Universal pipeline connector and flow battery

Abstract

The utility model provides a pipeline universal connector and a flow battery, the pipeline universal connector comprises a first pipe, one end of the first pipe is provided with a spherical shell, the interior of the first pipe is provided with a first channel, and the spherical shell is communicated with the first channel; a ball head is arranged at one end of the second pipe, and a second channel is formed in the second pipe; the second pipe and the first pipe are oppositely arranged, and the ball head is located in the ball shell; a third through channel is formed in the ball head, and the third channel is communicated with the second channel; one end of the limiting assembly is arranged on the area, except for the spherical shell, of the first pipe in a sleeving mode, the other end of the limiting assembly is arranged on the area, except for the spherical head, of the second pipe in a sleeving mode, and the limiting assembly is used for limiting the spherical shell to abut against the spherical head so that the third channel can communicate with the first channel. The pipeline universal connector and the flow battery provided by the utility model are simple in structure and convenient to manufacture, can be connected with pipelines with axial deviation, and are high in structural stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of pipeline connection, and particularly relates to a pipeline universal connector and a flow battery. Background Art

[0002] A flow battery is a high-performance storage battery that separates the positive and negative electrolytes and circulates them separately. It has the characteristics of high capacity, wide application fields, and long cycle service life, and is a new energy product. The structure of a flow battery usually includes multiple series-connected stacks to conduct the electrolyte and increase the battery capacity. However, the model sizes of the stacks are usually different. When connecting the pipelines of multiple stacks, there are often axial angle deviations, which easily cause risks such as electrolyte leakage. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a connector that can connect such deviated pipelines. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a pipeline universal connector and a flow battery to solve or partially solve the related problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] In the first aspect of this application, a pipeline universal connector is provided, including: a first pipe, one end of which is provided with a spherical shell, and a first channel is arranged inside, and the spherical shell is communicated with the first channel; a second pipe, one end of which is provided with a spherical head, and a second channel is arranged inside; the second pipe is arranged opposite to the first pipe, and the spherical head is located inside the spherical shell; a third channel is arranged through the spherical head, and the third channel is communicated with the second channel; a limiting component, one end of which is sleeved on the area of the first pipe except the spherical shell, and the other end is sleeved on the area of the second pipe except the spherical head, and is used to limit the spherical shell and the spherical head from abutting against each other, so that the third channel is communicated with the first channel.

[0005] In some embodiments, a first connector is arranged at one end of the first pipe away from the spherical shell, and a second connector is arranged at one end of the second pipe away from the spherical head, and the first connector and the second connector are used to connect pipelines.

[0006] In some embodiments, a first limiting block is formed on the outer wall of the first pipe, and the first limiting block is located between the first connector and the spherical shell; a second limiting block is formed on the outer wall of the second pipe, and the second limiting block is located between the second connector and the spherical head; the limiting component includes a first flange and a second flange that are detachably connected, the first flange is sleeved on the side of the first limiting block away from the spherical shell, and the second flange is sleeved on the side of the second limiting block away from the spherical head.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the first limiting block and the second limiting block are spherical.

[0008] In some embodiments, the limiting component further includes a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod is threadedly connected to the first flange, and the other end is threadedly connected to the second flange.

[0009] In some embodiments, there are multiple connecting rods, which are evenly arranged between the first flange and the second flange.

[0010] In some embodiments, a ring groove is provided on one side of the ball head close to the ball shell, and a sealing ring is sleeved on the ring groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension of the third channel gradually decreases along the direction from the first channel to the second channel.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present application, a flow battery is provided, including the pipeline universal connector as described in the first aspect above.

[0013] In some embodiments, the flow battery includes a plurality of serially connected stacks and two circulation units. The two circulation units are respectively used for the circulation of the positive electrolyte and the negative electrolyte. The pipeline universal connector is connected between adjacent two stacks.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, for the pipeline universal connector and the flow battery provided by the present application, the pipeline universal connector includes: a first pipe, one end of which is provided with a ball shell, and a first channel is provided inside, and the ball shell is communicated with the first channel; a second pipe, one end of which is provided with a ball head, and a second channel is provided inside; the second pipe is arranged opposite to the first pipe, and the ball head is located inside the ball shell; a through third channel is provided inside the ball head, and the third channel is communicated with the second channel; a limiting component, one end of which is sleeved on the area of the first pipe except the ball shell, and the other end is sleeved on the area of the second pipe except the ball head, and is used to limit the ball shell and the ball head from abutting against each other, so that the third channel and the first channel are communicated. Through the rotational cooperation of the ball head and the ball shell, the first pipe can be inclined at various angles relative to the second pipe, so as to connect pipelines with axial deviations; by setting the limiting component, the ball head and the ball shell are tightly abutted against each other, ensuring the connection tightness between the first pipe and the second pipe, with strong structural stability, and enabling the first channel and the second channel to be conducted through the third channel, facilitating the flow of internal media; one end of the limiting component is sleeved on the area of the first pipe except the ball shell, and the other end is sleeved on the area of the second pipe except the ball head, because the position where the ball head and the ball shell cooperate has relatively low strength compared to the pipe body, and such a setting can further improve the structural stability of the pipeline universal connector. The pipeline universal connector and the flow battery have simple structures, are easy to manufacture, can connect pipelines with axial deviations, and have strong structural stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or related technologies, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of related technologies. Obviously, the drawings described below are only the embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a pipe universal connector in an embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Figure 2 For Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pipe universal connector in the [description].

[0018] Figure 3 For Figure 1 It is a schematic structure diagram of the first pipe in the [description].

[0019] Figure 4 For Figure 1 It is a schematic structure diagram of the second pipe in the [description].

[0020] Figure 5 It is a schematic structure diagram of a flow battery in an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Reference numerals: 1, first pipe; 1-1, spherical shell; 1-2, first channel; 1-3, first connecting piece; 1-4, first limiting block; 2, second pipe; 2-1, ball head; 2-2, second channel; 2-3, third channel; 2-4, second connecting piece; 2-5, second limiting block; 2-6, annular groove; 2-7, sealing ring; 3, limiting assembly; 3-1, first flange; 3-2, second flange; 3-3, connecting rod; 4, stack; 5, circulation unit; 6, pipe universal connector. Specific embodiments

[0022] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear, the following further details the present application in combination with specific embodiments and with reference to the drawings.

[0023] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this application should have the ordinary meanings understood by those with ordinary skills in the field to which this application belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in the embodiments of this application do not represent any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Words such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the elements or objects appearing before this word cover the elements or objects listed after this word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connected" or "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to represent relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0024] A flow battery is a high-performance storage battery that separates the positive and negative electrolyte solutions and circulates them separately. It has the characteristics of high capacity, wide application fields, and long cycle service life, and is a new energy product. The structure of a flow battery usually includes a plurality of serially connected stacks to conduct the electrolyte solution and increase the battery capacity. However, the model sizes of the stacks are usually different, and there are often axial angle deviations when connecting the pipes of multiple stacks, which easily causes risks such as electrolyte leakage. In some technologies, a hose connection method is used to connect the stacks, but the hose has poor rigidity and poor structural stability.

[0025] Hereinafter, through specific embodiments and in combination with the attached Figures 1 to 5 The technical solutions of this application will be further described in detail.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, a pipe universal connector 6 is provided, including: a first pipe 1, one end of which is provided with a spherical shell 1-1, and a first channel 1-2 is provided inside, and the spherical shell 1-1 is communicated with the first channel 1-2; a second pipe 2, one end of which is provided with a spherical head 2-1, and a second channel 2-2 is provided inside; the second pipe 2 is arranged opposite to the first pipe 1, and the spherical head 2-1 is located inside the spherical shell 1-1; a through third channel 2-3 is provided inside the spherical head 2-1, and the third channel 2-3 is communicated with the second channel 2-2; a limiting component 3, one end of which is sleeved on the area of the first pipe 1 except the spherical shell 1-1, and the other end is sleeved on the area of the second pipe 2 except the spherical head 2-1, and is used to limit the spherical shell 1-1 and the spherical head 2-1 from abutting against each other, so that the third channel 2-3 is communicated with the first channel 1-2.

[0027] As Figure 3As shown, it is a schematic structural diagram of the first pipe 1. One end of the first pipe 1 is provided with a spherical shell 1-1, which can be an integrally formed structure. The cross-sectional shape of the spherical shell 1-1 can be hemispherical, which is convenient for subsequent cooperation with the ball head 2-1. As Figure 2 shown, it is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pipe universal connector 6. A first channel 1-2 is provided inside the first pipe 1, and the first channel 1-2 communicates with the spherical shell 1-1 for the flow of the medium.

[0028] As Figure 4 shown, it is a schematic structural diagram of the second pipe 2. One end of the second pipe 2 is provided with a ball head 2-1, which can be an integrally formed structure. The ball head 2-1 can be rotationally matched with the spherical shell 1-1 to realize the inclination of the first pipe 1 relative to the second pipe 2 at various angles, so as to connect pipes with axial deviation. As Figure 2 shown, a second channel 2-2 is provided inside the second pipe 2, and a through third channel 2-3 is provided inside the ball head 2-1. The third channel 2-3 communicates with the second channel 2-2 for the flow of the medium.

[0029] As Figure 1 shown, it is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the pipe universal connector 6. The ball head 2-1 is opposite to the spherical shell 1-1, and a limiting component 3 is provided outside. One end of the limiting component 3 is sleeved on the first pipe 1, and the other end is sleeved on the second pipe 2. As Figure 2 shown, the spherical shell 1-1 and the ball head 2-1 are restricted from abutting against each other through the limiting component 3, ensuring the tight connection between the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2, with strong structural stability, and enabling the first channel 1-2 and the second channel 2-2 to be conducted through the third channel 2-3, facilitating the flow of the internal medium.

[0030] One end of the limiting component 3 is sleeved on the area of the first pipe 1 other than the spherical shell 1-1, and the other end is sleeved on the area of the second pipe 2 other than the ball head 2-1. Since the position where the ball head 2-1 and the spherical shell 1-1 cooperate has relatively low strength compared to the pipe body, such a setting can further improve the structural stability of the pipe universal connector 6.

[0031] The pipe universal connector 6 has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture. It can connect pipes with axial deviation and has strong structural stability. When the pipe universal connector 6 is applied to the series connection of the stacks 4 of the flow battery, it has good stability and can effectively avoid the leakage of the electrolyte.

[0032] In some embodiments, a first connector 1-3 is provided at one end of the first pipe 1 away from the spherical shell 1-1, and a second connector 2-4 is provided at one end of the second pipe 2 away from the ball head 2-1. The first connector 1-3 and the second connector 2-4 are used to connect pipes.

[0033] As Figure 1As shown, one end of the first pipe 1 is provided with a first connector 1-3, and one end of the second pipe 2 is provided with a second connector 2-4. The first connector 1-3 and the second connector 2-4 are, for example, flange end plates, which facilitate the connection of pipelines.

[0034] In some embodiments, a first limiting block 1-4 is formed on the outer wall of the first pipe 1. The first limiting block 1-4 is located between the first connector 1-3 and the spherical shell 1-1; a second limiting block 2-5 is formed on the outer wall of the second pipe 2. The second limiting block 2-5 is located between the second connector 2-4 and the ball head 2-1; the limiting component 3 includes a first flange 3-1 and a second flange 3-2 which are detachably connected. The first flange 3-1 is sleeved on one side of the first limiting block 1-4 away from the spherical shell 1-1, and the second flange 3-2 is sleeved on one side of the second limiting block 2-5 away from the ball head 2-1.

[0035] As Figure 2 shown, a first limiting block 1-4 is formed on the outer wall of the first pipe 1. The first limiting block 1-4 is located between the first connector 1-3 and the spherical shell 1-1, which facilitates the cooperation with one end of the limiting component 3; a second limiting block 2-5 is formed on the outer wall of the second pipe 2. The second limiting block 2-5 is located between the second connector 2-4 and the ball head 2-1, which facilitates the cooperation with the other end of the limiting component 3.

[0036] The limiting component 3 includes a first flange 3-1 and a second flange 3-2 which are detachably connected. The connection method is, for example, screw connection, snap connection, etc., and is not specifically limited. The first flange 3-1 is sleeved on one side of the first limiting block 1-4 away from the spherical shell 1-1, and the second flange 3-2 is sleeved on one side of the second limiting block 2-5 away from the ball head 2-1, which plays a role in restricting the separation of the ball head 2-1 and the spherical shell 1-1 at any angle.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the first limiting block 1-4 and the second limiting block 2-5 are spherical.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting block is a complete sphere, which facilitates the cooperation with the flange. The surface of the flange and the limiting block is in linear contact. In this way, when the ball head 2-1 rotates around the spherical shell 1-1, it can drive the flange to rotate around the limiting block, without hindering the movement of the ball head 2-1, which facilitates the connection of pipelines with axial deviation. The cross-sectional shapes of the first limiting block 1-4 and the second limiting block 2-5 can also be hemispherical, which saves materials.

[0039] In some embodiments, the limiting component 3 further includes a connecting rod 3-3. One end of the connecting rod 3-3 is threadedly connected to the first flange 3-1, and the other end is threadedly connected to the second flange 3-2.

[0040] As Figure 2 shown, in addition to the flange, the limit component 3 further includes a connecting rod 3-3. The connecting rod 3-3 is, for example, a double-headed screw, and the end of the connecting rod 3-3 can be in threaded fit with the flange to achieve detachable connection.

[0041] In some embodiments, a plurality of the connecting rods 3-3 are evenly arranged between the first flange 3-1 and the second flange 3-2.

[0042] As Figure 1 shown, four evenly distributed connecting rods 3-3 are connected between the first flange 3-1 and the second flange 3-2, so that the connection stability of the flange is better, and the separation of the ball head 2-1 and the ball shell 1-1 during use can be more effectively avoided.

[0043] In some embodiments, a ring groove 2-6 is provided on one side of the ball head 2-1 close to the ball shell 1-1, and a sealing ring 2-7 is sleeved on the ring groove 2-6.

[0044] As Figure 4 shown, a ring groove 2-6 is provided on one side of the ball head 2-1 close to the ball shell 1-1, and a sealing ring 2-7 is sleeved on the ring groove 2-6, so that the ball head 2-1 and the ball shell 1-1 can be tightly fitted, avoiding medium leakage.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension of the third channel 2-3 gradually decreases along the direction from the first channel 1-2 to the second channel 2-2.

[0046] As Figure 2 shown, the cross-sectional dimension of the third channel 2-3 gradually decreases along the direction from the first channel 1-2 to the second channel 2-2. In this way, the cross-sectional dimension of the side of the third channel 2-3 close to the first channel 1-2 is larger than that of the first channel 1-2, and the cross-sectional dimension of the side of the third channel 2-3 close to the second channel 2-2 is the same as that of the second channel 2-2.

[0047] If the cross-sectional dimension of the third channel 2-3 is exactly the same as that of the first channel 1-2, then when there is an axial inclination angle between the ball head 2-1 and the ball shell 1-1, the channel ports cannot be completely corresponding, which will hinder the internal medium flow path and cause too high pressure. However, through the differential cross-sectional dimension design of the third channel 2-3, the medium flow effect can be effectively ensured and the stability is good.

[0048] In some embodiments, the installation method of the pipeline universal connector 6 includes connecting the first connecting member 1-3 and the second connecting member 2-4 to the corresponding pipelines respectively; installing the spherical shell 1-1 and the spherical head 2-1 opposite to each other; and tightening the connecting rod 3-3 of the limiting component 3 so that the spherical shell 1-1 and the spherical head 2-1 are tightly abutted. The disassembly method of the pipeline universal connector 6 is opposite to the process of the installation method and will not be elaborated here.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present application, a flow battery is provided, including the pipeline universal connector 6 described in any of the above embodiments. This flow battery has good stability and a long service life.

[0050] In some embodiments, the flow battery includes a plurality of serially connected stacks 4 and two circulation units 5. The two circulation units 5 are respectively used for the circulation of the positive electrolyte and the negative electrolyte, and the pipeline universal connector 6 is connected between adjacent two stacks 4.

[0051] As Figure 5 shown, the flow battery includes a plurality of serially connected stacks 4 and two circulation units 5.

[0052] The structure of the stack 4 may include a housing. A diaphragm may be arranged inside the housing to divide the inside of the housing into two electrode chambers. The two electrode chambers may respectively accommodate the positive electrolyte and the negative electrolyte. The two electrolytes perform ion exchange through the aforementioned diaphragm to achieve an electrochemical reaction. In addition, electrodes may be respectively arranged in the two electrode chambers. One electrode serves as the positive electrode and the other electrode serves as the negative electrode, which can be used to input or output current.

[0053] The circulation unit 5 may include liquid storage tanks. The two liquid storage tanks may respectively store the positive electrolyte and the negative electrolyte, and may be respectively communicated with the two electrode chambers of the stack 4 through corresponding pipelines, so as to supplement the corresponding electrolytes for the two electrode chambers of the stack 4. The circulation unit 5 may further include a pump and valves to adjust the circulation of the electrolyte between the stack 4 and the liquid storage tanks.

[0054] A pipeline universal connector 6 is respectively connected between the corresponding electrode chambers of adjacent two stacks 4, which has a good effect on the pipeline connection and strong structural stability, and can effectively prevent electrolyte leakage.

[0055] Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: the discussion of any of the above embodiments is only exemplary, and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present application (including the claims) is limited to these examples; under the concept of the present application, the technical features in the above embodiments or different embodiments may also be combined, the steps may be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations in different aspects of the embodiments of the present application as described above, and they are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0056] In addition, in cases where details are set forth to describe exemplary embodiments of the present application, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present application embodiments can be implemented without these details or with variations of these details. Therefore, these descriptions should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0057] Although the present application has been described in connection with the embodiments of the present application, many alternatives, modifications, and variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the foregoing description.

[0058] Embodiments of the present application are intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the embodiments of the present application shall be included within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A pipeline universal connector, characterized in that: include: A first tube, one end of which is provided with a spherical shell, and the interior of which is provided with a first channel, wherein the spherical shell is in communication with the first channel; A second tube, one end of which is provided with a ball head and a second channel is provided inside; the second tube is arranged opposite to the first tube, and the ball head is located inside the ball shell; a third channel is provided inside the ball head, and the third channel is connected to the second channel; A limiting component, one end of which is sleeved on the area of ​​the first tube except the ball shell, and the other end of which is sleeved on the area of ​​the second tube except the ball head, is used to limit the ball shell and the ball head from abutting against each other so that the third channel and the first channel are connected.

2. The pipeline universal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first connector is provided at one end of the first tube away from the ball shell, and a second connector is provided at one end of the second tube away from the ball head. The first connector and the second connector are used to connect pipelines.

3. The pipeline universal connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first limit block is formed on the outer wall of the first tube, and the first limit block is located between the first connecting member and the ball shell; a second limit block is formed on the outer wall of the second tube, and the second limit block is located between the second connecting member and the ball head; The limiting assembly includes a first flange and a second flange that are detachably connected. The first flange is sleeved on a side of the first limiting block away from the ball shell, and the second flange is sleeved on a side of the second limiting block away from the ball head.

4. The pipeline universal connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shapes of the first limiting block and the second limiting block are spherical.

5. The pipeline universal connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting assembly also includes a connecting rod, one end of which is threadedly connected to the first flange, and the other end of which is threadedly connected to the second flange.

6. The pipeline universal connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: There are multiple connecting rods, which are evenly arranged between the first flange and the second flange.

7. The pipeline universal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular groove is arranged on one side of the ball head close to the ball shell, and a sealing ring is sleeved on the annular groove.

8. The pipeline universal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-sectional size of the third channel gradually decreases along the direction from the first channel to the second channel.

9. A liquid flow battery, characterized in that: It comprises a pipeline universal connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The liquid flow battery according to claim 9, characterized in that: The liquid flow battery includes a plurality of battery stacks connected in series and two circulation units, wherein the two circulation units are respectively used for positive electrode electrolyte circulation and negative electrode electrolyte circulation, and the pipeline universal connector is connected between two adjacent battery stacks.

Images