Heat exchanger and manufacturing method therefor

Abstract

Provided are a heat exchanger and a manufacturing method therefor, relating to the technical field of heat exchange. The heat exchanger comprises a first header, a second header, a heat exchanger tube assembly and a fin assembly, wherein the heat exchanger tube assembly comprises a plurality of flat heat exchanger tubes, two ends of each flat heat exchanger tube are in communication with the first header and the second header, respectively, and each flat heat exchanger tube comprises at least two straight sections and at least one bent section; the fin assembly comprises a plurality of first fins, a plurality of positioning structures, and a plurality of second fins, wherein, in a length direction of the first header, each first fin is located between the straight sections of two adjacent flat heat exchanger tubes, each positioning structure is sleeved on the bent section of the corresponding flat heat exchanger tube, a first side of each second fin is connected to the corresponding positioning structure, and a second side is spaced apart from the bent section closest to said second side. The present disclosure improves heat exchange efficiency of heat exchangers and reduces the likelihood of flat heat exchanger tube damage during bending.

Description

Heat exchangers and their manufacturing methods

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510355935.X, filed on March 25, 2025, entitled “Heat Exchanger and Method of Manufacturing Thereof”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure belongs to the field of heat exchange technology, and specifically relates to a heat exchanger and its manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0003] A heat exchanger is a device that transfers some of the heat from a hot fluid to a cold fluid; it is also called a heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are widely used in various refrigeration systems due to their excellent heat exchange performance.

[0004] The heat exchanger includes fins and multiple heat exchange flat tubes, which are spaced apart. The fins are positioned between and connected to two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes. To improve the heat exchange performance, the heat exchange flat tubes are bent in the middle, resulting in a heat exchanger with two or more rows after the bending.

[0005] However, to reduce the difficulty of bending and to prevent damage to the heat exchanger tubes caused by the fins pulling on them during bending, heat exchangers with two or more rows of tubes generally do not have fins at the bending section. This means that the bending section of the heat exchanger tubes is not surrounded by fins and is therefore more susceptible to damage. Moreover, the lack of fins in the bending section results in lower heat exchange efficiency for the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a heat exchanger and its manufacturing method, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger and reduce the probability of damage to the heat exchange flat tube in the bending section.

[0007] In a first aspect, a heat exchanger is provided, comprising a first manifold, a second manifold, a heat exchange tube assembly, and a fin assembly. The heat exchange tube assembly includes a plurality of heat exchange flat tubes, which are spaced apart along the length of the first manifold, and each heat exchange flat tube is connected at both ends to the first manifold and the second manifold, respectively. Each heat exchange flat tube includes at least two straight sections and at least one bent section, with each pair of adjacent straight sections connected by one bent section.

[0008] The fin assembly includes multiple first fins, multiple positioning structures, and multiple second fins. Each first fin is located between two adjacent straight sections of the heat exchange flat tubes and is connected to the two adjacent straight sections respectively. Each positioning structure is sleeved on the corresponding bent section. The multiple second fins correspond one-to-one with the multiple positioning structures. Along the length direction of the first manifold, each second fin has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. The first side of the second fin is connected to the corresponding positioning structure, and the second side of the second fin is spaced apart from the nearest bent section.

[0009] Optionally, the positioning structure includes a first positioning piece, which has a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface facing each other. One side of the first positioning piece is bent toward the side where the second connecting surface is located to form a first positioning groove for engaging the bent segment corresponding to the positioning structure. The first connecting surface is connected to the second fin corresponding to the positioning structure, and the second connecting surface is connected to the bent segment corresponding to the positioning structure.

[0010] Optionally, the positioning structure further includes a plurality of first positioning ribs, which are spaced apart along the length of the heat exchange flat tube on the first connecting surface, and the length of each first positioning rib is the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube. Each first positioning rib is connected to a corresponding second fin.

[0011] Optionally, the second fin includes a plurality of V-shaped structures arranged sequentially along the length of the heat exchange flat tube, and the narrower end of each V-shaped structure is connected to a first positioning rib.

[0012] Optionally, the positioning structure includes a second positioning piece and a plurality of second positioning ribs.

[0013] The second positioning piece has a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface opposite each other. One side of the second positioning piece is bent toward the side where the second connecting surface is located to form a second positioning groove. The second connecting surface is connected to the bent section corresponding to the positioning structure.

[0014] The plurality of second positioning ribs are arranged at intervals along the length of the heat exchange flat tube and are located on both sides of the corresponding bend section with the flat portion of the second positioning plate. The length of each second positioning rib is the width of the heat exchange flat tube. One end of each second positioning rib is connected to one side of the second positioning plate, and each second positioning rib is connected to the corresponding second fin.

[0015] Optionally, the second fin includes a plurality of V-shaped structures arranged sequentially along the length of the heat exchange flat tube, and the narrower end of each V-shaped structure is connected to a second positioning rib.

[0016] Optionally, the plurality of V-shaped structures connected to the same positioning structure are sequentially connected along the length of the heat exchange flat tube.

[0017] Optionally, each of the bent segments is fitted with at least one pair of positioning structures, the at least one pair of positioning structures being arranged symmetrically about the bending symmetry axis of the corresponding bent segment.

[0018] Optionally, the positioning structure includes a third positioning piece and a fourth positioning piece.

[0019] The third positioning piece has a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface opposite each other. One side of the third positioning piece is bent toward the second connecting surface to form a third positioning groove for engaging the bent segment corresponding to the positioning structure.

[0020] The fourth positioning piece is parallel to the flat portion of the third positioning piece and is connected to one side of the third positioning piece. The fourth positioning piece is connected to the second fin corresponding to the positioning structure. The side of the fourth positioning piece facing the flat portion of the third positioning piece and the second connecting surface are respectively connected to the bent section corresponding to the positioning structure.

[0021] Optionally, the fourth positioning piece has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other, the length direction of the first side and the second side is the same as the length direction of the heat exchange flat tube, and the first side is connected to one side of the third positioning piece.

[0022] The fourth positioning plate is connected to the corresponding second fin.

[0023] Optionally, the second fin corresponding to the positioning structure is located on the second side of the fourth positioning piece, and the positioning structure and the corresponding second fin are integrally formed structural components.

[0024] Optionally, the second fin includes a plurality of second sub-fins, which are arranged sequentially along the length of the heat exchange flat tube, and adjacent second sub-fins are at an angle to each other.

[0025] Optionally, the second fin includes a plurality of second sub-fins, the plurality of second sub-fins being divided into a plurality of sub-fin units along the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube, and each sub-fin unit including a plurality of second sub-fins spaced apart along the length direction of the heat exchange flat tube;

[0026] In two adjacent sub-fin units, the two adjacent second sub-fins are tilted in different directions relative to the positioning structure they are connected to, and all the second sub-fins in the same sub-fin unit are tilted in the same direction.

[0027] Optionally, the length of the second sub-fin gradually decreases along the length of the bent section and from the edge of the bent section to the middle of the bent section.

[0028] Optionally, the width of the fourth positioning piece is smaller than the width of the bent segment.

[0029] Optionally, the second fin and the connected fourth positioning piece are formed by bending a planar metal plate.

[0030] Secondly, a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger is also provided. The method includes: connecting a heat exchange tube assembly to a first manifold and a second manifold respectively; providing a first fin between the straight sections of any two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes, such that the first fin is connected to the straight sections of the two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes respectively; installing a second fin at a bend reservation area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube using the positioning structure, such that a first side of each second fin in the length direction of the first manifold is connected to the corresponding positioning structure, and a second side of the second fin is spaced apart from the nearest bend section; and bending the bend reservation area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube, such that the pre-bending area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube forms a bend section. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger in the deployed state in the related technology;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger in Figure 1 when it is in a bent state;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a heat exchanger in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view of the top of the heat exchanger in Figure 3;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between a positioning structure and a corresponding second fin provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of one of the positioning structures in Figure 5;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another positioning structure provided in the embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the positioning structure and the second fin in Figure 7.

[0040] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of another heat exchanger provided in the present disclosure when it is in the deployed state;

[0041] Figure 10 is a partial enlarged view of the top of the heat exchanger in Figure 9;

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between a positioning structure and the corresponding second fin in Figure 10.

[0043] The symbols in the diagram represent the following meanings: 1, 1', First manifold; 2, 2', Second manifold; 3, 3', Heat exchange tube assembly; 31, 31', Heat exchange flat tube; 311, 311', Straight section; 312, 312', Bending section; 4, 4', Fin assembly; 41, 41', First fin; 42, Positioning structure; 421a, First positioning piece; 4210a, First positioning groove; 421b, Second positioning piece; 4210b, Second positioning groove; 421c, Third positioning piece; 4210c, Third positioning groove; 421d, Fourth positioning piece; 4211, First connecting surface; 4212, Second connecting surface; 422, First positioning rib; 423, Second positioning rib; 43, Second fin; 431, First sub-fin; 432, Second sub-fin. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger in the deployed state in the related technology, that is, the heat exchange flat tubes in Figure 1 are not bent. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger in Figure 1 in the bent state, that is, the heat exchange flat tubes in Figure 2 are bent. The heat exchanger in Figure 2 can be called a multi-row heat exchanger.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat exchanger includes a first manifold 1', a second manifold 2', a heat exchange tube assembly 3', and a fin assembly 4'. The first manifold 1' and the second manifold 2' are parallel to each other. The heat exchange tube assembly 3' includes multiple parallel heat exchange flat tubes 31', which are spaced apart along the length of the first manifold 1', and both ends of each heat exchange flat tube 31' are connected to the first manifold 1' and the second manifold 2', respectively. The fin assembly 4' includes multiple first fins 41', each first fin 41' being located between the straight sections 311' of two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes 31', and both ends of the first fin 41' are connected to the two adjacent straight sections 311', respectively.

[0047] No first fins are provided between the bend sections 312' of two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes 31' to avoid damage to the heat exchange flat tubes 31' during the bending process, but this affects the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0048] It should be noted that Figure 1 only shows the heat exchange flat tubes 31' on the top and bottom sides and the first fins 41' on the left and right ends. In fact, heat exchange flat tubes 31' and first fins 41' also exist in other blank areas.

[0049] Therefore, this disclosure provides a heat exchanger. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger provided in this disclosure when it is not bent. As shown in Figure 3, the heat exchanger includes a first manifold 1, a second manifold 2, a heat exchange tube assembly 3, and a fin assembly 4.

[0050] The first manifold 1 and the second manifold 2 are parallel to each other. The heat exchange tube assembly 3 includes a plurality of parallel heat exchange flat tubes 31, which are spaced apart along the length of the first manifold 1, and both ends of each heat exchange flat tube 31 are connected to the first manifold 1 and the second manifold 2, respectively. Each heat exchange flat tube 31 includes at least two straight sections 311 and at least one bent section 312, and every two adjacent straight sections 311 are connected by a bent section 312.

[0051] Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view of the top of Figure 3. Referring to Figure 4, the fin assembly 4 includes multiple first fins 41, multiple positioning structures 42, and multiple second fins 43. Along the length of the first manifold 1, each first fin 41 is disposed between two adjacent straight sections 311 of the heat exchange flat tubes 31, and both ends of the first fin 41 are connected to the two adjacent straight sections 311 respectively. Each positioning structure 42 is sleeved on the corresponding bent section 312. One or more positioning structures 42 can be sleeved on the outside of each bent section 312. The multiple second fins 43 correspond one-to-one with the multiple positioning structures 42, and along the length of the first manifold 1, each second fin 43 has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. The first side of the second fin 43 is connected to the corresponding positioning structure 42, and the second side of the second fin 43 is spaced apart from the nearest bent section 312.

[0052] In this embodiment, the heat exchange flat tube includes two opposing main surfaces and two side surfaces connected between the two main surfaces. When the heat exchange flat tube is in a straight state (i.e., not bent), the main surfaces are perpendicular to the length direction of the first manifold 1. The positioning structure 42 is sleeved outside the corresponding bent section 312, which means that the positioning structure 42 at least covers one main surface and one side surface of the corresponding bent section 412.

[0053] It should be noted that only part of the positioning structure 42 and the second fin 43 are shown in Figure 3. The positioning structure 42 and the second fin 43 connected to the heat exchange flat tube 31 below are not shown.

[0054] In the heat exchanger provided in this disclosure, the fin assembly 4 also includes a positioning structure 42 and second fins 43 arranged one-to-one with the positioning structure 42. The positioning structure 42 is sleeved on the corresponding bending section 312. In this way, the positioning structure 42 can be sleeved on the bending section 312 of each heat exchange flat tube 31 to protect the bending section 312 and prevent the bending section 312 of the heat exchange flat tube 31 from being completely exposed, thereby reducing the possibility of damage.

[0055] Furthermore, since the second fins 43 correspond one-to-one with the positioning structures 42, and along the length of the first manifold 1, the first side of each second fin 43 is connected to the corresponding positioning structure 42, while the second side is spaced apart from the nearest bending section 312. Thus, by connecting the second fins 43 in the positioning structures 42, each bending section 312 of the heat exchange flat tube 31 can be equipped with a second fin 43, thereby increasing heat exchange efficiency. Moreover, the presence of the second fins 43 further protects the bending section 312, further reducing the possibility of damage to the bending section 312. Furthermore, compared to bending sections where both ends of the fin are connected to the heat exchange flat tube, spacing the second fins 43 from the nearest heat exchange flat tube 31 reduces the difficulty of bending the heat exchange flat tube 31 and also reduces the possibility of damage to the heat exchange flat tube 31 during bending.

[0056] Optionally, two adjacent straight segments 311 can be arranged in parallel or form an angle.

[0057] In the above implementation, the bending of the heat exchange flat tube 31 can be set according to actual needs. For example, if the bending causes two adjacent straight sections 311 to form an angle, a multi-row heat exchanger can be obtained. If the bending causes two adjacent straight sections 311 to be arranged in parallel, a stacked multi-layer heat exchanger can be obtained.

[0058] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the heat exchanger is a multi-row heat exchanger. That is, the included angle between two adjacent straight sections 311 is greater than 0 and not greater than 90 degrees.

[0059] In this embodiment, the positioning structure 42 can take many forms, as long as it can be fitted over the bent section 312 to protect the bent section 312 and at the same time connect to the second fin 43. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0060] Optionally, in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, each bent segment 312 is fitted with a pair of positioning structures 42, the two positioning structures 42 of which are arranged symmetrically about the bending symmetry axis of the corresponding bent segment 312.

[0061] In other embodiments, multiple pairs of positioning structures 42 may be fitted over each bent segment 312, with the multiple pairs of positioning structures 42 arranged symmetrically about the bending symmetry axis of the corresponding bent segment 312; or, one positioning structure 42 may be fitted over each bent segment 312.

[0062] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the heat exchangers in Figures 3 and 4 can adopt the following first positioning structure and second positioning structure. Figure 4 illustrates the second positioning structure.

[0063] (1) First type of positioning structure

[0064] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between a positioning structure and a corresponding second fin. Referring to Figure 5, optionally, the positioning structure 42 includes a first positioning piece 421a. The first positioning piece 421a has a first connecting surface 4211 and a second connecting surface 4212. The first connecting surface 4211 is connected to the second fin 43 corresponding to the positioning structure 42, and the second connecting surface 4212 is connected to the bent section 312 corresponding to the positioning structure 42.

[0065] One side of the first positioning piece 421a is bent toward the second connecting surface 4212 to form a first positioning groove 4210a for mounting the corresponding bent segment 312 of the positioning structure 42. The length direction of the first positioning groove 4210a is the same as the length direction of the corresponding bent segment 312. That is, the first positioning piece 421a includes a flat portion and a bent portion connected together. The flat portion fits against the main surface of the bent segment 312, and the bent portion is used to form the first positioning groove 4210a. It should be noted that the flat portion and the bent portion are defined by the shape of the first positioning piece 321a when the heat exchange flat tube is in a straight state.

[0066] In the above implementation, the first positioning piece 421a can be easily fitted onto the corresponding bent section 312 via the first positioning groove 4210a. Furthermore, the positioning structure 42 and the second fin 43 are connected to the first positioning piece 421a via the first connecting surface 4211, and to the corresponding bent section 312 via the second connecting surface 4212, thus enabling the installation of the positioning structure 42 and the second fin 43 at the bent section 312.

[0067] Optionally, after the first positioning piece 421a is fitted over the bent section 312, the connection between the first positioning piece 421a and the bent section 312 can be achieved by welding. The second fin 43 can also be connected to the first positioning piece 421a by welding.

[0068] In other embodiments, the second fin 43 may be integrally formed with the first positioning piece 421a.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first positioning groove 4210a can fit against the side of the bent segment 312. To improve the fit between the first positioning piece 421a and the bent segment 312, the shape of the first positioning groove 4210a is consistent with the contour shape of the side of the bent segment 312. For example, when the side of the bent segment 312 is arc-shaped, the corresponding first positioning groove 4210a is an arc-shaped groove.

[0070] Optionally, the second fin 43 includes multiple V-shaped structures arranged sequentially along the length of the heat exchange flat tube 31, and can be connected sequentially or arranged at intervals. The narrower ends of the multiple V-shaped structures are parallel. In this embodiment, the narrower end of each V-shaped structure extends along the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube.

[0071] In this embodiment of the disclosure, each V-shaped structure includes a pair of first sub-fins 431, one side of one first sub-fin 431 is connected to one side of the other first sub-fin 431, and the connected side of the two first sub-fins 431 is the narrower end of the V-shaped structure.

[0072] The narrower end of the V-shaped structure is connected to the positioning structure 42, forming the first side of the second fin 43; correspondingly, the wider end of the V-shaped structure forms the second side of the second fin 43.

[0073] The second fin 43 is configured as multiple sequentially arranged V-shaped structures, which can accelerate airflow through the hollow part of the V-shape, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0074] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of one of the positioning structures in Figure 5. Referring to Figure 6, the positioning structure 42 also includes multiple first positioning ribs 422. These first positioning ribs 422 are spaced apart along the length of the heat exchange flat tube 31 on the first connecting surface 4211, and the length direction of each first positioning rib 422 is the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube 31. Each first positioning rib 422 is connected to the narrower end of the V-shaped structure corresponding to the positioning structure 42.

[0075] In the above implementation, the installation and arrangement of the second fin 43 can be positioned by the first positioning rib 422, so as to reduce the installation difficulty of the second fin 43 at the bending section 312.

[0076] In some other embodiments, the first positioning rib 422 may be omitted, and the V-shaped structure may be directly connected to the first connecting surface 4211. In still other embodiments, when the first positioning rib 422 is provided, a portion of the first positioning rib 422 may be connected to the V-shaped structure, while another portion of the first positioning rib 422 may not be connected to the V-shaped structure.

[0077] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the second fin 43 includes a plurality of sequentially connected V-shaped structures, the structure of the second fin 43 is the same as the structure of the first fin 41.

[0078] Along the length of the first manifold 1, each first sub-fin 431 forms a projection in the bending section 312. Assume the length of each projection along the length of the heat exchange flat tube 31 is l, and the length of the bending reserved area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube 31 (which forms the bending section 312 after bending) is W. Then, the number n of first sub-fins 431 installed at a bending section 312 satisfies: n ≤ W / l. The height H of the first sub-fin 431 is less than the spatial distance between two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes 31. Here, the height H of the first sub-fin 431 refers to the dimension of the first sub-fin 431 along the length of the first manifold 1 when the heat exchange flat tube 31 is in a straight state.

[0079] The first sub-fin 431 mentioned above can be a fin with a window or a fin of other forms, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0080] (2) Second type of positioning structure

[0081] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another positioning structure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the positioning structure in Figure 7 and the second fin. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the positioning structure 42 includes a second positioning piece 421b, which has a first connecting surface 4211 and a second connecting surface 4212 arranged opposite to each other. One side of the second positioning piece 421b is bent toward the side where the second connecting surface 4212 is located to form a second positioning groove 4210b for mounting the bent section 312 of the heat exchange flat tube 31. The length direction of the second positioning groove 4210b is the same as the length direction of the corresponding bent section 312. That is, the second positioning piece 421b includes a flat portion and a bent portion connected together. The flat portion is in contact with the main surface of the bent section 412, and the bent portion is used to form the first positioning groove 4210a. It should be noted that the flat portion and the bent portion are defined by the shape of the second positioning piece 421b when the heat exchange flat tube is in a straight state. The second connecting surface 4212 is connected to the bent section 312 corresponding to the positioning structure 42.

[0082] The positioning structure 42 also includes a plurality of second positioning ribs 423, which are spaced apart along the length of the heat exchange flat tube 31 and located on both sides of the corresponding bend 312 of the flat portion of the second positioning plate 421b. The length direction of each second positioning rib 423 is the width direction of the corresponding heat exchange flat tube 31, and one end of each second positioning rib 423 is connected to one side of the second positioning plate 421b.

[0083] The shape of the second positioning groove 4210b is consistent with the contour shape of the side of the bent section 312. For example, when the side of the bent section 312 is arc-shaped, the corresponding second positioning groove 4210b is an arc-shaped groove.

[0084] In this embodiment, the structure of the second fin 43 is the same as that of the second fin 43 in Figure 5, and will not be described again here. Each second positioning rib 423 is connected to the narrower end of the V-shaped structure of the second fin 43 corresponding to the positioning structure 42.

[0085] In the above implementation, the second positioning rib 423 is used to position the installation and arrangement of the second fin 43, thereby reducing the installation difficulty of the second fin 43. Moreover, by setting the second positioning rib 423 to be spaced apart from the flat portion of the second positioning piece 421b, the second positioning rib 423 can directly contact the heat exchange flat tube 31, thus eliminating any obstructions between the second fin 43 and the heat exchange flat tube 31, further improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0086] Alternatively, the second fin 43 can also be an integral structural component with the second positioning rib 423.

[0087] In other examples, the second positioning rib 423 and the second fin 43 can also be connected by welding.

[0088] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another heat exchanger provided in the present disclosure in its deployed state, and Figure 10 is a partial enlarged view of the top of the heat exchanger in Figure 9. The difference between this heat exchanger and those shown in Figures 3 and 4 lies in the structure of the positioning structure 42 and the second fin 43.

[0089] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between one of the positioning structures in Figure 10 and the corresponding second fin. Referring to Figures 9, 10, and 11, optionally, the positioning structure 42 includes a third positioning piece 421c and a fourth positioning piece 421d. The third positioning piece 421c has a first connecting surface 4211 and a second connecting surface 4212 arranged opposite to each other. One side of the third positioning piece 421c is bent toward the second connecting surface 4212 to form a third positioning groove 4210c for mounting the corresponding bent section 312 of the positioning structure 42. The length direction of the third positioning groove 4210c is the same as the length direction of the corresponding bent section 312. That is, the third positioning piece 421c includes a flat portion and a bent portion connected together. The flat portion fits against the main surface of the bent section 312, and the bent portion is used to form the third positioning groove 4210c. It should be noted that the flat portion and the bent portion are defined by the shape of the third positioning piece 421c when the heat exchange flat tube is in a straight state.

[0090] The fourth positioning piece 421d is parallel to the flat portion of the third positioning piece 421c and is connected to the groove wall of the third positioning groove 4210c, that is, connected to one side of the third positioning piece 421c. The fourth positioning piece 421d is connected to the second fin 43 corresponding to the positioning structure 42, and the side of the fourth positioning piece 421d facing the flat portion of the third positioning piece 421c and the second connecting surface 4212 are respectively connected to the bent section 312 corresponding to the positioning structure 42.

[0091] In the above implementation, the positioning structure 42 is configured as described above. The second fin 43 can be installed at the bending section 312 through the positioning structure 42 to further improve the heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, the bending section 312 can be protected through the positioning structure 42.

[0092] The shape of the third positioning groove 4210c is consistent with the contour shape of the side of the bent section 312. For example, when the side of the bent section 312 is arc-shaped, the corresponding third positioning groove 4210c is an arc-shaped groove.

[0093] Optionally, the fourth positioning piece 421d has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other, the length direction of the first side and the second side being the same as the length direction of the heat exchange flat tube 31, and the first side of the fourth positioning piece 421d being connected to the third positioning piece 421c. The second fin 43 corresponding to the positioning structure 42 is located at the second side of the second positioning piece 421d, and the positioning structure 42 and the corresponding second fin 43 are integrally formed structural parts.

[0094] In the above implementation, the positioning structure 42 and the second fin 43 are set as an integrally formed structure, which can further simplify the installation of the second fin 43. The positioning structure 42 can be installed by simply placing the positioning structure 42 outside the bending reserved area corresponding to the bending section 312 when it is not bent, and then welding the positioning structure 42 to the heat exchange flat tube 31 together, which greatly simplifies the process.

[0095] Because the positioning structure 42 and the second fin 43 are integrally formed, only a planar metal plate is needed to obtain both the positioning structure and the second fin 43. In this case, the planar metal plate is first bent to form a first plate and a second plate opposite to each other. Then, the side of the first plate away from the second plate is bent again along the direction away from the second plate to obtain a plate surface that is perpendicular to the second plate or at an acute or obtuse angle. This plate surface can be made into the second fin, the first plate is the third positioning piece 421c, and the remaining part of the second plate is the fourth positioning piece 421d.

[0096] In the resulting positioning structure 42, along the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube 31, the width of the fourth positioning piece 421d is smaller than the width of the connected bent section 312, and the length of the fourth positioning piece 421d is also smaller than the width of the third positioning piece 421c. The second fin 43 is located on the side of the fourth positioning piece 421d away from the third positioning groove 421c. This allows the bent section 312 to be wrapped by the third positioning piece 421c for protection. Setting the width of the fourth positioning piece 421d to be smaller than the width of the bent section 312 allows the second fin 43 to be conveniently positioned in the middle of the bent section 312.

[0097] Optionally, in this embodiment, the second fin 43 has a different structure from the first fin 41. The second fin 43 includes a plurality of second sub-fins 432, which are arranged sequentially along the length of the heat exchange flat tube 31. Adjacent second sub-fins 432 are inclined in different directions relative to the connected positioning structure 42, i.e., they form an angle with each other. In other words, if one of the adjacent second sub-fins 432 is inclined to the left in the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube 31, the other can be inclined to the right.

[0098] In the above implementation, the second fin 43 is configured as multiple second sub-fins 432, and two adjacent second sub-fins 432 are tilted in different directions relative to the positioning structure 42 they are connected to. This allows the second sub-fins 432 to be staggered, thereby enabling the second fin 43 to contact the airflow in different directions, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0099] Optionally, the projection of the connection position between the second fin 43 and the corresponding positioning structure 42 in the bending section 312 is located at the middle of the bending section 312. This can further improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0100] In other examples, the arrangement of the second fins 43 can also be in other forms, such as all the second sub-fins 432 having the same tilt direction.

[0101] To further improve heat exchange efficiency, the second fin 43 can also be provided in more than one layer. In this case, the structure of the second fin 43 can include multiple second sub-fins 432. The multiple second sub-fins 432 are divided into multiple sub-fin units along the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube 31. Each sub-fin unit includes multiple second sub-fins 432 arranged at intervals along the length direction of the heat exchange flat tube 31. In two adjacent sub-fin units, the two adjacent second sub-fins 432 are inclined in different directions relative to the positioning structure 42 they are connected to, and all the second sub-fins 432 in the same sub-fin unit have the same inclination direction.

[0102] For example, the second fin 43 includes two sub-fin units arranged along the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube 31. All the second sub-fins 432 in one sub-fin unit have the same tilt direction as the second sub-fin 432a in FIG10; all the second sub-fins in the other sub-fin unit have the same tilt direction as the second sub-fin 432b in FIG10.

[0103] In the above implementation, by setting the second fin 43 as a multi-layer second sub-fin 432, the heat exchange efficiency can be further improved.

[0104] The second sub-fin 432 can be a flat metal plate, or a metal plate with an uneven surface, or a metal plate with a window, etc.

[0105] Optionally, the length of the second sub-fin 432 gradually decreases along the length of the bent section 312 and from the edge of the bent section 312 to the middle of the bent section 312.

[0106] In the above implementation, the second sub-fin 432 is configured as described above, which makes it easier for the heat exchange flat tube 31 to be bent.

[0107] For example, referring to Figure 10, assume that the bending segment 312 bends along the bending line L. In each second fin 43, the closer it is to the bending line L, the shorter the length of the second sub-fin 432. The length of the second sub-fin 432 refers to its dimension in the length direction of the bending segment 312. That is, the second sub-fin 432 to the left of the uppermost bending line L in Figure 10 satisfies the following: the length of the leftmost second sub-fin 432 (432a in Figure 10) is greater than the length of the middle second sub-fin 432 (432b in Figure 10), and the length of the middle second sub-fin 432 (432b in Figure 10) is greater than the length of the second sub-fin 432 closer to the bending line L (432c in Figure 10).

[0108] This disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger, used to manufacture the heat exchanger described above. The method includes:

[0109] S101: Connect the heat exchanger tube assembly to the first manifold and the second manifold respectively.

[0110] The structure of the heat exchanger tube assembly is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0111] S102: A first fin is provided between the straight sections of any two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes, such that the first fin is connected to the straight sections of the two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes respectively.

[0112] S103: A second fin is installed at the bend reservation area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube by means of a positioning structure, so that the positioning structure is sleeved outside the corresponding bend reservation area, and the first side of the second fin is connected to the corresponding positioning structure, and the second side of the second fin is spaced apart from the nearest bend reservation area.

[0113] S104: Bend the pre-bending area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube so that the pre-bending area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube forms a bending section.

[0114] By setting a positioning structure 42 in the bending pre-reserved area of ​​the heat exchanger flat tube 31 before bending, and installing the second fin 43 in the bending pre-reserved area of ​​the heat exchanger flat tube 31 through the positioning structure 42, the bent section 312 of the heat exchanger flat tube 31 will have the second fin 43 after bending, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, the presence of the second fin 43 further protects the bent section 312, further reducing the possibility of damage to the bent section 312. Moreover, since one end of each second fin 43 is connected to the corresponding positioning structure 42, and the other end is spaced apart from the nearest bent section 312, the bending of the heat exchanger flat tube 31 is easier, and problems such as deformation and damage to the heat exchanger flat tube 31 caused by the fins pulling on it can be avoided.

[0115] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising: The first manifold (1), the second manifold (2), the heat exchange tube assembly (3), and the fin assembly (4); The heat exchange tube assembly (3) includes a plurality of heat exchange flat tubes (31), which are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first manifold (1). Each heat exchange flat tube (31) is connected to the first manifold (1) and the second manifold (2) at both ends. Each heat exchange flat tube (31) includes at least two straight sections (311) and at least one bent section (312). Each pair of adjacent straight sections (311) are connected by a bent section (312). The fin assembly (4) includes a plurality of first fins (41), a plurality of positioning structures (42), and a plurality of second fins (43). Each first fin (41) is located between the straight sections (311) of two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes (31) and is connected to the two adjacent straight sections (311). Each positioning structure (42) is sleeved on the outside of the corresponding bent section (312). The plurality of second fins (43) correspond one-to-one with the plurality of positioning structures (42). Along the length direction of the first manifold (1), each second fin (43) has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. The first side of the second fin (43) is connected to the corresponding positioning structure (42), and the second side of the second fin (43) is spaced apart from the nearest bent section (312).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning structure (42) includes a first positioning piece (421a), which has a first connecting surface (4211) and a second connecting surface (4212) facing each other. One side of the first positioning piece (421a) is bent toward the side where the second connecting surface (4212) is located to form a first positioning groove (4210a) for engaging the bent segment (312) corresponding to the positioning structure (42). The first connecting surface (4211) is connected to the second fin (43) corresponding to the positioning structure (42), and the second connecting surface (4212) is connected to the bent section (312) corresponding to the positioning structure (42).

3. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein, The positioning structure (42) further includes a plurality of first positioning ribs (422), which are arranged at intervals on the first connecting surface (4211) along the length direction of the heat exchange flat tube (31), and the length direction of each first positioning rib (422) is the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube (31). Each of the first positioning ribs (422) is connected to the corresponding second fin (43).

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein, The second fin (43) includes a plurality of V-shaped structures arranged sequentially along the length of the heat exchange flat tube, and the narrower end of each V-shaped structure is connected to a first positioning rib (422).

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning structure (42) includes a second positioning piece (421b) and a plurality of second positioning ribs (423). The second positioning piece (421b) has a first connecting surface (4211) and a second connecting surface (4212) facing each other. One side of the second positioning piece (421b) is bent toward the side where the second connecting surface (4212) is located to form a second positioning groove (4210b). The second connecting surface (4212) is connected to the bent segment (312) corresponding to the positioning structure (42). The plurality of second positioning ribs (423) are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the heat exchange flat tube (31) and are located on both sides of the corresponding bent section (312) with the flat portion of the second positioning plate (421b). The length direction of each second positioning rib (423) is the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube (31). One end of each second positioning rib (423) is connected to one side of the second positioning plate (421b), and each second positioning rib (423) is connected to the corresponding second fin (43).

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein, The second fin (43) includes a plurality of V-shaped structures arranged sequentially along the length of the heat exchange flat tube, and the narrower end of each V-shaped structure is connected to a second positioning rib (423).

7. The heat exchanger of claim 4 or 6, wherein The plurality of V-shaped structures connected by the same positioning structure (42) are sequentially connected along the length of the heat exchange flat tube.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the bending segments (312) is fitted with at least one pair of positioning structures (42), which are arranged symmetrically about the bending symmetry axis of the corresponding bending segment (312).

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning structure (42) includes a third positioning piece (421c) and a fourth positioning piece (421d). The third positioning piece (421c) has a first connecting surface (4211) and a second connecting surface (4212) facing each other. One side of the third positioning piece (421c) is bent toward the second connecting surface (4212) to form a third positioning groove (4210c) for engaging the bent segment (312) corresponding to the positioning structure (42). The fourth positioning piece (421d) is parallel to the flat portion of the third positioning piece (421c) and connected to one side of the third positioning piece (421c). The fourth positioning piece (421d) is connected to the second fin (43) corresponding to the positioning structure (42). The side of the fourth positioning piece (421d) facing the flat portion of the third positioning piece (421c) and the second connecting surface (4212) are respectively connected to the bent section (312) corresponding to the positioning structure (42).

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 9, wherein, The fourth positioning piece (421d) has a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other. The length direction of the first side and the second side is the same as the length direction of the heat exchange flat tube (31). The first side is connected to one side of the third positioning piece (421c). The fourth positioning piece (421d) is connected to the corresponding second fin (43).

11. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein, The second fin (43) corresponding to the positioning structure (42) is located on the second side of the fourth positioning piece (421d). The positioning structure (42) and the corresponding second fin (43) are integrally formed structural parts.

12. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein, The second fin (43) includes a plurality of second sub-fins (432), which are arranged sequentially along the length of the heat exchange flat tube (31), and adjacent second sub-fins (432) are at an angle to each other.

13. The heat exchanger according to claim 10, wherein, The second fin (43) includes a plurality of second sub-fins (432), which are divided into a plurality of sub-fin units along the width direction of the heat exchange flat tube (31), and each sub-fin unit includes a plurality of second sub-fins (432) spaced apart along the length direction of the heat exchange flat tube (31). In two adjacent sub-fin units, the two adjacent second sub-fins (432) are tilted in different directions relative to the connected positioning structure (42), and all the second sub-fins (432) in the same sub-fin unit have the same tilt direction.

14. The heat exchanger according to claim 12, wherein, Along the length of the bent section (312) and from the edge of the bent section (312) to the middle of the bent section (312), the length of the second sub-fin (432) gradually decreases.

15. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein, The width of the fourth positioning piece (421) is smaller than the width of the bent section (312).

16. The heat exchanger according to claim 15, wherein, The second fin (43) and the connected fourth positioning piece (421) are formed by bending a planar metal plate.

17. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger, comprising: The heat exchange tube assembly is connected to the first manifold and the second manifold respectively. The heat exchange tube assembly includes a plurality of heat exchange flat tubes. The plurality of heat exchange flat tubes are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the first manifold, and both ends of each heat exchange flat tube are connected to the first manifold and the second manifold respectively. Each heat exchange flat tube includes at least two straight sections and at least one bent section. Every two adjacent straight sections are connected by a bent section. A first fin is provided between any two adjacent straight sections of the heat exchange flat tubes, such that the first fin is connected to the straight sections of the two adjacent heat exchange flat tubes respectively. A second fin is installed at the bend reservation area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube by means of a positioning structure, such that the positioning structure is sleeved on the bend reservation area, and the first side of each second fin is connected to the corresponding positioning structure, and the second side of the second fin is spaced apart from the nearest bend reservation area. The pre-bending area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube is bent so that the pre-bending area of ​​each heat exchange flat tube forms a bending section.

18. The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein, The positioning structure includes a first positioning piece, which has a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface opposite each other. One side of the first positioning piece is bent toward the side where the second connecting surface is located to form a first positioning groove for engaging the bent segment corresponding to the positioning structure. The first connecting surface is connected to the second fin corresponding to the positioning structure, and the second connecting surface is connected to the bent section corresponding to the positioning structure.

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein, The positioning structure includes a second positioning piece and multiple second positioning ribs. The second positioning piece has a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface opposite each other. One side of the second positioning piece is bent toward the side where the second connecting surface is located to form a second positioning groove. The second connecting surface is connected to the bent section corresponding to the positioning structure. The plurality of second positioning ribs are arranged at intervals along the length of the heat exchange flat tube and are located on both sides of the corresponding bend section with the flat portion of the second positioning plate. The length of each second positioning rib is the width of the heat exchange flat tube. One end of each second positioning rib is connected to one side of the second positioning plate, and each second positioning rib is connected to the corresponding second fin.

20. The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein, The positioning structure includes a third positioning piece and a fourth positioning piece. The third positioning piece has a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface opposite each other. One side of the third positioning piece is bent toward the second connecting surface to form a third positioning groove for engaging the bent segment corresponding to the positioning structure. The fourth positioning piece is parallel to the flat portion of the third positioning piece and is connected to one side of the third positioning piece. The fourth positioning piece is connected to the second fin corresponding to the positioning structure. The side of the fourth positioning piece facing the flat portion of the third positioning piece and the second connecting surface are respectively connected to the bent section corresponding to the positioning structure.

Images