Heat exchanger and method for manufacturing heat exchanger

Abstract

The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchange pipe, the heat exchange pipe comprises an inner pipe and an outer pipe, the outer pipe is arranged on the peripheral side of the inner pipe in a sleeving mode, the heat exchange pipe is provided with a first flow channel cavity and a second flow channel cavity, the first flow channel cavity is a pipe cavity of the inner pipe, and the second flow channel cavity is an interlayer cavity between the inner pipe and the outer pipe; the heat exchange pipe comprises a first turbulent flow part and a second turbulent flow part, the first turbulent flow part is located in at least one of the first flow channel cavity and the second flow channel cavity, the first turbulent flow part is connected with the inner pipe, at least part of the second turbulent flow part is located in the second flow channel cavity, and the second turbulent flow part is connected with the outer pipe. The invention further discloses a manufacturing method of the heat exchanger. According to the heat exchanger, the turbulent flow parts are arranged on the inner pipe and the outer pipe, the inner pipe and the outer pipe have the turbulent flow effect on the working medium, and therefore the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat exchanger technology, and more particularly to a heat exchanger for vehicle air conditioning and a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] The heat exchanger includes an inner tube and an outer tube sleeved around the inner tube. When the heat exchanger is in operation, a first working medium flows through the cavity of the inner tube, and a second working medium flows through the interlayer cavity between the inner and outer tubes. The first and second working media can exchange heat.

[0003] When fluid flows, a boundary layer is generated, which reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the first and second working media. In related technologies, turbulence-prone parts are provided on the inner or outer tubes. These turbulence-prone parts have a turbulent effect on the working media, which can disrupt the boundary layer of the working media to some extent. However, the heat exchange efficiency of heat exchangers with this structure is still relatively low. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a heat exchanger and a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger, with the aim of improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0005] On one hand, embodiments of this application provide a heat exchanger, including: a heat exchange tube, the heat exchange tube including an inner tube and an outer tube, the outer tube being sleeved around the periphery of the inner tube, the heat exchange tube having a first flow channel cavity and a second flow channel cavity, the first flow channel cavity being the cavity of the inner tube, and the second flow channel cavity being the interlayer cavity between the inner tube and the outer tube;

[0006] The heat exchange tube includes a first turbulence section and a second turbulence section. The first turbulence section is located in at least one of the first flow channel cavity and the second flow channel cavity. The first turbulence section is connected to the inner tube. The second turbulence section is at least partially located in the second flow channel cavity. The second turbulence section is connected to the outer tube.

[0007] The heat exchange tube of this application includes a first turbulence section and a second turbulence section. The first turbulence section is connected to the inner tube, and the second turbulence section is connected to the outer tube. Both the inner tube and the outer tube have a turbulence effect on the working medium. Compared with heat exchangers that turbulent the working medium through the inner tube or the outer tube, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger of this application is higher.

[0008] On the other hand, the inventors found in a large number of practical applications that the inner tube and outer tube are usually processed to form the turbulence part on the tubular raw material. Since the inner tube and outer tube have small diameters and thin walls, the turbulence part is difficult to process, has a low yield rate and poor product quality. This makes it difficult for the heat exchanger to process the first turbulence part and the second turbulence part on the inner tube and the outer tube at the same time, resulting in low heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0009] Therefore, embodiments of this application also provide a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes an inner tube, an outer tube, a first flow-dispersing part, and a second flow-dispersing part. The outer tube is sleeved around the periphery of the inner tube. The inner tube and the first flow-dispersing part are connected, and the outer tube and the second flow-dispersing part are connected. The method for manufacturing the heat exchanger includes:

[0010] A first spoiler is formed on the first plate, and a second spoiler is formed on the second plate;

[0011] The first plate is folded into a tubular shape and sealed to form an inner tube, and the second plate is folded into a tubular shape and sealed to form an outer tube;

[0012] Insert the inner tube into the lumen of the outer tube.

[0013] This application forms a first turbulence section on a first plate and a second turbulence section on a second plate. The manufacturing processes of the first and second turbulence sections are relatively simple, have a high yield rate, and produce relatively stable and reliable products. This allows the heat exchanger to have a first turbulence section on the inner tube and a second turbulence section on the outer tube, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the heat exchanger of this application;

[0015] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of one embodiment of the heat exchanger of this application;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the inner and outer tubes of the heat exchanger in this application;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner and outer tubes of the heat exchanger in this application;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the inner and outer tubes of the heat exchanger of this application, according to a first optional embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a second alternative embodiment of the heat exchanger of this application, showing the inner and outer tubes.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of another alternative structure of the inner and outer tubes of the heat exchanger in this application;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic projection of the first turbulence section of the heat exchanger of this application onto the first projection plane. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0023] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, "a" or "one," and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one; "multiple" indicates two or more. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "front," "rear," "lower," and / or "upper" are for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to a location or spatial orientation. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the elements or objects preceding "comprising" encompass the elements or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0025] The heat exchanger of an exemplary embodiment of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the following embodiments and implementations may complement or combine with each other.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment of the heat exchanger of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the heat exchanger includes a heat exchange tube 1, which includes an inner tube 11 and an outer tube 12. The outer tube 12 is sleeved around the inner tube 11, and the outer tube 12 and the inner tube 11 are coaxially arranged. The radial and longitudinal directions of the outer tube 12, the inner tube 11, and the heat exchange tube 1 are the same. The heat exchange tube 1 has a first flow channel cavity 13 and a second flow channel cavity 14 that are not interconnected. The first flow channel cavity 13 is the cavity of the inner tube 11, and the second flow channel cavity 14 is the interlayer cavity between the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12. When the heat exchanger is in operation, a first working medium flows in the first flow channel cavity 13, and a second working medium flows in the second flow channel cavity 14. The first working medium and the second working medium can exchange heat through the tube wall of the inner tube 11. When the working medium flows, a boundary layer is generated, which reduces the heat exchange efficiency of the first and second working media. In related technologies, the heat exchange tube 1 is provided with a turbulence-inducing section, which is a concave or convex structure on the wall of the inner tube 11 or the outer tube 12. The inner tube 11 or the outer tube 12 generates local turbulent disturbances to the working medium, thereby disrupting the boundary layer to a certain extent. However, with this structure, the heat exchange tube 1 only turbulentizes the working medium through the inner tube 11 or the outer tube 12, and the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger remains relatively low. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the heat exchange tube 1 includes a first turbulence section 15 and a second turbulence section 16. The first turbulence section 15 is located in at least one of the first flow channel cavity 13 and the second flow channel cavity 14. The first turbulence section 15 is connected to the inner tube 11, and the second turbulence section 16 is at least partially located in the second flow channel cavity 14. The second turbulence section 16 is connected to the outer tube 12, so that both the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 have a turbulence effect on the working medium. Compared with the heat exchanger turbulenting the working medium only through the inner tube 11 or the outer tube 12, the fact that both the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 have a turbulence effect on the working medium can destroy the boundary layer of the working medium at the inner tube 11 and the boundary layer of the working medium at the outer tube 12, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first turbulence-inducing part 15 and the inner tube 11 are integrally formed, and the second turbulence-inducing part 16 and the outer tube 12 are integrally formed. Along the length direction of the heat exchange tube 1, a portion of the inner tube 11 extends radially along the heat exchange tube 1 to form the first turbulence-inducing part 15, and a portion of the outer tube 12 extends radially along the heat exchange tube 1 to form the second turbulence-inducing part 16. The manufacturing method of the heat exchanger includes: forming the first turbulence-inducing part 15 on a first plate, forming the second turbulence-inducing part 16 on a second plate; folding the first plate into a tubular shape and sealing it to form the inner tube 11, folding the second plate into a tubular shape and sealing it to form the outer tube 12; and inserting the inner tube 11 into the cavity of the outer tube 12. The inner tube 11 can be formed by welding and sealing the first plate after folding it into a tubular shape, and the outer tube 12 can be formed by welding the second plate after folding it into a tubular shape, for example, by high-frequency welding, so that the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 have good strength and sealing performance. By forming a first turbulence-inducing part 15 on the first plate and a second turbulence-inducing part 16 on the second plate, both the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 have a turbulence-inducing effect on the working medium. Compared with heat exchangers that turbulent the working medium through the inner tube 11 or the outer tube 12, the heat exchanger with this structure has a higher heat exchange efficiency. In addition, the inventors have found in a large number of practical applications that the first turbulence-inducing part 15 and the second turbulence-inducing part 16 are usually formed by machining the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 on the tubular raw material. Since the diameter of the coaxial tube type heat exchange tube 1 is small and the tube wall is thin, the manufacturing process of forming the turbulence-inducing part on the tubular raw material is difficult, the yield is low, and the quality of the finished product is poor. This makes it difficult to simultaneously form the first turbulence-inducing part 15 and the second turbulence-inducing part 16 on the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12, resulting in a lower heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. First, a first flow-dispersing part 15 and a second flow-dispersing part 16 are formed on the first plate and the second plate, respectively. Then, the first plate and the second plate are folded and welded to form the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12. This manufacturing process is relatively simple, with a high product yield and stable and reliable quality, greatly improving the convenience of heat exchanger manufacturing. The first flow-dispersing part 15 and the second flow-dispersing part 16 can be formed by stamping. Of course, the first flow-dispersing part 15 and the second flow-dispersing part 16 can also be formed by casting, injection molding, etc. Optionally, the wall thickness of the inner tube 11 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 3.5 mm, and the radial extension depth of the first flow-dispersing part 15 along the inner tube 11 is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3.5 mm. It is precisely because the first flow-dispersing part 15 is formed on the first plate that a flow-dispersing part with a depth of 3.5 mm can be formed on a plate with a thickness of 0.5 mm. Similarly, the thickness of the outer tube 12 wall is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 3.5 mm, and the depth of the second turbulence section 15 extending radially along the outer tube 12 is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3.5 mm.

[0028] In this embodiment, at least two first flow-deflecting portions 15 and at least two second flow-deflecting portions 16 are provided to enhance the flow of the working medium through the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12. Perpendicular to the length of the heat exchange tube 1, at least one first flow-deflecting portion 15 and at least one second flow-deflecting portion 16 extend along the same radius of the heat exchange tube 1. The first flow-deflecting portion 15 can be arranged spirally around the circumference of the inner tube 11. Optionally, the first flow-deflecting portion 15 can also be arranged along the length of the inner tube 11, or around the circumference of the inner tube 11, or a combination of at least two of the above three arrangements. The cross-section of the first flow-deflecting portion 15 perpendicular to the radial direction of the heat exchange tube 1 can be circular to facilitate the processing and shaping of the first flow-deflecting portion 15 and the second flow-deflecting portion 16. Optionally, the cross-section of the first flow-deflecting portion 15 perpendicular to the radial direction of the heat exchange tube 1 can also be rectangular, elliptical, waist-shaped, or finned, etc. One of the first flow-deflecting portions 15 can also form a figure-eight structure with another first flow-deflecting portion 15 adjacent to it to enhance the flow-deflecting effect of the first flow-deflecting portion 15. The second flow-deflecting portion 16 can be arranged spirally around the circumference of the outer tube 12. Optionally, the second flow-deflecting portion 16 can also be arranged along the length of the outer tube 12, or around the circumference of the outer tube 12, or the arrangement of the second flow-deflecting portion 16 can be a combination of at least two of the above arrangements. The cross-section of the second flow-deflecting portion 16 perpendicular to the radial direction of the heat exchange tube 1 can be circular to facilitate the processing and shaping of the second flow-deflecting portion 16. Optionally, the cross-section of the second turbulence section 16 perpendicular to the radial direction of the heat exchange tube 1 can be rectangular, elliptical, waist-shaped or fin-shaped, etc. One of the second turbulence sections 16 can form a figure-eight structure with another second turbulence section 16 adjacent to it to enhance the turbulence effect of the second turbulence section 16.

[0029] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, in one alternative embodiment, the first turbulence-disrupting part 15 extends from the inner tube 11 toward the first flow channel cavity 13, and the second turbulence-disrupting part 16 extends from the outer tube 12 toward the second flow channel cavity 14. The structures of the first turbulence-disrupting part 15 and the second turbulence-disrupting part 16 are substantially the same. Specifically, when the first turbulence-disrupting part 15 is formed on the first plate and the second turbulence-disrupting part 16 is formed on the second plate, it can also be understood that after the inner tube 11 is cut along the length direction and unfolded into a flat plate and the outer tube 12 is cut along the length direction and unfolded into a flat plate, a second projection plane is defined. The extension direction of the second projection plane, the extension direction of the first plate, and the extension direction of the second plate are all parallel to each other. The projection of the first turbulence-disrupting part 15 on the second projection plane is the third projection, and the projection of the second turbulence-disrupting part 16 on the second projection plane is the fourth projection. The shapes and sizes of the third projection and the fourth projection are substantially the same. When the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 are stamped parts, the structures of the first turbulence-disrupting part 15 and the second turbulence-disrupting part 16 are approximately the same, allowing the heat exchange tube 1 to be formed by processing the first turbulence-disrupting part 15 and the second turbulence-disrupting part 16 on the same mold on the first plate and the second plate. This facilitates the manufacturing of the heat exchanger and reduces its manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first turbulence-disrupting part 15 on the inner tube 11 and the arrangement of the second turbulence-disrupting part 16 on the outer tube 12 are approximately the same, that is, the arrangement of the third projection on the second projection plane and the arrangement of the fourth projection on the second projection plane are approximately the same, which facilitates the manufacturing of the heat exchanger and reduces its manufacturing cost.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, in a first alternative embodiment of the heat exchange tube 1, at least two first turbulence sections 15, one of which extends from the inner tube 11 toward the first flow channel cavity 13, and the other extends from the inner tube 11 toward the second flow channel cavity 14. This increases the heat exchange area of ​​the first and second working media, thereby improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger.

[0031] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, in a second alternative embodiment of the heat exchange tube 1, a single first turbulence section 15 includes a first portion 151 and a second portion 152. The first portion 151 extends from the inner tube 11 toward the first flow channel cavity 13, and the second portion 152 extends from the inner tube 11 toward the second flow channel cavity 14. This structure enhances the turbulence of the first turbulence section 15 on the working medium, and a single first turbulence section 15 can generate turbulence on both the first and second working media, thereby improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, this structure of the first turbulence section 15 can increase the heat exchange area of ​​the first and second working media, which is beneficial for improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger. Simultaneously, compared to at least two first turbulence sections 15 where one extends from the inner tube 11 toward the first flow channel cavity 13 and the other extends from the inner tube 11 toward the second flow channel cavity 14, this structure reduces the space occupied by the first turbulence section 15, increases the arrangement density of the first turbulence section 15, and thus enhances the turbulence of the inner tube 11 on the working medium. Optionally, in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the heat exchange tube 1, the first portion 151 surrounds the second portion 152, or the second portion 152 surrounds the first portion 151. Specifically, a first projection plane 101 is defined, and the extension direction of the first projection plane 101 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first turbulence portion 15. The projection of the first portion 151 onto the first projection plane 101 is called the first projection 1011, and the projection of the second portion 152 onto the first projection plane 101 is called the second projection 1012. One of the first projection 1011 and the second projection 1012 surrounds the other, that is, the first projection 1011 surrounds the second projection 1012, or the second projection 1012 surrounds the first projection 1011.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the heat exchanger further includes a connector assembly 2, which includes a first connector 21, a second connector 22, a third connector 23, and a fourth connector 24. The first connector 21 and the second connector 22 are respectively connected to the two ends of the inner tube 11 in opposite directions of length. The first connector 21 has a first inlet cavity 211, and the second connector 22 has a first outlet cavity 221. Both the first inlet cavity 211 and the first outlet cavity 221 are connected to the first flow channel cavity 13. When the heat exchanger is in operation, the first working medium flows into the first flow channel cavity 13 through the first inlet cavity 211 and flows out of the first flow channel cavity 13 through the first outlet cavity 221. The third connector 23 and the fourth connector 24 are respectively connected to the two ends of the outer tube 12 in opposite directions of length. The third connector 23 has a second inlet cavity 231, and the fourth connector 24 has a second outlet cavity 241. Both the second inlet cavity 231 and the second outlet cavity 241 are connected to the second flow channel cavity 14. When the heat exchanger is in operation, the second working medium flows into the second flow channel cavity 14 from the second inlet cavity 231 and flows out of the second flow channel cavity 14 from the second outlet cavity 241.

[0033] In this application, a portion of the inner tube 11 extends radially along the length of the heat exchange tube 1 to form a first turbulence-inducing section 15, and a portion of the outer tube 12 extends radially along the heat exchange tube 1 to form a second turbulence-inducing section 16. Both the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 have a turbulence-inducing effect on the working medium. Compared to a heat exchanger that only turbulents the working medium through the inner tube 11 or the outer tube 12, the fact that both the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 have a turbulence-inducing effect on the working medium can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger. At the same time, by first processing the first turbulence-inducing section 15 and the second turbulence-inducing section 16 on the first plate and the second plate respectively, and then folding and welding the plates to form the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12, the manufacturing difficulty of the heat exchanger is reduced, the manufacturing yield of the heat exchanger is improved, and the product quality of the heat exchanger is guaranteed. This makes it easier to process the first turbulence-inducing section 15 and the second turbulence-inducing section 16 on the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 simultaneously, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0034] The above description is merely a typical embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application has been disclosed above with typical embodiments, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above technical solution based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the content of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized by, The heat exchanger comprises: a heat exchange tube, the heat exchange tube comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, the outer tube being sleeved on the peripheral side of the inner tube, the heat exchange tube having a first flow channel cavity and a second flow channel cavity, the first flow channel cavity being the tube cavity of the inner tube, the second flow channel cavity being the interlayer cavity between the inner tube and the outer tube; the heat exchange tube comprising a first turbulence portion and a second turbulence portion, the first turbulence portion being located in at least one of the first flow channel cavity and the second flow channel cavity, the first turbulence portion being connected with the inner tube, the second turbulence portion being at least partially located in the second flow channel cavity, the second turbulence portion being connected with the outer tube.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein The first turbulence portion and the inner tube are integrally formed, the first turbulence portion being a structure formed by the inner tube extending in the radial direction of the heat exchange tube; The second turbulence portion and the outer tube are integrally formed, the second turbulence portion being a structure formed by the outer tube extending in the radial direction of the heat exchange tube.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein The structure of the first turbulence portion and the structure of the second turbulence portion are substantially the same, and at least one of the inner tube and the outer tube is a punch-formed piece.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein At least one of the first turbulence portions comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being extended by the inner tube towards the first flow channel cavity, and the second part being extended by the inner tube towards the second flow channel cavity.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 4, wherein In the direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the heat exchange tube, the first part surrounds the second part, or the second part surrounds the first part.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein At least two of the first turbulence portions, one of which is extended by the inner tube towards the first flow channel cavity, and the other of which is extended by the inner tube towards the second flow channel cavity.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein At least one of the first turbulence portion and the second turbulence portion has a cross section perpendicular to the radial direction of the heat exchange tube which is substantially circular.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein At least one of the first turbulence portion and at least one of the second turbulence portion are arranged along the same radial direction of the heat exchange tube in the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the heat exchange tube.

9. The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The heat exchanger further comprises a joint assembly, the joint assembly comprising a first joint, a second joint, a third joint and a fourth joint, the first joint and the second joint being connected with the two ends of the inner tube in the length direction respectively, the third joint and the fourth joint being connected with the two ends of the outer tube in the length direction respectively, the first joint having a first inlet cavity, the second joint having a first outlet cavity, the first inlet cavity and the first outlet cavity being communicated with the first flow channel cavity, the third joint having a second inlet cavity, the fourth joint having a second outlet cavity, the second inlet cavity and the second outlet cavity being communicated with the second flow channel cavity.

10. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger, characterized by, The heat exchanger comprises an inner tube, an outer tube, a first turbulence portion and a second turbulence portion, the outer tube being sleeved on the peripheral side of the inner tube, the inner tube being connected with the first turbulence portion, the outer tube being connected with the second turbulence portion, and the manufacturing method of the heat exchanger comprises: processing the first turbulence portion on a first plate and processing the second turbulence portion on a second plate; folding the first plate into a tubular shape and sealing to form the inner tube, and folding the second plate into a tubular shape and sealing to form the outer tube; assembling the inner tube into the tube cavity of the outer tube.

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