Joint assembly, four-way valve assembly and air conditioner system

Abstract

Provided are a joint assembly, a four-way valve assembly and an air conditioner system. The joint assembly includes a first pipe (10); a second pipe (20); a first connecting sleeve (30), which is connected to an end of the first pipe (10); a second connecting sleeve (40), which is connected to an end of the second pipe (20), and the first connecting sleeve (30) is connected with the second connecting sleeve (40); the first connecting sleeve (30) is a first straight pipe, the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second straight pipe nested with the first straight pipe, or, the first connecting sleeve (30) is a first variable diameter pipe, and the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second variable diameter pipe nested with the first variable diameter pipe. With the technical solution of the disclosure, the problem that the welding of a stainless steel pipe group and a copper pipe group is limited due to limited volume of a welding furnace is effectively solved.

Description

Connector assembly, four-way valve assembly and air conditioning system

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application date of April 13, 2021, application number 202120752797.6, and invention name "Connector assembly, four-way valve assembly and air conditioning system". Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of heat exchange systems, and in particular to a joint assembly, a four-way valve assembly, and an air-conditioning system. Background Art

[0003] In air-conditioning systems, connections between stainless steel pipe groups and copper pipe groups are usually involved. In order to facilitate welding by air-conditioning manufacturers, a copper joint is generally provided on the stainless steel pipe group to facilitate welding with the copper pipe group.

[0004] Typically, the copper joint is welded together with the stainless steel pipe group in a welding furnace. However, due to the limited volume of the welding furnace, if the stainless steel pipe group occupies a large space, the welding of the copper joint and the stainless steel pipe group is restricted.

[0005] Application Contents

[0006] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a joint assembly, a four-way valve assembly and an air conditioning system to solve the problem in the related art that the volume of the welding furnace is limited, resulting in the length of the stainless steel pipe being restricted.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present application, a joint assembly is provided, including: a first pipe fitting; a second pipe fitting; a first connecting sleeve connected to one end of the first pipe fitting; a second connecting sleeve connected to one end of the second pipe fitting, and the first connecting sleeve is connected to the second connecting sleeve; wherein the first connecting sleeve is a first straight pipe, and the second connecting sleeve is a second straight pipe nested with the first straight pipe, or the first connecting sleeve is a first reducer, and the second connecting sleeve is a second reducer nested with the first reducer.

[0008] Furthermore, when the first connecting sleeve is the first straight tube and the second connecting sleeve is the second straight tube, the first pipe fitting is the third reducer and the second pipe fitting is the fourth reducer, the first pipe fitting and the first connecting sleeve are nested, and the second connecting sleeve and the second pipe fitting are nested.

[0009] Furthermore, the first pipe fitting includes a first straight section, a first expanded diameter section and a second straight section connected in sequence, the second pipe fitting includes a third straight section, a second expanded diameter section and a fourth straight section connected in sequence, the first connecting sleeve is arranged outside the second straight section, the second connecting sleeve is arranged outside the first connecting sleeve, the third straight section is arranged outside the second connecting sleeve, and the end of the second connecting sleeve abuts against the second expanded diameter section.

[0010] Furthermore, an angle between an outer wall of the first expanded diameter section and an outer wall of the first straight section is greater than 120 degrees.

[0011] Furthermore, the length of the first connecting sleeve is greater than the length of the second connecting sleeve, and the length of the second connecting sleeve is greater than the length of the fourth straight segment.

[0012] Furthermore, one end of the first connecting sleeve located in the second pipe member protrudes from the first pipe member, and one end of the second connecting sleeve located in the second pipe member protrudes from the first pipe member.

[0013] Furthermore, the first pipe fitting includes a fifth straight section, a first reduced diameter section and a sixth straight section connected in sequence, the second pipe fitting includes a seventh straight section, a third expanded diameter section and an eighth straight section connected in sequence, the first connecting sleeve is arranged outside the fifth straight section, the end of the first connecting sleeve abuts against the first reduced diameter section, the second connecting sleeve is arranged outside the first connecting sleeve, the eighth straight section is arranged outside the second connecting sleeve, and the end of the second connecting sleeve abuts against the third expanded diameter section.

[0014] Furthermore, an angle between an outer wall of the first diameter-reduced section and an outer wall of the fifth straight section is greater than 120 degrees.

[0015] Further, when the first connecting sleeve is a first reducer and the second connecting sleeve is a second reducer, the first pipe fitting is a third straight pipe and the second pipe fitting is a fourth straight pipe, the first end of the first connecting sleeve is nested with one end of the first pipe fitting, the second end of the first connecting sleeve is nested with the first end of the second connecting sleeve, and the second end of the second connecting sleeve is nested with one end of the second pipe fitting.

[0016] Furthermore, the first connecting sleeve includes a ninth straight section, a second reduced diameter section, a tenth straight section, a fourth expanded diameter section and an eleventh straight section connected in sequence, and the second connecting sleeve includes a twelfth straight section, a fifth expanded diameter section and a thirteenth straight section connected in sequence. The ninth straight section is sleeved on the outside of one end of the first pipe fitting, and the end of the first pipe fitting abuts the second reduced diameter section. One end of the twelfth straight section is nested in the eleventh straight section, and the end of the twelfth straight section abuts the fourth expanded diameter section. One end of the second pipe fitting is nested in the thirteenth straight section, and the end of the second pipe fitting abuts the fifth expanded diameter section.

[0017] Furthermore, the first pipe fitting and the second pipe fitting are made of stainless steel, and the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve are made of copper.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present application, a four-way valve assembly is provided, comprising a four-way valve and a joint assembly, wherein the joint assembly is the above-mentioned joint assembly.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present application, an air-conditioning system is provided, comprising a four-way valve assembly, wherein the four-way valve assembly is the above-mentioned four-way valve assembly.

[0020] Using the technical solution of the present application, a joint assembly includes: a first pipe fitting, a second pipe fitting, a first connecting sleeve, and a second connecting sleeve. The first connecting sleeve is connected to one end of the first pipe fitting. The second connecting sleeve is connected to one end of the second pipe fitting. The first connecting sleeve is connected to the second connecting sleeve. The first connecting sleeve can be a first straight pipe, and the second connecting sleeve can be a second straight pipe nested within the first straight pipe. Alternatively, the first connecting sleeve can be a first reducing pipe, and the second connecting sleeve can be a second reducing pipe nested within the first reducing pipe. Thus, both the first connecting sleeve and the second connecting sleeve are relatively short, enabling the first pipe fitting to be connected to the first connecting sleeve and the second pipe fitting to be connected to the second connecting sleeve within a welding furnace. Subsequently, the first and second connecting sleeves can be connected outside the welding furnace to connect the first and second pipe fittings. This eliminates the need for the technical solution of the present application to consider a small welding furnace, which could limit the length of the connected first and second pipe fittings. Therefore, the technical solution of the present application effectively solves the problem in the related art of limited welding furnace volume, which limits the length of the stainless steel pipe. Furthermore, the nesting of the second straight tube with the first straight tube can enhance the connection strength between the first and second connecting sleeves. Alternatively, the first reducer can enhance the structural strength of the first pipe, while the second reducer can enhance the structural strength of the second pipe. Both of these can enhance the connection strength between the first and second pipes, ensuring the quality of the connection between the first and second pipes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings that constitute part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation on this application. In the drawings:

[0022] FIG1 shows a schematic front view of a first embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present application;

[0023] FIG2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG1 ;

[0024] FIG3 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of point A of the connector assembly of FIG2 ;

[0025] FIG4 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present application;

[0026] FIG5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG4 ;

[0027] FIG6 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of point B of the connector assembly of FIG5 ;

[0028] FIG7 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a connector assembly according to the present application;

[0029] FIG8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG7 ; and

[0030] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged schematic diagram of point C of the joint assembly in FIG. 8 .

[0031] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0032] 10. First pipe fitting; 11. First straight section; 12. First expanded diameter section; 13. Second straight section; 14. Fifth straight section; 15. First reduced diameter section; 16. Sixth straight section; 20. Second pipe fitting; 21. Third straight section; 22. Second expanded diameter section; 23. Fourth straight section; 24. Seventh straight section; 25. Third expanded diameter section; 26. Eighth straight section; 30. First connecting sleeve; 31. Ninth straight section; 32. Second reduced diameter section; 33. Tenth straight section; 34. Fourth expanded diameter section; 35. Eleventh straight section; 40. Second connecting sleeve; 41. Twelfth straight section; 42. Fifth expanded diameter section; 43. Thirteenth straight section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present application, rather than all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present application, its application, or use.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the joint assembly of Example 1 includes: a first pipe 10, a second pipe 20, a first connecting sleeve 30, and a second connecting sleeve 40. The first connecting sleeve 30 is connected to one end of the first pipe 10. The second connecting sleeve 40 is connected to one end of the second pipe 20. The first connecting sleeve 30 is connected to the second connecting sleeve 40. The first connecting sleeve 30 is a first straight pipe, and the second connecting sleeve 40 is a second straight pipe nested with the first straight pipe.

[0035] Using the technical solution of Example 1, both the first connecting sleeve 30 and the second connecting sleeve 40 are relatively short. This allows the first pipe 10 to be connected to the first connecting sleeve 30, and the second pipe 20 to be connected to the second connecting sleeve 40, inside the welding furnace. Subsequently, the first connecting sleeve 30 and the second connecting sleeve 40 are connected outside the welding furnace to connect the first and second pipes 10, 20. This eliminates the need to consider a small welding furnace, which could limit the length of the connected first and second pipes 10, 20. Therefore, the technical solution of Example 1 effectively addresses the issue of limited stainless steel pipe length due to the limited size of the welding furnace in the related art. Furthermore, the nested arrangement of the second straight pipe within the first straight pipe enhances the connection strength between the first and second connecting sleeves 30, 40. This strengthens the connection strength between the first and second pipes 10, 20, ensuring the quality of the connection. If the welding furnace is too small, the first or second pipe 10, 20 can be cut into multiple sections.

[0036] In Example 1, the first connecting sleeve 30 is furnace-welded to one end of the first pipe fitting 10 using a copper-based solder with a melting point above 1000°C. The second connecting sleeve 40 is furnace-welded to one end of the second pipe fitting 20 using a copper-based solder with a melting point above 1000°C. The first connecting sleeve 30 and the second connecting sleeve 40 are flame-welded using phosphorus-copper solder at a temperature below 900°C. This ensures that different connection locations are not affected by the different melting points of the solders.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the first connecting sleeve 30 is a first straight tube and the second connecting sleeve 40 is a second straight tube, the first pipe fitting 10 is a third reducer and the second pipe fitting 20 is a fourth reducer. The first pipe fitting 10 and the first connecting sleeve 30 are nested, while the second connecting sleeve 40 and the second pipe fitting 20 are nested. In this way, the first pipe fitting 10, the first connecting sleeve 30, the second connecting sleeve 40, and the second pipe fitting 20 are stacked together in sequence, without contact between the first pipe fitting 10 and the second pipe fitting 20, significantly increasing the connection strength between the first pipe fitting 10 and the second pipe fitting 20.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first pipe fitting 10 includes a first straight section 11, a first expanded diameter section 12, and a second straight section 13, which are connected in sequence. The second pipe fitting 20 includes a third straight section 21, a second expanded diameter section 22, and a fourth straight section 23, which are connected in sequence. The first connecting sleeve 30 is sleeved over the second straight section 13, the second connecting sleeve 40 is sleeved over the first connecting sleeve 30, and the third straight section 21 is sleeved over the second connecting sleeve 40, with the end of the second connecting sleeve 40 abutting the second expanded diameter section 22. This improves the stability of the connection between the first connecting sleeve 30 and the second straight section 13, and also improves the stability of the connection between the second straight section 13, the first connecting sleeve 30, the second connecting sleeve 40, and the fourth straight section 23.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the angle between the outer wall of the first expanded diameter section 12 and the outer wall of the first straight section 11 is greater than 120 degrees. This reduces stress concentration at the transition between the outer wall of the first expanded diameter section 12 and the outer wall of the first straight section 11, and facilitates machining. The angle between the outer wall of the first expanded diameter section 12 and the outer wall of the first straight section 11 is preferably 120 degrees or 150 degrees.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 , to ensure the stability of the connection between the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 , the length of the first connecting sleeve 30 is greater than that of the second connecting sleeve 40 , and the length of the second connecting sleeve 40 is greater than that of the fourth straight section 23 .

[0041] As shown in FIG3 , one end of the first connecting sleeve 30 located within the second tube 20 protrudes from the first tube 10, and one end of the second connecting sleeve 40 located within the second tube 20 protrudes from the first tube 10. This allows the flow of fluid (such as gas or liquid) within the second straight section 13 to flow smoothly into the third straight section 21, reducing the impact of the second expanded diameter section 22 on flow capacity.

[0042] In the first embodiment, the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 are made of stainless steel, and the first connecting sleeve 30 and the second connecting sleeve 40 are made of copper.

[0043] In the second embodiment of the connector assembly of the present application, the difference from the first embodiment lies in the structural shape of the first pipe fitting. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in the second embodiment, the first pipe fitting 10 includes a fifth straight section 14, a first reduced diameter section 15, and a sixth straight section 16 connected in sequence. The second pipe fitting 20 includes a seventh straight section 24, a third expanded diameter section 25, and an eighth straight section 26 connected in sequence. The first connecting sleeve 30 is sleeved on the outside of the fifth straight section 14, with the end of the first connecting sleeve 30 abutting the first reduced diameter section 15. The second connecting sleeve 40 is sleeved on the outside of the first connecting sleeve 30. The eighth straight section 26 is sleeved on the outside of the second connecting sleeve 40, with the end of the second connecting sleeve 40 abutting the third expanded diameter section 25. In this way, the stability of the connection between the first connecting sleeve 30 and the fifth straight section 14 can be increased, and the stability of the connection between the sixth straight section 16, the first connecting sleeve 30, the second connecting sleeve 40, and the eighth straight section 26 can also be increased.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the angle between the outer wall of the first reduced diameter section 15 and the outer wall of the fifth straight section 14 is greater than 120 degrees. This reduces stress concentration at the transition between the outer walls of the first reduced diameter section 15 and the fifth straight section 14, and facilitates machining. The angle between the outer walls of the first reduced diameter section 15 and the fifth straight section 14 is preferably 120 degrees or 150 degrees.

[0045] In the third embodiment of the joint assembly of the present application, the difference from the first embodiment lies in the structural shape of the first pipe fitting, the first connecting sleeve, the second connecting sleeve, and the second pipe fitting. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, in the third embodiment, when the first connecting sleeve 30 is a first reducer and the second connecting sleeve 40 is a second reducer, the first pipe fitting 10 is a third straight pipe and the second pipe fitting 20 is a fourth straight pipe. The first end of the first connecting sleeve 30 is nested with one end of the first pipe fitting 10, the second end of the first connecting sleeve 30 is nested with the first end of the second connecting sleeve 40, and the second end of the second connecting sleeve 40 is nested with one end of the second pipe fitting 20. The first reducer can enhance the structural strength of the first pipe fitting 10, and the second reducer can enhance the structural strength of the second pipe fitting 20. This can enhance the connection strength between the first pipe fitting 10 and the second pipe fitting 20, ensuring the quality of the connection between the first pipe fitting 10 and the second pipe fitting 20. At the same time, when flame welding is performed between the first pipe and the first connecting sleeve, the first pipe is prevented from being burned during flame welding, so that the first pipe has better corrosion resistance and the service life of the first connecting sleeve is extended.

[0046] As shown in Figure 9, the first connecting sleeve 30 includes a ninth straight section 31, a second reduced diameter section 32, a tenth straight section 33, a fourth expanded diameter section 34, and an eleventh straight section 35, which are connected in sequence. The second connecting sleeve 40 includes a twelfth straight section 41, a fifth expanded diameter section 42, and a thirteenth straight section 43, which are connected in sequence. The ninth straight section 31 is sleeved over one end of the first pipe 10. This ensures the stability of the connection between the ninth straight section 31 and one end of the first pipe 10. The end of the first pipe 10 abuts the second reduced diameter section 32, and one end of the twelfth straight section 41 nests within the eleventh straight section 35. This ensures the stability of the connection between one end of the twelfth straight section 41 and the eleventh straight section 35. The end of the twelfth straight section 41 abuts the fourth expanded diameter section 34, and one end of the second pipe 20 nests within the thirteenth straight section 43. The end of the second pipe 20 abuts the fifth expanded diameter section 42. This ensures the stability of the connection between the end of the second pipe 20 and the thirteenth straight section 43.

[0047] The present application also provides a four-way valve assembly. The four-way valve assembly of this embodiment includes a four-way valve and a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly is the connector assembly described above. Because the connector assembly described above can solve the problem of limited stainless steel pipe length due to the limited volume of the welding furnace in the related art, a four-way valve assembly including this connector assembly can solve the same technical problem.

[0048] The present application also provides an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system of this embodiment includes a four-way valve assembly, which is the aforementioned four-way valve assembly. Because the aforementioned four-way valve assembly can solve the problem of limited stainless steel pipe length due to the limited volume of the welding furnace in the related art, an air conditioning system including this four-way valve assembly can solve the same technical problem.

[0049] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A joint assembly, wherein: include: a first pipe member (10); a second pipe member (20); A first connecting sleeve (30) connected to one end of the first pipe (10); A second connecting sleeve (40) is connected to one end of the second pipe (20), and the first connecting sleeve (30) is connected to the second connecting sleeve (40); The first connecting sleeve (30) is a first straight pipe, and the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second straight pipe nested with the first straight pipe; or the first connecting sleeve (30) is a first reducing pipe, and the second connecting sleeve (40) is a second reducing pipe nested with the first reducing pipe.

2. The joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the first connecting sleeve (30) is the first straight pipe and the second connecting sleeve (40) is the second straight pipe, the first pipe fitting (10) is a third reducing pipe and the second pipe fitting (20) is a fourth reducing pipe, the first pipe fitting (10) and the first connecting sleeve (30) are nested, and the second connecting sleeve (40) and the second pipe fitting (20) are nested.

3. The joint assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first pipe fitting (10) includes a first straight section (11), a first enlarged diameter section (12) and a second straight section (13) connected in sequence; the second pipe fitting (20) includes a third straight section (21), a second enlarged diameter section (22) and a fourth straight section (23) connected in sequence; the first connecting sleeve (30) is sleeved outside the second straight section (13); the second connecting sleeve (40) is sleeved outside the first connecting sleeve (30); the third straight section (21) is sleeved outside the second connecting sleeve (40); and the end of the second connecting sleeve (40) abuts against the second enlarged diameter section (22).

4. The joint assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The included angle between the outer wall of the first expanded diameter section (12) and the outer wall of the first straight section (11) is greater than 120 degrees.

5. The joint assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The length of the first connecting sleeve (30) is greater than the length of the second connecting sleeve (40), and the length of the second connecting sleeve (40) is greater than the length of the fourth straight section (23).

6. The joint assembly according to claim 2, wherein: One end of the first connecting sleeve (30) located in the second pipe (20) protrudes from the first pipe (10), and one end of the second connecting sleeve (40) located in the second pipe (20) protrudes from the first pipe (10).

7. The joint assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first pipe fitting (10) includes a fifth straight section (14), a first diameter-reducing section (15) and a sixth straight section (16) connected in sequence; the second pipe fitting (20) includes a seventh straight section (24), a third diameter-expanding section (25) and an eighth straight section (26) connected in sequence; the first connecting sleeve (30) is sleeved outside the fifth straight section (14); the end of the first connecting sleeve (30) abuts against the first diameter-reducing section (15); the second connecting sleeve (40) is sleeved outside the first connecting sleeve (30); the eighth straight section (26) is sleeved outside the second connecting sleeve (40); the end of the second connecting sleeve (40) abuts against the third diameter-expanding section (25).

8. The joint assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The angle between the outer wall of the first diameter-reduced section (15) and the outer wall of the fifth straight section (14) is greater than 120 degrees.

9. The joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the first connecting sleeve (30) is the first reducing pipe and the second connecting sleeve (40) is the second reducing pipe, the first pipe fitting (10) is the third straight pipe and the second pipe fitting (20) is the fourth straight pipe, the first end of the first connecting sleeve (30) is nested with one end of the first pipe fitting (10), the second end of the first connecting sleeve (30) is nested with the first end of the second connecting sleeve (40), and the second end of the second connecting sleeve (40) is nested with one end of the second pipe fitting (20).

10. The joint assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The first connecting sleeve (30) includes a ninth straight section (31), a second diameter-reducing section (32), a tenth straight section (33), a fourth diameter-expanding section (34) and an eleventh straight section (35) connected in sequence; the second connecting sleeve (40) includes a twelfth straight section (41), a fifth diameter-expanding section (42) and a thirteenth straight section (43) connected in sequence; the ninth straight section (31) is sleeved on one end of the first pipe (10); the end of the first pipe (10) abuts the second diameter-reducing section (32); one end of the twelfth straight section (41) is nested in the eleventh straight section (35); the end of the twelfth straight section (41) abuts the fourth diameter-expanding section (34); one end of the second pipe (20) is nested in the thirteenth straight section (43); the end of the second pipe (20) abuts the fifth diameter-expanding section (42).

11. The joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first pipe fitting (10) and the second pipe fitting (20) are made of stainless steel, and the first connecting sleeve (30) and the second connecting sleeve (40) are made of copper.

12. A four-way valve assembly, comprising a four-way valve and a connector assembly, wherein: The joint assembly is the joint assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An air conditioning system, comprising a four-way valve assembly, wherein: The four-way valve assembly is the four-way valve assembly according to claim 12.