Heat exchange system and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a heat exchange system and an air conditioner, an outdoor heat exchanger of the heat exchange system comprises N stages of sub heat exchangers, N is greater than or equal to 2, and a first gas-liquid separator is arranged between two adjacent stages of sub heat exchangers in the N stages of sub heat exchangers; the four-way valve comprises a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected with the exhaust port, the second port is connected with one end of the indoor heat exchanger, the other end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected with one end of the first-stage sub heat exchanger in the N-stage sub heat exchangers, and the third port is connected with one end of the Nth-stage sub heat exchanger in the N-stage sub heat exchangers; the fourth port is connected with the air return port, the first port is communicated with one of the second port and the third port, and the fourth port is communicated with the other one of the second port and the third port. According to the heat exchange system, the flow speed of refrigerants in the sub heat exchangers is reduced, the heat exchange time of the refrigerants and the sub heat exchangers is prolonged, pressure loss is reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of air processing equipment, in particular to a heat exchange system and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, increasing the number of outdoor heat exchangers to increase the total heat exchange area is often used to improve the heat exchange efficiency of air conditioners. However, when the outdoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, there is a problem that the pressure loss of the outdoor heat exchanger is large, which affects the heat exchange efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a heat exchange system that reduces the flow rate of the refrigerant in the sub-heat exchanger, prolongs the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, and reduces pressure loss.

[0004] The utility model also provides an air conditioner, which includes the above-mentioned heat exchange system.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange system includes: a compressor having an exhaust port and a return air port; an indoor heat exchanger; an outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger including N stages of sub-heat exchangers, N≥2, and a first gas-liquid separator is provided between two adjacent stages of the sub-heat exchangers in the N stages; a four-way valve, the four-way valve including a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port being connected to the exhaust port, the second port being connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger, the other end of the indoor heat exchanger being connected to one end of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger in the N stages of the sub-heat exchanger, the third port being connected to one end of the N-stage sub-heat exchanger in the N stages of the sub-heat exchanger, the fourth port being connected to the return air port, the first port being connected to one of the second port and the third port, and the fourth port being connected to the other of the second port and the third port.

[0006] According to the heat exchange system of an embodiment of the present invention, the compressor has an exhaust port and a return air port, and the outdoor heat exchanger includes N-stage sub-heat exchangers, N≥2, and a first gas-liquid separator is provided between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchangers. The four-way valve includes a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port. The first port is connected to the exhaust port, the second port is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger, the other end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to one end of the 1st-stage sub-heat exchanger in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, the third port is connected to one end of the Nth-stage sub-heat exchanger in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, and the fourth port is connected to the return air port. The first port is connected to one of the second port and the third port, and the fourth port is connected to the other of the second port and the third port, thereby realizing the cooling mode and the refrigeration mode of the heat exchange system.

[0007] Furthermore, by providing a first gas-liquid separator between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, the refrigerant flow rate within the sub-heat exchanger is reduced in heating mode, extending the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, reducing pressure loss, and thereby improving the evaporation capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system. This allows the sub-heat exchanger to accommodate small-diameter heat exchange flow paths or large-capacity sub-heat exchangers, thereby enhancing the compatibility and versatility of the heat exchange system and the functionality of air conditioners using this heat exchange system. Furthermore, in cooling mode, the first gas-liquid separator increases the flow path length of the sub-heat exchanger when it functions as a condenser, facilitating more efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, increasing the cooling rate and boosting the cooling capacity of the heat exchange system.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first gas-liquid separator includes a first gas outlet, a first inlet and outlet, and a second inlet and outlet. The two adjacent sub-heat exchangers are respectively the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger. The second inlet and outlet of the first gas-liquid separator located between the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger is connected to one end of the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the first inlet and outlet is connected to one end of the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger. The first gas outlet is connected to the third port, and i≤N-1.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, each stage of the sub-heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange paths arranged in parallel, and the second inlet and outlet are multiple ones connected one-to-one with the multiple heat exchange paths of the sub-heat exchanger of the corresponding stage; or, the number of the second inlet and outlet is less than the number of the heat exchange paths of the sub-heat exchanger of the corresponding stage, and at least one of the second inlet and outlet is connected to multiple heat exchange paths.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention further include: a control valve, which is provided between the plurality of first gas outlets and the third port, and the control valve only allows the refrigerant to flow from the plurality of first gas outlets to the third port.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present invention further include: an electronic expansion valve, which is used to connect the indoor heat exchanger and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger, and a second gas-liquid separator is provided between the electronic expansion valve and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second gas-liquid separator includes a second gas outlet, a third inlet and outlet, and a fourth inlet and outlet. The fourth inlet and outlet are connected to the end of the indoor heat exchanger away from the second port, the third inlet and outlet are connected to the end of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger away from the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, and the second gas outlet is connected to the third port.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electronic expansion valve includes a first sub-electronic expansion valve and a second sub-electronic expansion valve, the first sub-electronic expansion valve is used to connect the indoor heat exchanger and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger, a second gas-liquid separator is provided between the first sub-electronic expansion valve and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger, and the second sub-electronic expansion valve is provided between the indoor heat exchanger and the first sub-electronic expansion valve. In heating mode, the first sub-electronic expansion valve is used to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger to the first-stage sub-heat exchanger; in cooling mode, the second sub-electronic expansion valve is used to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the first-stage sub-heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0014] Some embodiments of the present invention further include: a third gas-liquid separator, which is located between the fourth port and the return air port and is used to separate the refrigerant entering the compressor through the return air port.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the indoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of indoor sub-heat exchangers arranged in parallel.

[0016] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned heat exchange system.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided with a heat exchange system to achieve both cooling and refrigeration modes. Furthermore, a first gas-liquid separator is provided between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger. This reduces the refrigerant flow rate within the sub-heat exchanger in heating mode, prolongs the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, reduces pressure loss, and thereby increases the evaporation capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system. This allows the sub-heat exchanger to adapt to small-diameter heat exchange flow paths or to be equipped with a large-capacity sub-heat exchanger, thereby improving the compatibility and versatility of the heat exchange system and the functionality of air conditioners using this heat exchange system. Furthermore, in cooling mode, the first gas-liquid separator increases the flow path length of the sub-heat exchanger when it functions as a condenser, facilitating more efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, thereby increasing the cooling degree and improving the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and will become apparent from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat exchange system according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein N=2;

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 is a front view of a first gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a right side view of the first gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 It is a top view of the first gas-liquid separator according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Reference numerals:

[0028] 100. Heat exchange system;

[0029] 1. Compressor; 11. Exhaust port; 12. Return air port;

[0030] 2. Indoor heat exchanger; 21. Indoor sub-heat exchanger;

[0031] 3. Outdoor heat exchanger; 31. First-stage sub-heat exchanger; 311. Heat exchange flow path; 32. Second-stage sub-heat exchanger; 33. Nth-stage sub-heat exchanger;

[0032] 4. Four-way valve; 41. First port; 42. Second port; 43. Third port; 44. Fourth port;

[0033] 5. First gas-liquid separator; 51. First gas outlet; 52. First inlet and outlet; 53. Second inlet and outlet; 54. First pipeline; 55. Second pipeline; 56. Third pipeline; 57. Cylinder;

[0034] 6. Second gas-liquid separator; 61. Second gas outlet; 62. Third inlet and outlet; 63. Fourth inlet and outlet;

[0035] 7. The third gas-liquid separator;

[0036] 81. Control valve; 82. First diverter; 83. Second diverter;

[0037] 9. Electronic expansion valve; 91. First sub-electronic expansion valve; 92. Second sub-electronic expansion valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] The heat exchange system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] like Figures 1-4As shown, a heat exchange system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a compressor 1, an indoor heat exchanger 2, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, and a four-way valve 4. The compressor 1 has an exhaust port 11 and a return air port 12. The outdoor heat exchanger 3 includes N-stage sub-heat exchangers, where N ≥ 2. A first gas-liquid separator 5 is provided between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchangers. The four-way valve 4 includes a first port 41, a second port 42, a third port 43, and a fourth port 44. The first port 41 is connected to the exhaust port 11, the second port 42 is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 2, the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 2 is connected to one end of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 in the N-stage sub-heat exchangers, the third port 43 is connected to one end of the N-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 in the N-stage sub-heat exchangers, and the fourth port 44 is connected to the return air port 12. The first port 41 is in communication with one of the second port 42 and the third port 43, and the fourth port 44 is in communication with the other of the second port 42 and the third port 43.

[0043] It can be understood that in the heating mode, the first port 41 is connected to the second port 42, and the third port 43 is connected to the fourth port 44. The refrigerant flows from the exhaust port 11 of the compressor 1 through the first port 41 into the indoor heat exchanger 2 and releases heat. The refrigerant then flows from the indoor heat exchanger 2 to the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 and absorbs heat and evaporates before flowing to the first first gas-liquid separator 5. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is separated by the first first gas-liquid separator 5, so that the liquid refrigerant flows to the second-stage sub-heat exchanger 32 and absorbs heat and evaporates before flowing to the second stage sub-heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant flows to the second first gas-liquid separator 5, and then the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is separated by the second first gas-liquid separator 5, so that the liquid refrigerant flows to the third-stage sub-heat exchanger and absorbs heat and evaporates, and so on, until it flows to the Nth first gas-liquid separator 5 and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is separated by the Nth first gas-liquid separator 5, so that the liquid refrigerant flows to the Nth-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 and absorbs heat and evaporates before flowing to the third port 43. The refrigerant then flows through the third port 43 to the fourth port 44 and returns to the return air port 12 of the compressor 1.

[0044] Thus, by providing a first gas-liquid separator 5 between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchangers, the first gas-liquid separator 5 directs the separated liquid refrigerant to the connected sub-heat exchanger, thereby reducing the impact of the gaseous refrigerant entering the sub-heat exchanger on the refrigerant flow rate within the N-stage sub-heat exchanger. This in turn reduces the refrigerant flow rate within the sub-heat exchanger, prolongs the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, reduces pressure loss, and thereby improves the evaporation capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system 100. Furthermore, after N gas-liquid separations by the first gas-liquid separator 5, the refrigerant can be completely evaporated, reducing energy loss and further improving the evaporation capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 3. In addition, by providing a first gas-liquid separator 5 between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, the flow rate of the refrigerant in the sub-heat exchanger can be reduced, so that the sub-heat exchanger can adapt to a small-diameter heat exchange flow path 311 (for example: a heat exchange flow path 311 with a diameter of 5mm or 3mm) or a large-capacity sub-heat exchanger can be set, thereby improving the compatibility and versatility of the heat exchange system 100, and further improving the functionality of the air conditioner using the heat exchange system 100.

[0045] It should be noted that during the actual application of the heat exchange system 100, due to different environmental factors, the gas-liquid separator may not be able to completely separate the gas-phase refrigerant and the liquid-phase refrigerant, and part of the gas-phase refrigerant may mix with the liquid-phase refrigerant and flow from the liquid outlet to the sub-heat exchanger.

[0046] In the cooling mode, the first port 41 is connected to the third port 43, and the second port 42 is connected to the fourth port 44. The gas-liquid separator is equivalent to a straight-through pipe. Specifically, the refrigerant flows from the exhaust port 11 of the compressor 1 through the first port 41 and the third port 43 into the N-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 to condense and release heat. Then, the refrigerant flows from the N-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 through the gas-liquid separator to the N-1-stage sub-heat exchanger to condense and release heat, and so on, until it flows into the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 to condense and release heat. After that, the refrigerant flows from the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 to the indoor heat exchanger 2 to absorb heat and evaporate. Then, the refrigerant flows through the second port 42 to the fourth port 44 and returns to the return air port 12 of the compressor 1.

[0047] Therefore, a first gas-liquid separator 5 is provided between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, so that the first gas-liquid separator 5 increases the flow path length of the sub-heat exchanger when it serves as a condenser, thereby extending the residence time of the refrigerant in the condenser, helping the refrigerant to more fully exchange heat, increase the cooling degree, and improve the cooling capacity of the heat exchange system 100.

[0048] Specifically, if Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 includes two stages of sub-heat exchangers, with a first gas-liquid separator 5 disposed between the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 and the second-stage sub-heat exchanger 32. In heating mode, the first port 41 is connected to the second port 42, and the third port 43 is connected to the fourth port 44. Refrigerant flows from the exhaust port 11 of the compressor 1 through the first port 41 into the indoor heat exchanger 2, releasing heat. The refrigerant then flows from the indoor heat exchanger 2 to the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31, absorbs heat, and evaporates before flowing to the first gas-liquid separator 5. The first gas-liquid separator 5 separates the gas-liquid refrigerant into two phases, allowing the liquid refrigerant to flow to the second-stage sub-heat exchanger 32, absorb heat, and evaporate before flowing to the third port 43. The refrigerant then flows through the third port 43 to the fourth port 44, returning to the return air port 12 of the compressor 1.

[0049] In cooling mode, the first port 41 is connected to the third port 43, and the second port 42 is connected to the fourth port 44. The gas-liquid separator is equivalent to a straight-through pipe. Specifically, the refrigerant flows from the exhaust port 11 of the compressor 1 through the first port 41 and the third port 43 into the second-stage sub-heat exchanger 32 to condense and release heat. Then, the refrigerant flows from the second-stage sub-heat exchanger 32 through the gas-liquid separator to flow into the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 to condense and release heat, and so on, until it flows into the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 to condense and release heat. After that, the refrigerant flows from the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 to absorb heat and evaporate. Then, the refrigerant flows through the second port 42 to the fourth port 44 and returns to the return air port 12 of the compressor 1.

[0050] It should be noted that the first gas-liquid separator 5 can be a centrifugal gas-liquid separator or a filtering gas-liquid separator.

[0051] According to the heat exchange system 100 of an embodiment of the present invention, the compressor 1 has an exhaust port 11 and a return air port 12, and includes N-stage sub-heat exchangers through the outdoor heat exchanger 3, N≥2, and a first gas-liquid separator 5 is provided between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchangers. The four-way valve 4 includes a first port 41, a second port 42, a third port 43 and a fourth port 44. The first port 41 is connected to the exhaust port 11, the second port 42 is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 2, and the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 2 is connected to one end of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, the third port 43 is connected to one end of the N-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, and the fourth port 44 is connected to the return air port 12. The first port 41 is connected to one of the second port 42 and the third port 43, and the fourth port 44 is connected to the other of the second port 42 and the third port 43, so as to realize the cooling mode and the refrigeration mode of the heat exchange system 100.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing a first gas-liquid separator 5 between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, in heating mode, the refrigerant flow rate within the sub-heat exchanger is reduced, extending the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, reducing pressure loss, and thereby improving the evaporation capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system 100. This allows the sub-heat exchanger to be adapted to a small-diameter heat exchange flow path 311 or to be equipped with a large-capacity sub-heat exchanger, thereby improving the compatibility and versatility of the heat exchange system 100 and the functionality of air conditioners using this heat exchange system 100. Furthermore, in cooling mode, the first gas-liquid separator 5 increases the flow path length of the sub-heat exchanger when it functions as a condenser, facilitating more complete heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat exchanger, increasing the cooling degree and enhancing the cooling capacity of the heat exchange system 100.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-4 As shown, the first gas-liquid separator 5 includes a first gas outlet 51, a first inlet and outlet 52, and a second inlet and outlet 53. The two adjacent sub-heat exchangers are the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger, respectively. The second inlet and outlet 53 of the first gas-liquid separator 5 located between the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger is connected to one end of the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the first inlet and outlet 52 is connected to one end of the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger. The first gas outlet 51 is connected to the third port 43, and i≤N-1.

[0054] It will be appreciated that in heating mode, the refrigerant first flows into the i-th sub-heat exchanger, absorbs heat, and evaporates before flowing to the second inlet / outlet 53 of the first gas-liquid separator 5 located between the i-th and (i+1)-th sub-heat exchangers. The first gas-liquid separator 5 separates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, allowing the liquid refrigerant to flow through the first inlet / outlet 52 to the (i+1)-th sub-heat exchanger, where it absorbs heat and evaporates. Furthermore, when N>2, the number of first gas-liquid separators 5 is N-1. The gaseous refrigerants separated by the multiple first gas-liquid separators 5 are combined and then merged with the refrigerant flowing out of the N-th sub-heat exchanger 33 before flowing to the third inlet 43. Alternatively, when N=2, the number of first gas-liquid separators 5 is one. The gaseous refrigerant separated by the first gas-liquid separator 5 is combined with the refrigerant flowing out of the N-th sub-heat exchanger 33 before flowing to the third inlet 43.

[0055] In cooling mode, the refrigerant first flows into the i+1th stage sub-heat exchanger for condensation and heat release, and then flows into the ith stage sub-heat exchanger through the first inlet and outlet 52 and the second inlet and outlet 53 for condensation and heat release. At this time, the gas-liquid separator is equivalent to a straight-through pipe.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-4As shown, each stage of the sub-heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange paths 311 arranged in parallel, and the second inlet and outlet 53 are multiple ones connected one-to-one with the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the sub-heat exchanger of the corresponding stage; or, the number of the second inlet and outlet 53 is less than the number of the heat exchange paths 311 of the sub-heat exchanger of the corresponding stage, and at least one second inlet and outlet 53 is connected to multiple heat exchange paths 311.

[0057] Therefore, by including multiple heat exchange paths 311 arranged in parallel in each stage of the sub-heat exchanger, the refrigerant is more evenly distributed in the sub-heat exchanger, and the flow path is optimized, thereby more effectively utilizing the heat exchange area, reducing local overheating or overcooling, and reducing flow resistance and pressure drop, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the sub-heat exchanger.

[0058] At the same time, when there are multiple second inlets and outlets 53 connected one-to-one with the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the corresponding sub-heat exchanger, refrigerant can flow between the heat exchange paths 311 and the corresponding second inlets and outlets 53. Alternatively, the number of second inlets and outlets 53 is less than the number of heat exchange paths 311 of the corresponding sub-heat exchanger, and at least one second inlet and outlet 53 is connected to multiple heat exchange paths 311. It is understood that when the diameter of the first heat exchange path 311 is small, multiple first heat exchange paths 311 can be connected to at least one inlet, reducing the number of inlets and enabling refrigerant to flow between the first heat exchange path 311 and the corresponding inlet. Thus, by adapting to first heat exchange paths 311 with different apertures, the versatility of the heat exchange system 100 is improved.

[0059] Specifically, in heating mode, the refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger 2 to the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31, where it absorbs heat and evaporates. The refrigerant then flows from the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 to the multiple second inlets 53 of the corresponding first gas-liquid separator 5. The liquid refrigerant separated by the first gas-liquid separator 5 flows to the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the second-stage sub-heat exchanger 32, where it absorbs heat and evaporates. The liquid refrigerant then flows from the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the second-stage sub-heat exchanger 32 to the multiple second inlets 53 of the corresponding second first gas-liquid separator 5, and so on. It should be noted that the cooling mode is the reverse of the heating mode, as fully described above and will not be elaborated on here.

[0060] In some embodiments, as Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, the first gas-liquid separator 5 includes a cylinder 57, which defines a separation space connected to the first gas outlet 51, the first inlet and outlet 52 and the second inlet and outlet 53. The second inlet and outlet 53 are located on the side wall of the cylinder 57 and are multiple. The multiple inlets are spaced apart along the axial direction of the cylinder 57. The first gas outlet 51 and the first inlet and outlet 52 are respectively located at the two end surfaces of the cylinder 57 in the axial direction.

[0061] Thus, by having multiple second inlets and outlets 53 located on the sidewall of the cylinder 57 and spaced apart along the axial direction of the cylinder 57, the gas-liquid mixture enters the separation space through each of the multiple second inlets and outlets 53. This allows the gas-liquid mixture to enter the separation space in a more dispersed and uniform manner, thereby improving separation efficiency and reducing eddy currents and turbulence. Simultaneously, while maintaining a constant flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture entering the separation space, the multiple second inlets and outlets 53 located on the sidewall of the cylinder 57 reduce the aperture of the second inlets and outlets 53, thereby increasing the eccentricity, further improving gas-liquid separation efficiency, and reducing the diameter of the cylinder 57.

[0062] In some embodiments, as Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, the gas-liquid separator further includes a first pipeline 54, one end of which is connected to the first gas outlet 51. The end of the first pipeline 54 connected to the first gas outlet 51 extends into the cylinder 57 or is flush with the outer end surface of the cylinder 57. It will be understood that the gas separated in the separation space enters the first pipeline 54 through the first gas outlet 51 and is then discharged from the first pipeline 54.

[0063] Thus, the end of the first conduit 54 connected to the first gas outlet 51 extends into the cylinder 57, increasing the time the gas remains in the separation space before being discharged, thereby increasing the contact area and time between the gas and the liquid, helping to more thoroughly separate the gas from the liquid, reducing the amount of liquid carried by the gas during discharge, and improving gas-liquid separation efficiency. Alternatively, the end of the first conduit 54 connected to the first gas outlet 51 can be flush with the outer end surface of the cylinder 57, simplifying the gas-liquid separator structure, reducing complexity, facilitating assembly and disassembly of the first conduit 54, and improving efficiency.

[0064] In some embodiments, as Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, the gas-liquid separator also includes a second pipeline 55, one end of which is connected to the first inlet and outlet 52, wherein the end of the second pipeline 55 connected to the first inlet and outlet 52 is flush with the end surface of the cylinder 57. It can be understood that the liquid separated in the separation space enters the second pipeline 55 through the first inlet and outlet 52 and is discharged from the second pipeline 55. Thus, the end of the second pipeline 55 connected to the first inlet and outlet 52 is flush with the end surface of the cylinder 57, which effectively prevents the accumulation of liquid between the second pipeline 55 and the end surface of the cylinder 57, thereby preventing the residual liquid in the separation space from reducing the gas-liquid separation efficiency and improving the liquid discharge efficiency. At the same time, the structure of the gas-liquid separator is simplified, the complexity is reduced, the disassembly and assembly of the second pipeline 55 is facilitated, and the efficiency is improved.

[0065] In some embodiments, as Figure 5-Figure 7As shown, the barrel 57 is a cylindrical barrel 57, and the gas-liquid separator also includes a third pipeline 56. The third pipeline 56 is a plurality of third pipelines 56 corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of second inlets and outlets 53. One end of each of the plurality of third pipelines 56 is connected to each of the plurality of second inlets and outlets 53, and the third pipeline 56 extends along a tangent to the barrel 57. It can be understood that the gas-liquid mixture enters the plurality of third pipelines 56 and enters the separation space from the plurality of second inlets and outlets 53 corresponding to the plurality of third pipelines 56. Thus, the extension of the third pipeline 56 along the tangent of the barrel 57 helps to reduce the direct impact of the gas-liquid mixture on the inner wall of the separation space, thereby reducing turbulence and eddy currents, making the flow of the gas-liquid mixture in the separation space smoother, and improving the gas-liquid separation efficiency. At the same time, because the gas and liquid generate different centrifugal forces during rotation, thereby being pushed to different positions of the barrel 57, the vortex naturally formed in the separation space by the gas-liquid mixture entering through the tangent can further improve the efficiency of gas-liquid separation.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-4 As shown, the heat exchange system 100 further includes a control valve 81. The control valve 81 is disposed between the multiple first gas outlets 51 and the third port 43. The control valve 81 only allows refrigerant to flow from the multiple first gas outlets 51 to the third port 43. Thus, through this arrangement, in heating mode, the gaseous refrigerant separated by the first gas-liquid separator 5 can flow from the first gas outlet 51 to the third port 43 after merging with the refrigerant flowing out of the Nth-stage sub-heat exchanger 33. In cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port 11 of the compressor 1 can only flow into the Nth-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 through the first port 41, thereby improving the reliability of the heat exchange system 100.

[0067] Optionally, the control valve 81 is a one-way valve, a solenoid valve or an electronic expansion valve 9 , so that the control valve 81 only allows the refrigerant to flow from the gas outlet to the third port 43 .

[0068] In some embodiments, as Figures 1-4As shown, the heat exchange system 100 further includes a first flow divider 82. The multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 and the indoor heat exchanger 2 are connected via the first flow divider 82. Thus, in heating mode, this arrangement allows the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 2 to flow toward the first flow divider 82, where it is distributed and then flows into the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31. In cooling mode, this arrangement allows the refrigerant in the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 to flow toward the first flow divider 82, where it is combined and then flows into the indoor heat exchanger 2. Thus, the first flow divider 82 ensures that the refrigerant is evenly distributed in the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31, avoiding the situation where the refrigerant accumulates in a certain heat exchange path 311 and is insufficient in other heat exchange paths 311, thereby making the flow of the refrigerant smoother, reducing the flow resistance and pressure drop, and thus improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0069] In some embodiments, as Figures 1-4 As shown, the heat exchange system 100 further includes a second splitter 83. The multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the (i+1)-stage sub-heat exchanger are connected to the first inlet and outlet 52 of the first gas-liquid separator 5 located between the i-stage and (i+1)-stage sub-heat exchangers via the second splitter 83. Thus, in heating mode, this arrangement allows the liquid refrigerant flowing out of the first inlet and outlet 52 to flow toward the second splitter 83, where it is distributed and then flows toward the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the (i+1)-stage sub-heat exchanger. In cooling mode, this arrangement allows the refrigerant flowing out of the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the (i+1)-stage sub-heat exchanger to flow toward the second splitter 83, where it is combined and then flows into the gas-liquid separator through the first inlet and outlet 52. Thus, the second splitter 83 ensures that the refrigerant is evenly distributed in the multiple heat exchange paths 311 of the i+1-stage sub-heat exchanger, avoiding the situation where the refrigerant accumulates in a certain heat exchange path 311 and is insufficient in other heat exchange paths 311, thereby making the flow of the refrigerant smoother, reducing the flow resistance and pressure drop, and thus improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-4 As shown, the heat exchange system 100 further includes an electronic expansion valve 9. The electronic expansion valve 9 is used to connect the indoor heat exchanger 2 and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31. A second gas-liquid separator 6 is provided between the electronic expansion valve 9 and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31.

[0071] Therefore, in the heating mode, the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 2 releases heat and is throttled by the electronic expansion valve 9 to obtain a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows to the second gas-liquid separator 6, and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is separated by the second gas-liquid separator 6, so that the liquid refrigerant flows to the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 and absorbs heat and evaporates, thereby reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant in the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31, extending the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31, reducing pressure loss, and thereby improving the evaporation capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system 100.

[0072] In cooling mode, the refrigerant in the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 condenses and releases heat, then flows through the second gas-liquid separator 6 to the electronic expansion valve 9, and is throttled by the electronic expansion valve 9 to obtain low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant that flows to the indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-4 As shown, the second gas-liquid separator 6 includes a second gas outlet 61, a third inlet and outlet 62 and a fourth inlet and outlet 63. The fourth inlet and outlet 63 is connected to the end of the indoor heat exchanger 2 away from the second port 42, the third inlet and outlet 62 is connected to the end of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 away from the N-stage sub-heat exchanger 33, and the second gas outlet 61 is connected to the third port 43.

[0074] Therefore, in the heating mode, the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 2 releases heat and is throttled by the electronic expansion valve 9 to obtain a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the second gas-liquid separator 6 through the fourth inlet and outlet 63 and is separated into gas and liquid. The obtained liquid refrigerant flows into the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 through the third inlet and outlet 62 and absorbs heat and evaporates. The obtained gaseous refrigerant flows out through the second gas outlet 61 and merges with the refrigerant flowing out of the N-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 and then flows to the third outlet 43.

[0075] In the cooling mode, the refrigerant in the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 condenses and releases heat, and then flows to the second gas-liquid separator 6 through the third inlet and outlet 62. The refrigerant flows to the electronic expansion valve 9 through the second outlet, and is throttled by the electronic expansion valve 9 to obtain a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant that flows to the indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0076] Furthermore, a control valve 81 is provided between the plurality of second gas outlets 61 and the third port 43. The control valve 81 only allows refrigerant to flow from the plurality of second gas outlets 61 to the third port 43. Thus, with this arrangement, in heating mode, the gaseous refrigerant separated by the first gas-liquid separator 5 and the gaseous refrigerant separated by the second gas-liquid separator 6 are ensured to flow from the first gas outlet 51 and the second gas-liquid separator 6 to the second gas outlet 61, where they merge with the refrigerant flowing out of the Nth-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 before flowing to the third port 43. In cooling mode, the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port 11 of the compressor 1 is ensured to flow only into the Nth-stage sub-heat exchanger 33 through the first port 41, thereby improving the reliability of the heat exchange system 100.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-4 As shown, the electronic expansion valve 9 includes a first sub-electronic expansion valve 91 and a second sub-electronic expansion valve 92. The first sub-electronic expansion valve 91 is used to connect the indoor heat exchanger 2 and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31. A second gas-liquid separator 6 is provided between the first sub-electronic expansion valve 91 and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31. A second sub-electronic expansion valve 92 is provided between the indoor heat exchanger 2 and the first sub-electronic expansion valve 91. In the heating mode, the first sub-electronic expansion valve 91 is used to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 2 to the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31; in the cooling mode, the second sub-electronic expansion valve 92 is used to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 to the indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0078] Thus, in heating mode, the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 2 releases heat before being throttled by the first sub-electronic expansion valve 91 to produce a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. In cooling mode, the refrigerant in the first-stage sub-heat exchanger 31 condenses and releases heat before flowing through the second gas-liquid separator 6 to the second sub-electronic expansion valve 92, where it is throttled to produce a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant that flows to the indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0079] Furthermore, in the cooling mode, the first sub-electronic expansion valve 91 is in a fully open state, so that the refrigerant condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger 3 flows to the second sub-electronic expansion valve 92 through the first sub-electronic expansion valve 91 in the fully open state, and after throttling by the second sub-electronic expansion valve 92, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is obtained and enters the indoor heat exchanger 2.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-4As shown, the heat exchange system 100 further includes a third gas-liquid separator 7, which is located between the fourth port 44 and the return air port 12 and is used to separate the refrigerant entering the compressor 1 through the return air port 12. Thus, the gaseous refrigerant separated by the third gas-liquid separator 7 flows into the compressor 1 through the return air port 12, thereby preventing the liquid refrigerant from impacting the internal components of the compressor 1, helping to extend the service life of the compressor 1 and reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1-4 As shown, the indoor heat exchanger 2 includes multiple indoor sub-heat exchangers 21 arranged in parallel. This arrangement evenly distributes the refrigerant among the multiple indoor sub-heat exchangers, preventing overload or inefficient operation of the indoor sub-heat exchangers 21. It also significantly increases the total heat exchange area of ​​the indoor heat exchanger 2, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0082] The air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0083] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a heat exchange system 100 .

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided with a heat exchange system 100 to achieve both cooling and refrigeration modes. Furthermore, a first gas-liquid separator 5 is provided between two adjacent sub-heat exchangers in the N-stage sub-heat exchanger. This reduces the refrigerant flow rate within the sub-heat exchanger in heating mode, prolongs the heat exchange time between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, and reduces pressure loss. This in turn improves the evaporation capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange system 100. This allows the sub-heat exchanger to accommodate a small-diameter heat exchange flow path 311 or a large-capacity sub-heat exchanger, thereby improving the compatibility and versatility of the heat exchange system 100 and the functionality of the air conditioner incorporating this heat exchange system 100. Furthermore, in cooling mode, the first gas-liquid separator 5 increases the flow path length of the sub-heat exchanger when it functions as a condenser, facilitating more efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant and the sub-heat exchanger, increasing the cooling rate and enhancing the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.

[0085] Other components of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, such as the indoor heat exchanger 2, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, etc. and their operations are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0086] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative use of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and purpose of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat exchange system, characterized in that: include: A compressor having an exhaust port and an air return port; Indoor heat exchanger; An outdoor heat exchanger, wherein the outdoor heat exchanger comprises N stages of sub-heat exchangers, where N is greater than or equal to 2, and a first gas-liquid separator is provided between two adjacent stages of the N stages of sub-heat exchangers; A four-way valve, the four-way valve includes a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, the first port is connected to the exhaust port, the second port is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger, the other end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to one end of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger among the N-stage sub-heat exchangers, the third port is connected to one end of the N-stage sub-heat exchanger among the N-stage sub-heat exchangers, the fourth port is connected to the return air port, the first port is connected to one of the second port and the third port, and the fourth port is connected to the other of the second port and the third port.

2. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first gas-liquid separator includes a first gas outlet, a first inlet and outlet, and a second inlet and outlet. The two adjacent sub-heat exchangers are respectively the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger. The second inlet and outlet of the first gas-liquid separator located between the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger is connected to one end of the i-th sub-heat exchanger and the first inlet and outlet is connected to one end of the i+1-th sub-heat exchanger. The first gas outlet is connected to the third port, and i≤N-1.

3. The heat exchange system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each stage of the sub-heat exchanger includes multiple heat exchange paths arranged in parallel, and the second inlet and outlet are multiple and connected one-to-one with the multiple heat exchange paths of the sub-heat exchanger of the corresponding stage; or, the number of the second inlet and outlet is less than the number of the heat exchange paths of the sub-heat exchanger of the corresponding stage, and at least one second inlet and outlet is connected to multiple heat exchange paths.

4. The heat exchange system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: A control valve is provided between the first gas outlets and the third port, and the control valve only allows the refrigerant to flow from the first gas outlets to the third port.

5. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: An electronic expansion valve is used to connect the indoor heat exchanger and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger, and a second gas-liquid separator is provided between the electronic expansion valve and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger.

6. The heat exchange system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second gas-liquid separator includes a second gas outlet, a third inlet and outlet, and a fourth inlet and outlet. The fourth inlet and outlet is connected to the end of the indoor heat exchanger away from the second outlet, the third inlet and outlet is connected to the end of the first-stage sub-heat exchanger away from the N-stage sub-heat exchanger, and the second gas outlet is connected to the third outlet.

7. The heat exchange system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electronic expansion valve includes a first sub-electronic expansion valve and a second sub-electronic expansion valve, the first sub-electronic expansion valve is used to connect the indoor heat exchanger and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger, a second gas-liquid separator is provided between the first sub-electronic expansion valve and the first-stage sub-heat exchanger, and the second sub-electronic expansion valve is provided between the indoor heat exchanger and the first sub-electronic expansion valve. In heating mode, the first sub-electronic expansion valve is used to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger to the first-stage sub-heat exchanger; in cooling mode, the second sub-electronic expansion valve is used to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the first-stage sub-heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger.

8. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A third gas-liquid separator is located between the fourth port and the air return port, and is used to separate the refrigerant entering the compressor through the air return port.

9. The heat exchange system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The indoor heat exchanger includes a plurality of indoor sub-heat exchangers arranged in parallel.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that: The heat exchange system comprises the heat exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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