Heat exchanger and air conditioner

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and discloses a heat exchanger which comprises heat exchange pipes, a first confluence device, a first conduction component and a second conduction component, and the heat exchange pipes form a plurality of heat exchange passages; the first converging device is used for being connected with the first ends of the multiple heat exchange channels, a first inlet and outlet is formed in the second part, between the first part and the third part, of the first converging device, and the first ends of the multiple heat exchange channels are connected to the first part and the third part of the first converging device. The first conduction component is arranged on the third part below the second part of the first convergence device; the second confluence device is used for connecting the second ends of the multiple heat exchange passages and is provided with a second inlet / outlet; a second conductive member provided on the second bus device; and when the multiple heat exchange passages are connected in parallel, refrigerants of the first part and the third part are converged and then flow out through the first inlet and outlet. The invention further discloses the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, such as a heat exchanger or an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Heat pump air conditioners use a compressor, heat exchanger, throttling device, and four-way valve to form a circulation system, switching between cooling and heating modes via the four-way valve. During cooling, the outdoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser, requiring fewer branches to accelerate circulation and improve the heat transfer coefficient; during heating, it acts as an evaporator, requiring more branches to reduce pressure drop. The optimal refrigerant circulation volume differs significantly between these two modes, and existing fixed flow path designs cannot simultaneously adapt, making it difficult to achieve optimal performance across all operating conditions.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, variable flow path heat exchangers have emerged in existing technologies. These heat exchangers achieve branch number switching by setting control valves (such as check valves): during cooling, some branches are cut off to adapt to the accelerated circulation requirements of fewer branches; during heating, all branches are opened to meet the low pressure drop requirements of multiple branches, thus alleviating the performance limitations of fixed flow paths to some extent.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following problems were found in the related art: When a heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the heat exchange passages are arranged in parallel. The refrigerant in the lower passage needs to overcome the gravity of the control valve and the pressure of the refrigerant above to flow upward, which leads to uneven refrigerant distribution and less flow in the lower branch, affecting the heat exchange efficiency and heating stability of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0006] This disclosure provides a heat exchanger and an air conditioner to improve the uniformity of refrigerant distribution when a variable flow path heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0007] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a heat exchange tube, a first manifold, a connecting pipe, a first conductive component, a second manifold, and a second conductive component. The heat exchange tube forms a plurality of heat exchange passages. The first manifold connects the first ends of the plurality of heat exchange passages and includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion arranged sequentially. The first ends of the plurality of heat exchange passages are connected to the first portion and the third portion of the first manifold. The connecting pipe has one end connected to the second portion of the first manifold and the other end forming a first inlet / outlet. The first conductive component is disposed in the third portion of the first manifold. The second manifold... The device is used to connect the second ends of the plurality of heat exchange passages. The second confluence device has a second inlet and outlet. A second conductive component is disposed on the second confluence device, and the positions where the plurality of heat exchange passages are connected to the second confluence device are located on both sides of the second conductive component. When the refrigerant flows from the first inlet and outlet to the second inlet and outlet, the first conductive component and the second conductive component connect the plurality of heat exchange passages in series. When the refrigerant flows from the second inlet and outlet to the first inlet and outlet, the first conductive component and the second conductive component connect the plurality of heat exchange passages in parallel. The refrigerant in the first part and the third part merge in the second part and then flow out through the first inlet and outlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first conducting component includes a first one-way valve, the conducting direction of the first one-way valve being from the third portion of the first manifold to the first portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second conducting component includes a second check valve, wherein the conducting direction of the second check valve is from the second inlet / outlet of the second manifold to the first inlet / outlet of the first manifold.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first manifold includes a vertically arranged gas collecting pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting pipe includes a connecting portion and a lead-out portion, wherein the connecting portion is arranged horizontally, and a first end of the connecting portion is connected to the second portion; the lead-out portion is arranged vertically, and the bottom end of the lead-out portion is connected to the second end of the connecting portion, and the top end of the lead-out portion serves as the first inlet / outlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the gas collecting pipe includes a first vertical extension section, a second vertical extension section, and a connecting section, wherein the first vertical extension section serves as a first part of the first converging device; the second vertical extension section serves as a third part of the first converging device; and the connecting section is connected at its bottom to the top of the second vertical extension section and at its top to the top of the first vertical extension section, serving as a second part of the first converging device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first vertical extension segment and the second vertical extension segment are coaxially arranged, and the connecting segment extends laterally from the second vertical extension segment and upward to connect with the top of the first vertical extension segment.

[0014] In some embodiments, the connecting pipe is connected to the top end of the connecting segment.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes a refrigerant circulation loop, which is formed by connecting a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger; wherein the outdoor heat exchanger and / or the indoor heat exchanger includes the aforementioned heat exchanger.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a liquid storage component, a gas supply line, and a control valve, wherein the liquid storage component is connected at one end to the outdoor heat exchanger and at the other end to the throttling device; the gas supply line is connected at one end to the liquid storage component and at the other end to the gas supply port of the compressor; and the control valve is disposed on the gas supply line to control the on / off state of the gas supply line.

[0017] In some embodiments, the liquid storage assembly includes a liquid storage tank, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe, wherein the liquid storage tank is configured with a liquid storage space; the inlet pipe has a first end connected to the outdoor heat exchanger and a second end inserted into the liquid storage tank; the outlet pipe has a first end connected to the throttling device and a second end inserted into the liquid storage tank; wherein the first end of the inlet pipe is higher than the first end of the outlet pipe.

[0018] The heat exchanger and air conditioner provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects: The heat exchanger provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, by setting the first inlet and outlet between the first and third parts of the first confluence device, allows the refrigerant in the lower third part to flow into the middle second part simply by overcoming the resistance of the first conductive component, without having to withstand the pressure obstruction of the refrigerant above. This secondary confluence reduces the refrigerant flow resistance, improves the uniformity of refrigerant distribution in each heat exchange path, and enhances the efficiency of the heat exchanger when used as an evaporator.

[0019] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0020] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation when the heat exchanger is used as a condenser according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circulation when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator according to an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first combiner device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another first combiner device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure label: 100: First manifold; 101: Gas collecting pipe; 102: First inlet / outlet; 110: First section; 120: Second section; 130: Third section; 140: First conductive component; 150: First one-way valve; 160: Connecting pipe; 161: Connecting section; 162: Lead-out section; 171: First vertical extension section; 172: Second vertical extension section; 173: Connecting section; 210: First heat exchange passage; 211: One-way valve Throttling valve; 220: Second heat exchange passage; 230: Third heat exchange passage; 300: Second manifold; 310: Liquid collection pipe; 320: Second conductive component; 321: Second check valve; 301: Second inlet / outlet; 10: Compressor; 20: Four-way valve; 30: Throttling device; 40: Outdoor heat exchanger; 50: Indoor heat exchanger; 60: Liquid storage tank; 61: Liquid inlet pipe; 62: Liquid outlet pipe; 63: Gas supply pipe; 64: Control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0024] In this disclosure, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "middle," "outer," "front," and "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 better description of the embodiments of this disclosure and their implementations, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to require them to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the aforementioned terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0027] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0028] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0030] To improve the uniformity of refrigerant distribution when a variable flow path heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, combined with Figures 1-6As shown, this embodiment of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger, which includes heat exchange tubes, a first manifold 100, a connecting pipe 160, a first conductive component 140, a second manifold 300, and a second conductive component 320. The heat exchange tubes form multiple heat exchange passages. The first manifold 100 connects the first ends of the multiple heat exchange passages and includes a first portion 110, a second portion 120, and a third portion 130 arranged sequentially. The first ends of the multiple heat exchange passages are connected to the first portion 110 and the third portion 130 of the first manifold 100. The connecting pipe 160 is connected at one end to the second portion 120 of the first manifold 100 and forms a first inlet / outlet 102 at the other end. The first conductive component 140 is disposed in the third portion of the first manifold 100. The first part 140 and the second part 130 are connected in series. The first part 140 and the second part 130 are connected in series. The second part 120 is used to connect the second ends of multiple heat exchange passages. The second part 140 is provided with a second inlet and outlet 301. The second part 130 is provided with a second inlet and outlet 301. The first part 140 and the second part 130 are provided with a second inlet and outlet 301. The refrigerant flows from the first inlet and outlet 102 to the second inlet and outlet 301. The first part 140 and the second part 130 are provided with a second inlet and outlet 301. The refrigerant from the first part 110 and the third part 130 merges in the second part 120 and then flows out through the first inlet and outlet 102.

[0031] In this embodiment of the disclosure, multiple refrigerant pipes form multiple heat exchange paths, and each heat exchange path contains one or more refrigerant pipes. The refrigerant pipes in each heat exchange path can be connected in series or in parallel. When the multiple refrigerant pipes in the heat exchange path are connected in parallel, the flow cross-section of the refrigerant in the heat exchange path is larger; when the multiple refrigerant pipes in the heat exchange path are connected in series, the travel distance of the refrigerant in the heat exchange path is longer.

[0032] The first manifold 100 is a tubular structure, internally divided into a first part 110, a second part 120, and a third part 130 from one end to the other. The second part 120 is located at the junction of the first part 110 and the third part 130, serving as a central chamber for refrigerant confluence or distribution. A connecting pipe 160 communicates with the second part 120. The first ends of multiple heat exchange passages are respectively connected to the first part 110 and the third part 130. A first conductive component 140 is assembled inside the third part 130, and its installation position is higher than the first end of the heat exchange passage connected to the third part 130.

[0033] The second conducting component 320 inside the second busbar device 300 works in conjunction with the first conducting component 140 to ensure the stability of the flow path switching.

[0034] Taking a heat exchange path comprising a first heat exchange path 210, a second heat exchange path 220, and a third heat exchange path 230 as an example: When the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, both the first conductive component 140 and the second conductive component 320 are in a closed state. The refrigerant flow direction is: first inlet / outlet 102, connecting pipe 160, second part 120 of the first manifold 100, first part 110, first heat exchange path 210, second manifold 300, second heat exchange path 220, third part 130 of the first manifold 100, third heat exchange path 230, and second inlet / outlet 301. The refrigerant flows sequentially through the first heat exchange path 210, the second heat exchange path 220, and the third heat exchange path 230, forming a series flow path. For example, the second manifold is a liquid collecting pipe 310.

[0035] Taking a heat exchange path comprising a first heat exchange path 210, a second heat exchange path 220, and a third heat exchange path 230 as an example. When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, both the first conductive component 140 and the second conductive component 320 are in a conductive state. The refrigerant flows from the second inlet / outlet 301 into the second manifold 300, then simultaneously into the first heat exchange path 210, the second heat exchange path 220, and the third heat exchange path 230, and then merges in the first manifold 100. After entering the second manifold 300 from the second inlet / outlet 301, the refrigerant is distributed to all heat exchange paths, then a portion enters the first part 110 of the first manifold 100, and another portion enters the third part 130 of the first manifold 100. The refrigerant in the first part 110 and the refrigerant in the third part 130 of the first manifold 100 merge into the second part 120 of the first manifold 100, and then flows out through the first inlet / outlet 102 of the first connecting pipe 160.

[0036] It should be noted that if the connecting pipe 160 is connected to the top of the first manifold 100, or if the top of the first manifold 100 forms the aforementioned first inlet / outlet 102, during the refrigerant flow, the refrigerant in the lower heat exchange path needs to overcome its own gravity, the throttling resistance of the first conductive component 140, and the downward pressure of the refrigerant in the upper heat exchange path. The refrigerant in the lower heat exchange path has difficulty fully absorbing heat and evaporating, while the refrigerant in the upper heat exchange path evaporates more easily. This results in uneven refrigerant distribution and temperature distribution in the heat exchanger, making it difficult for the refrigerant to fully absorb heat and evaporate, thus affecting the cooling and heating efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0037] The heat exchanger provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure, by positioning the first inlet / outlet 102 between the first portion 110 and the third portion 130 of the first confluence device 100, allows the refrigerant in the lower third portion 130 to flow into the middle second portion 120 simply by overcoming the resistance of the first conductive member 140, without being blocked by the pressure of the refrigerant above. This secondary confluence reduces the refrigerant flow resistance, improves the uniformity of refrigerant distribution in each heat exchange path, and enhances the efficiency of the heat exchanger when used as an evaporator.

[0038] In a set of tests, under conditions of -5 to 5°C and relative humidity above 80% that are prone to frosting, this type of heat exchanger can effectively reduce the decrease in local heat exchange efficiency caused by uneven flow distribution, thereby improving the heating stability and all-condition adaptability of the air conditioner.

[0039] Optionally, the heat exchanger has at least three heat exchange passages, and each heat exchange passage is arranged at intervals in the vertical direction and is respectively connected to the first part 110 and the third part 130 of the first confluence device 100.

[0040] In this embodiment, the heat exchange tubes are grouped to form multiple heat exchange passages, and each heat exchange passage is arranged sequentially along the height direction of the first manifold 100. Among them, the first end of the upper heat exchange passage is connected to the first part 110 of the first manifold 100, and the first end of the lower heat exchange passage is connected to the third part 130 of the first manifold 100.

[0041] The second part 120 of the first manifold 100 is located between the first part 110 and the third part 130, serving as an intermediate manifold cavity, and is connected to the first inlet / outlet 102 via a connecting pipe 160.

[0042] Through the above configuration, a refrigerant junction structure with partitions along the height direction is formed inside the first junction device 100.

[0043] By connecting multiple heat exchange paths to different height regions of the first manifold 100, the back pressure of the lower heat exchange path can be reduced under the condition of parallel refrigerant flow, and the problem of uneven flow caused by vertical height difference can be reduced, thereby improving the uniformity of refrigerant flow distribution in each heat exchange path.

[0044] Optionally, the first conducting component 140 includes a first one-way valve 150, the conducting direction of the first one-way valve 150 being from the third part 130 of the first manifold 100 to the first part 110.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first conducting component 140 includes a first one-way valve 150 with unidirectional conduction function. The first one-way valve 150 is a mechanical one-way valve. The first one-way valve 150 is assembled inside the third part 130 of the first manifold 100, and its physical position is above the heat exchange passage access points of the third part 130 and below the second part 120. The first one-way valve 150 only allows refrigerant to flow upward from the lower third part 130 into the second part 120, and strictly prohibits refrigerant from flowing back from the second part 120 into the third part 130.

[0046] This configuration allows for adaptive switching between series and parallel flow paths using the refrigerant's own flow, eliminating the need for external power drives or control logic and improving system reliability.

[0047] Optionally, the second conducting component 320 includes a second one-way valve 321, the conducting direction of which is from the second inlet / outlet 301 of the second manifold 300 to the first inlet / outlet 102 of the first manifold 100.

[0048] The second guiding component 320 is installed in the inner cavity of the second manifold 300, and its guiding direction is consistent with the refrigerant circulation direction when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, that is, it allows the refrigerant to flow from the second inlet / outlet 301 to the first manifold 100. Under refrigeration conditions, since the refrigerant flow direction is reversed, the second one-way valve 321 is automatically closed under back pressure, thereby forcing the refrigerant to enter the reversal stroke.

[0049] This configuration allows for adaptive switching between series and parallel flow paths using the refrigerant's own flow, eliminating the need for external power drives or control logic and improving system reliability.

[0050] Optionally, the first conducting component 140 and / or the second conducting component 320 are mechanical check valves, gravity check valves, spring check valves, or diaphragm check valves.

[0051] By adopting passive unidirectional flow components, the heat exchanger can automatically switch between series and parallel flow paths based on the refrigerant flow direction and pressure difference, without the need for additional electronic control valves or control logic, thus improving the simplification of the system structure and the long-term operational reliability.

[0052] Optionally, the first manifold 100 includes a vertically arranged gas collecting pipe 101.

[0053] In this embodiment, the gas collecting pipe 101 adopts a tubular structure extending vertically and is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The interior of the vertical gas collecting pipe 101 is divided into a first part 110 at the top and a third part 130 at the bottom along the height direction. Because the gas collecting pipe 101 is arranged vertically, the first ends of each heat exchange passage are vertically connected along the height direction of the gas collecting pipe 101. A first one-way valve 150 is installed inside the third part 130 of the gas collecting pipe 101, and is located above the uppermost heat exchange passage connection point of the third part 130, ensuring that the refrigerant in all lower branches must pass through this one-way valve before entering the second part 120 to converge.

[0054] This vertical arrangement of the gas collecting pipe 101 conforms to the natural flow characteristics of refrigerant under gravity. The vertical structure of the gas collecting pipe 101 reduces local eddy current losses during the refrigerant's ascent, improving the smoothness of refrigerant circulation. Furthermore, the vertical layout helps save radial space on the side of the heat exchanger, making the overall structure of the air conditioner more compact.

[0055] Optionally, the connecting pipe 160 includes a connecting portion 161 and an outlet portion 162, wherein the connecting portion 161 is arranged horizontally and the first end of the connecting portion 161 is connected to the second portion 120; the outlet portion 162 is arranged vertically and the bottom end of the outlet portion 162 is connected to the second end of the connecting portion 161, and the top end of the outlet portion 162 serves as the first inlet / outlet 102.

[0056] In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 160 is composed of a horizontal section and a vertical section joined together. The connecting portion 161 is arranged horizontally, with one end welded or integrally formed to the side wall opening of the second part 120 of the gas collecting pipe 101. The outlet portion 162 is arranged perpendicular to the connecting portion 161, and the two are connected at the second end of the connecting portion 161 to form a 90-degree bend. The top opening of the outlet portion 162 is the first inlet / outlet 102 of the entire heat exchanger, used to connect to the main gas pipe of the air conditioning system.

[0057] With this configuration, the horizontally arranged connection part 161 extends from the middle of the gas collecting pipe 101, effectively avoiding the fins and supports on the side of the heat exchanger, preventing pipe interference, and optimizing the installation layout. The vertically extended outlet part 162 raises the first inlet and outlet 102 to the top of the equipment, making the connection position of the system pipes higher and facilitating welding and assembly operations for workers. Through the bends and buffers in both the horizontal and vertical sections, the fluid impact force generated when the refrigerant enters and exits the first manifold 100 is reduced to a certain extent. This not only helps to maintain the stability of the flow field in the second part 120, but also effectively reduces the vibration and airflow noise generated when the refrigerant flows at high speed, improving the quietness of the air conditioner operation.

[0058] Optionally, the gas collecting pipe 101 includes a first vertical extension section 171, a second vertical extension section 172, and a connecting section 173, wherein the first vertical extension section 171 serves as the first part 110 of the first confluence device 100; the second vertical extension section 172 serves as the third part 130 of the first confluence device 100; the connecting section 173 is connected at its bottom to the top of the second vertical extension section 172 and at its top to the top of the first vertical extension section 171, and the connecting section 173 serves as the second part 120 of the first confluence device 100.

[0059] In this embodiment, the gas collecting pipe 101 is composed of three physical pipe segments spliced ​​together to achieve the aforementioned functional zoning. A first vertical extension segment 171 is located at the top, its wall connected to the heat exchange passage corresponding to the first part 110; a second vertical extension segment 172 is located at the bottom, its wall connected to the heat exchange passage corresponding to the third part 130. A connecting segment 173 serves as an independent fluid channel, its two ends fixed between the first vertical extension segment 171 and the second vertical extension segment 172 by welding or other sealing connections. Specifically, the bottom port of the connecting segment 173 is engaged with the highest point of the second vertical extension segment 172, while the top port of the connecting segment 173 is engaged with the top of the first vertical extension segment 171. The connecting segment 173 not only serves as an intermediate transition layer connecting the first part 110 and the second part 120, but also acts as an external bypass path spanning the entire length of the first part 110, connecting the top of the lower third part 130 to the top of the first part 110.

[0060] This configuration eliminates flow deviations caused by gravity and hydrostatic pressure. In parallel operation as an evaporator, traditional structures require the refrigerant in the lower branch to overcome the hydrostatic pressure of the refrigerant in the entire upper pipe section before merging. In this design, the refrigerant in the lower second vertical extension 172 is directly transported to the top of the first section 110 via the connecting section 173 for merging, making the potential energy of the lower and upper branches at the merging point more consistent. This reduces the pressure difference resistance in the lower heat exchange passages. Because the connecting section 173 guides the lower gaseous refrigerant to the top for merging, it avoids the dynamic resistance and pressure fluctuations caused by the downward flow or accumulation of refrigerant inside the first section 110. This results in each heat exchange passage in the lower third section 130 facing a back pressure environment almost identical to that of the upper branch at the outlet. This long-path aligned structure compensates for the uneven flow resistance caused by the vertical height of the heat exchanger, improving the uniformity of refrigerant distribution within the heat exchange tubes of each heat exchange passage. This can suppress premature frosting or insufficient heat exchange caused by insufficient flow or excessive pressure at the bottom when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, thereby improving the uniformity of cooling and heating under all operating conditions.

[0061] Optionally, the first vertical extension segment 171 and the second vertical extension segment 172 are coaxially arranged, and the connecting segment 173 extends laterally from the second vertical extension segment 172 and upward to connect with the top of the first vertical extension segment 171.

[0062] In this embodiment, the gas collecting pipe 101 is arranged in a straight line in its overall visual layout, that is, the first vertical extension section 171 and the second vertical extension section 172 are on the same central axis. Since the two pipe sections are physically disconnected, the connecting section 173 serves as a guide for flow across space. Specifically, the connecting section 173 extends laterally from the top of the second vertical extension section 172, then extends vertically upward after a bend, and finally connects to the top of the first vertical extension section 171. This path of extending laterally and then upward forms a lateral bypass channel outside the gas collecting pipe 101.

[0063] When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the first vertical extension section 171 and the second vertical extension section 172 are coaxial, ensuring that the stress states of the heat exchange passages connected by the two sections are completely symmetrical in the gravitational field. The connecting section 173, with its lateral extension, reduces the local resistance coefficient when the refrigerant flows out of the third section 130. Combined with its upward extension to the top for convergence, this design ensures a smooth flow of the lower refrigerant before it enters the convergence point. The coaxial arrangement results in a uniform stress distribution across the entire heat exchanger structure, while the lateral avoidance design of the connecting section 173 effectively eliminates the congestion effect that may occur when the lower refrigerant converges upwards. This structure ensures that the outlet pressure drop of the lower heat exchange passages, when connected in parallel, remains at a level similar to that of the upper passages, thereby achieving precise refrigerant flow distribution over the entire pipe length and ensuring uniform heat exchange during both cooling and heating processes.

[0064] Optionally, the connecting pipe 160 is connected to the top end of the connecting section 173.

[0065] In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 160 serves as a fluid channel between the refrigerant and the main circuit of the air conditioning system, and its access point is limited to the top of the connecting section 173. Since the top of the connecting section 173 is already connected to the top of the first vertical extension section 171, this layout of the connecting pipe 160 allows the first inlet / outlet 102 to be directly connected to the highest cavity of the entire first manifold 100. Physically, the inlet end of the connecting pipe 160, the outlet end of the connecting section 173, and the top outlet of the first vertical extension section 171 converge at a single point in space, forming the overall manifold center of the heat exchanger.

[0066] In parallel operation, the refrigerant in the lower branch rises to the top through connecting section 173, while the refrigerant in the upper branch also rises to the top and merges. Positioning the connecting pipe 160 at this common apex ensures that the upper and lower heat exchange paths have identical outlet back pressure environments when they merge. This resistance balancing mechanism significantly reduces the pressure difference between the lower and upper heat exchange paths, mitigating flow deviations caused by physical height. Positioning the connecting pipe 160 at the top aligns with the flow trend of the gaseous refrigerant, allowing the gaseous refrigerant generated in the lower third section 130 to be quickly and smoothly discharged to the system main pipe through connecting section 173.

[0067] Optionally, the first part 110, the second part 120 and the third part 130 of the first busbar device 100 are independent structural modules before assembly is completed.

[0068] The first vertical extension section 171, the second vertical extension section 172, and the connecting section 173 are manufactured as independent components and are combined into a complete first busbar device 100 in the final assembly stage by welding, expansion, or snap-fitting. The first conductive component 140 can be pre-installed in the corresponding module before module assembly.

[0069] Modular assembly allows for flexible adjustment of the position and parameters of conductive components without altering the overall structure of the heat exchanger, reducing manufacturing difficulty and improving the versatility of different heat exchanger models.

[0070] Optionally, a one-way throttling valve 211 is provided in the first heat exchange passage 210. The one-way throttling valve is configured to provide throttling effect when the refrigerant flows in the first direction, and to be fully open or nearly fully open when the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction.

[0071] In this embodiment, the one-way throttle valve is installed in the inlet section, middle section or outlet section of the first heat exchange passage 210, and its installation position is not limited relative to the specific position of the heat exchange tube.

[0072] One-way throttle valves can be spring-loaded, diaphragm, or floating valve core types, and their throttling characteristics automatically change with the direction of refrigerant flow. When the refrigerant flows in the set direction, the valve core partially closes under the action of pressure difference, thus forming a stable throttling pressure drop; when the refrigerant flows in the reverse direction, the valve core deflects under the action of reverse pressure difference or gravity, allowing the refrigerant to pass through almost unimpeded.

[0073] The one-way throttle valve is independently configured with the conducting components in the first manifold 100 and the second manifold 300, and there is no direct mechanical linkage between them.

[0074] By introducing a one-way throttle valve into the first heat exchange passage 210, the refrigerant flow rate in a specific heat exchange passage can be precisely adjusted in a direction-related manner without changing the overall structure of the first manifold 100.

[0075] When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the one-way throttle valve restricts flow. This increases the flow resistance of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange passage 210, thereby increasing the refrigerant circulation in the lower heat exchange passage. When the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the one-way throttle valve does not restrict flow, which reduces refrigerant pressure loss and improves the condensing capacity of the heat exchanger when used as a condenser.

[0076] With the above settings, the combined functions of flow path switching and branch resistance adaptive adjustment can be realized in the same heat exchanger, further improving the uniformity of refrigerant distribution in each heat exchange path under different operating modes and improving the overall performance of the heat exchanger over a wide range of operating conditions.

[0077] This disclosure provides an air conditioner, which includes a refrigerant circulation loop. The refrigerant circulation loop is formed by connecting a compressor 10, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger 40, a throttling device 30, and an indoor heat exchanger 50. The outdoor heat exchanger 40 and / or the indoor heat exchanger 50 include the aforementioned heat exchangers.

[0078] In this embodiment, the compressor 10 serves as a power source, and the refrigerant flow direction is switched via the four-way valve 20 to achieve the conversion between cooling and heating modes. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 40 operates as an evaporator, and the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger structure of the above embodiment from the second inlet / outlet 301. Due to the adoption of the first confluence device 100 with a partitioned design of the first part 110, the second part 120, and the third part 130, and the connection section 173 leading the lower refrigerant to the top for convergence, the system can ensure the stability of refrigerant distribution under low-pressure evaporation conditions. When in cooling mode, the heat exchanger operates as a condenser, the refrigerant flow direction is reversed, and series heat exchange is achieved through the shut-off action of the one-way valve.

[0079] The superior heat distribution uniformity of the heat exchanger in parallel mode reduces or avoids the problem of frequent defrosting caused by excessively rapid localized frosting, allowing the air conditioner to continuously output heating capacity in extremely cold and high-humidity environments. Because the heat exchanger automatically switches to a series flow path in cooling mode, it can maintain a higher flow rate to enhance condensation heat exchange; while switching to a parallel flow path in heating mode effectively reduces evaporation pressure drop. This adaptive flow path characteristic ensures that the air conditioner operates at a optimal heat exchange point in both summer cooling and winter heating conditions.

[0080] Optionally, the air conditioner also includes a liquid receiver assembly, a gas supply line 63, and a control valve 64. The liquid receiver assembly is connected at one end to the outdoor heat exchanger 40 and at the other end to the throttling device 30. The liquid receiver assembly is also connected to the gas supply port of the compressor 10 via the gas supply line 63. The gas supply line 63 is connected at one end to the liquid receiver assembly and at the other end to the gas supply port of the compressor 10. The control valve 64 is disposed on the gas supply line 63 to control the opening and closing of the gas supply line 63.

[0081] In this embodiment, the liquid storage assembly, serving as a refrigerant regulation and gas-liquid separation device, is arranged in series in the main refrigerant circulation loop. Its liquid inlet side is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 40 (when acting as a condenser) or the throttling device 30 (when acting as an evaporator), while its liquid outlet side is connected to the corresponding component on the other side. The gas supply line 63 extends from the gas phase region of the liquid storage assembly and directly connects to the quasi-secondary enthalpy-increasing gas supply port of the compressor 10. A control valve 64 is installed in the gas supply line 63, adjusting or shutting off the gas supply flow in real time according to system operating parameters.

[0082] In heating mode, the aforementioned heat exchanger (acting as an evaporator) achieves excellent distribution uniformity, ensuring complete vaporization of the refrigerant during heat absorption. The liquid storage component further intercepts any incompletely vaporized liquid refrigerant and injects the separated medium-pressure vapor into the compressor 10 via the gas supply line 63, effectively improving the air conditioner's heating capacity and energy efficiency ratio in extreme low-temperature environments. Because the flow path volume of the heat exchanger differs between cooling and heating modes, the liquid storage component acts as a buffer, storing or releasing refrigerant according to operating conditions, ensuring that the compressor 10 always operates within a reasonable superheat range. The control valve 64 can adjust the gas supply ratio according to environmental conditions, avoiding unnecessary power consumption under conditions where enthalpy increase is not required, ensuring the system operates at its optimal heat exchange point throughout the entire season.

[0083] Optionally, the liquid storage assembly includes a liquid storage tank 60, an inlet pipe 61, and an outlet pipe 62. The liquid storage tank 60 has a liquid storage space. The inlet pipe 61 has a first end connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 40 and a second end inserted into the liquid storage tank 60. The outlet pipe 62 has a first end connected to the throttling device 30 and a second end inserted into the liquid storage tank 60. The first end of the inlet pipe 61 is higher than the first end of the outlet pipe 62.

[0084] In this embodiment, the liquid storage tank 60 has a vertical, sealed cylindrical structure. The arrangement of the inlet pipe 61 and the outlet pipe 62 inside and outside the liquid storage tank 60 forms a specific height difference vector. The connection position of the inlet pipe 61 to the outdoor heat exchanger 40 is at a high position, while the connection position of the outlet pipe 62 to the throttling device 30 is at a low position. In cooling mode, the refrigerant flow direction is outdoor heat exchanger 40, inlet pipe 61, liquid storage tank 60, outlet pipe 62, and throttling device 30; in heating mode, the refrigerant flow direction is reversed to throttling device 30, outlet pipe 62, liquid storage tank 60, inlet pipe 61, and outdoor heat exchanger 40. Due to the height difference design of the first ends of the two pipes, when the refrigerant enters the liquid storage tank 60 in different flow directions, the physical height of its pipe opening and the corresponding liquid surface pressure environment are completely different.

[0085] Because the heat exchanger of this disclosure uses a series long flow channel for cooling and a parallel short flow channel for heating, the refrigerant requirements differ between the two modes. When the refrigerant flows in either the forward or reverse direction, the effective liquid level in the receiver 60 automatically adjusts with pressure and flow rate due to the height difference between the first ends of the inlet and outlet pipes. This design allows the receiver 60 to store excess liquid refrigerant when demand is low and release refrigerant to participate in circulation when demand is high, thus ensuring that the system is at its optimal charge level in both modes.

[0086] The first end of the liquid inlet pipe 61 is at a high position, allowing the refrigerant to enter the tank with a larger drop when flowing back from the outdoor heat exchanger 40, which is beneficial for flash evaporation and degassing of the refrigerant. Conversely, the first end of the liquid outlet pipe 62 is at a low position, ensuring that only subcooled liquid is drawn from the bottom of the tank. This, combined with the highly uniform distribution of the aforementioned heat exchanger, increases the enthalpy difference before and after throttling, thereby improving the overall heat exchange efficiency. This liquid level regulation effect, relying on the physical height difference, can smoothly handle pressure fluctuations caused by drastic changes in ambient temperature without the need for complex electronic expansion valve control logic. This ensures that the refrigerant circulation volume always matches the real-time needs of the heat exchanger, extending the compressor's service life.

[0087] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included or substituted for parts and features of other embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: Heat exchange tubes form multiple heat exchange pathways; A first busbar device is used to connect the first ends of the plurality of heat exchange passages. The first busbar device includes a first part, a second part and a third part arranged in sequence. The first ends of the plurality of heat exchange passages are connected to the first part and the third part of the first busbar device. The connecting pipe is connected at one end to the second part of the first manifold, and at the other end forms the first inlet and outlet. The first conductive component is disposed in the third part of the first busbar device; The second manifold is used to connect the second end of the plurality of heat exchange passages, and the second manifold has a second inlet and outlet; The second conductive component is disposed on the second junction device, and the multiple heat exchange passages are connected to the second junction device at positions on both sides of the second conductive component; When the refrigerant flows from the first inlet / outlet to the second inlet / outlet, the first and second conductive components connect the multiple heat exchange paths in series; when the refrigerant flows from the second inlet / outlet to the first inlet / outlet, the first and second conductive components connect the multiple heat exchange paths in parallel, and the refrigerant from the first and third parts merges in the second part and then flows out through the first inlet / outlet.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first conducting component includes a first check valve, the conducting direction of which is from the third part of the first manifold to the first part; and / or; The second conducting component includes a second check valve, the conducting direction of which is from the second inlet and outlet of the second manifold to the first inlet and outlet of the first manifold.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first manifold includes a vertically arranged gas collecting pipe.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe includes: The connecting portion is arranged horizontally, and the first end of the connecting portion is connected to the second portion; The lead-out portion is vertically arranged, with its bottom end connected to the second end of the connecting portion, and its top end serving as the first inlet / outlet.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gas collecting pipe includes: The first vertical extension section serves as the first part of the first converging device; The second vertical extension section serves as the third part of the first converging device; The connecting segment is connected at the bottom to the top of the second vertical extension segment and at the top to the top of the first vertical extension segment, and the connecting segment serves as the second part of the first converging device.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first vertical extension segment and the second vertical extension segment are coaxially arranged, and the connecting segment extends laterally from the second vertical extension segment and upward to connect with the top of the first vertical extension segment.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting pipe is connected to the top end of the connecting segment.

8. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The refrigerant circulation loop is formed by connecting the compressor, four-way valve, outdoor heat exchanger, throttling device and indoor heat exchanger; Wherein, the outdoor heat exchanger and / or the indoor heat exchanger includes the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: A liquid storage assembly, one end of which is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger and the other end of which is connected to the throttling device; The gas supply line is connected at one end to the liquid storage component and at the other end to the gas supply port of the compressor; A control valve is installed in the air supply line to control the opening and closing of the air supply line.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that, The liquid storage component includes: A liquid storage tank, which has a liquid storage space; The liquid inlet pipe has a first end connected to the outdoor heat exchanger and a second end inserted into the liquid storage tank. The liquid outlet pipe has a first end connected to the throttling device and a second end inserted into the liquid storage tank. Wherein, the first end of the inlet pipe is higher than the first end of the outlet pipe.

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