Liquid distributor, heat exchange device and heat pump unit

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more particularly to a liquid distributor, a heat exchange device, and a heat pump unit. The liquid distributor includes: an outer tube body; an inner tube body including: a first tube section located inside the outer tube body and connected to it to form a liquid distribution chamber, the first tube section having a nozzle communicating with the liquid distribution chamber; a second tube section communicating with the first tube section, located inside the outer tube body and connected to it to form a liquid collection chamber; a third tube section communicating with the second tube section and located outside the outer tube body; and a bypass tube body, one end of which communicates with the third tube section and the other end of which communicates with the liquid collection chamber, so that the refrigerant in the liquid collection chamber flows from the refrigerant in the bypass tube body through the outer tube body to the third tube section. This invention improves the back pressure of the nozzle in the inner tube body during the condensation heat exchange process of the heat exchange device, preventing refrigerant from being drawn into the system through the nozzle and ensuring the smooth flow of liquid refrigerant from the liquid distribution chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pump technology, and in particular to a liquid separator, a heat exchange device, and a heat pump unit. Background Technology

[0002] The performance of a heat exchanger largely depends on its flow path design. For products that can handle both heating and cooling (heat pump type), the heat exchanger is not simply used as a condenser or evaporator.

[0003] When the refrigerant undergoes evaporative heat exchange in the heat exchanger, it absorbs heat within the system. However, the refrigerant passing through the electronic expansion valve is often in a two-phase state. Due to gravity and the difference in back pressure at the outlets of various branches of the heat exchanger, it is difficult to separate the two-phase refrigerant. The flow of the two-phase refrigerant in the heat exchanger and the inlet pipe assembly can easily cause refrigerant flow noise. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a liquid distributor, a heat exchange device, and a heat pump unit to address one of the deficiencies in the prior art. In the condensation heat exchange process of the heat exchange device, the vertical direct flow path between the first and second pipe sections is not connected. Instead, the flow path between the bypass pipe and the third pipe section is connected, improving the back pressure of the nozzles in the inner pipe body and preventing refrigerant from being drawn into the system through the nozzles. At the same time, the refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber can be condensed into liquid refrigerant, pass through the main pipeline, and then return to the liquid collection chamber through the main pipeline, flowing out through the bypass pipe and the third pipe section, ensuring the smooth flow of liquid refrigerant from the liquid distribution chamber.

[0005] This invention provides a liquid dispenser, comprising: Outer tube body; The inner tube body includes: The first pipe section is located inside the outer pipe body and is connected to the outer pipe body to form a liquid distribution chamber. The first pipe section is provided with a spray hole, which is connected to the liquid distribution chamber. The second pipe section is connected to the first pipe section. The second pipe section is located inside the outer pipe body and is connected to the outer pipe body to form a liquid collection cavity. The third pipe section is connected to the second pipe section and is located outside the outer pipe body; A bypass pipe is provided, with one end connected to the third pipe section and the other end connected to the liquid collection chamber, so that the refrigerant in the liquid collection chamber flows from the bypass pipe to the third pipe section.

[0006] According to a liquid separator provided by the present invention, a one-way shut-off valve is provided in the bypass tube body.

[0007] According to a liquid separator provided by the present invention, the length of the bypass tube is greater than a set distance, the set distance being the length of the tube segment between the position of the third tube segment communicating with the bypass tube and the position of the second tube segment communicating with the first tube segment.

[0008] According to a liquid separator provided by the present invention, a one-way valve is provided inside the third pipe section between the position communicating with the bypass pipe body and the position communicating with the second pipe section and the first pipe section.

[0009] According to a liquid separator provided by the present invention, the liquid separation chamber is divided into at least two chambers along the refrigerant flow direction by a partition, the partition being provided with a flow guiding channel, and two adjacent chambers being connected through the flow guiding channel.

[0010] A liquid dispenser according to the present invention further includes: A first branch pipe, each of the chambers is connected to at least one first branch pipe, the first branch pipe being adapted to supply refrigerant to the chamber; A second branch pipe is connected to each of the chambers, and the second branch pipe is adapted to output refrigerant from the chamber.

[0011] The present invention also provides a heat exchange device, comprising: The dispenser as described above; Heat exchangers, including: The first heat exchange tube is connected to the first branch tube in a one-to-one correspondence. The second heat exchange tube is connected to the second branch tube in a one-to-one correspondence. The main pipeline is connected to both the first heat exchange tube and the second heat exchange tube.

[0012] According to a heat exchange device provided by the present invention, a one-way flow element is provided in the main pipeline. The one-way flow element is located between the communication positions of the first heat exchange tube and the second heat exchange tube corresponding to each of the chambers, so as to block the flow of refrigerant in the main pipeline from the communication position of the first heat exchange tube to the communication position of the second heat exchange tube.

[0013] A heat exchange device according to the present invention further includes: A return pipeline, one end of which is connected to the main pipeline and the other end of which is connected to the liquid collection chamber.

[0014] The present invention also provides a heat pump unit, including the heat exchange device as described above.

[0015] The liquid separator provided by this invention mainly consists of an inner tube, an outer tube, and a bypass tube. The inner tube is inserted into the outer tube. The tube segments remaining inside the outer tube are the first and second tube segments, and the tube segment remaining outside the outer tube is the third tube segment. The first, second, and third tube segments are coaxially connected in sequence. A liquid separation chamber is formed between the outer wall of the first tube segment and the inner wall of the outer tube. A liquid collection chamber is formed between the outer wall of the second tube segment and the inner wall of the outer tube. The liquid separation chamber and the liquid collection chamber are independent of each other and are not connected. A bypass tube is provided on the third tube segment, and the bypass tube is connected to the liquid collection chamber of the outer tube.

[0016] In this embodiment, during the evaporative heat exchange process of the heat exchanger, the refrigerant enters from the inner tube of the distributor, passing sequentially through the third and second tube sections before entering the first tube section. It is then sprayed into the distribution chamber through the nozzles of the first tube section. After being sprayed onto the inner wall of the outer tube, the refrigerant undergoes impact mixing, achieving uniform mixing of the two phases. It then enters each branch tube, thus achieving uniform liquid distribution. At this time, the third and second tube sections are vertically aligned, and the first and second tube sections are connected, with the refrigerant flowing upwards within them. The second tube section is not connected to the collection chamber, and the bypass tube is not connected to the collection chamber; therefore, the refrigerant in the bypass tube does not flow. Conversely, during the condensation heat exchange process of the heat exchange device, the refrigerant in each branch pipe body is collected in the liquid distribution chamber and then enters the main pipe, and then flows into the liquid collection chamber from the main pipe. At this time, the bypass pipe body is connected to the liquid collection chamber, and the refrigerant in the liquid collection chamber flows out through the third pipe section after passing through the bypass pipe body, while the second pipe section is not connected to the first pipe section, and there is no refrigerant flowing in the first pipe section.

[0017] During refrigerant heat exchange and condensation, the refrigerant undergoes gas-liquid separation in the liquid distribution chamber. The liquid refrigerant accumulates in the liquid distribution chamber, while the gaseous refrigerant continues to enter the next stage of condensation. To prevent the back pressure of the nozzle in the inner tube from being low due to the complete connection between the first and second pipe sections, which would cause some liquid refrigerant or even some gaseous refrigerant to enter the first pipe section through the nozzle in the liquid distribution chamber and then be drawn into the system through the inner tube, the system is prevented from being completely connected.

[0018] Therefore, during the condensation heat exchange process of the heat exchanger, the vertical direct flow path between the first and second pipe sections cannot be connected. Instead, the flow path between the bypass pipe and the third pipe section is connected to improve the back pressure of the nozzles in the inner pipe, preventing refrigerant from being drawn into the system through the nozzles. At the same time, the refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber can be condensed into liquid refrigerant, pass through the main pipeline, and then return to the liquid collection chamber through the main pipeline. It then flows out through the bypass pipe and the third pipe section, ensuring that the liquid refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber flows out smoothly. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the liquid dispenser provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the separator provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of the liquid dispenser provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the heat exchange device provided in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the heat exchange device provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is the third schematic diagram of the heat exchange device provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure label: 100. Outer tube body; 110. Liquid collection chamber; 200. Inner pipe body; 210. Nozzle; 220. First pipe section; 230. Second pipe section; 231. One-way valve; 240. Bypass pipe body; 241. One-way shut-off valve; 250. Third pipe section; 300, Separation chamber; 310, First chamber; 320, Second chamber; 330, Third chamber; 400. Branch pipe body; 421. First branch pipe; 422. Second branch pipe; 430. First branch pipe group; 440. Second branch pipe group; 450. Third branch pipe group; 500, baffle; 510, flow channel; 511, flow hole; 520, first baffle; 530, second baffle; 600, Heat exchanger; 610, Heat exchange tube; 611, First heat exchange tube; 612, Second heat exchange tube; 620, First heat exchange tube group; 630, Second heat exchange tube group; 640, Third heat exchange tube group; 700, Main pipe; 710, One-way flow component; 720, Return pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a liquid separator, including an outer tube 100, an inner tube 200, and a branch tube 400. The outer tube 100 is sleeved on the outside of the inner tube 200 and connected to the inner tube 200 to form a liquid separator 300. At least one partition 500 is provided inside the outer tube 100. The liquid separator 300 is divided into at least two chambers along the refrigerant flow direction by the partition 500. The partition 500 is provided with a flow guiding channel 510, and adjacent two chambers are connected by a flow guiding channel 510. The flow channel 510 is connected, and the branch pipe body 400 is disposed on the outer pipe body 100. When the distributor is used in the condensation state, the branch pipe body 400 includes a first branch pipe 421 and a second branch pipe 422. Each chamber is connected to at least one first branch pipe 421. The first branch pipe 421 is adapted to input refrigerant into the chamber. Except for the chamber connected to the outlet of the inner pipe body 200, each of the other chambers is connected to at least one second branch pipe 422. The second branch pipe 422 is adapted to output refrigerant from the chamber.

[0024] In this embodiment of the liquid separator, the outer tube 100 and the inner tube 200 together form the main body. The outer tube 100 is sleeved on the outside of the inner tube 200. The upper and lower openings of the outer tube 100 are both sealed to the outer wall of the inner tube 200. Thus, the space between the outer wall of the inner tube 200 and the inner wall of the outer tube 100 forms a liquid separation chamber 300. That is, the outer tube 100 surrounds the liquid separation chamber 300 on the outside of the inner tube 200. Multiple branch tubes 400 are connected to the outer tube 100 and communicate with the liquid separation chamber 300. At least one partition 500 is provided in the liquid separation chamber 300, which can divide the liquid separation chamber 300 into multiple chambers sequentially from the upper opening to the lower opening of the outer tube 100. The partition 500 is provided with a flow guiding channel 510, which connects adjacent chambers. The branch pipes connected to each chamber form the branch pipe group corresponding to that chamber. The branch pipes are divided into two types: the first branch pipe 421 and the second branch pipe 422. The gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant enters the chamber through the first branch pipe 421, and the gaseous refrigerant in the chamber is discharged from the chamber through the second branch pipe 422. The branch pipe group connected to the chamber at the bottom of the separator consists only of the first branch pipe 421, while the branch pipe groups connected to the other chambers are all composed of the first branch pipe 421 and the second branch pipe 422.

[0025] When heat exchanger 600 functions as a condenser, the condensed refrigerant partially liquefies, forming a gas-liquid two-phase state. The gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant enters the upper chamber through the first branch pipe 421. In this chamber, the condensed liquid refrigerant, due to gravity, flows through the guide channel 510 of the partition 500 into the lower chamber adjacent to it. The gaseous refrigerant then returns to the condenser through the second branch pipe 422 for condensation and heat exchange. Each chamber corresponds to one branch pipe group. The gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant enters a chamber from the condenser, and the gaseous refrigerant in that chamber returns to the condenser, which constitutes one heat exchange process. In one heat exchange process, most of the liquid refrigerant in the chamber directly enters the chamber of the next heat exchange process. The gaseous refrigerant is condensed again in the heat exchange process to form a gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant, which enters the chamber corresponding to the branch pipe group through the first branch pipe 421 of the next heat exchange process. This process continues until the last heat exchange process is reached. All the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser enters the chamber at the bottom of the distributor and is then discharged from the outlet of the inner pipe body 200.

[0026] The liquid separator of this invention, through the structural cooperation of the inner tube 200, outer tube 100, and branch tube 400, replaces the existing Venturi-type liquid separator, fundamentally changing the structure of the liquid separator and solving the problems caused by the existing Venturi-type liquid separator. It eliminates the need for capillary liquid separator tubes and the need to adjust the capillary tube length. Furthermore, by designing a baffle 500 with a flow guiding channel 510 within the liquid separator 300, and coordinating the refrigerant flow direction within the liquid separator 300 and the inlet and outlet refrigerant flow paths of the branch tube assembly, gas-liquid separation during the condensation process is achieved, fully utilizing the condensation heat and improving the condensation effect of the heat exchanger 600, maximizing the performance of the heat exchanger 600. When applied to top-discharge fan units, it solves the problem of low utilization of the heat exchange tubes 610 at the bottom of the heat exchanger 600 caused by severe unevenness in the airflow, avoiding waste of cooling capacity. The liquid separator of the present invention has a simple structure, is easy to install and debug, has low cost, good liquid separation effect, and its size is easy to control during the production process. Its shape can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual situation of the heat exchanger 600.

[0027] When the heat exchanger 600 is used as an evaporator, the gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant enters the distributor through the inlet of the inner tube 200, is evenly dispersed in the distribution chamber 300, and enters the evaporator through the corresponding branch tubes 400 connected to each chamber. In the evaporator, it is vaporized to form gaseous refrigerant and discharged. Therefore, when the distributor is used in the evaporation state, all branch tubes 400 no longer have the distinction between the first branch tube 421 and the second branch tube 422, but are all suitable for outputting refrigerant from the chamber.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer tube 100 is provided with a plurality of baffles 500, and the total cross-sectional area of ​​the guide channels 510 on the plurality of baffles 500 gradually increases along the refrigerant flow direction in the liquid distribution chamber 300. In this embodiment, the liquid distribution chamber 300 is provided with a plurality of baffles 500, dividing the liquid distribution chamber 300 into at least three chambers from top to bottom. The refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber 300 flows from top to bottom, so the flow area of ​​the guide channels 510 on each baffle 500 gradually increases from top to bottom.

[0029] To ensure that as much gaseous refrigerant as possible can enter the second branch pipe 422 corresponding to each chamber and then enter the condenser for further heat exchange and condensation, the chamber must maintain a certain pressure to prevent the gaseous refrigerant from entering the next heat exchange chamber through the guide channel 510 of the baffle 500. Since the gaseous refrigerant content in the gas-liquid two-phase mixture gradually decreases as the heat exchange process proceeds, the internal pressure of the chambers from top to bottom should also gradually decrease. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the guide channel 510 of the baffle 500 corresponding to each chamber should be controlled according to the pressure change.

[0030] In this embodiment, a first partition 520 and a second partition 530 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom inside the outer tube 100. The liquid distribution chamber 300 is divided into a first chamber 310, a second chamber 320, and a third chamber 330 from top to bottom, which correspond to the first heat exchange process, the second heat exchange process, and the third heat exchange process, respectively. The gaseous refrigerant content is the highest in the first chamber 310. The gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant entering the second chamber 320 is formed by the condensation of the gaseous refrigerant in the first chamber 310 in the first heat exchange process, and the content of the gaseous refrigerant is relatively low. The gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant entering the third chamber 330 is formed by the condensation of the gaseous refrigerant in the second chamber 320 in the second heat exchange process, and the content of the gaseous refrigerant is the lowest. Therefore, the first chamber 310 should ensure maximum pressure, while the pressure in the second chamber 320 and the third chamber 330 decreases successively, thereby making the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 510 of the first partition 520 smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel 510 of the second partition 530.

[0031] Understandably, in a branch pipe group, the first branch pipe 421 is located above the second branch pipe 422, that is, the second branch pipe 422 is closer to the partition 500 than the first branch pipe 421. The gaseous refrigerant flows downward with the liquid refrigerant under the influence of gravity to the vicinity of the partition 500. The liquid refrigerant enters the guide channel 510 and flows to the next chamber, while the gaseous refrigerant re-enters the heat exchanger 600 and condenses at the branch pipe body 400 closest to the partition 500.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flow guiding channel 510 includes a plurality of flow guiding holes 511, which are uniformly distributed along an axial direction perpendicular to the inner tube body 200. In this embodiment, the flow guiding channel 510 is composed of a plurality of flow guiding holes 511, and the area of ​​all the flow guiding holes 511 constitutes the total area of ​​the flow guiding channel 510. The plurality of flow guiding holes 511 are arranged on the partition plate 500 along an axial direction perpendicular to the inner tube body 200, so the number of flow guiding holes 511 determines their distribution density at that location.

[0033] It is understood that the shape of the guide holes 511 in the guide channel 510 is not limited to rectangles; they can also be circular, rhomboid, or other shapes. Furthermore, the distribution of all guide holes 511 on the partition 500 is not limited to specific locations; they can also be uniformly distributed throughout the entire surface. The guide holes 511 do not necessarily need to be uniformly distributed; their distribution can be adjusted according to the position of the liquid refrigerant on the partition 500.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of branch pipes 400 corresponding to each chamber gradually decreases along the refrigerant flow direction in the liquid distribution chamber 300. In this embodiment, since the gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant entering the next heat exchange process is the refrigerant formed by the condensation and heat exchange of the gaseous refrigerant in the previous heat exchange process, the amount of refrigerant in the next heat exchange process is less than the amount of refrigerant in the previous heat exchange process. Therefore, the number of branch pipes in each branch pipe group along the refrigerant heat exchange process gradually decreases.

[0035] In some embodiments, each branch pipe group can maintain a consistent number of first branch pipes 421 and gradually reduce the number of second branch pipes 422. Alternatively, the number of first branch pipes 421 can be gradually reduced while maintaining a consistent number of second branch pipes 422. Or, both the number of first branch pipes 421 and the number of second branch pipes 422 can be gradually reduced.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of second branch pipes 422 corresponding to each chamber gradually decreases along the refrigerant flow direction in the liquid distribution chamber 300. In this embodiment, since the gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant entering the next heat exchange process is the refrigerant formed by the condensation and heat exchange of the gaseous refrigerant in the previous heat exchange process, the amount of refrigerant in the next heat exchange process is less than the amount of refrigerant in the previous heat exchange process. Moreover, in one heat exchange process, the amount of gaseous refrigerant re-entering the condenser is less than the amount of gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant condensed in the condenser. Therefore, the number of second branch pipes 422 in each branch pipe group along the refrigerant heat exchange process can gradually decrease.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of first branch pipes 421 corresponding to each chamber gradually decreases along the refrigerant flow direction in the liquid distribution chamber 300. In this embodiment, since the gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant entering the next heat exchange process is the refrigerant formed by the condensation and heat exchange of the gaseous refrigerant in the previous heat exchange process, the amount of refrigerant in the next heat exchange process is less than the amount of refrigerant in the previous heat exchange process. Moreover, in one heat exchange process, the amount of gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant entering the condenser will be less than the amount of gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant in the previous heat exchange process. Therefore, the number of first branch pipes 421 in each branch pipe group along the refrigerant heat exchange process can gradually decrease.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner tube 200 is provided with nozzles 210, and each chamber is connected to at least one nozzle 210. In this embodiment, when the heat exchanger 600 is used as an evaporator, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows through the inside of the inner tube 200. The inner tube 200 is provided with nozzles 210 within the liquid distribution chamber 300. Thus, the refrigerant in the inner tube 200 is sprayed into the liquid distribution chamber 300 between the inner tube 200 and the outer tube 100 through the nozzles 210. After being reflected by the inner wall of the outer tube 100, it is evenly dispersed in the liquid distribution chamber 300 and then mixed by impact, achieving uniform mixing of the two-phase refrigerant. The mixture is then distributed to different flow paths of the heat exchanger 600 through the branch tubes 400 for heat exchange, thereby achieving the purpose of uniform liquid distribution.

[0039] In this embodiment, all branches of the branch pipe body 400 are used to supply the gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant to the heat exchanger 600, and there is no heat exchange process, thus achieving variable flow splitting. The number of flow paths and channels of the heat exchanger 600 are different for the evaporation and condensation processes. Replacing the existing Venturi + capillary liquid separation method, the structure of the inner pipe body 200, outer pipe body 100, branch pipe body 400 and baffle 500 is used to achieve uniform two-phase liquid separation in the evaporation process. When the two-phase refrigerant enters the system for heat exchange, the heat exchange efficiency can be improved and excess overheating can be avoided. For the outdoor unit heat exchanger 600 with top-discharge air, under the condition of uneven air field, it can not only meet the requirements of condensation capacity, but also improve its evaporation capacity.

[0040] The problem of uneven flow of two-phase refrigerant caused by gravity and different back pressures at the outlets of the heat exchanger is solved. The liquid distribution chamber 300 formed by the inner tube 200 and the outer tube 100, together with the baffle 500 with the flow guiding channel 510, can achieve the purpose of noise reduction and reduce the refrigerant flow noise caused by the flow of two-phase refrigerant in the heat exchanger and the inlet pipe assembly.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid outlet direction of the nozzle 210 is opposite to the liquid inlet direction of the branch pipe 400 located in the liquid distribution chamber 300. In this embodiment, multiple branch pipes 400 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the outer pipe 100 and concentrated on one side of the outer pipe 100. Multiple nozzles 210 are also arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the inner pipe 200 and concentrated on one side of the inner pipe 200. The side of the inner pipe 200 where the nozzle 210 is located is opposite to the side of the inner pipe 200 towards which the outlet of the branch pipe 400 faces. That is, the direction in which the refrigerant is ejected at the nozzle 210 is opposite to the direction in which the refrigerant flows into the branch pipe 400 from the outlet of the branch pipe 400.

[0042] The refrigerant is sprayed from the nozzle 210 into one side of the liquid distribution chamber 300. Then, the refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber 300 enters the branch pipe body 400 from the other side of the liquid distribution chamber 300. This increases the residence and mixing time of the refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber 300, increases the flow path length of the refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber 300, and increases the number of reflections and the path of the refrigerant between the inner walls of the outer pipe body 100, thereby further improving the mixing and liquid distribution effect.

[0043] In this embodiment, the opposite directions include the case where the axis of the nozzle 210 is parallel to or at an angle to the axis of the branch pipe 400.

[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the liquid separator provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an inner tube 200 comprising a first tube segment 220, a second tube segment 230, and a third tube segment 250. The first tube segment 220 is located inside the outer tube 100 and is connected to the outer tube 100 to form a liquid distribution chamber 300. The first tube segment 220 is provided with a spray hole 210, which communicates with the liquid distribution chamber 300. The second tube segment 230 is connected to the first tube segment 220 and is located inside the outer tube 100, and is connected to the outer tube 100 to form a liquid collection chamber 110. The third tube segment 250 is connected to the second tube segment 230 and is located outside the outer tube 100. One end of a bypass tube 240 is connected to the third tube segment 250, and the other end is connected to the liquid collection chamber 110, so that the refrigerant in the liquid collection chamber 110 flows from the bypass tube 240 to the third tube segment 250.

[0045] The liquid separator of this invention mainly consists of an inner tube 200, an outer tube 100, and a bypass tube 240. The inner tube 200 is inserted into the outer tube 100. The tube segments remaining inside the outer tube 100 are the first tube segment 220 and the second tube segment 230, and the tube segment remaining outside the outer tube 100 is the third tube segment 250. The first tube segment 220, the second tube segment 230, and the third tube segment 250 are coaxially connected in sequence. A liquid separation chamber is formed between the outer wall of the first tube segment 220 and the inner wall of the outer tube 100. A liquid collection chamber 110 is formed between the outer wall of the second tube segment 230 and the inner wall of the outer tube 100. The liquid separation chamber 300 and the liquid collection chamber 110 are independent of each other and are not connected. A bypass tube 240 is provided on the third tube segment 250, and the bypass tube 240 is connected to the liquid collection chamber 110 of the outer tube 100.

[0046] In this embodiment, during the evaporative heat exchange process of the heat exchange device, the refrigerant enters from the inner tube 200 of the distributor, passing sequentially through the third tube 250 and the second tube 230 before entering the first tube 220. It is then sprayed into the dispensing chamber 300 through the nozzle 210 of the first tube 220. After being sprayed onto the inner wall of the outer tube 100, the refrigerant undergoes impact mixing, achieving uniform mixing of the two phases. It then enters each branch tube 400, thus achieving uniform dispensing. At this time, the third tube 250 and the second tube 230 are vertically arranged, and the first tube 220 is connected to the second tube 230, with the refrigerant flowing upwards inside. The second tube 230 is not connected to the collecting chamber 250, and the bypass tube 240 is not connected to the collecting chamber 110, meaning the refrigerant in the bypass tube 240 does not flow. Conversely, during the condensation heat exchange process of the heat exchange device, the refrigerant in each branch pipe 400 is collected in the liquid distribution chamber 300 and then enters the main pipe 700, and then flows into the liquid collection chamber 110 from the main pipe 700. At this time, the bypass pipe 240 is connected to the liquid collection chamber 110. The refrigerant in the liquid collection chamber 110 flows out through the third pipe section 250 after passing through the bypass pipe 240, while the second pipe section 230 is not connected to the first pipe section 220, and there is no refrigerant flowing in the first pipe section 220.

[0047] During refrigerant heat exchange and condensation, the refrigerant undergoes gas-liquid separation in the liquid distribution chamber 300. The liquid refrigerant accumulates in the liquid distribution chamber 300, while the gaseous refrigerant continues to enter the next stage of condensation. To prevent the back pressure of the nozzle 210 of the inner tube 200 from being low due to the complete connection between the first pipe section 220 and the second pipe section 230, which would cause some liquid refrigerant or even some gaseous refrigerant to enter the first pipe section 220 through the nozzle 210 in the liquid distribution chamber 300 and then be drawn into the system through the inner tube 200.

[0048] Therefore, during the condensation heat exchange process of the heat exchange device, the vertical direct flow path between the first pipe section 220 and the second pipe section 230 cannot be connected, but the flow path between the bypass pipe body 240 and the third pipe section 250 is connected. This improves the back pressure of the nozzle 210 of the inner pipe body 200, preventing the refrigerant from being drawn into the system through the nozzle 210. At the same time, it allows the refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber 300 to condense into liquid refrigerant, which then flows through the main pipe 700 and back into the liquid collection chamber 110. The liquid then flows out through the bypass pipe body 240 and the third pipe section 250, ensuring that the liquid refrigerant in the liquid distribution chamber 300 flows out smoothly.

[0049] To ensure that during the condensation process, the refrigerant does not enter the system through the bypass pipe 240 after passing through the guide channel 510 of the baffle 500, instead of entering the branch pipe 400, the number and diameter of the guide holes 511 of the baffle 500 need to be adjusted.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a one-way shut-off valve 241 is provided inside the bypass pipe 240.

[0051] In this embodiment, a one-way shut-off valve 241 is provided inside the bypass pipe 240. The function of the one-way shut-off valve 241 is to ensure that the refrigerant in the bypass pipe 240 flows from the liquid distribution chamber 300 to the second pipe section 230. That is, the bypass pipe 240 and the third pipe section 250 are connected only when the heat exchange device is condensing and exchanging heat. When the heat exchange device is evaporating and exchanging heat, the bypass pipe 240 and the third pipe section 250 are not connected.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the bypass pipe 240 is greater than a set distance, which is the length of the pipe segment between the position on the third pipe segment 250 that communicates with the bypass pipe 240 and the position on the second pipe segment 230 that communicates with the first pipe segment 220.

[0053] In this embodiment, the one-way shut-off valve 241 may not be installed in the bypass pipe 240. By specially designing the length of the bypass pipe 240, it is possible to ensure that the refrigerant in the bypass pipe 240 flows from the liquid collection chamber 110 to the third pipe section 250. That is, the bypass pipe 240 and the third pipe section 250 are connected only when the heat exchange device is condensing and exchanging heat, and the bypass pipe 240 and the third pipe section 250 are not connected when the heat exchange device is evaporating and exchanging heat.

[0054] The third pipe section 250 can be divided into two parts by the point where it connects to the bypass pipe body 240. One part serves as the main pipe, connected to the system, while the other part is a branch pipe that runs parallel to the bypass pipe body 240 and connects to the second pipe section 230. By designing the length of the bypass pipe body 240 to be much greater than the sum of the lengths of the branch pipe and the second pipe section 230, the friction resistance along the refrigerant path from the main pipe to the branch pipe and the second pipe section 230 and then to the first pipe section 220 during the refrigerant evaporation process is lower than that along the path from the main pipe to the bypass pipe body 240 and then to the liquid collection chamber 110. Therefore, when the system is stable, the refrigerant will only flow from the third pipe section 250 to the second pipe section 230 and then to the first pipe section 220, rather than from the third pipe section 250 to the bypass pipe body 240 and then to the liquid collection chamber 110.

[0055] In other embodiments, the diameters of the bypass pipe 240 and the third pipe section 250 can be designed such that the diameter of the bypass pipe 240 is smaller than the diameter of the third pipe section 250. The reduction amount is adjusted according to the actual operating parameters of the heat exchange device, so that when the refrigerant evaporates, the friction resistance along the way from the main pipe to the branch pipe and then to the second pipe section 230 is lower than that along the way from the main pipe to the bypass pipe 240 and then to the liquid collection chamber 110.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a one-way valve 231 is provided inside the third pipe section 250 between the position communicating with the bypass pipe body 240 and the position communicating with the second pipe section 230 and the first pipe section 220.

[0057] In this embodiment, a one-way valve 231 is installed inside the branch pipe. The function of the one-way valve 231 is to ensure that the refrigerant in the second pipe section 230 flows from the main pipe of the third pipe section 250 into the branch pipe and then into the first pipe section 220. This further prevents the refrigerant in the first pipe section 220 of the inner pipe body 200 from flowing from the second pipe section 230 to the third pipe section 250 during the condensation heat exchange process of the heat exchange device, and also prevents the refrigerant in the inner pipe body 200 from flowing back.

[0058] In this embodiment, the distributor is arranged vertically, that is, both the outer tube 100 and the inner tube 200 are axially extended vertically. The liquid collection chamber 110 is located below the bottommost chamber of the outer tube 100. That is, the bypass pipe 240 is connected to the liquid collection chamber 110 located at the bottommost part of the outer tube 100. During the condensation heat exchange process of the heat exchange device, the liquid refrigerant in the distributor 300 flows downward vertically and finally collects in the bottommost chamber. Then, it enters the main pipe 400 from the bottommost chamber and flows into the liquid collection chamber 110. It then flows out through the bypass pipe 240, making the liquid refrigerant discharge smoother and more thorough, avoiding the accumulation of liquid refrigerant in the distributor 300, which would affect the refrigerant circulation and heat exchange effect of the entire system.

[0059] In this embodiment, since the liquid collecting chamber 110 is located below the liquid distributing chamber 300, it is equivalent to the bottom of the outer tube 100. In one heat exchange process, most of the liquid refrigerant in the chamber directly enters the chamber of the next heat exchange process. The gaseous refrigerant undergoes further condensation in this heat exchange process to form a gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant, which then enters the chamber corresponding to the branch pipe group through the first branch pipe 421 of the next heat exchange process. This process continues until the last heat exchange process is reached. When the heat exchange device acts as a condenser, all the liquid refrigerant in all chambers enters the next heat exchange process. Since the liquid distribution chamber 300 and the liquid collection chamber 100 are not directly connected, the refrigerant in the lowest chamber will enter the main pipeline 700 through the second branch pipe 422 and the second heat exchange pipe 612 connected to this chamber, and then enter the liquid collection chamber 110 through the main pipeline 700. It will be discharged through the bypass pipe 240 without entering the next heat exchange process. Generally, the refrigerant entering the bottom chamber is all liquid refrigerant, so there is no need to design a second branch pipe 422 for the liquid collection chamber 110 to discharge gaseous refrigerant.

[0060] The heat exchange device provided by the present invention is described below. The heat exchange device described below can be referred to in correspondence with the liquid separator described above.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention also provides a heat exchange device, including a heat exchanger 600, a main pipeline 700, and a liquid separator as described in the above embodiment. The heat exchanger 600 includes a first heat exchange tube 611 and a second heat exchange tube 612. The first heat exchange tube 611 is connected to a first branch pipe 421 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the second heat exchange tube 612 is connected to a second branch pipe 422 in a one-to-one correspondence. The main pipeline 700 is connected to both the first heat exchange tube 611 and the second heat exchange tube 612.

[0062] The heat exchange device of this invention mainly consists of a distributor, a heat exchanger 600, and a main pipeline 700. The branch pipe 400 of the distributor is connected to one end of each heat exchange tube 610 on the heat exchanger 600, and the other end of the heat exchange tube 610 is connected to the main pipeline 700. The heat exchange tubes 610 are also divided into multiple heat exchange tube groups from top to bottom, namely, the first heat exchange tube group 620, the second heat exchange tube group 630, and the third heat exchange tube group 640, which correspond to the first heat exchange process, the second heat exchange process, and the third heat exchange process, respectively. The heat exchange tubes 610 are also divided into two types: the first heat exchange tube 611 and the second heat exchange tube 612. The first heat exchange tube 611 is connected to the first branch pipe 421, and the second heat exchange tube 612 is connected to the second branch pipe 422.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the heat exchanger 600 functions as a condenser, the gaseous refrigerant enters through the upper port of the main pipeline 700, first passing through the first heat exchange tube 611 of the first heat exchange tube group 620, and condenses into a gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant. Then, it enters the first chamber 310 through the first branch pipe 421 of the first branch pipe group 430. The liquid refrigerant in the first chamber 310 enters the second chamber 320 through the guide channel 510 of the first partition 500. The gaseous refrigerant in the first chamber 310 enters the second heat exchange tube 612 of the first heat exchange tube group 620 through the second branch pipe 422 of the first branch pipe group 430, condenses into a gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant, and then enters the main pipeline 700. The refrigerant then enters the second chamber 320 through the first heat exchange tube 611 of the second heat exchange tube group 630. The liquid refrigerant in the second chamber 320 enters the third chamber 330 through the guide channel 510 of the second partition 500. The gaseous refrigerant in the second chamber 320 enters the second heat exchange tube 612 of the second heat exchange tube group 630 through the second branch tube 422 of the second branch tube group 440, condenses into a gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant, and then enters the main pipeline 700. It then enters the first branch tube 421 of the third branch tube group 450 through the first heat exchange tube 611 of the third heat exchange tube group 640, and finally enters the third chamber 330 through the first branch tube 421. This process continues, and the number of heat exchange tube groups is not limited to three; the refrigerant heat exchange flow follows the above logic.

[0064] When the heat exchanger 600 is used as an evaporator, the gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant enters the distributor through the inlet of the inner tube 200, disperses evenly in the dispensing chamber 300 through the spray nozzle, and enters the evaporator through the branch tubes 400 that are connected to each chamber. In the evaporator, heat exchange occurs through the heat exchange tubes 610, and the refrigerant is vaporized to form a gaseous refrigerant, which is discharged from the heat exchange tubes 610 to the main pipeline 700. Therefore, when the distributor is used in the evaporation state, all heat exchange tubes 610 no longer have the same function as the first heat exchange tube 611 and the second heat exchange tube 612.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a one-way flow element 710 is provided in the main pipeline 700. The one-way flow element 710 is located between the first heat exchange tube 611 and the second heat exchange tube 612 of each branch pipe group to block the flow of refrigerant in the main pipeline 700 from the connection position of the first heat exchange tube 611 to the connection position of the second heat exchange tube 612 of each heat exchange tube group in one direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, a one-way flow element 710, such as a one-way valve, is provided in the main pipeline 700. Each one-way flow element 710 is allowed to flow in the same direction, and the number of one-way flow elements 710 corresponds to the number of partitions 500 in the distributor. At the position where each heat exchange tube group is connected to the main pipeline 700, a one-way flow element 710 is provided. The main pipeline 700 connecting two adjacent one-way flow elements 710 is a connection between the second heat exchange tube 612 of the previous heat exchange tube group and the first heat exchange tube 611 of the next heat exchange tube group.

[0067] The one-way flow element 710 blocks the flow path connecting the first heat exchange tube 611 and the second heat exchange tube 612 in the main pipeline 700. That is, the gaseous refrigerant flowing into the main pipeline 700 is restricted by the one-way flow element 710 and can only enter the distributor through the first heat exchange tube 611. It cannot enter the subsequent main pipeline 700 through the one-way flow element 710. The gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant that enters the main pipeline 700 through the second heat exchange tube 612 is restricted by the one-way flow element 710 to prevent it from flowing back to the first heat exchange tube 611.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange device further includes a return pipe 720, one end of which is connected to the main pipe 700 and the other end of which is connected to the liquid collection chamber 110.

[0069] In this embodiment, the main pipeline 700 extends vertically, so the liquid refrigerant in the main pipeline 700 also flows downward and accumulates. The return pipeline 720 is connected to the bottom of the main pipeline 700, and the liquid refrigerant flows from the main pipeline 700 into the return pipeline 720. The other end of the return pipeline 720 is connected to the liquid collection chamber 110 at the bottom of the outer tube 100. The liquid refrigerant in the return pipeline 720 flows into the liquid collection chamber 110 of the outer tube 100. Thus, regardless of whether the heat exchanger 600 is in the condensation process or the evaporation process, the liquid refrigerant in the main pipeline 700 can flow back to the liquid collection chamber 110 through the return pipeline 720 to complete the refrigerant circulation, thus eliminating the accumulation and loss of liquid refrigerant in the main pipeline 700.

[0070] In this embodiment, the distributor and the main pipeline 700 are located on opposite sides of the heat exchanger 600. In other embodiments, the relative positions of the distributor and the main pipeline 700 can be adjusted according to the actual heat exchanger 600 mode and installation requirements. For example, if they are located on the same side of the heat exchanger 600, the length of the corresponding return pipeline 720 will also change.

[0071] The heat pump unit provided by the present invention is described below. The heat pump unit described below can be referred to in correspondence with the heat exchange device described above.

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a heat pump unit, including the heat exchange device as described in the above embodiments.

[0073] In the heat pump unit of this embodiment, the aforementioned distributor is provided. Within the heat pump unit's circulation system, the distributor allocates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to the various pipes of the evaporator for heat exchange. Using the distributor of this embodiment ensures uniform distribution, guaranteeing complete evaporation of the refrigerant in the high-flow-rate branches and preventing premature evaporation of the refrigerant in the low-flow-rate branches, thus avoiding wasted heat exchange area. Therefore, the uniform distribution of the distributor in this embodiment directly affects the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator, improving the performance of the heat pump unit and avoiding the problem of reduced heat exchanger capacity caused by uneven distribution.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid dispenser, characterized in that, include: Outer tube (100); The inner tube body (200) includes: The first pipe section (220) is located inside the outer pipe body (100) and is connected to the outer pipe body (100) to form a liquid distribution chamber (300). The first pipe section (220) is provided with a spray hole (210) which is connected to the liquid distribution chamber (300). The second pipe section (230) is connected to the first pipe section (220). The second pipe section (230) is located inside the outer pipe body (100) and is connected to the outer pipe body (100) to form a liquid collection chamber (110). The third pipe section (250) is connected to the second pipe section (230) and is located outside the outer pipe body (100); A bypass pipe (240) is connected at one end to the third pipe section (250) and at the other end to the liquid collection chamber (110) so that the refrigerant in the liquid collection chamber (110) flows from the bypass pipe (240) to the third pipe section (250).

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bypass pipe (240) is equipped with a one-way shut-off valve (241).

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the bypass pipe (240) is greater than a set distance, which is the length of the pipe segment between the position on the third pipe segment (250) that connects to the bypass pipe (240) and the position on the second pipe segment (230) that connects to the first pipe segment (220).

4. The dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the third pipe section (250) is provided with a one-way valve (231) between the position where it communicates with the bypass pipe body (240) and the position where the second pipe section (230) communicates with the first pipe section (220).

5. The dispenser according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The liquid separation chamber (300) is divided into at least two chambers along the direction of refrigerant flow by a partition (500), and the partition (500) is provided with a flow channel (510), and two adjacent chambers are connected through the flow channel (510).

6. The dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A first branch pipe (421) is connected to each of the chambers, and the first branch pipe (421) is adapted to supply refrigerant to the chamber; Second branch pipe (422), each of the chambers is connected to at least one second branch pipe (422), the second branch pipe (422) being adapted to output refrigerant from the chamber.

7. A heat exchange device, characterized in that, include: The dispenser as described in claim 6; Heat exchanger (600), including: The first heat exchange tube (611) is connected to the first branch tube (421) in a one-to-one correspondence; The second heat exchange tube (612) is connected to the second branch tube (422) in a one-to-one correspondence; The main pipeline (700) is connected to both the first heat exchange tube (611) and the second heat exchange tube (612).

8. The heat exchange device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The main pipeline (700) is provided with a one-way flow element (710), which is located between the first heat exchange tube (611) and the second heat exchange tube (612) corresponding to each of the chambers, so as to block the flow of refrigerant in the main pipeline (700) from the connection position of the first heat exchange tube (611) to the connection position of the second heat exchange tube (612).

9. The heat exchange device according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The return pipeline (720) is connected at one end to the main pipeline (700) and at the other end to the liquid collection chamber (110).

10. A heat pump unit, characterized in that, It includes the heat exchange device as described in any one of claims 7 to 9 above.

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