A duplex single-row water cooler
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521989622.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-16
AI Technical Summary
[0003]两级压缩的空气一般需要进行两次冷却,即需要使用双联冷却器,分别是一级压缩后的中冷却器和二级压缩后的后冷却器,压缩空气经过压缩和冷却后会在中冷却器和后冷却器的内腔底部产生大量的冷凝水,不及时处理将造成腐蚀、结冰、压缩机失效、输出空气含水量过大等问题
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Figure CN224717819U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooler technology, specifically to a dual-unit single-drain cooler for an air compressor. Background Technology
[0002] The air compressors used in rail vehicles generally employ a two-stage compression method, which can generate a large amount of compressed air with good energy efficiency. At the same time, the compressed air is cooled by a cooler before being output, making it easier to enter components such as condensers and dryers for drying and purification.
[0003] Two-stage compressed air typically requires two cooling cycles, necessitating the use of a dual-cooler system: an intercooler after the first stage of compression and an aftercooler after the second stage. After compression and cooling, a large amount of condensate forms at the bottom of the intercooler and aftercooler. Failure to address this promptly can lead to corrosion, icing, compressor failure, and excessive moisture content in the output air. The traditional approach is to add drain solenoid valves to the intercooler and aftercooler. However, due to the high operating temperatures and vibrations at these locations, these drain solenoid valves are prone to failure, causing system problems. Utility Model Content
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a dual-unit single-drain cooler, including an intercooler and an aftercooler, and further including a one-way valve located inside the aftercooler, a drain valve located on the outer wall of the aftercooler, and air and water guide pipes located at their two ends inside the intercooler and the aftercooler respectively; the port of the air and water guide pipe located inside the aftercooler is connected to the inlet of the one-way valve; a drain hole and a control hole are provided on the side wall of the aftercooler, and the drain hole is located near the bottom of the inner cavity of the aftercooler; the drain valve includes a drain valve housing connected to the outer wall of the aftercooler, and the drain valve housing also includes a control channel communicating with the control hole, an external drain hole for draining water, and a sliding cavity for setting a control component, the sliding cavity being arranged corresponding to the drain hole, the control component including a control block that slides and seals with the sliding cavity and a return spring located between the control block and the outer wall of the aftercooler, the end of the control block near the drain hole forming a valve for cooperating with the end of the drain hole. By setting a mechanical drain valve and its specific structure, the electrical connection and control required by an electromagnetic drain valve are avoided. The structure is simple and effective, resistant to high-intensity vibrations of the air compressor, and allows for drainage even when the machine is stopped, preventing water accumulation and freezing. Furthermore, by setting an air-water guide pipe and a connected one-way valve, water accumulated in the intercooler and gas at a certain pressure can be introduced into the aftercooler and drained through the drain valve.
[0005] In one embodiment, the diameter of the control hole and the control channel is larger than the diameter of the drain hole. By controlling the size of the control hole, the control channel, and the drain hole, the smooth operation of the drain valve can be ensured.
[0006] Preferably, the diameter of the drain hole is 0.8-2mm. By limiting the size of the drain hole, the volume of the drain valve can be minimized, so as not to affect the installation of other components and to facilitate integration.
[0007] In one embodiment, the air and water guide pipe is located at the end of the intercooler near the bottom of the intercooler's inner cavity. This arrangement allows for the maximum possible removal of accumulated cooling water from the intercooler.
[0008] In one embodiment, the one-way valve includes a first valve body and a second valve body that cooperate with each other. The first valve body has an air intake channel connected to the end of the air / water guide pipe inside the aftercooler cavity. The second valve body has a one-way valve chamber corresponding to the other end of the air intake channel. The one-way valve chamber contains a one-way valve spring and a valve block that cooperates with the one-way valve spring. The valve block cooperates with the port of the air intake channel. The second valve body also has a first air outlet channel communicating with the one-way valve chamber, and the first valve body also has a second air outlet channel communicating with the first air outlet channel. By simulating the structural design of the one-way valve and manufacturing it independently, it can be designed and installed according to the specific structure of the aftercooler, avoiding the problem of unsuitable installation of existing one-way valves.
[0009] In one embodiment, the intercooler and the aftercooler are integrated as a single unit. This design facilitates overall installation and makes integration easier.
[0010] In one embodiment, the intercooler is provided with a primary compressed air inlet and a primary compressed air outlet; the aftercooler is provided with a secondary compressed air inlet and a secondary compressed air outlet.
[0011] In one embodiment, the one-way valve is positioned near the secondary compressed air inlet, and the drain valve is positioned near the secondary compressed air outlet. This arrangement allows for efficient use of the gas dynamics generated when the secondary compressed air is vented and the primary compressed air enters the aftercooler through the air and water guide pipes, facilitating the reverse movement of accumulated water from the one-way valve to the drain valve for easier drainage. Attached Figure Description
[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a double-unit single-drainage cooler according to this utility model;
[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A in the middle;
[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section B;
[0016] The reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 1-Intercooler; 2-Aftercooler; 3-Air and water guide pipe; 4-Drain hole; 5-Control hole; 6-Drain valve housing; 7-Control channel; 8-External drain hole; 9-Sliding cavity; 10-Control block; 11-Reset spring; 12-Valve; 13-First valve body; 14-Second valve body; 15-Inlet channel; 16-One-way valve chamber; 17-One-way valve spring; 18-Valve block; 19-First outlet channel; 20-Second outlet channel; 21-First stage compressed air inlet; 22-First stage compressed air outlet; 23-Second stage compressed air inlet; 24-Second stage compressed air outlet; 25-Elastomer. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art from the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, 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.
[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of 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.
[0020] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0021] Example 1
[0022] like Figure 1-3 As shown in the figure, this embodiment discloses a dual-unit single-drain cooler, which includes an intercooler 1 and an aftercooler 2. The intercooler 1 is used to cool the air after it has been compressed by the first stage of the air compressor, and the aftercooler 2 is used to cool the air after it has been compressed by the second stage of the air compressor.
[0023] It also includes a one-way valve located inside the aftercooler 2, a drain valve located on the outer wall of the aftercooler 2, and air and water guide pipes 3 with their two ends located inside the intercooler 1 and the aftercooler 2, respectively. Specifically, the port of the air and water guide pipe 3 located inside the aftercooler 2 is connected to the inlet of the one-way valve, and the end of the air and water guide pipe 3 located inside the intercooler 1 is set close to the bottom of the inner cavity of the intercooler 1. The bottom of the inner cavity refers to the location or part where water accumulates after the cooled air in the intercooler 1 forms condensate. The purpose of placing the end of the air and water guide pipe 3 located inside the intercooler 1 close to this position is to quickly draw away the condensate in the intercooler 1 through the air and water guide pipe 3 as much as possible, so that the intercooler 1 can drain water quickly.
[0024] The aftercooler 2 has a drain hole 4 and a control hole 5 on its side wall. The drain hole 4 is located at the bottom of the inner cavity of the aftercooler, which refers to the location or part where water accumulates after the cooled air in the aftercooler 2 forms condensate. Preferably, the bottom side wall of the drain hole 4 is at least flush with the bottom of the inner cavity, or even lower than the bottom of the inner cavity, to facilitate drainage. The drain valve includes a drain valve housing 6 connected to the outer wall of the aftercooler 2. The connection method can be various, such as welding. Of course, during the connection process, attention should be paid to the sealing transition between the connecting parts to prevent air leakage, such as using a sealing ring or mirror contact. The drain valve housing 6 has a control channel 7 that communicates with the control hole 5, an external drain hole 8 for drainage, and a sliding cavity 9 for setting the control components. One end of the sliding cavity 9 corresponds to the drain. The hole 4 is specifically designed to connect the two holes. For convenient and quick drainage, the bottom sidewall of the sliding cavity 9 is at least flush with, or even lower than, the bottom sidewall of the drain hole 4. The other end of the sliding cavity 9 is connected to the control channel 7. The control assembly includes a control block 10 that slides and seals with the sliding cavity 9 and a return spring 11 located between the control block 10 and the outer sidewall of the aftercooler 2. The control block 10 can slide along the sliding cavity 9 under external force and achieves a sliding sealing function through a sealing ring. The end of the control block 10 near the drain hole 4 forms a valve 12 for engaging with the end of the drain hole 4. Specifically, the valve 12 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber or silicone. The drainage function is achieved by opening or closing the valve 12 and the end of the drain hole 4. As for the location of the external drain hole 8, it is preferable to set it close to the drain hole 4. The purpose is to prevent gas from entering the external drain hole 8 through the sliding cavity when the valve closes the drain hole 4. Of course, the location of the external drain hole 8 is not specifically limited, as long as the above functions can be achieved.
[0025] Preferably, the diameters of the control hole 5 and the control channel 7 are larger than the diameter of the drain hole 4. More preferably, the diameter of the drain hole 4 is set to 0.5-2 mm, for example, 1 mm.
[0026] In one embodiment, the one-way valve includes a first valve body 13 and a second valve body 14 that cooperate with each other. Specifically, the combination of the two can realize the connection of the channel and the opening of the valve. Of course, in order to achieve sealing, a sealing ring can be set at the connection part or position, etc., which will not be described in detail here, but can be referred to the attached drawings. In order to fix the first valve body 13 and the second valve body 14, there are various fixing methods. In this embodiment, bolt fixing is preferred. The fixing part is not specifically limited, such as the side wall of the aftercooler 2. More specifically, the first valve body 13 is provided with an air intake channel 15 connected to the end of the air guide water pipe 3 in the aftercooler 2. The second valve body 14 is provided with a one-way valve chamber 16 corresponding to the other end of the air intake channel 15. The one-way valve chamber 16 is provided with a one-way valve spring 17 and a valve block 18 that cooperates with the one-way valve spring 17. The valve block 18 cooperates with the port of the air intake channel 15. Specifically, the opening and closing of the valve block 18 and the air intake channel 15 realizes the intercooler. Gas and condensate water with a certain pressure in 1 enter the aftercooler 2. Structurally, an elastic body 25 can be provided on the end face of the valve block 18 near the air intake channel 15. The second valve body 14 is also provided with a first air outlet channel 19 that communicates with the one-way valve chamber 16 at a position away from the air intake channel 15. The first valve body 13 is also provided with a second air outlet channel 20 that communicates with the first air outlet channel 19. The other end of the second air outlet channel 20 communicates with the inner cavity of the aftercooler 2.
[0027] In one embodiment, the intercooler 1 and the aftercooler 2 are integrally formed. Their arrangement can be determined according to specific needs. In this embodiment, they can be integrated using a common partition. In this case, welding can be used to achieve a partition seal, and the air / water guide pipe 3 passing through the partition can also be welded for sealing. Of course, other sealing methods can also be chosen.
[0028] In one embodiment, the intercooler 1 is provided with a primary compressed air inlet 21 and a primary compressed air outlet 22, meaning that the air after primary compression enters through the primary compressed air inlet 21 for cooling, and then exits through the primary compressed air outlet 22 to enter the secondary compression cylinder; the aftercooler 2 is provided with a secondary compressed air inlet 23 and a secondary compressed air outlet 24, meaning that the air after secondary compression enters through the secondary compressed air inlet 23 for cooling, and then exits through the secondary compressed air outlet 24 to enter the subsequent demand unit.
[0029] Preferably, the one-way valve is positioned near the secondary compressed air inlet 23, and the drain valve is positioned near the secondary compressed air outlet 24. The specific locations are not specifically limited and can be selected based on the actual structure.
[0030] The usage process of this utility model is as follows:
[0031] In a two-stage air compressor, after the first stage of compression, the compressed air enters through the first-stage compressed air inlet, enters the intercooler for cooling, and is then discharged through the first-stage compressed air outlet. Next, it enters the second-stage compression cylinder for second-stage compression. The compressed air from the second stage enters through the second-stage compressed air inlet, enters the aftercooler for cooling, and is then discharged through the second-stage compressed air outlet to the next demand unit. A venting unit can be installed on the pipeline before the next demand unit to vent the air after the second-stage compressed air is used up. Various venting units can be selected, such as solenoid valves, or other venting structures. Solenoid valves can be added separately or utilized from the existing pipeline. Both the intercooler and aftercooler produce condensate during the cooling phase, which accumulates at the bottom of their internal chambers.
[0032] During the initial operation of the air compressor, the pressure in the intercooler and aftercooler gradually builds up. Initially, the intercooler pressure is higher than the aftercooler pressure, then the pressures equalize, and finally the aftercooler pressure surpasses the intercooler pressure. This cycle is determined by the air compressor's displacement and typically lasts around 10 seconds. In the initial pressure build-up phase, because the intercooler pressure is higher than the aftercooler pressure, the one-way valve opens. In other words, the one-way valve spring 17 is compressed, causing the valve block 18 to open the gap between the elastic body 25 and the intake passage 15. Air from the intercooler then enters the aftercooler through the one-way valve. As time progresses and the air compressor enters a stable operating phase, when the aftercooler pressure exceeds the intercooler pressure, the one-way valve closes, and the intercooler and aftercooler are no longer connected. Of course, to shorten the time it takes for the intercooler and aftercooler to become disconnected, the diameter of the air / water guide pipes and / or the passage within the one-way valve can be designed to be smaller. Although, in the initial stage of air compressor operation, due to the connection between the intercooler and aftercooler, the compressed air passing through the aftercooler includes a small amount of air that has undergone primary compression, this is very brief and will not affect the normal operation of the air compressor.
[0033] When the air compressor stops, the pressure in the aftercooler drops rapidly due to the release of the solenoid valve on the subsequent pipeline. At this time, the pressure in the intercooler has not yet dropped. Therefore, the airflow and water mixing zone in the intercooler overcomes the elastic force of the one-way valve spring 17 through the air and water guide pipe, compresses the one-way valve spring 17, and enters the aftercooler along the air and water guide pipe, the air intake channel, the one-way valve chamber, the first air outlet channel, and the second air outlet channel, and is then discharged from the drain valve.
[0034] The drain valve controls the drainage of the aftercooler. During drainage, it is normally open. By configuring the aperture relationship between the drain hole, control hole, and control channel, when the air compressor is working, the aftercooler quickly builds pressure. Through the control hole and control channel, the airflow pressure pushes the control block to overcome the spring force of the return spring, compressing the return spring and causing valve 12 to close the drain hole. Simultaneously, the sealing ring seals the passage for airflow into the external drain hole, maintaining the pressure of the gas after secondary compression within the aftercooler. When the air compressor stops, the air compressor unit is equipped with a venting mechanism (a solenoid valve on the subsequent pipeline). Therefore, the pressure inside the aftercooler drops rapidly. Consequently, the return spring pushes valve 12 to open the drain hole, allowing the water accumulated in the aftercooler to automatically drain through the drain hole, sliding cavity, and external drain hole. Of course, the water accumulated in the aftercooler also includes water from the intercooler.
[0035] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A dual-unit single-drain cooler, comprising an intercooler and an aftercooler, characterized in that, It also includes a one-way valve located inside the aftercooler, a drain valve located on the outer wall of the aftercooler, and air and water guide pipes located at both ends inside the intercooler and the aftercooler, respectively; the port of the air and water guide pipe located inside the aftercooler is connected to the inlet of the one-way valve; a drain hole and a control hole are provided on the side wall of the aftercooler, and the drain hole is located near the bottom of the inner cavity of the aftercooler; the drain valve includes a drain valve housing connected to the outer wall of the aftercooler, and the drain valve housing is also provided with a control channel communicating with the control hole, an external drain hole for draining water, and a sliding cavity for setting a control component, the sliding cavity being set corresponding to the drain hole, the control component including a control block that slides and seals with the sliding cavity and a return spring located between the control block and the outer wall of the aftercooler, the end of the control block near the drain hole forming a valve for cooperating with the end of the drain hole.
2. The dual-unit single-drain cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the control hole and the control channel is larger than the diameter of the drain hole.
3. The dual-unit single-drain cooler according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The diameter of the drainage hole is 0.8-2mm.
4. The dual-unit single-drain cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air and water guide pipe is located at the end of the intercooler near the bottom of the intercooler's inner cavity.
5. The dual-unit single-drain cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one-way valve includes a first valve body and a second valve body that cooperate with each other. The first valve body has an air intake channel connected to the end of the air and water guide pipe inside the cavity of the aftercooler. The second valve body has a one-way valve cavity corresponding to the other end of the air intake channel. The one-way valve cavity has a one-way valve spring and a valve block that cooperates with the one-way valve spring. The valve block cooperates with the port of the air intake channel. The second valve body also has a first air outlet channel communicating with the one-way valve cavity, and the first valve body also has a second air outlet channel communicating with the first air outlet channel.
6. The dual-unit single-drain cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intercooler and the aftercooler are integrated into one unit.
7. The dual-unit single-drain cooler according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The intercooler is provided with a primary compressed air inlet and a primary compressed air outlet; the aftercooler is provided with a secondary compressed air inlet and a secondary compressed air outlet.
8. The dual-unit single-drain cooler according to claim 7, characterized in that, The one-way valve is located near the secondary compressed air inlet, and the drain valve is located near the secondary compressed air outlet.