Three-way assembly and heat exchanger

Abstract

The utility model provides a three-way assembly and a heat exchanger. The three-way assembly comprises a three-way connector and two bent pipes communicating with a straight-through opening of the three-way connector. At least one bent pipe is connected with the straight-through opening of the three-way connector through a telescopic structure so that the distance between the two bent pipes can be adjusted. In this way, the butt joint precision of the bent pipe and the switching block can be improved, the welding quality can be improved, and then the connecting stability and reliability of the three-way assembly and the collecting pipe of the heat exchanger are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, specifically to a three-way assembly and a heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] During the installation of heat exchangers, a T-junction assembly is usually used to connect the heat exchanger's manifold to the air conditioning piping. The T-junction assembly is used to split or merge the heat exchange medium inside the heat exchanger.

[0003] In existing technology, a tee assembly typically includes a tee connector and two bent pipes welded to two straight ports on the tee connector. During installation, the two bent pipes need to be connected to two pre-welded adapter blocks on the manifold. However, in actual connection, due to production tolerance limitations, the spacing between the two bent pipes and the spacing between the two adapter ports cannot be guaranteed to be completely consistent, resulting in poor connection between the bent pipes and the adapter blocks, which in turn affects the stability of subsequent welding. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a three-way assembly and heat exchanger that can improve the docking accuracy of the bent pipe and the adapter block, as well as the welding quality.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A tee assembly includes a tee connector and two curved tubes respectively connected to a straight port of the tee connector; at least one of the curved tubes is connected to the straight port of the tee connector via a telescopic structure to allow adjustment of the distance between the two curved tubes.

[0007] Optionally, the telescopic structure includes a telescopic tube connected between the straight end of the tee and the curved tube, and at least one of the straight end of the tee and the curved tube is telescopically inserted into the telescopic tube.

[0008] Optionally, the curved tube has a connected curved section and a straight section, and the telescopic tube is inserted into the straight section.

[0009] Optionally, the straight section has a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the second pipe section connecting the curved section and the first pipe section;

[0010] Wherein, the inner diameter of the first pipe segment is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipe segment, so as to form a stepped surface between the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment for abutting the telescopic pipe;

[0011] Alternatively, the outer diameter of the first pipe segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the second pipe segment, so as to form a stepped surface between the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment for the telescopic pipe to abut.

[0012] Optionally, the telescopic pipe has a third pipe section and a fourth pipe section, wherein the third pipe section connects the fourth pipe section and the tee joint;

[0013] Wherein, the inner diameter of the third pipe segment is smaller than the inner diameter of the fourth pipe segment, so as to form a stepped surface between the third pipe segment and the fourth pipe segment for abutting the straight segment;

[0014] Alternatively, the outer diameter of the third pipe segment is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth pipe segment, so as to form a stepped surface between the third pipe segment and the fourth pipe segment for abutting the straight segment.

[0015] Optionally, one of the straight ports of the tee is welded to the curved pipe, and the other straight port is connected to the curved pipe through the telescopic structure.

[0016] Optionally, the tee assembly includes two adapter blocks for connection to the manifold;

[0017] The two curved tubes are welded to the two transition blocks respectively, or the two curved tubes are integrally formed with the two transition blocks respectively.

[0018] Optionally, the adapter block has a first hole and a second hole on two adjacent sides, and the first hole and the second hole communicate with the interior of the adapter block to form the curved tube.

[0019] Optionally, the adapter block has an annular protrusion on its side, which surrounds the outer periphery of the first hole and can be connected to the telescopic structure.

[0020] Optionally, the telescopic allowance of the telescopic structure shall not exceed 5 mm.

[0021] Optionally, the telescopic tube is made of copper, and the bending tube is made of aluminum.

[0022] A heat exchanger comprising a three-way assembly as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0023] The tee assembly and heat exchanger provided in this application allow for the pre-connection of two adapter blocks to the manifold of the heat exchanger during installation. Then, the two bent pipes in the tee assembly are respectively connected to the two adapter blocks. By adjusting the telescopic structure, the distance between the two bent pipes can be made equal to the distance between the two adapter blocks. After the bent pipes and adapter blocks are welded, the telescopic structure between the bent pipes and the tee joint is welded. This improves the connection accuracy between the bent pipes and adapter blocks, enhances welding quality, and consequently improves the connection stability and reliability between the tee assembly and the manifold of the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of the three-way assembly and heat exchanger shown in the first embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the three-way assembly and heat exchanger shown in the second embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the curved pipe and the telescopic pipe in the first or second embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the curved pipe and the telescopic pipe in the first or second embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the curved pipe and the telescopic pipe in the first or second embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the curved pipe and the telescopic pipe in the first or second embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the bent tube and the adapter block in the first or second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 This is an assembly diagram of the three-way assembly and heat exchanger shown in the third embodiment;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the curved pipe and the telescopic pipe in the third embodiment.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Tee connector; 2. Bend pipe; 3. Telescopic pipe; 31. Third pipe section; 32. Fourth pipe section; 4. Adapter block; 5. Manifold; 21. Straight section; 211. First pipe section; 212. Second pipe section; 22. Bend section; 41. First hole; 42. Second hole; 43. Annular protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] like Figures 1-9 As shown, this application embodiment provides a tee assembly, including a tee connector 1 and two bent pipes 2. The tee structure is T-shaped, with two straight ports and one side port, wherein the two straight ports are respectively connected to the two bent pipes 2, and the side port is used to connect to the piping in the air conditioning system.

[0037] At least one of the two bent pipes 2 is connected to the straight port of the tee connector 1 via a telescopic structure. Here, there can be one telescopic structure, positioned between only one bent pipe 2 and the tee connector 1, or there can be two, positioned between the two bent pipes 2 and the tee connector 1 respectively. Because the telescopic structure has a telescopic function, the bent pipes 2 and the straight port on both sides of the telescopic structure can be relatively displaced, and thus the distance L1 between the two bent pipes 2 can be adjusted by adjusting the telescopic structure. Here, the first end of the bent pipe 2 is connected to the tee connector 1, and the second end of the bent pipe 2 is connected to the adapter block 4. L1 is the distance between the second ends of the two bent pipes 2.

[0038] It should be noted that the telescopic structure allows for axial displacement of the bent pipe 2 relative to the tee connector 1, ensuring that the mating angles of the two bent pipes 2 and the two adapter blocks 4 remain consistent, thereby avoiding poor welding results caused by angular deviations. The axial direction of the tee connector 1 is the extension direction of the passage between the two straight ports, i.e., the direction from one straight port to the other.

[0039] When installing the tee assembly, two adapter blocks 4 can be pre-connected to the manifold 5 of the heat exchanger, with a distance of L2 between the two adapter blocks 4. Then, the two bent pipes 2 in the tee assembly are respectively connected to the two adapter blocks 4. By adjusting the telescopic structure, the distance L1 between the two bent pipes can be made equal to the distance L2 between the two adapter blocks 4. After the bent pipes 2 and adapter blocks 4 are welded, the telescopic structure between the bent pipes 2 and the tee joint 1 is welded. This can improve the connection accuracy between the bent pipes 2 and adapter blocks 4, which is beneficial to improving the welding quality, thereby improving the connection stability and reliability of the tee assembly and the manifold 5 of the heat exchanger.

[0040] In this design, the telescopic structure includes a telescopic pipe 3, which connects the straight end of the tee connector 1 and the curved pipe 2. The telescopic pipe 3 can be telescopically inserted into the straight end of the tee structure, or it can be telescopically connected to the curved pipe 2. Alternatively, both ends of the telescopic pipe 3 can be telescopically inserted. Thus, the displacement of the curved pipe 2 relative to the tee connector 1 can be achieved by the telescopic movement of the telescopic pipe 3 relative to the other. For example, the telescopic pipe 3 can be configured as a straight pipe, with its extension direction aligned with the axial direction of the tee connector 1, thereby allowing the curved pipe 2 to move axially relative to the tee connector 1.

[0041] In addition, the telescopic structure may not include the telescopic tube 3. That is, the telescopic structure is formed between the tee connector 1 and the bent tube 2. By setting the telescopic structure, the straight end of the tee connector 1 can be telescopically inserted into one end of the bent tube 2. By adjusting the insertion depth of the bent tube 2 and the tee connector 1, the distance between the two bent tubes 2 can be adjusted. In other words, the aforementioned telescopic tube 3 is integrally formed with the bent tube 2 and can be telescopically inserted into the straight end of the tee connector 1.

[0042] For ease of installation and adjustment, one end of the telescopic tube 3 is welded to the straight end of the tee connector 1, and the other end is telescopically inserted into the curved tube 2. By adjusting the insertion depth of the telescopic tube 3 and the curved tube 2, the position of the curved tube 2 relative to the tee connector 1 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the distance between the two curved tubes 2. When installing the tee assembly, the tee connector 1 and the telescopic tube 3 are pre-welded together. The allowance for movement in the tee assembly exists only between the telescopic tube 3 and the curved tube 2, which helps to improve the reliability and accuracy of the structure after installation.

[0043] The expansion and contraction allowance of the telescopic structure should not exceed 5 mm. Due to the small processing error, if the expansion and contraction allowance of the telescopic structure is too large, it will increase the redundancy of the structure and obstruct the internal flow. By limiting the expansion and contraction allowance of the telescopic structure, both materials can be saved and the flow effect of the tee assembly can be improved.

[0044] It should be noted that the connection between the tee connector 1 and the telescopic pipe 3 can be such that the telescopic pipe 3 is inserted into the straight port of the tee connector 1, or the straight port of the tee connector 1 is inserted into the port of the telescopic pipe 3. Similarly, the connection between the telescopic pipe 3 and the curved pipe 2 can be such that the telescopic pipe 3 is inserted into the port of the curved pipe 2, or the curved pipe 2 is inserted into the port of the telescopic pipe 3.

[0045] In some embodiments, the bent pipe 2 has a bent section 22 and a straight section 21. One end of the bent section 22 is connected to the straight section 21, and the other end is used to connect to the adapter block 4 to achieve communication between the bent pipe 2 and the manifold 5. Here, the bent section 22 is set as a quarter-circle arc so that the opening directions of the two ports of the bent pipe 2 are perpendicular, which helps to maintain the same docking angle between the bent pipe 2 and the adapter block 4. The telescopic pipe 3 is inserted into the straight section 21 to connect the telescopic pipe 3 and the bent pipe 2. Here, the telescopic pipe 3 can be inserted into the straight section 21 from the inside, or the straight section 21 can be inserted into the telescopic pipe 3 from the inside. The specific insertion form of the telescopic pipe and the straight section will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the straight section 21 has a first pipe section 211 and a second pipe section 212. The first pipe section 211 is farther away from the curved section 22 relative to the second pipe section 212. That is, the second pipe section 212 connects the first pipe section 211 and the curved section 22, and the telescopic tube 3 is inserted into the first pipe section 211. Moreover, the inner diameter of the first pipe section 211 is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipe section 212. That is, the end of the curved tube 2 near the telescopic tube 3 is set in a flared shape to form a stepped surface between the first pipe section 211 and the second pipe section 212. Since the outer diameter of the telescopic tube 3 is adapted to the inner diameter of the first pipe section 211, so that the outer diameter of the telescopic tube 3 is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipe section 212, the telescopic tube 3 abuts against the aforementioned stepped surface and cannot be inserted into the interior of the second pipe section 212. By setting the stepped surface, the insertion depth of the telescopic tube 3 can be limited to avoid excessive insertion of the telescopic tube 3 and damage to the curved section 22.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the straight section 21 has a first pipe section 211 and a second pipe section 212. The first pipe section 211 is farther away from the curved section 22 relative to the second pipe section 212. That is, the second pipe section 212 connects the first pipe section 211 and the curved section 22, while the first pipe section 211 is inserted into the telescopic pipe 3. Moreover, the outer diameter of the first pipe section 211 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second pipe section 212. That is, the end of the curved pipe 2 near the telescopic pipe 3 is set into a constricted shape to form a stepped surface between the first pipe section 211 and the second pipe section 212. The straight section 21 is inserted into the telescopic pipe 3, and the inner diameter of the telescopic pipe 3 is adapted to the outer diameter of the first pipe section 211, so that the inner diameter of the telescopic pipe 3 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second pipe section 212. The telescopic pipe 3 abuts against the aforementioned stepped surface, preventing the second pipe section 212 from being inserted into the interior of the telescopic pipe 3. By setting the stepped surface, the insertion depth of the telescopic pipe 3 and the straight section 21 can be limited to avoid structural damage caused by excessive insertion.

[0048] like Figure 5As shown, the telescopic pipe 3 has a third pipe section 31 and a fourth pipe section 32. The third pipe section 31 is farther away from the bend section 22 relative to the fourth pipe section 32, that is, the third pipe section 31 connects the fourth pipe section 32 and the tee joint 1. Moreover, the outer diameter of the third pipe section 31 is smaller than the outer diameter of the fourth pipe section 32, that is, the end of the bend pipe 2 near the telescopic pipe 3 is set into a constricted shape to form a stepped surface between the third pipe section 31 and the fourth pipe section 32. The straight section 21 is inserted into the fourth pipe section 32. The outer diameter of the straight section 21 is adapted to the inner diameter of the fourth pipe section 32, so that the outer diameter of the straight section 21 is larger than the inner diameter of the third pipe section 31. The straight section 21 abuts against the aforementioned stepped surface, but the straight section 21 cannot be inserted into the interior of the third pipe section 31. By setting the stepped surface, the insertion depth of the telescopic pipe 3 and the straight section 21 can be limited to avoid structural damage caused by excessive insertion.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the straight section 21 has a third pipe section 31 and a fourth pipe section 32. The third pipe section 31 is farther away from the bend section 22 relative to the fourth pipe section 32, that is, the third pipe section 31 connects the fourth pipe section 32 and the tee connector 1. Moreover, the outer diameter of the third pipe section 31 is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth pipe section 32, that is, the end of the telescopic pipe 3 near the bend pipe 2 is set in a constricted shape to form a stepped surface between the third pipe section 31 and the fourth pipe section 32. The fourth pipe section 32 is inserted into the straight section 21, and the outer diameter of the fourth pipe section 32 is adapted to the inner diameter of the straight section 21 so that the outer diameter of the straight section 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of the third pipe section 31. The straight section 21 abuts against the aforementioned stepped surface, preventing the third pipe section from being inserted into the interior of the straight section 21. By setting the stepped surface, the insertion depth of the telescopic pipe 3 can be limited, avoiding excessive insertion of the telescopic pipe 3 and damage to the bend section 22.

[0050] like Figure 7 As shown, the adapter block 4 is connected to the manifold 5, and the internal through hole of the adapter block 4 communicates with the interior of the manifold 5. One end of the bent pipe 2 is inserted into the internal through hole of the adapter block 4 to make the bent pipe 2 communicate with the interior of the manifold 5. Here, the bent pipe 2 and the adapter block 4 are butted and welded together to improve the connection strength and sealing performance of the bent pipe 2 and the adapter block 4.

[0051] In some embodiments, the bending pipe 2 and the adapter block 4 can be integrally formed, that is, the internal channel of the bending pipe 2 and the internal through hole of the adapter block 4 are integrated into one piece. When the adapter block 4 is connected to the manifold 5, the bending of the bending pipe 2 is formed, which helps to simplify the structure and improve installation efficiency. Moreover, it can also avoid the spatial extension caused by the bending radius of the bending pipe 2, which helps to reduce the distance between the tee assembly and the manifold 5 and save space.

[0052] like Figure 9As shown, the adapter block 4 is provided with a first hole 41 and a second hole 42. The first hole 41 and the second hole 42 are located on two adjacent sides of the adapter block 4, so that the extending directions of the first hole 41 and the second hole 42 are at an angle. In a preferred embodiment, the extending direction of the first hole 41 and the extending direction of the second hole 42 are perpendicular. For example, the adapter block 4 is set as a quadrangular prism, with the first hole 41 on the side surface of the adapter block 4 and the second hole 42 on the bottom surface of the adapter block 4; or, for another example, the adapter block 4 is set as a cylinder, with the first hole 41 on the circumferential surface of the adapter block 4 and the second hole 42 on the bottom surface of the adapter block 4. In this case, one end of the first hole 41 and one end of the second hole 42 are connected inside the adapter block 4, so that the first hole 41 and the second hole 42 form a curved tube 2. At this time, the first hole 41 is inserted into the telescopic tube 3, and the second hole 42 is connected to the manifold 5.

[0053] To facilitate the connection of the telescopic tube 3, the side of the adapter block 4 is provided with an annular protrusion 43. The annular protrusion 43 and the first hole 41 are provided on the same side of the adapter block 4. The annular protrusion 43 is arranged around the outer periphery of the first hole 41. The annular protrusion 43 is inserted into the telescopic tube 3. The first hole 41 can be lengthened through the annular protrusion 43, thereby improving the reliability and sealing of the connection between the telescopic tube 3 and the first hole 41.

[0054] In the specific design, the inner diameter of the annular protrusion 43 matches the outer diameter of the telescopic tube 3, and the inner diameter of the annular protrusion 43 is larger than the inner diameter of the first hole 41. For example, the annular protrusion 43 can be configured as a sleeve. In this way, the insertion depth of the telescopic tube 3 can be limited, preventing the telescopic tube 3 from damaging the interior of the adapter block 4.

[0055] In this design, the tee connector 1, the bend pipe 2, and the expansion pipe 3 can be made of a combination of various materials. Depending on the welding difficulty, the tee connector 1 is preferably made of copper, the expansion pipe 3 is preferably made of copper, and the bend pipe 2 is preferably made of aluminum.

[0056] This application provides a heat exchanger including a manifold 5 and a tee assembly as described in the above embodiment. This configuration improves the alignment accuracy between the bent pipe 2 and the adapter block 4, which is beneficial for improving welding quality and thus enhancing the connection stability and reliability between the tee assembly and the manifold 5 of the heat exchanger.

[0057] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0058] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0059] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, equipment, and methods of this application, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0060] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0061] It should be understood that the qualifiers “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0062] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A tee assembly, characterized in that, It includes a tee connector and two curved pipes respectively connected to the straight port of the tee connector; at least one of the curved pipes is connected to the straight port of the tee connector by a telescopic structure so as to adjust the distance between the two curved pipes.

2. The tee assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic structure includes a telescopic tube connected between the straight end of the tee connector and the curved tube, and at least one of the straight end of the tee connector and the curved tube is telescopically insertable into the telescopic tube.

3. The tee assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The curved pipe has a connected curved section and a straight section, and the telescopic pipe is inserted into the straight section.

4. The tee assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The straight section has a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the second pipe section connecting the curved section and the first pipe section; Wherein, the inner diameter of the first pipe segment is larger than the inner diameter of the second pipe segment, so as to form a stepped surface between the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment for abutting the telescopic pipe; Alternatively, the outer diameter of the first pipe segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the second pipe segment, so as to form a stepped surface between the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment for the telescopic pipe to abut.

5. The tee assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The telescopic pipe has a third pipe section and a fourth pipe section, and the third pipe section is connected to the fourth pipe section and the tee joint; Wherein, the inner diameter of the third pipe segment is smaller than the inner diameter of the fourth pipe segment, so as to form a stepped surface between the third pipe segment and the fourth pipe segment for abutting the straight segment; Alternatively, the outer diameter of the third pipe segment is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth pipe segment, so as to form a stepped surface between the third pipe segment and the fourth pipe segment for abutting the straight segment.

6. The tee assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the straight ports of the tee is welded to the curved pipe, and the other straight port is connected to the curved pipe through the telescopic structure.

7. The tee assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tee assembly includes two adapter blocks for connection to the manifold; The two curved tubes are welded to the two transition blocks respectively, or the two curved tubes are integrally formed with the two transition blocks respectively.

8. The tee assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The adapter block has a first hole and a second hole on two adjacent sides, respectively. The first hole and the second hole are connected to the interior of the adapter block to form the curved tube.

9. The tee assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The adapter block has an annular protrusion on its side, which surrounds the outer periphery of the first hole and can be connected to the telescopic structure.

10. The tee assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic allowance of the telescopic structure shall not exceed 5 mm.

11. The tee assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The telescopic tube is made of copper, and the bending tube is made of aluminum.

12. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, It includes the tee assembly as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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