Piping components and refrigeration system

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration systems, and in particular to a manifold assembly and a refrigeration system. The manifold assembly includes a main pipe, a sleeve, and a connecting pipe. The main pipe is made of stainless steel. The sleeve is connected to the main pipe via furnace welding. The connecting pipe is connected to the sleeve via non-furnace welding. Both the sleeve and the connecting pipe are made of copper, and the connecting pipe is used to connect to other copper pipes in the refrigeration system. Its advantages are that the furnace welding process between the main pipe and the sleeve results in higher welding quality, more complete welds, and better airtightness. After the sleeve and main pipe are furnace welded, the connecting pipe is then flame welded to the sleeve. Therefore, the connecting pipe is not affected by the high-temperature environment of furnace welding, ensuring the structural strength of the copper connecting pipe itself. This results in higher strength and better connection quality when connected to other copper pipes in the refrigeration system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration systems, and in particular to a manifold assembly and a refrigeration system. Background Technology

[0002] In existing refrigeration systems, to reduce costs, the main pipe of the manifold assembly is made of stainless steel. To facilitate welding connections between the manifold assembly and other copper pipes in the refrigeration system, a copper connector is installed at the end of the main pipe. The copper connector is used to weld connections with other copper pipes in the refrigeration system. The stainless steel main pipe and the copper connector are often welded together by direct furnace welding.

[0003] However, since furnace welding requires placing the stainless steel main pipe and copper pipe together in a high-temperature heating furnace, the high temperature can cause the copper pipe to overheat as a whole, resulting in matrix grain growth, reduced strength, and easy deformation under pressure. When the copper pipe with reduced strength is directly welded to other copper pipes in the system, it is easy to cause the copper pipe to deform and the weld to be unreliable. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a manifold assembly and a refrigeration system.

[0005] A manifold assembly includes a stainless steel main pipe and a copper connecting pipe. The manifold assembly also includes a copper sleeve. One end of the copper sleeve is furnace-welded to the stainless steel main pipe, and the other end of the copper sleeve is non-furnace-welded to the copper connecting pipe. The copper sleeve connects the stainless steel main pipe and the copper connecting pipe. The copper connecting pipe is used to connect other copper pipes in the refrigeration system.

[0006] This configuration allows the main pipe and sleeve to be connected via furnace welding, resulting in higher welding quality, more complete welds, and better airtightness. After the sleeve and main pipe are furnace welded, the connecting pipe is then connected to the sleeve via flame welding. Therefore, the connecting pipe is not affected by the high-temperature environment of furnace welding, ensuring the structural strength of the copper connecting pipe itself. This prevents deformation and weak welding when connected to other copper pipes in the refrigeration system.

[0007] In one embodiment, one end of the sleeve is fitted onto the outer periphery of the main pipe, and the other end of the sleeve is fitted onto the outer periphery of the connecting pipe.

[0008] In one embodiment, the sleeve includes a first enlarged diameter section, a main body section, and a second enlarged diameter section connected in sequence. The inner diameter of the first enlarged diameter section is larger than the outer diameter of the main pipe near the end of the sleeve. The inner diameter of the second enlarged diameter section is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe near the end of the sleeve. The inner diameter of the main body section is the same as the inner diameter of the main pipe.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the main body section is smaller than that of the first expansion section and the second expansion section, and the inner wall of the sleeve forms a first step near the first expansion section and a second step near the second expansion section. The main pipe abuts against the first step, and the connecting pipe abuts against the second step.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first step and the second step are respectively inclined relative to the axis of the sleeve.

[0011] In one embodiment, along the axial direction of the sleeve, the length of the first enlarged section is set to X1, the distance between the end of the first enlarged section near the main pipe and the end of the main body away from the first enlarged section is X2, and the length of the sleeve is X3, satisfying: 9mm≤X1≤15mm, 23mm≤X2≤53mm, 45mm≤X3≤75mm.

[0012] In one embodiment, one end of the sleeve is fitted onto the outer periphery of the main pipe, and the other end of the sleeve extends into the connecting pipe and abuts against the inner wall of the connecting pipe.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sleeve includes a first enlarged diameter section and a body section. The first enlarged diameter section is sleeved on the outer periphery of the main pipe, and the body section is connected to the enlarged diameter section. The end of the connecting pipe near the sleeve includes a third enlarged diameter section, which is sleeved on the end of the body section away from the enlarged diameter section.

[0014] In one embodiment, the length of the third expansion section along the axial direction of the connector is X4, satisfying: 7mm≤X4≤13mm.

[0015] This utility model also provides a refrigeration system, including the manifold assembly described above.

[0016] Compared to existing technologies, the manifold assembly provided in this application solves the problem of strength reduction and easy deformation of the copper pipe caused by overall overheating during furnace welding by adding a copper sleeve between the stainless steel main pipe and the copper pipe, and adopting a step-by-step welding process of furnace welding for the main pipe and sleeve, and flame welding for the sleeve and pipe. This ensures the reliability of its connection with the helium inspection fixture. Furthermore, the sleeve and insertion structure of the sleeve and pipe are optimized, and step positioning, inclined contact surfaces, and key dimensional ranges are set to further enhance connection strength, sealing performance, and assembly convenience. This achieves a high-strength, high-airtightness, and deformation-resistant high-quality connection, ultimately improving the stability and production efficiency of the entire refrigeration system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the manifold assembly provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the manifold assembly provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the manifold assembly provided by this utility model.

[0020] The symbols in the diagram represent the following meanings:

[0021] 100. Manifold assembly; 10. Main pipe; 20. Sleeve; 21. First expansion section; 22. Main body section; 23. Second expansion section; 30. Connecting pipe; 31. Third expansion section. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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.

[0023] It should be noted that when a mechanism is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another mechanism, it can be directly on the other mechanism or there may be an intervening mechanism. When a mechanism is considered to be "connected to" another mechanism, it can be directly connected to the other mechanism or there may be an intervening mechanism. 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] This utility model provides a manifold assembly 100, in which a sleeve 20 is provided between a stainless steel main pipe 10 and a copper pipe connecting pipe 30. After the sleeve 20 is furnace welded to the main pipe 10, the connecting pipe 30 and the sleeve 20 are then welded together without furnace welding, so that the connecting pipe 30 is not affected by the high temperature of furnace welding.

[0028] Please see Figures 1-3 The manifold assembly includes a stainless steel main pipe 10 and a copper connecting pipe 30. It also includes a copper sleeve 20. One end of the copper sleeve 20 is furnace-welded to the stainless steel main pipe 10, while the other end is non-furnace-welded to the copper connecting pipe 30. The copper sleeve 20 connects the stainless steel main pipe 10 and the copper connecting pipe 30, which is used to connect other copper pipes in the refrigeration system. In this way, the main pipe 10 and the sleeve 20 are connected via furnace welding, resulting in higher welding quality, more complete welds, and better airtightness. After the sleeve 20 is furnace-welded to the main pipe 10, the connecting pipe 30 is then connected to it via non-furnace welding. Therefore, the connecting pipe 30 is not affected by the high-temperature environment of furnace welding, ensuring the structural strength of the copper connecting pipe 30. This results in more reliable quality and more stable connections when connected to other copper pipes in the refrigeration system. Furthermore, when connected to testing fixtures such as helium detector fixtures, there will be no deformation due to the clamping force of the fixture.

[0029] It should be noted that non-furnace welding includes flame welding, argon arc welding, laser welding, etc. In this embodiment, flame welding will be used as an example for detailed explanation.

[0030] Furthermore, the sleeve 20 includes a first enlarged diameter section 21, a main body section 22, and a second enlarged diameter section 23 connected in sequence. The inner diameter of the first enlarged diameter section 21 is larger than the outer diameter of the end of the main pipe 10 near the sleeve 20, and the inner diameter of the second enlarged diameter section 23 is larger than the outer diameter of the end of the connecting pipe 30 near the sleeve 20. In this way, the connection between the sleeve 20 and the main pipe 10 and the connecting pipe 30 is more stable, and it can be pre-installed by fitting it onto the main pipe 10 and the connecting pipe 30 before being welded together.

[0031] The sleeve 20 includes a first expansion section 21, a main body section 22, and a second expansion section 23 connected in sequence. The inner diameter of the first expansion section 21 is larger than the outer diameter of the end of the main pipe 10 near the sleeve 20, and the inner diameter of the second expansion section 23 is larger than the outer diameter of the end of the connecting pipe 30 near the sleeve 20. In this way, the inner diameter of the main body section 22 is the same as the inner diameter of the main pipe 10, making the flow of the medium more consistent and reducing turbulence and obstruction.

[0032] In other embodiments, if the inner diameter of the main body segment 22 is small, it can achieve a throttling effect.

[0033] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the main body section 22 is smaller than that of the first expansion section 21 and the second expansion section 23. The inner wall of the sleeve 20 forms a first step near the first expansion section 21 and a second step near the second expansion section 23. The main pipe 10 abuts against the first step, and the connecting pipe 30 abuts against the second step. In this way, the main pipe 10 and the connecting pipe 30 will not extend excessively into the sleeve 20, which helps to keep the main pipe 10 and the connecting pipe 30 in the preset position, facilitating welding operations.

[0034] Preferably, the first step and the second step are respectively inclined relative to the axis of the sleeve 20. In this way, both the main pipe 10 and the connecting pipe 30 abut against the inclined surface, and a line contact is formed after abutment. The pressure per unit area is relatively large, so the inclined surface of the inner wall of the sleeve 20 is more likely to deform and the abutment between it and the main pipe 10 and the connecting pipe 30 is more tight, which improves the airtightness and prevents the leakage of the medium.

[0035] In this embodiment, along the axial direction of the sleeve 20, the length of the first expanded diameter section 21 is set to X1, the distance between the end of the first expanded diameter section 21 near the main pipe 10 and the end of the main body section 22 away from the first expanded diameter section 21 is X2, and the length of the sleeve 20 is X3, satisfying: 9mm≤X1≤15mm, 23mm≤X2≤53mm, 45mm≤X3≤75mm. This ensures the connection strength between the first expanded diameter section 21 and the main pipe 10, preventing insufficient connection area and weak connection strength if the first expanded diameter section 21 is too short, and avoiding material waste, increased costs, and assembly inconvenience if the first expanded diameter section 21 is too long. The sleeve 20's length ensures that the main body section 22 has sufficient length to maintain structural stability, while also ensuring the alignment and positioning accuracy between the main pipe 10 and the sleeve 20, facilitating subsequent welding operations and avoiding welding defects caused by misalignment. X3, meaning the total length of sleeve 20 is controlled between 45mm and 75mm, ensures that sleeve 20 has sufficient structural strength to withstand mechanical stress during welding and service, while avoiding excessive space occupation or assembly interference caused by excessive length. This makes it suitable for various installation environments and system layouts. All size ranges are designed with manufacturing feasibility and cost control in mind, avoiding increased processing difficulty or material waste due to extreme dimensions, thus improving the product's economics and mass production feasibility.

[0036] For example, X1 is set to 10mm, 12mm, etc., X2 is set to 24mm, 30mm, 47mm, etc., and X3 is set to 48mm, 60mm, etc., but is not limited to the endpoint values ​​mentioned above.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 In another embodiment, one end of the sleeve 20 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the main pipe 10, and the other end of the sleeve 20 extends into the connecting pipe 30 and abuts against the inner wall of the connecting pipe 30. This facilitates flame welding of the connecting pipe 30 directly into the sleeve 20 after the sleeve 20 and the main pipe 10 have been welded by furnace welding, making the operation simpler.

[0038] Furthermore, the sleeve 20 includes a first expanded diameter section 21 and a body section. The first expanded diameter section 21 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the main pipe 10, and the body section is connected to the expanded diameter section. The end of the connecting pipe 30 near the sleeve 20 includes a third expanded diameter section 31, which is fitted onto the end of the body section away from the expanded diameter section. Thus, the sleeve 20 and the stainless steel main pipe 10 are first connected with high quality through furnace welding. After the assembly cools, the third expanded diameter section 31 of the connecting pipe 30 is fitted onto the body section of the sleeve 20, and finally, the connection is completed by flame welding. The connecting pipe 30 only undergoes a localized, controlled flame welding in the final step; its body never experiences the high-temperature furnace environment of furnace welding. This completely eliminates the problems of grain growth, strength reduction, and easy deformation caused by overall overheating, ensuring the structural integrity and mechanical strength of the connecting pipe 30. The sleeve 20 is inserted into the third expanded diameter section 31 inside the connecting pipe 30, forming a socket-type connection with a very stable structure. Furthermore, it facilitates alignment and positioning during assembly.

[0039] Preferably, the length of the third expansion section 31 along the axial direction of the connector 30 is X4, satisfying: 7mm ≤ X4 ≤ 13mm. Thus, the technical effect of setting the third expansion section 31 is similar to that of setting the first expansion section 21. The minimum length of 7mm ensures sufficient overlap area between the sleeve 20 and the connector 30 for flame welding. This length guarantees the formation of a full, continuous weld with sufficient penetration depth and width. If it is shorter than 7mm, the welding area is too small, leading to insufficient connection strength, poor weld sealing, and potential cracking or leakage under vibration or pressure impact. Simultaneously, limiting it to within 13mm avoids unnecessary material waste, achieving lightweight structure and cost optimization.

[0040] This utility model also provides a refrigeration system, including the manifold assembly 100 as described above.

[0041] Compared to existing technologies, the manifold assembly 100 provided in this application solves the problem of reduced strength and easy deformation of the copper pipe 30 caused by overall overheating during furnace welding by adding a copper sleeve 20 between the stainless steel main pipe 10 and the copper pipe 30, and adopting a step-by-step welding process of furnace welding of the main pipe 10 and sleeve 20, and flame welding of the sleeve 20 and pipe 30, thus ensuring the reliability of its connection with the helium inspection fixture. The application also optimizes the sleeve 20 and pipe 30's connection and insertion structure, and uses stepped positioning, an inclined contact surface, and a range of key dimensions to further enhance connection strength, sealing, and assembly convenience, achieving a high-strength, high-airtightness, and deformation-resistant high-quality connection, ultimately improving the stability and production efficiency of the entire refrigeration system.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manifold assembly comprising a stainless steel main pipe (10) and a copper connecting pipe (30), characterized in that, The manifold assembly also includes a copper sleeve (20), one end of which is furnace-welded to the stainless steel main pipe (10), and the other end of which is non-furnace-welded to the copper connecting pipe (30). The copper sleeve (20) connects the stainless steel main pipe (10) and the copper connecting pipe (30), and the copper connecting pipe (30) is used to connect other copper pipes in the refrigeration system.

2. The header assembly of claim 1, wherein, One end of the sleeve (20) is fitted onto the outer periphery of the main pipe (10), and the other end of the sleeve (20) is fitted onto the outer periphery of the connecting pipe (30).

3. The header assembly of claim 2, wherein, The sleeve (20) includes a first enlarged diameter section (21), a main body section (22), and a second enlarged diameter section (23) connected in sequence. The inner diameter of the first enlarged diameter section (21) is larger than the outer diameter of the main pipe (10) near the end of the sleeve (20). The inner diameter of the second enlarged diameter section (23) is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting pipe (30) near the end of the sleeve (20). The inner diameter of the main body section (22) is the same as the inner diameter of the main pipe (10).

4. The header assembly of claim 3, wherein, The inner diameter of the main body section (22) is smaller than that of the first expansion section (21) and the second expansion section (23). The inner wall of the sleeve (20) forms a first step near the first expansion section (21) and a second step near the second expansion section (23). The main pipe (10) abuts against the first step, and the connecting pipe (30) abuts against the second step.

5. The header assembly of claim 4, wherein, The first step and the second step are respectively inclined relative to the axis of the sleeve (20).

6. The header assembly of claim 3, wherein, Along the axial direction of the sleeve (20), the length of the first enlarged section (21) is set to X1, the distance between the end of the first enlarged section (21) near the main pipe (10) and the end of the main body section (22) away from the first enlarged section (21) is X2, and the length of the sleeve (20) is X3, satisfying: 9mm≤X1≤15mm, 23mm≤X2≤53mm, 45mm≤X3≤75mm.

7. The header assembly of claim 1, wherein, One end of the sleeve (20) is fitted onto the outer periphery of the main pipe (10), and the other end of the sleeve (20) extends into the connecting pipe (30) and abuts against the inner wall of the connecting pipe (30).

8. The header assembly of claim 7, wherein, The sleeve (20) includes a first enlarged section (21) and a body section. The first enlarged section (21) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the main pipe (10). The body section is connected to the enlarged section. The end of the connecting pipe (30) near the sleeve (20) includes a third enlarged section (31). The third enlarged section (31) is sleeved on the end of the body section away from the enlarged section.

9. The header assembly of claim 8, wherein, Along the axial direction of the connector (30), the length of the third expansion section (31) is X4, satisfying: 7mm≤X4≤13mm.

10. A refrigeration system characterized by, Includes the manifold assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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