. The two ends of the connecting section are respectively connected to the compressor and the first end of the bent section. The second end of the bent section is connected to the first valve port. The bent section is U-shaped and opens downwards. The top position of the bent section is the first position.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bending section includes a first side pipe section, a top pipe section, and a second side pipe section connected in sequence. The first side pipe section and the second side pipe section extend in the vertical direction. The lower end of the first side pipe section is connected to the first valve port, the upper end of the first side pipe section is connected to the first end of the top pipe section, and the second end of the top pipe section is connected to the upper end of the second side pipe section. The height position of the top pipe section is a first position, and the top pipe section and the first side pipe section and the second side pipe section are all smoothly transitioned.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the horizontal distance between the first side pipe segment and the second side pipe segment is not less than 25mm.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outdoor unit housing assembly includes a partition, the exhaust pipe is disposed on one side of the partition, and a portion of the air conditioner's electrical control box is located between the bent section and the partition.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an installation space for installing the electrical control box is also formed inside the outdoor unit housing assembly. A portion of the installation space is located between the bent section and the partition, and a portion of the installation space is located on one side of the receiving space along the horizontal direction and communicates with the receiving space.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the first position and the upper end face of the first valve port in the vertical direction is not less than 10mm.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flow path integrated assembly further includes a gas-liquid separator, which is located on one side of the compressor in the horizontal direction and below the reversing valve. The gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor and the reversing valve, and the valve island assembly is located on top of the gas-liquid separator.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper end of the compressor is lower than the upper end of the gas-liquid separator, the valve island assembly includes multiple valve islands and plate heat exchangers, each valve island is provided with the flow path and the connection port, the plate heat exchanger is connected to the lower side of a portion of the valve islands, and the plate heat exchanger and the gas-liquid separator are arranged horizontally and located above the compressor.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve island assembly further includes a mounting bracket, which is disposed on the top of the gas-liquid separator. The plate heat exchanger is disposed on the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a first mounting area and a second mounting area arranged along a first direction. The compressor and the gas-liquid separator are arranged along the first direction. The first mounting area is recessed downward to form an upward-facing receiving groove. At least a portion of the plate heat exchanger is received in the receiving groove. A portion of the valve island is mounted on the upper side of the plate heat exchanger, and a portion of the valve island is mounted in the second mounting area.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the compressor assembly further includes: the pipeline assembly includes a connecting pipeline and a heat dissipation pipeline connected to the upper side of the valve island assembly; the valve island assembly is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner through the connecting pipeline; the heat dissipation pipeline is connected to a portion of the connecting port; and the height of the portion of the connecting pipeline and the heat dissipation pipeline that is opposite to the valve island assembly in the vertical direction is lower than the first position.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner further includes a functional module, at least a portion of which is accommodated within the accommodating space.

[0020] 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

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the compressor assembly, partition, top cover, and bottom plate of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the compressor assembly and base plate of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of region A in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Top view of the structure; Figure 6 This is a partial exploded view of the compressor assembly of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the reversing valve, the first connecting pipe, and the valve island assembly of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the electronic expansion valve, the third connecting pipe, and the valve island assembly of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 9 This is a partial schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the compressor assembly of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Top view of the structure; Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Right side view of the middle section structure; Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A top view of the middle section of the structure.

[0022] Figure label: 100. Air conditioner; 10. Outdoor unit housing assembly; 11. Outer shell; 111. Top cover; 112. Base plate; 12. Partition plate; 13. Fan cavity; 14. Compressor cavity; 141. Accommodation space; 142. Installation space; 20. Compressor assembly; 2. Valve island assembly; 21. Valve island body; 211. Valve island; 22. Plate heat exchanger; 23. Mounting bracket; 231. First mounting area; 232. Second mounting area; 233. Receiving groove; 3. Piping assembly; 31. First position; 32. Exhaust pipe; 321. Bend section; 3211. First side pipe section; 3212. Top pipe section; 3213. Second side pipe section; 322. Connecting section; 3221. First connecting sub-section; 3222. Second connecting sub-section; 323. Clearance structure; 33. Connecting pipe; 34. Heat dissipation pipe; 35. First connecting pipe; 36. Second connecting pipe; 37. Third connecting pipe; 381. High-pressure connecting pipe; 383. Expansion valve connecting pipe; 4. Tank assembly; 41. Compressor; 42. Gas-liquid separator; 43. Oil-gas separator; 51. Reversing valve; 511. First valve port; 512. Second valve port; 52. Electronic expansion valve; 521. First expansion valve; 522. Second expansion valve; 53. High-pressure valve; 54. Low-pressure valve; 30. Outdoor heat exchange components; 301. Outdoor heat exchanger; 302. Fan components. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0024] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the present 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; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0025] 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", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "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.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or it may include the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, the terms "above", "over" and "on top" for the first feature and the second feature include the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicate that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature.

[0030] The air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model includes: an outdoor unit housing assembly 10, a valve island assembly 2, and a pipe assembly 3. The outdoor unit housing assembly 10 includes a top cover 111 and a bottom plate 112 arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction. The valve island assembly 2 is provided with a flow path and a connection port communicating with the flow path. The pipe assembly 3 is connected to at least a portion of the connection port. The highest position of the portion of the pipe assembly 3 located on the upper side of the valve island assembly 2 and opposite to the valve island assembly 2 in the vertical direction is the first position 31. The pipe assembly 3 and the top cover 111 together define an accommodating space 141 located above the first position 31.

[0032] In other words, the highest point of the pipe assembly 3 and the valve island assembly 2, which are opposite each other in the vertical direction, is spaced apart from the top cover 111 of the outdoor unit casing assembly 10, and the accommodating space 141 is located above the highest point of the pipe assembly 3 and the valve island assembly 2, which are opposite each other in the vertical direction. By setting the valve island assembly 2, multiple different flow paths can be integrated within the valve island assembly 2. That is, multiple refrigerant flow paths can be integrated through the valve island assembly 2, thereby improving the integration of the refrigerant flow paths of the air conditioner 100, reducing the number of pipes in the pipe assembly 3, and consequently reducing the installation space 142 occupied by the pipe assembly 3 by reducing the number of refrigerant pipes. This allows the accommodating space 141, located above the first position 31, to be formed between the pipe assembly 3 and the top cover 111.

[0033] Therefore, by setting up the valve island assembly 2 and defining the receiving space 141 between the pipe assembly and the top cover 111, more flexible options can be provided for the internal arrangement of the outdoor unit housing assembly 10. For example, the electrical control box can be placed inside the receiving space 141, thereby reducing the difficulty of arranging the internal components of the housing assembly and improving the space utilization rate inside the outdoor unit housing assembly 10. In addition, corresponding functional modules can be flexibly selected and installed in the receiving space 141 according to the needs of the air conditioner 100, thereby improving the flexibility of the air conditioner 100's function adjustment. For example, an oxygen generation module can be added to the receiving space 141, enabling the air conditioner 100 to have the function of supplying oxygen to the room, etc.

[0034] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner 100, by setting the valve island assembly 2 and defining the receiving space 141 between the pipe assembly and the top cover 111, provides more flexible options for the internal arrangement of the outdoor unit housing assembly 10, thereby reducing the difficulty of arranging the internal components of the housing assembly and improving the space utilization rate inside the outdoor unit housing assembly 10. Furthermore, corresponding functional modules can be flexibly selected and installed in the receiving space 141 according to the needs of the air conditioner 100, thereby improving the flexibility of the air conditioner 100's function adjustment.

[0035] The air conditioner 100 includes a compressor assembly 20 and an outdoor heat exchange assembly 30, both housed within the outdoor unit casing 10. The outdoor heat exchange assembly 30 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 301 and a fan assembly 302. The compressor assembly 20 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 301, forming a refrigerant flow path between them. The compressor 41 compresses the refrigerant, increasing its pressure. The fan assembly 302 drives airflow through the outdoor heat exchanger 301, dissipating heat from the refrigerant within the outdoor heat exchanger 301. The compressor assembly 20 includes a valve island assembly 2, a piping assembly 3, a compressor 41, a reversing valve 51, a gas-liquid separator 42, an electronic expansion valve 8, and an oil separator.

[0036] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2As shown, along the vertical direction, the distance between the first position 31 and the top cover 111 is H1, and the distance between the top cover 111 and the bottom plate 112 is H2, where H1 / H2 ≥ 10%. That is, the height dimension of the accommodating space 141 along the vertical direction is not less than 10% of the distance between the top cover 111 and the bottom plate 112. This ensures that the accommodating space 141 has sufficient height along the vertical direction, thereby increasing its volume and enhancing its capacity, facilitating the arrangement of functional modules within it. The ratio of the height dimension of the accommodating space 141 along the vertical direction to the distance between the top cover 111 and the bottom plate 112 can be 10%, 12%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 32%, 35%, etc., without specific limitations.

[0037] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the distance between the first position 31 and the top cover 111 in the vertical direction is not less than 6cm. That is, the height of the accommodating space 141 in the vertical direction is controlled to be not less than 6cm. Figure 2 The height H1 shown is controlled to be no less than 6cm. This ensures that the accommodating space 141 has sufficient height in the vertical direction, thereby increasing its volume and capacity, and facilitating the arrangement of functional modules within it. The height of the accommodating space 141 in the vertical direction can be 6cm, 8cm, 10cm, 12cm, 14cm, 16cm, 18cm, 20cm, 23cm, 25cm, etc., without specific limitations.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner 100 further includes a compressor 41 and a reversing valve 51. The pipeline assembly 3 includes an exhaust pipe 32. The reversing valve 51 is located above the valve island assembly 2. The reversing valve 51 includes a first valve port 511 and a second valve port 512. The first valve port 511 is located at the top of the reversing valve 51. The exhaust port of the compressor 41 is connected to the first valve port 511 through the exhaust pipe 32. The highest position of the exhaust pipe 32 is the first position 31. The second valve port 512 is connected to the connection port of the valve island assembly 2.

[0039] In other words, in the portion of the piping assembly 3 that is vertically opposite to the valve island assembly 2, the highest point of all pipes except the exhaust pipe 32 is not higher than the highest point of the exhaust pipe 32. The exhaust pipe 32 and the top cover 111 define a receiving space 141 located above the exhaust pipe 32. Since the first valve port 511 is located at the top of the reversing valve 51, the end of the exhaust pipe 32 away from the compressor 41 needs to be routed upwards to the top of the reversing valve 51 to facilitate connection between the exhaust pipe 32 and the first valve port 511. Therefore, the exhaust pipe 32 needs to extend to the top of the reversing valve 51 due to the position of the first valve port 511. Thus, designating the highest point of the exhaust pipe 32 as the first position 31 allows for better connection between the exhaust pipe 32 and the first valve port 511, while also better controlling the height of the other pipes in the piping assembly 3 besides the exhaust pipe 32. Reducing the height of the first position 31 allows the receiving space 141 to have a larger height dimension, thereby increasing the volume of the receiving space 141, facilitating the arrangement of functional modules, and achieving high space utilization.

[0040] In one embodiment, the reversing valve 51 is a four-way valve. The reversing valve 51 includes a plurality of second valve ports 512, such as three. The plurality of second valve ports 512 are all located at the bottom of the reversing valve 51 and are arranged at intervals along the length of the reversing valve 51. The plurality of second valve ports 512 are all connected to the connection port through the pipeline assembly 3 for switching the refrigerant flow path.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the exhaust pipe 32 includes a bent section 321 and a connecting section 322. The bent section 321 is connected to the upper side of the connecting section 322 and is located above the reversing valve 51. The two ends of the connecting section 322 are connected to the compressor 41 and the first end of the bent section 321, respectively. The second end of the bent section 321 is connected to the first valve port 511. The bent section 321 is U-shaped and opens downwards. The top position of the bent section 321 is the first position 31. That is, the connecting section 322 is connected to the reversing valve 51 through the bent section 321. The exhaust port of the compressor 41 is located below the reversing valve 51. By setting the bent section 321, it is easy for the exhaust pipe 32, which extends upwards from the lower side of the reversing valve 51, to connect to the first valve port 511 at the top of the reversing valve 51, thereby reducing the difficulty of connecting the exhaust pipe 32 and the reversing valve 51.

[0042] In addition, by setting a bend section 321 between the connecting section 322 and the reversing valve 51, the exhaust pipe 32 can have a certain elastic deformation capacity at the bend section 321 position, thereby avoiding the risk of the exhaust pipe 32 breaking due to the large shaking of the air conditioner 100 during transportation and installation, and thus improving the reliability of the connection between the exhaust pipe 32 and the compressor 41 and the reversing valve 51.

[0043] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bending section 321 includes a first side pipe section 3211, a top pipe section 3212, and a second side pipe section 3213 connected in sequence. The first side pipe section 3211 and the second side pipe section 3213 extend in the vertical direction. The lower end of the first side pipe section 3211 is connected to the first valve port 511, the upper end of the first side pipe section 3211 is connected to the first end of the top pipe section 3212, and the second end of the top pipe section 3212 is connected to the upper end of the second side pipe section 3213. The height position of the top pipe section 3212 is the first position 31. The top pipe section 3212 and the first side pipe section 3211 and the second side pipe section 3213 are all smoothly transitioned. Among them, the top pipe section 3212 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0044] In other words, the upper end of the first side pipe section 3211 and the upper end of the second side pipe section 3213 are connected by the top pipe section 3212. The transition from the second side pipe section 3213 to the top pipe section 3212 only requires a 90-degree bend, and the transition from the top pipe section 3212 to the first side pipe section 3211 only requires a 90-degree bend. Compared to the 180-degree bend required for the direct transition from the second side pipe section 3213 to the first side pipe section 3211, by setting the top pipe section 3212, the deformation of the exhaust pipe 32 caused by bending during the transition from the second side pipe section 3213 to the first side pipe section 3211 can be reduced. This can reduce the manufacturing difficulty of the bending section 321 and improve the production yield of the exhaust pipe 32.

[0045] Furthermore, by making the transition between the first side pipe section 3211 and the top pipe section 3212, and between the second side pipe section 3213 and the top pipe section 3212 smooth, the resistance to the flow of refrigerant along the first side pipe section 3211, the top pipe section 3212 and the second side pipe section 3213 can be reduced, thereby increasing the flow rate of refrigerant in the exhaust pipe 32. It can also effectively avoid stress concentration at the connection points of the first side pipe section 3211 and the top pipe section 3212, and at the connection points of the second side pipe section 3213 and the top pipe section 3212, thereby improving the seismic resistance of the bending section 321 and extending the service life of the exhaust pipe 32.

[0046] In a specific example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the top pipe section 3212 is arranged parallel to the main structure of the reversing valve 51. The projection of the top pipe section 3212 on the horizontal plane is located within the projection of the reversing valve 51 on the horizontal plane. Through the above arrangement, the layout of the top pipe section 3212 and the reversing valve 51 is more reasonable, which can improve the space utilization rate.

[0047] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the horizontal distance between the first side pipe segment 3211 and the second side pipe segment 3213 is not less than 25mm. The closer the distance between the first side pipe segment 3211 and the second side pipe segment 3213, the shorter the length of the top pipe segment 3212, and the smaller the bending space provided for the bending segment 321. Conversely, the farther the distance between the first side pipe segment 3211 and the second side pipe segment 3213, the longer the length of the top pipe segment 3212. Therefore, by controlling the distance between the first side pipe segment 3211 and the second side pipe segment 3213 to not less than 25mm, the excessively short top pipe segment 3212 can be avoided, which would increase the manufacturing difficulty of the bending segment 321. This reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the exhaust pipe 32 and improves the production yield of the exhaust pipe 32. The horizontal distance between the first side pipe section 3211 and the second side pipe section 3213 can be 25mm, 26mm, 27mm, 28mm, 29mm, 30mm, 32mm, 35mm, 38mm, 40mm, etc., and no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0048] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor unit housing assembly 10 includes a partition 12, an exhaust pipe 32 is located on one side of the partition 12, and the electrical control box of the air conditioner 100 is located between the bending section 321 and the partition 12. That is, the bending section 321 and the partition 12 are spaced apart, defining a space between them for the electrical control box, allowing the electrical control box to be arranged in a way that fully utilizes the space between the bending section 321 and the partition 12. This results in a more compact layout within the compressor cavity 14, thereby improving the space utilization rate within the compressor cavity 14.

[0049] Specifically, the outdoor unit housing assembly 10 includes an outer shell 11, which includes a top cover 111 and a bottom plate 112. A partition 12 and the outer shell 11 together define a fan chamber 13 and a compressor chamber 14 located on opposite sides of the partition 12 in the horizontal direction. The compressor assembly 20 is disposed within the compressor chamber 14. The outdoor heat exchange assembly 30 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 301 and a fan component 302, which is disposed within the fan chamber 13. In other words, the partition 12 effectively separates the fan component 302 and the compressor assembly 20, creating a relatively independent placement space for the compressor assembly 20. This reduces the impact of external factors on the operation of the compressor assembly 20, thereby improving its operational stability. Furthermore, the electrical control box is located within the compressor cavity 14, with a portion of it positioned between the bending section 321 and the partition plate 12. This spacing between the bending section 321 and the partition plate 12 defines a space for the electrical control box, allowing for efficient utilization of this space. Consequently, the layout within the compressor cavity 14 is more compact, improving the space utilization rate within the compressor cavity 14.

[0050] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, an installation space 142 for installing an electrical control box is also formed within the outdoor unit housing assembly 10. A portion of the installation space 142 is located between the bending section 321 and the partition 12, and another portion is located on one side of the receiving space 141 along the horizontal direction and communicates with the receiving space 141. Therefore, by using the portion of the installation space 142 located on one side of the receiving space 141 along the horizontal direction and communicating with the receiving space 141, it is convenient to route wiring harnesses between the installation space 142 and the receiving space 141. That is, the wiring harnesses of the functional modules installed in the receiving space 141 can be routed directly towards the direction close to the installation space 142 and electrically connected to the electrical control box installed in the installation space 142, thereby reducing the difficulty of electrically connecting the functional modules installed in the receiving space 141 to the electrical control box installed in the installation space 142.

[0051] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the distance between the first position 31 and the upper end face of the first valve port 511 in the vertical direction is not less than 10mm. That is, the distance between the highest position of the bent section 321 and the upper end face of the first valve port 511 in the vertical direction is controlled within the range of 10mm or greater than 10mm. The greater the distance between the highest position of the bent section 321 and the upper end face of the first valve port 511, the more operating space is provided for the connection between the bent section 321 and the reversing valve 51, such as the welding of the lower end of the first side pipe section 3211 to the first valve port 511.

[0052] Therefore, by controlling the distance between the highest point of the bending section 321 and the directional valve 51 in the vertical direction to be no less than 10mm, it is possible to avoid the connection difficulty between the bending section 321 and the directional valve 51 being too close, thus reducing the connection difficulty. The distance between the highest point of the bending section 321 and the upper surface of the first valve port 511 in the vertical direction can be 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, 23mm, 25mm, 27mm, 30mm, etc., without specific limitations.

[0053] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the air conditioner 100 also includes a gas-liquid separator 42, which is located on one side of the compressor 41 in the horizontal direction and below the reversing valve 51. The gas-liquid separator 42 is connected to the compressor 41 and the reversing valve 51, and the valve island assembly 2 is located on top of the gas-liquid separator 42. In other words, the valve island assembly 2 is located below the reversing valve 51 and on top of the gas-liquid separator 42, which can effectively shorten the distance between the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2, thereby shortening the length of the pipeline connecting the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2, and reducing production costs.

[0054] In some embodiments, a portion of the exhaust pipe 32 runs along the space between the compressor 41 and the gas-liquid separator 42. This allows the exhaust pipe 32 to be arranged to make full use of the space between the compressor 41 and the gas-liquid separator 42, thereby improving the space utilization rate within the compressor cavity 14.

[0055] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the upper end of the compressor 41 is lower than the upper end of the gas-liquid separator 42. The valve island assembly 2 includes multiple valve islands 211 and plate heat exchangers 22. Each valve island 211 is provided with a flow path and a connection port. The plate heat exchangers 22 are connected to the lower side of a portion of the valve islands 211. The plate heat exchangers 22 and the gas-liquid separator 42 are arranged horizontally and located above the compressor 41. That is, the plate heat exchangers 22 can be arranged in the area above the compressor 41 and on the outer periphery of the gas-liquid separator 42. This makes the layout of the compressor assembly 20 compact, thereby improving the space utilization rate within the outdoor unit housing assembly 10. Furthermore, the compressor 41 can be connected to the valve island assembly 2 by connecting to a portion of the valve islands 211 located above the plate heat exchangers 22, which shortens the distance between the compressor 41 and the valve islands 211, thereby reducing the difficulty of connecting the compressor 41 and the valve islands 211 and saving the cost of the connecting pipes 33.

[0056] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 6 As shown, the valve island assembly 2 also includes a mounting bracket 23, which is disposed on the top of the gas-liquid separator 42. The plate heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the mounting bracket 23. The mounting bracket 23 includes a first mounting area 231 and a second mounting area 232 arranged along a first direction. The compressor 41 and the gas-liquid separator 42 are arranged along the first direction. The first mounting area 231 is recessed downward to form an upward-facing receiving groove 233. At least a portion of the plate heat exchanger 22 is received in the receiving groove 233. A portion of the valve island 211 is mounted on the upper side of the plate heat exchanger 22, and a portion of the valve island 211 is mounted in the second mounting area 232.

[0057] In other words, the valve island assembly 2 can be fixed to the gas-liquid separator 42 by mounting bracket 23, wherein at least part of the plate heat exchanger 22 is accommodated in the accommodating groove 233, which may include the following situations: for example, part of the plate heat exchanger 22 may be accommodated in the accommodating groove 233; or for example, the entire plate heat exchanger 22 may be accommodated in the accommodating groove 233.

[0058] The first mounting area 231 is recessed downwards to form an upward-facing receiving groove 233, and at least part of the plate heat exchanger 22 is accommodated in the receiving groove 233. This makes full use of the space in the vertical direction, making the overall structure of the plate heat exchanger 22 and the mounting bracket 23 compact. It also reduces the height difference between the top of the plate heat exchanger 22 and the mounting bracket 23. Then, a portion of the valve island 211 is installed on the upper side of the plate heat exchanger 22, so that the valve island 211 installed on the upper side of the plate heat exchanger 22 can be kept at the same height as the valve island 211 installed on the second mounting area 232. This allows multiple valve islands 211 to be arranged in an orderly manner, avoiding the stacking of multiple valve islands 211. It also allows the pipes connecting multiple valve islands 211 to the various components of the air conditioner 100 to be arranged more regularly and orderly, reducing or avoiding interference or entanglement between the pipes.

[0059] In addition, the receiving groove 233 can also form a double fixation of circumferential wrapping and bottom support for the plate heat exchanger 22, which helps to reduce the relative movement of the plate heat exchanger 22 during the operation of the air conditioner 100, so that the plate heat exchanger 22 is more stably located on the mounting bracket 23.

[0060] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the piping assembly 3 includes a connecting pipe 33 and a heat dissipation pipe 34 connected to the valve island assembly 2. The valve island assembly 2 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 301 of the air conditioner 100 via the connecting pipe 33. The heat dissipation pipe 34 is located at the electrical control box of the air conditioner 100 and is connected to a portion of the connection port. The height of the portions of the connecting pipe 33 and the heat dissipation pipe 34 relative to the valve island assembly 2 in the vertical direction is lower than the first position 31. That is to say, the valve island assembly 2 can supply refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 301 via the connecting pipe 33, allowing the refrigerant to dissipate heat within the outdoor heat exchanger 301. Furthermore, the valve island assembly 2 can supply refrigerant to the heat dissipation pipe 34. It should be noted that the heat dissipation pipe 34 can be installed on parts that require heat dissipation, such as the electrical control box. The refrigerant within the heat dissipation pipe 34 can reduce the temperature of components requiring heat dissipation, such as the electrical control box, to ensure the stability of their operation. The connecting pipe 33 and the heat dissipation pipe 34 are positioned below the first position 31 in the vertical direction relative to the valve island assembly 2, which can prevent the connecting pipe 33 and the heat dissipation pipe 34 from extending into the accommodating space 141 and affecting the arrangement of the functional modules within the accommodating space 141.

[0061] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the air conditioner 100 further includes a functional module, at least a portion of which is housed within the accommodating space 141. The functional module can be an oxygen-generating module or an electrical control box. In other words, the accommodating space 141 can be flexibly utilized to accommodate portions of the functional module according to the design requirements of the air conditioner 100. For example, the functional module can be completely arranged within the accommodating space 141, or only a portion of the functional module can be arranged within the accommodating space 141. This improves the flexibility of arranging the functional module within the accommodating space 141.

[0062] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the reversing valve 51 is located on the side of the valve island assembly 2 away from the compressor 41 in the vertical direction. The reversing valve 51 is connected to the valve island assembly 2 through a first connecting pipe 35. The length of the first connecting pipe 35 is S1, and satisfies: S1≤400mm. It can be understood that the length of the first connecting pipe 35 can be 40mm, 80mm, 120mm, 160mm, 200mm, 240mm, 280mm, 320mm, 360mm, or 400mm, etc.

[0063] In this implementation, such as Figure 7 As shown, the length S1 of the first connecting pipe 35 refers to the distance between the free end face of the interface on the valve island assembly 2 connected to the first connecting pipe 35 and the free end face of the valve port on the reversing valve 51 connected to the first connecting pipe 35 in the vertical direction, excluding the portion of the first connecting pipe 35 inserted into the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2.

[0064] If the materials at the connection between the first connecting pipe 35 and the reversing valve 51 and / or the valve island assembly 2 are different, a copper sleeve needs to be installed between the first connecting pipe 35 and the reversing valve 51 and / or the valve island assembly 2, and the length of the copper sleeve is the same as the length of the first connecting pipe 35.

[0065] The length of the first connecting pipe 35 is no more than 400mm. While ensuring the normal flow of refrigerant, firstly, it can avoid the first connecting pipe 35 being too long, thus avoiding the first connecting pipe 35 occupying too much space inside the outer casing 11, improving the integration of the reversing valve 51, the first connecting pipe 35 and the valve island assembly 2, and facilitating the layout of other structures within the air conditioner 100; secondly, it can reduce the flow path of refrigerant between the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2, reduce refrigerant loss, and ensure the cooling effect of the air conditioner 100.

[0066] Thirdly, the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 are connected by the first connecting pipe 35. The reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 can be supported by the first connecting pipe 35. The first connecting pipe 35 is relatively short, and the supporting force between the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 is good. For example, the valve island assembly 2 can be installed and supported on the outer shell 11 by means of connectors or welding. The first connecting pipe 35 supports the reversing valve 51, realizing the fixed installation of the reversing valve 51. When the length of the first connecting pipe 35 is relatively short, the rigidity of the first connecting pipe 35 can be increased, and the supporting effect of the first connecting pipe 35 on the reversing valve 51 is good. At the same time, the internal structure of the air conditioner 100 is subject to vibration. If the length of the first connecting pipe 35 is not too short, the connection stress between the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 can be reduced, thereby improving the service life of the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 and the reliability of the connection.

[0067] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first connecting pipe 35 extends vertically, and the flow path of the heat exchange medium between the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 is shorter, which increases the flow efficiency of the heat exchange medium.

[0068] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 7 As shown, there are two first connecting pipes 35. One end of each first connecting pipe 35 is connected to the valve port of the two reversing valves 51, and the other end is connected to the two connection ports of the valve island assembly 2. It can be understood that the four valve ports of the reversing valves 51 are connected to the gas-liquid separator 42, the compressor 41 and the interfaces on the two valve island assemblies 2, respectively, so as to realize the smooth flow of heat exchange medium in the pipeline assembly 3 and meet different usage requirements.

[0069] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 7As shown, the distance between the axis of the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 in the vertical direction is S2, and satisfies: S2≤420mm. Here, the distance between the axis of the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 refers to the distance between the axis of the reversing valve 51 and the free end face of the interface on the valve island assembly 2 that connects to the first connecting pipe 35 in the up-down direction. The distance between the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 is not greater than 420mm, which can avoid the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 occupying too much space in the vertical direction. The reversing valve 51 can be limited to a specified range above the valve island assembly 2. For example, it can be ensured that the height of the reversing valve 51 does not protrude beyond the height range of the first position 31, so that the placement space of the reversing valve 51 and the first position 31 overlaps in the height direction, thereby improving the integration of the compressor assembly 20 and reducing the space occupied by the compressor assembly 20. The distance between the axis of the reversing valve 51 and the valve island assembly 2 in the vertical direction can be 40mm, 80mm, 120mm, 160mm, 200mm, 240mm, 280mm, 320mm, 360mm, 400mm or 420mm, etc.

[0070] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the air conditioner 100 also includes a reversing valve 51 and an electronic expansion valve 52. The piping assembly 3 includes an exhaust pipe 32. The compressor 41 has an exhaust port. The reversing valve 51 has at least one first valve port 511 at its top and at least one second valve port 512 at its bottom. At least one second valve port 512 is connected to the connection port of the valve island assembly 2. The electronic expansion valve 52 is located on the upper side of the valve island assembly 2 and is connected to the flow channel of the valve island assembly 2. The exhaust pipe 32 connects the exhaust port and the first valve port 511. The exhaust pipe 32 has a top pipe section 3212, wherein the electronic expansion valve 52 does not protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction.

[0071] Specifically, the compressor assembly 20 is adapted to circulate the heat exchange medium, wherein the compressor 41 is adapted to provide power for the circulation of the heat exchange medium throughout the system, and is adapted to draw in the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium through the return port, compress it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium, and then discharge it through the exhaust port.

[0072] The heat exchange medium discharged from the exhaust port of compressor 41 can flow through exhaust pipe 32 and into reversing valve 51 via first valve port 511. Since first valve port 511 is located at the top of reversing valve 51 in the height direction, while second valve port 512 is located at the bottom of reversing valve 51 in the height direction, the heat exchange medium can flow from first valve port 511 to second valve port 512 under the action of gravity, thus flowing into the flow channel. This can accelerate the flow speed of the heat exchange medium, thereby increasing the working efficiency of reversing valve 51 and, consequently, the working efficiency of compressor assembly 20. At the same time, since first valve port 511 is located at the top of reversing valve 51, the top pipe section 3212 of exhaust pipe 32 can be set at a higher position. Other pipes connected to valve island assembly 2 can be set below the top pipe section 3212, thereby improving the integration of compressor assembly 20, reducing the space occupied by compressor assembly 20, facilitating production, installation, and maintenance, and contributing to the miniaturization and weight reduction of the structure in which compressor assembly 20 is installed.

[0073] Furthermore, the electronic expansion valve 52 does not protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. That is, the distance between the electronic expansion valve 52 and the valve island assembly 2 in the height direction is less than the distance between the top pipe section 3212 and the valve island assembly 2 in the height direction. This allows the placement space of the electronic expansion valve 52 and the top pipe section 3212 to overlap in the height direction. There is no need to reserve additional placement space for the electronic expansion valve 52 in the height direction. This can reduce the space required for the electronic expansion valve 52 in the height direction, improve the integration of the compressor assembly 20, and reduce the space occupied by the compressor assembly 20.

[0074] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 8 As shown, the electronic expansion valve 52 is used to control the opening degree of the flow channel. By controlling the opening degree of the corresponding flow channel, the electronic expansion valve 52 precisely controls the flow rate of the heat exchange medium entering other structures of the compressor assembly 20, thereby achieving high efficiency, energy saving, and precise temperature control. The distance between the top surface of the electronic expansion valve 52 and the valve island assembly 2 in the height direction is b, which satisfies: b ≤ 540 mm.

[0075] Here, the distance b between the top surface of the electronic expansion valve 52 and the valve island assembly 2 in the height direction refers to the distance between the connection end face of the corresponding connection port of the valve island assembly 2 and the top surface of the electronic expansion valve 52 in the height direction after the electronic expansion valve 52 is connected to the corresponding interface of the valve island assembly 2. This distance b is not greater than 540mm to avoid the electronic expansion valve 52 occupying too much space in the height direction. The electronic expansion valve 52 can be limited to a height range that does not protrude from the top pipe section 3212, so that the placement space of the electronic expansion valve 52 and the top pipe section 3212 overlaps in the height direction, reducing the space occupied by the electronic expansion valve 52 on the second side, improving the integration of the compressor assembly 20, and reducing the space occupied by the compressor assembly 20.

[0076] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, the top pipe section 3212 and the valve island assembly 2 are spaced apart in the height direction to define an arrangement space between them. At least one electronic expansion valve 52 is configured and disposed within this arrangement space. Here, the arrangement space defined between the top pipe section 3212 and the valve island assembly 2 overlaps with the placement space of the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. By placing the electronic expansion valve 52 within this arrangement space, the placement space of the electronic expansion valve 52 overlaps with that of the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. This eliminates the need for additional placement space for the electronic expansion valve 52 in the height direction, reducing the space required for its arrangement and improving the integration of the compressor assembly 20, thus reducing the space occupied by the compressor assembly 20.

[0077] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 8 As shown, the air conditioner 100 includes an electronic expansion valve 52. The valve island assembly 2 is provided with multiple interfaces. The electronic expansion valve 52 and the interfaces of the valve island assembly 2 are connected through a third connecting pipe 37. The length of the third connecting pipe 37 is less than or equal to 540 mm.

[0078] The length of the third connecting pipe 37 as defined in this application is the distance between the interface on the valve island assembly 2 and the two end faces of the valve port of the electronic expansion valve 52, rather than the length of the third connecting pipe 37 itself. That is, the third connecting pipe 37 can be extended at an angle or bent to avoid surrounding structures. For example, the distance between the end face of the valve port of the main expansion valve and the end face of the interface on the valve island assembly 2 used to connect the main expansion valve is less than or equal to 540mm, or the distance between the end face of the valve port of the enthalpy-increasing expansion valve and the end face of the interface on the valve island assembly 2 used to connect the enthalpy-increasing expansion valve is less than or equal to 540mm.

[0079] Understandably, this application makes the length of the third connecting pipe 37 between the electronic expansion valve 52 and the valve island assembly 2 more reasonable, which can reduce the length of the third connecting pipe 37, thereby reducing the piping length, reducing costs, and improving the overall space occupied by the valve island assembly 2 and the third connecting pipe 37, thus reducing the difficulty of layout.

[0080] It should be noted that the electronic expansion valve 52 can be arranged within the vertical (horizontal) projection outline of the valve island assembly 2, allowing for a smaller projected area and a smaller space occupation within the compressor cavity 14. This enables a more compact design, reducing the difficulty of arranging the valve island assembly 2 within the compressor cavity 14. It also allows for a shorter internal flow channel length, lower refrigerant flow resistance, and less heat loss, ensuring better temperature regulation capabilities of the air conditioner 100 and improving the energy efficiency ratio. In other words, it further reduces the space occupied by the valve island assembly 2 itself, simplifying its arrangement. This allows for more space within the compressor cavity 14 for arranging expansion modules, improving the scalability of the air conditioner 100. Furthermore, it further reduces the internal flow channel length of the valve island assembly 2, which, combined with the reduced piping length, effectively reduces refrigerant flow resistance, thereby reducing losses, improving temperature regulation capabilities, and increasing the energy efficiency ratio while reducing energy consumption.

[0081] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 8 As shown, the piping assembly 3 also includes a third connecting pipe 37, which is adapted to connect the electronic expansion valve 52 and the valve island assembly 2. The dimension of the third connecting pipe 37 in the height direction is e, and satisfies: e≤450mm.

[0082] In other words, the two ends of the third connecting pipe 37 are connected to the electronic expansion valve 52 and the valve island assembly 2, respectively. For example, one end of the third connecting pipe 37 can be inserted into the corresponding interface of the electronic expansion valve 52, and the other end of the third connecting pipe 37 can be inserted into the corresponding interface of the valve island assembly 2. The dimension 'e' of the third connecting pipe 37 in the height direction refers to the fact that, when the axis of the third connecting pipe 37 is perpendicular to both the interface end face of the third connecting pipe 37 and the interface end face of the third connecting pipe 37 and the valve island assembly 2, the extension direction of the third connecting pipe 37 is consistent with the height direction. The distance 'e' between these two interface end faces in the height direction satisfies that 'e' is not greater than 450mm. This further avoids the electronic expansion valve 52 occupying too much space in the height direction, limiting the electronic expansion valve 52 to a height range that does not protrude beyond the top pipe section 3212. This allows the placement space of the electronic expansion valve 52 and the top pipe section 3212 to overlap in the height direction, reducing the space occupied by the electronic expansion valve 52 on the second side, improving the integration of the compressor assembly 20, and reducing the space occupied by the compressor assembly 20.

[0083] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 41 and a reversing valve 51. The reversing valve 51 has a first valve port 511. The pipeline assembly 3 includes an exhaust pipe 32 and a second connecting pipe 36. The exhaust pipe 32 has a top pipe section 3212. The exhaust pipe 32 is connected to the exhaust port and the first valve port 511. The second connecting pipe 36 is connected to the connection port. The valve island assembly 2 can be connected to other structures through the connection port via the second connecting pipe 36. Alternatively, multiple connection ports of the valve island assembly 2 can be connected through the second connecting pipe 36. The second connecting pipe 36 does not protrude beyond the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction, so that in the pipeline integrated by the valve island assembly 2, there is at least one pipeline that does not protrude beyond the top pipe section 3212 of the exhaust pipe 32 in the height direction. That is, the second connecting pipe 36 does not protrude beyond the top pipe section 3212 of the exhaust pipe 32 in the height direction.

[0084] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the valve island assembly 2 is located on one side of the compressor 41 in the height direction, and the top pipe section 3212 is located on the side of the valve island assembly 2 away from the compressor 41 in the height direction. The pipe assembly 3 includes a second connecting pipe 36 connected to the connection port of the valve island assembly 2. The second connecting pipe 36 can be designed not to protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. For ease of description and understanding of the scheme, the valve island assembly 2 can be used as a boundary, with the compressor 41 located on the first side of the valve island assembly 2 in the height direction and the reversing valve 51 located on the second side of the valve island assembly 2 in the height direction.

[0085] At this time, at least a portion of the second connecting pipe 36 in the height direction can extend toward the compressor 41, that is, at least a portion of the second connecting pipe 36 extends toward the first side, so that the placement space of the second connecting pipe 36 and the compressor 41 in the height direction overlaps, reducing the space occupied by the second connecting pipe 36 on the second side; alternatively, at least a portion of the second connecting pipe 36 in the height direction extends toward the top pipe section 3212 and does not protrude beyond the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction, that is, at least a portion of the second connecting pipe 36 extends toward the second side and is located between the top pipe section 3212 and the valve island assembly 2, so that the placement space of the second connecting pipe 36 and the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction overlaps, reducing the space occupied by the second connecting pipe 36 on the second side. Of course, multiple second connecting pipes 36 can be provided, and each second connecting pipe 36 satisfies the requirement of not protruding beyond the top pipe section 3212 of the exhaust pipe 32 in the height direction.

[0086] Meanwhile, the connection ports can include multiple ports. The pipes connected to these ports can be arranged so that none of them protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction, or they can all protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. Alternatively, some pipes can be arranged so that none of them protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction, while others protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. Preferably, the pipes connected to the connection ports are arranged so that none of them protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. In this case, the multiple pipes connected to the valve island assembly 2 do not protrude from the top pipe section 3212 of the exhaust pipe 32 in the height direction, which makes the compressor assembly 20 have a higher degree of integration and occupy less space. Furthermore, by reducing the length of the pipes connected to the valve island assembly 2, the cost of the pipes installed in the compressor assembly 20 can also be reduced.

[0087] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 , Figures 9-11 As shown, the valve island assembly 2 includes a valve island body 21, and a flow channel is formed inside the valve island body 21. The air conditioner 100 includes multiple functional valves, at least some of which are integrated on the valve island body 21. The functional valves can be of various types, and one or more different types of functional valves can be provided as needed. In some embodiments, the functional valve may include a multi-way valve, a reversing valve 51, or other valve structures with reversing functions. The multi-way valve can determine the flow direction of the heat exchange medium in the valve island assembly 2, thereby controlling the compressor assembly 20 equipped with the valve island assembly 2 for cooling or heating. The reversing valve 51 can realize mode switching, function selection, and system control of the compressor assembly 20, thereby enhancing the flexibility and functionality of the entire compressor assembly 20. The functional valve may also include an expansion valve, which is generally an electronic expansion valve 52. It controls the opening degree of the corresponding flow channel to precisely control the flow rate of the heat exchange medium entering other structures of the compressor assembly 20, thereby achieving high efficiency, energy saving, and precise temperature control. The functional valve may also include a solenoid valve, a check valve, etc., to control the flow of the heat exchange medium to different branches, ensuring that the system equipped with the valve island assembly 2 can operate efficiently under various operating conditions.

[0088] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 9 As shown, the valve island body 21 has a first side and a second side in the height direction. The first side is provided with a compressor 41, and the second side is provided with a top pipe section 3212. At least one functional valve is provided on the first side or the second side and does not protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. As mentioned above, with the valve island body 21 as the boundary, the compressor 41 is located on the first side of the valve island body 21 in the height direction, and the top pipe section 3212 is located on the second side of the valve island body 21 in the height direction. Multiple functional valves are provided on the valve island body 21. Optionally, multiple functional valves are provided on the first side and / or the second side. Of course, functional valves can also be provided between the first side and the second side.

[0089] The requirement is met that at least one functional valve does not protrude beyond the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction, such that among the functional valves integrated in the valve island assembly 2, at least one functional valve does not protrude beyond the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. In this case, at least a portion of the functional valve in the height direction can extend toward the compressor 41, that is, at least a portion of the functional valve extends toward the first side, so that the functional valve and the compressor 41 overlap in the placement space in the height direction, reducing the space occupied by the functional valve on the second side.

[0090] Alternatively, at least a portion of the functional valve extends toward the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction and does not protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. That is, at least a portion of the functional valve extends toward the second side and is located between the top pipe section 3212 and the valve island body 21, so that the placement space of the functional valve and the top pipe section 3212 overlaps in the height direction, reducing the space occupied by the functional valve on the second side.

[0091] Alternatively, the functional valve can be positioned between the first and second sides, with its extension direction orthogonal to the height direction, so that the functional valve and the valve island body 21 overlap in the height direction, reducing the space occupied by the functional valve in the height direction. It should be noted that the specific position of the functional valve can be designed according to actual needs, as long as at least one functional valve does not protrude from the top pipe section 3212 in the height direction. The specific position of the functional valve is not limited here.

[0092] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pipeline assembly 3 includes a fourth connecting pipe, and an avoidance structure 323 is formed at the upper end of the fourth connecting pipe. The avoidance structure 323 can prevent the fourth connecting pipe from interfering with adjacent components and provide sufficient installation space 142 for adjacent components, so that the layout inside the outdoor unit housing assembly 10 is more reasonable.

[0093] Specifically, the outdoor unit housing assembly 10 includes an outer shell 11, and a partition 12 is provided inside the outer shell 11. The partition 12 is used to divide the inner part of the outer shell 11 into a compressor chamber 14 and a fan chamber 13 that are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The partition 12 can be connected to the outer shell 11 by means of connectors or welding. The outdoor heat exchange assembly 30 is installed in the fan chamber 13, the compressor assembly 20 is installed in the compressor chamber 14, the electrical control box is installed in the compressor chamber 14, and the avoidance structure 323 is used to avoid the electrical control box.

[0094] In a specific example, the air conditioner 100 includes a reversing valve 51, which is located above the compressor 41. The reversing valve 51 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 41 through a fourth connecting pipe, i.e., the fourth connecting pipe is the exhaust pipe 32. While the fourth connecting pipe connects the reversing valve 51 and the exhaust port of the compressor 41, the clearance structure 323 formed on the fourth connecting pipe can provide sufficient installation space 142 for the control box and avoid interference between the exhaust pipe 32 and the control box, making the layout inside the compressor cavity 14 more reasonable. At the same time, the fourth connecting pipe is spaced apart from the control box. When the air conditioner 100 is working, when the compressor 41 vibrates and causes the fourth connecting pipe to vibrate, there is no direct contact between the fourth connecting pipe and the control box, preventing the vibration of the fourth connecting pipe from being transmitted to the control box, thereby preventing damage to the precision circuits inside the control box due to vibration.

[0095] The electrical control box can be mounted on the front panel of the housing 11, or on the side panel of the housing 11, or on the partition 12 of the housing 11. In some embodiments, the electrical control box is connected to the partition 12, and the upper end of the fourth connecting pipe facing the fan cavity 13 defines a clearance structure 323 to avoid the electrical control box. While the fourth connecting pipe connects the reversing valve 51 and the exhaust port of the compressor 41, it can provide sufficient installation space 142 for the electrical control box, making the layout of the compressor cavity 14 more reasonable.

[0096] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, the fourth connecting pipe includes a second side pipe segment 3213 and a first connecting sub-segment 3221. The second side pipe segment 3213 extends vertically, while the first connecting sub-segment 3221 extends in a different direction than the second side pipe segment 3213. The first end of the first connecting sub-segment 3221 along its length is connected to the lower end of the second side pipe segment 3213, and the second end of the first connecting sub-segment 3221 along its length extends away from the second side pipe segment 3213 to form a clearance space. Specifically, the other end of the first connecting sub-segment 3221 extends towards the fan cavity 13. The second side pipe segment 3213 and the first connecting sub-segment 3221 together constitute a clearance structure 323. The second side pipe segment 3213 and the first connecting sub-segment 3221 can provide sufficient installation space 142 for the electrical control box, making the layout of the compressor cavity 14 more reasonable.

[0097] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4As shown, the first connecting segment 3221 extends downwards at an angle from its first end to its second end. This allows the first connecting segment 3221 to form the avoidance structure 323 while reducing the total length of the fourth connecting pipe and increasing the refrigerant flow rate. Simultaneously, the deflection angle of the refrigerant flow between the first connecting segment 3221 and the second side pipe segment 3213 is an obtuse angle, allowing for smoother refrigerant flow compared to a right-angle bend connection.

[0098] In some embodiments of this utility model, the angle between the extension direction and the horizontal direction of the first connecting segment 3221 is A, and satisfies: 10°≤A<90°. For example, the angle between the extension direction and the horizontal direction of the first connecting segment 3221 can be 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, or 89°. The angle between the extension direction and the horizontal direction of the first connecting segment 3221 is not less than 10° and less than 90°, which avoids the angle between the first connecting segment 3221 and the vertically arranged second side pipe segment 3213 approaching a right angle. The flow of refrigerant within the second side pipe segment 3213 and the first connecting segment 3221 is smoother than with a right-angle bend connection, avoiding interference with the flow of refrigerant.

[0099] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, the fourth connecting pipe also includes a second connecting segment 3222. One end of the second connecting segment 3222 is connected to the end of the first connecting segment 3221 away from the second side pipe segment 3213, and the other end is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 41. It can be understood that the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust pipe 32 of the compressor 41 flows from the second connecting segment 3222 to the first connecting segment 3221, then to the second side pipe segment 3213, and finally through the top pipe segment 3212 to the first side pipe segment 3211, entering the reversing valve 51. The connection port of the reversing valve 51, which connects to the first side pipe segment 3211, is located at the upper end of the reversing valve 51. The layout of the fourth connecting pipe is relatively reasonable. Furthermore, the first connecting segment 3221 can cooperate with the second connecting segment 3222 to avoid the reversing valve 51, increasing the rationality of the compressor cavity 14 layout. It should be noted that the connected segment includes the first connected sub-segment 3221 and the second connected sub-segment 3222, that is, the first connected sub-segment 3221 and the second connected sub-segment 3222 are both part of the connected segment.

[0100] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 4As shown, a first arc-shaped connection is provided between the second side pipe segment 3213 and the first connecting sub-segment 3221; a second arc-shaped connection is provided between the second side pipe segment 3213 and the top pipe segment 3212; a third arc-shaped connection is provided between the first connecting sub-segment 3221 and the second connecting sub-segment 3222; and a fourth arc-shaped connection is provided between the first side pipe segment 3211 and the top pipe segment 3212. This results in smoother connections between the second side pipe segment 3213 and the first connecting sub-segment 3221, between the second side pipe segment 3213 and the top pipe segment 3212, between the first connecting sub-segment 3221 and the second connecting sub-segment 3222, and between the first side pipe segment 3211 and the top pipe segment 3212. This facilitates smoother flow of the cooling medium and reduces stress concentration caused by right-angle bends. Simultaneously, it increases the elasticity of the fourth connecting pipe, reducing the risk of damage due to vibration and other issues.

[0101] In some embodiments of this utility model, the arc radii of the first, second, third, and fourth arc connecting portions range from 15mm to 25mm. It should be noted that the arc radii of the first, second, third, and fourth arc connecting portions are the arc radii at their respective axes.

[0102] Understandably, the radii of the arcs of the first, second, third, and fourth arc connecting parts can be 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, or 25mm. A radius of at least 15mm avoids abrupt transitions that could obstruct refrigerant flow, while a radius of at least 25mm prevents the first, second, third, and fourth arc connecting parts from being too large, thus avoiding increased material requirements for the fourth connecting pipe and reducing its manufacturing cost.

[0103] In some embodiments of this utility model, the length of the first connecting segment 3221 is C1, and satisfies: 20mm ≤ C1 ≤ 115mm. It is understood that the length of the first connecting segment 3221 can be 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, 90mm, 95mm, 100mm, 105mm, 110mm, or 115mm. The length of the first connecting segment 3221 is not less than 20mm, allowing the second connecting segment 3222 to be horizontally separated from the reversing valve 51, thus enabling the avoidance structure 323 to avoid other structures in the horizontal direction. The length of the first connecting segment 3221 is not more than 115mm, preventing interference between the first connecting segment 3221 and other components in the horizontal direction, and controlling the length of the first connecting segment 3221 to reduce the production cost of the fourth connecting pipe. The length of the first connecting segment 3221 is measured based on the length between the endpoint near the first arc transition part and the endpoint near the third arc transition part.

[0104] In some embodiments of this utility model, the length of the second side pipe segment 3213 is C2 in the vertical direction, and the length of the first side pipe segment 3211 is C3, satisfying |C2-C3|≤15mm. It is understood that the length difference between the second side pipe segment 3213 and the first side pipe segment 3211 in the vertical direction can be 0mm, 2mm, 3mm, 5mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, or 15mm. The lengths of the second side pipe segment 3213 and the first side pipe segment 3211 can be designed according to the internal layout of the air conditioner 100 to meet different design requirements and avoid interference between components inside the air conditioner 100. The length of the second side pipe segment 3213 is measured based on the length between the endpoints near the first arc transition portion and the endpoints near the second arc transition portion. The length of the first side pipe segment 3211 is measured based on the length between the endpoints near the fourth arc transition portion and the end near the reversing valve 51.

[0105] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the compressor assembly 20 includes a tank assembly 4, which is connected to the flow path of the valve island assembly 2. This allows the valve island assembly 2 to replace the original pipeline, reducing pipeline length, pipe resistance, and pressure loss. It also reduces the number of weld points between pipelines, lowering the risk of weld point leakage and improving production efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the horizontal plane at least partially overlap; and / or, the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the vertical plane along the vertical direction at least partially overlap. The tank assembly 4 is located below or to the side of the valve island assembly 2. When the valve island assembly 2 is placed horizontally, it can utilize the space above the tank assembly 4. When the valve island assembly 2 is arranged vertically, it can utilize the upper and side spaces of the tank assembly 4, reducing the occupation of other spaces, resulting in a compact structure, high space utilization inside the air conditioner 100, and space saving, thereby reducing the space occupied by the air conditioner 100.

[0106] It should be noted that the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the horizontal plane at least partially overlap, allowing the valve island assembly 2 to utilize the space of the tank assembly 4 in the vertical direction. The projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the vertical plane at least partially overlap, allowing the valve island assembly 2 to utilize the space on one side of the tank assembly 4 in the circumferential direction. This helps to reduce the occupation of other spaces, resulting in a compact structure, high space utilization inside the air conditioner 100, and space saving, thereby reducing the space occupied by the air conditioner 100.

[0107] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve island assembly 2 includes a plurality of (two or more) valve islands 211, at least one of the plurality of valve islands 211 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the tank assembly 4 on the horizontal plane, so that the plurality of valve islands 211 can utilize the space of the tank assembly 4 in the height direction. At least one of the plurality of valve islands 211 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the tank assembly 4 on the vertical plane in the up-down direction, so that the plurality of valve islands 211 can utilize the space on one side of the tank assembly 4 in the circumferential direction, reducing the occupation of other spaces, making the structure compact, the space utilization rate inside the air conditioner 100 is high, and space can be saved, thereby reducing the space occupied by the air conditioner 100.

[0108] According to some embodiments of this utility model, when the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the horizontal plane at least partially overlap, the area of ​​the overlapping region of the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 150 mm². This allows the valve island assembly 2 to occupy as much space as possible in the height direction of the tank assembly 4, reducing the occupation of other spaces, resulting in a compact structure, high space utilization inside the air conditioner 100, and space saving, thereby reducing the space occupied by the air conditioner 100. For example, in some embodiments, when the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the horizontal plane at least partially overlap, the minimum area of ​​the overlapping region of the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the horizontal plane can be 150 mm², 160 mm², 180 mm², 190 mm², 200 mm², etc.

[0109] According to some embodiments of this utility model, when the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 in the vertical direction on the vertical plane at least partially overlap, the area of ​​the overlapping region of the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 in the vertical direction on the vertical plane is greater than or equal to 150 mm². This allows the valve island assembly 2 to occupy as much space as possible in the circumferential direction of the tank assembly 4, reducing the occupation of other spaces, resulting in a compact structure, high space utilization inside the air conditioner 100, and space saving, thereby reducing the space occupied by the air conditioner 100. For example, in some specific embodiments, when the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 in the vertical direction on the vertical plane at least partially overlap, the minimum area of ​​the overlapping region of the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 in the vertical direction on the vertical plane can be 150 mm², 200 mm², 250 mm², 300 mm², 350 mm², etc.

[0110] In some embodiments, the centerline of the tank assembly 4 does not coincide with the centerline of the valve island assembly 2, which allows for more flexible placement of the valve island assembly 2 and enables it to be set according to actual requirements, thereby meeting different requirements. Furthermore, the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the horizontal plane at least partially coincide, and / or the projections of the valve island assembly 2 and the tank assembly 4 on the vertical plane along the vertical direction at least partially coincide, which helps to reduce the occupation of other spaces, making the structure compact and the space utilization rate inside the air conditioner 100 high, thus saving space and reducing the space occupied by the air conditioner 100.

[0111] It is understandable that the "center line of valve island assembly 2" here is a straight line passing through the center of the circumcircle of the projection of valve island assembly 2 on the horizontal plane and extending in the vertical direction. The "center line of tank assembly 4" here needs to be determined according to the specific structure of tank assembly 4. When tank assembly 4 is a tank containing refrigerant, the center line of tank assembly 4 is a straight line passing through the center of the circumcircle of the cross-section of tank assembly 4.

[0112] For example, when the projections of the centerline of the tank assembly 4 and the centerline of the valve island assembly 2 onto the horizontal plane do not coincide, the point projected by the centerline of the valve island assembly 2 onto the horizontal plane does not coincide with the point projected by the centerline of the tank assembly 4 onto the horizontal plane, allowing for more flexible placement of the valve island assembly 2; when the projections of the centerline of the tank assembly 4 and the centerline of the valve island assembly 2 onto the vertical plane do not coincide, the straight line projected by the centerline of the valve island assembly 2 onto the vertical plane does not coincide with the straight line projected by the centerline of the tank assembly 4 onto the vertical plane, allowing for more flexible placement of the valve island assembly 2.

[0113] In some embodiments of this utility model, the tank assembly 4 includes a tank containing refrigerant. The refrigerant-containing tank is connected to other structures through the valve island assembly 2 to form a complete flow path. This reduces pipe length and pressure drop caused by increased pipe resistance due to pipe length issues. It also reduces the number of weld points between pipes, lowering the risk of weld point leakage and improving assembly efficiency, production efficiency, and reliability. Simultaneously, the valve island assembly 2 utilizes the space of the refrigerant-containing tank in the height and / or circumferential directions, reducing the occupation of other spaces, resulting in a compact structure and high space utilization within the air conditioner 100, saving space and reducing the space occupied by the air conditioner 100. For example, the refrigerant-containing tank can be a compressor 41, a gas-liquid separator 42, an oil-gas separator 43, and a liquid receiver, etc. In a specific example, the tank assembly 4 includes a compressor 41, a gas-liquid separator 42, an oil-gas separator 43, and a liquid receiver.

[0114] First, the working principle of the air conditioner 100 in this embodiment is as follows: After multiple functional valves (at least an electronic expansion valve 52, a high-pressure valve 53, and a low-pressure valve 54) are integrated through the valve island assembly 2, the refrigerant flow path under heating conditions is: compressor 41 discharge port - reversing valve 51 - low-pressure valve 54 - indoor heat exchanger - high-pressure valve 53 - main inlet of plate heat exchanger 22 - main outlet of plate heat exchanger 22, and the refrigerant flows out of the plate heat exchanger 22. After the main outlet, it can be divided into two paths: one is the main path, and the other is the enthalpy-increasing branch path. The main path is as follows: main outlet of plate heat exchanger 22 - refrigerant heat dissipation pipe - second expansion valve 522 - output pipe - outdoor heat exchanger 301 - input pipe - reversing valve 51 - gas-liquid separator 42 - compressor 41 return pipe. The enthalpy-increasing branch path is as follows: first expansion valve 521 - enthalpy-increasing inlet of plate heat exchanger 22 - enthalpy-increasing outlet of plate heat exchanger 22 - enthalpy-increasing pipe - enthalpy-increasing port of compressor 41.

[0115] The refrigerant flow path under refrigeration conditions is as follows: compressor 41 discharge port - reversing valve 51 - input pipe - outdoor heat exchanger 301 - output pipe - second expansion valve 522 - refrigerant heat dissipation pipe - main inlet of plate heat exchanger 22 - main outlet of plate heat exchanger 22 - high pressure valve 53 - indoor heat exchanger - low pressure valve 54 - reversing valve 51 - compressor 41.

[0116] According to some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioner 100 includes a plate heat exchanger 22, a valve island assembly 2, and the plate heat exchanger 22 are all disposed inside the outer casing 11. The plate heat exchanger 22 is located on the periphery of the valve island assembly 2.

[0117] Specifically, the outer casing 11 is equipped with a compressor 41, a gas-liquid separator 42, a valve island assembly 2, a functional valve, and a plate heat exchanger 22 (at least partially located in the compressor chamber 14 of the outer casing 11). The functional valve can be at least partially integrated on the valve island assembly 2, or the functional valve and the plate heat exchanger 22 can be arranged around the valve island assembly 2, while the plate heat exchanger 22 is not integrated on the valve island assembly 2. This allows the valve island assembly 2 to integrate only the functional valve, which simplifies the structure of the valve island assembly 2 and reduces its cost. Furthermore, the separate arrangement of the plate heat exchanger 22 facilitates the arrangement of the refrigerant heat dissipation pipes leading out from the plate heat exchanger 22, reducing the spatial limitations of the refrigerant heat dissipation pipe arrangement.

[0118] Among them, a functional valve is integrated on the valve island assembly 2. The functional valve includes a high-pressure valve 53 integrated on the valve island assembly 2. The high-pressure valve 53 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 22, and the length of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 between the high-pressure valve 53 and the plate heat exchanger 22 is greater than or equal to 110mm.

[0119] Specifically, the valve island 211 of the valve island assembly 2 (such as the first valve island, the second valve island, and the third valve island) needs to have at least one connection port that communicates with the low-pressure valve 54, the high-pressure valve 53, and the reversing valve 51. It can also have a connection port that communicates with the refrigerant component. Multiple connection ports can be formed on the upper surface, lower surface, and side surface of the valve island assembly 2, and can at least partially protrude from the valve island assembly 2 to facilitate connection. The integration of multiple functional valves with the valve island assembly 2 can be achieved by integrating corresponding functional valves on the valve island assembly 2, with the valve core assembled to the functional valve. Alternatively, the functional valve can be directly assembled to the connection port of the valve island assembly 2, or the functional valve can be equipped with a connecting pipe (different from the piping assembled later in the prior art, the connecting pipe is used to realize the integration of the functional valve). The connecting pipe is assembled to the connection port, and after the overall assembly is completed, it is further assembled to the compressor cavity 14. The valve island assembly 2 integrates at least a high-pressure valve 53. The valve island assembly 2 can form a flow channel corresponding to the high-pressure valve 53, which can reduce the number of piping and the length of piping, thereby reducing costs, reducing the number of welding points, improving reliability, improving production efficiency, and improving flow resistance.

[0120] Furthermore, the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 is located at one end of the length of the plate heat exchanger 22, and the connection port between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the high-pressure valve 53 is located at the other end of the length. The pipe length between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 is greater than or equal to 110mm, such as 110mm, 115mm, 120mm, 125mm, 130mm, etc. This allows for a more reasonable distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2, and the size of the plate heat exchanger 22 itself can be set more reasonably. The refrigerant has a longer flow path in the plate heat exchanger 22, resulting in more complete heat exchange. The gap between the valve island assembly 2 and the partition plate 12 can be fully utilized to arrange the plate heat exchanger 22 with a more reasonable size. The length of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 can be more reasonable, reducing the number of bends, thereby reducing the flow resistance of the refrigerant, improving pressure drop and pressure loss, reducing energy consumption, and improving the temperature regulation capability of the air conditioner 100.

[0121] Therefore, on the one hand, by setting the valve island assembly 2 inside the compressor cavity 14 and integrating at least one functional valve (such as a high-pressure valve 53) on the valve island assembly 2, not only can the number of pipes be reduced and the pipe length shortened to reduce costs and improve production efficiency, but also the number of weld points can be reduced, lowering the probability of leakage and improving reliability and safety. On the other hand, the plate heat exchanger 22 is separately set on the periphery of the valve island assembly 2, and the length of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 between the high-pressure valve 53 and the plate heat exchanger 22 is greater than or equal to 110 mm, which not only allows for... The distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 is more reasonable, the size of the plate heat exchanger 22 itself can be set more reasonably, the refrigerant flow path length in the plate heat exchanger 22 is longer, the heat exchange is more complete, the gap between the valve island assembly 2 and the partition 12 can be fully utilized to arrange the plate heat exchanger 22 with more reasonable size, and the length of the high pressure connecting pipe 381 can be more reasonable, which can reduce the number of bends, thereby reducing the flow resistance of the refrigerant, improving pressure drop and pressure loss, reducing energy consumption, and improving the temperature regulation capability of the air conditioner 100.

[0122] According to some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a partition 12 is provided inside the outer shell 11, which divides the accommodating space of the outer shell 11 into a fan chamber 13 and a compressor chamber 14. A plate heat exchanger 22 is disposed on the partition 12, and the projection of the plate heat exchanger 22 toward the partition 12 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the valve island assembly 2 toward the partition 12.

[0123] Specifically, one end of the partition 12 is connected to the bottom plate 112 of the outer casing 11, and the other end of the outer casing 11 is connected to the top plate of the outer casing 11, so as to divide the fan chamber 13 and the compressor chamber 14 within the accommodating space of the outer casing 11. The plate heat exchanger 22 can be installed on the partition 12, and the mounting position of the plate heat exchanger 22 is set on the partition 12, eliminating the need for a separate mounting structure for the plate heat exchanger 22, which can reduce costs. Furthermore, the projection of the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 toward the partition 12 at least partially overlaps, so that at least part of the plate heat exchanger 22... Located in the gap between valve island assembly 2 and partition plate 12, it can not only make fuller use of the space of compressor cavity 14, but also make the part of plate heat exchanger 22 within the projection outline of valve island assembly 2 closest to valve island assembly 2. At least part of the plate heat exchanger connection port on plate heat exchanger 22 can be correspondingly set within the projection outline, and straight pipe outlet can be achieved. One bend can not only further reduce the length of high pressure connection pipe 381 and other connection pipes led out on plate heat exchanger 22, but also the pipe resistance of straight pipe outlet is lower.

[0124] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the valve island assembly 2 includes: a valve island body 21, a first expansion valve 521, and a high-pressure valve 53, both located on the side of the valve island body 21 adjacent to the plate heat exchanger 22. Multiple electronic expansion valves 52 can be present, such as a main circuit expansion valve in the main circuit and an enthalpy-increasing expansion valve in the enthalpy-increasing branch circuit. The first expansion valve 521 is an enthalpy-increasing expansion valve. This arrangement, placing the valve island body 21 adjacent to the plate heat exchanger 22, allows for a closer distance between the valve island body 21 and the plate heat exchanger 22. This also allows for a more reasonable setting of the length of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 between the high-pressure valve 53 and the plate heat exchanger 22, eliminating the need for excessive pipework or components.

[0125] It should be noted that the plate heat exchanger 22 has a main inlet, a main outlet, an enthalpy-increasing inlet, and an enthalpy-increasing outlet. The flow channel of the high-pressure valve 53 is connected to the main inlet of the plate heat exchanger 22. The first expansion valve 521 and the filter are connected. The flow channel of the filter is connected to the main outlet and the refrigerant heat dissipation pipe. The other end of the refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is connected to the valve island body 21, which integrates the low-pressure valve 54. The valve island body 21 is connected to the low-pressure valve 54, the main expansion valve (i.e., the second expansion valve 522), and the reversing valve 51. The reversing valve 51 is also connected to the gas-liquid separator 42. The first expansion valve 521 is connected to the enthalpy-increasing inlet. The enthalpy-increasing outlet is connected to the enthalpy-increasing pipe. The enthalpy-increasing pipe is connected to the enthalpy-increasing port of the compressor 41, so as to define the complete main refrigerant flow path and the enthalpy-increasing branch refrigerant flow path.

[0126] It is understandable that the first expansion valve 521 and the high-pressure valve 53 are both located on the side of the valve island body 21 adjacent to the plate heat exchanger 22, which makes the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 closer to the main inlet of the plate heat exchanger 22. Furthermore, the main inlet and the enthalpy-increasing outlet are located at the same end of the plate heat exchanger 22 along its own length, which can effectively reduce the length of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381.

[0127] Combination Figure 11 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the vertical dimension of the projected profile of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 toward the partition 12 (e.g.) Figure 12 L1 shown is greater than or equal to 94 mm. One end of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 is connected to the high-pressure valve 53, and the other end extends toward the plate heat exchanger 22. Based on the installation position of the plate heat exchanger 22, the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 may be constructed to extend at an angle. The projected outline shape of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 toward the partition 12 may be inclined relative to the vertical direction. This application defines the vertical dimension of the projected outline of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 toward the partition 12 as the dimension in the vertical direction. If it is inclined relative to the vertical direction, the vertical dimension is the dimension obtained by further projecting the projected outline toward the partition 12 toward the vertical direction.

[0128] Understandably, by making the vertical dimension of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 greater than or equal to 94mm, this application can further limit the height difference between the plate heat exchanger connection port of the plate heat exchanger 22 and the high-pressure valve 53 connection port on the valve island assembly 2, so that the setting position of the plate heat exchanger 22 is more reasonable, the height difference between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 is more reasonable, and sufficient space can be reserved between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the top plate of the outer shell 11, and between the valve island assembly 2 and the top plate, effectively reducing the space occupied by the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 in the compressor cavity 14. At the same time, the height dimension of the plate heat exchanger 22 itself can also be specifically limited, and a more reasonable height plate heat exchanger 22 can be adopted to ensure the heat exchange effect and heat exchange efficiency of the plate heat exchanger 22.

[0129] Combination Figure 11-13 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the horizontal dimension of the projected profile of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 toward the base plate 112 of the housing 11 (e.g.) Figure 13 The L3 shown is greater than or equal to 98 mm. Specifically, based on the installation position of the plate heat exchanger 22, the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 may be constructed to extend at an angle. The projected outline shape of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 toward the base plate 112 may be inclined relative to the length or width direction of the base plate 112. This application defines the horizontal dimension of the projected outline of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 toward the base plate 112 as the dimension in the horizontal direction (e.g., if the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 are opposite each other in the length direction of the base plate 112, then the horizontal dimension can be the dimension in the length direction of the base plate 112; or if the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 are opposite each other in the width direction of the base plate 112, then the horizontal dimension can be the dimension in the width direction of the base plate 112). If the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, then the horizontal dimension is the dimension obtained by further projecting the projected outline toward the base plate 112 toward the width or length direction.

[0130] Furthermore, this application makes the horizontal dimension of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 greater than or equal to 98mm, which can further limit the horizontal distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the high-pressure valve 53, making the distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the high-pressure valve 53 more reasonable, so that the setting position of the plate heat exchanger 22 is more reasonable, and the distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 can also be more reasonable. This not only avoids interference, but also makes full use of the space inside the compressor cavity 14, and reduces the difficulty of setting up the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2.

[0131] In some embodiments, the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 may include a first pipe section extending generally in a horizontal direction and a second pipe section extending generally in a vertical direction. The total length of the first pipe section and the second pipe section is greater than or equal to 110 mm. The vertical dimension of the projected profile of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 toward the partition 12 is the same as the vertical dimension of the projected profile of the second pipe section. This dimension is greater than or equal to 94 mm, which corresponds to the vertical distance between the connection port of the plate heat exchanger 22 and the high-pressure valve 53 and the high-pressure valve 53 being greater than or equal to 94 mm. The horizontal dimension of the projected profile of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 toward the base plate 112 is greater than or equal to 98 mm, which corresponds to the horizontal distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the high-pressure valve 53 being greater than or equal to 98 mm. This can effectively avoid interference between the plate heat exchanger 22, the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 and the surrounding components, and make full use of the gap between the partition 12 and the valve island assembly 2.

[0132] It should be noted that the length of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 involved in the embodiments of this application refers to the distance between the valve port of the high-pressure valve 53 and the valve port of the plate heat exchanger 22 used to connect the high-pressure valve 53. If the valve port of the high-pressure valve 53 is located on the side of the high-pressure valve 53, then the length of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 refers to the distance between the valve port on the side of the high-pressure valve 53 and the valve port of the plate heat exchanger 22 on the side facing the valve island assembly 2 used to connect the high-pressure connecting pipe 381. Since the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 can be arranged at an incline and bend, this application further defines the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381, and both the vertical and horizontal dimensions are projected dimensions.

[0133] like Figure 11-13 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, at least a low-pressure valve 54 is integrated on the valve island body 21, and the high-pressure valve 53 and the low-pressure valve 54 are led out on the same side.

[0134] According to some embodiments of this application, a second expansion valve 522 is also integrated on the valve island body 21, and the gap between the low-pressure valve 54 and the high-pressure valve 53 is suitable for accommodating the second expansion valve 522. Specifically, a gap is defined between the low-pressure valve 54 and the high-pressure valve 53, allowing the second expansion valve 522 on the valve island body 21 to be located within the gap. This further enables a more compact arrangement of the valve body assembly and surrounding components, effectively reducing the space occupied by the valve island assembly 2.

[0135] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one functional valve is integrated on the valve island assembly 2. The functional valve includes a first expansion valve 521 integrated on the valve island assembly 2. The first expansion valve 521 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 22, and the length of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 between the first expansion valve 521 and the plate heat exchanger 22 is not less than 118mm.

[0136] The first expansion valve 521 is located above the plate heat exchanger 22, and the lower end of the plate heat exchanger 22 is connected to the first expansion valve 521. The pipe length between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 is greater than or equal to 118mm, such as 120mm or 125mm. This allows for a more reasonable distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the first expansion valve 521, and the size of the plate heat exchanger 22 itself can be set more reasonably. The refrigerant has a longer flow path in the plate heat exchanger 22, resulting in more complete heat exchange. The gap between the valve island assembly 2 and the partition plate 12 can be fully utilized to arrange the plate heat exchanger 22 with a more reasonable size. The length of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 can be more reasonable, reducing the number of bends. This reduces the flow resistance of the refrigerant, improves pressure drop and pressure loss, reduces energy consumption, and improves the temperature regulation capability of the air conditioner 100.

[0137] It is understandable that the first expansion valve 521 and the high-pressure valve 53 are both located on the side of the valve island body 21 adjacent to the plate heat exchanger 22, which makes the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 closer to the main inlet of the plate heat exchanger 22. Furthermore, the main inlet and the enthalpy-increasing outlet are located at the same end of the plate heat exchanger 22 along its own length, which can effectively reduce the length of the high-pressure connecting pipe 381 and the expansion valve connecting pipe 383.

[0138] Combination Figure 11-13 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the vertical dimension of the projected profile of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 toward the partition plate 12 is not less than 78 mm (e.g., Figure 12 (L2 shown in the diagram). Specifically, one end of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 is connected to the first expansion valve 521, and the other end extends toward the plate heat exchanger 22. Based on the installation position of the plate heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 may be constructed to extend at an angle. The projected outline shape of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 toward the partition 12 may be inclined relative to the vertical direction. This application defines the vertical dimension of the projected outline of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 toward the partition 12 as the dimension in the vertical direction. If it is inclined relative to the vertical direction, the vertical dimension is the dimension obtained by further projecting the projected outline toward the partition 12 toward the vertical direction.

[0139] Understandably, this application specifies that the vertical dimension of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 is greater than or equal to 78mm. Since the plate heat exchanger 22's connection port for connecting to the first expansion valve 521 is located at the bottom of the plate heat exchanger 22, and the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 extends upwards with an extension dimension greater than or equal to 78mm, the first expansion valve 521 can be positioned above the plate heat exchanger 22. This allows for avoidance of surrounding components and reduces the probability of interference. Furthermore, this limitation can further restrict the height difference between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2, ensuring a smooth transition between them. The height difference is more reasonable, so that the setting position of the plate heat exchanger 22 is more reasonable. Sufficient space can be reserved between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the top plate, and between the valve island assembly 2 and the top plate. This effectively reduces the space occupied by the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 in the compressor cavity 14. It can also reduce the technical problem of the plate heat exchanger 22 being difficult to install due to the small gap between the valve island assembly 2 and the partition 12. At the same time, the height of the plate heat exchanger 22 itself can also be specifically limited, and a more reasonable height plate heat exchanger 22 can be used to ensure the heat exchange effect and heat exchange efficiency of the plate heat exchanger 22.

[0140] Combination Figure 11-13 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, the horizontal dimension of the projected profile of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 toward the base plate 112 of the housing 11 (e.g.) Figure 13 The L4 shown is greater than or equal to 37 mm.

[0141] Specifically, based on the installation position of the plate heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 may be constructed to extend at an angle. The projected outline shape of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 toward the base plate 112 may be inclined relative to the length or width direction of the base plate 112. This application defines the horizontal dimension of the projected outline of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 toward the base plate 112 as the dimension in the horizontal direction (e.g., if the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 are opposite each other in the length direction of the base plate 112, then the horizontal dimension can be the dimension in the length direction of the base plate 112; or if the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2 are opposite each other in the width direction of the base plate 112, then the horizontal dimension can be the dimension in the width direction of the base plate 112). If the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, then the horizontal dimension is the dimension obtained by further projecting the projected outline toward the base plate 112 toward the width or length direction.

[0142] Furthermore, this application ensures that the vertical dimension of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 is not less than 37mm, which can further limit the maximum horizontal distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the first expansion valve 521, making the maximum distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the first expansion valve 521 more reasonable. This makes the installation position of the plate heat exchanger 22 more reasonable, and the dimensions of the valve island 211 plane of the valve island assembly 2 more reasonable. This allows for full utilization of the space inside the compressor cavity 14 and reduces the installation difficulty of the plate heat exchanger 22 and the valve island assembly 2.

[0143] In some embodiments, the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 may include a third pipe segment extending generally in a horizontal direction and a fourth pipe segment extending generally in a vertical direction. The total length of the third and fourth pipe segments is greater than or equal to 118 mm. The vertical dimension of the projection profile of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 toward the partition 12 is the same as the vertical dimension of the projection profile of the fourth pipe segment. This dimension is greater than or equal to 78 mm, which corresponds to the vertical distance between the connection port of the plate heat exchanger 22 and the first expansion valve 521 and the first expansion valve 521 being greater than or equal to 78 mm. The horizontal dimension of the projection profile of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 toward the base plate 112 is greater than or equal to 37 mm, which corresponds to the horizontal distance between the plate heat exchanger 22 and the first expansion valve 521 being greater than or equal to 37 mm. This can effectively avoid interference between the plate heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 and surrounding components, and make full use of the gap between the partition 12 and the valve island assembly 2.

[0144] It should be noted that the length of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 involved in the embodiments of this application refers to the distance between the valve port of the first expansion valve 521 and the valve port of the plate heat exchanger 22 used to connect the first expansion valve 521. If the valve port of the first expansion valve 521 is located on the lower end face of the first expansion valve 521, then the length of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 refers to the distance between the valve port on the lower end face of the first expansion valve 521 and the valve port on the side of the plate heat exchanger 22 facing the first expansion valve 521 used to connect the expansion valve connecting pipe 383. Since the expansion valve connecting pipe 383 can be arranged at an incline and bend, this application further defines the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the expansion valve connecting pipe 383, and both the vertical and horizontal dimensions are projected dimensions.

[0145] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve island assembly 2 includes: a valve island body 21 and a support member. At least one flow path is formed inside the valve island body 21, and at least two connection ports of the flow path are formed on the surface of the valve island body 21. The support member is connected to the valve island body 21 to support the valve island body 21. The weight of the valve island body 21 is W, and satisfies: 50g≤W≤2334g.

[0146] In related technologies, air conditioning systems include multiple components that are connected to each other through pipes. However, current pipe connections require welding multiple pipe sections together, and pipe bends must have straight sections and bending radii. Both straight sections and bending radii have a minimum size, which leads to complex pipework, heavy pipework, high cost, and inconvenient installation.

[0147] Understandably, in response to the core problem of the need for welding connections between multiple pipe sections in related technologies, and the complexity of pipe structures due to process requirements for straight sections and minimum bending radii, at least one flow path integrated inside the valve island body 21 provides a structural replacement for traditional multi-section welded pipes. The fluid conduction function is accomplished by the integrally formed flow path inside the valve island body 21, avoiding the need for welding and splicing of multiple pipe sections, and also avoiding the need to reserve redundant straight sections and minimum bending radii to meet pipe bending processes. This eliminates the structural redundancy caused by splicing and process limitations in traditional pipe systems, simplifying the pipe structure. At the same time, the valve island body 21 needs to achieve load-bearing function through support components to ensure the stability of the connection with the pipe. In this supported state, the vibration generated by the operation of the compressor 41 will be transmitted to the valve island 211 along the pipeline. If the weight of the valve island body 21 is too small, its own inertia is insufficient to offset the vibration impact, which will cause excessive vibration at the connection between the valve island body 21 and the pipeline, and at the same time cause high-frequency vibration of the valve island body 21. If the weight of the valve island body 21 is too large, although it can enhance the vibration resistance, it will increase the load on the support components and the overall weight of the system, which does not meet the requirements of lightweighting.

[0148] Therefore, based on the above-mentioned vibration transmission characteristics and support stability requirements, this application limits the weight of the valve island body 21 to a specific threshold range. This range can ensure that the valve island body 21, under the support of the support members, can form sufficient inertia through its own weight to suppress the vibration of the connection parts and the body caused by the vibration transmission of the compressor 41, and avoid reliability problems such as sealing failure and loosening of internal components of the valve island body 21 caused by vibration. It can also avoid the increase in system burden caused by excessive weight, thereby meeting the reliability requirements of the support members while taking into account the goal of lightweight system design.

[0149] Furthermore, the weight composition of a conventional piping system includes the weight of pipes in multiple sections, the weight of welded connections, and the additional weight of pipes in redundant straight sections and bends. The aforementioned weight is replaced by the valve island body 21, and the weight of the valve island body 21 is in the range of 50g to 2334g, which is lower than that of a conventional transmission system composed of multiple pipes and welded connections under the same fluid transmission conditions.

[0150] Understandably, in fluid transmission scenarios involving small flow rates and short distances in a small valve island body 21, traditional solutions require splicing multiple pipe sections to meet the requirements. However, since each pipe section needs to reserve a minimum straight section and bending radius, its total weight will still exceed 50g. In contrast, the valve island body 21 achieves the same conduction function with a weight of 50g while reducing the weight, and has sufficient inertia to suppress the vibration of the connection parts and the body caused by the vibration transmission of the compressor 41. The weight limit of 2334g is suitable for the fluid transmission system requirements of medium and large valve island body 21. For traditional systems that require splicing of multiple long pipe sections and include multiple bending nodes, the total weight often exceeds 2334g due to the increase in the amount of pipe material and the number of welded parts. However, the valve island body 21 can replace multiple sets of traditional pipes through the integration of multiple internal flow paths. When meeting the requirements of large flow or multi-path transmission, the weight is still controlled within 2334g. This avoids the problem of excessive weight caused by the increase in the number of pipes in traditional systems, which leads to increased costs and installation difficulties.

[0151] When W is less than 50g, the size of the valve island body 21 needs to be significantly reduced due to weight constraints. Integrating at least one flow path and opening at least two connection ports within this reduced size will result in the inner diameter of the flow path and the structural strength of the body being insufficient to meet basic fluid transmission requirements. This could lead to an excessively small inner diameter of the flow path, preventing effective fluid flow, or an excessively thin wall thickness of the valve island body 21, making it prone to structural damage under installation, docking, or fluid pressure. Consequently, it cannot replace traditional multi-section pipelines to complete the fluid transmission function, and the core goal of weight reduction cannot be achieved. Furthermore, when W is less than 50g, the inertia generated by the mass of the valve island body 21 itself is insufficient to offset the vibration energy transmitted by the compressor 41 through the pipeline. When the compressor 41 vibrates along the support and is transmitted to the connection points of the valve island body 21, the valve island body 21, due to its insufficient inertia, cannot form effective vibration damping and will generate high-frequency, large-amplitude vibrations synchronously with the vibration energy. Excessive vibration can directly cause repeated stress impacts at the connection of the valve island body 21, which can easily lead to failure of the sealing structure at the connection port and refrigerant leakage. At the same time, the valve core, electromagnetic coil and other precision components inside the valve island body 21 may also shift in position or loosen between components due to continuous vibration, which can damage the normal on / off control function of the valve island 211 and ultimately lead to a decrease in the reliability of the air conditioning system, making it unable to meet the basic reliability requirements under the premise of pipe support.

[0152] When W is greater than 2334g, the weight of the valve island body 21, which exceeds 2334g, will be close to or even exceed the total weight of some medium and large traditional pipeline systems, and will not be able to demonstrate the weight advantage over traditional pipelines. At the same time, the excessively heavy valve island body 21 will increase the difficulty of handling during installation, and will require additional design of a more stable fixing structure to support its weight, which will lead to a decrease in installation convenience.

[0153] It should be noted that traditional pipeline systems require welding, positioning, and bending operations section by section, which is cumbersome and prone to sealing failure due to welding quality. In contrast, valve island assembly 2 can be connected to external components through the connection port on the surface of valve island body 21, which simplifies the installation process. At the same time, the integrated flow path avoids the sealing risks caused by too many welding points.

[0154] In short, by setting up the valve island body 21, at least one flow path integrated inside the valve island body 21 can directly replace the original multi-section welded pipeline. The flow path achieves fluid conduction through the pre-set integrated flow channel within the valve island body 21, eliminating the need for additional pipeline splicing and redundant straight sections and bending radii to meet bending process requirements, thus simplifying the fluid transmission path. Since the material consumption and welding connection consumption of the original multi-section pipeline are replaced by the integrated flow path, the overall weight is significantly reduced compared to the traditional transmission system composed of multi-section pipelines and welded parts. Moreover, there is no need to perform segmented welding, positioning, and bending operations on the multi-section pipelines; it only requires docking with external components through at least two connection ports on the surface of the valve island body 21, reducing installation procedures and operational difficulty, and avoiding the sealing reliability risks caused by pipeline welding.

[0155] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support component is constructed as a support pipe, the valve island body 21 is connected to at least one support pipe, and the support pipe is adapted to communicate with the pipeline assembly 3. The diameter of the support pipe is between 16mm and 19mm, including 16mm or 19mm. Of course, other diameter support pipes can also be used to support or lift the valve island assembly 2 while ensuring reliability.

[0156] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the valve island body 21 is constructed of aluminum and its weight satisfies: 50g≤W≤975g.

[0157] Understandably, the valve island body 21 is constructed of aluminum, which inherently possesses low density. Combined with its integrated flow path, it can replace traditional multi-section welded pipes, eliminating the redundant weight generated by splicing and bending processes in traditional pipes. Furthermore, the low density of aluminum further amplifies the weight optimization effect, allowing the weight to be controlled within a reasonable range while ensuring fluid conduction. If the valve island body 21 weighs less than 50g, even with the low density of aluminum, integrating at least one flow path and opening at least two connection ports on such a lightweight body would result in insufficient structural strength, making it impossible to replace the function of traditional pipes. When the weight of the valve island body 21 exceeds 975g, although the density of aluminum is lower than that of traditional pipes, the weight of the aluminum valve island body 21 that exceeds the standard will be close to or even exceed that of the traditional pipeline system under the same fluid transmission conditions, and the weight advantage cannot be reflected. The range of 50g≤W≤975g not only makes use of the characteristics of aluminum to ensure that the body has sufficient strength and normal channel function while being lightweight, but also avoids losing the advantage due to excessive weight. At the same time, the ease of processing aluminum allows for more precise flow path forming, ensuring stable fluid transmission.

[0158] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the valve island body 21 is constructed of stainless steel and its weight satisfies: 765g≤W≤2334g.

[0159] Understandably, stainless steel possesses high strength and high corrosion resistance, making it suitable for scenarios requiring stable fluid transmission, pressure resistance, and resistance to media corrosion. Similarly, the internally integrated flow path can replace traditional multi-section welded pipes, eliminating structural redundancy caused by splicing and bending processes in traditional pipes. Stainless steel has a higher density than aluminum, and this weight range ensures that the body has sufficient wall thickness to maintain high strength and meet structural stability requirements under fluid pressure. At the same time, the integrated flow path avoids redundant weight of traditional pipes, achieving weight optimization compared to traditional multi-section stainless steel pipes and achieving the core goal of reducing overall weight. Furthermore, the corrosion resistance of stainless steel can prevent fluid media from eroding the channels, extending the module's service life and ensuring long-term reliable operation.

[0160] If the valve island body 21 weighs less than 765g, due to the high density of stainless steel, controlling the weight within this range would require a significant reduction in the body wall thickness and volume. This would result in an excessively small inner diameter of the flow path, failing to meet normal flow requirements. Simultaneously, an excessively thin wall thickness would lead to insufficient structural strength, making the body prone to deformation or even breakage during installation, connection, or under fluid pressure. This would prevent the realization of basic fluid transmission functions and would also fail to demonstrate the strength advantages of stainless steel, thus losing its value as a substitute for traditional pipelines. If the valve island body 21 weighs more than 2334g, although it may improve structural strength and channel capacity, an excessively heavy valve island body 21 would increase the difficulty of installation and handling, requiring additional fixing structures and reducing installation convenience. The range of g≤W≤g allows for the effective replacement of traditional multi-section pipelines while ensuring that the valve island component 2 has sufficient strength, meets the requirements for fluid transmission functions and corrosion resistance, and achieves the technical effects of weight reduction and simplified installation.

[0161] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a flow path is formed inside the valve island body 21, and a first connection port and a second connection port communicating with the flow path are formed on the surface of the valve island body 21; and the following conditions are met: 50g≤W≤150g.

[0162] Understandably, for a small valve island component 2 with a flow path formed inside the valve island body 21, the single flow path achieves the connection between the first and second connection ports through the integrated structure inside the valve island body 21. This can replace the multi-section welded pipes used for fluid transmission between two points in traditional scenarios. There is no need to reserve redundant straight sections and bending radii to meet the bending process, nor is there a need for additional welded connectors. The weight range of 50g to 150g makes the weight of the valve island body 21 significantly lower. At the same time, external docking can be completed through only two connection ports, greatly simplifying the installation process and improving assembly convenience. Meanwhile, the weight range of 50g to 150g ensures that the valve island body 21 has sufficient wall thickness to support the flow path formation, avoiding insufficient structural strength due to flow channel processing, while maintaining the miniaturization characteristics, making it suitable for scenarios with compact installation space requirements 142. Furthermore, the lightweight design further reduces the difficulty of positioning and fixing during installation, indirectly improving the overall assembly efficiency of the system.

[0163] According to some embodiments of this application, the valve island assembly 2 further includes: a functional valve, which is disposed on the valve island body 21 and at least a portion of the functional valve is housed in a flow path and used to control the conduction state of the flow path; or, the functional valve is connected to the flow path through a pipeline and used to control the conduction state of the flow path.

[0164] At least a portion of the functional valve is housed within the flow path, or connected to the flow path via a pipe. When at least a portion of the functional valve is housed within the flow path, the connection between the functional valve and the flow path does not require additional transition joints or short pipes. This reduces the number of weld points generated by connecting multiple pipe sections and connecting pipes in traditional piping systems. Due to the reduction in the number of weld points, it is no longer necessary to weld each pipe section and test the sealing performance point by point, reducing the dependence on assembly process precision, thereby improving production efficiency and simplifying the assembly process. It also reduces leakage risk points and avoids sealing problems caused by process deviations, material fatigue, and other factors at welded parts in traditional piping systems. This enhances the long-term operational stability of the piping system and meets the requirements of air conditioning outdoor units for the sealing and reliability of air conditioning piping. When the functional valve is connected to the flow path via a pipe, the installation position of the functional valve can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different spatial layout requirements, without affecting the precise control of the flow path's conduction state.

[0165] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0166] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0167] 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, characterized in that, include: The outdoor unit housing assembly includes a top cover and a bottom plate that are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction; A valve island assembly, wherein the valve island assembly is provided with a flow path and a connection port communicating with the flow path; A piping assembly connected to at least a portion of the connection ports, the highest position of the portion of the piping assembly located on the upper side of the valve island assembly and opposite to the valve island assembly in the vertical direction is a first position, the piping assembly and the top cover together define an accommodating space located above the first position.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the vertical direction, the distance between the first position and the top cover is H1, and the distance between the top cover and the bottom plate is H2, where H1 / H2≥10%.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the vertical direction, the distance between the first position and the top cover is not less than 6cm.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a compressor and a reversing valve. The piping assembly includes an exhaust pipe. The reversing valve is located above the valve island assembly. The reversing valve includes at least a first valve port and a second valve port. The first valve port is located at the top of the reversing valve. The exhaust port of the compressor is connected to the first valve port through the exhaust pipe. The highest position of the exhaust pipe is the first position. The second valve port is connected to the connection port of the valve island assembly.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe includes a bent section and a connecting section. The bent section is connected to the upper side of the connecting section and is located above the reversing valve. The two ends of the connecting section are respectively connected to the compressor and the first end of the bent section. The second end of the bent section is connected to the first valve port. The bent section is U-shaped and opens downwards. The top position of the bent section is the first position.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bending section includes a first side pipe section, a top pipe section, and a second side pipe section connected in sequence. The first side pipe section and the second side pipe section extend in the vertical direction. The lower end of the first side pipe section is connected to the first valve port, the upper end of the first side pipe section is connected to the first end of the top pipe section, and the second end of the top pipe section is connected to the upper end of the second side pipe section. The height position of the top pipe section is a first position, and there is a smooth transition between the top pipe section and the first side pipe section and the second side pipe section.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The horizontal distance between the first side pipe section and the second side pipe section is not less than 25mm.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outdoor unit housing assembly includes a partition, the exhaust pipe is located on one side of the partition, and a portion of the air conditioner's electrical control box is located between the bent section and the partition.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outdoor unit housing assembly also forms an installation space for installing the electrical control box. Part of the installation space is located between the bent section and the partition, and part of the installation space is located on one side of the receiving space along the horizontal direction and is connected to the receiving space.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance between the first position and the upper end face of the first valve port in the vertical direction is not less than 10mm.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a gas-liquid separator, which is located on one side of the compressor in the horizontal direction and below the reversing valve. The gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor and the reversing valve, and the valve island assembly is located on top of the gas-liquid separator.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 11, characterized in that, The upper end of the compressor is lower than the upper end of the gas-liquid separator. The valve island assembly includes multiple valve islands and plate heat exchangers. Each valve island is provided with the flow path and the connection port. The plate heat exchanger is connected to the lower side of a portion of the valve islands. The plate heat exchanger and the gas-liquid separator are arranged horizontally and located above the compressor.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 12, characterized in that, The valve island assembly further includes a mounting bracket disposed on the top of the gas-liquid separator. The plate heat exchanger is disposed on the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a first mounting area and a second mounting area arranged along a first direction. The compressor and the gas-liquid separator are arranged along the first direction. The first mounting area is recessed downward to form an upward-facing receiving groove. At least a portion of the plate heat exchanger is received within the receiving groove. A portion of the valve island is mounted on the upper side of the plate heat exchanger, and a portion of the valve island is mounted in the second mounting area.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piping assembly includes a connecting pipe and a heat dissipation pipe connected to the upper side of the valve island assembly. The valve island assembly is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner through the connecting pipe. The heat dissipation pipe is connected to a portion of the connecting port. The height of the portion of the connecting pipe and the heat dissipation pipe that is opposite to the valve island assembly in the vertical direction is lower than the first position.

15. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes functional modules, at least a portion of which are housed within the housing space.

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