Air conditioner

Abstract

This application discloses an air conditioner. The indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section is connected to an outdoor heat exchanger, and the second heat exchange section is connected to the outlet pipe of the first heat exchange section. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange section is configured to convert external air into hot air, and the second heat exchange section is configured to convert external air into cold air. An indoor fan is used to mix the hot and cold air and output the mixed air. A second throttling device is disposed on the pipe between the first and second heat exchange sections. The second throttling device is configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant after it has condensed in the first heat exchange section. The second heat exchange section includes multiple refrigerant paths, and the length of one refrigerant path closest to the first heat exchange section is shorter than the lengths of the other refrigerant paths. The air conditioner of this application can improve the flow deviation phenomenon and increase the dehumidification capacity of the indoor heat exchanger while achieving dehumidification without cooling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] The dehumidification function of existing air conditioners still intermittently blows out cold air when running in dehumidification mode, causing the indoor temperature to drop. This dehumidification mode is not much different from the cooling mode, and is not very comfortable for the human body.

[0003] To dehumidify without lowering the room temperature, the current reheat dehumidification technology divides the indoor heat exchanger into two parts. One part heats the indoor air, which is the heating section, while the other part lowers the indoor humidity through cooling and dehumidification, which is the dehumidification section. The two parts of the heat exchanger achieve the combined effects of condensation and evaporation, thus dehumidifying without lowering the room temperature.

[0004] However, the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchange tubes along some paths in the dehumidification section is affected by the heat from the heating section, causing a flow deviation phenomenon in the heat exchange tubes. That is, the refrigerant becomes superheated gas, thus affecting the dehumidification effect of the dehumidification section. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application discloses an air conditioner that can improve the flow deviation phenomenon and increase the dehumidification capacity of the indoor heat exchanger while achieving dehumidification without cooling.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application disclose an air conditioner, comprising:

[0007] The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a first throttling device;

[0008] The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, and a second throttling device;

[0009] The indoor heat exchanger includes:

[0010] A first heat exchange unit is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange unit is configured to convert external air into hot air.

[0011] The second heat exchange unit is connected to the outlet pipe of the first heat exchange unit. In dehumidification mode, the second heat exchange unit is configured to convert external air into cold air.

[0012] The first throttling device is installed on the pipeline between the outdoor heat exchanger and the first heat exchange section, and the second throttling device is installed on the pipeline between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section. The second throttling device is configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been condensed by the first heat exchange section.

[0013] The first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are arranged around the outer periphery of the indoor fan, and the indoor fan is used to mix the hot air and the cold air and output the mixed air.

[0014] The second heat exchange section includes multiple refrigerant paths, and the length of one of the refrigerant paths closest to the first heat exchange section is shorter than the lengths of the other refrigerant paths.

[0015] The air conditioner provided in this application divides the indoor heat exchanger into a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange section acts as a heating element, converting external air into hot air to achieve a heating effect, while the second heat exchange section acts as a dehumidification element, converting external air into cold air to achieve a dehumidification effect. Thus, by achieving the combined effects of condensation and evaporation through the two heat exchange sections, and then mixing the hot and cold air under the action of the indoor fan before blowing it out, the indoor temperature can be kept constant or substantially constant. This achieves dehumidification without lowering the indoor temperature, thereby improving the user experience.

[0016] Based on this, considering that in dehumidification mode, since the first heat exchange section acts as the heating section, the second heat exchange section is affected by the heat from the first heat exchange section, resulting in a flow deviation phenomenon in the second heat exchange section. That is, the refrigerant near the first heat exchange section becomes a superheated gas, thus affecting the dehumidification effect of the second heat exchange section. Therefore, this application shortens the path of the refrigerant near the first heat exchange section within the second heat exchange section, thereby reducing the flow deviation phenomenon. This allows for a larger area of ​​dehumidification within the second heat exchange section, increasing the dehumidification capacity and improving human comfort during reheat dehumidification operation.

[0017] As an alternative implementation, in the height direction of the indoor unit, at least a portion of the first heat exchange section is located above the second heat exchange section;

[0018] The second heat exchange unit includes a first refrigerant path and a second refrigerant path, wherein the first refrigerant path is located above the second refrigerant path in the height direction of the indoor unit, and the first refrigerant path is configured to be close to the first heat exchange unit.

[0019] During the cooling and dehumidification process of the second heat exchanger, water vapor in the indoor air condenses into water droplets upon contact with the low-temperature second heat exchanger, forming condensate. Therefore, by positioning the first heat exchanger above the second heat exchanger along the height of the indoor unit, it is possible to prevent the condensate generated in the second heat exchanger from being heated and returning to the air as it flows through the first heat exchanger, thus avoiding a reduction in the dehumidification capacity of the second heat exchanger and affecting its dehumidification effect.

[0020] By setting two refrigerant paths in the second heat exchange section, the refrigerant flow rate is appropriately increased, thereby accelerating the evaporation rate of the second heat exchange section. At the same time, it avoids the situation where there are too many refrigerant paths in the second heat exchange section, which would cause the flow velocity in the pipe to decrease, the heat exchange number to decrease, and affect the heat exchange effect.

[0021] As an optional implementation, the indoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange sections connected in sequence, with the boundary between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section located at the connection point of two adjacent heat exchange sections.

[0022] By setting the boundary between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section at the connection point of two adjacent heat exchange sections, the partitioning of the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section can be set independently according to the division of the heat exchange section. While achieving distributed air supply that can take into account the air conditioning cooling, heating and dehumidification performance, it achieves the effect of constant temperature dehumidification without feeling cold. Thus, while improving the reheat dehumidification effect of the air conditioner, it also simplifies the pipeline design.

[0023] As an optional implementation, the indoor heat exchanger includes:

[0024] First heat exchange section;

[0025] A second heat exchange section is disposed above the first heat exchange section along the height direction of the indoor unit, and the second heat exchange section is connected to the top of the first heat exchange section; and,

[0026] The third heat exchange section is located behind the second heat exchange section and connected to the top of the second heat exchange section. The indoor fan is located in the space enclosed by the first heat exchange section, the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section.

[0027] The first heat exchange section constitutes the second heat exchange section, and the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section together constitute the first heat exchange section.

[0028] By setting the first heat exchange section as the second heat exchange section independently, and combining the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section to form the first heat exchange section, the first heat exchange section can have a larger heat transfer area and increase its heating capacity. This is beneficial for raising the indoor temperature, making it easier for water vapor in the air to condense into water droplets, and thus improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0029] As an alternative implementation, the indoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange sections connected in sequence, with the boundary between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section located inside one of the heat exchange sections.

[0030] By setting the boundary between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section inside the heat exchange section, the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section can be flexibly partitioned to achieve distributed air supply that takes into account both the air conditioning cooling and heating and dehumidification performance, thereby achieving a constant temperature dehumidification effect without feeling cold, thus improving the reheat dehumidification effect of the air conditioner.

[0031] As an optional implementation, the indoor heat exchanger includes:

[0032] First heat exchange section;

[0033] A second heat exchange section is disposed above the first heat exchange section along the height direction of the indoor unit, and the second heat exchange section is connected to the top of the first heat exchange section; and,

[0034] The third heat exchange section is located behind the second heat exchange section and connected to the top of the second heat exchange section. The indoor fan is located in the space enclosed by the first heat exchange section, the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section.

[0035] The first heat exchange portion and at least a portion of the second heat exchange portion together constitute the second heat exchange unit, and the third heat exchange portion and the remaining portion of the second heat exchange portion together constitute the first heat exchange unit.

[0036] By combining the first heat exchange section and part of the second heat exchange section to form the second heat exchange section, compared to using a separate heat exchange section as the second heat exchange section, the total length of the refrigerant path in the second heat exchange section can be increased. This increases the dehumidification area of ​​the second heat exchange section, thereby increasing the dehumidification capacity and improving the dehumidification effect. Simultaneously, the division between the second and first heat exchange sections can be more balanced and rational, which helps to achieve a better balance between heating and dehumidification, ultimately effectively achieving dehumidification without cooling.

[0037] As an optional implementation, in the front-rear direction of the indoor unit, the first heat exchange section is located in front of the second heat exchange section;

[0038] The second heat exchange unit includes a first refrigerant path and a second refrigerant path. The first refrigerant path is located in front of the second refrigerant path in the front-back direction of the indoor unit, and the first refrigerant path is configured to be close to the first heat exchange unit.

[0039] During the cooling and dehumidification process of the second heat exchanger, water vapor in the indoor air condenses into water droplets upon contact with the low-temperature second heat exchanger, forming condensate. By placing the first heat exchanger in front of the second heat exchanger along the front-to-back direction of the indoor unit, the condensate generated by the second heat exchanger can be prevented from being heated and returning to the air as it flows through the first heat exchanger, thus avoiding a reduction in the dehumidification capacity of the second heat exchanger and affecting the dehumidification effect.

[0040] As an optional implementation, the indoor heat exchanger includes:

[0041] First heat exchange section;

[0042] A second heat exchange section is disposed above the first heat exchange section along the height direction of the indoor unit, and the second heat exchange section is connected to the top of the first heat exchange section; and,

[0043] The third heat exchange section is located behind the second heat exchange section and connected to the top of the second heat exchange section. The indoor fan is located in the space enclosed by the first heat exchange section, the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section.

[0044] The first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section together constitute the first heat exchange unit, and the third heat exchange section constitutes the second heat exchange unit.

[0045] By setting the third heat exchange section independently as the second heat exchange section, and combining the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section to form the first heat exchange section, the first heat exchange section can have a larger heat transfer area, thereby increasing the heating capacity of the first heat exchange section, raising the indoor temperature, and making it easier for water vapor in the air to condense into water droplets, which is more conducive to improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0046] As an optional implementation, the first heat exchange section has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected to the outdoor heat exchanger and the outlet being connected to the second heat exchange section, wherein refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger enters the first heat exchange section through the inlet and flows to the second heat exchange section through the outlet;

[0047] The first heat exchange section has a sub-heat exchange tube near the second heat exchange section, the inlet is configured to be located away from the sub-heat exchange tube, and the path length from the sub-heat exchange tube to the outlet is less than the path length from the sub-heat exchange tube to the inlet.

[0048] In the first heat exchange section, as the refrigerant flows downstream, it gradually becomes subcooled and its temperature decreases. By positioning the inlet of the first heat exchange section further away from the sub-heat exchange tube closest to the second heat exchange section, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the sub-heat exchange tube is reduced, thereby decreasing the thermal impact of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section on the second heat exchange section. Furthermore, by making the path length from the sub-heat exchange tube to the outlet shorter than the path length from the sub-heat exchange tube to the inlet—that is, by positioning the sub-heat exchange tube closer to the outlet of the first heat exchange section—the refrigerant has a longer path to reach the sub-heat exchange tube, resulting in a lower refrigerant temperature. This significantly reduces the thermal impact of the first heat exchange section on the second heat exchange section, thereby greatly mitigating the flow deviation phenomenon in the second heat exchange section and ultimately improving its dehumidification effect.

[0049] As an optional implementation, the indoor unit further includes:

[0050] A first distributor, disposed on a pipe in the first heat exchange section, is configured to split the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section into multiple paths before it re-enters the first heat exchange section; and / or

[0051] The second diverter is disposed on the pipeline between the second throttling device and the second heat exchange section, and the second diverter is configured to divide the pipeline in the second heat exchange section into multiple refrigerant paths.

[0052] By installing a first distributor on the pipeline of the first heat exchange section, the pipeline in the first heat exchange section is divided into multiple paths by the first distributor, which can disperse the pressure of the fluid, reduce the impact of the fluid on the heat exchanger, reduce heat loss, and improve the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchange section.

[0053] By installing a second distributor in the pipeline between the second throttling device and the second heat exchange section, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section is divided into multiple paths to enter the second heat exchange section. On the one hand, this increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant through the heat exchange tubes, appropriately increasing the refrigerant flow rate and accelerating the evaporation rate. On the other hand, it promotes balanced refrigerant flow, reduces heat loss, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange section, and also reduces the refrigerant velocity in the pipeline, thus reducing the noise generated by the refrigerant flowing in the pipeline.

[0054] As an alternative implementation, the number of heat exchange tubes in one of the refrigerant paths closer to the first heat exchange section is less than the number of heat exchange tubes in the other refrigerant paths.

[0055] By setting the number of heat exchange tubes in a refrigerant path near the first heat exchange section to be less than the number of heat exchange tubes in other refrigerant paths, the length of the refrigerant path near the first heat exchange section is shortened, thereby reducing the degree of thermal influence of the first heat exchange section on this part of the heat exchange tubes in the second heat exchange section.

[0056] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are:

[0057] The air conditioner provided in this application divides the indoor heat exchanger into a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange section acts as a heating element, converting external air into hot air to achieve a heating effect, while the second heat exchange section acts as a dehumidification element, converting external air into cold air to achieve a dehumidification effect. Thus, by achieving the combined effects of condensation and evaporation through the two heat exchange sections, and then mixing the hot and cold air under the action of the indoor fan before blowing it out, the indoor temperature can be kept constant or substantially constant. This achieves dehumidification without lowering the indoor temperature, thereby improving the user experience.

[0058] Based on this, considering that in dehumidification mode, since the first heat exchange section acts as the heating section, the second heat exchange section is affected by the heat from the first heat exchange section, resulting in a flow deviation phenomenon in the second heat exchange section. That is, the refrigerant near the first heat exchange section becomes a superheated gas, thus affecting the dehumidification effect of the second heat exchange section. Therefore, this application shortens the path of the refrigerant near the first heat exchange section within the second heat exchange section, thereby reducing the flow deviation phenomenon. This allows for a larger area of ​​dehumidification within the second heat exchange section, increasing the dehumidification capacity and improving human comfort during reheat dehumidification operation. Attached Figure Description

[0059] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air conditioner disclosed in this application;

[0061] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the air circulation of the air conditioner disclosed in this application;

[0062] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the indoor unit disclosed in this application;

[0063] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchange tube of the indoor heat exchanger disclosed in this application;

[0064] Figure 5 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the indoor heat exchanger disclosed in this application;

[0065] Figure 6 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the indoor heat exchanger disclosed in this application;

[0066] Figure 7 This is the third structural schematic diagram of the indoor heat exchanger disclosed in this application;

[0067] Figure 8 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the indoor heat exchanger disclosed in this application.

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0069] 1. Air conditioner; 100. Indoor unit; 10. Indoor heat exchanger; 101. First heat exchange section; 102. Second heat exchange section; 103. Third heat exchange section; 11. First heat exchange unit; 11a. Inlet; 11b. Outlet; 111. Sub-heat exchange tube; 12. Second heat exchange unit; 121. First refrigerant path; 122. Second refrigerant path; 13. Heat exchange tube; 131. Straight pipe section; 132. Bend section; 20. Indoor fan; 30. Second throttling device; 40. First distributor; 50. Second distributor;

[0070] 200. Outdoor unit; 201. Compressor; 202. Outdoor heat exchanger; 203. Outdoor fan; 204. First throttling device; 205. Four-way valve;

[0071] O, the boundary between the first and second heat exchange sections; Z, the height direction of the indoor unit; Y, the front-to-back direction of the indoor unit. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0073] In this application, the terms "upper," "left," "right," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0074] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0075] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "equipped with," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0076] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0077] The dehumidification function of existing air conditioners, when running in dehumidification mode, controls the indoor fan to operate at a slightly lower speed than in cooling mode or in an intermittent manner, depending on the indoor temperature. It cannot control the indoor temperature, and the outlet air temperature is low. The air conditioner will still blow out cold air intermittently, causing the indoor temperature to drop. This dehumidification mode is not much different from the cooling mode, and is not very comfortable for the human body.

[0078] To dehumidify without lowering the room temperature, the current reheat dehumidification technology divides the indoor heat exchanger into two parts. One part heats the indoor air, which is the heating section, while the other part lowers the indoor humidity through cooling and dehumidification, which is the dehumidification section. The two parts of the heat exchanger achieve the combined effects of condensation and evaporation, thus dehumidifying without lowering the room temperature.

[0079] However, the dehumidification capacity of the dehumidification section could not meet the requirements. Research revealed that this was because the refrigerant entering the heating section was high-temperature and high-pressure. When it circulated in the heating section, it caused thermal effects on some areas of the dehumidification section, making the refrigerant in that area overheated. As a result, that area could not achieve the desired dehumidification effect, which in turn affected the entire dehumidification area and thus the dehumidification capacity.

[0080] Based on this, this application divides the indoor heat exchanger into a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange section acts as a heating section, converting external air into hot air to achieve a heating effect; the second heat exchange section acts as a dehumidification section, converting external air into cold air to achieve a dehumidification effect. Furthermore, by setting the refrigerant path closer to the first heat exchange section in the second heat exchange section to be shorter than other refrigerant paths, the path affected by the heat from the first heat exchange section in the second heat exchange section is shortened, thus reducing the refrigerant path in the second heat exchange section and improving the flow deviation phenomenon. This allows for a larger area of ​​dehumidification in the second heat exchange section, increasing the dehumidification capacity and improving human comfort during reheat dehumidification operation.

[0081] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0082] See Figure 1 This application discloses an air conditioner 1, which can be a floor-standing air conditioner 1, a cabinet air conditioner 1, or a wall-mounted air conditioner 1, etc.

[0083] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 200 and an indoor unit 100. The indoor unit 100 is typically installed indoors, and the outdoor unit 200 is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 100 are connected by pipes to transfer refrigerant.

[0084] See Figure 2 In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 200 includes a compressor 201 configured to compress a refrigerant such that a low-pressure refrigerant is compressed to form a high-pressure refrigerant.

[0085] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 200 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 202. For example, in the cooling mode of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 202 operates as a condenser, causing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 201 to dissipate heat to the outdoor air and condense through the outdoor heat exchanger 202. In the heating mode of the air conditioner 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 202 operates as an evaporator, causing the depressurized refrigerant to absorb heat from the outdoor air and evaporate through the outdoor heat exchanger 202.

[0086] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 200 includes an outdoor fan 203. The outdoor fan 203 is disposed corresponding to the outdoor heat exchanger 202. The outdoor fan 203 provides power for the flow of outdoor air. Specifically, the outdoor fan 203 is configured to draw outdoor air into the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1 through the air inlet, and to send the outdoor air, after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger 202, out through the air outlet of the outdoor unit 200 of the air conditioner 1. Under the action of the outdoor fan 203, the outdoor air is drawn in and exchanges heat with the refrigerant transported in the outdoor heat exchanger 202, and the heat-exchanged air is blown out.

[0087] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 100 includes an indoor heat exchanger 10. For example, the indoor heat exchanger 10 operates as an evaporator in the cooling mode of the air conditioner 1, causing the depressurized refrigerant to absorb heat from the indoor air and evaporate through the outdoor heat exchanger 202. In the heating mode of the air conditioner 1, the indoor heat exchanger 10 operates as a condenser, causing the compressed refrigerant to dissipate heat to the indoor air and condense through the indoor heat exchanger 10.

[0088] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 100 includes an indoor fan 20. An indoor heat exchanger 10 is correspondingly provided with the indoor fan 20. The indoor fan 20 provides power for the flow of indoor air. Specifically, the outdoor fan 203 draws indoor air into the interior of the indoor unit 100 through the air inlet of the air conditioner 1, and sends the indoor air, after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 10, out through the air outlet of the indoor unit 100.

[0089] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 200 includes a first throttling device 204 connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and the indoor heat exchanger 10. The opening degree of the first throttling device 204 is adjustable to control the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through it. That is, the refrigerant pressure flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and the indoor heat exchanger 10 can be adjusted by changing the opening degree of the first throttling device 204, thereby regulating the refrigerant flow rate between them.

[0090] Optionally, the first throttling device 204 can be an electronic expansion valve, the opening of which is adjustable to control the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the electronic expansion valve.

[0091] It can be understood that the compressor 201, outdoor heat exchanger 202, first throttling device 204 and indoor heat exchanger 10 connected in sequence form a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit and exchanges heat with the air through the outdoor heat exchanger 202 and indoor heat exchanger 10 respectively, so as to realize the cooling mode or heating mode of the air conditioner 1.

[0092] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 200 includes a four-way valve 205 connected to the refrigerant circuit. The four-way valve 205 is configured to switch the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit so that the air conditioner 1 performs a cooling mode or a heating mode.

[0093] Combination Figure 3 In some embodiments, the indoor unit 100 includes a housing, and the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the indoor fan 20 are both disposed inside the housing. The distance from the bottom to the top of the housing is the height direction Z of the indoor unit 100, i.e., the vertical direction. The distance from one side to the other side of the housing is the width direction of the indoor unit 100, and the distance from the front to the rear of the housing is the thickness direction of the indoor unit 100, i.e., the front-to-back direction Y of the indoor unit 100. The front side of the housing is the side closest to the user.

[0094] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a first heat exchange section 11 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 202. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange section 11 is configured to convert external air into hot air.

[0095] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a second heat exchange section 12 connected to the outlet 11b pipe of the first heat exchange section 11. In dehumidification mode, the second heat exchange section 12 is configured to convert external air into cold air.

[0096] It can be understood that the indoor heat exchanger 10 is divided into two parts: a first heat exchange section 11 and a second heat exchange section 12, which are connected in series. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange section 11 acts as a condenser, and the second heat exchange section 12 acts as an evaporator. Furthermore, the division of the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 is mainly based on the internal piping of the indoor heat exchanger 10, dividing the internal piping into two piping systems. A second throttling device 30 is installed between the two piping systems to form the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12.

[0097] Therefore, in some embodiments, the indoor unit 100 includes a second throttling device 30 disposed on a pipeline between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12, and the second throttling device 30 is configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been condensed by the first heat exchange section 11.

[0098] It can be understood that a refrigerant circuit for refrigerant flow is formed between the compressor 201, the outdoor heat exchanger 202, the first throttling device 204, the first heat exchange section 11, the second throttling device 30, and the second heat exchange section 12.

[0099] Optionally, the second throttling device 30 can be a solenoid valve or an electronic expansion valve, etc., and the opening degree of the second throttling device 30 is adjustable. That is, the heat exchange performance of the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is controlled by the opening degree of the second throttling device 30.

[0100] In dehumidification mode, the first throttling device 204 is fully open (maximum opening), and the second throttling device 30 is half open. At this time, the second throttling device 30 plays a role in throttling, reducing pressure, and lowering temperature. Specifically, the second throttling device 30 divides the indoor heat exchanger 10 into a first heat exchange section 11 (heating section) for converting a portion of the incoming air into hot air and a second heat exchange section 12 (dehumidification section) for converting another portion of the incoming air into cold air. In this way, the heat exchange performance of the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 can be controlled by adjusting the opening degree of the first throttling device 204, thereby achieving the effect of reheat dehumidification.

[0101] In normal cooling and heating modes, the first throttling device 204 is half-open and the second throttling device 30 is fully open (open to the maximum opening). Since the flow diameter of the first throttling device 204 is relatively large, the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the throttling device can be ignored, and its presence will not affect the normal cooling or heating effect of the air conditioner 1.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 are arranged around the outer periphery of the indoor fan 20, and the indoor fan 20 is used to mix hot air and cold air and output mixed air.

[0103] The air conditioner 1 provided in this application divides the indoor heat exchanger 10 into a first heat exchange section 11 and a second heat exchange section 12. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange section 11 acts as a heating section, converting external air into hot air to achieve a heating effect, while the second heat exchange section 12 acts as a dehumidification section, converting external air into cold air to achieve a dehumidification effect. Thus, the two heat exchange sections achieve the combined effects of condensation and evaporation. Under the action of the indoor fan 20, the hot and cold air are mixed and blown out, maintaining a constant or essentially constant indoor temperature. This achieves dehumidification without lowering the indoor temperature, improving the user experience.

[0104] The following will combine Figure 3 The operating mode of the air conditioner 1 in the embodiments of this application will be described.

[0105] The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, compressed by compressor 201, enters outdoor heat exchanger 202, where it is condensed into a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This liquid then flows into the first throttling device 204, which is fully open. The high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows directly into the first heat exchange section 11, which acts as a condenser and is cooled by the air. During this process, the temperature of the indoor air flowing through the first heat exchange section 11 increases, but the moisture content remains unchanged or slightly increases. The refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section 11 passes through the second throttling device 30, which is partially open. This causes the refrigerant to become a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid mixture, which then enters the second heat exchange section 12. There, it evaporates and absorbs heat from the indoor air flowing through it, acting as an evaporator. During this process, the temperature and moisture content of the indoor air flowing through the second heat exchange section 12 decrease, achieving dehumidification. In this process, the heated indoor air flowing through the first heat exchange section 11 and the cooled indoor air flowing through the second heat exchange section 12 are mixed in the air duct and then transported into the room through the air outlet, so that the outlet air temperature is approximately close to the indoor temperature, thus achieving the effect of dehumidification without cooling.

[0106] In dehumidification mode, since the first heat exchange section 11 acts as a heating element, the refrigerant temperature in it is relatively high. The second heat exchange section 12 is affected by the heat from the first heat exchange section 11, causing a flow deviation phenomenon. That is, the refrigerant near the first heat exchange section 11 becomes a superheated gas, resulting in areas in the second heat exchange section that cannot be dehumidified. This affects the dehumidification capacity of the second heat exchange section 12, thus impacting its dehumidification effect. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second heat exchange section 12 includes multiple refrigerant paths, with the length of one refrigerant path closest to the first heat exchange section 11 being shorter than the lengths of the other refrigerant paths.

[0107] This application, by setting the refrigerant path in the second heat exchange section 12 closer to the first heat exchange section 11 to be shorter than other refrigerant paths, shortens the path of the second heat exchange section 12 affected by the heat of the first heat exchange section 11, thereby shortening the affected refrigerant path in the second heat exchange section 12 and improving the flow deviation phenomenon. In this way, the second heat exchange section 12 has a larger area for dehumidification, which is conducive to increasing the dehumidification capacity and thus improving the comfort of the human body under reheat dehumidification operation.

[0108] It should be noted that, taking the indoor heat exchanger 10 as an example, which is a finned heat exchanger, please refer to... Figure 4The indoor heat exchanger 10 may include heat exchange fins (not shown) and multiple rows of heat exchange tubes 13 connected between the heat exchange fins. The multiple rows of heat exchange tubes 13 include multiple straight tube sections 131 and multiple bent tube sections 132. The multiple straight tube sections 131 are arranged at intervals. If every two straight tube sections 131 are grouped together, one end of each group of straight tube sections 131 is connected by a bent tube section 132, and the other end is connected to the straight tube section 131 of the adjacent group by a bent tube section 132, so that the multiple rows of heat exchange tubes 13 are arranged in a serpentine manner. The bent tube section 132 may be U-shaped. Each straight tube section 131 extends along the width direction of the indoor unit 100.

[0109] By dividing the multi-row heat exchange tubes 13 into two parts, one part of the heat exchange tubes 13 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 202, allowing refrigerant to flow through this part of the heat exchange tubes 13, which constitutes the first heat exchange section 11. Then, using a pipeline (located outside the heat exchange fins), the refrigerant flowing from the aforementioned part of the heat exchange tubes 13 is transported to the other part of the heat exchange tubes 13. After flowing through this part of the heat exchange tubes 13, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 201, which constitutes the second heat exchange section 12. It can be understood that the division between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 lies in the tube-side division of the heat exchange tubes 13.

[0110] The second heat exchange section 12 has multiple refrigerant paths. That is, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section 11 is divided into multiple parallel pipes that flow in the second heat exchange section 12, and each refrigerant path has multiple heat exchange tubes 13. The refrigerant path closest to the first heat exchange section 11 refers to the path that is closest to the first heat exchange section 11 among the multiple refrigerant paths. Specifically, at the boundary dividing the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12, both have heat exchange tubes 13 that are close to each other. For the second heat exchange section 12, the refrigerant path that includes this heat exchange tube 13 closest to the first heat exchange section 11 is the refrigerant path closest to the first heat exchange section 11.

[0111] Combination Figures 5 to 7 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first heat exchange unit 11 located above the second heat exchange unit 12 in the height direction Z along the indoor unit 100 is shown. Figure 6 A schematic diagram is shown showing the structure of the first heat exchange unit 11 located above the second heat exchange unit 12 in the height direction Z along the indoor unit 100. Figure 7 A schematic diagram is shown showing the structure of the first heat exchange unit 11 located in front of the second heat exchange unit 12 along the front-rear direction Y of the indoor unit 100. In the above three configurations of the first heat exchange unit 11 and the second heat exchange unit 12, the refrigerant path closer to the first heat exchange unit 11 in the second heat exchange unit is the first refrigerant path 121.

[0112] During the cooling and dehumidification process of the second heat exchange section 12, water vapor in the indoor air condenses into water droplets upon contact with the low-temperature second heat exchange section 12, forming condensate. Based on this, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first heat exchange section 11 is located above the second heat exchange section 12 in the height direction Z of the indoor unit 100.

[0113] By positioning the first heat exchange section 11 above the second heat exchange section 12 along the height direction Z of the indoor unit 100, it is possible to prevent the condensate generated by the second heat exchange section 12 from being heated and returning to the air during the process of flowing through the first heat exchange section 11, which would reduce the dehumidification capacity of the second heat exchange section 12 and affect the dehumidification effect.

[0114] It should be noted that, in combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 The statement that at least a portion of the first heat exchange section 11 is located above the second heat exchange section 12 can mean that the entire first heat exchange section 11 is located above the second heat exchange section 12, and the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 are arranged approximately correspondingly in the height direction, or that the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 are staggered in the height direction. It can also mean that a portion of the first heat exchange section 11 is located above the second heat exchange section 12. For example, the portion of the first heat exchange section 11 that is close to the second heat exchange section 12 is located above the second heat exchange section 12, and the portion of the first heat exchange section 11 that is far from the second heat exchange section 12 is arranged along the front-rear direction Y of the indoor unit 100 with the second heat exchange section 12.

[0115] Continue reading Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the second heat exchange unit 12 includes a first refrigerant path 121 and a second refrigerant path 122. The first refrigerant path 121 is located above the second refrigerant path 122 in the height direction Z along the indoor unit 100, and the first refrigerant path 121 is configured to be close to the first heat exchange unit 11. That is, in the second heat exchange unit 12, the first refrigerant path 121 is a refrigerant path close to the first heat exchange unit 11, and the path length of the first refrigerant path 121 is less than the path length of the second refrigerant path 122.

[0116] By setting two refrigerant paths in the second heat exchange section 12, the refrigerant flow rate is appropriately increased, thereby accelerating the evaporation rate of the second heat exchange section 12. At the same time, it can also avoid the situation where there are too many refrigerant paths in the second heat exchange section 12, which would cause the flow velocity in the pipe to decrease, the heat exchange number to decrease, and affect the heat exchange effect.

[0117] It is worth noting that the first refrigerant path 121 is positioned above the second refrigerant path 122 along the height Z direction of the indoor unit 100. That is, the refrigerant paths in the second heat exchange section 12 are connected in series along the height Z direction of the indoor unit 100, rather than arranged side-by-side along the front-to-back Y direction of the indoor unit 100. This is because if the refrigerant paths were arranged front-to-back, their length in the height direction would be longer, resulting in a longer flow path and significant pressure loss at path junctions. Therefore, the vertical arrangement of the refrigerant paths in this application avoids or minimizes the impact of pressure loss.

[0118] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a plurality of heat exchange sections connected in sequence, and the boundary O between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 (e.g., Figure 5 The O in the diagram is located at the connection between two adjacent heat exchange sections.

[0119] By setting the boundary between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 at the connection point of two adjacent heat exchange sections, the partitioning of the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 can be independently set according to the division of the heat exchange sections. While achieving distributed air supply that can take into account both the air conditioning cooling and heating and dehumidification performance, it achieves the effect of constant temperature dehumidification without feeling cold. Thus, while improving the reheat dehumidification effect of the air conditioner 1, it also simplifies the pipeline design.

[0120] It should be noted that the boundary O between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 can refer to the fact that, since the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 are formed by dividing the internal heat exchange tubes 13 of the indoor heat exchanger 10, no matter how they are divided, at the dividing point, there are at least two heat exchange tubes 13 that are close to each other between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12, and the boundary between these two heat exchange tubes 13 is the boundary O between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12.

[0121] Combination Figure 5 In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a first heat exchange portion 101, which can be vertically or inclined along the height direction Z of the indoor unit 100. The first heat exchange portion 101 is located in front of the indoor fan 20.

[0122] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a second heat exchange portion 102, which is disposed above the first heat exchange portion 101 along the height direction Z of the indoor unit 100, and is connected to the top of the first heat exchange portion 101. The second heat exchange portion 102 is located on the upper part of the front side of the indoor fan 20.

[0123] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a third heat exchange portion 103, which is disposed behind the second heat exchange portion and connected to the top of the second heat exchange portion.

[0124] It's understandable, combined Figure 3 The first heat exchange section 101, the second heat exchange section 102, and the third heat exchange section 103 are roughly V-shaped, and the indoor fan 20 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown by the dashed line in the figure) is located within the space jointly enclosed by the first heat exchange section 101, the second heat exchange section 102, and the third heat exchange section 103.

[0125] Optionally, the indoor heat exchanger 10 may also include a fourth heat exchange section, a fifth heat exchange section (not shown), etc. For example, the fourth heat exchange section is disposed below the first heat exchange section 101, and the fifth heat exchange section is disposed in front of the first heat exchange section 101. The indoor heat exchanger 10 can be specifically configured according to the dehumidification requirements. The specific configuration method is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0126] In some embodiments, continue reading Figure 5 The first heat exchange section 101 constitutes the second heat exchange section 12, and the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section 103 together constitute the first heat exchange section 11.

[0127] By independently setting the first heat exchange section 101 as the second heat exchange section 12, and combining the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section 103 to form the first heat exchange section 11, the first heat exchange section 11 can have a larger heat transfer area and increase the heating capacity of the first heat exchange section 11, which is conducive to raising the indoor temperature, making it easier for water vapor in the air to condense into water droplets, and further improving the dehumidification efficiency.

[0128] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 The indoor heat exchanger 10 includes multiple heat exchange sections connected in sequence, with the boundary O between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 (e.g., Figure 6 The O in the middle is located inside one of the heat exchange sections.

[0129] By setting the boundary between the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 inside the heat exchange section, the first heat exchange section 11 and the second heat exchange section 12 can be flexibly partitioned to achieve distributed air supply that takes into account both the air conditioning cooling and heating and dehumidification performance, thereby achieving the effect of constant temperature dehumidification without feeling cold, and thus improving the reheat dehumidification effect of the air conditioner 1.

[0130] Combination Figure 6In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a first heat exchange section 101 and at least a portion of a second heat exchange section that together constitute a second heat exchange section 12, and a third heat exchange section 103 and the remaining portion of the second heat exchange section that together constitute a first heat exchange section 11.

[0131] By combining the first heat exchange section 101 and part of the second heat exchange section to form the second heat exchange section 12, compared to using a separate heat exchange section as the second heat exchange section, the total length of the refrigerant path in the second heat exchange section 12 can be increased, thereby increasing the dehumidification area of ​​the second heat exchange section 12, and thus increasing the dehumidification capacity and improving the dehumidification effect. At the same time, the division between the second heat exchange section 12 and the first heat exchange section 11 can be more balanced and reasonable, which is conducive to a better balance between heating and dehumidification, ultimately achieving the goal of dehumidifying the air without lowering its temperature.

[0132] See Figure 7 In some embodiments, the first heat exchange section 11 is located in front of the second heat exchange section 12 in the front-rear direction Y of the indoor unit 100. That is, the first heat exchange section 11 is disposed on the side of the indoor unit 100 closer to the user.

[0133] By arranging the first heat exchange section 11 in front of the second heat exchange section 12 along the front-rear direction Y of the indoor unit 100, it is also possible to avoid the condensate generated by the second heat exchange section 12 being heated and returning to the air during the process of flowing through the first heat exchange section 11, which would reduce the dehumidification capacity of the second heat exchange section 12 and affect the dehumidification effect.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange unit 12 includes a first refrigerant path 121 and a second refrigerant path 122. The first refrigerant path 121 is located in front of the second refrigerant path 122 in the front-rear direction Y along the indoor unit 100, and the first refrigerant path 121 is configured to be close to the first heat exchange unit 11. That is, in the second heat exchange unit 12, the first refrigerant path 121 is a refrigerant path close to the first heat exchange unit 11, and the path length of the first refrigerant path 121 is less than the path length of the second refrigerant path 122.

[0135] By setting two refrigerant paths in the second heat exchange section 12, the refrigerant flow rate is appropriately increased, thereby accelerating the evaporation rate of the second heat exchange section 12. At the same time, it can also avoid the situation where there are too many refrigerant paths in the second heat exchange section 12, which would cause the flow velocity in the pipe to decrease, the heat exchange number to decrease, and affect the heat exchange effect.

[0136] It is worth noting that, with the second heat exchange section 12 located behind the first heat exchange section 11, the first refrigerant path 121 is positioned in front of the second refrigerant path 122 along the front-rear direction Y of the indoor unit 100. That is, the refrigerant paths in the second heat exchange section 12 are connected in series along the front-rear direction Y of the indoor unit 100, rather than being arranged side-by-side along the thickness direction of the indoor heat exchanger 10. This is because if the refrigerant paths were arranged side-by-side, their length in the vertical direction would be longer, resulting in a longer flow path and significant pressure loss at the point of convergence and divergence. Therefore, the front-rear arrangement of the refrigerant paths as described in this application can avoid or minimize the impact of pressure loss.

[0137] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a first heat exchange section 101 and a second heat exchange section that together constitute a first heat exchange unit 11, and a third heat exchange section 103 that constitutes a second heat exchange unit 12.

[0138] By independently setting the third heat exchange section 103 as the second heat exchange section 12, and combining the first heat exchange section 101 and the second heat exchange section to form the first heat exchange section 11, the first heat exchange section 11 can have a larger heat transfer area, increase the heating capacity of the first heat exchange section 11, and thus raise the indoor temperature. Water vapor in the air is more likely to condense into water droplets, which is more conducive to improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0139] See Figure 8 In some embodiments, the first heat exchange section 11 has an inlet 11a and an outlet 11b. The inlet 11a is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 202, and the outlet 11b is connected to the second heat exchange section 12. The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 202 enters the first heat exchange section 11 through the inlet 11a and flows to the second heat exchange section 12 through the outlet 11b.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange section 11 has a sub-heat exchange tube 111 adjacent to the second heat exchange section 12 (e.g., ...). Figure 8 The sub-heat exchange tubes 111 (numbered 8 and 9 in the series) have an inlet 11a configured to be located away from the sub-heat exchange tubes 111, and the path length from the sub-heat exchange tubes 111 to the outlet 11b is less than the path length from the sub-heat exchange tubes 111 to the inlet 11a.

[0141] In the first heat exchange section 11, as the refrigerant flows downstream, it gradually becomes subcooled and its temperature decreases. By positioning the inlet 11a of the first heat exchange section 11 away from the sub-heat exchange tube 111 near the second heat exchange section 12, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the sub-heat exchange tube 111 is reduced, thereby decreasing the thermal impact of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange section 11 on the second heat exchange section 12. Furthermore, by making the path length from the sub-heat exchange tube 111 to the outlet 11b shorter than the path length from the sub-heat exchange tube 111 to the inlet 11a (i.e., positioning the sub-heat exchange tube 111 closer to the outlet 11b of the first heat exchange section 11), the refrigerant has a longer path to the sub-heat exchange tube 111, resulting in a lower refrigerant temperature. This significantly reduces the thermal impact of the first heat exchange section 11 on the second heat exchange section 12, thereby maximizing the reduction of flow deviation in the second heat exchange section 12 and improving its dehumidification effect.

[0142] Please refer to the following: Figures 5 to 8 In some embodiments, the indoor unit 100 further includes a first diverter 40 disposed on a pipe in the first heat exchange section 11. The first diverter 40 is configured to split the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section 11 into multiple paths before it re-enters the first heat exchange section 11.

[0143] Optionally, the refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger can first enter the heat exchange tube 13 in the first heat exchange section 11, and then be divided into two paths by the first distributor 40. One path is reconnected to the heat exchange tube 13 in the first heat exchange section 11, and the other path is also reconnected to the heat exchange tube 13 in the first heat exchange section 11. They flow through the first heat exchange section 11 respectively. During this process, the first heat exchange section 11 acts as a condenser. The indoor air passing through the first heat exchange section 11 is heated. The two refrigerant paths after passing through the first heat exchange section 11 are then combined into one path and enter the second throttling device 30.

[0144] By installing a first distributor 40 on the pipeline of the first heat exchange section 11, the pipeline in the first heat exchange section 11 is divided into multiple paths by the first distributor 40, which can disperse the pressure of the fluid, reduce the impact of the fluid on the heat exchanger, reduce heat loss, and improve the heat exchange efficiency of the first heat exchange section 11.

[0145] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 100 further includes a second diverter 50 disposed on the pipeline between the second throttling device 30 and the second heat exchange section 12, and the second diverter 50 is configured to divide the pipeline in the second heat exchange section 12 into multiple refrigerant paths.

[0146] Optionally, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant passing through the second throttling device 30 is divided into two paths by the second distributor 50, which enter the second heat exchange section 12 respectively and flow through the heat exchange tubes 13 of the second heat exchange section 12. During this process, the refrigerant is in a saturated state, and its saturation temperature is lower than that of the indoor air. Water is released from the air in liquid form. At this time, the second heat exchange section 12 acts as an evaporator. The indoor air passing through the second heat exchange section 12 is cooled. The two refrigerant paths that flow through the first heat exchange section 11 are then combined into one path and delivered to the pipes of the outdoor unit 100.

[0147] By installing a second diverter 50 in the pipeline between the second throttling device 30 and the second heat exchange section 12, the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section 11 is divided into multiple paths to enter the second heat exchange section 12. On the one hand, this increases the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant through the heat exchange tube 13 and appropriately increases the refrigerant flow rate, which can accelerate the evaporation rate. On the other hand, it is conducive to the balanced flow of the refrigerant, reduces heat loss, and improves the heat exchange efficiency of the second heat exchange section 12. At the same time, it can also reduce the flow velocity of the refrigerant in the pipeline and reduce the noise generated by the refrigerant flowing in the pipeline.

[0148] In some embodiments, the number of heat exchange tubes 13 in a refrigerant path near the first heat exchange section 11 is less than the number of heat exchange tubes 13 in other refrigerant paths.

[0149] By setting the number of heat exchange tubes 13 in a refrigerant path near the first heat exchange section 11 to be less than the number of heat exchange tubes 13 in other refrigerant paths, the length of the refrigerant path near the first heat exchange section 11 is shortened, thereby reducing the degree of heat influence of the first heat exchange section 11 on the heat exchange tubes 13 in the second heat exchange section 12.

[0150] As described above, the heat exchange tube 13 may include straight pipe sections 131 and bent pipe sections 132. The straight pipe sections 131 are inserted into the heat exchange fins, and the bent pipe sections 132 are located at both ends of the heat exchange fins along the width direction of the indoor unit 100. The straight pipe sections 131 inserted into the heat exchange fins play a role in heat exchange performance. Therefore, in this application, the "number of heat exchange tubes 13" is defined as "the number of straight pipe sections 131 inserted into the heat exchange fins".

[0151] It is understandable that when the indoor heat exchanger 10 is divided into a first heat exchange section 11 and a second heat exchange section 12 using the second throttling device 30, an external pipe is added to connect to the heat exchange tube 13. In this case, the inlet 11a of each refrigerant path in the second heat exchange section 12 is located at both ends of the heat exchange tube 13. That is, the external pipe is connected from the bend section 132. The length of the straight pipe section 131 will not be cut because multiple refrigerant paths need to be designed. Therefore, in the second heat exchange section 12, the length of the refrigerant path closer to the first heat exchange section 11 is at least shorter than the length of the other refrigerant paths by the length of the straight pipe section 131 of the heat exchange tube 13.

[0152] The air conditioner disclosed in the embodiments of this application has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the air conditioner and its core ideas. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a first throttling device; The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan, and a second throttling device; The indoor heat exchanger includes: A first heat exchange unit is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. In dehumidification mode, the first heat exchange unit is configured to convert external air into hot air. The second heat exchange unit is connected to the outlet pipe of the first heat exchange unit. In dehumidification mode, the second heat exchange unit is configured to convert external air into cold air. The first throttling device is installed on the pipeline between the outdoor heat exchanger and the first heat exchange section, and the second throttling device is installed on the pipeline between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section. The second throttling device is configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant after it has been condensed by the first heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are arranged around the outer periphery of the indoor fan, and the indoor fan is used to mix the hot air and the cold air and output the mixed air. The second heat exchange section includes multiple refrigerant paths, and the length of one of the refrigerant paths closest to the first heat exchange section is shorter than the lengths of the other refrigerant paths.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the height direction of the indoor unit, at least a portion of the first heat exchange section is located above the second heat exchange section; The second heat exchange unit includes a first refrigerant path and a second refrigerant path, wherein the first refrigerant path is located above the second refrigerant path in the height direction of the indoor unit, and the first refrigerant path is configured to be close to the first heat exchange unit.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The indoor heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange sections connected in sequence, and the boundary between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section is located at the connection point of two adjacent heat exchange sections.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The indoor heat exchanger includes: First heat exchange section; A second heat exchange section is disposed above the first heat exchange section along the height direction of the indoor unit, and the second heat exchange section is connected to the top of the first heat exchange section; and, The third heat exchange section is located behind the second heat exchange section and connected to the top of the second heat exchange section. The indoor fan is located in the space enclosed by the first heat exchange section, the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section constitutes the second heat exchange section, and the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section together constitute the first heat exchange section.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The indoor heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange sections connected in sequence, with the boundary between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section located inside one of the heat exchange sections.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The indoor heat exchanger includes: First heat exchange section; A second heat exchange section is disposed above the first heat exchange section along the height direction of the indoor unit, and the second heat exchange section is connected to the top of the first heat exchange section; and, The third heat exchange section is located behind the second heat exchange section and connected to the top of the second heat exchange section. The indoor fan is located in the space enclosed by the first heat exchange section, the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section. The first heat exchange portion and at least a portion of the second heat exchange portion together constitute the second heat exchange unit, and the third heat exchange portion and the remaining portion of the second heat exchange portion together constitute the first heat exchange unit.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the front-rear direction of the indoor unit, the first heat exchange section is located in front of the second heat exchange section; The second heat exchange unit includes a first refrigerant path and a second refrigerant path. The first refrigerant path is located in front of the second refrigerant path in the front-back direction of the indoor unit, and the first refrigerant path is configured to be close to the first heat exchange unit.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The indoor heat exchanger includes: First heat exchange section; A second heat exchange section is disposed above the first heat exchange section along the height direction of the indoor unit, and the second heat exchange section is connected to the top of the first heat exchange section; and, The third heat exchange section is located behind the second heat exchange section and connected to the top of the second heat exchange section. The indoor fan is located in the space enclosed by the first heat exchange section, the second heat exchange section and the third heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section together constitute the first heat exchange unit, and the third heat exchange section constitutes the second heat exchange unit.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first heat exchange section has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the outlet is connected to the second heat exchange section. The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger enters the first heat exchange section through the inlet and flows to the second heat exchange section through the outlet. The first heat exchange section has a sub-heat exchange tube near the second heat exchange section, the inlet is configured to be located away from the sub-heat exchange tube, and the path length from the sub-heat exchange tube to the outlet is less than the path length from the sub-heat exchange tube to the inlet.

10. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The indoor unit also includes: A first distributor, disposed on the piping of the first heat exchange section, is configured to split the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section into multiple paths before it re-enters the first heat exchange section; and / or The second diverter is disposed on the pipeline between the second throttling device and the second heat exchange section, and the second diverter is configured to divide the pipeline in the second heat exchange section into multiple refrigerant paths.

11. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The number of heat exchange tubes in one of the refrigerant paths closer to the first heat exchange section is less than the number of heat exchange tubes in the other refrigerant paths.

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