Heat exchanger, air conditioner outdoor unit and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and discloses a heat exchanger which comprises a plurality of heat exchange units connected in parallel, the heat exchange units comprise at least one changeable heat exchange unit, the changeable heat exchange unit comprises a plurality of refrigerant pipes, a switching device, a first on-off control component and a second on-off control component, and the refrigerant pipes are connected with the switching device. A plurality of heat exchange passages are formed; the switching device is connected to the plurality of heat exchange passages and forms a first interface and a second interface, and the switching device can switch the series-parallel connection state of the plurality of heat exchange passages; the first on-off control part is used for controlling the on-off of the first interface; and the second on-off control component is used for controlling on-off of the second connector, and when the first on-off control component and the second on-off control component are both cut off, the changeable heat exchange unit temporarily stores a part of refrigerant. The utility model further discloses an air conditioner outdoor unit and an air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of air conditioning, for example, to a heat exchanger, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Under different temperature and humidity environments, the cooling capacity and heating capacity required by an air conditioner are different. Usually, the frequency of the compressor is adjusted to make the cooling capacity and heating capacity of the air conditioner match the demand. At different frequencies of the compressor, the refrigerant charge required to achieve the best energy efficiency ratio is also different.

[0003] In order to make the operating conditions of the air conditioner match the amount of refrigerant participating in the cycle, a related art discloses an air conditioner, which includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a controller. At least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger is set as an adjustable heat exchanger. The adjustable heat exchanger includes two headers, a plurality of flow path branches, and at least one passage adjustment device; the controller is electrically connected to the driving device to control the driving device according to the difference between the exhaust temperature of the compressor and the condenser temperature, so that the sealing slider slides to the corresponding adjustment position, and according to the cooling / heating demand of the air conditioner, adjust the heat transfer area of the outdoor heat exchanger and / or the indoor heat exchanger, so that the heat transfer area matches the cooling / heating demand of the air conditioner, avoiding the heat transfer area being larger than the heat transfer demand, that is, reducing the necessary heat transfer area, and reducing the resistance of the heat exchanger, thereby improving the efficiency of the refrigerant circulation system.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0005] For the air conditioner in the related art, by adjusting the heat transfer area of the heat exchanger, the part of the heat exchanger that does not participate in heat transfer can temporarily store a part of the refrigerant, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant participating in the cycle. The problem with the related art is that multiple heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the travel of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger is short, and it is difficult to be fully cooled and obtain a certain degree of subcooling.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background art section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present application, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Utility Model

[0007] To have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a simple summary is given below. The summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to identify key / important constituent elements or delineate the protection scope of these embodiments, but rather serves as a preface to the subsequent detailed description.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger, an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, and an air conditioner to reduce the volume of the liquid storage structure and lower the cost of the air conditioner.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange units connected in parallel. The plurality of heat exchange units includes at least one transformable heat exchange unit. The transformable heat exchange unit includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes, a switching device, a first on-off control component, and a second on-off control component. Among them, the plurality of refrigerant pipes form a plurality of heat exchange paths; the switching device is connected to the plurality of heat exchange paths and forms a first interface and a second interface. The switching device can switch the series-parallel states of the plurality of heat exchange paths; the first on-off control component is used to control the on-off of the first interface; the second on-off control component is used to control the on-off of the second interface. When both the first on-off control component and the second on-off control component are closed, the transformable heat exchange unit temporarily stores a part of the refrigerant.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first interface is higher than the second interface.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger further includes a gas collector, a liquid collector, and a plurality of throttling devices. Among them, the gas collector is provided with a first inlet and outlet, and one end of the plurality of heat exchange units is connected to the gas collector; the liquid collector is provided with a second inlet and outlet, and the other end of the plurality of heat exchange units is connected to the liquid collector; the plurality of throttling devices correspond to the plurality of heat exchange units, and the throttling devices are arranged between the other end of the heat exchange unit and the liquid collector, and the throttling devices can be controlled to open and close.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first on-off control component is arranged between the first interface and the gas collector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of heat exchange units are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second on-off control component of the transformable heat exchange unit is a throttling device corresponding to the transformable heat exchange unit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second on-off control component is an electronic expansion valve.

[0016] In some embodiments, the switching device includes a first confluence component, a second confluence component, and a valve component. Among them, the first confluence component is provided with a first interface, and the first end of each heat exchange path is connected to the first confluence component; the second confluence component is provided with a second interface, and the second end of each heat exchange path is connected to the second confluence component; the valve component is arranged between the first confluence component and the second confluence component, and the valve component is used to switch the series-parallel states of the plurality of heat exchange paths.

[0017] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes the above-mentioned heat exchanger and a plurality of fans, and the plurality of fans are arranged corresponding to the plurality of heat exchange units.

[0018] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes the above-mentioned heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger is installed in the indoor unit and / or the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0019] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes the above-mentioned outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0020] The heat exchanger, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0021] The heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The transformable heat exchange unit can switch between a heat exchange function and a liquid storage function, eliminating the need for additional liquid storage components, reducing the volume of the heat exchanger and the cost of the liquid storage device. When the transformable heat exchange unit realizes the liquid storage function, the refrigerant temporarily stored in the transformable heat exchange unit is in a liquid state or a gas-liquid coexistence state, and the transformable heat exchange unit can store a relatively large amount of refrigerant; through the on-off control of the first on-off control component and the second on-off control component, the amount of refrigerant stored in the transformable heat exchange unit can be flexibly adjusted, so that the amount of refrigerant participating in the cycle is adapted to the operating conditions of the air conditioner. When the transformable heat exchange unit realizes the heat exchange function, the multiple heat exchange passages of the transformable heat exchange unit can achieve "multiple evaporation branches and fewer condensation branches", thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the heat exchanger. Using the heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the refrigeration and heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0022] The above general description and the following description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not intended to limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0023] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by corresponding drawings. These exemplary illustrations and the drawings do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements in the drawings. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation, and among them:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange unit of a heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange unit of another heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger as an evaporator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure when used as a condenser;

[0029] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange unit of a heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure when storing liquid;

[0030] Figure 7 FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Reference numerals:

[0032] 100: heat exchange unit; 101: first heat exchange unit; 102: second heat exchange unit; 110: heat exchange passage; 111: first heat exchange passage; 112: second heat exchange passage; 113: third heat exchange passage; 120: throttling device; 121: first throttling device; 122: second throttling device; 131: first confluence component; 132: second confluence component; 133: valve component; 134: first valve member; 135: second valve member; 136: first interface; 137: second interface; 151: first on-off control component; 152: second on-off control component; 210: gas collecting pipe; 211: first inlet and outlet; 220: liquid collecting pipe; 221: second inlet and outlet; 231: first temperature sensor; 232: second temperature sensor; 51: compressor; 52: total throttling device; 54: first fan; 55: second fan. Detailed implementation manners

[0033] In order to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are only for reference and illustration purposes and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the convenience of explanation, a sufficient understanding of the disclosed embodiments is provided through multiple details. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices can be shown in a simplified manner to simplify the drawings.

[0034] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims and above-mentioned drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and do not have to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so as to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "rear", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their embodiments, and are not used to limit that the indicated devices, elements or components must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Moreover, in addition to being able to represent the orientation or positional relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0036] In addition, the terms "arranged", "connected", "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" 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 directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there is internal communication between two devices, elements or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0039] The term "and / or" is a description of the association relationship of an object, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B these three relationships.

[0040] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the embodiments of the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0041] Under different temperature and humidity environments, the cooling capacity and heating capacity required by an air conditioner are different. Usually, the frequency of the compressor is adjusted to make the cooling capacity and heating capacity of the air conditioner match the demand. At different frequencies of the compressor, the refrigerant charge required to achieve the best energy efficiency ratio is also different. In order to make the operating conditions of the air conditioner match the amount of refrigerant participating in the cycle, a related art discloses an air conditioner, which includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a controller. At least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger is set as an adjustable heat exchanger. The adjustable heat exchanger includes two header pipes, a plurality of flow path branches, and at least one passage adjusting device; the controller is electrically connected to the driving device to control the driving device to make the sealing slider slide to the corresponding adjustment position according to the difference between the exhaust temperature of the compressor and the condenser temperature, and adjust the heat exchange area of the outdoor heat exchanger and / or the indoor heat exchanger according to the cooling / heating demand of the air conditioner, so that the heat exchange area matches the cooling / heating demand of the air conditioner, avoiding the heat exchange area being greater than the heat exchange demand, that is, reducing the necessary heat exchange area, and reducing the resistance of the heat exchanger, thereby improving the efficiency of the refrigerant circulation system.

[0042] In the air conditioner of the related art, by adjusting the heat exchange area of the heat exchanger, the part of the heat exchanger that does not participate in heat exchange can temporarily store a part of the refrigerant, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant participating in the cycle. The problem of the related art is that multiple heat exchange tubes are connected in parallel. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the refrigerant has a short travel distance in the heat exchanger and is difficult to be fully cooled and obtain a certain degree of subcooling.

[0043] In order to make the heat exchanger that can temporarily store refrigerant have good heat exchange effects both when it is used as an evaporator and when it is used as a condenser, in combination with Figure 1-7 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange units 100 connected in parallel. The plurality of heat exchange units include at least one transformable heat exchange unit. The transformable heat exchange unit includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes, a switching device, a first on-off control component 151, and a second on-off control component 152. Among them, the plurality of refrigerant pipes form a plurality of heat exchange paths 110; the switching device is connected to the plurality of heat exchange paths and forms a first interface 136 and a second interface 137. The switching device can switch the series-parallel state of the plurality of heat exchange paths; the first on-off control component 151 is used to control the on-off of the first interface 136; the second on-off control component 152 is used to control the on-off of the second interface 137. When both the first on-off control component 151 and the second on-off control component 152 are cut off, the transformable heat exchange unit temporarily stores a part of the refrigerant.

[0044] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat exchange unit is an independent heat exchange structure. The independence of the heat exchange unit is reflected in having the first interface 136 and the second interface 137. The flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit is from the first interface 136 to the second interface 137, or from the second interface 137 to the first interface 136.

[0045] Multiple heat exchange units are connected in parallel, and the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator is distributed among the multiple heat exchange units.

[0046] The transformable heat exchange unit of the heat exchanger is a heat exchange unit with a variable flow path. Specifically, each transformable heat exchange unit includes multiple heat exchange passages, and the multiple heat exchange passages can be controlled to switch between series and parallel states.

[0047] When the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator and the transformable heat exchange unit plays a heat exchange role, the multiple heat exchange passages of the transformable heat exchange unit are preferably connected in parallel. The liquid refrigerant flows from the second interface 137 of the transformable heat exchange unit to the first interface 136. The parallel connection state of the multiple heat exchange passages of the transformable heat exchange unit can reduce the pressure drop of the liquid refrigerant, thereby reducing the flow resistance of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger. The smaller flow resistance of the liquid refrigerant is beneficial for the liquid refrigerant to quickly evaporate and absorb heat in the transformable heat exchange unit.

[0048] When the heat exchanger serves as a condenser and the transformable heat exchange unit plays a heat exchange role, the multiple heat exchange passages of the transformable heat exchange unit are preferably connected in series. The gaseous refrigerant flows from the first interface 136 of the transformable heat exchange unit to the second interface 137. The state where the multiple heat exchange passages of the transformable heat exchange unit are connected in series can increase the travel distance of the gaseous refrigerant in the heat exchanger. The longer formation of the gaseous refrigerant allows for sufficient contact and heat exchange with the heat exchange tubes, which is beneficial for the condensation of the gaseous refrigerant and can also give the condensed refrigerant a certain degree of subcooling.

[0049] When the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator and the transformable heat exchange unit plays a liquid storage role, the second on-off control component 152 is opened. The liquid refrigerant enters the transformable heat exchange unit from the second interface 137. At this time, the first on-off control component 151 can be opened or closed. When the first on-off control component 151 is opened, the pressure difference between the first interface 136 and the second interface 137 of the transformable heat exchange unit is large, and the refrigerant can quickly fill the transformable heat exchange unit under the action of the pressure difference. When the first on-off control component 151 is closed, the pressure inside the transformable heat exchange unit is approximately the same as the pressure at the outlet part of the evaporator, and the temperature of the evaporator is low. In a high-pressure and low-temperature environment, the refrigerant can remain in a liquid state relatively stably in the transformable heat exchange unit. When the amount of refrigerant inside the transformable heat exchange unit reaches the liquid storage requirement, the first on-off control component 151 and the second on-off control component 152 are closed, and the refrigerant entering the transformable heat exchange unit is temporarily stored. When releasing the temporarily stored refrigerant, the first on-off control component 151 is opened, the pressure at the first interface 136 of the transformable heat exchange unit decreases, and the liquid refrigerant evaporates by absorbing heat and is sucked into the suction of the compressor 51.

[0050] When the heat exchanger serves as a condenser and the variable heat exchange unit functions as a liquid storage unit, the first on-off control component 151 is opened, and the liquid refrigerant enters the variable heat exchange unit from the first interface 136. At this time, the second on-off control component 152 can be opened or closed. When the second on-off control component 152 is opened, the flow rate of the gaseous refrigerant inside the variable heat exchange unit is relatively fast. It exchanges heat with the external environment through the heat exchange tubes and condenses into a liquid state. When the second on-off control component 152 is closed, the speed at which the gaseous refrigerant enters the variable heat exchange unit is slower, and the condensation effect is better. After condensing into a liquid state, it will not flow out from the first interface 136. When the amount of refrigerant inside the variable heat exchange unit reaches the liquid storage requirement, the first on-off control component 151 and the second on-off control component 152 are closed, and the refrigerant entering the variable heat exchange unit is temporarily stored. When releasing the temporarily stored refrigerant, the first on-off control component 151 and the second on-off control component 152 are opened. The pressure at the second interface 137 of the variable heat exchange unit is less than the pressure at the first interface, and the liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator after throttling and evaporates to absorb heat.

[0051] When the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator and the variable heat exchange unit functions as a liquid storage unit, multiple heat exchange paths of the variable heat exchange unit can be switched to a parallel state. After the liquid refrigerant enters the variable heat exchange unit, the multiple parallel-connected heat exchange paths can increase the speed at which the refrigerant fills the variable heat exchange unit.

[0052] When the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator and the variable heat exchange unit functions as a liquid storage unit, multiple heat exchange paths of the variable heat exchange unit can also be switched to a series state. The liquid refrigerant flows through the multiple series-connected heat exchange paths, which can discharge the gaseous refrigerant inside the variable heat exchange unit and increase the amount of refrigerant temporarily stored in the variable heat exchange unit.

[0053] When the heat exchanger serves as a condenser and the variable heat exchange unit functions as a liquid storage unit, multiple heat exchange paths of the variable heat exchange unit can be switched to a series state. After the gaseous refrigerant enters the variable heat exchange unit, the multiple series-connected heat exchange paths can increase the travel distance of the refrigerant in the heat exchange unit. The travel distance of the gaseous refrigerant is relatively long, and it can fully contact and exchange heat with the inner wall of the heat exchange tube, thereby increasing the speed of refrigerant condensation.

[0054] When the heat exchanger serves as a condenser and the variable heat exchange unit functions as a liquid storage unit, multiple heat exchange paths of the variable heat exchange unit can also be switched to a parallel state. The pressure loss of the gaseous refrigerant in the parallel-connected heat exchange paths and the series-connected heat exchange paths differs little. In the case of a relatively long cooling time, the gaseous refrigerant can also be fully condensed into a liquid state.

[0055] The heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. The transformable heat unit can switch between a heat exchange function and a liquid storage function, eliminating the need for an additional liquid storage component, reducing the volume of the heat exchanger and the cost of the liquid reservoir. When the transformable heat unit realizes the liquid storage function, the refrigerant temporarily stored in the transformable heat unit is in a liquid state or a gas-liquid coexistence state, and the transformable heat unit can store a relatively large amount of refrigerant; through the on-off control of the first on-off control component 151 and the second on-off control component 152, the amount of refrigerant stored in the transformable heat unit can be flexibly adjusted, so that the amount of refrigerant participating in the cycle is adapted to the operating conditions of the air conditioner. When the transformable heat unit realizes the heat exchange function, multiple heat exchange passages of the transformable heat unit can achieve "multiple evaporation branches and fewer condensation branches", thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the heat exchanger. Using the heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the refrigeration and heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0056] Optionally, the first interface 136 is higher than the second interface 137.

[0057] When the liquid refrigerant enters the transformable heat unit, it flows from the second interface 137 to the first interface 136. When the transformable heat unit functions as a liquid storage unit and a heat exchange unit, the refrigerant entering the transformable heat unit can cause the gaseous refrigerant to preferentially flow out from the first interface 136 under the action of the density difference between the gaseous and liquid refrigerants. With such a setting, the liquid storage capacity of the transformable heat unit can be improved, and the heat exchange effect of the transformable heat unit can also be improved.

[0058] Optionally, the heat exchanger further includes a gas collector 210, a liquid collector 220, and a plurality of throttling devices 120. The gas collector 210 is provided with a first inlet / outlet 211, and one ends of a plurality of heat exchange units are connected to the gas collector 210; the liquid collector 220 is provided with a second inlet / outlet 221, and the other ends of the plurality of heat exchange units are connected to the liquid collector 220; the plurality of throttling devices correspond to the plurality of heat exchange units, and the throttling device 120 is disposed between the other end of the heat exchange unit and the liquid collector 220, and the throttling device 120 can be controlled to open and close.

[0059] This enables the heat exchanger to achieve a segmented defrosting function. Specifically, the heat exchange unit as a whole has a first interface 136 and a second interface 137 on the outside. The first interfaces 136 of the plurality of heat exchange units are connected to the gas collector 210, and the second interfaces 137 of the plurality of heat exchange units are connected to the liquid collector 220, thereby realizing the parallel connection of the plurality of heat exchange units. The throttling device is located between the second interface 137 of the heat exchange unit and the liquid collector 220. Specifically, in the case where the heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange unit 101 and a second heat exchange unit 102, the first throttling device 121 is located between the second interface 137 of the first heat exchange unit 101 and the liquid collector 220, and the second throttling device 122 is located between the second interface 137 of the second heat exchange unit 102 and the liquid collector 220.

[0060] In a usage scenario, the above heat exchanger is installed in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner and serves as a condenser during air conditioning cooling and as an evaporator during air conditioning heating.

[0061] When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the above heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, and a frost layer gradually appears after operating for a period of time.

[0062] When the heat exchange unit does not require defrosting, the throttling device connected in series with the heat exchange unit switches to the throttling mode. The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor unit is throttled and depressurized by the throttling device and then enters the heat exchange unit, where it evaporates and absorbs heat to enrich the low-grade heat outdoors.

[0063] When the heat exchange unit requires defrosting, the throttling device connected in series with the heat exchange unit switches to the conduction mode. The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor unit still has a certain temperature, does not depressurize after passing through the throttling device, and then exchanges heat with the frost layer through the heat exchange tubes in the heat exchange unit, thereby melting the frost layer of the heat exchange unit.

[0064] Since multiple heat exchange units are connected in series, the heat exchange units that do not require defrosting play an evaporation role, and the heat exchange units that require defrosting are defrosted, without interfering with each other. When defrosting one heat exchange unit of the outdoor heat exchanger, the heating indoors will not be interrupted.

[0065] The throttling device can switch between the conduction mode and the throttling mode by adjusting the opening degree of the throttling device. Exemplarily, when the opening degree of the throttling device is less than or equal to a preset opening degree, the throttling device switches to the throttling mode, and when the opening degree of the throttling device is greater than the preset opening degree, the throttling device switches to the conduction mode.

[0066] When defrosting the heat exchange unit, if the refrigerant entering the heat exchange unit is mainly in a liquid state, the multiple heat exchange paths of the heat exchange unit can be switched to a parallel connection state. This can reduce the refrigerant pressure drop and increase the refrigerant flow rate, thereby increasing the defrosting speed. If the refrigerant entering the heat exchange unit is mainly in a gaseous state, the multiple heat exchange paths of the heat exchange unit can be switched to a series state. This can increase the travel distance of the gaseous refrigerant in the heat exchange unit and strengthen the heat exchange effect between the gaseous refrigerant and the frost layer.

[0067] Using the heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger can achieve segmented defrosting, so that the heating indoors can be continuous, improving the comfort experience of heating; the heat exchange unit of the heat exchanger can switch the series-parallel states of multiple heat exchange paths, and can switch the series-parallel states of multiple heat exchange paths according to the gaseous-liquid ratio of the refrigerant during defrosting, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the air conditioner. When the heat exchanger serves as a condenser, there are fewer evaporation branches, and when it serves as an evaporator, there are more evaporation branches, improving the refrigeration and heating energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0068] Optionally, the first on-off control component 151 is disposed between the first interface 136 and the gas collecting pipe 210.

[0069] This is conducive to assembling the first on-off control component 151 for the heat exchanger.

[0070] Optionally, the multiple heat exchange units are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0071] The heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange units, and the multiple heat exchange units are arranged vertically. When the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, since the condensed water will drip from top to bottom, the thickness of the frost layer also gradually increases from top to bottom. The multiple heat exchange units are arranged vertically, and defrosting of different durations and / or different intensities can be performed on the heat exchanger according to the frost layer thickness. In addition, since the heat exchange tubes are arranged horizontally, arranging the heat exchange units vertically can reduce the interference between the heat exchange units for defrosting and the heat exchange units acting as evaporators when air flows through the heat exchanger.

[0072] The multiple heat exchange units include the first heat exchange unit 101 and the second heat exchange unit 102, that is, at least some of the heat exchange units in the heat exchanger have the characteristic of being arranged vertically, and thus have the above technical effects. In this case, "include" means inclusive.

[0073] Optionally, the multiple heat exchange units include the first heat exchange unit 101 and the second heat exchange unit 102, the second heat exchange unit 102 is located below the first heat exchange unit 101, and the first heat exchange unit 101 and / or the second heat exchange unit 102 is a variable heat exchange unit.

[0074] The multiple heat exchange units include the first heat exchange unit 101 and the second heat exchange unit 102, that is, at least some of the heat exchange units in the heat exchanger have the characteristic of being arranged vertically, and thus have the above technical effects. In this case, "include" means inclusive.

[0075] Optionally, the heat exchanger further includes a first temperature sensor 231, a second temperature sensor 232, and a control unit. The first temperature sensor 231 is configured to obtain the temperature of the first heat exchange unit 101; the second temperature sensor 232 is configured to obtain the temperature of the second heat exchange unit 102. The control unit is configured to control the first throttling device 121 to close when the temperature of the first heat exchange unit 101 is lower than a preset temperature, and / or the control unit is configured to control the second throttling device 122 to close when the temperature of the second heat exchange unit 102 is lower than a preset temperature.

[0076] When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode, the temperature of the heat exchanger is an important indicator for determining whether defrosting is required. Corresponding to the first heat exchange unit 101, a first temperature sensor 231 is provided, and corresponding to the second heat exchange unit 102, a second temperature sensor 232 is provided, which is conducive to the control unit of the air conditioner to determine the frosting state according to the temperature of the heat exchange unit and perform defrosting control.

[0077] Specifically, when the temperature of the first heat exchange unit 101 is lower than the preset temperature, it is considered that the first heat exchange unit 101 needs to be defrosted. At this time, the first throttling device 121 switches to the conduction mode, and the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser enters the first heat exchange unit 101 to melt the frost layer on the first heat exchange unit 101. After the defrosting of the first heat exchange unit 101 is completed, the first throttling device 121 switches to the throttling mode so that the refrigerant continues to evaporate and absorb heat in the first heat exchange unit 101. When the temperature of the second heat exchange unit 102 is lower than the preset temperature, it is considered that the second heat exchange unit 102 needs to be defrosted. At this time, the second throttling device 122 switches to the conduction mode, and the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser enters the second heat exchange unit 102 to melt the frost layer on the second heat exchange unit 102. After the defrosting of the second heat exchange unit 102 is completed, the second throttling device 122 switches to the throttling mode so that the refrigerant continues to evaporate and absorb heat in the second heat exchange unit 102. Since the defrosting of the first heat exchange unit 101 and the second heat exchange unit 102 is carried out alternately, the heating operation of the air conditioner will not be interrupted.

[0078] Exemplarily, the preset temperature is greater than or equal to -5°C and less than or equal to 0°C. Preferably, the preset temperature is -2°C.

[0079] After the temperature of the heat exchange unit reaches 0°C, the frost layer begins to form. When the temperature of the heat exchange unit reaches -2°C, it is prompted that the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange unit decreases, and the frost layer will gradually increase. At this time, the defrosting of the second heat exchange unit 102 is started. When the heat exchange unit is frosted, as the frost layer increases, the thermal conductivity increases, and the temperature drop rate of the heat exchange unit gradually decreases and gradually approaches the outdoor ambient temperature. If the preset temperature is too low, the start of defrosting is delayed, and defrosting cannot be carried out in time at the beginning of the appearance of the frost layer. If the preset temperature is too high, defrosting starts before the frost layer is significantly formed, and defrosting is too frequent, which has a certain impact on indoor heating.

[0080] It should be noted that when the air conditioner operates in the cooling mode, the temperature of the condenser is always higher than the preset temperature.

[0081] With such a setting method, the air conditioner can automatically defrost, and the defrosting start timing is reasonable.

[0082] Optionally, the heat exchanger further includes a total throttling device 52, and the total throttling device 52 is connected to the second inlet and outlet 221 of the liquid collecting pipe 220. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the refrigerant flows through the total throttling device 52 and the liquid collecting pipe 220 in sequence.

[0083] The total throttling device 52 serves as the throttling component of the refrigerant circulation system. When the air conditioner operates in the heating mode and the cooling mode other than the defrosting mode, the refrigerant is throttled and reduced by the total throttling device 52. With such a setting method, it is beneficial to the uniform distribution of the refrigerant between multiple heat exchange units during refrigeration and heating of the air conditioner.

[0084] Optionally, the second on-off control component 152 of the variable heat exchange unit is a throttling device corresponding to the variable heat exchange unit.

[0085] Since the throttling device has the function of switching between the on-conduction mode and the throttling mode, the opening degree of the throttling device is adjustable. When the variable heat exchange unit functions as a liquid storage, the throttling device and the first on-off control component 151 are closed. With such a setting method, the cost of the heat exchanger can be reduced.

[0086] Optionally, the second on-off control component 152 is an electronic expansion valve.

[0087] Using an electronic expansion valve as the throttling device can achieve precise control of the refrigerant flow rate, thereby improving the energy efficiency and comfort of the air conditioning system. The opening degree of the electronic expansion valve can be continuously adjusted, and it can accurately adjust the refrigerant flow rate according to the change of the system load to meet different refrigeration or heating requirements.

[0088] Optionally, the switching device includes a first confluence component 131, a second confluence component 132 and a valve component 133. Among them, the first confluence component 131 is provided with a first interface 136, and the first end of each heat exchange path is connected to the first confluence component 131; the second confluence component 132 is provided with a second interface 137, and the second end of each heat exchange path is connected to the second confluence component 132; the valve component 133 is arranged between the first confluence component 131 and the second confluence component 132, and the valve component 133 is used to switch the series-parallel state of multiple heat exchange paths.

[0089] The variable heat exchange unit includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes, and the relative positions of the plurality of refrigerant pipes are kept fixed and regarded as a whole. As an alternative embodiment, the variable heat exchange unit includes a bracket, and the plurality of refrigerant pipes are fixed to the bracket in a substantially parallel form.

[0090] Connect a part of the refrigerant pipes through a card tube or other similar connecting pipe fittings, and this part of the refrigerant pipes forms a heat exchange path in combination. The heat exchange path has a continuous refrigerant flow path, and the heat exchange path has an inlet end and an outlet end. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "the first end of the heat exchanger path" refers to one of the inlet end and the outlet end, and "the second end of the heat exchange path" refers to the other of the inlet end and the outlet end. It should be noted that the multiple refrigerant pipes combined into a heat exchange path can be in a series connection form, a parallel connection form, or in some cases, a series-parallel combination form, as long as there is an inlet end and an outlet end for the refrigerant. When the diameter of the refrigerant pipe is relatively large, the refrigerant pipes in the heat exchange path are preferably in a series connection form. When the diameter of the refrigerant pipe is relatively small, the refrigerant pipes in the heat exchange path are preferably in a parallel connection form.

[0091] The first end of the heat exchange path is connected to the first confluence component 131, and the second end of the heat exchange path is connected to the second confluence component 132. The valve assembly 133 is arranged between the first confluence component 131 and the second confluence component 132, and the series-parallel state of multiple heat exchange paths is controlled by the on-off of the valve assembly 133.

[0092] Specifically, as an implementation manner, multiple refrigerant pipes form at least three heat exchange paths such as the first heat exchange path 111, the second heat exchange path 112, and the third heat exchange path 113. The first ends of the three heat exchange paths are sequentially connected to the first position, the second position, and the third position of the first confluence component 131, and the second ends of the three heat exchange paths are sequentially connected to the fourth position, the fifth position, and the sixth position of the second confluence component 132; the valve assembly 133 includes a first valve member 134 and a second valve member 135. Among them, the first valve member 134 is arranged on the first confluence component 131 and is located between the first position and the second position; the second valve member 135 is arranged on the second confluence component 132 and is located between the fifth position and the sixth position; when the refrigerant flows from the first interface 136 to the second interface 137, both the first valve member 134 and the second valve member 135 are cut off so that the three heat exchange paths are connected in series; when the refrigerant flows from the second interface 137 to the first interface 136, both the first valve member 134 and the second valve member 135 are conducted so that the three heat exchange paths are connected in parallel.

[0093] With such a setting method, the series-parallel state of three heat exchange paths can be switched through two valve members, which facilitates the air conditioner to change the series-parallel form of the heat exchange unit.

[0094] It should be noted that multiple refrigerant pipes can form three-way, five-way or more heat exchange paths. When the number of heat exchange paths exceeds three, a part of the heat exchange paths are connected in parallel with the first heat exchange path 111, the second heat exchange path 112 or the third heat exchange path 113. Exemplarily, multiple refrigerant pipes form a first heat exchange path 111, a second heat exchange path 112, a third heat exchange path 113, a fourth heat exchange path, a fifth heat exchange path and a sixth heat exchange path. Among them, the fourth heat exchange path is connected in parallel with the first heat exchange path 111, the fifth heat exchange path is connected in parallel with the second heat exchange path 112, and the sixth heat exchange path is connected in parallel with the third heat exchange path 113. The cases of these heat exchange paths with more than three paths are still within the scope disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0095] Optionally, the first valve member 134 includes a first check valve, and the conduction direction of the first check valve is from the first check valve to the first interface 136.

[0096] When the variable flow splitting unit functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant flows from the second interface 137 to the first interface 136. When the variable flow splitting unit functions as a condenser, the refrigerant flows from the first interface 136 to the second interface 137.

[0097] The first valve member 134 includes a first check valve, and the first check valve can automatically switch between the conducting and cut-off states when the refrigerant flows bidirectionally. By adopting such a setting method, the working reliability of the variable heat exchange unit can be improved. In addition, compared with a control valve with a control function, the check valve has a lower cost, a simpler structure, and a lower failure rate.

[0098] Optionally, the second valve member 135 includes a second check valve, and the conduction direction of the second check valve is from the second interface 137 to the second check valve.

[0099] The second valve member 135 includes a second check valve, and the second check valve can automatically switch between the conducting and cut-off states when the refrigerant flows bidirectionally. By adopting such a setting method, the working reliability of the variable heat exchange unit can be improved. In addition, the second valve member 135 includes a second check valve, which can reduce the cost of the variable heat exchange unit and improve the working reliability of the variable heat exchange unit.

[0100] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes the above-mentioned heat exchanger and multiple fans, and the multiple fans are arranged corresponding to multiple heat exchange units.

[0101] Combined Figure 7 As shown, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a first fan 54 and a second fan 55. The first fan 54 is arranged corresponding to the first heat exchange unit 101, and the second fan 55 is arranged corresponding to the second heat exchange unit 102. The air conditioner further includes a compressor 51, an indoor heat exchanger 53 and an outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0102] When the outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes multiple fans, the multiple fans and the multiple heat exchange units can correspond one by one. When defrosting one of the heat exchange units, the corresponding outdoor unit stops rotating. This improves the defrosting speed of the heat exchange unit. Since the outdoor unit of the air conditioner has multiple fans, the remaining fans can still rotate when defrosting one of the heat exchange units, so that the remaining heat exchange units can still play an evaporation role, and the heating of the air conditioner can be carried out continuously.

[0103] When the heat exchange unit realizes the liquid storage function, if the refrigerant entering the heat exchange unit is a liquid refrigerant, the fan corresponding to the heat exchange unit stops rotating. This can reduce the evaporation of the liquid refrigerant. If the refrigerant entering the heat exchange unit is a gaseous refrigerant, the fan corresponding to the heat exchange unit rotates, which can accelerate the condensation of the liquid refrigerant, thereby increasing the amount of refrigerant stored in the heat exchange unit.

[0104] By adopting such a setting method, the defrosting speed of a single heat exchange unit can be improved, and the liquid storage capacity of the heat exchange unit can be improved.

[0105] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner, which includes the above heat exchanger, and the heat exchanger is installed in the indoor unit and / or the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0106] The air conditioner provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the heat exchanger described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, and thus has all the beneficial effects of the heat exchanger described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.

[0107] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner, which includes the above outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0108] The air conditioner provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the above outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and thus has all the beneficial effects of the above outdoor unit of the air conditioner, which will not be elaborated here.

[0109] The above description and the drawings fully illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art can practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments only represent possible variations. Unless explicitly required, the individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations can vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for parts and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, Comprising a plurality of heat exchange units connected in parallel, the plurality of heat exchange units including at least one variable heat exchange unit, the variable heat exchange unit including: A plurality of refrigerant pipes forming a plurality of heat exchange paths; A switching device connected to the plurality of heat exchange paths and forming a first interface and a second interface, the switching device being capable of switching the series-parallel states of the plurality of heat exchange paths; A first on-off control component for controlling the on-off of the first interface; A second on-off control component for controlling the on-off of the second interface, and when both the first on-off control component and the second on-off control component are cut off, the variable heat exchange unit temporarily stores a part of the refrigerant.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The first interface is higher than the second interface.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising: A header pipe provided with a first inlet and outlet, one end of the plurality of heat exchange units being connected to the header pipe; A liquid collector provided with a second inlet and outlet, the other end of the plurality of heat exchange units being connected to the liquid collector; A plurality of throttling devices corresponding to the plurality of heat exchange units, the throttling devices being arranged between the other end of the heat exchange unit and the liquid collector, and the throttling devices being controllably open and closed.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein The first on-off control component is arranged between the first interface and the header pipe.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of heat exchange units are arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein The second on-off control component of the variable heat exchange unit is a throttling device corresponding to the variable heat exchange unit.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein The second on-off control component is an electronic expansion valve.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The switching device includes: A first confluence component provided with a first interface, the first end of each heat exchange path being connected to the first confluence component; A second confluence component provided with a second interface, the second end of each heat exchange path being connected to the second confluence component; A valve component arranged between the first confluence component and the second confluence component, the valve component being used for switching the series-parallel states of the plurality of heat exchange paths.

9. An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that It includes the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and, A plurality of fans arranged corresponding to the plurality of heat exchange units.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that It includes the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and the heat exchanger is installed in the indoor unit and / or the outdoor unit of the air conditioner; or, It includes the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9.

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