Heat exchanger for LPI vehicle

Abstract

A heat exchanger (100) for an LPI (liquefied petroleum gas injection) vehicle, adapted to cool a high-temperature LPG (liquefied petroleum gas or autogas) fuel that is recirculated from an engine (3) in the LPI vehicle which uses the LPG fuel, wherein the heat exchanger (100) has: a pipe unit (110, 220) which is mounted on a refrigerant line (7) which connects a compressor (10) to an evaporator (40) of an air conditioning system, and is adapted to allow a refrigerant and the high-temperature LPG fuel which is returned from the engine (3) to flow, wherein the refrigerant flows in a central section of the pipe unit (110, 220) and the high-temperature LPG fuel flows in an outer section which is outside the central section of the pipe unit (110, 220), so that the high-temperature LPG fuel can exchange heat with the refrigerant; a first connecting element (120) which is mounted at one end of the pipe unit (110, 220) to connect the pipe unit (110, 220) to the refrigerant line (7), where the refrigerant line (7) is connected to the compressor (10); and a second connecting element (130) which is mounted at the other end of the pipe unit (110, 220) to connect the pipe unit (110, 220) to the refrigerant line (7) where the refrigerant line (7) is connected to the evaporator (40), wherein the pipe unit (110, 220) has: a refrigerant pipe (111, 211) which provides a refrigerant channel (112) in which the low-temperature-and-low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows, which is supplied from the evaporator (40) through the refrigerant line (7), wherein the refrigerant pipe (111, 211) is arranged on the central section of the pipe unit (110, 220); and a fuel pipe (113, 213) which provides a fuel channel (114) formed between the refrigerant pipe (111, 211) and the fuel pipe (113, 213) and in which the LPG fuel flows, wherein the fuel pipe (113, 213) surrounds the refrigerant pipe (111, 211), characterized by the fact that the first connecting element (120) has an inlet opening (126) into which the LPG fuel flows; the second connecting element (130) has an outlet opening (136) from which the LPG fuel flowing through the pipe unit (110, 220) flows out; The pipe unit (110, 220) further comprises a bypass pipe (115, 215) which provides a bypass channel (116) for diverting the LPG fuel, wherein the bypass pipe (115, 215) surrounds the fuel pipe (113, 213) and the bypass channel (116) is formed between the fuel pipe (113, 213) and the bypass pipe (115, 215).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of ​​the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger for an LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injection) vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle that is mounted on a refrigerant line from an air conditioning system and is adapted for heat exchange between LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) fuel and refrigerant circulating through the air conditioning system. Description of related technology

[0002] Typically, an LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injection) engine is equipped with a fuel pump mounted in a reservoir (or pressure vessel, LPG tank, or "LPG bomb"), unlike the mechanical injection / fuel injection method where the fuel is delivered based on the reservoir's pressure. The LPG fuel is pressurized (5 to 15 bar) by the fuel pump and liquefied. The liquefied fuel is then injected into a cylinder using an injector or injection device to power the engine.

[0003] Since the LPI engine is adapted to inject liquid fuel, components such as a vaporizer and a mixer are not necessary. Instead, a high-pressure injector, a fuel pump mounted in the tank, a fuel supply line, an electrical control unit (ECU) for the LPI engine, and a control unit for regulating the fuel pressure are additionally required.

[0004] The LPI engine's electronic control unit receives input signals from various sensors to determine the engine's condition and controls the fuel pump, injector, and ignition coil to achieve an optimal air / fuel ratio and improve engine performance.

[0005] In addition, the electronic control unit controls the fuel pump according to a fuel quantity required by the engine to supply the liquid fuel to the engine, and the LPI injector injects the fuel sequentially into the cylinders to achieve the optimal air / fuel ratio.

[0006] Since high-temperature fuel recirculated from the engine is returned to the tank, as is the case with a vehicle equipped with a conventional LPI system, the temperature of the LPG fuel in the tank rises, and consequently, so does the internal pressure of the tank. In particular, if the internal pressure of the tank is higher than the boost pressure or filling pressure of an LPG station, no LPG fuel can be filled into the tank.

[0007] Since an additional fuel cooling device should be fitted to a return line to reduce the temperature of the fuel returned from the engine, manufacturing and installation costs may increase, and it may be difficult to install the LPI engine in a small engine compartment.

[0008] A heat exchanger according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 10 2007 007 229 A1. A cooler with an inner and an outer tube, comprising a connection cap with an opening connected to the outer tube and an opening connected to the inner tube, is known from DE 36 05 244 A1. Tubes arranged one inside the other and connected by fins are known from US 813 918 A. A cooler with tubes arranged one inside the other, in which fluids / gases flow in opposite directions, is known from US 2003 / 0 196 781 A1.

[0009] The information disclosed in this background section is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an endorsement or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes the prior art already known to those skilled in the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle which has the advantages of supplying LPG fuel into a container (or pressure vessel or LPG tank or “LPG bomb”) after its temperature has been reduced, as well as the advantages of avoiding an increase in the internal pressure of the container by mounting the heat exchanger on a refrigerant line from an air conditioning system and causing a heat exchange between the LPG fuel which is returned to the container and a refrigerant which circulates through the air conditioning system.

[0011] This problem is solved by a heat exchanger for an LPI (liquefied petroleum gas injection) vehicle according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] According to the present application, a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle is adapted to cool high-temperature LPG fuel which is recirculated from an engine in the LPI vehicle which uses the LPG fuel.

[0013] The heat exchanger comprises a pipe assembly, a first connecting element, and a second connecting element. The pipe assembly is mounted on a refrigerant line connecting a compressor to an evaporator of an air conditioning system and is designed to allow the flow of a refrigerant and the high-temperature LPG fuel recirculated from the engine. The refrigerant flows essentially in a central section of the pipe assembly, while the high-temperature LPG fuel flows essentially in an outer section located outside the central section, enabling the high-temperature LPG fuel to exchange heat with the refrigerant.The first connecting element is mounted at one end of the pipe assembly to connect the pipe assembly to the refrigerant line, where the refrigerant line connects to the compressor. This first connecting element has an inlet opening or channel into which the LPG fuel flows. The second connecting element is mounted at the other end of the pipe assembly to connect the pipe assembly to the refrigerant line, where the refrigerant line connects to the evaporator. This second connecting element has an outlet opening or channel from which the LPG fuel, which passes through the pipe assembly, is discharged.

[0014] The pipe assembly comprises a refrigerant pipe providing a refrigerant channel through which the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows, supplied from the evaporator through the refrigerant line, the refrigerant pipe being substantially located at the central section of the pipe assembly; a fuel pipe providing a fuel channel formed between the refrigerant pipe and the fuel pipe through which the LPG fuel flows, the fuel pipe surrounding the refrigerant pipe; and a bypass pipe providing a bypass channel for diverting the LPG fuel, the bypass pipe surrounding the fuel pipe and the bypass channel being formed between the fuel pipe and the bypass pipe.

[0015] The pipe unit can further comprise at least one partition formed in a longitudinal direction between the refrigerant pipe and the bypass pipe, wherein the at least one partition fixes the fuel pipe and the bypass pipe to the refrigerant pipe and divides the fuel channel and the bypass channel into a plurality of sections or subsections.

[0016] The first connecting element may comprise: a first inner tube, one end of which is connected to the refrigerant line and the other end of which is connected to an end of the refrigerant tube; and a first outer tube, on the outer circumference of which the inlet opening is formed, one end of which is integrally formed with one end of the first inner tube and the other end of which surrounds an outer circumference of an end of the bypass tube and is mounted thereon.

[0017] The second connecting element may comprise: a second inner tube, one end of which is connected to the refrigerant line and the other end of which is connected to the other end of the refrigerant tube; and a second outer tube, on the outer circumference of which the outlet opening is formed, one end of which is integrally formed with one end of the second inner tube and the other end of which surrounds an outer circumference of the other end of the bypass tube and is mounted on it.

[0018] The LPG fuel and the refrigerant can flow in opposite directions.

[0019] Various aspects of the present invention provide a partition wall comprising a first partition wall which connects the refrigerant pipe to the fuel pipe, and a second partition wall which connects the fuel pipe to the bypass pipe.

[0020] The first partition and the second partition can be arranged on the same axis with respect to the center point of the refrigerant pipe.

[0021] The refrigerant pipe, the fuel pipe and the bypass pipe can be integrally formed by extrusion.

[0022] The refrigerant pipe and the fuel pipe can be integrally formed by extrusion and then inserted into the bypass pipe.

[0023] The partition may have: a first partition which connects the refrigerant pipe to the fuel pipe; and a second partition which projects / protrudes radially outwards from the fuel pipe.

[0024] An insertion groove corresponding to the second partition can be formed on an inner circumference of the bypass pipe, and the second partition can be inserted into the insertion groove.

[0025] The device of the present application has other features and advantages, which are evident from or detailed in the attached drawing, which is included herein, and in the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioning system serving as an example, to which a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to the present invention is applied. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary connecting element applied to a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to the present application. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of an exemplary heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to the present application. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of an example pipe unit applied to a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following section refers in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the attached drawing and described below. While the invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it should be clear that the present description is not intended to limit the invention to these exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments but also various alternatives, modifications,

[0027] Equivalents and other embodiments which may be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioning system to which a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle is applied according to various embodiments of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present application; Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connecting element applied to a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0029] With reference to the drawing, a heat exchanger 100 for an LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present application is mounted and adapted on a refrigerant line 7 of an air conditioning system to cause the refrigerant circulating through the air conditioning system and an LPG fuel that is returned to a container 5 to exchange heat with each other, so that the LPG fuel flows into the container (or LPG tank or pressure vessel or “LPG bomb”) after its temperature has been reduced. Therefore, the heat exchanger 100 is adapted to prevent an increase in the internal pressure of the container.

[0030] As in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the heat exchanger 100 for the LPI vehicle (or LPI vehicle heat exchanger) according to various embodiments of the present invention is used for the air conditioning system, which has a compressor 10 for compressing the refrigerant, a condenser 20 for receiving the compressed refrigerant from the compressor 10 and condensing the refrigerant, an expansion valve 30 for expanding the liquid refrigerant which has been condensed by means of the condenser 20, and an evaporator 40 for evaporating the refrigerant which has been expanded by means of the expansion valve 30 by heat exchange with air.

[0031] Here, the heat exchanger 100 is mounted on the refrigerant line 7, which connects the compressor 10 to the evaporator 40, and is adapted to cool the high-temperature LPG fuel, which is recirculated from the engine 3 in the LPI vehicle which uses the LPG fuel, by heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0032] For this purpose, the heat exchanger 100 for an LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present application, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a pipe unit 110 as well as a first and a second connecting element 120 and 130 respectively.

[0033] The pipe unit 110 is mounted on the refrigerant line 7, which connects the compressor 10 to the evaporator 40, and has a triple pipe structure.

[0034] The refrigerant flows substantially in a central or middle section from the pipe unit 110, the high-temperature LPG fuel, which is recirculated from the engine 3, flows substantially in a section outside the refrigerant and exchanges heat with the refrigerant, in a state in which the fuel is not mixed with the refrigerant, and the LPG fuel is diverted or rerouted outside of the high-temperature LPG fuel.

[0035] Here, the pipe unit 110, as in Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows a refrigerant pipe 111, a fuel pipe 113, a bypass pipe 115 and a partition 117, and each component or element is described in detail.

[0036] The refrigerant tube 111 is provided with a refrigerant channel 112, which is formed therein, so that the low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is supplied through the refrigerant line 7 from the evaporator 40, flows in the refrigerant channel 12, and is substantially arranged on the central section of the tube unit 110.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the fuel pipe 113 surrounds the refrigerant pipe 111, and a fuel channel 114 for the flow of the LPG fuel therein is formed between an inner circumference of the fuel pipe 113 and an outer circumference of the refrigerant pipe 111.

[0038] Furthermore, the bypass pipe 115 is arranged outside the fuel pipe 113, and a bypass channel 116, into / to which the LPG fuel branches off or is diverted, is formed between an inner circumference of the bypass pipe 115 and an outer circumference of the fuel pipe 113.

[0039] In this case, since part of the LPG fuel supplied to the pipe unit 110 flows in the bypass channel 116, a temperature increase of the refrigerant due to heat from an engine compartment is avoided when the LPG fuel flowing through the fuel channel 112 exchanges heat with the refrigerant.

[0040] According to various embodiments, a partition 117 is arranged between the refrigerant pipe 111 and the bypass pipe 115, and the partition is adapted to fix the fuel pipe 113 and the bypass pipe 115 to the refrigerant pipe 111. At least one partition 117 is formed in a longitudinal direction by the pipe unit 110 to divide the fuel channel 114 and the bypass channel 116 into a plurality of sections.

[0041] In this arrangement, the majority of partitions 117 are separated from each other in a circumferential direction or are formed with a gap between them. Each partition 117 has a first partition 118, which connects the refrigerant pipe 111 to the fuel pipe 113, and a second partition 119, which connects the fuel pipe 113 to the bypass pipe 115. The first partition 118 and the second partition 119 can be arranged on the same axis with respect to the refrigerant pipe 111.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the angle between adjacent first partitions 118 or adjacent second partitions 119 can be 45°, and eight first and second partitions 118 and 119, respectively, can be formed along the circumferential direction of the refrigerant tube 111. The first and second partitions 118 and 119, respectively, divide the fuel channel 114 and the bypass channel 116, respectively, into a plurality of sections.

[0043] Here, the fuel channel 114 and the bypass channel 116, which are subdivided by the first and second partition walls 118 and 119 respectively, have different cross-sectional areas due to the different diameters of the pipes 111, 113 and 115. Therefore, an LPG flow entering the pipe unit 110 is distributed without an additional valve.

[0044] This means that when the LPG fuel, which is recirculated from the engine 3, flows into the fuel channel 114 and the bypass channel 116, which are divided by the first and second partition walls 118 and 119 respectively in the pipe unit 110, part of the LPG fuel flows into the fuel channel 114 and the other part of the LPG fuel flows into the bypass channel 116, which has the largest cross-sectional area, due to the difference between the cross-sectional areas of the fuel channel 114 and the bypass channel 116.

[0045] Therefore, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing through refrigerant channel 112 and the LPG fuel flowing through fuel channel 114 exchange heat with each other. At this time, the LPG fuel flowing through bypass channel 116 acts as a heat shield, preventing the refrigerant from exchanging heat with the engine compartment.

[0046] Furthermore, when the LPG fuel, whose temperature is reduced by the refrigerant as it passes through fuel channel 114, is dispensed from / out of pipe unit 110, the LPG fuel flowing through fuel channel 114 mixes with the LPG fuel flowing through bypass channel 116. This prevents the LPG fuel from becoming too cold.

[0047] The refrigerant pipe 111, the fuel pipe 113, and the bypass pipe 115 can be formed integrally and / or monolithically by extrusion. The partition 117 can likewise be formed integrally and / or monolithically by extrusion.

[0048] Furthermore, eight first and second partition walls 118 and 119, respectively, are given as examples in this description, but the invention is not limited to these. The number and positions of the first partition wall 118 and the second partition wall 119 can be varied.

[0049] Furthermore, this description states by way of example that the first and second partition walls 118 and 119, respectively, are formed on the same axis; however, the invention is not limited to this. The first and second partition walls 118 and 119, respectively, cannot be formed on the same axis, i.e., they can be formed on different axes.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the first connecting element 120 is mounted at one end of the pipe unit 110 and connects the pipe unit 110 to the refrigerant line 7, where the refrigerant line 7 is connected to the compressor 10. An inlet channel or inlet opening 126 is formed on one side of the first connecting element 120, and the LPG fuel flows into the inlet opening 126.

[0051] Furthermore, the second connecting element 130 is mounted at the other end of the pipe unit 110 and connects the pipe unit 110 to the refrigerant line 7, where the refrigerant line 7 is connected to the evaporator 40. An outlet channel or outlet opening 136 is formed on one side of the second connecting element 130, and the LPG fuel passing through the pipe unit 110 is discharged from the outlet channel 136.

[0052] Here, the first connecting element has 120, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows a first inner tube 122 and a first outer tube 124. One end of the first inner tube 122 is connected to the refrigerant line 7, and the other end of the first inner tube 122 is connected to one end of the refrigerant tube 111.

[0053] Furthermore, the inlet channel 126 is formed on an outer circumference of the first outer pipe 124, one end of the first outer pipe 124 is integrally and / or monolithically formed with one end (e.g., one end) of the first inner pipe 122, and the other end of the first outer pipe 124 surrounds and is mounted on an outer circumference of one end of the bypass pipe 115. The diameter of the other end of the first outer pipe is larger than that of the first inner pipe 122.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the second connecting element 130 has a second inner tube 132 and a second outer tube 134. One end of the second inner tube 132 is connected to the refrigerant line 7, and the other end of the second inner tube 132 is connected to the other end of the refrigerant tube 111.

[0055] Furthermore, the outlet opening 136 is formed on an outer circumference of the second outer tube 134, one end of the second outer tube 134 is integrally and / or monolithically formed with one end of the second inner tube 132, and the other end of the second outer tube 134 surrounds and is mounted on an outer circumference of the other end of the bypass tube 115. The diameter of the other end of the second outer tube is larger than that of the second inner tube 132.

[0056] The first connecting element 120 is adapted to allow the LPG fuel, which is returned from the engine 3, to flow or be introduced through the inlet opening 126 into the fuel channel 114 and the bypass channel 116.

[0057] Furthermore, the second connecting element 130 is adapted to mix the LPG fuel, which has been cooled during its passage through the fuel channel 114 of the pipe unit 110, with the LPG fuel flowing through the bypass channel 116, in a space formed between the second inner pipe 132 and the second outer pipe 134. The second connecting element 130 is also adapted to discharge the mixed LPG fuel through the outlet opening 136 to the container 5.

[0058] The following describes in detail the operation and function of the heat exchanger 100 for an LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present application.

[0060] With reference to the drawing, the heat exchanger 100 for an LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present invention allows the LPG fuel returning from the engine 3 to flow through the inlet opening 126 into the first connecting element 120. The LPG fuel is then divided between the fuel channel 114 and the bypass channel 116, which are subdivided by the first and second partition walls 118 and 119, respectively. Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the fuel channel 114 is smaller than that of the bypass channel 116, only a portion of the LPG fuel flows into the fuel channel 114, and the remainder flows into the bypass channel 116.

[0061] The refrigerant is supplied from the evaporator 40 through the refrigerant line 7. The refrigerant flows in the refrigerant channel 112 in a direction opposite to that of the fuel. In this process, the LPG fuel flowing through the fuel channel 114 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0062] Furthermore, the LPG fuel flowing through bypass channel 116 prevents heat from being transferred from the engine compartment to the refrigerant. Therefore, the LPG fuel flowing through bypass channel 116 prevents the refrigerant temperature from rising and exchanges heat with the LPG fuel passing through fuel channel 114.

[0063] Therefore, the LPG fuel, which has been cooled by heat exchange, flows into a space between the second inner tube 132 and the second outer tube 134 of the second connecting element 130 and is mixed with the LPG fuel that passes through the bypass channel 116. This gives the LPG fuel a desirable temperature. The LPG fuel is then discharged through the outlet opening 136 to the container 5.

[0064] Therefore, the LPG fuel is mixed with the bypass LPG fuel to achieve the desired temperature after the high-temperature LPG fuel, which was recirculated from engine 3, has been cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant. The heat exchanger 100 then supplies the LPG fuel to the tank 5. This prevents an increase in the internal pressure in the tank 5 due to an inflow of high-temperature LPG fuel.

[0065] Therefore, the heat exchanger 100 for the LPI vehicle, according to various embodiments of the present application, is adapted to allow the LPG fuel to flow into the tank 5 after the temperature of the LPG fuel has been reduced by heat exchange between the refrigerant circulating through the air conditioning system and the LPG fuel being returned to the tank 5. This prevents an increase in the internal pressure in the tank 5, ensures a smooth fuel supply, and improves market readiness and marketability.

[0066] Furthermore, the refrigerant channel 112, the fuel channel 114, and the bypass channel 116 are arranged sequentially (particularly in this order) from an inside to an outside of the pipe unit 110. The refrigerant flows into the refrigerant channel 112, and the fuel flows into the fuel channel 114 and the bypass channel 116, according to various embodiments of the present application. The refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant line 7, which is located in the engine compartment, is protected from directly exchanging heat with the engine compartment, and therefore heat loss can be reduced and a deterioration in the performance of the air conditioning system minimized.

[0067] Furthermore, after the portion of the fuel passing through pipe unit 110 has exchanged heat with the refrigerant, and the remaining portion of the fuel has not, the two fuels are mixed and delivered to container 5. Therefore, the LPG fuel can be cooled to the desired temperature.

[0068] Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective exploded view of a pipe assembly applied to a heat exchanger for an LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present application. Referring to the drawing, a heat exchanger 100 for the LPI vehicle according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises the pipe assembly 220.

[0069] This means that the refrigerant tube 211 and the fuel tube 213 can be formed integrally and / or monolithically by extrusion according to various embodiments of the present application. The refrigerant tube 211 and the fuel tube 213 are inserted into the bypass tube 215, which is formed separately.

[0070] In this case, the partition 217 has the first partition 218, which connects the refrigerant pipe 211 with the fuel pipe 113, and the second partition 219, which projects radially outwards from an outer circumference of the fuel pipe 213.

[0071] Furthermore, an insertion groove 221, corresponding to the second partition 213, is formed on the inner circumference of the bypass pipe 215. The second partition 219 is adapted to be inserted into the insertion groove 221.

[0072] This means that the refrigerant pipe 211, the fuel pipe 213, and the first and second partitions 218 and 219, respectively, are integrally and / or monolithically formed by extrusion, and the second partition 219 is inserted into the insertion groove 221, which is formed on the bypass line 215. Therefore, the refrigerant pipe 211 and the fuel pipe 213 are assembled with the bypass pipe 215.

[0073] For easier description and precise definition in the attached claims, the terms inside or outside etc. are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to their position as shown in the figures.

[0074] The preceding description of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact forms disclosed, and of course, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments have been selected and described to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to produce and use various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims attached herein and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] A heat exchanger (100) for an LPI (liquefied petroleum gas injection) vehicle, adapted to cool a high-temperature LPG (liquefied petroleum gas or autogas) fuel that is recirculated from an engine (3) in the LPI vehicle which uses the LPG fuel, wherein the heat exchanger (100) has: a pipe unit (110, 220) which is mounted on a refrigerant line (7) which connects a compressor (10) to an evaporator (40) of an air conditioning system, and is adapted to allow a refrigerant and the high-temperature LPG fuel which is returned from the engine (3) to flow, wherein the refrigerant flows in a central section of the pipe unit (110, 220) and the high-temperature LPG fuel flows in an outer section which is outside the central section of the pipe unit (110, 220), so that the high-temperature LPG fuel can exchange heat with the refrigerant; a first connecting element (120) which is mounted at one end of the pipe unit (110, 220) to connect the pipe unit (110, 220) to the refrigerant line (7), where the refrigerant line (7) is connected to the compressor (10); and a second connecting element (130) which is mounted at the other end of the pipe unit (110, 220) to connect the pipe unit (110, 220) to the refrigerant line (7) where the refrigerant line (7) is connected to the evaporator (40), wherein the pipe unit (110, 220) has: a refrigerant pipe (111, 211) which provides a refrigerant channel (112) in which the low-temperature-and-low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows, which is supplied from the evaporator (40) through the refrigerant line (7), wherein the refrigerant pipe (111, 211) is arranged on the central section of the pipe unit (110, 220); and a fuel pipe (113, 213) which provides a fuel channel (114) formed between the refrigerant pipe (111, 211) and the fuel pipe (113, 213) and in which the LPG fuel flows, wherein the fuel pipe (113, 213) surrounds the refrigerant pipe (111, 211), characterized by , that the first connecting element (120) has an inlet opening (126) into which the LPG fuel flows; the second connecting element (130) has an outlet opening (136) from which the LPG fuel flowing through the pipe unit (110, 220) flows out; The pipe unit (110, 220) further comprises a bypass pipe (115, 215) which provides a bypass channel (116) for diverting the LPG fuel, wherein the bypass pipe (115, 215) surrounds the fuel pipe (113, 213) and the bypass channel (116) is formed between the fuel pipe (113, 213) and the bypass pipe (115, 215). [2] The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pipe unit (110, 220) further comprises at least one partition (117, 217) which is formed in a longitudinal direction between the refrigerant pipe (111, 211) and the bypass pipe (115, 215), wherein the at least one partition (117, 217) fixes the fuel line and the bypass line to the refrigerant line (7) and divides the fuel channel (114) and the bypass channel (116) into a plurality of sections. [3] The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 2, wherein the partition (117) comprises: a first partition (118) which connects the refrigerant pipe (111) to the fuel pipe (113); and a second partition (119) which connects the fuel pipe (113) with the bypass pipe (115). [4] The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first partition (118) and the second partition (119) are arranged on the same axis with respect to the center of the refrigerant tube (111). [5] The heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the first connecting element (120) comprises: a first inner tube (122), one end of which is connected to the refrigerant line (7) and the other end of which is connected to one end of the refrigerant tube (111, 211); and a first outer tube (124) on whose outer circumference the inlet opening (126) is formed, one end of which is integrally formed with the end of the first inner tube (122) and the other end of which surrounds an outer circumference of one end of the bypass tube (115, 215) and is mounted on it. [6] The heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1-5, wherein the second connecting element (130) comprises: a second inner tube (132), one end of which is connected to the refrigerant line (7) and the other end of which is connected to the other end of the refrigerant tube (111, 211); and a second outer tube (134) on whose outer circumference the outflow opening (136) is formed, one end of which is integrally formed with the end of the second inner tube (132) and the other end of which surrounds an outer circumference of the other end of the bypass tube (115, 215) and is mounted on it. [7] The heat exchanger (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the LPG fuel and the refrigerant flow in opposite directions. [8] The heat exchanger (100) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the refrigerant tube (111, 211), the fuel tube (113, 213) and the bypass tube (115, 215) are integrally formed by extrusion. [9] The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant tube (111, 211) and the fuel tube (113, 213) are integrally formed by extrusion and are then inserted into the bypass tube (115, 215). [10] The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 9, wherein the pipe unit (220) further comprises at least one partition (217) which is formed in a longitudinal direction between the refrigerant pipe (211) and the bypass pipe (215), wherein the at least one partition (217) fixes the fuel line and the bypass line to the refrigerant line (7) and divides the fuel channel (114) and the bypass channel (116) into a plurality of sections, wherein the partition (217) comprises: a first partition (218) which connects the refrigerant pipe (211) to the fuel pipe (213); and a second partition (219) which projects radially outwards from the fuel pipe (213). [11] The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 10, wherein an insertion groove (221) corresponding to the second partition (219) is formed on an inner circumference of the bypass tube (215), and wherein the second partition (219) is inserted into the insertion groove (221).

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