Vortex tube

Abstract

The invention relates to a vortex tube ( 1 ) for the generation of cold air. The vortex tube comprises a tube body ( 2 ) with a wall ( 5 ), the inner wall surface ( 6 ) of which forms a channel ( 7 ) with a circular-cylindrical cross section. A vortex generator ( 8 ) is arranged in a first end ( 9 ) of the channel ( 7 ) and a flow limiting body ( 10 ) is arranged in a second end ( 11 ) of the channel ( 7 ). One or several outlet/s ( 12 ) for hot air is/are arranged at the second end ( 11 ) of the channel ( 7 ). The vortex generator ( 8 ) has an opening ( 13 ) through which cold air may leave the channel. A conduit ( 14 ) for the supply of compressed air to the vortex generator ( 8 ) runs through the wall ( 5 ) of the tube body ( 2 ) in parallel with the inner channel ( 7 ) from a rear end ( 3 ) of the tube body ( 2 ) up to an inlet ( 15 ) to the vortex generator ( 8 ).

1 . A vortex tube for the generation of cold air, which vortex tube comprises a tube body with a wall, the inner wall surface of which forms an inner channel with a circular-cylindrical cross section, and wherein a vortex generator is arranged in a first end of the channel and a flow limiting body is arranged in a second end of the channel, and wherein at least one outlet for hot air is arranged at the second end of the channel and the vortex generator has an opening through which cold air may leave the channel in a first end of the channel, and wherein the vortex tube further has at least one conduit for the supply of compressed air to the vortex generator, and wherein said at least one conduit for the supply of compressed air extends in the same axial direction as the tube body and extends from a rear end of the vortex tube up to an inlet to the vortex generator, and in that the rear end of the vortex tube is adapted to be connected to a source of compressed air. 
   
   
       2 . A vortex tube according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one conduit for the supply of compressed air extends through the wall of the tube body in parallel with the inner channel from a rear end of the tube body up to an inlet to the vortex generator, and in that the rear end of the tube body is adapted to be connected to a source of compressed air. 
   
   
       3 . A vortex tube according to  claim 2 , wherein the vortex tube has a plurality of conduits for compressed air running through the wall of the tube body in parallel with the inner channel, wherein the conduits for compressed air are distributed around the circumference of the tube body. 
   
   
       4 . A vortex tube according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one outlet for hot air which is arranged at the second end of the channel is designed to let out hot air radially outwardly from the tube body. 
   
   
       5 . A vortex tube according to  claim 2 , wherein the vortex tube is designed such the size of said at least one outlet for hot air can be adjusted. 
   
   
       6 . A vortex tube according to  claim 5 , wherein an axially adjustable first sleeve is arranged on the tube body and associated with said at least one outlet for hot air so that one may adjust the size of the outlet for hot air through axial displacement of the first sleeve. 
   
   
       7 . A vortex tube according to  claim 2 , wherein the vortex generator comprises passages which first converge and then diverge in a direction from the inlet of the vortex generator and towards the inner channel of the tube body. 
   
   
       8 . A vortex tube according to  claim 2 , wherein the vortex tube further comprises a valve, which is arranged to be axially displaced into the vortex generator or out of it, so that a flow of air through the vortex generator may be adjusted thereby. 
   
   
       9 . A vortex tube according to  claim 8 , wherein the valve is arranged inside a second sleeve, which second sleeve has a first end that is threaded onto the tube body such that, by screwing the second sleeve, one can adjust the position of the valve in relation to the vortex generator, and in that the second sleeve has an outwardly open second end through which cold air may flow out. 
   
   
       10 . A vortex tube according to  claim 9 , wherein the second sleeve comprises at least one vane arranged between the valve and the outwardly open second end of the second sleeve, which vane is arranged to at least partly convert a rotating air flow into a straight air flow. 
   
   
       11 . A vortex tube according to  claim 9 , wherein the outwardly open second end of the second sleeve is toothed along its circumference so that an air flow from the vortex tube will not be blocked if the outwardly open end of the second sleeve would be pressed against a hindrance. 
   
   
       12 . A vortex tube according to  claim 6 , wherein a sound-absorbing filter is arranged on the tube body around the region for the outlet or outlets for hot air.