Outdoor unit

Abstract

Provided is an outdoor unit (100), comprising: a housing (1); an axial flow fan (2), two axial ends of which are respectively arranged facing a first air inlet (111) and an air outlet (112); and a heat exchanger (3), comprising a first heat exchange section (301) and a first bent section (311) and a second bent section (312) connected at two opposite ends of the first heat exchange section (301). In the direction away from the first heat exchange section (301), the first bent section (311) and the second bent section (312) are both bent toward the air outlet (112), and the width of the heat exchanger (3) from the first bent section (311) to the second bent section (312) is greater than the diameter of the axial flow fan (2).

Description

Outdoor unit

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on Chinese patent application No. 202410149997.0 and application date 2024-02-01, and Chinese patent application No. 202420258223.7 and application date 2024-02-01, and claims the priority of the above-mentioned Chinese patent applications. The entire contents of the above-mentioned Chinese patent applications are hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of air-conditioning equipment, and in particular to an outdoor unit. Background Art

[0004] In the prior art, most air conditioner outdoor units utilize an L-shaped heat exchanger and an axial-flow fan to form a heat exchange structure. While the axial-flow fan produces relatively strong wind power, it also creates significant wind resistance when combined with the heat exchanger, limiting the heat exchange efficiency of the air conditioner outdoor unit. However, replacing the axial-flow fan with another type of fan requires more fans to achieve sufficient wind power, and this also requires a more complex air duct structure. Therefore, without replacing the axial-flow fan, further improvements to the heat exchanger structure are necessary.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present application proposes an outdoor unit that improves the heat exchanger structure without replacing the axial flow fan, and the improved structure is low in cost and can also ensure the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present application, the outdoor unit includes: a shell, a first air inlet and an air outlet are provided on opposite sides of the shell; an axial fan, the axial fan is installed in the shell, and the axial ends of the axial fan are respectively arranged toward the first air inlet and the air outlet; a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange section, a first bending section and a second bending section, the first heat exchange section is located on the side of the axial fan facing the first air inlet, and the first bending section and the second bending section are connected at opposite ends of the first heat exchange section; wherein, in a direction away from the first heat exchange section, the first bending section and the second bending section are both bent toward the air outlet, and the width of the heat exchanger from the first bending section to the second bending section is greater than the diameter of the axial fan.

[0008] According to the outdoor unit of the embodiment of the present application, the axial fan is retained, ensuring a higher air volume at the same power. By providing a first bend section and a second bend section at both ends of the first heat exchange section of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is constructed to better align with the streamlines of the air flow field of the axial fan, reducing air flow resistance, improving the uniformity of the flow velocity distribution of air flowing through the first heat exchange section, the first bend section, and the second bend section, and increasing the distribution angle range of the air flow field for heat exchangers of the same width, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger and the air conditioning effect of the outdoor unit. Moreover, the reduced wind resistance helps to reduce noise.

[0009] Optionally, the outdoor unit also includes: a middle partition, which is arranged in the shell to divide the shell into a first chamber and a second chamber, the axial fan is located in the first chamber, and the compressor of the outdoor unit is installed in the second chamber; the end of the first bending section away from the first heat exchange section is connected to the end of the middle partition.

[0010] Optionally, a portion of the middle partition adjacent to the heat exchanger is an extension plate; in directions toward each other, the first bending section and the extension plate are both extended in a direction away from the axis of the axial flow fan.

[0011] Optionally, the first bending section is a straight section, and the angle between the first bending section and the extension plate is γ, and satisfies γ≥90°.

[0012] Optionally, the dimension of the outdoor unit along the axis of the axial fan is thickness; the thickness of the first chamber is greater than the thickness of the second chamber.

[0013] Optionally, the housing includes: a chassis; a top cover, the top cover being relatively arranged above the chassis; side panels, the side panels being connected between the top cover and the chassis, the side panels including a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, and a fourth side panel, the first side panel being located on an air outlet side of the axial flow fan, the second side panel and the third side panel being connected to opposite ends of the first side panel, and the fourth side panel being arranged opposite to the first side panel and connected to the third side panel;

[0014] The two ends of the middle partition are connected to the first side plate and the fourth side plate, the first chamber is enclosed by the middle partition, the second side plate and a portion of the first side plate, and the second chamber is enclosed by the middle partition, the third side plate, the fourth side plate and a portion of the first side plate;

[0015] On the side opposite to the first side plate, the first air inlet is defined between the second side plate and the fourth side plate, and the first bending section, the first heat exchange section, and the second bending section are sequentially blocked at the first air inlet.

[0016] Optionally, the heat exchanger includes a side plate provided at the end of the first bending section, the side plate is connected to the middle partition plate, and the side plate and the middle partition plate are independent plates or an integrated plate.

[0017] Optionally, the first bending section is a straight section or an arc section, and the second bending section is a straight section or an arc section.

[0018] Optionally, a line connecting one end of the first bending section connected to the first heat exchange section and the other end away from the first heat exchange section is a first profile line, and an angle β between the first profile line and the first heat exchange section satisfies 90°≤β≤155°.

[0019] Optionally, the heat exchanger further includes: a second heat exchange section, the second heat exchange section is connected to an end of the second bending section away from the first heat exchange section, and the second heat exchange section is arranged adjacent to the side wall of the shell.

[0020] Optionally, the angle between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section is α, and satisfies α≥90°.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] FIG1 is a top view of an outdoor unit (without a top cover) according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG2 is a top view of an outdoor unit (without a top cover) according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG3 is a top view of a heat exchanger according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0026] FIG4 is a top view of a heat exchanger according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0027] FIG5 is an air flow field diagram of an outdoor unit in the related art;

[0028] FIG6 is a diagram of an air flow field of an outdoor unit according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0029] Reference numerals:

[0030] Outdoor unit 100;

[0031] Housing 1, first air inlet 111, air outlet 112, air outlet grille 113, first chamber 121, second chamber 122, side panel 13, first side panel 131, second side panel 132, third side panel 133, fourth side panel 134, second air inlet 135, chassis 15;

[0032] Axial flow fan 2, motor bracket 21, motor 22, fan blades 23;

[0033] Heat exchanger 3, first heat exchange section 301, second heat exchange section 302, first bending section 311, second bending section 312, side plate 33;

[0034] Middle partition plate 4, extension plate 41;

[0035] Compressor 5;

[0036] First type line e;

[0037] The width d1 of the heat exchanger from the first bending section to the second bending section, the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan, the axis N, and the air streamline N1 outside the diameter range of the axial flow fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following describes in detail embodiments of the present application. 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 only used to explain the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application.

[0039] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "axial", "radial", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present application 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. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. In addition, features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0040] In the description of this application, 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 or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] The outdoor unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present application will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 .

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the outdoor unit 100 according to an embodiment of the present application includes a housing 1 , an axial flow fan 2 , and a heat exchanger 3 .

[0043] The housing 1 is provided with a first air inlet 111 and an air outlet 112, located on opposite sides of the housing 1 (the front and rear sides as shown in FIG1 ). An axial fan 2 is mounted within the housing 1, with its axial ends facing the first air inlet 111 and the air outlet 112, respectively. Driven by rotating blades, the axial fan 2 draws air into the housing 1 through the first air inlet 111 and blows it out toward the air outlet 112.

[0044] In Figures 1 and 2, the axis N of the axial fan 2 is arranged along the front-to-back direction, the first air inlet 111 is arranged on the front side of the axial fan 2, and the air outlet 112 is arranged on the rear side of the axial fan 2. According to the characteristics of the blades of the axial fan 2, after the blades rotate around the axis N of the axial fan 2, air is sucked in from the suction surface of the blades, and through the air flow channels between adjacent blades, the air is pressed toward the air outlet 112 by the pressure surface of the blades. Therefore, when the axial fan 2 inhales air, on one side of the suction surface (such as the front side of the axial fan 2 in Figure 1), air within a 360-degree range around the axis N is inhaled and gradually concentrated toward the axial fan 2. On one side of the pressure surface (such as the rear side of the axial fan 2 in Figure 1), after the axial fan 2 blows out the air, it leaves the constraints of the axial fan 2 and the air diffuses to a 360-degree range around the axis N.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, on the suction side of the axial fan 2, the airflow within the diameter d2 range of the axial fan is as a whole sucked into the axial fan 2 along the axial direction. On the suction side of the axial fan 2, the airflow outside the diameter d2 range of the axial fan is sucked in along the axial direction, and the airflow will gradually concentrate radially within the diameter d2 range of the axial fan. Therefore, the airflow outside the diameter d2 range of the axial fan has a flow direction from outside the diameter d2 range to within the diameter d2 range. As shown in Figure 1, the number N1 shows the flow path of a certain airflow outside the diameter d2 range of the axial fan. Of course, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the airflow will bypass obstacles when flowing. The air streamlines in Figures 5 and 6 will avoid the motor 22 of the axial fan 2, etc., which will not be considered too much here.

[0046] It should be noted that when the airflow is within the reference cylindrical space, it is said to be within the diameter d2 range of the axial flow fan 2, as shown in the rectangular dashed box in Figure 1. When the airflow is outside the reference cylindrical space, it is said to be outside the diameter d2 range of the axial flow fan 2. The reference cylindrical space has the axis N of the axial flow fan 2 as its central axis, and the diameter of the reference cylindrical space reaches d2.

[0047] In the present application, the heat exchanger 3 includes a first heat exchange section 301, a first bend section 311, and a second bend section 312. The first heat exchange section 301 is located on the side of the axial flow fan 2 facing the first air inlet 111, and the first bend section 311 and the second bend section 312 are connected to opposite ends of the first heat exchange section 301. In other words, the heat exchanger 3 is located on the suction side of the axial flow fan 2 at least in the first heat exchange section 301. Air is drawn into the housing 1 through the first air inlet 111, passes through the heat exchanger 3, and exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 3. The heat-exchanged air is then blown out through the air outlet 112.

[0048] In the present application, the heat exchanger 3 is provided with a first bend section 311 and a second bend section 312 at both ends of the first heat exchange section 301. In the direction away from the first heat exchange section 301, the first bend section 311 and the second bend section 312 are both bent toward the air outlet 112, and the width d1 of the heat exchanger 3 from the first bend section 311 to the second bend section 312 (as shown in FIG3) is greater than the diameter d2 of the axial fan 2 (as shown in FIG1). As shown in FIG1, the heat exchanger 3 extends generally in the left-right direction from the first bend section 311 to the second bend section 312. The first bend section 311 is located at the right end of the first heat exchange section 301, and at least a portion of the first bend section 311 is outside the range of the axial fan's diameter d2. The second bend section 312 is located at the left end of the first heat exchange section 301, and at least a portion of the second bend section 312 is outside the range of the axial fan's diameter d2.

[0049] Because the first heat exchange section 301 faces the suction surface of the axial fan 2, most of the airflow within the axial fan's diameter d2 passes through the first heat exchange section 301 and flows toward the axial fan 2. In some embodiments, part of the airflow within the axial fan's diameter d2 passes through the first bend section 311 and the second bend section 312 and flows toward the axial fan 2. Because air within a 360-degree range around the axis N on the upstream side is drawn in, part of the airflow outside the axial fan's diameter d2 passes through the first bend section 311 and the second bend section 312 and flows toward the axial fan 2. As shown in Figure 6, at the first bend section 311 and the second bend section 312, the airflow direction undergoes a turn from outside the axial fan's diameter d2 to within the axial fan's diameter d2.

[0050] Therefore, the heat exchanger 3 with this structure is more consistent with the streamlines of the air flow field of the axial fan 2, so that the part of the airflow that is turned from outside the diameter d2 range of the axial fan to within the diameter d2 range of the axial fan can flow almost perpendicularly to the first bending section 311 and the second bending section 312 when flowing through the first bending section 311 and the second bending section 312. In this way, not only can most of the airflow flow through the heat exchanger 3 to obtain sufficient heat exchange to ensure the heat exchange efficiency, but the flow field resistance of the airflow blowing through the heat exchanger 3 can also be reduced.

[0051] Compared to straight-plate or L-shaped heat exchangers, the heat exchanger 3 of this structure in the present application achieves a generally uniform flow velocity distribution as the airflow passes through the first heat exchange section 301, the first bend section 311, and the second bend section 312. This balances the airflow and the heat exchange efficiency of each section of the heat exchanger 3. Furthermore, while maintaining the same width, the heat exchanger 3 of the present application can be expanded to a wider coverage angle, facilitating a wider range of airflow through the heat exchanger 3. This increases the flow rate of airflow through the heat exchanger 3 while maintaining the same operating function, helping to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 3 and enhance the air conditioning effect of the outdoor unit 100.

[0052] It is understandable that production lines in the field of outdoor air conditioners mostly use straight-plate or L-shaped heat exchangers, and the production and processing lines for straight-plate or L-shaped heat exchangers are very mature. The heat exchanger 3 scheme in some embodiments of the present application does not significantly alter the heat exchanger's structure compared to straight-plate or L-shaped heat exchangers, and the original production and processing lines can be used. Moreover, replacing the original heat exchanger with this heat exchanger 3 does not significantly change the internal layout of the outdoor unit 100, and the entire assembly line of the outdoor unit 100 can also be used. Therefore, the cost of improving the structure of the outdoor unit 100 is not high.

[0053] According to the outdoor unit 100 of the embodiment of the present application, the axial fan 2 is retained, ensuring a higher air volume at the same power. By providing a first bend section 311 and a second bend section 312 at both ends of the first heat exchange section 301 of the heat exchanger 3, the heat exchanger 3 is constructed to better align with the streamlines of the air flow field of the axial fan 2, reducing air flow resistance and improving the uniformity of the flow velocity distribution of air flowing through the first heat exchange section 301, the first bend section 311, and the second bend section 312. This increases the distribution angle range of the air flow field for heat exchangers of the same width, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 3 and enhancing the air conditioning effect of the outdoor unit 100. Furthermore, the reduced wind resistance helps reduce noise.

[0054] In the present application, the structure of the first heat exchange section 301 can be a straight plate or a wavy plate.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the first bending segment 311 is a straight segment or an arc segment.

[0056] When the first bending section 311 is a straight section, the processing difficulty is relatively low. Specifically, when the first bending section 311 is a straight section, the first bending section 311 and the first heat exchange section 301 are connected by an arc transition, thereby reducing the concentrated stress at the connection between the first bending section 311 and the first heat exchange section 301 and improving the overall structural rigidity.

[0057] When the first bending section 311 is an arc section, it helps the airflow direction of the air flow field to better match the shape of the first bending section 311, and more airflow can flow through the first bending section 311 substantially in a vertical direction, thereby further reducing wind resistance.

[0058] Of course, in the present application, when the first curved segment 311 is an arc-shaped segment, the entire first curved segment 311 can have a single curvature. Alternatively, the first curved segment 311 can include multiple segments, with adjacent segments having different curvatures or different center positions. This allows for a variety of shapes for the first curved segment 311, allowing for a variety of matching combinations of shapes for the outdoor unit 100.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the second bending segment 312 is a straight segment or an arc segment.

[0060] When the second bending section 312 is a straight section, the processing difficulty is relatively low. Specifically, when the second bending section 312 is a straight section, the second bending section 312 is connected to the first heat exchange section 301 through an arc transition, thereby reducing the concentrated stress at the connection between the second bending section 312 and the first heat exchange section 301 and improving the overall structural rigidity.

[0061] When the second bending section 312 is an arc section, it helps the airflow direction of the air flow field to better match the shape of the second bending section 312, and more airflow can flow through the second bending section 312 substantially in a vertical direction, thereby further reducing wind resistance.

[0062] Of course, in the present application, when the second curved section 312 is an arc-shaped section, the entire second curved section 312 can have a single curvature. Alternatively, the second curved section 312 can include multiple sections, with adjacent sections having different curvatures or different center positions. This allows for a variety of shapes for the second curved section 312, allowing for a wider range of matching designs for the outdoor unit 100.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3 , optionally, the first bending section 311 may be a straight section, and the second bending section 312 may be an arc section.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4 , optionally, the first bending section 311 may be a straight section, and the second bending section 312 may be a straight section.

[0065] In some examples not shown in the figures, optionally, the first bending segment 311 may be an arc segment, and the second bending segment 312 may be an arc segment.

[0066] In some examples not shown in the figures, optionally, the first bending segment 311 may be an arc segment, and the second bending segment 312 may be a straight segment.

[0067] As shown in Figures 3 and 4 , in some embodiments, a line connecting the end of the first curved section 311 connected to the first heat exchange section 301 and the end remote from the first heat exchange section 301 is a first contour line e. The angle β between the first contour line e and the first heat exchange section 301 satisfies 90°≤β≤155°. This ensures that the first curved section 311 has a sufficient angular coverage of the air flow field of the axial fan 2.

[0068] Optionally, β can be 91°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 111°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 155°, etc. Of course, β can also be other values ​​between 90° and 155°, which are not listed here one by one.

[0069] In some optional examples, the first bending section 311 is a straight section, the first profile e is a straight line where the straight section is located, and the angle between the first bending section 311 and the first heat exchange section 301 is β.

[0070] In some optional examples, the first bending section 311 is an arc section, the first profile line e is a line connecting two ends of the arc section, and the angle between the line and the first heat exchange section 301 is β.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the outdoor unit 100 further includes a middle partition 4 disposed within the housing 1. The middle partition 4 can divide the interior of the housing 1 into a first chamber 121 and a second chamber 122. The axial fan 2 is located within the first chamber 121, and the compressor 5 of the outdoor unit 100 is installed within the second chamber 122. Specifically, the first chamber 121 serves as a heat exchange chamber, and the second chamber 122 serves as a compression chamber. This ensures that components within the second chamber 122 do not interfere with the flow field of the first chamber 121.

[0072] The end of the first bend section 311 away from the first heat exchange section 301 is connected to the end of the middle partition 4. In this way, the middle partition 4 is located at the edge of the first chamber 121, and the airflow sucked from the first bend section 311 is guided by the middle partition 4, which helps the airflow converge toward the axial flow fan 2.

[0073] Specifically, the portion of the middle partition 4 adjacent to the heat exchanger 3 is an extension plate 41. This extension plate 41 extends in a direction away from the axis N of the axial fan 2, toward the first air inlet 111. The first bend 311 connects to the extension plate 41. In other words, the more airflow passing through the first bend 311 is drawn in, the more it is guided by the extension plate 41 toward the diameter d2 of the axial fan. This gradually narrows the airflow path, achieving a pressurized effect. Furthermore, the airflow converges more easily onto the axial fan 2, reducing vortex generation and lowering internal losses in the airflow dynamics. This arrangement effectively shifts a corner of the second chamber 122 to the first chamber 121, significantly impacting the overall layout of the outdoor unit 100 and preventing excessive size increase.

[0074] Specifically, after the extension plate 41 is disposed in this manner, the first bent section 311 and the extension plate 41 both extend in a direction away from the axis N of the axial fan 2. This reduces the likelihood of dead zones forming in the corners of the first chamber 121 enclosed by the first bent section 311 and the extension plate 41, allowing for smoother airflow.

[0075] Optionally, the extension plate 41 may be a straight plate or a curved plate, which is not limited here.

[0076] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the first bent section 311 is a straight section, and the angle between the first bent section 311 and the extension plate 41 is γ, and γ ≥ 90°. This reduces the difficulty of manufacturing the first bent section 311 while utilizing the guiding effect of the extension plate 41 to influence the direction of the airflow at this point in the air flow field, directing more airflow perpendicularly through the first bent section 311, thereby reducing air flow resistance and reducing noise.

[0077] Optionally, γ is set to 90°, that is, the first bending section 311 is vertically connected to the extension plate 41 , so that the airflow in the area surrounded by the two is less likely to generate vortexes and is easily guided into the diameter d2 range of the axial fan 2 .

[0078] As shown in FIG2 , γ can optionally be 91°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 111°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 170°, etc. Of course, γ can also be other values ​​greater than 90°, which are not listed here one by one. Preferably, γ can be arbitrarily selected within the range of 90°-155°.

[0079] As shown in FIG2 , in some embodiments, the dimension of the outdoor unit 100 along the axis N of the axial fan 2 (the front-to-back direction as shown in FIG1 ) is thickness. The thickness of the first chamber 121 is A, and the thickness of the second chamber 122 is B, with A being greater than B. This allows more space for the suction side of the axial fan 2 when space is limited, allowing more airflow to flow through the heat exchanger 3, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, as shown in FIG2 , by reducing the thickness B of the second chamber 122, the front side of the second chamber 122 is avoided. Here, airflow, guided by the front wall of the second chamber 122, flows leftward toward the first curved section 311. This allows more airflow from the front side of the second chamber 122 to flow more smoothly toward the first curved section 311, reducing air intake losses, thereby increasing air volume while reducing energy consumption.

[0080] In some embodiments, the housing 1 includes a bottom plate 15 and a top cover, which is relatively arranged above the bottom plate 15. The housing 1 also includes side panels 13, which are connected between the top cover and the bottom plate 15. The bottom plate 15, the top cover and the side panels 13 enclose an inner cavity of the housing 1.

[0081] Specifically, as shown in FIG1 , the side panels 13 include a first side panel 131, a second side panel 132, a third side panel 133, and a fourth side panel 134. The first side panel 131 is located on the air outlet side of the axial fan 2 (the rear side as shown in FIG1 ). The second side panel 132 and the third side panel 133 connect opposite ends of the first side panel 131 (the left and right ends as shown in FIG1 ). The fourth side panel 134 is disposed opposite the first side panel 131 and connected to the third side panel 133. The two ends of the middle partition panel 4 connect the first side panel 131 and the fourth side panel 134. The middle partition panel 4, the second side panel 132, and a portion of the first side panel 131 define a first chamber 121. The middle partition panel 4, the third side panel 133, the fourth side panel 134, and a portion of the first side panel 131 define a second chamber 122.

[0082] On the side opposite the first side panel 131, between the second side panel 132 and the fourth side panel 134, the first air inlet 111 is blocked by the first bent section 311, the first heat exchange section 301, and the second bent section 312. This arrangement of the first air inlet 111 ensures that air can enter a large area on the front side of the outdoor unit 100, increasing the air intake volume and ensuring the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit 100. This arrangement of the heat exchanger 3 also ensures that the first chamber 121 is visually sealed from the outside, preventing debris from entering the first chamber 121.

[0083] As shown in FIG1 , for example, an air outlet mesh cover 113 is further provided at the first side panel 131 corresponding to the air outlet 112 , thereby improving the protection of the area, preventing debris from falling into the area and flying into the axial flow fan 2 , thereby improving cleanliness and safety.

[0084] As shown in Figure 1, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger 3 includes a side plate 33 provided at the end of the first bending section 311, and the side plate 33 is connected to the extension plate 41. This can improve the reliability of the connection between the heat exchanger 3 and the extension plate 41 and avoid the looseness and formation of large leaks at this location under long-term windy conditions.

[0085] Here, the side plates 33 are the plates at the edges of the heat exchanger 3 that secure the heat exchange tubes. They are a crucial component of the heat exchanger 3. Specifically, the side plates 33 and the extension plates 41 can be separate plates. In other words, the heat exchanger 3 can be assembled onto the extension plates 41 of the middle partition 4 after processing, simplifying assembly.

[0086] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the side panels 33 and the extension panels 41 can be integrally formed. That is, the middle partition 4 is left blank at the extension panel 41. When the outdoor unit 100 is assembled with the heat exchanger 3, the side panels 33 of the heat exchanger 3 serve as the extension panels 41. This arrangement not only saves on plate components, but also makes the side panels 33, when used as the extension panels 41, very stable on the heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the probability of the extension panels 41 detaching from the heat exchange tubes is almost zero, and the possibility of air leaks is almost zero. Therefore, the structural stability and reliability of this structure are maintained even after long-term use.

[0087] Even the middle partition 4 can be omitted. When the outdoor unit 100 is assembled with the heat exchanger 3, the side panels 33 of the heat exchanger 3 serve as the entire middle partition 4. In this case, the rear end of the side panel 33 needs to be connected to the first side panel 131, using the side panel 33 to form a partition within the housing 1. This arrangement reduces the number of panels and strengthens the structural integrity of the middle partition 4 and the heat exchanger 3, thus enhancing the overall structural strength of the outdoor unit 100.

[0088] As shown in Figures 1-4, in some embodiments, the heat exchanger 3 further includes a second heat exchange section 302. The second heat exchange section 302 is connected to the end of the second bend section 312 away from the first heat exchange section 301. The second heat exchange section 302 is disposed adjacent to the side wall of the housing 1. In this way, airflow flowing between the second heat exchange section 302 and the side wall of the housing 1 can flow through the second heat exchange section 302 to the axial flow fan 2, thereby expanding the heat exchange area between the airflow and the heat exchanger 3 and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the outdoor unit 100.

[0089] Specifically, the second side plate 132 in the side plate 13 of the shell 1 is arranged adjacent to the second heat exchange section 302, and a second air inlet 135 can be set on the second side plate 132, so that the airflow on the left side of the shell 1 can be more sucked into the shell 1 through the second air inlet 135, thereby increasing the airflow intake amount.

[0090] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in some embodiments, the angle α between the first heat exchange section 301 and the second heat exchange section 302 is α, and satisfies α ≥ 90°. In some preferred examples, the angle α between the first heat exchange section 301 and the second heat exchange section 302 is 90°. Optionally, α can be 91°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 111°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 170°, etc. Of course, α can also be other values ​​greater than 90°, which are not listed here one by one. The first heat exchange section 301 and the second heat exchange section 302 are connected by a straight section or an arc section, which can reduce the stress concentration area, reduce resistance, and improve the uniformity of the air flow field velocity.

[0091] It should be emphasized that, as shown in FIG5, in the related art, the heat exchanger is close to the middle partition. Since the direction of the heat exchanger is not parallel to the direction of the flow field, the air flow resistance at this location increases, affecting the air flow, making the air flow less under the same area of ​​the heat exchanger here, and the overall heat exchange of the heat exchanger is poor. As shown in FIG6, in this application, by bending the heat exchanger 3 at the middle partition 4 at an angle to form a first bending section 311, the direction of the heat exchanger 3 at this location is made as parallel to the direction of the flow field as possible, thereby increasing the uniformity of the air velocity field and reducing the resistance. At the same noise level, the air volume can be increased by about 100 cubic meters. The heat exchange here is increased compared to the original air flow under the same area, and the overall heat exchange of the heat exchanger 3 is more uniform.

[0092] Specific embodiments are described below based on FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 .

[0093] As shown in Figures 1-4, the outdoor unit 100 includes a first chamber 121 and a second chamber 122 separated by a central partition 4. The first chamber 121 is a heat exchange chamber, and the second chamber 122 is a compression chamber. The heat exchange chamber is equipped with a heat exchanger 3 and an axial flow fan 2, and the compression chamber is equipped with a compressor 5. The first chamber 121 is enclosed by the central partition 4, the second side panel 132, and a portion of the first side panel 131. The second chamber 122 is enclosed by the central partition 4, the third side panel 133, the fourth side panel 134, and a portion of the first side panel 131. Among them, an air outlet 112 is provided on the first side panel 131 corresponding to the first chamber 121, and a first air inlet 111 is formed between the second side panel 132 and the fourth side panel 134. The axial fan 2 sucks air from the first air inlet 111, and the air within the diameter d2 range of the axial fan 2 is blown out roughly along the axial direction of the axial fan 2; and the air streamline N1 outside the diameter d2 range of the axial fan 2 enters the diameter d2 range of the axial fan 2 from outside the diameter d2 range of the axial fan 2, and then blows out along the axial direction of the axial fan 2.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 2 , in the front-to-back direction, the size of the first cavity 121 is A, and the size of the second cavity 122 is B, where A is larger than B.

[0095] The axial flow fan 2 includes a motor bracket 21, a motor 22 and fan blades 23. The streamline N2 of the air flow field within the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan 2 and the streamline N1 of the air flow field outside the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan 2 both bypass the motor bracket 21, the motor 22 and the fan blades 23.

[0096] The heat exchanger 3 includes a first heat exchange section 301 , a first bending section 311 , a second bending section 312 and a second heat exchange section 302 . The first heat exchange section 301 is a straight section extending in the left-right direction; the second heat exchange section 302 is a straight section extending in the front-back direction.

[0097] Example 1:

[0098] The heat exchanger 3 includes a first heat exchange section 301, a first curved section 311, a second curved section 312, and a second heat exchange section 302. The second heat exchange section 302 is an arc-shaped section, while the first curved section 311 is a straight section. The first curved section 311 is connected to the extension plate 41 of the middle partition 4 via a side plate 33. The angle γ between the first curved section 311 and the extension plate 41 is 90°. Outside the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan 2, the streamline N1 of the air flow field extends from a point outside the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan 2 to within the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan 2. A portion of the streamline N1 is perpendicular to the first curved section 311. After turning, the streamline N1 extends parallel to the axis N of the axial flow fan 2, bypassing obstacles.

[0099] Example 2:

[0100] The heat exchanger 3 includes a first heat exchange section 301, a first curved section 311, a second curved section 312, and a second heat exchange section 302. The second heat exchange section 302 is a straight section, and the first curved section 311 is a straight section. The first curved section 311 is connected to the extension plate 41 of the middle partition 4 via a side plate 33. The angle γ between the first curved section 311 and the extension plate 41 is 90°. Outside the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan 2, the streamline N1 of the air flow field extends from a point outside the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan 2 to within the diameter d2 of the axial flow fan 2. Part of the streamline N1 is perpendicular to the first curved section 311. After turning, the streamline N1 extends in a direction parallel to the axis N of the axial flow fan 2, bypassing obstacles.

[0101] The following table compares the capabilities and powers of outdoor units in related art and the outdoor unit 100 of the present application in different modes:

[0102] Comparative testing confirmed that the outdoor unit 100 proposed in this application outperforms conventional outdoor units in all four aspects: free cooling, 43°C cooling, free heating, and low-temperature heating. In particular, low-temperature heating power consumption was increased by 93W, while 43°C cooling power consumption was reduced by 23W, demonstrating significant heat exchange performance.

[0103] Other structures and operations of the outdoor unit 100 according to the embodiment of the present application are known to ordinary technicians in this field and will not be described in detail here.

[0104] Throughout this specification, references to terms such as "embodiment" and "example" indicate 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 application. In this specification, schematic representations of the above terms do 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.

[0105] Although the embodiments of the present application 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 intent of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An outdoor unit, wherein: include: A housing, wherein a first air inlet and an air outlet are provided on opposite sides of the housing; an axial flow fan, the axial flow fan being installed in the housing, with two axial ends of the axial flow fan respectively facing the first air inlet and the air outlet; a heat exchanger comprising a first heat exchange section, a first bending section, and a second bending section, wherein the first heat exchange section is located on a side of the axial flow fan facing the first air inlet, and the first bending section and the second bending section are connected to opposite ends of the first heat exchange section; Wherein, in the direction away from the first heat exchange section, the first bending section and the second bending section are both bent toward the air outlet, and the width of the heat exchanger from the first bending section to the second bending section is greater than the diameter of the axial fan.

2. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The outdoor unit further comprises: a middle partition plate provided in the housing to divide the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber, the axial flow fan being located in the first chamber, and the compressor of the outdoor unit being installed in the second chamber; One end of the first bending section away from the first heat exchange section is connected to the end of the middle partition plate.

3. The outdoor unit according to claim 2, wherein: The portion of the middle partition plate adjacent to the heat exchanger is an extension plate; In directions toward each other, the first bending section and the extension plate are both extended in a direction away from the axis of the axial flow fan.

4. The outdoor unit according to claim 3, wherein: The first bending section is a straight section, and the angle between the first bending section and the extension plate is γ, and satisfies γ≥90°.

5. The outdoor unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The dimension of the outdoor unit along the axis of the axial flow fan is thickness; the thickness of the first chamber is greater than the thickness of the second chamber. The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein: The housing comprises: chassis; a top cover, the top cover being relatively arranged above the bottom plate; side panels connected between the top cover and the chassis, the side panels comprising a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, and a fourth side panel, the first side panel being located on the air outlet side of the axial flow fan, the second side panel and the third side panel being connected to opposite ends of the first side panel, and the fourth side panel being disposed opposite to the first side panel and connected to the third side panel; The two ends of the middle partition are connected to the first side plate and the fourth side plate, the first chamber is enclosed by the middle partition, the second side plate and a portion of the first side plate, and the second chamber is enclosed by the middle partition, the third side plate, the fourth side plate and a portion of the first side plate; On the side opposite to the first side plate, the first air inlet is defined between the second side plate and the fourth side plate, and the first bending section, the first heat exchange section, and the second bending section are sequentially blocked at the first air inlet.

7. The outdoor unit according to claim 6, wherein: The heat exchanger includes a side plate provided at an end of the first bending section, the side plate is connected to the middle partition plate, and the side plate and the middle partition plate are independent plates or an integrated plate.

8. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1-3 and 5-7, wherein: The first bending section is a straight section or an arc section, and the second bending section is a straight section or an arc section.

9. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1-3 and 5-7, wherein: A line connecting one end of the first bending section connected to the first heat exchange section and the other end away from the first heat exchange section is a first profile line. An angle β between the first profile line and the first heat exchange section satisfies 90°≤β≤155°.

10. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The heat exchanger further includes a second heat exchange section, which is connected to an end of the second bending section away from the first heat exchange section, and is arranged adjacent to a side wall of the shell.

11. The outdoor unit according to claim 10, wherein: The included angle between the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section is α, and satisfies α≥90°.

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