Heat exchanger and heat exchanger assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of heat exchanger and heat exchanger assembly, heat exchanger includes: multiple flat tube groups and intercommunication structure;Heat exchanger has mutually perpendicular length direction, width direction and height direction;Multiple flat tube groups are arranged along width direction with interval, and each flat tube group includes multiple heat exchange flat tubes, and multiple heat exchange flat tubes located in same group are arranged along height direction with interval;Heat exchange flat tube extends along length direction;Along width direction, two heat exchange flat tubes respectively located in adjacent two flat tube groups and adjacent arrangement are disposed along height direction with interval;The inside of intercommunication structure has at least two flow-through cavities arranged along height direction with interval, and one flow-through cavity is communicated with at least two heat exchange flat tubes located in same row;At least two flow-through cavities are set one by one with multiple rows of heat exchange flat tubes.The utility model effectively saves the use quantity of U-shaped tube, so that heat exchanger structure is simpler, easy to manufacture, low in cost and convenient for efficient mass production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, and more specifically, to a heat exchanger and a heat exchanger assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, microchannel heat exchangers, especially multi-row microchannel radiators, are increasingly widely used in air conditioning and heat pump systems. These heat exchangers typically include structures such as fins, flat tubes, and manifolds. The flat tubes in staggered multi-row microchannel heat exchangers in related technologies usually consist of multiple rows of flat tubes arranged in a staggered manner. Adjacent rows of flat tubes are spaced horizontally apart, and there is a certain height difference between the two rows.

[0003] To connect two rows of staggered adjacent flat tubes, heat exchangers in related technologies typically use U-shaped tubes to connect two staggered flat tubes in two adjacent rows. This requires the use of multiple U-shaped tubes, each of which needs to be formed by bending. The overall manufacturing process is complex and inefficient, which makes heat exchangers using multiple U-shaped tubes complex to manufacture, costly, and inefficient, thus hindering efficient mass production. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a heat exchanger and heat exchanger assembly to at least solve the problems in the related art where heat exchangers using multiple U-shaped tubes are complex to manufacture, have high costs and low production efficiency, which are not conducive to efficient mass production.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of this utility model, a heat exchanger is provided, comprising: multiple sets of flat tube groups and a connecting structure; the heat exchanger has mutually perpendicular length, width, and height directions; the multiple sets of flat tube groups are arranged at intervals along the width direction, each set of flat tube groups includes multiple heat exchange flat tubes, and the multiple heat exchange flat tubes in the same set are arranged at intervals along the height direction; the heat exchange flat tubes extend along the length direction; along the width direction, two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes located in two adjacent sets of flat tube groups are staggered along the height direction; the connecting structure has at least two flow chambers spaced apart along the height direction, one flow chamber communicating with at least two heat exchange flat tubes in the same row; the at least two flow chambers are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple rows of heat exchange flat tubes.

[0006] Furthermore, the connecting structure has multiple positioning holes, which are arranged in rows along the width direction and in columns along the height direction; the positioning holes are used to limit and fix the heat exchange flat tubes, and the multiple positioning holes are set one-to-one with the multiple heat exchange flat tubes; wherein, at least two positioning holes located in the same row are connected to the same flow cavity, and at least two flow cavities are set one-to-one with multiple rows of positioning holes.

[0007] Furthermore, the connecting structure includes a cover plate, a flat tube positioning plate, and a through cavity; the cover plate and the flat tube positioning plate extend along the height direction respectively, and the cover plate and the flat tube positioning plate are fixedly installed, forming an accommodating space; the through cavity extends along the height direction and is disposed within the accommodating space; the through cavity has multiple flow cavities inside; multiple positioning holes are spaced apart on the flat tube positioning plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the cavity section includes at least two cavity plates, which are stacked and arranged in parallel along the length direction; each cavity plate has a plurality of flow grooves spaced apart along the height direction, which penetrate the cavity plate along the length direction; the flow grooves on the at least two cavity plates located at the same position in the height direction are connected to each other to form a plurality of flow cavities spaced apart along the height direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube has a height dimension equal to the tube thickness Ws, and a width dimension equal to the tube width Ls. The corresponding positioning hole has a height dimension equal to Wd, a width dimension equal to Ld, where Ld-Ls≤0.3mm and Wd-Ws≤0.3mm. And / or, the through-cavity plate has a length dimension equal to the through-cavity plate thickness Ta, where Ta≤5mm; the flat tube positioning plate has a length dimension equal to the flat tube positioning plate thickness Td, where Td≤5mm; and the portion of the heat exchange flat tube inserted into the positioning hole has a length dimension equal to the insertion length Ds, where Td≤Ds-Td<2Ta, so that the outlet of the heat exchange flat tube is located in the flow cavity. The heat exchange flat tube is spaced apart from the cover plate; and / or, the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat exchange flat tube along the length direction is Fs, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow groove along the length direction is Fa, where Fa≤10Fs; and / or, the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube along the height direction is the tube thickness Ws, the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube along the width direction is the tube width Ls, the flow groove along the width direction is W, the flow groove along the height direction is H, the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes in the same row along the width direction is HB, and the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes in the same row along the height direction is VB, where W-HB-Ls>2mm, H-VB-Ws>2mm, so that the distance between the heat exchange flat tube and the inner wall of the flow groove is greater than 1mm.

[0010] Furthermore, there are two connecting structures, which are respectively located at both ends of the heat exchange flat tube along its length; and / or, the heat exchange flat tube and the connecting structures are fixedly connected by brazing; and / or, the cover plate, the flat tube positioning plate and the through cavity are fixedly connected by brazing.

[0011] Furthermore, the connecting structure includes multiple connecting bends, each connecting bend being connected to two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes located in the same row; the connecting bend includes a connecting section and a bending section, with two connecting sections respectively located at both ends of the bending section to form a U-shaped tube structure, and the end of the connecting section away from the bending section having a connection port; the connection port is a flat opening structure, used to adapt to the heat exchange flat tube for connection; the bending section is a circular tube structure; the two connecting sections are spaced apart along the height direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the number of flat tube groups is greater than or equal to 2; and / or, the bending radius of the bending section is R, the inner diameter of the bending section is OD, R≥1.1OD; the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube along the width direction is the flat tube width Ls, the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes in the same row along the width direction is HB, the angle between the centroid line connecting the two ends of the bending section outlet and the width direction is θ, 0°<θ<45°, 2Rcosθ=HB; 1≤HB / Ls<2; 0.3≤OD / Ls≤1.5; and / or, multiple heat exchange flat tubes and multiple connecting bends are fixedly connected by brazing or flame welding respectively; and / or, multiple connecting bends are divided into at least two sets of bends, and multiple connecting bends in the same set of bends are spaced apart along the height direction; wherein, one set of bends is set at one end of the heat exchange flat tube along the length direction, and the other set of bends is set at the other end of the heat exchange flat tube along the length direction.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger assembly is provided, the heat exchanger assembly including the heat exchanger described above.

[0014] Furthermore, the heat exchanger assembly also includes multiple heat exchange fins, a distributor, a capillary tube, and a manifold; the heat exchange fins are used for heat exchange; at least a portion of the multiple heat exchange fins are disposed on the heat exchange flat tube, and the multiple heat exchange fins located on the same heat exchange flat tube are spaced apart along the length direction; one end of the capillary tube is circular and connected to the distribution hole on the distributor, and the other end of the capillary tube is flat and connected to the heat exchange flat tube; the distributor is used to distribute the heat exchange medium flowing inside the heat exchange flat tube; the manifold extends along the height direction and communicates with the multiple heat exchange flat tubes; wherein, at least one of the multiple heat exchange fins, the distributor, the capillary tube, the manifold, and the heat exchanger is fixedly connected by brazing.

[0015] Applying the technical solution of this utility model, this utility model provides a heat exchanger, including: multiple sets of flat tube groups and a connecting structure; the heat exchanger has mutually perpendicular length, width, and height directions; multiple sets of flat tube groups are arranged at intervals along the width direction, each set of flat tube groups includes multiple heat exchange flat tubes, and the multiple heat exchange flat tubes in the same set are arranged at intervals along the height direction; the heat exchange flat tubes extend along the length direction; along the width direction, two heat exchange flat tubes located in adjacent sets of flat tube groups and arranged adjacently are staggered along the height direction; the connecting structure has at least two flow chambers arranged at intervals along the height direction, one flow chamber is connected to at least two heat exchange flat tubes located in the same row; the at least two flow chambers are arranged one-to-one with the multiple rows of heat exchange flat tubes.

[0016] This invention features a connecting structure with at least two flow chambers spaced apart along the height direction. Each flow chamber connects to at least two heat exchange flat tubes in the same row. Without affecting flow, this simple structure replaces multiple U-shaped tubes, enabling reliable flow of the heat exchange medium between at least two heat exchange flat tubes. This effectively replaces existing techniques that use numerous U-shaped tubes to connect multiple heat exchange flat tubes in pairs, significantly reducing the number of U-shaped tubes used. This makes the heat exchanger and subsequent heat exchanger components simpler, easier to manufacture, lower in cost, and easier for efficient mass production. This invention significantly simplifies the connection method of multiple rows of heat exchange flat tubes, avoids the complex process of multiple bending of U-shaped tubes, reduces production costs, and improves operational reliability. The heat exchanger proposed in this invention can be used not only as an evaporator but also as a condenser, offering high flexibility and versatility to meet diverse heat exchange needs. Its simple structure and low cost facilitate assembly and maintenance. In practical applications, the heat exchanger significantly improves the cooling and heating performance of air conditioning systems, reduces installation space requirements within air conditioning units, extends equipment lifespan, and reduces energy consumption, resulting in significant economic and environmental benefits. It solves the problems of complex manufacturing, high cost, and low production efficiency associated with heat exchangers using multiple U-shaped tubes in related technologies, hindering efficient mass production and making it suitable for large-scale promotion and use. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A partial structural schematic diagram of the heat exchanger provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model is shown;

[0019] Figure 2A partial structural schematic diagram of the heat exchanger provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model is shown from a top view.

[0020] Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of the heat exchanger provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model is shown from a top view.

[0021] Figure 4 A partial structural schematic diagram of the connecting structure provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model is shown;

[0022] Figure 5 An exploded view of a portion of the connected structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 An enlarged view of a portion of the structure of the heat exchanger provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional dimensions of the heat exchange flat tube provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional dimensions of the connected structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model is shown;

[0026] Figure 9 A partial dimensional schematic diagram of the cavity plate provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model is shown;

[0027] Figure 10 A partial dimensional schematic diagram of the connected structure provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model, viewed from a top angle, is shown.

[0028] Figure 11 A partial structural schematic diagram of the heat exchanger provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model is shown;

[0029] Figure 12 A partial structural schematic diagram of the heat exchanger provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model is shown from a top view.

[0030] Figure 13 An enlarged view of a portion of the structure of the heat exchanger provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model is shown;

[0031] Figure 14 This diagram shows a partial enlarged view of the heat exchanger provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention from another angle;

[0032] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the external structure of the connecting bend provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model is shown;

[0033] Figure 16A schematic diagram of the external structure of the connecting bend provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model at another angle is shown;

[0034] Figure 17 A partial dimensional diagram of the connecting bend provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model is shown;

[0035] Figure 18 The diagram shows a partial dimensional view of the connecting bend and heat exchange flat tube provided in Embodiment 3 of this utility model from a top view angle.

[0036] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0037] 10. Heat exchange flat tube;

[0038] 20. Connecting structure; 21. Flow cavity; 22. Cover plate; 23. Flat tube positioning plate; 231. Positioning hole; 24. Through cavity section; 241. Through cavity plate; 242. Flow groove; 25. Connecting bend; 251. Connecting section; 252. Bending section;

[0039] 30. Heat exchange fins;

[0040] 40. Distributor;

[0041] 50. Capillary tube;

[0042] 60. Manifold. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present utility model or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 18As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides a heat exchanger, including: multiple sets of flat tubes and a connecting structure 20; the heat exchanger has mutually perpendicular length, width, and height directions; multiple sets of flat tubes are arranged at intervals along the width direction, each set of flat tubes includes multiple heat exchange flat tubes 10, and the multiple heat exchange flat tubes 10 in the same set are arranged at intervals along the height direction; the heat exchange flat tubes 10 extend along the length direction; along the width direction, two heat exchange flat tubes 10 located in adjacent sets of flat tubes and arranged adjacently are staggered along the height direction; the connecting structure 20 has at least two flow chambers 21 arranged at intervals along the height direction, one flow chamber 21 is connected to at least two heat exchange flat tubes 10 located in the same row; the at least two flow chambers 21 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple rows of heat exchange flat tubes 10 to allow heat exchange medium to flow through them respectively.

[0045] This invention features a connecting structure 20 with at least two flow chambers 21 spaced apart along the height direction. Each flow chamber 21 is connected to at least two heat exchange flat tubes 10 located in the same row. Without affecting the flow, this simple structure replaces multiple U-shaped tubes, enabling reliable flow of the heat exchange medium between at least two heat exchange flat tubes 10. This effectively replaces the existing technical solution that uses a large number of U-shaped tubes to connect multiple heat exchange flat tubes in pairs, effectively saving the number of U-shaped tubes used. This makes the heat exchanger and subsequent heat exchanger components simpler, easier to manufacture, lower in cost, and easier to mass-produce efficiently. This invention significantly simplifies the connection method of multiple rows of heat exchange flat tubes, avoids the complex process of multiple bending of U-shaped tubes, reduces production costs, and improves operational reliability. The heat exchanger proposed in this invention can be used not only as an evaporator but also as a condenser, offering high flexibility and versatility to meet diverse heat exchange needs. Its simple structure and low cost facilitate assembly and maintenance. In practical applications, the heat exchanger significantly improves the cooling and heating performance of air conditioning systems, reduces installation space requirements within air conditioning units, extends equipment lifespan, and reduces energy consumption, resulting in significant economic and environmental benefits. It solves the problems of complex manufacturing, high cost, and low production efficiency associated with heat exchangers using multiple U-shaped tubes in related technologies, hindering efficient mass production and making it suitable for large-scale promotion and use.

[0046] Furthermore, by providing multiple flow chambers 21, this invention ensures that each heat exchange flat tube 10 can independently and uniformly receive the heat exchange medium, avoiding uneven distribution of the medium within the flat tubes. The design of the flow chambers 21 follows fluid mechanics principles, ensuring smooth medium transfer between the flat tube groups and improving the uniformity and efficiency of heat exchange. The above design enhances the overall performance of the heat exchanger, especially in applications with multiple rows of flat tubes, improving heat exchange efficiency and reliability. In other embodiments, the medium distribution problem under different heat exchange requirements can be solved by adjusting the number and position of the flow chambers 21.

[0047] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the connecting structure 20 has multiple positioning holes 231, which are arranged in rows along the width direction and in columns along the height direction. The positioning holes 231 are used to limit and fix the heat exchange flat tube 10, and the multiple positioning holes 231 are arranged one-to-one with the multiple heat exchange flat tubes 10. Among them, at least two positioning holes 231 located in the same row are connected to the same flow cavity 21, and at least two flow cavities 21 are arranged one-to-one with multiple rows of positioning holes 231.

[0048] By setting multiple positioning holes 231, the principle of fluid dynamics is followed, ensuring the uniform distribution of the medium in the flat tube and optimizing the heat exchange process, while also achieving reliable fixation of multiple heat exchange flat tubes 10.

[0049] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the connecting structure 20 includes a cover plate 22, a flat tube positioning plate 23, and a through cavity 24; the cover plate 22 and the flat tube positioning plate 23 extend along the height direction, and the cover plate 22 and the flat tube positioning plate 23 are fixedly installed, forming an accommodating space; the through cavity 24 extends along the height direction and is disposed within the accommodating space; the through cavity 24 has multiple flow cavities 21 inside; multiple positioning holes 231 are spaced apart on the flat tube positioning plate 23.

[0050] By combining the cover plate 22, the flat tube positioning plate 23, and the through cavity 24, a simple structure is used to achieve stable fixation of the flat tube assembly and effective flow of the medium, improving the structural stability and heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. The connection between the positioning hole 231 on the flat tube positioning plate 23 and the flow cavity 21 of the through cavity 24 follows fluid dynamics principles, ensuring uniform distribution of the medium within the flat tube and optimizing the heat exchange process. This design not only simplifies the assembly process of the flat tube assembly but also improves the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger and reduces production costs. In other embodiments, the fixation and sealing problems of the flat tube assembly under high temperature or high pressure environments can be solved by changing the material or structure of the cover plate 22 and the flat tube positioning plate 23.

[0051] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cavity section 24 includes at least two cavity plates 241, which are stacked and arranged in parallel along the length direction. The cavity plates 241 have a plurality of flow grooves 242 spaced apart along the height direction, which penetrate the cavity plates 241 along the length direction. The flow grooves 242 located at the same position in the height direction on the at least two cavity plates 241 are connected to each other to form a plurality of flow cavities 21 spaced apart along the height direction.

[0052] By employing a stacked cavity plate 241 design, multiple flow cavities 21 are formed using a simple plate structure, simplifying the manufacturing process of the connecting structure 20 and improving production efficiency. The design of the flow groove 242 follows fluid dynamics principles, ensuring uniform distribution of the medium among the flat tube assemblies and improving heat exchange efficiency. This design not only simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process of the connecting structure 20 but also improves the heat exchange performance and reliability of the heat exchanger by forming multiple flow cavities 21. In other embodiments, the problem of uniform medium distribution in flat tube assemblies of different sizes can be solved by changing the number and layout of the cavity plates 241.

[0053] In one specific embodiment of this utility model, the connecting structure 20 is formed by welding together multiple layers of composite plates, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the welding of four layers of plates (i.e., a cover plate 22, two through-cavity plates 241 and a flat tube positioning plate 23) serves to collect and bridge multiple heat exchange flat tubes 10. The design of the connecting structure 20 further simplifies the processing and forming process. The plate material of the through-cavity plate 241 used in practice can be purchased externally or made in-house as a separate component. After being assembled by stamping, the connecting structure 20 can be completed with other structures of the heat exchanger in a single brazing process, further improving the assembly efficiency.

[0054] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the outer periphery dimension of the heat exchange flat tube 10 along the height direction is the tube thickness Ws, and the outer periphery dimension of the heat exchange flat tube 10 along the width direction is the tube width Ls; the positioning hole 231 corresponding to the heat exchange flat tube 10 has a height dimension Wd and a width dimension Ld, where Ld-Ls≤0.3mm and Wd-Ws≤0.3mm; and / or, the through-cavity plate 241 has a length dimension Ta, where Ta≤5mm; the flat tube positioning plate 23 has a length dimension Td, where Td≤5mm; the portion of the heat exchange flat tube 10 inserted into the positioning hole 231 has a length dimension Ds, where Td≤Ds-Td<2Ta, so that the outlet of the heat exchange flat tube 10 is located in the flow cavity 2. 1. The heat exchange flat tube 10 is arranged at a distance from the cover plate 22; and / or, the cross-sectional area of ​​the heat exchange flat tube 10 along the direction perpendicular to its length is Fs, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow groove 242 along the direction perpendicular to its length is Fa, where Fa≤10Fs; and / or, the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube 10 along the height direction is the tube thickness Ws, the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube 10 along the width direction is the tube width Ls, the flow groove 242 along the width direction is W, the flow groove 242 along the height direction is H, the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes 10 in the same row along the width direction is HB, and the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes 10 in the same row along the height direction is VB, where W-HB-Ls>2mm, H-VB-Ws>2mm, so that the distance between the heat exchange flat tube 10 and the inner wall of the flow groove 242 is greater than 1mm.

[0055] By precisely controlling the dimensional matching between the heat exchange flat tube 10 and the positioning hole 231, as well as the thickness of the through-cavity plate 241 and the flat tube positioning plate 23, the stable fixing of the flat tube and the smooth flow of the medium are ensured, thereby improving the heat exchange performance and manufacturing precision of the heat exchanger. The precise matching of the flat tube thickness Ws and width Ls with the dimensions Wd and Ld of the positioning hole 231 follows thermodynamic principles, ensuring a tight fit between the flat tube and the positioning hole 231 after welding and fixing, reducing heat loss. This design not only optimizes the assembly and fixing of the flat tube assembly but also improves the heat exchange efficiency and stability of the heat exchanger by controlling the thickness of the through-cavity plate 241 and the flat tube positioning plate 23, as well as the insertion length Ds of the heat exchange flat tube 10. In other embodiments, the design problem of the flat tube assembly under different heat exchange requirements can be solved by adjusting the ratio of the cross-sectional area Fs of the heat exchange flat tube 10 to the cross-sectional area Fa of the flow groove 242.

[0056] It should be noted that: by setting Ld-Ls≤0.3mm and Wd-Ws≤0.3mm, the dimensional relationship between the heat exchange flat tube 10 and the flat tube positioning plate 23 is precisely defined, ensuring that the maximum single-sided brazing clearance does not exceed 0.15mm, which improves the consistency of welding quality and avoids weld blockage inside the heat exchange flat tube 10 after welding; by setting Fa≤10Fs, the pressure and flow rate of the heat exchange medium (e.g., refrigerant) flowing through the flow channel 242 into the heat exchange flat tube 10 are kept uniform or do not change significantly, thus avoiding throttling and ensuring smooth flow of the heat exchange medium; by setting Td≤Ds-Td<2Ta, the... The outlet of the heat exchange flat tube 10 is located inside the flow cavity 21 and spaced apart from the cover plate 22. At this time, the length dimension Ds (i.e., insertion depth) of the portion of the heat exchange flat tube 10 inserted into the positioning hole 231 is greater than the thickness of the flat tube positioning plate 23 and less than the total thickness of the two through cavity plates 241. By setting W-HB-Ls > 2mm and H-VB-Ws > 2mm, the distance between the heat exchange flat tube 10 and the inner wall of the flow groove 242 is greater than 1mm, so that the minimum single-sided distance between the heat exchange flat tube 10 and the inner wall of the flow groove 242 is greater than 1.0mm. This ensures that the heat exchange flat tube 10 will not have a weld blockage problem when it is brazed in the brazing furnace, thereby ensuring the welding quality of the product and the reliability of the process.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, there are two connecting structures 20, which are respectively located at both ends of the heat exchange flat tube 10 along its length; and / or, the heat exchange flat tube 10 and the connecting structure 20 are fixedly connected by brazing; and / or, the cover plate 22, the flat tube positioning plate 23 and the through cavity 24 are fixedly connected by brazing.

[0058] By setting connecting structures 20 at both ends of the flat tube assembly and fixing them using brazing, a robust connection between the flat tube assembly and the connecting structure 20 is ensured, improving the structural stability and heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger. The use of brazing technology meets the requirement of sealed connection of metal materials, ensuring a seamless connection between the flat tubes and the connecting structure 20 and preventing leakage. This design not only simplifies the assembly process of the flat tube assembly and the connecting structure 20 but also improves the heat exchange efficiency and reliability of the heat exchanger through brazing. In other embodiments, different connection methods, such as threaded connections or interference fits, can be selected to solve the connection problems between the flat tube assembly and the connecting structure 20 in different application scenarios.

[0059] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the connecting structure 20 includes multiple connecting bends 25, which are respectively connected to two heat exchange flat tubes 10 located in the same row and adjacent to each other. The connecting bends 25 include connecting sections 251 and bending sections 252. There are two connecting sections 251, which are respectively located at both ends of the bending section 252 to form a U-shaped tube structure. The end of the connecting section 251 away from the bending section 252 has a connection port. The connection port is a flat structure, which is used to adapt and connect with the heat exchange flat tube 10. The bending section 252 is a circular tube structure. The two connecting sections 251 are spaced apart along the height direction.

[0060] By connecting the connecting bend 25 to the heat exchange flat tubes 10 in the flat tube assembly, a U-shaped tube structure is formed, simplifying the connection method of the flat tube assembly and reducing production costs. The design of the connecting bend 25 follows fluid mechanics principles, ensuring smooth medium transmission between the flat tubes and improving heat exchange efficiency. In terms of effectiveness, this structural design not only simplifies the assembly process of the flat tube assembly but also improves the heat exchange performance and reliability of the heat exchanger by forming a U-shaped tube structure. In other embodiments, the connection problem of the flat tube assembly in different application scenarios can be solved by changing the shape and size of the connecting bend 25.

[0061] like Figure 11 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the number of flat tube groups is greater than or equal to 2; and / or, the bending radius of the bending section 252 is R, the inner diameter of the bending section 252 is OD, R≥1.1OD; the outer periphery dimension of the heat exchange flat tube 10 along the width direction is the flat tube width Ls, the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes 10 in the same row along the width direction is HB, the angle between the centroid line connecting the two outlets of the bending section 252 and the width direction is θ, 0°<θ<45°, 2Rcosθ=HB; 1≤HB / Ls <2; 0.3≤OD / Ls≤1.5; and / or, the multiple heat exchange flat tubes 10 and the multiple connecting bends 25 are fixedly connected by brazing or flame welding respectively; and / or, the multiple connecting bends 25 are divided into at least two sets of bends, and the multiple connecting bends 25 in the same set of bends are spaced apart along the height direction; wherein, one set of bends is located at one end of the heat exchange flat tube 10 along the length direction, and the other set of bends is located at the other end of the heat exchange flat tube 10 along the length direction.

[0062] By precisely controlling the bending radius R, internal diameter OD, and the ratio of the flat tube width Ls to the distance HB between adjacent flat tubes in the bending section 252, the structural stability of the connecting bend 25 and the smooth flow of the medium are ensured, thereby improving the heat exchange performance and manufacturing precision of the heat exchanger. The design of the bending section 252 follows the principles of fluid dynamics and conventional bending processing requirements, ensuring not only the uniform distribution of the medium among the flat tubes and improving heat exchange efficiency, but also facilitating processing and forming. This design not only optimizes the connection method between the flat tube group and the connecting bend 25, but also improves the heat exchange performance and reliability of the heat exchanger by controlling the ratio of the flat tube width Ls to the distance HB between adjacent flat tubes. In other embodiments, the problem of uniform medium distribution in flat tube groups of different sizes can be solved by adjusting the number and layout of the connecting bends 25.

[0063] It is worth noting that: by setting R≥1.1OD, the lower limit of the bending capacity of the material and structure of the bending section 252 is effectively considered, ensuring the reliability of the bending process and avoiding problems such as pipe opening cracking and inability to guarantee dimensional accuracy; when designing the distance HB along the width direction between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes 10 in the same row, a minimum value of HB can be designed and limited according to the bending limit of R and the limit value of R; by setting 1≤HB / Ls<2, the relationship between the horizontal spacing of adjacent heat exchange flat tubes 10 and the width dimension of the heat exchange flat tubes 10 is effectively limited, further facilitating processing and assembly; by setting 0.3≤OD / Ls≤1.5, while ensuring sufficient flow area inside the bending section 252, the convenience and reliability of the subsequent brazing process are guaranteed.

[0064] like Figure 1 and Figure 11 As shown, this utility model also provides a heat exchanger assembly, the heat exchanger including the heat exchanger described above.

[0065] This invention integrates the aforementioned heat exchanger components to construct a novel heat exchanger, optimizing the connection between the flat tube assembly and the connecting structure 20, thereby improving the heat exchanger's heat exchange performance and production efficiency. The heat exchanger's design follows thermodynamic principles, ensuring uniform distribution of the medium among the flat tubes and improving heat exchange efficiency. This configuration not only simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process of the heat exchanger but also enhances its heat exchange performance and reliability by optimizing the connection between the flat tube assembly and the connecting structure 20. In other embodiments, the design problems of heat exchangers under different heat exchange requirements can be solved by changing the structural design of the heat exchanger, such as adding more flat tube assemblies or optimizing the connecting structure 20.

[0066] It should be noted that the heat exchanger proposed in this utility model can be used as an evaporator or a condenser. The difference between an evaporator and a condenser lies in whether it includes a structure with a liquid separator or a liquid separator function.

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 11 As shown, the heat exchanger assembly also includes multiple heat exchange fins 30, a distributor 40, a capillary tube 50, and a manifold 60; the heat exchange fins 30 are used for heat exchange; at least a portion of the multiple heat exchange fins 30 are disposed on the heat exchange flat tube 10, and the multiple heat exchange fins 30 located on the same heat exchange flat tube 10 are spaced apart along the length direction; one end of the capillary tube 50 is circular and connected to the distribution hole on the distributor 40, and the other end of the capillary tube 50 is flat and connected to the heat exchange flat tube 10; the distributor 40 is used to distribute the heat exchange medium flowing in the heat exchange flat tube 10; the manifold 60 extends along the height direction and communicates with the multiple heat exchange flat tubes 10; wherein, at least one of the multiple heat exchange fins 30, the distributor 40, the capillary tube 50, the manifold 60, and the heat exchanger is fixedly connected by brazing.

[0068] By integrating heat exchange fins 30, distributors 40, capillary tubes 50, and manifolds 60, a complete heat exchanger system is constructed, ensuring uniform distribution and effective recovery of the medium, thereby improving the heat exchanger's heat exchange performance and production efficiency. The heat exchanger design follows thermodynamic and fluid mechanics principles, ensuring uniform distribution of the medium between the flat tube assembly and the manifolds 60, thus optimizing the heat exchange process. The design proposed in this invention not only simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process of the heat exchanger but also improves its heat exchange performance and reliability by integrating multiple heat exchange fins 30, distributors 40, capillary tubes 50, and manifolds 60. In other embodiments, the medium distribution and recovery problems in different application scenarios can be solved by changing the structural design of the heat exchanger, such as optimizing the distribution hole layout of the distributor 40 or the size of the manifolds 60.

[0069] In summary, this invention provides a heat exchanger and heat exchanger assembly. By setting a connecting structure 20 with at least two flow chambers 21 spaced apart along the height direction, each flow chamber 21 connects to at least two heat exchange flat tubes 10 located in the same row. Without affecting flow, a simple structure replaces multiple U-shaped tubes, achieving reliable flow of the heat exchange medium between at least two heat exchange flat tubes 10. This effectively replaces the existing technical solution of connecting multiple heat exchange flat tubes in pairs using numerous U-shaped tubes, effectively saving the number of U-shaped tubes used. This makes the heat exchanger and subsequent heat exchanger assembly simpler, easier to manufacture, lower in cost, and easier for efficient mass production. This invention significantly simplifies the connection method of multiple rows of heat exchange flat tubes, avoids the complex process of multiple bending of U-shaped tubes, reduces production costs, and improves operational reliability. The heat exchanger proposed in this invention can be used not only as an evaporator but also as a condenser, offering high flexibility and versatility to meet diverse heat exchange needs. Its simple structure and low cost facilitate assembly and maintenance. In practical applications, the heat exchanger significantly improves the cooling and heating performance of air conditioning systems, reduces installation space requirements within air conditioning units, extends equipment lifespan, and reduces energy consumption, resulting in significant economic and environmental benefits. It solves the problems of complex manufacturing, high cost, and low production efficiency associated with heat exchangers using multiple U-shaped tubes in related technologies, hindering efficient mass production and making it suitable for large-scale promotion and use.

[0070] The technical features of the embodiments described above 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 the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0071] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0073] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0074] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0075] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0076] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: Multiple sets of flat tube groups and a connecting structure (20); the heat exchanger has mutually perpendicular length, width and height directions; multiple sets of flat tube groups are arranged at intervals along the width direction, each set of flat tube groups includes multiple heat exchange flat tubes (10), and multiple heat exchange flat tubes (10) in the same set are arranged at intervals along the height direction; the heat exchange flat tubes (10) extend along the length direction; along the width direction, two heat exchange flat tubes (10) located in two adjacent sets of flat tube groups and arranged adjacently are staggered along the height direction; the interior of the connecting structure (20) has at least two flow chambers (21) arranged at intervals along the height direction, one flow chamber (21) is connected to at least two heat exchange flat tubes (10) in the same row; at least two flow chambers (21) are arranged one-to-one with multiple rows of heat exchange flat tubes (10).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting structure (20) has a plurality of positioning holes (231), which are arranged in rows along the width direction and in columns along the height direction. The positioning holes (231) are used to limit and fix the heat exchange flat tube (10), and the plurality of positioning holes (231) are corresponding to the plurality of heat exchange flat tubes (10). At least two positioning holes (231) in the same row are connected to the same flow cavity (21), and at least two flow cavities (21) are corresponding to the multiple rows of positioning holes (231).

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting structure (20) includes a cover plate (22), a flat tube positioning plate (23), and a through cavity (24); the cover plate (22) and the flat tube positioning plate (23) extend along the height direction respectively, and the cover plate (22) and the flat tube positioning plate (23) are fixedly arranged, and the cover plate (22) and the flat tube positioning plate (23) surround to form an accommodating space; the through cavity (24) extends along the height direction and is arranged in the accommodating space; the through cavity (24) has a plurality of flow cavities (21) inside; a plurality of positioning holes (231) are spaced apart on the flat tube positioning plate (23).

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cavity section (24) includes at least two cavity plates (241), which are stacked and arranged in parallel along the length direction. Each cavity plate (241) has a plurality of flow grooves (242) spaced apart along the height direction, which penetrate the cavity plate (241) along the length direction. The flow grooves (242) located at the same position in the height direction on the at least two cavity plates (241) are connected to each other to form a plurality of flow cavities (21) spaced apart along the height direction.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube (10) along the height direction is the tube thickness Ws, and the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube (10) along the width direction is the tube width Ls; the positioning hole (231) corresponding to the heat exchange flat tube (10) has a height direction dimension Wd, and a width direction dimension Ld, where Ld-Ls≤0.3mm and Wd-Ws≤0.3mm; And / or, the dimension of the through-cavity plate (241) along the length direction is the thickness Ta of the through-cavity plate (241), Ta≤5mm; the dimension of the flat tube positioning plate (23) along the length direction is the thickness Td of the flat tube positioning plate (23), Td≤5mm; the dimension of the portion of the heat exchange flat tube (10) inserted into the positioning hole (231) along the length direction is the insertion length Ds, Td≤Ds-Td<2Ta, so that the outlet of the heat exchange flat tube (10) is located in the flow cavity (21) and spaced apart from the cover plate (22); And / or, the heat exchange flat tube (10) has a cross-sectional area Fs along the direction perpendicular to the length, and the flow groove (242) has a cross-sectional area Fa along the direction perpendicular to the length, where Fa≤10Fs; And / or, the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube (10) along the height direction is the tube thickness Ws, the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube (10) along the width direction is the tube width Ls, the flow groove (242) along the width direction is W, the flow groove (242) along the height direction is H, the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes (10) in the same row along the width direction is HB, the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes (10) in the same row along the height direction is VB, W-HB-Ls>2mm, H-VB-Ws>2mm, so that the distance between the heat exchange flat tube (10) and the inner wall of the flow groove (242) is greater than 1mm.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, There are two connecting structures (20), and the two connecting structures (20) are respectively disposed at both ends of the heat exchange flat tube (10) along the length direction; and / or, the heat exchange flat tube (10) and the connecting structure (20) are fixedly connected by brazing; and / or, the cover plate (22), the flat tube positioning plate (23) and the through cavity (24) are fixedly connected by brazing.

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting structure (20) includes multiple connecting bends (25), which are connected to two heat exchange flat tubes (10) located in the same row and adjacent to each other. Each connecting bend (25) includes a connecting section (251) and a bending section (252). There are two connecting sections (251), which are respectively located at both ends of the bending section (252) to form a U-shaped tube structure. The end of the connecting section (251) away from the bending section (252) has a connection port. The connection port is a flat structure and is used to be adapted to connect with the heat exchange flat tube (10). The bending section (252) is a circular tube structure. The two connecting sections (251) are spaced apart along the height direction.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The number of groups of the flat tubes is greater than or equal to 2; And / or, the bending radius of the bending section (252) is R, the inner diameter of the bending section (252) is OD, R≥1.1OD; the outer periphery of the heat exchange flat tube (10) along the width direction is the flat tube width Ls, the distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes (10) in the same row along the width direction is HB, the angle between the centroid line connecting the two outlets of the bending section (252) and the width direction is θ, 0°<θ<45°, 2Rcosθ=HB; 1≤HB / Ls<2; 0.3 ≤ OD / Ls ≤ 1.5; And / or, the plurality of heat exchange flat tubes (10) and the plurality of connecting bends (25) are fixedly connected by brazing or flame welding respectively; And / or, the plurality of connecting bends (25) are divided into at least two sets of bends, and the plurality of connecting bends (25) located in the same set of bends are spaced apart along the height direction; wherein, one set of bends is located at one end of the heat exchange flat tube (10) along the length direction, and the other set of bends is located at the other end of the heat exchange flat tube (10) along the length direction.

9. A heat exchanger assembly, characterized in that, The heat exchanger includes the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The heat exchanger assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heat exchanger further includes multiple heat exchange fins (30), a distributor (40), a capillary tube (50), and a manifold (60); the heat exchange fins (30) are used for heat exchange; at least a portion of the multiple heat exchange fins (30) are disposed on the heat exchange flat tube (10), and the multiple heat exchange fins (30) located on the same heat exchange flat tube (10) are spaced apart along the length direction; one end of the capillary tube (50) is circular and is connected to the distributor on the distributor (40). The capillary tube (50) is connected to the heat exchange flat tube (10) at one end, which is flat and connected to the other end of the capillary tube (50). The distributor (40) is used to divert the heat exchange medium flowing in the heat exchange flat tube (10). The manifold (60) extends along the height direction and is connected to multiple heat exchange flat tubes (10). At least one of the multiple heat exchange fins (30), the distributor (40), the capillary tube (50), the manifold (60) and the heat exchanger is fixedly connected by brazing.

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