Heat exchanger and water heater

Abstract

A heat exchanger (100) and a water heater (200). The heat exchanger (100) comprises flat pipes (10) and a reinforcing rib (201), wherein there are a plurality of flat pipes (10), the plurality of flat pipes (10) are arranged spaced apart in parallel along the width direction thereof, and each flat pipe (10) comprises a first side surface and a second side surface which are oppositely arranged along the thickness direction thereof. The reinforcing rib (201) extends along the width direction of the flat pipes (10), the reinforcing rib (201) is arranged on one side of the flat pipes (10) along the thickness direction thereof, the reinforcing rib (201) is made of an elastic material, the reinforcing rib (201) has a bonding surface, and the bonding surface is attached and bonded to the first side surface or the second side surface of any one flat pipe (10).

Description

Heat exchangers and water heaters

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications No. 202421124509.2 filed on May 22, 2024, entitled “Heat exchanger and heat pump water heater”, No. 202420562844.4 filed on March 21, 2024, entitled “Flat tube, heat exchanger and water heater thereof”, and No. 202410333897.3 filed on March 21, 2024, entitled “Heat exchanger and water heater thereof”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of heat exchange technology, and in particular to a heat exchanger and a water heater. Background Art

[0004] Currently, most water heaters use parallel-flow heat exchangers. When the heat exchanger is assembled, the flat tubes are bent to fit snugly within the water heater's inner tank. Furthermore, to improve the stability of the bent tubes, reinforcing ribs are typically installed on the heat exchanger. These ribs are located on the same side of the multiple flat tubes and are welded to the tubes.

[0005] However, due to machining and assembly tolerances among multiple flat tubes, there can be relative deviations in the flatness of the same side of the tubes. When the reinforcing ribs are welded to multiple tubes simultaneously, gaps may form between the ribs and some of the tubes, resulting in a cold weld. When bending these cold welded tubes, the ribs fail to provide additional stability or strength. Furthermore, welding the ribs to the tubes can further cause deformation during welding due to factors such as weld shrinkage, thermal expansion and contraction, and phase changes, thereby reducing the tube's bending strength. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a heat exchanger and a water heater.

[0007] The present application provides a heat exchanger, which includes a flat tube and a reinforcing rib. The flat tubes are multiple and are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along their own width direction. The flat tubes include a first side surface and a second side surface arranged opposite to each other along their own thickness direction. The reinforcing rib extends along the width direction of the flat tube and is arranged on one side of the flat tube along its own thickness direction. In addition, the reinforcing rib is made of elastic material and has a bonding surface. The bonding surface is in contact with and bonded to the first side surface or the second side surface of any one of the flat tubes.

[0008] The present application also provides a water heater, which includes the heat exchanger as described above and a water tank, wherein the heat exchanger is adhered and fixed to the outer peripheral side of the water tank.

[0009] The details of one or more embodiments of the present application are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to better describe and illustrate the embodiments and / or examples of the inventions disclosed herein, reference may be made to one or more of the accompanying drawings. The additional details or examples used to describe the accompanying drawings should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosed inventions, the presently described embodiments and / or examples, and any of the best modes currently understood for these inventions.

[0011] FIG1 is a front view of one embodiment of a heat exchanger provided in the present application.

[0012] FIG2 is a front view of one embodiment of the heat exchanger provided in the present application.

[0013] FIG3 is a front view of one embodiment of the heat exchanger provided in the present application.

[0014] FIG4 is a front view of one embodiment of the heat exchanger provided in the present application.

[0015] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in the present application.

[0016] FIG6 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in the present application.

[0017] FIG7 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in the present application.

[0018] FIG8 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in the present application.

[0019] FIG9 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in the present application.

[0020] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the heat exchanger provided in this application installed on a water tank.

[0021] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in the present application.

[0022] FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in the present application.

[0023] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in the present application.

[0024] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in this application.

[0025] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of the heat exchanger provided in the present application inserted into the manifold.

[0026] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of one embodiment of the flat tube provided in this application.

[0027] FIG17 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger provided in the present application inserted into the manifold.

[0028] The symbols in the figure mean the following:

[0029] 100. Heat exchanger; 101. Tube group; 10. Flat tube; 11. Flow channel; 12. Protrusion; 13. Outer surface; 14. Inner surface; 15. First fillet; 16. Second fillet; 201. Reinforcing rib; 20. Raised rib; 21. First raised rib; 22. Second raised rib; 30. Water tank; 401. Manifold; 40. First manifold; 200. Water heater. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be a central component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or there may be a central component at the same time. The terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in the specification of this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being “above” or “below” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly in contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, a first feature being “above,” “above,” or “above” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being “below,” “below,” or “below” a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the specification of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" used in the specification of this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0035] Currently, most water heaters use parallel-flow heat exchangers. When the heat exchanger is assembled, the flat tubes are bent to fit snugly within the water heater's inner tank. Furthermore, to improve the stability of the bent tubes, a reinforcing rib is typically installed on the heat exchanger. The rib is located on the same side of the multiple flat tubes and is welded to the tubes.

[0036] However, due to machining and assembly tolerances among multiple flat tubes, there can be relative deviations in the flatness of the same side of the tubes. When the reinforcing ribs are welded to multiple tubes simultaneously, gaps may form between the ribs and some of the tubes, resulting in a cold weld. When bending these cold welded tubes, the ribs fail to provide additional stability or strength. Furthermore, welding the ribs to the tubes can further cause deformation during welding due to factors such as weld shrinkage, thermal expansion and contraction, and phase changes, thereby reducing the tube's bending strength.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1-4 , to address the issue of insufficient reinforcement strength associated with welding of reinforcing ribs and flat tubes, the present application provides a heat exchanger 100. The heat exchanger 100 comprises a plurality of flat tubes 10 and reinforcing ribs 201. The plurality of flat tubes 10 are arranged parallel and spaced apart along their width. The flat tubes 10 include a first side surface and a second side surface that are arranged opposite each other along their thickness. The reinforcing ribs 201 extend along the width of the flat tubes 10 and are located on one side of the flat tubes 10 along their thickness. The reinforcing ribs 201 are made of an elastic material and have an adhesive surface that adheres to and secures the first or second side surface of any flat tube 10.

[0038] The present invention utilizes reinforcing ribs 201 made of elastic material. When connected to the flat tube 10, the ribs 201 can achieve contact with the flat tube 10 through their own elastic deformation, avoiding gaps between the ribs 201 and the flat tube 10, thereby reducing the adverse effects of flatness deviations of the flat tube 10 on the connection of the ribs 201. Furthermore, the ribs 201 are fixedly connected to the flat tube 10 by adhering to the adhesive surface, further enhancing the reliability of the connection between the ribs 201 and the flat tube 10. Furthermore, compared to the welded aluminum ribs 201 in the related art, the bonding of the ribs 201 in the present invention not only avoids welding deformation but also prevents the occurrence of cold welds, thereby improving the product yield rate and effectively reducing labor and material costs. As a result, when the flat tube 10 is assembled into the water heater's water tank liner, it can better adhere to the water tank liner, which helps to improve the heat exchange efficiency and service life of the heat exchanger 100.

[0039] Specifically, in one embodiment, the reinforcing rib 201 is a plastic, foam, or rubber member. This allows the reinforcing rib 201 to have good elasticity, thereby improving the performance of the reinforcing rib 201. Preferably, the reinforcing rib 201 is made of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer).

[0040] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the reinforcing rib 201 is provided in a long strip shape, which has a simple structure and is easy to process.

[0041] To ensure the strength of the ribs 201 and further enhance the connection reliability between the ribs 201 and the flat tubes 10, in one embodiment, the width of the ribs 201 is defined as WP, where WP satisfies the following: 30mm≤WP≤60mm. If the width of the ribs 201 is too small, the connection reliability between the ribs 201 and the flat tubes 10 will be weak. If the width of the ribs 201 is too large, the connection between the ribs 201 and the flat tubes 10 will be difficult to bend and fit tightly against the water tank, affecting heat exchange efficiency.

[0042] Optionally, the width WP of the reinforcing rib 201 may be 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm or 60 mm, etc., which are not listed here one by one.

[0043] In one embodiment, a plurality of flat tubes 10 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along their width direction to form a tube group 101. The heat exchanger 100 further includes a manifold 401 connected to both ends of the tube group 101 in the length direction and in communication with each flat tube 10. The manifold 401 is used to distribute and collect refrigerant, thereby achieving refrigerant circulation.

[0044] In one embodiment, the flat tube 10 further includes third and fourth side surfaces arranged opposite each other along its width. Part of the bonding surface is bonded and secured to at least a portion of the third side surfaces of the flat tube 10, and part of the bonding surface is bonded and secured to at least a portion of the fourth side surfaces of the flat tube 10. This increases the bonding area between the reinforcing rib 201 and the flat tube 10, thereby improving the connection strength and further enhancing the flatness of the flat tube 10.

[0045] Specifically, in one embodiment, both ends of the reinforcing rib 201 in the length direction are bent, and one end extends to the third side surface of the corresponding flat tube 10 and is bonded and fixed thereto, and the other end extends to the fourth side surface of another corresponding flat tube 10 and is bonded and fixed thereto, so that the overall connection is more stable and reliable.

[0046] In other embodiments, the reinforcing rib 201 may be bent at only one end so that the bonding surface extends to the third side surface or the fourth side surface of the corresponding flat tube 10 and is bonded and fixed thereto.

[0047] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The reinforcing rib 201 may also partially extend between adjacent flat tubes 10 and be bonded to the third side surface of one of the adjacent flat tubes 10 and the fourth side surface of the other flat tube 10, as long as it can be ensured that they are firmly bonded.

[0048] For ease of description, this application only takes the bonding of the reinforcing rib 201 to the first side surface or the second side surface of the flat tube 10 as an example for description.

[0049] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , there is only one reinforcing rib 201 , and the reinforcing rib 201 is located in the middle of the flat tube 10 along its length, thereby improving the uniformity of the force applied to the flat tube 10 .

[0050] Furthermore, in one embodiment, along the width direction of the flat tube 10 , the width of the tube group 101 is defined as W, the width of the flat tube 10 is defined as WB, and the length of the reinforcing rib 201 is defined as W1, satisfying: W-WB≤W1≤W.

[0051] In other words, the reinforcing ribs 201 can extend to the two flat tubes 10 at the two ends of the tube group 101 in the width direction, thereby ensuring that all flat tubes 10 are fixedly connected to the reinforcing ribs 201. This ensures that the reinforcing ribs 201 provide support for the flat tubes 10 and improves the stability of the flat tubes 10 during bending. The length of the reinforcing ribs 201 can be set to be equal to the width of the tube group 101 to ensure a more stable connection.

[0052] It should be noted that the entire reinforcing rib 201 can be fine-tuned in the width direction of the tube group 101, but it must be ensured that at least a portion of each flat tube 10 on the tube group 101 can be bonded and fixed to the reinforcing rib 201.

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , there are two reinforcing ribs 201 , which abut against each other along the length of the flat tube 10. The length of the flat tube 10 along the length of the flat tube 10 is defined as L, the distance between one reinforcing rib 201 and the adjacent end of the flat tube 10 is defined as L1, and the distance between the other reinforcing rib 201 and the adjacent end of the flat tube 10 is defined as L2, satisfying the following conditions:

[0054] In this way, the firmness of the connection between the reinforcing rib 201 and the flat tube 10 can be further improved, while the flexibility of the arrangement of the reinforcing rib 201 is improved and the difficulty of assembling the reinforcing rib 201 is reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, in one embodiment, along the width direction of the flat tube 10, the width of the tube group 101 is defined as W, and the length of any reinforcing rib 201 is defined as W1, satisfying: Each flat tube 10 in the tube group 101 is bonded and fixed to at least one reinforcing rib 201. That is, by properly setting the length of the reinforcing rib 201, both the strength and cost of the reinforcing rib 201 can be taken into consideration.

[0056] Specifically, a longer rib 201 significantly enhances its reinforcing effect on the flat tubes 10, improving the reliability of the ribs 201. By appropriately reducing the length of the ribs 201 while ensuring that the two ribs 201 together can securely bond all flat tubes 10 in the tube assembly 101, the connection strength of the ribs 201 can be maintained while saving material, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, reducing the length of the ribs 201 reduces the difficulty of bonding the ribs 201, effectively improving overall processing efficiency.

[0057] Illustratively, the projection of one of the reinforcing ribs 201 along the length direction of the flat tube 10 at least partially overlaps with another reinforcing rib 201 , so as to further enhance the connection strength of the reinforcing rib 201 and facilitate fixing the flat tube 10 .

[0058] Of course, in other embodiments, the two reinforcing ribs 201 may also be arranged crosswise, as long as they can achieve the same effect.

[0059] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG3 , the number of reinforcing ribs 201 is n (n ≥ 2), and the n reinforcing ribs 201 are evenly spaced along the length of the flat tube 10. This improves the uniformity of the force applied to the flat tube 10. Alternatively, the number of reinforcing ribs 201 can be two, three, four, or more.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width of the tube group 101 is defined as W, and the length of the reinforcing rib 201 is defined as W1, satisfying: Each flat tube 10 in the tube group 101 is bonded and fixed to at least one reinforcing rib 201. In other words, the length of the reinforcing rib 201 can be reasonably set according to the requirements of strength and cost.

[0061] Specifically, a longer rib 201 significantly enhances its reinforcing effect on the flat tubes 10. By appropriately reducing the length of the ribs 201 while ensuring that the ribs 201 together securely bond all flat tubes 10 in the tube assembly 101, the connection strength of the ribs 201 is maintained while saving material, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, reducing the length of the ribs 201 reduces the difficulty of bonding the ribs 201, effectively improving overall processing efficiency.

[0062] For example, among two adjacent reinforcing ribs 201 , the projection of one reinforcing rib 201 along the length direction of the flat tube 10 at least partially overlaps with the other reinforcing rib 201 , so as to further enhance the connection strength of the reinforcing rib 201 and facilitate fixation of the flat tube 10 .

[0063] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , the number of reinforcing ribs 201 is n (n ≥ 2), and the n reinforcing ribs 201 are arranged at intervals along the length of the flat tube 10. This allows for greater flexibility in the placement of the reinforcing ribs 201 on the flat tube 10, reducing the difficulty of arranging the reinforcing ribs 201.

[0064] Specifically, along the length direction of the flat tube 10, the length of the flat tube 10 is defined as L, the distance between the end of the flat tube 10 and an adjacent reinforcing rib 201 is defined as L3, and the distance between adjacent reinforcing ribs 201 is defined as L4, satisfying: By properly setting the distance between adjacent reinforcing ribs 201 and the distance from the end of the flat tube 10 to the adjacent reinforcing rib 201 , the reinforcing effect of the reinforcing rib 201 on the flat tube 10 in the length direction of the flat tube 10 can be ensured.

[0065] Optionally, the number of the reinforcing ribs 201 can be set to two, three, four or more.

[0066] Furthermore, along the width direction of the flat tube 10, the width of the tube group 101 is defined as W, and the length of the reinforcing rib 201 is defined as W1, satisfying: Each flat tube 10 in the tube group 101 is bonded and fixed to at least one reinforcing rib 201. In other words, the length of the reinforcing rib 201 can be reasonably set according to the requirements of strength and cost.

[0067] Specifically, a longer rib 201 significantly enhances its reinforcing effect on the flat tubes 10. By appropriately reducing the length of the ribs 201 while ensuring that the ribs 201 together securely bond all flat tubes 10 in the tube assembly 101, the connection strength of the ribs 201 is maintained while saving material, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, reducing the length of the ribs 201 reduces the difficulty of bonding the ribs 201, effectively improving overall processing efficiency.

[0068] For example, among two adjacent reinforcing ribs 201 , the projection of one reinforcing rib 201 along the length direction of the flat tube 10 at least partially overlaps with the other reinforcing rib 201 , so as to further enhance the connection strength of the reinforcing rib 201 and facilitate fixation of the flat tube 10 .

[0069] Furthermore, the ends and sidewalls of multiple flow channels in the flat tube in the related art have the same thickness, resulting in the same heat dissipation effect in all directions of the flat tube during operation of the water heater, resulting in poor heat exchange effect of the water heater.

[0070] Therefore, referring to Figure 5, the flat tube 10 is constructed with a flow channel 11 for medium circulation. The flat tube 10 has an inner side 14 for connection to the water tank 30 and an outer side 13 facing away from the inner side 14. Along the inner side 14 of the flat tube 10 to the outer side 13 of the flat tube 10, the width of the flow channel 11 in the width direction of the flat tube 10 gradually decreases.

[0071] As a result, the flat tubes 10 are wider near the inner side 14. Because the inner side 14 is in contact with the water tank 30, the greater width here allows for greater heat transfer, a larger contact area between the heat transfer medium and the inner side 14, and higher heat transfer efficiency. On the side near the outer side 13, since the outer side 13 does not exchange heat with the water tank 30, the flow channel 11 is smaller, which improves the structural strength of the flat tubes 10 and reduces its impact on the structural strength.

[0072] It should be noted that the side of the first and second side surfaces not bonded with the reinforcing ribs 201 is the outer side surface 13 , and the side bonded with the reinforcing ribs 201 is the inner side surface 14 . The inner side surface 14 and the water tank 30 can be bonded via the reinforcing ribs 201 .

[0073] Since the flat tube 10 is used in the water heater and is bent and fitted to the water tank 30, the flat tube 10 is installed on the outer peripheral side of the water heater. Therefore, the rounded corners with different fillet radii can be used to facilitate the operator to distinguish the inner side surface 14 and the outer side surface 13 of the flat tube 10 to prevent reverse installation.

[0074] Specifically, along the width direction of the flat tube 10, both side edges of the outer side surface 13 of the flat tube 10 have first chamfered corners 15, and both side edges of the inner side surface 14 of the flat tube 10 have second chamfered corners 16. The fillet radius of the first chamfered corner 15 is defined as R1, and the fillet radius of the second chamfered corner 16 is defined as R2, satisfying: R1>R2.

[0075] Because both the edges of the inner side 14 and the outer side 13 of the flat tube 10 are chamfered, the chamfers prevent stress concentration and protect the flat tube 10 from deformation and damage during the bending process. Furthermore, because the first and second chamfers 15, 16 have different radii, users can distinguish between the inner side 14 and the outer side 13 of the flat tube 10 during bending. This prevents the user from reversing the bending direction during bending. Furthermore, because the second chamfer 16 is located on the inner side 14, which is intended to contact the water tank, the second chamfer 16 reduces the contact area between the inner side 14 and the water tank. Therefore, the second chamfer 16 is designed to have a smaller radius than the first chamfer 15, minimizing the impact of the second chamfer 16 on the heat exchange area between the flat tube 10 and the water tank.

[0076] It should be explained that the thickness direction of the flat tube 10 refers to the thickness of the flat tube 10 in the direction away from the water tank, that is, the radial direction of the water tank. The flat tube 10 is connected to the outer peripheral side of the water tank in a surrounding form, so the width direction of the flat tube 10 refers to the circumferential direction of the water tank. Along the axial direction of the water tank, multiple flat tubes 10 are evenly spaced, so the length direction of the flat tube 10 refers to the direction parallel to the axial direction of the water tank.

[0077] Furthermore, 0≤R2≤0.5mm. In this way, the second rounded corners 16 are prevented from being too large to affect the heat exchange area between the flat tubes 10 and the water tank, and the second rounded corners 16 are prevented from being too small to play a role in stress distribution.

[0078] For example, the value of R2 may be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, etc., but is not limited to the two endpoint values ​​mentioned above.

[0079] Moreover, 1.1*R2≤R1≤8*R2. This prevents the first rounded corner 15 from being too small to play a role in stress distribution, and also prevents the first rounded corner 15 from being too large to affect the opening of the flow channel 11 in the flat tube 10.

[0080] Referring to Figure 9 , a plurality of protrusions 12 are provided on the inner wall of flow channel 11, located on the inner wall of flow channel 11 near inner side surface 14. Protrusions 12 increase the contact area between flow channel 11 and the heat exchange medium, further improving heat exchange efficiency. They also disrupt the heat exchange medium, creating turbulent flow and more uniform temperature mixing and transfer.

[0081] Furthermore, a protrusion 12 is also provided on the inner wall of the flow channel 11 close to the outer side surface 13, thereby further increasing the heat exchange area and heat exchange efficiency and optimizing temperature uniformity.

[0082] The height of the protrusions 12 near the inner side 14 is greater than the height of the protrusions 12 near the outer side 13 , thereby optimizing the heat exchange efficiency of the inner side 14 and specifically improving the heat exchange capacity of the inner side 14 of the flat tube 10 .

[0083] In this embodiment, three protrusions 12 are provided on the inner wall surfaces on both sides of the flow channel 11 in the thickness direction to balance processing cost, heat exchange efficiency, and structural strength. In other embodiments, one, two, or four protrusions 12 may be provided on the inner wall surface on each side of the flow channel 11, and are not limited to the above embodiment.

[0084] Referring to Figures 5-6 , the cross-section of flow channel 11 can be configured in a variety of shapes. Taking a semicircular flow channel 11 as an example, the thickness of flat tube 10 is defined as T0, the shortest distance between flow channel 11 and outer side surface 13 is defined as T2, and the shortest distance between flow channel 11 and inner side surface 14 is defined as T3, satisfying the following conditions: 0.2 ≤ (T2 + T3) / T0 ≤ 0.5. This optimizes the ratio of the thickness of the two sides of flow channel 11 to the thickness of flat tube 10, preventing an excessively large ratio (thick inner wall thickness) that could affect the heat transfer capacity of flat tube 10, while also preventing excessively thin walls that could affect the service life of flat tube 10.

[0085] For example, 1.1*T3≤T2≤2*T3. The smaller T3 is, the higher the heat exchange efficiency between the flat tube 10 and the water tank 30 is. Taking into account the structural strength and service life, the ratio of T2 to T3 is reasonably specified to make the performance of the flat tube 10 more balanced.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7 , the cross-section of the flow channel 11 can also be set to a trapezoidal shape. When the cross-section of the flow channel 11 is defined as a trapezoidal shape, the shortest distance between the flow channel 11 and the outer side surface 13 is defined as T4, and the shortest distance between the flow channel 11 and the inner side surface 14 is defined as T5. In this case, the following conditions are satisfied: 0.2 ≤ (T4 + T5) / T0 ≤ 0.5; and / or 1.1 * T5 ≤ T4 ≤ 2 * T5. The technical effect is the same as that of a semicircular cross-section and will not be further described here.

[0087] Furthermore, when the cross-section of the flow channel 11 is trapezoidal, both sides of the width direction of the trapezoidal flow channel 11 are hypotenuses. The angle between the extension lines of the mutually adjacent hypotenuses of two adjacent flow channels 11 is defined as α, and satisfies the following conditions: 10° ≤ α ≤ 60°. This prevents α from being set too large, which would limit the flow area of ​​the flow channel 11 and make it too small, resulting in insufficient heat exchange capacity. It also prevents α from being too small, which would result in an excessively small hypotenuse angle, and an excessively small increase in the contact area between the medium and the inner wall of the flow channel 11, making the trapezoidal shape ineffective.

[0088] Referring to Figure 8 , in another embodiment, the inner wall of flow channel 11 near outer side surface 13 is arc-shaped. In this embodiment, the shortest distance between flow channel 11 and outer side surface 13 is defined as T6, and the shortest distance between flow channel 11 and inner side surface 14 is defined as T7, satisfying the following conditions: 0.2 ≤ (T6 + T7) / T0 ≤ 0.5; and / or 1.1 * T7 ≤ T6 ≤ 2 * T7. This technical effect is the same as that of a semicircular cross-section and will not be further described here.

[0089] Furthermore, the fillet radius of the arc-shaped portion of the inner wall of flow channel 11 is defined as R3, satisfying the following relationship: 0.15 ≤ R3 / T0 ≤ 0.6. A smaller ratio results in a smaller flow area for flow channel 11 and higher pressure resistance, but lower heat transfer efficiency. A larger ratio results in a larger flow area for flow channel 11 but lower pressure resistance. This ratio setting provides a reasonable balance between heat transfer efficiency and pressure resistance.

[0090] Furthermore, in order to adapt to the cylindrical water tank, the heat exchanger needs to be bent and fit onto the outer circumference of the water tank. However, the flat tube is prone to positional displacement during the bending process, resulting in stress concentration at the connection position with the manifold, causing deformation and damage of the flat tube and / or manifold, and causing problems such as medium leakage.

[0091] Therefore, referring to Figures 10 and 11, in one embodiment, the heat exchanger 100 includes a plurality of flat tubes 10, which are arranged in parallel to form the heat exchanger 100. The heat exchanger 100 is connected to the outside of the water tank 30 of the water heater, and a limit member is provided between adjacent flat tubes 10. The limit member is used to ensure that the position of the flat tube 10 relative to the manifold 401 is more fixed to avoid positional displacement of the flat tube 10.

[0092] Specifically, the heat exchanger 100 includes two headers 401 spaced apart and a plurality of flat tubes 10. The two headers 401 are connected via the plurality of flat tubes 10. The flat tubes 10 have inner surfaces 14 adapted to conform to the inner surface of the water tank 30. Specifically, the two headers 401 are a first header 40 and a second header (not shown). The first and second headers are spaced apart, and the plurality of flat tubes 10 are spaced apart and arranged in parallel. Each flat tube 10 has one end connected to the first header 40 and the other end connected to the second header.

[0093] Specifically, multiple flat tubes 10 are evenly spaced along the length of the header 40, with stoppers positioned between adjacent flat tubes 10. The stoppers are flush with the inner side surfaces 14, with both ends of the stoppers respectively connected to or abutting against two adjacent flat tubes 10. Specifically, the header 401 includes a first header 40 and a second header (not shown). At least one end of the flat tube 10 is inserted into and communicates with the first header 40.

[0094] In this way, the flat tubes 10 are connected to the flow tubes 401. The stoppers can abut against each other to hold the two adjacent flat tubes 10 in place, preventing them from shifting during bending. This ensures that the flat tubes 10 are fixed relative to the manifold 401 and prevents stress concentration at the connection between the flat tubes 10 and the manifold 401. This, in turn, prevents damage to the flat tubes 10 and / or the manifold 401 due to stress concentration, which could lead to medium leakage. Furthermore, because the stoppers are flush with the inner side 14, they can contact the water tank 30, increasing the contact area between the flat tubes 10 and the water tank 30 and improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0095] Referring to Figures 11-13 , the retaining member is configured as a rib 20. Two adjacent flat tubes 10 are a first flat tube 10 and a second flat tube 10. At least one of the first flat tube 10 and the second flat tube 10 is provided with a rib 20. The rib 20 extends toward and abuts the other of the first and second flat tubes 10. This provides a simple and stable structure for the rib 20, making it easy and cost-effective to manufacture. The rib 20 connects to one of the first flat tubes 10 and abuts the other, thereby maintaining a relative position between the two adjacent flat tubes 10.

[0096] In other embodiments, the limiting member may also be configured as other structures, such as a limiting block or an elastic pad, and is not limited to the above-mentioned rib 20 embodiment. It only needs to be able to prevent the flat tube 10 from positional displacement during the bending process.

[0097] Furthermore, the first flat tube 10 has a first rib 21 protruding toward the second flat tube 10, and the second flat tube 10 has a second rib 22 protruding toward the first flat tube 10. The end of the first rib 21 closest to the second flat tube 10 abuts the end of the second rib 22 closest to the first flat tube 10. At least one of the first and second ribs is flush with the inner side surface 14 on the side closest to the water tank. Thus, the adjacent ends of the two ribs 20 abut each other. Therefore, compared to providing ribs 20 on only the first or second flat tube 10, the protruding lengths of the first and second ribs 21, 22, respectively, can be shortened, resulting in higher structural strength and easier assembly and abutment of the first and second flat tubes 10, 10.

[0098] For example, the first rib 21 and the second rib 22 have the same width in the width direction of the first flat tube 10 and the second flat tube 10, so the molds of the first rib 21 and the second rib 22 are the same, which facilitates processing and reduces costs. The resistance of the first rib 21 and the second rib 22 is also more balanced.

[0099] It should be explained that the thickness direction of the flat tube 10 refers to the thickness of the flat tube 10 in the direction away from the water tank 30, that is, the thickness in the radial direction of the water tank 30. The flat tube 10 is connected to the outer peripheral side of the water tank 30 in a surrounding form. Therefore, the length direction of the flat tube 10 refers to the circumferential direction of the water tank 30. Along the axial direction of the water tank 30, multiple flat tubes 10 are evenly spaced. Therefore, the width direction of the flat tube 10 refers to the direction parallel to the axial direction of the water tank 30.

[0100] In another embodiment, the first rib 21 and the second rib 22 are arranged in parallel, with the first rib 21 abutting the second flat tube 10, and the second rib 22 abutting the first flat tube 10. This creates four stress points between the first and second flat tubes 10 via the first and second ribs 21, 22. Compared to a solution where the first and second ribs 21, 22 abut against each other, this arrangement stabilizes the relative position of the first and second flat tubes 10.

[0101] As shown in Figure 14 , the thickness of the rib 20 along the thickness direction of the flat tube 10 is defined as T1, where T1 satisfies 0.3mm≤T1≤1.5mm. This prevents the rib 20 from being too thick, which would waste material costs, and the rib 20 from being too thin, which would result in insufficient structural strength and unstable abutment between adjacent flat tubes 10.

[0102] Exemplarily, the value of T1 is 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.3 mm or 1.5 mm, etc., but is not limited to the above two endpoint values.

[0103] The width of the rib 20 along the width of the flat tube 10 is defined as W, where W satisfies 0.2 ≤ W / T1 ≤ 2. This optimally sets the width of the rib 20, preventing it from being too wide, which could compromise structural strength and potentially cause breakage. Furthermore, when the rib 20 faces the water tank 30 and connects to it, it increases the contact area between the flat tube 10 and the water tank 30, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the two. Therefore, 0.2 ≤ W / T1 prevents the rib 20 from being too narrow, thereby failing to improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0104] Exemplarily, the value of W / T1 is 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2, as long as it can achieve the above technical effects, and is not limited to the above two endpoint values.

[0105] Along the width of the flat tube 10, ribs 20 are provided on both sides. The ribs 20 on both sides of the flat tube 10 are staggered across the thickness of the tube, or they can be connected to the same thickness of the tube 10. This allows for flexible adjustment and variation in the position and layout of the ribs 20, adapting them to different operating environments and requirements, broadening the application range of the flat tube 10.

[0106] [Corrected 28.04.2025 in accordance with Rule 91] Please refer to Figures 15-17. Furthermore, a stopper is provided on at least one side of the flat tube 10. Along the length of the flat tube 10, the two ends of the stopper are spaced apart from each other. As the ends of the flat tube 10 are inserted into the manifold 401, the ends of the stopper abut against the outer wall of the manifold 401. This stopper also serves to locate the relative position of the flat tube 10 and the manifold 401. When the stopper abuts against the outer wall of the manifold 401, the flat tube 10 cannot extend further into the manifold 401, thereby preventing the flat tube 10 from extending excessively into the manifold 401. This ensures that the insertion depth of the flat tube 10 into the manifold 401 is relatively constant, thereby ensuring normal flow of the medium between the flat tube 10 and the manifold 401, ensuring product consistency, and facilitating the processing of the heat exchanger 100.

[0107] [Corrected 28.04.2025 in accordance with Rule 91] Furthermore, along the length of the flat tubes 10, the two ends of the stopper are separated from the two ends of the flat tubes 10 by a first distance, defined as X. The outer diameter of the manifold 401 is defined as D, and X and D satisfy the following relationship: 0.25 ≤ X / D ≤ 0.75. This rationally specifies the insertion depth of the flat tubes 10 into the manifold 401, preventing the flat tubes 10 from being inserted too shallowly, which could lead to welding blockage or detachment of the flat tubes 10 from the manifold 401. It also prevents excessive insertion depth, which could result in poor flow of the medium, excessive weight, and high cost.

[0108] [Corrected 28.04.2025 according to Rule 91] For example, the ratio of X to D can be 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75, as long as it can achieve the above technical effects, but is not limited to the ratios exemplified above.

[0109] [Corrected 28.04.2025 according to Rule 91] In this embodiment, 2mm≤X≤10mm, so as to avoid the first distance X being too small to affect the connection strength of the flat tube 10, prevent the flat tube 10 and the collecting pipe 401 from being poorly welded, and also avoid X being too long to cause material waste and increase cost.

[0110] [Corrected 28.04.2025 according to Rule 91] For example, X can be 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm or 10 mm, as long as it meets the requirements between the above two endpoint values, and is not limited to the above examples.

[0111] [Corrected 28.04.2025 in accordance with Rule 91] Referring to Figure 10 , this application also provides a water heater 200 comprising the aforementioned heat exchanger 100 and a water tank 30. The heat exchanger 100 is connected to the outer periphery of the water tank 30. Specifically, a plurality of flat tubes 10 are bent and adhered to the outer wall of the water tank, and the flat tubes 10 are bonded to the outer wall of the water tank via reinforcing ribs 201. This facilitates a greater fit between the flat tubes 10 and the water tank, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the water heater.

[0112] [Corrected on 28.04.2025 according to Rule 91] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0113] [Corrected 28.04.2025 in accordance with Rule 91] The above-described embodiments represent only a few implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that: The invention comprises a flat tube and a reinforcing rib, wherein the flat tubes are in plurality and are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along their width direction. The flat tube comprises a first side surface and a second side surface arranged opposite to each other along their thickness direction. The reinforcing rib extends along the width direction of the flat tube and is arranged on one side of the flat tube along its thickness direction. The reinforcing rib is made of an elastic material and has a bonding surface, which is bonded and fixed to the first side surface or the second side surface of any one of the flat tubes.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The reinforcing ribs are plastic parts, foam parts or rubber parts.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The flat tube further includes a third side surface and a fourth side surface arranged opposite to each other along its width direction, and part of the bonding surface is bonded and fixed to at least part of the third side surfaces of the flat tube; And / or, part of the bonding surface is adhered to and bonded to the fourth side surfaces of at least part of the flat tubes.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The width of the reinforcement rib is defined as WP, and WP satisfies: 30 mm ≤ WP ≤ 60 mm.

5. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The number of the reinforcing rib is one, and the reinforcing rib is provided in the middle of the flat tube along its own length direction; Among them, multiple flat tubes are arranged in parallel and spaced apart along their own width direction to form a tube group. Along the width direction of the flat tube, the width of the tube group is defined as W, the width of the flat tube is positioned as WB, and the length of the reinforcing rib is defined as W1, satisfying: W-WB≤W1≤W.

6. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: There are two reinforcing ribs, and the two reinforcing ribs abut against each other in the length direction of the flat tube; Wherein, along the length direction of the flat tube, the length of the flat tube is defined as L, the distance between one of the reinforcing ribs and the adjacent end of the flat tube is defined as L1, and the distance between the other reinforcing rib and the adjacent end of the flat tube is defined as L2, satisfying:

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 6, wherein: A plurality of the flat tubes are arranged parallel and spaced along their width direction to form a tube group. The width of the tube group along the width direction of the flat tube is defined as W, and the length of any of the reinforcing ribs is defined as W1, satisfying: Wherein, any of the flat tubes in the tube group is adhered to and bonded to at least one of the reinforcing ribs.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The number of the reinforcing ribs is n (n≥2), and the n reinforcing ribs are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the flat tube; Along the length direction of the flat tube, the length of the flat tube is defined as L, the distance between the end of the flat tube and an adjacent reinforcing rib is defined as L3, and the distance between adjacent reinforcing ribs is defined as L4, satisfying:

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein: A plurality of the flat tubes are arranged parallel and spaced along their width direction to form a tube group. Along the width direction of the flat tubes, the width of the tube group is defined as W, and the length of the reinforcing rib is defined as W1, satisfying: Wherein, any of the flat tubes in the tube group is adhered to and bonded to at least one of the reinforcing ribs.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The flat tube is configured with a flow channel for medium circulation. The flat tube has an inner side surface for connecting to a water tank and an outer side surface facing away from the inner side surface. The width of the flow channel in the width direction of the flat tube gradually decreases along the inner side surface to the outer side surface of the flat tube.

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein: The cross-section of the flow channel is semicircular, the thickness of the flat tube is defined as T0, the shortest distance between the flow channel and the outer side surface is defined as T2, and the shortest distance between the flow channel and the inner side surface is defined as T3, satisfying: 0.2≤(T2+T3) / T0≤0.5; and / or, 1.1*T3≤T2≤2*T3.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein The cross-section of the flow channel is trapezoidal, the thickness of the flat tube is defined as T0, the shortest distance between the flow channel and the outer side surface is defined as T4, and the shortest distance between the flow channel and the inner side surface is defined as T5, satisfying: 0.2≤(T4+T5) / T0≤0.5; and / or, 1.1*T5≤T4≤2*T5.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein: The cross section of the flow channel is trapezoidal, both sides of the width direction of the flow channel are oblique sides, and the angle between the extension lines of the mutually adjacent oblique sides of two adjacent flow channels is defined as α, which satisfies: 10°≤α≤60°.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein The inner wall of the flow channel close to the outer side surface is arc-shaped, the shortest distance between the flow channel and the outer side surface is defined as T6, and the shortest distance between the flow channel and the inner side surface is defined as T7, satisfying: 0.2≤(T6+T7) / T0≤0.5; and / or, 1.1*T7≤T6≤2*T7.

15. The heat exchanger according to claim 14, wherein The fillet radius of the arc-shaped portion of the inner wall of the flow channel is defined as R3, which satisfies the following: 0.15≤R3 / T0≤0.

6.

16. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein A plurality of protrusions are provided on the inner wall of the flow channel, and the protrusions are located on the inner wall of the flow channel close to the inner side surface.

17. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein: Along the width direction of the flat tube, both side edges of the outer side surface of the flat tube have a first chamfered corner, and both side edges of the inner side surface of the flat tube have a second chamfered corner. The fillet radius of the first chamfered corner is defined as R1, and the fillet radius of the second chamfered corner is defined as R2, satisfying: R1>R2.

18. The heat exchanger according to claim 17, wherein 0≤R2≤0.5mm; and / or, 1.1*R2≤R1≤8*R2.

19. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The heat exchanger includes two headers, which are a first header and a second header respectively. The first header and the second header are arranged at intervals. There are multiple flat tubes, and the multiple flat tubes are arranged at intervals and in parallel. One end of each flat tube is connected to the first header, and the other end is connected to the second header.

20. The heat exchanger according to claim 19, wherein The plurality of flat tubes are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the collecting pipe. The flat tubes have an inner side surface for fitting into the water tank. A limiting member is provided between two adjacent flat tubes. The limiting member is provided flush with the inner side surface, and both ends of the limiting member are respectively connected to or abutted against the two adjacent flat tubes.

21. The heat exchanger according to claim 20, wherein The limiting member is configured as a convex rib, and the two adjacent flat tubes are a first flat tube and a second flat tube. At least one of the first flat tube and the second flat tube is provided with a convex rib, and the convex rib extends toward and abuts against the other of the first flat tube and the second flat tube.

22. The heat exchanger according to claim 21, wherein The first flat tube is provided with a first rib protruding toward the second flat tube, and the second flat tube is provided with a second rib protruding toward the first flat tube. An end of the first rib close to the second flat tube abuts against an end of the second rib close to the first flat tube, and at least one of the first rib and the second rib is arranged flush with the inner side surface on a side close to the water tank.

23. The heat exchanger according to claim 21, wherein The first flat tube is provided with a first rib protruding toward the second flat tube, and the second flat tube is provided with a second rib protruding toward the first flat tube. The first rib and the second rib are arranged in parallel, and the first rib abuts against the second flat tube, and the second rib abuts against the first flat tube. At least one of the first rib and the second rib is arranged flush with the inner side surface on a side close to the water tank.

24. The heat exchanger according to claim 21, wherein The thickness of the rib along the thickness direction of the flat tube is defined as T1, and T1 satisfies: 0.3 mm ≤ T1 ≤ 1.5 mm; and / or, Along the width direction of the flat tube, the width of the rib is defined as W, and W satisfies: 0.2≤W / T1≤2.

25. The heat exchanger according to claim 21, wherein Along the width direction of the flat tube, the convex ribs are protruded on both sides of the flat tube; Wherein, the ribs on both sides of the flat tube are staggered in the thickness direction of the flat tube; or, the ribs on both sides of the flat tube are connected to the same thickness of the flat tube.

26. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein: A limiting member is provided on at least one side of the flat tube. Along the length direction of the flat tube, two ends of the limiting member are spaced apart from two ends of the flat tube, and both ends of the limiting member abut against the outer tube wall of the collecting pipe.

27. The heat exchanger according to claim 26, wherein Along the length direction of the flat tube, both ends of the limiter are spaced apart from both ends of the flat tube by a first distance defined as X, the outer diameter of the collecting pipe is defined as D, and X and D satisfy: 0.25≤X / D≤0.

75.

28. The heat exchanger according to claim 27, wherein 2mm≤X≤10mm.

29. A water heater, characterized in that: The water heater includes the heat exchanger as described in claims 1-28 and a water tank, and the heat exchanger is adhered and fixed to the outer peripheral side of the water tank.

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