WO2025247407A1 - Refrigerant switching device and air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a refrigerant switching device and an air conditioning system. The refrigerant switching device comprises a housing, a pipe structure, a support structure and a base plate; the housing is provided with an accommodation cavity; the pipe structure is configured to communicate an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and is at least partially located in the accommodation cavity; the support structure is located in the accommodation cavity, the support structure is connected to the housing and the pipe structure, and the support structure is configured to provide support for the pipe structure; the base plate is located below the pipe structure, and the base plate is detachably connected to the housing.

Description

Refrigerant switching device and air conditioning system

This application claims priority to the following Chinese patent applications:

The following applications were filed on May 31, 2024: Application No. 2024107052299, entitled "Refrigerant Switching Device and Air Conditioning System"; Application No. 202410703269X, entitled "Fixing Components for Piping Assemblies, Refrigerant Switching Device and HVAC System"; Application No. 2024212418559, entitled "Fixing Components for Piping Assemblies, Refrigerant Switching Device and HVAC System"; and Application No. 2024212418760, entitled "Refrigerant Switching Device and HVAC Equipment".

The full text of the aforementioned patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a refrigerant switching device and an air conditioning system.

Background Technology

In a multi-split air conditioning system, a refrigerant switching device is usually used to transfer refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units, allowing one outdoor unit to work with multiple indoor units at the same time. The refrigerant switching device generally includes a casing, piping structure, and chassis, with the chassis located below the piping structure.

However, in related technologies, the chassis is generally connected to the pipeline structure to provide support for the pipeline structure. When the chassis needs to be disassembled, the pipeline structure needs to be disassembled together with the chassis, which makes the disassembly of the chassis inconvenient.

Summary of the Invention

This application provides a refrigerant switching device and an air conditioning system, which allows for separate disassembly of the chassis, making chassis disassembly more convenient.

In a first aspect, this application provides a refrigerant switching device, including a housing having a receiving cavity;

A piping structure, wherein the piping structure is configured to connect the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and is at least partially located within the receiving cavity;

A support structure, located within the receiving cavity, is connected to the housing and the piping structure, and is configured to provide support for the piping structure; and...

The chassis is located below the pipeline structure and is detachably connected to the housing.

In some embodiments of this application, the bottom of the housing is provided with a first opening communicating with the receiving cavity, and the chassis is configured to open and close the first opening, with at least a portion of the pipeline structure exposed outside the receiving cavity through the first opening.

In some embodiments of this application, a water receiving trough is provided on the chassis.

In some embodiments of this application, the pipeline structure includes a liquid pipeline module and a gas pipeline module. The support structure extends along a first direction and includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart. The first beam is configured to support the liquid pipeline module, and the second beam is configured to support the gas pipeline module.

In some embodiments of this application, at least two of the first beam and the second beam are provided, and at least one of the first beam and at least one of the second beam are arranged at intervals along a second direction, wherein the second direction, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

In some embodiments of this application, the housing includes a top cover and a peripheral side plate located between the top cover and the chassis. The peripheral side plate includes two supporting side plates, a first side plate, and a second side plate. The two supporting side plates are arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and the first side plate and the second side plate are arranged opposite to each other along a second direction.

The two ends of the support structure are respectively connected to the two support side plates.

In some embodiments of this application, the liquid pipe pipeline module includes a branch liquid pipe, a bypass liquid pipe, and a main liquid pipe. The branch liquid pipe and the bypass liquid pipe are both connected to the main liquid pipe. The gas pipe pipeline module includes a branch gas pipe, a bypass gas pipe, a low-pressure gas pipe, and a high-pressure gas pipe. The high-pressure gas pipe is connected to the gas pipe of the indoor unit through the branch gas pipe, and the branch gas pipe is connected to the low-pressure gas pipe through the bypass gas pipe.

The main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe, and the high-pressure gas pipe are all connected to the outdoor unit.

In some embodiments of this application, a first through-hole is provided on the first side plate, penetrating the inner and outer sides of the first side plate;

The branch liquid pipe, with one end facing away from the bypass liquid pipe, passes through the first through-port to protrude outside the receiving cavity; the other end of the branch liquid pipe, facing away from the main liquid pipe, is connected to the first beam; and/or

The end of the branch trachea that is away from the bypass trachea passes through the first through-hole and is exposed outside the receiving cavity. The end of the bypass trachea that is away from the high-pressure trachea is connected to the second beam.

In some embodiments of this application, a first expansion valve is provided on the branch liquid pipe, a portion of the structure of the branch liquid pipe is arranged around the circumference of the first beam, and the first expansion valve is located above the first beam; a second expansion valve is provided on the bypass gas pipe, a portion of the structure of the bypass gas pipe is arranged around the circumference of the second beam, and the second expansion valve is located above the second beam.

In some embodiments of this application, the pipeline structure further includes a filter device, which is respectively disposed on the branch liquid pipe, the branch gas pipe and the bypass gas pipe and adjacent to the support structure.

In some embodiments of this application, the housing is provided with a second opening communicating with the receiving cavity on the side opposite to the first side plate;

The second side plate is detachably connected to the top cover, the chassis, and the two supporting side plates. The second side plate is configured to open and close the second opening.

In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant switching device further includes:

A circuit board is located within the receiving cavity and above the chassis, and the circuit board is disposed close to the second side plate;

The circuit board is located between the pipeline structure and the second side plate, and both the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve are located close to the circuit board.

In some embodiments of this application, multiple circuit boards are provided, and the multiple circuit boards are arranged at intervals along the first direction.

In some embodiments of this application, a plate heat exchanger is also included, connected to the piping structure and installed on the piping structure or the housing, and the plate heat exchanger is configured to increase the subcooling of the refrigerant flowing through the piping structure.

In some embodiments of this application, a portion of the structure of the plate heat exchanger is disposed within the receiving cavity.

In some embodiments of this application, the plate heat exchanger is fixed to the support structure.

In some embodiments of this application, the plate heat exchanger is installed on either the first beam or the second beam.

In some embodiments of this application, the plate heat exchanger is installed on the side of the first beam opposite to the second beam, or the plate heat exchanger is installed on the side of the second beam opposite to the first beam.

In some embodiments of this application, the plate heat exchanger is fixed to the inner wall surface of one of the supporting side plates.

In some embodiments of this application, the receiving cavity is provided with a first cavity and a second cavity spaced apart. The plate heat exchanger, the support structure and a portion of the pipeline structure are housed in the first cavity, and the circuit board is housed in the second cavity.

In some embodiments of this application, the plate heat exchanger is fixed to the outer wall of a supporting side plate and is connected to the pipeline structure through a pipe passing through the supporting side plate.

In some embodiments of this application, a connecting bracket is also included, through which the plate heat exchanger is connected to the support structure or the shell.

In some embodiments of this application, the connecting bracket is an integral structure.

In some embodiments of this application, the connecting bracket includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connected to each other;

The first connecting part is connected to the plate heat exchanger, and the second connecting part is connected to the support structure or the shell.

In some embodiments of this application, the first connecting portion is detachably connected to the plate heat exchanger; and/or,

The second connecting part is detachably connected to the support structure or the housing.

In some embodiments of this application, the second connecting portion is connected to the support structure, the support structure having a first mounting surface connected to the second connecting portion, and the extending direction of the second connecting portion being consistent with the extending direction of the first mounting surface; and/or,

The second connecting portion is connected to the housing, and the housing has a second mounting surface configured to connect with the second connecting portion, wherein the extending direction of the second connecting portion is consistent with the extending direction of the second mounting surface.

In some embodiments of this application, the main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe, and the high-pressure gas pipe all extend along the first direction, and a second through port is provided on the supporting side plate, penetrating the inner and outer sides of the supporting side plate. Both ends of the main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe, and the high-pressure gas pipe pass through the second through port to be exposed outside the receiving cavity.

In some embodiments of this application, the main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe, and the high-pressure gas pipe are all disposed close to the first side plate.

In some embodiments of this application, the main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe, and the high-pressure gas pipe are all arranged along the third direction.

In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant switching device further includes:

The low-pressure air pipe and the high-pressure air pipe are fixedly connected by the fixing component.

In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant switching device further includes:

A limiting member extends along the first direction and is located above or below the supporting structure. The limiting member is detachably connected to the supporting structure. The limiting member is configured to press the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe toward the first beam and the second beam, respectively. The limiting member cooperates with the first beam and the second beam to fix the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe.

In some embodiments of this application, the limiting member and the supporting structure define a limiting channel, through which the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe pass.

In some embodiments of this application, each of the limiting members defines a plurality of limiting channels with the supporting structure. The plurality of limiting channels are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the limiting channels correspond one-to-one with the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe.

In some embodiments of this application, multiple limiting members are provided, and the multiple limiting members are arranged at intervals along the first direction.

In some embodiments of this application, the limiting member includes:

A connecting body extends along the first direction and connects to the supporting structure; and,

A fixed body is connected to the side of the connecting body near the supporting structure;

The fixing body and at least one of the supporting structures are provided with multiple fixing grooves, and one of the fixing grooves is configured to abut against and fix the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe.

In some embodiments of this application, the fixing body is made of an elastic material, and the surface of the fixing body facing the support structure is recessed to form a plurality of fixing grooves.

In some embodiments of this application, at least a portion of the contour shape of the fixing groove is adapted to the shape of the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe, and at least a portion of the groove wall surface of the fixing groove is configured to fit and conform to the outer peripheral surface of the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe.

In some embodiments of this application, the fixing groove includes:

The guide groove section has an open end forming a slot; and,

A fixed tank section is connected to the other end of the guide tank section and is configured to abut and fix the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe;

The guide groove section is flared out in the direction from the fixed groove section to the guide groove section, so that the groove wall of the guide groove section can guide the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe into the fixed groove section.

In some embodiments of this application, the fixing body includes:

Multiple fixed elastic parts are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and each fixed elastic part is correspondingly formed with a fixed groove.

In some embodiments of this application, one of the fixing elastic part and the connecting body is provided with a buckle, and the other is provided with a slot;

The buckle engages with the slot to engage the fixed elastic part with the connecting body.

In some embodiments of this application, the card slot includes a connected sliding section and a card slot section, wherein the opening of the sliding section is larger than the opening of the card slot section;

The buckle can extend into the slide section and slide along the slide section into the slot section to engage with the slot section.

In some embodiments of this application, the outer peripheral surface of the buckle is at least partially formed with a guide slope, which is configured to guide and engage with the sidewall of the slide section as the buckle extends into the slide section.

In some embodiments of this application, the fixing body abuts against or is spaced apart from the supporting structure; or,

The refrigerant switching device also includes an anti-wear pad, which is disposed on the surface of the support structure facing the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe, and the fixing body abuts against the anti-wear pad.

In some embodiments of this application, the connection body includes:

The main body extends along the first direction; and,

At least two fixing parts are provided, each of which is connected to opposite ends of the main body along its extension direction and is also connected to the support structure.

In some embodiments of this application, each of the fixing parts is provided with a first connecting hole, and the support structure is provided with a second connecting hole corresponding to the number of the first connecting holes;

The refrigerant switching device further includes at least two fasteners, one of which is sequentially inserted through a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole, so that the fixing part is detachably connected to the support structure.

In some embodiments of this application, the connection body further includes:

The first bend is connected to the outer side of the main body and is set at an angle, and extends along the first direction; and/or,

The second bend is connected to the outer side of the fixing part and is set at an angle.

In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant switching device further includes:

A support member is mounted on the inner wall of the housing and is detachably connected to the housing, and the end of the support structure is connected to the support member.

In some embodiments of this application, the plate heat exchanger is disposed close to the support member.

In some embodiments of this application, the support member includes:

A support plate, connected to the inner wall of the housing; and,

The mounting part is connected to the upper part of the support plate and is arranged perpendicular to the support plate. The mounting part corresponds to the support structure one by one, and the end of the support structure is connected to the mounting part.

In some embodiments of this application, the support structure is located above the mounting portion, and the lower part of the support structure is provided with a fastening groove, into which the mounting portion is inserted.

In some embodiments of this application, the support member further includes:

The connecting part is connected to the lower part of the support plate and to the chassis.

In some embodiments of this application, the chassis includes a plate and a flange disposed on the edge of the plate. The connecting portion includes a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion. The first portion is located outside the flange and is connected to the housing and the flange. The second portion is located above the flange and abuts against the top surface of the flange.

In some embodiments of this application, the limiting portion is an elastic limiting portion.

In some embodiments of this application, the support member further includes:

A support portion is connected to the limiting portion, the support portion is located above the plate body, and the support portion abuts against the plate body.

In some embodiments of this application, a mounting hole is provided on the housing at a position corresponding to the support member, the mounting hole penetrating the inner and outer sides of the housing, and the refrigerant switching device further includes:

A connector is provided through the mounting hole, and the connector is connected to the support and the housing to detachably connect the support and the housing.

Secondly, this application also provides an air conditioning system, comprising:

Outdoor unit;

At least one indoor unit; and,

According to any one of the above-mentioned refrigerant switching devices, the refrigerant switching device is located between the outdoor unit and at least one of the indoor units, and is configured to switch between cooling mode and heating mode.

Attached Figure Description

To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies 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.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant switching device in one embodiment of this application;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an air conditioning system in one embodiment of this application;

Figure 3 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerant switching device in one embodiment of this application;

Figure 4 is an exploded view of the components of the refrigerant switching device in one embodiment of this application;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the tracheal tube module and the support structure from a first-view perspective in one embodiment of this application;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the tracheal tube module and the support structure from a second perspective in one embodiment of this application;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the liquid pipeline module and the support structure in one embodiment of this application;

Figure 8 is an enlarged view of point A shown in Figure 4;

Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the support member, chassis and shell in a third-view view when the chassis and shell are connected in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the support member, chassis and shell in a third-view perspective when the chassis and shell are separated in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the support member, chassis and shell in a fourth-angle view when the chassis and shell are connected in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the support member, chassis and shell in a fourth-angle view when the chassis and shell are separated in an embodiment of this application;

Figure 13 is an exploded view of the refrigerant switching device according to another embodiment of this application from a fifth perspective.

Figure 14 is an exploded view of the refrigerant switching device shown in Figure 13 from a sixth perspective.

Figure 15 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerant switching device shown in Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a magnified view of part B shown in Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the refrigerant switching device shown in Figure 13;

Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the first installation method of the plate heat exchanger in the refrigerant switching device shown in Figure 13.

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the second installation method of the plate heat exchanger in the refrigerant switching device shown in Figure 13;

Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the third installation method of the plate heat exchanger in the refrigerant switching device shown in Figure 13;

Figure 21 shows a schematic diagram of the fourth installation method of the plate heat exchanger in the refrigerant switching device shown in Figure 13;

Figure 22 is a diagram showing the refrigerant flow in an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application, where all indoor units are in cooling mode;

Figure 23 is a diagram showing the refrigerant flow direction of each indoor unit in the heating mode of an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application.

Figure 24 is a diagram showing the refrigerant flow direction of the indoor unit in a cooling state in an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application.

Figure 25 is a diagram showing the refrigerant flow direction of the indoor unit in a heating state in an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application.

Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the support structure and pipeline structure shown in Figure 13;

Figure 27 is an enlarged view of point C shown in Figure 26;

Figure 28 is a structural schematic diagram of the limiting component shown in Figure 26;

Figure 29 shows a schematic diagram of the connecting body shown in Figure 28;

Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of the fixed elastic part shown in Figure 28;

Figure 31 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the refrigerant switching device shown in Figure 13;

Figure 32 is an enlarged view of point D shown in Figure 31.

Figure label:
100. Refrigerant switching device; 200. Outdoor unit; 300. Indoor unit;
10. Shell; 11. Receiving cavity; 111. First cavity; 112. Second cavity; 12. First opening; 13. First through port; 14. Mounting hole; 15. Second opening; 16. Second through port; 171. Top cover; 172. Supporting side plate; 173. First side plate; 174. Second side plate;
20. Piping structure; 21. Liquid piping module; 211. Branch liquid piping; 212. Bypass liquid piping; 213. Main liquid piping; 214. First branch liquid piping; 215.
Second branch liquid line; 216, Third branch liquid line; 22, Gas line module; 221, Branch gas line; 222, Bypass gas line; 223, Low-pressure gas line; 224, High-pressure gas line; 23, Fixing component;
30. Supporting structure; 31a. First beam; 31b. Second beam; 311. Fastening groove; 32. Supporting component; 321. Support plate; 322. Mounting part; 323.
Connecting part; 323a, first part; 323b, second part; 324, reinforcing part; 325, limiting part; 326, supporting part; 33, second connecting hole;
40. Chassis; 41. Water inlet; 42. Panel; 43. Flanged edge;
50. Circuit board;
60. Plate heat exchanger; 61. Connecting bracket; 611. First connecting part; 612. Second connecting part; 62. First mounting surface; 63. Second mounting surface;
70. Limiting component; 70a. Limiting channel; 71. Connecting body; 711. Slot; 7111. Slide section; 7113. Slot section; 713. Main body; 715. Fixing part; 7151. First connecting hole; 717. First bending part; 719. Second bending part; 73. Fixing body; 731. Fixing groove; 7311. Guide groove section; 7313. Fixing groove section; 733. Fixing elastic part; 7331. Buckle; 7331a. Guide slope; 75. Anti-wear pad;
80. Branch pipe unit; 81. First expansion valve; 82. Second expansion valve; 83. First check valve; 84. Second check valve; 88. Refrigerator; 89. Pressure relief pipe;
810. Pressure relief valve; 820. Filter device; 830. Sensor;
X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction.

Detailed Implementation

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

Currently, multi-split central air conditioning systems are commonly used in some small and medium-sized buildings and public buildings, such as office buildings. A multi-split central air conditioning system refers to a system where one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via piping. A typical multi-split central air conditioning system includes an outdoor unit, a refrigerant switching device, and multiple indoor units. The main function of the refrigerant switching device is to allow the indoor units to switch between different modes. The outdoor unit is connected to the refrigerant switching device via liquid lines, low-pressure gas lines, and high-pressure gas lines, and each indoor unit is connected to the refrigerant switching device via liquid lines and gas lines.

Specifically, when the indoor unit is in cooling mode, the refrigerant switching device connects the indoor unit's liquid pipe to the outdoor unit's liquid pipe, and connects the indoor unit's gas pipe to the outdoor unit's low-pressure gas pipe, thus enabling the indoor unit to operate in cooling mode; when the indoor unit is in heating mode, the refrigerant switching device connects the indoor unit's liquid pipe to the outdoor unit's liquid pipe, and connects the indoor unit's gas pipe to the outdoor unit's high-pressure gas pipe, thus enabling the indoor unit to operate in heating mode.

In related technologies, the housing structure of the refrigerant switching device includes a top shell and a chassis. The top shell and chassis enclose an installation cavity to accommodate the piping. The chassis is generally connected to the piping structure to provide support for the piping structure. When the chassis needs to be disassembled, the piping structure needs to be disassembled together with the chassis, which makes the disassembly of the chassis inconvenient.

Furthermore, to prevent "flashover" of the refrigerant during flow, a plate heat exchanger is installed in the refrigerant switching device to increase subcooling, and the plate heat exchanger is mounted on the chassis. However, in the aforementioned refrigerant switching device, since the chassis cannot be disassembled separately, if maintenance of the internal piping is required, the entire refrigerant switching device must be removed before the internal piping can be inspected. This not only reduces the efficiency of inspecting or maintaining the piping but also increases the cost of inspection or maintenance.

Therefore, this application provides a refrigerant switching device and an air conditioning system. By improving the installation position of the plate heat exchanger, the problem of low efficiency and high cost of inspecting or repairing the internal piping of the refrigerant switching device in the related art is solved.

It should be noted that the aforementioned "flash" phenomenon refers to the phenomenon where a portion of the liquid refrigerant vaporizes and produces gas when the pressure suddenly decreases.

Furthermore, the refrigerant switching device provided in this embodiment can be installed in the ceiling like the indoor unit, or it can be set in an independent electrical control space. Here, there are no specific restrictions on the installation environment of the refrigerant switching device.

The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation details.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. This application provides an air conditioning system, including a refrigerant switching device 100, an outdoor unit 200, and at least one indoor unit 300.

This application provides a refrigerant switching device 100 located between an outdoor unit 200 and at least one indoor unit 300, which can select a suitable refrigerant to be delivered to the heat exchanger in the indoor unit 300 according to the cooling or heating needs of a target space, realize the switching of different modes of the indoor unit 300, and set the indoor unit 300 to be able to switch between cooling mode and heating mode.

The refrigerant switching device 100 includes a housing 10, a piping structure 20, a support structure 30, and a chassis 40.

The housing 10 has a receiving cavity 11. The housing 10 is a protective shell for the refrigerant switching device 100. The overall shape of the housing 10 can be a cuboid, a cube, a cylinder or other shapes. This application does not impose any specific limitations.

The piping structure 20 is configured to connect the outdoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 300, and is at least partially located within the housing cavity 11. Refrigerant is transported through the piping structure 20. Refrigerant is a medium used in air conditioning systems to transfer heat energy. It is a substance that easily absorbs heat and turns into a gas, and easily releases heat and turns into a liquid. Heat energy can be transferred through evaporation and condensation. The specific type of refrigerant can be selected according to actual needs, and this application does not impose any restrictions.

The support structure 30 is located inside the receiving cavity 11. The support structure 30 is connected to the housing 10 and the pipeline structure 20. The support structure 30 is configured to provide support for the pipeline structure 20.

The chassis 40 is located below the pipeline structure 20, and the chassis 40 is detachably connected to the housing 10.

It is understood that in this application, the pipeline structure 20 is connected to the housing 10 through the support structure 30. The support structure 30 provides support for the pipeline structure 20, so that the pipeline structure 20 can be stably suspended above the chassis 40 without the chassis 40 providing support for the pipeline structure 20. The pipeline structure 20 and the chassis 40 are independent of each other, so that the pipeline structure 20 does not need to be disassembled when the chassis 40 is disassembled, making the disassembly of the chassis 40 more convenient.

In some embodiments of this application, the bottom of the housing 10 is provided with a first opening 12 communicating with the receiving cavity 11, and the chassis 40 is configured to open and close the first opening 12, with at least a portion of the pipeline structure 20 exposed outside the receiving cavity 11 through the first opening 12. It is understood that the chassis 40 can also be used as a base plate of the housing 10, thereby opening and closing the first opening 12 at the bottom of the housing 10. When the chassis 40 is disassembled, the first opening 12 is in an open state, allowing personnel to use the first opening 12 as a maintenance port to perform maintenance and repair work on the pipeline structure 20 within the receiving cavity 11, making the maintenance and repair of the pipeline structure 20 more convenient.

In some embodiments, a water receiving groove 41 is provided on the chassis 40, so that the chassis 40 can also be configured to act as a water receiving tray. When condensate generated on the outer surface of the pipe structure 20 drips downward, it can drip into the water receiving groove 41 on the chassis 40. The chassis 40 can receive the condensate generated on the pipe structure 20, preventing the condensate from dripping onto the ground.

It is understood that the refrigerant switching device 100 has a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z that are mutually perpendicular. The first direction X can be the length direction of the refrigerant switching device 100, the second direction Y can be the width direction of the refrigerant switching device 100, and the third direction Z can be the height direction of the refrigerant switching device 100. After the refrigerant switching device 100 is installed, the first direction X and the second direction Y can be parallel to the horizontal direction, and the third direction Z can be parallel to the vertical direction.

The housing 10 can be generally box-shaped. For example, the housing 10 can be configured as a hollow cuboid structure so that it can form an internal cavity 11. Of course, the shape of the housing 10 can be adapted to the installation environment or related design and constructed into other arbitrary shapes. This embodiment does not limit this. The housing 10 can be made of metal plate or flame-retardant resin plate material, which has high strength and support. It can not only provide good protection for internal components such as pipeline structure 20, but also play a flame-retardant role in the event of a fire.

Specifically, referring to Figures 3 to 7, the housing 10 includes a top cover 171 and a peripheral side plate located between the top cover 171 and the chassis 40. The peripheral side plate includes two supporting side plates 172, a first side plate 173, and a second side plate 174. The two supporting side plates 172 are arranged opposite each other along a first direction, and the first side plate 173 and the second side plate 174 are arranged opposite each other along a second direction. The two ends of the support structure 30 are respectively connected to the two supporting side plates 172 so as to provide support force for the support structure 30 using the supporting side plates 172.

The indoor unit 300 in this application is at least one, that is, there can be one or more indoor units 300. The following is a detailed description of the refrigerant flow in different modes of the air conditioning system provided in this embodiment, taking four indoor units 300 as an example.

Please refer to Figures 22 to 25. Figure 22 is a refrigerant flow diagram of all indoor units 300 in the air conditioning system provided in the embodiment of this application when all indoor units 300 are in cooling mode. Figure 23 is a refrigerant flow diagram of all indoor units 300 in the air conditioning system provided in the embodiment of this application when all indoor units 300 are in heating mode. Figure 24 is a refrigerant flow diagram of a majority of indoor units 300 in the air conditioning system provided in the embodiment of this application when most are in cooling mode. Figure 25 is a refrigerant flow diagram of a majority of indoor units 300 in the air conditioning system provided in the embodiment of this application when most are in heating mode.

For ease of description, the operating mode of the indoor unit 300 shown in Figure 22 is called the full cooling mode, the operating mode of the indoor unit 300 shown in Figure 23 is called the full heating mode, the operating mode of the indoor unit 300 shown in Figure 24 is called the main cooling mode, and the operating mode of the indoor unit 300 shown in Figure 25 is called the main heating mode.

Before introducing the refrigerant flow direction in each mode, let's first introduce the piping in the piping structure 20. Specifically, the piping structure includes a liquid piping module 21 and a gas piping module 22. The piping structure 20 also has a main liquid pipe 213, a low-pressure gas pipe 223, and a high-pressure gas pipe 224 connected to the outdoor unit 200. The main liquid pipe 213 is connected to a first branch liquid pipe 214, and is connected to a plate heat exchanger 60 through an inlet pipe. The plate heat exchanger 60 is connected to a second branch liquid pipe 215 through an outlet pipe and an inlet pipe, and to a third branch liquid pipe 216 through an outlet pipe. As for the four indoor units 300, each indoor unit... Each unit 300 has a corresponding branch pipe unit 80. The branch pipe unit 80 includes a branch liquid pipe 211 that connects the first branch liquid pipe 214 to the liquid pipe of the indoor unit 300. The branch liquid pipe 211 is connected to the second branch liquid pipe 215 through a bypass liquid pipe 212. A first one-way valve 83 is provided on the branch liquid pipe 211 at the joint with the first branch liquid pipe 214 and at the joint with the bypass liquid pipe 212. A second one-way valve 84 is provided on the bypass liquid pipe 212. The high-pressure gas pipe 224 is connected to the gas pipe of the indoor unit 300 through a branch gas pipe 221, and the branch gas pipe 221 is connected to the low-pressure gas pipe 223 through a bypass gas pipe 222.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned liquid pipeline module 21 includes a main liquid pipeline 213, a first branch liquid pipeline 214, a second branch liquid pipeline 215, a third branch liquid pipeline 216, a branch liquid pipeline 211, and a bypass liquid pipeline 212, and the above-mentioned gas pipeline module 22 includes a low-pressure gas pipeline 223, a high-pressure gas pipeline 224, a branch gas pipeline 221, and a bypass gas pipeline 222.

Electronic expansion valves are installed on branch liquid pipe 211, branch gas pipe 221 and bypass gas pipe 222 to regulate the flow rate of refrigerant; of course, in order to filter the refrigerant, filter devices 820 can be installed on branch liquid pipe 211, branch gas pipe 221 and bypass gas pipe 222.

Furthermore, a cooler 88 is provided between the second branch liquid pipe 215 and the plate heat exchanger 60. The cooler 88 is provided to cool the refrigerant flowing in the second branch liquid pipe 215 to the refrigerant flowing in the third branch liquid pipe 216.

In addition, a pressure relief pipe 89 is connected between the branch liquid pipe 211 and the low-pressure gas pipe 223. A pressure relief valve 810 is installed on the pressure relief pipe 89. When the pressure of the indoor unit 300 is high, the pressure relief valve 810 will open.

To prevent refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant switching device 100 provided in this embodiment can also be equipped with a sensor 830 for refrigerant detection. When the sensor 830 detects a refrigerant leak, the ventilation system can be activated. No restrictions are placed on the ventilation system.

As shown in Figure 22, in full cooling mode, for each indoor unit 300, the first one-way valve 83 in its corresponding branch pipe unit 80 is closed, and the second one-way valve 84 is open. The refrigerant flow direction is: outdoor unit 200 → main liquid pipe 213 → plate heat exchanger 60 → second branch liquid pipe 215 → bypass liquid pipe 212 → branch liquid pipe 211 → indoor unit 300 liquid pipe → indoor unit 300 → indoor unit 300 gas pipe → branch gas pipe 221 → bypass gas pipe 222 → low-pressure gas pipe 223 → outdoor unit 200. This completes one cooling cycle.

As shown in Figure 23, in full heating mode, for each indoor unit 300, the first one-way valve 83 in its corresponding branch pipe unit 80 is open, and the second one-way valve 84 is closed. The refrigerant flow direction is: outdoor unit 200 → high-pressure gas pipe 224 → branch gas pipe 221 → indoor unit 300 gas pipe → indoor unit 300 → indoor unit 300 liquid pipe → branch liquid pipe 211 → first branch liquid pipe 214 → main liquid pipe 213 → outdoor unit 200. In this way, one heating cycle is completed.

As shown in Figure 24, in the main cooling mode, for the indoor unit 300 in heating mode, the first one-way valve 83 in its corresponding branch pipe unit 80 is open, and the second one-way valve 84 is closed. The refrigerant flow direction is: outdoor unit 200 → high-pressure gas pipe 224 → branch gas pipe 221 → indoor unit 300 gas pipe → indoor unit 300 → indoor unit 300 liquid pipe → branch liquid pipe 211 → first branch liquid pipe 214 → main liquid pipe 213 → outdoor unit 200. In this way, one heating cycle is completed.

For the indoor unit 300 in cooling mode, the first one-way valve 83 in its corresponding branch pipe unit 80 is closed, and the second one-way valve 84 is open. The refrigerant flows in the following direction: outdoor unit 200 → main liquid pipe 213 → plate heat exchanger 60 → second branch liquid pipe 215 → bypass liquid pipe 212 → branch liquid pipe 211 → indoor unit 300 liquid pipe → indoor unit 300 → indoor unit 300 gas pipe → branch gas pipe 221 → bypass gas pipe 222 → low-pressure gas pipe 223 → outdoor unit 200. After the refrigerant flows out of the plate heat exchanger 60, a portion will be diverted along the refrigerant 88 → third branch liquid pipe 216 → low-pressure gas pipe 223 → outdoor unit 200. In this way, one cooling cycle is completed.

As shown in Figure 25, in the main heating mode, for the indoor unit 300 in heating mode, the first one-way valve 83 in its corresponding branch pipe unit 80 is open, and the second one-way valve 84 is closed. The refrigerant flow direction is: outdoor unit 200 → high-pressure gas pipe 224 → branch gas pipe 221 → indoor unit 300 gas pipe → indoor unit 300 → indoor unit 300 liquid pipe → branch liquid pipe 211 → first branch liquid pipe 214 → main liquid pipe 213 → outdoor unit 200. In this way, one heating cycle is completed.

For the indoor unit 300 in cooling mode, during operation in heating mode, when the refrigerant flows to the main liquid pipe 213, a portion is diverted to the plate heat exchanger 60. The refrigerant flow direction is: plate heat exchanger 60 → second branch liquid pipe 215 → bypass liquid pipe 212 → branch liquid pipe 211 → indoor unit 300 liquid pipe → indoor unit 300 → indoor unit 300 gas pipe → branch gas pipe 221 → bypass gas pipe 222 → low-pressure gas pipe 223 → outdoor unit 200. After flowing out of the plate heat exchanger 60, a portion of the refrigerant flows along the refrigeration unit 88 → third branch liquid pipe 216 → low-pressure gas pipe 223 → outdoor unit 200. This completes one cooling cycle.

It should be noted that, taking the four indoor units 300 in this embodiment as an example, in the main cooling mode, three indoor units 300 can be cooling and one indoor unit 300 can be heating; in the main heating mode, three indoor units 300 can be heating and one indoor unit 300 can be cooling. Here, there are no specific restrictions on the number of indoor units 300 or the actual cooling mode.

In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 3 to 7, a portion of the structure of the branch liquid pipe 211, the bypass liquid pipe 212, the branch gas pipe 221, and the bypass gas pipe 222 extends along the second direction Y, while the main liquid pipe 213, the low-pressure gas pipe 223, and the high-pressure gas pipe 224 extend along the first direction X.

The support structure 30 extends along the first direction X and includes a first beam 31a and a second beam 31b spaced apart. The first beam 31a is configured to carry the liquid pipe module 21, and the second beam 31b is configured to carry the gas pipe module 22. This makes the overall placement of the pipe structure 20 more stable, which can enhance the stability of the pipe structure 20 and effectively reduce the risk of refrigerant leakage caused by unstable placement of the pipe structure 20.

At least two first beams 31a and at least one second beam 31b are provided, with at least one first beam 31a and at least one second beam 31b arranged at intervals along the second direction Y, which also supports multiple pipelines.

The first side plate 173 is provided with a first through port 13 that penetrates the inner and outer sides of the first side plate 173. The end of the branch liquid pipe 211 away from the bypass liquid pipe 212 passes through the first through port 13 and is exposed outside the receiving cavity 11. The end of the branch liquid pipe 211 away from the main liquid pipe 213 is connected to the first beam 31a. The end of the branch gas pipe 221 away from the bypass gas pipe 222 passes through the first through port 13 and is exposed outside the receiving cavity 11. The end of the bypass gas pipe 222 away from the high-pressure gas pipe 224 is connected to the second beam 31b. The shell 10 and the support structure 30 provide good support for the branch liquid pipe 211, the branch gas pipe 221 and the bypass gas pipe 222. At the same time, the first through port 13 can be used to limit the branch liquid pipe 211, the branch gas pipe 221 and the bypass gas pipe 222 to prevent the pipeline structure 20 from shaking.

In some embodiments, a first expansion valve 81 is provided on the branch liquid pipe 211, and a portion of the structure of the branch liquid pipe 211 is arranged around the circumference of the first beam 31a, with the first expansion valve 81 located above the first beam 31a; a second expansion valve 82 is provided on the bypass gas pipe 222, and a portion of the structure of the bypass gas pipe 222 is arranged around the circumference of the second beam 31b, with the second expansion valve 82 located above the second beam 31b, so that the first beam 31a and the second beam 31b are supported below the first expansion valve 81 and the second expansion valve 82 respectively, and can also provide better support for the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222.

In some embodiments, the pipeline structure 20 further includes a filter device 820, which is respectively disposed on the branch liquid pipe 211, the branch gas pipe 221 and the bypass gas pipe 222 and adjacent to the support structure 30.

The filter device 820 is a device that filters the refrigerant to ensure the unobstructed flow of the liquid pipeline module 21 and the gas pipeline module 22. The filter device 820 can be a filter screen or filter, etc. It is understood that the filter device 820 generally has a certain weight and requires regular maintenance. In this embodiment, by placing the filter device 820 on the branch liquid pipeline 211, the branch gas pipeline 221, and the bypass gas pipeline 222, the weight of the filter device 820 can be distributed by the support structure 30. The support structure 30 can provide support to prevent the weight of the filter device 820 from causing the liquid pipeline module 21 and the gas pipeline module 22 to break.

Furthermore, the housing 10 has a second opening 15 communicating with the receiving cavity 11 on the side opposite to the first side plate 173. The second side plate 174 is detachably connected to the top cover 171, the chassis 40 and the two supporting side plates 172. The second side plate 174 is configured to open and close the second opening 15.

This allows the branch liquid pipe 211, bypass liquid pipe 212, branch gas pipe 221, bypass gas pipe 222, and filter device 820 to be closer to the second opening 15 created after the second side plate 174 is disassembled. When it is necessary to repair the branch liquid pipe 211, bypass liquid pipe 212, branch gas pipe 221, bypass gas pipe 222, and filter device 820, the second side plate 174 can be disassembled, and the second opening 15 can be used as a maintenance port, making it easier for maintenance personnel to maintain and service the filter device 820.

In some embodiments, the main liquid pipe 213, the low-pressure gas pipe 223, and the high-pressure gas pipe 224 all extend along the first direction X, so that they can be more conveniently installed in the receiving cavity 11. Of course, the main liquid pipe 213, the low-pressure gas pipe 223, and the high-pressure gas pipe 224 can also be arranged along the third direction Z.

The support side plate 172 is provided with a second through port 16 that penetrates the inner and outer sides of the support side plate 172. The two ends of the main liquid pipe 213, the low-pressure gas pipe 223 and the high-pressure gas pipe 224 all pass through the second through port 16 and are exposed outside the receiving cavity 11.

The main liquid pipe 213, low-pressure gas pipe 223, and high-pressure gas pipe 224 are all thicker than the branch liquid pipe 211, bypass liquid pipe 212, branch gas pipe 221, and bypass gas pipe 222, and have better structural strength. That is, the thicker pipes can provide support for the thinner pipes, thereby making the branch liquid pipe 211, bypass liquid pipe 212, branch gas pipe 221, and bypass gas pipe 222 more stable.

Furthermore, the main liquid pipe 213, the low-pressure gas pipe 223, and the high-pressure gas pipe 224 are all located close to the first side plate 173, which can be used to protect the main liquid pipe 213, the low-pressure gas pipe 223, and the high-pressure gas pipe 224.

In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 8 to 12. The refrigerant switching device 100 further includes a fixing member 26. The low-pressure gas pipe 223 and the high-pressure gas pipe 224 are connected and fixed by the fixing member 26 to prevent relative movement between the low-pressure gas pipe 223 and the high-pressure gas pipe 224, and to enable the low-pressure gas pipe 223 and the high-pressure gas pipe 224 to support each other, making the two more stable.

In some embodiments, referring to Figures 13 to 21, the refrigerant switching device 100 further includes a plate heat exchanger 60. The plate heat exchanger 60 is connected to the piping structure 20 and installed on the piping structure 20 or the housing 10. The plate heat exchanger 60 is configured to increase the subcooling of the refrigerant flowing through the piping structure 20. In this way, the "flash evaporation" phenomenon of the refrigerant can be avoided, thereby improving the cooling effect of the indoor unit 300.

The piping structure 20 includes a liquid piping module 21 and a gas piping module 22. When multiple indoor units 300 are in various states, the plate heat exchanger 60 is connected to the liquid piping module 21 through the inlet pipe connector, and the plate heat exchanger 60 is connected to the liquid piping module 21 and/or the gas piping module 22 through the outlet pipe connector.

Part of the plate heat exchanger 60 is housed within the receiving cavity 11, meaning it can be installed on either the piping structure 20 or the shell 10. Thus, with the piping structure 20 installed on the shell 10, regardless of whether the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the piping structure 20 or the shell 10, the chassis 40 can be easily disassembled. When inspecting or repairing the piping structure 20, the chassis 40 can be directly removed, resulting in higher efficiency and lower costs for inspection and repair of the piping structure 20.

It is understandable that when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the piping structure 20, the plate heat exchanger 60 can be fixed on the support structure 30; when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the shell 10, the plate heat exchanger 60 can be located inside the receiving cavity 11 or outside the shell 10. These three methods will be described in detail below.

The plate heat exchanger 60 can be installed on either the first beam 31a or the second beam 31b. This allows the plate heat exchanger 60 to be installed on the piping structure 20, making the plate heat exchanger 60 and the piping structure 20 modularly designed as a whole, which facilitates the overall installation of the plate heat exchanger 60 and the piping structure 20 on the shell 10.

When the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the first beam 31a, the liquid pipe module 21 is first installed on the first beam 31a, and then the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the first beam 31a. After the assembly is completed, the gas pipe module 22 is installed on the second beam 31b. After the assembly is completed, this part is placed on the structure composed of the already installed liquid pipe module 21, plate heat exchanger 60 and first beam 31a. After the placement is completed, they are installed together on the shell 10.

When the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the second beam 31b, the liquid pipe module 21 is first installed on the first beam 31a. After the assembly is completed, the gas pipe module 22 is installed on the second beam 31b, and the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the second beam 31b. After the assembly is completed, this part is placed on the structure composed of the already installed liquid pipe module 21 and the first beam 31a. After the placement is completed, it is installed on the shell 10 together.

Understandably, to improve the structural compactness of the refrigerant switching device 100, the distance between the first beam 31a and the second beam 31b is generally set to be small. Therefore, the plate heat exchanger 60 can be installed on the side of the first beam 31a away from the second beam 31b, and the plate heat exchanger 60 can also be installed on the side of the second beam 31b away from the first beam 31a. In this way, the structure of the piping structure 20 between the first beam 31a and the second beam 31b will not be affected, and the chassis 40 can be disassembled separately to facilitate inspection or maintenance of the piping structure 20.

It should be noted that, since the plate heat exchanger 60 will be installed on the first beam 31a or the second beam 31b, in order to form an installation space to accommodate the plate heat exchanger 60, when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the first beam 31a, the extension length of the first beam 31a should be greater than the extension length of the second beam 31b; when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the second beam 31b, the extension length of the second beam 31b should be greater than the extension length of the first beam 31a.

Understandably, if the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed in the middle of the first beam 31a or the second beam 31b along the length of the refrigerant switching device 100, it will not only affect the pipe routing of the piping structure 20, but also make the connection between the plate heat exchanger and the piping structure 20 more complicated.

Therefore, the support structure 30 has two oppositely arranged connection ends that are respectively connected to the two oppositely arranged support side plates 172. The plate heat exchanger 60 is located closer to one of the connection ends than the contact point between the pipe structure 20 and the support structure 30. In this way, the plate heat exchanger 60 is located on one side of the refrigerant switching device 100 along the length direction relative to the pipe structure 20, which not only avoids affecting the pipe routing of the pipe structure 20, but also ensures the smoothness of the pipe routing of the plate heat exchanger 60 itself.

Specifically, the first beam 31a has two oppositely arranged first connecting ends, and the second beam 31b has two oppositely arranged second connecting ends. When the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the first beam 31a, the plate heat exchanger 60 is positioned closer to one of the first connecting ends than the contact point between the pipe structure 20 and the support structure 30; when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the second beam 31b, the plate heat exchanger 60 is positioned closer to one of the second connecting ends than the contact point between the pipe structure 20 and the support structure 30.

When the plate heat exchanger 60 is located within the housing cavity 11, it can also be installed on the shell 10. Specifically, the plate heat exchanger 60 can be fixed to the inner wall of a supporting side plate 172. This arrangement also allows for the separate disassembly of the chassis 40 to inspect or repair the piping structure 20. Furthermore, when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the supporting side plate 172, the dimensions occupied by the plate heat exchanger 60 and the piping structure 20 can overlap to a certain extent in the third direction Z, thereby achieving a high degree of structural compactness in the height direction of the refrigerant replacement device.

It is understood that, in order to enable the opening or closing of the electronic expansion valve in the refrigerant switching device 100, the refrigerant switching device 100 provided in this embodiment should also include a circuit board 50. The receiving cavity 11 is formed with a first cavity 111 and a second cavity 112 spaced apart. When the plate heat exchanger 60 is located in the shell 10, part of the plate heat exchanger 60 and the pipeline structure 20 are housed in the first cavity 111, and the circuit board 50 is housed in the second cavity 112. The first cavity 111 and the second cavity 112 are distributed along the second direction Y of the refrigerant switching device 100.

This arrangement creates a certain distance between the plate heat exchanger 60 and the piping structure 20 and the circuit board 50, which can, to some extent, prevent the refrigerant flowing in the plate heat exchanger 60 and the piping structure 20 from leaking onto the circuit board 50, thus ensuring the normal performance of the circuit board 50.

Furthermore, the circuit board 50 is located inside the receiving cavity 11 and above the chassis 40. The circuit board 50 is positioned close to the second side plate 174, so that after the second side plate 174 is removed, the user can inspect the circuit board 50 through the second opening 15, making the inspection of the circuit board 50 more convenient.

The circuit board 50 is located between the pipe structure 20 and the second side plate 174. The first expansion valve 81 and the second expansion valve 82 are both located close to the circuit board 50, making the structure between the pipe structure 20 and the circuit board 50 more compact. This arrangement allows the circuit board 50 to avoid the pipe structure 20, preventing the circuit board 50 from interfering with the installation of the pipe structure 20. In addition, it can prevent condensate dripping from the pipe structure 20 from falling onto the circuit board 50 and causing a short circuit.

The circuit board 50 is modularly designed, meaning that the circuit board 50 can be installed or removed separately from the housing 10 and/or chassis 40. In other words, the circuit board 50 can be composed of mounting components, an electronic control board, and electrical components. The mounting components are installed between the housing 10 and the chassis 40, and the mounting components, housing 10, and chassis 40 together form a cavity to accommodate the electronic control board and electrical components.

Multiple circuit boards 50 can be provided, and the multiple circuit boards 50 are arranged at intervals along the first direction X. The electronic components in the refrigerant switching device 100 are controlled by the multiple circuit boards 50. While ensuring the normal operation of the refrigerant switching device 100, the volume of each circuit board 50 can be reduced, and the circuit board 50 is not too large, which will affect the installation of the circuit board 50 in the receiving cavity 11. In addition, the space between the multiple circuit boards 50 can form a heat dissipation space, which can improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the circuit board 50.

It should be noted that a partition can also be provided on the chassis 40 or the housing 10 to separate the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 112. Here, the specific implementation of the circuit board 50 is not limited.

The plate heat exchanger 60 can also be installed outside the shell 10. In this case, the plate heat exchanger 60 is fixed to the outer wall of a supporting side plate 172, for example, the outer wall of the supporting side plate 172, and the plate heat exchanger 60 is connected to the piping structure 20 through a connecting pipe passing through the supporting side plate 172. That is, the plate heat exchanger 60 is located outside the first cavity 111 and installed on a supporting side plate 172. In this case, the inlet and outlet connecting pipes connected to the plate heat exchanger 60 pass through the supporting side plate 172 and are connected to the piping structure 20. In this way, the plate heat exchanger 60 can be installed outside the shell 10, so that the chassis 40 can be disassembled independently.

It should be noted that when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed outside the shell 10, the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the plate heat exchanger 60 are positioned closer to the first connection end than the contact point between the piping structure 20 and the support structure 30. This can, to some extent, avoid affecting the routing of the piping structure 20.

Regardless of whether the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the piping structure 20 or the shell 10, directly fixing the plate heat exchanger 60 to the piping structure 20 or the shell 10 is not only costly but may also affect the performance of the plate heat exchanger 60. Therefore, in this embodiment, an intermediate connecting bracket 61 is required for installing the plate heat exchanger 60, and the plate heat exchanger 60 is connected to the piping structure 20 or the shell 10 through the connecting bracket 61. In this way, the plate heat exchanger 60 can be installed on the piping structure 20 or the shell 10, while also reducing the installation cost of the plate heat exchanger 60 and improving its performance.

Specifically, the connecting bracket 61 may include a first connecting portion 611 and a second connecting portion 612 connected together; the first connecting portion 611 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 60, and the second connecting portion 612 is connected to the piping structure 20 or the housing 10. In this way, by providing the connecting bracket 61 including the first connecting portion 611 and the second connecting portion 612, the plate heat exchanger 60 can be installed on the housing 10 or the piping structure 20 via the connecting bracket 61.

In some optional embodiments, to facilitate the assembly of the connecting bracket 61, the first connecting part 611 is detachably connected to the plate heat exchanger 60, and the second connecting part 612 is detachably connected to the piping structure 20 or the shell 10. This facilitates the connection of the connecting bracket 61 to the plate heat exchanger 60, and also facilitates the connection of the connecting bracket 61 to the piping structure 20 or the shell 10.

It should be noted that the first connecting part 611 can be connected to the plate heat exchanger 60 by screws or other threaded fasteners, and the second connecting part 612 can also be connected to the pipeline structure 20 or the shell 10 by screws or other threaded fasteners.

In order to further improve the compactness of the internal structure of the refrigerant switching device 100 provided in this embodiment, in some embodiments, the shape of the second connecting part 612 may be subject to certain restrictions.

Specifically, when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the piping structure 20, the second connection portion 612 is connected to the support structure 30, that is, the second connection portion 612 is connected to the first beam 31a or the second beam 31b. When the second connection portion 612 is connected to the second beam 31b, the second beam 31b has a first mounting surface 62 configured to connect with the second connection portion 612, and the extending direction of the second connection portion 612 is consistent with the extending direction of the first mounting surface 62.

The first mounting surface 62 can be the top surface of the second beam 31b, and the top surface of the second beam 31b extends along the first direction X. If the extension direction of the second connecting part 612 is consistent with the extension direction of the first mounting surface 62, the refrigerant switching device 100 will have a more compact structure along its height direction (i.e., the third direction Z).

Furthermore, when the plate heat exchanger 60 is installed on the housing 10, the second connecting part 612 is connected to the housing 10, that is, the second connecting part 612 is connected to the supporting side plate 172. At this time, the inner or outer plate surface of the supporting side plate 172 forms a second mounting surface 63 that connects to the second connecting part 612, and the extension direction of the second connecting part 612 is consistent with the extension direction of the second mounting surface 63. The extension direction of the plate surface of the supporting side plate 172 is consistent with the third direction Z. This makes the refrigerant switching device 100 provided in this embodiment more compact along its length direction (i.e., the first direction X).

To facilitate the manufacturing of the connecting bracket 61, it is a one-piece structure. This results in higher manufacturing efficiency for the connecting bracket 61, thereby increasing the manufacturing and assembly efficiency of the refrigerant switching device 100 provided in this embodiment.

In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8 to 15, the refrigerant switching device 100 further includes a support member 32. The support member 32 is mounted on the inner sidewall of the housing 10 and detachably connected to the housing 10. The end of the support structure 30 is connected to the support member 32. It is understood that compared to the support structure 30, the support member 32 can have a larger installation area, and the support member 32 is more likely to have pre-drilled threaded holes or other structures to facilitate installation, making the installation of the support member 32 more convenient, thereby making the connection between the support structure 30 and the housing 10 more convenient. It should also be noted that when installing the support structure 30, the support member 32 can be installed on the housing 10 first, and then the end of the support structure 30 can be connected to the support member 32; alternatively, the end of the support structure 30 can be connected to the support member 32 first, and then the support member 32 can be installed on the housing 10.

The support member 32 includes a support plate 321 and a mounting part 322. The support plate 321 is connected to the inner wall of the housing 10. The mounting part 322 is connected to the upper part of the support plate 321 and is perpendicular to the support plate 321. The mounting part 322 corresponds one-to-one with the support structure 30, and the end of the support structure 30 is connected to the mounting part 322. It can be understood that the support plate 321 is configured to provide support for the support structure 30. The support plate 321 is a plate-shaped structure with a larger installation area, allowing for a stronger connection with the housing 10. Furthermore, the support plate 321 is more likely to have pre-drilled threaded holes and other structures that facilitate installation. The mounting part 322 is configured to connect the support structure 30 to the support plate 321, making the connection between the support structure 30 and the support plate 321 more convenient. When there are multiple support structures 30, multiple support structures 30 can be connected to one support member 32 through multiple mounting parts 322. When the support member 32 is disassembled, all support structures 30 can be disassembled, making the disassembly of the support structure 30 more convenient.

In some embodiments, the support structure 30 is located above the mounting portion 322, and a snap-fit groove 311 is provided at the lower part of the support structure 30, into which the mounting portion 322 is inserted. It is understood that when installing the support structure 30, after moving the support structure 30 to the corresponding position above the mounting portion 322, the support structure 30 is moved downwards so that the mounting portion 322 inserts into the snap-fit groove 311, thus achieving pre-fixation of the support structure 30 on the mounting portion 322. Subsequently, the support structure 30 is fixed to the mounting portion 322 using screws or other components. Furthermore, the cooperation between the mounting portion 322 and the snap-fit groove 311 prevents the support structure 30 from moving along the second direction Y during installation, thereby making the installation of the support structure 30 more convenient.

In some embodiments, the support member 32 further includes a connecting portion 323, which is connected to the lower part of the support plate 321 and to the chassis 40, so that the chassis 40 can be connected to the support structure 30 through the support member 32, thereby providing support for the chassis 40 and making the chassis 40 more stable.

In some embodiments, the chassis 40 includes a plate 42 and a flange 43 disposed on the edge of the plate 42. The connecting portion 323 includes a first portion 323a and a second portion 323b connected to the first portion 323a. The first portion 323a is located outside the flange 43 and is connected to the housing 10 and the flange 43. The second portion 323b is located above the flange 43 and abuts against the top surface of the flange 43. It should be noted that the first portion 323a can connect the flange 43 to the housing 10, thereby connecting the chassis 40 to the housing 10. The housing 10 can provide support for the chassis 40, thereby improving the stability of the chassis 40. The second portion 323b can provide support for the bottom of the support member 32, preventing the support member 32 from tipping over due to excessive weight at the top when installing the support member 32 to the chassis 40, making the connection between the support member 32 and the chassis 40 more convenient.

In some embodiments, the support member 32 further includes a reinforcing portion 324 located at the edge of the support plate 321, and a connecting portion 323 located on the side of the reinforcing portion 324 away from the support plate 321. The reinforcing portion 324 is connected to the support plate 321 and the connecting portion 323, and the reinforcing portion 324 can improve the overall structural strength of the support member 32.

In some embodiments, the support member 32 further includes a limiting portion 325, which is located inside the flange 43 and abuts against the flange 43. It is understood that the flange 43 is sandwiched between the limiting portion 325 and the inner wall of the housing 10. The limiting portion 325 allows the flange 43 to fit tightly against the inner wall of the housing 10, resulting in a tighter connection between the flange 43 and the housing 10, and reducing the gap between the flange 43 and the inner wall of the housing 10. Furthermore, the limiting portion 325 is an elastic limiting portion 325, making it elastic and thus facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the limiting portion 325 from the flange 43.

In some embodiments, the support member 32 further includes a support portion 326, which is connected to the limiting portion 325. The support portion 326 is located above the plate 42 and abuts against the plate 42. The support portion 326 can provide support for the bottom of the support member 32, which can prevent the support member 32 from tipping over due to excessive weight at the top when the support member 32 is installed with the chassis 40, making the connection between the support member 32 and the chassis 40 more convenient.

It should be noted that the support plate 321, mounting part 322, connecting part 323, reinforcing part 324, limiting part 325, and support part 326 can be integrally formed, or the support plate 321, mounting part 322, connecting part 323, reinforcing part 324, limiting part 325, and support part 326 can be formed separately and then spliced by welding, bonding, riveting, or threaded connection.

As shown in Figures 4 and 8, a mounting hole 14 is provided on the housing 10 at a position corresponding to the support member 32. The mounting hole 14 penetrates the inner and outer sides of the housing 10. The refrigerant switching device 100 also includes a connector, which passes through the mounting hole 14 and is connected to the support member 32 and the housing 10 to detachably connect the support member 32 and the housing 10, making it more convenient to install and remove the support member 32.

It should be noted that the connector can be a screw or bolt, etc. When installing the support 32, the connector can pass through the mounting hole 14 from the outside of the housing 10 and be threaded to the support 32 to achieve the installation of the support 32 on the housing 10. Of course, in other embodiments, the support 32 can also be connected to the housing 10 by gluing, snap-fitting, riveting or other methods. It should also be noted that the support plate 321 of the support 32 can be connected to the housing 10 by using a screw or bolt to pass through the housing 10 and the support plate 321 from the outside of the housing 10. The first part 323a of the support 32 can be connected to the flange 43 of the chassis 40 by using a screw or bolt to pass through the housing 10 and the first part 323a from the outside of the housing 10.

When the refrigerant switching device 100 needs to be assembled, the piping structure 20 can be fixed to the support structure 30, and the support plate 321 of the support member 32 can be fixed to the support side plate 172. Then, the two ends of the piping structure 20 can be installed to the mounting parts 322 on the two support side plates 172 respectively, so that the two ends of the main liquid pipe 213, the low-pressure gas pipe 223 and the high-pressure gas pipe 224 pass through the second through port 16 on the support side plate 172. Then, the first side plate 173, the second side plate 174 and the top cover 171 are assembled with the two support side plates 172, and the branch liquid pipe 211, the branch gas pipe 221 and the bypass gas pipe are connected. One end of pipe 222 passes through the first through-hole 13 on the first side plate 173. Then, the base 40 is inserted into the first opening 12 of the housing 10 from the bottom of the housing 10 to close the first opening 12. The flange 43 of the base 40 is inserted between the first part 323a and the inner side wall of the housing 10 to achieve the pre-fixation of the base 40. Then, screws or bolts or other connectors are used to connect the base 40 to the housing 10 and the base 40 to the first part 323a from the outside of the housing 10 to achieve the installation of the base 10. When using the refrigerant switching device 100, the refrigerant switching device 100 can be fixed to the ceiling or other methods.

When it is necessary to inspect the components inside the housing 10, the connecting parts between the chassis 40 and the housing 10, as well as the connecting parts between the chassis 40 and the first part 323a, are disassembled from the outside of the housing 10. The chassis 40 is then moved downwards, and the flange 43 of the chassis 40 is pulled out between the first part 323a and the inner wall of the housing 10. The chassis 40 is then pulled out of the housing 10 to open the first opening 12 of the housing 10. At this time, the maintenance personnel can reach into the receiving cavity 11 through the first opening 12 to inspect the components such as the pipeline structure 20. When disassembling the chassis 40, it is not necessary to disassemble the pipeline structure 20, making the disassembly of the chassis 40 more convenient.

In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 26 to 32, the refrigerant switching device 100 further includes a limiting member 70. The limiting member 70 is located above or below the supporting structure 30 and is detachably connected to the supporting structure 30. The limiting member 70 is configured to press the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 against the first beam 31a and the second beam 31b, respectively. The limiting member 70 cooperates with the first beam 31a and the second beam 31b to fix the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, which can prevent the pipe structure 20 from detaching from the supporting structure 30 due to vibration or other factors. The limiting member 70 can be detachably connected to the supporting structure 30 by means of bolt connection, screw connection, snap-fit connection, or pipe clamp connection.

Furthermore, the limiting member 70 and the supporting structure 30 define a limiting channel 70a. The branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 pass through the limiting channel 70a, so that the portions of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 passing through the limiting channel 70a are sandwiched between the limiting member 70 and the supporting structure 30. Thus, the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 can be limited and fixed on the supporting structure 30 by the limiting member 70, so as to achieve the cooperation with the supporting structure 30 to fix the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222.

Since the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 are close to each other after installation, the technical solution of this embodiment uses the cooperation of the support structure 30 and the limiting member 70 to fix and limit the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, thereby improving the stability of the position of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 and avoiding the collision between adjacent branch liquid pipes 211 and bypass gas pipes 222 during the handling, transportation or use of the refrigerant switching device 100, which would cause damage to the branch liquid pipes 211 and bypass gas pipes 222.

At the same time, it also avoids friction between the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 and the supporting structure 30, which could lead to damage to the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222. In this way, it can play a better protective role for the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, thereby effectively reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage and reducing the noise generated by the refrigerant switching device 100 during operation.

Furthermore, by cooperating with the support structure 30 and the limiting component 70, the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 can be fixed and limited simultaneously. Compared with the form of fixing and limiting one branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 with one fixed structure, this embodiment can simplify the assembly process and effectively improve the assembly efficiency of the workshop between the support structure 30, the limiting component 70, and the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222.

The limiting member 70 may be generally elongated and extend along the extension direction of the supporting structure 30. That is, when the supporting structure 30 extends along the first direction X, the limiting member 70 may also extend along the first direction X to ensure structural adaptability and without occupying too much space. The limiting member 70 may include at least one of metal or plastic parts, and this embodiment does not limit this.

Multiple limiting components 70 are provided, and each limiting component 70 defines multiple limiting channels 70a with the supporting structure 30. The multiple limiting channels 70a are arranged at intervals along the first direction X. It can be understood that the multiple limiting components 70 are independent of each other, so that each limiting component 70 can be disassembled and installed individually, thereby making the installation and removal of the limiting components 70 more convenient.

In some embodiments, the limiting member 70 includes a connecting body 71 and a fixing body 73. The connecting body 71, as the connecting portion of the limiting member 70, may be made of metal to ensure its own strength and improve the stability of the connection. The connecting body 71 extends along the extending direction of the supporting structure 30, and the connecting body 71 is connected to the supporting structure 30.

The fixing body 73 serves as a limiting member 70 and is used to fix the branch liquid tube 211 and the bypass gas tube 222. It can be made of elastic material or metal material. The fixing body 73 is connected to the side of the connecting body 71 near the supporting structure 30.

In this design, at least one of the fixing body 73 and the supporting structure 30 forms multiple fixing grooves 731. Specifically, the fixing body 73 may form multiple fixing grooves 731, or the supporting structure 30 may form multiple fixing grooves 731, or the fixing body 73 may form multiple first half-grooves and the supporting structure 30 may form multiple second half-grooves. After the limiting member 70 presses the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 against the supporting structure 30, the first half-grooves and the second half-grooves are connected one-to-one to form a fixing groove 731, thus forming a limiting channel 70a when the limiting member 70 is connected to the supporting structure 30. One fixing groove 731 is configured to abut and fix one branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, thereby achieving fixation and limiting of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 through the fixing groove 731.

Thus, by fixing the connecting body 71 to the connection position of the supporting structure 30, the connecting body 71 can press the fixing body 73 against the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, so that the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 are directly fixed one-to-one in the multiple fixing slots 731. Compared with the form in which the connecting body 71 is first connected to the cavity wall of the receiving cavity 11, and then the fixing body 73 is aligned with the supporting structure 30 to fix the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, this embodiment has fewer connection steps and is easier to connect. Of course, in other embodiments, the connecting body 71 can be connected to the cavity side wall of the receiving cavity 11 instead of the supporting structure 30, and this embodiment does not limit this.

Furthermore, the fixing body 73 is made of an elastic material, and multiple fixing grooves 731 are recessed on the surface of the fixing body 73 facing the supporting structure 30. In this way, the connecting body 71, while pressing against the fixing body 73, can utilize the elastic properties of the fixing body 73 to achieve a better fixing effect on the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222. Simultaneously, by forming fixing grooves 731 with the fixing body 73 being an elastic material, the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 are not damaged due to excessive friction with the groove wall when they are fixed by the fixing grooves 731. This improves the protection effect on the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, reducing the possibility of refrigerant leakage due to damage to the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 when they are fixed by the fixing grooves.

It should be noted that the material of the fixing body 73 can be rubber, so that the fixing body 73 has good elasticity and extensibility, and at the same time, it is easy to shape the fixing body 73 and to process the fixing body 73 into various shapes and sizes.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the contour shape of the fixing groove 731 is adapted to the shape of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, and at least a portion of the groove wall surface of the fixing groove 731 is configured to fit and conform to the outer peripheral surface of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222. Specifically, the overall contour shape of the fixing groove 731 may be adapted to the shape of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, and the overall groove wall surface of the fixing groove 731 may fit and conform to the outer peripheral surface of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222; alternatively, a portion of the contour shape of the fixing groove 731 may be adapted to the shape of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, and a portion of the groove wall surface of the fixing groove 731 may fit and conform to the outer peripheral surface of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this aspect.

Understandably, the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass air pipe 222 are typically circular in shape. Correspondingly, at least part of the outline of the fixing groove 731 is circular to achieve a contour-following effect. Thus, by adapting and fitting the groove wall of the fixing groove 731 to the outer circumferential surfaces of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass air pipe 222, the fixing effect of the fixing groove 731 on the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass air pipe 222 can be improved, thereby further ensuring the stability of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass air pipe 222 within the receiving cavity 11.

Furthermore, during the actual connection process, the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 need to extend out of the housing 10 to connect to the indoor unit 300. The branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 usually include multiple sections of welded sub-pipes. During the welding process of the sub-pipes, there will always be a certain welding error, which will cause the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 to have positional deviations. Based on this technical problem, the design of the contoured groove wall of the fixing groove 731 can enable the fixing groove 731 to better position the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222. Thus, even if the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 themselves have welding errors, they can be limited to the preset position by the fixing groove 731, which facilitates subsequent connection operations.

In some embodiments, the fixing groove 731 includes a guide groove section 7311 and a fixing groove section 7313. One end of the guide groove section 7311 is open and has a slot, which is configured to allow the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 to extend into the guide groove section 7311. The fixing groove section 7313 communicates with the other end of the guide groove section 7311 and is configured to abut against the fixing branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222.

The guide groove section 7311 is flared outwards from the fixed groove section 7313 to the guide groove section 7311, so that the groove wall of the guide groove section 7311 can guide the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 into the fixed groove section 7313. It can be understood that the groove wall of the guide groove section 7311 can be inclined or curved to better guide the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 into the fixed groove section 7313, allowing the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 to enter the fixed groove 731 more smoothly and be fixed by the fixed groove 731, facilitating operation by the staff.

In conjunction with the two embodiments described above, the outline shape of the fixing groove segment 7313 is adapted to the shape of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, and the groove wall surface of the fixing groove segment 7313 is adapted to fit the outer peripheral surface of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222. In this way, the conformal design of the fixing groove segment 7313 can improve the abutment and fixing effect, and realize the limitation and positioning of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222.

The fixing body 73 includes a plurality of fixing elastic parts 733, wherein the plurality of fixing elastic parts 733 are separate components, and each fixing elastic part 733 is generally cuboid in shape. The plurality of fixing elastic parts 733 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the connecting body 71, and each fixing elastic part 733 is correspondingly formed with a fixing groove 731.

In this way, compared with the fixed main body 73 being a long strip-shaped integral component, each fixed elastic part 733 can ensure its own strength, so as to better abut and fix the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, and can also be easily molded separately, which is convenient for workshop molding and manufacturing.

Furthermore, each of the fixed elastic parts 733 is detachably connected to the connecting body 71. Thus, if a fixed elastic part 733 is damaged or its elasticity weakens due to prolonged use, it can be disassembled and replaced, extending the service life of the fixing body 73. The specific detachable connection between the fixed elastic part 733 and the connecting body 71 can be a snap-fit connection 7331 or a threaded connection, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

Of course, this application is not limited to this. Each fixed elastic part 733 can also be fixedly connected to the connecting body 71 to improve the firmness of the connection between the fixed elastic part 733 and the connecting body 71.

In some embodiments, the fixing elastic part 733 is provided with a buckle 7331, and the connecting body 71 is provided with a slot 711. The buckle 7331 and the slot 711 engage with each other to engage the fixing elastic part 733 with the connecting body 71. Thus, the engagement of the buckle 7331 and the slot 711 improves the stability of the connection between the fixing elastic part 733 and the connecting body 71, making the fixing elastic part 733 less prone to loosening, and eliminating the need for additional tools for connection or disassembly, making operation more convenient.

Optionally, the connecting body 71 is provided with a buckle 7331, and the fixing elastic part 733 is provided with a buckle groove 711 for engaging with the buckle 7331. This embodiment does not limit this.

To extend the service life of the latch 7331, the latch 711 also includes a connected sliding section 7111 and a latch section 7113, with the opening of the sliding section 7111 being larger than the opening of the latch section 7113. The latch 7331 can extend into the sliding section 7111 and slide along the sliding section 7111 into the latch section 7113 to engage with it.

Understandably, the size of the buckle 7331 matches or nearly matches the size of the groove of the slide section 7111, so that the buckle 7331 will not contact or have minimal contact with the slide section 7111 during the process of inserting into or disengaging from the slide section 7111. As a result, the buckle 7331 will not undergo elastic deformation or will have minimal elastic deformation. The size of the groove of the slot section 7113 will be smaller than the size of the buckle 7331, so that the buckle 7331 can be engaged in the slot section 7113.

Based on the above technical solution, this embodiment can avoid the buckle 7331 from undergoing large-scale elastic deformation during the process of extending into or leaving the slot 711, thereby preventing the buckle 7331 from being damaged or having poor elastic performance due to multiple large-scale elastic deformations, and effectively extending the service life of the buckle 7331.

In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the latch 7331 is at least partially formed with a guide slope 7331a, making the latch 7331 generally frustum-shaped. The latch 7331 may have the guide slope 7331a formed entirely on its outer peripheral surface, or only partially on its outer peripheral surface; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

The guide slope 7331a is configured to guide and engage with the side wall of the slide section 7111 as the buckle 7331 extends into the slide section 7111. This allows the buckle 7331 to extend into the slide section 7111 more smoothly, facilitating the engagement operation between the buckle 7331 and the slot 711.

In some embodiments, the connecting body 71 includes a main body portion 713 and at least two fixing portions 715. It is understood that the main body portion 713 is the main part of the connecting body 71 and is generally elongated, wherein the main body portion 713 extends along the extension direction of the support structure 30, that is, the main body portion 713 extends along the first direction X.

The fixing part 715 serves as the connecting body 71 and is configured to connect to the support structure 30. The fixing part 715 can be in the form of a connecting foot. Two connecting parts are respectively connected to the two opposite ends of the main body 713 along the first direction X, and both are connected to the support structure 30. This allows the two opposite ends of the main body 713 along the first direction X to be indirectly connected to the support structure 30 via the fixing part 715, improving the stability of the connection between the connecting body 71 and the support structure 30. This, in turn, allows the connecting body 71 to better press the fixing body 73 against the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222.

Furthermore, each fixing part 715 is provided with a first connecting hole 7151, and the support structure 30 is provided with a number of second connecting holes 33 corresponding to the number of first connecting holes 7151. The support structure 30 also includes at least two fasteners (not shown in the figure), one fastener being sequentially inserted through a first connecting hole 7151 and a second connecting hole 33, so that the fixing part 715 is detachably connected to the support structure 30.

It is understood that the fastener can be a threaded locking component, and both the first connecting hole 7151 and the second connecting hole 33 are threaded holes. When the fastener is sequentially inserted into the first connecting hole 7151 and the second connecting hole 33, a threaded connection can be achieved, thereby improving the firmness of the connection between the fixing part 715 and the support structure 30 and reducing the possibility of the fixing part 715 and the support structure 30 becoming detached.

Of course, this application is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the fixing part 715 and the support structure 30 can also be connected by other detachable forms such as a snap-fit 7331.

In some embodiments, the connecting body 71 further includes a first bending portion 717, which is connected to the outer side of the main body portion 713 and is set at an angle, and extends along the extension direction of the main body portion 713, that is, the first direction X.

Understandably, when the connecting body 71 is made of metal, such as sheet metal, the first bending part 717 can be formed by stamping or other processes, which facilitates manufacturing. Based on the first bending portion 717, firstly, since the first bending portion 717 is set at an angle to the main body portion 713, the first bending portion 717 can strengthen the main body portion 713, thereby increasing the overall strength of the connecting body 71. Secondly, since the first bending portion 717 is connected to the outer side of the main body portion 713, the first bending portion 717 can also limit the connection of the connecting body 71, for example, it can limit the multiple fixed elastic portions 733, ensuring the stability of the connection between the fixed elastic portions 733 and the main body portion 713. Furthermore, since the first bending portion 717 extends along the extension direction of the main body portion 713, during the actual installation of the fixed body 73, the fixed elastic portions 733 can be guided by the first bending portion 717 along the extension direction of the first bending portion 717 to the installation position where they need to stay, so that the workers can install the multiple fixed elastic portions 733 of the fixed body 73 onto the main body portion 713 of the connecting body 71.

In some embodiments, the connecting body 71 further includes a second bend 719, which is connected to the outer side of the fixing part 715 and is arranged at an angle.

Understandably, when the connecting body 71 is made of metal, such as sheet metal, the second bend 719 can be formed by stamping or other processes, facilitating manufacturing. With the second bend 719 present, firstly, since the second bend 719 is angled to the main body 713, it strengthens the main body 713, thereby increasing the overall strength of the connecting body 71.

In some embodiments, the connecting body 71 further includes a first bending portion 717 and a second bending portion 719. The first bending portion 717 is connected to the outer side of the main body portion 713 and is set at an angle, and extends along the extending direction of the main body portion 713. The second bending portion 719 is connected to the outer side of the fixing portion 715 and is set at an angle.

It is understandable that when the connecting body 71 is made of metal, such as sheet metal, the first bending part 717 and the second bending part 719 can be formed by stamping and other processes, which facilitates manufacturing.

Based on the first bending portion 717, firstly, since the first bending portion 717 is set at an angle to the main body portion 713, the first bending portion 717 can strengthen the main body portion 713, thereby increasing the overall strength of the connecting body 71. Secondly, since the first bending portion 717 is connected to the outer side of the main body portion 713, the first bending portion 717 can also limit the connection of the connecting body 71, for example, it can limit the multiple fixed elastic portions 733, ensuring the stability of the connection between the fixed elastic portions 733 and the main body portion 713. Furthermore, since the first bending portion 717 extends along the extension direction of the main body portion 713, during the actual installation of the fixed body 73, the fixed elastic portions 733 can be guided by the first bending portion 717 along the extension direction of the first bending portion 717 to the installation position where they need to stay, so that the workers can install the multiple fixed elastic portions 733 of the fixed body 73 onto the main body portion 713 of the connecting body 71. Based on the provision of the second bending portion 719, firstly, since the second bending portion 719 is set at an angle to the main body portion 713, the second bending portion 719 can work together with the first bending portion 717 to strengthen the main body portion 713, thereby greatly increasing the overall strength of the main body portion 71.

In some embodiments, the fixing body 73 abuts against the support structure 30. This avoids the risk of the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 detaching from the gap between the fixing body 73 and the support structure 30, and improves the abutment and fixing effect of the fixing groove 731 on the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222.

In some embodiments, the fixing body 73 is spaced apart from the support structure 30. In this way, during the process of pressing the fixing body 73 against the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222, the possibility of the fixing body 73 not being able to elastically deform properly to press against the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass gas pipe 222 due to contact between the fixing body 73 and the support structure 30 can be reduced.

In some embodiments, the support structure 30 further includes an anti-abrasion pad 75, which may be elongated and extend along the extension direction of the fixing body 73. The anti-abrasion pad 75 may be made of a material with excellent elastic properties, such as rubber.

An anti-wear pad 75 is disposed on the surface of the support structure 30 facing the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass air pipe 222, and the fixing body 73 abuts against the anti-wear pad 75. In this way, the anti-wear pad 75 can prevent the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass air pipe 222 from directly supporting the support structure 30, thereby avoiding friction between the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass air pipe 222 and the support structure 30, which would cause damage to the branch liquid pipe 211 and the bypass air pipe 222 and generate noise.

The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are 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 (58)

A refrigerant switching device, wherein the refrigerant switching device comprises: The shell has a receiving cavity; A piping structure, wherein the piping structure is configured to connect the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and is at least partially located within the receiving cavity; A support structure, located within the receiving cavity, is connected to the housing and the piping structure, and is configured to provide support for the piping structure; and... The chassis is located below the pipeline structure and is detachably connected to the housing. According to claim 1, the refrigerant switching device is provided with a first opening at the bottom of the housing that communicates with the receiving cavity, and the chassis is configured to open and close the first opening, with at least a portion of the pipeline structure exposed outside the receiving cavity through the first opening. According to claim 1 or 2, the refrigerant switching device is provided with a water receiving tank on the chassis. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the pipeline structure includes a liquid pipeline module and a gas pipeline module, the support structure extends along a first direction and includes a first beam and a second beam spaced apart, the first beam being configured to support the liquid pipeline module, and the second beam being configured to support the gas pipeline module. According to claim 4, the refrigerant switching device is provided with at least two of the first beam and the second beam, and at least one of the first beam and at least one of the second beam are arranged at intervals along the second direction, wherein the second direction, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein the housing includes a top cover and a peripheral side plate located between the top cover and the chassis, the peripheral side plate includes two supporting side plates, a first side plate and a second side plate, the two supporting side plates are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction, and the first side plate and the second side plate are arranged opposite to each other along the second direction; The two ends of the support structure are respectively connected to the two support side plates. According to claim 6, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the liquid pipe module includes a branch liquid pipe, a bypass liquid pipe, and a main liquid pipe, the branch liquid pipe and the bypass liquid pipe are both connected to the main liquid pipe, and the gas pipe module includes a branch gas pipe, a bypass gas pipe, a low-pressure gas pipe, and a high-pressure gas pipe, the high-pressure gas pipe is connected to the gas pipe of the indoor unit through the branch gas pipe, and the branch gas pipe is connected to the low-pressure gas pipe through the bypass gas pipe; The main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe, and the high-pressure gas pipe are all connected to the outdoor unit. According to claim 7, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the first side plate is provided with a first through-hole penetrating the inner and outer sides of the first side plate; one end of the branch liquid pipe opposite to the bypass liquid pipe passes through the first through-hole to be exposed outside the receiving cavity, and one end of the branch liquid pipe opposite to the main liquid pipe is connected to the first beam; and/or The end of the branch trachea that is away from the bypass trachea passes through the first through-hole and is exposed outside the receiving cavity. The end of the bypass trachea that is away from the high-pressure trachea is connected to the second beam. According to claim 7 or 8, the refrigerant switching device is provided with a first expansion valve on the branch liquid pipe, a portion of the structure of the branch liquid pipe is arranged around the circumference of the first beam, and the first expansion valve is located above the first beam; the bypass gas pipe is provided with a second expansion valve, a portion of the structure of the bypass gas pipe is arranged around the circumference of the second beam, and the second expansion valve is located above the second beam. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the pipeline structure further includes a filter device, the filter device being respectively disposed on the branch liquid pipe, the branch gas pipe and the bypass gas pipe and adjacent to the support structure. According to any one of claims 7-10, the refrigerant switching device is provided with a second opening communicating with the receiving cavity on the side of the housing opposite to the first side plate; The second side plate is detachably connected to the top cover, the chassis, and the two supporting side plates. The second side plate is configured to open and close the second opening. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the refrigerant switching device further comprises: A circuit board is located within the receiving cavity and above the chassis, and the circuit board is disposed close to the second side plate; The circuit board is located between the pipeline structure and the second side plate, and both the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve are located close to the circuit board. According to the refrigerant switching device of claim 12, the circuit board is provided in multiple pieces, and the multiple circuit boards are arranged at intervals along the first direction. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-13 further includes a plate heat exchanger connected to the piping structure and installed on the piping structure or the housing, wherein the plate heat exchanger is configured to increase the subcooling of the refrigerant flowing through the piping structure. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-14, wherein a portion of the structure of the plate heat exchanger is disposed within the receiving cavity. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-15, wherein the plate heat exchanger is fixed to the support structure. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-16, wherein the plate heat exchanger is installed on either the first beam or the second beam. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-17, wherein the plate heat exchanger is installed on the side of the first beam away from the second beam, or the plate heat exchanger is installed on the side of the second beam away from the first beam. According to any one of claims 7-15, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the plate heat exchanger is fixed to the inner wall surface of one of the supporting side plates. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-15, wherein a first cavity and a second cavity are formed in the receiving cavity at intervals, the plate heat exchanger, the supporting structure and a portion of the pipeline structure are housed in the first cavity, and the circuit board is housed in the second cavity. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-15, wherein the plate heat exchanger is fixed to the outer wall of a supporting side plate and is connected to the pipeline structure through a pipe fitting passing through the supporting side plate. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-21 further includes a connecting bracket, wherein the plate heat exchanger is connected to the support structure or the shell through the connecting bracket. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-22, wherein the connecting bracket is an integral structure. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-22, wherein the connecting bracket includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part connected to each other; the first connecting part is connected to the plate heat exchanger, and the second connecting part is connected to the support structure or the shell. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-24, wherein the first connecting part is detachably connected to the plate heat exchanger; and/or, the second connecting part is detachably connected to the support structure or the housing. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-25, wherein the second connecting portion is connected to the supporting structure, the supporting structure having a first mounting surface connected to the second connecting portion, and the extending direction of the second connecting portion being consistent with the extending direction of the first mounting surface; and/or, The second connecting portion is connected to the housing, and the housing has a second mounting surface configured to connect with the second connecting portion, wherein the extending direction of the second connecting portion is consistent with the extending direction of the second mounting surface. According to any one of claims 7-11, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe and the high-pressure gas pipe all extend along the first direction, and a second through port is provided on the supporting side plate, penetrating the inner and outer sides of the supporting side plate, and both ends of the main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe and the high-pressure gas pipe pass through the second through port to be exposed outside the receiving cavity. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-27, wherein the main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe and the high-pressure gas pipe are all disposed close to the first side plate. According to claim 27 or 28, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the main liquid pipe, the low-pressure gas pipe and the high-pressure gas pipe are all arranged along the third direction. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-28, wherein the refrigerant switching device further comprises: The low-pressure air pipe and the high-pressure air pipe are fixedly connected by the fixing component. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 7-29, wherein the refrigerant switching device further comprises: A limiting member extends along the first direction and is located above or below the supporting structure. The limiting member is detachably connected to the supporting structure. The limiting member is configured to press the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe toward the first beam and the second beam, respectively. The limiting member cooperates with the first beam and the second beam to fix the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe. According to claim 31, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the limiting member and the supporting structure define a limiting channel, and the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe pass through the limiting channel. According to the refrigerant switching device of claim 32, each of the limiting members defines a plurality of limiting channels with the supporting structure, the plurality of limiting channels are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the limiting channels correspond one-to-one with the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-33, wherein a plurality of limiting members are provided, and the plurality of limiting members are arranged at intervals along the first direction. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-34, wherein the limiting member comprises: A connecting body extends along the first direction and connects to the supporting structure; and, A fixed body is connected to the side of the connecting body near the supporting structure; The fixing body and at least one of the supporting structures are provided with multiple fixing grooves, and one of the fixing grooves is configured to abut against and fix the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-35, wherein the fixing body is made of an elastic material, and the surface of the fixing body facing the support structure is recessed to form a plurality of fixing grooves. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-36, wherein at least a portion of the contour shape of the fixing groove is adapted to the shape of the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe, and at least a portion of the groove wall surface of the fixing groove is configured to fit and conform to the outer peripheral surface of the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-37, wherein the fixing groove comprises: The guide groove section has an open end forming a slot; and, A fixed tank section is connected to the other end of the guide tank section and is configured to abut and fix the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe; The guide groove section is flared out in the direction from the fixed groove section to the guide groove section, so that the groove wall of the guide groove section can guide the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe into the fixed groove section. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-37, wherein the fixed body comprises: Multiple fixed elastic parts are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and each fixed elastic part is correspondingly formed with a fixed groove. According to any one of claims 31-39, in the refrigerant switching device, one of the fixing elastic part and the connecting body is provided with a buckle, and the other is provided with a slot; The buckle engages with the slot to engage the fixed elastic part with the connecting body. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-40, wherein the slot includes a connected sliding section and a slot section, and the opening of the sliding section is larger than the opening of the slot section; The buckle can extend into the slide section and slide along the slide section into the slot section to engage with the slot section. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-41, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the buckle is at least partially formed with a guide slope, the guide slope being configured to guide and engage with the sidewall of the slide section during the process of the buckle extending into the slide section. According to any one of claims 31-42, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the fixed body abuts against or is spaced apart from the supporting structure; or, The refrigerant switching device also includes an anti-wear pad, which is disposed on the surface of the support structure facing the branch liquid pipe and the bypass gas pipe, and the fixing body abuts against the anti-wear pad. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 31-35, wherein the connecting body comprises: The main body extends along the first direction; and, At least two fixing parts are provided, each of which is connected to opposite ends of the main body along its extension direction and is also connected to the support structure. According to the refrigerant switching device of claim 44, each of the fixing parts is provided with a first connecting hole, and the supporting structure is provided with a second connecting hole corresponding to the number of the first connecting holes; The refrigerant switching device further includes at least two fasteners, one of which is sequentially inserted through a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole, so that the fixing part is detachably connected to the support structure. According to claim 44 or 45, the refrigerant switching device further includes: The first bend is connected to the outer side of the main body and is set at an angle, and extends along the first direction; and/or, The second bend is connected to the outer side of the fixing part and is set at an angle. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 1-46, wherein the refrigerant switching device further comprises: A support member is mounted on the inner wall of the housing and is detachably connected to the housing, and the end of the support structure is connected to the support member. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 1-47, wherein the plate heat exchanger is disposed close to the support member. The refrigerant switching device according to any one of claims 1-47, wherein the support member comprises: A support plate, connected to the inner wall of the housing; and, The mounting part is connected to the upper part of the support plate and is arranged perpendicular to the support plate. The mounting part corresponds to the support structure one by one, and the end of the support structure is connected to the mounting part. According to claim 49, the refrigerant switching device is wherein the support structure is located above the mounting part, the lower part of the support structure is provided with a fastening groove, and the mounting part is inserted into the fastening groove. According to claim 49, the refrigerant switching device further includes: The connecting part is connected to the lower part of the support plate and to the chassis. According to claim 51, the refrigerant switching device includes a chassis and a flange disposed on the edge of the chassis, the connecting part includes a first part and a second part connected to the first part, the first part is located outside the flange and connected to the housing and the flange, and the second part is located above the flange and abuts against the top surface of the flange. According to claim 51, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the support member further includes: The reinforcing part is located at the edge of the support plate, and the connecting part is located on the side of the reinforcing part away from the support plate. The reinforcing part is connected to the support plate and the connecting part. According to claim 52, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the support member further comprises: A limiting part is located inside the flange, and the limiting part abuts against the flange. According to claim 54, the refrigerant switching device, wherein the limiting part is an elastic limiting part. According to claim 54 or 55, the refrigerant switching device further includes: A support portion is connected to the limiting portion, the support portion is located above the plate body, and the support portion abuts against the plate body. According to any one of claims 47-56, the refrigerant switching device is provided with a mounting hole at a position corresponding to the support member on the housing, the mounting hole penetrating the inner and outer sides of the housing; the refrigerant switching device further includes: A connector is provided through the mounting hole, and the connector is connected to the support and the housing to detachably connect the support and the housing. An air conditioning system, comprising: Outdoor unit; At least one indoor unit; and, According to any one of claims 1-57, the refrigerant switching device is located between the outdoor unit and at least one of the indoor units, and is configured to switch between cooling mode and heating mode.