Air conditioner and heat exchanger thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner and a heat exchanger thereof. The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of heat exchange assemblies provided with heat exchange flow paths, a first inlet and outlet, a second inlet and outlet, and a switching pipeline. The switching pipeline is connected to the first inlet and outlet, the second inlet and outlet, and both ends of each heat exchange flow path. The switching pipeline has a first working state in which the plurality of heat exchange flow paths are connected in parallel between the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet, and a second working state in which the plurality of heat exchange flow paths are connected in series between the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet. The technical scheme is aimed at solving the technical problem of low overall energy efficiency of the existing air conditioner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of heat exchangers, in particular to an air conditioner and a heat exchanger thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some existing air conditioners can adjust the frequency of the compressor according to environmental parameters, thereby achieving energy saving and emission reduction.

[0003] When the compressor works at different frequencies, the flow rate of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger changes greatly, and the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant with different flow rates in the heat exchanger differs greatly, resulting in low overall energy efficiency. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application aims to solve the technical problem of how to improve the energy efficiency of an air conditioner.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides a heat exchanger, comprising: a plurality of heat exchange assemblies provided with heat exchange flow paths, a first inlet and outlet, a second inlet and outlet, and a switching pipeline.

[0006] The switching pipeline is connected to the first inlet and outlet, the second inlet and outlet, and both ends of each heat exchange flow path, and has a first working state in which the plurality of heat exchange flow paths are connected in parallel between the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet, and a second working state in which the plurality of heat exchange flow paths are connected in series between the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet.

[0007] In an illustrative embodiment, the plurality of heat exchange assemblies comprises:

[0008] a first heat exchange assembly provided with a first heat exchange flow path and a first opening and a second opening respectively communicating both ends of the first heat exchange flow path; and

[0009] a second heat exchange assembly provided with a second heat exchange flow path and a third opening and a fourth opening respectively communicating both ends of the second heat exchange flow path.

[0010] The switching pipeline is connected to the first opening, the second opening, the third opening and the fourth opening.

[0011] In an illustrative embodiment, the switching pipeline connects the first opening and the third opening to the first inlet and outlet and connects the second opening and the fourth opening to the second inlet and outlet to realize the first working state.

[0012] The switching pipeline connects the first inlet and outlet to the first opening, the second opening to the third opening, and the fourth opening to the second inlet and outlet to realize the second working state.

[0013] In one illustrative embodiment, the switching pipeline comprises:

[0014] a first pipeline connecting the first inlet and the first outlet;

[0015] a second pipeline having two ends respectively connected to the first inlet and the third outlet, and provided with a first valve and a first one-way valve allowing fluid to flow only from the first inlet to the third outlet;

[0016] a third pipeline having two ends respectively connected to the second inlet and the second outlet, and provided with a second valve and a second one-way valve allowing fluid to flow only from the second outlet to the second inlet;

[0017] a fourth pipeline connecting the second inlet and the fourth outlet; and

[0018] a fifth pipeline having two ends respectively connected to the second outlet and the third outlet, and provided with a third valve;

[0019] wherein the first valve and the second valve are both opened and the third valve is closed to achieve the first working state, and the first valve and the second valve are both closed and the third valve is opened to achieve the second working state.

[0020] In one illustrative embodiment, the first valve, the second valve and / or the third valve are solenoid valves.

[0021] In one illustrative embodiment, the switching pipeline comprises:

[0022] a sixth pipeline having two ends respectively connected to the first inlet and the first outlet;

[0023] a fourth valve connected to the second outlet, the first inlet and the third outlet;

[0024] a fifth valve connected to the second inlet, the second outlet and the fourth outlet;

[0025] wherein the fourth valve connects the first inlet to the third outlet and the fifth valve connects the second inlet to the second outlet and the fourth outlet to achieve the first working state, and the fourth valve connects the second outlet to the third outlet and the fifth valve connects the second inlet to the fourth outlet to achieve the second working state.

[0026] In one illustrative embodiment, the heat exchanger is a parallel flow heat exchanger.

[0027] The application further provides an air conditioner comprising the heat exchanger.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the air conditioner further comprises a compressor, which is capable of delivering refrigerant to the heat exchanger through the first inlet and outlet or the second inlet and outlet.

[0029] In the cooling mode, the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and the switching pipeline is configured to switch to the first working state when the compressor operates at a first frequency and to switch to the second working state when the compressor operates at a second frequency less than the first frequency.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the first frequency ranges from greater than or equal to 60 Hz, and the second frequency ranges from greater than 0 to less than 60 Hz.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger functions as a condenser in the heating mode, and the switching pipeline is further configured to switch to the second working state in the heating mode.

[0032] When a large flow of refrigerant is delivered to the first inlet and outlet, the switching pipeline can be switched to the first working state, so that the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet are connected in parallel with multiple heat exchange channels, the flow of refrigerant is short, and the number of channels is large, which can effectively reduce the flow rate of the large flow of refrigerant in the heat exchange channels, reduce the pressure loss, increase the heat exchange coefficient, and improve the heat exchange effect of the refrigerant and air.

[0033] When a small flow of refrigerant is delivered to the first inlet and outlet, the switching pipeline can be switched to the second working state, so that the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet are connected in series with multiple heat exchange channels, the flow of refrigerant is long, and the number of channels is small, which can increase the heat exchange coefficient and improve the heat exchange effect of the refrigerant and air.

[0034] Therefore, the working state of the switching pipeline can be adjusted according to the flow of refrigerant input into the heat exchanger, so that the heat exchanger can maintain a high heat exchange efficiency and improve the overall energy efficiency of the air conditioner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or prior art description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings can also be obtained from the structures shown in the drawings without creative labor.

[0036] Figure 1A structure schematic view of a heat exchanger in the embodiment one of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2 A structure schematic view of the heat exchanger in the embodiment one of the present application when the switching pipeline is in the second working state;

[0038] Figure 3 A structure schematic view of the heat exchanger in the embodiment one of the present application when the switching pipeline is in the second working state;

[0039] Figure 4 A structure schematic view of a heat exchange assembly in the embodiment one of the present application;

[0040] Figure 5 A pipeline connection schematic view of an air conditioner in the embodiment one of the present application;

[0041] Figure 6 A structure schematic view of a heat exchanger in the embodiment two of the present application;

[0042] Figure 7 A structure schematic view of the heat exchanger in the embodiment two of the present application when the switching pipeline is in the first working state;

[0043] Figure 8 A structure schematic view of the heat exchanger in the embodiment two of the present application when the switching pipeline is in the second working state.

[0044] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0045] 100, heat exchanger; 1, heat exchange assembly; 101, first header; 102, second header; 103, heat exchange pipe; 104, opening; 11, first heat exchange assembly; 110, first heat exchange flow path; 111, first opening; 112, second opening; 12, second heat exchange assembly; 121, third opening; 120, second heat exchange flow path; 121, third opening; 122, fourth opening; 2, first inlet and outlet; 3, second inlet and outlet; 4, switching pipeline; 41, first pipeline; 42, second pipeline; 421, first valve; 422, first check valve; 43, third pipeline; 431, second valve; 432, second check valve; 44, fourth pipeline; 45, fifth pipeline; 451, third valve; 100a, heat exchanger; 5, switching pipeline; 51, fourth valve; 52, fifth valve; 53, sixth pipeline; 54, seventh pipeline; 55, eighth pipeline; 56, ninth pipeline; 57, tenth pipeline; 59, eleventh pipeline; 58, twelfth pipeline; 200, throttling element; 300, outdoor heat exchanger; 400, compressor.

[0046] The implementation, functional features and advantages of the present application will be further described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0048] It should be noted that all directional indications, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc., in the embodiments of the present application are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement condition, etc. between components in a certain posture (as shown in the drawings), and if the certain posture changes, the directional indications also change accordingly.

[0049] In addition, the description such as "first", "second" and the like in the present application is only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0050] In the present application, unless otherwise specifically defined and limited, the terms "connection", "fixation" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, "fixation" can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integral; can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection; can be direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise specifically limited. For a person of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0051] In addition, the technical solutions of each embodiment of the present application can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that a person of ordinary skill in the art can realize it, and when the combination of technical solutions appears contradictory or unachievable, it should be considered that the combination of technical solutions does not exist, nor is it within the scope of protection claimed by the present application.

[0052] Embodiment one

[0053] The present application proposes an air conditioner, which comprises a heat exchanger 100.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1-3 The heat exchanger 100 comprises a first inlet and outlet 2, a second inlet and outlet 3, a plurality of heat exchange assemblies 1 and a switching pipeline 4.

[0055] The number of heat exchange assemblies 1 is greater than or equal to 2, which can be 2, 3 or 4. The heat exchange assembly 1 is made of a good thermal conductor, which can be made of a metal material, such as copper or aluminum. The heat exchange assembly 1 is provided with heat exchange flow channels (for example, the first heat exchange flow channel 110 and the second heat exchange flow channel 120). The shape of the heat exchange flow channel is not limited. The heat exchange flow channel is for the refrigerant to flow through, and the refrigerant flows into the heat exchange flow channel from one end and flows out of the heat exchange flow channel from the other end. When the refrigerant flows through the heat exchange flow channel, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air outside the heat exchange assembly 1 through the wall of the heat exchange flow channel, so as to heat or cool the air.

[0056] The first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3 can serve as the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 100. When one of the first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3 serves as the refrigerant inlet of the heat exchanger 100, the other of the first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3 serves as the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 100.

[0057] The switching pipeline 4 is provided with multiple pipelines and multiple valves. Different valves can control the on-off of different pipelines. The pipelines of the switching pipeline 4 are connected to the first inlet and outlet 2, the second inlet and outlet 3, and the two ends of the heat exchange flow channel of each heat exchange assembly 1. The first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3 can be connected to the heat exchange flow channel of each heat exchange assembly 1 through the switching pipeline 4. The working state of the switching pipeline 4 can be switched by changing the working state of the valves in the switching pipeline 4. The switching pipeline 4 has a first working state and a second working state.

[0058] In the first working state, the switching pipeline 4 can connect multiple heat exchange flow channels in parallel between the first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3, and the two ends of each switching pipeline 4 are connected to the first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3 through the switching pipeline 4, respectively.

[0059] In the second working state, the switching pipeline 4 can connect multiple heat exchange flow channels in series between the first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3, and the multiple heat exchange flow channels are connected in sequence through the switching pipeline 4, the first inlet and outlet 2 is connected to one end of the first heat exchange flow channel through the switching pipeline 4, which is not connected to other heat exchange flow channels, and the second inlet and outlet 3 is connected to one end of the last heat exchange flow channel through the switching pipeline 4, which is not connected to other heat exchange flow channels.

[0060] When a large flow of refrigerant is delivered to the first inlet and outlet 2, the switching pipeline 4 can be switched to the first working state, so that a plurality of heat exchange channels are connected in parallel between the first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3. After the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger 100 from the first inlet and outlet 2, it can be distributed to different heat exchange channels, and then collected from different heat exchange channels to the second inlet and outlet 3 and flow out of the heat exchanger 100 from the second inlet and outlet 3. From the first inlet and outlet 2 to the second inlet and outlet 3, the flow of the refrigerant is short, the number of flow paths is large, which can effectively reduce the flow rate of the large flow of refrigerant in the heat exchange channel, reduce the pressure loss, increase the heat exchange coefficient, and improve the heat exchange effect of the refrigerant and air.

[0061] When a small flow of refrigerant is delivered to the first inlet and outlet 2, the switching pipeline 4 can be switched to the second working state, so that a plurality of heat exchange channels are connected in series between the first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3. After the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger 100 from the first inlet and outlet 2, it flows through a plurality of heat exchange channels in turn, and finally flows out of the heat exchanger 100 from the second inlet and outlet 3. From the first inlet and outlet 2 to the second inlet and outlet 3, the flow of the refrigerant is long, the number of flow paths is small, and the small flow of refrigerant can be fully heat exchanged in a long flow, thereby increasing the heat exchange coefficient and improving the heat exchange effect of the refrigerant and air.

[0062] Therefore, the heat exchanger 100 in the embodiment can adjust the working state of the switching pipeline 4 according to the flow rate of the input refrigerant, so that the heat exchanger 100 can maintain a high heat exchange efficiency and improve the overall energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0063] In an illustrative embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 The heat exchanger 100 is a parallel flow heat exchanger. The heat exchange assembly 1 includes a first header 101, a second header 102, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes 103. The first header 101 and the second header 102 can be straight pipes. The first header 101 and the second header 102 are parallel to each other. The heat exchange pipes 103 are arranged between the first header 101 and the second header 102. One end of the heat exchange pipe 103 is connected to the first header 101 and in communication with the first header 101. The other end of the heat exchange pipe 103 is connected to the second header 102 and in communication with the second header 102. The heat exchange pipe 103 can be a flat tube. The plurality of heat exchange pipes 103 can be arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the first header 101. Adjacent two heat exchange pipes 103 are spaced apart, and the spacing between adjacent two heat exchange pipes 103 is uniform. The first header 101 and the second header 102 are provided with openings 104, and the openings 104 on the first header 101 and the second header 102 are connected to the switching pipeline 4.

[0064] The internal passages of the first header 101, the plurality of heat exchange tubes 103, and the second header 102 of the heat exchange assembly 1 constitute a heat exchange flow path of the heat exchange tubes 103. For example, after the refrigerant is injected into the first header 101 from the opening 104 of the first header 101, the refrigerant is distributed to the plurality of heat exchange tubes 103 through the first header 101, and the refrigerant in the plurality of heat exchange tubes 103 is collected into the second header 102, and then flows out from the opening 104 of the second header 102. Air can flow through the gap between two adjacent heat exchange tubes 103 and exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchange tubes 103.

[0065] The adjacent heat exchange assemblies 1 can be arranged in a V shape, and the headers at one end of the two adjacent heat exchange assemblies 1 are close to each other, and the headers at the other end are away from each other, forming a normal V shape or an inverted V shape.

[0066] The heat exchanger 100 with such a structure is compact in structure and high in heat exchange efficiency.

[0067] In an illustrative embodiment, as shown in Figures 1-3 The plurality of heat exchange assemblies 1 include a first heat exchange assembly 11 and a second heat exchange assembly 12.

[0068] The first heat exchange assembly 11 is provided with a first opening 111, a second opening 112, and a first heat exchange flow path 110. The first opening 111 and the second opening 112 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the first heat exchange flow path 110.

[0069] The second heat exchange assembly 12 is provided with a third opening 121, a fourth opening 122, and a second heat exchange flow path 120. The third opening 121 and the fourth opening 122 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the first heat exchange flow path 110.

[0070] The switching pipeline 4 connects the first opening 111 and the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 and the third opening 121 and the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange assembly 12. The switching pipeline 4 connects the first inlet and outlet 2 to the first opening 111 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 and the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange assembly 12, and also connects the second inlet and outlet 3 to the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 and the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange assembly 12, to realize the first working state of the switching pipeline 4. At this time, the first heat exchange flow path 110 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 and the second heat exchange flow path 120 of the second heat exchange assembly 12 are connected in parallel, and the refrigerant flowing in from the first inlet and outlet 2 is distributed to the first heat exchange flow path 110 and the second heat exchange flow path 120, and then converges to the second inlet and outlet 3 from the first heat exchange flow path 110 and the second heat exchange flow path 120.

[0071] The switching conduit 4 connects the first opening 111 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 to the first inlet and outlet 2, and connects the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 to the third opening 121, and also connects the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange assembly 12 to the second inlet and outlet 3, to realize the second working state of the switching conduit 4. At this time, the first heat exchange flow path 110 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 and the second heat exchange flow path 120 of the second heat exchange assembly 12 are connected in series, and the refrigerant input from the first inlet and outlet 2 flows through the first heat exchange flow path 110 and the second heat exchange flow path 120 in turn and then flows out from the second inlet and outlet 3.

[0072] In an illustrative embodiment, the switching conduit 4 includes a first conduit 41, a second conduit 42, a third conduit 43, a fourth conduit 44, and a fifth conduit 45.

[0073] One end of the first conduit 41 is connected to the first inlet and outlet 2, and the other end of the first conduit 41 is connected to the first opening 111 of the first heat exchange assembly 11.

[0074] One end of the second conduit 42 is connected to the first inlet and outlet 2, and the other end of the second conduit 42 is connected to the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange assembly 12. The second conduit 42 is provided with a first valve 421 and a first one-way valve 422. The first valve 421 and the first one-way valve 422 are connected in series on the second conduit 42. The first one-way valve 422 is closer to the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange assembly 12 than the first valve 421. The first one-way valve 422 is configured to only pass fluid flowing from the first inlet and outlet 2 to the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange assembly 12. The first valve 421 can connect and cut off the second conduit 42. The first valve 421 can be a solenoid valve.

[0075] One end of the third conduit 43 is connected to the second inlet and outlet 3, and the other end of the third conduit 43 is connected to the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange assembly 11. The third conduit 43 is provided with a second valve 431 and a second one-way valve 432. The second valve 431 and the second one-way valve 432 are connected in series on the third conduit 43. The second one-way valve 432 is closer to the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 than the second valve 431. The second one-way valve 432 is configured to only pass fluid flowing from the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange assembly 11 to the second inlet and outlet 3. The second valve 431 can connect and cut off the third conduit 43. The second valve 431 can be a solenoid valve.

[0076] One end of the fourth conduit 44 is connected to the second inlet and outlet 3, and the other end of the fourth conduit 44 is connected to the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange assembly 12.

[0077] One end of the fifth pipe 45 is connected to the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange component 11, and the other end of the fifth pipe 45 is connected to the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange component 12. A third valve 451 is provided on the fifth pipe 45, which can connect and disconnect the fifth pipe 45. The third valve 451 can be a solenoid valve.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the first valve 421 and the second valve 431 of the switching pipeline 4 are both opened, and the third valve 451 is closed, thereby switching the switching pipeline 4 to the first working state. At this time, the first pipeline 41 connects the first inlet / outlet 2 and the first opening 111 of the first heat exchange component 11; the second pipeline 42 connects the first inlet / outlet 2 and the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange component 12, and the fluid can only flow from the first inlet / outlet 2 to the third opening 121; the third pipeline 43 connects the second inlet / outlet 3 and the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange component 11, and the fluid can only flow from the second opening 112 to the second inlet / outlet 3; the fourth pipeline 44 connects the second inlet / outlet 3 and the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange component 12; the fifth pipeline 45 is cut off by the third valve 451; the first heat exchange flow path 110 of the first heat exchange component 11 and the second heat exchange flow path 120 of the second heat exchange component 12 are connected in parallel between the first inlet / outlet 2 and the second inlet / outlet 3.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, the first valve 421 and the second valve 431 of the switching pipeline 4 are both closed, and the third valve 451 is opened, thereby switching the switching pipeline 4 to the second working state. At this time, the first pipeline 41 connects the first inlet / outlet 2 and the first opening 111 of the first heat exchange component 11. The second pipeline 42 is cut off by the first valve 421, the third pipeline 43 is cut off by the second valve 431, the fourth pipeline 44 connects the second inlet / outlet 3 and the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange component 12, and the fifth pipeline 45 connects the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange component 11 and the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange component 12. Fluid can only flow from the second opening 112 to the third opening 121. The first heat exchange flow path 110 of the first heat exchange component 11 and the second heat exchange flow path 120 of the second heat exchange component 12 are connected in series between the first inlet / outlet 2 and the second inlet / outlet 3.

[0080] In one illustrative embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, the air conditioner further comprises a compressor 400, an outdoor heat exchanger 300 and a throttling element 200. The compressor 400, the outdoor heat exchanger 300, the throttling element 200 and the heat exchanger 100 are connected in sequence by pipelines to form a loop. The first inlet and outlet 2 of the heat exchanger 100 is connected to the throttling element 200, and the second inlet and outlet 3 of the heat exchanger 100 is connected to the compressor 400. The outdoor heat exchanger 300 can exchange heat with outdoor air. The heat exchanger 100 serves as an indoor heat exchanger and can exchange heat with indoor air.

[0081] The air conditioner has a cooling mode. In the cooling mode, the compressor 400 drives the refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 300, and the refrigerant can flow through the outdoor heat exchanger 300, the throttling element 200 and the heat exchanger 100 in sequence and return to the compressor 400.

[0082] In the cooling mode, the compressor 400 compresses the gaseous refrigerant into liquid state and then delivers it to the outdoor heat exchanger 300. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 300 serves as a condenser, and the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air to reduce temperature when flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 300. The pressure of the cooled liquid refrigerant is reduced when flowing through the throttling element 200, and a part of the refrigerant vaporizes to form a gas-liquid mixed refrigerant. At this time, the heat exchanger 100 serves as an evaporator, and the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant can completely evaporate into a gaseous state when flowing through the heat exchanger 100 to absorb heat from indoor air and cool the indoor air. The gaseous refrigerant finally returns to the compressor 400, thereby completing a cooling cycle.

[0083] In the cooling mode, the compressor 400 can operate at different operating frequencies. In this embodiment, the compressor 400 can operate at a first frequency and can also operate at a second frequency, and the first frequency is greater than the second frequency. The first frequency is preferably a high-frequency operating frequency of the compressor 400, and the value range can be greater than or equal to 60HZ. The second frequency is preferably a low-frequency operating frequency of the compressor 400, and the value range can be less than 60HZ.

[0084] The switching pipeline 4 is configured to switch to a first working state when the compressor 400 operates at the first frequency and switch to a second working state when the compressor 400 operates at the second frequency in the cooling mode.

[0085] In this way, when the compressor 400 operates at the first frequency, the flow of the refrigerant entering the heat exchanger 100 from the first inlet and outlet 2 is large, and at this time, the switching pipeline 4 is switched to the first working state, and the multiple heat exchange flow paths are connected in parallel, the flow path of the refrigerant is short, the number of flow paths is large, which can effectively reduce the flow speed of the large-flow refrigerant in the heat exchange flow path, reduce the pressure loss, increase the heat exchange coefficient, and improve the heat exchange effect of the refrigerant and air.

[0086] When the compressor 400 operates at the second frequency, the flow rate of the refrigerant entering the heat exchanger 100 from the first inlet and outlet 2 is large, at this time, the switching pipeline 4 is switched to the second working state, the multiple heat exchange flow paths are sequentially connected in series, the flow path of the refrigerant is long, the number of flow paths is small, and the small flow rate of the refrigerant can be fully heat exchanged in the long flow path, thereby increasing the heat exchange coefficient and improving the heat exchange effect of the refrigerant and the air.

[0087] In an illustrative embodiment, the air conditioner has a heating mode. In the heating mode, the compressor 400 drives the refrigerant to the heat exchanger 100, and the refrigerant can flow back to the compressor 400 in sequence through the heat exchanger 100, the throttling element 200, and the outdoor heat exchanger 300.

[0088] In the heating mode, the compressor 400 compresses the gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state and then delivers it to the heat exchanger 100, which at this time acts as a condenser. The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is heat-exchanged with the indoor air to be cooled while the indoor air is heated and warmed when flowing through the heat exchanger 100. The pressure of the cooled liquid refrigerant is reduced when flowing through the throttling element 200, and a part of the refrigerant is vaporized to form a gas-liquid mixed refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 300 at this time acts as an evaporator, and the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant can be completely evaporated into a gaseous state when flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 300, absorbing heat from the indoor air. The gaseous refrigerant finally flows back to the compressor 400, thereby completing a heating cycle.

[0089] In the heating mode, the switching pipeline 4 is configured to be switched to the second working state in the heating mode of the air conditioner.

[0090] In this way, in the heating mode, the heat exchanger 100 acts as a condenser, the flow rate of the refrigerant entering the heat exchanger 100 from the second inlet and outlet 3 is small, the switching pipeline 4 is switched to the second working state, the multiple heat exchange flow paths are sequentially connected in series, the flow path of the refrigerant is long, the number of flow paths is small, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be increased, and the liquid refrigerant can be fully heat exchanged in the flow path, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0091] Embodiment Two

[0092] As shown in Figures 6-8 , the present embodiment also proposes another heat exchanger 100a, and the difference between the heat exchanger 100a in embodiment two and the heat exchanger 100 in embodiment one is mainly that the structure of the switching pipeline is different.

[0093] The heat exchanger 100a includes a first inlet and outlet 2, a second inlet and outlet 3, a first heat exchange assembly 11, a second heat exchange assembly 12, and a switching pipeline 5.

[0094] The first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3 can serve as refrigerant inlets and outlets of the heat exchanger 100a, one of the first inlet and outlet 2 and the second inlet and outlet 3 serving as a refrigerant inlet of the heat exchanger 100a and the other serving as a refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 100a.

[0095] The first heat exchange assembly 11 is provided with a first opening 111, a second opening 112 and a first heat exchange flow path 110. The first opening 111 and the second opening 112 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the first heat exchange flow path 110.

[0096] The second heat exchange assembly 12 is provided with a third opening 121, a fourth opening 122 and a second heat exchange flow path 120. The third opening 121 and the fourth opening 122 are respectively connected to opposite ends of the first heat exchange flow path 110.

[0097] The switching pipeline 5 includes a fourth valve 51, a fifth valve 52, a sixth pipeline 53, a seventh pipeline 54, an eighth pipeline 55, a ninth pipeline 56, a tenth pipeline 57, an eleventh pipeline 59 and a twelfth pipeline 58.

[0098] The fourth valve 51 can be a three-way valve, for example, an electromagnetic three-way valve. The fourth valve 51 includes a first interface 511, a second interface 512 and a third interface 513. The fourth valve 51 can selectively connect the first interface 511 to one of the second interface 512 and the third interface 513.

[0099] The fifth valve 52 can be a three-way valve, for example, an electromagnetic three-way valve. The fifth valve 52 includes a fourth interface 521, a fifth interface 523 and a sixth interface 522. The fifth valve 52 can connect the fourth interface 521, the fifth interface 523 and the sixth interface 522 to each other, or only connect the fourth interface 521 to the fifth interface 523.

[0100] One end of the sixth pipeline 53 is connected to the first inlet and outlet 2, and the other end of the sixth pipeline 53 is connected to the first opening 111 of the first heat exchange assembly 11.

[0101] One end of the seventh pipeline 54 is connected to the first inlet and outlet 2, and the other end of the seventh pipeline 54 is connected to the second interface 512 of the fourth valve 51.

[0102] One end of the eighth pipeline 55 is connected to the first interface 511 of the fourth valve 51, and the other end of the eighth pipeline 55 is connected to the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange assembly 12.

[0103] One end of the ninth pipeline 56 is connected to the third interface 513 of the fourth valve 51, and the other end of the ninth pipeline 56 is connected to the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange assembly 11.

[0104] One end of the tenth pipe 57 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 3, and the other end of the tenth pipe 57 is connected to the fourth interface 521 of the fifth valve 52.

[0105] One end of the eleventh pipe 59 is connected to the fifth port 523 of the fifth valve 52, and the other end of the eleventh pipe 59 is connected to the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange component 12.

[0106] One end of the twelfth pipe 58 is connected to the sixth port 522 of the fifth valve 52, and the other end of the twelfth pipe 58 is connected to the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange assembly 11.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the fourth valve 51 of the switching pipeline 5 is switched to connect only the first interface 511 and the second interface 512, and the fifth valve 52 is switched to connect the fourth interface 521, the fifth interface 523 and the sixth interface 522 to each other, thereby switching the switching pipeline 5 to the first working state. At this time, the sixth pipeline 53 connects the first inlet / outlet 2 and the first opening 111 of the first heat exchange component 11, the seventh pipeline 54, the fourth valve 51 and the eighth pipeline 55 connect the first inlet / outlet 2 and the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange component 12, and the fifth valve 52 connects the tenth pipeline 57, the eleventh pipeline 59 and the twelfth pipeline 58 to each other so that the second inlet / outlet 3 is connected to the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange component 12 and the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange component 11, respectively. The first heat exchange flow path 110 of the first heat exchange component 11 and the second heat exchange flow path 120 of the second heat exchange component 12 are connected in parallel between the first inlet / outlet 2 and the second inlet / outlet 3.

[0108] like Figure 8 As shown, the fourth valve 51 of the switching pipeline 5 is switched to connect only the first interface 511 and the third interface 513, and the fifth valve 52 is switched to connect the fourth interface 521 to the fifth interface 523, thereby switching the switching pipeline 5 to the second working state. At this time, the sixth pipeline 53 connects the first inlet / outlet 2 and the first opening 111 of the first heat exchange component 11, the fourth valve 51, the eighth pipeline 55 and the ninth pipeline 56 connect the third opening 121 of the second heat exchange component 12 to the second opening 112 of the first heat exchange component 11, the fifth valve 52, the tenth pipeline 57 and the eleventh pipeline 59 connect the second inlet / outlet 3 to the fourth opening 122 of the second heat exchange component 12, and the first heat exchange flow path 110 of the first heat exchange component 11 and the second heat exchange flow path 120 of the second heat exchange component 12 are connected in series between the first inlet / outlet 2 and the second inlet / outlet 3.

[0109] The above merely describes the preferred embodiments of the present application, and is not intended to limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structural changes made under the concept of the present application, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields, using the content of the present application specification and drawings, are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized by, The application relates to a refrigeration system, comprising: a plurality of heat exchange assemblies provided with heat exchange channels, a first inlet and outlet, a second inlet and outlet, and a switching pipeline; wherein the switching pipeline is connected to the first inlet and outlet, the second inlet and outlet, and both ends of each heat exchange channel, and the switching pipeline has a first working state in which the plurality of heat exchange channels are connected in parallel between the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet, and a second working state in which the plurality of heat exchange channels are connected in series between the first inlet and outlet and the second inlet and outlet; wherein a compressor supplies refrigerant to the heat exchanger through the first inlet and outlet or the second inlet and outlet; wherein the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator in a refrigeration mode, and the switching pipeline is configured to switch to the first working state when the compressor operates at a first frequency in the refrigeration mode, and to switch to the second working state when the compressor operates at a second frequency smaller than the first frequency in the refrigeration mode; wherein the heat exchanger functions as a condenser in a heating mode, and the switching pipeline is further configured to switch to the second working state in the heating mode.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The plurality of heat exchange assemblies comprise: a first heat exchange assembly provided with a first heat exchange channel and a first opening and a second opening respectively connected to both ends of the first heat exchange channel; and a second heat exchange assembly provided with a second heat exchange channel and a third opening and a fourth opening respectively connected to both ends of the second heat exchange channel; wherein the switching pipeline is connected to the first opening, the second opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein The switching pipeline connects the first opening and the third opening to the first inlet and outlet and connects the second opening and the fourth opening to the second inlet and outlet to realize the first working state; The switching pipeline connects the first inlet and outlet to the first opening, connects the second opening to the third opening, and connects the fourth opening to the second inlet and outlet to realize the second working state.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein The switching pipeline comprises: a first pipeline connecting the first inlet and outlet and the first opening; a second pipeline having two ends respectively connected to the first inlet and outlet and the third opening, provided with a first valve and a first one-way valve allowing fluid to flow only from the first inlet and outlet to the third opening; a third pipeline having two ends respectively connected to the second inlet and outlet and the second opening, provided with a second valve and a second one-way valve allowing fluid to flow only from the second opening to the second inlet and outlet; a fourth pipeline connecting the second inlet and outlet and the fourth opening; and a fifth pipeline having two ends respectively connected to the second opening and the third opening, provided with a third valve; wherein the first valve and the second valve are both opened and the third valve is closed to realize the first working state, and the first valve and the second valve are both closed and the third valve is opened to realize the second working state.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 4, wherein At least one of the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve is an electromagnetic valve.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein The switching pipeline comprises: a sixth pipeline having two ends respectively connected to the first inlet and outlet and the first opening; A fourth valve is connected to the second opening, the first inlet and outlet, and the third opening; A fifth valve is connected to the second inlet and outlet, the second opening, and the fourth opening; In the first working state, the fourth valve connects the first inlet and outlet to the third opening, and the fifth valve connects the second inlet and outlet to the second opening and the fourth opening; in the second working state, the fourth valve connects the second opening to the third opening, and the fifth valve connects the second inlet and outlet to the fourth opening.

7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The heat exchanger is a parallel flow heat exchanger.

8. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein The air conditioner further comprises a compressor.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein The first frequency ranges from greater than or equal to 60 Hz, and the second frequency ranges from greater than 0 Hz to less than 60 Hz.

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