A double-row fin structure automobile interior condenser

Abstract

The application relates to a double-row fin structure automobile indoor condenser which comprises a first collecting pipe, a second collecting pipe, a third collecting pipe, a fourth collecting pipe, a plurality of first flat tubes, a plurality of second flat tubes, a plurality of first fins and a plurality of second fins. The first flat tube and the second flat tube are arranged in an upper and lower double-row parallel mode. One end of the first collecting pipe is provided with an inflow port, and the corresponding end of the second collecting pipe is provided with a backflow port. The internal flow channels of the third collecting pipe and the fourth collecting pipe are communicated with each other through a connecting pipe. A pipe seat joint is detachably installed at the end of the first collecting pipe and the second collecting pipe, the pipe seat joint is provided with a liquid inlet interface and a liquid outlet interface, the liquid inlet interface is communicated with the inflow port, and the liquid outlet interface is communicated with the backflow port. Through the synergistic effect of the components, the problems of insufficient heat exchange efficiency and inconvenient maintenance of the existing automobile indoor condenser in the limited installation space are effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of automotive air conditioning components, and in particular to an automotive interior condenser with a double-row fin structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry and the increasing demands of consumers for driving and riding comfort, the performance of the automotive air conditioning system, as one of the core subsystems for improving overall vehicle comfort, directly impacts the user experience. The condenser, as a key heat exchange component in the automotive air conditioning refrigeration cycle, plays a crucial role in cooling and liquefying the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Especially in compact passenger vehicles, limited installation space in the engine compartment or cabin necessitates that the design of the automotive interior condenser achieve miniaturization, weight reduction, and cost reduction as much as possible while ensuring efficient heat exchange.

[0003] Currently, most mainstream automotive interior condensers adopt a single-row finned tube structure, which consists of a set of flat tubes and a manifold forming a single heat exchange channel, combined with corrugated or louvered aluminum fins to improve air-side heat transfer efficiency. While this structure is technologically mature and relatively inexpensive, it has gradually revealed several limitations in the context of increasingly limited vehicle space and ever-improving energy efficiency standards: First, under the same external dimensions, the effective heat exchange area of ​​a single-row structure is relatively small, resulting in a short refrigerant residence time and incomplete condensation, affecting the overall system energy efficiency ratio; second, increasing fin density or extending flat tube length to improve heat exchange performance is often strictly limited by space constraints, making it difficult to achieve performance breakthroughs; third, traditional structures generally use welded fixed joints or integrated designs, leading to difficulties in later maintenance. Once internal blockage or leakage occurs, the entire unit usually needs to be replaced, significantly increasing the total life-cycle cost.

[0004] In summary, existing automotive interior condensers still have significant shortcomings in terms of heat exchange efficiency and maintainability. Especially under the modern automotive design trend of pursuing high cost-effectiveness and high integration, there is an urgent need for a new type of condenser structure that can achieve high efficiency, stability, durability and easy maintenance within a limited space. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the issues of insufficient heat exchange efficiency and inconvenient maintenance in existing automotive interior condensers within limited installation space, this application provides an automotive interior condenser with a double-row fin structure.

[0006] This application provides a double-row finned automotive interior condenser with the following technical solution: A double-finned automotive interior condenser includes: The first and second manifolds are arranged vertically parallel to each other; The third and fourth manifolds are arranged vertically parallel to each other; Wherein, the first manifold and the third manifold are horizontally aligned, and the second manifold and the fourth manifold are horizontally aligned; Multiple first flat tubes, each with its two ends connected to the first manifold and the third manifold respectively, and connected to the internal flow channels of both; Multiple second flat tubes, each end of which is connected to the second manifold and the fourth manifold respectively, and are connected to the internal flow channels of both; The first flat tube and the second flat tube are arranged in two parallel rows, forming a double-row heat exchange channel; Multiple first fins are disposed between adjacent first flat tubes; Multiple second fins are disposed between adjacent second flat tubes; The first manifold has an inlet at one end, the second manifold has a return port at the corresponding end, and the internal flow channels of the third and fourth manifolds are connected to each other through a connecting pipe. The pipe seat connector is detachably installed at the ends of the first manifold and the second manifold. The pipe seat connector is provided with an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is connected to the inlet port, and the outlet port is connected to the return port.

[0007] Furthermore, fixing holes are provided at all four corners of the pipe joint, and threaded holes are provided on the end faces of the first and second manifolds at positions corresponding to the fixing holes; The fixing screw passes through the fixing hole and is screwed into the threaded hole to fix the pipe seat joint to the first manifold and the second manifold.

[0008] Furthermore, a sealing gasket is provided on the end face of the pipe seat joint that connects with the first manifold and the second manifold, and a through hole is provided on the sealing gasket at the position corresponding to the fixing hole, the inlet and the return port.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple snap-fit ​​grooves are provided on the opposite sides of the first and third manifolds and the opposite sides of the second and fourth manifolds. The first and second manifolds, as well as the third and fourth manifolds, are connected to an M-type retainer via the retaining groove.

[0010] Furthermore, an installation block is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the M-shaped card holder, and the installation block has a waist-shaped hole.

[0011] Furthermore, reinforcing side plates are provided at the edges between the first and third manifolds and between the second and fourth manifolds.

[0012] Furthermore, both the M-shaped bracket and the reinforcing side plate have mounting holes at their bottom ends, and the bottom of the condenser is provided with a perforated protective grille, which is installed in the mounting holes by fasteners.

[0013] In summary, the beneficial technical effects of this application are as follows: 1. This condenser uses a series dual-channel heat exchange structure with two rows of parallel flat tubes arranged vertically and horizontally. This allows the refrigerant to flow through the two sets of flat tubes sequentially, significantly extending the flow path and residence time, thus achieving two-stage high-efficiency condensation. Combined with fins densely arranged in the gaps between the flat tubes, it effectively expands the heat transfer area, enhances the turbulence on the air side, breaks down the thermal boundary layer, and greatly improves the convective heat transfer efficiency between the air and the refrigerant. It achieves maximum heat transfer capacity within a limited installation space, making it particularly suitable for the interior environment of compact cars. 2. The detachable pipe joint is fixed to the first and second manifolds with fixing screws and a sealing gasket is provided, which not only ensures the sealing and vibration resistance of the interface, but also greatly facilitates installation, daily maintenance and cleaning and maintenance of the internal flow channel. 3. The M-type mounting bracket and the slot on the manifold are matched and reinforced with side plates to form a stable overall frame, which effectively resists vibration and impact, prevents structural deformation, and improves reliability and lifespan in harsh automotive operating environments; the hollow protective grille added at the bottom can effectively block foreign objects on the road, prevent the fins and flat tubes from being damaged or blocked, and ensure long-term heat exchange efficiency and operational reliability. 4. The detachable pipe fitting, M-type retainer and waist-shaped hole installation design support quick disassembly and assembly, flow channel cleaning and component replacement, improving maintenance efficiency and product maintainability, and reducing total life cycle cost. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a top view of an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the middle AA line; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a partial assembly structure of the first and second fins in an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. First manifold; 11. First flat tube; 12. First fin; 13. Inlet; 2. Second manifold; 21. Second flat tube; 22. Second fin; 23. Return port; 3. Third manifold; 4. Fourth manifold; 5. Pipe fitting; 51. Inlet port; 52. Outlet port; 53. Fixing hole; 531. Fixing screw; 54. Sealing gasket; 541. Through hole; 6. Snap-on slot; 7. M-shaped card slot; 71. Mounting block; 711. Circular hole; 8. Reinforced side plate; 81. Mounting holes; 9. Protective grille. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. 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.

[0017] This application discloses a double-row finned automotive interior condenser. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 4 It includes a first manifold 1 and a second manifold 2, which are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction; a third manifold 3 and a fourth manifold 4, which are also arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction. Among them, the first manifold 1 and the third manifold 3 are aligned in the horizontal direction, and the second manifold 2 and the fourth manifold 4 are aligned in the horizontal direction.

[0018] Multiple first flat tubes 11 are connected at both ends to a first manifold 1 and a third manifold 3, respectively, and are in fluid communication with the internal flow channels of both. Multiple second flat tubes 21 are connected at both ends to a second manifold 2 and a fourth manifold 4, respectively, and are in fluid communication with the internal flow channels of both. All first flat tubes 11 and second flat tubes 21 extend horizontally, and the first flat tubes 11 and second flat tubes 21 are arranged in two parallel rows in the vertical direction, forming a double-row heat exchange flow channel. Preferably, the manifolds and flat tubes are made of aluminum alloy, such as aluminum-manganese alloy with grade 3003, and are connected by brazing.

[0019] Multiple first fins 12 are disposed in the gaps between adjacent first flat tubes 11; multiple second fins 22 are disposed in the gaps between adjacent second flat tubes 21. These fins are preferably formed by stamping aluminum foil and can be designed with a corrugated or louvered structure to increase turbulence, disrupt the air thermal boundary layer, and thus enhance heat dissipation efficiency. The fins not only expand the heat transfer surface but also guide airflow and enhance the turbulence effect, further improving the heat exchange efficiency between air and refrigerant. One end of the first manifold 1 is provided with an inlet 13, and the corresponding end of the second manifold 2 is provided with a return port 23. The internal flow channels of the third manifold 3 and the fourth manifold 4 are interconnected through connecting pipes, thereby realizing the transfer of refrigerant between the two manifold assemblies. The connecting pipes are preferably copper or aluminum pipes, and their connection with the manifolds can be achieved by using flared nuts or brazing to ensure sealing and reliability.

[0020] The pipe fitting 5 is detachably installed at the open ends of the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 2. The pipe fitting 5 is preferably injection molded from PA66-GF30 (nylon with 30% glass fiber). Its inlet port 51 and outlet port 52 can be standard φ12.7mm flared connectors to accommodate common piping connection specifications in automotive air conditioning systems. The pipe fitting 5 has an inlet port 51 and an outlet port 52. The inlet port 51 communicates with the inlet port 13 on the first manifold 1, and the outlet port 52 communicates with the return port 23 on the second manifold 2.

[0021] During operation, refrigerant enters the first manifold 1 from the external system via the liquid inlet 51 and inlet 13 of the pipe fitting 5. Within the first manifold 1, the refrigerant is distributed and distributed to each of the first flat tubes 11. During its flow through the first flat tubes 11, the refrigerant undergoes its first heat exchange with the flowing air through the tube wall, releasing some heat. The refrigerant flowing out of the first flat tubes 11 collects in the third manifold 3. Subsequently, the refrigerant is introduced from the third manifold 3 into the fourth manifold 4 through a connecting pipe. Within the fourth manifold 4, the refrigerant is redistributed and distributed to each of the second flat tubes 21. During its flow through the second flat tubes 21, the refrigerant undergoes a second heat exchange, further releasing heat and completing the condensation process. Finally, the condensed refrigerant enters the second manifold 2 from the second flat tubes 21 and flows out of the condenser through the return port 23 and liquid outlet 52, returning to the external system, thus completing a full refrigeration cycle.

[0022] This invention significantly increases the effective heat exchange area through its double-row flat tube structure and densely arranged fins. Its compact dual-channel layout substantially increases the heat exchange surface area between the refrigerant and the external environment. The dual-channel design allows the refrigerant to flow sequentially through two sets of flat tubes, extending the heat exchange path and time, ensuring complete refrigerant condensation. The detachable design of the tube connector 5 facilitates condenser installation, routine maintenance, and cleaning and inspection of the internal flow channels, helping to extend the condenser's service life. This design achieves maximum heat exchange efficiency within a limited installation space, making it ideal for automotive interior environments with strict space requirements.

[0023] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The pipe seat connector 5 has four fixing holes 53 at its four corners, and threaded holes (not shown in the figure) are provided on the end faces of the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 2 corresponding to the fixing holes 53. When assembling the pipe seat connector 5, the fixing screws 531 are sequentially inserted into the mounting through holes of the pipe seat connector 5 and screwed into the internal threaded holes on the end faces of the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 2, achieving a reliable connection through threaded tightening. This fixing method has the following advantages: Firstly, the fit between the fixing screws 531 and the internal threaded holes can withstand the pressure pulsations and mechanical vibrations generated by the refrigerant flow, preventing the pipe seat connector 5 from loosening or falling off during long-term operation, ensuring the sealing performance and operational stability of the condenser; secondly, this detachable fixing method greatly facilitates the on-site installation, daily maintenance, and internal cleaning of the condenser. If repair or replacement of parts is required, only the fixing screws 531 need to be removed to separate the pipe seat connector 5 from the manifold, thereby allowing operation of the internal flow channels and related components, significantly improving the maintainability and ease of use of the product.

[0024] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1 to 3 A sealing gasket 54 is provided on the end face of the pipe seat joint 5 that connects with the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 2. A through hole 541 is provided on the sealing gasket 54 at the positions corresponding to the fixing hole 53, the inlet 13 and the return port 23.

[0025] In the assembled state, the sealing gasket 54 is tightly clamped between the pipe seat joint 5 and the end face of the manifold. When the fixing screw 531 passes through the mounting through hole on the pipe seat joint 5 and is screwed into the internal threaded hole at the end of the manifold, the sealing gasket 54 is axially compressed under the preload of the bolt, resulting in elastic deformation. This sealing structure has the following advantages: First, the sealing gasket 54 undergoes compression deformation in the area around the fixing hole 53, which can effectively fill the micro gaps formed by machining errors or surface unevenness, preventing refrigerant leakage along the periphery of the fixing hole 53 and ensuring the sealing integrity of the mechanical connection. Second, the through holes 541 on the sealing gasket 54 corresponding to the inlet 13 and the return port 23 ensure unobstructed refrigerant flow and form a tight radial seal around the interface, preventing refrigerant leakage to the external environment at the connection interface and ensuring the sealing performance and operating efficiency of the refrigeration cycle system. By adding a sealing gasket 54 and optimizing its layout, the sealing performance of the connection interface between the pipe seat joint 5 and the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 2 is further improved, making the condenser as a whole more adaptable to the high standards of reliability and safety requirements of automotive air conditioning systems.

[0026] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1 to 3 Multiple snap-fit ​​grooves 6 are provided on the opposite sides of the first manifold 1 and the third manifold 3, and on the opposite sides of the second manifold 2 and the fourth manifold 4. There can be two, three, or four snap-fit ​​grooves 6; in this embodiment, three are provided. The first manifold 1, the second manifold 2, the third manifold 3, and the fourth manifold 4 are all snapped into an M-type retainer 7 via the snap-fit ​​grooves 6. The shape and size of the snap-fit ​​grooves 6 are precisely matched to the structure of the M-type retainer 7, ensuring the stability and positioning accuracy of the snap-fit. Both ends of the M-type retainer 7 can be inserted into the corresponding snap-fit ​​grooves 6 on the first manifold 1 and the third manifold 3, and the second manifold 2 and the fourth manifold 4, respectively. During installation, aligning the M-type retainer 7 with the snap-fit ​​groove 6 and applying slight pressure allows it to snap into the groove without the need for complex tools or additional fasteners, significantly improving assembly efficiency and reducing installation time and cost. Furthermore, the middle part of the M-type mounting bracket 7 effectively supports the manifold, resisting structural deformation and displacement caused by refrigerant pressure pulsations or vehicle vibrations. The tight fit between the mounting slot 6 and the M-type mounting bracket 7 forms a reliable mechanical connection, ensuring the stability of the relative positions of the manifolds and thus guaranteeing the rigidity and integrity of the overall condenser structure.

[0027] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​connection makes disassembly and reassembly simple and quick. During maintenance or repair, operators can easily pull the M-type retainer 7 out of the snap-fit ​​slot 6, achieving rapid separation of the manifold and facilitating inspection, cleaning, or replacement of internal flow channels, fins, and other components. After maintenance, simply re-snap the connector to restore the original state, greatly improving maintenance efficiency.

[0028] Furthermore, referring to Figures 1 to 3A mounting block 71 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the M-type mounting bracket 7. The mounting block 71 has oblong holes 711. These oblong holes 711 are arranged along the direction requiring adjustment, such as horizontally or vertically. When installing the condenser into the vehicle interior, bolts are passed through the oblong holes 711 on the mounting block 71 to fix the condenser in the corresponding installation position inside the vehicle. Due to the presence of the oblong holes 711, the position of the condenser can be fine-tuned during installation according to the actual situation. For example, when there is a certain error in the installation space or when precise alignment with other components is required, the position of the bolts within the oblong holes 711 can be adjusted to achieve the optimal installation position for the condenser, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the installation.

[0029] At the same time, refer to Figures 1 to 3 Reinforcing plates 8 are provided at the edges between the first manifold 1 and the third manifold 3, and between the second manifold 2 and the fourth manifold 4. The reinforcing plates 8 are preferably made of metal sheet, have high mechanical strength and rigidity, and are fixed to the edge area of ​​the manifold by welding, riveting or other reliable mechanical connection methods.

[0030] During vehicle operation, the condenser is subjected to external loads such as road vibration and gravel impact. The reinforcing side plate 8 effectively bears and disperses these localized stresses, preventing plastic deformation or damage to the manifold due to stress concentration. This maintains the overall shape and dimensional stability of the condenser, ensuring unobstructed and sealed refrigerant flow. Furthermore, the reinforcing side plate 8 connects the corresponding upper and lower manifolds into a robust frame, significantly enhancing the condenser's structural stability under dynamic loads (such as vibration and impact). This not only reduces noise caused by vibration but also lowers the risk of fatigue damage due to long-term alternating stress, helping to extend the condenser's service life. Moreover, the reinforcing side plate 8, in conjunction with the previously installed mounting block 71 and M-type bracket 7, provides a more stable support foundation for the condenser's installation within the vehicle. It can withstand the mechanical stress generated during installation, preventing loosening or displacement after installation and ensuring the condenser maintains its preset correct position and orientation during vehicle operation. By adding reinforced side plates 8, the product's vibration and impact resistance and overall durability in the harsh automotive operating environment are further enhanced, making it more in line with the design requirements of automotive air conditioning systems for high reliability and long life.

[0031] Additionally, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The bottom ends of the M-type mounting bracket 7 and the reinforcing side plate 8 are both provided with mounting holes 81. The bottom of the condenser is provided with a perforated protective grille 9, the grid spacing of which is no more than 8mm. The protective grille 9 is installed in the mounting holes 81 at the bottom ends of the M-type mounting bracket 7 and the reinforcing side plate 8 by fasteners.

[0032] During installation, fasteners such as fixing bolts are screwed through the mounting holes 81 on the protective grille 9 into the corresponding mounting holes 81 on the bottom of the M-type bracket 7 and the reinforcing side plate 8, and then tightened to achieve a secure fixation. This installation process is simple and quick, requiring no complicated tools, and also facilitates subsequent disassembly for cleaning or replacement. The protective grille 9, placed at the bottom of the condenser, features a perforated design that ensures airflow while effectively preventing foreign objects such as stones, mud, and branches from entering the condenser, preventing damage or blockage to the fins and flat tubes, and ensuring heat exchange efficiency and long-term operational reliability. Furthermore, the protective grille 9 itself possesses a certain degree of strength and rigidity. When a vehicle travels over potholes or experiences bottom impact, the protective grille 9 can withstand and disperse the pressure from the bottom, transferring the load to the main structure of the condenser through the M-type bracket 7 and the reinforcing side plate 8, effectively preventing deformation or damage to the bottom of the condenser due to excessive localized stress.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. The terms "an" or "a" and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" or "including" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Above," "below," "left," "right," etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0034] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A double-row finned automotive interior condenser, characterized in that, include: The first manifold (1) and the second manifold (2) are arranged vertically parallel to each other; The third manifold (3) and the fourth manifold (4) are arranged vertically parallel to each other; The first manifold (1) and the third manifold (3) are horizontally aligned, and the second manifold (2) and the fourth manifold (4) are horizontally aligned. Multiple first flat tubes (11) are connected at both ends to the first manifold (1) and the third manifold (3) respectively, and are connected to the internal flow channels of both; Multiple second flat tubes (21) are connected at both ends to the second manifold (2) and the fourth manifold (4) respectively, and are connected to the internal flow channels of both; The first flat tube (11) and the second flat tube (21) are arranged in parallel rows, forming a double-row heat exchange channel; Multiple first fins (12) are disposed between adjacent first flat tubes (11); Multiple second fins (22) are disposed between adjacent second flat tubes (21); The first collector pipe (1) has an inlet (13) at one end, the second collector pipe (2) has a return port (23) at the corresponding end, and the internal flow channels of the third collector pipe (3) and the fourth collector pipe (4) are connected to each other through a connecting pipe. The pipe seat connector (5) is detachably installed at the end of the first manifold (1) and the second manifold (2). The pipe seat connector (5) is provided with an inlet port (51) and an outlet port (52). The inlet port (51) is connected to the inlet port (13), and the outlet port (52) is connected to the return port (23).

2. The automotive interior condenser with a double-row finned structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The four corners of the pipe joint (5) are provided with fixing holes (53), and the end faces of the first manifold (1) and the second manifold (2) are provided with threaded holes corresponding to the fixing holes (53). The fixing screw (531) passes through the fixing hole (53) and screws into the threaded hole to fix the pipe seat connector (5) to the first manifold (1) and the second manifold (2).

3. The automotive interior condenser with a double-row finned structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end face of the pipe joint (5) that is connected to the first manifold (1) and the second manifold (2) is provided with a sealing gasket (54). The sealing gasket (54) is provided with a through hole (541) at the position corresponding to the fixing hole (53), the inlet (13) and the return port (23).

4. The automotive interior condenser with a double-row finned structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple snap-fit ​​grooves (6) are provided on the opposite sides of the first manifold (1) and the third manifold (3), as well as on the opposite sides of the second manifold (2) and the fourth manifold (4). The first manifold (1), the second manifold (2), the third manifold (3), and the fourth manifold (4) are all connected to the M-type card holder (7) through the card slot (6).

5. A double-row finned automotive interior condenser according to claim 4, characterized in that, An mounting block (71) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the M-type card holder (7), and the mounting block (71) has a waist-shaped hole (711).

6. A double-row finned automotive interior condenser according to claim 5, characterized in that, Reinforcing plates (8) are provided at the edges between the first manifold (1) and the third manifold (3) and between the second manifold (2) and the fourth manifold (4).

7. A double-row finned automotive interior condenser according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom ends of the M-type card holder (7) and the reinforcing side plate (8) are provided with mounting holes (81), and the bottom of the condenser is provided with a hollow protective grille (9). The protective grille (9) is installed in the mounting hole (81) by fasteners.

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