Manifold for a heat exchange device and heat exchange device

Abstract

The application discloses a header for a heat exchange device and the heat exchange device. The header is used for distributing and / or collecting fluid in a plurality of parallel arranged heat exchange tubes, and comprises a main plate adapted to attach the heat exchange tubes, a cover plate adapted to attach inlet and / or outlet tubes and attached with the main plate to form a fluid passage, and a first pressure bearing plate and a second pressure bearing plate which are stacked with each other and clamped between the main plate and the cover plate, wherein a pressure bearing cavity is defined between the first pressure bearing plate and the second pressure bearing plate, and the pressure bearing cavity is in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The header of the application has simple structure, light weight, easy processing and production, low cost, reasonable bearing structure and reliable use, and can be widely applied to heat exchange devices with high internal pressure bearing requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of heat exchange equipment, and more specifically to a collector for a heat exchange device and a heat exchange device having the collector. Background Technology

[0002] Human survival is currently facing the severe challenge of global warming. Freon, widely used in the refrigeration industry, has a potential greenhouse effect. Therefore, carbon dioxide, an environmentally friendly natural refrigerant, has attracted industry attention. Carbon dioxide systems offer superior low-temperature heating performance and are expected to be widely adopted first in the electric vehicle industry, where driving range is significantly reduced in low temperatures. However, due to carbon dioxide's high critical pressure and low critical temperature, it typically operates in the transcritical region as a refrigerant in automotive air conditioning systems. Its operating pressure is relatively high, far exceeding that of existing refrigerants (such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and tetrafluoropropylene (HFO1234yf)). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve the problems in the prior art mentioned above, and proposes a collector for a heat exchange device and a heat exchange device having the collector, wherein the collector has a compact structure that is resistant to high pressure, and can be applied to the evaporator or air cooler of a carbon dioxide vehicle air conditioner, and can also be applied to other heat exchange devices that have high requirements for internal pressure resistance.

[0004] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a collector for a heat exchange device is provided, the collector being used to distribute and / or concentrate fluid in a plurality of parallel-arranged heat exchange tubes, the collector comprising: a main plate adapted to attach the heat exchange tubes; a cover plate adapted to attach inlet and / or outlet pipes and attached to the main plate to form a fluid channel; a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate, the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate being stacked on top of each other and sandwiched between the main plate and the cover plate; wherein a pressure cavity is defined between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, the pressure cavity being in fluid communication with the fluid channel.

[0005] Based on the above-described technical concept, the present invention may further include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0006] In some alternative forms, the cover plate is provided with connection holes for attaching inlet pipes and / or outlet pipes, and the first pressure plate is arranged adjacent to the cover plate and is provided with through holes corresponding to the connection holes.

[0007] In some alternative configurations, the main board has multiple through slots for attaching heat exchange tubes, and the second pressure plate is arranged adjacent to the main board and has multiple throttling holes.

[0008] In some alternative configurations, the first pressure plate is configured to include a first arcuate portion that bulges toward the cover plate and a first connecting portion that extends from the longitudinal edge of the first arcuate portion; the second pressure plate is configured to include a second arcuate portion that bulges toward the first pressure plate and a second connecting portion that extends from the longitudinal edge of the second arcuate portion; the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are stacked and sealed together.

[0009] In some alternative forms, the radius of the first arcuate portion is smaller than the radius of the second arcuate portion.

[0010] In some alternative configurations, the throttling orifice is constructed as a circular orifice, and the diameter D of the throttling orifice is 3 to 6 mm.

[0011] In some alternative configurations, the through-slot is constructed as a flat slot of length W, and the diameter D of the throttling orifice is 0.2W to 0.4W.

[0012] In some alternative forms, the cover plate is U-shaped and has a third connecting portion extending along its longitudinal edge to attach to the surface of the main board, wherein the first connecting portion of the first pressure plate and the second connecting portion of the second pressure plate are sandwiched between the third connecting portion and the surface of the main board.

[0013] In some alternative forms, the motherboard has a flange formed on its lateral edge, which covers and seals the lateral ends of the cover plate, the first pressure plate, and the second pressure plate.

[0014] In some alternative forms, the through-slot is constructed as a flat slot of length W, and the radius R of the first arcuate portion is... U The value is 0.5W to 0.75W.

[0015] In some alternative forms, the radius R of the second arcuate portion L Greater than 1.25R U .

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a heat exchange device is provided, comprising an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, a first collector, a second collector, and a plurality of parallel and spaced heat exchange tubes arranged between the first collector and the second collector, wherein heat dissipation fins are provided between each heat exchange tube, wherein the first collector and the second collector are the collectors for the heat exchange device described above, and the heat exchange tubes are microchannel flat tubes.

[0017] In some alternative forms, the outer peripheral surface of the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe is provided with a limiting portion, which abuts against the outer surface of the collector to limit the depth to which the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe is inserted into the pressure chamber of the collector.

[0018] In some alternative configurations, the limiting portion is configured such that the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe are inserted into the pressure chamber at most one-third of its height.

[0019] The collector according to the present invention has a simple structure, is lightweight, easy to manufacture and inexpensive, has a reasonable load-bearing structure, and is reliable in use. It can be widely used in heat exchange devices with high internal pressure requirements. The heat exchange device of the present invention has a flexible spatial layout, suitable for the small space inside a car, and is especially suitable for automotive air conditioning systems that use carbon dioxide as a refrigerant. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals identify the same or similar parts, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heat exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of a heat exchange device;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a collector according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the inlet pipe;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the section along the middle AA. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The implementation and use of the embodiments are discussed in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of particular ways of implementing and using this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The descriptions of the structural positions of various components, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., are not absolute but relative. These directional descriptions are appropriate when the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, but they change accordingly when the positions of the various components in the figures change.

[0026] In this document, unless otherwise explicitly stated and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this document according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In this article, "horizontal" refers to the width direction of the component, and "vertical" refers to the length direction of the component.

[0028] In this document, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are not used to specify the order of events or the number of components, unless otherwise stated.

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a heat exchange device is illustrated. The heat exchange device includes an inlet pipe 10, an outlet pipe 20, a first collector 30, a second collector 40, and a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart heat exchange tubes 50 arranged between the first collector 30 and the second collector 40, and heat dissipation fins 60 located between each heat exchange tube 50. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 10 is connected to the first collector 30, such that the first collector 30 is used to distribute the fluid in the plurality of parallel heat exchange tubes 50; the outlet pipe 20 is connected to the second collector 40, such that the second collector 40 is used to concentrate the fluid in the plurality of parallel heat exchange tubes 50, thereby forming parallel flow in the plurality of parallel heat exchange tubes 50; and the heat dissipation fins 60 are used to exchange heat with the fluid (e.g., carbon dioxide) in the heat exchange tubes 50 through an external fluid (e.g., air). It should be understood that the arrangement of the inlet and outlet pipes is not limited to this, and other appropriate arrangements may be adopted depending on different needs. For example, in some implementations, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe may be arranged on the same collector.

[0030] In some embodiments, the heat exchange tube 50 can be a microchannel flat tube, which has a large heat exchange area and high heat exchange efficiency, making it more suitable for automotive air conditioning heat exchangers. In optional embodiments, the heat exchange tube 50 can also be a round tube.

[0031] The first collector 30 and the second collector 40 are structurally symmetrical. For the sake of simplicity, the following text will only describe the first collector 30 on the side of the inlet pipe 10 and simplify it to collector 30.

[0032] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4The diagram illustrates one embodiment of a manifold, comprising a main plate 32, a cover plate 31, a first pressure plate 33, and a second pressure plate 34. The main plate 32 has multiple through slots 321 for attaching heat exchange tubes, and the cover plate 31 has connection holes 311 for attaching an inlet pipe 10. The main plate 32 and cover plate 31 are attached to each other to form a fluid channel, allowing fluid entering from the inlet pipe 10 to be distributed to the respective heat exchange tubes through the multiple through slots 321. The first pressure plate 33 and the second pressure plate 34 are stacked and sandwiched between the main plate 32 and the cover plate 31, thereby defining a pressure chamber 35 between the first pressure plate 33 and the second pressure plate 34. The pressure chamber 35 is in fluid communication with the fluid channel; that is, fluid enters the fluid channel through the pressure chamber 35 and then enters the heat exchange tubes. In this way, the operating pressure generated by the fluid is mainly borne by the pressure-bearing cavity, which can withstand the large pressure applied by the high-pressure refrigerant on each wall surface, thereby improving the overall structural strength and effectively improving the fluid pressure borne by the collector.

[0033] To allow fluid to enter the fluid channel via the pressure chamber, in the illustrated embodiment, a first pressure plate 33 is arranged adjacent to the cover plate 31 and has through holes 331 corresponding to the connecting holes 311, while a second pressure plate 34 is arranged adjacent to the main plate 32 and has a plurality of throttling holes 341. In some embodiments, the throttling holes 341 are constructed as circular holes and are evenly spaced on the second pressure plate 34, and the through grooves 321 are constructed as flat grooves of length W. By adjusting the diameter and number of throttling holes 341, the flow uniformity of the high-pressure fluid in each heat exchange tube can be optimized. In some embodiments, the diameter D of the throttling holes is 3 to 6 mm. Advantageously, the diameter D of the throttling holes is 0.2W to 0.4W.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first pressure plate 33 is configured to include a first arcuate portion 332 protruding toward the cover plate 31, and first connecting portions 333 extending from the longitudinal edges of the first arcuate portion 332. The second pressure plate 34 is configured to include a second arcuate portion 342 protruding toward the first pressure plate 33, and second connecting portions 343 extending from the longitudinal edges of the second arcuate portion 342, wherein the first connecting portions 333 and the second connecting portions 343 are stacked and sealed together. Constructing the first and second pressure plates with arcuate structures is advantageous for bearing pressure and simplifies the manufacturing process. However, this approach is not a limitation, as long as the pressure cavity space is sufficiently small and the load-bearing structure is reasonable.

[0035] Preferably, the radius of the first arcuate portion 332 is smaller than the radius of the second arcuate portion 342. Here, the radius is described in terms of the wall surface of the pressure-bearing cavity; that is, the radius of the first arcuate portion is smaller than the radius of the second arcuate portion 342. Figure 4 The middle finger forms the radius of the arc-shaped surface of the upper wall of the pressure-bearing cavity 35, and is R UThe radius of the second arc-shaped portion refers to the radius of the arc-shaped surface that forms the lower wall of the pressure-bearing cavity 35, and is expressed as R. L Indicated. More preferably, the radius R of the second arcuate portion. L Greater than 1.25R U Advantageously, the radius R of the first arc portion U The value is 0.5W to 0.75W.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the inlet pipe and / or outlet pipe is provided with a limiting portion, which abuts against the outer surface of the collector to limit the depth to which the inlet pipe and / or outlet pipe are inserted into the pressure-bearing cavity of the collector. For example... Figure 4 As shown, taking the inlet pipe 10 as an example, a rib 11 can be provided on its outer peripheral surface to form a limiting part. After the inlet pipe 10 is inserted into the cover plate 31, the rib 11 abuts against the outer surface of the cover plate 31 to achieve limiting. It should be understood that the inlet pipe 10 is inserted into the pressure-bearing cavity 35 at least to a position flush with the inner surface of the first pressure-bearing plate 33. Preferably, the limiting part is configured such that the inlet pipe and / or outlet pipe is inserted into the pressure-bearing cavity at most one-third of its height. In other words, the depth here covers the range from the insertion end of the inlet pipe and / or outlet pipe being flush with the inner surface of the first pressure-bearing plate to one-third of the maximum height of the pressure-bearing cavity.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cover plate 31 is U-shaped and has a third connecting portion 312 extending along its longitudinal edge to attach to the surface of the main plate 32. The first connecting portion 333 of the first pressure plate 33 and the second connecting portion 343 of the second pressure plate 34 are sandwiched between the third connecting portion 312 and the surface of the main plate 32.

[0038] The main board 32 has a flange 322 formed on its lateral edge. The flange 322 covers and seals the lateral ends of the cover plate 31, the first pressure plate 33, and the second pressure plate 34. Specifically, after the cover plate 31, the first pressure plate 33, and the second pressure plate 34 are stacked on the main board 32 in sequence, the flange 322 covers the lateral ends to limit and fix the lateral ends of the entire collector. Then, the longitudinal edge of the entire collector can be sealed and fixed in one go by welding between the various connecting parts and with the surface of the main board.

[0039] It should be understood that, to achieve good heat dissipation, the various components of the collector can be made of copper, aluminum, or alloy materials, with aluminum being preferred, and a wall thickness preferably of 1.2–2.0 mm. Alternatively, the various connections are joined using a brazing process. In some embodiments, the first pressure plate 33 and the main plate 32 can be configured as composite aluminum plates with solder on both sides, thus enabling cost-effective welding of the cover plate, the first pressure plate, the second pressure plate, the main plate, and the heat exchange tubes together. However, this approach is not a limitation, and various other suitable methods can be used as long as the welding seal is satisfied. For example, with Figure 4For example, the cover plate 31 may have solder attached to its underside, the second pressure plate 34 may have solder attached to both sides, and the main plate 32 may have solder attached to its underside. In this case, the first pressure plate 33 may not have solder attached.

[0040] When the heat exchange device using the above-mentioned collector is in operation, for example, a high-pressure fluid such as carbon dioxide is introduced into the pressure chamber 35 of the first collector 30 through the inlet pipe 10, enters the fluid channel through multiple throttling orifices 341, and then enters each heat exchange tube 50. Figure 3 The direction of fluid flow is indicated by arrows. The fluid then enters the second collector 40 and, after passing through its pressure chamber, is discharged through the outlet pipe 20. Simultaneously, the carbon dioxide inside the heat exchange tube 50 transfers heat to the heat dissipation fins 60 on the outside of the heat exchange tube, thereby exchanging heat with the outside air.

[0041] It should be understood here that the embodiments shown in the figures only illustrate the optional shapes, sizes and arrangements of the collector and optional components of the heat exchange device according to the present invention. However, they are only illustrative and not limiting. Other shapes, sizes and arrangements may be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0042] The technical content and features of the present invention have been disclosed above. However, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes and improvements to the above-described inventive concept, all of which fall within the protection scope of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is illustrative rather than restrictive, and the protection scope of the present invention is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A manifold for a heat exchange device, the manifold being used to distribute and / or concentrate fluid in a plurality of parallel-arranged heat exchange tubes, characterized in that, The collector includes: A motherboard, the motherboard being adapted to attach heat exchange tubes; A cover plate, the cover plate being adapted to attach an inlet pipe and / or an outlet pipe and to attach to the main board to form a fluid channel; A first pressure plate and a second pressure plate are stacked on top of each other and sandwiched between the main plate and the cover plate; The first pressure plate is arranged adjacent to the cover plate and is configured to include a first arcuate portion protruding toward the cover plate and a first connecting portion extending from the longitudinal edge of the first arcuate portion. The second pressure plate is arranged adjacent to the main plate and is configured to include a second arcuate portion protruding toward the first pressure plate and a second connecting portion extending from the longitudinal edge of the second arcuate portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are stacked and sealed together. A pressure-bearing cavity is defined between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate, and the pressure-bearing cavity is in fluid communication with the fluid channel.

2. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate is provided with a connection hole for attaching an inlet pipe and / or an outlet pipe, and the first pressure plate is provided with a through hole corresponding to the connection hole.

3. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main board has multiple through slots for attaching heat exchange tubes, and the second pressure plate has multiple throttling holes.

4. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radius of the first arc-shaped portion is smaller than the radius of the second arc-shaped portion.

5. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The throttling orifice is a circular hole with a diameter D of 3~6mm.

6. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The through-slot is a flat slot with a length of W, and the diameter D of the throttling orifice is 0.2W~0.4W.

7. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate is U-shaped and has a third connecting portion extending along its longitudinal edge to attach to the surface of the main board. The first connecting portion of the first pressure plate and the second connecting portion of the second pressure plate are sandwiched between the third connecting portion and the surface of the main board.

8. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motherboard has a flange on its lateral edge, which covers and seals the lateral ends of the cover plate, the first pressure plate, and the second pressure plate.

9. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The through-slot is constructed as a flat slot with a length of W, and the radius of the first arc-shaped portion is R. U The value is 0.5W to 0.75W.

10. The collector for a heat exchange device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The radius R of the second arc-shaped portion L Greater than 1.25R U .

11. A heat exchange device, comprising an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, a first collector, a second collector, and a plurality of parallel and spaced heat exchange tubes arranged between the first collector and the second collector, wherein heat exchange tubes are provided with heat dissipation fins, characterized in that, The first collector and the second collector are collectors for a heat exchange device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the heat exchange tube is a microchannel flat tube.

12. The heat exchange device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe is provided with a limiting part, which abuts against the outer surface of the collector to limit the depth of the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe inserted into the pressure chamber of the collector.

13. The heat exchange device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The limiting part is configured such that the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe are inserted into the pressure chamber at most one-third of its height.

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