Heat exchanger

Abstract

The heat exchanger comprises a pipe module, the pipe module comprises a first pipe and a second pipe, the second pipe is arranged on the outer side of the first pipe in a sleeving mode, the pipe module is provided with a first cavity and a second cavity which are isolated from each other, and the first cavity is located between the outer wall face of the first pipe and the inner wall face of the second pipe; the second cavity is located on the inner side of the inner wall face of the first pipe. The first pipe comprises a main body, the main body spirally extends in the length direction of the second pipe, the first cavity comprises a cavity channel, the cavity channel straightly extends in the length direction of the second pipe, and at least part of the cavity channel is located in the spiral structure of the main body; according to the arrangement, when the heat exchanger is in an application state, a refrigerant in the main body spirally flows and exchanges heat with a refrigerant in the cavity channel, the turbulent flow effect in the heat exchange process is improved, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a heat exchanger for automotive or energy storage applications, belonging to the field of heat exchange technology. Background Technology

[0002] Heat exchangers are widely used in heat exchange systems (such as air conditioning systems). They facilitate heat exchange between a heat exchange medium and outside air, or between two heat exchange media. In related technologies, shell-and-tube heat exchangers consist of an inner tube and an outer tube, with the outer tube fitted over the inner tube. The outer side of the inner tube has continuous long ribs, the ends of which connect to the inner wall of the outer tube. This divides the space between the inner and outer tubes into multiple isolated chambers. The fluid flow path in each chamber is approximately straight, resulting in limited turbulence and low heat exchange efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a heat exchanger with high heat exchange efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A heat exchanger includes a tube module, the tube module including a first tube and a second tube, the second tube being sleeved on the outside of the first tube, the tube module having a first cavity and a second cavity that are isolated from each other, the first cavity being located between the outer wall surface of the first tube and the inner wall surface of the second tube, and the second cavity being located inside the inner wall surface of the first tube.

[0006] The first tube includes a body that extends spirally along the length of the second tube, and the first cavity includes a channel that extends radially along the length of the second tube, the channel being at least partially located inside the spiral structure of the body.

[0007] In this application, the main body of the first tube extends spirally along the length direction of the second tube, and the cavity extends directly along the length direction of the second tube. The cavity is at least partially located inside the spiral structure of the main body. When the heat exchanger is in use, the refrigerant inside the main body flows spirally and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the cavity, thereby enhancing the turbulence effect during the heat exchange process and improving the heat exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the management module of this application;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the tube module shown from another angle;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Side view of the tube module shown;

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The main view of the pipe module shown;

[0013] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0014] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 Sectional view of the middle BB line;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of region C in the middle;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 Front view of the first tube in the middle;

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the projection of the main body onto the first plane;

[0018] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the heat exchanger of this application;

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An exploded view of the heat exchanger shown.

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 The diagram shows an exploded view of the heat exchanger from another angle. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0022] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0024] In related technologies, shell-and-tube heat exchangers include an inner tube and an outer tube, with the outer tube sleeved outside the inner tube. A low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows inside the inner tube, while a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows in the interlayer between the inner and outer tubes. Both the inner and outer tubes are circular, which can ensure high heat exchange efficiency. However, when the inner tube flows with a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant and the interlayer between the inner and outer tubes flows with a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, it is difficult to achieve good heat exchange efficiency when the inner tube is a straight circular tube. This application provides a heat exchanger that achieves good heat exchange efficiency even when the inner tube flows with a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant and the interlayer flows with a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. Of course, this heat exchange component is also suitable for applications where the inner tube flows with a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and the interlayer between the inner and outer tubes flows with a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant.

[0025] According to a specific embodiment of the heat exchanger of this application, see [link to embodiment]. Figures 1 to 7 The heat exchanger includes a tube module 100, a first cover 3 and a second cover 4. The tube module 100 includes a first tube 1 and a second tube 2. The second tube 2 is sleeved on the outside of the first tube 1. Both ends of the first tube 1 extend out of the second tube 2. The extension direction of the second tube 2 is consistent with the extension direction of the tube module 100.

[0026] The pipe module 100 has a first cavity 10 and a second cavity 20 that are isolated from each other. The first cavity 10 is located between the outer wall surface of the first pipe 1 and the inner wall surface of the second pipe 2, and the second cavity 20 is located inside the inner wall surface of the first pipe 1. See also Figure 9 The first tube 1 includes a main body 11, which extends spirally along the length L of the second tube 2. This spiral structure increases the heat exchange area of ​​the first tube 1 within a limited space and creates a better turbulence effect, thus improving heat exchange efficiency. When the heat exchanger is in operation, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant within the main body 11 flows in a spiral pattern, extending the refrigerant's flow time within the first tube 1.

[0027] See Figure 3 The first cavity 10 includes a cavity 101, which extends directly along the length direction L of the second tube 2. The cavity 101 is at least partially located inside the spiral structure of the main body 11, forming a "tube-in-tube" structure inside the tube module 100, so that the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flows inside the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0028] See Figure 10 Define a first plane S, which is perpendicular to the length direction L of the second tube 1. The projection of the main body 11 onto the first plane S is a ring structure, which includes a first ring w and a second ring n. The first ring w is located outside the second ring n. The cavity 101 includes a cavity formed by the spiral structure of the main body 11 corresponding to the inner region of the second ring n. That is to say, the flow area of ​​the cavity 101 is equal to or close to the area of ​​the second ring n.

[0029] In this embodiment, both the first ring w and the second ring n are circular, the radial dimensions of the spiral structure of the main body 11 remain the same, and the center of the first ring w coincides with the center of the second ring n. See also Figure 10 The radius of the first ring w is H1, and the radius of the second ring n is H2, where H2 < H1 - H2. Within a limited space, if the radial dimension of the cavity 101 exceeds the difference between the radial dimension of the main body 11 and the radial dimension of the cavity 101, the diameter of the first pipe 1 will be smaller, resulting in poor heat exchange efficiency. It should be noted that the radial dimension of the cavity 101 is equal to the diameter of the second ring n, and the radial dimension of the main body 11 is equal to the diameter of the first ring w.

[0030] In this application, the diameter of the second ring n should be relatively small. On the one hand, this ensures that the diameter of the first tube 1 is large enough and that the first tube 1 has sufficient area to contact the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, thus ensuring the heat exchange effect. On the other hand, it facilitates the formation of a "tube-in-tube" structure inside the second tube 2, making the refrigerant flow lines vortex-like and enhancing the heat exchange effect.

[0031] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the second tube 2 is attached to the side wall of the main body 11 away from the cavity 101. The second tube 2 is supported by the spiral structure of the main body 11, which improves the pressure resistance of the tube module 100. In addition, the rib setting is eliminated, saving costs.

[0032] The main body 11 includes at least one helical unit 11a, the projection of which onto the first plane S is a ring structure. See also the following embodiments: Figure 9 and Figure 7The main body 11 includes multiple spiral units 11a, which are connected end to end in sequence, and their projections overlap on the first plane S. Along the length of the tube module, each spiral unit 11a has an equal gap between its head and tail. Alternatively, some spiral units 11a have a gap between their heads and tails, while others have contact between their heads and tails. Both arrangements allow a spiral cavity 102 to be formed between the outer wall of the main body 11 and the inner wall of the second tube 2. The spiral cavity 102 is connected to the cavity 101, allowing the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to flow not only within the cavity 101 but also in a spiral flow within the spiral cavity 102. This creates a vortex-like flow of the refrigerant, extending its circulation time in the first cavity 10 and creating a better turbulence effect, thus improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0033] In another embodiment, the main body 11 is a spiral stacked tube, which includes multiple spiral units 11a. The multiple spiral units 11a are connected end to end in sequence, and the head and tail of each spiral unit 11a are in contact. The multiple spiral units 11a are stacked in sequence along the length direction L of the second tube 2 to form a spiral stacked tube. When the heat exchanger is in the application state, the low temperature and low pressure refrigerant between the main body 11 and the second tube 2 flows in the cavity 101.

[0034] Of course, in other embodiments, the main body 11 may also be provided with a spiral unit 11a, which has a gap between the head and the tail, or the head and the tail of the spiral unit 11a are in contact.

[0035] See Figure 9 The first tube 1 also includes a first connecting portion 11b and a second connecting portion 11c. The main body 11 is connected to the first connecting portion 11b and the second connecting portion 11c. The first connecting portion 11b extends obliquely from the connection with the main body 11 toward the cavity 101. The second connecting portion 11c extends obliquely from the connection with the main body 11 toward the cavity 101. The first connecting portion 11b is at least partially located inside the second tube 2, and the second connecting portion 11c is at least partially located inside the second tube 2.

[0036] See also Figure 9 The first pipe 1 also includes a first straight pipe section 12 and a second straight pipe section 13. Both the first straight pipe section 12 and the second straight pipe section 13 extend along the length direction L of the second pipe 2. The first straight pipe section 12 is at least partially located inside the second pipe 2, and the second straight pipe section 13 is at least partially located inside the second pipe 2.

[0037] The first connecting part 11b connects the first straight pipe section 12 and the main body 11, and the second connecting part 11c connects the second straight pipe section 13 and the main body 11. The first connecting part 11b and the second connecting part 11c extend obliquely toward the cavity 101, so that the first straight pipe section 12 and the second straight pipe section 13 move closer to the axis of the main body 1.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first pipe 1 is a single piece, and the first straight pipe section 12 and the second straight pipe section 13 are connected to the main body 11 with good stability. The manufacturing method of the first pipe 1 is as follows: a pipe body is provided, which is a straight pipe; one end of the pipe body is placed on the rotating shaft of a pipe bending machine, and as the rotating shaft rotates, a part of the pipe body is bent to form a spiral structure, simplifying the processing technology.

[0039] The second tube 2 is a single piece, and its cross-sectional structure is annular with identical cross-sections. This results in relatively good uniformity and heat transfer uniformity. The axis of the second tube 2 is parallel to or coincides with the axis of the main body 11.

[0040] The first tube 1 and the second tube 2 are made of metal. Metal has good tensile and compressive strength, can be bent arbitrarily according to requirements, is suitable for integrated modules, can make reasonable use of space, and does not affect the fluid flow inside the heat exchanger. In addition, metal also has good thermal conductivity, which helps to improve the heat exchange effect. Optionally, the first tube 1 and the second tube 2 can be made of aluminum, which is lightweight and has good thermal conductivity.

[0041] See Figures 11 to 13 The first cover 3 includes a first top cover 31 and a second top cover 32. The first top cover 31 is sealed to a first straight pipe section 12, and the second top cover 32 is sealed to a second straight pipe section 13. The first top cover 31 includes a first channel 311 and a second channel 312. One side of the second cavity 20 communicates with the first channel 311, and a portion of the first straight pipe section 12 is located in the second channel 312 and is sealed to the wall of the second channel 312. The second top cover 32 includes a third channel 321 and a fourth channel 322. The other side of the second cavity 20 communicates with the third channel 321, and a portion of the second straight pipe section 13 is located in the fourth channel 322 and is sealed to the wall of the fourth channel 322. The first channel 311 has an opening on the surface of the first top cover 31, and the third channel 321 has an opening on the surface of the second top cover 32. The first channel 311 and the third channel 321 are the inlet channel and outlet channel of the second cavity 20, respectively, guiding fluid into and out of the second cavity 20. The second channel 312 and the fourth channel 322 are assembly holes for the first pipe 1.

[0042] See Figures 11 to 13The second cover 4 includes a first side cover 41 and a second side cover 42. The first side cover 41 is sealed to one end of the second tube 2 in the extension direction, and the second side cover 42 is sealed to the other end of the second tube 2 in the extension direction. A portion of the first tube 1 is located in the inner cavity of the first side cover 41, and another portion of the first tube 1 is located in the inner cavity of the second side cover 42.

[0043] See Figures 11 to 13 The first side cover 41 includes a first through hole 411 and a second through hole 412. One side of the first cavity 10 communicates with the first through hole 411. One end of the second tube 2 is partially located in the second through hole 412 and is sealed to the wall of the second through hole 412. A portion of the first tube 1 is located in the second through hole 412 and has a gap with the wall of the second through hole 412. The second side cover 42 includes a third through hole 421 and a fourth through hole 422. The other side of the first cavity 10 communicates with the third through hole 421. A portion of the other end of the second tube 2 is located in the fourth through hole 422 and is sealed to the wall of the fourth through hole 422. A portion of the first tube 1 is located in the fourth through hole 422 and has a gap with the wall of the fourth through hole 422. The first through hole 411 has an opening on the surface of the first side cover 41, and the third through hole 421 has an opening on the surface of the second side cover 42. The first through hole 411 and the third through hole 421 are the outlet channel and the inlet channel of the first cavity 10, respectively, guiding the fluid to flow out and into the first cavity 10.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first top cover 31 and the first side cover 41 are located at the same end of the tube module 100 and are sealed together. The second top cover 32 and the second side cover 42 are located at the same end on the other side of the tube module 100 and are sealed together. The first channel 311 and the third through hole 421 are used for fluid inflow, and the third channel 321 and the first through hole 411 are used for fluid outflow. When the heat exchanger is in operation, the high-temperature and high-pressure fluid flows into the first tube 1 through the first channel 311, flows along the second cavity 20, and then flows out of the first tube 1 through the third channel 321; the low-temperature and low-pressure fluid flows into the second tube 2 through the third through hole 421, flows along the first cavity 10, and then flows out of the second tube 2 through the first through hole 411. The high-pressure fluid inlet and the low-pressure fluid outlet of the heat exchanger are on the same side, and counter-current convection heat exchange is adopted, which improves the heat exchange efficiency and shortens the length of the tube module 100.

[0045] 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. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. 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 make modifications or 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, characterized by, The application relates to a pipe module (100) comprising a first pipe (1) and a second pipe (2) sleeved outside the first pipe (1), the pipe module (100) having a first cavity (10) and a second cavity (20) isolated from each other, the first cavity (10) being located between the outer wall surface of the first pipe (1) and the inner wall surface of the second pipe (2), and the second cavity (20) being located inside the inner wall surface of the first pipe (1). The first pipe (1) comprises a main body (11) spirally extending along the length direction (L) of the second pipe (2), and the first cavity (10) comprises a cavity channel (101) extending straight along the length direction (L) of the second pipe (2), the cavity channel (101) being at least partially located inside the spiral structure of the main body (11).

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein A first plane (S) is defined, which is perpendicular to the length direction (L) of the second pipe (1). The projection of the main body (11) on the first plane (S) is a ring structure, the ring structure comprising a first circle (w) and a second circle (n), the first circle (w) being located outside the second circle (n), and the cavity channel (101) comprising a cavity formed by the spiral structure of the main body (11) in the region inside the second circle (n).

3. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein The first circle (w) and the second circle (n) are both circular, the center of the first circle (w) coincides with the center of the second circle (n), the radius of the first circle (w) is H1, the radius of the second circle (n) is H2, and H2 < H1-H2.

4. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The inner wall surface of the second pipe (2) is attached to the side wall of the main body (11) away from the cavity channel (101).

5. The heat exchanger of claim 4, wherein The cross-sectional structure of the second pipe (2) is ring-shaped, and the axis of the second pipe (2) is parallel to or coincides with the axis of the main body (11).

6. The heat exchanger of claim 2 or 3, wherein The main body (11) comprises at least one spiral unit (11a), the projection of the spiral unit (11a) on the first plane (S) is a ring structure, and the head and the tail of at least part of the spiral unit (11a) have a gap.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 2 or 3, wherein The main body (11) comprises at least one spiral unit (11a), the projection of the spiral unit (11a) on the first plane (S) is a ring structure, and the head and the tail of at least part of the spiral unit (11a) are in contact.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The first pipe (1) comprises a first connecting part (11b) and a second connecting part (11c), the main body (11) is connected to the first connecting part (11b) and the second connecting part (11c), the first connecting part (11b) is inclinedly extended from the connection with the main body (11) to the direction close to the cavity channel (101), the second connecting part (11c) is inclinedly extended from the connection with the main body (11) to the direction close to the cavity channel (101), the first connecting part (11b) is at least partially located in the second pipe (2), and the second connecting part (11c) is at least partially located in the second pipe (2).

9. The heat exchanger of claim 8, wherein The first pipe (1) comprises a first straight pipe section (12) and a second straight pipe section (13), the first connecting part (11b) connects the first straight pipe section (12) and the main body (11), the second connecting part (11c) connects the second straight pipe section (13) and the main body (11), and the first straight pipe section (12) and the second straight pipe section (13) both extend along the length direction (L) of the second pipe (2).

10. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The heat exchanger comprises a first cover part (3) and a second cover part (4), the first cover part (3) comprises a first top cover (31) and a second top cover (32), the first top cover (31) is sealingly connected with one side end part of the first pipe (1), the second top cover (32) is sealingly connected with the other side end part of the first pipe (1), the second cover part (4) comprises a first side cover (41) and a second side cover (42), the first side cover (41) is sealingly connected with one end part of the extension direction of the second pipe (2), the first pipe (1) has a part located in the inner cavity of the first side cover (41), and the second side cover (42) is sealingly connected with the other end part of the extension direction of the second pipe (2), and the first pipe (1) has another part located in the inner cavity of the second side cover (42).

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