Valve island assembly and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a valve island subassembly and air conditioner, valve island subassembly is used for air conditioner and includes at least one valve island, and each valve island is equipped with the flow channel for the refrigerant flow and is formed with the connecting port that communicates with the flow channel, and the connecting port is used for connecting the component of air conditioner, and at least one valve island forms at least two mutually spaced flow channels, and at least part of two adjacent flow channels in the same valve island are equipped with heat insulation structure. According to the valve island subassembly of the utility model embodiment, can make the connecting pipeline structure between the component in air conditioner is relatively simple, and can make the pipeline system integration, effectively reduces the space that connecting pipeline occupies, and, through being equipped with heat insulation structure between at least part of two mutually spaced flow channels in the same valve island, can effectively avoid the heat exchange of the refrigerant in two adjacent flow channels, reduce the interference between the refrigerant in two adjacent flow channels, and then reduce the cold loss.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, air conditioners contain multiple components connected by piping. These components include throttling devices such as dual throttling valves and plate heat exchangers, all linked by piping. This results in a large number of piping lines, occupying significant space, and long lines are prone to vibration and breakage. Therefore, reducing the space occupied by the piping while simplifying its overall structure is a pressing technical challenge. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a valve island assembly that simplifies the connecting pipe structure between components within an air conditioner and enables the integration of the piping system, effectively reducing the space occupied by the connecting pipes.

[0004] This utility model also proposes an air conditioner that includes the above-mentioned valve island assembly.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a valve island assembly is used in an air conditioner, comprising: at least one valve island, each valve island having a flow channel for refrigerant flow and a connection port communicating with the flow channel, the connection port being used to connect components of the air conditioner, at least two mutually spaced flow channels being formed in at least one valve island, and a heat insulation structure being provided between at least a portion of two adjacent flow channels in the same valve island.

[0006] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the valve island assembly includes multiple valve islands, each of which has a flow channel for refrigerant flow and a connection port communicating with the flow channel. The connection port is used to connect to components of the air conditioner, so that the valve island assembly can connect to various components of the air conditioner and allow refrigerant to flow within the valve island assembly, thereby realizing the circulation of refrigerant. Compared with connecting various components of the air conditioner through multiple piping, connecting various components through the valve island assembly simplifies the connection piping structure between components within the air conditioner and allows for the integration of the piping system, effectively reducing the space occupied by the connection piping. Furthermore, by providing a heat insulation structure between at least some adjacent two mutually spaced flow channels in the same valve island, heat exchange between the refrigerants in the two adjacent flow channels can be effectively avoided, reducing interference between the refrigerants in the two adjacent flow channels, thereby reducing cooling loss and improving the operating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat insulation structure includes a heat insulation cavity.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the width of the heat insulation cavity in the arrangement direction of two adjacent flow channels is 0.5mm to 6mm.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat insulation cavity penetrates at least one surface of the valve island.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve island with the heat insulation structure has two flow channels arranged along the length of the valve island. The heat insulation cavity is slit-shaped and extends through the outer peripheral side of the valve island. The heat insulation cavity extends along the circumference of the valve island, and the circumference of the valve island is perpendicular to the length of the valve island.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the heat insulation cavity is provided with heat insulation cotton.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one valve island includes a first valve island, the flow channels within the first valve island include a first flow channel and a second flow channel spaced apart from each other, the first valve island is provided with the heat insulation structure and the heat insulation structure is located between the first flow channel and the second flow channel, the first valve island has a plurality of connection ports, namely a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port and a fourth connection port, the first flow channel connects the first connection port and the second connection port, the second flow channel connects the third connection port and the fourth connection port, the first connection port is connected to a high-pressure shut-off valve, and the fourth connection port is used to connect to the return port of the compressor.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this utility model, it further includes a plate heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchange channels in the plate heat exchanger include a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel, and the plurality of heat exchange interfaces include a first heat exchange interface, a second heat exchange interface, a third heat exchange interface and a fourth heat exchange interface. The first heat exchange channel connects the first heat exchange interface and the third heat exchange interface, and the second heat exchange channel connects the second heat exchange interface and the fourth heat exchange interface. The second connection port is connected to the second heat exchange interface, and the third connection port is connected to the first heat exchange interface.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one valve island includes a second valve island, and the valve island assembly further includes a first throttling valve and a filter. The flow channel within the second valve island includes a third flow channel, a first valve chamber, and a filter chamber. The filter is disposed in the filter chamber, and the first throttling valve is disposed in the first valve chamber. The third flow channel connects the first valve chamber and the filter chamber. The second valve island has a plurality of connection ports, which are a fifth connection port and a sixth connection port. The fifth connection port is connected to the third heat exchange interface. The fifth connection port is located on one side of the first valve chamber and communicates with the first valve chamber. The sixth connection port is connected to the fourth heat exchange interface. The sixth connection port is located on one side of the filter chamber and communicates with the filter chamber.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second valve island is provided with the heat insulation structure and the heat insulation structure is located between the first valve cavity and the filter cavity, and the heat insulation structure provided on the second valve island is located on opposite sides of the third flow channel.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one valve island includes a third valve island, the valve island assembly further includes a second throttling valve, the flow channel within the third valve island further includes a second valve cavity, the second throttling valve is disposed in the second valve cavity, the plurality of connection ports of the third valve island include an eleventh connection port and a twelfth connection port, the second valve cavity communicates with the eleventh connection port and the twelfth connection port, the twelfth connection port is used to connect to an outdoor heat exchanger, the eleventh connection port is connected to the filter through a heat dissipation pipe, the heat dissipation pipe is used to dissipate heat from the electrical control box.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connection port of the third valve island is also used to connect with a four-way valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The plurality of connection ports of the third valve island include a seventh connection port, an eighth connection port, a ninth connection port and a tenth connection port. The flow channel in the third valve island includes a fourth flow channel and a fifth flow channel that are separated from each other. The fourth flow channel connects the seventh connection port and the eighth connection port, and the fifth flow channel connects the ninth connection port and the tenth connection port. The four-way valve includes a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port, and a fourth valve port. The first valve port is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor. The third valve port is used to connect directly or indirectly to the return port of the compressor. The seventh connection port is used to connect to the second valve port. The eighth connection port is used to connect to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The ninth connection port is used to connect to the fourth valve port. The tenth connection port is used to connect to the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the third valve port is used to connect to a gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator having a separation inlet and a separation outlet, the third valve port being used to connect to the separation inlet, and the separation outlet being connected to the return gas port of the compressor.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a mounting bracket is included, at least one of the valve islands is mounted on the mounting bracket, and each valve island is an independently molded part.

[0020] An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a valve island assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention described above.

[0021] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the air conditioner includes a valve island assembly comprising multiple valve islands. Each valve island has a flow channel for refrigerant flow and a connection port communicating with the flow channel. The connection port is used to connect components of the air conditioner, allowing the valve island assembly to connect to various components of the air conditioner and enabling refrigerant to flow within the valve island assembly, thereby achieving refrigerant circulation. Compared to connecting various components of the air conditioner through multiple piping, connecting components through the valve island assembly simplifies the connection piping structure between components within the air conditioner and allows for pipe system integration, effectively reducing the space occupied by the connection piping. Furthermore, by providing a heat insulation structure between at least some adjacent, spaced-apart flow channels in the same valve island, heat exchange between the refrigerants in adjacent flow channels can be effectively prevented, reducing interference between the refrigerants in adjacent flow channels, thereby reducing cooling loss and improving the operating efficiency of the air conditioner.

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

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present utility model; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another part of the structure of the air conditioner in the picture; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of part of the structure of the air conditioner in the image; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of the valve island assembly in the diagram; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the partial structure of the valve island assembly in the diagram; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the separation of the valve island assembly from another angle; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An assembly diagram of the plate heat exchanger, the first valve island, the second valve island, the high-pressure shut-off valve, the first throttle valve, and the filter. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the plate heat exchanger, the first valve island, the second valve island, the high-pressure shut-off valve, the first throttle valve, and the filter. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view showing the plate heat exchanger separated from the first valve island, the second valve island, the high-pressure shut-off valve, the first throttle valve, and the filter. Figure 12 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the first valve island and the high-pressure shut-off valve in the middle; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the first valve island and the high-pressure shut-off valve from another angle; Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the first valve island and the high-pressure shut-off valve at another angle. Figure 15 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the assembly of the second valve island, the first throttle valve, and the filter. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the second valve island, the first throttle valve, and the filter from another angle; Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A schematic diagram showing the separation of the second valve island from the first throttle valve and the filter; Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the second valve island in the diagram; Figure 19 yes Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the second valve island in the diagram; Figure 20 yes Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the second valve island, the first throttle valve, and the filter. Figure 21 yes Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the filter in the image; Figure 22 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the third valve island with the second throttle valve, four-way valve and low-pressure shut-off valve. Figure 23 yes Figure 22 Exploded view of the third valve island and the second throttle valve in the diagram; Figure 24 yes Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the third valve island and the second throttle valve in the diagram; Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the third valve island in the diagram.

[0024] Figure label: 100. Air conditioner; 10. Valve island assembly; 1. Mounting bracket; 11. Bracket body; 111. First mounting area; 1111. Receiving groove; 112. Side plate; 113. Base plate; 12. Extension plate; 121. Second mounting area; 21. First valve island; 211. First connection port; 212. Second connection port; 213. Third connection port; 214. Fourth connection port; 215. First connection surface; 22. Second valve island; 221. Second connection surface; 222. Fifth connection port; 223. Sixth connection port; 224. First valve chamber; 225. Third flow channel; 226. Filter chamber; 2261. Connecting channel; 2262. Filter channel; 23. Third valve island; 23a. Fourth flow channel; 231. Seventh connection port; 232. Eighth connection port; 233. Ninth connection port; 234. Tenth connection port; 235. Eleventh connection port; 236. Twelfth connection port; 237. Second valve chamber; 238. Steel sleeve; 24. Plate heat exchanger; 241. Heat exchanger body; 242. Welded plate; 2421. First heat exchange interface; 2422. Second heat exchange interface; 2423. Third heat exchange interface; 2424. Fourth heat exchange interface; 2425. Mounting surface; 25. Thermal insulation structure; 251. Thermal insulation cavity; 26. Valve plate; 27. First throttle valve; 28. Filter; 29. ​​Second throttle valve; 30. High-pressure shut-off valve; 31. Heat dissipation pipe; 32. Gas-liquid separator; 321. Separation inlet; 322. Separation outlet; 33. Low-pressure shut-off valve; 34. Compressor; 35. Four-way valve; 351. First valve port; 352. Second valve port; 353. Third valve port; 354. Fourth valve port. Detailed Implementation

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

[0026] The following is for reference. Figures 1-25 The valve island assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model is described.

[0027] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 and Figure 17 According to the first aspect of the present invention, a valve island assembly 10 is used in an air conditioner 100. The valve island assembly 10 includes at least one valve island. Each valve island has a flow channel for refrigerant flow and a connection port communicating with the flow channel. The connection port is used to connect to the components of the air conditioner 100. By having a flow channel for refrigerant flow in each valve island and a connection port communicating with the flow channel, the flow channel in the valve island can be connected to the components of the air conditioner 100 through the connection port. This allows the valve island assembly 10 to connect to the various components of the air conditioner 100 and allows the refrigerant to flow inside the valve island assembly 10, thereby realizing the circulation of the refrigerant.

[0028] Compared to connecting the various components of the air conditioner 100 through multiple pipes, connecting the various components through the valve island assembly 10 can simplify the connection pipe structure between the components within the air conditioner 100, and can also integrate the piping system, effectively reducing the space occupied by the connection pipes.

[0029] At least one valve island has at least two spaced-apart flow channels, and a heat insulation structure 25 is provided between at least a portion of two adjacent flow channels in the same valve island. During the operation of the air conditioner 100, at least a portion of two adjacent flow channels in the same valve island are used to transport refrigerants at different temperatures. For example, the refrigerant temperature in one flow channel is higher, and the refrigerant temperature in the other flow channel is lower. The cooling or heating process of the air conditioner 100 is achieved by circulating the refrigerant within the air conditioner 100 system.

[0030] In this configuration, at least two spaced-apart flow channels are formed within at least one valve island, and a heat insulation structure 25 is provided between at least a portion of two adjacent flow channels in the same valve island, which may include the following: For example, one valve island may have two mutually spaced flow channels, and a heat insulation structure 25 may be provided between two adjacent flow channels in the valve island; or one valve island may have three or more mutually spaced flow channels, and a heat insulation structure 25 may be provided between some of the adjacent flow channels in the valve island; or a heat insulation structure 25 may be provided between any two adjacent flow channels in the valve island.

[0031] For example, each of the two valve islands may have two mutually spaced flow channels, and a heat insulation structure 25 may be provided between two adjacent flow channels in each valve island; or three or more mutually spaced flow channels may be formed in the two valve islands, and a heat insulation structure 25 may be provided between some of the two adjacent flow channels in the two valve islands; or a heat insulation structure 25 may be provided between any two adjacent flow channels in the two valve islands.

[0032] For example, each valve island may have two mutually spaced flow channels, with a heat insulation structure 25 between two adjacent flow channels in each valve island; or each valve island may have three or more mutually spaced flow channels, with a heat insulation structure 25 between some of the adjacent flow channels in each valve island; or any two adjacent flow channels in each valve island may have a heat insulation structure 25 between them.

[0033] For example, at least one valve island includes a first valve island 21. The flow channels within the first valve island 21 include a first flow channel and a second flow channel that are separated from each other. The first valve island 21 is provided with a heat insulation structure 25 and the heat insulation structure 25 is located between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The first valve island 21 has multiple connection ports, namely a first connection port 211, a second connection port 212, a third connection port 213, and a fourth connection port 214. The first flow channel connects the first connection port 211 and the second connection port 212. The second flow channel connects the third connection port 213 and the fourth connection port 214. The first connection port 211 is connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve 30. The fourth connection port 214 is used to connect to the return port of the compressor 34.

[0034] By using the heat insulation structure 25 located between the first and second flow channels, the temperature exchange of the refrigerant in the first and second flow channels can be effectively isolated, effectively reducing the mutual interference between the heat of the refrigerant in the first and second flow channels, making the temperature of the refrigerant in the first and second flow channels more stable, reducing the loss of cooling capacity, and thus helping to improve the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 100.

[0035] By providing a heat insulation structure 25 between at least some of the adjacent flow channels within the same valve island, heat exchange between the refrigerants in the two adjacent flow channels can be effectively avoided, reducing interference between the refrigerants in the two adjacent flow channels and reducing cooling loss. For example, it can prevent the refrigerant with a lower temperature from absorbing heat from the refrigerant with a higher temperature, and it can also prevent the refrigerant with a higher temperature from releasing heat to the refrigerant with a lower temperature.

[0036] Compared to increasing the distance between two adjacent flow channels to avoid heat exchange of the refrigerant in the two flow channels, which would result in a larger valve island volume and occupy more space, by providing a heat insulation structure 25 between at least some of the two adjacent flow channels in the same valve island, heat exchange in the two adjacent flow channels can be effectively isolated, while the distance between the two adjacent flow channels can be reduced. This makes the valve island volume smaller, thereby reducing the space occupied by the valve island and thus facilitating the overall miniaturization of the valve island assembly 10.

[0037] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the valve island assembly 10 includes multiple valve islands. Each valve island has a flow channel for refrigerant flow and a connection port communicating with the flow channel. The connection port is used to connect the components of the air conditioner 100, so that the valve island assembly 10 can connect the various components of the air conditioner 100 and allow the refrigerant to flow within the valve island assembly 10, thereby realizing the circulation of the refrigerant. Compared with connecting the various components of the air conditioner 100 through multiple piping, connecting the components through the valve island assembly 10 can simplify the connection pipeline structure between the components within the air conditioner 100 and can integrate the piping system, effectively reducing the space occupied by the connection pipeline. Furthermore, by providing a heat insulation structure 25 between at least some of the adjacent two mutually spaced flow channels in the same valve island, heat exchange between the refrigerants in the two adjacent flow channels can be effectively avoided, reducing interference between the refrigerants in the two adjacent flow channels, thereby reducing cooling loss and improving the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 100.

[0038] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 17 and Figure 18According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat insulation structure 25 includes a heat insulation cavity 251. By including a heat insulation cavity 251 in the heat insulation structure 25, the characteristic of a cavity to block heat exchange can be utilized. For example, a closed cavity structure can be used to reduce heat exchange between two adjacent flow channels. For example, the heat insulation cavity 251 can be filled with air or the heat insulation cavity 251 can be a vacuum environment. Both air and vacuum have low thermal conductivity, which can weaken the heat exchange between the refrigerant in two adjacent flow channels. The heat insulation cavity 251 can also isolate the refrigerant from contact with the medium inside the heat insulation cavity 251, thereby effectively blocking the heat exchange between two adjacent flow channels, avoiding the possibility of the lower-temperature refrigerant heating up or the higher-temperature refrigerant cooling down, and making the weight of the heat insulation structure 25 smaller, which is beneficial to the overall lightweighting of the valve island assembly 10.

[0039] Reference Figures 16-20 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the width of the heat insulation cavity 251 in the arrangement direction of two adjacent flow channels is 0.5mm to 6mm. For example, the width of the heat insulation cavity 251 in the arrangement direction of two adjacent flow channels can be 0.5mm, 1.5mm, 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, etc.

[0040] By making the width of the heat insulation cavity 251 in the arrangement direction of the two adjacent flow channels 0.5mm~6mm, the width of the heat insulation cavity 251 is larger to form an effective thermal resistance and effectively isolate the heat exchange between the two adjacent flow channels. Alternatively, the width of the heat insulation cavity 251 in the arrangement direction of the two adjacent flow channels can be smaller, so that the width of the corresponding valve island as a whole is smaller, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the valve island assembly 10 as a whole.

[0041] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat insulation cavity 251 penetrates at least one surface of the valve island. By setting the heat insulation cavity 251 to penetrate at least one surface of the valve island, the processing and manufacturing of the heat insulation cavity 251 can be facilitated. For example, compared with forming by opening a hole inside the valve island, forming the heat insulation cavity 251 by opening a hole on one surface of the valve island and extending it into the interior of the valve island can reduce the processing and manufacturing difficulty of the heat insulation cavity 251 and improve the manufacturing efficiency of the heat insulation cavity 251. Furthermore, by having the heat insulation cavity 251 penetrate at least one surface of the valve island, the edge of the heat insulation cavity 251 can be directly attached to one surface of the valve island, which can make the heat insulation area of ​​the heat insulation cavity 251 larger, thereby effectively improving the heat insulation effect of the heat insulation cavity 251 between two adjacent flow channels.

[0042] Reference Figures 16-20According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve island with heat insulation structure 25 has two flow channels, which are arranged along the length of the valve island. The heat insulation cavity 251 is slit-shaped and penetrates the outer peripheral side of the valve island. The heat insulation cavity 251 extends along the circumference of the valve island, and the circumference of the valve island is perpendicular to the length of the valve island.

[0043] When the two flow channels are arranged along the length of the valve island, heat can be easily transferred through the valve island between the two flow channels. The heat insulation cavity 251 extends circumferentially along the valve island and penetrates the outer circumferential side of the valve island, forming an annular or semi-annular heat insulation barrier between the two flow channels. This circumferentially extended structure can expand the heat insulation area of ​​the heat insulation cavity 251, thereby effectively isolating the heat exchange of the refrigerant in the two flow channels.

[0044] Furthermore, by making the heat insulation cavity 251 into a slit shape, the length dimension of the valve island occupied by the heat insulation cavity 251 can be reduced, thereby reducing the space occupied by the heat insulation cavity 251 in the length direction of the valve island. This allows the valve island to achieve a more compact structural design within a limited space, freeing up more space for the installation and layout of other components within the valve island, improving the overall space utilization of the valve island, and facilitating the miniaturization and layout optimization of the valve island.

[0045] According to some embodiments of this utility model, heat insulation cotton is provided inside the heat insulation cavity 251. By providing heat insulation cotton inside the heat insulation cavity 251, the thermal resistance of the heat insulation cavity 251 itself is combined with the thermal resistance of the heat insulation cotton material to further enhance the overall thermal resistance of the heat insulation cavity 251. This makes full use of the space inside the heat insulation cavity 251 without having to expand the volume of the heat insulation cavity 251. This can effectively enhance the heat insulation effect of the heat insulation cavity 251 on the two adjacent flow channels and also improve the space utilization rate inside the valve island.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one valve island includes a first valve island 21. The flow channels within the first valve island 21 include a first flow channel and a second flow channel that are separated from each other. The first valve island 21 is provided with a heat insulation structure 25 and the heat insulation structure 25 is located between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The first valve island 21 has multiple connection ports, namely a first connection port 211, a second connection port 212, a third connection port 213, and a fourth connection port 214. The first flow channel connects the first connection port 211 and the second connection port 212. The second flow channel connects the third connection port 213 and the fourth connection port 214. The first connection port 211 is connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve 30. The fourth connection port 214 is used to connect to the return port of the compressor 34.

[0047] The high-pressure shut-off valve 30 is connected via the first connection port 211, and the first connection port 211 is also connected to the first flow channel, thus connecting the high-pressure shut-off valve 30 and the first flow channel to allow refrigerant to flow between the high-pressure shut-off valve 30 and the first flow channel of the first valve island 21. The fourth connection port 214 is used to connect to the return port of the compressor 34, thus connecting the return port of the compressor 34 and the second flow channel to allow refrigerant to flow between the second flow channel of the first valve island 21 and the return port of the compressor 34.

[0048] By using the heat insulation structure 25 located between the first and second flow channels, the temperature exchange of the refrigerant in the first and second flow channels can be effectively isolated, effectively reducing the mutual interference between the heat of the refrigerant in the first and second flow channels, making the temperature of the refrigerant in the first and second flow channels more stable, reducing the loss of cooling capacity, and thus helping to improve the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 100.

[0049] In addition, by connecting the first valve island 21 to the high-pressure shut-off valve 30, the connection pipeline between the first valve island 21 and the high-pressure shut-off valve 30 can be simplified, saving the space occupied by the connection pipeline between the first valve island 21 and the high-pressure shut-off valve 30. It also helps to reduce the materials used in the connection pipeline and the accessories attached to the connection pipeline, thereby reducing material costs.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve island assembly 10 further includes a plate heat exchanger 24. The heat exchange channels in the plate heat exchanger 24 include a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel. Multiple heat exchange interfaces include a first heat exchange interface 2421, a second heat exchange interface 2422, a third heat exchange interface 2423, and a fourth heat exchange interface 2424. The first heat exchange channel connects the first heat exchange interface 2421 and the third heat exchange interface 2423. The second heat exchange channel connects the second heat exchange interface 2422 and the fourth heat exchange interface 2424. The second connection port 212 is connected to the second heat exchange interface 2422, and the third connection port 213 is connected to the first heat exchange interface 2421.

[0051] The heat exchange channels within the plate heat exchanger 24 include a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel. The first heat exchange channel connects the first heat exchange interface 2421 and the third heat exchange interface 2423, and the second heat exchange channel connects the second heat exchange interface 2422 and the fourth heat exchange interface 2424. The channels within the first valve island 21 include a first channel, which connects the first connection port 211 and the second connection port 212. The first connection port 211 connects to the high-pressure shut-off valve 30, and the second connection port 212 connects to the second heat exchange interface 2422. The second heat exchange interface 2422 connects to the second heat exchange channel. This allows the high-pressure shut-off valve 30 to connect with the second heat exchange channel within the first valve island 21. For example, if the high-pressure shut-off valve 30 is connected to an indoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger can connect with the first channel within the first valve island 21 via the high-pressure shut-off valve 30.

[0052] The second flow channel connects to the third connection port 213 and the fourth connection port 214. The third connection port 213 is connected to the first heat exchange interface 2421, and the fourth connection port 214 is used to connect to the return port of the compressor 34. This allows the second flow channel in the first valve island 21 to be connected to the first heat exchange channel in the plate heat exchanger 24 via the third connection port 213, so that the refrigerant can flow between the second flow channel in the first valve island 21 and the first heat exchange channel in the plate heat exchanger 24. It also allows the second flow channel in the first valve island 21 to be connected to the return port of the compressor 34 via the fourth connection port 214, so that the refrigerant can flow between the second flow channel in the first valve island 21 and the compressor 34.

[0053] Reference Figures 16-20 According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one valve island includes a second valve island 22. The valve island assembly 10 further includes a first throttle valve 27 and a filter 28. The flow channel in the second valve island 22 includes a third flow channel 225, a first valve chamber 224, and a filter chamber 226. The filter 28 is disposed in the filter chamber 226. The first throttle valve 27 is disposed in the first valve chamber 224. The third flow channel 225 connects the first valve chamber 224 and the filter chamber 226. The second valve island 22 has multiple connection ports, namely a fifth connection port 222 and a sixth connection port 223. The fifth connection port 222 is connected to a third heat exchange interface 2423. The fifth connection port 222 is located on one side of the first valve chamber 224 and is connected to the first valve chamber 224. The sixth connection port 223 is connected to a fourth heat exchange interface 2424. The sixth connection port 223 is located on one side of the filter chamber 226 and is connected to the filter chamber 226.

[0054] The flow channels within the second valve island 22 include a third flow channel 225, a first valve chamber 224, and a filter chamber 226. The third flow channel 225 connects the first valve chamber 224 and the filter chamber 226, facilitating the flow of refrigerant between them. A fifth connection port 222 connects the first valve chamber 224 and the third heat exchange interface 2423, enabling communication between the first throttling valve 27 and the first heat exchange channel of the plate heat exchanger 24, thus facilitating refrigerant flow between them. A sixth connection port 223 connects the filter chamber 226 and the fourth heat exchange interface 2424, enabling communication between the filter 28 and the plate heat exchanger 24, thus facilitating refrigerant flow between the filter 28 and the second heat exchange channel of the plate heat exchanger 24.

[0055] By connecting the plate heat exchanger 24 to the filter 28 and the first throttle valve 27 via the second valve island 22, the connection pipeline between the plate heat exchanger 24, the filter 28 and the first throttle valve 27 can be simplified, saving the space occupied by the connection pipeline between the plate heat exchanger 24, the filter 28 and the first throttle valve 27. It also helps to reduce the materials used in the connection pipeline and the accessories attached to the connection pipeline, thereby reducing material costs.

[0056] Reference Figures 16-20 According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second valve island 22 is provided with a heat insulation structure 25 and the heat insulation structure 25 is located between the first valve cavity 224 and the filter cavity 226. The heat insulation structure 25 provided in the second valve island 22 is located on opposite sides of the third flow channel 225.

[0057] By providing a heat insulation structure 25 between the first valve chamber 224 and the filter chamber 226, the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the first valve chamber 224 and the refrigerant in the filter chamber 226 can be effectively isolated, thereby reducing or avoiding mutual interference between the refrigerant in the first valve chamber 224 and the refrigerant in the filter chamber 226, and reducing the loss of cold energy of the refrigerant in the first valve chamber 224 and the refrigerant in the filter chamber 226. Furthermore, since the heat insulation structure 25 of the second valve island 22 is located on opposite sides of the third flow channel 225, the heat insulation structure 25 only provides heat insulation for the refrigerant in the first valve chamber 224 and the refrigerant in the filter chamber 226 on opposite sides of the third flow channel 225, without obstructing the flow section of the third flow channel 225, so that the third flow channel 225 can still connect the first valve chamber 224 and the filter chamber 226, so that the refrigerant can flow between the first valve chamber 224 and the filter chamber 226.

[0058] For example, the refrigerant filtered by filter 28 can enter the first valve chamber 224 through the third flow channel 225 so that the first throttle valve 27 can throttle it. Alternatively, the refrigerant throttled by the first throttle valve 27 can enter the filter chamber 226 through the third flow channel 225 so that the filter 28 can filter it.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 According to some embodiments of the present invention, at least one valve island includes a third valve island 23, and the valve island assembly 10 further includes a second throttle valve 29. The flow channel within the third valve island 23 also includes a second valve cavity 237. The second throttle valve 29 is disposed in the second valve cavity 237. The third valve island 23 has multiple connection ports including an eleventh connection port 235 and a twelfth connection port 236. The second valve cavity 237 is connected to the eleventh connection port 235 and the twelfth connection port 236. The twelfth connection port 236 is used to connect to an outdoor heat exchanger. The eleventh connection port 235 is connected to a filter 28 through a heat dissipation pipe 31. The heat dissipation pipe 31 is used to dissipate heat from the electrical control box.

[0060] The filter 28 is connected to the eleventh connection port 235 of the third valve island 23 via the heat dissipation pipe 31, which connects the filter 28 to the second valve chamber 237 of the third valve island 23. This allows the refrigerant to flow between the second valve chamber 237 and the filter 28. The filter 28 can filter the refrigerant flowing into the second valve chamber 237 or the refrigerant flowing from the second valve chamber 237 to the plate heat exchanger 24. Furthermore, by connecting the eleventh connection port 235 to the filter 28 via the heat dissipation pipe 31, the refrigerant flow channel can be connected to the heat dissipation pipe 31. This allows the refrigerant to cool other components through heat dissipation. For example, the heat dissipation pipe 31 can cool the electrical control box inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0061] The twelfth connection port 236 connects to the outdoor heat exchanger, which connects the second valve chamber 237 of the third valve island 23 to the outdoor heat exchanger, so that the refrigerant can flow between the second valve chamber 237 and the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 22 , Figure 23 and Figure 24According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connection port of the third valve island 23 is also used to connect with the four-way valve 35 and the low-pressure shut-off valve 33. The third valve island 23 has multiple connection ports including a seventh connection port 231, an eighth connection port 232, a ninth connection port 233, and a tenth connection port 234. The flow channels within the third valve island 23 include a fourth flow channel 23a and a fifth flow channel that are spaced apart from each other. The fourth flow channel 23a connects the seventh connection port 231 and the eighth connection port 232, and the fifth flow channel connects the ninth connection port 233 and the tenth connection port 234. 234, the four-way valve 35 includes a first valve port 351, a second valve port 352, a third valve port 353 and a fourth valve port 354. The first valve port 351 is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor 34. The third valve port 353 is used to connect directly or indirectly to the return port of the compressor 34. The seventh connection port 231 is used to connect to the second valve port 352. The eighth connection port 232 is used to connect to the low-pressure shut-off valve 33. The ninth connection port 233 is used to connect to the fourth valve port 354. The tenth connection port 234 is used to connect to the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0063] For example, when the air conditioner 100 is in heating mode, the first valve port 351 of the four-way valve 35 is connected to the second valve port 352, and the third valve port 353 is connected to the fourth valve port 354. The first valve port 351 and the third valve port 353 are not connected to each other. After the refrigerant flows out of the exhaust port of the compressor 34, it can flow through the first valve port 351 of the four-way valve 35 to the second valve port 352, and then flow into the second valve chamber 237 of the third valve island 23 through the second valve port 352. After that, it flows to the second throttling valve 29 for throttling. After being throttled by the second throttling valve 29, the refrigerant flows through the eighth connection port 232 to the low-pressure shut-off valve 33, and then flows to the indoor heat exchanger for heat exchange.

[0064] The refrigerant is connected to the fourth valve port 354 via the ninth connection port 233 and to the outdoor heat exchanger via the tenth connection port 234. After heat exchange by the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can flow into the fifth flow channel of the third valve island 23 via the tenth connection port 234, flow to the fourth valve port 354 via the ninth connection port 233, and then flow to other components via the third valve port 353.

[0065] For example, when the air conditioner 100 is in cooling mode, the first valve port 351 of the four-way valve 35 is connected to the fourth valve port 354, the second valve port 352 is connected to the third valve port 353, and the first valve port 351 and the second valve port 352 are not connected to each other. The refrigerant flows out through the exhaust port of the compressor 34 and enters the fourth valve port 354 through the first valve port 351 of the four-way valve 35. It then flows through the fourth valve port 354 to the ninth connection port 233 of the third valve island 23, flows through the ninth connection port 233 into the fifth flow channel, and flows through the tenth connection port 234 to the outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange.

[0066] By connecting the third valve island 23 with the low-pressure shut-off valve 33 and the four-way valve 35, the connection pipeline between the third valve island 23 and the low-pressure shut-off valve 33 and the four-way valve 35 can be simplified, saving the space occupied by the connection pipeline between the third valve island 23 and the low-pressure shut-off valve 33 and the four-way valve 35. It also helps to reduce the materials used in the connection pipeline and the accessories attached to the connection pipeline, thereby reducing material costs.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 22 , Figure 23 and Figure 24 According to some embodiments of this utility model, the third valve port 353 is used to connect to the gas-liquid separator 32. The gas-liquid separator 32 has a separation inlet 321 and a separation outlet 322. The third valve port 353 is used to connect to the separation inlet 321, and the separation outlet 322 is connected to the return port of the compressor 34. For example, the refrigerant flowing into the four-way valve 35 flows to the separation inlet 321 through the third valve port 353, and then flows into the gas-liquid separator 32 for gas-liquid separation. The refrigerant after gas-liquid separation flows to the return port of the compressor 34 through the separation outlet 322, and finally enters the compressor 34.

[0068] By connecting the third valve port 353 to the gas-liquid separator 32, the connecting pipeline between the four-way valve 35 and the separation inlet 321 of the gas-liquid separator 32 can be integrated on the valve island assembly 10. This simplifies the connecting pipeline between the four-way valve 35 and the gas-liquid separator 32, saves the space occupied by the connecting pipeline between the four-way valve 35 and the gas-liquid separator 32, and also helps to reduce the materials used in the connecting pipeline and the accessories attached to the connecting pipeline, thereby reducing material costs.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to some embodiments of this utility model, a mounting bracket 1 is included, and at least one valve island is mounted on the mounting bracket 1, each valve island being an independently molded part. The mounting bracket 1 can serve as a carrier for the valve island, providing support and fixation for the valve island.

[0070] The valve island assembly 10 includes multiple valve islands, each of which is an independently molded part. The position and layout of the corresponding valve islands can be flexibly adjusted according to the interface requirements of different components of the air conditioner 100. This effectively reduces the docking restrictions between the valve island assembly 10 and various components of the air conditioner 100, such as docking angle restrictions, and improves the ease of assembly between the valve island assembly 10 and various components of the air conditioner 100.

[0071] Furthermore, by setting the valve island assembly 10 to include multiple valve islands that are independently molded, compared to the large-volume, complex internal flow path structure of a single-piece valve island, the volume of a single valve island is reduced and the internal flow path is relatively simple. This can reduce the molding difficulty and installation difficulty of the valve island. For example, it can reduce the structural complexity of the molding mold and reduce the cost of the molding mold.

[0072] Alternatively, the mounting bracket 1 and the valve island can be pre-assembled into a whole. The installation process of the valve island assembly 10 in the air conditioner 100 can be completed by installing the mounting bracket 1 to the preset position of the air conditioner 100. This can simplify the operation steps of assembling the valve island assembly 10 into the air conditioner 100, reduce the assembly time of the valve island assembly 10 in the air conditioner 100, and improve the assembly efficiency.

[0073] The following reference Figures 1-25 The valve island assembly 10 is described according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] Reference Figures 1-5 In this embodiment, the valve island assembly 10 includes a mounting bracket 1, a first throttle valve 27, a filter 28, a second throttle valve 29, and a valve plate 26.

[0075] The valve island assembly 10 includes three valve islands: a first valve island 21, a second valve island 22, and a third valve island 23. Each valve island is an independently molded component, and each valve island has a flow channel for refrigerant flow and a connection port communicating with the flow channel. The connection port is used to connect components of the air conditioner 100. The valve island assembly 10 includes three valve islands. The first valve island 21 and the second valve island 22 are spaced apart to define a clearance space between them to allow passage of the low-pressure shut-off valve 33. A portion of the third valve island 23 is located between the first valve island 21 and the second valve island 22. At least one valve island is detachable from the mounting bracket 1.

[0076] Mounting bracket 1 is installed and fixed on gas-liquid separator 32.

[0077] The valve island assembly 10 also includes a plate heat exchanger 24, which is mounted on the mounting bracket 1. The first valve island 21 and the second valve island 22 are mounted on the plate heat exchanger 24, and the third valve island 23 is mounted on the mounting bracket 1. The plate heat exchanger 24 is detachably connected to the mounting bracket 1, and the valve islands mounted on the mounting bracket 1 are detachably connected to the mounting bracket 1.

[0078] The plate heat exchanger 24 is placed horizontally, and the first valve island 21 and the second valve island 22 are installed on the upper side of the plate heat exchanger 24. The mounting bracket 1 includes a first mounting area 111 and a second mounting area 121 arranged along a first direction. The plate heat exchanger 24 is located in the first mounting area 111, the first valve island 21 and the second valve island 22 are installed on the plate heat exchanger 24, and the third valve island 23 is installed on the mounting bracket 1 and located in the second mounting area 121.

[0079] The first mounting area 111 is recessed downwards to form an upward-facing receiving groove 1111. At least a portion of the plate heat exchanger 24 is received within the receiving groove 1111. The first valve island 21 and the second valve island 22 are mounted on the upper side of the plate heat exchanger 24. The distance in the height direction between the upper surface of the plate heat exchanger 24 and the upper surface of the second mounting area 121 is less than 10 mm. The third valve island 23 is supported on the upper surface of the second mounting area 121.

[0080] The mounting bracket 1 includes a bracket body 11 and an extension plate 12. The bracket body 11 has a first mounting area 111, and the extension plate 12 has a second mounting area 121. The bracket body 11 includes a base plate 113 and two side plates 112 arranged opposite to each other along a first direction. The two side plates 112 are located on the upper side of the base plate 113 and together with the base plate 113 define a receiving groove 1111. The extension plate 12 is connected to the top of one of the side plates 112 and is located on one side of the bracket body 11 in the first direction.

[0081] The plate heat exchanger 24 has a heat exchange channel inside and multiple heat exchange interfaces that communicate with the heat exchange channel. The connection port of the first valve island 21 is connected to some of the heat exchange interfaces, and the connection port of the second valve island 22 is connected to some of the heat exchange interfaces.

[0082] The plate heat exchanger 24 includes a heat exchanger body 241 and a welding plate 242. A heat exchange flow channel is formed inside the heat exchanger body 241. The welding plate 242 is connected and fixed to the heat exchanger body 241 and is provided with a heat exchange interface. The side of the welding plate 242 facing away from the heat exchanger body 241 has a mounting surface 2425. The surface of the first valve island 21 facing the mounting surface 2425 is the first connecting surface 215, and the surface of the second valve island 22 facing the mounting surface 2425 is the second connecting surface 221. Both the first connecting surface 215 and the second connecting surface 221 are welded to the mounting surface 2425.

[0083] The heat exchange channels within the plate heat exchanger 24 include a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel, and multiple heat exchange interfaces including a first heat exchange interface 2421, a second heat exchange interface 2422, a third heat exchange interface 2423, and a fourth heat exchange interface 2424. The first heat exchange channel connects the first heat exchange interface 2421 and the third heat exchange interface 2423, and the second heat exchange channel connects the second heat exchange interface 2422 and the fourth heat exchange interface 2424.

[0084] The flow channels within the first valve island 21 include a first flow channel and a second flow channel that are separated from each other. The first valve island 21 has multiple connection ports, namely a first connection port 211, a second connection port 212, a third connection port 213, and a fourth connection port 214. The first flow channel connects the first connection port 211 and the second connection port 212, and the second flow channel connects the third connection port 213 and the fourth connection port 214. The first connection port 211 is connected to the high-pressure shut-off valve 30, the second connection port 212 is connected to the second heat exchange interface 2422, the third connection port 213 is connected to the first heat exchange interface 2421, and the fourth connection port 214 is used to connect to the return port of the compressor 34.

[0085] The first valve island 21 is provided with a heat insulation structure 25 and the heat insulation structure 25 is located between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The heat insulation structure 25 includes a heat insulation cavity 251. The width of the heat insulation cavity 251 in the arrangement direction of the two adjacent flow channels is 0.5mm to 6mm. The heat insulation cavity 251 penetrates at least one surface of the first valve island 21. The heat insulation cavity 251 is slit-shaped and penetrates the outer peripheral side of the valve island. The heat insulation cavity 251 extends circumferentially from the first valve island 21. The circumferential direction of the first valve island 21 is perpendicular to the length direction of the first valve island 21. Heat insulation cotton is provided inside the heat insulation cavity 251.

[0086] The flow channels within the second valve island 22 include a third flow channel 225, a first valve chamber 224, and a filter chamber 226. A filter 28 is located in the filter chamber 226, and a first throttle valve 27 is located in the first valve chamber 224. The third flow channel 225 is located between the filter chamber 226 and the first valve chamber 224 and connects the first valve chamber 224 and the filter chamber 226. The second valve island 22 has multiple connection ports, namely a fifth connection port 222 and a sixth connection port 223. The fifth connection port 222 is connected to the third heat exchange interface 2423 and is located on one side of the first valve chamber 224 and communicates with it. The sixth connection port 223 is connected to the fourth heat exchange interface 2424 and is located on one side of the filter chamber 226 and communicates with it. The angle between the axis h of the third flow channel 225 and the axis g of the first valve chamber 224 is α, where 30°≤α≤70°.

[0087] The filter chamber 226 includes a filter channel 2262 and a connecting channel 2261. The connecting channel 2261 is located between the filter channel 2262 and one of the connection ports and connects the filter channel 2262 and the connection port. The axis s of the filter channel 2262 does not coincide with the axis t of the corresponding connecting channel 2261. The filter 28 is disposed in the filter channel 2262. The axis s of the filter channel 2262 is parallel to and spaced apart from the axis t of the corresponding connecting channel 2261. The projection of the connecting channel 2261 onto the reference plane lies within the projection of the corresponding filter channel 2262 onto the reference plane. The reference plane is perpendicular to the axis s of the filter channel 2262.

[0088] The connecting channel 2261 is located on one side of the axis s of the corresponding filter channel 2262, and is located below the corresponding filter channel 2262. The sixth connection port 223 is located on the side of the connecting channel 2261 opposite to the filter channel 2262, and the connecting channel 2261 connects the sixth connection port 223 and the filter channel 2262.

[0089] The second valve island 22 is provided with a heat insulation structure 25, which is located between the first valve cavity 224 and the filter cavity 226. The heat insulation structure 25 on the second valve island 22 is located on opposite sides of the third flow channel 225. The heat insulation structure 25 includes a heat insulation cavity 251. The width of the heat insulation cavity 251 in the arrangement direction of two adjacent flow channels is 0.5mm to 6mm. The heat insulation cavity 251 penetrates at least one surface of the first valve island 21. The heat insulation cavity 251 is slit-shaped and penetrates the outer peripheral side of the valve island. The heat insulation cavity 251 extends circumferentially from the first valve island 21. The circumferential direction of the first valve island 21 is perpendicular to the length direction of the first valve island 21. Heat insulation cotton is provided inside the heat insulation cavity 251.

[0090] The flow channel within the third valve island 23 also includes a second valve chamber 237. A second throttle valve 29 is located in the second valve chamber 237. The third valve island 23 has multiple connection ports, including an eleventh connection port 235 and a twelfth connection port 236. The second valve chamber 237 is connected to the eleventh connection port 235 and the twelfth connection port 236. The twelfth connection port 236 is used to connect to the outdoor heat exchanger. The eleventh connection port 235 is connected to the filter 28 through a heat dissipation pipe 31. The heat dissipation pipe 31 is used to dissipate heat from the electrical control box.

[0091] The third valve island 23 has multiple connection ports, namely the seventh connection port 231, the eighth connection port 232, the ninth connection port 233 and the tenth connection port 234. The flow channels within the third valve island 23 include a fourth flow channel 23a and a fifth flow channel that are separated from each other. The fourth flow channel 23a connects the seventh connection port 231 and the eighth connection port 232, and the fifth flow channel connects the ninth connection port 233 and the tenth connection port 234.

[0092] The four-way valve 35 includes a first valve port 351, a second valve port 352, a third valve port 353, and a fourth valve port 354. The first valve port 351 is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor 34. The third valve port 353 is used to connect directly or indirectly to the return port of the compressor 34. The seventh connection port 231 is used to connect to the second valve port 352. The eighth connection port 232 is used to connect to the low-pressure shut-off valve 33. The ninth connection port 233 is used to connect to the fourth valve port 354. The tenth connection port 234 is used to connect to the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0093] The third valve port 353 is used to connect to the gas-liquid separator 32, which has a separation inlet 321 and a separation outlet 322. The third valve port 353 is used to connect to the separation inlet 321, and the separation outlet 322 is connected to the return port of the compressor 34.

[0094] The third valve island 23 is made of aluminum alloy, the valve body of the second throttle valve 29 is made of steel, the second throttle valve 29 and the third valve island 23 are connected by a steel sleeve 238, the steel sleeve 238 and the third valve island 23 are furnace welded, and the second throttle valve 29 and the steel sleeve 238 are laser welded.

[0095] Valve plate 26 is used to support high-pressure shut-off valve 30 and / or low-pressure shut-off valve 33. Valve plate 26 is connected to the outer periphery of at least part of the valve island. Valve plate 26 is used to connect to the outdoor unit casing of air conditioner 100.

[0096] For example, when the air conditioner 100 is in heating mode, the first valve port 351 of the four-way valve 35 is connected to the second valve port 352, the third valve port 353 is connected to the fourth valve port 354, and the first valve port 351 and the third valve port 353 are not connected to each other.

[0097] After the refrigerant is discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 34, it enters the second valve port 352 through the first valve port 351 of the four-way valve 35, flows to the seventh connection port 231 through the second valve port 352, flows into the fourth flow channel 23a of the third valve island 23 through the seventh connection port 231, and then flows to the low-pressure shut-off valve 33 through the eighth connection port 232. After the low-pressure shut-off valve 33, it flows to the indoor heat exchanger. After heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows to the first connection port 211 through the high-pressure shut-off valve 30, flows into the first flow channel of the first valve island 21 through the first connection port 211, and then flows into the second heat exchange channel of the plate heat exchanger 24 through the second connection port 212 and the second heat exchange interface 2422 connected to the second connection port 212. After temperature exchange with the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel in the second heat exchange channel, it flows into the filter chamber 226 through the fourth heat exchange interface 2424 to the sixth connection port 223. At this time, the refrigerant is divided into two paths. One path flows through filter 28 to heat dissipation pipe 31, then through heat dissipation pipe 31 to the eleventh connection port 235 of the third valve island 23, and then through the eleventh connection port 235 into the second throttle valve 29 in the second valve chamber 237. After being throttled by the second throttle valve 29, it flows through the twelfth connection port 236 to the outdoor heat exchanger. After heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows through the tenth connection port 234 into the fifth flow channel of the third valve island 23, and through the ninth connection port 233 of the fifth flow channel into the fourth valve port 354 of the four-way valve 35, and then flows to the third valve port 353. Through the third valve port 353, it flows to the separation inlet 321 of the gas-liquid separator 32 connected to the third valve port 353. After gas-liquid separation in the gas-liquid separator 32, it flows out through the gas-liquid separation outlet 322 and flows back to the return port of the compressor 34. It then flows back to the compressor 34 through the return port of the compressor 34. Another refrigerant flows into the first valve chamber 224 through the third flow channel 225, which connects the filter chamber 226 and the first valve chamber 224. After being throttled by the first throttle valve 27, it flows through the fifth connection port 222 to the third heat exchange interface 2423. It then flows into the first heat exchange channel of the plate heat exchanger 24 through the third heat exchange interface 2423. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel in the first heat exchange channel, it flows through the first heat exchange interface 2421 to the third connection port 213. It then flows into the second flow channel of the first valve island 21 through the third connection port 213, and finally flows through the fourth connection port 214 to the compressor 34 return port. Finally, it flows back to the compressor 34 through the compressor 34 return port.

[0098] For example, when the air conditioner 100 is in cooling mode, the first valve port 351 of the four-way valve 35 is connected to the fourth valve port 354, the second valve port 352 is connected to the third valve port 353, and the first valve port 351 and the second valve port 352 are not connected to each other.

[0099] After the refrigerant is discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 34, it enters the fourth valve port 354 through the first valve port 351 of the four-way valve 35, flows through the fourth valve port 354 to the ninth connection port 233 of the third valve island 23, flows through the ninth connection port 233 into the fifth flow channel, flows through the tenth connection port 234 to the outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchange, and after heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant flows through the twelfth connection port 236 into the second valve chamber 237 of the third valve island 23, is throttled by the second throttle valve 29, flows through the eleventh connection port 235 to the heat dissipation pipe 31, and then flows to the filter 28, and flows through the filter 28 into the filter chamber 226 of the second valve island 22; At this point, the refrigerant is divided into two paths. One path flows through the sixth connection port 223, which is connected to the filter chamber 226, to the fourth heat exchange interface 2424 of the plate heat exchanger 24. From there, it flows into the second heat exchange channel of the plate heat exchanger 24. In the second heat exchange channel, it exchanges temperature with the refrigerant in the first heat exchange channel. Then, it flows through the second heat exchange interface 2422 to the second connection port 212. From there, it flows into the first channel of the first valve island 21, and then through the high-pressure shut-off valve 30 into the indoor heat exchanger for heat exchange. The refrigerant then flows through the low-pressure shut-off valve 33 to the eighth connection port 232 of the third valve island 23, then flows into the fourth flow channel 23a through the eighth connection port 232, then flows through the seventh connection port 231 to the second valve port 352, then flows through the second valve port 352 to the third valve port 353, then flows through the third valve port 353 to the separation inlet 321 of the gas-liquid separator 32 connected to the third valve port 353, then flows out through the gas-liquid separation outlet 322 after gas-liquid separation in the gas-liquid separator 32 and flows back to the return port of the compressor 34, and then flows back to the compressor 34 through the return port of the compressor 34. Another refrigerant flows into the first valve chamber 224 through the third flow channel 225, which connects the filter chamber 226 and the first valve chamber 224. After being throttled by the first throttle valve 27, it flows through the fifth connection port 222 to the third heat exchange interface 2423. The third heat exchange interface 2423 flows into the first heat exchange channel of the plate heat exchanger 24. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchange channel in the first heat exchange channel, it flows through the first heat exchange interface 2421 to the third connection port 213. It then flows through the third connection port 213 into the second flow channel of the first valve island 21, and through the fourth connection port 214 to the compressor 34 return port. Finally, it flows back to the compressor 34 through the compressor 34 return port.

[0100] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 12 and Figure 17 An air conditioner 100 according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes a valve island assembly 10 according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner 100 is provided with the above-mentioned valve island assembly 10. The valve island assembly 10 includes multiple valve islands, each of which has a flow channel for refrigerant flow and a connection port communicating with the flow channel. The connection port is used to connect the components of the air conditioner 100, so that the valve island assembly 10 can connect the various components of the air conditioner 100 and allow the refrigerant to flow within the valve island assembly 10, thereby realizing the circulation of the refrigerant. Compared with connecting the various components of the air conditioner 100 through multiple piping, connecting the various components through the valve island assembly 10 can simplify the connection pipeline structure between the components within the air conditioner 100 and can integrate the piping system, effectively reducing the space occupied by the connection pipeline. Furthermore, by providing a heat insulation structure 25 between at least some of the adjacent two mutually spaced flow channels in the same valve island, heat exchange between the refrigerants in the two adjacent flow channels can be effectively avoided, reducing the interference between the refrigerants in the two adjacent flow channels, thereby reducing the loss of cooling capacity and improving the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 100.

[0102] 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.

[0103] In the description of this utility model, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more of the features.

[0104] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "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.

[0108] 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. A valve island assembly for use in an air conditioner, characterized in that, include: At least one valve island, each valve island having a flow channel for refrigerant flow and a connection port communicating with the flow channel, the connection port being used to connect components of the air conditioner, at least two flow channels spaced apart from each other being formed in at least one valve island, and a heat insulation structure being provided between at least a portion of two adjacent flow channels in the same valve island.

2. The valve island assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal insulation structure includes a thermal insulation cavity.

3. The valve island assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The width of the heat insulation cavity in the arrangement direction of two adjacent flow channels is 0.5mm to 6mm.

4. The valve island assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat insulation cavity extends through at least one surface of the valve island.

5. The valve island assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve island with the aforementioned heat insulation structure has two flow channels arranged along the length of the valve island. The heat insulation cavity is slit-shaped and extends through the outer peripheral side of the valve island. The heat insulation cavity extends circumferentially along the valve island, and the circumferential direction of the valve island is perpendicular to the length of the valve island.

6. The valve island assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insulation cavity is equipped with insulation cotton.

7. The valve island assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, At least one of the valve islands includes a first valve island, the flow channels within the first valve island include a first flow channel and a second flow channel spaced apart from each other, the first valve island is provided with the heat insulation structure and the heat insulation structure is located between the first flow channel and the second flow channel, the first valve island has a plurality of connection ports and is respectively a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port and a fourth connection port, the first flow channel connects the first connection port and the second connection port, the second flow channel connects the third connection port and the fourth connection port, the first connection port is connected to a high-pressure shut-off valve, and the fourth connection port is used to connect to the return port of the compressor.

8. The valve island assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes plate heat exchangers, The heat exchange channels in the plate heat exchanger include a first heat exchange channel and a second heat exchange channel. The plate heat exchanger is provided with multiple heat exchange interfaces, including a first heat exchange interface, a second heat exchange interface, a third heat exchange interface and a fourth heat exchange interface. The first heat exchange channel connects the first heat exchange interface and the third heat exchange interface, and the second heat exchange channel connects the second heat exchange interface and the fourth heat exchange interface. The second connection port is connected to the second heat exchange interface, and the third connection port is connected to the first heat exchange interface.

9. The valve island assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one of the valve islands includes a second valve island, and the valve island assembly further includes a first throttle valve and a filter. The flow channel within the second valve island includes a third flow channel, a first valve chamber, and a filter chamber. The filter is disposed in the filter chamber, and the first throttle valve is disposed in the first valve chamber. The third flow channel connects the first valve chamber and the filter chamber. The second valve island has a plurality of connection ports, which are a fifth connection port and a sixth connection port. The fifth connection port is connected to the third heat exchange interface and is located on one side of the first valve chamber and communicates with the first valve chamber. The sixth connection port is connected to the fourth heat exchange interface and is located on one side of the filter chamber and communicates with the filter chamber.

10. The valve island assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second valve island is provided with the heat insulation structure and the heat insulation structure is located between the first valve cavity and the filter cavity. The heat insulation structure provided in the second valve island is located on opposite sides of the third flow channel.

11. The valve island assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least one of the valve islands includes a third valve island, the valve island assembly further includes a second throttle valve, the flow channel within the third valve island further includes a second valve chamber, the second throttle valve is disposed in the second valve chamber, the plurality of connection ports of the third valve island include an eleventh connection port and a twelfth connection port, the second valve chamber communicates with the eleventh connection port and the twelfth connection port, the twelfth connection port is used to connect to an outdoor heat exchanger, the eleventh connection port is connected to the filter through a heat dissipation pipe, the heat dissipation pipe is used to dissipate heat from the electrical control box.

12. The valve island assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The connection port of the third valve island is also used to connect to a four-way valve and a low-pressure shut-off valve. The multiple connection ports of the third valve island include a seventh connection port, an eighth connection port, a ninth connection port, and a tenth connection port. The flow channel within the third valve island includes a fourth flow channel and a fifth flow channel that are separated from each other. The fourth flow channel connects the seventh connection port and the eighth connection port, and the fifth flow channel connects the ninth connection port and the tenth connection port. The four-way valve includes a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port, and a fourth valve port. The first valve port is used to connect to the exhaust port of the compressor. The third valve port is used to connect directly or indirectly to the return port of the compressor. The seventh connection port is used to connect to the second valve port. The eighth connection port is used to connect to the low-pressure shut-off valve. The ninth connection port is used to connect to the fourth valve port. The tenth connection port is used to connect to the outdoor heat exchanger.

13. The valve island assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The third valve port is used to connect to a gas-liquid separator, which has a separation inlet and a separation outlet. The third valve port is used to connect to the separation inlet, and the separation outlet is connected to the return gas port of the compressor.

14. The valve island assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes a mounting bracket, at least one of the valve islands is mounted on the mounting bracket, and each valve island is an independently molded part.

15. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The valve island assembly according to any one of claims 1-14.

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