Multi-split air conditioning system

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application is a multi-split air conditioning system (100), comprising an air conditioning system (110), a hot water system (120), a regulating unit (130) and a controller (71), which are connected to each other, wherein the air conditioning system (110) is provided with a refrigerant circulation loop, the hot water system (120) comprises a water tank branch (220), and the controller (71) controls, in response to a control instruction, the multi-split air conditioning system (100) to operate in different operating modes. By means of controlling the state of the regulating unit (130), the switched-on / switched-off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch (220) is regulated, and the switched-on / switched-off state between an outdoor heat exchanger (2) and an indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop is regulated, such that a refrigerant not involved in heat exchange in at least one of the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch (220) returns to a compressor (1) on the basis of a pressure difference between the flow path where the refrigerant is located and an inlet of the compressor (1), thereby avoiding refrigerant retention, ensuring the refrigerant amount during the operation of the air conditioning system (110), and improving the refrigeration efficiency.

Description

Multi-split air conditioning system

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202510095928.0, filed on January 21, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a multi-split air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0003] A multi-split air conditioning system is a type of central air conditioning system, commonly known as "one-to-many," referring to a system where one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units. Typically, when a multi-split air conditioning system is operating in water heater heating mode, it can utilize excess waste heat from the air conditioning system to heat the water heater.

[0004] However, when the system only has air conditioning demand and no hot water demand, some refrigerant will remain in the heat exchanger branch of the water heater, resulting in insufficient refrigerant in the actual operating system, thus affecting the performance of the air conditioning system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes a multi-split air conditioning system, which can operate in different working modes; at the same time, it can allow refrigerant that does not participate in heat exchange in the refrigerant circulation loop and / or water tank branch to flow back to the compressor based on the pressure difference between the flow path and the compressor inlet, thereby avoiding refrigerant retention, ensuring the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system, and thus helping to improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a multi-split air conditioning system is provided, comprising: an air conditioning system including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor electronic expansion valve, an expansion valve assembly, an indoor heat exchanger assembly, a shut-off valve assembly, and a four-way valve; the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor electronic expansion valve, the expansion valve assembly, the indoor heat exchanger assembly, the shut-off valve assembly, and the four-way valve form a refrigerant circulation loop to allow refrigerant to circulate within the refrigerant circulation loop; and a hot water system connected to the air conditioning system, comprising: a water tank; a water tank heat exchanger disposed on the water tank; and a water tank branch line, the water tank heat exchanger being connected to the refrigerant circulation loop via the water tank branch line; when the water tank heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop can circulate through the water tank branch line. The refrigerant flows through the water tank heat exchanger for heat exchange, so that the water tank heat exchanger heats the water in the water tank; an adjustment unit is connected to the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch respectively; a controller is connected to the adjustment unit, and the controller is configured to: respond to control commands, control the multi-split air conditioning system to operate in different working modes, and in different working modes, control the state of the adjustment unit, thereby adjusting the on / off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch, and adjusting the on / off state between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the refrigerant that does not participate in heat exchange in at least one of the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch flows back to the compressor based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the compressor inlet.

[0007] The multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment has a controller that responds to control commands and controls the multi-split air conditioning system to operate in different working modes. In different working modes, the controller controls the state of the regulating unit, thereby adjusting the on / off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch, as well as the on / off state between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop. This allows refrigerant that does not participate in heat exchange in at least one of the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch to flow back to the compressor based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the compressor inlet. This avoids refrigerant stagnation, ensures the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system, and thus helps to improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0008] Additional aspects and features of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and / or additional aspects and features of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-split air conditioning system according to some embodiments of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-split air conditioning system according to some embodiments of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a hot water system according to some embodiments of this application;

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a controller according to some embodiments of this application;

[0014] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-split air conditioning system according to some embodiments of this application;

[0015] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioning system according to some embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adjustment unit according to some embodiments of this application;

[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in a refrigeration mode according to some embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in a heating mode according to some embodiments of this application;

[0019] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow in a water tank individual heating mode according to some embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow in a first refrigeration and water tank heating mode according to some embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow in a second refrigeration and water tank heating mode according to some embodiments of this application;

[0022] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow in the heating and water tank heating modes according to some embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot water system according to some embodiments of this application. Embodiments of the present invention

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-split air conditioning system according to some embodiments of the present application. According to one embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 1, a multi-split air conditioning system 100 is provided, which includes an air conditioning system 110, a hot water system 120, a regulating unit 130, and a controller 71.

[0028] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 110 includes a compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger 2, an outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, an expansion valve assembly, an indoor heat exchanger assembly, a shut-off valve assembly, and a four-way valve 4. The compressor 1, outdoor heat exchanger 2, outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, expansion valve assembly, indoor heat exchanger assembly, shut-off valve assembly, and four-way valve 4 form a refrigerant circulation loop, in which the refrigerant undergoes a refrigeration cycle. Refrigerant, commonly known as refrigerant or refrigerant fluid, is the working medium used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems to transfer heat and achieve cooling or heating. Through its own phase change process, it circulates and absorbs and releases heat in the system, thereby achieving the purpose of temperature regulation.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the first port of the four-way valve 4 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 1, the second port of the four-way valve 4 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the third port of the four-way valve 4 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger assembly, and the fourth port of the four-way valve 4 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1. The expansion valve assembly includes multiple first electronic expansion valves 6 connected in parallel. One end of each first electronic expansion valve 6 is connected to one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, and the other end of each first electronic expansion valve 6 is connected to one end of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger 5. The shut-off valve assembly includes multiple first shut-off valves 7 and multiple second shut-off valves 8 connected in parallel. One end of each first shut-off valve 7 is connected to the third port of the four-way valve 4, and the other end of each first shut-off valve 7 is connected to the other end of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger 5; one end of each second shut-off valve 8 is connected to one end of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger 5, and the other end of each second shut-off valve 8 is connected to the other end of the corresponding first electronic expansion valve 6.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first port of the four-way valve 4 (i.e., the upper port of the four-way valve 4 in Figure 2) is connected to the outlet of the compressor 1, the second port of the four-way valve 4 (i.e., the right port of the four-way valve 4 in Figure 2) is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the third port of the four-way valve 4 (i.e., the left port of the four-way valve 4 in Figure 2) is connected to the indoor heat exchanger assembly, and the fourth port of the four-way valve 4 (i.e., the lower port of the four-way valve 4 in Figure 2) is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1.

[0031] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment can adjust the flow rate of refrigerant into or out of the indoor heat exchanger group and control the on / off state of the inflow into the indoor heat exchanger group through the expansion valve group, thereby facilitating the control of the multi-split air conditioning system 100.

[0032] The expansion valve assembly includes multiple first electronic expansion valves 6 connected in parallel. For example, the expansion valve assembly in Figure 2 includes three first electronic expansion valves 6 connected in parallel. The indoor heat exchanger assembly includes multiple indoor heat exchangers 5 connected in parallel. For example, the indoor heat exchanger assembly in Figure 2 includes three indoor heat exchangers 5 connected in parallel. The shut-off valve assembly includes multiple first shut-off valves 7 and multiple second shut-off valves 8 connected in parallel. For example, the shut-off valve assembly in Figure 2 includes three first shut-off valves 7 and three second shut-off valves 8 connected in parallel. It should be noted that the quantities shown in Figure 2 are merely illustrative, and the number of first electronic expansion valves 6, indoor heat exchangers 5, first shut-off valves 7, and second shut-off valves 8 can also be other numbers.

[0033] In some embodiments, the number of indoor heat exchanger groups corresponds to the number of expansion valve groups, and the number of indoor heat exchanger groups corresponds to the number of shut-off valve groups, that is, the number of indoor heat exchangers 5, first electronic expansion valves 6, first shut-off valves 7 and second shut-off valves 8 are the same.

[0034] In some embodiments, the air conditioning system 110 is a multi-split air conditioning system, commonly known as a "multi-split air conditioner" or "multi-split air conditioner," which is a common type of central air conditioning system. Its core feature is that one outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units.

[0035] In some embodiments, the hot water system 120 is connected to the air conditioning system 110. As shown in FIG3, the hot water system 120 includes: a water tank 20, a water tank heat exchanger 21, and a water tank branch line 22. The water tank heat exchanger 21 is disposed on the water tank 20, for example, wound around the water tank 20; the water tank heat exchanger 21 is connected to the refrigerant circulation loop of the air conditioning system 110 through the water tank branch line 22.

[0036] The water tank branch 22 includes a first water tank branch 221 and a second water tank branch 222. One end of the first water tank branch 221 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 1, and the other end of the first water tank branch 221 is connected to one end of the water tank heat exchanger 21. One end of the second water tank branch 222 is connected to the other end of the water tank heat exchanger 21, and the other end of the second water tank branch 222 is connected to one end of the expansion valve assembly and one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3. When the water tank heat exchanger 21 is used as a condenser, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop can flow through the water tank branch 22 through the water tank heat exchanger 21 for heat exchange, so that the water tank heat exchanger 21 heats the water in the water tank 20.

[0037] In some embodiments, the water tank heat exchanger 21 can be used as a condenser. The refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop flows through the water tank branch 22 and passes through the water tank heat exchanger 21 for heat exchange, so that the water tank heat exchanger 21 heats the water in the water tank 20.

[0038] In some embodiments, the regulating unit 130 is connected to the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch 22. By controlling the state of the regulating unit 130, the on / off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch 22, as well as the on / off state between the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop, can be controlled.

[0039] In some embodiments, the regulating unit 130 includes a plurality of solenoid valves.

[0040] In some embodiments, controller 71 is connected to regulating unit 130. Controller 71 is configured to: control the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in different working modes in response to control commands; and in different working modes, control the state of each component in regulating unit 130, thereby controlling the on / off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch 22, as well as the on / off state between the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop. This allows refrigerant that does not participate in heat exchange in at least one of the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch to flow back to compressor 1 based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the inlet of compressor 1. This avoids refrigerant stagnation, ensures the amount of refrigerant in the air conditioning system 110 during operation, and thus helps improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0041] In some embodiments, the operator can send control commands via a terminal to cause the controller 71 to control the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in different working modes. These working modes may include, for example, a cooling mode, a heating mode, a water tank-only heating mode, a first cooling and water tank heating mode, a second cooling and water tank heating mode, and a heating and water tank heating mode. In the first cooling and water tank heating mode, the heat recovery rate is lower than that in the second cooling and water tank heating mode; that is, the first cooling and water tank heating mode is an incomplete heat recovery mode, with lower thermal efficiency but higher energy saving. The second cooling and water tank heating mode is a complete heat recovery mode, with higher thermal efficiency but lower energy saving.

[0042] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment includes an air conditioning system 110, a hot water system 120, a regulating unit 130, and a controller 71 connected to each other. The hot water system 120 can be used as a condenser. The controller 71 responds to control commands and controls the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in different working modes, enriching the working modes of the multi-split air conditioning system 100 and improving the intelligence of the multi-split air conditioning system. At the same time, the controller 71 controls the state of each component in the regulating unit 130 in different working modes, thereby adjusting the on / off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch, as well as adjusting the on / off state between the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop. This allows the refrigerant that does not participate in heat exchange in at least one of the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch to flow back to the compressor 1 based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This avoids refrigerant stagnation and ensures that the air conditioning system 110 has sufficient refrigerant charge during operation, thereby helping to improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, controller 71 refers to a device that can generate operation control signals based on instruction opcodes and timing signals to instruct electrical equipment to execute control commands. For example, in response to a received power-on or power-off command from a user, controller 71 can perform an operation related to the object selected by the power-on or power-off command.

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a controller according to some embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 4, the controller 71 includes a processor 83. In some embodiments, the controller 71 may further include a memory 82 and a communication interface 84 connected to the processor 83. The processor 83, the memory 82, and the communication interface 84 are connected via a bus 81.

[0045] Processor 83 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. Processor 83 can also be any other device with processing capabilities, such as a circuit, device, or software module. Processor 83 can also include multiple CPUs, and processor 83 can be a single-core processor or a multi-core processor. Here, processor 83 can refer to one or more devices, circuits, or processing cores used for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0046] The memory 82 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM), or other types of dynamic storage devices capable of storing information and instructions. It can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer. This application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this. The memory 82 can exist independently or be integrated with the processor 83. The memory 82 may contain computer program code. The processor 83 is used to execute the computer program code stored in the memory 82, thereby implementing the control method for the electrical equipment provided in this application embodiment.

[0047] The communication interface 84 can be a communication interface for other devices or communication networks (such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area networks (WLAN), etc.), or it can be a module, circuit, transceiver, or any device capable of communication.

[0048] Bus 81 can be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 81 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one line is used to represent it in Figure 4, but this does not mean that there is only one bus 81 or only one type of bus 81.

[0049] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a multi-split air conditioning system according to some embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the multi-split air conditioning system 100 includes multiple indoor units 101 and one outdoor unit 102. The indoor units 101 and the outdoor unit 102 can be configured as an integrated unit or a split unit. The indoor units 101 can be configured as wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, ducted, or other types, and the indoor units 101 are installed on the top or ceiling of the room.

[0050] Referring to Figure 5, taking the wall-mounted indoor unit 101 as an example, the wall-mounted indoor unit 101 is usually installed on the indoor wall or other locations.

[0051] Taking the indoor unit 101 and the outdoor unit 102 as a split unit as an example, the multi-split air conditioning system 100 includes multiple indoor units 101 and one outdoor unit 102. The outdoor unit 102 is usually installed outdoors and is used for heat exchange in the indoor environment.

[0052] Furthermore, the multi-split air conditioning system 100 includes a controller 71 to control the operation of various components within the internal air conditioning system 110, enabling each component of the air conditioning system 110 to perform its predetermined functions. The multi-split air conditioning system 100 also includes a control device 200, as shown in Figure 5. For example, the control device 200 can be a remote control, which has the function of communicating with the controller 71, for example, using infrared or other communication methods. The remote control is used by the user to control various aspects of the air conditioning system 110, enabling interaction between the user and the air conditioning system 110.

[0053] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 1 of the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is usually installed at the top or upper part of the room. Generally, the installation height of the indoor unit 1 is higher than the user's activity area. The indoor unit 1 includes a return air vent and an air outlet that communicate with the room. Indoor air passes through the return air vent into the indoor unit 1 and flows back into the room through the air outlet.

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to some embodiments of this application. The air conditioning system 110 is used to exchange heat with indoor air to meet cooling or heating needs.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG6, the air conditioning system 110 includes a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 110 performs a cooling or heating cycle by using the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and outdoor heat exchanger. D represents the compressor discharge port, which discharges high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas; S represents the compressor suction port, which draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas; E is typically the interface connecting to the indoor heat exchanger and plays an important role in switching between cooling and heating; C is generally the interface connecting to the outdoor heat exchanger and is used for controlling the refrigerant circulation direction in the system.

[0056] In cooling mode, the compressor first compresses the refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state, which is then discharged into the four-way valve through port D (compressor discharge port). At this time, the internal passage of the four-way valve connects D and C, and E and S. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger (which acts as a condenser at this time) through port C. In the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat to the outside air and condenses from a gaseous state into a high-pressure liquid state. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the expansion valve, where it is throttled and depressurized into a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. This gas-liquid mixture enters the indoor heat exchanger (which acts as an evaporator at this time), where it absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates into a gaseous state. The gaseous refrigerant returns to the four-way valve through port E, and is then drawn into the compressor through port S (compressor suction port), completing the refrigeration cycle.

[0057] In heating mode, the compressor discharges high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which enters the four-way valve through port D. At this time, the internal passages of the four-way valve connect D and E, and C and S. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger (acting as a condenser) through port E. In the indoor heat exchanger, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air, condensing into a liquid state. The released heat raises the indoor temperature, achieving heating. The liquid refrigerant is then throttled and depressurized by the expansion valve, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture. This gas-liquid mixture enters the outdoor heat exchanger (acting as an evaporator), where it absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates into a gaseous state. The gaseous refrigerant returns to the four-way valve through port C, and is then drawn into the compressor through port S, completing the heating cycle.

[0058] It should be noted that the compressor in the air conditioning system 110 shown in Figure 6 can be the compressor 1 in Figure 2, the outdoor heat exchanger can be the outdoor heat exchanger 2 in Figure 2, the four-way valve can be the four-way valve 4 in Figure 2, the indoor heat exchanger can be the indoor heat exchanger 5 in Figure 2, and the expansion valve can be the first electronic expansion valve 6 in Figure 2.

[0059] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, outdoor unit 102 refers to an important component of the cooling and heating cycle, including compressor 1 and outdoor heat exchanger 2, while indoor unit 101 includes indoor heat exchanger 5. The expansion valve can be installed in either indoor unit 101 or outdoor unit 102, depending on design requirements.

[0060] In this embodiment, the refrigerant circulation loop allows the refrigerant to circulate within a circuit consisting of a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. One of the condenser and evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger 2, and the other is an indoor heat exchanger 5. The indoor heat exchanger 5 exchanges heat with the air inside the indoor unit 101, and the outdoor heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat with the outdoor air, thereby fulfilling the cooling or heating requirements of the air conditioning system 110.

[0061] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 101 further includes an indoor fan, which is disposed near the return air vent or the air outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 5, for delivering the heat-exchanged air into the room. The indoor fan includes multiple speed settings, which can be used to change the airflow speed at the air outlet.

[0062] In some embodiments, a guide vane is provided at the air outlet. The guide vane adjusts the outflow direction of the air flowing through the air outlet by changing its relative rotation angle with the air outlet, thereby affecting the indoor air temperature stratification.

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustment unit according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, in some embodiments of the present application, the adjustment unit 130 includes a first switch assembly 131, a second switch assembly 132, a first throttling control assembly 133, a second throttling control assembly 134, a flow adjustment assembly 135, and a third switch assembly 136.

[0064] One end of the first switching assembly 131 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 1, and the other end is connected to the first port of the four-way valve 4. The first switching assembly 131 is used to control the on / off state between the outlet of the compressor 1 and the refrigerant circulation loop. The second switching assembly 132 is located on the first water tank branch 221. One end of the second switching assembly 132 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 1, and the other end is connected to one end of the water tank heat exchanger 21. The second switching assembly 132 is used to control the on / off state between the first water tank branch 221 and the refrigerant circulation loop. One end of the first throttling control assembly 133 is connected to the first water tank branch 221, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1 and the fourth port of the four-way valve 4. The first throttling control assembly 133 is used to control the refrigerant in the water tank branch 221 to either flow back to or not flow back to the compressor 1 based on its own on / off state. One end of the second throttling control assembly 134 is connected to the refrigerant circulation loop. The other end of the throttling control component 134 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1 and the fourth interface of the four-way valve 4. The second throttling control component 134 is used to allow the refrigerant in at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the indoor heat exchanger group to flow back or not flow back to the compressor 1 through its own on / off state. The flow regulating component 135 is set on the second water tank branch 222. One end of the flow regulating component 135 is connected to the other end of the water tank heat exchanger 21, and the other end of the flow regulating component 135 is connected to one end of the expansion valve group and one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3. The flow regulating component 135 is used to regulate the refrigerant flow rate out of the water tank heat exchanger 21. One end of the third switch component 136 is connected to one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, and the other end of the third switch component 136 is connected to one end of the expansion valve group and one end of the flow regulating component 135. The third switch component 136 is used to control the on / off state between the indoor heat exchanger group and the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and to control the on / off state between the second water tank branch 222 and the outdoor heat exchanger 2.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first switching assembly 131 is the gas solenoid valve 9 in FIG2, and the two ends of the gas solenoid valve 9 are respectively connected to the outlet of the compressor 1 and the first interface of the four-way valve 4. The first switching assembly 131 is used to control the on / off state between the outlet of the compressor 1 and the refrigerant circulation loop.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second switching assembly 132 comprises a first solenoid valve 10 and a third shut-off valve 11 connected in series on the first water tank branch 221 in FIG. 2. One end of the first solenoid valve 10 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 1, and the other end of the first solenoid valve 10 is connected to one end of the third shut-off valve 11. The other end of the third shut-off valve 11 is connected to one end of the water tank heat exchanger 21. The second switching assembly 132 is used to control the on / off state between the first water tank branch 221 and the refrigerant circulation loop.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first throttling control component 133 is a first capillary tube 12 and a second solenoid valve 13 connected in series in FIG2. One end of the first capillary tube 12 is connected to the first water tank branch 221, and the other end of the first capillary tube 12 is connected to one end of the second solenoid valve 13. The other end of the second solenoid valve 13 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1 and the fourth interface of the four-way valve 4. The first throttling control component 133 is used to allow the refrigerant in the water tank branch 22 to flow back to or not flow back to the compressor 1 by its own on / off state.

[0068] In some embodiments, the second throttling control assembly 134 comprises a second capillary tube 14 and a third solenoid valve 15 connected in series in FIG2. One end of the second capillary tube 14 is connected to the other end of the gas solenoid valve 9 and the first interface of the four-way valve 4, and the other end of the second capillary tube 14 is connected to one end of the third solenoid valve 15. The other end of the third solenoid valve 15 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1 and the fourth interface of the four-way valve 4. The second throttling control assembly 134 is used to control the refrigerant flow back or not back to the compressor 1 in at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the indoor heat exchanger assembly by its own on / off state.

[0069] In some embodiments, the flow regulating assembly 135 comprises a second electronic expansion valve 16 and a fourth shut-off valve 17 connected in series on the second water tank branch 222 in FIG. 2. One end of the fourth shut-off valve 17 is connected to the other end of the water tank heat exchanger 21, and the other end of the fourth shut-off valve 17 is connected to one end of the second electronic expansion valve 16. The other end of the second electronic expansion valve 16 is connected to one end of the expansion valve assembly and one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3. The flow regulating assembly 135 is used to regulate the refrigerant flow rate out of the water tank heat exchanger 21.

[0070] In some embodiments, the third switching assembly 136 is the liquid solenoid valve 18 in FIG2, and the two ends of the liquid solenoid valve 18 are respectively connected to the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, the expansion valve group, and the flow regulating assembly 135. The third switching assembly 136 is used to control the on / off state between the indoor heat exchanger group and the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and to control the on / off state between the second water tank branch 222 and the outdoor heat exchanger 2.

[0071] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment, through the cooperation of the first switch assembly 131, the second switch assembly 132, the first throttling control assembly 133, the second throttling control assembly 134, the flow regulating assembly 135, and the third switch assembly 136, enables the regulating unit 130 to regulate the on / off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch 22, as well as the on / off state between the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop, thereby facilitating the control of the multi-split air conditioning system 100.

[0072] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment has all valves centrally located in the outdoor unit module of the air conditioning system 110, while the indoor unit module of the air conditioning system 110 only contains the indoor heat exchanger 5. The indoor unit can significantly reduce mechanical noise and operating vibration, thereby effectively reducing the indoor noise level.

[0073] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in a refrigeration mode according to some embodiments of this application.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8, in some embodiments, when controlling the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in cooling mode in response to a control command, the controller 71 is configured to: control the first and second ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open, and control the third and fourth ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open; control the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3 to be fully open; control multiple first electronic expansion valves 6 to be open; control the gas solenoid valve 9 to be fully open; control the first solenoid valve 10 to be closed; control the liquid solenoid valve 18 to be fully open; control the second electronic expansion valve 16 to be closed; control the second solenoid valve 13 to be open; and control the third solenoid valve 15 to be closed.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is operating in cooling mode, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 1 and flows sequentially through the gas solenoid valve 9, the four-way valve 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, the liquid solenoid valve 18, multiple first electronic expansion valves 6, multiple second shut-off valves 8, multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, multiple first shut-off valves 7 and the four-way valve 4 before flowing back into the compressor 1 to complete the refrigerant cycle.

[0076] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is operating in cooling mode, since the hot water system 120 is not involved, refrigerant is retained in the water tank branch 22. The refrigerant retained in the water tank branch 22 flows back to the compressor 1 through the first capillary tube 12 and the second solenoid valve 13 based on the pressure difference between the flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This can prevent refrigerant retention, ensure the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system 110, and thus help improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0077] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment, in response to a control command, controls the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in cooling mode. When the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is controlled to operate in cooling mode, the controller 71 controls the corresponding valve to open, so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and multiple indoor heat exchangers 5. The refrigerant in the water tank branch 22 that does not participate in heat exchange flows back to the compressor 1 based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This can avoid refrigerant stagnation, ensure the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system 110, and thus help improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0078] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction in the heating mode according to some embodiments of this application.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, in some embodiments, when controlling the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in heating mode in response to a control command, the controller 71 is configured to: control the first and third ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open, and control the second and fourth ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open; control the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3 to be open; control multiple first electronic expansion valves 6 to be open; control the gas solenoid valve 9 to be fully open; control the first solenoid valve 10 to be closed; control the liquid solenoid valve 18 to be fully open; control the second electronic expansion valve 16 to be closed; control the second solenoid valve 13 to be open; and control the third solenoid valve 15 to be closed.

[0080] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is operating in heating mode, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 1 and flows sequentially through the gas solenoid valve 9, the four-way valve 4, multiple first shut-off valves 7, multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, multiple second shut-off valves 8, multiple first electronic expansion valves 6, the liquid solenoid valve 18, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and the four-way valve 4 before flowing back into the compressor 1 to complete the refrigerant circulation.

[0081] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is operating in heating mode, since the hot water system 120 is not involved, refrigerant is retained in the water tank branch 22. The refrigerant retained in the water tank branch 22 flows back to the compressor 1 through the first capillary tube 12 and the second solenoid valve 13 based on the pressure difference between the flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This can prevent refrigerant retention, ensure the amount of refrigerant in the air conditioning system 110 during operation, and thus help improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0082] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment, when controlled to operate in heating mode in response to a control command, the controller 71 controls the corresponding valve to open, so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through multiple indoor heat exchangers 5 and outdoor heat exchangers 2, and the refrigerant in the water tank branch 22 that does not participate in heat exchange flows back to the compressor 1 based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This can avoid refrigerant stagnation, ensure the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system 110, and thus help improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0083] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow in a water tank individual heating mode according to some embodiments of this application.

[0084] As shown in Figure 10, in some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is controlled to operate in a separate water tank heating mode in response to a control command, the controller 71 is configured to: control the first and third ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open, and control the second and fourth ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open; control the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3 to be open; control multiple first electronic expansion valves 6 to be closed; control the gas solenoid valve 9 to be closed; control the first solenoid valve 10 to be fully open; control the liquid solenoid valve 18 to be fully open; control the second electronic expansion valve 16 to be fully open; control the second solenoid valve 13 to be closed; and control the third solenoid valve 15 to be open.

[0085] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 operates in the water tank individual heating mode, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 1 and flows sequentially through the first solenoid valve 10, the third shut-off valve 11, the water tank heat exchanger 21, the fourth shut-off valve 17, the second electronic expansion valve 16, the liquid solenoid valve 18, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and the four-way valve 4 before flowing back into the compressor 1 to complete the refrigerant circulation.

[0086] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 operates in the water tank individual heating mode, since multiple indoor heat exchangers 5 are not involved, refrigerant remains in the refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant remaining in the refrigerant circulation loop flows back to the compressor 1 through the second capillary tube 14 and the third solenoid valve 15 based on the pressure difference between the flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This can prevent refrigerant retention, ensure the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system 110, and thus help improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0087] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment, when controlled by a control command to operate in a separate water tank heating mode, the controller 71 controls the corresponding valve to open, so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the water tank heat exchanger 21 and the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and the refrigerant that does not participate in heat exchange in the refrigerant circulation loop flows back to the compressor 1 based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This can avoid refrigerant stagnation, ensure the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system 110, and thus help improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0088] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow in a first refrigeration and water tank heating mode according to some embodiments of this application.

[0089] As shown in Figure 11, in some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is controlled to operate in a first cooling and water tank heating mode in response to a control command, the controller 71 is configured to: control the first and second ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open, and control the third and fourth ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open; control the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3 to be fully open; control multiple first electronic expansion valves 6 to be open; control the gas solenoid valve 9 to be fully open; control the first solenoid valve 10 to be fully open; control the liquid solenoid valve 18 to be fully open; control the second electronic expansion valve 16 to be fully open; control the second solenoid valve 13 to be closed; and control the third solenoid valve 15 to be closed.

[0090] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 operates in the first cooling and water tank heating mode, after the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 1, one path flows sequentially through the gas solenoid valve 9, the four-way valve 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, the liquid solenoid valve 18, multiple first electronic expansion valves 6, multiple second shut-off valves 8, multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, multiple first shut-off valves 7, and the four-way valve 4 before flowing back into the compressor 1. The other path flows sequentially through the first solenoid valve 10, the third shut-off valve 11, the water tank heat exchanger 21, the fourth shut-off valve 17, the second electronic expansion valve 16, multiple first electronic expansion valves 6, multiple second shut-off valves 8, multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, multiple first shut-off valves 7, and the four-way valve 4 before flowing back into the compressor 1, thus completing the refrigerant circulation.

[0091] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment, when controlled by a control command to operate in the first cooling and water tank heating mode, the controller 71 controls the corresponding valve to open, so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the water tank heat exchanger 21 and multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, and uses the heat generated during system operation to heat the water, organically combining cooling and hot water functions, which helps to improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0092] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow in a second refrigeration and water tank heating mode according to some embodiments of this application.

[0093] As shown in Figure 12, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is controlled to operate in the second cooling and water tank heating mode in response to a control command, the controller 71 is configured to: control the first and second interfaces of the four-way valve 4 to be open, and control the third and fourth interfaces of the four-way valve 4 to be open; control the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3 to be closed; control multiple first electronic expansion valves 6 to be open; control the gas solenoid valve 9 to be closed; control the first solenoid valve 10 to be fully open; control the liquid solenoid valve 18 to be closed; control the second electronic expansion valve 16 to be fully open; control the second solenoid valve 13 to be closed; and control the third solenoid valve 15 to be open.

[0094] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 operates in the second cooling and water tank heating mode, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 1 and sequentially passes through the first solenoid valve 10, the third shut-off valve 11, the water tank heat exchanger 21, the fourth shut-off valve 17, the second electronic expansion valve 16, multiple first electronic expansion valves 6, multiple second shut-off valves 8, multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, multiple first shut-off valves 7, and the four-way valve 4 before flowing back into the compressor 1, completing the refrigerant cycle. It can be seen that in the second cooling and water tank heating mode, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the water tank heat exchanger 21 and multiple indoor heat exchangers 5. Compared to the first cooling and water tank heating mode, where the refrigerant flows sequentially through the outdoor heat exchanger 2, the water tank heat exchanger 21, and multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, the refrigerant in the second cooling and water tank heating mode does not need to flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 2, reducing heat loss. Therefore, the heat recovery rate in the second cooling and water tank heating mode is higher than that in the first cooling and water tank heating mode.

[0095] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 operates in the second cooling and water tank heating mode, since the outdoor heat exchanger 2 is not involved, refrigerant remains in the refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant remaining in the refrigerant circulation loop flows back to the compressor 1 through the second capillary tube 14 and the third solenoid valve 15 based on the pressure difference between the flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This can prevent refrigerant retention, ensure the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system 110, and thus help improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0096] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment, when responding to a control command to control the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in the second cooling and water tank heating mode, the controller 71 controls the corresponding valve to open, so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the water tank heat exchanger 21 and multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, using the heat generated during system operation to heat the water, organically combining cooling and hot water functions, which helps to improve energy utilization efficiency. In addition, the refrigerant that does not participate in heat exchange in the refrigerant circulation loop flows back to the compressor 1 based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1, thereby avoiding refrigerant stagnation, ensuring the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system 110, and thus helping to improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0097] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow in the heating and water tank heating modes according to some embodiments of this application.

[0098] As shown in Figure 13, in some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is controlled to operate in heating and water tank heating modes in response to a control command, the controller 71 is configured to: control the first and third ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open, and control the second and fourth ports of the four-way valve 4 to be open; control the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3 to be open; control multiple first electronic expansion valves 6 to be open; control the gas solenoid valve 9 to be fully open; control the first solenoid valve 10 to be fully open; control the liquid solenoid valve 18 to be fully open; control the second electronic expansion valve 16 to be open; control the second solenoid valve 13 to be closed; and control the third solenoid valve 15 to be closed.

[0099] In some embodiments, when the multi-split air conditioning system 100 is operating in heating and water tank heating modes, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 1 and flows sequentially through the gas solenoid valve 9, the four-way valve 4, multiple first shut-off valves 7, multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, multiple second shut-off valves 8, multiple first electronic expansion valves 6, the liquid solenoid valve 18, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and the four-way valve 4 before flowing back into the compressor 1. Another path flows sequentially through the first solenoid valve 10, the third shut-off valve 11, the water tank heat exchanger 21, the fourth shut-off valve 17, the second electronic expansion valve 16, the liquid solenoid valve 18, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 2, and the four-way valve 4 before flowing back into the compressor 1, thus completing the refrigerant circulation.

[0100] The multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in this application embodiment, when responding to a control command and controlling the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in heating and water tank heating modes, the controller 71 controls the corresponding valves to open, so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through multiple indoor heat exchangers 5, water tank heat exchangers 21 and outdoor heat exchangers 2, and uses the heat generated during system operation to heat the water, organically combining heating and hot water functions, which helps to improve energy utilization efficiency.

[0101] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hot water system according to some embodiments of this application.

[0102] As shown in Figure 14, in some embodiments, the hot water system 120 includes an inlet 121, an outlet 122, and an air vent 123. An inlet valve 124 is installed on the inlet 121. The hot water system 120 also includes a high-pressure sensor 125 and a water level sensor 126. The high-pressure sensor 125 detects the pressure inside the water tank 20, and the water level sensor 126 detects the water level inside the water tank 20. The hot water system 120 also includes an electric auxiliary heating device 127, which uses electrical energy to heat the water in the water tank 20. The air vent 123 is used to expel air from the hot water system 120.

[0103] In summary, the multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided according to some embodiments of this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0104] First, the multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided according to the embodiments of this application differs from conventional heat pump products in that a water tank branch 22 leading to the water tank 20 is added to the pipeline from the compressor 1 outlet to the four-way valve 4. This water tank branch 22 serves as part of the condenser for heating the water in the water tank 20, thus simultaneously meeting the needs of the air conditioning system 110 and the hot water system 120, organically combining cooling, heating, and domestic hot water functions. In practical applications, users no longer need to separately configure a gas water heater or an electric water heater, thereby saving equipment investment and space.

[0105] Secondly, the multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in the application embodiment can effectively use the heat released indoors to heat the water in the water tank 20 in the cooling mode, so as to realize the simultaneous operation of air conditioning cooling and hot water preparation without the need for additional electric heating, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency and reducing energy consumption, and helping users reduce operating costs.

[0106] Finally, the multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided in the embodiments of this application utilizes a capillary tube as a throttling device to efficiently recover refrigerant retained in branches that are not in operation, ensuring full recycling of the refrigerant, thereby improving system efficiency and preventing efficiency decline or abnormal operation caused by refrigerant retention.

[0107] In summary, the multi-split air conditioning system 100 provided according to the embodiments of this application includes an air conditioning system 110, a hot water system 120, and an regulating unit 130 connected to each other, as well as a controller 71. The hot water system 120 can be used as a condenser. The controller 71 responds to control commands and controls the multi-split air conditioning system 100 to operate in different working modes, thereby enriching the working modes of the multi-split air conditioning system 100 and improving its intelligence. At the same time, the controller 71 controls the state of each component in the regulating unit 130 in different working modes, thereby adjusting the on / off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch 22, as well as adjusting the on / off state between the outdoor heat exchanger 2 and the indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop and / or the water tank branch that does not participate in heat exchange flows back to the compressor 1 based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the inlet of the compressor 1. This can avoid refrigerant stagnation, ensure the amount of refrigerant during the operation of the air conditioning system 110, and thus help improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 110.

[0108] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0109] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-split air conditioning system, comprising: An air conditioning system, comprising a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor electronic expansion valve, an expansion valve assembly, an indoor heat exchanger assembly, a shut-off valve assembly, and a four-way valve, wherein the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor electronic expansion valve, the expansion valve assembly, the indoor heat exchanger assembly, the shut-off valve assembly, and the four-way valve form a refrigerant circulation loop to allow refrigerant to circulate within the refrigerant circulation loop. A hot water system, connected to the air conditioning system, the hot water system comprising: Water tank; A water tank heat exchanger is installed on the water tank; Water tank branch, the water tank heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant circulation loop through the water tank branch; When the water tank heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation loop can flow through the water tank branch through the water tank heat exchanger to exchange heat, so that the water tank heat exchanger heats the water in the water tank. The regulating unit is connected to the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch respectively; A controller, connected to the regulating unit, is configured to: In response to control commands, the multi-split air conditioning system is controlled to operate in different working modes. In different working modes, the state of the regulating unit is controlled, thereby controlling the on / off state between the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch, as well as the on / off state between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger group in the refrigerant circulation loop, so that the refrigerant that does not participate in heat exchange in at least one of the refrigerant circulation loop and the water tank branch flows back to the compressor based on the pressure difference between its flow path and the compressor inlet.

2. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the water tank branch includes: First water tank branch and second water tank branch; wherein, one end of the first water tank branch is connected to the outlet of the compressor, the other end of the first water tank branch is connected to one end of the water tank heat exchanger, one end of the second water tank branch is connected to the other end of the water tank heat exchanger, and the other end of the second water tank branch is connected to one end of the expansion valve assembly and one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve.

3. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein, The first port of the four-way valve is connected to the outlet of the compressor, the second port of the four-way valve is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the third port of the four-way valve is connected to the indoor heat exchanger assembly, and the fourth port of the four-way valve is connected to the inlet of the compressor.

4. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein, The shut-off valve assembly includes: a plurality of first shut-off valves connected in parallel and a plurality of second shut-off valves connected in parallel; One end of each first shut-off valve is connected to the third interface, and the other end of each first shut-off valve is connected to the other end of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger. One end of each second shut-off valve is connected to one end of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger, and the other end of each second shut-off valve is connected to the other end of the corresponding first electronic expansion valve.

5. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The expansion valve assembly includes: a plurality of first electronic expansion valves connected in parallel, one end of each first electronic expansion valve being connected to one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve, and the other end of each first electronic expansion valve being connected to one end of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger.

6. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein, The adjustment unit includes: A first switching assembly, one end of which is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the other end of which is connected to the first interface, is used to control the on / off state between the outlet of the compressor and the refrigerant circulation loop. A second switch assembly is disposed on the first water tank branch. One end of the second switch assembly is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the other end of the second switch assembly is connected to one end of the water tank heat exchanger. The second switch assembly is used to control the on / off state between the first water tank branch and the refrigerant circulation loop. The first throttling control component has one end connected to the first water tank branch and the other end connected to the compressor inlet and the fourth interface. The first throttling control component is used to control the refrigerant in the water tank branch to either flow back to or not flow back to the compressor by its own on / off state. The second throttling control component has one end connected to the refrigerant circulation loop and the other end connected to the compressor inlet and the fourth interface. The second throttling control component is used to allow the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger and / or indoor heat exchanger group to flow back or not flow back to the compressor by its own on / off state. A flow regulating component is installed on the path of the second water tank. One end of the flow regulating component is connected to the other end of the water tank heat exchanger, and the other end of the flow regulating component is connected to one end of the expansion valve assembly and one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve. The flow regulating component is used to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out of the water tank heat exchanger. The third switch assembly has one end connected to one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve, and the other end connected to one end of the expansion valve assembly and one end of the flow regulating assembly. The third switch assembly is used to control the on / off state between the indoor heat exchanger assembly and the outdoor heat exchanger, and to control the on / off state between the second water tank branch and the outdoor heat exchanger.

7. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 6, wherein, The first switching assembly includes a gas solenoid valve, one end of which is connected to the outlet of the compressor, and the other end of which is connected to the first interface.

8. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second switching assembly includes a first solenoid valve and a third shut-off valve connected in series on the first water tank branch, wherein one end of the first solenoid valve is connected to the outlet of the compressor, the other end of the first solenoid valve is connected to one end of the third shut-off valve, and the other end of the third shut-off valve is connected to one end of the water tank heat exchanger.

9. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 8, wherein, The first throttling control component includes: a first capillary tube and a second solenoid valve connected in series, wherein one end of the first capillary tube is connected to the first water tank branch, the other end of the first capillary tube is connected to one end of the second solenoid valve, and the other end of the second solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the compressor and the fourth interface.

10. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein, The second throttling control assembly includes: a second capillary tube and a third solenoid valve connected in series, wherein one end of the second capillary tube is connected to the other end of the gas solenoid valve and the first interface, the other end of the second capillary tube is connected to one end of the third solenoid valve, and the other end of the third solenoid valve is connected to the compressor inlet and the fourth interface.

11. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 10, wherein, The flow regulation component includes: a second electronic expansion valve and a fourth shut-off valve connected in series on the second water tank branch, wherein one end of the fourth shut-off valve is connected to the other end of the water tank heat exchanger, the other end of the fourth shut-off valve is connected to one end of the second electronic expansion valve, and the other end of the second electronic expansion valve is connected to one end of the expansion valve assembly and one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve.

12. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The third switching assembly includes: a liquid solenoid valve, one end of which is connected to one end of the outdoor electronic expansion valve, and the other end of which is connected to one end of the expansion valve assembly and one end of the flow regulating assembly.

13. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein, The operating mode includes a cooling mode; When responding to a control command and controlling the multi-split air conditioning system to operate in cooling mode, the controller is configured to: Controlling the first and second ports of the four-way valve to be connected, and controlling the third and fourth ports of the four-way valve to be connected; controlling the outdoor electronic expansion valve to be fully open; controlling multiple first electronic expansion valves to be open; controlling the gas solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the first solenoid valve to be closed; controlling the liquid solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the second electronic expansion valve to be closed; controlling the second solenoid valve to be open; controlling the third solenoid valve to be closed.

14. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein, The operating mode includes a heating mode; When responding to a control command and controlling the multi-split air conditioning system to operate in heating mode, the controller is configured to: Controlling the first and third ports of the four-way valve to be connected, and controlling the second and fourth ports of the four-way valve to be connected; controlling the outdoor electronic expansion valve to open; controlling multiple first electronic expansion valves to open; controlling the gas solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the first solenoid valve to close; controlling the liquid solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the second electronic expansion valve to close; controlling the second solenoid valve to open; controlling the third solenoid valve to close.

15. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein, The operating modes include a separate water tank heating mode; When the controller is configured to operate the multi-split air conditioning system in a separate water tank heating mode in response to a control command, the controller is configured to: Controlling the first and third ports of the four-way valve to be connected, and controlling the second and fourth ports of the four-way valve to be connected; controlling the outdoor electronic expansion valve to open; controlling multiple first electronic expansion valves to close; controlling the gas solenoid valve to close; controlling the first solenoid valve to fully open; controlling the liquid solenoid valve to fully open; controlling the second electronic expansion valve to fully open; controlling the second solenoid valve to close; controlling the third solenoid valve to open.

16. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein, The operating modes include a first cooling mode and a water tank heating mode; When responding to a control command to control the multi-split air conditioning system with heat recovery to operate in the first cooling and water tank heating mode, the controller is configured to: Controlling the first and second ports of the four-way valve to be connected, and controlling the third and fourth ports of the four-way valve to be connected; controlling the outdoor electronic expansion valve to be fully open; controlling multiple first electronic expansion valves to be open; controlling the gas solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the first solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the liquid solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the second electronic expansion valve to be fully open; controlling the second solenoid valve to be closed; controlling the third solenoid valve to be closed.

17. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein, The operating modes include a second cooling and water tank heating mode; When responding to a control command to control the multi-split air conditioning system with heat recovery to operate in the second cooling and water tank heating mode, the controller is configured to: Controlling the first and second ports of the four-way valve to be open, and controlling the third and fourth ports of the four-way valve to be open; controlling the outdoor electronic expansion valve to be closed; controlling multiple first electronic expansion valves to be open; controlling the gas solenoid valve to be closed; controlling the first solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the liquid solenoid valve to be closed; controlling the second electronic expansion valve to be fully open; controlling the second solenoid valve to be closed; controlling the third solenoid valve to be open.

18. The multi-split air conditioning system according to claim 12, wherein, The operating modes include heating and water tank heating modes; When responding to a control command to control the multi-split air conditioning system with heat recovery to operate in heating and water tank heating modes, the controller is configured to: Controlling the first and third ports of the four-way valve to be connected, and controlling the second and fourth ports of the four-way valve to be connected; controlling the outdoor electronic expansion valve to open; controlling multiple first electronic expansion valves to open; controlling the gas solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the first solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the liquid solenoid valve to be fully open; controlling the second electronic expansion valve to open; controlling the second solenoid valve to close; controlling the third solenoid valve to close.

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