Cold heat end switchable vortex tube

Abstract

This invention provides a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends, belonging to the field of refrigeration and heating. It includes an upper exhaust pipe, a lower exhaust pipe, an upper vortex generator, a lower vortex generator, a vortex chamber, a flow-blocking device, and a driving device. Both the upper and lower vortex generators are installed within the vortex chamber and are positioned back-to-back with each other. One end of the vortex chamber is connected to the upper exhaust pipe, and the other end is connected to the lower exhaust pipe. One end of the flow-blocking device is located inside the upper exhaust pipe, and the other end passes through the upper and lower vortex generators and is placed inside the lower exhaust pipe. The driving device is used to drive the flow-blocking device to move. The purpose is to solve the problem of cumbersome operation in existing vortex tubes with switchable hot and cold ends. The achieved technical effect is that switching between the hot and cold ends of the vortex tube is very convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration and heating technology, and in particular to a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends. Background Technology

[0002] A vortex tube is a simple and highly effective energy separation device. When compressed gas is introduced into the vortex tube, two opposing airflows—one cold and one hot—are formed. Depending on the application scenario, these two airflows can be used to achieve cooling or heating effects respectively. The temperatures of the cold and hot airflows formed by room temperature compressed gas passing through a vortex tube can reach approximately -50°C and 130°C, respectively, making it suitable for applications in manufacturing, food processing, and scientific research. Currently, the cold and hot ends of existing vortex tubes are fixed; the cold end only provides cold flow, and the hot end only provides hot flow. However, in practical applications, it is sometimes necessary to cool and heat the same location at different stages. Therefore, existing technologies use manual external push plates or motors to switch the cold and hot ends of the vortex tube in situ without disassembling the entire unit. However, this method suffers from cumbersome operation and low convenience, reliability, and durability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends, which solves the problem of cumbersome operation of existing vortex tubes with switchable hot and cold ends, and makes it very convenient to switch the hot and cold ends of the vortex tube.

[0004] The present invention provides a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends, including an upper exhaust pipe, a lower exhaust pipe, an upper vortex generator, a lower vortex generator, a vortex chamber, a flow obstruction device, and a driving device; Both the upper and lower eddy current generators are installed in the eddy current chamber and are arranged back to back with each other. One end of the vortex chamber is connected to the upper exhaust pipe, and the other end of the vortex chamber is connected to the lower exhaust pipe. One end of the flow-blocking device is located inside the upper exhaust pipe, and the other end of the flow-blocking device passes through the upper vortex generator and the lower vortex generator and is placed inside the lower exhaust pipe. The upper exhaust pipe includes a first small straight pipe section and a first expansion section. One end of the first small straight pipe section is connected to the vortex chamber, and the other end of the first small straight pipe section is connected to the first expansion section. The diameter of the first expansion section gradually increases from the end closest to the first short straight pipe section to the end furthest from the first short straight pipe section; The lower exhaust pipe includes a second small straight pipe section and a second expansion section. One end of the second small straight pipe section is connected to the vortex chamber, and the other end of the second small straight pipe section is connected to the second expansion section. The diameter of the second expansion section gradually increases from the end closest to the second short straight pipe section to the end furthest from the second short straight pipe section; The drive unit is used to drive the flow-blocking device to move.

[0005] The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to the present invention achieves the switching of the hot and cold ends of the turbine tube simply by moving the flow-blocking device up and down. It is very convenient and does not involve an active transmission mechanism, requires no power supply, has a simple structure, and has high reliability and durability.

[0006] In addition, the vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to the present invention may also have the following additional technical features: In some embodiments of the present invention, the flow obstruction device includes an upper flow obstructor, a lower flow obstructor, and a connecting rod. The upper flow obstructor is located inside the upper exhaust pipe, the lower flow obstructor is located inside the lower exhaust pipe, one end of the connecting rod is connected to the upper flow obstructor, and the other end of the connecting rod passes through the upper vortex generator and the lower vortex generator in sequence and is then connected to the lower flow obstructor. The driving device is used to drive the upper flow obstructor and the lower flow obstructor to move.

[0007] By adopting the above embodiments, the upper and lower flow obstructors reliably block the cold air formed by the high-pressure gas, thereby allowing the cold air to flow out in the opposite direction.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper exhaust pipe further includes a first large straight pipe section, the lower exhaust pipe further includes a second large straight pipe section, the first expansion section includes a first small expansion section and a first large expansion section, and the second expansion section includes a second small expansion section and a second large expansion section. One end of the first small expansion section is connected to the first small straight pipe section, the other end of the first small expansion section is connected to one end of the first large expansion section, and the other end of the first large expansion section is connected to the first large straight pipe section. One end of the second small expansion section is connected to the second small straight pipe section, and the other end of the second small expansion section is connected to one end of the second large expansion section. The other end of the second large expansion section is connected to the second large straight pipe section.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, a partition is further included, which is disposed in the vortex chamber and located in the middle of the vortex chamber, with an upper vortex generator installed on one side of the partition and a lower vortex generator installed on the other side of the partition.

[0010] By adopting the above embodiments, the partition plate configuration enables reliable installation of the upper and lower eddy current generators.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, an upper air intake pipe and a lower air intake pipe are also included. Both the upper air intake pipe and the lower air intake pipe are connected to the side wall of the vortex chamber. The space between the upper air intake pipe and the upper vortex generator and the vortex chamber is connected, and the space between the lower air intake pipe and the lower vortex generator and the vortex chamber is connected.

[0012] By adopting the above embodiments, the upper and lower air intake pipes increase the convenience of high-pressure gas entering the vortex chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the driving device includes an upper magnetic ring, the upper exhaust pipe is slidably fitted with the upper magnetic ring, the upper magnetic ring is located on the outer periphery of the upper flow restrictor and the upper flow restrictor is magnetic.

[0014] By adopting the above embodiments, the upper magnetic ring is designed so that the flow-blocking device can be moved up and down simply by moving the upper magnetic ring during operation, which is very convenient.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the driving device further includes a lower magnetic ring, on which the lower exhaust pipe is slidably fitted with the lower magnetic ring, the lower magnetic ring being located on the outer periphery of the lower flow restrictor and the lower flow restrictor being magnetic.

[0016] By adopting the above embodiments, the setting of the lower magnetic ring increases the convenience of moving the flow-blocking device up and down.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the driving device further includes an upper connector and a lower connector. The upper connector is slidably sleeved on the upper exhaust pipe, and an upper magnetic ring is connected to the upper end of the upper connector. The lower connector is slidably sleeved on the lower exhaust pipe, and a lower magnetic ring is connected to the lower end of the lower connector.

[0018] By adopting the above embodiments, the arrangement of the upper and lower connectors increases the convenience of operating the upper and lower magnetic rings.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the drive device further includes an upper cylinder, an upper piston, and an upper manifold; The upper cylinder block is fitted onto the upper exhaust pipe, and the upper piston is slidably connected to the upper cylinder block; the end of the upper connector that is away from the upper magnetic ring passes through the upper cylinder block and is connected to the upper piston. One end of the upper splitter pipe is connected to and communicates with the upper intake pipe, and the other end of the upper splitter pipe is connected to and communicates with the upper cylinder block.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the drive device further includes a lower cylinder, a lower piston, and a lower manifold; The lower cylinder block is fitted onto the lower exhaust pipe, and the lower piston is slidably connected to the lower cylinder block; the end of the lower connector that is away from the lower magnetic ring passes through the lower cylinder block and is connected to the lower piston. One end of the lower splitter pipe is connected to and communicates with the lower intake pipe, and the other end of the lower splitter pipe is connected to and communicates with the lower end of the lower cylinder block.

[0021] By adopting the above embodiments, the upper and lower diversion pipes enable a portion of the high-pressure gas to be diverted into the corresponding upper or lower cylinder when it flows into the vortex chamber, thereby pushing the upper or lower piston to move and thus moving the flow obstruction device up and down. This allows the vortex tube to use the high-pressure gas to be cooled or heated as both the working fluid and the driving force, without involving any active transmission mechanism, requiring no power supply, having a simple structure, and possessing high reliability and durability.

[0022] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects: the simple up-and-down movement of the flow-blocking device realizes the switching of the hot and cold ends of the turbine tube, which is very convenient and does not involve an active transmission mechanism, requires no power supply, has a simple structure, and has high reliability and durability. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A first perspective view of a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0024] Figure 2 A second perspective view of a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0025] Figure 3 A perspective view schematically illustrating a hot-and-cold switchable vortex tube according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown without the upper magnetic ring, upper connector, lower magnetic ring, and lower connector connected together.

[0026] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of high-pressure gas flowing inside a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a high-pressure gas flowing inside a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is shown.

[0029] Figure 7A perspective view schematically illustrates the connection between the flow-blocking device of a hot-and-cold-end switchable vortex tube according to some embodiments of the present invention and an upper vortex generator and a lower vortex generator.

[0030] Figure 8 A perspective view of a flow-blocking device for a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0031] Figure 9 A perspective view of the vortex chamber of a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0032] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the vortex chamber of a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0033] Figure label: 11. Upper intake manifold; 12. Upper split manifold; 13. Upper exhaust manifold; 131. First small straight pipe section; 132. First small diameter expansion section; 133. First large diameter expansion section; 134. First large straight pipe section; 14. Upper cylinder block; 15. Upper magnetic ring; 16. Upper connector; 17. Upper vortex generator; 171. First base; 172. First vortex plate; 18. Upper piston; 21. Lower intake manifold; 22. Lower split manifold; 23. Lower exhaust manifold; 231. Second small straight pipe. Section 232, Second small diameter expansion section, 233, Second large diameter expansion section, 234, Second large straight pipe section, 24, Lower cylinder body, 25, Lower magnetic ring, 26, Lower connector, 27, Lower vortex generator, 271, Second base, 272, Second vortex plate, 28, Lower piston, 3, Vortex chamber, 31, Baffle plate, 311, Through hole, 32, First air inlet, 33, Second air inlet, 4, Flow obstruction device, 41, Upper flow obstructor, 42, Lower flow obstructor, 43, Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0035] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “” used herein may also indicate the inclusion of the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated, unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0036] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0037] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "over," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" would subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may also be rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations, and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, a vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends is provided, including an upper exhaust pipe 13, a lower exhaust pipe 23, an upper vortex generator 17, a lower vortex generator 27, a vortex chamber 3, a flow-blocking device 4, and a driving device. The upper eddy current generator 17 and the lower eddy current generator 27 are both installed in the eddy current chamber 3 and are arranged back to back with each other. One end of the vortex chamber 3 is connected to the upper exhaust pipe 13, and the other end of the vortex chamber 3 is connected to the lower exhaust pipe 23. One end of the flow-blocking device 4 is located inside the upper exhaust pipe 13, and the other end of the flow-blocking device 4 passes through the upper vortex generator 17 and the lower vortex generator 27 and is placed inside the lower exhaust pipe 23. The upper exhaust pipe 13 includes a first small straight pipe section 131 and a first expansion section. One end of the first small straight pipe section 131 is connected to the vortex chamber 3, and the other end of the first small straight pipe section 131 is connected to the first expansion section. The diameter of the first expansion section gradually increases from the end closest to the first small straight pipe section 131 to the end furthest from the first small straight pipe section 131; The lower exhaust pipe 23 includes a second small straight pipe section 231 and a second expansion section. One end of the second small straight pipe section 231 is connected to the vortex chamber 3, and the other end of the second small straight pipe section 231 is connected to the second expansion section. The diameter of the second expansion section gradually increases from the end closest to the second small straight pipe section 231 to the end furthest from the second small straight pipe section 231; The drive unit is used to drive the flow-blocking device 4 to move.

[0039] In the above embodiments, it should be noted that the axes of the upper intake pipe 11, the upper exhaust pipe 13, the upper vortex generator 17, the lower vortex generator 27, the vortex chamber 3, the drive device, and the flow obstruction device 4 are collinear; the side wall of the vortex chamber 3 is provided with a first air inlet 32 ​​and a second air inlet 33, the first air inlet 32 ​​is connected to the space between the upper vortex generator 17 and the vortex chamber 3, and the second air inlet 33 is connected to the space between the lower vortex generator 27 and the vortex chamber 3. The upper vortex generator 17 includes a first base 171 and a plurality of first vortex plates 172, and the lower vortex generator 27 includes a second base 271 and a second vortex plate 272. The first base 171 and the second base 271 are connected to each other. The side of the first base 171 facing away from the second base 271 is provided with a plurality of first vortex plates 172 in a circular array, and the side of the second base 271 facing away from the first base 171 is provided with a plurality of second vortex plates 272 in a circular array.

[0040] When a hot end needs to provide heat and a cold end needs to provide cold air, the second air inlet 33 is blocked, and high-pressure air is injected into the first air inlet 32. Simultaneously, the drive device moves the flow-blocking device 4 downwards. At this time, the flow channel between one end of the flow-blocking device 4 and the first expansion section becomes narrow, while the flow channel between the other end of the flow-blocking device 4 and the second expansion section widens. A portion of the high-pressure gas directly enters the vortex chamber 3 and flows upwards to the vortex generator 17. Under the guiding action of the upper vortex generator 17, a high-speed rotating vortex is generated and flows into the first small straight pipe section 131 of the upper exhaust pipe 13. At this time, in the high-speed rotating vortex, the vortex near the inner wall of the first small straight pipe section 131 has a higher temperature due to its relatively higher rotation speed, and is a high-temperature vortex. Meanwhile, the vortex at the center of the first small straight pipe section 131 has a relatively lower rotation speed and is less hot. At low temperatures, a low-temperature vortex flows upward along the inner wall of the first small straight pipe section 131 toward the first expansion section, and flows out from the narrow flow channel between the first expansion section and the flow-blocking device 4 to provide heat. At the same time, the low-temperature vortex at the center of the first small straight pipe section 131 is blocked by the upper end of the flow-blocking device 4 when it flows toward the upper end of the flow-blocking device 4, and is bounced and spiraled downward, and then flows downward in sequence through the through holes at the geometric center of the upper vortex generator 17 and the lower vortex generator 27 into the lower exhaust pipe 23, and is discharged through the second small straight pipe section 231 and the second expansion end of the lower exhaust pipe 23 to provide cooling. At this time, since the flow channel between the lower end of the flow-blocking device 4 and the second small expansion section 232 of the lower exhaust pipe 23 is large, the flow-blocking device 4 will not obstruct the outflow of the low-temperature vortex.

[0041] When switching between hot and cold ends is required, i.e., the hot end provides cold air and the cold end provides hot air, the first air inlet 32 ​​is blocked, high-pressure air is injected into the second air inlet 33, and the drive device is operated to move the flow-blocking device 4 upward. At this time, the flow channel between one end of the flow-blocking device 4 and the second expansion section becomes narrow, and the flow channel between the other end of the flow-blocking device 4 and the first expansion section widens. A portion of the high-pressure gas directly enters the vortex chamber 3 and flows down to the vortex generator 27. Under the guiding action of the lower vortex generator 27, a high-speed rotating vortex is generated and flows into the second small straight pipe section 231 of the lower exhaust pipe 23. At this time, in the high-speed rotating vortex, the vortex near the inner wall of the second small straight pipe section 231 has a higher temperature due to its relatively higher rotation speed, and is a high-temperature vortex, while the vortex at the center of the second small straight pipe section 231 has a lower temperature due to its relatively lower rotation speed. The temperature is low-temperature vortex, and the high-temperature vortex flows downward along the inner wall of the second small straight pipe section 231 to the second expansion section, and flows out from the narrow flow channel between the second expansion section and the flow-blocking device 4 to provide heat. At the same time, the low-temperature vortex at the center of the second small straight pipe section 231 is blocked by the lower end of the flow-blocking device 4 when it flows towards the lower end of the flow-blocking device 4, and is bounced and spiraled upward. Then it flows upward through the through hole at the geometric center of the lower vortex generator 27 and the upper vortex generator 17 into the upper exhaust pipe 13, and is discharged through the first small straight pipe section 131 and the first expansion end of the upper exhaust pipe 13 to provide cooling. At this time, since the flow channel between the upper end of the flow-blocking device 4 and the first small expansion section 132 of the upper exhaust pipe 13 is large, the flow-blocking device 4 will not obstruct the flow of the low-temperature vortex, thus realizing the switching between the hot and cold ends.

[0042] The technical effects achieved by the above embodiments are as follows: the switching between the hot and cold ends of the turbine tube is realized by simply moving the flow-blocking device 4 up and down. This is very convenient and does not involve an active transmission mechanism, requires no power supply, has a simple structure, and has high reliability and durability.

[0043] Optional, such as Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the flow obstruction device 4 includes an upper flow obstructor 41, a lower flow obstructor 42, and a connecting rod 43. The upper flow obstructor 41 is located inside the upper exhaust pipe 13, and the lower flow obstructor 42 is located inside the lower exhaust pipe 23. One end of the connecting rod 43 is connected to the upper flow obstructor 41, and the other end of the connecting rod 43 passes through the upper vortex generator 17 and the lower vortex generator 27 in sequence before being connected to the lower flow obstructor 42. The driving device is used to drive the upper flow obstructor 41 and the lower flow obstructor 42 to move.

[0044] In the above optional embodiments, it should be noted that the upper flow blocker 41 and the lower flow blocker 42 are both frustum-shaped, and multiple connecting rods 43 are spaced apart between the upper flow blocker 41 and the lower flow blocker 42.

[0045] The beneficial effect of the above optional embodiments is that the arrangement of the lower flow restrictor 41 and the lower flow restrictor 42 achieves reliable blocking of the cold air formed by the high-pressure gas so as to make the cold air flow out in the opposite direction.

[0046] Optional, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the upper exhaust pipe 13 also includes a first large straight pipe section 134, the lower exhaust pipe 23 also includes a second large straight pipe section 234, the first expansion section includes a first small expansion section 132 and a first large expansion section 133, and the second expansion section includes a second small expansion section 232 and a second large expansion section 233. One end of the first small expansion section 132 is connected to the first small straight pipe section 131, the other end of the first small expansion section 132 is connected to one end of the first large expansion section 133, and the other end of the first large expansion section 133 is connected to the first large straight pipe section 134. One end of the second small expansion section 232 is connected to the second small straight pipe section 231, and the other end of the second small expansion section 232 is connected to one end of the second large expansion section 233. The other end of the second large expansion section 233 is connected to the second large straight pipe section 234.

[0047] In the above optional embodiments, it should be noted that the diameter of the first large straight pipe section 134 is larger than the diameter of the first small straight pipe section 131, and the diameter of the second large straight pipe section 234 is larger than the diameter of the second small straight pipe section 231.

[0048] Optional, such as Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 10 As shown, it also includes a partition 31, which is disposed in the vortex chamber 3 and located in the middle of the vortex chamber 3. The upper vortex generator 17 is installed on one side of the partition 31, and the lower vortex generator 27 is installed on the other side of the partition 31.

[0049] In the above optional embodiments, it should be noted that the partition 31 has a through hole 311 in the center for the circulation of cold air.

[0050] The advantages of the above optional embodiments are that the partition 31 enables reliable installation of the upper eddy current generator 17 and the lower eddy current generator 27.

[0051] Optional, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, it also includes an upper air intake pipe 11 and a lower air intake pipe 21. Both the upper air intake pipe 11 and the lower air intake pipe 21 are connected to the side wall of the vortex chamber 3. The upper air intake pipe 11 communicates with the space between the upper vortex generator 17 and the vortex chamber 3, and the lower air intake pipe 21 communicates with the space between the lower vortex generator 27 and the vortex chamber 3.

[0052] The advantages of the above optional embodiments are that the upper air inlet pipe 11 and the lower air inlet pipe 21 increase the convenience of high-pressure gas entering the vortex chamber 3.

[0053] Optional, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the drive device includes an upper magnetic ring 15, and the upper exhaust pipe 13 is slidably fitted with the upper magnetic ring 15. The upper magnetic ring 15 is located on the outer periphery of the upper flow restrictor 41, and the upper flow restrictor 41 is magnetic.

[0054] In the above optional embodiments, it should be noted that the upper choke 41 has strong magnetism and is opposite to the magnetism of the upper magnetic ring 15.

[0055] The advantages of the above optional embodiments are: by setting the upper magnetic ring 15, it is possible to drive the flow blocking device 4 to move up and down simply by moving the upper magnetic ring 15 during operation, which is very convenient.

[0056] Optional, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the drive device also includes a lower magnetic ring 25. The lower exhaust pipe 23 is slidably fitted with the lower magnetic ring 25. The lower magnetic ring 25 is located on the outer periphery of the lower flow restrictor 42 and the lower flow restrictor 42 is magnetic.

[0057] In the above optional embodiments, it should be noted that the lower choke 42 has strong magnetism and is opposite to the magnetism of the lower magnetic ring 25.

[0058] The advantages of the above optional embodiments are that the arrangement of the upper magnetic ring 15 and the lower magnetic ring 25 increases the convenience of moving the flow-blocking device 4 up and down.

[0059] Optional, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the drive device also includes an upper connector 16 and a lower connector 26. The upper connector 16 is slidably sleeved on the upper exhaust pipe 13, and an upper magnetic ring 15 is connected to the upper end of the upper connector 16. The lower connector 26 is slidably sleeved on the lower exhaust pipe 23, and a lower magnetic ring 25 is connected to the lower end of the lower connector 26.

[0060] The advantages of the above optional embodiments are that the arrangement of the upper connector 16 and the lower connector 26 increases the convenience of operating the upper magnetic ring 15 and the lower magnetic ring 25.

[0061] Optional, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the drive unit also includes an upper cylinder 14, an upper piston 18, and an upper manifold 12; The upper cylinder body 14 is fitted onto the upper exhaust pipe 13, and the upper piston 18 is slidably connected inside the upper cylinder body 14; the end of the upper connector 16 facing away from the upper magnetic ring 15 passes through the upper cylinder body 14 and is connected to the upper piston 18. One end of the upper split pipe 12 is connected to and communicates with the upper intake pipe 11, and the other end of the upper split pipe 12 is connected to and communicates with the upper cylinder block 14.

[0062] Optional, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the drive unit also includes a lower cylinder 24, a lower piston 28, and a lower distributor pipe 22; The lower cylinder 24 is fitted onto the lower exhaust pipe 23, and the lower piston 28 is slidably connected inside the lower cylinder 24; the lower connector 26, with one end facing away from the lower magnetic ring 25, passes through the lower cylinder 24 and connects to the lower piston 28. One end of the lower splitter pipe 22 is connected to and communicates with the lower intake pipe 21, and the other end of the lower splitter pipe 22 is connected to and communicates with the lower end of the lower cylinder block 24.

[0063] In the above optional embodiments, it should be noted that the lower piston 28 is sealed to the lower cylinder 24, and the upper piston 18 is sealed to the upper cylinder 14.

[0064] The working principle of this vortex tube is as follows: When hot air needs to be supplied by the hot end and cold air by the cold end, the inlet of the lower intake pipe 21 is blocked, and high-pressure gas is introduced into the upper intake pipe 11. At this time, part of the high-pressure gas enters the upper split pipe 12 and the upper cylinder 14, pushing the upper piston 18 and causing the upper connector 16 and the upper magnetic ring 15 to move vertically downward. Under the action of magnetic force, the vertically downward moving upper magnetic ring 15 causes the upper flow restrictor 41, the connecting rod 43, and the lower flow restrictor 42 to move vertically downward together. Similarly, under the action of magnetic force, the vertically downward moving lower flow restrictor 42 causes the lower magnetic ring 25, the lower connector 26, and the lower piston 28 to move vertically downward together. At this time, the flow channel between the upper flow restrictor 41 and the first small expansion section 132 of the upper exhaust pipe 13 becomes narrow, while the flow channel between the lower flow restrictor 42 and the second small expansion section 232 of the lower exhaust pipe 23 expands. Another part of the high-pressure gas directly enters the flow space above the partition 31 of the vortex chamber 3 and flows to the upper vortex generator 17. Under the guiding action of the upper vortex generator 17, a high-speed rotating vortex is generated and flows into the first small straight pipe section 131 of the upper exhaust pipe 13. At this time, in the high-speed rotating vortex, the vortex near the inner wall of the first small straight pipe section 131 has a higher temperature due to its relatively higher rotation speed, and is a high-temperature vortex, while the vortex at the center of the first small straight pipe section 131 has a lower temperature due to its relatively lower rotation speed, and is a low-temperature vortex. The high-temperature vortex flows upward along the inner wall of the first small straight pipe section 131 to the first small expansion section 132, and then flows out from the narrow flow channel between the first small expansion section 132 and the upper flow restrictor 41 into the first large expansion section 133 and the first large straight pipe section 134 to provide heat. Meanwhile, the low-temperature vortex at the center of the first small straight pipe section 131 is blocked by the upper flow barrier 41 when it flows upward, and is rebounded and spiraled downward. It then flows downward in sequence through the through hole 311 at the geometric center of the upper vortex generator 17, the baffle 31, and the lower vortex generator 27 into the lower exhaust pipe 23. It is then discharged through the second small straight pipe section 231, the second small expansion section 232, the second large expansion section 233, and the second large straight pipe section 234 of the lower exhaust pipe 23 to provide cooling. At this time, since the flow channel between the lower flow barrier 42 and the small expansion section of the lower exhaust pipe 23 is large, the lower flow barrier 42 will not obstruct the outflow of the low-temperature vortex.

[0065] When switching between hot and cold ends is required, i.e., the hot end provides cold air and the cold end provides hot air, the inlet of the upper intake pipe 11 is blocked, and high-pressure gas is introduced into the lower intake pipe 21. At this time, part of the high-pressure gas enters the lower split pipe 22 and the lower cylinder 24, pushing the lower piston 28 and causing the lower connector 26 and the lower magnetic ring 25 to move vertically upward. Under the action of magnetic force, the vertically moving lower magnetic ring 25 causes the lower flow deflector 42, the connecting rod 43 and the upper flow deflector 41 to move vertically upward together. Similarly, under the action of magnetic force, the vertically moving upper flow deflector 41 causes the upper magnetic ring 15, the upper connector 16 and the upper piston 18 to move vertically upward together. At this time, the flow channel between the lower flow restrictor 42 and the second small expansion section 232 of the lower exhaust pipe 23 becomes narrow, while the flow channel between the upper flow restrictor 41 and the first small expansion section 132 of the upper exhaust pipe 13 expands. Another part of the high-pressure gas directly enters the flow space below the baffle 31 of the vortex chamber 3 and flows down to the lower vortex generator 27. Under the guiding action of the lower vortex generator 27, a high-speed rotating vortex is generated and flows into the second small straight pipe section 231 of the lower exhaust pipe 23. At this time, in the high-speed rotating vortex, the vortex near the inner wall of the second small straight pipe section 231 has a higher temperature due to its relatively higher rotation speed, and is a high-temperature vortex, while the vortex at the center of the second small straight pipe section 231 has a lower temperature due to its relatively lower rotation speed, and is a low-temperature vortex. The high-temperature vortex flows downward along the inner wall of the second small straight pipe section 231 to the second small expansion section 232, and then flows out from the narrow flow channel between the second small expansion section 232 and the lower flow restrictor 42 into the second large expansion section 233 and the second large straight pipe section 234 to provide heat. Meanwhile, the low-temperature vortex at the center of the second small straight pipe section 231 is blocked by the lower flow deflector 42 when it flows down, and is bounced and spiraled upward. It then flows upward through the lower vortex generator 27, the baffle 31, and the through hole 311 at the geometric center of the upper vortex generator 17 into the upper exhaust pipe 13. It is then discharged through the first small straight pipe section 131, the first small expansion section 132, the first large expansion section 133, and the first large straight pipe section 134 of the upper exhaust pipe 13 to provide cooling. Since the flow channel between the upper flow deflector 41 and the first small expansion section 132 of the upper exhaust pipe 13 is large, the upper flow deflector 41 will not obstruct the flow of the low-temperature vortex, thus realizing the switching between the hot and cold ends.

[0066] The advantages of the above optional embodiments are as follows: by setting up the upper diversion pipe 12 and the lower diversion pipe 22, when the high-pressure gas flows into the vortex chamber 3, a part of the high-pressure gas is diverted and flows into the corresponding upper cylinder 14 or lower cylinder 24, which then pushes the upper piston 18 or lower piston 28 to move, thereby realizing the up and down movement of the flow obstruction device 4. In this way, the vortex tube uses the high-pressure gas to be cooled or heated as both the working fluid and the driving force, without involving any active transmission mechanism, without power supply, with simple structure, and with high reliability and durability.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends, characterized in that, It includes an upper exhaust pipe (13), a lower exhaust pipe (23), an upper vortex generator (17), a lower vortex generator (27), a vortex chamber (3), a flow-blocking device (4), and a drive device; The upper vortex generator (17) and the lower vortex generator (27) are both installed in the vortex chamber (3) and are arranged back to back with each other. One end of the vortex chamber (3) is connected to the upper exhaust pipe (13), and the other end of the vortex chamber (3) is connected to the lower exhaust pipe (23). One end of the flow-blocking device (4) is located inside the upper exhaust pipe (13), and the other end of the flow-blocking device (4) passes through the upper vortex generator (17) and the lower vortex generator (27) and is placed inside the lower exhaust pipe (23). The upper exhaust pipe (13) includes a first small straight pipe section (131) and a first expansion section. One end of the first small straight pipe section (131) is connected to the vortex chamber (3), and the other end of the first small straight pipe section (131) is connected to the first expansion section. The diameter of the first expansion section gradually increases from the end closest to the first small straight pipe section (131) to the end furthest from the first small straight pipe section (131); The lower exhaust pipe (23) includes a second small straight pipe section (231) and a second expansion section. One end of the second small straight pipe section (231) is connected to the vortex chamber (3), and the other end of the second small straight pipe section (231) is connected to the second expansion section. The diameter of the second expansion section gradually increases from the end closest to the second small straight pipe section (231) to the end furthest from the second small straight pipe section (231); The driving device is used to drive the flow-blocking device (4) to move.

2. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow-blocking device (4) includes an upper flow blocker (41), a lower flow blocker (42), and a connecting rod (43). The upper flow blocker (41) is located inside the upper exhaust pipe (13), and the lower flow blocker (42) is located inside the lower exhaust pipe (23). One end of the connecting rod (43) is connected to the upper flow blocker (41), and the other end of the connecting rod (43) passes through the upper vortex generator (17) and the lower vortex generator (27) in sequence and is then connected to the lower flow blocker (42). The driving device is used to drive the upper flow blocker (41) and the lower flow blocker (42) to move.

3. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper exhaust pipe (13) further includes a first large straight pipe section (134), and the lower exhaust pipe (23) further includes a second large straight pipe section (234). The first expansion section includes a first small expansion section (132) and a first large expansion section (133), and the second expansion section includes a second small expansion section (232) and a second large expansion section (233). One end of the first small diameter expansion section (132) is connected to the first small straight pipe section (131), the other end of the first small diameter expansion section (132) is connected to one end of the first large diameter expansion section (133), and the other end of the first large diameter expansion section (133) is connected to the first large straight pipe section (134). One end of the second small diameter expansion section (232) is connected to the second small straight pipe section (231), the other end of the second small diameter expansion section (232) is connected to one end of the second large diameter expansion section (233), and the other end of the second large diameter expansion section (233) is connected to the second large straight pipe section (234).

4. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes a partition (31), which is disposed in the vortex chamber (3) and located in the middle of the vortex chamber (3). The upper vortex generator (17) is installed on one side of the partition (31), and the lower vortex generator (27) is installed on the other side of the partition (31).

5. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also includes an upper air intake pipe (11) and a lower air intake pipe (21), both of which are connected to the side wall of the vortex chamber (3). The space between the upper air intake pipe (11), the upper vortex generator (17), and the vortex chamber (3) is connected, and the space between the lower air intake pipe (21), the lower vortex generator (27), and the vortex chamber (3) is connected.

6. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driving device includes an upper magnetic ring (15), and the upper exhaust pipe (13) is slidably fitted with the upper magnetic ring (15). The upper magnetic ring (15) is located on the outer periphery of the upper flow blocker (41), and the upper flow blocker (41) is magnetic.

7. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive device also includes a lower magnetic ring (25), the lower exhaust pipe (23) is slidably fitted with the lower magnetic ring (25), the lower magnetic ring (25) is located on the outer periphery of the lower flow restrictor (42) and the lower flow restrictor (42) is magnetic.

8. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive device further includes an upper connector (16) and a lower connector (26). The upper connector (16) is slidably sleeved on the upper exhaust pipe (13). The upper end of the upper connector (16) is connected to the upper magnetic ring (15). The lower connector (26) is slidably sleeved on the lower exhaust pipe (23). The lower end of the lower connector (26) is connected to the lower magnetic ring (25).

9. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive unit also includes an upper cylinder (14), an upper piston (18), and an upper manifold (12). The upper cylinder body (14) is sleeved on the upper exhaust pipe (13), and the upper piston (18) is slidably connected inside the upper cylinder body (14); the end of the upper connector (16) facing away from the upper magnetic ring (15) passes through the upper cylinder body (14) and is connected to the upper piston (18). One end of the upper split pipe (12) is connected to and communicates with the upper intake pipe (11), and the other end of the upper split pipe (12) is connected to and communicates with the upper cylinder (14).

10. The vortex tube with switchable hot and cold ends according to claim 9, characterized in that, The drive unit also includes a lower cylinder (24), a lower piston (28), and a lower manifold (22). The lower cylinder (24) is sleeved on the lower exhaust pipe (23), and the lower piston (28) is slidably connected inside the lower cylinder (24); the lower connector (26) has one end away from the lower magnetic ring (25) passing through the lower cylinder (24) and connected to the lower piston (28); One end of the lower split pipe (22) is connected to and communicates with the lower intake pipe (21), and the other end of the lower split pipe (22) is connected to and communicates with the lower cylinder (24) at the lower end.

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