Flow collecting assembly and heat exchanger
By installing a stopper in the heat exchanger to absorb the weld metal from the outer manifold, the weld bead problem was solved, resulting in more efficient production and better appearance quality.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520327714.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-26
AI Technical Summary
The existing heat exchangers have excessive weld residue on the outer manifold, which leads to weld beads formation, affecting connection strength and aesthetics. In addition, the extra time and effort required to remove weld beads increases processing costs.
A stopper is welded to the outer wall of the second manifold, spaced apart from the connector, to absorb excess solder and prevent weld beads from forming. It is also connected to the outside via a bracket to ensure structural strength and aesthetics.
It effectively reduces or avoids the formation of weld beads, improves production efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures the overall aesthetics and structural strength of the heat exchanger.
Smart Images
Figure CN223783456U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and in particular to a manifold assembly and heat exchanger. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, two manifolds are typically installed at the inlet of a heat exchanger. The manifold connected to the heat exchange tube is the inner manifold, and the other manifold is the outer manifold. The outer manifold and the inner manifold are connected by a connector. The outer wall of the manifold is usually coated with weld metal to facilitate welding the manifold to the connector. Currently, furnace welding is used to achieve simultaneous welding at all welding points in the heat exchanger.
[0003] However, to accommodate connectors with different structures and increase versatility, the outer wall of the manifold is integrally welded. Since the outer manifold has fewer welding points than the inner manifold (the inner manifold's welding points include not only connectors but also welds to the heat exchanger tubes), there is more weld excess on the outer manifold during furnace welding. Under gravity, the molten weld accumulates at the bottom of the outer manifold, forming weld beads, which affects the connection strength of the outer manifold and the overall aesthetics of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the additional treatment of weld beads is time-consuming and labor-intensive, increasing processing costs, and the treatment process also affects the structural strength of the outer manifold. Utility Model Content
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a current collector assembly to reduce the possibility of weld bead formation.
[0005] A manifold assembly for connecting heat exchanger tubes in a heat exchanger includes a first manifold, a second manifold, a connector, and a stop. The first manifold has multiple spaced-apart mounting holes along its axial direction for inserting and connecting the heat exchanger tubes. The second manifold is arranged side-by-side with the first manifold at intervals, and its outer wall is provided with solder. The connector is welded between the first manifold and the second manifold, and connects the first manifold and the second manifold. The stop is welded to the outer wall of the second manifold and is spaced apart from the connector.
[0006] Understandably, the second manifold facilitates connection to external pipe fittings. Fluid flows into the second manifold and is initially diverted to the first manifold through the connector, promoting initial uniformity of the flow. It then diverts again through the first manifold, ensuring even distribution of the fluid across multiple heat exchange tubes. The outer wall of the second manifold is also equipped with a stop. During welding, the melted solder on the outer wall of the second manifold fills the space between the stop and the outer wall of the second manifold, thus preventing the molten solder from accumulating downwards under gravity. Simultaneously, the stop consumes some of the solder on the outer wall of the second manifold, preventing weld beads from forming.
[0007] In one embodiment, the stop member is at least partially wrapped around the outer wall of the second manifold, and along the circumference of the second manifold, the wrapping length of the stop member is s, the circumference of the outer wall of the second manifold is S, and 0.5S≤s≤S.
[0008] Understandably, this setup ensures sufficient welding area so that the stop can fully absorb the solder.
[0009] In one embodiment, the stop member has an opening along the circumference of the second manifold, the angle of the opening being α, 120°≤α≤160°.
[0010] Understandably, this design facilitates assembly, saves materials and reduces costs while fully absorbing solder, and the limited opening angle helps to limit the stop component and the second manifold during assembly, thus ensuring assembly stability.
[0011] In one embodiment, the number of the stop members is at least two, and the at least two stop members are arranged at an axial distance along the second manifold; wherein the connecting member is provided between at least two adjacent stop members.
[0012] Understandably, this design ensures that the solder on the outer wall of the second manifold is fully absorbed by at least two stoppers, and that the stoppers do not easily interfere with the connecting parts, making assembly simple.
[0013] In one embodiment, each of the stops has an opening along the circumference of the second manifold, and at least two of the stops are staggered.
[0014] Understandably, with this setup, the stopper can fully cover the second manifold circumferentially, allowing the lower stopper to compensate for the portion not covered by the adjacent upper stopper along the second manifold axial direction, so that the solder can be fully absorbed by the staggered stopper.
[0015] In one embodiment, along the axial direction of the second manifold, a plurality of continuously spliced stop members with different lengths are configured as a stop group, and the plurality of stop groups are arranged at intervals, with the connecting member provided between any two adjacent stop groups.
[0016] Understandably, this setup facilitates the large-scale, standardized production of several different lengths of stop components. Based on actual needs, stop components of different lengths can be spliced together to form stop assemblies, thereby achieving mass production of stop components and improving production efficiency.
[0017] In one embodiment, the number of the stop members is one, and along the axial direction of the second manifold, the stop member has at least two spaced clearance notches, and each clearance notch is provided with a corresponding connector.
[0018] Understandably, this setup only requires assembling one stop with the second manifold, making the operation simple, and the avoidance of the notch helps prevent the stop from interfering with the connecting parts.
[0019] In one embodiment, the thickness of the stop member along the radial direction of the second manifold is 1mm≤T≤1.5mm.
[0020] Understandably, the thickness of the stop component is limited to ensure that it can fully absorb solder while avoiding material waste, and to make the overall structure of the manifold assembly more robust and stable.
[0021] In one embodiment, the current collection assembly further includes a bracket connected to the stop member, the side of the bracket facing away from the stop member being used for connection to an external connection.
[0022] Understandably, this design allows the stop to absorb solder while also connecting to the outside via a bracket.
[0023] This application also provides a heat exchanger, including a plurality of heat exchange tubes and the above-mentioned manifold assembly; the second manifold is provided with a fluid inlet; at least one end of each of the heat exchange tubes is inserted into the assembly hole of the first manifold along its own axial direction and communicates with the first manifold.
[0024] Understandably, by using the aforementioned manifold components, the heat exchanger reduces or avoids the formation of weld beads, ensuring the overall aesthetics of the heat exchanger. This eliminates the need to treat weld beads, saving time and reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 A partial structural enlarged view of the first embodiment of the current collection component provided in this application;
[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the stop member in a second embodiment of the current collection component provided in this application;
[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the stop group of the current collection component provided in this application;
[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the stop member in a third embodiment of the current collection component provided in this application;
[0030] Figure 5 A front view of the current collection assembly stopper provided in this application when it has an opening;
[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the heat exchanger provided in this application.
[0032] Reference numerals: 100, heat exchanger; 10, manifold assembly; 20, heat exchange tube; 11, first manifold; 12, second manifold; 1201, fluid inlet; 13, connector; 14, stop; 1401, opening; 1402, clearance notch; 15, bracket; 16, sealing element. Detailed Implementation
[0033] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0034] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to," "set on," or "properly placed on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.
[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This application provides a flow manifold assembly 10, which includes a first flow manifold 11, a second flow manifold 12, and a connector 13. The second flow manifold 12 is arranged side-by-side with the first flow manifold 11 at intervals. The connector 13 is welded between the first flow manifold 11 and the second flow manifold 12, and connects the first flow manifold 11 and the second flow manifold 12. The first flow manifold 11 has a plurality of spaced-apart mounting holes along its own axial direction for inserting and connecting heat exchange tubes 20. In this way, the fluid can first enter the first flow manifold 11, and undergo initial diversion through the connector 13, causing a certain disturbance in the fluid and promoting the uniform mixing of different media in the fluid. The fluid then passes through the connecting channel into the second flow manifold 12, and is further diverted in the second flow manifold 12 to different heat exchange tubes 20.
[0039] In the prior art, the current collector assembly 10 is welded to its internal structure by furnace welding. Since the first current collector 11 and the second current collector 12 need to be mass-produced, in order to facilitate production efficiency and versatility, in a specific embodiment, the outer walls of the first current collector 11 and the second current collector 12 are respectively provided with solder.
[0040] In this process, the solder of the first manifold 11 melts and can connect multiple heat exchange tubes 20 to the corresponding assembly holes, and can connect the connector 13 to the first manifold 11. Part of the solder on the outer wall of the second manifold 12 is used for welding the second manifold 12 to the connector 13. In the prior art, the remaining solder usually accumulates under gravity to form weld beads, which affects the structural strength and aesthetics of the product.
[0041] Therefore, the current collector assembly 10 in this application also includes a stop member 14, which is welded to the outer wall of the second current collector 12 and spaced apart from the connector 13. In this way, excess solder on the outer wall of the second current collector 12 can fill the space between the stop member 14 and the outer wall of the second current collector 12, which helps to reduce or avoid redundant solder accumulation, thereby preventing the formation of weld beads, ensuring the structural strength of the second current collector 12, and eliminating the need for additional treatment of weld beads, thus improving production efficiency.
[0042] In summary, this application uses a stopper 14 to absorb excess solder on the outer wall of the second manifold 12, thereby preventing the formation of weld beads and ensuring the structural strength of the second manifold 12 and the aesthetics of the entire manifold assembly 10.
[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the stop member 14 at least partially wraps around the outer wall of the second manifold 12. Thus, by wrapping around it, the stop member 14 has a larger area to connect with the outer wall of the second manifold 12, allowing more solder to fill the space between the stop member 14 and the outer wall of the second manifold 12.
[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, further, along the circumference of the second manifold 12, the wrapping length of the stop 14 is s, and the circumference of the outer wall of the second manifold 12 is S, where 0.5S ≤ s ≤ S. Thus, while ensuring sufficient welding area between the stop 14 and the outer wall of the second manifold 12, when the stop 14 is initially assembled to the outer wall of the second manifold 12, the stop 14 can also provide initial radial restraint on the second manifold 12, making it less likely for the stop 14 to detach from the second manifold 12. For example, s = 0.5S, 0.8S, or S.
[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the stop member 14 is cylindrical and sleeved on the outer wall of the second manifold 12. The solder along the circumference of the second manifold 12 can fully fill the space between the stop member 14 and the second manifold 12, providing a sufficient welding area. In this case, s = S.
[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in another specific embodiment, the stop member 14 has an opening 1401 along the circumference of the second manifold 12, which helps to reduce material and save costs. The solder on the outer wall of the second manifold 12 located at the opening 1401 can gradually penetrate towards the stop member 14 as it melts. The portion that cannot penetrate is small in quantity and flows and stagnates on the surface of the second manifold 12 under the action of gravity, without accumulating to form solder beads. In some embodiments, a connector 13 may also be provided at the opening 1401 to make full use of the solder at the opening 1401.
[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the angle of the opening 1401 is α, where 120° ≤ α ≤ 160°. This arrangement ensures that the stop 14 covers most of the outer wall of the second manifold 12 along its circumference, guaranteeing that most of the melted solder can penetrate between the stop 14 and the outer wall of the second manifold 12, and also enabling the stop 14 to effectively limit movement during assembly. For example, α = 120°, 150°, or 160°.
[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment, at least two stop members 14 are provided, and the at least two stop members 14 are arranged at axial intervals along the second manifold 12; wherein a connecting member 13 is provided between at least two adjacent stop members 14 so that the stop members 14 and the connecting member 13 do not interfere with each other. The arrangement of at least two stop members 14 is to achieve segmented absorption of solder on the surface of the second manifold 12.
[0049] In a further embodiment, each stop 14 is provided with an opening 1401 along the circumference of the second manifold 12, and the openings 1401 of at least two stop 14s are staggered. With this arrangement, solder that is not absorbed at the opening 1401 of the upper stop 14 flows downward under the action of gravity and can be blocked and absorbed by the staggered stop 14 located below, further preventing solder accumulation and the formation of solder beads.
[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, in an optional embodiment, multiple continuously spliced stop members 14 with different lengths are arranged as a stop group along the axial direction of the second manifold 12. Multiple stop groups are spaced apart, and a connecting member 13 is provided between any two adjacent stop groups. With this arrangement, the stop members 14 in each stop group have different lengths. Since the dimensions of the second manifold 12 differ in different heat exchangers 100, several specific sizes of stop members 14 can be mass-produced during actual production. During assembly, stop members 14 of different sizes are selected and combined according to the actual length of the second manifold 12 to form stop groups, which facilitates the mass production of the stop members 14 and improves the production rate.
[0051] In a specific embodiment, along the circumference of the second manifold 12, each stop group has a stop member 14 with an opening 1401; the multiple stop members 14 in each stop group are staggered; and / or, each stop group is staggered. In this way, the circumference of the second manifold 12 is covered with stop members 14 to absorb solder, which helps to avoid solder accumulation.
[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, in an optional embodiment, there is one stop member 14, so that one stop member 14 can cover the outer wall of the second manifold 12 along the axial direction to fully absorb solder. Furthermore, along the axial direction of the second manifold 12, the stop member 14 is provided with at least two spaced clearance notches 1402, and each clearance notch 1402 is provided with a corresponding connector 13 to avoid interference with the connector 13 and ensure smooth connection between the connector 13 and the second manifold 12.
[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the thickness of the stop member 14 along the radial direction of the second manifold 12 is 1 mm ≤ T ≤ 1.5 mm. This ensures that the stop member 14 has sufficient thickness to form deep pores for solder absorption, while also preventing the stop member 14 from being too thick and wasting material, thus increasing the overall weight of the current collector assembly 10. For example, T = 1 mm, 1.2 mm, or 1.5 mm.
[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the length of the stop member 14 along the axial direction of the second manifold 12 is X, and the length of the second manifold 12 is L, where 0.04L ≤ X ≤ 0.9L. Setting a shorter stop member 14 facilitates splicing with other stop members 14 of different sizes to form a stop group; for example, X = 0.04L. Setting a longer stop member 14 allows it to completely cover the second manifold 12; in this case, only one stop member 14 is needed; for example, X = 0.9L. Alternatively, stop members 14 can be spaced at least along the axial direction of the second manifold 12, with a length that is neither too long nor too short; for example, X = 0.4L. The specific length of the stop member 14 is selected based on the required number of stop members 14 and the length of the second manifold 12.
[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, in a further embodiment, the current collection assembly 10 also includes a bracket 15, and at least one of the first current collection tube 11 and the second current collection tube 12 is provided with a bracket 15 for connection to the outside, so as to facilitate the fixing of the current collection assembly 10.
[0056] like Figure 1As shown, in a specific embodiment, the bracket 15 is connected to the stop member 14. The bracket 15 extends along the thickness direction of the stop member 14. The side of the bracket 15 away from the stop member 14 is used for connection with the outside. In this way, while the stop member 14 absorbs solder, it can also be connected to the outside through the bracket 15.
[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the current collection assembly 10 further includes a blocking component 16. The second current collection pipe 12 is placed vertically, and the blocking component 16 is used to block the lower port of the second current collection pipe 12.
[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, this application also provides a heat exchanger 100, including a plurality of heat exchange tubes 20 and the aforementioned manifold assembly 10; a second manifold 12 is provided with a fluid inlet 1201; at least one end of each heat exchange tube 20 along its own axial direction is inserted into the mounting hole of the first manifold 11 and communicates with the first manifold 11. Thus, fluid can enter from the fluid inlet 1201 of the second manifold 12, and then enter the first manifold 11 through the connector 13 and be distributed to each heat exchange tube 20 for heat exchange. By using the aforementioned manifold assembly 10, the weld metal on the outer wall of the second manifold 12 can be fully absorbed by the stop member 14 to avoid the formation of weld beads and ensure the overall aesthetics of the heat exchanger 100.
[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0060] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A manifold assembly for connecting heat exchange tubes in a heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: The first manifold (11) has multiple spaced mounting holes along its own axial direction for inserting and connecting the heat exchange tube (20); The second manifold (12) is arranged side by side with the first manifold (11) at intervals, and the outer wall of the second manifold (12) is provided with solder; The connector (13) is welded between the first manifold (11) and the second manifold (12) and connects the first manifold (11) and the second manifold (12); The stop (14) is welded to the outer wall of the second manifold (12) and is spaced apart from the connector (13).
2. The current collection component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop (14) is at least partially wrapped around the outer wall of the second manifold (12) and along the circumference of the second manifold (12), the wrapping length of the stop (14) is s, the circumference of the outer wall of the second manifold (12) is S, and 0.5S≤s≤S.
3. The current collection component according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the circumference of the second manifold (12), the stop (14) is provided with an opening (1401), the angle of the opening (1401) is α, 120°≤α≤160°.
4. The current collection component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The number of the stop members (14) is at least two, and the at least two stop members (14) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the second manifold (12); The connecting member (13) is provided between at least two adjacent stops (14).
5. The current collection component according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the circumference of the second manifold (12), each of the stop members (14) is provided with an opening (1401), and the openings (1401) of at least two of the stop members (14) are staggered.
6. The current collection component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the second manifold (12), multiple continuously spliced stop members (14) with different length dimensions are set as a stop group, and multiple stop groups are arranged at intervals, with the connecting member (13) provided between any two adjacent stop groups.
7. The current collector component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of the stop members (14) is one. Along the axial direction of the second manifold (12), the stop member (14) is provided with at least two spaced clearance notches (1402), and each clearance notch (1402) is provided with a corresponding connector (13).
8. The current collection component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the second manifold (12), the thickness of the stop (14) is 1mm≤T≤1.5mm.
9. The current collector component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current collection assembly also includes a bracket (15) connected to the stop member (14), and the bracket (15) extends along the thickness direction of the stop member (14).
10. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: The flow collection assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second flow collection pipe (12) is provided with a fluid inlet (1201); Multiple heat exchange tubes (20) are provided, with at least one end of each heat exchange tube (20) inserted into the assembly hole of the first manifold (11) along its own axial direction and communicating with the first manifold (11).