Heating device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a heater which comprises an outer shell, a heating element and a heating element, the heating heat exchanger is arranged in the shell, the heating heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger are connected in parallel, and the heating heat exchanger is a micro-channel heat exchanger; the heating heat exchanger comprises two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies are arranged in a spaced mode, and refrigerants flow through the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies; the heating heat exchanger further comprises a connecting piece, the connecting piece is connected between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, a cavity extending in the first direction is formed between the connecting piece and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, and the first direction is the vertical direction. The connecting piece is arranged between the two refrigerant pipe assemblies, on one hand, the natural convection heat exchange area can be increased through the connecting piece, on the other hand, the vertical cavity can be formed by the connecting piece and the two refrigerant pipe assemblies, the chimney effect is formed, and therefore the convection heat exchange coefficient can be increased; therefore, heat exchange between the two refrigerant pipe assemblies can be achieved through the connecting piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heating technology, and in particular to a heater. Background Technology

[0002] Air source heat pump heating is becoming increasingly popular in the market due to its flexibility and high efficiency. Under the dual carbon background, air source heat pump heating is the preferred heating solution in areas without centralized heating. Air source heat pumps transfer heat energy from the low temperature outdoor air to the indoor environment through vapor compression circulation, achieving energy-saving heating effects. Compared with electric heating and coal-fired centralized heating, the equivalent coal consumption of air source heat pumps is about 30% and 55% of the latter, respectively.

[0003] In related technologies, air source heat pumps transfer heat to the water side, and the heated water is then pumped to the indoor water-based heating terminals. These products have high initial installation costs, frequent water system failures, and complex maintenance; furthermore, the water pump's power consumption often accounts for more than 15% of the total energy consumption. Alternatively, air source heat pumps incorporating various direct expansion heat dissipation terminal technologies have pioneered a new heating method, enabling waterless heating. Compared to water-based air source heat pump systems, this eliminates secondary heat exchange, improves energy efficiency by more than 5%, and significantly saves energy.

[0004] However, when heat exchangers are selected as the terminal for indoor heating, no fan is installed on the heat exchanger, so the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is low. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a heater in which a connector is provided between two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies. On the one hand, the connector can increase the natural convection heat transfer area; on the other hand, the connector and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies can form a vertical cavity, creating a chimney effect, thereby enhancing the convection heat transfer coefficient and increasing the heat transfer capacity of the heating heat exchanger.

[0006] A heater according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell; a heating heat exchanger disposed within the shell, the heating heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger connected in parallel, the heating heat exchanger being a microchannel heat exchanger, and the heater being configured such that refrigerant flows through the heating heat exchanger to exchange heat with indoor air; the heating heat exchanger includes: two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies being spaced apart from each other, and refrigerant flowing through the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies; wherein, the heating heat exchanger further includes: a connector, the connector being connected between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, and a cavity extending in a first direction being formed between the connector and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, the first direction being a vertical direction.

[0007] According to the embodiment of the present invention, a connector is provided between two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies in the heater. On the one hand, the connector can increase the natural convection heat transfer area. On the other hand, the connector and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies can form a vertical cavity, forming a chimney effect, thereby enhancing the convection heat transfer coefficient. Furthermore, since the connector is connected between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, the connector can achieve heat exchange between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, thereby achieving the effect of lateral heat transfer and increasing the heat exchange capacity of the heating heat exchanger.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the connector includes: a rib disposed between two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies; two connecting plates disposed at both ends of the rib in a second direction, the two connecting plates being respectively connected to the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies; wherein, the second direction is the thickness direction of the heater.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the two connecting plates are disposed on the same side of the rib in a third direction; or, the two connecting plates are disposed on different sides of the rib in a third direction; wherein, the third direction is the length direction of the heater.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the width of the rib is h1, and h1 satisfies the relationship: h1≤65mm, h1≥35mm; and the width of the connecting plate is h2, and h2 satisfies the relationship: h2≤65mm, h2≥35mm.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple ribs, which are spaced apart in a third direction, and the cavity is formed between two adjacent ribs and two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerant pipe assembly includes: a plurality of refrigerant pipes spaced apart in a first direction, wherein the refrigerant pipes are flat pipes and a plurality of microchannels spaced apart in the first direction are provided inside the refrigerant pipes.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerant pipe assembly further includes: a first manifold, which is disposed at one end of the plurality of refrigerant pipes in a third direction; and a second manifold, which is disposed at the other end of the plurality of refrigerant pipes in a third direction.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the outer shell includes: a first shell disposed on the lower side of the heating heat exchanger, the first shell having a heat exchange air inlet; a second shell disposed on the upper side of the heating heat exchanger, the second shell having a heat exchange air inlet; and side plates disposed around the heating heat exchanger and connected to the first shell and the second shell respectively, the side plates being configured to exchange heat with indoor air.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the side plate is provided with a plurality of reinforcing grooves extending in a first direction.

[0016] A heater according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a shell; a heating heat exchanger disposed within the shell, the heating heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger connected in parallel, the heating heat exchanger being a microchannel heat exchanger, and the heater being configured such that refrigerant flows through the heating heat exchanger to exchange heat with indoor air; the heating heat exchanger includes: two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies being spaced apart from each other, and refrigerant flowing through the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies; wherein, the heating heat exchanger includes: a connector, the connector being connected between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, the connector and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies forming a cavity extending in a first direction, and the shell being provided with a heat exchange surface for exchanging heat with indoor air.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is heating mode one of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is the second heating mode of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is the cooling mode of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a heater according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heat flow direction of the heater according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 6This is a side view of a heater according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a heater according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heating heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a heater according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Partial schematic diagram A.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 100. Air conditioner;

[0031] 11. Compressor; 12. Outdoor heat exchanger; 13. Throttling device; 14. Four-way valve; 15. Indoor heat exchanger; 16. Gas-liquid separator; 17. First three-way valve; 18. Second three-way valve;

[0032] 20. Heater;

[0033] 21. Outer shell; 211. First shell; 212. Second shell; 213. Side plate; 214. Heat exchange air inlet; 215. Heat exchange air outlet; 216. Reinforcing groove;

[0034] 22. Heating heat exchanger; 23. Refrigerant pipe assembly; 231. Refrigerant pipe; 232. First manifold; 233. Second manifold; 234. Inlet pipe connector; 235. Outlet pipe connector; 24. Connector; 241. Fin; 242. Connecting plate; 25. Cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below.

[0036] The following is for reference. Figures 1-10 A heater according to an embodiment of the present utility model is described.

[0037] The first direction is the vertical direction of the heater 20, the second direction is the thickness direction of the heater 20, and the third direction is the length direction of the heater 20.

[0038] The air conditioner 100 includes a refrigerant circulation loop, which allows the refrigerant to circulate in a loop consisting of a compressor 11, a condenser, a throttling device 13, an evaporator, and a four-way valve 14. One of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the other is an indoor heat exchanger 15.

[0039] The compressor 11 is mainly used to compress gas and increase the pressure and temperature of the gas. The compressor 11 has an intake port and an exhaust port. Low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is drawn in from the intake port, and after being compressed by the piston driven by the motor, high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant is discharged to the exhaust port, providing power for the refrigeration cycle.

[0040] Taking refrigeration as an example, compressor 11 is responsible for drawing in low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the suction port, compressing it through the piston driven by the motor, and then discharging high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant to the discharge port. During this process, a pressure difference is formed in the pipeline, thereby realizing the refrigeration cycle, namely compression → condensation (heat release) → expansion → evaporation (heat absorption).

[0041] The specific types of refrigerants include Freon, ammonia, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, etc.

[0042] The throttling device 13 is connected between one end of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and one end of the outdoor heat exchanger 12 to change the refrigerant pressure. The throttling device 13 regulates the refrigerant flow rate, primarily by changing the pressure to achieve throttling and pressure reduction. Generally, it has a variable orifice inside. When refrigerant enters, the pressure causes the orifice to decrease, thus reducing the flow rate; when refrigerant leaves, the pressure causes the orifice to increase, thus increasing the flow rate. Therefore, it can effectively reduce the power consumption of the air conditioning system and lower operating costs.

[0043] The throttling device 13 can be an electronic throttling device, a thermal throttling device, or a capillary tube.

[0044] Electronic throttling devices can precisely control the flow rate of refrigerant. Based on the operating requirements of the air conditioning system, they can detect and collect data on multiple parameters such as the temperature difference between the air inlet and outlet of the air conditioner, the return air temperature, and their set values. After processing by a microcomputer, the opening of the electronic throttling device is automatically controlled, thereby precisely controlling the flow rate of refrigerant in the air conditioning system so that the refrigeration cycle can be maintained in the optimal state.

[0045] The thermal throttling device primarily senses the refrigerant superheat through an evaporator temperature sensor, thereby adjusting the valve opening. When the superheat is high, it indicates sufficient evaporation, with the refrigerant already in a gaseous state and superheated. This increases the pressure within the diaphragm chamber, pushing the valve stem downwards and ultimately increasing the valve opening. Conversely, if the superheat is low, it indicates insufficient evaporation. In this case, the pressure within the diaphragm chamber decreases, causing the diaphragm to push the valve body upwards, thus decreasing the valve opening.

[0046] Capillary tubes are simple in structure and low in cost. Because of their small pore size, refrigerant flowing through a capillary tube must overcome internal resistance, resulting in a pressure drop. The smaller the diameter and the longer the tube, the greater the pressure drop. Therefore, the regulating effect of a capillary tube is primarily controlled by the length of the tube.

[0047] The four-way valve 14 is connected to the other end of the gas-liquid separator, the exhaust port, the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 12, thereby forming a cooling circulation loop for refrigerant flow. By switching the four-way valve 14, the flow direction of the refrigerant can be changed, thereby switching the operating mode of the system.

[0048] Taking the cooling mode as an example, when the air conditioning system is working, the gaseous refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 11 and enters the outdoor heat exchanger 12 through the four-way valve 14. After condensation and heat exchange, it becomes liquid. After heat exchange, the liquid refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger 15 through the throttling and pressure reduction effect of the throttling device 13. After evaporation and heat exchange, it becomes gaseous.

[0049] Taking the heating mode as an example, when the air conditioning system is working, the gaseous refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 11 and enters the indoor heat exchanger 15 through the four-way valve 14. After condensation and heat exchange, it becomes liquid. After heat exchange, the liquid refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger 12 through the throttling and pressure reduction effect of the throttling device 13. After evaporation and heat exchange, it becomes gaseous.

[0050] In this way, the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15 have condensation and evaporation functions respectively. Compared with the existing air conditioning system, where the same heat exchanger needs to undertake condensation and evaporation functions simultaneously in different modes, this reduces the requirements for the heat exchanger and saves the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger.

[0051] Furthermore, a gas-liquid separator 16 is installed between the outdoor heat exchanger 12 and the indoor heat exchanger 15. The gas-liquid separator 16 separates gaseous and liquid refrigerant, preventing liquid refrigerant from causing liquid slugging in the compressor 11 and ensuring its safe and normal operation. Additionally, the gas-liquid separator 16 provides extra internal volume for the low-pressure side of the air conditioning system to temporarily store excess liquid refrigerant and prevent excess liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor 11. The working principle of the gas-liquid separator 16 is mainly based on the density difference between gas and liquid and refrigerant kinetics. When gas and liquid mix and flow, due to the density difference, the liquid settles at the bottom to form a liquid phase, while the gas remains at the top to form a gas phase, thus achieving gas-liquid separation.

[0052] In addition, the air conditioner 100 also includes a heater 20, which is connected in parallel with an indoor heat exchanger 15. The heater 20 is configured such that when the air conditioner 100 is in heating mode, refrigerant flows through the heater 20 to exchange heat with the indoor air. That is, refrigerant can be introduced into the heater 20, so that when the air conditioner 100 is operating in heating mode, the refrigerant enters the heater 20 to release heat, thereby heating the indoor environment.

[0053] The heating process is as follows: The compressor 11 discharges heat into the four-way valve 14, which then distributes the refrigerant to the heater 20. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant releases heat at the heater 20, condensing into liquid refrigerant, which then enters the gas-liquid separator 16. Finally, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is throttled and depressurized through the throttling device 13 into a low-pressure two-phase refrigerant, which absorbs heat and evaporates into refrigerant gas in the condenser. This gas then returns to the compressor 11's suction port via the four-way valve 14, completing the heat pump cycle. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant releases heat at the heater 20, thus overcoming the poor comfort of air-cooled terminal heating systems. The indoor unit heats through natural convection, improving comfort.

[0054] Furthermore, the heater 20 includes: a housing 21 and a heating heat exchanger 22, the heating heat exchanger 22 being disposed inside the housing 21, and the heating heat exchanger 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 15 being connected in parallel.

[0055] The heating heat exchanger 22 has a small internal volume per unit heat exchange area, only about 1 / 5 that of a 5mm diameter copper tube, which can effectively reduce the amount of refrigerant required. In addition, because the heating heat exchanger 22 has a large heat transfer area per unit volume, it can achieve efficient heat exchange in a very small space, making it very suitable for applications with limited space.

[0056] Furthermore, the heating heat exchanger 22 is made of aluminum, which has a low density, far lower than other commonly used metals such as copper (approximately 8.9 g / cm³). This makes the heating heat exchanger 22 lighter, facilitating transportation and installation. Additionally, the aluminum heating heat exchanger 22 has good thermal conductivity. Although aluminum's thermal conductivity is slightly lower than copper's, it still possesses excellent thermal conductivity, effectively transferring heat to meet most heat exchange requirements. Moreover, the aluminum heating heat exchanger 22 has good corrosion resistance. Aluminum forms a dense oxide film in the air, which effectively prevents further oxidation of the internal metal or corrosion by other chemicals.

[0057] Combination Figures 3-8 As shown, the heating heat exchanger 22 includes two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 and a connector 24. The two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 are spaced apart from each other, and refrigerant flows through the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23. The connector 24 is connected between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23, and a cavity 25 extending in a first direction is formed between the connector 24 and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23.

[0058] In other words, the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 are separated by the connector 24, so that a cavity 25 extending in the vertical direction can be formed between the connector 24 and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23. This allows the indoor air below the heater 20 to be heated in the cavity 25. Because the density of hot air is low, the heated indoor air will flow upward and out of the heater 20. The relatively cool indoor air will circulate into the heater 20 to be heated, thereby achieving the heating of the indoor environment.

[0059] Furthermore, the connector 24 is connected between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23, thereby enabling the connector 24 to achieve heat exchange between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23, thus achieving the effect of lateral heat transfer.

[0060] Therefore, a connector 24 is provided between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23. On the one hand, the connector 24 can increase the natural convection heat transfer area. On the other hand, the connector 24 and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 can form a vertical cavity 25, forming a chimney effect, which can enhance the convection heat transfer coefficient and increase the heat transfer capacity of the heating heat exchanger 22.

[0061] Among them, such as Figure 10 As shown, the connector 24 includes a rib 241 and two connecting plates 242, which are disposed between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23. The ribs 241 are located at both ends in the second direction, and the two connecting plates 242 are respectively connected to the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23. With this configuration, the connector 24 consists of the rib 241 and the two connecting plates 242, wherein the rib 241 is used to separate the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 to form a cavity 25, and the connecting plates 242 are used to fixably connect to the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23.

[0062] Furthermore, the fins 241 can also serve as heat exchangers. That is, the heat from the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 can be conducted to the fins 241 through thermal conduction. This allows the indoor air to exchange heat with the fins 241 and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 simultaneously when the indoor air flows in the cavity 25, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heater 20.

[0063] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 10 As shown, the two connecting plates 242 are disposed on the same side of the rib 241 in the third direction. That is, the two connecting plates 242 and the rib 241 can form a "C" shape, which makes the overall strength of the connector 24 high, thus enabling it to withstand more loads.

[0064] Alternatively, according to another optional embodiment of the present invention, two connecting plates 242 are disposed on different sides of the rib 241 in a third direction. That is, the two connecting plates 242 and the rib 241 can form a "Z" shape. The "Z" shape structure can improve the stability of the heater 20, and with this design, the heater 20 can better resist the influence of external forces.

[0065] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the width of the rib 241 is h1, where h1 ≥ 35 mm.

[0066] In other words, the width of the fin 241 cannot be too low. At 35mm, indoor air can pass through the fin 241 relatively smoothly and exchange heat with it, resulting in good heating. A width lower than 35mm leads to fewer airflow channels, restricting airflow and affecting indoor air convection circulation. Furthermore, a smaller width reduces the contact area between indoor air and the fin 241, preventing sufficient heat exchange and thus reducing heating efficiency. Therefore, the width of the fin 241 cannot be less than 35mm.

[0067] Preferably, the width of the fin 241 is not less than 40mm, i.e. a≥40mm. In this way, the width of the fin 241 increases, the space of the cavity 25 increases, and the contact area between the indoor air and the fin 241 increases, which can ensure better air supply efficiency and air heating effect.

[0068] In a further preferred embodiment, the width of the fin 241 is not less than 45mm, i.e. a≥45mm. The width of the fin 241 is further increased, the wind resistance at the fin 241 is significantly reduced, the convection circulation efficiency of indoor air is improved, the surface area of ​​the fin 241 in contact with indoor air is further increased, and the fin 241 can better exchange heat with indoor air.

[0069] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the width of the rib 241 is h1, where h1 ≤ 65 mm.

[0070] In other words, the width of the fin 241 cannot be too large. A width of 65mm represents a large distance between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23, resulting in extremely low air resistance and high airflow efficiency at the fin 241, which helps improve the air delivery efficiency of the heater 20 and reduce system energy efficiency. However, the large distance between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 results in lower overall strength, and the overall size of the heater 20 must be considered during design and assembly to prevent it from becoming too large. Therefore, the width of the fin 241 cannot exceed 65mm.

[0071] Preferably, the width of the fins 241 is no more than 60mm, i.e. a≤60mm. Within this range, the airflow rate is suitable, the heating effect of indoor air is good, and it can withstand greater pressure, thus extending the service life of the heater 20.

[0072] Further preferably, the width of the fin 241 is no more than 55mm, i.e. a≤55mm. Within this range, a good airflow rate can still be maintained, which does not affect the air supply of the heater 20. The contact area between the indoor air and the fin 241 is moderate, which does not affect the heating effect of the indoor air. At the same time, it can maintain high strength, withstand greater pressure, and extend the service life of the heater 20.

[0073] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the width of the connecting plate 242 is h2, and h2≥35mm.

[0074] In other words, the width of the connecting plate 242 cannot be too low. With a width of 35mm, the contact area between the connecting plate 242 and the refrigerant pipe assembly 23 is large, resulting in good heat conduction and high overall strength of the heater 20. If the width is less than 35mm, the heat conduction between the connecting plate 242 and the refrigerant pipe assembly 23 will be poor, and the overall strength of the heater 20 will be low. Therefore, the width of the connecting plate 242 cannot be less than 35mm.

[0075] Preferably, the width of the connecting plate 242 is not less than 40mm, i.e. a≥40mm. In this way, the width of the connecting plate 242 increases the contact area between the connecting plate 242 and the refrigerant pipe assembly 23, improves the heat conduction efficiency of the connecting plate 242 and the refrigerant pipe assembly 23, and increases the overall strength of the heater 20.

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the width of the connecting plate 242 is not less than 45mm, i.e., a≥45mm. The width of the connecting plate 242 is further increased, the contact area between the connecting plate 242 and the refrigerant pipe assembly 23 is further increased, the heat conduction efficiency of the connecting plate 242 and the refrigerant pipe assembly 23 is further improved, and the overall strength of the heater 20 is increased.

[0077] In some specific embodiments of this utility model, the width of the connecting plate 242 is h2, where h2≤65mm.

[0078] In other words, the width of the connecting plate 242 cannot be too large. A width of 65mm represents a normal contact area between the connecting plate 242 and the refrigerant pipe assembly 23, improving the heat transfer efficiency of the connecting plate 242 and the refrigerant pipe assembly 23, which helps to improve the air supply efficiency of the heater 20 and reduce the system energy efficiency. However, the distance between the two fins 241 is relatively large, resulting in lower overall strength, and the cavity 25 has a large space, which cannot effectively achieve indoor air convection circulation. Therefore, the width of the connecting plate 242 cannot exceed 65mm.

[0079] Preferably, the width of the connecting plate 242 is no more than 60mm, i.e. a≤60mm. Within this range, the airflow rate is suitable, the heating effect of indoor air is good, and it can withstand greater pressure, thus extending the service life of the heater 20.

[0080] Preferably, the width of the connecting plate 242 is no more than 55mm, i.e. a≤55mm. Within this range, a good airflow rate can still be maintained. The contact area between the refrigerant pipe assembly 23 and the connecting plate 242 is moderate, which does not affect the heating effect of the indoor air. At the same time, it can maintain high strength, withstand greater pressure, and extend the service life of the heater 20.

[0081] Among them, reference Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, there are multiple fins 241, which are spaced apart in a third-direction upward direction. A cavity 25 is formed between two adjacent fins 241 and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23. This arrangement, by placing multiple spaced fins 241 between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 in a third-direction upward direction, serves two purposes: firstly, the multiple fins 241 can divide the large cavity 25 into multiple smaller cavities 25, thus improving the circulation of indoor air within the cavity 25; secondly, the multiple fins 241 provide effective support, effectively increasing the overall structural strength of the heating heat exchanger 22 and preventing deformation of the heating heat exchanger 22.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the refrigerant pipe assembly 23 includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes 231 spaced apart in a first direction. Each refrigerant pipe 231 is a flat pipe, and each refrigerant pipe 231 contains a plurality of microchannels spaced apart in the first direction. This arrangement, with the refrigerant pipes 231 being flat pipes and containing multiple microchannels (typically only a few hundred micrometers in diameter), significantly increases the heat transfer area between the refrigerant and the wall surface, while simultaneously reducing the flow resistance of the refrigerant, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 8As shown, the refrigerant pipe assembly 23 further includes a first manifold 232 and a second manifold 233, which are disposed at both ends of the plurality of refrigerant pipes 231. The first manifold 232, the second manifold 233, and the plurality of refrigerant pipes 231 form a refrigerant flow path, which includes a path for the flow of gaseous refrigerant in a superheated state.

[0084] Thus, as Figure 7 As shown, the high-temperature refrigerant passes through the inlet nozzle 234 and then through the first manifold 232 into multiple refrigerant pipes 231, continuously heating the air to meet heating requirements; the refrigerant after releasing heat passes through the second manifold 233 and then through the outlet nozzle 235 to the outdoor unit.

[0085] And, such as Figure 4 As shown, the outer casing 21 includes a first casing 211, which is disposed below the heating heat exchanger 22, and a heat exchange air inlet 214 is provided on the first casing 211. That is, by placing the first casing 211 below the heating heat exchanger 22 and providing the heat exchange air inlet 214 on the first casing 211, indoor air can enter into the cavity 25 through the heat exchange air inlet 214, and then the indoor air is heated and rises in the cavity 25.

[0086] The first housing 211 has heat exchange air inlets 214 on both sides in the second direction. Alternatively, heat exchange air inlets 214 can also be provided at the bottom of the first housing 211. The heat exchange air inlets 214 are composed of ventilation grilles.

[0087] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the outer casing 21 includes a second casing 212, which is disposed on the upper side of the heating heat exchanger 22, and a heat exchange air inlet 214 is provided on the second casing 212. That is, by placing the second casing 212 on the upper side of the heating heat exchanger 22 and providing a heat exchange air outlet 215 on the second casing 212, the indoor air heated in the cavity 25 of the heater 20 can be discharged into the indoor environment through the heat exchange air outlet 215, thereby achieving heating of the indoor environment.

[0088] The second housing 212 has heat exchange outlets 215 on both sides in the second direction. Alternatively, heat exchange outlets 215 can also be provided on the top of the second housing 212. The heat exchange inlet 214 is composed of a ventilation grille.

[0089] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, the outer casing 21 includes side plates 213, which are disposed around the heating heat exchanger 22 and are respectively connected to the first casing 211 and the second casing 212. The side plates 213 are configured to exchange heat with the indoor air. With this configuration, since the side plates 213 correspond to the heating heat exchanger 22, the heat from the heating heat exchanger 22 can be transferred to the side plates 213 through thermal radiation, thereby enabling the side plates 213 to heat the indoor environment through thermal radiation.

[0090] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the side plate 213 is provided with multiple reinforcing grooves 216 extending vertically. This arrangement, by providing reinforcing grooves 216 on the side plate 213, effectively increases the surface area of ​​the side plate 213, thereby increasing the contact area between the side plate 213 and the indoor environment, and thus effectively improving heat exchange between the side plate 213 and the indoor environment. Furthermore, the groove shape of the reinforcing grooves 216 can promote fluid turbulence, reduce boundary layer thickness, and thus improve heat transfer efficiency.

[0091] Furthermore, the bending strength and rigidity of the side plate 213 can be significantly improved by forming reinforcing grooves 216 on the side plate 213. By forming concave and convex shapes on the side plate 213, the effective thickness of the side plate 213 is increased, thereby improving the ability of the side plate 213 to resist deformation by external forces.

[0092] The side panel 213 can be a one-piece molded structure. Alternatively, the side panel 213 can be composed of a left panel, a right panel, a rear panel, and a front panel, and fixed together by snap-fit ​​or screw-fit.

[0093] Combination Figures 1-3 As shown, the air conditioner 100 also includes a first three-way valve 17, one end of which is connected to one port of a four-way valve 14, and the other two ends are connected to an indoor heat exchanger 15 and a heater 20, respectively. That is, the first three-way valve 17 can connect the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the heater 20 to the four-way valve 14, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the four-way valve 14 can flow through the first three-way valve 17 to at least one of the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the heater 20.

[0094] For example, when the air conditioner 100 is turned on and the indoor environment urgently needs rapid heating, all three valves of the first three-way valve 17 are opened. That is, the refrigerant flowing out of the four-way valve 14 can flow to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the heater 20 respectively. On the one hand, the indoor unit can blow warm air to heat the indoor environment, and on the other hand, the heater 20 can achieve natural convection heating and radiant heating of the indoor environment, thus achieving rapid heating of the indoor environment.

[0095] Furthermore, when the indoor ambient temperature rises but does not reach the temperature suitable for the human body, the first three-way valve 17 can connect only the heater 20 and the four-way valve 14, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the four-way valve 14 flows to the heater 20, and then the heater 20 can realize natural convection heating and radiant heating of the indoor environment.

[0096] Furthermore, when the indoor ambient temperature reaches a temperature suitable for the human body, the first three-way valve 17 can connect only the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the four-way valve 14, so that the refrigerant flowing out of the four-way valve 14 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 15, and then the indoor unit can blow warm air to heat the indoor environment.

[0097] Similarly, combining Figures 1-3 As shown, the air conditioner 100 also includes a second three-way valve 18, one end of which is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 12, and the other two ends are connected to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the heater 20, respectively. For example, when all three ports of the first three-way valve 17 are open, that is, when the three ports of the first three-way valve 17 are connected to the four-way valve 14, the indoor heat exchanger 15, and the heater 20, respectively, all three ports of the second three-way valve 18 are also open. Another example is that when the first three-way valve 17 is only connected to the heater 20 and the four-way valve 14, the second three-way valve 18 can connect the heater 20 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12; yet another example is that when the first three-way valve 17 is only connected to the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the four-way valve 14, the second three-way valve 18 can connect the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the outdoor heat exchanger 12.

[0098] An air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a refrigerant circulation loop, which allows the refrigerant to circulate in a loop consisting of a compressor 11, a condenser, a throttling device, an evaporator, and a four-way valve 14. One of the condenser and the evaporator is an outdoor heat exchanger 12, and the other is an indoor heat exchanger 15.

[0099] In addition, the air conditioner 100 also includes a heater 20, which is connected in parallel with an indoor heat exchanger 15. The heater 20 is configured such that when the air conditioner 100 is in heating mode, refrigerant flows through the heater 20 to exchange heat with the indoor air. That is, refrigerant can be introduced into the heater 20, so that when the air conditioner 100 is operating in heating mode, the refrigerant enters the heater 20 to release heat, thereby heating the indoor environment.

[0100] The heating process is as follows: The compressor 11 discharges heat into the four-way valve 14, which then distributes the refrigerant to the heater 20. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant releases heat at the heater 20, condensing into liquid refrigerant, which then enters the gas-liquid separator 16. Finally, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is throttled and depressurized through the throttling device 13 into a low-pressure two-phase refrigerant, which absorbs heat and evaporates into refrigerant gas in the condenser. This gas then returns to the compressor 11's suction port via the four-way valve 14, completing the heat pump cycle. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant releases heat at the heater 20, thus overcoming the poor comfort of air-cooled terminal heating systems. The indoor unit heats through natural convection, improving comfort.

[0101] Furthermore, the heater 20 includes: a housing 21 and a heating heat exchanger 22, the heating heat exchanger 22 being disposed inside the housing 21, and the heating heat exchanger 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 15 being connected in parallel.

[0102] The heating heat exchanger 22 has a small internal volume per unit heat exchange area, only about 1 / 5 that of a 5mm diameter copper tube, which can effectively reduce the amount of refrigerant required. In addition, because the heating heat exchanger 22 has a large heat transfer area per unit volume, it can achieve efficient heat exchange in a very small space, making it very suitable for applications with limited space.

[0103] Furthermore, the heating heat exchanger 22 is made of aluminum, which has a low density, far lower than other commonly used metals such as copper (approximately 8.9 g / cm³). This makes the heating heat exchanger 22 lighter, facilitating transportation and installation. Additionally, the aluminum heating heat exchanger 22 has good thermal conductivity. Although aluminum's thermal conductivity is slightly lower than copper's, it still possesses excellent thermal conductivity, effectively transferring heat to meet most heat exchange requirements. Moreover, the aluminum heating heat exchanger 22 has good corrosion resistance. Aluminum forms a dense oxide film in the air, which effectively prevents further oxidation of the internal metal or corrosion by other chemicals.

[0104] The heating heat exchanger 22 includes two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 and a connector 24. The connector 24 connects the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23, and a cavity 25 extending in a first direction is formed between the connector 24 and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23. That is, the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23 are separated by the connector 24, so that a cavity 25 extending in the vertical direction can be formed between the connector 24 and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies 23. In this way, the indoor air below the heater 20 is heated in the cavity 25. Due to the low density of hot air, the heated indoor air will flow upward and out of the heater 20. At the same time, the relatively cool indoor air will circulate into the heater 20 to be heated, thereby achieving heating of the indoor environment.

[0105] In addition, the outer casing 21 is provided with a heat exchange surface for exchanging heat with the indoor air. That is, since the outer casing 21 corresponds to the heating heat exchanger 22, the heat from the heating heat exchanger 22 can be transferred to the outer casing 21 through thermal radiation, thereby enabling the outer casing 21 to heat the indoor environment through thermal radiation.

[0106] Thus, the heater 20 can heat the indoor environment by means of convection of indoor air in the cavity 25, and can also heat the indoor environment by means of heat radiation of indoor air at the heat exchanger.

[0107] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0108] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0109] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heater, comprising: shell; A heating heat exchanger is disposed inside the outer shell. The heating heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger are connected in parallel. The heating heat exchanger is a microchannel heat exchanger. The heater is configured such that refrigerant flows through the heating heat exchanger to exchange heat with the indoor air. The heating heat exchanger is characterized in that it comprises: Two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies are arranged at intervals between each other, and refrigerant flows through both sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies; The heating heat exchanger further includes a connector, which is connected between the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies. A cavity extending in a first direction is formed between the connector and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies. The first direction is vertical.

2. The heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes: Fins are disposed between the two sets of the refrigerant pipe assemblies; Two connecting plates are disposed at both ends of the rib in the second direction, and the two connecting plates are respectively connected to the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies; wherein, The second direction is the thickness direction of the heater.

3. The heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two connecting plates are disposed on the same side of the rib in a third direction; or, The two connecting plates are disposed on different sides of the rib in a third direction; wherein, The third direction is the length direction of the heater.

4. The heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, The width of the rib is h1, where h1 satisfies the following relationships: h1≤65mm, h1≥35mm; and, The width of the connecting plate is h2, which satisfies the following relationships: h2≤65mm, h2≥35mm.

5. The heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are multiple ribs, which are spaced apart in a third direction, and the cavity is formed between two adjacent ribs and two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies.

6. The heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant piping assembly includes: Multiple refrigerant pipes are spaced apart in a first direction. The refrigerant pipes are flat pipes and have multiple microchannels spaced apart in the first direction inside them.

7. The heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The refrigerant piping assembly also includes: The first manifold is disposed at one end of the plurality of refrigerant pipes in a third direction; The second manifold is disposed at the other end of the plurality of refrigerant pipes in a third direction.

8. The heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing includes: A first housing is disposed on the lower side of the heating heat exchanger, and a heat exchange air inlet is provided on the first housing; The second housing is disposed on the upper side of the heating heat exchanger, and the second housing is provided with a heat exchange air inlet; Side plates are disposed around the heating heat exchanger and are respectively connected to the first housing and the second housing, and the side plates are configured to exchange heat with indoor air.

9. The heater according to claim 8, characterized in that, The side plate is provided with a plurality of reinforcing grooves extending in the first direction.

10. A heater, comprising: shell; A heating heat exchanger is disposed inside the outer shell. The heating heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger are connected in parallel. The heating heat exchanger is a microchannel heat exchanger. The heater is configured such that refrigerant flows through the heating heat exchanger to exchange heat with the indoor air. The heating heat exchanger is characterized in that it comprises: Two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies are arranged at intervals between each other, and refrigerant flows through both sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies; The heating heat exchanger includes a connector that connects two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies, and a cavity extending in a first direction is formed between the connector and the two sets of refrigerant pipe assemblies. The outer shell is provided with a heat exchange surface for exchanging heat with indoor air.

Images