Heat exchanger

By using rigid connectors to directly connect the water-cooled plate and the water-air heat exchanger in large equipment, the problem of excessive space occupation caused by traditional water pipe connections is solved, achieving a compact spatial layout and efficient heat transfer.

CN224205453UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-05SHENZHEN WEICHUANG SOFTWARE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHENZHEN WEICHUANG SOFTWARE CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-25
Publication Date
2026-05-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In large-scale continuous production equipment, the connection between traditional water-air heat exchangers and water-cooled plates requires flexible water pipes, which results in excessive space occupation, making it difficult to meet the layout requirements of small spaces, and the connection reliability is insufficient.

Method used

Rigid connectors are used to directly connect the water outlet of the water-cooled plate to the water inlet of the water-air heat exchanger, simplifying the pipeline route. The rigid direct connection ensures a tight fit between the two, eliminating the bending curvature of traditional water pipes. Supports and bolts are used for fixing, enhancing the reliability and stability of the connection.

Benefits of technology

It significantly shortens the distance between the water-cooled plate and the water-air heat exchanger, reduces space occupation, improves space utilization and connection reliability, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances heat transfer efficiency and structural stability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure CN224205453U_ABST
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Abstract

The utility model relates to a heat exchanger. A water cooling plate is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; the water-air heat exchangers are arranged at adjacent positions of the water cooling plate and are arranged at intervals; the water-air heat exchanger is provided with a water inlet end and a water outlet end; the water outlet is directly communicated with the water inlet end through the rigid connecting piece. The water outlet of the water-cooling plate is directly communicated with the water inlet end of the water-air heat exchanger through the rigid connecting piece, and the water-cooling plate and the water-air heat exchanger can be tightly attached and installed in a rigid direct connection mode, so that the bending radian required by traditional hose connection is avoided, the water-cooling plate and the water-air heat exchanger can be tightly arranged in a close mode, and the distance between the water-cooling plate and the water-air heat exchanger is remarkably shortened; the installation space occupied by the connection structure is greatly reduced, the narrow space layout requirement is met, and therefore the overall space layout is optimized.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat exchange equipment technology, and more particularly to a heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0002] In the power electronics industry, including large-scale continuous production equipment such as metallurgy, shipbuilding, marine drilling rigs, tunnel boring machines, and high-power water-cooled test benches, the actual field application demands increasingly smaller structural dimensions for power distribution equipment. Conventional inverter and rectifier module structures are insufficient to meet the spatial layout requirements of customers within limited spaces. Previously, water-air heat exchangers and water-cooled plates were connected by water pipes, which required a certain degree of curvature, resulting in a significant distance between the water-air heat exchanger and the water-cooled plate. Figure 3 As shown, this would result in the water-air heat exchanger occupying too much space due to the excessive distance between it and the water-cooled plate. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a heat exchanger that reduces the use of water pipe joints, eliminating the bending arc required for traditional water pipe connections. This not only significantly shortens the distance between the water-cooled plate and the water-air heat exchanger, effectively reducing space occupation, but also simplifies the connection pipeline between the water-cooled plate and the water-air heat exchanger, improving connection reliability.

[0004] Therefore, this application provides a heat exchanger, comprising:

[0005] Water-cooled plate, with water inlet and water outlet;

[0006] A water-air heat exchanger is located adjacent to the water-cooled plate and spaced apart; the water-air heat exchanger has an inlet end and an outlet end.

[0007] A connector that directly connects the water outlet to the water inlet.

[0008] Preferably, the connector is a rigid connector.

[0009] Preferably, the rigid connector is a straight pipe, with its two ends connected to the outlet and the inlet, respectively.

[0010] Preferably, the water-cooled plate is provided with multiple fixing holes, and the water-air heat exchanger is provided with multiple mounting holes coaxial with the fixing holes.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes bolts, which pass sequentially through the mounting holes of the water-air heat exchanger and the fixing holes of the water-cooled plate, and are tightened by threaded connection or nuts to press and fix the water-cooled plate, the water-air heat exchanger and the rigid connecting parts.

[0012] Preferably, it also includes a support member, which is arranged in parallel and symmetrically with the rigid connector to form a symmetrical support structure;

[0013] The bolts pass sequentially through the mounting holes of the water-air heat exchanger and the fixing holes of the water-cooled plate, and are locked to the support member.

[0014] Preferably, it further includes sealing elements, and the number of sealing elements is at least two; the two sealing elements are respectively disposed at the connection between the rigid connector and the outlet, and at the connection between the rigid connector and the inlet.

[0015] Preferably, the sealing element is an O-ring or a gasket.

[0016] Preferably, the water inlet end is arranged on the same side or opposite side as the water outlet end.

[0017] Preferably, the inner wall of the connector is provided with a corrosion-resistant coating.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0019] The heat exchanger includes a water-cooled plate, a water-air heat exchanger, a rigid connector, and a seal; the water-cooled plate has an inlet and an outlet; the water-air heat exchanger is located adjacent to the water-cooled plate and spaced apart; the water-air heat exchanger has an inlet end and an outlet end; the rigid connector directly connects the outlet end and the inlet end.

[0020] In this design, a rigid connector replaces the flexible water pipe. The rigid connector directly connects the water-cooled plate outlet to the water-air heat exchanger inlet, and the water-air heat exchanger inlet and water-cooled plate outlet are arranged on the same side, simplifying the pipeline routing. This allows for a straight connection with the rigid connector, enabling the water-cooled plate and water-air heat exchanger to be installed in close contact. This avoids the bending arc required by traditional flexible hose connections, allowing the two to be arranged close together. This significantly shortens the distance between the water-cooled plate and the water-air heat exchanger, greatly reducing the installation space occupied by the connection structure. This meets the needs of layouts in small spaces, thus optimizing the overall spatial layout and making the overall structure more compact and simple, thereby improving space utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchanger;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1A structural decomposition diagram in the image;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection of water-air heat exchangers and water-cooled plates using water pipes in the prior art.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1. Water-cooled plate; 11. Water inlet; 12. Water outlet; 13. Fixing hole; 2. Water-air heat exchanger; 21. Water inlet end; 22. Water outlet end; 23. Mounting hole; 4. Seal; 5. Bolt; 6. Rigid connector; 7. Support. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides a heat exchanger, including a water-cooled plate 1, a water-air heat exchanger 2, and a connector; the water-cooled plate 1 has a water inlet 11 and a water outlet 12; the water-air heat exchanger 2 is disposed adjacent to the water-cooled plate 1 and spaced apart; the water-air heat exchanger 2 has a water inlet end 21 and a water outlet end 22; preferably, the connector is a rigid connector 6; the rigid connector 6 directly connects the water outlet 12 and the water inlet end 21.

[0029] Specifically, a rigid connector 6 replaces the flexible water pipe. This means the rigid connector 6 directly connects the outlet 12 of the water-cooled plate 1 to the inlet 21 of the water-air heat exchanger 2, with the inlet 21 of the water-air heat exchanger 2 and the outlet 12 of the water-cooled plate 1 arranged on the same side. This simplifies the piping layout and, combined with the straight connection of the rigid connector 6, allows the water-cooled plate 1 and the water-air heat exchanger 2 to be installed in a close, rigid connection. This avoids the bending arc required by traditional flexible hoses 3, allowing for close proximity and significantly shortening the distance between the water-cooled plate 1 and the water-air heat exchanger 2. This drastically reduces the installation space occupied by the connection structure, meeting the needs of confined spaces and optimizing the overall spatial layout. The resulting structure is more compact and simpler, improving space utilization. Furthermore, eliminating the easily aging flexible hoses 3 and redundant pipe fittings also reduces maintenance costs.

[0030] Furthermore, through this connection structure, cold water can flow in from the inlet 11 of the water-cooled plate 1, pass through the interior of the water-cooled plate 1, and then flow into the inlet 21 of the water-air heat exchanger 2 through the rigid connector 6. Inside the water-air heat exchanger 2, the cold water absorbs heat and then flows out from the outlet 22, so that the water-cooled plate 1 and the water-air heat exchanger 2 form a series cooling circulation system. In this system, the flowing water continuously circulates between the water-cooled plate 1 and the water-air heat exchanger 2, effectively carrying away the heat generated by the device, thereby achieving a cooling effect.

[0031] In this embodiment, as shown in the figure Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the rigid connector 6 is a straight pipe, and its two ends are respectively connected to the outlet 12 and the inlet 21 through a rigid connection structure; preferably, the rigid connection structure includes, but is not limited to, flange connection, threaded connection or clamp connection.

[0032] The straight pipe's two ends are directly connected and fixed to the outlet 12 and inlet 21, respectively, forming a mechanical compression seal with the double sealing element 4. Compared to the flexible hose 3 connection method, which requires repeated adjustments to the bending arc to adapt to different installation environments and needs, the straight pipe can be assembled in a modular manner, simplifying the piping. Furthermore, because the straight pipe is less prone to leakage due to vibration or deformation, its assembly is more direct and reliable. The straight structure of the straight pipe directly replaces the traditional bent flexible hose 3, avoiding redundant piping that occupies excessive space. This allows the water-cooled plate 1 and the water-air heat exchanger 2 to be installed in a close fit, resulting in a more compact overall structure. In addition, the smooth inner wall of the straight pipe, free from the wrinkles or deformation of the flexible hose 3, maintains a constant flow channel cross-sectional area, thereby reducing turbulence and pressure loss, which is more conducive to heat exchange.

[0033] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the water-cooled plate 1 is provided with multiple fixing holes 13, and the water-air heat exchanger 2 is provided with multiple mounting holes 23 coaxially corresponding to the fixing holes 13; it also includes bolts 5, which pass through the mounting holes 23 of the water-air heat exchanger 2 and the fixing holes 13 of the water-cooled plate 1 in sequence, and are locked by threaded connection or nuts, so that the water-cooled plate 1, the water-air heat exchanger 2 and the rigid connecting member 6 are pressed and fixed.

[0034] The coaxial alignment of fixing holes 13 and mounting holes 23, with multiple holes distributed to form a uniform stress-bearing frame, ensures that the water-cooled plate 1 and water-air heat exchanger 2 do not require repeated adjustments during installation, avoiding misalignment leading to poor sealing or localized stress concentration. It also allows for single-module disassembly during maintenance without affecting adjacent units. Bolts 5 penetrate the water-cooled plate 1, water-air heat exchanger 2, and rigid connectors 6, and are tightened with threads or nuts, ensuring a tight fit between components and forming multi-point mechanical locking. This enhances the mechanical stability of the structure, effectively resisting vibration and impact, preventing component displacement or loosening due to external forces. It also ensures a tight contact surface between the water-cooled plate 1 and water-air heat exchanger 2, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency from the water-cooled plate 1 to the heat exchanger and optimizing the overall heat dissipation effect. Furthermore, the bolt connection method allows for quick disassembly and assembly, facilitating later maintenance or replacement of individual components, such as cleaning the water-air heat exchanger 2 or replacing the water-cooled plate 1, reducing maintenance costs.

[0035] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the system also includes a support member 7, which is arranged parallel and symmetrically with the rigid connector 6 to form a symmetrical support structure. The bolts 5 pass sequentially through the mounting holes 23 of the water-air heat exchanger 2 and the fixing holes 13 of the water-cooled plate 1, and are locked to the support member 7. Preferably, the bolts 5 are stainless steel bolts. Adding the support member 7 and forming a symmetrical support structure with the rigid connector 6 results in a more uniform load distribution, reducing the risk of deformation due to unilateral stress. Simultaneously, the bolts 5, through which the water-air heat exchanger 2, water-cooled plate 1, and support member 7 are locked, form a closed frame structure, significantly improving the component's resistance to bending and torsion, and preventing fatigue cracks in the water-cooled plate 1 or heat exchanger due to long-term stress. The support member 7 and the rigid connector 6, through bidirectional positioning, jointly define the positions of the water-cooled plate 1 and the heat exchanger, preventing assembly misalignment and ensuring a tight fit between the contact surfaces. The symmetrical support suppresses warping of the water-cooled plate 1 caused by thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining stable contact with the heat exchanger, avoiding thermal resistance fluctuations, and improving heat transfer efficiency. In addition, the support component 7 is usually modular, so the overall structure can be disassembled and assembled without damaging it, making it easy to replace or adjust individual components.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a sealing element 4, and the number of the sealing elements 4 is at least two; the two sealing elements 4 are respectively provided at the connection between the rigid connector 6 and the outlet 12, and at the connection between the rigid connector 6 and the inlet 21, so as to realize the double sealing element 4 to prevent leakage and form a double leak-proof seal.

[0037] In this embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the sealing element 4 is an O-ring or a gasket. The O-ring or elastic sealing ring undergoes compression deformation when the bolt 5 is tightened, filling the microscopic unevenness between the connecting parts and effectively preventing coolant leakage. Preferably, the sealing element 4 can also be an elastic sealing ring nested at the end of the rigid connecting part 6, achieving a seal by tightening the bolt 5.

[0038] In this embodiment, the water inlet 21 and the water outlet 12 are arranged on the same side or opposite sides. Arranging them on the same side saves space, makes the pipeline layout more compact, reduces flow resistance, and improves heat exchange efficiency. Arranging them on opposite sides allows the cooling medium to flow a longer path within the water-air heat exchanger 2, ensuring sufficient heat exchange, enhancing fluid distribution uniformity, preventing short-circuit flow of the cooling medium, and improving heat exchange effect. This provides a flexible installation solution when the water-cooled plate 1 and the water-air heat exchanger 2 cannot be connected on the same side due to limited space or structural limitations.

[0039] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the connector is provided with a corrosion-resistant coating, which can reduce the adhesion of scale or deposits, avoid flow channel blockage and heat exchange efficiency reduction caused by scaling, and also improve corrosion resistance and extend service life.

[0040] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0041] The above description describes specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger, characterized in that, include: The water-cooled plate (1) has an inlet (11) and an outlet (12); A water-air heat exchanger (2) is located adjacent to the water-cooled plate (1) and spaced apart; the water-air heat exchanger (2) has an inlet end (21) and an outlet end (22); A connector is used to directly connect the outlet (12) to the inlet (21).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector is a rigid connector (6).

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rigid connector (6) is a straight pipe, with its two ends connected to the outlet (12) and the inlet (21) respectively.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water-cooled plate (1) is provided with a plurality of fixing holes (13), and the water-air heat exchanger (2) is provided with a plurality of mounting holes (23) coaxial with the fixing holes (13).

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes bolts (5), which pass through the mounting holes (23) of the water-air heat exchanger (2) and the fixing holes (13) of the water-cooled plate (1) in sequence, and are tightened by threaded connection or nuts, so that the water-cooled plate (1), the water-air heat exchanger (2) and the rigid connector (6) are pressed and fixed.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a support member (7), which is arranged in parallel and symmetrically with the rigid connector (6) to form a symmetrical support structure; The bolt (5) passes through the mounting hole (23) of the water-air heat exchanger (2) and the fixing hole (13) of the water-cooled plate (1) in sequence, and is locked with the support member (7).

7. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing element (4), the number of which is at least two; the two sealing elements (4) are respectively located at the connection between the rigid connector (6) and the outlet (12), and at the connection between the rigid connector (6) and the inlet (21).

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing element (4) is an O-ring or a gasket.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet (21) is set on the same side or opposite side of the water outlet (12).

10. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The inner wall of the connector is provided with a corrosion-resistant coating.