Water channel structure of liquid heater and liquid heater

By introducing a vortex generator and a skid plate structure into the liquid heater channel, the problem of bubble aggregation in the liquid heater under low temperature and low flow conditions is solved, thereby improving heating efficiency and stability and preventing heating film ablation.

CN223740999UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-30SANDEN HUAYU AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520037060.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-08
Publication Date
2025-12-30
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Under low-temperature and low-flow conditions in liquid heaters, air bubbles accumulate in the coolant at the bends of the water channels, leading to heating film erosion and heater failure.

Method used

A liquid heater channel structure was designed, including a shell, a vortex generator and a skid plate. The shell is provided with an inlet channel, an outlet channel, a throttling channel and a main channel. The vortex generator is distributed in a matrix. The skid plate is perpendicular to the liquid flow direction and is designed with rounded corners to reduce bubble accumulation.

Benefits of technology

Under extremely low temperature and low flow conditions, the combined design of the skid plate and eddy current generator effectively prevents bubble accumulation, improves heating efficiency and stability, prevents heating film erosion, and expands the application range of liquid heaters.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of heaters, and discloses a liquid heater water channel structure and a liquid heater, the liquid heater water channel structure comprises a shell, a plurality of vortex generators and a ski-jump plate, two throttling channels are respectively arranged at the water inlet end and the water outlet end of a main flow channel; the water inlet flow channel and the water outlet flow channel are communicated with the main flow channel through the corresponding throttling channels, the vortex generators are distributed in the main flow channel in a matrix mode, the ski-jump plate is arranged on the side, close to the throttling channels, of the water outlet end of the main flow channel, and liquid in the main flow channel forms strong turbulent flow under the action of the vortex generators. The continuous vortex structure enhances mixing of liquid in the main flow channel, reduces total heat resistance of heat exchange and improves heating efficiency of the heater, the heated liquid in the main flow channel flows through the ski-jump plate, bubbles of cooling liquid are not prone to being gathered at the water outlet end of the main flow channel, the exhaust effect is more obvious, the bubbles cannot be accumulated even if the liquid heater inclines, and the service life of the liquid heater is prolonged. And the problem of ablation of the heating film of the liquid heater is prevented.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heater technology, and in particular to the water channel structure of a liquid heater and a liquid heater. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of new energy electric vehicle technology, higher requirements have been placed on the thermal management system of electric vehicles. As an auxiliary heating device in the thermal management system, the liquid heater provides heat to the passenger compartment or battery pack by heating the coolant. The thick-film heating type of the liquid heater involves screen printing an insulating film layer, a heating resistance film, a conductive dielectric film layer, and an insulating film layer on a stainless steel substrate, and heating the coolant on the water channel side through the substrate.

[0003] Air often exists in the water tank and pipelines of liquid heaters. When the heater operates at low temperature and low flow rate, the coolant has high viscosity and low flow velocity. During the upward airflow process of the coolant in the heater, air bubbles at the water outlet corner of the heater are difficult to expel, resulting in air bubble accumulation. This leads to poor heat dissipation at the corresponding substrate, causing the heating film to ablate, reducing its lifespan, and ultimately causing the heater to fail.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a liquid heater water channel structure and a liquid heater to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid heater channel structure that solves the problem that in the case of incomplete venting of cooling liquid in the channel under low flow conditions, bubble accumulation occurs, resulting in poor cooling effect, heating film ablation, and heater failure.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The liquid heater water channel structure includes:

[0008] The housing has an inlet channel, an outlet channel, two throttling channels, and a main channel. The two throttling channels are respectively located at the inlet end and the outlet end of the main channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel are respectively connected to the main channel through the corresponding throttling channels.

[0009] Multiple vortex generators are arranged in a matrix in the main channel;

[0010] A skid plate is disposed at the outlet end of the main channel near the throttling channel, and the length direction of the skid plate is perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid in the main channel.

[0011] Preferably, the skid plate has a first end face and a second end face, one end of the first end face is connected to the end face of the main channel, the other end of the first end face is connected to one end of the second end face, and the other end of the second end face is connected to the throttling channel near the outlet end of the main channel.

[0012] Preferably, the transition between the first end face and the second end face and the end face of the main channel is rounded.

[0013] Preferably, the first end face and the second end face are arc-shaped structures.

[0014] Preferably, the skid plate further has a bottom surface that is attached to the end face of the main channel. The first end face and the bottom surface form an angle α, which is less than or equal to 90°. The flow area of ​​the skid plate gradually decreases along the flow direction of the liquid in the main channel.

[0015] Preferably, the second end face and the end face of the main channel form an angle β, wherein the angle β is greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°.

[0016] Preferably, the height of the skid plate is less than the depth of the main channel.

[0017] Preferably, the skid plate, the eddy current generator, and the housing are integrally formed.

[0018] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a flow guide groove, which is disposed on the throttling channel on the side of the water outlet end of the main flow channel, and the flow direction of the liquid in the flow guide groove is tangential to the inner peripheral wall of the water outlet channel.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a liquid heater, including a heating component and the aforementioned liquid heater channel structure. The heating component is installed in the housing and is used to heat the main channel.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] The liquid heater water channel structure provided by this utility model has an inlet channel, an outlet channel, two throttling channels, and a main channel in the shell. The two throttling channels are respectively located at the inlet and outlet ends of the main channel, and are connected to the main channel through corresponding throttling channels. Multiple vortex generators are distributed in a matrix in the main channel. A skid plate is located at the outlet end of the main channel near the throttling channels, and the length direction of the skid plate is perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid in the main channel. The liquid enters the inlet channel from the inlet, then flows into the throttling channels. After being throttled by the throttling channels, it flows into the main channel, where it is heated. Simultaneously, the liquid in the main channel forms strong turbulence under the action of multiple vortex generators. The continuous vortex structure enhances the mixing of the liquid in the main channel, reduces the total heat exchange resistance, and improves the heating efficiency of the heater. The heated liquid in the main flow channel flows through the skid plate. Under extremely low temperature and low flow conditions, the skid plate prevents coolant bubbles from accumulating at the outlet of the main flow channel, resulting in a more significant venting effect. Even when the liquid heater is tilted, bubbles will not accumulate, preventing the heating film of the liquid heater from burning off. Finally, the liquid flows from the outlet to the throttling channel, and after being throttled by the throttling effect of the throttling channel, it flows to the outlet channel and finally flows out from the outlet of the outlet channel.

[0022] The liquid heater provided by this utility model includes a heating component and a liquid heater channel structure. The heating component is installed in the housing and is used to heat the main channel. When the liquid in the main channel flows through the skid plate, under extremely low temperature and low flow conditions, the air bubbles of the coolant are less likely to accumulate at the outlet of the main channel due to the action of the skid plate, resulting in a more obvious venting effect. Even when the liquid heater is tilted, air bubbles will not accumulate, preventing the burning of the heating film of the liquid heater. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the liquid heater water channel structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the liquid heater water channel structure provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the ski jump provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the ski jump provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1. Shell; 11. Inlet channel; 12. Outlet channel; 13. Throttling channel; 14. Main channel; 15. Guide channel;

[0029] 2. Eddy current generator;

[0030] 3. Ski jump; 31. First end face; 32. Second end face; 33. Bottom surface. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0035] like Figures 1-4As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid heater channel structure includes a shell 1, multiple vortex generators 2, and a skid plate 3. The shell 1 has an inlet channel 11, an outlet channel 12, two throttling channels 13, and a main channel 14. The two throttling channels 13 are respectively located at the inlet and outlet ends of the main channel 14. The inlet channel 11 and outlet channel 12 are connected to the main channel 14 through their respective throttling channels 13. The multiple vortex generators 2 are distributed in a matrix in the main channel 14. The skid plate 3 is located at the outlet end of the main channel 14 near the throttling channels 13, and the length direction of the skid plate 3 is perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid in the main channel 14. Specifically, the flow direction of the liquid in the inlet channel 11 is parallel to the flow direction of the liquid in the outlet channel 12. The inlet end of the main channel 14 is connected to the inlet channel 11, and the outlet end of the main channel 14 is connected to the outlet channel 12. The flow direction of the liquid in the main channel 14 is perpendicular to the flow directions of the liquid in the inlet channel 11 and the outlet channel 12. Throttling channels 13 are provided at the top openings of both the inlet channel 11 and the outlet channel 12. The inlet channel 11 is connected to the inlet end of the main channel 14 through the throttling channel 13, and the outlet channel 12 is connected to the outlet end of the main channel 14 through the throttling channel 13. Multiple vortex generators 2 are installed in the main channel 14, arranged in a matrix with staggered distribution, which enhances the turbulence and reduces the flow resistance to the liquid flowing in the main channel 14. The skid plate 3 is installed at the outlet end of the main channel 14 and located at the opening of the throttling channel 13. The skid plate 3 is installed across the cross section of the main channel 14 perpendicular to the direction of liquid flow.

[0036] The working principle of the liquid heater water channel structure is as follows: Liquid enters the inlet of the inlet channel 11, then flows into the throttling channel 13. After being throttled by the throttling channel 13, it flows to the main channel 14, where it is heated. Simultaneously, the liquid in the main channel 14 forms strong turbulence under the action of multiple vortex generators 2. The continuous vortex structure enhances the mixing of the liquid in the main channel 14, reduces the total thermal resistance, and improves the heating efficiency of the heater. The heated liquid in the main channel 14 flows through the skid plate 3. Under extremely low temperature and low flow conditions, the coolant bubbles are less likely to accumulate at the outlet of the main channel 14 due to the action of the skid plate 3, resulting in a more significant exhaust effect. Even when the liquid heater is tilted, bubbles will not accumulate, preventing the heating film from burning. This expands the stable operating range of the liquid heater, enhances its adaptability, and accommodates the tilting installation angles of various vehicle models and different inlet / outlet orientations. Finally, the liquid flows from the outlet to the throttling channel 13, and after the throttling effect of the throttling channel 13, it flows to the outlet channel 12, and finally flows out from the outlet of the outlet channel 12.

[0037] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-4 The slide plate 3 has a first end face 31 and a second end face 32. One end of the first end face 31 is connected to the end face of the main channel 14, and the other end of the first end face 31 is connected to one end of the second end face 32. The other end of the second end face 32 is connected to the throttling channel 13 near the outlet end of the main channel 14. Specifically, the first end face 31 is the windward side, and the second end face 32 is the leeward side. One end of the windward side starts from the bottom end face of the main channel 14, and the other end intersects with one end of the leeward side of the slide plate 3. The other end of the leeward side connects to the throttling channel 13 at the outlet end of the main channel 14. The height at the intersection of the windward and leeward sides is the height of the slide plate 3, and the height of the slide plate 3 is less than the depth of the main channel 14. Preferably, the transition between the first end face 31 and the second end face 32 and the end face of the main channel 14 is rounded to ensure smoother liquid flow. Optionally, the first end face 31 and the second end face 32 are arc surface structures, and the first end face 31 and the second end face 32 form a continuous curved surface.

[0038] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-4 The slide plate 3 also has a bottom surface 33, which is attached to the end face of the main channel 14. The first end face 31 and the bottom surface 33 form an angle α, which is less than or equal to 90°. Along the flow direction of the liquid in the main channel 14, the flow area of ​​the slide plate 3 gradually decreases. The second end face 32 and the end face of the main channel 14 form an angle β, which is greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°. Specifically, taking the bottom surface 33 or the end face of the main channel 14 as the horizontal plane reference, the angle α between the first end face 31 and the horizontal plane is an acute angle or a right angle, and the angle β between the second end face 32 and the horizontal plane is an obtuse angle or a right angle. The length of the slide plate 3 is equal to the width of the main channel 14, and the width of the slide plate 3 can be adjusted as needed. Along the flow direction of the liquid in the main channel 14, the flow area of ​​the skid plate 3 gradually decreases, the liquid velocity increases, and the flow direction of the liquid at this point is changed. The liquid flows in a parabolic trajectory with the opening facing downwards, constantly impacting the corner area of ​​the outlet end, making it difficult for bubbles to accumulate.

[0039] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-4 The skid plate 3, eddy current generator 2, and shell 1 are integrally formed. Specifically, the skid plate 3, eddy current generator 2, and shell 1 are integrally formed by die casting or other methods, which simplifies the manufacturing process, improves manufacturability, and helps control costs.

[0040] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2The housing 1 also has a guide channel 15, which is located in the throttling channel 13 on the side of the main channel 14 at the outlet end. The flow direction of the liquid in the guide channel 15 is tangential to the inner peripheral wall of the outlet channel 12. Specifically, the guide channel 15 is provided at the throttling channel 13 from the main channel 14 to the outlet channel 12, which makes the liquid flow in the main channel 14 change direction quickly. The flow direction of the liquid in the guide channel 15 is tangential to the inner peripheral wall of the outlet channel 12. The continuous impact of the liquid in the throttling channel 13 and the guide channel 15 on the outlet channel 12 makes it difficult for bubbles to accumulate in the throttling channel 13 and the outlet channel 12, and bubbles will not accumulate at the corner.

[0041] This embodiment also provides a liquid heater, including a heating component and the aforementioned liquid heater channel structure. The heating component is installed on the housing 1 and is used to heat the main channel 14. Specifically, the heating component is fixed to the housing 1 by screws. The housing 1 has a sealing groove, and a sealing ring is disposed in the sealing groove and sandwiched between the housing 1 and the heating component, resulting in a good sealing effect. The heating component includes a substrate, an insulating film printed on one side of the substrate, and a heating resistance film. The heating resistance film heats the liquid in the main channel 14. The throttling effect generated by the throttling channel 13 gives the liquid a certain acceleration effect. The liquid velocity gradient at various points in the throttling channel 13 is extremely small, and the flow rate is uniform, allowing the liquid to be evenly distributed into the main channel 14, thereby making the liquid heating more uniform and the heating component has good temperature uniformity. Furthermore, when the liquid in the main channel 14 flows through the skid plate 3, under extremely low temperature and low flow conditions, the air bubbles of the coolant are not easy to accumulate at the outlet of the main channel 14 under the action of the skid plate 3, and the exhaust effect is more obvious. Even if the liquid heater is tilted, the air bubbles will not accumulate, thus preventing the occurrence of the problem of heating film erosion of the liquid heater.

[0042] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A liquid heater waterway structure, characterised in that, The shell (1) is provided with an inlet flow channel (11), an outlet flow channel (12), two throttle channels (13) and a main flow channel (14), the two throttle channels (13) are respectively arranged at the inlet end and the outlet end of the main flow channel (14), and the inlet flow channel (11) and the outlet flow channel (12) are communicated with the main flow channel (14) through the corresponding throttle channels (13); A plurality of vortex generators (2) are arranged in the main flow channel (14) in a matrix manner; The slide jump plate (3) is arranged at the outlet end of the main flow channel (14) and close to one side of the throttle channel (13), and the length direction of the slide jump plate (3) is perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid in the main flow channel (14). The slide jump plate (3) has a first end face (31) and a second end face (32), one end of the first end face (31) is connected to the end face of the main flow channel (14), the other end of the first end face (31) is connected to one end of the second end face (32), and the other end of the second end face (32) is connected to the throttle channel (13) close to the outlet end of the main flow channel (14).

2. The liquid heater waterway structure according to claim 1, wherein The first end face (31) and the second end face (32) are both arranged with a rounded corner at the transition between the end face of the main flow channel (14).

3. The liquid heater waterway structure according to claim 2, wherein The first end face (31) and the second end face (32) are circular arc surface structures.

4. The liquid heater waterway structure according to claim 2, wherein The slide jump plate (3) also has a bottom face (33) which is attached to the end face of the main flow channel (14), the first end face (31) and the bottom face (33) form an included angle α, the range of the included angle α is less than or equal to 90°, and the flow area of the slide jump plate (3) gradually decreases along the flow direction of the liquid in the main flow channel (14).

5. The liquid heater waterway structure according to claim 2, wherein The second end face (32) and the end face of the main flow channel (14) form an included angle β, the range of the included angle β is greater than or equal to 90° and less than 180°.

6. The liquid heater waterway structure according to claim 2, wherein The height of the slide jump plate (3) is less than the depth of the main flow channel (14).

7. The liquid heater waterway structure according to claim 1, wherein The slide jump plate (3), the vortex generator (2) and the shell (1) are integrally formed.

8. The liquid heater waterway structure according to claim 1, wherein The shell (1) is also provided with a flow guide groove (15), the flow guide groove (15) is arranged in the throttle channel (13) on the outlet end side of the main flow channel (14), and the flow direction of the liquid in the flow guide groove (15) is tangent to the inner circumferential wall of the outlet flow channel (12).

9. The liquid heater waterway structure according to claim 1, wherein The liquid heater water channel structure comprises a heating assembly and the liquid heater water channel structure of any one of claims 1-9, the heating assembly is mounted on the shell (1), and the heating assembly is used for heating the main flow channel (14).

10. A liquid heater characterised in that, ​

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