Stainless steel refrigerant distributor, heat exchanger assembly and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model provides a stainless steel refrigerant distributor which comprises a body module and a plurality of branch pipes. The body module comprises a stainless steel body and a plurality of stainless steel short connecting pipes, a plurality of branch pipe holes are formed in the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body, and the connecting end of each stainless steel short connecting pipe is connected with the corresponding branch pipe hole through a first brazing layer. A liquid outlet copper connecting section used for being connected with an external copper pipeline is formed at the tail end of each branch pipe, and the front end of each branch pipe is connected to the tail end of the stainless steel short connecting pipe through a second brazing layer; the second brazing layer is formed by welding a second brazing material suitable for welding between copper and steel or welding between steel and steel, and the liquidus of the second brazing material is larger than or equal to 750 DEG C and smaller than the liquidus of the first brazing material forming the first brazing layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration accessories, and in particular to a stainless steel refrigerant distributor, heat exchanger assembly and air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In a compression refrigeration system, two-phase refrigerant flows through an expansion valve into the refrigerant distributor and is evenly distributed to each branch of the evaporator. Existing refrigerant distributors are primarily made of copper, but with the continuous rise in copper prices, stainless steel refrigerant distributors with lower material costs are now available on the market. Since current refrigeration system piping is still mainly copper, the connection between the branch pipes and the customer's copper piping needs to be considered after the distributor is made stainless steel. To facilitate connection with external copper piping, each branch pipe must have a copper connector at its end that matches the customer's copper piping, or multiple branch pipes must be configured as copper branch pipes.

[0003] In the refrigeration industry, different customer manufacturers have varying installation dimensions for their refrigeration products, resulting in different distributions and sizes of copper piping. In existing distributor structures, branch pipes are directly connected to multiple branch pipe holes on the liquid outlet end of the distributor body. This structure necessitates custom-designed copper connecting sections or copper branch pipes based on the actual installation dimensions of the customer's product during distributor manufacturing. Subsequently, the stainless steel body is designed and manufactured based on the customized branch pipes. This structure and manufacturing method lead to a large number of distributor models and customized components during production, resulting in long production cycles, slow order response, and significant cost and inventory pressure, severely impacting the mass production of stainless steel distributors. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome at least one deficiency of the prior art, this utility model provides a stainless steel refrigerant distributor, a heat exchanger assembly, and an air conditioner.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a stainless steel refrigerant distributor, which includes a main body module and multiple branch pipes. The main body module includes a stainless steel body and multiple stainless steel short connecting pipes. Multiple branch pipe holes are formed on the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body. The connecting end of each stainless steel short connecting pipe and the corresponding branch pipe hole are connected by a first brazing layer. Each branch pipe has a liquid outlet copper connecting section at its end for connecting to an external copper pipeline. The front end of each branch pipe is connected to the end of the stainless steel short connecting pipe by a second brazing layer. The second brazing layer is formed by welding a second brazing material suitable for welding between copper and steel or between steel and steel, and the liquidus of the second brazing material is greater than or equal to 750 degrees Celsius and less than the liquidus of the first brazing material forming the first brazing layer.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the stainless steel short pipe is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 350 mm. The length of the stainless steel short pipe refers to the length of the refrigerant flow path from the connecting end face to the end face of the stainless steel short pipe.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body module further includes multiple copper connecting sections welded to the end of each stainless steel short pipe, the branch pipe being a copper branch pipe, and the copper branch pipe being connected to the copper connecting section by a second brazing layer formed by flame brazing.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the branch pipe is a copper branch pipe, which is welded to the end of the stainless steel short pipe through a second brazing layer.

[0009] Alternatively, the branch pipe includes a stainless steel extension pipe and a copper branch pipe, with a second brazing layer formed between the stainless steel extension pipe and the stainless steel short pipe, as well as between the stainless steel extension pipe and the copper branch pipe.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the stainless steel extension tube is greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 4.5 mm, and its wall thickness is greater than or equal to 0.18 mm and less than or equal to 0.52 mm.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a liquid inlet connection hole is formed on the liquid inlet end of the stainless steel body, and the body module also includes a liquid inlet short pipe made of stainless steel material, and the outflow end of the liquid inlet short pipe is connected to the liquid inlet connection hole through a first brazing layer.

[0012] Alternatively, the outlet end of the inlet short pipe is connected to the inlet connection hole via a self-fusion circumferential weld. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stainless steel refrigerant distributor further includes an inlet pipe, the inlet end of which has an inlet copper connection section for connecting to an external copper pipeline, and its outlet end is connected to the inlet end of the inlet short pipe via a second brazing layer.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a throttling section is formed on the inlet short pipe, the inner diameter of the throttling section being smaller than the inner diameter at the inlet end of the inlet short pipe; the throttling section is a throttling straight pipe section or a variable diameter pipe section with a throat.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet short pipe includes a short pipe body and a throttling bushing welded to the outlet end of the short pipe body. The minimum inner diameter of the throttling bushing is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the outlet end of the short pipe body, and a throttling section is formed at the throttling bushing.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a constricted section with a reduced inner diameter is formed on the outlet end of the short pipe body, and the throttling bushing is sleeved or mated to the constricted section.

[0016] Alternatively, the short pipe body is a straight pipe with a basically unchanged inner diameter and wall thickness, and the throttling bushing is sleeved or connected to the outlet end of the short pipe body.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stainless steel body includes a cylindrical body and a split end cap that fits into the cylindrical body. The bottom of the cylindrical body has a plurality of branch pipe holes, and the end cap has a liquid inlet connection hole. The assembly of the end cap and the cylindrical body is welded together by a first brazing layer or a self-fusion circumferential weld.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a weld plug detection channel is formed in the main body module, pointing from the open end of the cylinder to each branch hole, and the weld plug detection channel is substantially coaxial with the branch hole.

[0019] Alternatively, the stainless steel short connector is a straight pipe that is basically coaxial with the branch pipe hole, and a weld plug detection channel is formed inside the stainless steel short connector, pointing from the end of the stainless steel short connector to each branch pipe hole.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body module further includes a diversion component disposed within the stainless steel main body, wherein the diversion component is welded to the stainless steel main body and / or integrally formed with the stainless steel main body.

[0021] On the other hand, this utility model also provides a stainless steel refrigerant distributor, which includes a main body module and multiple copper branch pipes. The main body module includes a stainless steel body, multiple stainless steel short connecting pipes, and multiple stainless steel extension pipes. Multiple branch pipe holes are formed on the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body. Both ends of the stainless steel short connecting pipes are connected to the corresponding branch pipe holes and stainless steel extension pipes via a first brazing layer. The multiple copper branch pipes are connected to the end of each stainless steel extension pipe via a second brazing layer. The second brazing layer is formed by welding a second brazing material suitable for welding copper and steel, and the liquidus of the second brazing material is greater than or equal to 750 degrees Celsius and less than the liquidus of the first brazing material forming the first brazing layer.

[0022] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a heat exchanger assembly, which includes the above-mentioned stainless steel refrigerant distributor.

[0023] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an air conditioner that includes the above-mentioned heat exchanger assembly.

[0024] In summary, the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided by this utility model forms a body module by connecting multiple stainless steel short pipes and the stainless steel body. The inclusion of stainless steel short pipes eliminates the limitations imposed by the customer's branch pipe specifications on the specifications of the stainless steel body, which is typically time-consuming and costly to manufacture. The body module, composed of the stainless steel body and multiple stainless steel short pipes, can be pre-processed for storage. Upon receiving a customer order, only the branch pipes need to be customized and the branch pipes and body module assembled, effectively shortening the product cycle and improving order response speed. Furthermore, the branch pipe assembly based on the stainless steel short pipes is not only simple and flexible, but also allows for the use of the same body module for different branch pipe specifications by simply widening or narrowing the front end of the customized branch pipe. The universality of the body module not only facilitates and expedites processing but also significantly reduces the number of customized intermediate parts and product models required for branch pipe customization, greatly reducing production costs and inventory pressure.

[0025] Furthermore, by setting a copper connecting section at the end of the stainless steel short pipe, the copper branch pipe can be welded using flame brazing with a lower welding temperature and shorter welding time, reducing the impact of welding on the grain size of the copper branch pipe, thus making it not only high in strength and pressure resistance but also excellent in ductility.

[0026] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point A in the middle.

[0029] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 Enlarged diagram of point B in the middle.

[0030] Figure 4 As shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ontology module.

[0031] Figure 5 As shown Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing multiple stainless steel short pipes.

[0032] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the body module provided in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] Figure 7 As shown Figure 1A schematic diagram showing the formation of the weld plug detection channel within the main body module.

[0034] Figures 8 to 12 The diagram shown is a partial schematic of a stainless steel refrigerant distributor with different flow distribution components provided in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 13 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the formation of the weld plug detection channel in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The image shown is a partial schematic diagram of a stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0037] Figures 16 to 25 The diagram shown is a partial schematic of a stainless steel refrigerant distributor with a different stainless steel body structure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 26 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 27 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model. Figure 28 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in Embodiment 4 of this utility model.

[0040] Figure 29 As shown Figure 28 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ontology module.

[0041] Figure 30 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the main body module in a stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 31 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in Embodiment 5 of this utility model.

[0043] Figures 31A to 31C This is a schematic diagram of the liquid inlet short tube provided in another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Example 1

[0045] Due to limitations imposed by the installation dimensions and system piping distribution of refrigeration products from different customer manufacturers, the branch pipes of refrigerant distributors need to be custom-designed for each manufacturer. Existing branch pipes are directly connected to the distributor structure within the branch pipe holes; however, if the customer's branch pipe specifications are not determined, the structure of the distributor itself cannot be determined. Therefore, distributor manufacturers typically begin processing and welding the individual components only after receiving customer orders. This often results in long processing cycles and slow order response times for this type of product. More importantly, because all components are customized based on the branch pipes, a large number of custom components and distributor product models are generated during production, placing significant pressure on production costs and inventory.

[0046] In view of this, this example provides a modularly designed stainless steel refrigerant distributor. For example... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in this embodiment includes a main body module 10 and multiple branch pipes 3. The main body module 10 includes a stainless steel body 1 and multiple stainless steel short pipes 2. Multiple branch pipe holes 11 are formed on the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body 1. The connection end 21 of each stainless steel short pipe and the corresponding branch pipe hole 11 are connected by a first brazing layer 100. The end 32 of each branch pipe has a liquid outlet copper connection section for connecting to an external copper pipeline. The front end 31 of each branch pipe is connected to the end 22 of the stainless steel short pipe by a second brazing layer 200.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second brazing layer 200 is formed by welding a second brazing filler metal suitable for welding copper to steel or steel to steel, and the liquidus of the second brazing filler metal is greater than or equal to 750 degrees Celsius and lower than the liquidus of the first brazing filler metal forming the first brazing layer 100. This arrangement ensures that the welding temperature does not affect the already formed first brazing layer 100 when welding to form the second brazing layer 200; that is, there is no secondary welding melting problem during the welding process, thereby effectively ensuring the reliability and density of each brazing layer. Specifically, the first brazing layer 100 may be an oxygen-free copper brazing layer, and the second brazing layer 200 may be a tin bronze brazing layer or a silver-phosphorus copper brazing layer; or, the first brazing layer 100 may be a tin bronze brazing layer, and the second brazing layer 200 may be a silver-phosphorus copper brazing layer with a liquidus lower than that of the tin bronze brazing filler metal. However, this utility model does not impose any limitations on this.

[0048] In this embodiment, the stainless steel short connector 2 eliminates the size limitations of the stainless steel body 1 and branch pipe hole 11, as well as the assembly and welding of the stainless steel body 1, which are no longer restricted by the specifications of the branch pipe 3. All components within the stainless steel body 1 and the branch pipe hole 11 can be pre-processed based on the stainless steel short connector 2 to form the body module 10 for storage. After a customer places an order, only the branch pipe 3 needs to be customized according to the order, and then the branch pipe 3 is welded to the stainless steel short connector 2 on the body module 10, greatly shortening the product delivery time and improving order response speed. Furthermore, compared to the assembly and welding of the branch pipe to the branch pipe hole on the distributor body in existing distributors, in this embodiment, the branch pipe 3 is assembled and welded to the end of the stainless steel short connector 2. This assembly and welding method is not only convenient and efficient, but also flexible, and there is no mutual thermal influence between the branch pipes during the welding process. Moreover, for branch pipes of different specifications, only the connection end of the branch pipe 3 needs to be adjusted to match the end structure of the stainless steel short connector 2 to achieve the sharing of the body module 10. No additional customized parts are generated during the processing, greatly reducing the production cost and inventory pressure caused by branch pipe customization.

[0049] In this embodiment, both the first brazing layer 100 and the second brazing layer 200 are formed by furnace brazing at a stable and uniform welding temperature. However, this invention does not limit the scope of the invention in any way. In other embodiments, the two layers can also be formed using other brazing methods, such as high-frequency brazing for the first brazing layer and flame brazing or high-frequency brazing for the second brazing layer.

[0050] In the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in this embodiment, the stainless steel short pipe 2 is relatively short. This arrangement reduces the area occupied by each main body module 10 on the tunnel furnace conveyor belt during brazing in the furnace, thereby improving the efficiency of brazing the main body modules 10 in the furnace. Typically, the length of the stainless steel short pipe 2 is shorter than the length of the corresponding branch pipe 3; and preferably, the length of the stainless steel short pipe 2 is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 350 mm; the length of the stainless steel short pipe 2 refers to the length of the refrigerant flow path from the end face of the connecting end 21 to the end face of its end 22. However, this utility model does not impose any limitation on this.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the stainless steel short connector 2 is a bent pipe. The bend 23 on the stainless steel short connector causes the projection position of the end 22 of the stainless steel short connector on the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body 1 to be located radially outward of its connecting end 21. The bend 23 allows for adjustment of the spacing between adjacent branch pipes 3 at the rear end without changing the spacing of multiple branch pipe holes 11 on the stainless steel body 1, thus meeting the needs of different customer products and improving the versatility of the relatively high-cost stainless steel body 1. However, this utility model does not limit this. In other embodiments, the projection position of the end 22 of the stainless steel short connector on the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body 1 can also be located radially inward of its connecting end 21, such as... Figure 6 As shown. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the stainless steel short connector is a straight pipe.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in this embodiment, the branch pipe 3 includes a stainless steel extension pipe 301 and a copper branch pipe 302. A second brazing layer 200 is formed between the stainless steel extension pipe 301 and the stainless steel short pipe 2, and between the stainless steel extension pipe 301 and the copper branch pipe 302. Specifically, during assembly, the stainless steel extension pipe 301 and the copper branch pipe 302 are sequentially sleeved onto the end 22 of the stainless steel short pipe assembled on the main body module 10; then, the main body module 10, multiple stainless steel extension pipes 301, and corresponding stainless steel short pipes 2 are brazed in a second brazing furnace. However, this utility model does not limit this in any way. In other embodiments, the branch pipe can also be a copper branch pipe, which is welded to the end of the stainless steel short pipe through the second brazing layer.

[0053] Within the client-side refrigeration system, the end of branch pipe 3 needs to connect to the corresponding branch of the heat exchanger to achieve refrigerant distribution. Due to the distribution of heat exchanger branches within the refrigeration system, branch pipe 3 usually needs to be bent during installation to change the orientation of its end. To facilitate bending of branch pipe 3, this embodiment sets the outer diameter of stainless steel extension pipe 301 to be greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 4.5 mm, and its wall thickness to be greater than or equal to 0.18 mm and less than or equal to 0.52 mm. Within this pipe diameter and wall thickness range, stainless steel extension pipe 301 has excellent forming and processing capabilities, allowing it to be well assembled into the heat exchanger piping within the refrigeration system. Furthermore, with the same wall thickness, the smaller the outer diameter of stainless steel extension pipe 301, the smaller its inner diameter; the refrigerant can maintain a high flow rate within stainless steel extension pipe 301, effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency of the downstream heat exchanger. Preferably, the outer diameter and wall thickness of the stainless steel extension tube 301 are set to any one of φ3.0mm*0.3mm, φ3.3mm*0.3mm, or φ3.6mm*0.3mm.

[0054] In this embodiment, as Figure 5As shown, the stainless steel body 1 has a split structure, including a cylindrical body 101 and a split end cap 102 that fits onto the cylindrical body 101. Multiple branch pipe holes 11 are formed at the bottom of the cylindrical body 101, and a liquid inlet connection hole 12 is formed on the end cap 102. The assembly of the end cap 102 and the cylindrical body 101 is welded together by a first brazing layer 100 or a self-fusion circumferential weld 300. The split structure also allows the cylindrical body 101 and the end cap 102 to be processed independently, thereby greatly reducing the processing difficulty of the stainless steel body 1 and providing conditions for processing the stainless steel body 1 using a simple and mature stamping process. Furthermore, the split stainless steel body structure also allows the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in this embodiment to detect welding blockages at each branch pipe hole 11 during the processing of the body module 10, ensuring that the cross-sectional area of ​​each branch pipe hole is consistent after welding.

[0055] Specifically, the branch pipe holes on the liquid outlet end of the refrigerant distributor are not only small in diameter and numerous, but also closely spaced. Therefore, existing copper refrigerant distributors are prone to weld blockage at these branch pipe holes after welding. Weld blockage can be complete or partial. Partial blockage leads to different flow cross-sectional areas in each branch pipe, resulting in uneven liquid distribution and affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the downstream heat exchanger components. Severe blockage, causing complete closure of some branch pipe holes, results in some flow paths within the heat exchanger components having no refrigerant to evaporate, severely impacting heat exchanger performance. To reduce the impact of weld blockage, existing copper refrigerant distributors require flow testing of each branch pipe after processing using a water flow testing device. Flow testing can screen out completely blocked weld defects, but due to limitations in flow detection accuracy and testing conditions, it is difficult to accurately identify defects caused by partial blockage leading to a reduced effective flow area in the branch pipes, and rework correction is not possible afterward.

[0056] To address this issue, this embodiment designs the stainless steel body 1 as a split structure, and provides a weld plug detection channel 103 on the body module 10 that extends from the open end of the cylinder 101 to each branch pipe hole 11 and is substantially coaxial with the branch pipe hole 11. Figure 7 As shown. Specifically, after the cylinder 101 and multiple stainless steel short connecting pipes 2 are brazed in the furnace to form the first brazed layer 100, a weld plug detection tool (such as a plug gauge) is inserted from the open end of the cylinder 101 into the weld plug detection channel 103, with the insertion direction as shown. Figure 7 As shown by the middle arrow. The welding blockage at each branch hole 11 is accurately detected based on the depth of the plug gauge, and defective welds that are completely or partially blocked are screened out for rework. For qualified welds, the corresponding end cap 102 is installed at the open end of the cylinder 101, and the connection between the two is made by a self-fusion circumferential weld 300.

[0057] In this embodiment, the main body module 10 further includes a diversion component 104 welded into and / or integrally formed with the stainless steel main body 1. The diversion component 104 has multiple guide holes 1041 coaxial with the branch pipe hole 11, and each guide hole 1041 has a weld plug detection channel 103 pointing to the corresponding branch pipe hole 11. Specifically, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the diversion component 104 is a partition welded to the stainless steel body 1. A mixing chamber 1042 is formed on the partition, with its opening facing the liquid inlet end of the stainless steel body 1 and extending recessed towards the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body 1. Furthermore, a plurality of guide holes 1041, coaxial with the plurality of branch pipe holes 11, are formed on the partition plane surrounding the mixing chamber 1042. However, this utility model does not impose any limitations on this. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the flow divider assembly 104 can be a planar baffle, and the planar baffle also has flow guide holes 1041 that are substantially coaxial with multiple branch pipe holes 11. Each flow guide hole 1041 has a weld plug detection channel pointing to the corresponding branch pipe hole 11. Alternatively, as Figure 9 As shown, the flow divider assembly 104 includes a planar baffle and a flow guide cone welded together. The planar baffle has flow guide holes 1041 formed on it, substantially coaxial with multiple branch pipe holes 11. The flow guide cone is located on the inner circumference of the multiple branch pipe holes 11 to avoid weld plug detection channels formed at the flow guide holes 1041. Alternatively, as... Figure 10 As shown, the flow distribution assembly 104 includes a planar baffle and a flow guide sleeve. The planar baffle has flow guide holes 1041 that are substantially coaxial with multiple branch pipe holes 11. The flow guide sleeve is located on the inner circumference of the multiple branch pipe holes to avoid forming a weld plug detection channel at the flow guide holes 1041. Alternatively, as... Figure 11 As shown, the flow divider assembly 104 is a separate flow guide cone located within the inner circumference of multiple branch pipe holes 11 to avoid the weld plug detection channel 103. Alternatively, as... Figure 12 As shown, when there are no components inside the stainless steel body, the hollow inner cavity of the cylinder will form a weld plug detection channel 103 pointing to each branch pipe hole.

[0058] Although this embodiment is described using a weld plug detection channel 103 pointing from the open end of the cylinder 101 to each branch pipe hole 11 as an example, this utility model does not impose any limitations on it. In other embodiments, when the stainless steel short pipe 2 is a straight pipe substantially coaxial with the branch pipe hole 11, a weld plug detection channel 103' pointing from the end 22 of the stainless steel short pipe to each branch pipe hole 11 is formed inside the stainless steel short pipe, such as... Figure 13 As shown.

[0059] Further analysis of the causes of weld blockage at the branch pipe holes in existing copper refrigerant distributors revealed that uneven heating of the branch pipes and stainless steel body during welding caused some brazing material to overheat (i.e., overheat), resulting in weld run and subsequent blockage of the branch pipe holes. In the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in this embodiment, the stainless steel body 1 and multiple stainless steel short pipes 2 are brazed in a furnace to form a first brazing layer 100. The tunnel furnace heats all components as a whole, ensuring uniform heating of the stainless steel body 1 and each stainless steel short pipe 2. The first brazing material at each location melts under the same conditions, effectively improving the problem of branch pipe blockage caused by overheating of some brazing material. Therefore, in other embodiments, the internal structure and assembly method of the stainless steel body 1 can also disregard weld blockage detection. In this case, the end cap 102 can be brazed together with the cylinder 101 and multiple stainless steel short pipes 2 using oxygen-free copper in a furnace, meaning the end cap 102 and the cylinder 101 are also connected by the first brazing layer 100. Figure 14 As shown. Furthermore, the current distribution assembly 104 can also be a multi-stage reflective hybrid current guiding structure including multiple baffles. The obstruction of the multiple baffles prevents the formation of weld plug detection channels within the main body module, such as... Figure 15 As shown.

[0060] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the cylinder 101 also includes a tubular main body 1011 with open ends and two branch pipe connecting plates 1012 disposed at the ends of the tubular main body 1011. At this time, there is only a superimposed gap between the two branch pipe connecting plates 1012, the solder flow path is very short, and the first brazing material can penetrate well into the superimposed gap to form the first brazing layer 100. Furthermore, since no branch pipe hole is opened in the middle region of the branch pipe connecting plate 1012, the inner branch pipe connecting plate 1012 (such as...) can be... Figure 5 The middle part of the outer branch pipe connecting plate 1012 (as shown) is configured with a hollow structure to reduce the overlap area between the two branch pipe connecting plates 1012, thereby reducing the first brazing material that penetrates into the overlapping gap, and thus ensuring that a full first brazing layer 100 is formed in each branch pipe hole 11. Furthermore, the reduction of the overlap area can also effectively avoid poor welding assembly caused by deformation of the branch pipe connecting plate 1012. However, this utility model does not limit this in any way. In other embodiments, the number of branch pipe connecting plates can also be one. Alternatively, the cylinder 101 can be configured as a single-end open shape with the bottom of the liquid outlet closed; furthermore, a branch pipe connecting plate 1012 can be added to the inner or outer side of the bottom of the liquid outlet of the cylinder 101 to increase the welding depth of the branch pipe hole 11, such as Figure 16 As shown.

[0061] Although the specific structure of the stainless steel body 1 has been described in detail above, this utility model does not limit it in any way. All stainless steel body structures that can be formed using existing stainless steel processing techniques are within the protection scope of this utility model. Figure 17 As shown, the stainless steel body 1 may also consist only of the cylinder 101 and the branch pipe connecting plate 1012. Alternatively, as... Figure 18 As shown, the stainless steel body 1 can be an integral socket structure formed by spinning. Or, as... Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the stainless steel body 1 can be a Venturi structure; specifically, Figure 19 The stainless steel body 1 in the middle is a one-piece structure, while Figure 20 The stainless steel body 1 comprises two separate, assembled parts. Or, as... Figure 21 As shown, the stainless steel body 1 has a pressure-drop structure with an internal pressure-drop orifice plate 105. Alternatively, as... Figure 22 As shown, the stainless steel body 1 has a flow-diverting structure with a flow-diverting cone 106 internally machined. Alternatively, as... Figure 23 As shown, the stainless steel body 1 is a reflective structure with a reflective countersunk hole 107. Alternatively, as... Figure 24 As shown, the stainless steel body 1 has an impeller-type structure with an internal turbulence impeller 108. Alternatively, as... Figure 25 As shown, the stainless steel body 1 has a nozzle-type structure with a liquid outlet nozzle 109 formed near the branch pipe hole. In this structure, multiple stainless steel short pipes are radially distributed at the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body 1.

[0062] Correspondingly, this embodiment also provides a heat exchanger assembly including the above-mentioned stainless steel refrigerant distributor.

[0063] On the other hand, this embodiment also provides an air conditioner including the above-described heat exchanger assembly.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1 and its variations, except that, as Figure 26 As shown, the main body module 10 provided in this embodiment also includes multiple copper connecting sections 2-1 welded to the end 22 of each stainless steel short pipe. The branch pipe 3 is a copper branch pipe, and the second brazing layer 200 formed by flame brazing of the copper branch pipe is connected to the copper connecting section 2-1.

[0066] The main body module 10 based on the stainless steel short connector 2 provides more possibilities for welding the branch pipe 3. In this embodiment, by adding a copper connecting section 2-1 at the end of the stainless steel short connector 2, the branch pipe 3 can be welded by flame brazing. Compared with furnace brazing, flame brazing has a lower welding temperature and shorter heating time. The grain size of the copper branch pipe (branch pipe 3) will not become coarse due to high temperature and long welding time. Therefore, the welded copper branch pipe (branch pipe 3) has high strength and excellent ductility. At the same time, the setting of the stainless steel short connector 2 also allows the flame brazing position to be far away from the stainless steel main body 1, and the heat during flame brazing will not have any impact on the brazing layer at the branch pipe hole.

[0067] Example 3

[0068] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1 and its variations, except that: Figure 27 As shown, the stainless steel extension pipe 301 and the stainless steel short pipe 2 are connected by a first brazing layer 100, and the stainless steel extension pipe 301 and the copper branch pipe 302 are connected by a second brazing layer 200.

[0069] Similar to Embodiment 1, the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in this embodiment removes the processing restrictions on the stainless steel body 1 imposed by the copper branch pipe 302 based on customer customization by setting up a stainless steel short pipe 2, thereby improving product processing efficiency and reducing the cost and inventory pressure brought about by product customization.

[0070] Example 4

[0071] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1 and its variations, except that: Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided in this embodiment also includes a short inlet pipe 4 and an inlet pipe 5.

[0072] In this embodiment, the main body module 10 further includes a liquid inlet short pipe 4 made of stainless steel. The outlet end 42 of the liquid inlet short pipe is connected to the liquid inlet connection hole 12 on the end cap 102 via a first brazing layer 100. A liquid inlet copper connection section for connecting to an external copper pipeline is formed on the inlet end 51 of the liquid inlet pipe. The outlet end 52 of the liquid inlet pipe is connected to the inlet end 41 of the liquid inlet short pipe via a second brazing layer 200.

[0073] Similar to branch pipe 3, the end of inlet pipe 5 is also typically equipped with a copper connector section customized based on the client's piping for easy connection. The main body module 10 based on the inlet short connector 4 also allows the structure of the stainless steel body 1 and the specifications of the inlet connection hole 12 to be unrestricted by the inlet pipe 5. Upon receiving a customer order, only the inlet pipe 5 needs to be customized and assembled and welded to the main body module 10, thereby greatly improving the product processing speed. Regarding the welding assembly of the inlet pipe 5, in this embodiment, the inlet pipe 5 is welded simultaneously when welding multiple branch pipes 3. However, this invention does not impose any limitations on this aspect.

[0074] However, compared to branch pipe 3, the number of inlet short pipes 4 is smaller and there are no other components around them that interfere with them. Therefore, in other embodiments, the outlet end of the inlet short pipe can also be connected to the inlet connection hole via a self-fusion circumferential weld.

[0075] In this embodiment, a throttling section 43 is formed on the liquid inlet short pipe 4, and the inner diameter of the throttling section 43 is smaller than the inner diameter at the inlet end 41 of the liquid inlet short pipe. The throttling section 43 reduces the pressure and increases the speed of the input refrigerant, promotes the mixing of the gas and liquid phases to improve the asymmetrical flow pattern of the refrigerant input into the liquid inlet pipe 5, and thus improves the uniformity of refrigerant distribution. In this embodiment, the throttling section 43 is a throttling straight pipe section. However, this utility model does not limit it in any way. In other embodiments, the throttling section 43 may also be a Venturi tube section with a throat, such as... Figure 30 As shown.

[0076] Example 5

[0077] This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 4 and its variations, except that the throttling section 43 is formed differently.

[0078] To improve the gas-liquid two-phase mixing effect, the inner diameter of the throttling section 43 needs to be precisely controlled during processing. However, stainless steel has a high hardness. When the inner diameter of the throttling section and the inner diameter of the inlet end 41 of the liquid inlet short pipe are significantly different, the liquid inlet short pipe 4 with the throttling section 43 will be difficult to process.

[0079] To solve this problem, such as Figure 31 As shown, this embodiment includes a short inlet pipe 4 comprising a short pipe body 44 and a throttling bushing 45 welded to the outlet end of the short pipe body 44. The minimum inner diameter of the throttling bushing 45 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the outlet end of the short pipe body 44, forming a throttling section 43 at the throttling bushing 45. This embodiment forms a throttling section 43 with a reduced inner diameter by adding a throttling bushing 45, which satisfies the refrigerant pressure reduction and acceleration requirements while ensuring that the inlet end 41 of the short inlet pipe can be well matched and welded to the inlet pipe 5.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a constricted section 441 with a reduced inner diameter is formed on the outlet end of the short connector body 44. The constricted section 441 initially reduces the inner diameter difference between the inlet end 41 of the liquid inlet short connector and the throttling section 33, so that the throttling bushing 45 can achieve the required inner diameter difference with a smaller wall thickness. This not only facilitates the processing of the throttling bushing 45 but also reduces material costs. Specifically, as shown... Figure 31 As shown, in this embodiment, the throttling bushing 45 is entirely inserted within the constricted section 441. However, this invention does not impose any limitations on this. In other embodiments, the throttling bushing 45 may also be partially inserted within the constricted section 441 (e.g., Figure 31A ) or butt welded to the constricted section 441 (e.g. Figure 31B Alternatively, the short pipe body 44 can be configured as a straight pipe, with the throttling bushing 45 wholly or partially inserted into the outlet end of the short pipe body 44 (e.g., Figure 31C ).

[0081] In summary, the stainless steel refrigerant distributor provided by this utility model forms a body module by connecting multiple stainless steel short pipes and the stainless steel body. The inclusion of stainless steel short pipes eliminates the limitations imposed by the customer's branch pipe specifications on the specifications of the stainless steel body, which is typically time-consuming and costly to manufacture. The body module, composed of the stainless steel body and multiple stainless steel short pipes, can be pre-processed for storage. Upon receiving a customer order, only the branch pipes need to be customized and the branch pipes and body module assembled, effectively shortening the product cycle and improving order response speed. Furthermore, the branch pipe assembly based on the stainless steel short pipes is not only simple and flexible, but also allows for the use of the same body module for different branch pipe specifications by simply widening or narrowing the front end of the customized branch pipe. The universality of the body module not only facilitates and expedites processing but also significantly reduces the number of customized intermediate parts and product models required for branch pipe customization, greatly reducing production costs and inventory pressure.

[0082] Furthermore, by setting a copper connecting section at the end of the stainless steel short pipe, the copper branch pipe can be welded using flame brazing with a lower welding temperature and shorter welding time, reducing the impact of welding on the grain size of the copper branch pipe, thus making it not only high in strength and pressure resistance but also excellent in ductility.

[0083] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of protection claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. A stainless steel refrigerant distributor, characterized in that, include: The main body module includes a stainless steel body and multiple stainless steel short pipes. Multiple branch pipe holes are formed on the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body. The connection end of each stainless steel short pipe and the corresponding branch pipe hole are connected by a first brazing layer. Multiple branch pipes, each with a liquid copper connection section at its end for connecting to external copper pipes, and the front end of each branch pipe connected to the end of a stainless steel short pipe via a second brazing layer; the second brazing layer is formed by welding a second brazing material suitable for welding between copper and steel or between steel and steel, and the liquidus of the second brazing material is greater than or equal to 750 degrees Celsius and less than the liquidus of the first brazing material forming the first brazing layer.

2. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the stainless steel short pipe is greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 350 mm. The length of the stainless steel short pipe refers to the length of the refrigerant flow path from the connecting end face to the end face of the stainless steel short pipe.

3. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body module also includes multiple copper connecting sections welded to the end of each stainless steel short pipe. The branch pipe is a copper branch pipe, and the second brazing layer formed by flame brazing of the copper branch pipe is connected to the copper connecting section of the pipe.

4. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The branch pipe is a copper branch pipe, which is welded to the end of the stainless steel short pipe through a second brazing layer. Alternatively, the branch pipe may include a stainless steel extension pipe and a copper branch pipe, wherein a second brazing layer is formed between the stainless steel extension pipe and the stainless steel short pipe, and between the stainless steel extension pipe and the copper branch pipe.

5. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the stainless steel extension tube is greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 4.5 mm, and its wall thickness is greater than or equal to 0.18 mm and less than or equal to 0.52 mm.

6. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, A liquid inlet connection hole is formed on the liquid inlet end of the stainless steel body. The body module also includes a liquid inlet short pipe made of stainless steel material. The outflow end of the liquid inlet short pipe is connected to the liquid inlet connection hole through a first brazing layer. Alternatively, the outflow end of the inlet short pipe is connected to the inlet connection hole via a self-fusion circumferential weld.

7. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stainless steel refrigerant distributor also includes an inlet pipe, on which an inlet copper connection section for connecting to an external copper pipeline is formed, and its outlet end is connected to the inlet end of the inlet short pipe through a second brazing layer.

8. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 6, characterized in that, A throttling section is formed on the inlet short pipe, and the inner diameter of the throttling section is smaller than the inner diameter at the inlet end of the inlet short pipe; the throttling section is a throttling straight pipe section or a variable diameter pipe section with a throat.

9. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inlet short pipe includes a short pipe body and a throttling bushing welded to the outlet end of the short pipe body. The minimum inner diameter of the throttling bushing is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the outlet end of the short pipe body, and a throttling section is formed at the throttling bushing.

10. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The outlet end of the short pipe body has a constricted section with a reduced inner diameter, and the throttling bushing is sleeved or mated to the constricted section. Alternatively, the short pipe body is a straight pipe with a basically constant inner diameter and wall thickness, and the throttling bushing is sleeved or connected to the outlet end of the short pipe body.

11. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stainless steel body includes a cylindrical body and a split end cap that fits into the cylindrical body. The bottom of the cylindrical body has multiple branch pipe holes, and the end cap has a liquid inlet connection hole. The end cap and the cylindrical body are connected by a first brazing layer or a self-fusion circumferential weld.

12. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 11, characterized in that, The main body module has a weld plug detection channel that extends from the open end of the cylinder to each branch pipe hole, and the weld plug detection channel is substantially coaxial with the branch pipe hole. Alternatively, the stainless steel short connector is a straight pipe that is substantially coaxial with the branch pipe hole, and a weld plug detection channel is formed inside the stainless steel short connector, pointing from the end of the stainless steel short connector to each branch pipe hole.

13. The stainless steel refrigerant distributor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body module also includes a flow distribution component disposed within the stainless steel body, wherein the flow distribution component is welded to the stainless steel body and / or integrally formed with the stainless steel body.

14. A stainless steel refrigerant distributor, characterized in that, include: The main body module includes a stainless steel body, multiple stainless steel short pipes and multiple stainless steel extension pipes. Multiple branch pipe holes are formed on the liquid outlet end of the stainless steel body. Both ends of the stainless steel short pipes are connected to the corresponding branch pipe holes and stainless steel extension pipes through a first brazing layer. Multiple copper branch pipes are connected to the end of each stainless steel extension pipe via a second brazing layer. The second brazing layer is formed by welding a second brazing material suitable for welding between copper and steel. The liquidus of the second brazing material is greater than or equal to 750 degrees Celsius and less than the liquidus of the first brazing material that forms the first brazing layer.

15. A heat exchanger assembly, characterized in that, Includes the stainless steel refrigerant distributor as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An air conditioner, characterized in that, Includes the heat exchanger assembly as described in claim 15.

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