Patent ID: 12203709

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above-mentioned inner pipe for a heat-transferring double pipe has at least a first region and a second region, as described above. The above-mentioned first region has a plurality of first protruding parts that protrude outward. Viewed in a cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a variety of shapes, such as a triangular shape, an arcuate shape, and an inverted-U shape, can be used as the shape of the first protruding parts. In addition, with regard to the first protruding parts, those shapes in which the width dimension becomes smaller as it goes outward excel in buckling resistance, and therefore are preferable.

The locations of the first protruding parts of the above-mentioned first region are offset helically in the longitudinal direction. The offset state is preferably within the range of 10°-70°, where the offset state is expressed as the tilt angle of the peak portion of the first protruding part relative to the axial center of the inner pipe.

Like the first region, the above-mentioned second region likewise has a plurality of second protruding parts that protrude outward. Like the first protruding parts, a variety of shapes can be used as the shape of the second protruding parts, and those shapes in which the width dimension becomes smaller as it goes outward are preferable. It is noted that the shape of the second protruding parts may be the same as that of the first protruding parts but may differ.

The locations of the second protruding parts of the above-mentioned second regions are offset helically in the longitudinal direction. The preferable range and the more preferable range of the tilt angle described above in the situation in which this offset state is expressed as the tilt angle of the peak portion of the second protruding part relative to the axial center of the inner pipe are the same as those in the situation of the first protruding part. Furthermore, the helical tilt angle of the second protruding parts is preferably the same angle as that of the first protruding parts at the same orientation. In this situation, manufacturing becomes easy.

The inner pipe further may have a third region, whose cross-sectional shape is a circular smooth-pipe shape in at least a portion in the longitudinal direction thereof. For example, to connect both end portions of the inner pipe with other members, the cross-sectional shape of both end portions is preferably a circular smooth-pipe shape.

The above-mentioned inner pipe has the first region and the second region, as described above, but one or a plurality of regions may be further provided whose cross-sectional shape(s) differ(s) therefrom. For example, it is also possible to provide a fourth region having a recess-protrusion shape whose configuration differs from that of the first region and the second region. In addition, it is also possible to provide the first region and the second region continuously, and it is also possible to provide the third region, the above-described fourth region, and the like such that they are sandwiched.

The number of the above-mentioned first protruding parts of the above-mentioned first region is preferably within the range of 2-10. It is noted that, to make the number of first protruding parts smaller than the number of second protruding parts, the number of first protruding parts may be set to 8 or less, 6 or less, or 4 or less. In addition, the number of second protruding parts is preferably set to within the range of 3-12. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing, the number of second protruding parts may be set to 10 or less, 8 or less, or 6 or less.

In addition, the number of first protruding parts is preferably half the number of second protruding parts or less. In this situation, the feature difference between the first region and the second region can be made clearer. In particular, the number of the above-mentioned second protruding parts is preferably even, and the number of the above-mentioned first protruding parts is preferably half the number of the above-mentioned second protruding parts. In this situation, as described below, manufacturing is easy.

Next, in a heat-transferring double pipe comprising the above-mentioned inner pipe for a heat-transferring double pipe and an outer pipe, which is provided and disposed on the outside thereof, the cross-sectional shape of the above-mentioned outer pipe is preferably a circular smooth-pipe shape. Any recess-protrusion shape can also be used for the outer pipe itself as long as there is no impediment to combining it with the first region and the second region of the inner pipe. However, because an outer pipe that has a smooth-pipe shape is advantageous from the standpoint of manufacturing and because heat-exchanging performance can be controlled by the inner-pipe shape, it is not very meaningful to provide the outer pipe with a recess-protrusion shape. It is noted that, to increase structural stability, it is also possible to perform straight or helical processing in order to compress the outer pipe from the outside in the double-pipe configuration.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned double pipe is particularly useful when it comprises a portion expected to be bent, which is bent by bending work, and a straight portion, which is used without undergoing bending work and has a straight shape. In this situation, the above-mentioned first region is preferably disposed at the above-mentioned portion expected to be bent, and the above-mentioned second region is preferably disposed at the above-mentioned straight portion. Thereby, the optimal heat-exchanging performance can be exhibited by the second region in the straight portion, the features of the first region can be made use of in the bent portion, and it is possible to curtail a narrowing of the passageway area and curtail an increase in pressure losses. For these reasons, it is possible to increase overall heat-exchanging performance.

Next, as a method of manufacturing the inner pipe for a heat-transferring double pipe, there is the following method.

A method of manufacturing the above-mentioned inner pipe for a heat-transferring double pipe comprises:

preparing an inner-pipe pipe stock, in which the cross-sectional shape has a circular smooth-pipe shape;

using an inner-pipe shaping apparatus, which comprises a plurality of pressing disks disposed spaced apart in a circumferential direction and opposing an outer-circumferential surface of the inner-pipe pipe stock, wherein: the pressing disks have a disk shape and have a pressing surface on an outer circumference thereof; the pressing disks are provided in a manner to be rotatable with the movement of the inner-pipe pipe stock in the state in which the pressing surfaces are pressed against the outer-circumferential surface of the inner-pipe pipe stock; and a plane of rotation, which includes the rotational locus of the center location in the width direction of the pressing surfaces, is disposed, viewed from a direction that is parallel to the plane of rotation, in a diagonal direction that is tilted from the axial center of the inner-pipe pipe stock;

in a state in which the pressing surface of each of the pressing disks is pressed against the outer-circumferential surface of the inner-pipe pipe stock, deforming the cross-sectional shape of the inner-pipe pipe stock by causing the inner-pipe pipe stock to advance in the axial direction relative to the pressing disks and causing the above-mentioned pressing disks to rotate; and

obtaining the first recess-protrusion shape and the second recess-protrusion shape by causing the pressing state of each of the pressing disks to change.

In this method, the inner-pipe shaping apparatus having the above-mentioned specific configuration is used to shape the inner-pipe pipe stock having the smooth-pipe shape. As described above, the above-mentioned inner-pipe shaping apparatus has a plurality of pressing disks and is disposed such that their rotational directions are oriented diagonal to the axis of the inner pipe so that the pressing surfaces thereof can move helically relative to the outer-circumferential surface of the inner pipe. In this configuration, by causing the pressing states of the pressing disks to change, the number and configuration of the protruding parts formed by the pressing disks can be changed. Consequently, for example, by imparting a change to the pressing states of the pressing disks in the longitudinal direction of the inner-pipe pipe stock, a plurality of regions having differing recess-protrusion shapes can be provided in the longitudinal direction. In the situation in which, for example, the change in the pressing states is to change all locations of the plurality of pressing disks to a concentric-circles state, various methods can be selected so as to perform pressing using, for example, just some of the pressing disks.

WORKING EXAMPLES

Working Example 1

Working examples of the above-mentioned heat-transferring double pipe and the above-mentioned inner pipe for the heat-transferring double pipe will now be explained, with reference toFIG.1toFIG.7.

As shown inFIG.6andFIG.7, an inner pipe2for use in a heat-transferring double pipe of the present example is an inner pipe2to be used in a heat-transferring double pipe1for exchanging heat between a fluid that flows through the interior of the inner pipe2, which is disposed in the interior of an outer pipe10, and a fluid that flows between the inner pipe2and the outer pipe10.

As shown inFIG.1, the inner pipe2has first regions21and second regions22, which have cross-sectional shapes that differ. As shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, the first region21has a plurality of first protruding parts211, which protrude outward, and has a first recess-protrusion shape in which the locations of the first protruding parts211are offset helically in the longitudinal direction. As shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, the second region22has a plurality of second protruding parts221, which protrude outward, and has a second recess-protrusion shape in which the number of second protruding parts221is greater than the number of first protruding parts211and the locations of the second protruding parts221are offset helically in the longitudinal direction. This is further explained below.

As shown inFIG.1, the inner pipe2of the present example has the second regions22at three locations in the longitudinal direction and has the first regions21at two locations between the second regions22. Furthermore, these are constituted seamlessly from a single pipe body.

As shown inFIG.2andFIG.3, the first region21has four of the first protruding parts211, which are disposed substantially equispaced in the circumferential direction. Each of the first protruding parts211has an arcuate-shaped peak portion and a comparatively narrow width. Furthermore, the spacing between the first protruding parts211that are adjacent to one another is set comparatively wide. Band-shaped, side-surface parts215, which have a curved surface that gently bulges outward and are offset helically in the longitudinal direction, the same as the first protruding parts211, are provided between the first protruding parts211that are adjacent one another. The offset state of each of the first protruding parts211is set to α=20°, where the offset state is expressed as a tilt angle α of the peak portion of the first protruding part211relative to the axial center of the inner pipe.

As shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, the second region22has eight of the second protruding parts221, which are disposed substantially equispaced in the circumferential direction, and there is a valley part225between the second protruding parts221that are adjacent to one another. Each of the second protruding parts221has an arcuate-shaped peak portion, and each of the valley parts225has an arcuate shape that is depressed inward, and these are connected smoothly. The offset state of each of the second protruding parts221is set to β=20°, the same as the situation of the first protruding part211, where the offset state is expressed as a tilt angle β of the peak portion of the second protruding part221relative to the axial center of the inner pipe.

The outer diameter (the diameter of a circumscribed circle) of both the above-mentioned first region21and the above-mentioned second region22is in the range of 15-25 mm, but the dimension can change where appropriate in accordance with the application.

As shown inFIG.6andFIG.7, the heat-transferring double pipe1can be constituted by covering the inner pipe2, which has the above-mentioned configuration, with the outer pipe10on the outside of the inner pipe2. In the present example, a smooth pipe whose cross-sectional shape is a circular shape is used as the outer pipe10. It is noted that a pipe having a shape other than a smooth pipe can be used as the outer pipe10. In addition, for example, after the outer pipe10, which is a smooth pipe, has been mounted on the outside of the inner pipe2, a process, which creates a groove having a straight shape or a helical shape from the outside of the outer pipe10, can also be performed.

Because the heat-transferring double pipe1of the present example comprises the inner pipe2having the above-mentioned specific shape, the functions and effects below, which are superior to those of previously existing heat-transferring double pipes, can be obtained. That is, the inner pipe2has the first regions21and the second regions22as the portions having two different recess-protrusion shapes. Furthermore, each of the second regions22has a greater number of recessed shapes and protruding shapes, each of the second regions22has a larger inner surface area and outer surface area, and each of the second regions22is larger and has a more complex shape. Consequently, in the situation in which the double pipe is constituted in combination with the outer pipe10, the heat-exchanging performance of the second region22portions is higher than that of the heat-exchanging performance of the first region21portions when compared with a pipe that is in a straight state. On the other hand, in the situation is which bending work has been performed in the double-pipe state, the possibility that the passageway between the outer pipe10and the inner pipe2will become narrow or pressure losses will increase is greater in the second region22portions, which have a complex shape, than in the first region21portions.

Consequently, with regard to the bent portions, which have undergone bending work, it becomes easy to better curtail a narrowing of the passageway or an increase in pressure losses when the first regions21are employed, and it is considered that overall heat-exchanging performance will increase. In addition, it can be easily understood that, compared with the situation in which a smooth pipe is employed as the inner pipe, heat-exchanging performance is higher in a pipe having the first regions21, which have a recess-protrusion shape. For this reason, in the situation in which it is assumed that portions expected to be bent, which are bent by performing bending work, and straight portions, which are used without undergoing bending work and have a straight shape, are provided, the heat-transferring double pipe1of the present example can utilize a configuration in which the first regions21are disposed in the portions expected to be bent and the second regions22are disposed in the straight portions. Then, this situation makes best use of the advantages of the first regions21and the advantages of the second regions22, and it becomes possible to obtain a heat-exchanging performance that is superior to those in the past.

Working Example 2

In the present example, a modified example of the inner pipe2for a heat-transferring double pipe according to Working Example 1 is described.

As shown inFIG.8andFIG.9, an inner pipe202for a heat-transferring double pipe of the present example comprises a plurality of the first regions21and a plurality of the second regions22in the longitudinal direction, and further comprises third regions23, whose cross-sectional shape is a circular smooth-pipe shape, at both ends.

In the situation in which a double pipe is constituted using the inner pipe202of the present example, because the third regions23at both ends have a smooth-pipe shape, the third regions23can be easily used as seam portions that connect with other parts. Consequently, utility can be further increased. It is noted that, where appropriate, the above-mentioned third regions23may be interposed between, for example, the first regions21and the second regions22.

Working Example 3

The present example relates to a method of manufacturing the inner pipe2for a heat-transferring double pipe of Working Example 1.

In the present example, an inner-pipe pipe stock20, in which the cross-sectional shape has a circular smooth-pipe shape, is prepared, and the inner pipe is shaped using an inner-pipe shaping apparatus5, which is shown inFIG.10toFIG.12. As shown inFIG.10, the inner-pipe shaping apparatus5is disposed approximately in the middle between input-side caterpillars71and output-side caterpillars72. Furthermore, the input-side caterpillars71and the output-side caterpillars72have a function that, while applying suitable tension to the inner-pipe pipe stock20and to the inner pipe2after its shaping, causes the inner-pipe pipe stock20, which has been inserted into the inner-pipe shaping apparatus5, and the inner pipe2to move in the axial direction. It is noted that, a supply apparatus, a straightening machine, a cleaning machine, and the like for the inner-pipe pipe stock can be disposed upstream of the input-side caterpillars71; a straightening machine, a cleaning machine, a cutting machine, and the like for the post-shaped inner pipe can be disposed on the downstream side of the output-side caterpillars72; thereby it is possible to configure a continuous line that extends from the supply of the inner-pipe pipe stock to the collection of the inner pipe after its formation.

As shown inFIG.12, a plane of rotation P, which includes a rotational locus of a center location in the width direction of a pressing surface610of a pressing disk61, is disposed, viewed from a direction parallel to the plane of rotation P, in a diagonal direction that is tilted from an axial center C of the inner-pipe pipe stock20.

In the state in which the pressing surfaces610of each of the pressing disks61are pressed against the outer-circumferential surface of the inner-pipe pipe stock20, the input-side caterpillars71and the output-side caterpillars72are driven using the inner-pipe shaping apparatus5having the above-mentioned configuration, thereby causing the inner-pipe pipe stock20to advance in the axial direction relative to the pressing disks61. Thereby, the cross-sectional shape of the inner-pipe pipe stock20is caused to deform. Furthermore, the first recess-protrusion shape and the second recess-protrusion shape can be obtained by changing the pressing state of each of the pressing disks61.

With regard to the second recess-protrusion shape of the second regions22in Working Example 1, a second recess-protrusion shape having eight of the second protruding parts221can be formed, as shown inFIG.4, by using eight of the pressing disks61to equally and properly press the inner-pipe pipe stock20. In addition, with regard to the first recess-protrusion shape of the first regions21in Working Example 1, a first recess-protrusion shape, in which only four protruding parts (first protruding parts211) protrude independently, as shown inFIG.2, is obtained by further increasing (deepening) the amount of pressing of the eight pressing disks61.

It is noted that, in the situation in which the amount of pressing of the eight pressing disks61is made smaller than in the situation in which the second regions22are formed, a recess-protrusion shape having eight protruding parts41, which are low and whose shapes differ somewhat from that of the second protruding parts221, is formed as shown inFIG.13. In addition, in the situation in which, of the eight pressing disks61, four of the pressing disks61are retracted to locations at which they do not make contact with the inner-pipe pipe stock20and only the remaining four pressing disks61press the inner-pipe pipe stock20lightly, a recess-protrusion shape having four gentle curved-surface-shaped protruding parts42is formed as shown inFIG.14.

In the above-mentioned shaping apparatus5, eight of the pressing disks61are provided, but of course it is also possible to change the number thereof; in addition, by controlling the amount of pressing of each of the pressing disks, a variety of recess-protrusion shapes can be formed. Furthermore, by changing the shaping conditions in the longitudinal direction of the inner pipe, recess-protrusion shapes having differing cross-sectional shapes can be formed lined up in the longitudinal direction, and thereby an inner pipe for a heat-transferring double pipe having desired characteristics can be easily obtained.