A heat exchanger and a gas-liquid separator

Abstract

A heat exchanger (1) includes a container (11) and a heat exchange tube (12). The heat exchange tube (12) includes a heat exchange body (123) located inside the container (11). At least one end of the heat exchange tube (12) is limited or fixedly connected to the container (11). The end has an assembly part (121). The container (11) has an insertion port (111). The end of the heat exchange tube (12) is at least partially inserted into the insertion port (111). The container (11) includes a locking part (112) located on the periphery of the insertion port (111) of the container (11). The heat exchanger (1) also includes a locking element (13). The locking element (13) is formed separately from the heat exchange tube (12). The locking element (13) is at least partially located in the locking part (112) and the assembly part (121). The heat exchange tube (12) and the container (11) are limited or fixedly connected by the locking element (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger used in a vehicle thermal management system and a gas-liquid separator having the heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] A heat exchanger consists of heat exchange tubes and a container. High-pressure refrigerant flows through the inside of the heat exchange tubes, while low-pressure refrigerant circulates around them. The high-pressure refrigerant releases some heat to the low-pressure refrigerant. To maintain low-pressure refrigerant, it is positioned between the container and the heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tubes need to pass through the container and connect to the refrigerant lines of the circulation system. The heat exchange tubes and container cover must be assembled using a pressure-sealed method, which is complex and difficult to achieve when there is a large pressure difference between the various container spaces.

[0003] Currently, the assembly of heat exchange tubes and container covers can be achieved by setting a connecting component on the heat exchange tubes. This connecting component can bear the load in the axial direction and connect and seal with the container cover. From the perspective of the connecting component, this increases the difficulty of manufacturing the heat exchange tubes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to design a heat exchanger and a gas-liquid separator having the heat exchanger, which can improve the sealing performance of the heat exchange tube and the container, while simplifying the processing difficulty of the heat exchange tube.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A heat exchanger includes a container and a heat exchange tube. The heat exchange tube includes a heat exchange body portion located inside the container. At least one end of the heat exchange tube is limited or fixedly connected to the container. The end portion has an assembly portion. The container has an insertion port. The end portion of the heat exchange tube is at least partially inserted into the insertion port. The container includes a locking portion located on the peripheral wall of the insertion port. The heat exchanger also includes a locking element formed separately from the heat exchange tube. The locking element is at least partially located in the locking portion and the assembly portion. The heat exchange tube is limited or fixedly connected to the container.

[0007] This application also discloses a gas-liquid separator, including the above-mentioned heat exchanger, wherein the container includes a head and a shell, and the shell and the head are sealed and fixedly connected.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the heat exchanger includes a locking element, and the end of the heat exchanger includes an assembly part. The locking element and the heat exchange tube are individually machined, and the machining difficulty of the locking element and the heat exchange tube is low. The container includes a locking part and an insertion port, with the locking part located on the peripheral wall of the insertion port. The locking element is at least partially located in the locking part and the assembly part. The heat exchange tube is limited or fixedly connected to the container, making assembly convenient. The entire heat exchanger has a simple structure and low production cost. The gas-liquid separator of the heat exchanger using the above solution has good sealing performance and low production cost. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a heat exchanger provided in this application;

[0011] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partially enlarged structural diagram of part A is shown below;

[0012] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the heat exchange pipe connection in the container;

[0013] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the heat exchanger tube;

[0014] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a heat exchanger tube;

[0015] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A top view of one embodiment of the locking element;

[0016] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the locking element in the CC direction;

[0017] Figure 8 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the locking element;

[0018] Figure 9 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a gas-liquid separator with a heat exchanger provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a gas-liquid separator. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The vehicle's thermal management system includes a gas-liquid separator, which separates the liquid and gaseous components of the working medium in the thermal management system. This working medium is primarily a refrigerant, including carbon dioxide refrigerant. In this application, the gas-liquid separator includes a heat exchanger, which comprises heat exchange tubes and a container. The high-pressure refrigerant inside the heat exchange tubes can exchange heat with the low-pressure refrigerant located between the outside of the heat exchange tubes and the inside of the container. Of course, the heat exchanger in this application can also be used in situations with other heat exchange requirements or as a standalone unit.

[0022] In this embodiment, combined with Figures 1 to 9 The heat exchanger 1 includes a container 11 and a heat exchange tube 12. The heat exchange body 123 of the heat exchange tube is located inside the container 11. At least one end of the heat exchange tube 12 is limitedly connected to the container 11. In this embodiment, the heat exchange tube and the container are specifically locked together. At least one end of the heat exchange tube 12 includes an assembly part 121. In this embodiment, both ends of the heat exchange tube are provided with assembly parts. The container 11 has an insertion port 111. The container 11 includes a locking part 112, which communicates with the insertion port 111. The heat exchanger 1 also includes a locking element 13, which is formed separately from the heat exchange tube 12. The locking element 13 is located between the locking part 112 and the assembly part 121. In this embodiment, the relative position of the heat exchange tube 12 and the container 11 is limited by the locking element 13. Of course, other elements besides the locking element can be added for limiting or fixing, or a direct fixed connection can be used. The locking element can be a welding wire, and the heat exchange tube is welded to the container. The limiting and fixing methods are not limited.

[0023] The locking element 13 and the heat exchange tube 12 can be processed separately, which is easy to process. The locking element 13 is located between the locking part 112 and the assembly part 121. When the heat exchange tube 12 is inserted into the insertion port 111, the heat exchange tube 12 and the container 11 are locked by the locking element 13, making the assembly safe, reliable and convenient. The heat exchanger of the present invention has a simple structure and low production cost.

[0024] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 4In this embodiment, the assembly part 121 further includes a high-pressure sealing part 122. Along the axial direction of the assembly part 121, the high-pressure sealing part 122 is further away from the heat exchange body part 123 of the heat exchange tube 12 than the locking element 13. The high-pressure sealing part 122 is sealed to the container 11. The high-pressure sealing part 122 and the container 11 can be sealed directly by welding or indirectly by a sealing ring. The fixing method is not limited.

[0025] Combination Figure 2 , 4 In this embodiment, the high-pressure sealing part 122 is provided with a first groove 1221, and the heat exchanger also includes a sealing ring 14. The sealing ring 14 is placed in the first groove 1221. The high-pressure sealing part 122 and the container 11 are sealed and connected by the sealing ring 14. The assembly part 121 is provided with a second groove 1222. The first groove 1211 is further away from the heat exchange body part 123 of the heat exchange tube 12 than the second groove 1222. The locking element 13 is located in the second groove 1222. The assembly part 121 is engaged with the locking element 13. Here, the first groove and the second groove can be arc-shaped grooves, square grooves, etc., and the groove form is not limited.

[0026] Combination Figure 6 and 7 In this embodiment, the locking element 13 includes an inner locking portion 131 and an outer locking portion 132. The inner locking portion includes a first mounting portion 1311, a first connecting portion 1312, and a first latching portion 1313. The outer locking portion 132 includes a second mounting portion 1321, a second connecting portion 1322, and a second latching portion 1323. The first connecting portion 1312 is connected to the second connecting portion 1322. The inner locking portion and the outer locking portion are connected as one unit through the first connecting portion 1312 and the second connecting portion 1322. The first latching portion 1313 abuts against the groove wall of the second groove 1222 of the mounting portion, and the second latching portion 1323 abuts against the locking portion 112. The top surface of the first mounting part 1311 abuts against the container, and the bottom surface of the first mounting part is at least partially fixedly connected to the top surface of the second connecting part. The outer side surface of the second connecting part is at least partially fixedly connected to the first latching part 1313, thereby forming a first spring-loaded space 134 between the first latching part 1313, the first connecting part 1312, and the second connecting part 1322. The bottom surface of the second latching part abuts against the container, and the inner side surface of the second connecting part is at least partially fixedly connected to the second latching part, thereby forming a second spring-loaded space 135 between the second latching part, the first connecting part, and the second connecting part. The latching part is detachably connected to the container, has low processing costs, and is easy to manufacture.

[0027] Combination Figure 8In this embodiment, there is at least one inner latching part 131 and at least one outer latching part 132. One of the first latching part 1313 and the second latching part 1323 is located on the inner wall of the locking element 13 and the other is located on the outer wall of the locking element 13. The inner latching part 131 and the outer latching part 132 are arranged inside and outside, and can be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence or staggered arrangement. Here, the inner latching part 131 and the outer latching part 132 are an integral structure that is connected in a ring. The connection method between the inner latching part and the outer latching part can also be other forms, without limitation.

[0028] In this embodiment, the container 11 includes a locking part 112. The container 11 has an insertion port 111. At least part of the end of the heat exchange tube 12 is inserted into the insertion port 111. The locking part 112 is located on the periphery of the insertion port 111. The locking part 112 is used to house the locking element 13. The design of the insertion port 111 is easy to assemble. Here, the form of the insertion port can be a cylindrical insertion port or a square insertion port. The form of the insertion port is not limited.

[0029] Combination Figure 3 In this embodiment, the locking part 112 is a placement groove, which includes a first locking element placement groove 1121 and a second locking element placement groove 1122. A step 1123 is provided at the connection between the first locking element placement groove 1121 and the second locking element placement groove 1122. The first latching part 1313 is placed in the first locking element placement groove 1121 and abuts against the groove wall of the second groove 1222 of the assembly part 121. The second latching part 1323 is placed in the second locking element placement groove 1122 and abuts against the step 1123. The side wall of the first connecting part 1312 abuts against the inner wall of the first locking element placement groove 1121.

[0030] Combination Figure 9In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 2 includes the aforementioned heat exchanger 1. The container includes a head 21 and a shell 22, which are sealed and fixedly connected. The head 21 includes a first head 211 and a second head 212. The first head 211 has a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid inlet 2112, and the second head 212 has a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid outlet 2122. The first head 211 is locked to the end of the heat exchange tube 12 by a locking element 13', and the second head 212 is locked to the end of the heat exchange tube by a locking element 13". The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid inlet 2112 is connected to one end of the heat exchange tube 12. The high-temperature and high-pressure liquid outlet 2122 is connected to the other end of the heat exchange tube 12. The shell 22 includes an outer shell 221 and an inner shell 222. The first end cap 211 and the outer shell 221 are sealed and fixedly connected. The second end cap 212 and the outer shell 221 are sealed and fixedly connected. A receiving cavity 23 is formed between the shell 22 and the end cap 21. The receiving cavity 23 includes a first cavity 231 and a second cavity 232. The first cavity 231 includes at least the portion between the inner shell 222 and the outer shell 221. The second cavity 232 includes at least the portion between the end cap 21 and the inner shell 222. The first cavity 231 and the second cavity 232 are connected.

[0031] In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 2 further includes a gas-liquid separation device 24, which is located in the first cavity 231. The gas-liquid separation device includes a screw conveyor 241, a guide vane 242, a suction pipe assembly 243, and a fixing member 244. The first end cap 211 and the inner shell 222 are fixedly connected by the fixing member 244. The inner shell 222, the first end cap 211, and the fixing member 244 form the first cavity 231. The first end cap 211 is provided with an inlet 2111 for the working medium, which is a gas-liquid mixture. The inlet 2111 communicates with the screw conveyor 241. The screw conveyor 241 is limited to the first end cap 211. The outlet direction of the screw conveyor 241 is along the tangent direction of the side wall of the inner shell. The screw conveyor 241 is at least partially located in the fixing member 244. The guide vane 242 is located below the screw conveyor 241. The suction pipe assembly 243 is used to output the gaseous working medium components to the inner shell in a pipe-transport manner. One end of the inhalation tube assembly 243 is confined to the first end cap 211, and the other end is freely disposed in the first cavity 231. The spiral part of the spiral device 241 is at least partially fitted and confined to the inhalation tube assembly 243. This arrangement structure not only firmly and tightly fixes the spiral device, but also enables the gas-liquid mixture to be tangentially transmitted from the spiral device outlet to the inner shell.

[0032] In this embodiment, the flow guide 242 includes a flow guide section, which is an annular flow guide plate. The flow guide plate is arranged outward along the inner wall of the inlet end of the flow guide 242. The flow guide section can guide the working medium to the inner wall of the inner shell 222, which helps to separate the gas-liquid and liquid working media. The suction pipe assembly 243 includes an outer suction pipe 2431, an inner suction pipe 2432, and an oil return device 2433. The outer suction pipe 2431 and the guide pipe 242 are an integral structure. The oil return device 2433 is located at one end of the outer suction pipe 2431 near the second end cap 212. The inner suction pipe 2432 is located inside the outer suction pipe 2431 and is connected to the first end cap 211. The outer suction pipe 2431 is used to output the gaseous refrigerant components from the spiral auger 241 and the guide pipe 242 in a pipe-transport manner to the oil return device for enriching the gaseous refrigerant with oil. The inner suction pipe 2432 is used to allow the gaseous refrigerant components to pass through the first end cap 211 from the oil return device, leave the first chamber 231, and enter the second chamber 232 in a pipe-transport manner.

[0033] In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator also includes a drying package 25. The external suction pipe 2431 has a limiting part 251, which is a protrusion spaced at a set distance. The drying package 25 is limited by the limiting part and the external suction pipe 2431. The drying package can absorb moisture in the working medium.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first end cap 211 has a flow channel connecting the first cavity 231 and the second cavity 232. The second cavity 232 contains the heat exchange main body 123 of the heat exchange tube. The heat exchange main body 123 of the heat exchange tube at least partially includes a spiral tube 1231, a straight tube 1232, and fins 1233. The spiral tube and the straight tube are an integral structure and are connected. The spiral tube can be a round tube or a flat tube; the form of the tube is not limited here. The inner wall of the spiral tube 1231 is tightly attached to the outer wall of the inner shell 222 through the fins 1233. Alternatively, the spiral tube may not have fins 123. 3. A spiral channel 1234 is formed between the spiral tube 1231, the inner shell 222, and the outer shell 221. The heat exchange tube is filled with a high-temperature and high-pressure working medium. A low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous working medium flows between the inner shell 222 and the outer shell 221. The low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous working medium and the high-temperature and high-pressure working medium exchange heat in the spiral channel. The spiral channel is conducive to improving the heat exchange efficiency between the working media. The straight tube is located at the liquid storage end of the inner shell. The setting of the straight tube relatively reduces the heating and evaporation of the liquid refrigerant in the liquid storage section, which is conducive to maintaining the liquid storage volume.

[0035] In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator further includes a filter 26 and an outlet 2121. The filter 26 covers the outlet 2121 and is fixed between the bottom of the inner housing 222 at the liquid storage end and the second end cap 212. The end of the heat exchanger with a straight tube 1232 penetrates the filter 26, and the end of the heat exchange tube with a straight tube at least partially passes through the filter. It is engaged with the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid outlet 2122 of the second end cap by a locking element 13". The filter 26 can filter the gas after heat exchange, making the gas that may enter the compressor purer and reducing problems caused by impurities.

[0036] Combination Figure 10 During operation, the gas-liquid separator allows the two-phase low-temperature, low-pressure working medium to enter the screw conveyor 241 through inlet 2111. After mixing in the screw conveyor 241, the mixture exits through the outlet. In the first chamber 231, the mixed gas-liquid working medium moves along the inner wall of the inner shell 222. The gas phase working medium rises, while the liquid phase working medium sinks. The liquid phase working medium is stored in the first chamber 231 (low-pressure storage chamber). The gas phase working medium rises and enters the external suction pipe 2431 through the inlet. The external suction pipe carries the gas phase working medium to the oil return device 2433. The oil return device 2433 causes the gas phase working medium to carry oil. The oil-laden gas phase working medium enters the inner suction pipe 2432 and flows into the connecting pipe in the first end cap 211. The gaseous working medium enters the second cavity 232 and leaves from the first end cap 211. It flows slowly into the space formed between the fixing member 244 and the outer shell 221, forming a spiral channel 1234 between the spiral tube 1231 and the inner shell 222 and the outer shell 221. The heat exchange tube is filled with a high-temperature and high-pressure working medium. A low-temperature and low-pressure separated gaseous working medium flows between the inner shell 222 and the outer shell 221. The low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous working medium and the high-temperature and high-pressure working medium exchange heat in the spiral channel 1234. The gaseous working medium after heat exchange flows along the straight pipe direction to the filter 26 at the second end cap 212. After heat exchange, the gaseous working medium is filtered by the filter 26 and leaves the gas-liquid separator from the outlet 2121.

[0037] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. For example, the directional definitions such as "front", "back", "left", "right", "up", and "down" are used. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify or make equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, comprising a container and a heat exchange tube, the heat exchange tube including a heat exchange body portion located within the container, at least one end of the heat exchange tube being limited or fixedly connected to the container, the end having an assembly portion, the container having an insertion port, the end of the heat exchange tube being at least partially inserted into the insertion port, the container including a locking portion located at the peripheral wall of the insertion port, the heat exchanger further including a locking element formed separately from the heat exchange tube, the locking element being at least partially located within the container. The assembly includes a locking part and an assembly part, wherein the heat exchange tube is limited or fixedly connected to the container; the locking element includes an inner locking part and an outer locking part, the inner locking part includes a first connecting part and a first latching part, the outer locking part includes a second connecting part and a second latching part, the first connecting part is connected to the second connecting part, the assembly part is provided with a second groove, the locking element is at least partially located in the second groove, the assembly part is engaged with the locking element, the first latching part abuts against the groove wall of the second groove of the assembly part, and the second latching part abuts against the locking part.

2. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The assembly includes a high-pressure sealing part, which is located further away from the heat exchange body of the heat exchange tube than the locking element along the axial direction of the assembly. The high-pressure sealing part is sealed to the container.

3. The heat exchanger as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The high-pressure sealing part has a first groove, and the heat exchanger also includes a sealing ring, which is at least partially placed in the first groove. The high-pressure sealing part is sealed to the container by the sealing ring, and the first groove is further away from the heat exchange body of the heat exchange tube than the second groove.

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The inner snap-fit ​​portion includes a first mounting portion, and the outer snap-fit ​​portion includes a second mounting portion. The top surface of the first mounting portion abuts against the container, and the bottom surface of the first mounting portion is at least partially fixedly connected to the top surface of the second connecting portion. The outer side surface of the second connecting portion is at least partially fixedly connected to the first snap-fit ​​portion, thereby forming a first spring-loaded space between the first snap-fit ​​portion, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion. The bottom surface of the second snap-fit ​​portion abuts against the container, and the inner side surface of the second connecting portion is at least partially fixedly connected to the second snap-fit ​​portion, thereby forming a second spring-loaded space between the second snap-fit ​​portion, the first connecting portion, and the second connecting portion.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of the first latching part is at least one, the number of the second latching part is at least one, one of the first latching part and the second latching part is located on the inner wall of the locking element, and the other is located on the outer wall of the locking element, and the two are an integral structure.

6. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The locking part has a placement groove formed by a recess in the inner wall of the insertion port, and the locking element is at least partially located in the placement groove.

7. The heat exchanger as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The placement slot includes a first locking element placement slot and a second locking element placement slot. A step is provided at the connection between the first locking element placement slot and the second element placement slot. The first latching part is placed in the first locking element placement slot. The second latching part is placed in the second locking element placement slot. The second latching part abuts against the step. The side wall of the first connecting part abuts against the inner wall of the first locking element placement slot.

8. A gas-liquid separator comprising a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the container comprises a head and a shell, the shell and the head being sealed and fixedly connected.

9. The gas-liquid separator as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The end cap includes a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap has a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid inlet, and the second end cap has a high-temperature and high-pressure liquid outlet. The first end cap and the heat exchange tube are engaged by the locking element, and the second end cap and the heat exchange tube are engaged by the locking element. The housing includes an outer shell and an inner shell. The first end cap and the outer shell are sealed and fixedly connected, and the second end cap and the outer shell are sealed and fixedly connected. A receiving cavity is formed between the housing and the end cap. The receiving cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity includes at least the portion between the inner shell and the outer shell, and the second cavity includes at least the portion between the end cap and the inner shell. The first cavity and the second cavity are in communication.

10. The gas-liquid separator as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separator further includes a gas-liquid separation device, which includes a fixing member. The gas-liquid separation device is located in the first cavity. The first end cap and the inner shell are fixedly connected by the fixing member. The inner shell, the first end cap, and the fixing member form the first cavity. The first end cap is provided with a gas-liquid mixture inlet.

11. The gas-liquid separator as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation device includes a spiral, a guide vane, and a suction pipe assembly. The gas-liquid mixture inlet is connected to the spiral, the spiral is fixed to the first end cap, the outlet direction of the spiral is perpendicular to the axis of the gas-liquid separator, the spiral is at least partially disposed within the fixing member, the guide vane is disposed below the spiral, and the suction pipe assembly is used to output the gaseous refrigerant components from the gas-liquid separator by means of pipe delivery.

12. The gas-liquid separator as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The first end cap is also provided with a flow channel connecting the first cavity and the second cavity. The heat exchange main body of the heat exchange tube is located in the second cavity. The main body of the heat exchange tube includes at least a spiral tube, fins and a straight tube. The spiral tube and the straight tube are connected and are an integral structure. The inner wall of the spiral tube is tightly attached to the outer wall of the inner shell through the fins. A spiral channel is formed between the spiral tube and the outer wall of the inner shell and the inner wall of the outer shell. The straight tube is located at one end of the inner shell where the liquid is stored.

13. The gas-liquid separator as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separator also includes a filter and an outlet. The filter is covered by the outlet and fixed between the bottom of the inner shell where the liquid is stored and the second end cap. The heat exchange tube has a straight end that passes through the filter and is engaged with the high-temperature and high-pressure outlet of the second end cap.

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