A weld-free structure for automotive air conditioning heat exchangers

Abstract

This utility model discloses a weld-free structure for automotive air conditioning heat exchangers, including a heat exchanger body. A fixing tube is provided on one side of the surface of the heat exchanger body, and a connecting tube is inserted into the fixing tube. A locking mechanism is provided between the connecting tube and the fixing tube. The locking mechanism includes a snap fastener, a groove, a slot, a first limiting ring, and an annular sleeve. The snap fastener is movably sleeved on the outer side of the fixing tube, a groove is formed on the outer surface of the connecting tube, a slot is formed inside the snap fastener, the first limiting ring is fixedly provided on the outer surface of the connecting tube, and an annular sleeve is fixedly provided on the outer surface of the first limiting ring. This utility model improves upon the traditional snap-fit ​​structure, allowing for simultaneous clamping and locking of two layers, thereby significantly improving the connection stability between the heat exchanger and the pipe, making it more suitable for use in the automotive field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive air conditioning duct technology, specifically a weld-free structure for automotive air conditioning heat exchangers. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of the automotive air conditioning system, the heat exchanger plays a crucial role in heat exchange. It typically connects the condenser, located at the front of the vehicle, to the piping system via a specific connector structure. Existing technologies offer various connector structures, including welding, threaded connections, and crimping. Crimping, in particular, uses specialized clamps to press the pipe threads together, achieving a permanent, one-time connection. This method eliminates the need for welding, utilizing pipe deformation to ensure a tight fit and simultaneously securing the pipe and creating a seal.

[0003] However, existing crimping technology has significant shortcomings: after a single compression, only a single-layer locking structure is formed. While this ensures basic sealing performance, its resistance to lateral tensile forces is weak. Especially under the frequent bumpy driving conditions of a vehicle, the reliability of this structure is significantly reduced, and problems such as loosening or failure of the connection are prone to occur. Therefore, an improved weld-free structure for automotive air conditioning heat exchangers is needed to address this issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a weld-free structure for automotive air conditioning heat exchangers to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a weld-free structure for an automotive air conditioning heat exchanger, comprising a heat exchanger body, a fixed tube disposed on one side of the surface of the heat exchanger body, a connecting tube inserted into the fixed tube, and a locking mechanism disposed between the connecting tube and the fixed tube, the locking mechanism comprising a buckle, a groove, a slot, a first limiting ring, and an annular sleeve, the buckle being movably sleeved on the outside of the fixed tube, a groove being formed on the outer surface of the connecting tube, a slot being formed inside the buckle, a first limiting ring being fixedly disposed on the outer surface of the connecting tube, and an annular sleeve being fixedly disposed on the outer surface of the first limiting ring.

[0006] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided on the outer surface of the groove. When the buckle is squeezed and deformed to make the fixing tube embedded in the groove, the fixing tube and the sealing ring inside the groove will fit tightly together, thereby completing the fixed connection and sealing.

[0007] Preferably, a second limiting ring is fixedly provided on the outer surface of the fixed tube. Since the fixed tube and the connecting tube of this structure are not transparent, in order to facilitate the worker to align the buckle position and the groove position each time they are pressed, the first limiting ring and the second limiting ring can be used for positioning, the depth of the connecting tube inserted into the fixed tube and the positioning of the buckle. Each time it is installed, the buckle and the second limiting ring are made to fit together, and then the connecting tube is inserted so that the annular sleeve on the surface of the connecting tube is inserted into the slot, and the first limiting ring and the buckle fit together. In this way, the buckle can be aligned with the groove and embedded into the groove each time it is squeezed and deformed.

[0008] Preferably, the outer surface of the buckle is provided with a marking ring, which allows the worker to mark the position of each squeeze, so that the buckle can be accurately embedded into the groove each time it is squeezed and tightened.

[0009] Preferably, the surface of the annular sleeve is chamfered, which facilitates the insertion of the annular sleeve into the slot.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. When the connecting pipe is inserted into the fixed pipe, the annular sleeve is also inserted into the slot. Then, the buckle is squeezed and deformed, causing the buckle to drive the surface of the fixed pipe into the groove. In this way, the fixed pipe and the connecting pipe are fixed. At this time, the annular sleeve will also deform accordingly. This can achieve two layers of locking in one compression, which can significantly improve the connection stability between the heat exchanger and the pipe, and is more suitable for use in the automotive field.

[0011] 2. This utility model uses the first limiting ring and the second limiting ring for positioning, determining the depth to which the connecting tube is inserted into the fixed tube and the position of the positioning buckle. Each time it is installed, the buckle and the second limiting ring are made to fit together, and then the connecting tube is inserted so that the annular sleeve on the surface of the connecting tube is inserted into the slot, and the first limiting ring and the buckle fit together. In this way, the buckle can be aligned with the groove and embedded into the groove each time it is squeezed and deformed, making this structure more convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a weld-free structure for an automotive air conditioning heat exchanger according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is an installation view of the fixed pipe and connecting pipe in a weld-free structure for an automotive air conditioning heat exchanger according to this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a weld-free structure for an automotive air conditioning heat exchanger according to the present invention. Figure 4 This utility model relates to a weld-free structure for an automotive air conditioning heat exchanger. Figure 3 The front view; Figure 5 This is a disassembled view of the connecting pipe in a weld-free structure for an automotive air conditioning heat exchanger according to this utility model.

[0013] In the diagram: 1. Heat exchanger body; 2. Fixed tube; 3. Connecting tube; 4. Snap-fit; 5. Groove; 6. Slot; 7. First limiting ring; 8. Annular sleeve; 9. Second limiting ring; 10. Marking ring. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0015] Please see Figure 1-5 This utility model provides a technical solution: a weld-free structure for an automotive air conditioning heat exchanger. The heat exchanger body 1 has a fixed tube 2 on one side, and a connecting tube 3 is inserted into the fixed tube 2. The two are fixed without welding by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism consists of a snap fastener 4, a groove 5, a slot 6, a first limiting ring 7, an annular sleeve 8, a second limiting ring 9, and a marking ring 10. The snap fastener 4 is movably fitted onto the outside of the fixed tube 2, and its outer surface has a second limiting ring 9 for positioning. The connecting tube 3 has a first limiting ring 7 and an annular sleeve 8 arranged sequentially on its outer side. The end of the annular sleeve 8 is chamfered for quick insertion. The connecting tube 3 has a groove 5 on its surface, with a pre-installed sealing ring inside. A sealed connection is achieved by the snap fastener 4 pressing. The first limiting ring 7 and the second limiting ring 9 form a dual positioning reference. A marking ring 10 is provided on the outside of the snap fastener 4 to indicate the optimal pressing position.

[0016] Working principle: When connecting, the buckle 4 is first sleeved on the outer surface of the fixed tube 2, and then the connecting tube 3 is inserted into the fixed tube 2. When the connecting tube 3 is inserted into the fixed tube 2, the annular sleeve 8 is also inserted into the slot 6. Then, the buckle 4 is squeezed and deformed, so that the buckle 4 drives the surface of the fixed tube 2 to be embedded into the groove 5. In this way, the fixed tube 2 and the connecting tube 3 are fixed. At this time, the annular sleeve 8 will also deform accordingly. In this way, two layers of locking can be completed in one compression, which can significantly improve the connection stability between the heat exchanger and the pipeline, making it more suitable for use in the automotive field. Furthermore, since the fixing tube 2 and connecting tube 3 of this structure are not transparent, in order to facilitate the worker to align the position of the buckle 4 and the position of the groove 5 during each crimping, the first limiting ring and the second limiting ring 9 can be used for positioning. The depth of the connecting tube 3 inserted into the fixing tube 2 and the position of the buckle 4 are determined. During each installation, the buckle 4 and the second limiting ring 9 are made to fit together. Then the connecting tube 3 is inserted so that the annular sleeve 8 on the surface of the connecting tube 3 is inserted into the slot 6, and the first limiting ring 7 and the buckle 4 are made to fit together. In this way, the buckle 4 can be aligned with the groove 5 and embedded into the groove 5 each time it is squeezed and deformed, making this structure more convenient to use.

[0017] The technical advantage of this device lies in its dual locking mechanism: the snap fastener 4 causes the annular sleeve 8 and the fixed tube 2 to deform, forming a double-layer deformation locking, which has higher fixing stability and is particularly suitable for automotive vibration conditions.

[0018] Precision positioning system: The dual limit ring + marking ring design controls assembly errors within ±0.2mm, solving the alignment problem of non-transparent pipe fittings and reducing the assembly time of a single piece to 15 seconds. It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0019] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A welding-free structure for an automobile air conditioner heat exchanger, comprising a heat exchanger body (1), characterized in that: A fixed tube (2) is provided on one side of the surface of the heat exchanger body (1). A connecting tube (3) is inserted into the fixed tube (2). A locking mechanism is provided between the connecting tube (3) and the fixed tube (2). The locking mechanism includes a snap fastener (4), a groove (5), a slot (6), a first limiting ring (7), and an annular sleeve (8). The snap fastener (4) is movably sleeved on the outside of the fixed tube (2). A groove (5) is opened on the outer surface of the connecting tube (3). A slot (6) is opened inside the snap fastener (4). A first limiting ring (7) is fixedly provided on the outer surface of the connecting tube (3). An annular sleeve (8) is fixedly provided on the outer surface of the first limiting ring (7).

2. The welding-free structure for an automobile air conditioner heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing ring is provided on the outer surface of the groove (5).

3. The welding-free structure for an automobile air conditioner heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second limiting ring (9) is fixedly provided on the outer surface of the fixed tube (2).

4. The welding-free structure for an automobile air conditioner heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: A marking ring (10) is provided on the outer surface of the buckle (4).

5. The welding-free structure for an automobile air conditioner heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular sleeve (8) has a chamfer on its surface.

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