Heating, ventilation and air conditioning device

Abstract

Disclosed in embodiments of the present application is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning device comprises an indoor assembly, an outdoor assembly, a gas pipe assembly, and a liquid pipe assembly; the indoor assembly comprises at least one indoor unit; the outdoor assembly comprises at least one outdoor unit; and the gas pipe assembly is connected to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and the liquid pipe assembly is connected between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, such that the indoor unit and the outdoor unit form refrigerant circulation by means of the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly.

Description

A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024118326682, filed on December 12, 2024, entitled "A Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Device"; and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2025102870303, filed on March 11, 2025, also entitled "A Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment technology, and more specifically, to an HVAC device. Background Technology

[0003] HVAC equipment mainly includes heating equipment, ventilation equipment, air conditioning equipment, and gas equipment. Taking air conditioning equipment as an example, air conditioning equipment includes air conditioning connection pipes, indoor units, and outdoor units. Air conditioning connection pipes are mainly responsible for connecting the indoor and outdoor units and bear the task of refrigerant flow and heat exchange.

[0004] In related technologies, air conditioning connecting pipes are made of copper, and the manufacturing process for copper pipes is relatively mature. However, using copper pipes requires a large amount of copper material. In recent years, the price of copper has risen, which has led to a corresponding increase in the price of materials used to manufacture air conditioning connecting pipes, potentially increasing the cost of air conditioning equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an HVAC device designed to reduce the manufacturing cost of HVAC equipment.

[0006] This application provides a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, which includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, a gas duct assembly, and a liquid duct assembly. The indoor unit includes at least one indoor unit, and the outdoor unit includes at least one outdoor unit. The gas duct assembly connects the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, and the liquid duct assembly connects the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, so that the indoor unit and the outdoor unit form a refrigerant circulation through the gas duct assembly and the liquid duct assembly. At least a portion of the gas duct assembly is made of steel, and / or at least a portion of the liquid duct assembly is made of steel.

[0007] Furthermore, the gas pipe assembly includes a gas pipe and a load gas pipe, the load gas pipe connecting the indoor unit and the gas pipe; the liquid pipe assembly includes a liquid pipe and a load liquid pipe, the load liquid pipe connecting the indoor unit and the liquid pipe; wherein, at least a portion of the liquid pipe, the gas pipe, the load liquid pipe and the load gas pipe is a steel pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, the number of indoor units is multiple, and the liquid pipe assembly further includes a liquid manifold, which connects multiple indoor units and the outdoor unit. The liquid manifold is configured to divert the liquid working fluid of the outdoor unit to multiple indoor units. The gas pipe assembly further includes a gas manifold, which connects multiple indoor units and the outdoor unit. The gas manifold is configured to converge the gas working fluid of the multiple indoor units to the outdoor unit. The gas manifold and / or the liquid manifold are steel pipes.

[0009] Further, the outdoor unit includes a first outdoor unit, and the indoor unit includes a first indoor unit and a second indoor unit; the liquid manifold includes a first liquid manifold, and the load liquid pipe further includes a liquid main pipe, a first liquid branch pipe, and a second liquid branch pipe. The liquid main pipe connects the first outdoor unit to a first end of the first liquid manifold, the first liquid branch pipe connects the first indoor unit to a second end of the first liquid manifold, and the second liquid branch pipe connects the second indoor unit to a third end of the first liquid manifold; the gas manifold includes a first gas manifold, and the load gas pipe further includes a gas main pipe, a first gas branch pipe, and a second gas branch pipe. The gas main pipe connects the first outdoor unit to a first end of the first gas manifold, the first gas branch pipe connects the first indoor unit to a second end of the first gas manifold, and the second gas branch pipe connects the second indoor unit to a third end of the first gas manifold; wherein, at least one of the liquid main pipe, the first liquid branch pipe, the second liquid branch pipe, the gas main pipe, the first gas branch pipe, and the second gas branch pipe is a steel pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the liquid main pipe includes a first manifold section, a second manifold section, and a connecting pipe. The first manifold section is connected to the liquid pipeline, the second manifold section is arranged side by side with the first manifold section, the first liquid branch pipe and the second liquid branch pipe are both connected to the second manifold section, and the connecting pipe crosses the gas main pipe and connects the first manifold section and the second manifold section; wherein, at least a portion of the first manifold section, the second manifold section, and the connecting pipe are steel pipes.

[0011] Furthermore, the indoor unit also includes a third indoor unit, the liquid manifold also includes a second liquid manifold, the load liquid pipe also includes a third liquid manifold and a fourth liquid manifold, the first liquid manifold is connected to the second end of the first liquid manifold and the first end of the second liquid manifold, the third liquid manifold is connected to the second end of the second liquid manifold and the first indoor unit, and the fourth liquid manifold is connected to the third end of the second liquid manifold and the third indoor unit; the gas manifold also includes a second gas manifold, the load gas pipe also includes a third gas manifold and a fourth gas manifold, the first gas manifold is connected to the second end of the first gas manifold and the first end of the second gas manifold, the third gas manifold is connected to the second end of the second gas manifold and the first indoor unit, and the fourth gas manifold is connected to the third end of the second gas manifold and the third indoor unit; wherein, at least one of the third liquid manifold, the fourth liquid manifold, the third gas manifold, and the fourth gas manifold is a steel pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, the indoor unit also includes a fourth indoor unit, the liquid manifold also includes a third liquid manifold, the load liquid pipe also includes a fifth liquid manifold and a sixth liquid manifold, the second liquid manifold is connected to the third end of the first liquid manifold and the first end of the third liquid manifold, the fifth liquid manifold is connected to the second end of the third liquid manifold and the second indoor unit, and the sixth liquid manifold is connected to the third end of the third liquid manifold and the fourth indoor unit; the gas manifold also includes a third gas manifold, the load gas pipe also includes a fifth gas manifold and a sixth gas manifold, the second gas manifold is connected to the third end of the first gas manifold and the first end of the third gas manifold, the fifth gas manifold is connected to the second end of the third gas manifold and the second indoor unit, and the sixth gas manifold is connected to the third end of the third gas manifold and the fourth indoor unit; wherein, at least one of the fifth liquid manifold, the sixth liquid manifold, the fifth gas manifold, and the sixth gas manifold is a steel pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the load gas pipe further includes a gas branch pipe, which includes a first gas branch pipe, a second gas branch pipe, a third gas branch pipe, a fourth gas branch pipe, a fifth gas branch pipe, and a sixth gas branch pipe; the load liquid pipe further includes a liquid branch pipe, which includes a first liquid branch pipe, a second liquid branch pipe, a third liquid branch pipe, a fourth liquid branch pipe, a fifth liquid branch pipe, and a sixth liquid branch pipe; wherein, the HVAC equipment further includes a third expansion valve, which is disposed on the liquid branch pipe, and the liquid branch pipe and the gas branch pipe are at least partially made of steel pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes a compressor, which has an intake port and an exhaust port; one end of the liquid pipeline is connected to the exhaust port, and the other end is provided with a liquid-side shut-off valve, which is configured to control the liquid flow between the liquid pipeline and the load liquid pipeline; one end of the gas pipeline is connected to the intake port, and the other end is provided with a gas-side shut-off valve, which is configured to control the gas flow between the gas pipeline and the load pipeline; wherein at least a portion of the liquid pipeline and at least a portion of the gas pipeline are steel pipes.

[0015] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes a four-way valve, and both the liquid pipeline and the gas pipeline are connected to the four-way valve and configured to achieve flow diversion through the four-way valve; wherein, the four-way valve is a steel component.

[0016] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes an outdoor heat exchanger, and the liquid pipeline includes a first liquid pipe and a second liquid pipe. The first liquid pipe connects the exhaust port and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the second liquid pipe connects the outdoor heat exchanger and the liquid-side shut-off valve, so that the heat exchange medium flows from the first liquid pipe through the outdoor heat exchanger to the second liquid pipe; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first liquid pipe and the second liquid pipe is a steel pipe.

[0017] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes an oil separator and an oil return pipe. The oil separator has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and the oil return pipe connects the internal space of the oil separator and the internal space of the compressor. The first liquid pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The first pipe section connects the exhaust port and the fluid inlet, and the second pipe section connects the fluid outlet and the outdoor heat exchanger, so that the working fluid flows from the first pipe section through the oil separator to the second pipe section. At least a portion of at least one of the first pipe section and the second pipe section is a steel pipe.

[0018] Furthermore, the second pipe section is equipped with a one-way valve so that the second pipe section can only be unidirectionally connected from the oil separator to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the one-way valve is made of steel.

[0019] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes a pressure relief pipeline, which includes a pressure relief pipe and a pressure relief valve. One end of the pressure relief pipe is connected to the second pipe section, and the other end is connected to the gas pipeline. The pressure relief valve is located on the pressure relief pipe and is configured to control the flow path within the pressure relief pipe. At least a portion of the pressure relief pipe is made of steel.

[0020] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes a first expansion valve, which is located on the second liquid pipe.

[0021] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes a gas-liquid separator having a gas-liquid inlet and a gas outlet. The gas pipeline includes a first gas pipe and a second gas pipe. The first gas pipe connects the gas shut-off valve and the gas-liquid inlet, and the second gas pipe connects the gas outlet and the air intake, so that the heat exchange medium flows from the first gas pipe through the gas-liquid separator to the second gas pipe. At least a portion of at least one of the first gas pipe and the second gas pipe is a steel pipe.

[0022] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline. The outdoor heat exchanger is located on the liquid pipeline. The refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline includes a heat dissipation body, a subcooling pipeline, and a heat dissipation pipeline. The heat dissipation body is located on the liquid pipeline and has a first heat dissipation channel and a second heat dissipation channel. The first heat dissipation channel is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger and the liquid-side shut-off valve through the liquid pipeline. The subcooling pipeline connects the first heat dissipation channel and the second heat dissipation channel, and a second expansion valve is provided on the subcooling pipeline. The heat dissipation pipeline connects to the second heat dissipation channel and connects to the gas pipeline and / or the liquid pipeline, so that the heat exchange working fluid in the second heat dissipation channel flows to the gas pipeline and / or the liquid pipeline. At least a portion of at least one of the subcooling pipeline and the heat dissipation pipeline is made of steel.

[0023] Further, the heat dissipation pipeline includes a heat dissipation connecting pipe, a first branch pipe, and a second branch pipe. The heat dissipation connecting pipe is connected to the second heat dissipation channel. One end of the first branch pipe is connected to the heat dissipation connecting pipe, and the other end is connected to the gas pipeline. A first valve body is provided on the first branch pipe, and the first valve body is configured to control the flow path opening and closing within the first branch pipe. The second branch pipe is connected to the heat dissipation connecting pipe at one end and to the liquid pipeline at the other end. A second valve body is provided on the second branch pipe, and the second valve body is configured to control the flow path opening and closing within the second branch pipe. At least a portion of at least one of the heat dissipation connecting pipe, the first branch pipe, and the second branch pipe is a steel pipe.

[0024] Furthermore, the outdoor unit also includes a charging pipeline, which includes a charging pipe and a charging valve. The charging pipe is connected to the gas pipeline, and the charging valve is connected to the charging pipe to control the flow path within the charging pipe. At least a portion of the charging pipe is made of steel.

[0025] Furthermore, the number of outdoor units is multiple, and the liquid pipeline includes a liquid manifold connecting multiple outdoor units and multiple indoor units. The liquid manifold is configured to collect the liquid working fluid from the multiple outdoor units and then deliver it to the multiple indoor units. The gas pipeline includes a gas distribution pipe connecting multiple outdoor units and multiple indoor units. The gas distribution pipe is configured to distribute the gas working fluid from the multiple indoor units to the multiple outdoor units. The liquid manifold and / or the gas distribution pipe are steel pipes.

[0026] Furthermore, both the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly are made of steel pipes. At least one of the liquid branch pipe and the gas branch pipe includes a tee steel pipe, two branch pipe joints, and a main pipe joint. The two branch pipe joints are respectively connected to the tee steel pipe. Each branch pipe joint includes a first steel section, a second steel section, and a third steel section connected in sequence. The first steel section is connected to the tee steel pipe, and the diameters of the first steel section, the second steel section, and the third steel section decrease sequentially. The main pipe joint is sleeved with the tee steel pipe.

[0027] Furthermore, the two pipe connectors have an end center distance R1, where R1 satisfies: 30mm≤R1≤100mm.

[0028] Furthermore, the tee pipe includes at least two pipe sections with different diameters, and the outer diameter ratio of two adjacent pipe sections of the tee pipe is Q, where 0.85≤Q≤1.15.

[0029] Furthermore, at least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold includes a steel connecting sleeve, one end of which is inserted into the main pipe joint, and the other end of which is connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly.

[0030] Furthermore, at least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold also includes at least one extension pipe, each of the extension pipes being connected to the main pipe connector and one of the two branch pipe connectors, and the extension pipes being overlapped with the main pipe connector and / or the branch pipe connectors; wherein, the length of the overlap portion between the extension pipe and the corresponding main pipe connector and / or the branch pipe connector is L1, 5mm≤L1≤20mm.

[0031] Further, the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly include steel pipes. At least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold includes a tee steel pipe, two first copper sleeves, and two second copper sleeves. The tee steel pipe includes a main pipe section and two branch pipe sections. The main pipe section and the two branch pipe sections are respectively connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly. The two first copper sleeves are respectively connected to the two branch pipe sections. The first copper sleeve includes a tapered section and a connecting section. Each connecting section is connected to the corresponding branch pipe section. The tapered section is connected to the corresponding other steel pipe in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly. One end of each second copper sleeve is correspondingly inserted into a tapered section, and the other end of each second copper sleeve is sleeved with other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly.

[0032] Furthermore, the tapering section includes at least two copper sections, the diameter of which decreases sequentially along the direction away from the branch pipe section, and each copper section in the tapering section corresponds to another steel pipe in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly of a certain size specification.

[0033] Furthermore, the tapering section includes a first copper section and a second copper section, the diameter of the first copper section is larger than the diameter of the second copper section, the first copper section is connected to the connecting section, and the first copper section or the second copper section is connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly of the corresponding size and specifications.

[0034] Furthermore, the tapering section includes a first copper section, a second copper section, and a third copper section. The diameters of the first copper section, the second copper section, and the third copper section decrease sequentially in the direction away from the branch pipe section. The first copper section is connected to the connecting section. The first copper section, the second copper section, or the third copper section is connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly of the corresponding size and specifications.

[0035] Furthermore, the tapering section includes a first copper section, a second copper section, a third copper section, and a fourth copper section. The diameters of the first copper section, the second copper section, the third copper section, and the fourth copper section decrease sequentially in the direction away from the branch pipe section. The first copper section is connected to the connecting section. The first copper section, the second copper section, the third copper section, or the fourth copper section are connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly of the corresponding size and specifications.

[0036] Furthermore, at least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold also includes a third copper sleeve and a fourth copper sleeve. The third copper sleeve is sleeved with the main pipe section, one end of the fourth copper sleeve is correspondingly inserted into the third copper sleeve, and the other end of the fourth copper sleeve is sleeved with other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly.

[0037] Furthermore, the liquid manifold and the gas manifold are made of the same material and comprise the following components by mass fraction: C 0%–0.02%, Si 0.5%–1%, Mn 1%–2%, Cr 16%–18%, Ni 9%–11%, Cu 2%–4%, Mo 0%–0.02%, P 0%–0.03%, S 0%–0.03%, with the balance being Fe and impurity elements, the total mass percentage of which is less than or equal to 0.2%.

[0038] Furthermore, both the liquid manifold and the gas manifold satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

[0039] (1) The resistance strength of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is A, and A satisfies: 400MPa≤A≤600MPa;

[0040] (2) The yield strength of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is B, and B satisfies: 140MPa≤B≤180MPa;

[0041] (3) The yield strength ratio of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is C, where C satisfies: 0.23≤B≤0.45;

[0042] (4) The elongation of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is D, and D satisfies: 50% ≤ D ≤ 80%;

[0043] (5) The hardness of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is E, and E satisfies: 100Hv≤E≤120Hv;

[0044] (6) The MD30 values ​​of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold satisfy: -50℃≤MD30≤-80℃.

[0045] Furthermore, the outdoor unit includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator, an outdoor liquid-side connector, and an outdoor gas-side connector; the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger and indoor gas-side connectors and indoor liquid-side connectors located on both sides of the indoor heat exchanger; the gas pipe assembly is connected between the outdoor gas-side connector and the indoor gas-side connector; the liquid pipe assembly is connected between the outdoor liquid-side connector and the indoor liquid-side connector.

[0046] Furthermore, the number of indoor units is multiple, and the liquid pipe assembly includes a liquid manifold connecting multiple indoor units and the outdoor unit, configured to divert the liquid working fluid of the outdoor unit to multiple indoor units; the gas pipe assembly includes a gas manifold connecting multiple indoor units and the outdoor unit, configured to converge the gas working fluid of the multiple indoor units to the outdoor unit; wherein, the portion of the liquid pipe assembly between the liquid manifold and the outdoor liquid-side connector is a steel pipe and / or the portion of the gas pipe assembly between the gas manifold and the outdoor gas-side connector is a steel pipe, and the gas manifold and / or the liquid manifold are steel pipes.

[0047] Furthermore, the steel pipe includes a stainless steel pipe.

[0048] This application embodiment reduces the cost of manufacturing the air pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly by setting at least a portion of the pipes in the air pipe assembly to be steel pipes, or setting at least a portion of both the air pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly to be steel pipes. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the HVAC equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the modules of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device in one embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device in one embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the pipeline structure of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device in one embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 4 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device in one embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 5 is a third structural schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device in one embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 6 is a fourth structural schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device in one embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 7 is a fifth structural schematic diagram of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning device in one embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid manifold or a gas manifold in one embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid manifold or a gas manifold in another embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the pipeline structure of the outdoor unit in one embodiment of this application.

[0060] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1000, HVAC equipment; 100, Indoor unit; 10, Indoor unit; 11, First indoor unit; 12, Second indoor unit; 13, Third indoor unit; 14, Fourth indoor unit; 15, Third expansion valve; 200, Outdoor unit; 20, Outdoor unit; 21, First outdoor unit; 22, Second outdoor unit; 23, Compressor; 24, Four-way valve; 25, Outdoor heat exchanger; 26, Oil separator; 261, Oil return pipe; 27, Pressure relief pipe; 271, Pressure relief pipe; 272, Pressure relief valve; 28, Refrigerant heat dissipation pipe; 281, Heat dissipation body; 2811, First heat dissipation channel; 2812, Second heat dissipation channel; 282, Subcooling pipe; 2821, Second expansion valve; 283, Heat dissipation pipe; 2831, Heat dissipation connecting pipe; 2832, First branch pipe; 2833, First valve body; 2834, Second branch pipe; 2835, Second valve body; 29, Filling pipe; 291, Filling pipe; 292, Filling valve; 300, Gas pipe assembly; 301, Gas pipe; 3011, First gas pipe; 3012, Second gas pipe; 3013, Gas-side shut-off valve; 3014, Gas-liquid separator; 302, Load gas pipe; 303, Gas branch pipe; 31, Gas branch pipe; 311, First gas branch pipe; 312, Second gas branch pipe; 313, Third gas branch pipe; 32, Gas main pipe; 33 34. First gas branch pipe; 35. Second gas branch pipe; 36. Third gas branch pipe; 37. Fourth gas branch pipe; 38. Fifth gas branch pipe; 39. Sixth gas branch pipe; 400. Gas branch pipe; 401. Liquid pipe assembly; 401. Liquid pipeline; 4011. First liquid pipe; 40111. First pipe section; 40112. Second pipe section; 40113. Check valve; 4012. Second liquid pipe; 40121. First expansion valve; 4013. Liquid-side shut-off valve; 402. Loaded liquid pipe; 403. Liquid branch pipe; 41-Liquid manifold; 411-First liquid manifold; 412. Second liquid manifold; 413. Third liquid manifold; 42. Liquid 421. Main pipe; 422. First manifold section; 423. Second manifold section; 424. Connecting pipe; 43. First liquid branch pipe; 44. Second liquid branch pipe; 45. Third liquid branch pipe; 46. Fourth liquid branch pipe; 47. Fifth liquid branch pipe; 48. Sixth liquid branch pipe; 49. Liquid manifold; 50. Tee steel pipe; 51. Main pipe section; 52. Branch pipe section; 60. Branch pipe joint; 61. First steel section; 62. Second steel section; 63. Third steel section; 70. Main pipe joint; 80. Steel connecting sleeve; 90. First copper sleeve; 901. Connecting section; 902. Gradient section; 91. Second copper sleeve; 92. Third copper sleeve; 93. Fourth copper sleeve; 95. Other steel pipes. Detailed Implementation

[0061] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] Where the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0064] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0065] Heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is used for heating, ventilation, or air conditioning; for example, an HVAC system can be an air conditioner. HVAC equipment includes indoor and outdoor units. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, compressor, and expansion valve, while the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger. The components of the indoor and outdoor units are connected by piping to allow the heat exchange medium to circulate within the HVAC system. In related technologies, copper pipes are used for all piping in HVAC equipment; however, due to the difficulty and high cost of processing copper, the overall cost of the equipment is high.

[0066] To address the above issues, please refer to Figures 1-3. The HVAC system 1000 may include an indoor unit 100 and an outdoor unit 200. The indoor unit 100 includes at least one indoor unit 10, and the outdoor unit 200 includes at least one outdoor unit 20. That is, the HVAC system 1000 may include one indoor unit 10 and one outdoor unit 20, or the HVAC system 1000 may include multiple indoor units 10 and one outdoor unit 20, or the HVAC system 1000 may include multiple indoor units 10 and multiple outdoor units 20. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this. The indoor unit 10 is mainly configured to regulate and control the indoor air temperature and humidity; that is, the indoor unit 10 can maintain stable indoor temperature and humidity by drawing in indoor air, cooling or heating it, and then returning the treated air to the room. The main function of the outdoor unit 20 is to exhaust the high-temperature gas from the indoor environment to the outdoors, achieving a cooling effect through heat dissipation. It can be understood that the outdoor unit 20 may include a compressor 23, a four-way valve 24, and an outdoor heat exchanger 25. The compressor 23 compresses the refrigerant, turning it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, thereby achieving heat exchange. The four-way valve 24 can switch the cooling or heating function of the HVAC equipment 1000 by changing the direction of the refrigerant flow. The outdoor heat exchanger 25 releases the heat from the high-temperature, high-pressure gas into the outdoor air, cooling the gas and transforming it into a low-temperature, high-pressure liquid. This effectively transfers heat from the indoor environment to the outdoor environment, thereby lowering the indoor temperature.

[0067] Furthermore, the HVAC equipment 1000 may also include a gas pipe assembly 300 and a liquid pipe assembly 400. The gas pipe assembly 300 connects the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20, and the liquid pipe assembly 400 connects the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20. In this way, the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 form a refrigerant circulation through the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400. The main function of the gas pipe assembly 300 is to transfer refrigerant gas, and its internal pressure is higher than that of the liquid pipe assembly 400. The liquid pipe assembly 400 is designed to transfer liquid refrigerant and absorb heat. While completing cooling or heating, an appropriate pressure difference needs to be formed within the liquid pipe assembly 400 to ensure the normal operation of the refrigerant circulation. The refrigerant cycle is a process that uses the refrigerant to circulate at low and high temperatures to achieve functions such as cooling and heating. The working principle of the refrigerant cycle is based on the basic laws of thermodynamics. In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant is first compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas in the compressor 23, and then releases heat and becomes liquid through the outdoor heat exchanger 25. Next, the pressure and temperature are reduced through the expansion valve, and finally, the refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator to absorb heat. The refrigerant is then transferred through the liquid pipe assembly 400 and the gas pipe assembly 300, thus completing one cycle.

[0068] Furthermore, at least a portion of the piping in the gas assembly 300 is made of steel, or at least a portion of the piping in the liquid assembly 400 is made of steel, or at least a portion of both the gas assembly 300 and the liquid assembly 400 are made of steel. It is understood that the use of steel as a material for at least a portion of the gas assembly 300 and the liquid assembly 400, and the lower price of steel, helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the gas assembly 300 and the liquid assembly 400, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the HVAC equipment 1000.

[0069] It should be noted that steel is an iron-carbon alloy material composed of iron and carbon, and may also contain other alloying elements such as manganese, silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur. Furthermore, steel has good plasticity, toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. There are many types of steel, and this application does not specifically limit them. For example, steel may include carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, etc.

[0070] This application embodiment reduces the material cost of manufacturing the air pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 by setting at least a portion of the pipes of the air pipe assembly 300 to steel pipes, or by setting at least a portion of both the air pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 to steel pipes. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the HVAC equipment 1000.

[0071] In some embodiments, the gas pipe assembly 300 includes a gas pipe 301 and a load gas pipe 302, the load gas pipe 302 connecting the indoor unit 10 and the gas pipe 301; the liquid pipe assembly 400 includes a liquid pipe 401 and a load liquid pipe 402, the load liquid pipe 402 connecting the indoor unit 10 and the liquid pipe 401. That is, both the liquid pipe 401 and the gas pipe 301 are connected to the compressor 23 and the indoor unit 100 to form a complete circuit. The indoor unit 100 includes the indoor unit 10, the load liquid pipe 402, and the load gas pipe 302. The load liquid pipe 402 connects the indoor unit 10 and the liquid pipe 401, and the load gas pipe 302 connects the indoor unit 10 and the gas pipe 301, thereby forming a refrigerant flow path in which liquid and gaseous refrigerant circulate to achieve cooling, heating, and other functions in the indoor unit 10.

[0072] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the liquid pipeline 401, gas pipeline 301, load liquid pipeline 402, and load gas pipeline 302 are made of steel. Compared to the related art where copper pipes are used for the refrigerant pipes in the indoor unit 100 and outdoor unit 200, using steel pipes not only reduces material costs but also simplifies processing, thus improving production efficiency. Furthermore, steel pipes have better corrosion resistance than copper pipes, thereby reducing or preventing refrigerant leakage and effectively improving the reliability of the HVAC equipment 1000.

[0073] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 20 further includes an outdoor liquid-side connector and an outdoor gas-side connector, and the indoor unit 10 includes an indoor heat exchanger, and indoor gas-side connectors and indoor liquid-side connectors located on both sides of the indoor heat exchanger. A gas pipe assembly 300 is connected between the outdoor gas-side connector and the indoor gas-side connector to allow the gaseous working fluid of the indoor unit 10 to flow into the outdoor unit 20 via the gas pipe assembly 300; a liquid pipe assembly 400 is connected between the outdoor liquid-side connector and the indoor liquid-side connector to allow the liquid working fluid of the outdoor unit 20 to flow into the indoor unit 10 via the liquid pipe assembly 400.

[0074] Please refer to Figures 4-6. In some embodiments, when there are multiple indoor units 10, the liquid pipe assembly 400 further includes a liquid branch pipe 41, wherein the liquid branch pipe 41 connects multiple indoor units 10 and outdoor units 20, and the liquid branch pipe 41 is configured to divert the liquid working fluid of the outdoor unit 20 to multiple indoor units 10, so that the liquid working fluid of the outdoor unit 20 is diverted through the liquid branch pipe 41 and then delivered to each indoor unit 10; the gas pipe assembly 300 further includes a gas branch pipe 31, which connects multiple indoor units 10 and outdoor units 20, and the gas branch pipe 31 is configured to converge the gas working fluid of multiple indoor units 10 to outdoor units 20, so that the gas working fluid of each indoor unit 10 can converge through the gas branch pipe 31 and be delivered to outdoor units 20. Furthermore, at least one of the gas manifold 31 or the liquid manifold 41 is made of steel; that is, the gas manifold 31 is made of steel, or the liquid manifold 41 is made of steel, or both the gas manifold 31 and the liquid manifold 41 are made of steel. In this way, at least one of the gas manifold 31 and the liquid manifold 41 is made of steel, and steel is cheaper, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of at least one of the gas manifold 31 and the liquid manifold 41. Moreover, compared with the copper manifolds in the prior art, using steel manifolds helps to reduce flow resistance.

[0075] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the portion of the liquid pipe assembly 400 between the liquid manifold 41 and the outdoor liquid-side connector is made of steel; or, the portion of the gas pipe assembly 300 between the gas manifold 31 and the outdoor gas-side connector is made of steel; or, both the portion of the liquid pipe assembly 400 between the liquid manifold 41 and the outdoor liquid-side connector and the portion of the gas pipe assembly 300 between the gas manifold 31 and the outdoor gas-side connector are made of steel. In this way, at least one of the gas pipe assembly 300 and the portion of the liquid pipe assembly 400 is made of steel, and steel is cheaper, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of at least one of the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400.

[0076] In some embodiments, the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 are made of the same steel pipe, and the steel pipe material specifically includes the following components by mass fraction:

[0077] C 0%–0.02%, Si 0%–1%, Mn 1%–2%, Cr 16%–18%, Ni 9%–11%, Cu 2%–4%, Mo 0%–0.02%, P 0%–0.03%, S 0%–0.03%, with the balance being Fe and impurity elements, the total mass percentage of impurity elements being less than or equal to 0.2%.

[0078] The addition of Cr and Ni elements to the materials used in manufacturing the liquid manifold 41 and gas manifold 31 imparts lower pitting corrosion potential, lower pitting corrosion weight loss, and lower martensitic transformation temperature to the liquid manifold 41 and gas manifold 31. This makes it more difficult for the liquid manifold 41 and gas manifold 31 to undergo martensitic phase transformation during processing, thereby achieving stronger resistance to pitting corrosion and stress corrosion, allowing for direct flame welding without annealing. Furthermore, the lower C content makes it more difficult for the material to pass through the material sensitization range during hot working and welding, effectively controlling the formation of M23C6 carbides, thus achieving stronger resistance to intergranular corrosion and effectively reducing welding defects. It is understood that the materials used for the liquid manifold 41 and gas manifold 31 in this embodiment are the same, and correspondingly, the mechanical properties of both the liquid manifold 41 and gas manifold 31 (including but not limited to tensile strength, yield strength, yield strength ratio, elongation, and hardness as described below) are the same.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the tensile strength of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 is A, which satisfies the following condition: 400MPa≤A≤600MPa. For example, A can be 400MPa, 450MPa, 500MPa, 550MPa, 600MPa, or any range thereof. The tensile strength is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T228.1-2021.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the yield strength of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 is B, which satisfies: 140MPa≤B≤180MPa. For example, B can be 140MPa, 150MPa, 160MPa, 170MPa, 180MPa, or any range thereof. The yield strength is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T228.1-2021.

[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, the yield strength ratio of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 is C, where C satisfies: 0.23 ≤ B ≤ 0.45. For example, C can be 0.23, 0.30 MPa, 0.34 MPa, 0.40, 0.45, or any range thereof. The yield strength ratio C is the ratio of the yield strength B to the tensile strength A.

[0082] In some exemplary embodiments, the elongation of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 is D, where D satisfies: 50% ≤ D ≤ 80%. For example, D can be 50%, 55%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or any range thereof. The elongation is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T228.1-2021.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the hardness of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 is E, where E satisfies: 100Hv ≤ E ≤ 120Hv. For example, E can be 100Hv, 120Hv, 135Hv, 140Hv, 150Hv, or any range thereof. The hardness is measured with reference to the national standard GB / T4340.1-2009.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, the MD30 values ​​of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 satisfy the following condition: -50℃ ≤ MD30 ≤ -80℃. For example, the MD30 value can be -50℃, -60℃, -65℃, -70℃, -80℃, or any range thereof. The MD30 value is one of the indicators of phase stability of a multi-component system, representing the electron orbital energy of each component of the steel material in the d orbital. The higher the MD30 value, the less stable the system, and the easier it is for intermetallic compounds such as the σ phase to form. In the embodiments of this application, the MD30 value of the steel material is between -50℃ and -80℃. A smaller MD30 value indicates a more stable steel material, which means that the steel material has a stronger resistance to aging cracking.

[0085] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, when the outdoor unit 20 includes a first outdoor unit 21, and the indoor unit 10 includes a first indoor unit 11 and a second indoor unit 12, the liquid branch pipe 41 may include a first liquid branch pipe 411, and the load liquid pipe 402 includes a liquid main pipe 42, a first liquid branch pipe 43, and a second liquid branch pipe 44; the gas branch pipe 31 may include a first gas branch pipe 311, and the load gas pipe 302 includes a gas main pipe 32, a first gas branch pipe 33, and a second gas branch pipe 34.

[0086] Specifically, the liquid main pipe 42 connects the first outdoor unit 21 to the first liquid branch pipe 411 at the first end, the first liquid branch pipe 43 connects the first indoor unit 11 to the second end of the first liquid branch pipe 411, and the second liquid branch pipe 44 connects the second indoor unit 12 to the third end of the first liquid branch pipe 411; the gas main pipe 32 connects the first outdoor unit 21 to the first gas branch pipe 311 at the first end, the first gas branch pipe 33 connects the first indoor unit 11 to the second end of the first gas branch pipe 311, and the second gas branch pipe 34 connects the second indoor unit 12 to the third end of the first gas branch pipe 311, so as to realize the refrigerant circulation process between the first outdoor unit 21, the first indoor unit 11, and the second indoor unit 12 through the liquid main pipe 42, the first liquid branch pipe 43, the second liquid branch pipe 44, the gas main pipe 32, the first gas branch pipe 33, and the second gas branch pipe 34.

[0087] Furthermore, at least one of the liquid main pipe 42, the first liquid branch pipe 43, the second liquid branch pipe 44, the gas main pipe 32, the first gas branch pipe 33, and the second gas branch pipe 34 is made of steel; that is, at least one of the liquid main pipe 42, the first liquid branch pipe 43, the second liquid branch pipe 44, the gas main pipe 32, the first gas branch pipe 33, and the second gas branch pipe 34 is made of steel, which helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of at least one of the liquid pipe assembly 400 and the gas pipe assembly 300.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 5. The indoor unit 10 includes a first indoor unit 11 and a second indoor unit 12. In some embodiments, the indoor unit 10 also includes a third indoor unit 13.

[0089] Specifically, the liquid manifold 41 also includes a second liquid manifold 412, and the load liquid pipe 402 also includes a third liquid manifold 45 and a fourth liquid manifold 46. The first liquid manifold 43 is connected to the second end of the first liquid manifold 411 and the first end of the second liquid manifold 412. The third liquid manifold 45 is connected to the second end of the second liquid manifold 412 and the first indoor unit 11. The fourth liquid manifold 46 is connected to the third end of the second liquid manifold 412 and the third indoor unit 13. The gas manifold 31 also includes a second gas manifold 312, and the load gas pipe 302 also includes a third gas manifold 35 and a fourth gas manifold 36. The first gas manifold 33 is connected to the second end of the first gas manifold 311 and the first end of the second gas manifold 312. The third gas manifold 35 is connected to the second end of the second gas manifold 312 and the first indoor unit 11. The fourth gas manifold 36 is connected to the third end of the second gas manifold 312 and the third indoor unit 13.

[0090] Furthermore, at least one of the third liquid manifold 45, the fourth liquid manifold 46, the third gas manifold 35, and the fourth gas manifold 36 is made of steel. It is understood that by using at least one of the third liquid manifold 45, the fourth liquid manifold 46, the third gas manifold 35, and the fourth gas manifold 36 as a steel pipe, its manufacturing cost is significantly reduced compared to the cost of copper pipes in related technologies, and steel pipes can essentially replace copper pipes, thereby effectively reducing the manufacturing cost of the HVAC equipment 1000.

[0091] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the indoor unit 10 further includes a fourth indoor unit 14, the liquid branch pipe 41 further includes a third liquid branch pipe 413, and the load liquid pipe 402 further includes a fifth liquid branch pipe 47 and a sixth liquid branch pipe 48. That is, the second liquid branch pipe 44 is connected to the third end of the first liquid branch pipe 411 and the first end of the third liquid branch pipe 413, the fifth liquid branch pipe 47 is connected to the second end of the third liquid branch pipe 413 and the second indoor unit 12, and the sixth liquid branch pipe 48 is connected to the third end of the third liquid branch pipe 413 and the fourth indoor unit 14. The gas branch pipe 31 also includes a third gas branch pipe 313, and the load gas pipe 302 also includes a fifth gas branch pipe 37 and a sixth gas branch pipe 38. That is, the second gas branch pipe 34 is connected to the third end of the first gas branch pipe 311 and the first end of the third gas branch pipe 313, the fifth gas branch pipe 37 is connected to the second end of the third gas branch pipe 313 and the second indoor unit 12, and the sixth gas branch pipe 38 is connected to the third end of the third gas branch pipe 313 and the fourth indoor unit 14. In this way, the second indoor unit 12 and the fourth indoor unit 14 are connected through the fifth liquid branch pipe 47, the sixth liquid branch pipe 48, the fifth gas branch pipe 37 and the sixth gas branch pipe 38.

[0092] Among them, at least one of the fifth liquid manifold 47, the sixth liquid manifold 48, the fifth gas manifold 37, and the sixth gas manifold 38 is a steel pipe. It is understood that the materials used to manufacture the fifth liquid manifold 47, the sixth liquid manifold 48, the fifth gas manifold 37, and the sixth gas manifold 38 can all be steel pipes, and at least one of the fifth liquid manifold 47, the sixth liquid manifold 48, the fifth gas manifold 37, and the sixth gas manifold 38 is also made of steel pipe. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of steel pipes is lower than that of copper pipes used in existing technologies, thus saving on material costs and effectively reducing the manufacturing cost of the HVAC equipment 1000.

[0093] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the load liquid pipe 402 further includes a liquid branch pipe 403, which includes a first liquid branch pipe 43, a second liquid branch pipe 44, a third liquid branch pipe 45, a fourth liquid branch pipe 46, a fifth liquid branch pipe 47, and a sixth liquid branch pipe 48; the load gas pipe 403 further includes a gas branch pipe 303, which includes a first gas branch pipe 33, a second gas branch pipe 34, a third gas branch pipe 35, a fourth gas branch pipe 36, a fifth gas branch pipe 37, and a sixth gas branch pipe 38. It is understood that the indoor unit 100 includes multiple indoor units 10, and the load liquid pipe 402 includes a liquid main pipe 42 and multiple liquid branch pipes 403. The liquid main pipe 42 is connected to the liquid pipeline 402, and the multiple liquid branch pipes 403 are all connected to the liquid main pipe 42. The multiple liquid branch pipes 403 are respectively connected to and connected to the multiple indoor units 10. The load gas pipe 302 includes a gas main pipe 32 and multiple gas branch pipes 303. The gas main pipe 32 is connected to the gas pipeline 301, and the multiple gas branch pipes 303 are all connected to the gas main pipe 32. The multiple gas branch pipes 303 are respectively connected to and connected to the multiple indoor units 10. In this way, the outdoor unit 200 establishes a refrigerant circulation with the multiple indoor units 10. The multiple indoor units 10 can be set in multiple different indoor spaces or placed in the same indoor space, which improves the operating range and working efficiency of the HVAC equipment 1000.

[0094] At least a portion of the liquid main pipe 42, gas main pipe 32, liquid branch pipe 403, and gas branch pipe 303 are made of steel. That is, one or more of the liquid main pipe 42, gas main pipe 32, liquid branch pipe 403, and gas branch pipe 303 are made of steel, while a portion or all of any one of the liquid main pipe 42, gas main pipe 32, liquid branch pipe 403, and gas branch pipe 303 is made of steel. Using steel pipes reduces the manufacturing cost of the indoor unit 100, reduces the risk of refrigerant leakage, and improves the reliability of the indoor unit 100.

[0095] Furthermore, the HVAC equipment 1000 also includes a third expansion valve 15, which is disposed on the liquid branch pipe 403 and configured to throttle and reduce the pressure of the liquid flowing through the liquid branch pipe 403. At least a portion of the liquid branch pipe 403 is made of steel pipe to reduce costs and reduce refrigerant leakage.

[0096] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the connection between steel parts, steel pipes and other components is made by welding, and the connection between steel pipes and other components of other materials, such as copper parts, is also made by welding to ensure connection strength and sealing. The solder can be copper.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 3. In some embodiments, for ease of pipeline layout, the liquid main pipe 42 includes a first manifold section 421, a second manifold section 422, and a connecting pipe 423. The first manifold section 421 and the second manifold section 422 are arranged side by side, wherein the first manifold section 421 connects to the liquid pipeline, and the second manifold section 422 is spaced apart from the first manifold section 421. In some structures, the gas main pipe 32 is located between the second manifold section 422 and the first manifold section 421, and multiple liquid branch pipes 403 are all connected to the second manifold section 422. The connecting pipe 423 crosses the gas main pipe 32 and connects the first manifold section 421 and the second manifold section 422. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first manifold section 421, the second manifold section 422, and the connecting pipe 423 are made of steel pipes. That is, one or more of the first manifold section 421, the second manifold section 422, and the connecting pipe 423 are made of steel pipes, and part or all of any one of the first manifold section 421, the second manifold section 422, and the connecting pipe 423 are made of steel pipes. This can further reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid main pipe 42, thereby reducing the overall cost of the HVAC equipment 1000 and improving reliability.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 7. In some embodiments, when there are multiple outdoor units 20, that is, there can be two or three outdoor units 20, the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this. As shown in Figure 7, the outdoor unit 20 includes a first outdoor unit 21 and a second outdoor unit 22.

[0099] The liquid pipe assembly 400 includes a liquid manifold 49, which connects multiple outdoor units 20 and multiple indoor units 10. The liquid manifold 49 is configured to collect the liquid working fluid from the multiple outdoor units 20 and then deliver it to the multiple indoor units 10. The gas pipe assembly 300 includes a gas distribution pipe 39, which connects multiple outdoor units 20 and multiple indoor units 10. The gas distribution pipe 39 is configured to distribute the gas working fluid from the multiple indoor units 10 to the multiple outdoor units 20, thereby realizing refrigerant circulation between the multiple outdoor units 20 and the multiple indoor units 10.

[0100] Furthermore, at least one of the liquid manifold 49 and the gas splitter 39 is made of steel. It is understood that the liquid manifold 49 is made of steel, or the gas splitter 39 is made of steel, or both the liquid manifold 49 and the gas splitter 39 are made of steel, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of at least one of the liquid manifold 49 and the gas splitter 39.

[0101] Please refer to Figure 8. Since both the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 can be made of steel pipes, in some embodiments, at least one of the liquid branch pipe 41 and the gas branch pipe 31 includes a tee steel pipe 50, two branch pipe joints 60 and a main pipe joint 70.

[0102] Specifically, the two branch pipe joints 60 are connected to the tee pipe 50 respectively, and the main pipe joint 70 is sleeved with the tee pipe 50. It can be understood that, taking the liquid branch pipe 41 as an example, the liquid from the outdoor unit 20 flows from the main pipe joint 70 through filtration into the tee pipe 50, then into the two branch pipe joints 60, and finally into the indoor unit 10 connected to the branch pipe joint 60, thus achieving refrigerant distribution. The branch pipe joint 60 includes a first steel section 61, a second steel section 62, and a third steel section 63 connected in sequence. The first steel section 61 is connected to the tee pipe 50 to allow the liquid from the outdoor unit 20 to flow from the tee pipe 50 to the first steel section 61; furthermore, the pipe diameters of the first steel section 61, the second steel section 62, and the third steel section 63 decrease sequentially. Understandably, the diameter of the first steel section 61 is the largest compared to the diameter of the second steel section 62 and the third steel section 63. In this way, the appropriate steel section can be selected according to the diameter of the liquid pipe assembly 400 and the gas pipe assembly 300 to improve the versatility of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31.

[0103] It should be noted that the tee steel pipe 50 may include at least two pipe sections with different diameters, and the outer diameter ratio of two adjacent pipe sections of the tee steel pipe 50 is Q, 0.85≤Q≤1.15. By using steel material, the tee steel pipe 50 can be processed to produce the required specifications of the branch pipe joint 60 and the main pipe joint 70, and the pipe diameters of the branch pipe joint 60 and the main pipe joint 70 meet the above range, so that the branch pipe joint 60 and the main pipe joint 70 have good docking stability with other steel pipes 95.

[0104] Referring further to Figure 8, in some embodiments, at least one of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 further includes a steel connecting sleeve 80. One end of the steel connecting sleeve 80 passes through the main pipe connector 70, and the other end of the steel connecting sleeve 80 is sleeved with other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400. It is understood that the steel connecting sleeve 80 is configured to connect the main pipe connector 70 with other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400, and the use of the steel connecting sleeve 80 can reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31.

[0105] Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 further includes at least one extension pipe, each extension pipe being connected to at least one of the main pipe connector 70 and the two branch pipe connectors 60. For example, there are three extension pipes, one of which is connected to the main pipe connector 70, and the remaining two extension pipes are connected to the two branch pipe connectors 60 respectively. Moreover, the extension pipes can be overlapped with the main pipe connector 70 and the branch pipe connectors 60 by welding, so that the main pipe connector 70 and the branch pipe connector 60 can respectively mate with the corresponding extension pipes, facilitating assembly.

[0106] The length of the overlapping portion of the extension tube with the corresponding main pipe joint 70 and branch pipe joint 60 is L1, where 5mm≤L1≤20mm. Within this insertion depth, the connection of the plug-in structure can be made stable by welding.

[0107] In some embodiments, the two branch pipe joints 60 have an end center distance R1, where R1 satisfies: 30mm ≤ R1 ≤ 100mm. The end center distance R1 can be understood as the axial vertical distance between the two branch pipe joints 60, or the axial vertical distance between the opening of one branch pipe joint 60 on the side away from the tee pipe 50 and the opening of the extension pipe on the side away from the tee pipe 50. When R1 satisfies 30mm ≤ R1 ≤ 100mm, the spacing between the two branch pipe joints 60 is appropriate, facilitating the forming of the liquid branch pipe 41 and the gas branch pipe 31, resulting in a stable structure that is not easily deformed, and effectively improving flow resistance.

[0108] In addition, both the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 of this application are made of steel pipes, which allows for thinner pipe wall designs. Optionally, the wall thickness of the branch connector 60 is h, where h satisfies: 1.0mm≤h≤2mm. Within this wall thickness range, R1 is set to satisfy: 30mm≤R1≤100mm, which allows the branch connector 60 to have a larger pipe diameter, thereby effectively reducing flow resistance.

[0109] Referring to Figure 9, in some embodiments, the gas tubing assembly 300 and the liquid tubing assembly 400 include steel pipes. At least one of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 includes a tee steel pipe 50, two first copper sleeves 90, and two second copper sleeves 91. It is understood that the tee steel pipe 50 includes a main pipe section 51 and two branch pipe sections 52, which are respectively connected to the gas tubing assembly 300 or the liquid tubing assembly 400. The two first copper sleeves 90 are respectively connected to the two branch pipe sections 52, and each first copper sleeve 90 includes a tapered section 902 and a connecting section 901. The connecting section 901 is connected to the corresponding branch pipe section 52, and the tapered section 902 is connected to the corresponding gas tubing assembly 300 or the liquid tubing assembly 400. One end of each of the two copper sleeves 91 is inserted into a tapered section 902. The other end of each of the two copper sleeves 91 is connected to other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400. In this way, the connecting section 901 is connected and communicated with the tee steel pipe 50, and the two copper sleeves 91 are connected and communicated with other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400, so that the gas working medium can flow through the gas branch pipe 31 or the liquid working medium can flow through the liquid branch pipe 41.

[0110] In some embodiments, the tapered section 902 includes at least two copper sections, the diameter of which decreases sequentially in the direction away from the branch section 52, and each copper section in the tapered section 902 corresponds to another steel pipe 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 or liquid pipe assembly 400 of a certain size, so that the corresponding gas pipe assembly 300 or other steel pipe 95 in the liquid pipe assembly 400 can be connected to the corresponding copper section.

[0111] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the number of copper segments.

[0112] For example, when there are two copper segments, the tapered section 902 may include a first copper segment and a second copper segment. The diameter of the first copper segment is larger than the diameter of the second copper segment, and the first copper segment is connected to the connecting section 901. That is, the diameters of the first copper segment and the second copper segment gradually decrease in the direction away from the connecting section 901, and the first copper segment or the second copper segment is connected to other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 or liquid pipe assembly 400 of the corresponding size and specification. That is, when the gas pipe assembly 300 or liquid pipe assembly 400... When the diameter of other steel pipes 95 is suitable for the diameter of the second copper section, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 or liquid pipe assembly 400 can be directly sleeved onto the second copper section; when the diameter of other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 or liquid pipe assembly 400 is suitable for the diameter of the first copper section, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 or liquid pipe assembly 400 can be sleeved onto the first copper section by cutting the second copper section, thereby improving the versatility of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31.

[0113] For example, when there are three copper segments, the tapering section 902 may include a first copper segment, a second copper segment, and a third copper segment. The diameters of the first copper segment, the second copper segment, and the third copper segment decrease sequentially in the direction away from the branch pipe section 52. The first copper segment is connected to the connecting section 901, and the first copper segment, the second copper segment, or the third copper segment is connected to other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 of the corresponding size and specifications. That is, as the distance from the tee pipe 50 increases, the diameters of the first copper segment, the second copper segment, and the third copper segment gradually decrease, so that the other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 can be connected to the corresponding copper segments. Understandably, when the diameter of the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 and the liquid tubing assembly 400 is suitable for the first copper segment, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 or the liquid tubing assembly 400 can be fitted onto the first copper segment by cutting the second copper segment and the third copper segment; when the diameter of the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 and the liquid tubing assembly 400 is suitable for the second copper segment, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 or the liquid tubing assembly 400 can be fitted onto the first copper segment by cutting the second copper segment. The steel pipe 95 is fitted onto the second copper section; when the diameter of the other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 is suitable for the third copper section, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 or the liquid pipe assembly 400 can be directly fitted onto the third copper section. In this way, the versatility of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 is improved, and it can be adapted to other steel pipes 95 in the liquid pipe assembly 400 and the gas pipe assembly 300 with different pipe diameters, which helps to reduce the mold opening cost in the manufacturing process.

[0114] For example, when there are four copper segments, the tapering section 902 may include a first copper segment, a second copper segment, a third copper segment, and a fourth copper segment. The diameters of the first copper segment, the second copper segment, the third copper segment, and the fourth copper segment decrease sequentially in the direction away from the branch pipe section 52. The first copper segment is connected to the connecting section 901, and the first copper segment, the second copper segment, the third copper segment, or the fourth copper segment is connected to other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 of the corresponding size and specifications. That is, as the distance from the tee pipe 50 increases, the diameters of the first copper segment, the second copper segment, the third copper segment, and the fourth copper segment gradually decrease, so that the other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 can be connected to the corresponding copper segments. Understandably, when the diameter of the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 and the liquid tubing assembly 400 is suitable for the first copper segment, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 or the liquid tubing assembly 400 can be fitted onto the first copper segment by cutting the second, third, and fourth copper segments; when the diameter of the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 and the liquid tubing assembly 400 is suitable for the second copper segment, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 or the liquid tubing assembly 400 can be fitted onto the second copper segment by cutting the third ...; when the diameter of the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 and the liquid tubing assembly 400 is suitable for the second copper segment, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas tubing assembly 300 or the liquid tubing assembly 400 can be fitted onto the second copper segment. When the diameter of the gas pipe 95 is suitable for the third copper segment, the fourth copper segment can be cut to allow other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 or liquid pipe assembly 400 to be fitted onto the third copper segment. When the diameter of the gas pipe assembly 300 and other steel pipes 95 in the liquid pipe assembly 400 is suitable for the fourth copper segment, the other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 or liquid pipe assembly 400 can be directly fitted onto the fourth copper segment. This improves the versatility of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31, allowing them to be adapted to other steel pipes 95 in the liquid pipe assembly 400 and gas pipe assembly 300 with different diameters, which helps reduce mold opening costs in the manufacturing process.

[0115] Referring further to Figure 8, in some embodiments, at least one of the liquid manifold 41 and the gas manifold 31 includes a third copper sleeve 92 and a fourth copper sleeve 93. The third copper sleeve 92 is sleeved with the main pipe section 51, one end of the fourth copper sleeve 93 is correspondingly inserted through the third copper sleeve 92, and the other end of the fourth copper sleeve 93 is sleeved with other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400. It can be understood that by providing the third copper sleeve 92 and the fourth copper sleeve 93, the stability of the connection between the tee steel pipe 50 and the other steel pipes 95 in the gas pipe assembly 300 and the liquid pipe assembly 400 can be improved. Furthermore, the third copper sleeve 92 and the fourth copper sleeve 93 are made of copper, which facilitates the forming of the third copper sleeve 92 and the fourth copper sleeve 93.

[0116] In some embodiments, the steel pipe includes stainless steel pipe. Compared to copper pipe, stainless steel pipe has a lower material cost. Using stainless steel pipe in at least a portion of the liquid pipeline 401 and the gas pipeline 301 helps to reduce the overall cost of the HVAC equipment 1000. Furthermore, using stainless steel pipe can effectively prevent rusting and improve the reliability of the HVAC equipment 1000's piping. Of course, carbon steel can also be used for the steel pipe, and an anti-rust coating can be applied to the outer surface of the steel pipe; this application does not specifically limit this.

[0117] Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the compressor 23 is configured to compress the working fluid and has an intake port and an exhaust port. One end of the liquid line 401 is connected to the exhaust port, and the other end is equipped with a liquid-side shut-off valve 4013, which is configured to control the liquid flow between the liquid line 401 and the load liquid line 402. One end of the gas line 301 is connected to the intake port, and the other end is equipped with a gas-side shut-off valve 3013, which is configured to control the gas flow between the gas line 301 and the load gas line 302. For example, in the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the refrigerant flows in the circuit of the HVAC equipment 1000 as a heat exchange medium. The indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 100 is an evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger 25 of the outdoor unit 200 is a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger 25 is located on the liquid line 401. Compressor 23 draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vapor generated in the evaporator through the suction port. Through mechanical compression, it outputs high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant at the discharge port. This high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air in the condenser and condenses into a room-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant then passes through a throttling element, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. This mixture enters the evaporator, where it rapidly evaporates under low-pressure conditions, absorbing heat from the air and turning back into a gaseous refrigerant. This completes the circulation of the heat exchange medium within the aforementioned HVAC system 1000 circuit.

[0118] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the liquid pipeline 401 and the gas pipeline 301 are made of steel. Thus, the use of steel pipes in at least a portion of the liquid pipeline 401 and the gas pipeline 301 connected to the compressor 23, compared to related technologies that use only copper pipes, not only reduces material costs but also simplifies processing, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0119] In addition, steel pipes have better corrosion resistance than copper pipes, thus effectively improving the reliability of the outdoor unit 200.

[0120] Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments of this application, the indoor unit 20 further includes a four-way valve 24. Both the liquid pipeline 401 and the gas pipeline 301 are connected to the four-way valve 24 and configured to achieve flow diversion through the four-way valve 24. The four-way valve 24 can switch between cooling, heating, or defrosting functions of the HVAC equipment 1000 by changing the flow direction of the heat exchange medium. In this embodiment, the four-way valve 24 is made of steel, further reducing material costs.

[0121] The indoor unit 20 also includes an outdoor heat exchanger 25 and a first expansion valve 40121. The liquid pipeline 401 includes a first liquid pipe 4011 and a second liquid pipe 4012. The first liquid pipe 4011 connects the exhaust port and the outdoor heat exchanger 25, and the second liquid pipe 4012 connects the outdoor heat exchanger 25 and the liquid-side shut-off valve 4013, so that the heat exchange medium flows from the first liquid pipe 4011 through the outdoor heat exchanger 25 to the second liquid pipe 4012. Optionally, in the cooling mode of the HVAC equipment 1000, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant (heat exchange medium) entering the first liquid pipe 4011 from the exhaust port exchanges heat with the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger 25 and condenses into a room-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The first expansion valve 40121 is connected to the second liquid pipe 4012. Liquid refrigerant passes through the first expansion valve 40121 and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. This low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture flows into the indoor unit 100 for heat exchange when the liquid-side shut-off valve 4013 opens. In some embodiments of this application, at least a portion of at least one of the first liquid pipe 4011 and the second liquid pipe 4012 is made of steel. That is, the first liquid pipe 4011 of the outdoor unit 200 is made of steel, and the second liquid pipe 4012 is made of other materials, such as copper; or the second liquid pipe 4012 of the outdoor unit 200 is made of steel, and the first liquid pipe 4011 is made of other materials, such as copper, to reduce costs; or both the first liquid pipe 4011 and the second liquid pipe 4012 are made of steel. Thus, compared to the related art where both the first liquid pipe 4011 and the second liquid pipe 4012 are made of copper, the material cost of the liquid pipeline 401 in this embodiment is lower.

[0122] Referring specifically to Figure 10, in one embodiment, the indoor unit 20 further includes an oil separator 26 and an oil return pipe 261. During the operation of the compressor 23, lubricating oil is required to lubricate the internal components of the compressor 23, thereby improving the service life and reliability of the compressor 23. To reduce or avoid lubricating oil entering the liquid pipeline 401 and gas pipeline 301 along with the heat exchange medium, thus affecting the working effect and structural reliability of the HVAC equipment 1000, the oil separator 26 is connected between the compressor 23 and the outdoor heat exchanger 25 to separate the oil contained in the heat exchange medium.

[0123] Specifically, the oil separator 26 has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The first liquid pipe 4011 includes a first pipe section 40111 and a second pipe section 40112. The first pipe section 40111 connects to the exhaust port and the fluid inlet, and the second pipe section 40112 connects to the fluid outlet and the outdoor heat exchanger 25, so that the heat exchange medium flows from the first pipe section 40111 through the oil separator 26 to the second pipe section 40112. In some exemplary structural forms, the oil separator 26 includes a cylinder, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are both connected to the cylinder. The inlet pipe has a fluid inlet and is configured to introduce the heat exchange medium into the cylinder, where the heat exchange medium separates oil droplets. The outlet pipe has a fluid outlet and is configured to export the heat exchange medium after oil droplet separation to the second pipe section 40112. The oil return pipe 261 connects the internal space of the oil separator 26 and the internal space of the compressor 23. It is configured to discharge the oil droplets separated from the refrigerant from the oil separator 26 and return the oil droplets to the compressor 23 to recycle the oil, improve the oil utilization efficiency, save materials, and further reduce costs.

[0124] In this embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the first pipe segment 40111 and the second pipe segment 40112 is made of steel. That is, the first pipe segment 40111 is made of steel, and the second pipe segment 40112 is made of another material, such as copper; alternatively, the second pipe segment 40112 can be made of steel, and the first pipe segment 40111 can be made of another material, such as copper, to reduce costs; furthermore, both the first pipe segment 40111 and the second pipe segment 40112 can be made of steel. Of course, the first pipe segment 40111 and the second pipe segment 40112 can also be constructed by splicing steel pipes with pipes of other materials, for example, a portion of the first pipe segment 40111 can be made of steel, and another portion of copper. Thus, by making at least a portion of at least one of the first pipe segment 40111 and the second pipe segment 40112 of steel, material costs can be reduced and sealing performance improved.

[0125] Furthermore, the second pipe section 40112 is equipped with a one-way valve 40113, which allows the second pipe section 40112 to flow only from the oil separator 26 to the outdoor heat exchanger 25, thus preventing the backflow of the heat exchange medium. The one-way valve 40113 is also made of steel, which further reduces costs.

[0126] Please refer to Figure 10. In an optional embodiment, the indoor unit 20 further includes a pressure relief pipe 27, which includes a pressure relief pipe 271 and a pressure relief valve 272. One end of the pressure relief pipe 271 is connected to a second pipe section 40112, and the other end is connected to a gas pipe 301. The pressure relief valve 272 is located on the pressure relief pipe 271 and is configured to control the flow path within the pressure relief pipe 271. When the pressure relief valve 272 is open, the second pipe section 40112 is connected to the gas pipe 301. Since the gas pressure in the gas pipe 301 is relatively low, the second pipe section 40112 can be depressurized. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the pressure relief pipe 271 is made of steel; that is, the pressure relief pipe 271 can be entirely made of steel pipe, or it can be made of steel pipe spliced ​​with pipes of other materials. Compared to a pressure relief pipe 271 entirely made of copper pipe, the pressure relief pipe 271 in this embodiment has a lower cost.

[0127] Referring to Figure 10, in one embodiment, the indoor unit 20 further includes a gas-liquid separator 3014, which is disposed between the compressor 23 and the gas-side shut-off valve 3013, and may specifically be disposed between the four-way valve 24 and the compressor 23. Specifically, the gas-liquid separator 3014 has a gas-liquid inlet and a gas outlet. The gas pipeline 301 includes a first gas pipe 3011 and a second gas pipe 3012. The first gas pipe 3011 connects the gas shut-off valve and the gas-liquid inlet, and the second gas pipe 3012 connects the gas outlet and the suction port, so that the heat exchange medium flows from the first gas pipe 3011 through the gas-liquid separator 3014 to the second gas pipe 3012. Understandably, the gas-liquid separator 3014 is configured to separate water vapor from the heat exchange medium to reduce the liquid content of the heat exchange medium entering the compressor 23, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the compressor 23. In this embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the first gas pipe 3011 and the second gas pipe 3012 is a steel pipe. In other words, the first air pipe 3011 is made of steel, while the second air pipe 3012 is made of other materials, such as copper; alternatively, the second air pipe 3012 can be made of steel, while the first air pipe 3011 can be made of other materials, such as copper, to reduce costs; furthermore, both the first air pipe 3011 and the second air pipe 3012 can be made of steel. Alternatively, the first air pipe 3011 and the second air pipe 3012 can be constructed by splicing steel pipes with pipes of other materials, for example, a portion of the first air pipe 3011 can be made of steel, while another portion can be made of copper. Thus, by making at least a portion of at least one of the first air pipe 3011 and the second air pipe 3012 of steel, material costs can be reduced and sealing performance improved.

[0128] Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the indoor unit 20 further includes a refrigerant heat dissipation pipe 28. The refrigerant heat dissipation pipe 28 is configured to increase the subcooling of the heat exchange medium flowing from the liquid pipe 401 to the indoor unit 100, thereby improving the energy efficiency ratio of the HVAC system 1000. Specifically, the refrigerant heat dissipation pipe 28 includes a heat dissipation body 281, a subcooling pipe 282, and a heat dissipation pipe 283. The heat dissipation body 281 is disposed on the liquid pipe 401 and has a first heat dissipation channel 2811 and a second heat dissipation channel 2812. Optionally, the heat dissipation body 281 can be a plate heat exchanger, which has advantages such as high-efficiency heat exchange, flexibility, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and corrosion resistance. The first heat dissipation channel 2811 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 25 and the liquid-side shut-off valve 4013 via a liquid pipeline 401. The subcooling pipeline 282 connects the first heat dissipation channel 2811 and the second heat dissipation channel 2812, and is equipped with a second expansion valve 2821 to cool the heat exchange medium entering the subcooling pipeline 282. The heat dissipation pipeline 283 connects to the second heat dissipation channel 2812 and is also connected to a gas pipeline 301 and / or a liquid pipeline 401, allowing the heat exchange medium in the second heat dissipation channel 2812 to flow to the gas pipeline 301 and / or the liquid pipeline 401, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire HVAC system 1000.

[0129] In this embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the subcooling pipe 282 and the heat dissipation pipe 283 is made of steel. That is, the subcooling pipe 282 is made of steel, and the heat dissipation pipe 283 is made of another material, such as copper; alternatively, the heat dissipation pipe 283 can be made of steel, and the subcooling pipe 282 can be made of another material, such as copper, to reduce costs; of course, both the subcooling pipe 282 and the heat dissipation pipe 283 can also be made of steel. Alternatively, the subcooling pipe 282 and the heat dissipation pipe 283 can be constructed by splicing steel pipes with pipes of other materials, for example, a portion of the subcooling pipe 282 can be made of steel, and another portion of it can be made of copper. Thus, by making at least a portion of at least one of the subcooling pipe 282 and the heat dissipation pipe 283 a steel pipe, material costs can be reduced and sealing performance improved.

[0130] Optionally, the heat dissipation pipe 283 includes a heat dissipation connecting pipe 2831, a first branch pipe 2832, and a second branch pipe 2834. The heat dissipation connecting pipe 2831 is connected to the second heat dissipation channel 2812 and is configured to transport the heat exchange medium after heat dissipation. One end of the first branch pipe 2832 is connected to the heat dissipation connecting pipe 2831, and the other end is connected to the gas pipe 301. A first valve body 2833 is provided on the first branch pipe 2832, which is configured to control the flow path within the first branch pipe 2832. One end of the second branch pipe 2834 is connected to the heat dissipation connecting pipe 2831, and the other end is connected to the liquid pipe 401. A second valve body 2835 is provided on the second branch pipe 2834, which is configured to control the flow path within the second branch pipe 2834. The first valve body 2833 and the second valve body 2835 are one-way valves 40113, respectively enabling one-way flow between the heat dissipation connecting pipe 2831 and the gas pipeline 301, and between the heat dissipation connecting pipe 2831 and the liquid pipeline 401. For example, the first branch pipe 2832 connects to the second gas pipe 3012 and is located upstream of the gas-liquid separator 3014 to ensure high energy efficiency of the compressor 23. The second branch pipe 2834 connects to the compressor 23, which also has an intermediate pressure suction port, and the second branch pipe 2834 communicates with this intermediate pressure suction port. When the second valve body 2835 is open, the medium-pressure gaseous heat exchange medium flows from the heat dissipation connecting pipe 2831 through the second branch pipe 2834 into the compressor 23, mixes with the partially compressed heat exchange medium, and is then compressed again, improving the efficiency and energy efficiency of the compressor 23. In this embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the heat dissipation connecting pipe 2831, the first branch pipe 2832, and the second branch pipe 2834 is made of steel pipe to reduce costs.

[0131] Referring to Figure 10, in one embodiment, the indoor unit 20 further includes a charging line 29, configured to charge the heat exchange medium into the gas line 301 and the liquid line 401. The charging line 29 includes a charging pipe 291 and a charging valve 292. The charging pipe 291 is connected to the gas line 301, which has a lower pressure for easy injection. The charging valve 292 is connected to the charging pipe 291 to control the flow path within the charging pipe 291. The charging pipe 291 may be entirely or partially made of steel to reduce costs.

[0132] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0133] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) device, wherein, The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment includes: An indoor unit, including at least one indoor unit; Outdoor unit, including at least one outdoor unit; A duct assembly, connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit; and, A liquid pipe assembly is connected between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit so that the indoor unit and the outdoor unit form a refrigerant circulation through the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly; Wherein, at least a portion of the tubing of the endotracheal assembly is made of steel, and / or, at least a portion of the tubing of the liquid tubing assembly is made of steel.

2. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 1, wherein, The gas pipe assembly includes a gas pipe and a load gas pipe, wherein the load gas pipe connects the indoor unit to the gas pipe; The liquid pipe assembly includes a liquid pipe and a load liquid pipe, the load liquid pipe connecting the indoor unit and the liquid pipe; Wherein, at least a portion of the liquid pipeline, the gas pipeline, the load liquid pipeline, and the load gas pipeline is made of steel.

3. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 2, wherein, The number of indoor units is multiple. The liquid pipe assembly also includes a liquid branch pipe, which connects multiple indoor units and the outdoor unit, and is configured to divert the liquid working fluid of the outdoor unit to multiple indoor units; The gas pipe assembly also includes a gas branch pipe, which connects multiple indoor units and the outdoor unit, and is configured to combine the working gas of the multiple indoor units to the outdoor unit; Wherein, the gas manifold and / or the liquid manifold are steel pipes.

4. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 3, wherein, The outdoor unit includes a first outdoor unit, and the indoor unit includes a first indoor unit and a second indoor unit; The liquid manifold includes a first liquid manifold, and the load liquid pipe includes a liquid main pipe, a first liquid branch pipe, and a second liquid branch pipe. The liquid main pipe connects the first outdoor unit to the first end of the first liquid manifold, the first liquid branch pipe connects the first indoor unit to the second end of the first liquid manifold, and the second liquid branch pipe connects the second indoor unit to the third end of the first liquid manifold. The gas branch pipe includes a first gas branch pipe, and the load gas pipe includes a gas main pipe, a first gas branch pipe and a second gas branch pipe. The gas main pipe connects the first outdoor unit to the first end of the first gas branch pipe, the first gas branch pipe connects the first indoor unit to the second end of the first gas branch pipe, and the second gas branch pipe connects the second indoor unit to the third end of the first gas branch pipe. Wherein, at least one of the liquid main pipe, the first liquid branch pipe, the second liquid branch pipe, the gas main pipe, the first gas branch pipe, and the second gas branch pipe is a steel pipe.

5. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 4, wherein, The liquid main includes: The first manifold section connects to the liquid pipeline; The second manifold section is arranged parallel to the first manifold section, and both the first liquid branch pipe and the second liquid branch pipe are connected to the second manifold section; and... A connecting pipe extends across the gas main and connects the first manifold section and the second manifold section; At least a portion of the first manifold section, the second manifold section, and the connecting pipe are made of steel.

6. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 4, wherein, The indoor unit also includes a third indoor unit; The liquid manifold further includes a second liquid manifold, and the load liquid pipe further includes a third liquid manifold and a fourth liquid manifold. The first liquid manifold is connected to the second end of the first liquid manifold and the first end of the second liquid manifold. The third liquid manifold is connected to the second end of the second liquid manifold and the first indoor unit. The fourth liquid manifold is connected to the third end of the second liquid manifold and the third indoor unit. The gas branch pipe also includes a second gas branch pipe, and the load gas pipe also includes a third gas branch pipe and a fourth gas branch pipe. The first gas branch pipe is connected to the second end of the first gas branch pipe and the first end of the second gas branch pipe. The third gas branch pipe is connected to the second end of the second gas branch pipe and the first indoor unit. The fourth gas branch pipe is connected to the third end of the second gas branch pipe and the third indoor unit. Wherein, at least one of the third liquid manifold, the fourth liquid manifold, the third gas manifold, and the fourth gas manifold is a steel pipe.

7. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 6, wherein, The indoor unit also includes a fourth indoor unit; The liquid manifold also includes a third liquid manifold, and the load liquid pipe also includes a fifth liquid manifold and a sixth liquid manifold. The second liquid manifold is connected to the third end of the first liquid manifold and the first end of the third liquid manifold. The fifth liquid manifold is connected to the second end of the third liquid manifold and the second indoor unit. The sixth liquid manifold is connected to the third end of the third liquid manifold and the fourth indoor unit. The gas branch pipe also includes a third gas branch pipe, and the load gas pipe also includes a fifth gas branch pipe and a sixth gas branch pipe. The second gas branch pipe is connected to the third end of the first gas branch pipe and the first end of the third gas branch pipe. The fifth gas branch pipe is connected to the second end of the third gas branch pipe and the second indoor unit. The sixth gas branch pipe is connected to the third end of the third gas branch pipe and the fourth indoor unit. Among them, at least one of the fifth liquid manifold, the sixth liquid manifold, the fifth gas manifold, and the sixth gas manifold is a steel pipe.

8. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 7, wherein, The load gas pipe further includes gas branch pipes, which include a first gas branch pipe, a second gas branch pipe, a third gas branch pipe, a fourth gas branch pipe, a fifth gas branch pipe, and a sixth gas branch pipe; The load liquid pipe further includes liquid branch pipes, which include the first liquid branch pipe, the second liquid branch pipe, the third liquid branch pipe, the fourth liquid branch pipe, the fifth liquid branch pipe, and the sixth liquid branch pipe; The HVAC equipment also includes a third expansion valve, which is installed on the liquid branch pipe. The liquid branch pipe and the gas branch pipe are at least partially made of steel.

9. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 2, wherein, The outdoor unit also includes: The compressor has an intake port and an exhaust port; one end of the liquid pipeline is connected to the exhaust port, and the other end is provided with a liquid-side shut-off valve, which is configured to control the liquid flow between the liquid pipeline and the load liquid pipeline; one end of the gas pipeline is connected to the intake port, and the other end is provided with a gas-side shut-off valve, which is configured to control the gas flow between the gas pipeline and the load pipeline. Wherein, at least a portion of the liquid pipeline and at least a portion of the gas pipeline are steel pipes.

10. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 9, wherein, Also includes: A four-way valve, wherein both the liquid line and the gas line are connected to the four-way valve and are configured to achieve flow diversion through the four-way valve; The four-way valve is made of steel.

11. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 9, wherein, It also includes an outdoor heat exchanger, and the liquid pipeline includes a first liquid pipe and a second liquid pipe. The first liquid pipe is connected to the exhaust port and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the second liquid pipe is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger and the liquid-side shut-off valve, so that the heat exchange medium flows from the first liquid pipe through the outdoor heat exchanger to the second liquid pipe. Wherein, at least a portion of at least one of the first liquid pipe and the second liquid pipe is a steel pipe.

12. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 11, wherein, It also includes an oil separator and an oil return pipe, the oil separator having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and the oil return pipe connecting the internal space of the oil separator and the internal space of the compressor; The first liquid pipe includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The first pipe section connects the exhaust port and the fluid inlet, and the second pipe section connects the fluid outlet and the outdoor heat exchanger, so that the working fluid flows from the first pipe section through the oil separator to the second pipe section. Wherein, at least a portion of at least one of the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment is a steel pipe.

13. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 12, wherein, The second pipe section is equipped with a one-way valve so that the second pipe section can only be unidirectionally connected from the oil separator to the outdoor heat exchanger. The one-way valve is made of steel.

14. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 12, wherein, It also includes a pressure relief pipeline, which includes a pressure relief pipe and a pressure relief valve. One end of the pressure relief pipe is connected to the second pipe section, and the other end is connected to the gas pipeline. The pressure relief valve is installed on the pressure relief pipe and is configured to control the opening and closing of the flow path inside the pressure relief pipe. At least a portion of the pressure relief pipe is made of steel.

15. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 11, wherein, It also includes a first expansion valve, which is located on the second liquid pipe.

16. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 9, wherein, It also includes a gas-liquid separator, which has a gas-liquid inlet and a gas outlet. The gas pipeline includes a first gas pipe and a second gas pipe. The first gas pipe is connected to the gas shut-off valve and the gas-liquid inlet, and the second gas pipe is connected to the gas outlet and the suction port, so that the heat exchange medium flows from the first gas pipe through the gas-liquid separator to the second gas pipe. Wherein, at least a portion of at least one of the first trachea and the second trachea is a steel pipe.

17. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 9, wherein, It also includes an outdoor heat exchanger and refrigerant heat dissipation piping, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger is located on the liquid piping, and the refrigerant heat dissipation piping includes: The heat dissipation body is located on the liquid pipeline and has a first heat dissipation channel and a second heat dissipation channel. The first heat dissipation channel is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger and the liquid-side shut-off valve through the liquid pipeline. The subcooling pipeline connects the first heat dissipation channel and the second heat dissipation channel, and a second expansion valve is provided on the subcooling pipeline; A heat dissipation pipe is connected to the second heat dissipation channel and to the gas pipe and / or the liquid pipe, so that the heat exchange medium in the second heat dissipation channel flows to the gas pipe and / or the liquid pipe; Wherein, at least a portion of at least one of the subcooling pipe and the heat dissipation pipe is a steel pipe.

18. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The heat dissipation piping includes: A heat dissipation connecting pipe is used to connect to the second heat dissipation channel; A first branch pipe, one end connected to the heat dissipation connecting pipe, and the other end connected to the gas pipeline, is equipped with a first valve body, which is configured to control the flow path opening and closing within the first branch pipe; and... The second branch pipe has one end connected to the heat dissipation connection pipe and the other end connected to the liquid pipeline. The second branch pipe is equipped with a second valve body, which is configured to control the flow path in the second branch pipe. Wherein, at least a portion of at least one of the heat dissipation connecting pipe, the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe is a steel pipe.

19. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The outdoor unit also includes a charging pipeline, which includes a charging pipe and a charging valve. The charging pipe is connected to the gas pipeline, and the charging valve is connected to the charging pipe to control the flow path in the charging pipe. At least a portion of the filling tube is made of steel.

20. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 3, wherein, There are multiple outdoor units. The liquid pipeline includes a liquid manifold, which connects multiple outdoor units and multiple indoor units, and is configured to collect the liquid working fluid from the multiple outdoor units and deliver it to the multiple indoor units. The gas pipeline includes a gas distribution pipe, which connects multiple outdoor units and multiple indoor units, and is configured to distribute the gas working fluid of the multiple indoor units to the multiple outdoor units; The liquid manifold and / or the gas splitter are made of steel.

21. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 3, wherein, Both the gas tubing assembly and the liquid tubing assembly are made of steel pipe, and at least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold includes: T-shaped steel pipe; Two branch pipe fittings are respectively connected to the tee pipe. Each branch pipe fitting includes a first steel section, a second steel section, and a third steel section connected in sequence. The first steel section is connected to the tee pipe, and the diameters of the first steel section, the second steel section, and the third steel section decrease sequentially. The main pipe connector is sleeved with the tee steel pipe.

22. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The two pipe connectors have an end center distance R1, which satisfies: 30mm≤R1≤100mm.

23. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The tee pipe includes at least two pipe sections with different diameters, and the ratio of the outer diameters of two adjacent pipe sections of the tee pipe is Q, where 0.85≤Q≤1.

15.

24. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 21, wherein, At least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold further includes: A steel connecting sleeve is inserted at one end into the main pipe joint, and at the other end is connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly.

25. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 21, wherein, At least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold further includes: At least one extension tube, each of the extension tubes being connected to the main pipe joint and one of the two branch pipe joints, and the extension tubes being overlapped with the main pipe joint and / or the branch pipe joints; Wherein, the length of the overlapping portion of the extension pipe with the corresponding main pipe joint and / or branch pipe joint is L1, where 5mm≤L1≤20mm.

26. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 3, wherein, The gas tubing assembly and the liquid tubing assembly both comprise steel tubing, and at least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold includes: The tee pipe includes a main pipe section and two branch pipe sections, wherein the main pipe section and the two branch pipe sections are respectively connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly; Two first copper sleeves are respectively connected to two of the said branch pipe sections. Each first copper sleeve includes a tapering section and a connecting section. Each connecting section is connected to a corresponding branch pipe section. The tapering section is connected to another steel pipe in the corresponding gas pipe assembly or liquid pipe assembly. Two second copper sleeves, one end of each second copper sleeve is inserted through a tapered section, and the other end of each second copper sleeve is sleeved with other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly.

27. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 26, wherein, The tapering section includes at least two copper sections, the diameter of which decreases sequentially away from the branch pipe section. Each copper section in the tapering section corresponds to a different size of the gas pipe assembly or other steel pipe in the liquid pipe assembly.

28. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 27, wherein, The tapering section includes a first copper section and a second copper section. The diameter of the first copper section is larger than that of the second copper section. The first copper section is connected to the connecting section. The first copper section or the second copper section is connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly of the corresponding size and specifications.

29. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 27, wherein, The tapering section includes a first copper section, a second copper section, and a third copper section. The diameters of the first copper section, the second copper section, and the third copper section decrease sequentially in the direction away from the branch pipe section. The first copper section is connected to the connecting section. The first copper section, the second copper section, or the third copper section is connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly of the corresponding size and specifications.

30. The HVAC equipment as claimed in claim 27, wherein, The tapering section includes a first copper section, a second copper section, a third copper section, and a fourth copper section. The diameters of the first copper section, the second copper section, the third copper section, and the fourth copper section decrease sequentially in the direction away from the branch pipe section. The first copper section is connected to the connecting section. The first copper section, the second copper section, the third copper section, or the fourth copper section is connected to other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly or the liquid pipe assembly of the corresponding size and specifications.

31. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 26, wherein, At least one of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold further includes: The third copper sleeve is fitted into the main pipe section; and... The fourth copper sleeve has one end inserted into the third copper sleeve, and the other end connected to the other steel pipes in the gas pipe assembly and the liquid pipe assembly.

32. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 3, wherein, The liquid manifold and the gas manifold are made of the same material and comprise the following components by mass fraction: C 0%–0.02%, Si 0.5%–1%, Mn 1%–2%, Cr 16%–18%, Ni 9%–11%, Cu 2%–4%, Mo 0%–0.02%, P 0%–0.03%, S 0%–0.03%, with the balance being Fe and impurity elements, the total mass percentage of which is less than or equal to 0.2%.

33. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 3, wherein, Both the liquid manifold and the gas manifold satisfy at least one of the following conditions: (1) The resistance strength of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is A, and A satisfies: 400MPa≤A≤600MPa; (2) The yield strength of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is B, and B satisfies: 140MPa≤B≤180MPa; (3) The yield strength ratio of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is C, where C satisfies: 0.23≤B≤0.45; (4) The elongation of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is D, and D satisfies: 50% ≤ D ≤ 80%; (5) The hardness of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold is E, and E satisfies: 100Hv≤E≤120Hv; (6) The MD30 values ​​of the liquid manifold and the gas manifold satisfy: -50℃≤MD30≤-80℃.

34. The HVAC equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein, The outdoor unit includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator, an outdoor liquid-side connector, and an outdoor gas-side connector. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, and indoor gas-side connectors and indoor liquid-side connectors located on both sides of the indoor heat exchanger. The air pipe assembly is connected between the outdoor air-side connector and the indoor air-side connector; The liquid pipe assembly is connected between the outdoor liquid-side connector and the indoor liquid-side connector.

35. The HVAC equipment as described in claim 34, wherein, The number of indoor units is multiple; The liquid pipe assembly includes a liquid branch pipe that connects multiple indoor units and an outdoor unit, and is configured to divert the liquid working fluid of the outdoor unit to multiple indoor units. The gas duct assembly includes a gas branch pipe, which connects multiple indoor units and an outdoor unit, and is configured to combine the working gas of the multiple indoor units to the outdoor unit. Wherein, the portion of the liquid pipe assembly between the liquid manifold and the outdoor liquid-side connector is made of steel pipe and / or the portion of the gas pipe assembly between the gas manifold and the outdoor gas-side connector is made of steel pipe, and the gas manifold and / or the liquid manifold are made of steel pipe.

36. The HVAC equipment as described in any one of claims 1-35, wherein, The steel pipe includes stainless steel pipe.

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