U.S. patent application number 11/789870 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for heat exchanger.
Invention is credited to Ronald H. Griffin, Gang Li, David Martin, David L. Schardt.
Application Number | 20080264617 11/789870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39885617 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080264617 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin; David ; et
al. |
October 30, 2008 |
Heat exchanger
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a heat exchanger for altering the
temperature of water from a fluid circulation line of a
recreational body of water. The heat exchanger includes a helical
tube-in-tube assembly adapted for flow therethrough of a plurality
of fluids for heat transfer therebetween, and the heat exchanger
further includes a tank defining a chamber in which said helical
tube-in-tube assembly is positioned. In an exemplary embodiment,
the chamber is an annular chamber, and the tank includes a
cylindrical wall defining an external cavity extending through said
tank.
Inventors: |
Martin; David; (Concord,
NC) ; Li; Gang; (Clemmons, NC) ; Schardt;
David L.; (Brentwood, TN) ; Griffin; Ronald H.;
(Boonville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCCARTER & ENGLISH, LLP
FOUR GATEWAY CENTER, 100 MULBERRY STREET
NEWARK
NJ
07102
US
|
Family ID: |
39885617 |
Appl. No.: |
11/789870 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/154 ;
62/238.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 27/02 20130101;
F28D 7/14 20130101; F28D 7/022 20130101; F28F 9/0246 20130101; F28D
7/0066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/154 ;
62/238.6 |
International
Class: |
F28D 7/10 20060101
F28D007/10 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger for altering the temperature of water from a
fluid circulation line of a recreational body of water, comprising:
a helical tube-in-tube assembly adapted for flow therethrough of a
plurality of fluids for heat transfer therebetween; and a tank
defining therein an annular chamber in which said helical
tube-in-tube assembly is positioned.
2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein said tank includes at
least one inner wall defining an external cavity extending through
said tank.
3. The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein said at least one inner
wall is a cylindrical wall.
4. The heat exchanger of claim 2 in combination with a compressor
positioned within said external cavity, said compressor being in
fluid communication with said helical tube-in-tube assembly for
sending thereto and receiving therefrom one of said plurality of
fluids.
5. The combination of claim 4 in further combination with a base
and a cover, said base and said cover cooperating with said at
least one inner wall to at least partially enclose said compressor,
thereby inhibiting the escape of sound from said external
cavity.
6. The combination of claim 4, wherein said one of said plurality
of fluids is refrigerant.
7. The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein said helical tube-in-tube
assembly includes a water hose and a refrigerant tube at least
partially extending through said water hose, said refrigerant tube
and said water hose defining a primary water passage therebetween
adapted for flow of water therethrough.
8. The heat exchanger of claim 7, wherein said helical tube-in-tube
assembly is provided with centering means for centering said
refrigerant tube within said water hose.
9. The heat exchanger of claim 7, further including a sealing
assembly releasably secured to said tank so as to permit
refrigerant flow between said refrigerant tube and a tube external
of said tank and so as to inhibit water flow out of said tank at
said sealing assembly.
10. The heat exchanger of claim 9, wherein said sealing assembly
includes: a compression nut having an annular wall opposite said
tank and an internally-threaded wall extending from said annular
wall to said tank in engagement with external threads thereof; a
cap positioned within said compression nut and abutting against
said annular wall; a piston positioned adjacent said tank; and a
grommet positioned between said cap and said piston; said
compression nut, said cap, said grommet, and said piston defining a
continuous cylindrical opening through which said refrigerant tube
extends.
11. The heat exchanger of claim 10, wherein said grommet is
compressed between said piston and said cap, thereby being deformed
radially outward to form a seal with said refrigerant tube.
12. The heat exchanger of claim 7, further including a diverter
positioned within said annular chamber to direct a primary inflow
of water into said primary water passage.
13. The heat exchanger of claim 12, wherein said diverter forms a
loose seal with said tank to allow a leakage flow of water into
said annular chamber external to said diverter.
14. The heat exchanger of claim 13, wherein said tank defines a
convergence area where said primary inflow of water and said
leakage flow of water converge for flow out of said tank.
15. The heat exchanger of claim 1, further including a first leg
having a first elevation and a second leg having a second elevation
greater than said first elevation, said first leg and said second
leg being releasably securable to said tank.
16. The heat exchanger of claim 15, wherein said tank includes a
first post and a second post, said first leg including a first
depression adapted to securingly receive said first post, said
second leg including a second depression adapted to securingly
receive said second post, wherein said second depression is shaped
to inhibit insertion of said first post therein and said first
depression is shaped to inhibit insertion of said second post
therein.
17. A heat exchanger for altering the temperature of water flowing
through a fluid circulation line of a recreational body of water,
comprising: a helical tube-in-tube assembly adapted for flow
therethrough of a plurality of fluids for heat transfer
therebetween; and a tank in which said helical tube-in-tube
assembly is positioned, said tank defining an external cavity
extending axially therethrough.
18. The heat exchanger of claim 17, wherein said at least one inner
wall is a cylindrical wall.
19. The heat exchanger of claim 17 in combination with a compressor
positioned within said external cavity, said compressor being in
fluid communication with said helical tube-in-tube assembly for
sending thereto and receiving therefrom one of said plurality of
fluids.
20. The combination of claim 19 in further combination with a base
and a cover, said base and said cover cooperating with said at
least one inner wall to at least partially enclose said compressor,
thereby inhibiting the escape of sound from said external
cavity.
21. The heat exchanger of claim 17, wherein said helical
tube-in-tube assembly includes a water hose and a refrigerant tube
at least partially extending through said water hose, said
refrigerant tube and said water hose defining a primary water
passage therebetween adapted for flow of water therethrough.
22. The heat exchanger of claim 21, further including a sealing
assembly releasably secured to said tank so as to permit
refrigerant flow between said refrigerant tube and a tube external
of said tank and so as to inhibit water flow out of said tank at
said sealing assembly.
23. The heat exchanger of claim 22, wherein said sealing assembly
includes: a compression nut having an annular wall opposite said
tank and an internally-threaded wall extending from said annular
wall to said tank in engagement with external threads thereof; a
cap positioned within said compression nut and abutting against
said annular wall; a piston positioned adjacent said tank; and a
grommet positioned between said cap and said piston; said
compression nut, said cap, said grommet, and said piston defining a
continuous cylindrical opening through which said refrigerant tube
extends.
24. The heat exchanger of claim 23, wherein said grommet is
compressed between said piston and said cap, thereby being deformed
radially outward to form a seal with said refrigerant tube.
25. The heat exchanger of claim 21, further including a diverter
positioned within a chamber defined by said tank to direct a
primary inflow of water into said primary water passage.
26. The heat exchanger of claim 25, wherein said diverter forms a
loose seal with said tank to allow a leakage flow of water into
said chamber external of said diverter.
27. The heat exchanger of claim 26, wherein said tank defines a
convergence area where said primary inflow of water and said
leakage flow of water converge for flow out of said tank.
28. A heat exchanger for altering the temperature of water from a
fluid circulation line of a recreational body of water, comprising:
a helical tube-in-tube assembly adapted for flow therethrough of a
plurality of fluids for heat transfer therebetween, said helical
tube-in-tube assembly including a water hose and a refrigerant tube
at least partially extending through said water hose, and said
refrigerant tube and said water hose defining a primary water
passage therebetween adapted for flow of water therethrough; a tank
defining therein a chamber in which said helical tube-in-tube
assembly is positioned; and a sealing assembly releasably secured
to said tank so as to permit refrigerant flow between said
refrigerant tube and a tube external of said tank and so as to
inhibit water flow out of said tank at said sealing assembly.
29. The heat exchanger of claim 28, wherein said sealing assembly
includes: a compression nut having an annular wall opposite said
tank and an internally-threaded wall extending from said annular
wall to said tank in engagement with external threads thereof; a
cap positioned within said compression nut and abutting against
said annular wall; a piston positioned adjacent said tank; and a
grommet positioned between said cap and said piston; said
compression nut, said cap, said grommet, and said piston defining a
continuous cylindrical opening through which said refrigerant tube
extends.
30. The heat exchanger of claim 29, wherein said grommet is
compressed between said piston and said cap, thereby being deformed
radially outward to form a seal with said refrigerant tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a heat exchanger
and methods of use thereof. In particular, exemplary embodiments of
the invention relate to a heat exchanger for use along a fluid
circulation path of a recreational body of water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Tube-in-tube assemblies for use in a heat exchanger are
known in the art. An inner tube can be provided for the flow of
refrigerant and an outer tube enclosing the inner tube can be
provided for the flow therebetween of water. For example, U.S.
Patent Publication No. 2003/0209345 discloses a tube-in-tube heat
exchanger having a titanium tube for refrigerant surrounded by an
outer spa hose, where the heat exchanger is helical for placement
around a compressor. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,864
discloses a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger having a
refrigerant conduit disposed within a water conduit, where a
compressor is positioned within the exchanger.
[0003] Among other advantages, a tube-in-tube design increases the
surface area for which heat is exchanged between the refrigerant
and the water. However, it is contemplated that heat exchangers
experience inefficiencies by virtue of the outer water conduit
being adjacent to the atmosphere. What is needed in the art is a
heat exchanger that overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of
the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and
shortcomings of the prior art discussed above by providing a heat
exchanger that includes a tank defining a chamber therein for
receiving a helical tube-in-tube assembly and/or an external cavity
for receiving a compressor.
[0005] In the exemplary embodiment, the helical tube-in-tube
assembly includes a water hose and a refrigerant tube at least
partially extending through the water hose, where the refrigerant
tube and the water hose define a primary water passage
therebetween. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant hose and
water flows through the primary water passage for the exchange of
heat with the refrigerant. It is contemplated that the helical
tube-in-tube assembly can optionally be provided with centering
means for centering the refrigerant tube within the water hose. In
the exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger includes a diverter
positioned within the chamber to direct a primary inflow of water
into the primary water passage. The diverter forms a loose seal
with the tank to allow a leakage flow of water into the chamber
external to the diverter. The tank defines a convergence area where
the primary inflow of water and the leakage flow of water converge
for flow out of the tank. Heat escaping from water flowing through
the primary water passage is transferred to the leakage flow
(and/or vice versa, as the case may be).
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
heat exchanger includes at least one wall, such as a cylindrical
wall, for defining the external cavity through the tank. The
compressor can be positioned within the external cavity so as to be
in fluid communication with the helical tube-in-tube assembly. A
base and a cover can be provided to cooperate with the inner wall
to at least partially enclose the compressor, thereby inhibiting
the escape of sound from the external cavity.
[0007] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
heat exchanger is provided with a sealing assembly that is
releasably secured to the tank so as to permit refrigerant flow
between the refrigerant tube and a tube external of the tank, while
inhibiting water flow out of the tank at the sealing assembly. The
external tube can be in fluid communication with the compressor
(and/or other components suitable for the heat cycle). The sealing
assembly preferably includes a compression nut having an annular
wall opposite the tank and an internally-threaded wall extending
from the annular wall toward the tank and in engagement with
external threads thereof. The sealing assembly further includes (1)
a cap positioned within the compression nut that abuts against the
annular wall, (2) a piston positioned adjacent the tank, and (3) a
grommet positioned between the cap and the piston. The compression
nut, the cap, the grommet, and the piston define a continuous
cylindrical opening through which the refrigerant tube extends. The
grommet is compressed between the piston and the cap, thereby being
deformed radially outward to form a seal with the refrigerant
tube.
[0008] The heat exchanger includes a plurality of legs, such as a
first leg having a first elevation and a second leg having a second
elevation greater than the first elevation. The legs are releasably
securable to the tank. The tank includes a first post and a second
post, and the first leg has a first depression adapted to
securingly receive the first post, while the second leg has a
second depression adapted to securingly receive the second post. In
this regard, the second depression is shaped to inhibit insertion
of the first post therein and the first depression is shaped to
inhibit insertion of the second post therein.
[0009] Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed
heat exchanger and related systems will be apparent from the
detailed description which follows, particularly when read in
conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of an
exemplary embodiment considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a heating unit that includes a
heat exchanger constructed in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit being shown
to include a cabinet with a cover thereof having been removed, the
heat exchanger positioned within the cabinet and forming an
external cavity, and a compressor positioned within the external
cavity;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger of FIGS.
1 and 2, the heat exchanger being shown to include a tank having an
upper tank portion, a lower tank portion and a plurality of seals
therebetween, a tube-in-tube assembly that is positioned within the
tank and that has a refrigerant tube positioned within a water
hose, a plurality of sealing assemblies each at an end of the
refrigerant tube, a water inlet nipple and diverter box positioned
adjacent a first end of the water hose, a water outlet nipple
positioned adjacent a second end of the water hose, a temperature
sensor in fluid communication with the water inlet nipple, a
plurality of legs, and a plurality of extension tubes for
connecting the refrigerant tube to the compressor of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger of
FIGS. 1-3, the cross-section having been taken along section line
4-4 of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the lower tank portion
of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the lower tank portion of FIG.
5, the section having been taken along section line 6-6 of FIG.
5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the lower tank portion of FIG.
3;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a first sectional view of the lower tank portion
of FIG. 3, the first section having been taken along section line
8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a second sectional view of the lower tank portion
of FIG. 3, the section having been taken along section line 9-9 of
FIG. 7;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the lower tank portion of
FIG. 3, the lower tank portion being shown to have a plurality of
shaped posts formed integrally therewith;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the diverter box of FIG.
3;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the upper tank
portion of FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the upper tank portion of
FIG. 12, the section having been taken along section line 13-13 of
FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the upper tank portion of FIG.
12;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a first sectional view of the upper tank portion
of FIG. 12, the first section having been taken along section line
15-15 of FIG. 14;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a second sectional view of the upper tank portion
of FIG. 12, the section having been taken along section line 16-16
of FIG. 14;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the outlet nipple of
FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the outlet nipple of
FIGS. 3 and 17, the cross-section having been taken along section
line 18-18 of FIG. 3;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the inlet nipple of
FIG. 3;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet nipple of
FIGS. 3 and 19, the cross-section having been taken along section
line 20-20 of FIG. 3;
[0031] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of an end of the refrigerant
tube of FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 22 is an exploded front perspective view of one of the
sealing assemblies of FIG. 3, the sealing assembly being shown to
include an O-ring, a piston, a grommet, a cap, and a compression
nut;
[0033] FIG. 23 is an exploded rear perspective view of the sealing
assembly of FIG. 22;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing assembly of
FIGS. 22 and 23, the cross-section having been taken along section
line 24-24 of FIG. 23;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing assembly of
FIG. 24 in combination with outlet threads of the upper tank
portion of FIG. 12, the grommet of the sealing assembly being
compressed between the piston and the cap by the compression
nut;
[0036] FIG. 26 is an elevational view of a tall one and a short one
of the legs of FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the tall leg and the short
leg of FIG. 26;
[0038] FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a first one of the plurality
of shaped posts shown in FIG. 10;
[0039] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a second one of the plurality
of shaped posts shown in FIG. 10;
[0040] FIG. 30 is perspective view of the tube-in-tube assembly of
FIG. 3 with the water hose being shown to be transparent for
illustrative purposes only, the tube-in-tube assembly including a
plurality of hangers for centering the refrigerant tube within the
water hose; and
[0041] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the tube-in-tube
assembly of FIG. 30, the cross-section having been taken along
section line 31-31 of FIG. 30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a top plan view of a heating unit 10 is
shown. The heating unit 10 is in fluid communication with a fluid
circulation line (not shown) of a recreational body of water, such
as a swimming pool, spa, etc. A pump (not shown) is typically
provided along the fluid circulation line for pumping water
therethrough, and filter(s) and/or strainer(s) (not shown) are
provided along the fluid circulation line for filtering/straining
water upstream from the heating unit 10. The heating unit 10
includes an enclosed cabinet 12, which has a base plate 14, a
cylindrical cabinet side wall 16, and a cover 18 that is shown in
FIG. 1 to have been removed to reveal a cabinet space (not
designated) defined within the cabinet 12. A heat exchanger 20
constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention is shown to be positioned within the space of the
cabinet 12 and fastened to the base plate 14.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat exchanger 20 includes a
water outlet nipple 22 and a water inlet nipple 24 that each extend
through the cabinet side wall 16 to facilitate attachment thereof
to the fluid circulation line without removal of the cover 18 being
required. The heat exchanger 20 defines an external cavity 26 in
which a compressor 28 is shown to be positioned. A plurality of
external tube extensions 30a, 30b can be provided between the heat
exchanger 20 and the compressor 28 for fluid communication
therebetween of refrigerant. Additional components of the heating
unit 10 for use in the heat cycle can be in communication with the
extensions 30a, 30b. As discussed with further detail below, the
heat exchanger 20 is adapted to have water flow therethrough from
the water inlet nipple 24 to the water outlet nipple 22, during
which time heat is transferred, such as from the refrigerant to the
water. Also discussed below, the position of the compressor 28
within the external cavity 26 reduces the amount of sound from the
compressor 28 that is perceptible by a user of the heat exchanger
20, e.g., the amplitude of compressor noise escaping the heat
exchanger 20 is minimized.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the heat exchanger 20 includes a
tank 32 that defines an annular chamber 34 extending about a
central axis A.sub.T and that further defines the external cavity
26 along the central axis A.sub.T. The tank 32 includes an upper
tank portion 36, a lower tank portion 38 electromagnetically welded
thereto, and a plurality of ribbon seals 40a, 40b positioned
between the upper tank portion 36 and the lower tank portion 38. A
plurality of legs 42a-c are provided for supporting the tank 32. In
those embodiments of the invention in which the heat exchanger 20
is provided with the heating unit 10, the legs 42a-c can be used in
combination with screws 44a-c for removably securing the tank 32 to
the base plate 14 of the heating unit 10.
[0045] The heat exchanger 20 includes a tube-in-tube assembly 46
that has a spiral shape and that is positioned within the annular
chamber 34 of the tank 32 to extend helically about the axis
A.sub.T. The external cavity 26 extends in an axial direction and
through the tube-in-tube-assembly 46. The tube-in-tube assembly 46
includes a water hose 48 and a refrigerant tube 50 extending
therethrough. The refrigerant tube 50 is preferably formed from
titanium and is adapted for having refrigerant flow therethrough.
The water hose 48 terminates at ends thereof that are referenced
herein as water hose ends 52a, 52b. The refrigerant tube 50 extends
out past the water hose ends 52a, 52b and terminates outside the
water hose 48 at ends that are referenced herein as refrigerant
tube ends 54a, 54b. Lock rings 56a, 56b secure the refrigerant tube
ends 54a, 54b, respectively, to the external tube extensions 30a,
30b, respectively, for fluid communication of the refrigerant
between the refrigerant tube 50 and the compressor 28.
[0046] A primary water passage 58 is defined by an annular space
formed between the water hose 48 and the refrigerant tube 50. The
primary water passage 58 is in fluid communication with the water
outlet nipple 22 and the water inlet nipple 24, which are provided
with O-rings referenced herein as ring seals 60a, 60b. The water
inlet nipple 24 and the water outlet nipple 22 are adapted for
fluid communication with the fluid circulation line of the
recreational body of water, e.g., swimming pool, spa, etc., to
receive water to be heated in the primary water passage 58 by the
refrigerant tube 50 and to provide water that has been heated by
the refrigerant tube 50, respectively. The water inlet nipple 24 is
provided with a temperature sensor 62, a mounting strap 64
therefor, a drain plug 66, and a drain plug seal 68. Also, a water
diverter 70 is positioned within the annular chamber 34 adjacent
the water inlet nipple 24. The water diverter 70 is sized and
shaped to direct principal water flow to the primary water passage
58 (and is loosely fitted against the tank 32 to facilitate a
secondary "leakage flow" of water outside of the primary water
passage 58 for upward flow through the annular chamber 34). It is
preferable that the direction of principal water flow through the
primary water passage 58 be counter to the direction of refrigerant
flow through the refrigerant tube 50. A plurality of sealing
assemblies 72a, 72b are provided for sealing the refrigerant tube
ends 54a, 54b, such that water is inhibited from escaping the tank
32 at the sealing assemblies 72a, 72b. Each one of the sealing
assemblies 72a, 72b includes an O-ring 74, a piston 76, a grommet
78, a cap 80, and a compression nut 82, which shall each be
discussed in further detail below with principal reference to FIGS.
22-25.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 5-10 and 12-16, the tank 32 includes a
lower tank portion 38 and an upper tank portion 36
electromagnetically welded therewith. As shall be further discussed
below with further detail, both the lower tank portion 38 and the
upper tank portion 36 include an inner wall portion (designated
below as portions 84, 122) that cooperate to define an inner wall
of the tank 32 through which the external cavity 26 extends. Also,
both the lower tank portion 38 and the upper tank portion 36
include an outer wall portion (designated below as portions 86,
124) that cooperate to define an outer wall of the tank 32.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 5-10, the lower tank portion 38 of the
tank 32 shall now be discussed with further detail. The lower tank
portion 38 includes at least one inner wall portion 84 extending
about the axis A.sub.T to define a portion of the external cavity
26 and at least one outer wall portion 86 extending about the axis
A.sub.T, such that the inner wall portion 84 and the outer wall
portion 86 define therebetween a portion of the annular chamber 34.
The lower tank portion 38 further includes a bottom wall 88
extending from the inner wall portion 84 to the outer wall portion
86 to at least partially enclose the annular chamber 34.
[0049] The inner wall portion 84 of the lower tank portion 38
terminates at an end opposite the bottom wall 88 with a first
annular finger set 90 having a first pair of annular fingers that
define a first annular space therebetween. Similarly, the outer
wall portion 86 of the lower tank portion 38 terminates at an end
opposite the bottom wall 88 with a second annular finger set 92
having a second pair of annular fingers that define a second
annular space therebetween. The first and second annular finger
sets 90, 92 mate with the upper tank portion 36 to securingly align
the lower tank portion 38 thereto during electromagnetic welding of
the tank portions 36, 38 to one another.
[0050] With principal reference to FIG. 8, the outer wall portion
86 has a first elevation E.sub.1 and the inner wall portion 84 has
a second elevation E.sub.2 greater than the first elevation
E.sub.1. Also, an imaginary geometric plane aligned with the
annular finger set 92 has been designated in FIG. 8 as plane
H.sub.O for the purpose of showing that the distance between the
plane H.sub.O and the bottom wall 88 is preferably multiform. For
example, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
there is a first distance H.sub.1 between the plane H.sub.O and the
bottom wall 88 and a second distance H.sub.2 between the plane
H.sub.O and the bottom wall 88 that is greater than the first
distance H.sub.1. More particularly, the bottom wall 88 is
preferably inclined such that the distance from the finger set 92
to the bottom wall 88 increases between from the distance H.sub.1
to the distance H.sub.2.
[0051] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 5-10, the lower tank
portion 38 includes a drain opening 94, an alignment tab 96, and a
plurality of shaped posts 98a-c. The drain opening 94 extends from
the outer wall portion 86 of the lower tank portion 38 and is
preferably plugged with a removable drain plug (not shown). The
alignment tab 96 is positioned along the outer wall portion 86 of
the lower tank portion 38 proximal the finger set 92 for securingly
aligning the upper tank portion 36 with the lower tank portion 38
during attachment of the upper tank portion 36 thereto, such as by
electromagnetic welding. The shaped posts 98a-c are provided for
engaging the legs 42a-c and shall be discussed with further detail
below in connection with the legs 42a-c.
[0052] The lower tank portion 38 has formed therein a plurality of
passages, including a water inlet passage 100 and a refrigerant
tube outlet 102. Each of the water inlet passage 100 and the
refrigerant tube outlet 102 extend from the outer wall portion 86
proximal the bottom wall 88. The refrigerant tube outlet 102 has
external threads 104 for engagement with the seal assembly 72b. The
water inlet passage 100 preferably extends about ninety degrees
with respect to the refrigerant tube outlet 102. The water inlet
passage 100 has an annular groove 106 formed at an end thereof for
receiving the ring seal 60b and is further discussed below in
connection with the water inlet nipple 24.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, 6, 9, and 11, the annular chamber 34
includes an area proximal the water inlet passage 100 that is
referenced herein as a water diversion area 108. The water
diversion area 108 is a space defined by the diverter 70 of FIGS.
3, 4, and 11, which, as further discussed below, forms a loose seal
with the outer wall portion 86 to channel a principal flow of water
from the water inlet passage 100 into the primary water passage 58
(while allowing a desired amount of leakage flow of water into that
area of the annular chamber 34 outside the water diversion area
108).
[0054] As shown in FIG. 11, the exemplary diverter 70 is configured
to sit atop the bottom wall 88 of the lower tank portion 38 within
the annular chamber 34. The diverter 70 includes a first retaining
wall 110 having an opening 112 formed therethrough. The water hose
48, which is preferably corrugated, extends through the opening
112, such that the water hose end 52a is securingly retained by the
first retaining wall 110. The refrigerant tube 50 extends through
the water diversion area 108, and the diverter 70 includes a second
retaining wall 114 defining an opening 116 through which the
refrigerant tube end 54b extends. The diverter 70 further includes
a plurality of walls 118a-c that extend between the first and
second retaining walls 110, 114 and cooperate with the first and
second retaining walls 110, 114 and the outer wall portion 86 to at
least partially enclose the diversion area 108. It is desirable for
the walls 110, 114, 118a, 118b, and 118c to form a loose seal with
the bottom wall 88 and/or the outer wall portion 86, such that
water flowing into the diversion area 70 from the water inlet
passage 100 is principally channeled into the primary water passage
58 at the water hose end 52a. At the same time, the loose seal
allows a secondary, leakage flow of water flow into that portion of
the annular chamber 34 outside of the diverter 70, such that the
annular chamber 34 fills with water to the top of the upper tank
portion 36 of the tank 32. As discussed further below, it is
contemplated the leakage flow from the diverter 70 into the annular
chamber 34 generally can be utilized to bypass the primary water
passage 58 when the pressure and/or water flow rate is undesirably
high. Also, the water outside the water hose 48 in the annular
chamber 34 absorbs that heat escaping through the wall of the hose
48 from that water in the primary water passage 58. The diverter 70
includes a hook 120 for securing the diverter 70 at an eyehole (not
shown) formed in the lower tank portion 38 to inhibit the diverter
70 from floating to the top of the annular chamber 34 and/or other
motion causes by the water within the annular chamber 34.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 12-16, the upper tank portion 36 shall
now be discussed with further detail. The upper tank portion 36
includes at least one inner wall portion 122 extending about the
axis A.sub.T to define a portion of the external cavity 26
extending along the axis A.sub.T. The upper tank portion 36 further
includes at least one outer wall portion 124 extending about the
axis A.sub.T, such that the inner wall portion 122 and the outer
wall portion 124 define therebetween a portion of the annular
chamber 34 therebetween. Also, the upper tank portion 36 has a top
wall 126 that is opposite the bottom wall 88 of the lower tank
portion 38 and that extends from the inner wall portion 122 of the
upper tank portion 36 to the outer wall portion 124 of the upper
tank portion 36 to at least partially enclose the annular chamber
34. As shown, each one of the inner and outer wall portions 122,
124 of the upper tank portion 36 (and the inner and outer wall
portions 84, 86 of the lower tank portion 38) can have a
cylindrical shape.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 12-16, the upper tank portion 36 is
securingly aligned with the lower tank portion 38. More
particularly, the inner wall portion 122 of the upper tank portion
36 terminates at an end opposite the top wall 126 of the upper tank
portion 36 with a first annular flange 128. The first annular
flange 128 of the upper tank portion 36 mates with the first
annular finger set 90 of the lower tank portion 38, and the ribbon
seal 40b is positioned between the first annular flange 128 and the
first annular finger set 90. Also, the outer wall portion 124 of
the upper tank portion 36 terminates at an end opposite the top
wall 126 of the upper tank portion 36 with a second annular flange
130. The second annular flange 130 of the upper tank portion 36
mates with the second annular finger set 92 of the lower tank
portion 38, and the ribbon seal 40a is positioned between the
second annular flange 130 and the second annular finger set 92. The
upper tank portion 36 is provided with an alignment tab 132 that
engages the alignment tab 96 of the lower tank portion 38 to secure
the upper tank portion 36 thereto.
[0057] The upper tank portion 36 has formed therein a plurality of
passages, including a water outlet passage 134 and a refrigerant
tube inlet 136. Each of the water outlet passage 134 and the
refrigerant tube inlet 136 extend from the outer wall portion 124
of the upper tank portion 36 and proximal the top wall 126 thereof.
The refrigerant tube inlet 136 has external threads 138 for
engagement with the seal assembly 72a as further discussed below
with reference to FIG. 25. The water outlet passage 134 has an
annular groove 140 formed at an end thereof for receiving the ring
seal 60a and is further discussed below in connection with the
water outlet nipple 22. The alignment tabs 96, 132 cooperate with
one another to securingly align the upper and lower tank portions
36, 38, such that the water outlet passage 134 of the upper tank
portion 36 extends parallel with respect to the water inlet passage
100 of the lower tank portion 38.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 3, 13, and 15, the annular chamber 34
includes an area proximal the water outlet passage 134 that is
referenced herein as a water convergence area 142. As best shown in
FIG. 3, an open area, e.g., the water convergence area 142, is
provided where the refrigerant tube end 54a extends past the water
hose end 52b. Water from the primary water passage 58, as well as
leakage flow rising through the annular chamber 36 from the loose
seal formed at the diverter 70, converge at and/or proximal the
water convergence area 142 for flow out through the water outlet
passage 134.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 17-20, the water outlet nipple 22
and the water inlet nipple 24 shall now be discussed with further
detail. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 17-18, the water outlet nipple 22
includes a generally cylindrical wall 144a with a tank attachment
end 146a and a line attachment end 148a opposite the tank
attachment end 146a. The tank attachment end 146a includes an
annular flange 150a that mates with the annular groove 140 of the
water outlet passage 134 of the upper tank portion 36. As shown in
FIG. 3, the ring seal 60b is positioned between the annular groove
140 and the annular flange 150a. The line attachment end 148a has
an annular groove 152a formed therein and external threads 154a for
coupling the water outlet nipple 22 to that portion of the fluid
circulation line (not shown) of the recreational body of water that
is downstream of the heat exchanger 20. The line attachment end
148a can be provided with any additional and/or alternative
structure suitable for coupling the water outlet nipple 22 to the
fluid circulation line.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 19-20, the water inlet nipple 24 is
similar in some respect to the water outlet nipple 22. For the
example, the water outlet nipple 24 includes a generally
cylindrical wall 144b with a tank attachment end 146b and a line
attachment end 148b opposite thereto. The tank attachment end 146b
includes an annular flange 150b that mates with the annular groove
106 of the water inlet passage 100 of the lower tank portion 38,
and the ring seal 60a is positioned between the annular groove 106
and the annular flange 150b. The line attachment end 148b has an
annular groove 152b formed therein and external threads 154b for
coupling the water inlet nipple 24 to that portion of the fluid
circulation line (not shown) of the recreational body of water that
is upstream of the heat exchanger 20. The line attachment end 148b
can be provided with any additional and/or alternative structure
suitable for coupling the water inlet nipple 24 to the fluid
circulation line.
[0061] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 3, 19, and 20, the water
inlet nipple 24 can advantageously be provided with other features.
For example, the exemplary water inlet nipple 24 has a first
passage 156 formed therein for receiving the temperature sensor 62,
such that the first passage 156 is in fluid communication with
water flowing through the cylindrical wall 144b for sensing the
temperature of such water. A plurality of annular bosses 158 are
formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall 144b for
securingly aligning the mounting strap 64 that is used to removably
secure the temperature sensor 62 to the water inlet nipple 24. As
another example, the exemplary water inlet nipple 24 has a second
passage 160 formed therein for receiving the drain plug 66, such
that the second passage 160 is in fluid communication with water
flowing through the cylindrical wall 144b for drainage thereof. In
this regard, a depression 162 having a radius greater than that of
the second passage 160 is provided in alignment therewith for
receiving the drain plug seal 68.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 21-25, the seal assemblies 72a, 72b
shall now be discussed with further detail. As shown in FIGS. 3 and
21, the refrigerant tube 50 includes the refrigerant tube ends 54a,
54b and a refrigerant tube body 164 extending therebetween. The
refrigerant tube body 164 preferably has a spiraled outer surface
for inducing turbulent flow of water in the primary water passage
58, thereby facilitating more efficient heat transfer. However, the
refrigerant tube ends 54a, 54b preferably have substantially
cylindrical outer surfaces to be received by the seal assemblies
72a, 72b, respectively. Further discussion of the seal assemblies
72a, 72b (and the refrigerant tube ends 54a, 54b) shall now be made
with respect to the seal assembly 72a (and the refrigerant tube end
54a), and it shall be understood that such discussion is similarly
applicable with respect to seal assembly 72b (and the refrigerant
tube end 54b).
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 21-25, the seal assembly 72a includes the
O-ring 74, the piston 76, the grommet 78, the cap 80, and the
compression nut 82. The seal assembly 72a further includes a
continuous cylindrical opening 166 extending through the O-ring 74,
the piston 76, the grommet 78, the cap 80, and the compression nut
82 along a central axis, referenced herein as axis A.sub.SA. The
continuous cylindrical opening 166 has a radius just greater than
that of the refrigerant tube end 54a, such that the refrigerant
tube end 54a extends through and out of the continuous opening 166
(see FIG. 25). The seal assembly 72a is operable between a relaxed
state and a compressed state, in which the cap 80 cooperates with
the piston 76 to compress the grommet 78 when the compression nut
82 has engaged the external threads 138 of the refrigerant tube
inlet 136.
[0064] The compression nut 82 includes an open end 168 and a
cylindrical, internally-threaded wall 170 for respectively
receiving the refrigerant tube inlet 136 into an internal chamber
172 of the nut 82 and mating with the external threads 138 thereof.
The compression nut 82 further includes a flat annular wall 174
opposite the open end 168 extending radially inward from the
internally-threaded wall 170 of the compression nut 82. An opening
176 extends through the flat annular wall 174 along the axis
A.sub.SA. In some embodiments of the present invention, the O-ring
74, the piston 76, the grommet 78, and the cap 80 are each received
into the internal chamber 172 of the nut 82.
[0065] The piston 76 is positioned proximal the refrigerant tube
inlet 136 (or, in the case of the seal assembly 72b, the
refrigerant tube outlet 102) and is received by the compression nut
82. The piston 76 includes an annular piston wall 178 that defines
that portion of the continuous opening 166 extending through the
piston 76 and further includes a tapered section 180 that tapers in
a direction toward the refrigerant tube inlet 136 (or, in the case
of the seal assembly 72b, the refrigerant tube outlet 102). The
annular piston wall 178 has a first portion 182 with a first inner
radius that is just greater than that the refrigerant tube ends
54a, 54b and a second portion 184 with a second inner radius that
is greater than the first inner radius, such that the second
portion 184 is widened to receive the grommet 78 for seating
thereof at the tapered section 180. An annular rim 186 extends
radially outward from the tapered section 180 and terminates at a
position adjacent the internally-threaded wall 170.
[0066] The piston 76 includes an annularly grooved flange 188 that
extends from the rim 186 concentrically with respect to the first
portion 182 of the annular piston wall 178. The annularly grooved
flange 188 receives in a groove 190 thereof the O-ring 74, such
that the O-ring 74 is spaced apart from the internally-threaded
wall 170 of the compression nut 82. The grooved flange 188 and the
first portion 182 of the annular piston wall 178 define a first
annular space 192 therebetween, which is further discussed
below.
[0067] The piston 76 further includes a lipped flange 194 having a
flange 196 that extends from the rim 186 substantially
concentrically with respect to the second portion 184 of the
annular piston wall 178 and that, together with the second portion
184 of the piston wall 178, defines a second annular space 198.
[0068] It is desirable for the walls of the piston 76 to be of
substantially equal thickness to minimize warping, including, for
example, the flange 196, the second portion 184 of the piston wall
178, the grooved flange 188, and the first portion 182 of the
piston wall 178. In this regard, the first and second annular
spaces 192, 198 are sized and dimensioned for such purposes.
[0069] The flange 196 terminates at an end opposite the rim 186
with a piston lip 200 that extends radially toward the
internally-threaded wall 170 of the compression nut 82, such that
the lipped flange 194 and the annularly-grooved flange 188 of the
piston 76 cooperate with the internally-threaded wall 170 of the
compression nut 82 to define an annular space, herein referenced as
a receiving area 202, for receiving the external threads 138 of the
refrigerant tube inlet 136 (or, in the case of seal assembly 72b,
the external threads 104 of the refrigerant tube outlet 102).
[0070] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 21-25, the grommet 78 is
formed of a resiliently deformable material, such as rubber. The
grommet 78 includes a substantially cylindrical grommet body 204
defining therein a portion of the continuous opening 166 having a
radius just greater than each of the refrigerant tube ends 54a,
54b. The grommet 78 further includes a beveled portion 206
extending from the body 204 and also defining therein a portion of
the continuous opening 166 having a radius just greater than each
of the refrigerant tube ends 54a, 54b. The grommet 78 is received
by the piston 76, such that the beveled portion 206 of the grommet
78 is positioned within a space (not designated) defined by the
tapered section 180 of the annular piston wall 178, and such that
the grommet body 204 is positioned within a space (not designated)
defined by the second portion 184 of the annular piston wall
178.
[0071] The cap 80 is received by the piston 76 and is positioned
between the grommet 78 and the compression nut 82. The cap 80
includes an annular wall, which is referenced herein as a cap body
208, and which defines therein a portion of the continuous opening
166 of the seal assembly 72. The cap body 208 is received within
the second portion 184 of the annular piston wall 178 in abutment
with the grommet 78. The cap 80 further includes a lip, which is
referenced herein as a cap lip 210, and which extends radially from
the cap body 208 at an end thereof opposite the grommet 78 and
proximal the flat annular wall 174 of the compression nut 82. The
radius of the cap lip 210 is greater than the radius of the opening
176 that extends through the flat annular wall 174, such that the
cap lip 210 abuts the flat annular wall 174.
[0072] As indicated above, each one of the seal assemblies 72a, 72b
has a relaxed state when disengaged from a corresponding one of the
external threads 104, 138 and a compressed state when engaged with
the corresponding one of the external threads 104, 138. In this
regard, with continuing discussion of the seal assemblies 72a, 72b
by way of exemplary reference to the seal assembly 72a, an
embodiment of the seal assembly 72a having the relaxed state is
shown in FIG. 24 and an embodiment of the seal assembly 72a having
the compressed state is shown in FIG. 25.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 24, it is shown that when the seal
assembly 72a is in the relaxed state (e.g., when it is disengaged
from the external threads 138), the grommet 78 maintains its
natural shape described above. Moreover, the cap 80 is sized,
shaped, and dimensioned, such that the cap lip 210 defines an open
channel 212 with the piston lip 200.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 25, it is shown that when the seal
assembly 72a is in the compressed state, e.g., when it is engaged
from the external threads 138, the refrigerant tube end 54a extends
through the continuous opening 166 and the grommet 78 is compressed
to form a tight seal with the refrigerant tube end 54a, while the
compression nut 82 is engages the external threads 138. In having
positioned the external threads 138 within the receiving area 202
to engage the internally-threaded wall 170 of the compression nut
82, the external threads 138 force the piston lip 200 to close the
channel 212 and into abutment with the cap 210, such that the cap
210 is secured between the piston lip 200 and the flat annular wall
174 of the compression nut 82. The grommet 78 is compressed between
the piston 76 and the cap 80, thereby being deformed radially
outward to form a seal with the refrigerant tube end 54a.
[0075] Further sealing is provided by the O-ring 74, such that when
the external threads 138 are positioned within the receiving area
202, the O-ring 74 compresses forming a tight seal. Refrigerant can
flow through the seal assemblies 72a, 72b, while the flow of water
therethrough is inhibited.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3, 8 and 26-27, the legs 42a-c shall be
discussed with further detail. Because leg 42a is similar to leg
42b, it shall be understood that the discussions and drawings of
leg 42a are similarly applicable with respect to the leg 42b. Each
one of the legs 42a-c is formed of a unitary structure that
includes a base 214, a fastening tab 216, and a hole 218 that
extends through the fastening tab 216 for receiving a corresponding
one of the screws 44a-c. In this regard, the legs 42a-42c can be
secured to the base plate 14 of heating unit 10.
[0077] The base 214 of the leg 42c has a first leg elevation
E.sub.L1, and each base 214 of the legs 42a, 42b has a second leg
elevation E.sub.L2 that is greater than the first leg elevation
E.sub.L1. In this regard, the legs 42a-42c can support the tank 32
despite the bottom wall 88 of the lower tank portion 38 being
multiform. For example, each one of the legs 42a-b can be
positioned along the bottom wall 88 where the lower tank portion 38
has a first distance H.sub.1, while the leg 42c can be positioned
along the bottom wall 88 where the lower tank portion 38 has a
second distance H.sub.2. In such example, that amount by which the
second leg elevation E.sub.L2 is greater than the first leg
elevation E.sub.L1 is substantially equal to that amount by which
the second distance H.sub.2 is greater than the first distance
H.sub.1 (e.g., E.sub.L2-E.sub.L1=H.sub.2-H.sub.1).
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 26-29, the leg 42c has a first
shaped depression 220 formed in an end of the corresponding base
214 opposite the fastening tab 216. Each one of the legs 42a-b has
a second shaped depression 222 formed in an end of the
corresponding base 214 opposite the fastening tab 216. In this
regard, the first shaped depression 220 is adapted to securingly
receive the shaped post 98c, and each one of the second shaped
depressions 222 is adapted to securingly receive the shaped posts
98a, 98b. More particularly, the male shape of the shaped post 98c
is complementary to the female shape of first shaped depression
220, and the male shape of the shaped posts 98a-b is complementary
to the female shape of the second shaped depression 222. The male
shape of the shaped post 98c is different than the male shape of
each of the shaped posts 98a-b, and the female shape of first
shaped depression 220 is different than the female shape of each of
the second shaped depressions 222. Such differences inhibit a user
from inadvertently securing one of the legs 42a-c out of position
during assembly of the heat exchanger 20.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary use of the heat
exchanger 20 shall now be discussed with further detail. To secure
the heat exchanger 20 to the heating unit 10, for example, the heat
exchanger 20 is secured to the base plate 14 inside the cabinet 12.
The compressor 28 is positioned within the external cavity 26 of
the heat exchanger 20 and may be secured to the base plate 14. The
heat exchanger 20 is provided in fluid communication with the
compressor 28 by securing the external tube extensions 30a, 30b to
the refrigerant tube ends 54a, 54b, respectively, as well to the
refrigerant inlet and outlet (not shown) of the compressor 28.
Additional components suitable for use in the heat cycle may be
provided in communication with the extensions 30a, 30b.
[0080] The cover 18 is secured to the cabinet 12 opposite the base
plate 14. In this regard, the heat exchanger 20 and the cover 18,
both alone and in combination, reduce the amount of sound emanating
from the compressor 28 to a user thereof. For flow of water, the
water inlet nipple 24 and the water outlet nipple 22 are
respectively secured to the upstream and downstream sides of the
fluid circulation line for the recreational body of water.
[0081] When activated, there is preferably a counter-flow as
between the refrigerant and the water to enhance heat transfer. In
this regard, the heat exchanger 20 receives refrigerant proximal
the top wall 126 of the heat exchanger 20, such that the
refrigerant is received at the refrigerant tube inlet 136, which
travels into the refrigerant tube end 54a, through the refrigerant
tube 50 to the refrigerant tube end 54b, and out of the refrigerant
tube outlet 102 proximal the bottom wall 88 of the annular tank 32.
Similarly, the heat exchanger 20 receives water proximal the bottom
wall 88 of the heat exchanger 20, such that the water is received
at the water inlet passage 100 via the water inlet nipple 24, which
travels into the diverter 70. A primary water flow flows through
the primary water passage 58 to the convergence area 142, a leakage
flow flows up through the annular chamber 34 to the convergence
area 142, and the water of the leakage flow and the water of the
primary flow converge and flow out of the water outlet nipple 22
via the water outlet passage 134.
[0082] The tube-in-tube assembly 46 enhances the efficient transfer
of heat from refrigerant in the refrigerant tube 50 to water
flowing through the primary water passage 58. Moreover, by
positioning the tube-in-tube assembly 46 within an annular chamber
34 that allows for an upward leakage flow of water, the transfer of
heat is made further efficient, by having heat that might otherwise
be lost to the atmosphere from the water hose 48, transferred to
the leakage flow for convergence with the primary flow at the
convergence area 142. Moreover, heat transfer is further enhanced
by virtue of the chamber 34 having an internal negative geometrical
shape that is annular, which minimizes the amount of water external
the hose 48 that is not in direct surface-to-surface contact with
the hose 48. Additional features may be included for enhancing heat
transfer. For example, it is contemplated that the water hose 48
can be corrugated and/or the refrigerant tube body 164 can have a
spiraled outer surface, either or both for inducing turbulent flow
within the primary water passage 58, thereby enhancing heat
transfer.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 30-31, it is contemplated that some
embodiments of the invention might be provided with a tube-in-tube
assembly 46 having centering means for centering the refrigerant
tube 50 within the water hose 48. In this regard, the water hose 48
is shown to be transparent in FIGS. 30-31 to facilitate
consideration and discussion of such centering means. The centering
means is optional, and the tube-in-tube assembly 46 is not defined
so as to require inclusion of the centering means.
[0084] Such centering means can include, for example, a plurality
of hanger sets 224, each one of the hanger sets 224 spaced from
each other one of the hanger sets 224 along the length of the
tube-in-tube assembly 46. Each one of the hanger sets 224 includes
a plurality of rigid, radially-spaced hangers, such as an opposing
pair of hangers 226a, 226b. Each one of the hangers 226a, 226b
includes a corresponding one of a plurality of hook portions 228a,
228b, a corresponding one of a plurality of arm portions 230a,
230b, and a corresponding one of a plurality of arcuate anchor
portions 232a, 232b. The hook portions 228a, 228 are secured to the
refrigerant tube 50, and each one of the hook portions 228a, 228b
is radially and evenly displaced from each other one of the hook
portions 228a, 228b. Each one of the arm portions 230a, 230b
extends from a corresponding one of the hook portions 228a, 228b to
a corresponding one of the arcuate anchor portions 232a, 232b
through a corresponding slit (not shown) formed in the water hose
48. The curvature of the arcuate anchor portions 232a, 232b
preferably follows the curvature of the water hose 48, and the
length of the arm portions 230a, 230b is selected such that the
anchor portions 232a, 232b pull the refrigerant tube 50 with equal
force and within the primary water passage 58, such that the
refrigerant tube 50 is centered within the water hose 48. Water
escaping through the slits from the primary water passage 58 to
that area external thereof in the annular chamber 34 joins the
upward leakage flow.
[0085] Additional and/or alternative centering means are
contemplated. For example, it is contemplated that the ribs forming
corrugations in the water hose 48 and/or the spiraled outer surface
of the refrigerant tube body 164 can be sized and shaped so as to
center the refrigerant tube 50 within the water hose 50, while
still defining a primary water passage 58 therebetween for flow of
water.
[0086] It shall be understood that the embodiments of the present
invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person
skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All
such variations and modifications, including those discussed above,
are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *