Heat exchanger and air conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioners and discloses a heat exchanger and an air conditioning system. The heat exchanger at least comprises a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module, and the first heat exchange module comprises a first heat exchange branch set comprising a plurality of heat exchange branches; and the first flow path switching assembly communicates with the first heat exchange branch set, and the first flow path switching assembly is used for switching the communication modes of at least part of different heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch set in different operation modes. According to the heat exchanger provided by the invention, the uniformity and the stability of the refrigerant distribution quantity among the heat exchange branches are improved.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent application titled "Heat Exchanger and Air Conditioner" with the application number 202420311415.X, filed on February 20, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, for example, to a heat exchanger and an air conditioning system. Background Art

[0003] The heat exchanger of an air conditioning system usually includes multiple heat exchange branches. Each heat exchange branch includes multiple heat exchange tubes, and further uses pipe valve components such as headers to communicate with the multiple heat exchange branches. The header can collect or distribute the refrigerant in the heat exchange branches.

[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 a heat exchanger with a large number of heat exchange tubes, the header is prone to uneven flow distribution, resulting in different refrigerant amounts between different heat exchange branches, thereby reducing the overall heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger.

[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 this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Utility Model Content

[0007] To have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a simple summary is given below. This 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] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger and an air conditioning system to improve the uniformity of the refrigerant amount between different heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger and enhance the overall heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger.

[0009] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger, which at least includes a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module. Among them, the first heat exchange module includes: a first heat exchange branch group, including multiple heat exchange branches; and a first flow path switching component, communicating with the first heat exchange branch group, where the first flow path switching component is used to switch the connection modes of at least some different heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group in different operating modes.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the first flow path switching component includes a header and a valve component communicating with the header.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the header includes a first header and a second header, and the valve member includes a first valve member communicating with the first header and a second valve member communicating with the second header.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve member is integrated within the first header; and / or, the second valve member is integrated within the second header.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve member is externally connected to the first header; and / or, the second valve member is externally connected to the second header.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the first heat exchange branch group includes a first heat exchange branch, a second heat exchange branch, and a third heat exchange branch. Among them, the first valve member and the second valve member conduct unidirectionally. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the first heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange branch, and the third heat exchange branch are connected in series. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the first heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange branch, and the third heat exchange branch are connected in parallel.

[0015] In some alternative embodiments, the first valve member divides the first header into a first chamber and a second chamber, and the conduction direction of the first valve member is from the second chamber to the first chamber; the second valve member divides the second header into a third chamber and a fourth chamber, and the conduction direction of the second valve member is from the fourth chamber to the third chamber. Among them, one end of the first heat exchange branch communicates with the first chamber, and the other end communicates with the third chamber; one end of the second heat exchange branch communicates with the second chamber, and the other end communicates with the third chamber; one end of the third heat exchange branch communicates with the second chamber, and the other end communicates with the fourth chamber.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments, the second header includes: a liquid distribution branch pipe, communicating with the third chamber of the second header and provided at the conduction outflow end of the second valve member. Among them, the liquid distribution branch pipe includes a first liquid distribution pipe and a second liquid distribution pipe. The first liquid distribution pipe communicates with the first heat exchange branch, and the second liquid distribution pipe communicates with the second heat exchange branch, and the second liquid distribution pipe is located below the first liquid distribution pipe.

[0017] In some alternative embodiments, the liquid distribution branch pipe further includes: a main pipe section, communicating with the third chamber, and the first liquid distribution pipe and the second liquid distribution pipe are respectively communicated with the main pipe section.

[0018] In some alternative embodiments, the second header further includes: a first branch pipe, communicating with the fourth chamber of the second header and provided at the conduction inflow end of the second valve member.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments, the second heat exchange module includes: a second heat exchange branch group, including multiple heat exchange branches; and, a second flow path switching component, communicating with the second heat exchange branch group, where the second flow path switching component is used to switch the connection modes of at least some different heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange branch group in different operating modes.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, the second flow path switching component includes: a third header, a fourth header, a third valve member, and a fourth valve member, wherein the third valve member is communicated with the third header, and the fourth valve member is communicated with the fourth header.

[0021] In some alternative embodiments, a first preset distance is provided between the third header and the first header of the first flow path switching component; and / or, a second preset distance is provided between the fourth header and the second header of the first flow path switching component.

[0022] In some alternative embodiments, the projections of the third header and the first header of the first flow path switching component overlap in the vertical direction; and / or, the projections of the fourth header and the second header of the first flow path switching component overlap in the vertical direction.

[0023] In some alternative embodiments, the heat exchanger further includes: a gas collecting main pipe, including a first communicating branch pipe connected to the first header of the first flow path switching component, and a second communicating branch pipe connected to the third header.

[0024] In some alternative embodiments, the projections of the first communicating branch pipe and the second communicating branch pipe overlap in the vertical direction.

[0025] In some alternative embodiments, the communication port of the first communicating branch pipe and the first header is arranged at the conducting outflow end of the first valve member; the communication port of the second communicating branch pipe and the third header is arranged at the conducting outflow end of the third valve member.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments, the distance from the communication port of the first communicating branch pipe and the first header to the top end of the first header is a first distance, and the distance from the communication port of the second communicating branch pipe and the third header to the top end of the third header is a second distance, wherein the first distance is greater than or equal to the second distance.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments, multiple heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group and multiple heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange branch group are integrally arranged; or, multiple heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group and multiple heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange branch group are separately arranged.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the first heat exchange module is arranged above the second heat exchange module; or, the first heat exchange module is arranged on the side of the second heat exchange module.

[0029] In some alternative embodiments, the sum of the number of heat exchange tubes in the first heat exchange branch group and the number of heat exchange tubes in the second heat exchange branch group is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold.

[0030] The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides an air conditioning system, including the heat exchanger as described above.

[0031] The heat exchanger and air conditioning system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0032] The heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes at least a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module. Among them, the first heat exchange module includes a first heat exchange branch group and a first flow path switching component. The first heat exchange branch group includes multiple heat exchange branches, and the first flow path switching component is connected to the first heat exchange branch group and is used to switch the connection modes of at least some different heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group in different operating modes, so that the connection modes between the heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group conform to the current operating mode of the air conditioning system.

[0033] It can be seen that the heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes at least a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module. In this way, the number of heat exchange tubes in a single heat exchange module is not too large, improving the uniformity of the refrigerant amount distribution in each heat exchange module of the heat exchanger, and further improving the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger.

[0034] The above general description and the following description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not used to limit the present application. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] 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 are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation, and among them:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a tracheal member provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of another tracheal member provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of another heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid pipe component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of another liquid pipe component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 10 It is a schematic structural diagram of another liquid pipe component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of another heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram of another heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram of another heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 14 It is a schematic diagram of another heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 15 It is a schematic structural diagram of a first valve component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 16 It is a schematic structural diagram of another first valve component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 17 It is a schematic structural diagram of another first valve component provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Reference numerals:

[0054] 11: First header; 111: First valve component; 112: First chamber; 113: Second chamber;

[0055] 12: Second header; 121: Second valve component; 122: Main pipe section; 123: First liquid distribution pipe; 124: Second liquid distribution pipe; 125: First branch pipe; 126: Third chamber; 127: Fourth chamber;

[0056] 21: Third header; 211: Third valve component; 212: Fifth chamber; 213: Sixth chamber;

[0057] 22: Fourth header; 221: Fourth valve component; 222: Seventh chamber; 223: Eighth chamber;

[0058] 3: Gas collecting main pipe; 31: First connecting branch pipe; 32: Second connecting branch pipe;

[0059] 400: First heat exchange module; 41: First heat exchange branch; 42: Second heat exchange branch; 43: Third heat exchange branch;

[0060] 500: Second heat exchange module; 51: Fourth heat exchange branch; 52: Fifth heat exchange branch; 53: Sixth heat exchange branch;

[0061] 6: Distributor;

[0062] 701: Valve seat; 702: Communication hole; 703: Valve housing; 704: Valve core; 705: Guide rail; 706: Fixed seat; 707: Cantilever. Detailed implementation mode

[0063] In order to be able 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 sake of explanation, multiple details are provided to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. 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.

[0064] 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 describe the embodiments of the present disclosure here. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0065] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "rear", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying 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. And, in addition to being able to represent an 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.

[0066] In addition, the terms "disposed", "connected", and "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 a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection 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.

[0067] Unless otherwise stated, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0068] The term "and / or" is a description of the association relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B.

[0069] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other.

[0070] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger.

[0071] Optionally, the heat exchanger includes at least a first heat exchange module 400 and a second heat exchange module 500, wherein the first heat exchange module 400 includes a first heat exchange branch group and a first flow path switching component. The first heat exchange branch group includes a plurality of heat exchange branches; the first flow path switching component is connected to the first heat exchange branch group. The first flow path switching component is used to switch the connection mode of at least some of the different heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group under different operating modes.

[0072] As mentioned above, when the number of heat exchange tubes in the multiple heat exchange branches of the heat exchanger is large, the refrigerant distribution between different heat exchange branches is prone to uneven distribution. Especially when multiple heat exchange branches are connected in parallel, the refrigerant in the header needs to be distributed to different heat exchange branches respectively. However, most of the heat exchange tubes are arranged vertically regularly, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the upward impact force, flow pressure, gravity and other factors of the refrigerant in the header during the flow process make the refrigerant distribution between different heat exchange branches uneven, and even under the same operating load, the refrigerant amount distributed to the same heat exchange branch twice is different. That is, the more heat exchange tubes a heat exchanger has, the more likely it is that the refrigerant distribution will be uneven and unstable.

[0073] Optionally, the first heat exchange module 400 and the second heat exchange module 500 of the heat exchanger are arranged vertically. For example, the first heat exchange module 400 is arranged above the second heat exchange module 500. In this way, the first heat exchange module 400 and the second heat exchange module 500 can divide the heat exchanger into two modules vertically, reducing the total height of a single heat exchange module vertically. For example, when the heat exchanger distributes the refrigerant, a distributor 6 can be used to distribute the refrigerant to the first heat exchange module 400 and the second heat exchange module 500 respectively. Then, the refrigerant is further distributed within the first heat exchange module 400 and the second heat exchange module 500. Since the number of heat exchange tubes in the first heat exchange module 400 and the second heat exchange module 500 is small and the number of heat exchange branches is small, the uniformity and stability of the refrigerant distribution amount between the heat exchange branches within each heat exchange module are improved, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity of the entire heat exchanger.

[0074] Optionally, the number of heat exchange tubes in a single vertical row of the heat exchanger is greater than or equal to 20. For example, the number of heat exchange tubes in a single vertical row of the heat exchanger is 28. Optionally, the number of heat exchange tubes in a single vertical row of each heat exchange module is less than or equal to 15. For example, the number of heat exchange tubes in a single vertical row of the first heat exchange module 400 is 14. Similarly, the number of heat exchange tubes in a single vertical row of the second heat exchange module 500 is 14. Optionally, the number of heat exchange branches in each heat exchange module is less than or equal to 5. For example, the number of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange module 400 is 3, 4, or 5. Similarly, the number of heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange module 500 is 3, 4, or 5.

[0075] The first flow path switching component is used to switch the connection modes of at least some different heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group in different operating modes, and the first flow path switching component can form different connection modes between the heat exchange branches. For example, when the air conditioning system operates in the cooling mode and the heat exchanger serves as a condenser, multiple heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group are connected in series. When the air conditioning system operates in the heating mode and the heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, multiple heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group are connected in parallel. In this way, the first flow path switching component enables the heat exchanger to have an optimal flow path in different operating modes, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0076] Optionally, the first flow path switching component can be a valve component with a one-way conduction function, or a combination of a valve component with a one-way conduction function and a pipe component. For example, the first flow path switching component can be a combination of a header and a valve component, or a combination of a bypass pipe and a valve component, etc. Optionally, the valve component with a one-way conduction function includes a check valve, a solenoid valve, and structural components such as a slider and a baffle that exhibit one-way conduction.

[0077] Optionally, the first heat exchange module 400 may be a variable flow - splitting heat exchange module. Similarly, the second heat exchange module 500 may be a variable flow - splitting heat exchange module.

[0078] Optionally, the heat exchanger may be a fin - tube heat exchanger or a micro - channel parallel - flow heat exchanger.

[0079] Optionally, the first flow - path switching assembly includes a header and valve components connected to the header.

[0080] The connection mode of multiple heat - exchange branches in the first heat - exchange branch group is switched through the header and the valve components connected to the header. Optionally, the valve components may be one - way valves, solenoid valves, three - way valves, four - way valves or other valve components that can adjust the refrigerant flow direction.

[0081] Optionally, the header includes a first header 11 and a second header 12, and the valve components include a first valve component 111 connected to the first header 11 and a second valve component 121 connected to the second header 12.

[0082] The first header 11 is connected to one ends of multiple heat - exchange branches in the first heat - exchange branch group to split or converge the refrigerant in multiple heat - exchange branches from one end. Moreover, the first valve component 111 is connected to the first header 11 to adjust the connection mode of multiple heat - exchange branches from one end. The second header 12 is connected to the other ends of multiple heat - exchange branches in the first heat - exchange branch group to converge or split the refrigerant in multiple heat - exchange branches from the other end. Moreover, the second valve component 121 is connected to the second header 12 to adjust the connection mode of multiple heat - exchange branches from the other end.

[0083] Optionally, the first valve component 111 is integrated into the first header 11; and / or, the second valve component 121 is integrated into the second header 12.

[0084] The first valve component 111 is integrally arranged in the first header 11. In this way, the first header 11 and the first valve component 111 can be integrated. Similarly, the second valve component 121 is integrally arranged in the second header 12. In this way, the second header 12 and the second valve component 121 can be integrated.

[0085] From Figure 1 it can be seen that the first flow - path switching assembly is arranged on the side of the first heat - exchange branch group. Especially for heat exchangers with a large number of heat - exchange tubes, more headers and valve components are required. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first valve component 111 is integrated into the first header 11, and the second valve component 121 is integrated into the second header 12, which greatly reduces the occupied space of the first flow - path switching assembly. In addition, integrating the valve components into the header can prevent the refrigerant from changing the flow direction when passing through the valve components, reducing the pressure loss of the refrigerant when flowing through the valve components.

[0086] The first valve member 111 includes a valve seat 701 and a valve housing 703. The valve seat 701 is located in the first header 11, and the valve seat 701 is configured with a communication hole 702 which can communicate the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113. The valve housing 703 is located on the side of the valve seat 701 facing the first chamber 112 and is movably located at the communication hole 702. The maximum cross-sectional area of the valve seat 701 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 702, and is used to open or close the communication hole 702.

[0087] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the valve seat 701 of the first valve member 111 is located in the first header 11, and the valve seat 701 is connected to the side wall of the first header 11. In this way, the valve seat 701 isolates the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113 from the first header 11. The valve seat 701 is provided with a communication hole 702, and the valve housing 703 is movably arranged at the communication hole 702, and the valve housing 703 is located on the side of the valve seat 701 facing the first chamber 112. In this way, when the refrigerant flows from the first chamber 112 to the second chamber 113, the valve housing 703 moves to and blocks at the communication hole 702. That is, when the refrigerant flows from the first chamber 112 to the second chamber 113, the first valve member 111 is closed. When the refrigerant flows from the second chamber 113 into the first chamber 112, the refrigerant pushes the valve housing 703, so that the valve housing 703 moves in a direction away from the valve seat 701, and further opens the communication hole 702. That is, when the refrigerant flows from the second chamber 113 to the first chamber 112, the first valve member 111 is conducted. In this way, the one-way conduction of the first valve member 111 is realized.

[0088] Optionally, the wall surface of the valve housing facing the communication hole matches the wall surface of the communication hole. In this way, when the valve housing closes the communication hole, the valve housing can closely adhere to the side wall of the communication hole to achieve sealing. Optionally, one end of the valve housing 703 facing the valve seat 701 is a conical surface. When the valve housing 703 closes the communication hole 702, the conical surface of the valve housing 703 fits with the side wall of the communication hole 702. In this way, the connection between the valve housing 703 and the communication hole 702 can be sealed to avoid refrigerant leakage.

[0089] Optionally, the first valve member 111 further includes a valve core 704 and a guide rail 705. The valve core 704 is connected to the valve housing 703. The guide rail 705 is connected to the first header 11, and the guide rail 705 is fixedly arranged on the side of the communication hole 702 facing the first chamber 112 and extends along the axial direction of the first header 11. The valve core 704 is movably arranged on the guide rail 705. Wherein, when the valve core 704 moves along the guide rail towards the communication hole 702, the valve housing 703 abuts against the valve seat 701 to close the communication hole 702. When the valve core 704 moves along the guide rail away from the communication hole 702, the valve housing 703 separates from the valve seat 701 to open the communication hole 702.

[0090] In the disclosed embodiment, the valve core 704 is connected to the valve housing 703, and the valve core 704 can drive the valve housing 703 to move. The guide rail 705 is fixed on one side of the connecting hole 702, and the valve core 704 can move along the guide rail 705. In other words, the guide rail 705 guides the movement of the valve housing 703. When the refrigerant flows from the first chamber 112 to the second chamber 113, the refrigerant exerts force on the valve core 704 to make the valve core 704 and the valve housing 703 move along the guide rail 705 toward the direction close to the valve seat 701, thereby making the valve housing 703 abut against the valve seat 701 and closing the connecting hole 702. Figure 16 As shown, when the refrigerant flows from the second chamber 113 to the first chamber 112, the refrigerant exerts force on the valve shell 703 and the valve core 704 to move the valve core 704 away from the valve seat 701, so that the valve shell 703 is separated from the valve seat 701, and then the connecting hole 702 is opened to realize the one-way conduction of the first valve component 111. Figure 16 The middle arrow indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant when the first valve member 111 is turned on. In addition, the guide rail 705 can also limit the left and right movement of the valve housing 703 to prevent the valve housing 703 from hitting the first header 11 left and right to produce a knocking sound.

[0091] Optionally, the valve core 704 is located at the center of the valve housing 703, and the guide rail 705 is arranged corresponding to the valve core 704, so that the movement of the valve housing 703 is more stable and the valve housing 703 is prevented from being offset.

[0092] Optionally, the first valve component 111 further includes a fixing seat 706 , which is connected to the first manifold 11 , located on a side of the guide rail 705 away from the valve seat 701 , and connected to the guide rail 705 for fixing the guide rail 705 .

[0093] In the disclosed embodiment, the fixing seat 706 is connected to the first manifold 11 , so that the fixing seat 706 can fix the guide rail 705 to keep the guide rail 705 fixed, so as to facilitate the movement of the valve core 704 along the guide rail 705 .

[0094] Alternatively, if Figure 17 As shown, the fixed seat 706 includes a plurality of cantilevers 707, the inner ends of the plurality of cantilevers 707 are connected, the outer ends of the cantilevers 707 are connected to the side walls of the manifold, and the plurality of cantilevers 707 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first manifold 11, so that the fixed seat 706 can be fixed, and the plurality of cantilevers 707 are arranged at intervals, and the fixed seat will not block the flow of the refrigerant.

[0095] Optionally, the first chamber 112 is located above the second chamber 113, the valve housing 703 is located above the valve seat 701, the guide rail 705 extends in the vertical direction, and the fixing seat 706 is located above the valve housing 703. In this way, when the refrigerant flows from the first chamber 112 to the second chamber 113, the valve housing 703 will naturally close the communication hole 702 under its own gravity, and the pressure exerted by the refrigerant will increase the reverse sealing performance. When the refrigerant flows from the second chamber 113 to the first chamber 112, the upward impact force of the refrigerant is greater than the gravity of the valve housing 703, and the valve housing 703 will be lifted and opened, thereby realizing the normal flow of the refrigerant.

[0096] Optionally, the structures of the second valve member 121, the third valve member 211, and the fourth valve member 221 are the same as those of the first valve member 111.

[0097] Optionally, the first valve member 111 is externally connected to the first header 11; and / or, the second valve member 121 is externally connected to the second header 12.

[0098] The first valve member 111 can be arranged on the first header 11 in an externally connected form, and the second valve member 121 can also be arranged on the second header 12 in an externally connected form, forming a structure similar to a small back basket.

[0099] Optionally, the first heat exchange branch group includes a first heat exchange branch 41, a second heat exchange branch 42, and a third heat exchange branch 43. Among them, the first valve member 111 and the second valve member 121 conduct unidirectionally. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the first heat exchange branch 41, the second heat exchange branch 42, and the third heat exchange branch 43 are connected in series, as Figure 11 shown. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the first heat exchange branch 41, the second heat exchange branch 42, and the third heat exchange branch 43 are connected in parallel, as Figure 12 shown. The first valve member 111 divides the first header 11 into a first chamber 112 and a second chamber 113, and the conduction direction of the first valve member 111 is from the second chamber 113 to the first chamber 112; the second valve member 121 divides the second header 12 into a third chamber 126 and a fourth chamber 127, and the conduction direction of the second valve member 121 is from the fourth chamber 127 to the third chamber 126. Among them, one end of the first heat exchange branch 41 is communicated with the first chamber 112, and the other end is communicated with the third chamber 126; one end of the second heat exchange branch 42 is communicated with the second chamber 113, and the other end is communicated with the third chamber 126; one end of the third heat exchange branch 43 is communicated with the second chamber 113, and the other end is communicated with the fourth chamber 127.

[0100] The first valve member 111 conducts unidirectionally, and its conduction direction is from the second chamber 113 to the first chamber 112. The second valve member 121 conducts unidirectionally, and its conduction direction is from the fourth chamber 127 to the third chamber 126. In this way, the three heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group can have different connection modes. That is, a variable shunt connection mode is formed.

[0101] Optionally, the second header 12 includes a liquid distribution branch pipe. The liquid distribution branch pipe is communicated with the third chamber 126 of the second header 12 and is arranged at the conduction outflow end of the second valve member 121. Among them, the liquid distribution branch pipe includes a first liquid distribution pipe 123 and a second liquid distribution pipe 124. The first liquid distribution pipe 123 is communicated with the first heat exchange branch 41, and the second liquid distribution pipe 124 is communicated with the second heat exchange branch 42. And the second liquid distribution pipe 124 is located below the first liquid distribution pipe 123. As Figure 9 shown.

[0102] The number of resistance components through which the refrigerant flowing out of the second liquid distribution pipe 124 flows is greater than the number of resistance components through which the refrigerant flowing out of the first liquid distribution pipe 123 flows, or the refrigerant flowing out of the second liquid distribution pipe 124 flows through at least one valve member.

[0103] Optionally, the resistance components include heat exchange pipes, valve members, etc. The number of resistance components through which the refrigerant flowing out of the second liquid distribution pipe 124 flows includes the sum of the number of heat exchange pipes and valve members in the second heat exchange branch 42. The number of resistance components through which the refrigerant flowing out of the first liquid distribution pipe 123 flows includes the number of heat exchange pipes in the first heat exchange branch 41. If the refrigerant flowing out of the first liquid distribution pipe 123 also flows through a valve member, then the number of resistance components through which the refrigerant flowing out of the first liquid distribution pipe 123 flows includes the sum of the number of heat exchange pipes and valve members in the first heat exchange branch 41.

[0104] Optionally, the number of valve members among the resistance components through which the refrigerant flowing out of the second liquid distribution pipe 124 flows can be the number of valve members in the process from the second liquid distribution pipe 124 to the outflow end of the first header 11. Similarly, the number of valve members among the resistance components through which the refrigerant flowing out of the first liquid distribution pipe 123 flows can be the number of valve members in the process from the first liquid distribution pipe 123 to the outflow end of the first header 11. Optionally, the number of heat exchange pipes in the second heat exchange branch 42 and the number of heat exchange pipes in the first heat exchange branch 41 are measured under the condition that the lengths of the heat exchange pipes are the same. When the length of the heat exchange pipes in the second heat exchange branch 42 is different from the length of the heat exchange pipes in the first heat exchange branch 41, the heat exchange pipes in the two heat exchange branches are converted into the same length and then the quantity statistics are carried out. Optionally, the number of resistance components is counted when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

[0105] The resistance component flowing out of the second liquid separation pipe 124 includes the first valve component 111, and the resistance component flowing out of the first liquid separation pipe 123 does not include the first valve component 111.

[0106] Since the number of resistance components through which the refrigerant flows after flowing out of the second liquid separation pipe 124 is greater than the number of resistance components through which the refrigerant flows after flowing out of the first liquid separation pipe 123, or, the refrigerant flowing out of the second liquid separation pipe 124 flows through at least one valve component. When the second heat exchange branch 42 located at the lower part flows out of the first header 11, it needs to overcome more flow resistance, that is, the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange branch 42 is greater than the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange branch 41. It can be seen that, relative to the first heat exchange branch 41, the second heat exchange branch 42 requires more refrigerant to balance the gravity, valve resistance, etc. that need to be overcome during the flow process.

[0107] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second liquid separation pipe 124 is located below the first liquid separation pipe 123. In this way, under the action of gravity, more refrigerant can flow into the second heat exchange branch 42 through the second liquid separation pipe 124, improving the uniformity of the refrigerant flow rates of the second heat exchange branch 42 and the first heat exchange branch 41.

[0108] Optionally, the liquid separation branch pipe further includes a main pipe section 122. The main pipe section 122 is communicated with the third chamber 126, and the first liquid separation pipe 123 and the second liquid separation pipe 124 are respectively communicated with the main pipe section 122.

[0109] In this way, after the refrigerant in the third chamber 126 is branched through the main pipe section 122, it flows into the first liquid separation pipe 123 and the second liquid separation pipe 124 respectively. Since the second liquid separation pipe 124 is arranged below the first liquid separation pipe 123, in this way, under the action of gravity, more liquid refrigerant will flow into the second liquid separation pipe 124, and then flow into the second heat exchange branch 42 located at the lower part. That is, the arrangement of the liquid separation branch pipe makes the amount of refrigerant distributed to the second heat exchange branch 42 more than that of the first heat exchange branch 41. In this way, the second heat exchange branch 42 can have more refrigerant to overcome the gravity and other resistances during the flow process, thereby improving the heat exchange uniformity of each heat exchange flow path of the entire heat exchanger.

[0110] Optionally, the second header 12 further includes a first branch pipe 125. The first branch pipe 125 is communicated with the fourth chamber 127 of the second header 12 and is arranged at the conducting inflow end of the second valve component 121. In this way, the refrigerant in the fourth chamber 127 can flow into the third heat exchange branch 43 through the first branch pipe 125. As Figure 9 shown.

[0111] Optionally, the second heat exchange module 500 includes a second heat exchange branch group and a second flow path switching component. The second heat exchange branch group includes a plurality of heat exchange branches, and the second flow path switching component is connected to the second heat exchange branch group. Among them, the second flow path switching component is used to switch the connection modes of at least some different heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange branch group in different operating modes.

[0112] The second heat exchange module 500 can also be a variable flow splitting heat exchange module. In this way, the multiple heat exchange branches of the second heat exchange module 500 can also have different connection modes in different operating modes.

[0113] Optionally, the structure of the second heat exchange module 500 is the same as that of the first heat exchange module 400.

[0114] Optionally, the second flow path switching component includes a third header 21, a fourth header 22, a third valve member 211, and a fourth valve member 221. Among them, the third valve member 211 is connected to the third header 21, and the fourth valve member 221 is connected to the fourth header 22.

[0115] The third valve member 211 divides the third header 21 into a fifth chamber 212 and a sixth chamber 213, and the conduction direction of the third valve member 211 is from the sixth chamber 213 to the fifth chamber 212, as Figure 5 shown; the fourth valve member 221 divides the fourth header 22 into a seventh chamber 222 and an eighth chamber 223, and the conduction direction of the fourth valve member 221 is from the eighth chamber 223 to the seventh chamber 222, as Figure 10 shown. The second heat exchange branch group includes a fourth heat exchange branch 51, a fifth heat exchange branch 52, and a sixth heat exchange branch 53. Among them, one end of the fourth heat exchange branch 51 is connected to the fifth chamber 212, and the other end is connected to the seventh chamber 222; one end of the fifth heat exchange branch 52 is connected to the sixth chamber 213, and the other end is connected to the seventh chamber 222; one end of the sixth heat exchange branch 53 is connected to the sixth chamber 213, and the other end is connected to the eighth chamber 223.

[0116] In this way, when the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the fourth heat exchange branch 51, the fifth heat exchange branch 52, and the sixth heat exchange branch 53 in the second heat exchange branch group are connected in series, as Figure 11 shown; when the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the fourth heat exchange branch 51, the fifth heat exchange branch 52, and the sixth heat exchange branch 53 in the second heat exchange branch group are connected in parallel, as Figure 12 shown.

[0117] Optionally, a first preset distance is provided between the third header 21 and the first header 11 of the first flow path switching component; and / or, a second preset distance is provided between the fourth header 22 and the second header 12 of the first flow path switching component.

[0118] Optionally, the first header 11, the third header 21, and the gas collecting main pipe 3 may be referred to as gas pipe components, and the second header 12 and the fourth header 22 may be referred to as liquid pipe components.

[0119] A first preset distance is provided between the first header 11 and the third header 21, which improves the uniformity of the refrigerant distribution of the gas collecting main pipe 3 to the first header 11 and the third header 21, as Figure 4 shown. Optionally, a second preset distance is provided between the second header 12 and the fourth header 22. In this way, the refrigerant in the eighth chamber 223 can be distributed more to the fourth heat exchange branch 51 and the fifth heat exchange branch 52, without flowing upward for a longer path, as Figure 10 shown. Optionally, the first preset distance is equal to the second preset distance.

[0120] Optionally, the projection of the third header 21 and the first header 11 of the first flow path switching component in the vertical direction overlaps, as Figure 4 shown. In this way, the uniformity and stability of the refrigerant distribution between the first header 11 and the third header 21 are improved. Similarly, the projection of the fourth header 22 and the second header 12 of the first flow path switching component in the vertical direction overlaps, as Figure 8 shown. In this way, the uniformity and stability of the refrigerant distribution between the second header 12 and the fourth header 22 are improved.

[0121] Optionally, the heat exchanger further includes a gas collecting main pipe 3. The gas collecting main pipe 3 includes a first connecting branch pipe 31 communicating with the first header 11 of the first flow path switching component, and a second connecting branch pipe 32 communicating with the third header 21. The first connecting branch pipe 31 is used to connect the gas collecting main pipe 3 with the first header 11, and the second connecting branch pipe 32 is used to connect the gas collecting main pipe 3 with the third header 21. Optionally, the projections of the first connecting branch pipe 31 and the second connecting branch pipe 32 in the vertical direction overlap. In this way, the gas collecting main pipe 3 and the first header 11 and the third header 21 are roughly in a ladder shape.

[0122] Optionally, the connection port of the first connecting branch pipe 31 and the first header 11 is arranged at the conducting outflow end of the first valve member 111, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the first connecting branch pipe 31 can flow into the first chamber 112 of the first header 11. Similarly, the connection port of the second connecting branch pipe 32 and the third header 21 is arranged at the conducting outflow end of the third valve member 211, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the second connecting branch pipe 32 can flow into the fifth chamber 212 of the third header 21.

[0123] Optionally, the distance from the connection port of the first connecting branch pipe 31 to the first header 11 to the top end of the first header 11 is a first distance H1, and the distance from the connection port of the second connecting branch pipe 32 to the third header 21 to the top end of the third header 21 is a second distance H2, where the first distance H1 is greater than or equal to the second distance H2, as Figure 4 shown. In this way, the distribution uniformity of the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the gas collecting main pipe 3 between the first header 11 and the third header 21 is improved.

[0124] Optionally, multiple heat exchange branch pipes in the first heat exchange branch pipe group and multiple heat exchange branch pipes in the second heat exchange branch pipe group are integrally arranged. As Figures 1 to 3 shown. The entire heat exchanger is integrally arranged, and the heat exchanger is divided into a first heat exchange module 400 and a second heat exchange module 500 by the first header 11, the second header 12, the third header 21, and the fourth header 22. In this way, an integrated heat exchanger with a large number of heat exchange pipes can be divided into multiple heat exchange modules, improving the uniformity and stability of the refrigerant distribution amount between different heat exchange branch pipes of the heat exchanger.

[0125] The connection manner of the heat exchange pipes in the heat exchange branch pipes of the first heat exchange branch pipe group and the connection manner of the heat exchange pipes in the heat exchange branch pipes of the second heat exchange branch pipe group can also be as Figure 13 shown in.

[0126] Optionally, multiple heat exchange branch pipes in the first heat exchange branch pipe group and multiple heat exchange branch pipes in the second heat exchange branch pipe group are separately arranged, as Figure 14 shown. A plurality of smaller heat exchange modules are arranged to form a larger heat exchanger.

[0127] As Figure 14 shown, the number of heat exchange branch pipes in the first heat exchange branch pipe group can be 4, and the number of heat exchange branch pipes in the second heat exchange branch pipe group can also be 4. Similarly, the heat exchanger further includes a third heat exchange module, and the third heat exchange module is arranged below the second heat exchange module 500.

[0128] Optionally, the first heat exchange module 400 is arranged above the second heat exchange module 500; or, the first heat exchange module 400 is arranged on the side of the second heat exchange module 500.

[0129] Optionally, the sum of the number of heat exchange pipes in the first heat exchange branch pipe group and the number of heat exchange pipes in the second heat exchange branch pipe group is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold. As described above, the sum of the number of heat exchange pipes in the vertical single row of the first heat exchange branch pipe group and the number of heat exchange pipes in the vertical single row of the second heat exchange branch pipe group is greater than or equal to 20.

[0130] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system includes the heat exchanger as described above.

[0131] Optionally, the air conditioning system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a relatively large commercial air conditioning system.

[0132] For a household air conditioner, since the number of heat exchange tubes of the heat exchanger is small, it is relatively easy to achieve the flow distribution uniformity among the heat exchange branches. However, for a large air conditioning system with a large number of heat exchange tubes, when the existing variable flow distribution form is used to divide the heat exchanger into each heat exchange branch, the phenomenon of uneven and unstable refrigerant distribution amount among the heat exchange branches is likely to occur.

[0133] In the air conditioning system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the relatively large heat exchanger is divided into heat exchange modules, which improves the uniformity and stability of the refrigerant distribution amount among the heat exchange branches, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger and the cooling and heating capacities of the air conditioning system.

[0134] The above description and 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. Embodiments represent possible variations. Unless explicitly required, individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may 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 already described 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, It includes at least a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module. Among them, the first heat exchange module includes: A first heat exchange branch group, including multiple heat exchange branches; and, A first flow path switching component, which is connected to the first heat exchange branch group, wherein the first flow path switching component is used to switch the connection modes of at least some different heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange branch group under different operating modes.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path switching component includes a header and valve components connected to the header.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, wherein the header includes a first header and a second header, and the valve components include a first valve component connected to the first header and a second valve component connected to the second header.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the first valve component is integrated in the first header; and / or, the second valve component is integrated in the second header.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein the first valve component is externally connected to the first header; and / or, the second valve component is externally connected to the second header.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first heat exchange branch group includes a first heat exchange branch, a second heat exchange branch and a third heat exchange branch, wherein the first valve component and the second valve component conduct unidirectionally. When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the first heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange branch and the third heat exchange branch are connected in series. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the first heat exchange branch, the second heat exchange branch and the third heat exchange branch are connected in parallel.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein the first valve component divides the first header into a first chamber and a second chamber, and the conduction direction of the first valve component is from the second chamber to the first chamber; the second valve component divides the second header into a third chamber and a fourth chamber, and the conduction direction of the second valve component is from the fourth chamber to the third chamber. Among them, one end of the first heat exchange branch is connected to the first chamber, and the other end is connected to the third chamber; one end of the second heat exchange branch is connected to the second chamber, and the other end is connected to the third chamber; one end of the third heat exchange branch is connected to the second chamber, and the other end is connected to the fourth chamber.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second header includes: A liquid distribution branch pipe, which is connected to the third chamber of the second header and is arranged at the conduction outflow end of the second valve component, wherein the liquid distribution branch pipe includes a first liquid distribution pipe and a second liquid distribution pipe. The first liquid distribution pipe is connected to the first heat exchange branch, and the second liquid distribution pipe is connected to the second heat exchange branch, and the second liquid distribution pipe is located below the first liquid distribution pipe.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, characterized in that The liquid distribution branch pipe further includes: A main pipe section, which is connected to the third chamber, and the first liquid distribution pipe and the second liquid distribution pipe are respectively connected to the main pipe section.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein, The second header further includes: A first branch pipe, which is connected to the fourth chamber of the second header and is arranged at the conduction inflow end of the second valve component.

11. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The second heat exchange module includes: A second heat exchange branch group, including multiple heat exchange branches; and, A second flow path switching component, which is connected to the second heat exchange branch group, wherein the second flow path switching component is used to switch the connection modes of at least some different heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange branch group under different operating modes.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second flow path switching component includes: A third header, a fourth header, a third valve component and a fourth valve component, Among them, the third valve component is communicated with the third header, and the fourth valve component is communicated with the fourth header.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein a first preset distance is provided between the third header and the first header of the first flow path switching assembly; and / or, a second preset distance is provided between the fourth header and the second header of the first flow path switching assembly.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein the projections of the third header and the first header of the first flow path switching assembly overlap in the vertical direction; and / or, the projections of the fourth header and the second header of the first flow path switching assembly overlap in the vertical direction.

15. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, characterized in that, It further includes: a main gas collecting pipe, including a first communicating branch pipe communicated with the first header of the first flow path switching assembly, and a second communicating branch pipe communicated with the third header.

16. The heat exchanger according to claim 15, wherein the projections of the first communicating branch pipe and the second communicating branch pipe overlap in the vertical direction.

17. The heat exchanger according to claim 15, wherein the connection port of the first communicating branch pipe and the first header is arranged at the conducting outflow end of the first valve component; the connection port of the second communicating branch pipe and the third header is arranged at the conducting outflow end of the third valve component.

18. The heat exchanger according to claim 17, wherein the distance from the connection port of the first communicating branch pipe and the first header to the top of the first header is a first distance, and the distance from the connection port of the second communicating branch pipe and the third header to the top of the third header is a second distance, wherein the first distance is greater than or equal to the second distance.

19. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein the multiple heat exchange branch pipes in the first heat exchange branch pipe group and the multiple heat exchange branch pipes in the second heat exchange branch pipe group are integrally arranged; or, the multiple heat exchange branch pipes in the first heat exchange branch pipe group and the multiple heat exchange branch pipes in the second heat exchange branch pipe group are separately arranged.

20. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein the first heat exchange module is arranged above the second heat exchange module; or, the first heat exchange module is arranged on the side of the second heat exchange module.

21. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein the sum of the number of heat exchange pipes in the first heat exchange branch pipe group and the number of heat exchange pipes in the second heat exchange branch pipe group is greater than or equal to a first quantity threshold.

22. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, It includes the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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