Method for evacuating a heat pipe

Abstract

The application relates to a heat pipe vacuumizing method, which comprises the following steps: setting a filling opening of a heat pipe heat exchanger and a suction opening of a vacuumizing device to be vertically upward, setting an exhaust valve opening in one or two of a first valve body, a second valve body and a third valve body, and adjusting the vertical height of the exhaust valve opening to be the highest; injecting a working medium into the heat pipe heat exchanger and the vacuumizing device by a liquid supply device, and making the working medium overflow the exhaust valve opening, then closing the exhaust valve opening and the second valve body to make the heat pipe heat exchanger communicate with the vacuumizing device; setting the filling opening of the heat pipe heat exchanger to be vertically downward, and expanding the internal space of the vacuumizing device by a preset multiple to make the working medium in the heat pipe heat exchanger enter the vacuumizing device through the filling opening of the heat pipe heat exchanger and the suction opening of the vacuumizing device in sequence by gravity; and shutting off the filling opening of the heat pipe heat exchanger. The heat pipe vacuumizing method provided by the application solves the problems that the working medium is easily lost and the vacuumizing efficiency is low during heat pipe vacuumizing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat pipe manufacturing technology, and in particular to a method for vacuuming heat pipes. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, heat pipes require vacuuming. Currently, there are two main methods for vacuuming: thermal evacuation and vacuum pump degassing. Thermal evacuation requires a high level of operator skill; therefore, the vacuum level produced using this method is significantly affected by human factors. Furthermore, thermal evacuation results in some loss of the working fluid, especially with expensive environmentally friendly refrigerants. This loss directly impacts the cost and market competitiveness of heat pipe-related products. While vacuum pump degassing can achieve very high vacuum levels, the long vacuuming time makes it unsuitable for mass production of heat pipes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a heat pipe vacuuming method to solve the problems that existing heat pipe vacuuming methods easily lead to working fluid loss and have low vacuuming efficiency.

[0004] The heat pipe vacuuming method provided in this application includes the following steps:

[0005] The liquid supply device for storing and transporting the liquid working fluid is connected to the vacuum device in sequence through the second valve body and the first valve body, and the liquid supply device is connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger in sequence through the second valve body and the third valve body.

[0006] The filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger and the suction port of the vacuum device are both set to face vertically upwards, and an exhaust valve is provided in one or both of the first valve body, the second valve body and the third valve body. Furthermore, the vertical height of the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger and the vertical height of the suction port of the vacuum device are both less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve.

[0007] The liquid supply device injects working fluid into the heat pipe heat exchanger and the vacuum device respectively, and makes the working fluid reach the state that can overflow the exhaust valve port, so as to exhaust the non-condensable gases in the heat pipe heat exchanger, the vacuum device and the pipeline. Then the exhaust valve port and the second valve body are closed so that the heat pipe heat exchanger is connected to the vacuum device.

[0008] Continue to keep the suction port of the vacuum device vertically upward, and set the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger vertically downward, and keep the liquid level of the liquid working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger greater than the vertical height of the suction port of the vacuum device.

[0009] Run the vacuuming device and expand its internal space by a preset multiple so that the working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger enters the vacuuming device by gravity through the heat pipe heat exchanger filling port and the vacuuming device suction port in sequence.

[0010] Stop the vacuum pumping device, close the third valve body, and shut off the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger.

[0011] In one embodiment, a horizontal pipe section is provided between the first valve body and the third valve body, and a U-shaped pipe section that bends downward and connects to the horizontal pipe section is provided at the horizontal pipe section.

[0012] In one embodiment, an exhaust valve port is disposed on the first valve body and the second valve body, and both the first and second valve bodies are three-way valves. The third valve body is a shut-off valve, and the vertical height of the third valve body is less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port. The first valve body includes a first valve port, a second valve port, and a third valve port that are interconnected. The second valve body includes a fourth valve port, a fifth valve port, and a sixth valve port that are interconnected. The third and fifth valve ports are both exhaust valve ports. The liquid supply device is connected to a vacuum device in sequence through the sixth valve port, the fourth valve port, the second valve port, and the first valve port. The liquid supply device is also connected to a heat pipe heat exchanger in sequence through the sixth valve port, the fourth valve port, and the third valve body.

[0013] In one embodiment, an exhaust valve port is disposed on the first valve body and the third valve body, and both the first and third valve bodies are three-way valves, while the second valve body is a shut-off valve. The first valve body includes a first valve port, a second valve port, and a third valve port that are interconnected, and the third valve body includes a seventh valve port, an eighth valve port, and a ninth valve port that are interconnected, wherein the third valve port and the eighth valve port are both exhaust valve ports; the liquid supply device is connected to a vacuum device in sequence through the second valve body, the second valve port, and the first valve port, and the liquid supply device is connected to a heat pipe heat exchanger in sequence through the second valve body, the ninth valve port, and the seventh valve port.

[0014] In one embodiment, an exhaust valve port is disposed on the second valve body and the third valve body, and both the second and third valve bodies are three-way valves, while the first valve body is a shut-off valve. The second valve body includes a fourth valve port, a fifth valve port, and a sixth valve port that are interconnected, and the third valve body includes a seventh valve port, an eighth valve port, and a ninth valve port that are interconnected, wherein the fifth and eighth valve ports are both exhaust valve ports; the liquid supply device is connected to a vacuum device in sequence through the sixth valve port, the fourth valve port, and the first valve body, and the liquid supply device is connected to a heat pipe heat exchanger in sequence through the sixth valve port, the fourth valve port, the ninth valve port, and the seventh valve port.

[0015] In one embodiment, after shutting off the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger, the following steps are also included: setting the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger to face vertically upwards again, and welding the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger shut.

[0016] In one embodiment, after welding the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger, the following steps are also included: opening the second valve body, restarting the vacuum device, and compressing the internal space of the vacuum device so that all the working fluid in the vacuum device flows back to the liquid supply device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pipe is a flexible component.

[0018] In one embodiment, the liquid supply port of the liquid supply device is arranged downwards, and the vertical height of the liquid supply port of the liquid supply device is greater than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port.

[0019] In one embodiment, the liquid supply device delivers the working fluid via a liquid pump.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the heat pipe vacuuming method provided in this application has several ingenious aspects. First, before adding the working fluid, both the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger and the suction port of the vacuuming device are set vertically upwards, and the vertical height of both the filling port and the suction port is less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port. This ensures that the working fluid fills the vacuuming device, the heat pipe heat exchanger, and all parts of the pipeline, and that all non-condensable gases are discharged through the exhaust valve port after the working fluid is filled. The ingenuity of this first point lies in utilizing the fact that the density of the liquid working fluid is greater than that of the non-condensable gas and that the two are immiscible, and by setting the vertical height difference between the various components of the heat pipe vacuuming system (including the liquid supply device, the vacuuming device, the heat pipe heat exchanger, and the multi-way valve group), the non-condensable gases are completely discharged by injecting the working fluid.

[0021] Secondly, when the working fluid fills the vacuum pumping device, heat pipe heat exchanger, and all parts of the pipeline, the suction port of the vacuum pumping device is positioned vertically upwards, and the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger is positioned vertically downwards. The liquid level of the working fluid inside the heat pipe heat exchanger is always greater than the vertical height of the suction port of the vacuum pumping device. Thus, when the internal space of the vacuum pumping device expands, since there are no non-condensable gases in the heat pipe vacuum pumping system and the entire system is under vacuum, the working fluid inside the heat pipe heat exchanger can sequentially enter the vacuum pumping device through the filling port of the heat pipe heat exchanger and the suction port of the vacuum pumping device under the influence of gravity, thereby creating the required vacuum environment within the heat pipe heat exchanger. The ingenuity of this second point lies in further altering the vertical height difference between the various components of the heat pipe vacuum pumping system, allowing the working fluid to flow within the system by gravity and creating the required vacuum environment within the heat pipe heat exchanger.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the heat pipe vacuuming method provided in this application does not cause working fluid loss, and compared with the heat exhaust method which requires a long time to slowly discharge non-condensable gases, the heat pipe vacuuming method provided in this application has the characteristics of being fast and efficient, which is conducive to the large-scale mass production of heat pipe heat exchangers. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 State of a heat pipe vacuum system according to an embodiment of this application Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 2 State of a heat pipe vacuum system according to an embodiment of this application Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 3 The state of the heat pipe vacuum system provided in Embodiment 1 of this application Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 4 The state of the heat pipe vacuum system provided in Embodiment 1 of this application Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the heat pipe vacuum system provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the heat pipe vacuum system provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0030] Figure 7 The state of a vacuum pumping device according to an embodiment of this application Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 8 The state of a vacuum pumping device according to an embodiment of this application Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 9 A partial exploded view of a vacuum pumping device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a flange ring according to an embodiment provided in this application;

[0034] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a vacuum pumping device according to another embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first sealing ring according to an embodiment provided in this application;

[0036] Figure 13A schematic diagram of the structure of the second sealing ring according to an embodiment provided in this application;

[0037] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the structure of the third sealing ring according to an embodiment provided in this application;

[0038] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth sealing ring according to an embodiment provided in this application.

[0039] Reference numerals: 100, Liquid supply device; 110, Liquid supply port; 120, Vent hole; 200, Heat pipe heat exchanger; 210, Filling port; 310, First valve body; 311, First valve port; 312, Second valve port; 313, Third valve port; 320, Second valve body; 321, Fourth valve port; 322, Fifth valve port; 323, Sixth valve port; 330, Third valve body; 331, Seventh valve port; 332, Eighth valve port; 333, Ninth valve port; 340, Exhaust valve port; 400, Vacuum pumping device; 410. Suction port; 420, shell; 421, inner cavity; 422, first cavity; 423, second cavity; 424, connecting hole; 425, sleeve; 430, piston; 431, main body; 432, connecting rod; 440, flange ring; 450, elastic telescopic tube; 460, air extraction port; 471, first elastic membrane; 472, second elastic membrane; 481, first sealing pressure ring; 482, second sealing pressure ring; 483, third sealing pressure ring; 484, fourth sealing pressure ring; 500, horizontal pipe section; 600, U-shaped pipe section. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0044] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] Typically, heat pipes require vacuuming. Currently, there are two main methods for vacuuming: thermal evacuation and vacuum pump degassing. Thermal evacuation requires a high level of operator skill; therefore, the vacuum level produced using this method is significantly affected by human factors. Furthermore, thermal evacuation results in some loss of the working fluid, especially with expensive environmentally friendly refrigerants. This loss directly impacts the cost and market competitiveness of heat pipe-related products. While vacuum pump degassing can achieve very high vacuum levels, the long vacuuming time makes it unsuitable for mass production of heat pipes.

[0047] Please see Figures 1-15 To address the problems of low working fluid loss and low vacuuming efficiency in existing heat pipe vacuuming systems, this application provides a heat pipe vacuuming system and method. The heat pipe vacuuming system includes a liquid supply device 100, a vacuuming device 400, a heat pipe heat exchanger 200, and a multi-way valve assembly. The liquid supply device 100, vacuuming device 400, and heat pipe heat exchanger 200 are interconnected via the multi-way valve assembly. Furthermore, the multi-way valve assembly can control the opening and closing of the liquid supply port 110 of the liquid supply device 100, the suction port 410 of the vacuuming device 400, and the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200, respectively. The multi-way valve assembly is provided with an exhaust valve 340 connecting to the external space, allowing non-condensable gases to be discharged from the heat pipe vacuuming system through the exhaust valve 340. The vacuum pumping device 400 can expand its internal space to allow the working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 to enter the vacuum pumping device 400, or it can compress its internal space to allow the working fluid in the vacuum pumping device 400 to flow back to the liquid supply device 100.

[0048] In this way, the liquid supply device 100 can supply working fluid to the vacuum device 400 and the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 respectively through the multi-way valve group, and discharge all non-condensable gases in the heat pipe vacuum system through the exhaust valve port 340. Then, the liquid supply port 110 of the liquid supply device 100 is closed by using the multi-way valve group, the vacuum device 400 expands its internal space, and the working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 enters the vacuum device 400, thereby creating the required vacuum environment in the heat pipe heat exchanger 200. Finally, the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 is closed by using the multi-way valve group, the liquid supply port 110 of the liquid supply device 100 is opened, and the vacuum device 400 compresses its internal space so that the working fluid in the vacuum device 400 can flow back to the liquid supply device 100.

[0049] This setup not only avoids working fluid loss, but also, compared to the heat dissipation method which requires a long time to slowly expel non-condensable gases, the heat pipe vacuum system provided in this application can quickly and efficiently expel non-condensable gases and create the required vacuum environment, thus facilitating the large-scale mass production of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figures 1-6As shown, the multi-way valve assembly includes a first valve body 310, a second valve body 320, and a third valve body 330. The first valve body 310 is connected to the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400, the second valve body 320 is connected to the liquid supply port 110 of the liquid supply device 100, and the third valve body 330 is connected to the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200. The liquid supply device 100 can be connected to the vacuum device 400 in sequence through the second valve body 320 and the first valve body 310, and the liquid supply device 100 can be connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 in sequence through the second valve body 320 and the third valve body 330. The vacuum device 400 can be connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 in sequence through the first valve body 310 and the third valve body 330.

[0051] More specifically, the heat pipe evacuation method includes the following steps:

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, firstly, the liquid supply device 100 for storing and transporting the liquid working fluid is connected to the vacuum device 400 sequentially through the second valve body 320 and the first valve body 310; and secondly, the liquid supply device 100 is connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 sequentially through the second valve body 320 and the third valve body 330.

[0053] Then, the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 and the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400 are both set to face vertically upwards, and an exhaust valve port 340 is provided in one or both of the first valve body 310, the second valve body 320 and the third valve body 330. Furthermore, the vertical height of the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 and the vertical height of the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400 are both less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port 340. Preferably, the vertical height of the liquid supply port 110 of the liquid supply device 100 is also less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port 340.

[0054] Then, the liquid supply device 100 injects working fluid into the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 and the vacuum device 400 respectively, and makes the working fluid reach a state that can overflow the exhaust valve port 340, so as to exhaust the non-condensable gas (mainly air) in the heat pipe heat exchanger 200, the vacuum device 400 and the pipeline. Then, the exhaust valve port 340 and the second valve body 320 are closed so that the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 is connected to the vacuum device 400.

[0055] like Figure 2As shown, the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400 is then kept vertically upward, and the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 is set vertically downward. The liquid level of the working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 is always greater than the vertical height of the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400 (that is, even if the liquid level of the working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 drops, the liquid level of the working fluid is always greater than the vertical height of the suction port 410. In addition, this process requires keeping all connections sealed to prevent non-condensable gases such as air from entering. It is also preferable to use flexible pipes so that the flexible pipes can be freely twisted when the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 moves and rotates). Preferably, the vertical height of the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 is greater than the vertical height of the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400.

[0056] Then, the vacuum device 400 is operated and the internal space of the vacuum device 400 is expanded by a preset multiple so that the working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 enters the vacuum device 400 through the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 filling port 210 and the vacuum device 400 suction port 410 in sequence by gravity.

[0057] Finally, stop the operation of the vacuum pump 400, close the third valve body 330, and shut off the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200.

[0058] Understandably, in order to improve the sealing performance of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200, in subsequent operations, the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 can be set to face vertically upwards again, and the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 can be welded shut.

[0059] Furthermore, the second valve body 320 can be opened, and the vacuum device 400 can be restarted, compressing the internal space of the vacuum device 400 so that all the working fluid in the vacuum device 400 flows back into the liquid supply device 100, avoiding waste of the working fluid and facilitating its recycling.

[0060] Understandably, the heat pipe vacuuming method of this application has the following ingenious aspects. First, before adding the working fluid, the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 and the suction port 410 of the vacuuming device 400 are both set to face vertically upwards. Furthermore, the vertical height of both the filling port 210 and the suction port 410 of the vacuuming device 400 are less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port 340. This ensures that the working fluid fills the vacuuming device 400, the heat pipe heat exchanger 200, and all parts of the pipeline, and that all non-condensable gases are discharged through the exhaust valve port 340 after the working fluid is filled. The ingenuity of the first point lies in utilizing the fact that the density of the liquid working fluid is greater than that of the non-condensable gas and that the two are immiscible, and setting up the vertical height difference between the various components of the heat pipe vacuum system (including the liquid supply device 100, the vacuum device 400, the heat pipe heat exchanger 200, and the multi-way valve group), so that the non-condensable gas can be completely discharged by injecting the working fluid.

[0061] Secondly, when the working fluid fills the vacuum device 400, the heat pipe heat exchanger 200, and all parts of the pipeline, the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400 is kept vertically upward, and the filling port 210 of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 is set vertically downward. The liquid level of the working fluid inside the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 is always greater than the vertical height of the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400. Thus, when the internal space of the vacuum device 400 expands, since there are no non-condensable gases in the heat pipe vacuum system and the entire system is under vacuum, the working fluid inside the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 can sequentially enter the vacuum device 400 through the filling port 210 and the suction port 410 of the vacuum device 400 under the influence of gravity, thereby creating the required vacuum environment within the heat pipe heat exchanger 200. The ingenuity of the second point lies in further altering the vertical height difference between the various components of the heat pipe vacuum system, allowing the working fluid to flow within the heat pipe vacuum system by gravity, and creating the required vacuum environment within the heat pipe heat exchanger 200.

[0062] As can be seen from the above, the heat pipe vacuuming method provided in this application does not cause working fluid loss, and compared with the heat exhaust method which requires a long time to slowly discharge non-condensable gases, the heat pipe vacuuming method provided in this application has the characteristics of being fast and efficient, which is conducive to the large-scale mass production of heat pipe heat exchanger 200.

[0063] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the top of the liquid supply device 100 is provided with a vent hole 120 to facilitate the balance of air pressure inside and outside the liquid supply device 100, which is beneficial for the working fluid to flow out of the liquid supply device 100.

[0064] To improve the liquid supply efficiency of the liquid supply device 100, in one embodiment, such as Figures 1-6As shown, the liquid supply port 110 of the liquid supply device 100 is set downward, and the vertical height of the liquid supply port 110 of the liquid supply device 100 is greater than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port 340.

[0065] In this way, the working fluid in the liquid supply device 100 can flow directly to the vacuum device 400 and the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 by gravity.

[0066] However, this is not the only embodiment. In another embodiment, the liquid supply device 100 can also deliver the working fluid via a liquid pump (not shown), so that the delivery of the working fluid can be started or stopped in a timely manner by controlling the start and stop of the liquid pump.

[0067] In one embodiment, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, a horizontal pipe section 500 is provided between the first valve body 310 and the third valve body 330, and a U-shaped pipe section 600 that bends downward and connects to the horizontal pipe section 500 is provided at the horizontal pipe section 500. That is, the first valve body 310 needs to connect to the third valve body 330 through the horizontal pipe section 500 and the U-shaped pipe section 600.

[0068] Thus, even if a gas leak occurs in the vacuum device 400, because the density of the non-condensable gas is less than that of the working fluid, the non-condensable gas can only float upwards and is unlikely to move downwards due to gravity. Therefore, when the non-condensable gas passes through the downwardly curved U-shaped tube section 600, it can only accumulate above the end of the U-shaped tube section 600 near the first valve body 310, and it is difficult for the non-condensable gas to pass downwards through the U-shaped tube section 600 and enter the end of the U-shaped tube section 600 near the third valve body 330. In other words, it is difficult for the non-condensable gas to pass through the U-shaped tube section 600 and enter the heat pipe heat exchanger 200. Therefore, this design increases the difficulty for non-condensable gas to enter the heat pipe heat exchanger 200, effectively improving the success rate of vacuuming the heat pipe heat exchanger 200.

[0069] When a U-shaped pipe section 600 is provided, there are three embodiments regarding the setting of the exhaust valve port 340.

[0070] Example 1

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the exhaust valve port 340 is disposed on the first valve body 310 and the second valve body 320, and both the first valve body 310 and the second valve body 320 are three-way valves. The third valve body 330 is a shut-off valve, and the vertical height of the third valve body 330 is less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port 340.

[0072] Specifically, the first valve body 310 includes a first valve port 311, a second valve port 312, and a third valve port 313 that are interconnected. The second valve body 320 includes a fourth valve port 321, a fifth valve port 322, and a sixth valve port 323 that are interconnected. The third valve port 313 and the fifth valve port 322 are both exhaust valve ports 340. The liquid supply device 100 is connected to the vacuum device 400 sequentially through the sixth valve port 323, the fourth valve port 321, the second valve port 312, and the first valve port 311. The liquid supply device 100 is also connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 sequentially through the sixth valve port 323, the fourth valve port 321, and the third valve body 330.

[0073] With this configuration, when the liquid supply device 100 injects working fluid into the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 and the vacuum device 400 respectively, the non-condensable gas on the side of the U-shaped tube section 600 near the first valve body 310 can be discharged through the third valve port 313, and the non-condensable gas on the side of the U-shaped tube section 600 near the third valve body 330 can be discharged through the fifth valve port 322.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the exhaust valve port 340 is disposed on the first valve body 310 and the third valve body 330, and both the first valve body 310 and the third valve body 330 are three-way valves, while the second valve body 320 is a shut-off valve.

[0076] Specifically, the first valve body 310 includes a first valve port 311, a second valve port 312, and a third valve port 313 that are interconnected. The third valve body 330 includes a seventh valve port 331, an eighth valve port 332, and a ninth valve port 333 that are interconnected. The third valve port 313 and the eighth valve port 332 are both exhaust valve ports 340. The liquid supply device 100 is connected to the vacuum device 400 sequentially through the second valve body 320, the second valve port 312, and the first valve port 311. The liquid supply device 100 is also connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 sequentially through the second valve body 320, the ninth valve port 333, and the seventh valve port 331.

[0077] With this configuration, when the liquid supply device 100 injects working fluid into the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 and the vacuum device 400 respectively, the non-condensable gas on the side of the U-shaped tube section 600 near the first valve body 310 can be discharged through the third valve port 313, and the non-condensable gas on the side of the U-shaped tube section 600 near the third valve body 330 can be discharged through the eighth valve port 332.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the exhaust valve port 340 is located in the second valve body 320 and the third valve body 330, and both the second valve body 320 and the third valve body 330 are three-way valves, while the first valve body 310 is a shut-off valve.

[0080] Specifically, the second valve body 320 includes a fourth valve port 321, a fifth valve port 322, and a sixth valve port 323 that are interconnected, and the third valve body 330 includes a seventh valve port 331, an eighth valve port 332, and a ninth valve port 333 that are interconnected, wherein the fifth valve port 322 and the eighth valve port 332 are both exhaust valve ports 340. The liquid supply device 100 is connected to the vacuum device 400 in sequence through the sixth valve port 323, the fourth valve port 321, and the first valve body 310, and the liquid supply device 100 is connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 in sequence through the sixth valve port 323, the fourth valve port 321, the ninth valve port 333, and the seventh valve port 331.

[0081] With this configuration, when the liquid supply device 100 injects working fluid into the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 and the vacuum device 400 respectively, the non-condensable gas on the side of the U-shaped tube section 600 near the first valve body 310 can be discharged through the fifth valve port 322, and the non-condensable gas on the side of the U-shaped tube section 600 near the third valve body 330 can be discharged through the eighth valve port 332.

[0082] In one embodiment, such as Figures 1-9 As shown, the vacuum device 400 includes a housing 420, a piston 430, and a driving element (not shown). The housing 420 has an inner cavity 421. The piston 430 is movably disposed in the inner cavity 421 and divides the inner cavity 421 into a first cavity 422 and a second cavity 423 that are not connected. The first cavity 422 is connected to the suction port 410. The driving element is disposed at one end of the piston 430 near the second cavity 423 and connected to the piston 430. The driving element can drive the piston 430 to move towards or away from the suction port 410.

[0083] Thus, when the driving element moves away from the suction port 410, the volume of the first chamber 422 expands and the volume of the second chamber 423 decreases, so that the working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 flows into the first chamber 422 by gravity. When the driving element moves closer to the suction port 410, the volume of the first chamber 422 decreases and the volume of the second chamber 423 expands, so that the working fluid in the first chamber 422 flows back into the liquid storage device by pressure.

[0084] Furthermore, by setting a driving element, the distance the piston 430 moves can be controlled. Moreover, even if the first chamber 422 is in a vacuum state, the driving element can limit the piston 430 from moving towards the suction port 410 under atmospheric pressure, thus ensuring that the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 is successfully evacuated.

[0085] Specifically, the driving element is a drive cylinder, a linear drive motor, or a rotary drive motor.

[0086] When the driving element is a driving cylinder or a linear drive motor, the piston 430 and the housing 420 are in sliding engagement; when the driving element is a rotary drive motor, the piston 430 and the housing 420 are in threaded engagement.

[0087] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as Figures 1-9 As shown, the piston 430 includes a main body 431 and a connecting rod 432. The housing 420 is provided with a communicating hole 424. The main body 431 and the inner wall of the inner cavity 421 are movably fitted. The connecting rod 432 is connected to one end of the main body 431 near the second cavity 423, and the other end of the connecting rod 432 away from the main body 431 extends out of the second cavity 423 through the communicating hole 424. The output end of the drive element is connected to the connecting rod 432.

[0088] Thus, the piston 430 achieves dual limiting through the movable cooperation between the main body 431 and the inner wall of the inner cavity 421, and through the movable cooperation between the connecting rod 432 and the connecting hole 424, effectively preventing the piston 430 from shifting relative to the housing 420.

[0089] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, a sleeve 425 is provided at the connecting hole 424, and the connecting rod part 432 and the cylinder are movablely engaged, thereby further improving the anti-eccentricity capability of the piston 430.

[0090] Because there is friction between the piston 430 and the inner wall of the inner cavity 421, over time, wear will occur between the piston 430 and the inner wall of the inner cavity 421, leading to seal failure. This will cause the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 to fail to be evacuated.

[0091] It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the outer periphery of the connecting rod portion 432 is provided with a scale, which is beneficial for accurately controlling the distance the piston 430 moves.

[0092] In one embodiment, such as Figures 7-10 As shown, the vacuum device 400 also includes a flange ring 440 and an elastic telescopic tube 450 respectively coaxially arranged with the housing 420. One end of the elastic telescopic tube 450 is sealed and fixed to the inner wall of the first cavity 422 by the flange ring 440, and the other end is sealed and connected to the piston 430. The piston 430 can drive the elastic telescopic tube 450 to extend and retract along its own axis.

[0093] Since one end of the elastic telescopic tube 450 is fixed to the inner wall of the first cavity 422 via the flange ring 440, and the other end of the flange ring 440 is fixed to the piston 430, and the flange ring 440 expands and contracts the first cavity 422 through its own expansion and contraction, the elastic telescopic tube 450 does not need to engage in frictional contact with other components during expansion and contraction, effectively preventing wear of the elastic telescopic tube 450 that could lead to sealing failure. Furthermore, even if the piston 430 or the inner wall of the inner cavity 421 wears during this process, it will not affect the sealing performance of the elastic telescopic tube 450, thus greatly improving the airtightness of the vacuum device 400.

[0094] Preferably, the elastic expansion tube 450 is a corrugated tube.

[0095] Corrugated pipes are readily available and inexpensive, which helps reduce the manufacturing cost of the entire heat pipe vacuum system.

[0096] However, this is not the only option. In other embodiments, the elastic telescopic tube 450 may also be a rubber tube, a silicone tube, or a metal laminate tube.

[0097] In another embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the vacuum device 400 also includes an annular first elastic membrane 471 and an annular second elastic membrane 472. One end of the first elastic membrane 471 is sealed and fixed to the inner wall of the first cavity 422, and the other end is sealed and connected to the end of the piston 430 near the first cavity 422. One end of the second elastic membrane 472 is sealed and fixed to the inner wall of the second cavity 423, and the other end is sealed and connected to the end of the piston 430 near the second cavity 423.

[0098] Thus, when the piston 430 moves away from the suction port 410, the first elastic membrane 471 can stretch itself to ensure that the end of the first cavity 422 near the second cavity 423 is sealed. When the piston 430 moves towards the suction port 410, the second elastic membrane 472 can stretch itself to ensure that the end of the second cavity 423 near the first cavity 422 is sealed. Since the stretching and rebound of the first elastic membrane 471 and the second elastic membrane 472 do not require frictional contact with other components, wear of the first elastic membrane 471 and the second elastic membrane 472 that could lead to sealing failure is effectively avoided. Furthermore, even if the piston 430 or the inner wall of the inner cavity 421 wears during this process, it will not affect the sealing performance of the first elastic membrane 471 and the second elastic membrane 472, thus greatly improving the airtightness of the vacuum device 400.

[0099] Specifically, both the first elastic membrane 471 and the second elastic membrane 472 are made of highly elastic materials, such as rubber, silicone, or highly elastic plastic.

[0100] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as Figures 11-15 As shown, the vacuum device 400 also includes a plurality of first sealing rings 481, second sealing rings 482, third sealing rings 483 and fourth sealing rings 484. One end of the first elastic membrane 471 is sealed to the inner wall of the first cavity 422 through the first sealing ring 481, and the other end of the first elastic membrane 471 is sealed to the piston 430 through the second sealing ring 482. One end of the second elastic membrane 472 is sealed to the piston 430 through the third sealing ring 483, and the other end of the second elastic membrane 472 is sealed to the inner wall of the second cavity 423 through the fourth sealing ring 484.

[0101] This further enhances the sealing performance of the first elastic membrane 471 and the second elastic membrane 472.

[0102] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 420 also has a suction port 460 connecting to the second chamber 423, which is used to connect to an external vacuum pump. This arrangement serves two purposes: firstly, if a leak occurs at the piston 430, the vacuum pump can draw in the non-condensable gas from the second chamber 423, reducing the pressure difference between the first chamber 422 and the second chamber 423, thereby slowing down the leakage process in the first chamber 422. Secondly, by reducing the pressure difference between the first chamber 422 and the second chamber 423, the movement resistance of the piston 430 can be reduced.

[0103] In one embodiment, there are multiple vacuum pumping devices 400, and the multiple vacuum pumping devices 400 are arranged in parallel. The multiple vacuum pumping devices 400 are respectively connected to the liquid supply device 100 through a multi-way valve group, and the multiple vacuum pumping devices 400 are respectively connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger 200 through the multi-way valve group.

[0104] This significantly increases the suction force of the vacuum device 400, thereby improving the vacuuming effect of the heat pipe heat exchanger 200.

[0105] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0106] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for evacuating a heat pipe, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The liquid supply device (100) for storing and transporting liquid working fluid is connected to the vacuum device (400) in sequence through the second valve body (320) and the first valve body (310), and the liquid supply device (100) is connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) in sequence through the second valve body (320) and the third valve body (330). The filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) and the suction port (410) of the vacuum device (400) are both set to face vertically upwards, and an exhaust valve port (340) is provided in one or both of the first valve body (310), the second valve body (320) and the third valve body (330). Furthermore, the vertical height of the filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) and the vertical height of the suction port (410) of the vacuum device (400) are both less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port (340). The liquid supply device (100) injects working fluid into the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) and the vacuum device (400) respectively, and makes the working fluid reach a state that can overflow the exhaust valve port (340) to exhaust the non-condensable gases in the heat pipe heat exchanger (200), the vacuum device (400) and the pipeline. Then, the exhaust valve port (340) and the second valve body (320) are closed so that the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) is connected to the vacuum device (400). Continue to keep the suction port (410) of the vacuum device (400) vertically upward, and set the filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) vertically downward, and the liquid level of the liquid working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) is always greater than the vertical height of the suction port (410) of the vacuum device (400); The vacuum device (400) is operated, and the internal space of the vacuum device (400) is expanded by a preset multiple so that the working fluid in the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) enters the vacuum device (400) through the filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) and the suction port (410) of the vacuum device (400) in sequence by gravity. Stop the operation of the vacuum device (400), close the third valve body (330), and shut off the filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200).

2. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, A horizontal pipe section (500) is provided between the first valve body (310) and the third valve body (330), and a U-shaped pipe section (600) that bends downward and connects to the horizontal pipe section (500) is provided at the horizontal pipe section (500).

3. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust valve port (340) is disposed on the first valve body (310) and the second valve body (320), and the first valve body (310) and the second valve body (320) are both three-way valves. The third valve body (330) is a shut-off valve, and the vertical height of the third valve body (330) is less than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port (340). The first valve body (310) includes a first valve port (311), a second valve port (312), and a third valve port (313) that are interconnected. The second valve body (320) includes a fourth valve port (321), a fifth valve port (322), and a sixth valve port (323) that are interconnected. The third valve port (313) and the fifth valve port (322) are both exhaust valve ports (340). The liquid supply device (100) is connected to the vacuum device (400) in sequence through the sixth valve port (323), the fourth valve port (321), the second valve port (312), and the first valve port (311). The liquid supply device (100) is connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) in sequence through the sixth valve port (323), the fourth valve port (321), and the third valve body (330).

4. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust valve port (340) is disposed on the first valve body (310) and the third valve body (330), and the first valve body (310) and the third valve body (330) are both three-way valves, and the second valve body (320) is a shut-off valve; The first valve body (310) includes a first valve port (311), a second valve port (312), and a third valve port (313) that are interconnected. The third valve body (330) includes a seventh valve port (331), an eighth valve port (332), and a ninth valve port (333) that are interconnected. The third valve port (313) and the eighth valve port (332) are both exhaust valve ports (340). The liquid supply device (100) is connected to the vacuum device (400) in sequence through the second valve body (320), the second valve port (312), and the first valve port (311). The liquid supply device (100) is connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) in sequence through the second valve body (320), the ninth valve port (333), and the seventh valve port (331).

5. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust valve port (340) is disposed on the second valve body (320) and the third valve body (330), and the second valve body (320) and the third valve body (330) are both three-way valves, and the first valve body (310) is a shut-off valve; The second valve body (320) includes a fourth valve port (321), a fifth valve port (322), and a sixth valve port (323) that are interconnected. The third valve body (330) includes a seventh valve port (331), an eighth valve port (332), and a ninth valve port (333) that are interconnected. The fifth valve port (322) and the eighth valve port (332) are both exhaust valve ports (340). The liquid supply device (100) is connected to the vacuum device (400) in sequence through the sixth valve port (323), the fourth valve port (321), and the first valve body (310). The liquid supply device (100) is connected to the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) in sequence through the sixth valve port (323), the fourth valve port (321), the ninth valve port (333), and the seventh valve port (331).

6. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After shutting off the filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200), the following steps are also included: setting the filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) to face vertically upward again, and welding the filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200) shut.

7. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After welding the filling port (210) of the heat pipe heat exchanger (200), the following steps are also included: opening the second valve body (320), restarting the vacuum device (400), and compressing the internal space of the vacuum device (400) so that all the working fluid in the vacuum device (400) flows back to the liquid supply device (100).

8. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe is a flexible component.

9. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid supply port (110) of the liquid supply device (100) is arranged downward, and the vertical height of the liquid supply port (110) of the liquid supply device (100) is greater than the vertical height of the exhaust valve port (340).

10. The heat pipe vacuuming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid supply device (100) delivers the working fluid via a liquid pump.

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