Refrigerant distribution components, heat exchangers and air conditioning systems

Abstract

This application relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and discloses a refrigerant distribution component, a heat exchanger, and an air conditioning system. The refrigerant distribution component includes a manifold and at least two branch pipes. The manifold has a liquid inlet, and the inlets of the at least two branch pipes are respectively connected to and communicate with the manifold. Refrigerant from the liquid inlet flows through the manifold to the outlets of the at least two branch pipes. The at least two branch pipes include a first branch pipe, which has at least two outlets. Because the first branch pipe has at least two outlets, the number of branch pipes connected to the manifold can be reduced, the probability of mutual interference between branch pipes is reduced, the connection between the branch pipes and the manifold is facilitated, and the size of the manifold can be reduced accordingly, thereby reducing the space occupied by the refrigerant distribution component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and in particular to a refrigerant distribution component, a heat exchanger, and an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides only background information relevant to this application and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] The distribution of refrigerant among multiple heat exchange tubes within a heat exchanger has a significant impact on its heat exchange efficiency. Currently, heat exchangers distribute refrigerant through distributors. These distributors require matching multiple branch pipes, and due to space constraints, these branch pipes can easily interfere with each other. Furthermore, to accommodate multiple branch pipes, distributors are typically quite large. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to at least solve the problems of existing distributors requiring a large number of matching shunt pipes, which leads to difficulties in shunt pipe installation and large space occupation. This purpose is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0005] The first aspect of this application proposes a refrigerant distribution component, comprising:

[0006] The manifold has a liquid inlet;

[0007] At least two branch pipes, the inlets of which are respectively connected to and communicate with the manifold, and the refrigerant from the liquid inlet flows through the manifold to the outlet of the at least two branch pipes;

[0008] The at least two shunt pipes include a first shunt pipe, which has at least two outlets.

[0009] According to the refrigerant distribution component of this application, refrigerant flows into the manifold from the inlet, and after being split by the manifold, it flows to multiple branch pipes. All branch pipes include a first branch pipe. Since the first branch pipe is provided with at least two outlets, the number of branch pipes connected to the manifold can be reduced, the probability of mutual interference between branch pipes is reduced, the connection between branch pipes and manifold is facilitated, and the size of the manifold can be reduced accordingly, thereby reducing the space occupied by the refrigerant distribution component.

[0010] In addition, the refrigerant distribution component according to this application may also have the following additional technical features:

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, along the refrigerant flow direction, the manifold is provided with a first region and a second region, the second region being located downstream of the first region, and the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the second region being greater than the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the first region.

[0012] Both the first region and the second region are connected to the diversion pipe. The diversion pipe connected to the first region is the second diversion pipe, and the diversion pipe connected to the second region is the third diversion pipe. The number of outlets of the third diversion pipe is greater than the number of outlets of the second diversion pipe.

[0013] The first shunt tube includes the third shunt tube.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, along the refrigerant flow direction, the first branch pipe includes the branch pipe located most downstream of all the branch pipes.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the inlet is disposed at the first end of the manifold, the inlets of all the branch pipes are disposed between the inlet and the second end of the manifold, and the inlets of all the branch pipes are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the manifold. The first branch pipe includes the branch pipe that is furthest from the inlet along the axial direction of the manifold.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant distribution component further includes a flow divider plate disposed inside the manifold. The flow divider plate has at least one through hole for refrigerant to flow through, and along the refrigerant flow direction, the flow divider plate is located downstream of the liquid inlet.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the circumferential sidewall of the diverter is provided with an annular groove, and the inner wall of the collector is provided with a first annular protrusion, which is inserted into the annular groove.

[0018] And / or, two second annular protrusions are provided on the inner wall of the manifold, the two second annular protrusions are spaced apart from each other along the axial direction of the manifold, and an annular mounting gap is formed between the two second annular protrusions, and the circumferential edge of the diverter is inserted into the annular mounting gap.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the outer periphery of the manifold is spun inward to form an annular protrusion corresponding to the flow divider, the annular protrusion including a first annular protrusion and / or a second annular protrusion that cooperate with the flow divider.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, along the refrigerant flow direction, the flow divider is disposed between the downstream of the liquid inlet and the upstream of all the flow dividers;

[0021] And / or, along the refrigerant flow direction, the flow divider is disposed between the inlets of any two adjacent flow dividers.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, along the refrigerant flow direction, the downstreammost branch pipe in the branch pipe located downstream of the branch plate is the terminal branch pipe, and the first branch pipe includes the terminal branch pipe;

[0023] And / or, along the refrigerant flow direction, a diversion pipe is provided upstream of the diversion plate, the first diversion pipe including the diversion pipe located upstream of the diversion plate and adjacent to the diversion plate.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the first diversion pipe includes a main body and at least two branch sections, the inlet of the main body forms the inlet of the first diversion pipe, the inlets of the at least two branch sections are connected to and communicate with the main body, and the outlets of the at least two branch sections form the outlet of the first diversion pipe.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the outlet of the main body is connected to a branch section, and the at least two branches are connected side by side to the branch section.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the number of branches is two.

[0027] A second aspect of this application provides a heat exchanger comprising:

[0028] Heat exchange components, including heat exchange channels;

[0029] The first aspect of this application provides a refrigerant distribution component in which the outlet of the branch pipe is connected and communicates with the heat exchange channel.

[0030] The heat exchanger proposed in the second aspect of this application includes the refrigerant distribution component proposed in the first aspect of this application and has at least the beneficial effects of the refrigerant distribution component proposed in the first aspect of this application.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the heat exchange channel includes at least two heat exchange channel groups, and the at least two diversion pipes are connected to the at least two heat exchange channel groups in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0032] A third aspect of this application proposes an air conditioning system that includes the heat exchanger proposed in the second aspect of this application.

[0033] The air conditioning system proposed in the third aspect of this application includes the heat exchanger proposed in the second aspect of this application, and the heat exchanger includes the refrigerant distribution mechanism proposed in the first aspect of this application. Therefore, the air conditioning system proposed in the third aspect of this application has at least the beneficial effects of the refrigerant distribution component proposed in the first aspect of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a dispenser according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of a dispenser according to an embodiment of this application is shown from one perspective.

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 2 AA section view;

[0038] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to an embodiment of this application is schematically shown;

[0039] Figure 5 A partial schematic diagram of a dispenser according to an embodiment of this application is shown from one perspective.

[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 5 BB cross-sectional view;

[0041] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a shunt plate according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0042] Figure 8 The diagram schematically illustrates the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel in the prior art and in specific embodiment two.

[0043] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0044] 100. Manifold; 103. First end; 104. Second end; 105. Second annular protrusion; 110. Liquid inlet; 120. Connecting flange;

[0045] 200. Diverter pipe; 201. Main body; 202. Branch section; 203. Diverter section; 204. Inlet; 205. Outlet; 210. First diverter pipe; 211. First pipe; 212. Second pipe; 213. Third pipe; 214. Fourth pipe;

[0046] 300. Liquid inlet pipe;

[0047] 400, flow divider; 410, through hole;

[0048] A. Refrigerant flow direction. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this application may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of this application and to fully convey the scope of this application to those skilled in the art.

[0050] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0051] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0052] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "over," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" would subsequently be oriented as "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, according to an embodiment of this application, a refrigerant distribution component is proposed, including a manifold 100 and a plurality of branch pipes 200.

[0054] The manifold 100 has an inlet 110, and the inlets 204 of multiple branch pipes 200 are all connected to the manifold 100. The refrigerant from the inlet 110 flows through the manifold 100 to the outlets 205 of the multiple branch pipes 200. The multiple branch pipes 200 include a first branch pipe 210, which has multiple outlets 205.

[0055] The refrigerant distribution component of this embodiment is typically used in heat exchangers with multiple heat exchange channels. The outlet 205 of the distribution pipe 200 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange channel. Refrigerant from the distribution pipe 200 enters the heat exchange channel and completes heat exchange within the channel. Typically, the heat exchanger can be air-cooled, in which case the heat exchanger is placed in the air, and the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air within the heat exchange channel. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be water-cooled, in which case the heat exchanger is placed in water, and the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside water within the heat exchange channel. The heat exchanger can be used as a condenser or evaporator in an air conditioning system. In actual use, the heat exchanger is usually placed in the air and is equipped with corresponding airflow drive components (specifically, fans, etc.) to improve heat exchange efficiency. The airflow drive components drive the airflow to flow along the surface of the heat exchanger (i.e., the heat exchange component) in a fixed direction, forming an airflow field. In this embodiment, the refrigerant distribution component is applied to a heat exchanger under evaporation conditions, i.e., the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, for the following detailed explanation.

[0056] In one implementation, the heat exchange channel can be divided into multiple heat exchange channel groups, each heat exchange channel group including at least one heat exchange channel. Multiple heat exchange channel groups are arranged in parallel. The outlet 205 of each branch pipe 200 can correspond to an independent heat exchange channel group. The first branch pipe 210 has multiple outlets 205, each corresponding to an independent heat exchange channel group. After entering the manifold 100, the refrigerant flows through multiple branch pipes 200 to different heat exchange channel groups. The refrigerant flowing out of the multiple heat exchange channel groups can flow back into the manifold and then through the outlet 205 of the manifold to the next device. For example, in an air conditioning system, when the manifold 100 is used in an evaporator, the outlet 205 of the manifold is typically connected to and communicates with the compressor inlet 204.

[0057] The manifold 100 can be either a straight pipe or a bend, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the manifold 100 can be a pipe of constant diameter, that is, the inner diameter of the manifold 100 remains unchanged along the refrigerant flow direction A.

[0058] The manifold 100 is provided with multiple liquid outlets, and each of the multiple liquid outlets is connected to a branch pipe 200. (Continue referring to section 1...) Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the liquid outlet and the diversion pipe 200 can be set in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0059] In this embodiment, the liquid outlet is typically located on the peripheral wall of the manifold 100. Multiple liquid outlets are sequentially arranged along the axial direction of the manifold 100. These multiple liquid outlets can be located on the same side of the circumferential sidewall of the manifold 100, or they can be located on different sides of the circumferential sidewall of the manifold 100. In one specific implementation, refer to 1. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a connecting flange 120 is provided outwardly at the outlet. One end of the inlet 204 of the diverter pipe 200 is inserted into the connecting flange 120 and the outlet, and the end of the diverter pipe 200 corresponding to the inlet 204 is sealed to the connecting flange 120 to prevent refrigerant leakage. Specifically, the diverter pipe 200 can be welded, fused, or integrally formed with the manifold pipe 100.

[0060] In this embodiment, the liquid inlet 110 of the manifold 100 is used to connect to the outlet of the previous device. For example, in an air conditioning system, when the manifold 100 is used in an evaporator, the liquid inlet 110 is usually connected to the outlet of the expansion valve. There is usually one liquid inlet 110, and its location can vary. For example, if the manifold 100 is sealed at both ends, the liquid inlet 110 is located at one end or in the middle of the peripheral wall of the manifold 100; or, for another example, the liquid inlet 110 is located on one end face of the manifold 100. In one specific implementation, refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the liquid inlet 110 is located on the circumferential sidewall of the manifold 100. A connecting flange 120 is provided outwardly in the circumferential direction of the liquid inlet 110. A liquid inlet pipe 300 can be connected to the liquid inlet 110. The liquid inlet pipe 300 is inserted into the liquid inlet 110 and the corresponding connecting flange 120, and the outer circumferential wall of the liquid inlet pipe 300 is sealed to the connecting flange 120 to prevent refrigerant leakage. The liquid inlet pipe 300 can be welded, fused, or integrally formed with the manifold 100.

[0061] It should be noted that the term "multiple" in this embodiment refers to two or more. Specifically, multiple diversion pipes 200 can be understood as two diversion pipes 200, three diversion pipes 200, or more diversion pipes 200; multiple liquid outlets can be understood as two liquid outlets, three liquid outlets, or more liquid outlets; and multiple heat exchange channel groups can be understood as two heat exchange channel groups, three heat exchange channel groups, or more heat exchange channel groups.

[0062] In this embodiment, some of the branch pipes 200 can be set as first branch pipes 210, and the other branch pipes 200 can be provided with an outlet 205. Alternatively, all the branch pipes 200 can be set as first branch pipes 210.

[0063] According to the refrigerant distribution component of this embodiment, refrigerant flows into the manifold 100 from the inlet 110, and after being split by the manifold 100, it flows to multiple branch pipes 200. All branch pipes 200 include a first branch pipe 210. Since the first branch pipe 210 is provided with at least two outlets 205, the number of branch pipes 200 connected to the manifold 100 can be reduced. In this way, the probability of mutual interference between branch pipes 200 is reduced, which facilitates the connection between branch pipes 200 and manifold 100. Moreover, the size of manifold 100 can be reduced accordingly, thereby reducing the space occupied by the refrigerant distribution component.

[0064] In one embodiment of this implementation, the first diversion pipe 210 includes a main body 201 and a plurality of branch sections 202. The inlet 204 of the main body 201 forms the inlet 204 of the first diversion pipe 210. The inlets of the plurality of branch sections 202 are connected to and communicate with the main body 201. The outlets 205 of the plurality of branch sections 202 form the outlets 205 of the first diversion pipe 210.

[0065] The main body 201 has an outlet 205 connected to a branch section 203, and multiple branch sections 202 are connected in parallel to the branch section 203.

[0066] The branch section 203 can be a multi-port pipe, with one port connected to the main body 201 and the remaining ports connected to the branch sections 202 respectively. For example... Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, there are two branch sections 202, and the diversion section 203 is a Y-shaped tube. One opening of the Y-shaped tube is connected to the main body 201, and the other two openings of the Y-shaped tube are connected and communicate with the two branch sections 202.

[0067] The diameter of the branch section 202 can be the same as that of the main body section 201. This way, when the outlet 205 of the first branch pipe 210 and the outlet 205 of the remaining branch pipes 200 are connected to the heat exchange channel, the same structure can be used, which is simple and easy to assemble.

[0068] In existing technologies, heat exchangers in air conditioning systems are typically equipped with fans to improve heat exchange efficiency. The fans create an airflow field outside the heat exchanger, and the matching of refrigerant distribution within the multiple heat exchange channels to this airflow field significantly impacts the heat exchanger's efficiency. Currently, heat exchangers distribute refrigerant through distributors. However, refrigerant accumulation can easily occur in localized areas within the distributor, causing a mismatch between the refrigerant distribution within the corresponding heat exchange channel and the external airflow field, thus affecting heat exchange efficiency.

[0069] To address this issue, the refrigerant distribution component in this embodiment is further configured such that, along the refrigerant flow direction A, the manifold 100 has a first region and a second region, the second region being downstream of the first region, and the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the second region being greater than the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the first region; both the first and second regions are connected to branch pipes 200, the branch pipe 200 connected to the first region being a second branch pipe, and the branch pipe 200 connected to the second region being a third branch pipe, the third branch pipe having more outlets 205 than the second branch pipe. The first branch pipe 210 includes the third branch pipe.

[0070] For example, the second diverter may have one outlet 205, and the third diverter may have two or more outlets 205; or the second diverter may have two outlets 205, and the third diverter may have three or more outlets 205. The number of third diverter pipes can be one or more; the number of second diverter pipes can also be one or more. The number of outlets 205 in the second diverter pipe refers to the number of outlets 205 corresponding to one second diverter pipe, and the number of outlets 205 in the third diverter pipe refers to the number of outlets 205 corresponding to one third diverter pipe.

[0071] In defining the first and second regions, the refrigerant flow direction A within the manifold 100 is angled or substantially aligned with the direction of the airflow flowing across the heat exchanger surface formed by the airflow drive component. This means the refrigerant flows from the first region to the second region, while the airflow through the heat exchanger flows from the heat exchange channel corresponding to the first region to the heat exchange channel corresponding to the second region. Along the airflow direction, because the airflow exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing in the upstream region, the temperature difference between the airflow and the refrigerant in the downstream region is smaller than that in the upstream region. A larger volume of refrigerant flowing in the upstream region is more conducive to heat exchange, thus improving the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange components. Typically, along the refrigerant flow direction A within the manifold 100, the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the manifold 100 should gradually decrease to reduce the refrigerant flow rate in the corresponding branch pipe 200, thereby adapting to the airflow pattern and improving the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange components.

[0072] However, in some cases, due to the influence of refrigerant flow velocity and the flow divider 400, refrigerant flow may accumulate in the downstream region along the refrigerant flow direction A within the manifold 100. That is, the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the second region downstream is actually higher than the amount accumulated in the first region upstream. This embodiment addresses this by setting more outlets 205 in the third flow divider corresponding to the second region and fewer outlets 205 in the second flow divider corresponding to the first region. This allows the refrigerant in the second region to be diverted by more outlets 205, still resulting in less refrigerant in the corresponding heat exchange channels within the second region. Consequently, the heat exchange channels of the entire heat exchanger are still arranged according to the heat exchange capacity of the airflow, resulting in better matching with the airflow and improved heat exchange efficiency.

[0073] In this embodiment, "refrigerant accumulation" can be understood as refrigerant buffer capacity. Specifically, it refers to the refrigerant flow rate that can be diverted to the manifold 200, which is also the refrigerant flow rate that can be diverted into the manifold 200. When the refrigerant distribution component is applied in an evaporator (with the heat exchanger acting as the evaporator), the refrigerant distribution component is located at the inlet 204 of the heat exchange component of the heat exchanger. The refrigerant flowing to the manifold 100 typically exists in both liquid and gaseous states. Since the accumulation of gaseous refrigerant is difficult to quantify, the refrigerant accumulation usually refers to the accumulation of liquid refrigerant.

[0074] In a specific example, such as Figure 1 As shown, there are three manifolds 200 along the refrigerant flow direction A: first pipe 211, second pipe 212, and third pipe 213. The amount of refrigerant accumulated decreases from the first pipe 211 to the second pipe 212. Due to the gradually decreasing velocity of the liquid refrigerant and the effect of the end of the manifold 100, liquid refrigerant accumulates in the area corresponding to the third pipe 213, resulting in an increased amount of refrigerant accumulation in that area. This means that the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the area corresponding to the third pipe 213 is greater than that in the area corresponding to the second pipe 212, i.e., the amount of refrigerant entering the third pipe 213 is greater than the amount entering the second pipe 212. The area corresponding to the third pipe 213 forms the second area, and the area corresponding to the second pipe 212 forms the first area. The third pipe 213 has two outlets 205, and the second pipe 212 has one outlet 205.

[0075] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, there are four branch pipes 200 along the refrigerant flow direction A, namely the first pipe 211, the second pipe 212, the third pipe 213, and the fourth pipe 214. The amount of refrigerant accumulated decreases from the first pipe 211 to the third pipe 213. Due to the gradually decreasing velocity of the liquid refrigerant and the effect of the end of the manifold 100, liquid refrigerant will accumulate in the area corresponding to the fourth pipe 214, resulting in an increase in the amount of refrigerant accumulated in that area. This means that the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the area corresponding to the fourth pipe 214 is greater than that in the area corresponding to the third pipe 213, i.e., the amount of refrigerant entering the fourth pipe 214 is greater than the amount entering the third pipe 213. The area corresponding to the fourth pipe 214 forms the second area, and the area corresponding to the third pipe 213 forms the first area. The fourth pipe 214 has two outlets 205, and the third pipe 213 has one outlet 205.

[0076] It should be noted that in this embodiment, if the refrigerant flow rate diverted by the branch pipe 200 in any region of the manifold 100 is greater than the expected flow rate (the expected flow rate is measured experimentally, and under ideal heat exchange conditions, the flow rate range corresponding to the branch pipe 200 is relatively ideal), resulting in a lower refrigerant temperature after heat exchange in the branch pipe 200 of that region, thus affecting the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger, an outlet 205 can be added to the branch pipe 200 corresponding to that region. This allows the refrigerant in the branch pipe 200 to be diverted again through the outlet 205, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant and ensuring that the temperature of the refrigerant after heat exchange is not too low, or that the refrigerant flowing out of all heat exchange channels is within a similar temperature range.

[0077] In one embodiment of this implementation, along the refrigerant flow direction A, the first branch pipe 210 includes the downstream branch pipe 200 among a plurality of branch pipes 200.

[0078] It is understandable that, along the refrigerant flow direction A, the downstream branch pipe 200 is most prone to refrigerant accumulation exceeding the expected flow rate due to the slowdown in flow velocity. Therefore, the downstream branch pipe 200 can be configured with multiple outlets 205 to allow the refrigerant flowing out of the downstream branch pipe 200 to be diverted again, thereby achieving a better heat exchange effect.

[0079] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 6 As shown, in one specific embodiment, the inlet 110 is located at the first end 103 of the manifold 100, and the inlets 204 of all the branch pipes 200 are located between the inlet 110 and the second end 104 of the manifold 100. The inlets 204 of all the branch pipes 200 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the manifold 100. Along the axial direction of the manifold 100, the first branch pipe 210 includes the branch pipe 200 whose inlet 204 is farthest from the inlet 110.

[0080] In this specific embodiment, the first diversion pipe 210 is provided with two outlets 205, and the remaining diversion pipes 200 are each provided with one outlet 205.

[0081] Among them, the first end 103 and the second end 104 are the two axially opposite ends of the manifold 100.

[0082] It should be noted that when the inlet 110 is located in the middle of the axial direction of the manifold 100, and multiple outlets are located on both sides of the inlet 110, the refrigerant flows into the manifold 100 from the inlet 110 and then splits into two paths: one flows to the first end 103 of the manifold 100, and the other flows to the second end 104 of the manifold 100. Thus, in the branch pipes 200 between the inlet 110 and the first end 103 of the manifold 100, the branch pipe 200 furthest downstream (i.e., furthest from the inlet 110) can serve as the first branch pipe 210; similarly, in the branch pipes 200 between the inlet 110 and the second end 104 of the manifold 100, the branch pipe 200 furthest downstream (i.e., furthest from the inlet 110) can also serve as the first branch pipe 210. The number of outlets 205 in the first branch pipe 210 is usually greater than the number of outlets 205 in the other branch pipes 200.

[0083] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerant distribution component also includes a flow divider 400, which is disposed inside the manifold 100. The flow divider 400 is provided with at least one through hole 410 for refrigerant to flow through. Along the refrigerant flow direction A, the flow divider 400 is located downstream of the liquid inlet 110.

[0084] The circumferential sidewall of the flow divider 400 is adapted to and fixedly connected to the inner wall of the manifold 100.

[0085] The number of through holes 410 on the flow divider 400 can be one or more. The shape of the through holes 410 can be any shape, such as square, circular, elliptical, or irregular. When there are multiple through holes 410, their shapes can be the same or different, and they can be arranged at equal intervals or randomly distributed. The specific area, number, and diameter of the through holes 410 can be adaptively designed according to different heat exchangers.

[0086] By setting a flow divider 400 inside the manifold 100, the flow divider 400 can play the roles of atomization, flow blocking and rectification. After the refrigerant passes through the flow divider 400, it is atomized into fine droplets and mixed with gas, which are evenly filled in the manifold 100. The liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant are mixed and then divided into the flow divider 200, which is conducive to the uniform distribution of gaseous and liquid refrigerant flowing into multiple flow dividers 200.

[0087] In one specific embodiment, the circumferential sidewall of the flow divider 400 is provided with an annular groove, and the inner wall of the collector tube 100 is provided with a first annular protrusion, which is inserted into the annular groove. The first annular protrusion can be formed by rotating the outer side of the circumferential wall of the collector tube 100 inwards corresponding to the flow divider 400.

[0088] In this specific embodiment, the engagement of the annular groove and the first annular protrusion can both fix the diverter plate 400 and provide a sealing function to prevent refrigerant from flowing between the first annular protrusion and the annular groove.

[0089] In another specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, two second annular protrusions 105 are provided on the inner wall of the manifold 100. The two second annular protrusions 105 are spaced apart from each other along the axial direction of the manifold 100, forming an annular mounting gap between them. The circumferential edge of the diverter 400 is inserted into the annular mounting gap. The second annular protrusions 105 can be formed by rotating the outer side of the circumferential wall of the manifold 100 inward corresponding to the diverter 400.

[0090] In this specific embodiment, the cooperation of the two second annular protrusions 105 can fix the diverter plate 400 and also play a sealing role, preventing the refrigerant from flowing between the second annular protrusions 105 and the annular groove.

[0091] It should be noted that using two second annular protrusions 105 can be understood as fixing the flow divider 400 by double spinning, that is, spinning two positions axially of the flow divider 100. At each position, the flow divider 100 is spun radially inward from its outer peripheral wall to form a second annular protrusion 105 with an inwardly concave outer wall and an inwardly convex inner wall. The two second annular protrusions 105 are pressed tightly against both sides of the flow divider 400. Using one first annular protrusion is equivalent to fixing the flow divider 400 by single spinning, that is, spinning one position axially of the flow divider 100. At this position, the flow divider 100 is spun radially inward from its outer peripheral wall to form a first annular protrusion with an inwardly concave outer wall and an inwardly convex inner wall. The first annular protrusion is pressed tightly against the annular groove of the flow divider 400. In the case of using a first annular protrusion, in order to avoid deformation and cracking of the shunt plate 400 due to stress concentration during single spinning, the thickness of the shunt plate 400 should be greater than that of the shunt plate 400 in the double spinning method.

[0092] In this embodiment, the shunt plate 400 can also be fixed by combining the first annular protrusion and the second annular protrusion 105.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, in one implementation, the flow divider 400 is disposed between the upstream of all flow dividers 200 and the downstream of the inlet 110.

[0094] In this implementation, the refrigerant from the inlet 110 flows through the distributor 400 and then flows to multiple distributor pipes 200.

[0095] In another implementation, such as Figure 3As shown, the flow divider 400 is disposed between the inlets 204 of any two adjacent flow dividers 200.

[0096] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the flow divider 400 is positioned between the first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212, i.e., along the refrigerant flow direction A. The flow divider 400 is positioned between the upstreammost flow divider 200 and the adjacent flow divider 200. It can be understood that, compared to the method of positioning the flow divider 400 upstream of all flow dividers 200, the location of the flow divider 400 between the outlet pipes 205 can improve the problem of insufficient refrigerant distribution in the first pipe 211 (i.e., the upstreammost flow divider 200).

[0097] Furthermore, the flow divider 400 may also be disposed between the second tube 212 and the third tube 213 and / or between the third tube 213 and the fourth tube 214.

[0098] It should be noted that in some embodiments of this implementation, a flow divider 400 may also be provided between the inlet 110 and the upstream of all the flow dividers 200 and between the inlets 204 of any two adjacent flow dividers 200.

[0099] In a refrigerant distribution component equipped with a flow divider 400, the refrigerant, after being accelerated by the flow divider 400, easily rushes towards the end of the manifold 100 and accumulates there. Corresponding to this phenomenon, along the refrigerant flow direction A, the downstreammost flow divider 200 located downstream of the flow divider 400 is the terminal flow divider. The first flow divider 210 includes the terminal flow divider, that is, the outlet 205 of the terminal flow divider is set to two or more.

[0100] by Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 For example, the refrigerant flows from bottom to top. After passing through the distributor plate 400, the refrigerant is very likely to rush to the top and accumulate there, causing the outlet 205 of one or two branches at the top to be undercooled (that is, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchange channel connected to that branch is low). Therefore, a one-to-two form is adopted at the top, and a Y-type three-way scheme is used for liquid distribution, thereby increasing the outlet 205 temperature of the two branches at the top and improving the overall heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger.

[0101] Because the manifold 400 acts as a barrier to liquid refrigerant, excessive refrigerant accumulation may occur in the upstream manifold 200 adjacent to the manifold 400, leading to overheating in the upstream region adjacent to the manifold 400. To address this, as follows... Figure 6 As shown, a diversion pipe 200 is provided upstream of the diversion plate 400 along the refrigerant flow direction A. The first diversion pipe 210 includes a diversion pipe 200 located upstream of the diversion plate 400 and adjacent to the diversion plate 400.

[0102] Several specific implementation examples are given below. Specific Implementation Example 1

[0104] like Figure 1 As shown, in one specific embodiment, there are three diversion pipes 200. Along the refrigerant flow direction A, the three diversion pipes 200 are respectively the first pipe 211, the second pipe 212, and the third pipe 213. The liquid inlet 110 is located at the first end 103 of the circumferential sidewall of the manifold 100, and the three liquid outlets are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the manifold 100. A diversion plate 400 is disposed between the liquid outlet and the corresponding liquid outlet of the first pipe 211, and the distance between the diversion plate 400 and the corresponding liquid outlet of the first pipe 211 is greater than the distance between the corresponding liquid outlet of the first pipe 211 and the corresponding liquid outlet of the second pipe 212. The first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212 are each provided with one outlet 205, and the third pipe 213 is the first diversion pipe 210 and is provided with two outlets 205. Specific Implementation Example 2

[0106] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one specific embodiment, there are four diversion pipes 200. Along the refrigerant flow direction A, the four diversion pipes 200 are respectively the first pipe 211, the second pipe 212, the third pipe 213, and the fourth pipe 214. The liquid inlet 110 is located at the first end 103 of the circumferential sidewall of the manifold 100, and the four liquid outlets are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the manifold 100. The diversion plate 400 is located between the liquid outlet corresponding to the second pipe 212 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the first pipe 211. The diversion plate 400 is located at the middle position between the liquid outlet corresponding to the first pipe 211 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the second pipe 212. The distance between the liquid outlet corresponding to the first pipe 211 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the second pipe 212 is greater than the distance between the liquid outlet corresponding to the second pipe 212 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the third pipe 213. The distance between the liquid outlet corresponding to the second pipe 212 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the third pipe 213 is slightly greater than the distance between the liquid outlet corresponding to the third pipe 213 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the fourth pipe 214. The first pipe 211, the second pipe 212, and the third pipe 213 are each provided with an outlet 205. The fourth pipe 214 is the first branch pipe 210 and is provided with two outlets 205. Specific Implementation Example 3

[0108] like Figure 4As shown, in one specific embodiment, there are four diversion pipes 200. Along the refrigerant flow direction A, the four diversion pipes 200 are respectively the first pipe 211, the second pipe 212, the third pipe 213, and the fourth pipe 214. The liquid inlet 110 is located at the first end 103 of the circumferential sidewall of the manifold 100, and the four liquid outlets are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the manifold 100. The diversion plate 400 is located between the liquid inlet 110 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the first pipe 211. The distance between the diversion plate 400 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the first pipe 211 is basically the same as the distance between the liquid outlet corresponding to the first pipe 211 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the second pipe 212. The distances between the liquid outlet corresponding to the first pipe 211 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the second pipe 212, the liquid outlet corresponding to the second pipe 212 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the third pipe 213, and the liquid outlet corresponding to the third pipe 213 and the liquid outlet corresponding to the fourth pipe 214 are also approximately the same. The first pipe 211, the second pipe 212, and the third pipe 213 are each equipped with an outlet 205. The fourth pipe 214 is the first branch pipe 210 and is equipped with two outlets 205. Specific Implementation Example 4

[0110] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the flow divider 400 is disposed in the middle of the axial direction of the manifold 100. The flow divider 200 includes two pipes, namely a first pipe 211 and a second pipe 212. The distance between the flow divider 400 and the first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212 is the same. Both the first pipe 211 and the second pipe 212 are first flow dividers 210. The first pipe 211 is provided with two outlets 205 and the second pipe 212 is provided with two outlets 205.

[0111] Taking Specific Implementation Example 1 as an example, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8The vertical axis represents the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel, and the horizontal axis indicates the position of the corresponding branch pipe in the heat exchange channel. The thinner line represents the refrigerant outlet temperature variation line in the prior art, and the thicker broken line represents the refrigerant outlet temperature variation line in Specific Embodiment Two. In the prior art, the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel corresponding to the first pipe 211 is 12.7℃, the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel corresponding to the second pipe 212 is 12℃, the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel corresponding to the third pipe 213 is 8℃, and the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel corresponding to the fourth pipe 214 is 12.7℃. In Specific Embodiment Two, the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel corresponding to the first pipe 211 is 11.2℃, the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel corresponding to the second pipe 212 is 11.8℃, the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel corresponding to the third pipe 213 is 10℃, and the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heat exchange channel corresponding to the fourth pipe 214 is 11℃. The comparison shows that by using the 400-type flow divider and the top-mounted one-to-two flow divider structure, the refrigerant distribution is balanced, reducing the temperature difference at the refrigerant outlet in the heat exchange channel. Actual measurements show that the heat exchange capacity is improved by 3.2%.

[0112] This embodiment, by setting a flow divider 400 and combining it with multiple outlets 205 in part of the flow divider 200, can ensure that the refrigerant flow rate, especially the liquid refrigerant flow rate, in the heat exchange channel corresponding to each flow divider 200 matches the heat exchange capacity, thereby improving the heat exchange performance of the entire heat exchanger; it also has a simple structure and low welding and processing costs; and without changing the flow path, it is very easy to apply to heat exchangers with a larger airflow field at the top and a smaller airflow field at the bottom (for example, in an air conditioning system, when the heat exchanger is tilted, the airflow field is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom due to the action of airflow driving components such as fans).

[0113] This embodiment also provides a heat exchanger, including a heat exchange component and a refrigerant distribution component provided in this embodiment. The heat exchange component includes a heat exchange channel, and the outlet 205 of the branch pipe 200 is connected to and communicates with the heat exchange channel.

[0114] Furthermore, the heat exchange channel includes multiple heat exchange channel groups, and multiple branch pipes 200 are connected to the multiple heat exchange channel groups one by one.

[0115] The heat exchanger of this embodiment can be applied to evaporation conditions. The specific cooperation between the heat exchange channels and the refrigerant distribution components in the heat exchanger can be referred to the description of the refrigerant distribution components proposed in this embodiment.

[0116] The heat exchanger of this embodiment includes the refrigerant distribution component proposed in this embodiment, and has at least the beneficial effects of the refrigerant distribution component proposed in this embodiment.

[0117] This embodiment also provides an air conditioning system, including the heat exchanger proposed in this embodiment.

[0118] In practical applications, air conditioning systems also include other conventional components, such as compressors and expansion valves.

[0119] The air conditioning system proposed in this embodiment includes the heat exchanger proposed in this embodiment, and the heat exchanger includes the refrigerant distribution mechanism proposed in this embodiment. Therefore, the air conditioning system proposed in this embodiment has at least the beneficial effects of the refrigerant distribution component proposed in this embodiment.

[0120] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerant distribution component, characterized in that, include: The manifold has a liquid inlet; At least two branch pipes, the inlets of which are respectively connected to and communicate with the manifold, the refrigerant from the liquid inlet flows through the manifold to the at least two branch pipes, and flows out through the outlet of each branch pipe; The at least two branch pipes include a first branch pipe, which has at least two outlets; The refrigerant distribution component further includes a flow divider plate, which is disposed inside the manifold. The flow divider plate has at least one through hole for refrigerant to flow through. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the flow divider plate is disposed between the downstream of the liquid inlet and the upstream of all the flow dividers, and / or, the flow divider plate is disposed between the inlets of any two adjacent flow dividers. Along the refrigerant flow direction, the downstreammost branch pipe in the branch pipe located downstream of the branch plate is the terminal branch pipe, and the first branch pipe includes the terminal branch pipe.

2. The refrigerant distribution component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the refrigerant flow direction, the manifold is provided with a first region and a second region, the second region is located downstream of the first region, and the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the second region is greater than the amount of refrigerant accumulated in the first region. Both the first region and the second region are connected to the diversion pipe. The diversion pipe connected to the first region is the second diversion pipe, and the diversion pipe connected to the second region is the third diversion pipe. The number of outlets of the third diversion pipe is greater than the number of outlets of the second diversion pipe.

3. The refrigerant distribution component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the refrigerant flow direction, the first branch pipe includes the branch pipe located at the most downstream of all the branch pipes.

4. The refrigerant distribution component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inlet is located at the first end of the manifold, and the inlets of all the branch pipes are located between the inlet and the second end of the manifold. The inlets of all the branch pipes are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the manifold. The first branch pipe includes the branch pipe that is furthest from the inlet along the axial direction of the manifold.

5. The refrigerant distribution component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circumferential sidewall of the flow divider is provided with an annular groove, and the inner wall of the flow collector is provided with a first annular protrusion, which is inserted into the annular groove. And / or, two second annular protrusions are provided on the inner wall of the manifold, the two second annular protrusions are spaced apart from each other along the axial direction of the manifold, and an annular mounting gap is formed between the two second annular protrusions, and the circumferential edge of the diverter is inserted into the annular mounting gap.

6. The refrigerant distribution component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer side of the peripheral wall of the manifold is spun inward to form an annular protrusion corresponding to the flow divider. The annular protrusion includes a first annular protrusion and / or a second annular protrusion that cooperate with the flow divider.

7. The refrigerant distribution component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the refrigerant flow direction, a diversion pipe is provided upstream of the diversion plate, and the first diversion pipe includes the diversion pipe located upstream of the diversion plate and adjacent to the diversion plate.

8. The refrigerant distribution component according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first diverter includes a main body and at least two branch sections. The inlet of the main body forms the inlet of the first diverter, the inlets of the at least two branch sections are connected to and communicate with the main body, and the outlets of the at least two branch sections form the outlet of the first diverter.

9. The refrigerant distribution component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The outlet of the main body is connected to a branch section, and the at least two branch sections are connected side by side to the branch section.

10. The refrigerant distribution component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of branches is two.

11. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: Heat exchange components, including heat exchange channels; The refrigerant distribution component according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the outlet of the branch pipe is connected and communicates with the heat exchange channel.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, characterized in that, The heat exchange channel includes at least two parallel heat exchange channel groups, each heat exchange channel group includes at least one heat exchange channel, and the at least two branch pipes are connected to the at least two heat exchange channel groups in a one-to-one correspondence.

13. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, Includes the heat exchanger as described in claim 11 or 12.

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