Heat exchanger and air conditioner

Abstract

The present invention provides a heat exchanger and an air conditioner. The first heat exchange part of the heat exchanger includes a first branch and a second branch. The flowing directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch are opposite. The refrigerant inlet of the first branch is A1, the refrigerant outlet of the first branch is A2, the refrigerant inlet of the second branch is B1, and the refrigerant outlet of the second branch is B2. The first heat exchange part has opposite first ventilation side and second ventilation side. Among them, A1 and B1 are located on the first ventilation side, and A2 and B2 are located on the second ventilation side. With this solution, during the process of the refrigerant flowing in the first branch and the second branch respectively, the refrigerant will pass through the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, and the flowing directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch are opposite. In this way, the influence of uneven wind speed distribution at different positions of the heat exchanger can be reduced, so that the refrigerant flow is adapted to the wind speed distribution during heat exchange of the heat exchanger, and the refrigerant heat exchange at different positions is relatively uniform, thereby improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and more particularly, to a heat exchanger and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] With the development of household air conditioners, centrifugal fans are more widely used. When a centrifugal fan is used as the air power source, due to the air flow characteristics of the centrifugal fan, it cannot be well adapted to the heat exchanger. There are differences in the wind speeds on the windward side and the leeward side of the heat exchanger, and there are also differences in the wind speeds at different positions of the heat exchanger at different distances from the fan, that is, there is a problem of uneven distribution of the wind speed on the windward side of the heat exchanger, resulting in too little refrigerant circulation flow rate in some parts of the heat exchanger and a decrease in heat exchange performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a heat exchanger and an air conditioner to improve the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.

[0004] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat exchanger, including: a first heat exchange part, the first heat exchange part including a first branch and a second branch, the flow directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch being opposite, the refrigerant inlet of the first branch being A1, the refrigerant outlet of the first branch being A2, the refrigerant inlet of the second branch being B1, the refrigerant outlet of the second branch being B2, the first heat exchange part having opposite first ventilation side and second ventilation side, wherein, A1 and B1 are located on the first ventilation side, and A2 and B2 are located on the second ventilation side.

[0005] Further, the first branch includes a plurality of first heat exchange tubes connected in sequence, and the plurality of first heat exchange tubes are alternately located on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side.

[0006] Further, the plurality of first heat exchange tubes form a first row of tubes and a second row of tubes arranged in a row, wherein the first row of tubes is located on the first ventilation side, the second row of tubes is located on the second ventilation side, and the heat exchanger further includes elbows, and at least a part of the first heat exchange tubes in the first row of tubes and at least a part of the first heat exchange tubes in the second row of tubes are connected through the elbows.

[0007] Further, the second branch includes a plurality of second heat exchange tubes connected in sequence, and the plurality of second heat exchange tubes are alternately located on the second ventilation side and the second ventilation side.

[0008] Further, the plurality of the second heat exchange tubes include a third row of tubes and a fourth row of tubes arranged in a row, wherein the third row of tubes is located on the first ventilation side, the fourth row of tubes is located on the second ventilation side, the heat exchanger further includes elbows, and at least a part of the second heat exchange tubes in the third row of tubes and at least a part of the second heat exchange tubes in the fourth row of tubes are connected through the elbows.

[0009] Further, in the length direction of the first heat exchange portion, A1, B2, A2, and B1 are arranged in sequence, wherein the length of the refrigerant flow path of the first branch is greater than the length of the refrigerant flow path of the second branch.

[0010] Further, the heat exchanger further includes a second heat exchange portion, the second heat exchange portion and the first heat exchange portion are arranged in a V shape, the second heat exchange portion includes a third branch and a fourth branch, the refrigerant inlet of the third branch is C1, the refrigerant outlet of the third branch is C2, the refrigerant inlet of the fourth branch is D1, the refrigerant outlet of the fourth branch is D2, the second heat exchange portion has opposite third ventilation side and fourth ventilation side, wherein C1 and D1 are located on the third ventilation side, and C2 and D2 are located on the fourth ventilation side.

[0011] Further, the first heat exchange portion and the second heat exchange portion are symmetrically arranged with respect to a preset plane, the first ventilation side and the third ventilation side face each other, and the second ventilation side and the fourth ventilation side face away from each other.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, the air conditioner includes a housing, a fan, and the above heat exchanger, and both the fan and the heat exchanger are arranged in the cavity of the housing.

[0013] Further, the housing has an upper air outlet and a lower air outlet, wherein the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet can switch the air outlet, and the heat exchanger is inclined with respect to the air outlet direction of the fan.

[0014] Applying the technical solution of the present invention, a heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange part. The first heat exchange part includes a first branch and a second branch. The flow directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch are opposite. The refrigerant inlet of the first branch is A1, the refrigerant outlet of the first branch is A2, the refrigerant inlet of the second branch is B1, and the refrigerant outlet of the second branch is B2. The first heat exchange part has opposite first ventilation side and second ventilation side. Among them, A1 and B1 are located on the first ventilation side, and A2 and B2 are located on the second ventilation side. Adopting this solution, during the process of the refrigerant flowing in the first branch and the second branch respectively, the refrigerant will pass through the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, and the flow directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch are opposite. In this way, the influence of uneven wind speed distribution at different positions of the heat exchanger can be reduced, so that the refrigerant flow is adapted to the wind speed distribution during refrigeration and heating of the heat exchanger, and the heat exchange of the refrigerant at different positions is relatively uniform, thereby improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The specification drawings forming a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a side view of the heat exchanger in

[0018] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the heat exchanger in

[0019] Figure 4 shows Figure 1 a schematic diagram of refrigerant flow when the heat exchanger in

[0020] Figure 5 shows a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Among them, the above-mentioned drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0022] 10, first heat exchange part; 20, second heat exchange part; 30, elbow; 40, housing; 50, fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually illustrative only and in no way limits the present invention and its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] As Figures 1 to 5 shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a heat exchanger, including: a first heat exchange part 10, the first heat exchange part 10 includes a first branch and a second branch, the flow directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch are opposite, the refrigerant inlet of the first branch is A1, the refrigerant outlet of the first branch is A2, the refrigerant inlet of the second branch is B1, the refrigerant outlet of the second branch is B2, the first heat exchange part 10 has opposite first ventilation side and second ventilation side, wherein, A1 and B1 are located on the first ventilation side, and A2 and B2 are located on the second ventilation side.

[0025] Adopting this solution, during the process of the refrigerant flowing in the first branch and the second branch respectively, the refrigerant will pass through the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, and the flow directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch are opposite. Compared with the refrigerant only passing through one ventilation side and all the refrigerant flowing in one direction, it can reduce the adverse effect of uneven wind speed distribution at different positions of the heat exchanger on heat exchange, make the refrigerant flow adapt to the wind speed distribution during refrigeration and heating of the heat exchanger, make the refrigerant heat exchange at different positions more uniform, and thus improve the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first branch includes a plurality of first heat exchange tubes connected in sequence, and the plurality of first heat exchange tubes are alternately located on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side. By alternately arranging the plurality of first heat exchange tubes on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, the refrigerant flowing in the first branch can repeatedly exchange heat with the air passing through the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, improving the heat exchange effect.

[0027] In this embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of first heat exchange tubes form a first row of tubes and a second row of tubes arranged in rows, wherein, the first row of tubes is located on the first ventilation side, and the second row of tubes is located on the second ventilation side. The first row of tubes and the second row of tubes respectively include a plurality of first heat exchange tubes. The heat exchanger further includes an elbow 30, and at least a part of the first heat exchange tubes in the first row of tubes and at least a part of the first heat exchange tubes in the second row of tubes are connected through the elbow 30. In this way, the connection of the first heat exchange tubes located on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side is realized, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow direction.

[0028] In this embodiment, the second branch includes a plurality of second heat exchange tubes connected in sequence. The plurality of second heat exchange tubes are alternately located on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side. By alternately arranging the plurality of second heat exchange tubes on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, the refrigerant flowing in the second branch can repeatedly exchange heat with the air passing through the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, improving the heat exchange effect.

[0029] Specifically, the plurality of second heat exchange tubes include a third row of tubes and a fourth row of tubes arranged in rows. Among them, the third row of tubes is located on the first ventilation side, and the fourth row of tubes is located on the second ventilation side. The heat exchanger further includes an elbow 30. At least a part of the second heat exchange tubes in the third row of tubes and at least a part of the second heat exchange tubes in the fourth row of tubes are connected through the elbow 30. This realizes the connection of the second heat exchange tubes located on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, thereby adjusting the flow direction of the refrigerant in the second branch.

[0030] In this embodiment, in the length direction of the first heat exchange part 10, A1, B2, A2, and B1 are arranged in sequence. Among them, the length of the refrigerant flow path of the first branch is greater than the length of the refrigerant flow path of the second branch.

[0031] Furthermore, the heat exchanger further includes a second heat exchange part 20. The second heat exchange part 20 and the first heat exchange part 10 are arranged in a V shape. The second heat exchange part 20 includes a third branch and a fourth branch. The refrigerant inlet of the third branch is C1, the refrigerant outlet of the third branch is C2, the refrigerant inlet of the fourth branch is D1, and the refrigerant outlet of the fourth branch is D2. The second heat exchange part 20 has opposite third ventilation side and fourth ventilation side. Among them, C1 and D1 are located on the third ventilation side, and C2 and D2 are located on the fourth ventilation side. Through the above settings, the contact area between the heat exchanger and the air flow can be increased, further improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first heat exchange part 10 and the second heat exchange part 20 are symmetrically arranged with respect to a preset plane. The first ventilation side and the third ventilation side face each other, and the second ventilation side and the fourth ventilation side face away from each other. With the above settings, the first heat exchange part 10 and the second heat exchange part 20 have the same structure, which is convenient for the manufacture of the heat exchanger.

[0033] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner, which includes a housing 40, a fan 50, and the above-mentioned heat exchanger. The fan 50 and the heat exchanger are both arranged in the cavity of the housing 40. With this solution, during the process of the refrigerant flowing in the first branch and the second branch respectively, the refrigerant will pass through the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side, and the flow directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch are opposite. Compared with the case where the refrigerant only passes through one ventilation side and all the refrigerant flows in one direction, the adverse effect of uneven wind speed distribution at different positions of the heat exchanger on heat exchange can be reduced, so that the refrigerant flow and the wind speed distribution are adapted to each other during refrigeration and heating of the heat exchanger, and the refrigerant heat exchange at different positions is relatively uniform, thereby improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.

[0034] Specifically, the housing 40 has an upper air outlet and a lower air outlet. Among them, the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet can switch the air outlet. The heat exchanger is inclined relative to the air outlet direction of the fan 50. Setting the heat exchanger inclined relative to the air outlet direction of the fan 50 can increase the contact area between the heat exchanger and the air. Switching the air outlet of the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet can improve the user experience. For example, the upper air outlet discharges air during refrigeration, and the lower air outlet discharges air during heating.

[0035] To facilitate the understanding of this solution, the following further explanation is provided.

[0036] When the air conditioner is operating in the refrigeration mode, the heat exchanger is in the air outlet area. After the air is accelerated and pressurized by the fan component, it is discharged from the fan outlet and then enters the heat exchanger. After heat exchange with the heat exchanger, the air temperature is reduced, which is used to cool the room. During this process, as shown in the figure from bottom to top, it is the distribution change of the wind speed on the windward side of the heat exchanger. According to the air flow characteristics, in the wind speed distribution on the windward surface of the heat exchanger, the air flow velocity in the upper part is stronger than that in the lower part. During heating, the air flow direction is opposite to that during refrigeration. The heat exchanger is in the air inlet area. The indoor air enters the fan after heat exchange with the heat exchanger, is accelerated and pressurized, and then discharged from the air outlet of the air conditioner, which is used to heat the room. Since the heat exchanger is placed obliquely, the distances of each point from the air suction port of the fan are different, and the wind speed at the lower part of the heat exchanger is higher than that at the upper part.

[0037] According to the above air flow characteristics, through the design of the heat exchanger flow path, the outlet temperature difference of each refrigerant circulation branch in refrigeration and heating is reduced, and the heat exchange performance is improved. During refrigeration, A1, B1, C1, and D1 are refrigerant inlets, and A2, B2, C2, and D2 are refrigerant outlets. A total of 4 refrigerant circulation branches are set up. The refrigerant flow directions of A1→A2 and C1→C2 are from top to bottom, and the refrigerant flow directions of B1→B2 and D1→D2 are from bottom to top. Among them, the flow path lengths of A1→A2 and C1→C2 are longer than those of B1→B2 and D1→D2. Considering the gravity influence characteristics of the refrigerant flow, the heat exchange capacity is improved by increasing the refrigerant flow velocity. At the same time, there are multiple intersections in the A1→A2 and B1→B2 circulation branches, passing through the windward side and the leeward side of the heat exchanger respectively. Based on the above settings, due to the difference in the windward wind speed distribution of the heat exchanger up and down, if the circulation flow path only passes through the windward side or the leeward side, it will cause better or worse heat exchange in the other branch, resulting in too large an air outlet temperature difference of the heat exchanger and a reduction in the heat exchange performance. Since the wind speed of the heat exchanger gradually decreases from top to bottom, by setting "X"-shaped cross-flow paths at multiple points in the circulation branch, the heat exchange amount of each circulation branch is increased at the same time. And in the flow path design, by using the advantage of countercurrent heat exchange, the refrigerant flow direction forms a countercurrent with the inlet air direction. The refrigeration inlets A1, B1, C1, and D1 are set on the leeward side of the heat exchanger, and A2, B2, C2, and D2 are set on the windward side of the heat exchanger, improving the heat exchange temperature difference at the refrigerant outlet and the heat exchange coefficient.

[0038] During heating, the air flow direction is opposite. The inner side of the heat exchanger is the windward surface, and the outer side is the leeward surface. And the surface wind speed distribution of the heat exchanger gradually increases from top to bottom. Its refrigerant flow direction is opposite to that in refrigeration, and the refrigerant flow direction also forms a countercurrent with the air flow direction, improving the heat exchange coefficient. During the heating operation, due to the relatively small density of the gaseous refrigerant, a floating effect is formed. Among them, the flow path lengths of A2→A1 and C2→C1 are longer than those of B2→B1 and D2→D1, reducing the refrigerant flow rate and balancing the outlet temperature difference of each flow path. Through the above flow path settings, compared with the traditional flow path, the refrigeration and heating capabilities are significantly improved.

[0039] Through the present invention, according to the changes in the air flow directions of the air conditioner in refrigeration and heating, and at the same time according to the change in the windward wind speed distribution of the heat exchanger caused by the change in the air flow direction, the circulation flow rates of each branch of the heat exchanger in refrigeration and heating are adapted to the windward wind speed distribution of the heat exchanger, ensuring uniform air outlet temperature difference of the heat exchanger and improving the refrigeration and heating performance of the heat exchanger.

[0040] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is a floor-standing air conditioner. The fan includes a volute, a centrifugal impeller, and a rotating scroll tongue. The centrifugal impeller is rotatably arranged in the volute. The rotating scroll tongue is rotatably arranged in the air guiding cavity of the volute. The volute has an upper air outlet and a lower air outlet. The air outlet direction of the fan 50 is adjusted by switching the position of the rotating scroll tongue.

[0041] Optionally, the inner wall of the air guiding cavity has guiding grooves, and the air blower further includes a guiding structure which is arranged on the rotating volute tongue and located in the guiding grooves to move along the guiding grooves. In this way, the rotating volute tongue can be guided through the cooperation of the guiding structure and the guiding grooves, so that the rotating volute tongue moves smoothly, reducing shaking and improving reliability.

[0042] Optionally, the guiding structure includes: a first roller rotatably arranged on the rotating volute tongue, the axis of the first roller being parallel to the rotation center line of the rotating volute tongue, and the first roller abutting against the side wall of the guiding groove; a second roller rotatably arranged on the rotating volute tongue, the axis of the second roller being perpendicular to the rotation center line of the rotating volute tongue, and the second roller abutting against the bottom wall of the guiding groove. By means of the first roller and the second roller with different axes, the rotating volute tongue is limited and guided in different directions, so that the rotating volute tongue moves smoothly. The use of the first roller and the second roller avoids the direct contact between the rotating volute tongue and the inner wall of the air guiding cavity, reduces the frictional resistance and enables smooth movement.

[0043] Optionally, the rotating volute tongue includes: an arc-shaped plate for blocking the upper air outlet or the lower air outlet, with a gap between the arc-shaped plate and the inner wall of the air guiding cavity; an arc-shaped rib arranged on the arc-shaped plate, and a part of the arc-shaped rib is located in the guiding groove. Setting a gap between the arc-shaped plate and the inner wall of the air guiding cavity facilitates the rotation of the rotating volute tongue and avoids jamming. Through the arc-shaped rib extending into the guiding groove, the gap can be blocked to prevent air leakage at the gap, improving the sealing performance and the air volume of the air blower. Optionally, there is a gap between the arc-shaped rib and the inner wall of the air guiding cavity, which avoids the contact between the arc-shaped rib and the inner wall of the air guiding cavity and generates frictional force. Moreover, the arc-shaped rib has an avoidance groove for avoiding the guiding structure. By providing the avoidance groove, the interference between the guiding structure and the arc-shaped rib can be avoided, facilitating the arrangement of the guiding structure.

[0044] Optionally, there are an upper air duct and a lower air duct between the volute casing and the outer casing. The two ends of the upper air duct are respectively communicated with the upper air outlet and the air guiding inlet, and the lower air duct is respectively communicated with the lower air outlet and the air guiding inlet. The air conditioner further includes: an upper air blocking mechanism arranged in the cavity of the outer casing, and at least a part of the upper air blocking mechanism is movably arranged to open or close the upper air duct; a lower air blocking mechanism arranged in the cavity of the outer casing, and at least a part of the lower air blocking mechanism is movably arranged to open or close the lower air duct.

[0045] Adopting this solution, when the air conditioner blows air upward, the upper air duct is closed by the upper air blocking mechanism, so that the air only enters from the lower air duct, avoiding the influence on the air outlet caused by the air entering from the upper air duct. When the air conditioner blows air downward, the lower air duct is closed by the lower air blocking mechanism, so that the air only enters from the upper air duct, avoiding the influence on the air outlet caused by the air entering from the lower air duct. Therefore, this solution can increase the air volume of the air conditioner and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0046] Optionally, the upper wind blocking mechanism includes: an upper baffle, which is rotatably arranged in the upper air duct to open or close the upper air duct; an upper driving part, which is drivingly connected to the upper baffle to drive the upper baffle to rotate. In this way, the rotation of the upper baffle is realized through the upper driving part, so that the upper air duct is opened or closed through the upper baffle. This solution has a simple structure and is easy to control.

[0047] The foregoing are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention may have various modifications and changes. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, Comprising: A first heat exchange part (10), the first heat exchange part (10) includes a first branch and a second branch, the flow directions of the refrigerant in the first branch and the second branch are opposite, the refrigerant inlet of the first branch is A1, the refrigerant outlet of the first branch is A2, the refrigerant inlet of the second branch is B1, the refrigerant outlet of the second branch is B2, the first heat exchange part (10) has opposite first ventilation side and second ventilation side, wherein, A1 and B1 are located on the first ventilation side, A2 and B2 are located on the second ventilation side; in the length direction of the first heat exchange part (10), A1, B2, A2, B1 are arranged in sequence; A second heat exchange part (20), the second heat exchange part (20) and the first heat exchange part (10) are arranged in a V shape, the second heat exchange part (20) includes a third branch and a fourth branch, the refrigerant inlet of the third branch is C1, the refrigerant outlet of the third branch is C2, the refrigerant inlet of the fourth branch is D1, the refrigerant outlet of the fourth branch is D2, the second heat exchange part (20) has opposite third ventilation side and fourth ventilation side, wherein, C1 and D1 are located on the third ventilation side, C2 and D2 are located on the fourth ventilation side; The first branch includes a plurality of first heat exchange tubes connected in sequence, and the plurality of first heat exchange tubes are alternately located on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side; The plurality of first heat exchange tubes form a first row of tubes and a second row of tubes arranged in a row, wherein, the first row of tubes is located on the first ventilation side, the second row of tubes is located on the second ventilation side, the heat exchanger further includes an elbow (30), at least a part of the first heat exchange tubes in the first row of tubes and at least a part of the first heat exchange tubes in the second row of tubes are connected through the elbow (30).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The second branch includes a plurality of second heat exchange tubes connected in sequence, and the plurality of second heat exchange tubes are alternately located on the first ventilation side and the second ventilation side.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of second heat exchange tubes include a third row of tubes and a fourth row of tubes arranged in a row, wherein, the third row of tubes is located on the first ventilation side, the fourth row of tubes is located on the second ventilation side, the heat exchanger further includes an elbow (30), at least a part of the second heat exchange tubes in the third row of tubes and at least a part of the second heat exchange tubes in the fourth row of tubes are connected through the elbow (30).

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the refrigerant flow path of the first branch is greater than the length of the refrigerant flow path of the second branch.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The first heat exchange part (10) and the second heat exchange part (20) are symmetrically arranged with respect to a preset plane, the first ventilation side and the third ventilation side face each other, and the second ventilation side and the fourth ventilation side face away from each other.

6. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a housing (40), a fan (50) and the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the fan (50) and the heat exchanger are both arranged in the cavity of the housing (40).

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing (40) has an upper air outlet and a lower air outlet, wherein the upper air outlet and the lower air outlet can switch the air outlet, and the heat exchanger is inclined with respect to the air outlet direction of the fan (50).

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