A seamless aluminum pipe
By designing flexible locking components and a spiral flow guiding structure on seamless aluminum tubes, the problems of time-consuming connection and insufficient sealing are solved, enabling rapid installation and efficient heat exchange, which is suitable for industrial and civil applications.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DONGGUAN QIDE METAL MATERIAL CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Seamless aluminum tubes are inefficient to connect, requiring tools for tightening or specialized equipment for welding, and their sealing is insufficient, leading to leakage and low heat exchange efficiency.
It adopts an elastic locking assembly and a spiral flow guiding structure, which achieves rapid connection through the radial deformation of the elastic element, combined with a sealing element and a limiting ring to ensure stability, and forms a swirling flow on the inner wall to improve heat exchange efficiency.
It achieves rapid installation, mechanical sealing, and efficient heat exchange, making it suitable for frequent disassembly and assembly scenarios, extending the service life of the connection parts, and improving connection efficiency and heat exchange performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN224301590U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of aluminum tubing technology, specifically a seamless aluminum tubing. Background Technology
[0002] Seamless aluminum tubes are surface-machined, resulting in uniform metal flow at both ends, high dimensional accuracy, good fatigue resistance, consistent mechanical properties, and no layered structure.
[0003] Seamless aluminum tubes are currently widely used in industrial and civil fields (such as automotive air conditioning, building water supply and drainage, and heat exchange equipment), but they have the following problems:
[0004] Low connection efficiency: Traditional threaded connections require tools to tighten, welding requires specialized equipment, installation is time-consuming and has high requirements for the operating environment;
[0005] Insufficient sealing: Threaded connections are prone to loosening due to vibration, leading to leakage; welded joints have air pores; and the smooth inner wall of the tube results in poor flow stability and low heat exchange efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the background art, this utility model proposes a seamless aluminum tube.
[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: A seamless aluminum tube according to this utility model includes an aluminum tube body and connecting parts fixedly connected to both ends of the aluminum tube body. The connecting parts include a first connecting component and a second connecting component that cooperate with each other. The second connecting component includes an annular groove. The annular groove has a circumferential array of mounting grooves on its annular surface. The first connecting component includes a mounting protrusion that engages with the mounting groove. An elastic engaging component is fixedly connected below the mounting protrusion. An inner wall of the tube body is fixedly connected to the inner side of the aluminum tube body. A spiral flow guiding component is provided on the inner side of the inner wall of the tube body.
[0008] Preferably, the elastic engaging assembly includes an elastic element made of spring steel or elastic alloy material, and the mounting protrusions are evenly distributed circumferentially along the outer side of the elastic element.
[0009] Preferably, the depth of the annular groove is 1.5-2.5 mm, the width is 3-4 mm, and the distance from the end face of the tube opening is 5-10 mm.
[0010] Preferably, the spiral guide assembly includes a first spiral guide groove and a second spiral guide groove, wherein the spiral angle of the first spiral guide groove and the second spiral guide groove are 15°-30°, the height or depth is 0.5-1.5mm, and the pitch is 20-30mm.
[0011] Preferably, the outer edge of the pipe opening of the first connecting component is provided with a guide ring, and a limiting ring is installed on the rear side of the elastic locking component, the limiting ring being consistent with the maximum pipe diameter of the aluminum pipe body.
[0012] Preferably, the annular groove has a sealing mounting groove inside, and a sealing element is press-fitted and installed in the sealing mounting groove. The sealing element includes an O-ring, a lip ring, or a sealing strip.
[0013] Preferably, the first spiral guide groove and the second spiral guide groove extend towards the two end openings to form guide sections, and the length of the guide sections is 10-15mm.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0015] 1. This utility model provides a seamless aluminum tube that, through the radial elastic deformation of the elastic element (such as a deformation spring or rubber column) in the elastic locking assembly, causes the protrusion to contract under pressure during insertion and rebound to engage the mounting slot in the annular locking groove after reaching the desired position, achieving rapid installation. This improves efficiency compared to current threaded connections and solves the problems of tool dependence and time-consuming installation in current technologies. The tight fit between the mounting slot and the mounting protrusion forms a mechanical seal, which, combined with the sealing element (such as an O-ring) installed in the sealing mounting groove, and the limiting ring fitting against the end face of the second connection end, prevents excessive insertion that could lead to locking failure, meeting the stability requirements of vibration scenarios. The spiral flow guiding structure (flow guide groove or flow guide rib) on the inner wall causes the fluid inside the tube to form a swirling flow, reducing the boundary layer thickness and improving the heat transfer coefficient in air conditioning refrigerant transmission. Under the same heat transfer capacity, the tube length can be shortened by 15% or the refrigerant charge can be reduced by 10%, solving the shortcomings of low heat transfer efficiency of current smooth aluminum tubes.
[0016] 2. This utility model discloses a seamless aluminum tube. The elastic element is made of spring steel or elastic alloy material, and the elastic deformation can reach 1-1.5mm. The fatigue life is ≥100,000 insertion and removal cycles, which is 10 times better than plastic retaining rings. It is suitable for scenarios that require frequent disassembly and assembly. The protrusions are evenly distributed circumferentially (3-6), which makes the engagement stress uniform and avoids local wear caused by single-point force, thus extending the service life of the connection. The limiting ring structure forms an interference fit with the height of the protrusions to ensure engagement reliability. The limiting ring is set at a position of 5-10mm from the tube opening to avoid deformation of the tube opening if it is too close, and affect the engagement stroke if it is too far. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the device in this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral flow guiding component structure in this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connecting component in this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second connecting component in this utility model.
[0022] In the figure: 1. Aluminum tube body; 11. Connecting part; 12. Spiral flow guide assembly; 13. Inner wall of the tube body; 14. First spiral flow guide groove; 15. Second spiral flow guide groove; 2. First connecting assembly; 21. Mounting protrusion; 22. Elastic locking assembly; 23. Elastic element; 24. Guide ring; 25. Limiting ring; 3. Second connecting assembly; 31. Sealing element; 32. Annular groove; 33. Mounting groove; 34. Sealing mounting groove. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.
[0024] like Figure 1-4 As shown in the figure, a seamless aluminum tube according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an aluminum tube body 1 and connecting parts 11 fixedly connected to both ends of the aluminum tube body 1. The connecting parts 11 include a first connecting component 2 and a second connecting component 3 that cooperate with each other. The second connecting component 3 includes an annular groove 32, and the annular surface of the annular groove 32 is provided with a circumferential array of mounting grooves 33. The first connecting component 2 includes a mounting protrusion 21 that engages with the mounting groove 33. An elastic engaging component 22 is fixedly connected below the mounting protrusion 21. An inner wall 13 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the aluminum tube body 1. A spiral flow guiding component 12 is provided on the inner side of the inner wall 13. The elastic engaging component 22 includes an elastic element 23, which is made of spring steel or elastic alloy material. The mounting protrusions 21 are evenly distributed along the outer circumference of the elastic element 23.
[0025] Specifically, through the radial elastic deformation of the elastic element 23 (such as a deformation spring or rubber column) in the elastic engagement component 22, the mounting protrusion 21 is compressed and contracted during insertion, and after reaching the position, it rebounds and engages with the mounting groove 33 in the annular groove 32, achieving rapid installation. This improves efficiency compared to current threaded connections and solves the problems of tool dependence and time-consuming installation. The tight fit between the mounting groove 33 and the mounting protrusion 21 forms a mechanical seal. Combined with the sealing element 31 (such as an O-ring) installed in the sealing mounting groove 34, the limiting ring 25 fits against the end face of the second connecting component 3, preventing excessive insertion and engagement failure, and meeting the stability requirements of vibration scenarios. The spiral flow guiding component 12 (flow guiding groove or flow guiding rib) on the inner wall causes the fluid inside the pipe to form a swirling flow, reducing the boundary layer thickness and improving the heat transfer coefficient in air conditioning refrigerant transmission. Under the same heat transfer capacity, the pipe length can be shortened by 15% or the refrigerant charge can be reduced by 10%, solving the shortcomings of low heat transfer efficiency of current smooth aluminum pipes.
[0026] Specifically, the radial contraction force of the elastic element 23 and the axial flow guiding force of the spiral guide groove form a mechanical balance, avoiding axial movement that may occur during quick connection. The quick connection function of the elastic locking component 22 and the efficient transmission function of the spiral guide are coupled through the guide groove extending to the pipe opening to form a guide section, thus solving the dual shortcomings of "difficult connection + low efficiency" of aluminum pipes.
[0027] Specifically, the elastic element 23 is formed by stamping, and the spiral guide groove is formed in one step by cold rolling, which is compatible with the existing aluminum tube production line and only adds a tube end processing station.
[0028] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the depth of the annular groove 32 is 1.5-2.5mm, the width is 3-4mm, and the distance from the end face of the pipe opening is 5-10mm. The spiral guide assembly 12 includes a first spiral guide groove 14 and a second spiral guide groove 15. The spiral angle of the first spiral guide groove 14 and the second spiral guide groove 15 is 15°-30°, the height or depth is 0.5-1.5mm, and the pitch is 20-30mm. The outer edge of the pipe opening of the first connecting assembly 2 is provided with a guide ring 24. The rear side of the elastic locking assembly 22 is limited by a limiting ring 25. The limiting ring 25 is consistent with the maximum pipe diameter of the aluminum pipe body 1. The interior of the annular groove 32 is provided with a sealing installation groove 34. The sealing element 31 is press-fitted and installed in the sealing installation groove 34. The sealing element 31 includes an O-ring, a lip ring, or a sealing strip. The first spiral guide groove 14 and the second spiral guide groove 15 extend towards the two pipe openings to form guide sections with a length of 10-15mm.
[0029] Specifically, the elastic element 23 is made of spring steel or elastic alloy material, with an elastic deformation of 1-1.5mm and a fatigue life of ≥100,000 insertions and removals, which is 10 times better than plastic retaining rings. It is suitable for scenarios that require frequent disassembly and assembly. The mounting protrusions 21 are evenly distributed circumferentially (3-6 pieces) to uniformize the engagement stress, avoid local wear caused by single-point force, and extend the service life of the connection. The structure of the limiting ring 25 forms an interference fit with the height of the mounting protrusions 21 to ensure engagement reliability. The limiting ring 25 is set at a position of 5-10mm from the pipe opening to avoid deformation of the pipe opening if it is too close, and to avoid affecting the engagement stroke if it is too far.
[0030] Specifically, the guide ring 24 has a 45° guide chamfer (2-3mm high) at the front end to reduce insertion resistance, allowing for alignment with one hand and improving installation convenience. The limit ring 25 fits with the first connecting component 2 to form an axial positioning reference, preventing over-insertion that could overload the elastic locking component 22 and protecting the elastic performance of the elastic element 23. The O-ring is suitable for medium and low pressure scenarios, the lip seal is suitable for high pressure rotation scenarios (such as hydraulic pump interfaces), and the sealing strip is suitable for large diameter pipes. Through diverse sealing forms, the guide section allows for a smooth transition of the velocity gradient when the fluid enters the spiral flow channel, reducing pressure loss and avoiding eddy noise caused by abrupt structural changes.
[0031] Working principle: Through the radial elastic deformation of the elastic element 23 (such as a deformation spring or rubber column) in the elastic engagement component 22, the mounting protrusion 21 is compressed and contracted during insertion. After reaching the position, it rebounds and engages with the mounting groove 33 in the annular groove 32, achieving rapid installation. This improves efficiency compared to current threaded connections and solves the problems of tool dependence and time-consuming installation. The tight fit between the mounting groove 33 and the mounting protrusion 21 forms a mechanical seal. Combined with the sealing element 31 (such as an O-ring) installed in the sealing mounting groove 34, the limiting ring 25 fits against the end face of the second connecting component 3, preventing excessive insertion and engagement failure. This meets the stability requirements of vibration scenarios. The spiral flow guiding component 12 (flow guiding groove or flow guiding rib) on the inner wall causes the fluid inside the pipe to form a swirling flow, reducing the boundary layer thickness and improving the heat transfer coefficient in air conditioning refrigerant transmission. Under the same heat transfer capacity, the pipe length can be shortened by 15% or the refrigerant charge can be reduced by 10%, solving the shortcomings of low heat transfer efficiency of current smooth aluminum pipes.
[0032] The elastic element 23 is made of spring steel or elastic alloy material, with an elastic deformation of 1-1.5mm and a fatigue life of ≥100,000 insertions and removals, which is 10 times better than plastic retaining rings. It is suitable for scenarios that require frequent disassembly and assembly. The mounting protrusions 21 are evenly distributed circumferentially (3-6 pieces) to uniformize the engagement stress, avoid local wear caused by single-point force, and extend the service life of the connection. The structure of the limiting ring 25 forms an interference fit with the height of the mounting protrusions 21 to ensure engagement reliability. The limiting ring 25 is set at a position of 5-10mm from the pipe opening to avoid deformation of the pipe opening if it is too close, and affect the engagement stroke if it is too far.
[0033] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A seamless aluminum tube, comprising an aluminum tube body (1) and connecting portions (11) fixedly connected to both ends of the aluminum tube body (1), characterized in that: The connecting part (11) includes a first connecting component (2) and a second connecting component (3) that cooperate with each other. The second connecting component (3) includes an annular groove (32). The annular groove (32) has a circumferential array of mounting grooves (33) on its annular surface. The first connecting component (2) includes a mounting protrusion (21) that engages with the mounting groove (33). An elastic engaging component (22) is fixedly connected below the mounting protrusion (21). The inner wall of the tube body (1) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the tube body (1). The inner side of the inner wall of the tube body (13) is provided with a spiral flow guiding component (12).
2. A seamless aluminum tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic engaging assembly (22) includes an elastic element (23), which is made of spring steel or elastic alloy material, and the mounting protrusions (21) are evenly distributed circumferentially along the outer side of the elastic element (23).
3. A seamless aluminum tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The annular groove (32) has a depth of 1.5-2.5 mm, a width of 3-4 mm, and is 5-10 mm from the end face of the pipe opening.
4. A seamless aluminum tube according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spiral guide assembly (12) includes a first spiral guide groove (14) and a second spiral guide groove (15), wherein the spiral angle of the first spiral guide groove (14) and the second spiral guide groove (15) is 15°-30°, the height or depth is 0.5-1.5mm, and the pitch is 20-30mm.
5. A seamless aluminum tube according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connecting component (2) has a guide ring (24) on the outer edge of the pipe opening, and a limit ring (25) is installed on the rear side of the elastic locking component (22), and the limit ring (25) is consistent with the maximum pipe diameter of the aluminum pipe body (1).
6. A seamless aluminum tube according to claim 5, characterized in that: The annular groove (32) is provided with a sealing installation groove (34) inside, and a sealing element (31) is pressed and installed in the sealing installation groove (34). The sealing element (31) includes an O-ring, a lip ring or a sealing strip.
7. A seamless aluminum tube according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first spiral guide groove (14) and the second spiral guide groove (15) extend to the two end openings to form guide sections, the length of which is 10-15mm.