A micro-channel heat exchanger is provided. The micro-channel heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins and a plurality of flat tubes, wherein the plurality of fins are arranged in parallel to form multiple rows, and the fins are provided with insertion slots; and the plurality of flat tubes are arranged in parallel to form multiple layers, and the flat tubes are arranged in the insertion slots in a penetrating manner. The micro-channel heat exchanger further comprises a distributor and adapter tubes, wherein the distributor is provided with a plurality of capillary tubes, one end of the adapter tube is connected to and in communication with the capillary tubes, and the other end of the adapter tube is connected to and in communication with the flat tubes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the fields of refrigeration technology, in particular, to a micro-channel heat exchanger.

BACKGROUND

Micro-channel heat exchangers are a kind of compact, lightweight, and efficient heat exchangers designed to meet the needs of industrial development.

The micro-channel heat exchanger of the related art is provided with two collecting pipes at each end of a flat tube. Inlets and outlets of the flat tubes are connected to and in communication with the collecting pipes, so that the collecting pipe should be provided with a plurality of flat tube grooves, resulting in difficulties in processing the collecting pipe.

SUMMARY

In view of embodiments of the present disclosure, a micro-channel heat exchanger is provided.

A micro-channel heat exchanger is provided in the present disclosure. The micro-channel heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins and a plurality of flat tubes. The plurality of fins are arranged in parallel to form a plurality of rows, and each of the plurality of fins is provided with a plurality of insertion slots. The plurality of flat tubes are arranged in parallel to form a plurality of layers, and the plurality of flat tubes penetrate through the plurality of insertion slots. The micro-channel heat exchanger further includes a distributor and an adapter. The distributor is provided with a plurality of capillary tubes. An end of the adapter is connected to and in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of capillary tubes, and the other end of the adapter is connected to and in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of flat tubes.

Details of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

In the figures,100represents a micro-channel heat exchanger;10represents a fin;11represents a insertion slot;12represents a first side;13represents a second side;14represents a first protrusion;15represents a stripe-shaped slot;16represents a second protrusion;17represents a body portion;18represents a flanging structure;181represents a first flanging;182represents a second flanging;183represents a third flanging;20represents a flat tube;21represents a first column of flat tubes;22represents a second column of flat tubes;30represents a distributor;31represents a capillary tube;32represents a distributing head;40represents an adapter;401represents a first tube orifice;402represents a limiting portion;402A represents a first protruding portion;402B represents a second protruding portion;403represents a first inner surface;404represents a second inner surface;405represents a second tube orifice;50represents a bending pipe;51represents a connecting section;511represents a top surface;512represents a first side surface;513represents a bottom surface;514represents a second side surface;52represents a bending section;53represents a transition section;60represents a collecting pipe;70represents a shrinking tube;71represents a first section;72represents a second section;80represents a flared tube; and90represents a welding ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to make the foregoing objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to facilitate a full understanding of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is capable of being implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar improvements without violating the connotations of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

It is noted that when a component is said to be “fixed to” or “disposed on” another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be a centered component. When a component is said to be “connected” to another component, it may be directly attached to the other component or there may be both centered components. The term “vertical” “horizontal”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, and similar expressions used in the specification of the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be exclusive.

Furthermore, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only, and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with “first”, “second” may expressly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present disclosure, “plurality” means at least two, e.g., two, three, etc., unless otherwise expressly and specifically limited.

In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the first feature “on” or “under” the second feature may be a direct contact between the first feature and the second feature, or an indirect contact between the first feature and the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, the first feature being “above”, “on” or “upon” the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is horizontally higher than the second feature. The first feature being “below”, “under” or “underneath” the second feature may be that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is horizontally smaller than the second feature.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the specification of the present disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Terms used in the specification of the present disclosure are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The term “and/or” as used in the specification of the present disclosure includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

Referring toFIG.1andFIG.2, a micro-channel heat exchanger100is provided in the present disclosure. When the micro-channel heat exchanger100is mounted in a refrigeration system, a medium flows in the micro-channel heat exchanger100, and the micro-channel heat exchanger100facilitate heat exchange between the medium and the outside world.

In details, the micro-channel heat exchanger100includes a plurality of fins10and a plurality of flat tubes20. The plurality of fins10are arranged in parallel to form a plurality of rows, and each of the plurality of flat tubes20are arranged in parallel to form a plurality of layers. The plurality of fins10are provided with a plurality of insertion slots11, and the plurality of flat tubes20penetrate through in the plurality of insertion slots11. It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the plurality of rows of fins10indicate that the plurality of fins10are arranged to a plurality of rows along a length direction of the flat tube20, and the plurality of layers of flat tubes20indicate that the plurality of flat tubes20are arranged in parallel to a plurality of layers along a height direction of the micro-channel heat exchanger100. The plurality of columns hereinafter indicate that the plurality of flat tubes20and the plurality of fins10are arranged to a plurality of columns back to front, respectively along a width direction of the micro-channel heat exchanger100.

The micro-channel heat exchanger100further includes a distributor30and an adapter40. The distributor30is provided with a plurality of capillary tubes31. An end of the adapter40is connected to and in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of capillary tubes31, and the other end of the adapter40is connected to and in communication with a corresponding one of the plurality of capillary tubes20. It could be understood that the medium is equally distributed and conveyed into the plurality of flat tubes20. By replacing a collecting pipe in the related art with the distributor30, a processing can be simplified. The processing can be changed by merely choosing suitable number of distributor30and decreasing the number of the capillary tube31. In the related art, the medium is distributed by the collecting pipe. A plurality of flat tube grooves should be disposed on the collecting pipe60, and the processing is complex.

A tube orifice of the flat tube20towards the adapter40matches with a tube orifice of the flat tube20, and an end of the flat tube20penetrates into the adapter40, enhancing welding strength between the flat tube20and the adapter40.

Referring toFIG.3andFIG.7, a width of a tube orifice of the adapter40towards the flat tube20is defined as W5, a width of the tube orifice of the flat tube20is defined as W6, and the width W5of the flat tube20is greater than the width W6of the second section; and, a height of a tube orifice of the adapter40towards the flat tube20is defined as H5, a height of the tube orifice of the flat tube20is defined as H6, and the height H5of a tube orifice of the adapter40towards the flat tube20is greater than the height H6of the tube orifice of the flat tube20. It could be understood that since the flat tube20and the adapter40are made of aluminum and is difficult to be flared, a size of the tube orifice of the adapter40is designed greater than the tube orifice of the flat tube20, which facilitate smooth insertion of an end of the flat tube20into the adapter40. It should be noted that both the width of a tube orifice of the adapter40towards the flat tube20and the height of a tube orifice of the adapter40towards the flat tube20are inner sizes of the tube orifice of the adapter40towards the flat tube20, and do not include the thickness of the adapter40. Similarly, sizes of the tube orifice of the flat tube20do not include a thickness of the flat tube20as well.

The present disclosure further provides an adapter40, which is disposed in the micro-channel heat exchanger100. The adapter40is configured for connection and communication between adjacent two flat tubes20, or the adapter40is configured for connection and communication between the flat tube20and the capillary tube31.

In the micro-channel heat exchanger of the related art, the flat tube and the adapter are connected to each other without a limiting structure. Therefore, not only a welding process is difficult to be operated between the flat tube and the adapter, but also displacement may occur in the welding process between the flat tube and the adapter, making the welding process hard.

In order to solve the problems of the micro-channel heat exchanger in related art, the present disclosure provides the adapter40disposed in the micro-channel heat exchanger100, and the adapter40is configured to connect to and be in communication with the flat tube20. The micro-channel heat exchanger100of the present disclosure includes a plurality of the adapters40. An end of a part of the adapter40is connected to and in communication with a capillary tube31, the other end of the part of the adapter40is connected to and in communication with a flat tube20, and both ends of a part of the adapters40are connected to and in communication with the flat tube20. That is, the tube orifice of the end of the adapter40connected to and in communication with the capillary tube31is round-shaped, and the other tube orifice of the other end of the adapter40is stripe-shaped. The part of the adapters40, in which both end of the adapters are connected to and in communication with flat tubes20, are curved tubes.

The plurality of adapters40includes a first tube orifice401matching with the flat tube20. The first tube orifice401is configured for insertion of the flat tube20, an inner surface of the adapter40is provided with a limiting portion402, and the limiting portion402abuts against one end of the flat tube20and/or a sidewall of the flat tube20and is configured for limiting the flat tube20.

It should be noted that when adjacent two flat tubes20should be connected to and in communication with each other or the flat tube20should be connected to and in communication with the capillary31, each of the plurality of flat tubes20should be inserted into each of the plurality of adapters40correspondingly, and being welded together. Therefore, in order to avoid displacement between the flat tube20and the adapter40in the welding process, the limiting portion402configured for limiting the flat tube20is disposed on the inner surface of the adapter40.

In order to ensure connection stability between the flat tube20and the adapter40before the welding process, along an axis of the flat tube20, a depth of the flat tube20inserting in the adapter40should be limited with the limiting portion402. Along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the flat tube20, the limiting portion402should limit shake of the flat tube20in the adapter40.

Referring toFIG.10andFIG.11, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the limiting portion402includes a first protruding portion402A. The first protruding portion402A is disposed on the inner surface of the adapter40, and extends towards a direction away from the inner surface of the adapter40. The first protruding portion402A is configured to abut against an end of the flat tube20, making an end surface of the flat tube20extending into the adapter40abut against the first protruding portion402A, so as to limit a depth of the flat tube20extending in the adapter40. At the same time, providing the first protruding portion402A can produce a turbulent flow to the refrigerant, making homogeneity of the refrigerant better and improving heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

Referring toFIG.11andFIG.12, a height of the first protruding portion402A extending out of the inner surface of the adapter40should not be unduly large or unduly small, and should be set in a suitable range. The height of the first protruding portion402A protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40is defined as H3, and a height of the flat tube is defined as H1. The adapter40includes a first inner surface403and a second inner surface404opposite to each other. The first protruding portion402A is disposed on the first inner surface403and/or the second inner surface404. A distance between the first inner surface403and the second inner surface404is defined as H2, and a height of the flat tube20is defined as H1. The height H3of the first protruding portion402A protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40, the height H1of the flat tube20and the distance H2between the first inner surface403and the second inner surface404satisfy the following formula: 0.2 mm≤[H3−(H2−H1)]≤3 mm. That is, a value of [H3−(H2−H1)] can be 0.2 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm or any value fall within the range. The height H1of the flat tube20is a height of the outside of the flat tube20, and is not a height of the inner channel of the flat tube20.

It should be noted that if the height H3of the first protruding portion402A protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40is unduly great, the first protruding portion402A obstacles flow of the medium in the adapter40to a certain extent, and even throttle in the adapter40. It should be noted that if the height H3of the first protruding portion402A protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40is unduly small, limiting function may not be realized. Therefore, the height H3of the first protruding portion402A protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40should be set in a suitable range. Thus, not only limitation of the end surface of the flat tube20can be ensured, but also unduly great flow resistance of medium caused by unduly high H3can be avoided.

Along a circumference of the inner surface of the adapter40, the number of the first protruding portion402A can be one, two, three or multiple. Thus, the number of the first protruding portion402A is not limited.

In some embodiments, the first protruding portion402A is semicircle-shaped, square-shaped or trapezoid-shaped, which is not limited herein.

In some embodiments, a position that the first protruding portion402A disposed on the inner surface of the adapter40amount to the maximum depth of the flat tube20inserting in the adapter40. The depth of the flat tube20inserting into the adapter40should be set in a suitable range. A distance between the first protruding portion402A and an end surface of the first tube orifice401, that is, the depth of the flat tube20inserting into the adapter40, is defined as L3, and the distance L3between the first protruding portion402A and an end surface of the first tube orifice401satisfies the following formula: 2 mm≤L3≤10 mm. That is, the distance L3between the first protruding portion402A and the end surface of the first tube orifice401can be 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm or any other value falls within the range, which is not limited herein.

It should be noted that if the depth L3of the flat tube20inserting into the adapter40is unduly great, flow of the medium in the adapter may be resisted to a certain extent. If the depth L3of the flat tube20inserting into the adapter40is unduly small, a contact area between the flat tube20and the adapter40can be reduced, thereby reducing welding strength between the flat tube20and the adapter40. Therefore, the distance L3between the first protruding portion402A and the end surface of the first tube orifice401satisfies the following formula: 2 mm≤L3≤10 mm. Thus, the depth L3of the flat tube20inserting into the adapter40can be in a suitable range. Thus, not only choked flow caused by unduly deep insertion of the flat tube20into the adapter40can be avoided, but also reduction of the welding strength caused by unduly shallow insertion of the flat tube20into the adapter40can be avoided.

Referring toFIG.10andFIG.13, in some embodiments, the limiting portion402includes a second protruding portion402B. The second protruding portion402B is disposed on the inner surface of the adapter40, and extends towards a direction away from the inner surface of the adapter40. The second protruding portion402B is disposed away from the first tube orifice401relative to the first protruding portion402A. A height of the second protruding portion402B protruding out the inner surface of the adapter40is smaller than the height of the first protruding portion402A protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40. The second protruding portion402B is configured for abutting against the outer surface of the flat tube20, and mainly configured for avoiding shaking of the flat tube20relative to the inner surface of the adapter40.

It could be understood that in the present disclosure, the limiting portion402includes a first protruding portion402A and the second protruding portion402B, the first protruding portion402A is configured for abutting against an end of the flat tube20, and the second protruding portion402B is configured for abutting the outer surface of the flat tube20. Therefore, the depth of the flat tube20inserting into the adapter and shaking of the flat tube20in the adapter40are limited, therefore ensuring connection stability between the flat tube20and the adapter40and facilitating the welding process.

Referring toFIG.13andFIG.14, in order to ensure limiting effect of the second protruding portion402B to the flat tube20, the second protruding portion402B should be interference fit with the outer surface of the flat tube20. The height of the second protruding portion402B protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40is defined as H4and the second protruding portion402B is disposed on the first inner surface403and/or the second inner surface404. The height H1of the flat tube20, the height H4of the second protruding portion402B protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40, and the distance H2between the first inner surface403and the second inner surface404conform to the following formula: 0 mm≤[H4−(H2−H1)]≤0.2 mm. That is, [H4−(H2−H1)] can be 0 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, or any value falls within the range.

It should be noted that by making the height H1of the flat tube20, the height H4of the second protruding portion402B protruding out of the inner surface of the adapter40, and the distance H2between the first inner surface403and the second inner surface404conform to the following formula 0 mm≤[H4−(H2−H1)]≤0.2 mm, interference fit between the second protruding portion402B and the flat tube20can be ensured. Therefore, flat tube20can be fixed in the adapter40with the second protruding portion402B, thereby solving the problem of displacement in the welding process of the flat tube20and the adapter40.

Along a circumference of the inner surface of the adapter40, the number of the second protruding portion402B can be one, two, three or multiple. Thus, the number of the second protruding portion402B is not limited.

In some embodiments, the second protruding portion402B can be semicircle-shaped, square-shaped or trapezoid-shaped, which is not limited herein.

It should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the first protruding portion402A or the second protruding portion402B is disposed on the inner surface of the adapter40; optionally, both the first protruding portion402A and the second protruding portion402B are simultaneously disposed on the inner surface of the adapter40.

In order to ensure the welding strength between the flat tube20and the adapter40, a gap is left between the inner surface of the adapter40and the outer surface of the flat tube20, and the gap is configured for pervading of the melt welding flux. A size of the gap should be set in a suitable range. A height H1of the flat tube20and a distance H2between the first inner surface403and the second inner surface404satisfy the following formula: 0.02 mm≤(H2−H1)≤0.4 mm. That is, a value of (H2−H1) can be 0.02 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm or any value falls within the range.

It should be noted that the gap between the inner surface of the adapter40and the outer surface of the flat tube20should not be unduly small, and an unduly small gap may make it hard for the welding flux to flow. The gap between the inner surface of the adapter40and the outer surface of the flat tube20should not be unduly large, and an unduly large gap may make welding between the adapter40and the flat tube20difficult. By making the height H1of the flat tube20and the distance H2between the first inner surface403and the second inner surface404conform to the formula 0.02 mm≤(H2−H1)≤0.4 mm, the outer surface of the flat tube20can be in clearance fit with the inner surface of the adapter40, thereby facilitating flowing of the welding flux.

Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adapter40is provided with a second tube orifice405. The second tube orifice405is located at an end of the adapter40away from the first tube orifice401. The second tube orifice405is round-shaped, and configured for being connected to and in communication with the capillary tube31. Since the capillary tube31is especially thin and has a round-shaped cross-section, and a cross-section of the flat tube20is stripe-shaped, the capillary tube31cannot be directly matched with and connected to the flat tube20, and should be switched via the adapter40. The end of the adapter40adjacent to the capillary tube31is round-shaped matching with the capillary tube31, and the end of the adapter40adjacent to the flat tube20is stripe-shaped matching with the flat tube20.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the plurality of rows of the micro-channel heat exchanger100, the adapter40is a bending pipe, both ends of the adapter40are provided with first tube orifices401, and both ends of the adapter40are configured for being connected to and in communication with the flat tubes20of the adjacent row of flat tubes20. In the micro-channel heat exchanger of the related art, the flat tube is generally curved to form a plurality of rows of flat tubes. Curving the flat tube may damage the flat tube, and a curving radius is relatively great and increases an entire volume of the micro-channel heat exchanger. In addition, in the curving process, the fin may deform and the heat exchange efficiency is affected. Therefore, the adapter40is connected to and in communication with the adjacent flat tube20in the present disclosure, thereby avoiding curving and deformation of the fin10. When both ends of the adapter40are connected to and in communication with the flat tube20, both ends of the adapter40are provided with the first protruding portion402A and the second protruding portion402B.

In the adapter40of the present disclosure, by making the limiting portion402abut against one end of the flat tube20and/or the sidewall of the flat tube20and limiting the flat tube20, connection stability of the flat tube20and the adapter40can be ensured. Therefore, displacement between the flat tube20and the adapter40may not occur in the welding process, and welding property between the flat tube20and the adapter40can be enhanced.

In the micro-channel heat exchanger of the related art, the flat tube is welded to the adapter by manual welding. The manual welding process is hard to control and has a worse performance, and cannot control the welding flux and the welding line well. In addition, the cost of manual welding is high, not conducive to the use of large quantities.

Referring toFIG.16andFIG.17, in order to solve the above problems of the micro-channel heat exchanger in related art, the micro-channel heat exchanger100of the present disclosure further includes a shrinking tube70and a flared tube80. The flared tube80is connected to and in communication with the adapter40, and the shrinking tube70is connected to and in communication with the flat tube20. The flat tube20shrinks to form the shrinking tube70, and the adapter40flares to form the flared tube80. Optionally, the shrinking tube70is connected to and in communication with the adapter40, and the flared tube80is connected to and in communication with the flat tube20, the flat tube20flared to form the flared tube80, and the adapter40shrinks to form the shrinking tube70. The shrinking tube70is sleeved with a welding ring90, and the shrinking tube70penetrates into the flared tube80and is connected to the flared tube80by welding.

It should be noted that in the micro-channel heat exchanger100of the present disclosure, the shrinking tube70is sleeved with a welding ring90, the shrinking tube70penetrates into the flared tube80, and then the shrinking tube70and the flared tube80are subjected to hard-solder in an oven. Therefore, the shrinking tube70is fixed to the flared tube. Compared to manual welding, performing a hard-solder in the oven can make welding consistency of the flat tube20and the adapter40higher. The flat tube20and the adapter40can be subjected to the welding process with other components of the micro-channel exchanger100, reducing the cost, improving the welding efficiency, and improving welding consistency between the flat tube20and the adapter40.

Referring toFIG.18, in the present embodiment, the flat tube20is connected to and in communication with the shrinking tube70, the adapter40is connected to and in communication with the flared tube80, and the shrinking tube70penetrates into the flared tube and is connected to the flared tube80by welding. In some embodiments, the adapter40can be connected to and in communication with the shrinking tube70, and the flat tube20can be connected to and in communication with the flared tube80.

It should be noted that the flat tube20being connected to and in communication with the shrinking tube70can be a flat tube20separated from the shrinking tube70, or can be a shrinking tube70directly formed by shrinking the flat tube20; and that the adapter40being connected to and in communication with the flared tube80can be an adapter40separated from the flared tube80, or can be a flared tube formed by flaring the adapter40. Optionally, that the adapter40being connected to and in communication with the shrinking tube70can be an adapter40separated from the shrinking tube70, or can be a shrinking tube70directly formed by shrinking the adapter40; and that the flat tube20being connected to and in communication with the flared tube80can be a flat tube20separated from the flared tube80, or can be a flared tube formed by flaring the flat tube20.

Furthermore, the shrinking tube70includes a first section71and a second section72connected to each other. An outer size of the first section71gradually decreases along a direction from the first section71to the second section72. The welding ring90is sleeved outside the first section71. A length of the first section71is defined as L1along an axis of the shrinking tube70, and a dimension of a cross section of the welding ring90is defined as D1, and the dimension D1of the cross section of the welding ring90and L1satisfy the following formula: D1≤L1≤1.2D1. That is, the length L1of the first section71can be D1, 1.1D1, 1.2D1or any value falls within the range.

In order to leave enough mounting space for disposing the welding ring90on the first section71, ensure that the welding ring90is sleeved on the first section71better, and make the welding ring90do not slide to other positions and affect the welding process, the length L1of the first section71along the axis of the shrinking tube70is at least equal to the dimension D1of the welding ring90, or can be greater than the dimension D1of the welding ring90to a certain extent. However, the length L1of the first section71along the axis of the shrinking tube70should not be unduly great, and the first section71with an unduly great length L1may cause unnecessary waste. Therefore, the length L1of the first section71is suitable in a range of greater than or equal to D1and smaller than or equal to 1.2D1.

Furthermore, a length of the second section72is defined as L2, and L2satisfies the following formula: 3 mm≤L2≤5 mm. That is, the length of the second section72can be 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or any other value falls within the range, which is not limited herein.

It should be noted that in order to confirm the welding strength between the shrinking tube70and the flared tube80, the second section72should have a certain length, and the length of the second section72should not be unduly long. Unduly long second section72may cause the choked flow to the medium in the shrinking tube70and the flared tube80.

A cross section of the welding ring90is round-shaped. The welding ring90is ellipse-shaped as a whole, and sleeved on an outer surface of the first section71. Thus, the shape of the welding ring90matches with the flat tube20, so that the welding flux can be evenly coated on the outer surface of the shrinking tube along the circumference of the shrinking tube70, thereby ensuring welding quality. A width of the flat tube20is defined as W1, a width of the second section72is defined as W2, a long axis of an inner ring of the welding ring90is defined as D, and the width W1of the flat tube20, the width W2of the second section72and the long axis D of an inner ring of the welding ring90satisfy the following formula: W2≤D≤W1. The width W1of the flat tube20and W2satisfy the following formula: W2<W1, so that the welding ring90can be smoothly sleeved outside the first section71. That is, the long axis D of an inner ring of the welding ring90can be W1, W2or any value falls within the range of W2to W1. The width W1of the flat tube20indicates an outer width of the flat tube20, and the width W2of the second section72indicates an outer width of the second section72. It should be noted that the inner ring of the welding ring90can be ellipse-shaped. An ellipse has a long axis and a short axis. A long axis of the inner ring of the welding ring90is the width of the inner ring of the welding ring90, that is, a maximum size of the inner ring of the welding ring90.

The flat tube20in different micro-channel heat exchanger100can be in different sizes according to different conditions. When the width of the flat tube20is relatively great, a periphery length of the flat tube20is relatively long, and more welding flux is required. Therefore, the dimension D1of the cross section of the welding ring90can proportionally increase along with increasing of the width W1of the flat tube20, so as to ensure the welding strength between the flat tube20and the adapter40. In the present disclosure, the dimension D1of the cross section of the welding ring90can conform to the following formula D1=0.06W1. That is, the dimension D1of the cross section of the welding ring90can be 0.06 times of the width W1of the flat tube20.

Furthermore, an inner width of the shrinking tube70is defined as W3, and an inner width of the adapter40is defined as W4, and the inner width W3of the shrinking tube70and the inner width W4of the adapter40satisfy the following formula: 0.8W4≤W3≤1.2W4. That is, the inner width of the shrinking tube70can be 0.8W4, 0.9W4, W4, 1.1 W4, or any value in the range of 0.8 W4to 1.2 W4. The inner width W3of the shrinking tube70indicates a width of the inner channel of the shrinking tube70, and the inner width of indicates a width W4of the inner channel of the adapter40.

It should be noted that in the process the medium flows between the flat tube20and the adapter40, an sudden increase or a sudden decrease of the dimension of the tube may increase a flow resistance of the medium, thereby causing loss of flow. In order to solve the problem above, the inner dimension of the tube in the process that the medium flows should be kept the same. Therefore, the width W3of the shrinking tube70is limited in a range of 0.8 W4to 1.2W4, reducing medium flow resistance.

Referring toFIG.18andFIG.19, when the welding ring90is sleeved on the outer surface of the first section71, the shrinking tube70extends into the flared tube80. And end of the flared tube80adjacent to the shrinking tube70abuts against the welding ring90. In order to facilitate pervading of the melt welding ring90between the outer surface of the shrinking tube70and the inner surface of the flared tube80, the outer surface of the shrinking tube should be in clearance fit with the inner surface of the flared tube, so that the welding flux of the melt welding ring90could flow sufficiently in the gap.

Specifically, the gap between the outer surface of the shrinking tube70and the inner surface of the flared tube80is defined as H, and H conform to the following formula: 0.1 mm≤H≤0.35 mm. That is, the gap between the outer surface of the shrinking tube70and the inner surface of the flared tube80can be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.35 mm or any value falls within the range, which is not limited herein.

It should be noted that by making the gap H between the outer surface of the shrinking tube70and the inner surface of the flared tube80conforms to the formula 0.1 mm≤H≤0.35 mm, the gap H falls within a suitable range. If the gap H is unduly small, the welding flux cannot flow; and if the gap H is unduly large, the welding strength between the flat tube20and the adapter40is decreased.

The micro-channel heat exchanger100includes a plurality of columns of flat tubes20, and adjacent two columns of flat tubes20are connected and in communication with each other by the adapter. Therefore, the flat tube20is not required to be bended, thereby reducing damage of the flat tube20and avoiding influence of bending on the fin10. The bending radius greatly decreases and a product size is reduced.

The orifice of the flat tube20is flat-shaped, and the capillary tube31and the tube flat20are connected via transition connection.

In some embodiment, a tube orifice of an end of the adapter40is round-shaped, and connected to the capillary tube31by welding, the other end of the adapter40is connected to the flat tube20via the shrinking tube70and the flared tube80by welding. In some embodiments, the adapter40is U-shaped, and both ends of the adapter40are connected to the flat tube20via the shrinking tube70and the flared tube80by welding.

In the micro-channel heat exchanger100of the present disclosure, by sleeving a welding ring90on the shrinking tube70, the shrinking tub70extends into the flared tube80and is connected to the flared tube80by welding. Therefore, the flat tube20can be connected to the adapter40by hard-solder in an oven. Not only the welding efficiency is increased, but also welding consistency between the flat tube20and the adapter40can be improved.

In some embodiments, the micro-channel heat exchanger100includes a plurality of columns of flat tubes20, that is, the plurality of flat tubes20includes at least a first column21of flat tubes and a second column22of flat tubes. The micro-channel heat exchanger100further includes a plurality of bending pipes50. Adjacent two columns of the flat tubes20are connected to and in communication with each other via the plurality of bending pipes50. Optionally, flat tubes20in the same column are connected to and in communication with each other via the bending pipe50. Optionally, flat tubes20in adjacent two columns of flat tubes20are connected to and in communication with each other via the bending pipes50, and the flat tubes20in the same column are connected to and in communication with each other via the bending pipes50, so that the medium divers in different processes. The bending pipe50is separated from the flat tube20, and connected to each other by welding, so as to reduce bending processes of the flat tube20. It could be understood that in the bending process, the fin10may deform. In the present disclosure, the bending process is not required, so that deformation of the fin10caused by bending may be remit.

Referring toFIG.20toFIG.36, in some embodiments, the micro-channel heat exchanger100includes a plurality of flat tubes20, and the plurality of flat tubes20are separately disposed. The number of the insertion slots is multiple. The plurality of insertions slots are disposed at intervals along a direction the fin10extends. A shape of the insertion slot10matches with a shape of the flat tube20, so that the plurality of fins10are capable of inserting on the plurality of flat tubes20via the plurality of insertion slots10. The bending pipe50includes two connecting sections51and a bending section52. The two connecting sections51are disposed at both ends of the bending sections52, respectively. The two connecting sections51and the bending section52are connected to and in communication with each other to define a U-shaped tube structure, and the two connecting sections51are connected to and in communication with two of the plurality of flat tubes20, respectively. A depth of the connecting section51being sleeved on the flat tube20is defined as P, and the depth P of the connecting section being sleeved on the flat tube satisfies the following formula: 2 mm≤P≤20 mm.

In the micro-channel heat exchanger of present embodiment, the plurality of flat tubes20are disposed at intervals along the vertical direction or along a direction defining a small degree (less than 15°) with the vertical direction. In the mounting process, the fin10is inserted on the plurality of flat tubes20, and connected to the flat tube20via the bending pipe50. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins10, and the plurality of fins10are inserted at intervals on the flat tube20along the direction the flat tube20extends. The plurality of fins10have vertical chip-type structures. In this way, in the working process of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger can drain via the plurality of fins10, improving drainage patency. In the present embodiment, two flat tubes20can be connected to and in communication with each other via the bending pipe50, increasing design flexibility of the circuit. By setting the depth of the connecting section51sleeving on the flat tube20in the range, the connection strength between the connecting section51and the flat tube20can be ensured, thereby facilitating the welding process and improving reliability of the entire structure.

In particular, the bending section52in the present embodiment can have a U-shaped bending pipe structure.

In particular, a transition section53is disposed between the connecting section51and the bending section52. Along a direction the bending section52extending towards the connecting section51, a flow area of the transition section gradually decreases. The bending section52has a circular-pipe structure, an outer dimension of the bending section52is defined as D2, and a width of the flat tube20is defined as W. When the outer dimension D2of the bending section52satisfies the formula 5 mm≤D2≤6 mm, the width W of the flat tube20and the depth P of the connecting section being sleeved on the flat tube satisfy the following formulas 0<W≤8 mm, and 2 mm≤P≤5 mm. When the outer dimension D2of the bending section52satisfies the formula 6 mm≤D2<7 mm, the width W of the flat tube20and the depth P of the connecting section51being sleeved on the flat tube20satisfy the following formulas 0<W≤10 mm, and 3 mm≤P≤10 mm. When the outer dimension D2of the bending section52satisfies the formula 7 mm≤D2<8 mm, the width W of the flat tube20and the depth P of the connecting section51being sleeved on the flat tube20satisfy the following formulas 0<W≤12 mm, and 3 mm≤P≤15 mm. When the outer dimension D2of the bending section52satisfies the formula 8 mm≤D2<10 mm, the width W of the flat tube20and the depth P of the connecting section51being sleeved on the flat tube20satisfy the following formulas 0<W≤15 mm, and 3 mm≤P≤20 mm. When the outer dimension D2of the bending section52satisfies the formula 10 mm≤D2<12 mm, the width W of the flat tube20and the depth P of the connecting section51being sleeved on the flat tube20satisfy the following formulas 0<W≤18 mm, and 4 mm≤P≤20 mm. When the outer dimension D2of the bending section52satisfies the formula 12 mm≤D2<15 mm, the width W of the flat tube20and the depth P of the connecting section51being sleeved on the flat tube20satisfy the following formulas 0<W≤21 mm, and 4 mm≤P≤25 mm. When the outer dimension D2of the bending section52satisfies the formula 15 mm≤D2<18 mm, the width W of the flat tube20and the depth P of the connecting section51being sleeved on the flat tube20satisfy the following formulas 0<W≤27 mm, and 5 mm≤P≤25 mm. When the outer dimension D2of the bending section52satisfies the formula 18 mm≤D2<25 mm, the width W of the flat tube20and the depth P of the connecting section51being sleeved on the flat tube20satisfy the following formulas 0<W≤38 mm, and 5 mm≤P≤25 mm.

In the present embodiment, the inner surface of the connecting section50is consisted of a top surface511, a first side surface512, a bottom surface513and a second side surface514in order, both the top surface511and the bottom surface513are planes. Both the first side surface512and the second side surface514are arc-shaped surfaces. The arc-shaped surface can be tangent to the top surface511or the bottom surface513, or the arc-shaped surface can be not tangent to the top surface511and the bottom surface513. The arc-shaped surface can be circular arc-shaped or elliptic arc-shaped. Optionally, both the first side surface512and the second side surface514are planes, an arc-shaped transition surface is defined between top surface511and the first side surface512and between the bottom surface513and the first side surface512, respectively, and an arc-shaped transition surface is defined between top surface511and the second side surface514and between the bottom surface513and the second side surface514, respectively. Optionally, both the first side surface512and the second side surface514are ellipsoid-shaped surfaces. Optionally, both the first side surface512and the second side surface514are bended surfaces. The bended surfaces can be a triangle-headed flat tube20consisted of two connected planes. Optionally, a cross sectional of the inner surface of the connecting section51is a ellipse-shaped surface.

Specifically, each of the two connecting sections51of the bending pipe50has an axisymmetric structure, and symmetry centers of the two connecting sections51define a connecting axis. An angle between the connecting axis and a length of a orifice of the bending pipe50is defined as α, and the angle α between the connecting axis and the length of the orifice of the bending pipe50satisfies the following formula: 0≤α≤90°. With the structure above, the two connecting sections51of the bending pipe50can be parallelly disposed or staggered disposed, so that bending pipes50having different angles α can be connected to and in communication with flat tubes20at different heights and positions. In some embodiments, the angle α between the connecting axis and the length of the orifice of the bending pipe50satisfies the following formula: 200≤α≤90°.

In the present embodiment, a width of the insertion slot11is defined as Gw, a height of the insertion slot11is defined as Gt, and the width Gw of the insertion slot11and the height Gt of the insertion slot11satisfies the following formula: 1.5≤Gw/Gt≤10. With the structure above, stability of insertion can be improved, so that the fin10can be stably connected to the flat tube20.

In some embodiments, the fin10is perpendicular to the flat tube20. In this way, in the mounting process, the fin10can be vertically disposed, thereby facilitating drainage and avoiding influence of heat change effect caused by frosting on the fin10.

The fin10includes a first side12and a second side13. The second side13is adjacent to a windward side of the micro-channel heat exchanger. An end of the insertion slot11penetrates through the second side13. In the mounting process, the flat tube20is disposed from the second side13, which can protect the fin10. Since the fin10is relatively thin, disposing the flat tube20from the second side13can prevent the fin10from deforming.

A chamfer is defined between an inner surface of the slot port of the insertion slot11adjacent to the second side13and the side surface of the second side13, so that the flat tube20can smoothly penetrate in the insertion slot11.

The fin10is provided with a plurality of first protrusions14. The plurality of first protrusions14is configured for improving strength of the fin10and avoiding deformation of the fin10.

Referring toFIG.4, in an embodiment, the number of the first protrusions14is multiple. The plurality of first protrusions14are successively arranged to form a corrugation-shaped structure.

Referring toFIG.5, in another embodiment, the first protrusion14is round-shaped.

Referring toFIG.6, in another embodiment, the first protrusion14is crescent-shaped.

Referring toFIG.7, in another embodiment, the first protrusion14is square-shaped.

In some embodiments, the first protrusion14is corrugation-shaped, which not only plays a role of enhancing strength, but also plays a role of draining away water.

In some embodiments, the first protrusion14can be S-shaped, triangle-shaped, and the like.

Optionally, the corrugation-shaped first protrusion14extends from an end of the fin10to the other end of the fin10, and is cut off at the insertion slot11, so as to increase drainage effect and prevent frosting caused by untimely discharged condensate water, thereby avoiding effect of heat exchange effect.

Referring toFIG.7, the first protrusion14is provided with a stripe-shaped slot15, and the stripe-shaped slot15penetrates through two side surfaces of the fin10and defines an air passage, so that wind can blows from a current fin10to an adjacent fin10through the stripe-shaped slot15and enhance turbulent flow, so as to improve heat exchange effect.

In some embodiment, the stripe-shaped slot15is provided at both sides of the first protrusion14, so that the wind can blow in or out from the stripe-shaped slot15on the side surface of the first protrusion14.

Referring toFIG.8andFIG.9, the fin10is vertically disposed. The fin10is vertically disposed. A side surface of the fin10adjacent to the second side13includes a plurality of second protrusions16. The plurality of second protrusions16are disposed in sequence along a width direction of the fin10and form a corrugation-shaped structure, both ends of the corrugation structure extend along a length direction of the fin10to both ends of the fin10. The micro-channel heat exchanger100of the present embodiment is applied as an evaporator. The second side13is adjacent to the windward side of the micro-channel heat exchanger100, and condensation is more likely to form on the fin10adjacent to the second side13. The second protrusion16is disposed adjacent to the windward side of the fin, thereby remitting the problem of frosting and avoiding influence on the fin10caused by frosting. It should be noted that the corrugation-shaped structure of the second protrusion16in the present disclosure indicates that the second protrusion16is stripe-shaped, the plurality of second protrusions16form a waved corrugation-shaped structure along the width direction of the fin10, and a drainage groove is defined between adjacent two second protrusions16. A cross section of the second protrusion16is triangle-shaped, polygon-shaped, and the like.

A length of the insertion slot11is smaller than a width of the fin10, so that the fin10has sufficient space for disposing the second protrusion16, and the second protrusion16is not obstructed by the flat tube20and affects drainage.

In some embodiments, a minimum distance between the fin10and the connecting section51(that is, a distance between the end of the fin10adjacent to the connecting section51and the connecting section51and the connecting section51) is defined as C, and C satisfies the following formula: 0≤C≤80 mm. The structure above can facilitate heat exchange and improving heat exchange efficiency.

In some embodiments, the fin10includes a body portion17and a flanging structure18. The flanging structure18is connected to the body portion17. The insertion slot11, the first protrusion14and the second protrusion16are disposed on the body portion17. The flanging structure18is disposed at the insertion slot11. The flanging structure18protrudes out of the body portion17, and the flanging structure18is configured for matching with the flat tube20. At least a part of the flanging structure18abuts against a side surface of the flat tube20, which can increase a welding area between the fin10and the flat tube20and improve the welding strength, thereby facilitate ensuring the connection stability. With the structure described above, the insertion stability can be further improved.

The flanging structure18includes a first flanging181, and the first flanging181is disposed along a peripheral circumference of the insertion slot11. The first flanging181extends along the length direction of the flat tube20, and the first flanging181abuts against the side surface of the flat tube20, so that the first flanging181surrounds to a shape matching with the flat tube20. The first flanging181can increase the welding area between the fin10and the flat tube20, and improve the welding strength. With the structure above, the contact area between the fin10and the flat tube20is increased, and the insertion positioning stability of the flat tube20is improved.

Specifically, a height of the first flanging181is defined as H7, and the height H7of the flat tube20satisfies the following formula: 0<H7≤1 mm. With the structure above, the insertion stability can be further improved. Specifically, the height of the first flanging181is a height of the first flanging181protruding out of the body portion.

The flanging structure18further includes a second flanging182. The second flanging182is connected to the first flanging181, and extends towards a length direction of the flat tube20. A plane defined by the second flanging182coincides with a plane defined by the first flanging181. The flanging structure can include one second flanging182, or a plurality of second flangings182. The plurality of second flangings182can be surround the insertion slot11at intervals, which can further improve the welding strength between the flat tube20and the fin10. The plurality of second flangings182are disposed on the first flanging181at intervals along the peripheral circumference of the insertion slot11, and a plane defined by the plurality of second flangings182coincides with a plane defined by the first flanging181. With the structure above, the insertion stability is further improved. Since the plurality of second flangings182are disposed at intervals, a gap defined between adjacent two second flangings182can facilitate disassembling the fin10.

Specifically, a height of the second flanging182is defined as H8, and a height of the insertion slot11is defined as Gt, and the height H8of the second flanging182and the height Gt of the insertion slot11satisfy the following formula: 0.25<H8/Gt<1. With the structure above, not only insertion stability is ensured, but also disassembly is facilitated. Specifically, the height of the second flanging182indicates that the height of the second flanging182protruding out of the first flanging181.

Specifically, the width of the second flanging182is in a range of 1 mm to 6 mm.

The flanging structure further includes a third flanging183, the third flanging183is connected to the second flanging182. The third flanging182is perpendicular to the second flanging182. The plurality of third flangings183are disposed corresponding to the plurality of second flangings182, and each of the plurality of third flanging183is disposed at a side of a second flanging182away from the first flanging181, so as to give way to the insertion slot11. The third flanging183abuts against the adjacent flat tube20, playing the role of limiting. In some embodiments, the flanging structure18includes a plurality of third flangings183, a preset angle is defined between the second flanging182and the third flanging183, so that the plurality of third flangings183are capable of giving way to the plurality of insertion slots11.

In some embodiments, the micro-channel heat exchanger100includes a plurality of columns of fins10. Fins10in a column of fins10adjacent to the windward side of the micro-channel heat exchanger100correspondingly abut against fins of the column of fins10beside the column of the fins adjacent to the windward side of the micro-channel heat exchanger100, forming a plurality of columns of fins10. Each column of the fins10includes a plurality of rows of fins disposed at intervals. Fins which are disposed in different columns of the fins but the same row of fins are separately disposed, which can facilitate insertion of the flat tube20. The fins10which are disposed in different columns of fins10but the same row of fins have the same orientation, so that the second protrusions16of the fins10are adjacent to the windward side of the micro-channel heat exchanger100and facilitate drainage.

Referring toFIG.7andFIG.9, the insertion slots11in the same row of different columns of fins10are interlaced disposed, so that the insertion slots11in a front column of fins10correspond to the fins10in a back column of fins10. The medium in the flat tube20can exchange the heat not only via the fins10at both sides of the insertion slot11, but also via the fins10at the back of the flat tube20. Thus, the fins10are fully used to improve the heat exchange effect.

In some embodiments, centers of the insertions slots11define equilateral triangles, and the insertions slots11locate on fins10which are disposed in different columns of fins10but the same row of fins10. For example, one of the insertion slots11, which locates on the first row of first column of fins10, is right in the middle of adjacent two insertion slots11located on the first row of the second column of fins10. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that both sides of the back of the front row of flat tubes20are able to utilize the fins10to enhance heat exchange, further enhancing the heat exchange effect.

In the present embodiment, the number of columns of the flat tube20is two, and the number of columns of fins10is also two. The bending pipe50is disposed at an end of the flat tube20away from the distributor30, and the micro-channel heat exchanger100is U-shaped. In some embodiments, the number of columns of the flat tube20can be three, four, or over four. Both ends of the flat tube20are provided with the bending pipe50. The micro-channel heat exchanger100can be L-shaped, V-shaped, and the like.

In some embodiments, the number of the columns of the fins10is multiple. Each column of the plurality of columns of fins10includes a plurality of columns of insertion slots11disposed at intervals. Along a height direction of the micro-channel heat exchanger100, the insertion slots11located on the same column of fins are interlaced disposed.

It should be noted that by providing the interlaced disposed insertion slots11on the fins10, the flat tubes20inserted in the insertion slots11are interlaced disposed. Thus, heat exchange area of the flat tube20is improved, thereby improve heat exchange amount of the micro-channel heat exchanger100.

In some embodiments, referring toFIG.16, the micro-channel heat exchanger100further includes a collecting pipe60. The collecting pipe60is connected to an outlet of the flat tube20, and configured for collecting the medium. An end of the capillary tube31is connected to and in communication with the distributor30, and the other end of the capillary tube31is connected to and in communication with the flat tube20. The outlet of the flat tube20is connected to and in communication with the collecting pipe60, and the refrigerant is distributed via the distributor30. The collecting pipe60is replaced, and the process is simplified.

In some embodiments, the number of the flat tubes20is multiple. The flat tubes20in the last column of flat tubes20are connected to and in communication with the collecting pipe60. In the present embodiment, the second column of flat tubes22are connected to and in communication with the collecting pipe60. The medium enters from the first column of flat tubes21, turns and flows into the second column of flat tubes22via the bending pipe50, and flows into the collecting pipe60. In some embodiments, the micro-channel heat exchanger includes three columns of flat tubes20, and the collecting pipe60is connected to and in communication with the third column of flat tubes. In this way, multipath of the medium is achieved by the bending pipe50, and the collecting pipe60is merely used for collect the medium in the end and do not requires to turn the medium. Thus, the collecting pipe60does not require an isolation plate, and the process of producing the collecting pipe60is simplified.

In some embodiments, the micro-channel heat exchanger100includes one column of flat tubes20, and one column of fins10. An end of the flat tube20is connected to and in communication with the distributor30via the adapter40, and the other end of the flat tube20is connected to and in communication with the collecting pipe60. In the working process, the medium enters from the distributor30, and is evenly distributed to each of the flat tubes20via the capillary tube31. The medium exchanges heat with the outside world via the fin10, and flows out centrally from the collecting pipe60after heat exchange.

When the micro-channel heat exchanger100includes one column of flat tubes20, the plurality of flat tubes20is one column of flat tubes20, an end of each of the plurality of flat tubes20is connected to and in communication with the adapter40, the other end of each of the plurality of flat tubes20is connected to and in communication with the collecting pipe60. When the micro-channel heat exchanger100includes a plurality of columns of flat tubes20, an end of each flat tube20in the first column of flat tubes20are connected to and in communication with the distributor30via the adapter40and the capillary tube31, the other end of which are connected to the adapter40, and outlets of the last column of the flat tubes20are connected to and in communication with the collecting pipe60.

In the micro-channel heat exchanger100, the end of the flat tube20is connected to and in communication with the distributor30via the capillary tube31and the adapter40, which can replace the collecting pipe60.

In some embodiments, both the distributor30and the collecting pipe60are disposed at an end of the flat tube20away from the bending pipe50, so as to improve compactness of structural configuration of the heat exchanger. The distributor30includes a distributing heat32and a plurality of capillary tubes31being connected to and in communication with the distributing head32. The distributing head32includes a plurality of distributing holes, and the plurality of distributing holes are correspondingly disposed to the plurality of capillary tubes31, so that the fluid flowing through each of the distributing holes flows into the corresponding flat tube20via corresponding capillary tubes31for heat exchange.

The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features are described in the embodiments. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, the combinations should be considered as in the scope of the present disclosure.

The above-described embodiments are only several implementations of the present disclosure, and the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, and all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the patent protection of the present disclosure shall be defined by the appended claims.