Heat exchanger 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 refrigerant pipes, a flow path switching assembly, a first throttling device, a first bypass pipeline and a first conduction component, and the refrigerant pipes form a plurality of heat exchange channels and a defrosting pipeline; the flow path switching assembly is used for being connected with the multiple heat exchange channels and controlled to switch the series-parallel connection state of the multiple heat exchange channels, and heat exchange pipe sections are formed when the multiple heat exchange channels are connected in series or in parallel; one end of the first throttling device is connected to the heat exchange pipe section, and the other end of the first throttling device is connected to the defrosting pipeline; the first bypass pipeline is connected to the first throttling device in parallel; and the first conduction component is arranged on the first bypass pipeline, when the first conduction component is conducted, a refrigerant flows through the first bypass pipeline, and when the first conduction component is cut off, the refrigerant flows through the first throttling device. The utility model further discloses the air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, frost easily forms on the outdoor heat exchanger, which can affect its heat transfer efficiency. Without defrosting, the air conditioner cannot continue to heat. Some air conditioners use a four-way valve to reverse the direction of the refrigerant, using high-temperature refrigerant for defrosting. This can interrupt indoor heating and affect the user experience.

[0003] To achieve non-stop defrosting, a heat exchanger disclosed in the related art includes a defrost branch, a first bypass branch, a second bypass branch, a third bypass branch, a fourth bypass branch, a first heat exchange branch, a second heat exchange branch, and a switching device. The heat exchanger in the related art includes a first throttling device in the defrost branch. The refrigerant retains a certain residual temperature before passing through the first throttling device, and this residual temperature is used to defrost the evaporator. This reduces interruptions in indoor heating.

[0004] During the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it was found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0005] In heat exchangers of related art, the first throttle device allows refrigerant to pass when fully open, but acts as a throttle when not fully open. When defrosting is not required, the first throttle device, even when fully open, will still have a certain throttling and pressure-reducing effect on the flow of refrigerant, affecting the system's refrigerant circulation speed and, consequently, the air conditioner's cooling and heating performance.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to ordinary technicians in this field. Utility Model Content

[0007] In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. The summary is not an extensive review, nor is it intended to identify key / critical elements or delineate the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather serves as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchanger and an air conditioner, so as to reduce the flow resistance of a throttling device to a refrigerant when the heat exchanger does not need to be defrosted, thereby improving the cooling and heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes, a flow switching assembly, a first throttling device, a first bypass line and a first conducting component, wherein the plurality of refrigerant tubes form a plurality of heat exchange passages and a defrost line; the flow switching assembly is used to connect the plurality of heat exchange passages and controllably switch the series and parallel states of the plurality of heat exchange passages, and the plurality of heat exchange passages form a heat exchange pipe section when connected in series or in parallel; the first throttling device has one end connected to the heat exchange pipe section and the other end connected to the defrost line; the first bypass line is connected in parallel to the first throttling device; the first conducting component is arranged in the first bypass line, and the refrigerant flows through the first bypass line when the first conducting component is turned on, and the refrigerant flows through the first throttling device when the conducting component is turned off.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first conducting component includes a first one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the first one-way valve is from the heat exchange pipe section to the defrost pipe.

[0011] In some embodiments, the refrigerant tubes are arranged horizontally, and the plurality of refrigerant tubes are distributed vertically, and a first portion of the refrigerant tubes located at the bottom ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes are connected to form the defrost pipeline.

[0012] In some embodiments, a second portion of the refrigerant tubes at the bottom of the plurality of refrigerant tubes are connected to form a heat exchange pipeline, and the first portion of the refrigerant tubes is located before the second portion of the refrigerant tubes along the air flow direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first throttling device includes an electronic expansion valve; or, the first throttling device includes a capillary tube.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multiple heat exchange paths include at least a first heat exchange path, a second heat exchange path and a third heat exchange path; the flow path switching assembly includes a first confluence device, a second confluence device, a first on-off switch, a third confluence device, a fourth confluence device and a second on-off switch, wherein the first confluence device is connected to the first end of the first heat exchange path; the second confluence device is connected to the first end of the second heat exchange path and the first end of the third heat exchange path; the first on-off switch is connected to the first confluence device at one end and to the second confluence device at the other end; the third confluence device is connected to the second section of the first heat exchange path and the second end of the second heat exchange path; the fourth confluence device is connected to the second end of the third heat exchange path; the second on-off switch is connected to the third confluence device at one end and to the fourth confluence device at the other end.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first on-off switching element is a one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve is from the second confluence device to the first confluence device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second on-off switching element is a one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve is from the fourth confluence device to the third confluence device.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, a second throttling device and the above-mentioned heat exchanger, wherein the compressor is provided with an air intake port and an air exhaust port; the four-way valve has a first interface connected to the air intake port, and a second interface connected to the air exhaust port; the indoor heat exchanger has one end connected to the third interface of the four-way valve; the second throttling device has one end connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger; the above-mentioned heat exchanger serves as an outdoor heat exchanger, one end of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the fourth interface of the four-way valve, and the other end is connected to the other end of the second throttling device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the opening degree of the second throttling device is adjustable, and the second throttling device plays a throttling role when it is partially opened.

[0019] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a second bypass line and a second conducting component, wherein the second bypass line is connected in parallel to the second throttling device; the second conducting component is arranged in the second bypass line, and when the second conducting component is opened, the refrigerant flows through the second bypass line, and when the second conducting component is cut off, the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device.

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

[0021] When defrosting the heat exchanger is not required, opening the first conduction component allows the refrigerant to flow through the first bypass line, thereby reducing the refrigerant's flow resistance at the first throttling device. This reduces the refrigerant's pressure drop, increases the system's refrigerant circulation volume, and improves the air conditioner's cooling and heating performance.

[0022] The above general description and the following description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by corresponding drawings. These exemplary descriptions and drawings do not limit the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation. In addition,

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

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation when the heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure is used as a condenser;

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation when the heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure is used as an evaporator;

[0027] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of another heat exchanger provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram of refrigerant circulation when the air conditioner provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure operates in heating mode;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant circulation when the air conditioner provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure operates in the cooling mode.

[0031] Reference numerals:

[0032] 10: Compressor; 20: Four-way valve; 30: Indoor heat exchanger; 40: Outdoor heat exchanger; 51: Second throttling device; 52: Second bypass line; 53: Second conduction component; 100: Heat exchange pipe section; 200: Defrost line; 110: First heat exchange passage; 120: Second heat exchange passage; 130: Third heat exchange passage; 311: First confluence device; 312: Second confluence device; 313: Third confluence device; 314: Fourth confluence device; 321: First on-off switching element; 322: Second on-off switching element; 410: First throttling device; 420: First bypass line; 430: First conduction component; 431: First one-way valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] 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 is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for reference only and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the sake of convenience of explanation, a full 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, to simplify the drawings, well-known structures and devices can be simplified for display.

[0034] In the description and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as in the accompanying drawings, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to distinguish similar items and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure herein. In addition, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0035] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "middle", "outside", "front", "back" and the like indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly intended to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements or components to having a specific direction, or to be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Moreover, in addition to being used to indicate directions or positional relationships, some of the above terms may also be used to indicate other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship in certain circumstances. 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] Furthermore, the terms "disposed," "connected," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can mean a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediary, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

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

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

[0039] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0040] The term "first end" refers to one of the inlet end and the outlet end of a pipeline, and the term "second end" refers to the other of the inlet end and the outlet end.

[0041] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0042] When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, frost easily forms on the outdoor heat exchanger, which can affect its heat transfer efficiency. Without defrosting, the air conditioner cannot continue to heat. Some air conditioners use a four-way valve to reverse the direction of the refrigerant, using high-temperature refrigerant for defrosting. This can interrupt indoor heating and affect the user experience.

[0043] In order to achieve non-stop defrosting, a heat exchanger is disclosed in the related art, comprising: a defrost branch, a first bypass branch, a second bypass branch, a third bypass branch, a fourth bypass branch, a first heat exchange branch, a second heat exchange branch and a switching device. In the heat exchanger in the related art, a first throttling device is provided in the defrost branch. The refrigerant still has a certain residual temperature before passing through the first throttling device, and the residual temperature of the refrigerant is used to defrost the evaporator. This can reduce indoor heating interruptions. The problem with the related art is that the first throttling device of the heat exchanger allows the refrigerant to pass when it is fully opened, and plays a throttling role when the first throttling device is not fully opened. When there is no need to defrost the heat exchanger, even if the first throttling device is fully opened, it will still have a certain throttling and pressure-reducing effect on the flow of the refrigerant, affecting the refrigerant circulation speed of the system, thereby affecting the cooling and heating effects of the air conditioner.

[0044] In order to reduce the flow resistance of the throttling device to the refrigerant when the heat exchanger does not need to be defrosted, thereby improving the cooling and heating efficiency of the air conditioner, Figures 1 to 7 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a heat exchanger, which includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes, a flow switching assembly, a first throttling device 410, a first bypass line 420 and a first conducting component 430, wherein the plurality of refrigerant pipes form a plurality of heat exchange paths and a defrost line 200; the flow switching assembly is used to connect the plurality of heat exchange paths and controllably switch the series and parallel states of the plurality of heat exchange paths, and the plurality of heat exchange paths form a heat exchange pipe section 100 when connected in series or in parallel; the first throttling device 410, one end of which is connected to the heat exchange pipe section 100 and the other end of which is connected to the defrost line 200; the first bypass line 420 is connected in parallel to the first throttling device 410; the first conducting component 430 is arranged in the first bypass line 420, and the refrigerant flows through the first bypass line 420 when the first conducting component 430 is turned on, and the refrigerant flows through the first throttling device 410 when the conducting component is turned off.

[0045] The heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes, the relative positions of the plurality of refrigerant tubes remain fixed, and the plurality of refrigerant tubes serve as a whole.

[0046] As an optional embodiment, the heat exchanger includes a bracket, and the plurality of refrigerant pipes are fixed to the bracket of the heat exchanger.

[0047] A portion of the refrigerant pipes is connected by a U-shaped pipe or a hairpin pipe, and this portion of the refrigerant pipes is combined to form a heat exchange passage. The heat exchange passage has a continuous refrigerant flow channel, and the heat exchange passage has an inlet end and an outlet end. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the term "the first end of the heat exchange passage" refers to one of the inlet end and the outlet end, and the term "the second end of the heat exchange passage" 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 passage can be connected in series or in parallel, and in some cases can be a series-parallel combination, as long as there is one inlet end and one outlet end for the refrigerant. In the case where the diameter of the refrigerant pipe is large, the refrigerant pipes in the heat exchange passage are preferably connected in series. In the case where the diameter of the refrigerant pipe is small, the refrigerant pipes in the heat exchange passage are preferably connected in parallel.

[0048] Another portion of the refrigerant pipes is connected via a U-shaped or hairpin tube, and these pipes together form a defrost pipe 200. The defrost pipe 200 has a continuous refrigerant flow path and has an inlet and an outlet. It should be noted that the multiple refrigerant pipes comprising the defrost pipe 200 can be connected in series or in parallel, or in some cases, in a combination of series and parallel, as long as they have a single inlet and outlet for the refrigerant.

[0049] The flow path switching assembly includes a connecting pipe group and a valve assembly. The connecting pipe group is used to connect multiple heat exchange paths. The valve assembly cooperates with the connecting pipe group to switch the series and parallel states of the multiple heat exchange paths.

[0050] For example, in combination Figure 3 As shown in the figure, when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the valve assembly switches the multiple heat exchange paths into parallel connection. When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant is in the low-temperature, low-pressure region, and heat transfer performance is primarily constrained by the heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. Connecting multiple heat exchange paths in parallel can significantly reduce system pressure drop, thereby improving heat transfer performance. When the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the valve assembly switches the multiple heat exchange paths into series connection.

[0051] Combine Figure 2 As shown in the figure, when the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the refrigerant is in a high-temperature, high-pressure zone. In this case, the heat transfer performance of the heat exchanger is primarily influenced by the heat transfer coefficient. Connecting multiple heat exchange pathways in series can accelerate refrigerant circulation and increase the heat transfer coefficient. Furthermore, connecting multiple heat exchange pathways in series allows the refrigerant to flow through the heat exchanger over a longer path, allowing it to continue cooling after condensing into a liquid state, thereby achieving a certain degree of subcooling. This further improves the system's cooling and heating efficiency.

[0052] Multiple heat exchange paths are connected via a flow path switching assembly to form a heat exchange segment 100. This segment 100 has a first inlet and a second inlet. When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant flows from the second inlet to the first inlet; when the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the refrigerant flows from the first inlet to the second inlet.

[0053] The first throttling device 410 is connected to the heat exchange pipe section 100 and the defrost pipe 200 via a connecting pipe. Specifically, when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant, still at a certain temperature, first enters the defrost pipe 200. This then raises the temperature of the defrost pipe 200, thereby melting the frost layer on the outer wall of the defrost pipe 200 and near the defrost pipe 200. After passing through the defrost pipe 200, the refrigerant is throttled and depressurized by the throttling device before entering the heat exchange pipe section 100. After throttling and depressurization, the refrigerant continues to flow in the heat exchange pipe section 100, absorbing heat and evaporating into a gaseous state during the flow. The gaseous refrigerant flows along the heat exchange pipe section 100 and exits the heat exchanger through the first inlet and outlet.

[0054] The two ends of the first bypass line 420 are respectively connected to the two ends of the first throttling device 410, so that the first throttling device 410 is connected in parallel. Parallel connection means that structurally, the refrigerant can selectively enter the throttling device or the first bypass line 420 when flowing through one end of the throttling device. The first conducting component 430 is arranged on the first bypass line 420 to control the on and off of the bypass line. When the first conducting component 430 is turned on, the flow resistance of the first bypass line 420 is small, and the refrigerant mainly flows through the bypass line. When the first conducting component 430 is turned off, the first bypass line 420 is not turned on, and the refrigerant can only continue to flow by throttling and reducing the pressure through the throttling device.

[0055] There are at least two situations when the heat exchanger does not need to be defrosted. The first situation is that the heat exchanger acts as an evaporator and does not need to be defrosted. In this case, the refrigerant flows through the defrost line 200, the first bypass line 420, and the heat exchange pipe section 100 in sequence. At this time, the defrost line 200 plays the same or similar role as the heat exchange passage. The liquid refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat in the defrost line 200 and each heat exchange passage, thereby enriching low-grade outdoor heat. The second situation is that the heat exchanger is used as a condenser. In this case, the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flows through the heat exchange pipe section 100, the first bypass line 420, and the heat exchange pipe section 100 in sequence. At this time, the defrost line 200 plays a role similar to a subcooling pipe. The refrigerant is further cooled in the defrost line 200 and obtains a certain degree of subcooling.

[0056] When the heat exchanger does not need to be defrosted, opening the first conducting component 430 allows the refrigerant to flow through the first bypass pipe 420, which can reduce the flow resistance of the refrigerant at the first throttling device 410, thereby reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, thereby increasing the refrigerant circulation volume of the system and improving the cooling and heating effects of the air conditioner.

[0057] Optionally, the first conducting component 430 includes a first solenoid valve, and the first solenoid valve is controlled to be turned on or off.

[0058] The solenoid valve is responsive and easy to control. The first conductive component 430, a solenoid valve, enables the heat exchanger to quickly and efficiently enter and exit defrost mode. Control of the solenoid valve is unaffected by the refrigerant flow direction, allowing the first bypass line 420 to be conductive when the heat exchanger is operating as an evaporator and defrosting is not required.

[0059] Optionally, the first conducting component 430 includes a first one-way valve 431 , and the conducting direction of the first one-way valve 431 is from the heat exchange pipe section 100 to the defrost pipe 200 .

[0060] When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant flows from the defrost line 200 to the heat exchange section 100. At this time, the first one-way valve 431 is closed. After entering the defrost line 200 and cooling, the refrigerant is throttled and reduced in pressure by the first throttling device 410 before entering the heat exchange section 100 to evaporate and absorb heat. When the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the refrigerant flows from the heat exchange section 100 to the defrost line 200. At this time, the first one-way valve 431 is open. After cooling in the heat exchange section 100, the refrigerant enters the defrost line 200 through the first bypass line 420, where it continues to cool and achieves a certain degree of subcooling.

[0061] The one-way valve has a simple structure and low cost, and its on and off states can be automatically switched according to the flow direction of the refrigerant. The first conducting component 430 includes the first one-way valve 431, which can reduce the cost of the heat exchanger, simplify the heat exchanger's electronic control program, and improve the working reliability of the heat exchanger.

[0062] Optionally, the refrigerant pipe is arranged horizontally and the plurality of refrigerant pipes are distributed vertically, and a first portion of the refrigerant pipes at the bottom of the plurality of refrigerant pipes are connected to form the defrost pipe 200 .

[0063] When the heat exchanger is in use, the refrigerant pipes are arranged horizontally and vertically.

[0064] As frost forms on the heat exchanger, condensed water flows downward under gravity, thickening the frost layer at the bottom of the heat exchanger. The first portion of the refrigerant pipes at the bottom of the multiple refrigerant pipes forms a defrost line 200. This line is located at the bottom of the heat exchanger and corresponds to the area with the thickest frost layer. This improves the defrosting effect of the heat exchanger.

[0065] Combine Figures 1 to 3 As shown, optionally, the second portion of refrigerant tubes at the bottom of the plurality of refrigerant tubes are connected to form a heat exchange pipeline, and the first portion of refrigerant tubes is located in front of the second portion of refrigerant tubes along the air flow direction.

[0066] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the diagram, the air flows from right to left.

[0067] The second portion of refrigerant in the plurality of refrigerant tubes is connected to form a heat exchange pipeline or at least a portion of the heat exchange tube section 100. Along the direction of air flow, the first portion of the refrigerant tube is located in the front stage of the second portion of the refrigerant tube, that is, after the air is blown to the heat exchange tube and its temperature rises, it is blown to the second portion of the refrigerant tube. This can increase the temperature of the air, thereby strengthening the heat convection effect between the air and the second portion of the refrigerant tube, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the heat exchanger. In addition, when the length of the defrost pipeline 200 is constant, the first portion of the refrigerant tube and the second portion of the refrigerant tube are both part of the plurality of refrigerant tubes located at the bottom end. This can increase the range of heat radiation and heat convection in the defrost pipeline 200, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0068] Optionally, the first throttling device includes an electronic expansion valve; or, the first throttling device includes a capillary tube.

[0069] When the first throttling device is an electronic expansion valve, the opening of the first throttling device can be adaptively adjusted to achieve a more appropriate temperature and pressure difference between the heat exchange pipe section 100 of the heat exchanger and the defrost pipe 200. This can provide stability in the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation system.

[0070] The capillary tube has a low cost and a relatively stable throttling and pressure reduction effect. The first throttling device includes a capillary tube, which can achieve a better defrosting effect while reducing the cost of the heat exchanger.

[0071] Optionally, combined Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the multiple heat exchange paths include at least a first heat exchange path 110, a second heat exchange path 120 and a third heat exchange path 130; the flow path switching assembly includes a first confluence device 311, a second confluence device 312, a first on-off switch 321, a third confluence device 313, a fourth confluence device 314 and a fourth on-off switch, wherein the first confluence device 311 is connected to the first end of the first heat exchange path 110; the second confluence device 312 is connected to the first end of the second heat exchange path 120 and the first end of the third heat exchange path 130; the first on-off switch 321 has one end connected to the first confluence device 311 and the other end connected to the second confluence device 312; the third confluence device 313 is connected to the second section of the first heat exchange path 110 and the second end of the second heat exchange path 120; the fourth confluence device 314 is connected to the second end of the third heat exchange path 130; the second on-off switch 322 has one end connected to the third confluence device 313 and the other end connected to the fourth confluence device 314.

[0072] Combine Figure 3As shown, when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the first on-off switch 321 and the second on-off switch 322 are in the on state, and the three heat exchange paths are connected in parallel. The liquid refrigerant enters the fourth confluence device 314 through the defrost pipe 200 and the first throttling device 410. The refrigerant entering the fourth confluence device 314 is divided into two parts, one part enters the third confluence device 313, and the other part enters the third heat exchange path 130. The refrigerant entering the third confluence device 313 is divided into two paths, entering the first heat exchange path 110 and the second heat exchange path 120 respectively, and finally merges into the first confluence device 311. The refrigerant flowing through the third heat exchange path 130 enters the second confluence device 312 and then enters the first confluence device 311 through the first on-off switch 321. Generally speaking, the refrigerant entering the fourth confluence device 314 is divided into three paths and enters the first heat exchange path 110 , the second heat exchange path 120 and the third heat exchange path 130 respectively, and finally merges into the first heat exchange path 110 and then leaves from the first inlet and outlet.

[0073] Combine Figure 2 As shown, when the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the first on-off switch 321 and the second on-off switch 322 are in the off state, and the three heat exchange paths are connected in series. The gaseous refrigerant enters the first confluence device 311 from the first inlet and outlet, then enters the third confluence device 313 through the first heat exchange path 110. The refrigerant entering the third confluence device 313 flows through the second heat exchange path 120, then enters the second confluence device 312, and then flows through the third heat exchange path 130 and enters the fourth confluence device 314. The refrigerant entering the fourth confluence device 314 flows sequentially through the first bypass line 420 and the defrost line 200 before exiting the heat exchanger. Overall, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the first heat exchange path 110, the second heat exchange path 120, the third heat exchange path 130, the first bypass line 420, and the defrost line 200.

[0074] Combine Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it should be noted that a plurality of refrigerant tubes can form three, five or more heat exchange passages. When the number of heat exchange passages exceeds three, a portion of the heat exchange passages is connected in parallel with the first heat exchange passage 110, the second heat exchange passage 120 or the third heat exchange passage 130. Exemplarily, a plurality of refrigerant tubes form a first heat exchange passage 110, a second heat exchange passage 120, a third heat exchange passage 130, a fourth heat exchange passage, a fifth heat exchange passage and a sixth heat exchange passage, wherein the fourth heat exchange passage is connected in parallel with the first heat exchange passage 110, the fifth heat exchange passage is connected in parallel with the second heat exchange passage 120, and the sixth heat exchange passage is connected in parallel with the third heat exchange passage 130. These situations of more than three heat exchange passages are simple variations of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] This arrangement allows the heat exchanger to have more branches when used as an evaporator and fewer branches when used as a condenser. This improves the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger when used as an evaporator and as a condenser, thereby increasing the cooling and heating efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0076] Optionally, the multiple heat exchange paths include the same number of refrigerant tubes.

[0077] In this way, the lengths of the various heat exchange paths can be made close, thereby making the flow velocities of the refrigerant in the multiple heat exchange paths close and evenly distributed.

[0078] Optionally, both ends of the heat exchange passage are located at the same end of the refrigerant pipe along the length direction.

[0079] For example, the refrigerant tube is arranged horizontally, with two ends along its length. One end of the refrigerant tube is connected to a hairpin tube, and the first and second ends of the heat exchange path are formed entirely at the other end of the refrigerant tube. When configuring the heat exchange path, the first and second confluence devices 311, 312, and valve assembly are all located at the same end of the refrigerant tube. This further enhances the integration of the heat exchanger and facilitates its processing.

[0080] Optionally, the first conducting component 430 is a one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve is from the second flow converging device 312 to the first flow converging device 311 .

[0081] The first on-off switching element 321 is a one-way valve that automatically switches between on and off states when the refrigerant flows in both directions. This arrangement improves the operational reliability of the convertible heat exchanger. Furthermore, compared to control-operated switching components, one-way valves offer lower costs, simpler structures, and a lower failure rate.

[0082] Optionally, the second conducting component 53 is a one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve is from the fourth confluence device 314 to the third confluence device 313 .

[0083] The second on-off switching element 322 is a one-way valve that automatically switches between an on and off state when the refrigerant flows in both directions. This arrangement improves the operating reliability of the convertible heat exchanger. Furthermore, the inclusion of the second on-off switching element 322 as a one-way valve reduces the cost of the convertible heat exchanger and improves its operating reliability.

[0084] Combine Figures 5 to 7As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioner, which includes a compressor 10, a four-way valve 20, an indoor heat exchanger 30, a second throttling device 51 and the above-mentioned heat exchanger, wherein the compressor 10 is provided with an air intake port and an air exhaust port; the four-way valve 20, the first interface is connected to the air intake port, and the second interface is connected to the air exhaust port; the indoor heat exchanger 30, one end is connected to the third interface of the four-way valve 20; the second throttling device 51, one end is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 30; the above-mentioned heat exchanger serves as an outdoor heat exchanger 40, one end of the outdoor heat exchanger 40 is connected to the fourth interface of the four-way valve 20, and the other end is connected to the other end of the second throttling device 51.

[0085] The air conditioner provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can switch between cooling and heating due to the provision of a four-way valve 20 .

[0086] Specifically, combined Figure 7 As shown, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the first and third ports of the four-way valve 20 are connected, and the second and fourth ports are connected. The refrigerant then flows sequentially through the compressor 10, the outdoor heat exchanger 40, the second throttling device 51, and the indoor heat exchanger 30. The indoor heat exchanger 30 functions as an evaporator, and the outdoor heat exchanger 40 functions as a condenser.

[0087] Combine Figure 6 As shown, when the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, the first and fourth ports of the four-way valve 20 are connected, and the second and third ports are connected. The refrigerant then flows sequentially through the compressor 10, the indoor heat exchanger 30, the second throttling device 51, and the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The indoor heat exchanger 30 functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator.

[0088] In the air conditioner provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the outdoor heat exchanger 40 includes a defrost line 200, a first bypass line 420, and a first conducting component 430. When defrosting is not required for the outdoor heat exchanger 40, the first conducting component 430 is opened to allow the refrigerant to flow through the first bypass line 420. This reduces the flow resistance of the refrigerant at the first throttling device 410, thereby reducing the pressure drop of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger, thereby increasing the refrigerant circulation capacity of the system and improving the cooling and heating performance of the air conditioner. When defrosting is required for the outdoor heat exchanger 40, the first conducting component 430 is closed, and the refrigerant passes through the defrost line 200 to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 40. After passing through the defrost line 200, the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger section 100 through the first throttling device 410, where it evaporates and absorbs heat. When defrosting is not required, the pressure loss of the outdoor heat exchanger 40 at the first throttling device 410 is low, the refrigerant circulation capacity of the system is high, and the air conditioner has better cooling and heating performance.

[0089] Optionally, the opening of the second throttling device 51 is adjustable, and the second throttling device 51 plays a throttling role when it is partially opened.

[0090] When the first conducting member 430 is closed, the first throttling device 410 performs a throttling and pressure-reducing function. In this case, the first throttling device 410 is fully open to reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant at the second throttling device 51. When the first conducting member 430 is open, the first throttling device 410 does not perform a throttling and pressure-reducing function. In this case, the first throttling device 410 is partially open to perform a throttling and pressure-reducing function.

[0091] By adopting such a setting mode, only one throttling device of the air conditioner can be operated in the same time period, thereby improving the stability of the system operation.

[0092] Optionally, combined Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the air conditioner also includes a second bypass pipe 52 and a second conducting component 53, wherein the second bypass pipe 52 is connected in parallel to the second throttling device 51; the second conducting component 53 is arranged in the second bypass pipe 52, and the refrigerant flows through the second bypass pipe 52 when the second conducting component 53 is opened, and the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device 51 when the second conducting component 53 is closed.

[0093] When the first conducting component 430 is turned off, the first throttling device 410 plays a throttling role. At this time, the second conducting component 53 is turned on, and the refrigerant passes through the second bypass line 52 without passing through the second throttling device 51.

[0094] When the first conducting component is conducting, the first throttling device 410 does not play a throttling role. At this time, the second conducting component 53 is cut off, and the refrigerant passes through the second throttling device 51 to be throttled and reduced in pressure.

[0095] This arrangement allows the air conditioner to operate with only one throttling device at a time, improving system stability. Furthermore, compared to fully opening the second throttling device 51, the provision of the second bypass line 52 and the second conducting member 53 can reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant at the second throttling device 51, thereby increasing the refrigerant circulation rate and thereby enhancing the cooling and heating performance of the air conditioner.

[0096] Optionally, the second conducting component 53 includes a second solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve is controlled to be turned on or off.

[0097] The electromagnetic valve is responsive and easy to control. The second conducting component 53 is an electromagnetic valve, which can enable the heat exchanger to enter or exit the defrost mode quickly and efficiently.

[0098] Take a usage scenario as an example, combined with Figure 6 As shown, when the air conditioner operates in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 40 serves as an evaporator, and there is a risk of frost on the outdoor heat exchanger 40 , and it may be necessary to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 40 .

[0099] When defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 40 is required, the first conducting component 430 is turned off and the second conducting component 53 is turned on. The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 30 still has some residual temperature and enters the defrost line to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The refrigerant entering the defrost line is throttled and reduced in pressure by the first throttling device 410 before entering the heat exchange pipe section 100, where it evaporates and absorbs heat.

[0100] When defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger 40 is not required, the first conducting component 430 is turned on and the second conducting component 53 is turned off. The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 30 is throttled and reduced in pressure by the second throttling device 51 before entering the outdoor heat exchanger 40. This increases the heat release of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 30 and reduces heat loss in the outdoor heat exchanger 40.

[0101] The second conducting component 53 includes a second solenoid valve, the control of which is not affected by the flow direction of the refrigerant. When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, it can flexibly enter or exit the defrost mode according to the frosting condition of the outdoor heat exchanger 40, thereby improving the heating effect of the air conditioner.

[0102] Optionally, the second conducting component 53 includes a second one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the second one-way valve is from the indoor heat exchanger 30 to the outdoor heat exchanger 40 .

[0103] Combine Figure 7 As shown, when the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser, eliminating the risk of frost formation. At this point, refrigerant flows from the outdoor heat exchanger 40 to the indoor heat exchanger 30, with the second one-way valve closed. The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 40 is throttled and reduced in pressure by the second throttling device 51 before entering the indoor heat exchanger 30 to evaporate and absorb heat. With the first conducting component 430 open, the refrigerant does not pass through the first throttling device 410 within the outdoor heat exchanger 40.

[0104] When the air conditioner is operating in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator, potentially subject to frost. At this point, refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger 30 to the outdoor heat exchanger 40, and the second one-way valve is open. The refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 30 passes through the second bypass line 52 and enters the defrost circuit of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. At this point, the first conducting component 430 is closed. After releasing heat and defrosting in the defrost circuit, the refrigerant passes through the first throttling device 410 and enters the heat exchange pipe section 100, absorbing heat by evaporation.

[0105] This configuration provides a simple, low-cost one-way valve, and allows for automatic switching of the on / off state based on the refrigerant flow direction. The inclusion of the second one-way valve as the second conducting component reduces the cost of the air conditioner, simplifies the air conditioner's electronic control program, and improves its operational reliability.

[0106] The above description and the accompanying drawings sufficiently illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Unless expressly required, individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace portions and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that: include: Multiple refrigerant pipes form multiple heat exchange paths and a defrost line; A flow path switching assembly is used to connect multiple heat exchange paths and controllably switch the series and parallel states of the multiple heat exchange paths. When the multiple heat exchange paths are connected in series or in parallel, a heat exchange tube section is formed. a first throttling device, one end of which is connected to the heat exchange pipe section and the other end of which is connected to the defrost pipe; a first bypass pipeline connected in parallel to the first throttling device; a first conducting component, disposed in the first bypass pipeline, wherein the refrigerant flows through the first bypass pipeline when the first conducting component is turned on, and the refrigerant flows through the first throttling device when the first conducting component is turned off; Wherein, the first conducting component includes a first one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the first one-way valve is from the heat exchange pipe section to the defrost pipe.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The refrigerant pipes are arranged horizontally and distributed vertically, and a first portion of the refrigerant pipes located at the bottom ends of the refrigerant pipes are connected to form the defrost pipeline.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that The second portion of the refrigerant tubes located at the bottom of the plurality of refrigerant tubes are connected to form a heat exchange pipeline. Along the air flow direction, the first portion of the refrigerant tubes is located in the front stage of the second portion of the refrigerant tubes.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that The first throttling device includes an electronic expansion valve; or, The first throttling device includes a capillary tube.

5. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The plurality of heat exchange paths include at least a first heat exchange path, a second heat exchange path, and a third heat exchange path; The flow path switching component includes: a first confluence device connected to the first end of the first heat exchange path; a second confluence device connecting the first end of the second heat exchange path and the first end of the third heat exchange path; a first on-off switch, one end of which is connected to the first merging device and the other end of which is connected to the second merging device; a third confluence device connecting the second end of the first heat exchange path and the second end of the second heat exchange path; a fourth confluence device connected to the second end of the third heat exchange path; One end of the second on-off switch is connected to the third confluence device, and the other end is connected to the fourth confluence device.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that The first on-off switching element is a one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve is from the second confluence device to the first confluence device; and / or, The second on-off switching element is a one-way valve, and the conducting direction of the one-way valve is from the fourth confluence device to the third confluence device.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: A compressor having an air intake port and an air exhaust port; A four-way valve, wherein the first port is connected to the air inlet and the second port is connected to the air outlet; an indoor heat exchanger, one end of which is connected to the third port of the four-way valve; a second throttling device, one end of which is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger; and, The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat exchanger serves as an outdoor heat exchanger, one end of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the fourth interface of the four-way valve, and the other end is connected to the other end of the second throttling device.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that The opening degree of the second throttling device is adjustable, and the second throttling device plays a throttling role when it is partially opened.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that Also includes: a second bypass pipeline connected in parallel to the second throttling device; The second conducting component is arranged in the second bypass pipeline. When the second conducting component is opened, the refrigerant flows through the second bypass pipeline. When the second conducting component is closed, the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device.

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