HEAT EXCHANGER AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

A heat exchanger and an air conditioning system having the same. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins and a row of heat transfer tubes. The fin includes a fin body and a plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots formed in the fin body. The column of heat exchange tube slots includes a plurality of heat exchange tube slots arranged in a first direction, the plurality of fins being arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots being arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The row of heat exchange tubes is provided in the heat exchange tube slot of the column of heat exchange tube slots, and the row of heat exchange tubes includes one heat exchange tube or a plurality of heat exchange tubes. A length of at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction is greater than a heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction. Therefore, the performance of the heat exchanger and the air conditioning system can be improved.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Chinese Patent Applications No. 202311273595.3 filed on Sep. 27, 2023; No. 202322644174.9 filed on Sep. 27, 2023; No. 202311729233.0 filed on Dec. 14, 2023; and No. 202323417656.7 filed Dec. 14, 2023, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a heat exchanger and an air conditioning system having the same.

BACKGROUND

A heat exchanger includes heat exchange tubes and fins having heat exchange tube slots. The heat exchange tube slots have openings on a side of the heat exchanger, or the heat exchange tube slots have no opening. The heat exchange tubes are inserted into the heat exchange tube slots of the fins.

SUMMARY

An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger and an air conditioning system having the same, thereby, for example, improving the performance of the heat exchanger.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a heat exchanger including: a plurality of fins, each of the plurality of fins including a fin body and a plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots formed in the fin body, each of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots including a plurality of heat exchange tube slots arranged in a first direction, the plurality of fins being arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of each of the plurality of fins being arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; and a row of heat exchange tubes provided in each heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of each column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots, the row of heat exchange tubes including one heat exchange tube or a plurality of heat exchange tubes, wherein a length of at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of at least one fin of the plurality of fins in the third direction is greater than a heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction, in the case that the row of heat exchange tubes includes the one heat exchange tube, the heat exchange tube size is a size of the one heat exchange tube in the third direction, and in the case that the row of heat exchange tubes includes the plurality of heat exchange tubes, the heat exchange tube size is a sum of sizes of the plurality of heat exchange tubes in the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of fins and the heat exchange tubes of the rows of heat exchange tubes provided in the heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins constitute a heat exchanger core, the heat exchanger core including a first core portion and a second core portion, the first core portion and the second core portion being positioned on both sides of a plane passing through a geometric center of the fin bodies and perpendicular to the third direction, respectively, the first core portion being positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, and the second core portion being positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, wherein a heat exchange efficiency of the first core portion is lower than that of the second core portion.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of at least one fin of the plurality of fins and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the at least one fin of the plurality of fins are arranged alternately in the first direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins and the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins have the same number and size of the heat exchange tubes.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins and a plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins have different numbers and/or sizes of the heat exchange tubes.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a sum of the heat exchange tube sizes of a plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins is smaller than a sum of heat exchange tube sizes of a plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a heat transfer coefficient of the one heat exchange tube, (or a heat transfer coefficient of at least one heat exchange tube of a plurality of heat exchange tubes), of at least one row of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins is less than that of the one heat exchange tube, (or that of at least one heat exchange tube of the plurality of heat exchange tubes), of at least one row of heat exchange tubes of a plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the length SL of at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of at least one fin of the plurality of fins in the third direction and the size Tw of the heat exchange tubes of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction satisfy the following relationship: SL=n*Tw, where n is a positive integer.

According to embodiments of the present invention, n is greater than or equal to 2.

According to embodiments of the present invention, spacing between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins is different from spacing between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins.

According to embodiments of the present invention, spacing between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins is greater than spacing between spacing between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins.

According to embodiments of the present invention, at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins and at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins are displaced from each other in the first direction and, when viewed in the first direction, partially overlap.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube slot of the column of heat exchange tube slots of the fin has a first slot edge and a second slot edge, the first slot edge and the second slot edge being respectively positioned on the outermost sides of the heat exchange tube slot in the third direction, and the first slot edge of the heat exchange tube slot of the fin being closer to the first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction than the second slot edge of the heat exchange tube slot of the fin; and the first slot edges of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction, and/or the second slot edges of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins have substantially the same size in the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the fin body of the fin has a substantially flat shape.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the fin body of the fin includes a first fin body portion positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction and a second fin body portion positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, the first fin body portion being inclined relative to a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction, and a first angle being formed between the first fin body portion and the plane defined by the first direction and the third direction; the second fin body portion being inclined relative to the plane defined by the first direction and the third direction, and a second angle being formed between the second fin body portion and the plane defined by the first direction and the third direction, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the first angle is greater than the second angle.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the fin body of the fin is inclined relative to a plane defined by the first direction and the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, an angle between the fin body of the fin and the plane defined by the first direction and the third direction is less than or equal to 45 degrees.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the fin body of the plurality of fins includes a first fin body portion positioned on a first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction and a second fin body portion positioned on a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to the first side in the third direction, and the fin includes a first louver provided on the first fin body portion, and a second louver provided on the second fin body portion, wherein the heat exchange efficiency of the first louver is lower than that of the second louver.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins include a first column of heat exchange tube slots and a second column of heat exchange tube slots positioned on a first side and a second side of the heat exchanger opposite to each other in the third direction, respectively.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins have an opening towards the first side of the heat exchanger, and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins have an opening towards the second side of the heat exchanger.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins have the same length in the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction, and/or the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins and at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins are displaced from each other in the first direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a length of at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins in the third direction is greater than the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction, and a length of at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins in the third direction is greater than the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a length of at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins in the third direction is greater than the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction, and a length of at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins in the third direction is substantially equal to the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins partially overlaps with the at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins when viewed in the first direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a center of the at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins in the third direction overlaps with the at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins when viewed in the first direction, and/or, the at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins overlaps with a center of the at least one heat exchange tube slot of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins in the third direction when viewed in the first direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube slot of the column of heat exchange tube slots of the fin has a first slot edge and a second slot edge, the first slot edge and the second slot edge being respectively positioned on the outermost sides of the heat exchange tube slot in the third direction, and the first slot edge of the heat exchange tube slot of the fin being closer to the first side of the heat exchanger in the third direction than the second slot edge of the heat exchange tube slot of the fin; and the second slot edges of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction, and/or, the first slot edges of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tubes of the rows of heat exchange tubes provided in the heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins include a plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes arranged in the third direction, each column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes including a plurality of heat exchange tubes arranged in the first direction.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes includes a first end positioned on one side of the heat exchange tube in the second direction and a second end positioned on the other side of the heat exchange tube in the second direction; and the heat exchanger further includes: a first header connected and fluidly communicated with the first end of the heat exchange tube; and a second header connected and fluidly communicated with the second end of the heat exchange tube.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes includes a first end positioned on one side of the heat exchange tube in the second direction and a second end positioned on the other side of the heat exchange tube in the second direction; and the heat exchanger further includes: a first header connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends of the heat exchange tubes of the plurality columns of heat exchange tubes; and two second headers, one of the two second headers being connected and fluidly communicated with the second ends of the heat exchange tubes of at least one column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes, and the other of the two second headers being connected and fluidly communicated with the second ends of the heat exchange tubes of at least another column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes includes a first end positioned on one side of the heat exchange tube in the second direction and a second end positioned on the other side of the heat exchange tube in the second direction; and the heat exchanger further includes: a connection portion, by which the first ends of the heat exchange tubes of one column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality columns of heat exchange tubes and the first ends of the heat exchange tubes of another column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality columns of heat exchange tubes are connected and fluidly communicated with each other; and two second headers, one of the two second headers being connected and fluidly communicated with the second ends of the heat exchange tubes of the one column of heat exchange tubes, and the other of the two second headers being connected and fluidly communicated with the second ends of the heat exchange tubes of the another column of heat exchange tubes.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the connection portion includes a plurality of connection tubes, by which the first ends of the heat exchange tubes of the one column of heat exchange tubes are connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends of the heat exchange tubes of the another column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of connection tubes, respectively.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube of the one column of heat exchange tubes, the connection tube, and the heat exchange tube of the another column of heat exchange tubes, which are connected with each other, are formed by bending one tube.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes includes a first end positioned on one side of the heat exchange tube in the second direction and a second end positioned on the other side of the heat exchange tube in the second direction; and the heat exchanger further includes: two first headers and two second headers, one of the two first headers and one of the two second headers being connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends and the second ends of the heat exchange tubes of at least one column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes, respectively, and the other of the two first headers and the other of the two second headers being connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends and the second ends of the heat exchange tubes of at least another column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes, respectively.

According to embodiments of the present invention, in use, at least a portion of the heat exchange tube extends substantially vertically.

According to embodiments of the present invention, each of at least some fins is formed by one plate.

Embodiments of the present invention further provide an air conditioning system including the above-mentioned heater exchanger.

With the heat exchanger and the air conditioning system having the same according to the embodiments of the present invention, for example, the performance of the heat exchanger may be improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is further explained below by means of specific embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.

Referring toFIGS.1-20, a heat exchanger100according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of fins2and rows of heat exchange tubes. Each of the plurality of fins2includes a fin body20and a plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots formed in the fin body20, for example,FIGS.7-11,13and15-19show a first column of heat exchange tube slots including a plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A and a second column of heat exchange tube slots including a plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B, the first column of heat exchange tube slots and the second column of heat exchange tube slots being positioned on a first side S1and a second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to each other in a third direction D3, respectively. In addition, the fin2may include three or more columns of heat exchange tube slots. Each of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots includes a plurality of heat exchange tube slots21arranged in a first direction D1, the plurality of fins2being arranged in a second direction D2perpendicular to the first direction D1, and the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of each of the plurality of fins2being arranged in a third direction D3perpendicular to the first direction D1and the second direction D2. The row of heat exchange tubes is arranged in each heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of each column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots, and the row of heat exchange tubes is composed of one heat exchange tubes1or a plurality of heat exchange tubes1. Referring toFIGS.15to19, a length of at least one heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of at least one fin2of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3is greater than a heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction D3. In the case that the row of heat exchange tubes is composed of the one heat exchange tube1, the heat exchange tube size is a size of the one heat exchange tube1in the third direction, and in the case that the row of heat exchange tubes is composed of the plurality of heat exchange tubes1, the heat exchange tube size is a sum of sizes of the plurality of heat exchange tubes1in the third direction. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the length of at least one heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of at least one fin2of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3is greater than the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction D3, which may allow a gap5for passage of water to be formed in the at least one heat exchange tube slot21. For example, the gap5forms a drainage passage through which defrosting water may quickly flow away, thereby improving the performance of the heat exchanger under frosting conditions.

Referring toFIGS.7,9,11,13,15-17and19, in some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of at least one fin2of the plurality of fins2and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on a second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one fin2of the plurality of fins2are arranged alternately in the first direction D1. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust heat exchange efficiency of various regions of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3. According to the examples of the present invention, as shown inFIGS.9and17, at least one heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and at least one heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2are displaced from each other in the first direction D1and, when viewed in the first direction D1, partially overlap. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust the heat exchange efficiency of the various regions of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIG.8, in some other embodiments of the present invention, at least one heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and at least one heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2are substantially aligned with each other in the first direction D1.

Referring toFIGS.10and18, in some embodiments of the present invention, spacing between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2is different from spacing between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2. For example, the spacing between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2is greater than the spacing between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust the heat exchange efficiency of the various regions of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIGS.7-11,13and15-19, in the embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube slot21of the column of heat exchange tube slots of the fin2has a first slot edge211and a second slot edge212, the first slot edge211and the second slot edge212being respectively positioned on outermost sides of the heat exchange tube slot21in the third direction D3, and the first slot edge211of the heat exchange tube slot21of the fin2being closer to the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3than the second slot edge212of the heat exchange tube slot21of the fin2in the third direction D3. The first slot edges211of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction D3, and/or the second slot edges212of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of the at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction D33. For example, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2may have substantially the same size in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIGS.1-10and13-18, in some embodiments of the present invention, the fin body20of the fin2may have a substantially flat shape. The fin body20of the fin2may be inclined relative to a plane defined by the first direction D1and the third direction D3. For example, an angle between the fin body20of the fin2and the plane defined by the first direction D1and the third direction D3is less than or equal to 45 degrees.

Referring toFIGS.11-12and19-20, in some embodiments of the present invention, the fin body20of the fin2includes a first fin body portion20A positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, and a second fin body portion20B positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, wherein the first fin body portion20A and the second fin body portion20B may have a substantially flat shape. The first fin body portion20A is inclined relative to the plane defined by the first direction D1and the third direction D3, and a first angle α is formed between the first fin body portion20A and the plane defined by the first direction D1and the third direction D3. The second fin body portion20B is inclined relative to the plane defined by the first direction D1and the third direction D3, and a second angle R is formed between the second fin body portion20B and the plane defined by the first direction D1and the third direction D3, wherein the first angle α is different from the second angle β. For example, the first angle α is greater than the second angle β. Therefore, it is beneficial for discharge of the condensate water.

Referring toFIGS.7-11,13and15-19, in the embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2include a first column of heat exchange tube slots and a second column of heat exchange tube slots positioned the first side S1and the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to each other in the third direction D3, respectively. For example, the first column of heat exchange tube slots is positioned on a windward side of the heat exchanger, and the second column of heat exchange tube slots is positioned on a leeward side of the heat exchanger. The first column of heat exchange tube slots includes a plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A, and the second column of heat exchange tube slots includes a plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B. The plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2have an opening towards the first side S1of the heat exchanger100, and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2have an opening towards the second side S2of the heat exchanger100. The heat exchange tube slots21of the plurality of fins2may have no opening and are closed heat exchange tube slots. The plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2may have the same length in the third direction D3. The plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2may be substantially aligned with each other in the third direction D3, and/or the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2may be substantially aligned with each other in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIG.8, in the embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2may be substantially aligned with each other in the first direction D1.

Referring toFIGS.7,9,11,13,15-17and19, in the embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2may be displaced from each other in the first direction D1. The plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2may be displaced from each other in the first direction D1. Referring toFIGS.9and17, in the embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2partially overlaps with at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2when viewed in the first direction D1. According to the examples of the present invention, a center of the at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3and the at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2overlap with each other when viewed in the first direction D1, and/or, the at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and a center of the at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3overlap with each other when viewed in the first direction D1. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust the heat exchange efficiency of the various regions of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIGS.15and17-19, in some embodiments of the present invention, a length of at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3is greater than the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction D3, and a length of at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3is greater than the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction D3. Referring toFIG.16, in some other embodiments of the present invention, the length of at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3is greater than the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction D3, and a length of at least one of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3is substantially equal to the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIGS.7-11,13and15-19, in the embodiments of the present invention, the second slot edges212of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction D3, and/or, the first slot edges211of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2are substantially aligned with each other in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIGS.1,3and5, in the embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of fins2and the heat exchange tubes1of the rows of heat exchange tubes1provided in the heat exchange tube slots21of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2constitute a heat exchanger core8, the heat exchanger core8including a first core portion81and a second core portion82. The first core portion81and the second core portion82are positioned on both sides of a plane passing through a geometric center of the fin bodies20and perpendicular to the third direction D3, respectively, the first core portion81being positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, and the second core portion82being positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, wherein the heat exchange efficiency of the first core portion81is lower than that of the second core portion82. The heat exchange efficiency refers to a measurement of efficiency of the heat transfer between air and other fluid media after the air flows through the heat exchanger. Given the same atmospheric environment, the same dry bulb temperature, the same wet bulb temperature, the same atmospheric pressure, the same fluid, the same inlet temperature, and the same flow rate, the average temperatures at the air outlet are compared to obtain the difference of temperature change before and after the air flows through the heat exchanger. Greater temperature change means higher heat exchange efficiency.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, in the case that the first core portion81is positioned on the windward side of the heat exchanger and the second core portion82is positioned on the leeward side of the heat exchanger, the utilization efficiency of the first core portion81may be balanced and the second core portion82may be fully utilized by adjusting the heat exchange efficiencies of the first core portion81and the second core portion82. In addition, it may potentially reduce an amount of the generated condensate water at the first core portion81, reduce the heat transfer resistance caused by the condensate water, and instead improve the overall heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

Referring toFIGS.13and14, in the embodiments of the present invention, the fin body20of the plurality of fins2includes a first fin body portion20A positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3and a second fin body portion20B positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3. The fin2includes first louver(s)22A provided in the first fin body portion20A, and second louver(s)22B provided in the second fin body portion20B, the heat exchange efficiency of the first louver(s)22A being lower than that of the second louver(s)22B. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust the heat exchange efficiency of the various regions of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3. For example, a number of the first louver(s)22A is smaller than that of the second louver(s)22B, a range in which the first louver(s)22A is provided in the third direction D3is smaller than a range in which the second louver(s)22B is provided in the third direction D3, spacing between adjacent first louvers22A is greater than spacing between adjacent second louvers22B, and an inclination angle of the first louver(s)22A relative to the first fin body portion20A is smaller than that of the second louver(s)22B relative to the second body portion20B. For example, as shown inFIG.14, the spacing between the adjacent first louvers22A is 3 mm, the inclination angle of the first louver(s)22A relative to the first fin body portion20A is 25 degrees, the spacing between the adjacent second louvers22B is 2 mm, and the inclination angle of the second louver(s)22B relative to the second fin body portion20B is 30 degrees. According to another example of the present invention, the fin2includes the second louver(s)22B provided on the second fin body portion20B, and there is no louver on the first fin body portion20A.

Referring toFIGS.16and18, in the embodiments of the present invention, the sum of the heat exchange tube sizes of the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2is less than the sum of the heat exchange tube sizes of the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2.

Referring toFIGS.1,3,5and15-20, in the embodiments of the present invention, a heat transfer coefficient of the one heat exchange tube1or at least one heat exchange tube1of the plurality of heat exchange tubes1of at least one row of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2is smaller than that of the one heat exchange tube1or at least one heat exchange tube1of the plurality of heat exchange tubes1of at least one row of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust the heat exchange efficiency of the various regions of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIGS.15,17,18and19, in some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2have the same number and size of the heat exchange tubes1, thereby reducing the complexity of the production and processing process, and reducing the probability of misusing the heat exchange tubes.

Referring toFIG.16, in some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the first side S1of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2and the plurality of rows of heat exchange tubes in the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least another column of heat exchange tube slots, positioned on the second side S2of the heat exchanger100opposite to the first side S1in the third direction D3, of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2have different numbers and sizes of the heat exchange tubes1. Therefore, it is convenient to adjust the heat exchange efficiency of the various regions of the heat exchanger100in the third direction D3.

Referring toFIGS.15-19, in the embodiments of the present invention, a length SL of at least one heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21of at least one column of heat exchange tube slots21of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of at least one fin2of the plurality of fins2in the third direction D3and a size Tw of the heat exchange tube(s) of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the at least one heat exchange tube slot in the third direction D3satisfy the following relationship of: SL=n*Tw, where n is a positive integer. n may be greater than or equal to 2. For example, the length of the heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots in the third direction D3is related to the size of the heat exchange tube in the third direction D3in an integral multiple. Therefore, the complexity of the production process is reduced and the utilization rate of inefficient heat transfer area is reduced.

Referring toFIGS.1,3,5and15-20, in the embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tubes1of the row of heat exchange tubes arranged in the heat exchange tube slot21of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tube slots of the plurality of fins2includes a plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes arranged in the third direction D3, each column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes arranged in the first direction D1. For example, a first column of heat exchange tubes includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes1A, a second column of heat exchange tubes includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes1i, a third column of heat exchange tubes includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes1C, a forth column of heat exchange tubes includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes1D, and so on. Referring toFIGS.1,3and5, in the embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube1of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes includes a first end18positioned on one side of the heat exchange tube1in the second direction D2and a second end19positioned on the other side of the heat exchange tube1in the second direction D2. In one example, the heat exchanger100further includes: a first header31connected and fluid communicated with the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1; and a second header32connected and fluid communicated with the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1. In another example, the heat exchanger100further includes: a first header31connected and fluid communicated with the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes; and two second headers32, one of the two second headers32being connected and fluid communicated with the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of at least one column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes, and the other of the two second headers32being connected and fluid communicated with the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of at least another column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes. In further another example, referring toFIGS.5and6, the heat exchanger100further includes a connecting portion6, by which the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of one column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes are connected and fluid communicated with the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of another column of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes, respectively; and two second headers32, one of the two second headers32being connected and fluid communicated with the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of the one column of heat exchange tubes, and the other of the two second headers32being connected and fluid communicated with the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of the another column of heat exchange tubes. The connection portion6may be a plurality of connection tubes60, by which the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of the one column of heat exchange tubes are connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of the another column of heat exchange tubes, respectively. The connection portion6may also enable the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of the one column of heat exchange tubes to be connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of the another column of heat exchange tubes, but not being in one-to-one correspondence relationship. The heat exchange tube1of the one column of heat exchange tubes, the connection tubes60, and the heat exchange tube1of the another column of heat exchange tubes, which are connected with each other, may be formed by bending one tube. In the examples shown inFIGS.5and6, the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of two columns of heat exchange tubes of the plurality columns of heat exchange tubes are connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of another two columns of heat exchange tubes of the plurality columns of heat exchange tubes, respectively, one of the two second headers32is connected and fluidly communicated with the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of the two columns of heat exchange tubes, and the other of the two second headers32is connected and fluidly communicated with the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of the another two columns of heat exchange tubes. In further examples, referring toFIGS.1and3, the heat exchanger100further includes: two first headers31and two second headers32, one of the two first headers31and one of the two second headers32being connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends18and the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of at least one column of the heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes, respectively, and the other of the two first headers31and the other of the two second headers32being connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends18and the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of at least another column of the heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes, respectively. In the examples shown inFIGS.1and3, each first header31is connected and fluidly communicated with the first ends18of the heat exchange tubes1of two columns of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes, and each second header32is connected and fluidly communicated with the second ends19of the heat exchange tubes1of two columns of heat exchange tubes of the plurality of columns of heat exchange tubes.

Referring toFIGS.1to6, in the embodiments of the present invention, in use, at least a portion of the heat exchange tube1extends substantially vertically. For example, the heat exchange tube1extends substantially vertically. In addition, at least a portion of the heat exchange tube1may also extend substantially horizontally or obliquely, for example, the heat exchange tube1may extend substantially horizontally or obliquely. Referring toFIGS.1-20, in the embodiments of the present invention, each of at least some fins2is formed by one plate. For example, the fin2is formed by one plate.

In the example shown inFIG.15, the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots have an opening towards the first side S1of the heat exchanger100, and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots have an opening towards the second side S2of the heat exchanger100. The sizes Tw of the heat exchange tubes1in the third direction D3are substantially the same, and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots and the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots are displaced from each other in the first direction D1. The length of the heat exchange tube slot21in the third direction D3is greater than the heat exchange tube size of the row of heat exchange tubes inserted in the heat exchange tube slot21in the third direction D3. Spacing TP1between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots is substantially the same as spacing TP2between the plurality of heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots. A width Sw of the heat exchange tube slot21in the first direction are substantially the same.

In the example shown inFIG.16, the lengths of the heat exchange tube slots21A of the first column of heat exchange tube slots in the third direction D3are greater than the heat exchange tube sizes of the rows of heat exchange tubes inserted in the heat exchange tube slots21A in the third direction D3, and the lengths of the heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots in the third direction D3are substantially equal to the heat exchange tube sizes of the rows of heat exchange tubes inserted in the heat exchange tube slots21B in the third direction D3. In order to improve the heat exchange efficiency, the rows of heat exchange tubes with the larger heat exchange tube sizes or the heat exchange tubes with the higher efficiency (with the higher heat transfer efficiency) may be placed in the heat exchange tube slots21B of the second column of heat exchange tube slots.

In the embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange tube1may be a flat tube or any heat exchange tube having two planes which are substantially parallel to each other.

An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: the above-mentioned heat exchanger100. More specifically, the air conditioning system includes: a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion valve, etc. At least one of the condenser and the evaporator may be the above-mentioned heat exchanger100.

With the heat exchanger and the air conditioning system having the same according to the embodiments of the present invention, for example, the performance of the heat exchanger and the air conditioning system can be improved.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the temperature of the various regions of the heat exchanger in the third direction may be flexibly controlled, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of the condensation water being concentrated on the windward side due to overly efficient heat exchange on the windward side of the heat exchanger, furthermore, the leeward side of the heat exchanger may also be fully utilized, this not only effectively reduces wind resistance (due to the accumulation of the less condensation water), but also balances the heat exchange efficiencies on the windward and leeward sides of the heat exchanger, thereby achieving the overall improvement of the heat exchanger efficiency.

Although the above embodiments are described, some features of the above embodiments and/or some of the above embodiments may be combined to form new embodiments.