Heat exchange structure and dehumidifier

Abstract

The application discloses a heat exchange structure and a dehumidifier. The heat exchange structure comprises an evaporator and a return air pipe. The evaporator has at least one refrigerant inlet and at least one refrigerant outlet. The refrigerant outlet is connected with the return air pipe. The return air pipe comprises a vertical section, a horizontal section, a bending section and an inclined section. The vertical section is connected with the refrigerant outlet. The bottom end of the vertical section is connected with one end of the bending section. The other end of the bending section is connected with one end of the inclined section. The other end of the inclined section is connected with the horizontal section. An obtuse angle alpha is formed between the inclined section and the horizontal section. The condensed water formed on the return air pipe flows to the bottom of the bending section along the outer pipe wall of the return air pipe or flows to the joint of the bending section and the inclined section. The application effectively solves the problem of random dripping of condensed water, is beneficial to the collection of condensed water and prevents external exosmosis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of dehumidifiers, and more particularly to a heat exchange structure and a dehumidifier. Background Technology

[0002] In the existing field of evaporation system technology, the evaporation structure, as a key component for realizing core functions such as refrigeration and evaporative cooling, is widely used in various refrigeration equipment, air conditioning systems, and industrial evaporative cooling devices. During operation, the return gas pipe of the evaporation structure plays a crucial role, mainly responsible for transporting the evaporated low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and other media back to the compressor and other subsequent processing units to maintain the stable operation of the entire system.

[0003] However, in practical use, a significant drawback of the existing evaporation structure has been discovered. Due to the complex heat exchange process involved in evaporation, when the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous medium flows through the return pipe, the outer wall temperature of the return pipe becomes significantly lower than the temperature of the surrounding ambient air. According to thermodynamic principles, water vapor in the ambient air condenses on the outer wall of the return pipe upon cooling, thus forming condensate on the return pipe.

[0004] Existing return gas pipe designs have significant structural deficiencies. Typically, the connections between return gas pipes are mostly L-shaped. While this L-shaped design meets basic requirements for pipe connection and routing adjustment to some extent, it creates considerable problems for condensate collection and drainage. Specifically, when condensate forms on the outer wall of the return gas pipe, the L-shaped structure causes it to naturally collect at the bottom. Once the condensate reaches a certain level at the bottom, it drips due to gravity. Furthermore, due to the nature of the L-shape, the dripping area is quite large, potentially damaging not only surrounding equipment but also other components below, affecting the normal operation and lifespan of the equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a heat exchange structure that can solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] On one hand, a heat exchange structure is provided, including: an evaporator and a return pipe, the evaporator having at least one refrigerant inlet and at least one refrigerant outlet, the refrigerant outlet being connected to the return pipe, the return pipe including a vertical section, a horizontal section, a bend section and an inclined section, the vertical section being connected to the refrigerant outlet, the bottom end of the vertical section being connected to one end of the bend section, the other end of the bend section being connected to one end of the inclined section, the other end of the inclined section being connected to the horizontal section, and an obtuse angle α being formed between the inclined section and the horizontal section, such that condensate formed on the return pipe flows along the outer wall of the return pipe to the bottom of the bend section, or such condensate flows to the connection between the bend section and the inclined section.

[0008] Furthermore, the inclined segment has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the turning segment, the second end being connected to the horizontal segment, and the height of the first end being lower than the height of the second end.

[0009] Furthermore, the obtuse angle α formed between the inclined segment and the horizontal segment is between 150° and 170°.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a water receiving tray, which is located below the air return pipe, and the water receiving width of the water receiving tray covers the bend section.

[0011] Furthermore, the cross-section of the water receiving tray is inverted trapezoidal in shape.

[0012] Furthermore, a drain pipe is also provided at the bottom of the water receiving tray.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a condenser, which is arranged side by side with the evaporator.

[0014] Furthermore, the evaporator includes a first frame, and the condenser includes a second frame, wherein the first frame is capable of being positioned and connected to the second frame.

[0015] Furthermore, there are three refrigerant inlets and three refrigerant outlets. The three refrigerant inlets are evenly spaced along the height direction of the evaporator, and the three refrigerant outlets are all connected to the return gas pipe. One of the refrigerant outlets is connected to the upper part of the vertical section, and the other two refrigerant outlets are connected to the middle part of the vertical section.

[0016] On the other hand, a dehumidifier is also provided, including the heat exchange structure as described above.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: During the operation of the heat exchange structure, the condensate formed flows along the outer wall of the return gas pipe. In the vertical section, the condensate flows naturally towards the bend under gravity, while in the horizontal and inclined sections, the condensate, under the action of the obtuse angle α structure, concentrates and flows towards the bottom of the bend or the connection between the bend and the inclined section. Compared to the existing technology where the L-shaped return gas pipe results in a large condensate dripping area, this design significantly reduces the condensate dripping area, allowing the condensate to accumulate more concentratedly at a specific location. This not only greatly facilitates subsequent condensate collection and discharge operations, reducing the difficulty of collection and discharge, but also effectively prevents condensate from dripping onto various parts around the equipment and damaging other components below, ensuring the normal operation and service life of the equipment. Simultaneously, it reduces problems such as dampness and water accumulation around the equipment caused by large-scale condensate dripping, lowers potential threats to electrical safety, and improves the operational stability and reliability of the entire heat exchange system. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the heat exchange structure described in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a side view of the heat exchange structure described in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Evaporator; 101. Refrigerant inlet; 102. Refrigerant outlet; 103. First frame; 2. Return pipe; 201. Vertical section; 202. Horizontal section; 203. Bend section; 204. Inclined section; 3. Water tray; 4. Drain pipe; 5. Condenser; 501. Second frame. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly 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 invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this application, unless otherwise expressly 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 being 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 being 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.

[0025] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a heat exchange structure, including: an evaporator 1 and a return pipe 2. The evaporator 1 has at least one refrigerant inlet 101 and at least one refrigerant outlet 102. The refrigerant outlet 102 is connected to the return pipe 2. The return pipe 2 includes a vertical section 201, a horizontal section 202, a bend section 203, and an inclined section 204. The vertical section 201 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 102. The bottom end of the vertical section 201 is connected to one end of the bend section 203. The other end of the bend section 203 is connected to one end of the inclined section 204. The other end of the inclined section 204 is connected to the horizontal section 202. An obtuse angle α is formed between the inclined section 204 and the horizontal section 202, so that the condensate formed on the return pipe 2 flows along the outer wall of the return pipe 2 to the bottom of the bend section 203, or flows to the connection between the bend section 203 and the inclined section 204.

[0026] Based on the above scheme, during the operation of the heat exchange structure, the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant in the evaporator 1 flows into the return pipe 2 through the refrigerant outlet 102. Since the outer wall temperature of the return pipe 2 is lower than the ambient air temperature, water vapor in the air condenses on the outer wall of the return pipe 2, forming condensate. For the vertical section 201 of the return pipe 2, the condensate flows smoothly downwards along the outer pipe wall under its own gravity, directly towards the bend section 203. The condensate in the horizontal section 202 and the inclined section 204 originally flowed more dispersedly. However, the unique obtuse angle α structural design of this application plays a crucial role. This obtuse angle α changes the force direction and flow trend of the condensate on the pipe wall, preventing the condensate in the horizontal section 202 and the inclined section 204 from scattering randomly, and instead guiding it to flow towards the bottom of the bend section 203 or the connection between the bend section 203 and the inclined section 204. Through this design, effective control of the condensate flow path is achieved.

[0027] The heat exchange structure proposed in this application offers several significant advantages, fundamentally solving the problems in existing technologies. From the perspective of condensate treatment, through the ingenious design of the return pipe 2 structure, utilizing the combined effects of gravity guidance in the vertical section 201 and the convergence of the obtuse angle α structure in the horizontal section 202 and the inclined section 204, the dripping range of condensate is successfully reduced significantly. Condensate no longer splashes and drips widely as in existing technologies, but is precisely concentrated in a specific area at the bottom of the bend section 203 or at the junction of the bend section 203 and the inclined section 204. This change greatly facilitates condensate collection and drainage, eliminating the need for complex collection devices to handle large-scale dripping, and significantly reducing the cost and operational difficulty of collection and drainage.

[0028] In terms of equipment protection, the concentrated dripping of condensate effectively prevents it from dripping into corners around the equipment and directly impacting other critical components below. This not only reduces the risk of corrosion and short circuits caused by moisture and water accumulation, extending the equipment's service life, but also ensures the equipment operates in a dry and stable environment, improving its operating efficiency and performance stability.

[0029] From a system-wide perspective, the design of this application significantly reduces the probability of problems such as dampness and water accumulation around the equipment caused by large-scale condensate dripping. A damp environment easily breeds bacteria and mold, damaging the electrical components of the equipment and affecting the electrical safety of the system. This application, by controlling the dripping range of condensate, effectively improves the environmental conditions around the equipment, reduces electrical safety hazards, provides strong support for the long-term stable operation of the entire heat exchange system, and greatly enhances the system's reliability and safety.

[0030] Furthermore, the inclined section 204 has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the turning section 203, and the second end is connected to the horizontal section 202. The height of the first end is lower than the height of the second end. When condensate flows to the inclined section 204, due to this height difference, according to the principle of gravity, the condensate will naturally flow along the inclined section 204 from the higher second end to the lower first end under its own gravity. This flow trend allows the condensate to converge more smoothly towards the turning section 203, rather than stagnating or dispersing randomly on the inclined section 204. Moreover, the condensate on the horizontal section 202 can also flow from the connection point to the inclined section 204 and towards the first end. Compared to the inclined section 204 without this height difference design, the condensate can converge more actively and quickly towards the turning section 203, greatly improving the efficiency and effect of condensate convergence, allowing the condensate to flow more concentratedly to the subsequent collection location, and reducing the residue and dispersion of condensate on the inclined section 204.

[0031] Furthermore, the obtuse angle α formed between the inclined section 204 and the horizontal section 202 is between 150° and 170°. The horizontal section 202 is horizontally positioned, providing a relatively stable initial bearing surface for the condensate, causing the condensate on the horizontal section 202 to tend to diffuse outwards under gravity, but due to the constraint of the pipe wall, it is mainly in a relatively static or slow-flowing state. The inclined section 204 forms an obtuse angle α of 150° to 170° with the horizontal section 202, and the inclined section 204 is angled downwards from the second end towards the first end. This special structure creates a transitional area with a specific direction at the junction of the inclined section 204 and the horizontal section 202. From a force analysis perspective, the condensate on the horizontal section 202 is subjected to a downward component of gravity and a supporting force from the pipe wall. When the condensate flows to the junction of the inclined section 204 and the horizontal section 202, the downward angle of the inclined section 204 changes the direction of the force on the condensate. At this point, in addition to gravity, the condensate is also subjected to the oblique support force from the wall of the inclined section 204. The resultant force of these two forces causes the condensate to tend to flow along the inclined section 204 towards the first end. Simultaneously, the setting of this obtuse angle α range avoids both excessively small angles that could cause condensate to splash at the junction due to a sharp turn, and excessively large angles that could make the condensate flow too fast and difficult to control, ensuring that the condensate can smoothly and steadily converge along the inclined section 204 towards the first end.

[0032] In some embodiments, a drip tray 3 is also included, located below the return air pipe 2, with its width covering the bend section 203. When condensate collected at the bend section 203 drips down under gravity, the dripping condensate falls into the drip tray 3 because it is directly below the return air pipe 2 and wide enough to cover the bend section 203. The drip tray 3, with its volume and structural design, can temporarily store this condensate, preventing it from dripping directly onto other equipment or areas below the heat exchange structure. The drip tray 3 collects the condensate, facilitating subsequent condensate treatment. Depending on actual needs, a drain outlet can be installed on the drip tray 3, and the collected condensate can be piped to a suitable discharge point or recycled. This centralized collection and treatment method is more efficient and environmentally friendly than cleaning up condensate after it drips randomly, reducing the difficulty and cost of cleaning.

[0033] Meanwhile, the cross-section of the water receiving tray 3 is inverted trapezoidal, and a drain pipe 4 is also provided at the bottom of the water receiving tray 3. The inverted trapezoidal cross-section of the water receiving tray 3, with its structure being wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, gives it excellent condensate collection and gathering capabilities. The wider top expands the water receiving range, effectively catching condensate dripping directly below the bend section 203 or dripping slightly off-center due to airflow or other factors. The narrower bottom design utilizes the principle of gravity, causing the collected condensate to naturally concentrate at the bottom, preparing for subsequent drainage work, greatly improving the efficiency of condensate collection and gathering, and reducing the possibility of condensate remaining or overflowing at the edge of the water receiving tray 3.

[0034] The drain pipe 4 at the bottom provides a stable drainage path for the condensate in the drip tray 3. During continuous operation of the heat exchange system, condensate is constantly generated and dripping. If not drained in time, the drip tray 3 will quickly fill with water, potentially causing overflow and increasing the load on the tray, thus affecting its lifespan. The drain pipe 4 ensures timely and smooth drainage of condensate, keeping the drip tray 3 relatively dry or at a low water level, avoiding various problems caused by water accumulation, and ensuring the normal operation of the drip tray 3.

[0035] Generally, the heat exchange structure also includes a condenser 5, which is arranged side-by-side with the evaporator 1. The evaporator 1 includes a first frame 103, and the condenser 5 includes a second frame 501, with the first frame 103 capable of being positioned and connected to the second frame 501. Arranging the condenser 5 and evaporator 1 side-by-side is based on considerations of heat exchange efficiency and spatial layout. This side-by-side arrangement makes the refrigerant flow path between the evaporator 1 and condenser 5 relatively compact, reducing energy loss of the refrigerant during flow in the pipes and improving heat exchange efficiency. At the same time, this layout also facilitates the overall spatial planning and installation of the equipment.

[0036] The evaporator 1 is equipped with a first frame 103, and the condenser 5 is equipped with a second frame 501, with the first frame 103 and the second frame 501 being positionally connected. This design allows the evaporator 1 and condenser 5 to be structurally independent yet combinable. During assembly, the positioning connection between the first frame 103 and the second frame 501 allows the evaporator 1 and condenser 5 to be installed quickly and accurately, ensuring their relative positional accuracy and thus guaranteeing the correct connection of the refrigerant piping and the smooth operation of the heat exchange process. When disassembly and maintenance are required, simply disconnecting the connection between the first frame 103 and the second frame 501 allows the evaporator 1 and condenser 5 to be separated, facilitating inspection, maintenance, or replacement of each component.

[0037] Specifically, three refrigerant inlets 101 and three refrigerant outlets 102 are provided. The three refrigerant inlets 101 are evenly spaced along the height direction of the evaporator 1, and the three refrigerant outlets 102 are all connected to the return pipe 2. One refrigerant outlet 102 is connected to the upper part of the vertical section 201, and the other two refrigerant outlets 102 are connected to the middle part of the vertical section 201. The three refrigerant inlets 101 are evenly spaced along the height direction of the evaporator 1 to allow the refrigerant to enter the evaporator 1 more evenly. When the refrigerant enters the evaporator 1 from inlets at different heights, it forms multiple relatively independent refrigerant flow areas inside the evaporator 1. Since the ambient temperature and airflow may differ at different heights, the evenly distributed inlets ensure that the refrigerant can fully contact the heat transfer surfaces of all parts of the evaporator 1, enabling the entire evaporator 1 to effectively exchange heat.

[0038] All three refrigerant outlets 102 are connected to the return gas pipe 2, and are respectively connected at different positions in the vertical section 201. This connection method is designed based on the state of the refrigerant after evaporation in the evaporator 1 and the gas-liquid mixing characteristics of the return gas pipe 2. After the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator 1, it forms a gas-liquid mixture, and the degree of evaporation may vary at different positions. Setting the outlets at different heights allows refrigerants with different degrees of evaporation to mix before entering the return gas pipe 2. The outlet connected to the upper part of the vertical section 201 allows refrigerants with a higher degree of evaporation and a larger gas content to enter the return gas pipe 2 first; while the two outlets connected to the middle of the vertical section 201 can introduce refrigerants with a relatively lower degree of evaporation and still containing a certain amount of liquid into the return gas pipe 2, where they can be further mixed and separated into gas and liquid.

[0039] On the other hand, a dehumidifier is also provided, including the heat exchange structure as described above.

[0040] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0041] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0043] The technical principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this application without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A heat exchange structure, characterized in that, include: An evaporator (1) and a return pipe (2) are provided. The evaporator (1) has at least one refrigerant inlet (101) and at least one refrigerant outlet (102). The refrigerant outlet (102) is connected to the return pipe (2). The return pipe (2) includes a vertical section (201), a horizontal section (202), a bend section (203), and an inclined section (204). The vertical section (201) is connected to the refrigerant outlet (102), and the bottom end of the vertical section (201) is connected to the bend section (203). One end of the bend (203) is connected to the other end of the inclined section (204), and the other end of the inclined section (204) is connected to the horizontal section (202). An obtuse angle α is formed between the inclined section (204) and the horizontal section (202) so that the condensate formed on the return pipe (2) flows along the outer wall of the return pipe (2) to the bottom of the bend (203), or so that the condensate flows to the connection between the bend (203) and the inclined section (204).

2. The heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inclined segment (204) has a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the turning segment (203) and the second end being connected to the horizontal segment (202), the height of the first end being lower than the height of the second end.

3. The heat exchange structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The obtuse angle α formed between the inclined segment (204) and the horizontal segment (202) is between 150° and 170°.

4. The heat exchange structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes a water receiving tray (3), which is located below the air return pipe (2), and the water receiving width of the water receiving tray (3) covers the bend section (203).

5. The heat exchange structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-section of the water receiving tray (3) is an inverted trapezoidal shape.

6. The heat exchange structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the water receiving tray (3) is also provided with a drain pipe (4).

7. The heat exchange structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes a condenser (5), which is arranged side by side with the evaporator (1).

8. The heat exchange structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The evaporator (1) includes a first frame (103), and the condenser (5) includes a second frame (501), wherein the first frame (103) is capable of being positioned and connected to the second frame (501).

9. The heat exchange structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, There are three refrigerant inlets (101) and three refrigerant outlets (102). The three refrigerant inlets (101) are evenly spaced along the height direction of the evaporator (1). The three refrigerant outlets (102) are all connected to the return pipe (2). One of the refrigerant outlets (102) is connected to the upper part of the vertical section (201), and the other two refrigerant outlets (102) are connected to the middle part of the vertical section (201).

10. A dehumidifier, characterized in that, Includes the heat exchange structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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