Heat Exchange Structure

The present disclosure provides a heat exchange structure, which includes a metal base; and a plurality of flow-passing holes disposed on the metal base, and at least part of the plurality of flow-passing holes being communicated with each other. An disclosure of the technical solution of the present disclosure can effectively solve the problem of low heat exchange efficiency between stainless steel ice cubes and drinks in the related technology.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority to Chinese patent application No. 202110915913.6 and No. 202121862300.2, filed to the China National Intellectual Property Administration on Aug. 10, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a field of articles for daily use, in particular to a heat exchange structure.

BACKGROUND

When having drinks, people sometimes add ice cubes to their drinks to cool them down. However, since traditional ice cubes are made of water, melting them in a drink can make the drink less concentrated and less flavorful, which in turn affects the taste.

The current way to solve the above problem is to use stainless steel ice cube as an alternative to traditional ice cubes, first to cool down the stainless steel ice cube, and then put the stainless steel ice cube into the drink, so that the stainless steel ice cube exchanges heat with the drink to have the effect of cooling for the drink. However, at present, the heat exchange efficiency between stainless steel ice cubes and drinks on the market is low, makes the drinks cool down slowly, which affects the user experience.

SUMMARY

The main purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchange structure to solve the problem of low heat exchange efficiency between stainless steel ice cubes and drinks in the related technology.

To achieve the above purpose, the present disclosure provides a heat exchange structure, which includes a metal base; and a plurality of flow-passing holes disposed on the metal base, and at least part of the plurality of flow-passing holes being communicated with each other.

In some embodiments, the plurality of flow-passing holes are a plurality of through holes penetrating through the metal base, and the plurality of through holes are communicated with each other.

In some embodiments, an axis of each of the plurality of through holes is a straight line, an arc or a fold line.

In some embodiments, the metal base has a hexahedral structure, the hexahedral structure includes two first side walls arranged opposite to each other, two second side walls arranged opposite to each other and arranged between the two first side walls, and two third side walls arranged opposite to each other and arranged between the two first side walls and two second side walls, and the plurality of through holes include at least one first through hole penetrating through the two first side walls, at least one second through hole penetrating through two the second side walls, and at least one third through hole penetrating through the two third side walls.

In some embodiments, the metal base includes a plurality of housing structures nested layer by layer from inside to outside, and each of the plurality of housing structure is provided with the plurality of flow-passing holes.

In some embodiments, the heat exchange structure further includes a central block disposed in an innermost housing structure of the plurality of housing structures.

In some embodiments, a number of the plurality of the housing structures is within 3 layers and 6 layers.

In some embodiments, the housing structure includes a plurality of ribs disposed in a staggered way, and the plurality of ribs enclose the plurality of flow-passing holes.

In some embodiments, the housing structure includes a first housing and a second housing connected with each other, and the first housing and the second housing enclose a receiving chamber.

In some embodiments, one of the first housing and the second housing is provided with a fitting protrusion, and the other of the first housing and the second housing is provided with a fitting groove, and the fitting protrusion is in interference connection with the fitting groove.

In some embodiments, a difference between an inner diameter of the metal base and an outer diameter of the central block is between 2 mm and 5 mm, and a difference in inner diameter between adjacent housing structures is within 2 mm and 5 mm.

In some embodiments, the metal base has a spherical structure or a polyhedral structure; a mass of the heat exchange structure is within 20 g and 100 g; and the heat exchange structure is made of stainless steel.

With the technical solution of the present disclosure, the heat exchange structure includes a metal base. Metal is a material with larger specific heat capacity, so the metal is used to process the base of the heat exchange structure, which can make the heat exchange structure have better cold storage or heat storage capacity. A plurality of flow-passing holes are disposed on the metal base, and the disposing of the flow-passing hole can enlarge a specific surface area of the heat exchange structure, thereby increasing a contact area between the liquid and the heat exchange structure and improving the heat exchange effect between the heat exchange structure and the liquid. In addition, at least part of the plurality of flow-passing holes of the present disclosure are communicated with each other, and the flow-passing holes communicated with each other enable liquid to flow in the metal base, thereby improving the probability of contact between the liquid and the metal base and further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, forming part of the present disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding for the present disclosure, and the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as well as the illustrations thereof serve to explain the present disclosure and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of Embodiment 1 of a heat exchange structure according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the heat exchange structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of Embodiment 2 of the heat exchange structure according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the heat exchange structure of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic structural diagram of Embodiment 3 of the heat exchange structure according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged structural diagram at A of the heat exchange structure of FIG. 5.

The above drawings include the following reference signs:

10: metal base; 11: housing structure; 111: first housing; 1111: fitting protrusion; 112: second housing; 1121: fitting groove; 13: first side wall; 14: second side wall; 15: third side wall; 20: flow-passing hole; 21: first through hole; 22: second through hole; 23: third through hole; 30: central block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A clear and complete description of the technical solution in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be made below in conjunction with the accompany drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure are present. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, but not all of them. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is in fact merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure and its disclosure or use. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those ordinarily skilled in the art without exerting creative effort fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that the terms used herein are intended to depict the detailed description only and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is also intended to encompass the plural form unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, and it should also be understood that when used in the description, the terms “comprising” and/or “including” indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and/or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise specified, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions and values of components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. At the same time, it should be understood that for ease of description, the dimensions of respective parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods and devices known to those ordinarily skilled in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques, methods and devices should be regarded as part of the authorized description. In all the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific value should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiment can have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once a certain item is defined in one figure, it is not necessary to further discuss it in the following figures.

After long-term research, the inventor found that there are two main reasons for the low heat exchange efficiency of the existing stainless steel ice cubes in the market. On the one hand, the surface area of the existing stainless steel ice cube is small, which leads to a limited contact area between the stainless steel ice cubes and drinks, so it is difficult for drinks to cool down quickly. On the other hand, since the existing stainless steel ice cubes are all solid structures, drinks cannot flow in the stainless steel ice cubes, making it difficult for drinks to cool down quickly. To solve these two problems, the present disclosure designs a heat exchange structure, in particular:

as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a heat exchange structure of Embodiment 1 includes a metal base 10 and a plurality of flow-passing holes 20. A plurality of flow-passing holes 20 are disposed on the metal base 10, and at least part of the plurality of flow-passing holes 20 are communicated with each other.

With the technical solution of Embodiment 1, the heat exchange structure includes a metal base 10. Metal is a material with a larger specific heat capacity, so the metal is used to process the base of the heat exchange structure, which can make the heat exchange structure have better cold storage or heat storage capacity. A plurality of flow-passing holes 20 are disposed on the metal base 10, the disposing of the flow-passing hole 20 can enlarge a specific surface area of the heat exchange structure, thereby increasing a contact area between the liquid and the heat exchange structure and improving the heat exchange effect between the heat exchange structure and the liquid. In addition, at least part of the plurality of flow-passing holes 20 of the present disclosure are communicated with each other, and the flow-passing holes 20 communicated with each other enable liquid to flow in the metal base 10, thereby improving the probability of contact between the liquid and the metal base 10 and further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange structure.

It should be noted that “at least part of the flow-passing holes 20 communicate with each other” as described above includes two cases, in a first case, a part of the plurality of flow-passing holes 20 communicate with each other, and the other part of the flow-passing holes 20 are not communicated with each other. In a second case, all the flow-passing holes 20 are communicated with each other.

It should also be noted that the heat exchange structure of the present disclosure can not only cool the liquid, but also raise the temperature of the liquid. In addition, the heat exchange structure of the present disclosure is not limited to disclosures for heating or cooling drinks, but may also be applied to disclosures for cooling or heating other liquids other than drinks in industry.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in Embodiment 1, the plurality of flow-passing hole 20 area plurality of through holes penetrating through the metal base 10, and the plurality of through holes are communicated with each other. In the above structure, the flow-passing hole 20 can penetrate through the metal base 10, so that liquid can enter the metal base 10 for sufficient heat exchange with the metal base 10, and the liquid after exchanging heat with the metal base 10 can also flow out of the flow-passing hole 20 for exchanging heat with other liquids, so that the liquid can be rapidly and uniformly cooled or warmed.

It should be noted that both ends of the “through hole” have openings, and the two openings are located on a surface of the metal base 10.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in Embodiment 1, an axis of the through hole is a straight line.

Certainly, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the axis of the through hole may also be an arc or a fold line.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in Embodiment 1, the metal base 10 has a hexahedral structure, the hexahedral structure includes two first side walls 13 arranged opposite to each other, two second side walls 14 arranged opposite to each other and arranged between the two first side walls 13, and two third side walls 15 arranged opposite to each other and arranged between the two first side walls 13 and the two second side walls 14, and the plurality of through holes include at least one first through hole 21 penetrating through the two first side walls 13, at least one second through hole 22 penetrating through the two second side walls 14, and at least one third through hole 23 penetrating through the two third side walls 15.

Specifically, in the hexahedral structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, only one first through hole 21 is disposed on the first side wall 13, only one second through hole 22 is disposed on the second side wall 14, and only one third through hole 23 is disposed on the third side wall 15. The above structure can enhance the flow of liquid in the metal base 10, thereby improving the cooling effect of the heat exchange structure on the liquid.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the number of through holes on the hexahedral structure is different. Specifically, in Embodiment 2, four first through holes 21 are provided on the first side wall 13, four second through holes 22 are provided on the second side wall 14, and four third through holes 23 are provided on the third side wall 15. The above structure can further increase a flow area of the metal base 10, thereby further improving the cooling effect of the heat exchange structure on the liquid.

It should be noted that the metal matrices 10 of Embodiments 1 and 2 may also have a spherical structure. An area of the flow-passing hole in Embodiment 1 is between 0.5 mm2 and 1 mm2, and an area of the flow-passing hole in Embodiment 2 is between 0.2 mm2 and 0.6 mm2.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 in that the structure of the metal base 10 is different. Specifically, in Embodiment 3, the metal base 10 includes a plurality of housing structures 11 nested layer by layer from inside to outside, and each housing structure 11 is provided with the plurality of flow-passing holes 20. In the above structure, the plurality of housing structures 11 nested layer by layer can further increase the specific surface area of the metal base 10, thereby further increasing the contact area between the liquid and the heat exchange structure, and improving the heat exchange effect between the heat exchange structure and the liquid. At the same time, providing a plurality of flow-passing holes 20 on each housing structure 11 can increase the flow of liquid through the metal base 10, and make sufficient heat exchange with the metal base 10, so as to improve the cooling and heating rate of the liquid. By increasing the contact area between the metal base 10 and the liquid and increasing the flow area of the liquid flowing through the metal base 10, the above structure improves the probability of the liquid contacting with the metal base 10, and further improves the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange structure.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in Embodiment 3, the heat exchange structure further includes a center block 30, the central block 30 is disposed in an innermost housing structure 11. In the above structure, the central block 30 is a solid structure, and the central block 30 disposed in the housing structure 11 can increase a total mass of the heat exchange structure, thereby making the heat exchange structure have greater cold storage or heat storage capacity and improving the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange structure.

Specifically, the number of the housing structures 11 is within 3 layers and 6 layers. When a diameter of the outermost housing structure 11 is fixed, if the number of layers of the housing structure 11 is too small, it will lead to a small total mass of the heat exchange structure, which in turn will lead to a low heat storage capacity of the heat exchange structure and a limited ability of the individual heat exchange structure to cool down the liquid. If the number of layers of the housing structure 11 is too large, the heat exchange structure is difficult to clean, and the cleanliness of the heat exchange structure is affected. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in Embodiment 3, the number of the housing structure 11 is four, and the above structure can ensure the cold storage capacity of the heat exchange structure on the one hand, and facilitate the cleaning of the housing structure 11 on the other hand.

Certainly, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the number of housing structures 11 may also be 3, 5 or 6 layers.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in Embodiment 3, the housing structure 11 includes a plurality of ribs disposed in a staggered way, and the plurality of ribs enclose the flow-passing hole 20. In the above structure, the housing structure 11 is similar to a grid structure, and grid holes form the flow-passing holes 20. The structure can increase the liquid flow area of the housing structure 11, thereby increasing the probability of contact between the liquid and the housing structure 11 and further improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchange structure.

Specifically, in Embodiment 3, a cross-sectional area of each rib is within 0.4 mm2 and 0.8 mm2.

It should be noted that in Embodiment 3, an area of the flow-passing hole 20 is within 6 mm2 and 15 mm2. Preferably, the area of the flow-passing hole 20 in Embodiment 3 is 9 mm2.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in Embodiment 3, the housing structure 11 includes a first housing 111 and a second housing 112 connected with each other, and the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 enclose a receiving chamber. In the above structure, the housing structure 11 in the inner layer is disposed in the receiving chamber of the housing structure 11 in the outer layer. The above structure facilitates disassembly and installation of the housing structure 11, thereby facilitating cleaning of the housing structure 11 by a user.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in Embodiment 3, the first housing 111 is provided with a fitting protrusion 1111, and the second housing 112 is provided with a fitting groove 1121, and the fitting protrusion 1111 is in interference connection with the fitting groove 1121. In the above structure, when mounting the first housing 111 and the second housing 112, it is only necessary to place the receiving chambers of the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 opposite to each other and press the first housing 111 and the second housing 112 so that the fitting protrusion 1111 can extend into the fitting groove 1121. The process of disassembling the housing structure 11 is a reverse process of the installation process, and will not be repeated again. The above-mentioned structure is simple, convenient for machining, and can improve the assembly and disassembly efficiency of the first housing 111 and the second housing 112.

Certainly, in other embodiments, the fitting protrusion may also be provided on the second housing and the fitting groove may be provided on the first housing.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the difference between the inner diameter of the metal base 10 and the outer diameter of the central block 30 is within 2 mm and 5 mm, and the difference in inner diameter between adjacent housing structures 11 is within 2 mm and 5 mm. Specifically, the difference in inner diameters between adjacent housing structures 11 may be 2 mm, 4 mm or 5 mm. In the present embodiment, a diameter of the central block 30 is 6 mm, and diameters of the housing structures 11 are 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm in order from inside to outside.

It should be noted that when the metal base 10 has a spherical structure, the above-mentioned “inner diameter” refers to the inner diameter of each layer of the housing structure 11; and when the metal base 10 has a cubic structure, the above-mentioned “inner diameter” refers to a distance in a length direction or a distance in a width direction of an inner wall of each layer of the housing structure 11. When the central block 30 has a spherical structure, the above-mentioned “outer diameter” refers to the outer diameter of the central block 30; and when the central block 30 has a cubic structure, the above-mentioned “outer diameter” refers to a distance in the length direction or a distance in a width direction of an outer wall of the central block 30.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in Embodiment 3, the metal base 10 has a spherical structure.

Certainly, in other embodiments, the metal base may also have a polyhedral structure. It should be noted that the polyhedral structure includes at least two faces (spherical segmental structure). Preferably, the metal base may have a hexahedral structure.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in Embodiment 3, the mass of the heat exchange structure is within 20 g and 100 g. In the above structure, if the mass of the heat exchange structure is too small, the heat storage capacity of the heat exchange structure will be reduced, as a result, the effect of the heat exchange structure on liquid cooling or heating is not obvious. If the mass of the heat exchange structure is too large, it will bring inconvenience to users. Specifically, the mass of the heat exchange structure may be 20 g, 40 g, 60 g, 80 g, and 100 g. Preferably, the mass of the heat exchange structure in Embodiment 3 is 80 g.

The structure enables the heat exchange structure to have sufficient cold storage or heat storage capacity and improves the heat exchange effect of the heat exchange structure.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in Embodiment 3, the heat exchange structure is made of stainless steel. The structure can improve the corrosion resistance of the heat exchange structure, thereby improving the safety and service life of the heat exchange structure. It should be noted that when the heat exchange structure is used to cool down drinks, the material of the heat exchange structure needs to be food grade.

It should be noted that a plurality of heat exchange structures can be put into the liquid at the same time to exchange heat for the liquid.

In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that, orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words such as “front, back, up, down, left, right”, “lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal” and “top, bottom” are generally based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, for ease of description of the present disclosure and simplification of the description only, these orientation words do not indicate or imply that the apparatus or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as limitations to the scope of the present disclosure. The orientation words “inside and outside” refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as “over”, “above”, “on an upper surface of”, “upper”, etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature with other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative term is intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation of the device other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the devices in the drawings are inverted, devices described as “above” or “over” other devices or structures will be positioned as “below” or “under” other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term “above” may include both “above” and “below” orientations. The device can also be positioned in different other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative description used herein is interpreted accordingly.

In addition, it should be noted that the words “first”, “second” and the like are used to define parts only for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding parts. Unless otherwise stated, the above words have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limitations to the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

The foregoing is merely a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure which may be subject to various modifications and variations to those skilled in the art. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat exchange structure, comprising:

a metal base; and
a plurality of flow-passing holes disposed on the metal base, and at least part of the plurality of flow-passing holes being communicated with each other.

2. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow-passing holes are a plurality of through holes penetrating through the metal base, and the plurality of through holes are communicated with each other.

3. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein an axis of each of the plurality of through holes is a straight line, an arc or a fold line.

4. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metal base has a hexahedral structure, the hexahedral structure comprises two first side walls arranged opposite to each other, two second side walls arranged opposite to each other and arranged between the two first side walls, and two third side walls arranged opposite to each other and arranged between the two first side walls and the two second side walls, and the plurality of through holes comprise at least one first through hole penetrating through the two first side walls, at least one second through hole penetrating through the two second side walls, and at least one third through hole penetrating through the two third side walls.

5. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal base comprises a plurality of housing structures nested layer by layer from inside to outside, and each of the plurality of housing structure is provided with the plurality of flow-passing holes.

6. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the heat exchange structure further comprises a center block, and the central block is disposed in an innermost housing structure of the plurality of housing structures.

7. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein a number of the plurality of the housing structures is within 3 layers and 6 layers.

8. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing structure comprises a plurality of ribs disposed in a staggered way, and the plurality of ribs enclose the plurality of flow-passing holes.

9. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing structure comprises a first housing and a second housing connected with each other, and the first housing and the second housing enclose a receiving chamber.

10. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein one of the first housing and the second housing is provided with a fitting protrusion, and the other of the first housing hole and the second housing is provided with a fitting groove, and the fitting protrusion is in interference connection with the fitting groove.

11. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein a difference between an inner diameter of the metal base and an outer diameter of the central block is between 2 mm and 5 mm, and a difference in inner diameter between adjacent housing structures is within 2 mm and 5 mm.

12. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal base has a spherical structure, or the metal substrate has a polyhedral structure; a mass of the heat exchange structure is within 20 g and 100 g; and the heat exchange structure is made of stainless steel.

13. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the housing structure comprises a first housing and a second housing connected with each other, and the first housing and the second housing enclose a receiving chamber.

14. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein the housing structure comprises a first housing and a second housing connected with each other, and the first housing and the second housing enclose a receiving chamber.

15. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing structure comprises a first housing and a second housing connected with each other, and the first housing and the second housing enclose a receiving chamber.

16. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metal base has a spherical structure, or the metal substrate has a polyhedral structure; a mass of the heat exchange structure is within 20 g and 100 g; and the heat exchange structure is made of stainless steel.

17. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein the metal base has a spherical structure, or the metal substrate has a polyhedral structure; a mass of the heat exchange structure is within 20 g and 100 g; and the heat exchange structure is made of stainless steel.

18. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the metal base has a spherical structure, or the metal substrate has a polyhedral structure; a mass of the heat exchange structure is within 20 g and 100 g; and the heat exchange structure is made of stainless steel.

19. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the metal base has a spherical structure, or the metal substrate has a polyhedral structure; a mass of the heat exchange structure is within 20 g and 100 g; and the heat exchange structure is made of stainless steel.

20. The heat exchange structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the metal base has a spherical structure, or the metal substrate has a polyhedral structure; a mass of the heat exchange structure is within 20 g and 100 g; and the heat exchange structure is made of stainless steel.

Patent History
Publication number: 20230049530
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 18, 2022
Publication Date: Feb 16, 2023
Inventor: Shanhu XING (Beijing)
Application Number: 17/674,879
Classifications
International Classification: F28F 3/12 (20060101);