Air conditioner

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioner, which comprises a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a throttling element, a four-way valve, a first flow distributor and a second flow distributor. When the air conditioner operates in a cooling mode, a first switching shunt hole connects the throttling element and a corresponding heat exchange branch, and a second switching shunt hole connects the four-way valve and the corresponding heat exchange branch, so that the multiple heat exchange branches are connected in parallel. When the air conditioner operates in a heating mode, the first switching shunt hole disconnects the throttling element and the corresponding heat exchange branch, and connects two adjacent first switching shunt holes, and the second switching shunt hole disconnects the four-way valve and the corresponding heat exchange branch, so that at least part of the multiple heat exchange branches are connected in series. Thus, the number of heat exchange branches can be increased to achieve a high refrigerating capacity effect, and the number of heat exchange branches can also be reduced to achieve a high heating capacity effect.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of air conditioners, in particular to an air conditioner. BACKGROUND

[0002] Air conditioners are commonly used household appliances, and air conditioners generally have a cooling mode and a heating mode. The evaporator of the air conditioner is divided by a flute-shaped pipe, and such a division is fixed, and the flow path cannot be changed.

[0003] In the cooling mode, the evaporator is in the evaporation role, the refrigerant pressure here is relatively low, and the refrigerant has relatively large resistance in the heat exchange pipe. Single-flow process is not suitable for multiple pipelines. When heating, the evaporator performs condensing action, and the flow rate needs to be relatively faster than when evaporating, and a longer flow process is needed to increase the condenser pressure to increase the condensing temperature to increase the heating capacity.

[0004] The fixed-flow evaporator of the prior art cannot be compatible with the efficient matching of the flow path in the cooling and heating modes. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present application is to provide an air conditioner which can change the flow path in the cooling and heating modes, so that multiple heat exchange branches in the cooling mode can be connected in parallel, the number of heat exchange branches is increased, and the effect of high cooling capacity is achieved. At least part of the multiple heat exchange branches in the heating mode can be connected in series, the number of heat exchange branches is reduced, and the effect of high heating capacity is achieved.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to an embodiment of the present application, an air conditioner is provided, comprising: a compressor, the compressor having an inlet and an outlet; an outdoor heat exchanger; an indoor heat exchanger; a throttling element connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger;

[0007] A four-way valve connected with the inlet, the outlet, the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger respectively to form a circulating loop for the refrigerant, the four-way valve selectively switching the flow direction of the refrigerant in the circulating loop;

[0008] The indoor heat exchanger comprises: a heat exchanger main body comprising a plurality of heat exchange branches;

[0009] A first flow distributor comprising a first always-open shunt hole and at least two first switch shunt holes, the first always-open shunt hole and the at least two first switch shunt holes being connected with the heat exchange branches, and at least two first switch shunt holes selectively switching the flow direction of the refrigerant between the throttling element and the corresponding heat exchange branch;

[0010] A second flow distributor includes a second always-open shunt hole and at least two second switching shunt holes, the second always-open shunt hole and the at least two second switching shunt holes are connected with the heat exchange branch, adjacent two second switching shunt holes are communicated, and the at least two second switching shunt holes selectively switch the flow direction of the refrigerant between the four-way valve and the corresponding heat exchange branch;

[0011] When the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the first switching shunt hole connects the throttling element and the corresponding heat exchange branch, and the second switching shunt hole connects the four-way valve and the corresponding heat exchange branch, so that the plurality of heat exchange branches are connected in parallel.

[0012] When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the first switching shunt hole disconnects the throttling element and the corresponding heat exchange branch and connects adjacent two first switching shunt holes, and the second switching shunt hole disconnects the four-way valve and the corresponding heat exchange branch, so that at least part of the plurality of heat exchange branches are connected in series.

[0013] Therefore, the air conditioner can change the flow path in the cooling and heating modes, so that the plurality of heat exchange branches in the cooling mode are connected in parallel to increase the number of heat exchange branches and achieve a high cooling capacity, and at least part of the plurality of heat exchange branches in the heating mode are connected in series to reduce the number of heat exchange branches and achieve a high heating capacity.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present application, the first flow distributor includes a first housing formed with a first collecting groove, the first always-open shunt hole, the at least two first switching shunt holes, and a first bypass channel, the first collecting groove is connected with the throttling element, the first always-open shunt hole, and the at least two first switching shunt holes respectively, and the first bypass channel is connected between adjacent two first switching shunt holes;

[0015] At least two first one-way valves correspond to the at least two first switching shunt holes one by one and are movably arranged in the corresponding first switching shunt holes;

[0016] When the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the first one-way valve connects the corresponding first switching shunt hole and the first collecting groove and closes the corresponding first bypass channel;

[0017] When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the first one-way valve disconnects the corresponding first switching shunt hole and the first collecting groove and opens the corresponding first bypass channel.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present application, the first one-way valve comprises: a first sealing portion; a second sealing portion connected to the first sealing portion and located on a side of the first sealing portion away from the first collecting groove;

[0019] When the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the first sealing portion connects the corresponding first switching shunt hole and the first collecting groove, and the second sealing portion closes the corresponding first bypass channel;

[0020] When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the first sealing portion disconnects the corresponding first switching shunt hole and the first collecting groove, and the second sealing portion opens the corresponding first bypass channel.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present application, in the direction of the refrigerant flowing from the first collecting groove to the first switching shunt hole, the first switching shunt hole has a first cylindrical hole section and a first conical hole section; the first sealing portion comprises: a first cylindrical section; a first conical section connected to the first cylindrical section and located on a side of the first cylindrical section away from the first collecting groove;

[0022] When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the first cylindrical section sealingly cooperates with the first cylindrical hole section and controls the first conical section to sealingly cooperate with the first conical hole section.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present application, the second sealing portion is configured as an arc-shaped sealing plate matched with the inner wall of the first switching shunt hole.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present application, the inner wall of the first switching shunt hole is provided with a sliding groove extending axially along the first switching shunt hole; the first one-way valve further comprises: a first support plate connected to the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion respectively, one side of the first support plate is formed with a first flow channel, and a part of the first support plate protruding from the second sealing portion slidingly cooperates with the sliding groove.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present application, the second flow distributor comprises: a second housing formed with a second collecting groove, the second always-open shunt hole, the at least two second switching shunt holes, and a second bypass channel, the second collecting groove is connected to the throttling element, the second always-open shunt hole, and the at least two second switching shunt holes respectively, and the second bypass channel is connected between two adjacent second switching shunt holes;

[0026] At least two second one-way valves corresponding to the at least two second switching shunt holes one by one;

[0027] The second one-way valve connects the corresponding second switching shunt hole and the second collecting groove when the air conditioner operates in a cooling mode.

[0028] The second one-way valve disconnects the corresponding second switching shunt hole and the second collecting groove when the air conditioner operates in a heating mode.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present application, the second switching shunt hole comprises: a first hole section, the second one-way valve is movably arranged in the first hole section and a first flow channel is formed between the second one-way valve and the inner wall of the first hole section, the first hole section is connected with the second collecting groove;

[0030] a second hole section, the second hole section is connected with the first hole section, the maximum cross-sectional area of the second hole section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first hole section;

[0031] a third hole section, the third hole section is connected with the second hole section, the cross-sectional area of the third hole section is larger than the maximum cross-sectional area of the second hole section, and the second bypass channel penetrates the wall of the third hole section;

[0032] The second one-way valve connects the corresponding first hole section and second hole section when the air conditioner operates in a cooling mode.

[0033] The second one-way valve disconnects the corresponding first hole section and second hole section when the air conditioner operates in a heating mode.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the present application, in the direction of the refrigerant flowing from the first hole section to the second hole section, the second hole section has a second cylindrical hole section and a second conical hole section; the second one-way valve comprises: a second cylindrical section;

[0035] a second conical section, the second conical section is connected with the second cylindrical section and located on the side of the second cylindrical section close to the second collecting groove;

[0036] The second cylindrical section and the second cylindrical hole section are in sealing cooperation, and the second conical section and the second conical hole section are in sealing cooperation when the air conditioner operates in a heating mode.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the present application, the second one-way valve further comprises: a third cylindrical section, the third cylindrical section is connected with the second conical section and located on the side of the second conical section away from the second collecting groove; a second support plate, the second support plate is connected to the outer periphery of the third cylindrical section, and one side of the second support plate forms a second flow channel.

[0038] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the following description, will become apparent in part from the following description, or will be learned by practice of the present application. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of refrigerant in cooling mode in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of the cooling medium in the indoor heat exchanger, the first flow distributor, and the second flow distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention in cooling mode.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of refrigerant in heating mode in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of the cooling medium in the heating mode of the indoor heat exchanger, the first flow distributor, and the second flow distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first flow distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a first housing containing a first flow collecting groove according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 This is a top view of the interior of the first flow collection channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a first flow distributor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the first switching shunt hole being open according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the first switching orifice being closed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first check valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 13 This is a side view of a first check valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 14is a structural schematic view of a second flow distributor according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 15 is a top view of the interior of a second header according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 16 is a sectional view of a second flow distributor according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 17 is a sectional view of a second switching shunt closed according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 18 is a sectional view of a second switching shunt open according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 19 is a structural schematic view of a second check valve according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 20 is a structural schematic view of an indoor heat exchanger containing an inflow header and an outflow header according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0060] Reference Signs:

[0061] 100, air conditioner;

[0062] 10, compressor; 11, inlet; 12, outlet; 13, outflow header; 14, inflow header;

[0063] 20, outdoor heat exchanger;

[0064] 30, indoor heat exchanger; 31, heat exchanger body;

[0065] 40, throttling element;

[0066] 50, four-way valve;

[0067] 60, first flow distributor; 61, first always-open shunt;

[0068] 62, first switching shunt; 621, first cylindrical hole section; 622, first conical hole section;

[0069] 63, first housing; 631, first sealing cover; 64, first header; 65, first bypass passage;

[0070] 66, first check valve; 661, first support plate; 662, first flow channel; 663, chute;

[0071] 67, first sealing portion; 671, first cylindrical section; 672, first conical section;

[0072] 68, second sealing portion;

[0073] 70, second flow distributor; 71, second always-open flow divider; 72, second switchable flow divider;

[0074] 73, second housing; 731, second sealing cover; 74, second collecting groove; 75, second bypass passage;

[0075] 76, second one-way valve; 77, second cylindrical segment; 78, second conical segment; 79, third cylindrical segment; 80, second support plate; 81, second flow channel;

[0076] 90, first bore segment; 91, second bore segment; 911, second cylindrical bore segment; 912, second conical bore segment; 92, third bore segment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] The air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit are connected by a pipeline to transmit refrigerant. The air conditioner indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan. The air conditioner outdoor unit 100 includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, and a throttling device. The compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the throttling device, and the indoor heat exchanger connected in sequence form a refrigerant circuit, and the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit, exchanges heat with air through the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger respectively, to realize the cooling mode or the heating mode of the air conditioner.

[0079] The compressor is configured to compress the refrigerant so that the low-pressure refrigerant is compressed to form high-pressure refrigerant.

[0080] The outdoor heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between outdoor air and refrigerant transmitted in the outdoor heat exchanger. For example, the outdoor heat exchanger works as a condenser in the cooling mode of the air conditioner, so that the refrigerant compressed by the compressor is condensed by emitting heat to the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger works as an evaporator in the heating mode of the air conditioner, so that the refrigerant after pressure reduction is evaporated by absorbing heat of the outdoor air through the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0081] In some embodiments, the outdoor heat exchanger further includes heat exchange fins to expand the contact area between the outdoor air and the refrigerant transmitted in the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the outdoor air and the refrigerant.

[0082] The outdoor fan is configured to suck the outdoor air into the air conditioner outdoor unit 100 through the air inlet of the air conditioner outdoor unit 100, and send the outdoor air after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger out through the air outlet of the air conditioner outdoor unit 100. The outdoor fan provides power for the flow of outdoor air.

[0083] The throttling device is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and the throttling device adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger according to the opening degree of the throttling device, so as to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger will affect the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The throttling device can be an electronic valve. The opening degree of the electronic expansion valve is adjustable to control the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the electronic expansion valve.

[0084] The four-way valve is connected in the refrigerant circuit, and the four-way valve is configured to switch the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit to make the air conditioner perform a cooling mode or a heating mode. In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger further comprises heat exchange fins to expand the contact area between the indoor air and the refrigerant transmitted in the indoor heat exchanger, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0085] The indoor heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant transmitted in the indoor heat exchanger. For example, the indoor heat exchanger works as an evaporator in the cooling mode of the air conditioner, so that the refrigerant after heat dissipation via the outdoor heat exchanger is evaporated by absorbing heat from the indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger works as a condenser in the heating mode of the air conditioner, so that the refrigerant after heat absorption via the outdoor heat exchanger is condensed by dissipating heat to the indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0086] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger further comprises heat exchange fins to expand the contact area between the indoor air and the refrigerant transmitted in the indoor heat exchanger, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0087] The indoor fan is configured to suck the indoor air into the air conditioner indoor unit through the air inlet of the air conditioner indoor unit, and send the indoor air after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger out through the air outlet of the air conditioner indoor unit. The indoor fan provides power for the flow of the indoor air.

[0088] The air conditioner further comprises a control device. The control device is configured to control the operating frequency of the compressor, the opening degree of the expansion valve, the rotating speed of the outdoor fan, and the rotating speed of the indoor fan. The control device is connected with the compressor, the throttling device, the outdoor fan, and the indoor fan through data lines to transmit communication information.

[0089] The control device includes a processor. The processor can include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and can be configured to perform the corresponding operations described in the control device when the processor executes a program stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium coupled to the control device. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium can include a magnetic storage device (e.g., a hard disk, a floppy disk, or a magnetic tape), a smart card, or a flash memory device (e.g., an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a card, a stick, or a key drive).

[0090] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0091] As shown in Figures 1-20 An air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a compressor 10 having an inlet 11 and an outlet 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 20, an indoor heat exchanger 30, a throttling element 40 connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor heat exchanger 30, and a four-way valve 50.

[0092] As shown in Figure 2 The outlet 12 of the compressor 10 is used to discharge refrigerant medium, and the throttling element 40 is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor heat exchanger 30, thereby playing a role of throttling pressure reduction, flow adjustment, and overheating prevention.

[0093] The four-way valve 50 is connected with the inlet 11, the outlet 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and the indoor heat exchanger 30, respectively, thereby forming a circulation loop for refrigerant flow, and the four-way valve 50 selectively switches the flow direction of the refrigerant in the circulation loop, thereby forming different heating flow paths and cooling flow paths.

[0094] The indoor heat exchanger 30 includes a heat exchanger main body 31, a first flow distributor 60, and a second flow distributor 70. The heat exchanger main body 31 includes a plurality of heat exchange branches. The first flow distributor 60 includes a first always-open shunt hole 61 and at least two first switch shunt holes 62, and the first always-open shunt hole 61 and the at least two first switch shunt holes 62 are each connected with a heat exchange branch. The at least two first switch shunt holes 62 selectively switch the flow direction of the refrigerant between the throttling element 40 and the corresponding heat exchange branch.

[0095] The multiple heat exchange branches can change the number of flow paths and the length of flow paths, so that the air conditioner 100 can perform efficient refrigeration and heating. In addition, the first flow distributor 60 mainly comprises the first always-open shunt hole 61 and at least two first switching shunt holes 62. The first always-open shunt hole 61 is always in an open state in the refrigeration and heating modes, so as to ensure the inflow and outflow of the refrigerant medium in the compressor 10.

[0096] In the refrigeration mode, as shown in Figure 3 , the at least two first switching shunt holes 62 are all in an open state, so that multiple heat exchange branches can be formed, thereby increasing the number of heat exchange flow paths and achieving a high refrigeration capacity.

[0097] In the heating mode, as shown in Figure 5 , the at least two first switching shunt holes 62 are all in a closed state, so that the number of flow paths can be reduced, thereby achieving a high heating capacity.

[0098] The second flow distributor 70 comprises a second always-open shunt hole 71 and at least two second switching shunt holes 72. The second always-open shunt hole 71 and the at least two second switching shunt holes 72 are connected with heat exchange branches. Adjacent two second switching shunt holes 72 are communicated, and the at least two second switching shunt holes 72 selectively switch the flow direction of the refrigerant between the four-way valve 50 and the corresponding heat exchange branch.

[0099] The second flow distributor 70 mainly comprises the second always-open shunt hole 71 and the at least two second switching shunt holes 72. The second always-open shunt hole 71 is always in an open state in the refrigeration and heating modes, so as to ensure the inflow and outflow of the refrigerant medium in the compressor 10.

[0100] In the heating mode, the refrigerant medium in the compressor 10 flows into the at least two second switching shunt holes 72 through the four-way valve 50. The at least two second switching shunt holes 72 are closed under the action of the refrigerant, so that the refrigerant medium cannot be shunted through the at least second switching shunt holes 72. However, adjacent two second switching shunt holes 72 are communicated, so that adjacent two flow paths can be converted into one flow path, thereby reducing the number of flow paths and increasing the heating capacity.

[0101] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, when the air conditioner 100 is operating in cooling mode, the first switching orifice 62 connects the throttling element 40 and the corresponding heat exchange branch. The refrigerant in the compressor 10 exits from the outlet 12, passes through the four-way valve 50, and enters the outdoor heat exchanger 20, which can act as a condenser. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 20 flows into at least two first switching orifices 62 after passing through the throttling element 40. Both first switching orifices 62 are open under the action of the refrigerant, and the refrigerant is diverted through the at least two first switching orifices 62, thereby connecting multiple heat exchange branches.

[0102] Furthermore, the second switching orifice 72 connects the four-way valve 50 and the corresponding heat exchange branch. At least two of the second switching orifices 72 are in the open state under the action of the cold medium. The cold medium of at least two of the first switching orifices 62 passes through the corresponding at least two second switching orifices 72, thereby enabling multiple heat exchange branches to be connected in parallel.

[0103] Moreover, there is no need to use switch control. When the mode changes, the change in the refrigerant flow direction can change the number of flow paths and the flow length of the indoor heat exchanger 30.

[0104] Furthermore, the four-way valve 50 is connected to at least two corresponding second switching orifices 72, which allows the refrigerant from the at least two second switching orifices 72 to return to the compressor 10 through the four-way valve 50 after refrigeration is completed, thus facilitating the recycling of the refrigerant.

[0105] When the air conditioner 100 is running in heating mode, the first switching diversion orifice 62 disconnects the throttling element 40 and the corresponding heat exchange branch and connects two adjacent first switching diversion orifices 62. The second switching diversion orifice 72 disconnects the four-way valve 50 and the corresponding heat exchange branch, thereby allowing at least a portion of the multiple heat exchange branches to be connected in series.

[0106] Specifically, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in heating mode, the refrigerant in compressor 10 first passes through four-way valve 50 and then directly enters the second normally open diversion orifice 71. The second switching diversion orifice 72 is closed under the action of the refrigerant, so the second switching diversion orifice 72 is disconnected from four-way valve 50. Then, the refrigerant in the second normally open diversion orifice 71 passes through two adjacent first switching diversion orifices 62.

[0107] Thus, two adjacent first switching branch holes 62 are connected in series to form a flow path, so that the refrigerant medium in the two adjacent first switching branch holes 62 re-enters two adjacent second switching branch holes 72 connected in series, and then flows out from the first always-open branch hole 61 and finally flows back to the compressor 10. Thus, at least part of the multiple heat exchange branches can be connected in series to achieve high-efficiency heating.

[0108] Thus, the air conditioner 100 can change the flow path in the cooling and heating modes, so that the multiple heat exchange branches in the cooling mode are connected in parallel to increase the number of heat exchange branches and achieve a high cooling capacity, and at least part of the multiple heat exchange branches in the heating mode are connected in series to reduce the number of heat exchange branches and achieve a high heating capacity.

[0109] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 10 The first flow distributor 60 includes a first housing 63 and at least two first one-way valves 66, the first housing 63 is formed with a first collecting groove 64, a first always-open branch hole 61, at least two first switching branch holes 62, and a first bypass passage 65, the first collecting groove 64 is connected with the throttling element 40, the first always-open branch hole 61, and the at least two first switching branch holes 62 respectively, and the first bypass passage 65 is connected between two adjacent first switching branch holes 62.

[0110] The first housing 63 is internally provided with the first collecting groove 64, which can facilitate the collection of the refrigerant medium. Further, the first always-open branch hole 61 and the at least two first switching branch holes 62 are provided in the first collecting groove 64, so that in the cooling mode, the refrigerant medium collected in the first collecting groove 64 can quickly enter the first always-open branch hole 61 and the at least two first switching branch holes 62, and in the heating mode, the refrigerant medium in the first always-open branch hole 61 and the at least two first switching branch holes 62 can quickly gather in the first collecting groove 64 after flowing out.

[0111] The first flow distributor 60 further includes a first sealing cover 631, which is conical, and the sealing edge of the first sealing cover 631 is sealingly matched with the first collecting groove 64.

[0112] In addition, the first bypass passage 65 can connect two adjacent first switching branch holes 62, so that the heat exchange branches corresponding to the at least two first switching branch holes 62 can be connected in series to form one, thereby facilitating the reduction of the number of multiple heating flow paths to improve the heating capacity.

[0113] Furthermore, at least two first check valves 66 correspond one-to-one with at least two first switching orifices 62, and at least two first check valves 66 are movably disposed within the corresponding first switching orifices 62.

[0114] Among them, such as Figure 5 As shown, in heating mode, at least two first one-way valves 66 move away from the first bypass channel 65 under the action of the cold medium, which can seal the corresponding first switching diversion orifice 62, thereby allowing the cold medium between two adjacent first switching diversion orifices 62 to be connected.

[0115] like Figure 3 As shown, in the cooling mode, at least two first one-way valves 66 move toward the first bypass channel 65 under the action of the refrigerant. The first one-way valves 66 can seal the first bypass channel 65, and at least two first switching diversion holes 62 are in the open state, which can form at least two heat exchange branches. By increasing the heat exchange branches, the cooling capacity can be increased.

[0116] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 100 is running in cooling mode, the first one-way valve 66 opens the corresponding first switching diversion hole 62 and the first collection groove 64 and closes the corresponding first bypass channel 65.

[0117] Specifically, in cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing to the first manifold 64 accumulates and flows into the corresponding first switching diversion hole 62. The refrigerant pushes the first one-way valve 66 in the first switching diversion hole 62 to move towards the first bypass channel 65. In this way, the first one-way valve 66 can close the corresponding first bypass channel 65, thereby preventing the two adjacent first switching diversion holes 62 from connecting.

[0118] like Figure 5 As shown, when the air conditioner 100 is running in heating mode, the first one-way valve 66 disconnects the corresponding first switching diversion hole 62 and the first collection groove 64, and the first one-way valve 66 opens the corresponding first bypass channel 65.

[0119] Specifically, in heating mode, the first one-way valve 66 in the first switching diversion orifice 62 moves away from the first bypass channel 65 under the push of the cold medium. In this way, the first bypass channel 65 can be opened, and the first one-way valve 66 seals the channel connecting the first switching diversion orifice 62 and the first collection groove 64, so that the cold medium can only flow from the first bypass channel 65, thereby realizing the series connection of at least two adjacent first switching diversion orifices 62.

[0120] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the first one-way valve 66 comprises a first sealing portion 67 and a second sealing portion 68, the second sealing portion 68 is connected with the first sealing portion 67, and the second sealing portion 68 is located on the side of the first sealing portion 67 away from the first collecting groove 64.

[0121] The first sealing portion 67 is used for sealing the passage of the first collecting groove 64 and the first switching shunt hole 62, and the second sealing portion 68 is used for sealing the first bypass passage 65. The first one-way valve 66 can slide in the first switching shunt hole 62, so as to selectively seal the first switching shunt hole 62 and the first bypass passage 65.

[0122] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 10 , when the air conditioner 100 runs in the cooling mode, the first sealing portion 67 connects the corresponding first switching shunt hole 62 and the first collecting groove 64, and the second sealing portion 68 closes the corresponding first bypass passage 65.

[0123] Specifically, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant medium flowing into the first collecting groove 64 pushes the first one-way valve 66 in the first switching shunt hole 62 towards the first bypass passage 65, so that the first sealing portion 67 is away from the passage of the first collecting groove 64 and the first switching shunt hole 62, thereby connecting the first switching shunt hole 62 and the first collecting groove 64.

[0124] As shown in Figure 5 , when the air conditioner 100 runs in the heating mode, the first sealing portion 67 disconnects the corresponding first switching shunt hole 62 and the first collecting groove 64, and the second sealing portion 68 opens the corresponding first bypass passage 65.

[0125] The refrigerant medium enters from the side of the first switching shunt hole 62 away from the first collecting groove 64, and the refrigerant medium pushes the first one-way valve 66 in the first switching shunt hole 62 towards the first collecting groove 64 to seal, thereby disconnecting the first switching shunt hole 62 and the first collecting groove 64.

[0126] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , in the direction of the refrigerant flowing from the first collecting groove 64 to the first switching shunt hole 62, the first switching shunt hole 62 has a first cylindrical hole section 621 and a first conical hole section 622, and the first sealing portion 67 comprises a first cylindrical section 671 and a first conical section 672, the first conical section 672 is connected with the first cylindrical section 671, and the first conical section 672 is located on the side of the first cylindrical section 671 away from the first collecting groove 64.

[0127] The first switching flow hole 62 is mainly composed of a first cylindrical hole section 621 and a first conical hole section 622. The first conical hole section 622 corresponds to a first conical section 672 of the first sealing part 67. In this way, the first conical section 672 of the first sealing part 67 can be tightly sealed with the first conical hole section 622, and the first cylindrical hole section 621 of the first sealing part 67 can also be sealed with the first cylindrical hole section 621, so that the first sealing part 67 can be more tightly sealed with the first switching flow hole 62.

[0128] When the air conditioner 100 operates in the heating mode, the first cylindrical section 671 is in sealing cooperation with the first cylindrical hole section 621, and the first conical section 672 is controlled to be in sealing cooperation with the first conical hole section 622.

[0129] Specifically, in the heating mode, the first one-way valve 66 moves towards the first collecting groove 64 under the push of the refrigerant medium. In this way, the first cylindrical section 671 of the first one-way valve 66 first contacts and is in sealing cooperation with the first cylindrical hole section 621 in the first switching flow hole 62. Further, the first conical section 672 of the first one-way valve 66 contacts and is in sealing cooperation with the first conical hole section 622 in the first switching flow hole 62, so that the first one-way valve 66 can be tightly sealed with the first switching flow hole 62.

[0130] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 12 The second sealing part 68 is configured as an arc-shaped sealing plate that is adapted to the inner wall of the first switching flow hole 62.

[0131] The inner wall of the first switching flow hole 62 is arc-shaped, and correspondingly, the second sealing part 68 is also configured as an arc-shaped sealing plate. When in the cooling mode, the second sealing part 68 of the first one-way valve 66 is pushed by the refrigerant medium to seal the first bypass passage 65, so that the two adjacent first switching flow holes 62 are both independent heat exchange branches.

[0132] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 9 The inner wall of the first switching flow hole 62 is provided with a sliding groove 663 extending axially along the first switching flow hole 62. The first one-way valve 66 further includes a first support plate 661 connected with the first sealing part 67 and the second sealing part 68. One side of the first support plate 661 is formed with a first flow channel 662. A part of the first support plate 661 protruding from the second sealing part 68 is in sliding cooperation with the sliding groove 663.

[0133] The inner wall of the first switching flow hole 62 is provided with a sliding groove 663, and correspondingly, the first supporting plate 661 protrudes from a part of the second sealing part 68 to form a guide rail which slides along the sliding groove 663, so that the opening and closing of the first switching flow hole 62 can be controlled. The first supporting plate 661 can provide support for the first sealing part 67 and the second sealing part 68, thereby improving the strength of the first one-way valve 66.

[0134] Further, the first supporting plate 661 and the arc-shaped sealing plate form a first flow channel 662 therebetween, thereby facilitating the flow of the refrigerant medium.

[0135] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 17 The second flow distributor 70 includes a second housing 73 and at least two second one-way valves 76, the second housing 73 is formed with a second collecting groove 74, a second always-open flow hole 71, at least two second switching flow holes 72, and a second bypass passage 75, the second collecting groove 74 is connected with the throttling element 40, the second always-open flow hole 71, and the at least two second switching flow holes 72 respectively, and the second bypass passage 75 is connected between adjacent two second switching flow holes 72.

[0136] The second housing 73 is internally provided with the second collecting groove 74, which can facilitate the collection of the refrigerant medium. Further, the second always-open flow hole 71 and the at least two second switching flow holes 72 are provided in the second collecting groove 74, so that in the heating mode, the refrigerant medium collected in the second collecting groove 74 can quickly enter the second always-open flow hole 71 and the at least two second switching flow holes 72, and in the cooling mode, the refrigerant medium in the second always-open flow hole 71 and the at least two second switching flow holes 72 can flow out and quickly gather in the second collecting groove 74.

[0137] The second flow distributor 70 further includes a second sealing cover 731, which is conical, and the sealing edge of the second sealing cover 731 is sealingly matched with the second collecting groove 74.

[0138] In addition, the second bypass passage 75 can connect between adjacent two second switching flow holes 72, so that the corresponding heat exchange branches of the at least two second switching flow holes 72 can be connected in series to form one, thereby facilitating the reduction of the number of multiple heating flow paths to improve the heating capacity.

[0139] At least two second one-way valves 76 correspond to at least two second switching shunt holes 72 one by one, and each second switching shunt hole 72 is provided with a second one-way valve 76, so that the second one-way valve 76 can control the opening and closing of the second switching shunt hole 72. In the heating mode, the second one-way valve 76 closes the second switching shunt hole 72 under the push of the refrigerant medium. In the cooling mode, the second one-way valve 76 opens the second switching shunt hole 72 under the push of the refrigerant medium, so as to facilitate the free conversion of the heating and cooling modes in the air conditioner 100.

[0140] In addition, when the air conditioner 100 operates in the cooling mode, the second one-way valve 76 connects the corresponding second switching shunt hole 72 and the second collecting groove 74, and when the air conditioner 100 operates in the heating mode, the second one-way valve 76 disconnects the corresponding second switching shunt hole 72 and the second collecting groove 74.

[0141] Specifically, in the cooling mode, the first one-way valve 66 in the second switching shunt hole 72 moves in the direction of the second collecting groove 74 under the push of the refrigerant medium, so that the second switching shunt hole 72 and the second collecting groove 74 are connected, thereby increasing the formation of the heat exchange branch. In the heating mode, the second one-way valve 76 moves away from the second collecting groove 74 under the push of the refrigerant medium, so that the second switching shunt hole 72 and the second collecting groove 74 are disconnected, thereby reducing the formation of the heat exchange branch.

[0142] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 18 The second switching shunt hole 72 includes a first hole section 90, a second hole section 91 and a third hole section 92, the second one-way valve 76 is movably arranged in the first hole section 90, and a first flow channel 662 is formed between the second one-way valve 76 and the inner wall of the first hole section 90, and the first hole section 90 is connected with the second collecting groove 74.

[0143] The second switching shunt hole 72 mainly consists of the first hole section 90, the second hole section 91 and the third hole section 92, and since the first hole section 90 is in communication with the second hole section 91, the second one-way valve 76 in the first hole section 90 can control the opening and closing of the second hole section 91 under the push of the refrigerant medium.

[0144] Further, the first flow channel 662 is formed between the second one-way valve 76 and the inner wall of the first hole section 90, thereby facilitating the flow of the refrigerant medium.

[0145] In addition, the second hole section 91 is connected with the first hole section 90, the maximum cross-sectional area of the second hole section 91 is smaller than that of the first hole section 90, the third hole section 92 is connected with the second hole section 91, the cross-sectional area of the third hole section 92 is larger than the maximum cross-sectional area of the second hole section 91, and the second bypass passage 75 penetrates the wall of the third hole section 92.

[0146] The maximum cross-sectional area of the second hole section 91 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first hole section 90, which facilitates the sealing of the second hole section 91 by the second one-way valve 76.

[0147] Further, the cross-sectional area of the third hole section 92 is larger than the maximum cross-sectional area of the second hole section 91, which increases the flow rate and flow volume of the refrigerant medium. The second bypass channel 75 penetrates the wall of the third hole section 92, so that two adjacent second switching split flow holes 72 are connected in series to form one heat exchange flow path, thereby reducing the formation of heat exchange branches.

[0148] When the air conditioner 100 operates in the cooling mode, the second one-way valve 76 connects the corresponding first hole section 90 and the second hole section 91. When the air conditioner 100 operates in the heating mode, the second one-way valve 76 disconnects the corresponding first hole section 90 and the second hole section 91.

[0149] When cooling, the second one-way valve 76 moves away from the second hole section 91 under the push of the refrigerant medium, so that the first hole section 90 and the second hole section 91 are connected, facilitating the flow of the refrigerant medium. In the heating mode, the second one-way valve 76 moves towards the second hole section 91 under the push of the refrigerant medium, and the second one-way valve 76 can seal the second hole section 91, so that the first hole section 90 and the second hole section 91 are disconnected.

[0150] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 18 In the direction of the flow of the refrigerant from the first hole section 90 to the second hole section 91, the second hole section 91 has a second cylindrical hole section 911 and a second conical hole section 912, and the second one-way valve 76 includes a second cylindrical section 77 and a second conical section 78. The second conical section 78 is connected to the second cylindrical section 77, and the second conical section 78 is located on the side of the second cylindrical section 77 close to the second collecting groove 74.

[0151] The second hole section 91 mainly consists of the second cylindrical hole section 911 and the second conical hole section 912, and correspondingly, the second one-way valve 76 is provided with the second cylindrical section 77 and the second conical section 78, so that the second one-way valve 76 and the second hole section 91 can be closely matched.

[0152] When the air conditioner 100 operates in the heating mode, the second cylindrical section 77 is in sealing cooperation with the second cylindrical hole section 911, and the second conical section 78 is in sealing cooperation with the second conical hole section 912, so that the second one-way valve 76 and the second hole section 91 can be more tightly matched, preventing the refrigerant medium from leaking.

[0153] According to some embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figures 17-19As shown, the second one-way valve 76 further comprises a third cylindrical section 79 connected with the second conical section 78 and located at a side of the second conical section 78 away from the second collecting groove 74, and a second support plate 80 connected with the outer periphery of the third cylindrical section 79, and a side of the second support plate 80 forms a second flow channel.

[0154] The third cylindrical section 79 can provide mounting positions for the second support plate 80 and increase the strength of the second one-way valve 76, the second support plate 80 is multiple, and the multiple second support plates 80 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the third cylinder, so that multiple second flow channels 81 can be formed. In addition, one of the multiple second support plates 80 can serve as a guide rail, or the multiple second support plates 80 are all in contact with the first hole section 90, which not only plays a guiding role, but also prevents the second one-way valve 76 from deviating during sliding in the first hole section 90.

[0155] The guide rail can be in sliding fit with the sliding groove 663 formed in the first hole section 90, so as to control the communication and disconnection of the refrigerant medium between the first hole section 90 and the second hole section 91.

[0156] In addition, in the second flow distributor 70, two second always-open shunt holes 71 can be provided, four second switching shunt holes 72 can be provided, and the four second switching shunt holes 72 are all provided with the second one-way valve 76, and a second bypass passage 75 is formed between every two adjacent second switching shunt holes 72.

[0157] In the first flow distributor 60, two first always-open shunt holes 61 can be provided, four first switching shunt holes 62 can be provided, and the four first switching shunt holes 62 are all provided with the first one-way valve 66, and a first bypass passage 65 is formed between every two adjacent first switching shunt holes 62.

[0158] In this way, during refrigeration, six parallel heat exchange branches can be formed, and during heating, two series heat exchange branches can be formed, so as to realize more refrigeration heat exchange branches, short process, high refrigeration capacity, and realize fewer heating heat exchange branches, long process, and high heating capacity.

[0159] The indoor heat exchanger 30 is further connected with the inflow header pipe 14 and the outflow header pipe 13, so as to facilitate the inflow and outflow of the refrigerant medium in the compressor 10.

[0160] The second flow distributor 70 is connected to the inflow branch pipe through the second switching flow hole 72, and the other end is connected to the inflow main pipe 14. The inflow branch pipe is connected to the second flow distributor 70 through the second switching flow hole 72, and the other end is connected to the long U pipe. The elbow connects the long U pipe ports to form a flow process. The first flow distributor 60 is connected to the outflow branch pipe through the first switching flow hole 62, and the other end is connected to the outflow main pipe 13. The outflow branch pipe 13 is connected to the first flow distributor 60 through the first switching flow hole 62, and the other end is connected to the evaporator long U pipe.

[0161] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0162] In the description of the present application, the description of the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" and the like means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In the present specification, the illustrative description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0163] Although embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, replacements and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present application, and the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a compressor having an inlet and an outlet; an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with outdoor air; an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with indoor air; a throttling element connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; a four-way valve connected with the inlet, the outlet, the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger respectively to form a circulation loop for refrigerant flow, the four-way valve selectively switching the flow direction of the refrigerant in the circulation loop; characterized in that the indoor heat exchanger comprises: a heat exchanger main body comprising a plurality of heat exchange branches; a first flow distributor comprising a first always-open shunt hole and at least two first switching shunt holes, the first always-open shunt hole and the at least two first switching shunt holes are connected with the heat exchange branches, at least two first switching shunt holes selectively switching the flow direction of the refrigerant between the throttling element and the corresponding heat exchange branch; a second flow distributor comprising a second always-open shunt hole and at least two second switching shunt holes, the second always-open shunt hole and the at least two second switching shunt holes are connected with the heat exchange branches, adjacent two second switching shunt holes are connected, at least two second switching shunt holes selectively switching the flow direction of the refrigerant between the four-way valve and the corresponding heat exchange branch; wherein when the air conditioner operates in a cooling mode, the first switching shunt hole connects the throttling element and the corresponding heat exchange branch, and the second switching shunt hole connects the four-way valve and the corresponding heat exchange branch, so that the plurality of heat exchange branches are connected in parallel; when the air conditioner operates in a heating mode, the first switching shunt hole disconnects the throttling element and the corresponding heat exchange branch and connects adjacent two first switching shunt holes, and the second switching shunt hole disconnects the four-way valve and the corresponding heat exchange branch, so that at least part of the plurality of heat exchange branches are connected in series.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the first flow distributor comprises: a first housing formed with a first collecting groove, the first always-open shunt hole, the at least two first switching shunt holes and a first bypass passage, the first collecting groove is connected with the throttling element, the first always-open shunt hole and the at least two first switching shunt holes respectively, and the first bypass passage is connected between adjacent two first switching shunt holes; at least two first one-way valves corresponding to the at least two first switching shunt holes and movably arranged in the corresponding first switching shunt holes; when the air conditioner operates in a cooling mode, the first one-way valve connects the corresponding first switching shunt hole and the first collecting groove and closes the corresponding first bypass passage; when the air conditioner operates in a heating mode, the first one-way valve disconnects the corresponding first switching shunt hole and the first collecting groove and opens the corresponding first bypass passage.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the first one-way valve comprises: a first sealing portion; A second sealing part is connected with the first sealing part and located on a side of the first sealing part away from the first collecting groove; When the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the first sealing part connects the corresponding first switching shunt hole and the first collecting groove, and the second sealing part closes the corresponding first bypass channel; When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the first sealing part disconnects the corresponding first switching shunt hole and the first collecting groove, and the second sealing part opens the corresponding first bypass channel.

4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein The first switching shunt hole has a first cylindrical hole section and a first conical hole section in the direction of refrigerant flow from the first collecting groove to the first switching shunt hole; The first sealing part comprises: a first cylindrical section; a first conical section connected with the first cylindrical section and located on a side of the first cylindrical section away from the first collecting groove; When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the first cylindrical section is in sealing cooperation with the first cylindrical hole section and controls the first conical section to be in sealing cooperation with the first conical hole section.

5. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein The second sealing part is configured as an arc-shaped sealing plate matched with the inner wall of the first switching shunt hole.

6. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein The inner wall of the first switching shunt hole is provided with a sliding groove extending axially along the first switching shunt hole; The first one-way valve further comprises: a first support plate connected with the first sealing part and the second sealing part respectively, one side of the first support plate being formed with a first flow channel, and a part of the first support plate protruding from the second sealing part being in sliding cooperation with the sliding groove.

7. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein The second flow distributor comprises: a second housing formed with a second collecting groove, the second always-open shunt hole, the at least two second switching shunt holes, and a second bypass channel, the second collecting groove being connected with the throttling element, the second always-open shunt hole, and the at least two second switching shunt holes respectively, and the second bypass channel being connected between two adjacent second switching shunt holes; at least two second one-way valves corresponding to the at least two second switching shunt holes one by one; When the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the second one-way valve connects the corresponding second switching shunt hole and the second collecting groove; When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the second one-way valve disconnects the corresponding second switching shunt hole and the second collecting groove.

8. The air conditioner of claim 7, wherein The second switching shunt hole comprises: a first hole section in which the second one-way valve is movably arranged and a first flow channel is formed between the inner wall of the first hole section and the second one-way valve, the first hole section being connected with the second collecting groove; a second hole section connected with the first hole section, the maximum cross-sectional area of the second hole section being smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first hole section; a third hole section connected with the second hole section, the cross-sectional area of the third hole section being greater than the maximum cross-sectional area of the second hole section, and the second bypass channel penetrating through the wall of the third hole section. When the air conditioner operates in a cooling mode, the second one-way valve connects the corresponding first hole section and the second hole section; When the air conditioner operates in a heating mode, the second one-way valve disconnects the corresponding first hole section and the second hole section.

9. The air conditioner of claim 8, wherein In the direction of the flow of refrigerant from the first hole section to the second hole section, the second hole section has a second cylindrical hole section and a second conical hole section; The second one-way valve comprises: a second cylindrical section; a second conical section connected with the second cylindrical section and located on the side of the second cylindrical section close to the second header tank; When the air conditioner operates in a heating mode, the second cylindrical section is in sealing cooperation with the second cylindrical hole section, and the second conical section is in sealing cooperation with the second conical hole section.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein The second one-way valve further comprises: a third cylindrical section connected with the second conical section and located on the side of the second conical section away from the second header tank; a second support plate connected to the outer periphery of the third cylindrical section, one side of the second support plate forming a second flow channel.

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