One-way flow diversion device and variable flow diversion heat exchanger

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and discloses a one-way shunt device, including a housing, a guide assembly, a blocking element, and a first positioning element. When the blocking element is located at a first position, it can block the refrigerant from flowing out of a third refrigerant port. When the blocking element is located at a second position, the third refrigerant port is opened so that the refrigerant can flow into the one-way shunt device from the third refrigerant port. The blocking element can slide to different positions to simultaneously achieve the effects of shunting the refrigerant and preventing the refrigerant from flowing back, thereby reducing the solder joints of the heat exchanger to reduce the material cost and space cost. The present application also discloses a variable shunt heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and particularly to a one-way flow splitting device and a variable flow splitting heat exchanger. Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner is a commonly used air temperature regulating device. Existing air conditioners are mainly of a split structure, that is, including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected through a refrigerant circulation circuit. Among them, the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger. Since the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are key components directly used for indoor and outdoor heat exchange in the air conditioner, the heat exchange efficiency of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger will directly affect the cooling or heating effect of the air conditioner.

[0003] In order to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the air conditioner, existing heat exchangers will set valve body components such as a flow splitting device and a one-way valve, so that the refrigerant flow paths during cooling and heating are different.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0005] Setting valve body components such as a flow splitting device and a one-way valve in the heat exchanger often increases the solder joints of the valve body components on the heat exchanger, and in order to ensure the welding safety distance, the distance between the solder joints of two adjacent valve body components is usually greater than 30 cm, increasing the material cost and space cost of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a simple summary is given below. The summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to identify key / important constituent elements or delineate the protection scope of these embodiments, but rather serves as a preamble to the subsequent detailed description.

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a one-way flow splitting device, which blocks or conducts the refrigerant ports to play a role in making the refrigerant flow unidirectionally or splitting the refrigerant. Using the above one-way flow splitting device can reduce the valve body components in the heat exchanger, thereby reducing the solder joints in the heat exchanger, and further reducing the material cost and space cost of the heat exchanger.

[0008] In some embodiments, a one-way flow splitting device includes a housing, a guiding assembly, a blocking element, and a first positioning element.

[0009] The shell includes a first refrigerant port arranged on the first end face, a second refrigerant port and a third refrigerant port arranged on the second end face, wherein the shell has a hollow inner cavity. The first end of the guide assembly is fixed to the second end face, and the guide assembly is arranged between the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port. The blocking element includes a sliding end and a blocking end, wherein the sliding end is slidably connected to the guide assembly, the side surface of the blocking end is in contact with the wall surface of the inner cavity, and slides along the wall surface of the inner cavity driven by the sliding end. The first positioning element is arranged at the second end of the guide assembly, and is used to stop the blocking element. When the blocking element is located in the first position, the third refrigerant port is blocked to allow the refrigerant to flow in from the first refrigerant port and flow out from the second refrigerant port. When the blocking element is located in the second position, the third refrigerant port is opened to allow the refrigerant to flow in from the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port, and flow out from the first refrigerant port.

[0010] Some technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0011] When the blocking element is in the first position, it can block the refrigerant from flowing out of the third refrigerant port to achieve a one-way flow of the refrigerant in the corresponding flow path. It can be seen that when the blocking element in the one-way diverter device slides to the first position, the effect of a one-way valve can be achieved. When the blocking element is in the second position, the refrigerant flows in from the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port, and the one-way diverter device diverts and merges the inflowing refrigerant. It can be seen that when the blocking element in the one-way diverter device slides to the second position, the effect of the diverter device can be achieved. In this way, the one-way diverter device slides to the first position or the second position through the blocking element to respectively achieve a one-way flow of the refrigerant or divert the refrigerant, thereby reducing the number of valve bodies that need to be welded in the heat exchanger to reduce material costs and space costs.

[0012] In some embodiments, the thickness of the blocking element is a first thickness D1, the height of the guide assembly is a first height H1, and the height of the housing is a second height H2, wherein the first thickness D1 is smaller than the first height H1, and the first height H1 is smaller than the second height H2.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first thickness D1 is less than or equal to 1 / 2 times the first height H1. The first height H1 is less than or equal to 1 / 3 times the second height 2.

[0014] In some embodiments, a sliding groove is provided at the sliding end of the blocking element, and the sliding groove is slidably connected to the guide assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, a one-way flow dividing device further includes a stop rod, which is fixedly connected to the second end of the guide assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, a one-way flow dividing device further includes a second positioning element. The second positioning element is arranged on the wall surface of the inner cavity of the shell, and is arranged opposite to the first positioning element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the area of the first refrigerant port is larger than the areas of the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port.

[0018] In some embodiments, the inner cavity of the housing is cylindrical, and the blocking element is semi-circular.

[0019] In some embodiments, the third refrigerant port is circular, and the area of the third refrigerant port is the first area S1. The area of the blocking end of the blocking element is the second area S2. Wherein the first area S1 is smaller than the second area S2.

[0020] In some embodiments, a variable flow-dividing heat exchanger includes the above-mentioned one-way flow-dividing device.

[0021] In some embodiments, a variable flow-dividing heat exchanger further includes a first heat exchange passage, a second heat exchange passage, a third heat exchange passage, a first confluence pipeline, a second confluence pipeline, and a first one-way valve.

[0022] The first end of the first heat exchange passage is connected to the second refrigerant port of the one-way flow-dividing device, and the second end is connected to the first flow-dividing element. The first end of the second heat exchange passage is connected to the first flow-dividing element, and the second end is connected to the second flow-dividing element. The first end of the third heat exchange passage is connected to the second flow-dividing element, and the second end is connected to the third flow-dividing element. The first end of the first confluence pipeline is connected to the third refrigerant port of the one-way flow-dividing device, and the second end is connected to the second flow-dividing element. The first end of the second confluence pipeline is connected to the first flow-dividing element, and the second end is connected to the third flow-dividing element. The first one-way valve is disposed in the second confluence pipeline, and the conduction direction is defined as from the third flow-dividing element to the first flow-dividing element.

[0023] The above general description and the following description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not used to limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0024] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by corresponding drawings. These exemplary illustrations and the drawings do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger in the related art provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a one-way flow-dividing device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a blocking element provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a refrigerant flow diagram with a blocking element in the first position provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a refrigerant flow diagram with a blocking element in the second position provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 It is a dimensional drawing of a partial structure of a one-way flow splitting device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 It is a schematic structural diagram of a guiding component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 It is a refrigerant flow diagram of a variable flow splitting heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 9 It is a refrigerant flow diagram of another variable flow splitting heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Reference numerals:

[0035] 10: housing; 101: first end face; 1011: first refrigerant port; 102: second end face; 1021: second refrigerant port; 1022: third refrigerant port; 20: guiding component; 201: first guiding rod; 202: second guiding rod; 203: stop rod; 301: first positioning element; 302: second positioning element; 40: blocking element; 401: sealing end; 402: sliding end; 403: first sliding groove; 404: second sliding groove; 501: first heat exchange passage; 502: second heat exchange passage; 503: third heat exchange passage; 601: first confluence pipeline; 602: second confluence pipeline; 70: one-way flow splitting device; 801: first flow splitting element; 802: second flow splitting element; 803: third flow splitting element; 804: fourth flow splitting element; 901: first one-way valve; 902: second one-way valve. Detailed implementation manners

[0036] In order to be able to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are only for reference and explanation purposes and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the convenience of explanation, a sufficient understanding of the disclosed embodiments is provided through multiple details. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices can be shown in a simplified manner to simplify the drawings.

[0037] In the description and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so as to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "rear", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their implementations, and are not used to limit that the indicated devices, elements or components must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. And, in addition to being able to represent an orientation or positional relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0039] In addition, the terms "arranged", "connected" and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there is internal communication between two devices, elements or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0040] Unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0042] The term "and / or" is an associative relationship describing an object, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B these three relationships.

[0043] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the embodiments of the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0044] The air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit is provided with an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, etc., which can be used to realize functions such as cooperating with the refrigerant to exchange heat with the indoor environment; the outdoor unit is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, a compressor, etc., which can be used to realize functions such as cooperating with the refrigerant to exchange heat with the outdoor environment.

[0045] As Figure 1 shown in the heat exchanger, a fourth flow dividing element 804 and a second one-way valve 902 are further provided. One end of the first heat exchange passage 501 is connected to the fourth flow dividing element 804, and the other end is connected to the first flow dividing element 801. One end of the first confluence pipeline 601 is connected to the fourth flow dividing element 804, and the other end is connected to the second flow dividing element 802. The second one-way valve 902 is disposed in the first confluence pipeline 601, and the conduction direction is defined as from the second flow dividing element 802 to the fourth flow dividing element 804.

[0046] As Figure 1 shown, when the heat exchanger shown is used as an outdoor heat exchanger, in the state where the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the first one-way valve 901 and the second one-way valve 902 are in the closed state, and the first heat exchange passage 501, the second heat exchange passage 502, and the third heat exchange passage 503 are in a series state, and the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange passage 501, the second heat exchange passage 502, and the third heat exchange passage 503 in sequence; in the state where the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the first one-way valve 901 and the second one-way valve 902 are in the conducting state, and the first heat exchange passage 501, the second heat exchange passage 502, and the third heat exchange passage 503 are in a parallel state, so that the refrigerant flows through the first heat exchange passage 501, the second heat exchange passage 502, and the third heat exchange passage 503 respectively. It can be seen that the heat exchanger can not only extend the length of the flow path of the high-temperature refrigerant in the heat exchanger under the cooling condition, so that the refrigerant can fully exchange heat to increase the subcooling degree; at the same time, it can also avoid the pressure loss problem caused by the too long flow path of the refrigerant under the heating condition, so as to ensure the requirements of the heat exchanger under different working conditions.

[0047] However, welding the second one-way valve 902 to the first confluence pipeline 601 to achieve different refrigerant flow paths during cooling and heating will increase the welding points of the first confluence pipeline 601. In order to ensure the welding safety distance, the welding point distances between the fourth flow dividing element 804, the second one-way valve 902, and the second flow dividing element 802 usually need to be greater than 30 cm, which increases the material cost and space cost of the heat exchanger.

[0048] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a one-way flow dividing device 70.

[0049] As Figures 2 to 7 shown, in some embodiments, a one-way flow dividing device 70 includes a housing 10, a guiding assembly 20, a blocking element 40, and a first positioning element 301.

[0050] The housing 10 includes a first refrigerant port 1011 provided on the first end face 101, a second refrigerant port 1021 and a third refrigerant port 1022 provided on the second end face 102, wherein the housing 10 has a hollow inner cavity. The first end of the guiding component 20 is fixed to the second end face 102, and the guiding component 20 is arranged between the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022. The blocking element 40 includes a sliding end 402 and a blocking end 401, wherein the sliding end 402 is slidably connected to the guiding component 20, the side face of the blocking end 401 is attached to the wall surface of the inner cavity, and it slides along the wall surface of the inner cavity driven by the sliding end 402. The first positioning element 301 is arranged at the second end of the guiding component 20 for stopping the blocking element 40. When the blocking element 40 is in the first position, the third refrigerant port 1022 is blocked so that the refrigerant flows in from the first refrigerant port 1011 and flows out from the second refrigerant port 1021. When the blocking element 40 is in the second position, the third refrigerant port 1022 is conducted so that the refrigerant flows in from the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022 and flows out from the first refrigerant port 1011.

[0051] It can be understood that the pressure generated by the refrigerant itself during flow can push the blocking element 40 to slide up or down along the guiding component 20.

[0052] Specifically, when the refrigerant flows in from the first refrigerant port 1011, the refrigerant pushes the blocking element 40 to slide down. The pressure exerted by the refrigerant causes the blocking element 40 to slide along the guiding component 20 to the first position to block the third refrigerant port 1022, so that the refrigerant cannot flow out through the third refrigerant port 1022 and can only flow out through the second refrigerant port 1021, as Figure 4 shown. When the refrigerant flows in from the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022, the refrigerant pushes the blocking element 40 to slide up. The pressure exerted by the refrigerant causes the blocking element 40 to slide along the guiding component 20 to the second position to conduct the third refrigerant port 1022 so that the refrigerant can flow in from the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022 at the same time and flow out from the first refrigerant port 1011, as Figure 5 shown. When the refrigerant pushes the blocking element 40 to the second position, the first positioning element 301 can stop the blocking element 40 to prevent the blocking element 40 from continuing to move and disengaging from the guiding component 20 to block the first refrigerant port 1011, resulting in the refrigerant being unable to flow out from the first refrigerant port 1011.

[0053] As Figure 4As shown, when the blocking element 40 is located at the first position, the third refrigerant port 1022 is blocked, so that the refrigerant cannot flow out through the third refrigerant port 1022. When the blocking element 40 is located at the second position, the third refrigerant port 1022 is opened, so that the refrigerant can flow in through the third refrigerant port 1022. The blocking element 40 allows the refrigerant in the flow path corresponding to the third refrigerant port 1022 to flow only in one direction from the third refrigerant port 1022 to the first refrigerant port 1011.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, when the blocking element 40 is in the second position, the refrigerant can flow in from the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022 at the same time, and flow out from the first refrigerant port 1011. The one-way flow diverter 70 diverts and converges the refrigerant flowing in from the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022, and then makes the refrigerant flow out from the first refrigerant port 1011, so as to achieve the effect of diverting and converging the refrigerant. It can be seen that the one-way flow diverter 70 can slide to the first position or the second position through the blocking element 40 to respectively achieve the effect of making the refrigerant flow in one direction and diverting the refrigerant.

[0055] Optionally, the thickness of the blocking element 40 is a first thickness D1. The height of the guide assembly 20 is a first height H1. The height of the housing 10 is a second height H2. The first thickness D1 is less than the first height H1, and the first height H1 is less than the second height H2. Figure 6 shown.

[0056] Optionally, the first thickness D1 is less than or equal to 1 / 2 times the first height H1. The first height H1 is less than or equal to 1 / 3 times the second height H2. Thus, when the blocking element 40 is located at the second position, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In the position shown, there is enough flow gap between the blocking element 40 and the third refrigerant port 1022 to allow the refrigerant to flow smoothly from the third refrigerant port 1022. At the same time, there is also enough flow gap between the blocking element 40 and the first refrigerant port 1011 to allow the refrigerant to flow smoothly from the first refrigerant port 1011. For example, the first thickness D1 can be 1 / 2, 1 / 3, 1 / 4 or 1 / 5 of the first height H1. Similarly, the first height H1 can be 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5 or 1 / 6 of the second height H2.

[0057] Optionally, the guide assembly 20 includes a first guide rod 201 and a second guide rod 202, and the first guide rod 201 is arranged in parallel with the second guide rod 202. Figure 7 shown.

[0058] Specifically, the first end of the first guide rod 201 is connected to the second end face 102 of the housing 10. The first guide rod 201 is vertically arranged between the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022 of the second end face 102, and a first positioning element 301 is arranged at the second end. Similarly, the first end of the second guide rod 202 is connected to the second end face 102 of the housing 10. The second guide rod 202 is vertically arranged between the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022 of the second end face 102, and a first positioning element 301 is arranged at the second end.

[0059] It can be understood that the dimensions of the first guide rod 201 are the same as those of the second guide rod 202. For example, the length of the first guide rod 201 is the same as that of the second guide rod 202, the width of the first guide rod 201 is the same as that of the second guide rod 202, etc., so as to improve the stability of the connection between the blocking element 40 and the guiding assembly 20 and the stability of the sliding of the blocking element 40 along the guiding assembly 20.

[0060] Optionally, a first sliding groove 403 and a second sliding groove 404 are arranged at the sliding end 402 of the blocking element 40. Among them, the first sliding groove 403 is slidably connected to the first guide rod 201, and the second sliding groove 404 is slidably connected to the second guide rod 202. As Figure 3 shown.

[0061] Specifically, the blocking element 40 is connected to the guiding assembly 20 through the first sliding groove 403 and the second sliding groove 404, which can make the blocking element 40 more stable when sliding along the guiding assembly 20. When the refrigerant pushes the blocking element 40 to slide along the guiding assembly 20, the first sliding groove 403 and the second sliding groove 404 can prevent the situation that the refrigerant flows out through the gap when a gap is generated between the blocking element 40 and the housing 10.

[0062] Optionally, the one-way flow splitting device 70 further includes a stop rod 203. The stop rod 203 is fixedly connected to the second end of the guiding assembly 20. As Figure 7 shown.

[0063] Specifically, the stop rod 203 can assist the first positioning element 301 to stop the blocking element 40 to improve the stability when the blocking element 40 is in the second position.

[0064] Optionally, the one-way flow splitting device 70 further includes a second positioning element 302. The second positioning element 302 is arranged on the wall surface of the inner cavity of the housing 10 and is arranged opposite to the first positioning element 301.

[0065] Specifically, when the blocking element 40 is in the second position, the second positioning element 302 can stop the blocking end 401 of the blocking element 40 to prevent the blocking end 401 of the blocking element 40 from shifting due to the extrusion of the refrigerant.

[0066] Optionally, the area of the first refrigerant port 1011 is larger than the areas of the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022.

[0067] Specifically, the areas of both the second refrigerant port 1021 and the third refrigerant port 1022 are less than 2 / 3 times the area of the first refrigerant port 1011. For example, the area of the second refrigerant port 1021 is 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5, or 1 / 6 of the area of the first refrigerant port 1011. Similarly, the area of the third refrigerant port 1022 is 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5, or 1 / 6 of the area of the first refrigerant port 1011.

[0068] Optionally, the area of the second refrigerant port 1021 is equal to the area of the third refrigerant port 1022.

[0069] It can be understood that since the area of the second refrigerant port 1021 is equal to the area of the third refrigerant port 1022, the refrigerant flow rate through the second refrigerant port 1021 is equal to the refrigerant flow rate through the third refrigerant port 1022.

[0070] Optionally, the inner cavity of the housing 10 is cylindrical, and the blocking element 40 is semi-circular.

[0071] Specifically, the area of the blocking element 40 is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 of the cross-sectional area of the inner cavity of the housing 10 to ensure that the side surface of the sealing end 401 of the blocking element 40 can avoid fitting with the inner cavity of the housing 10. For example, the area of the blocking element 40 is 1 / 2, 2 / 3, or 3 / 4 of the cross-sectional area of the inner cavity of the housing 10.

[0072] Optionally, the cross-section of the third refrigerant port 1022 is circular, and the diameter of the third refrigerant port 1022 is the first diameter S1. The radius of the sealing end 401 of the blocking element 40 is the first radius S2. Wherein the first diameter S1 is less than the first radius S2.

[0073] Optionally, the cross-section of the third refrigerant port 1022 is semi-circular, and the radius of the third refrigerant port 1022 is less than the radius of the sealing end 401 of the blocking element 40.

[0074] Specifically, when the blocking element 40 is in the first position, the blocking element 40 can completely cover the third refrigerant port 1022 to prevent the refrigerant from flowing out of the third refrigerant port 1022 through the gap.

[0075] The above description of the third refrigerant port 1022 is to illustrate that when the blocking element 40 is in the first position, the blocking element 40 can completely cover the third refrigerant port 1022 to block the third refrigerant port 1022, and does not limit the shape of the third refrigerant port 1022.

[0076] Optionally, the second end face 102 of the housing 10 is located below the first end face 101.

[0077] Specifically, the second end face 102 of the housing 10 is located below the first end face 101, so that the blocking element 40 is in the first position when not extruded by the refrigerant, that is, the initial position of the blocking element 40 is the first position. In this way, when the refrigerant flows in from the first refrigerant port 1011, it will not flow out through the gap from the third refrigerant port 1022 because the blocking element 40 fails to slide to the first position in time.

[0078] It can be understood that when the refrigerant flows in from the third refrigerant port 1022, even if the blocking element 40 is affected by gravity, the refrigerant can push the blocking element 40 to the second position by virtue of the pressure generated during flow.

[0079] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, in some embodiments, the variable flow-dividing heat exchanger includes the one-way flow-dividing device 70 described above.

[0080] Specifically, the above-mentioned one-way flow-dividing device 70 has the function of making the refrigerant flow unidirectionally. Therefore, in the above variable flow-dividing heat exchanger, the pipeline connected to the third refrigerant port 1022 of the one-way flow-dividing device 70 does not need to install a flow-dividing element and a one-way valve at the same time, and the effect of unidirectional flow division of the refrigerant can be achieved. In this way, the above-mentioned one-way flow-dividing device 70 can simultaneously realize the functions of a flow-dividing element and a one-way valve, reducing the number of valve bodies on the first converging pipeline 601, and further reducing the welding points of the valve bodies on the first converging pipeline 601 to reduce the material cost and space cost.

[0081] Optionally, the variable flow-dividing heat exchanger further includes a first heat exchange path 501, a second heat exchange path 502, a third heat exchange path 503, a first converging pipeline 601, a second converging pipeline 602, and a first one-way valve 901.

[0082] The first end of the first heat exchange path 501 is connected to the second refrigerant port 1021 of the one-way flow-dividing device 70, and the second end is connected to the first flow-dividing element 801. The first end of the second heat exchange path 502 is connected to the first flow-dividing element 801, and the second end is connected to the second flow-dividing element 802. The first end of the third heat exchange path 503 is connected to the second flow-dividing element 802, and the second end is connected to the third flow-dividing element 803. The first end of the first converging pipeline 601 is connected to the third refrigerant port 1022 of the one-way flow-dividing device 70, and the second end is connected to the second flow-dividing element 802. The first end of the second converging pipeline 602 is connected to the first flow-dividing element 801, and the second end is connected to the third flow-dividing element 803. The first one-way valve 901 is disposed on the second converging pipeline 602, and the conduction direction is defined as from the third flow-dividing element 803 to the first flow-dividing element 801.

[0083] It can be understood that, since the conduction direction of the first one-way valve 901 is defined as from the third flow dividing element 803 to the first flow dividing element 801, the refrigerant in the first flow dividing element 801 cannot flow to the third flow dividing element 803 through the second confluence pipeline 602.

[0084] Specifically, as Figure 8 shown, when the flow direction of the refrigerant in the variable flow dividing heat exchanger is from the one-way flow dividing device 70 to the third flow dividing element 803, the refrigerant in the one-way flow dividing device 70 flows to the first flow dividing element 801 through the first heat exchange path 501. The refrigerant in the first flow dividing element 801 flows to the second flow dividing element 802 through the second heat exchange path 502, and then flows to the third flow dividing element 803 through the third heat exchange path 503.

[0085] As Figure 9 shown, when the flow direction of the refrigerant in the variable flow dividing heat exchanger is from the third flow dividing element 803 to the one-way flow dividing device 70, after the refrigerant in the third flow dividing element 803 is divided, it flows to the first flow dividing element 801 and the second flow dividing element 802 through the second confluence pipeline 602 and the third heat exchange path 503 respectively. After the refrigerant in the first flow dividing element 801 is divided, it flows to the second flow dividing element 802 and the one-way flow dividing device 70 through the second heat exchange path 502 and the first heat exchange path 501 respectively. The refrigerant in the second flow dividing element 802 flows to the one-way flow dividing device 70 through the first confluence pipeline 601.

[0086] Furthermore, in the refrigeration condition and when the above-mentioned variable flow dividing heat exchanger is used as an outdoor heat exchanger, the flow direction of the refrigerant is from the one-way flow dividing device 70 to the third flow dividing element 803. The first heat exchange path 501, the second heat exchange path 502 and the third heat exchange path 503 are in series relationship.

[0087] It can be understood that, by extending the path length and time for the high-temperature refrigerant to exchange heat with the outdoor environment, the high-temperature refrigerant can reach a lower temperature after flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby improving the refrigeration performance.

[0088] Furthermore, in the heating condition and when the above-mentioned variable flow dividing heat exchanger is used as an outdoor heat exchanger, the flow direction of the refrigerant is from the third flow dividing element 803 to the one-way flow dividing device 70. The first heat exchange path 501, the second heat exchange path 502, and the third heat exchange path 503 are in parallel relationship.

[0089] It can be understood that, in the heating condition, shortening the flow path of the refrigerant can avoid the pressure loss problem caused by the too long flow path of the refrigerant.

[0090] In this way, the air conditioner adopting the above-mentioned variable flow dividing heat exchanger can achieve that when in different working conditions, the path length through which the refrigerant flows is different, so as to ensure the performance requirements of the air conditioner in different working modes.

[0091] Optionally, the first heat exchange passage 501 is located above the second heat exchange passage 502, and the second heat exchange passage 502 is located above the third heat exchange passage 503.

[0092] It can be understood that the first heat exchange passage 501 being located above the second heat exchange passage 502 is conducive to the refrigerant flowing smoothly from the first heat exchange passage 501 to the second heat exchange passage 502. Similarly, the second heat exchange passage 502 being located above the third heat exchange passage 503 is conducive to the refrigerant flowing smoothly from the second heat exchange passage 502 to the third heat exchange passage 503.

[0093] Optionally, the first heat exchange passage 501, the second heat exchange passage 502, and the third heat exchange passage 503 include the same number of heat exchange tubes.

[0094] Specifically, the first heat exchange passage 501 includes at least one heat exchange tube, and the number of heat exchange tubes included in the second heat exchange passage 502 and the third heat exchange passage 503 is the same as the number of heat exchange tubes included in the first heat exchange passage 501, so that the refrigerant in the first heat exchange passage 501, the second heat exchange passage 502, and the third heat exchange passage 503 is more uniform.

[0095] In the embodiment, the heat exchange tubes included in the first heat exchange passage 501, the second heat exchange passage 502, and the third heat exchange passage 503 adopt the same structural design. For example, the diameters of the heat exchange tubes included in the first heat exchange passage 501, the second heat exchange passage 502, and the third heat exchange passage 503 are the same, the wall thicknesses are the same, the curvatures and lengths at the bent pipe portions are the same, etc., so that the refrigerant flows more uniformly in the variable flow splitting heat exchanger, and the situation of unstable refrigerant pressure and flow rate caused by the change of the heat exchange tube structure is avoided.

[0096] The above description and the drawings fully illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art can practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments only represent possible variations. Unless explicitly required, the individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations can vary. Some parts and features of some embodiments can be included in or replaced by parts and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A unidirectional flow splitting device, characterized in that Comprising: A housing including a first refrigerant port provided on a first end face, a second refrigerant port and a third refrigerant port provided on a second end face, wherein the housing has a hollow inner cavity; A guiding assembly, the first end of which is fixed to the second end face, and the guiding assembly is provided between the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port; A blocking element including a sliding end and a blocking end, wherein the sliding end is slidably connected to the guiding assembly, the side surface of the blocking end fits with the wall surface of the inner cavity, and slides along the wall surface of the inner cavity under the drive of the sliding end; and A first positioning element provided at the second end of the guiding assembly for stopping the blocking element, wherein when the blocking element is in a first position, it blocks the third refrigerant port, enabling the refrigerant to flow in from the first refrigerant port and flow out from the second refrigerant port; when the blocking element is in a second position, it conducts the third refrigerant port, enabling the refrigerant to flow in from the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port and flow out from the first refrigerant port.

2. The one-way flow splitting device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the blocking element is a first thickness D1; the height of the guiding assembly is a first height H1; and the height of the housing is a second height H2, wherein the first thickness D1 is less than the first height H1, and the first height H1 is less than the second height H2.

3. The one-way flow splitting device according to claim 2, wherein the first thickness D1 is less than or equal to 1 / 2 times the first height H1; and / or the first height H1 is less than or equal to 1 / 3 times the second height H2.

4. The one-way flow splitting device according to claim 1, wherein a sliding groove is provided at the sliding end of the blocking element, and the sliding groove is slidably connected to the guiding assembly.

5. The unidirectional flow splitting device according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising: A stop rod fixedly connected to the second end of the guiding assembly.

6. The unidirectional flow splitting device according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising: A second positioning element provided on the wall surface of the inner cavity of the housing, and disposed opposite to the first positioning element.

7. The one-way flow splitting device according to claim 1, wherein the area of the first refrigerant port is larger than the areas of the second refrigerant port and the third refrigerant port.

8. The one-way flow splitting device according to claim 1, wherein the inner cavity of the housing is cylindrical; and the blocking element is semi-circular.

9. The one-way flow splitting device according to claim 7, wherein the third refrigerant port is circular, the area of the third refrigerant port is a first area S1; and the area of the blocking end of the blocking element is a second area S2, wherein the first area S1 is less than the second area S2.

10. A variable flow dividing heat exchanger, characterized in that, Comprising: The one-way flow splitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The variable flow-dividing heat exchanger according to claim 10, characterized in that, Further comprising: A first heat exchange passage, the first end of which is connected to the second refrigerant port of the one-way flow splitting device, and the second end is connected to a first flow splitting element; A second heat exchange passage, the first end of which is connected to the first flow splitting element, and the second end is connected to a second flow splitting element; A third heat exchange passage, the first end of which is connected to the second flow splitting element, and the second end is connected to a third flow splitting element; The first converging pipeline, with the first end connected to the third refrigerant port of the one-way flow splitting device and the second end connected to the second flow splitting element; The second converging pipeline, with the first end connected to the first flow splitting element and the second end connected to the third flow splitting element; and, The first one-way valve, arranged in the second converging pipeline and with the conduction direction from the third flow splitting element to the first flow splitting element.

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