A heat pipe end cap

Abstract

This utility model relates to a heat pipe end cap, including a base and a top cover. The top cover has a chamber for accommodating steel balls, and the chamber is connected to the bottom surface of the top cover. The base has a conveying channel that connects to the inside of the heat pipe. The other end of the conveying channel extends outward to form a plug, which is inserted into the chamber through the bottom of the top cover to support the steel balls. The chamber has a rotating connector positioned above the steel balls. The other end of the rotating connector extends outward through the top cover, and a through hole in the rotating connector connects the chamber to the outside. The chamber is connected to the through hole and the conveying channel to form a pipeline for conveying the medium. This utility model can be quickly connected to a vacuum machine, simultaneously meeting the needs of mechanical vacuuming and heating exhaust vacuuming. It is easy to operate, and the steel balls are less likely to shift during the filling or vacuuming process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a heat pipe end cap and belongs to the field of heat pipe technology. Background Technology

[0002] After the heat pipe is evacuated, the heat pipe end caps are mostly sealed by welding the evacuation pipe. However, the existing technical solutions involve complicated operation steps and require a lot of auxiliary equipment when sealing the heat pipe end caps, resulting in low sealing efficiency. Furthermore, when the heat pipe operating efficiency decreases, the existing heat pipe end caps cannot meet the requirements of heat pipe regeneration operations.

[0003] Chinese patent CN215488350U discloses a heat pipe filling and venting end cap, comprising: a cap and an end cap. The lower end of the end cap is fixedly installed at the pipe opening of the heat pipe. The end cap and the cap are threaded together. A steel ball is pressed or released by an elastic element set in the cap to connect or block the filling and venting channel. Since the venting hole is only opened on the cap, it is mostly suitable for heating and venting vacuuming operations. If mechanical vacuuming is performed, auxiliary tools are required, increasing the construction steps. At the same time, when the working fluid is injected into the heat pipe or mechanical vacuuming is performed, the steel ball is easily affected and may shift. It is impossible to guarantee the effect of the steel ball blocking the venting channel after vacuuming, thus affecting the heat exchange function of the heat pipe. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the above problems, this utility model provides a heat pipe end cap that can be quickly connected to a vacuum machine and simultaneously meet the needs of mechanical vacuuming and heating exhaust vacuuming. It is easy to operate, and the steel ball is not prone to displacement during the filling or vacuuming process.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A heat pipe end cap includes a base and a top cover. The top cover has a chamber for accommodating steel balls, and the chamber is connected to the bottom surface of the top cover. The base has a transport channel that connects to the inside of the heat pipe. The other end of the transport channel extends outward to form a plug, which is inserted into the chamber through the bottom of the top cover to support the steel balls. The chamber has a rotating connector positioned above the steel balls. The other end of the rotating connector extends outward through the top cover, and a through hole in the rotating connector connects the chamber to the outside. The chamber is connected to the through hole and the transport channel to form a conduit for transporting the medium.

[0007] Furthermore, the through hole, the chamber, the conveying channel, and the steel ball are arranged on the same axis. By rotating the rotating connector, its relative position with the steel ball is adjusted by vertical displacement to open and close the conveying channel. When the rotating connector moves upward and separates from the steel ball, the conveying channel is opened. When the rotating connector rotates downward to press the steel ball tightly, the conveying channel is blocked.

[0008] Furthermore, the rotating connector adjusts the vertical displacement of the chamber by engaging with its threaded connection.

[0009] Furthermore, elastic sealing rings for filling gaps are provided between the top cover and the rotating connector, and between the top cover and the base.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotating connector is a hollow structure with a cross-section in the shape of an L, and its hollow interior has a through hole running vertically through it; the lower part of the rotating connector with a larger diameter is the adjustment end placed inside the chamber, and the upper part with a smaller diameter is the connection end placed outside the top cover; the adjustment end has an external thread on its outer periphery.

[0011] Furthermore, the top cover has a hollow cylindrical structure with openings on both the top and bottom surfaces, and its hollow interior is the chamber. The upper wall of the chamber is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread. The opening on the top surface of the top cover is fitted to the connecting end.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic sealing ring is embedded in the top wall of the chamber. The elastic sealing ring is a first annular sealing ring arranged concentrically with it. The other side of the first annular sealing ring extends into the chamber and abuts against the adjustment end.

[0013] Furthermore, the plug and the base are integrally formed, and the two ends of the conveying channel are respectively connected to the top surface of the plug and the bottom surface of the base; the lower wall of the chamber is provided with the same internal thread as the upper wall; the outer periphery of the plug is provided with an external thread that mates with the internal thread.

[0014] Furthermore, the elastic sealing ring is embedded on the surface of the base near the top cover. The elastic sealing ring is a second annular sealing ring arranged concentrically with it, and the second annular sealing ring is set higher than the outer surface of the base.

[0015] Furthermore, the end section of the conveying channel inserted into the chamber is stepped, and a heat pipe sealing gasket concentrically arranged on the step is adhered to fill the gap between the steel ball and the conveying channel.

[0016] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. This utility model provides a rotating connector on the top cover. By rotating the rotating connector, the relative position of the adjusting end placed in the chamber and the steel ball can be adjusted, allowing it to switch between a first position and a second position to open or block the conveying channel. This achieves the switching between two states: sealing the heat pipe or connecting the heat pipe to the outside world. The operation is convenient.

[0018] 2. This utility model connects the top cover to the base and the rotating connector to form a pipe coaxially arranged with the inside of the heat pipe, thus connecting the inside of the heat pipe to the outside. A steel ball is installed inside the top cover to switch the opening and closing of the conveying channel. The rotating connector, the chamber, and the base restrict the steel ball from lateral displacement within the chamber. The connecting end of the rotating connector allows for quick connection to a vacuum machine at the operating site, simultaneously meeting the needs of mechanical vacuuming and heating exhaust vacuuming, thus having a wide range of applications. During heat pipe regeneration or heating exhaust vacuuming, rotating the rotating connector quickly opens the conveying channel, expelling gas from the heat pipe and effectively improving work efficiency.

[0019] 3. This utility model features a top cover that is detachably connected to the base and rotating connector, which facilitates the removal of the steel ball when filling the heat pipe with working fluid and expands the working fluid delivery area, saving filling time; it also facilitates the replacement of any worn parts. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a frontal sectional view when the transport channel is blocked.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a front sectional view with the conveyor channel open.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the top cover structure.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating connector.

[0027] The reference numerals in the figure are as follows:

[0028] 1. Base; 11. Conveying channel; 12. Plug; 13. Heat pipe sealing gasket; 2. Top cover; 21. Chamber; 3. Steel ball; 4. Rotary connector; 41. Through hole; 42. Adjusting end; 43. Connecting end; 5. First annular sealing ring; 5'. Second annular sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] See Figure 1A heat pipe end cap includes a base 1 and a top cover 2. The top cover 2 has a chamber 21 for accommodating steel balls 3, and the chamber 21 is connected to the bottom surface of the top cover 2. The base 1 is installed at the end of the heat pipe and has a conveying channel 11 that communicates with the inside of the heat pipe. The other end of the conveying channel 11 extends outward to form a plug 12. The plug 12 is inserted into the chamber 21 through the bottom surface of the top cover 2 to support the steel balls 3, and at the same time, the base 1 and the top cover 2 are detachably connected. A rotating connector 4 is provided above the steel balls 3 and is connected to the top cover 2. The other end of the rotating connector 4 extends outward through the top cover 2 to form a connecting end 43. The connecting end 43 communicates the chamber 21 with the outside through a through hole 41 provided in the rotating connector 4. When the top cover 2 is connected to the base 1 and the rotating connector 4 respectively, the inside of the heat pipe can be connected to the outside through the pipe composed of the conveying channel 11, the chamber 21 and the through hole 41 for conveying media, such as liquid or gas, which facilitates the operation of two heat pipe manufacturing processes: mechanical vacuuming and heating exhaust vacuuming.

[0031] During mechanical vacuuming, the connecting end 43 of the rotating connector 4, located outside the chamber 21, can be quickly connected to the vacuum pump's suction pipe, avoiding the need to find other auxiliary equipment on-site for connection and improving the convenience of mechanical vacuuming operations. During heating and exhausting vacuuming, the steam generated inside the heat pipe due to heating can be discharged through the pipe composed of the conveying channel 11, the chamber 21, and the through hole 41. In addition, when the heat exchange effect deteriorates due to the presence of non-condensable gas inside the heat pipe, the non-condensable gas inside the heat pipe can be quickly discharged by rotating the rotating connector 4, and the heat pipe can be vacuumed again to meet the needs of heat pipe regeneration, enriching the various application scenarios of the heat pipe end cap.

[0032] Furthermore, the rotating connector 4 can be vertically displaced by rotation, thereby switching between the first position and the second position, and can switch between two states: sealing the heat pipe and connecting the heat pipe to the outside world by blocking or opening the conveying channel 11 through the steel ball 3.

[0033] See Figure 2-4 When the conveying pipe, chamber 21, and through hole 41 are connected, the rotating connector 4 is in the first position. At this time, the rotating connector 4 is separated from the steel ball 3, and the heat pipe is connected to the outside, allowing for mechanical vacuuming or heating and exhausting vacuuming operations. When the vacuuming operation is completed and the heat pipe needs to be sealed, the rotating connector 4 is rotated to move it closer to the steel ball 3 until the steel ball 3 is pressed tightly onto the base 1, blocking the conveying channel 11 and cutting off the connection between the inside of the heat pipe and the outside. The heat pipe is then sealed, maintaining a vacuum environment inside. At this time, the rotating connector 4 is in the second position. Through a simple rotation action, the heat pipe can be quickly switched between sealed and open states, making operation convenient and effectively saving working time and improving work efficiency.

[0034] During the vacuuming process, it is necessary to ensure that the rotating connector 4 and the top cover 2 are in a sealed state to prevent external gas from entering the pipe through the gap between them and affecting the formation of the vacuum environment inside the heat pipe. Therefore, the chamber 21 is provided with an elastic sealing ring that can fill the gap between the rotating connector 4 and the chamber 21. When the rotating connector 4 is in the first position, the rotating connector 4 is separated from the steel ball 3, and the conveying channel 11 is opened. At this time, the elastic sealing ring is in a compressed state, and its two ends are pressed against the chamber 21 and the rotating connector 4 respectively. When the rotating connector 4 is in the second position, the conveying channel 11 is blocked by the steel ball 3, and the elastic sealing ring is in a slightly compressed state, and its two ends are pressed against the chamber 21 and the rotating connector 4 respectively. During the switching process between the first and second positions, the two ends of the elastic sealing ring of the rotating connector 4 always remain in contact with the chamber 21 and the rotating connector 4 respectively, thereby ensuring that outside air cannot enter through the gap between the top cover 2 and the rotating connector 4. Similarly, the same elastic sealing ring is also provided between the base 1 and the top cover 2 to prevent outside gas from entering the pipe through the gap between the base 1 and the top cover 2.

[0035] Further, see Figure 6 The top cover 2 is a hollow cylindrical structure with openings on both the top and bottom surfaces. The hollow interior is a chamber 21 for holding the steel ball 3. The cross-section of the chamber 21 is circular. The outer cross-section of the top cover 2 can be annular or polygonal for easy wrench operation. In use, the plug 12 supports the steel ball 3 and is inserted into the chamber 21 through the opening on the bottom surface of the top cover 2 to send the steel ball 3 into the chamber 21 and connect the chamber 21 to the conveying channel 11 of the base 1.

[0036] Further, see Figure 7 The rotating connector 4 is a hollow structure with a cross-section of T-shape. The hollow interior has a through hole 41 running vertically through the interior. The lower part of the rotating connector 4 with a larger diameter is the adjustment end 42 placed inside the chamber 21, and the upper part with a smaller diameter is the connection end 43 placed outside the chamber 21. The adjustment end 42 is configured to be able to rotate with the chamber 21, such as being cylindrical.

[0037] In use, the connecting end 43 is inserted through the opening on the bottom surface of the top cover 2 and protrudes through the opening on its top surface, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the rotating connector 4 and the top cover 2. The adjusting end 42 is placed inside the chamber 21, at which point the through hole 41 is connected to the chamber 21. By rotating the rotating connector 4, the adjusting end 42 is vertically displaced within the chamber 21, thereby completing the switching between the first position and the second position and changing its relative position with the steel ball 3. In order to improve the sealing effect, the opening on the top surface of the top cover 2 is set to a size that fits and is fitted with the connecting end 43.

[0038] To prevent the steel ball 3 from being easily affected and shifted when the working fluid is injected into the heat pipe through the heat pipe end cap, thus affecting the sealing effect of the delivery channel 11, when the top cover 2 is connected to the connector and the base 1 respectively, the through hole 41, the chamber 21, the delivery channel 11 and the inside of the heat pipe are placed on the same axis.

[0039] Furthermore, in order to enable the adjusting end 42 to move vertically within the chamber 21 by rotation, the adjusting end 42 is provided with an external thread on its outer periphery, and the upper wall of the chamber 21 is provided with an internal thread that cooperates with the external thread. The elastic sealing ring is a first annular sealing ring 5 embedded in the top wall of the chamber 21, and the first annular sealing ring 5 is concentrically arranged with the top wall of the chamber 21.

[0040] When the connecting end 43 is inserted into the bottom opening of the top cover 2 and exits through the top opening, the adjusting end 42 is rotated along the internal thread and inserted into the chamber 21. The connecting piece is rotated, and the adjusting end 42 moves upward continuously until it presses the first annular sealing ring 5. Then, the steel ball 3 is placed on the plug 12 and the base 1 is connected to the top cover 2. At this time, the connecting piece is in the first position, the adjusting end 42 is not in contact with the steel ball 3, the conveying channel 11 is open, and the heat pipe is connected to the outside through the pipe. The rotating connecting piece 4 is rotated until the adjusting end 42 presses the steel ball 3 onto the conveying channel 11 through the through hole 41. The conveying channel 11 is blocked, and the heat pipe is in a sealed state. At this time, the first annular sealing ring 5 is in a slightly sealed state, and the connecting piece is in the second position.

[0041] Further, see Figure 5 The base 1 has a vertically penetrating conveying channel 11 with a circular cross-section. The outer circumference of the base 1 can be annular or polygonal for easy wrench operation. The plug 12 is shaped to fit the chamber 21, such as cylindrical.

[0042] To achieve a detachable connection between the base 1 and the top cover 2, the lower wall of the chamber 21 is provided with the same internal thread as its upper wall, and the outer periphery of the plug 12 is provided with an external thread that matches the internal thread. In use, the plug 12 is rotated along the internal thread and inserted into the chamber 21, and the top cover 2 and the base 1 are locked together by the threaded engagement. In addition, a second annular sealing ring 5' is embedded on the end face of the base 1 near the top cover 2, which is concentric with it. The second annular sealing ring 5' is set higher than the outer surface of the base 1. When the base 1 and the top cover 2 are threadedly locked, the second annular sealing ring 5' is squeezed and fills the gap between them, preventing external gas from entering the pipe.

[0043] Furthermore, the end of the conveying channel 11 inserted into the chamber 21 can also be configured as a stepped structure, with a heat pipe sealing gasket 13 embedded on the step to ensure that when the steel ball 3 is pressed onto the conveying channel 11, the conveying channel 11 can be completely blocked to prevent gas from flowing out through the conveying channel 11 and disrupting the vacuum environment; at the same time, the adjustment end 42 and the restriction of the conveying channel 11 make it difficult for the steel ball 3 to shift left or right.

[0044] Furthermore, the through hole 41 in the connector can also be set as a cross-shaped structure (not shown in the figure) to prevent the steel ball 3 from blocking the through hole 41 when the vacuum machine is used to draw a vacuum, thus affecting the vacuuming efficiency; in order to maintain the effect of pressing the steel ball 3 at the insertion end, a sealing gasket can also be glued on the adjustment end 42 to increase the friction between the through hole 41 and the steel ball 3 and prevent it from shifting.

[0045] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the rotation of the rotating connector 4 with the assistance of tools such as wrenches, a wrench area can be provided in the middle of the rotating connector 4 to facilitate wrench engagement.

[0046] The working principle of this utility model:

[0047] See Figure 1-7 The base 1 is welded to the end of the heat pipe, and the delivery channel 11 is connected to the inside of the heat pipe.

[0048] Insert the connecting end 43 of the rotating connector 4 into the chamber 21 through the opening on the bottom surface of the top cover 2 and out through the opening on the top surface of the top cover 2. Rotate the rotating connector 4 so that its adjusting end 42 is inserted into the chamber 21 through the opening on the bottom surface of the top cover 2 along the internal thread. Continue to rotate the rotating connector 4 until the adjusting end 42 presses against the first annular sealing ring 5 on the top wall of the chamber 21. At this time, the rotating connector 4 is in the first position and the rotating connector 4 is connected to the top cover 2.

[0049] After the working fluid (usually liquid) is filled into the heat pipe through the delivery channel 11 of the base 1, a steel ball 3 is placed on the plug 12, so that the plug 12 is inserted into the chamber 21 through the opening on the bottom surface of the top cover 2 along the internal thread until the top cover 2 and the base 1 are threadedly locked. At this time, the steel ball 3 is placed in the chamber 21, the adjusting end 42 does not contact the steel ball 3, and the second annular sealing ring 5' is squeezed and filled in the gap between the bottom surface of the top cover 2 and the end face of the base 1 near the top cover 2.

[0050] If mechanical vacuuming is used, the connection end 43 can be connected to a vacuum machine to perform vacuuming. During the process, the delivery channel 11 is always open. Once the vacuum environment inside the heat pipe is confirmed by measuring instruments, the delivery channel 11 can be sealed to keep the heat pipe in a vacuum environment.

[0051] If heating and venting are used to create a vacuum, the end of the heat pipe away from the heat pipe end cap is heated and the gas inside the heat pipe is vented. Then, the delivery channel 11 is sealed, and the wall temperature of the heat pipe near the end cap is tested to confirm whether a vacuum environment has been formed. If the wall temperature is close to the temperature of the heating end of the heat pipe, the delivery channel 11 can be sealed. If the temperatures at both ends are not close, the sealing channel 11 is reopened, and heating and venting are continued until a vacuum environment is formed in the heat pipe.

[0052] After the vacuum environment is formed, by rotating the rotating connector 4, the adjusting end 42 moves down to the second position. The adjusting end 42 presses the steel ball 3 against the heat pipe sealing gasket 13 of the conveying channel 11 through the through hole 41, completely blocking the conveying channel 11 and cutting off the flow of heat pipe to the outside air in order to maintain the vacuum environment of the heat pipe.

[0053] If heat pipe regeneration is required, the rotating connector 4 can be rotated in the opposite direction to move the adjusting end 42 upward to separate it from the steel ball 3, open the conveying channel 11, and discharge the non-condensable gas in the heat pipe before performing the vacuuming operation.

[0054] If the connector or top cover 2 needs to be replaced due to damage, the top cover 2 can be separated from the base 1 by threads first. Then, rotate the connector 4 so that the adjusting end 42 moves down along the internal thread and comes out from the opening on the bottom surface of the top cover 2. Then the rotating connector 4 can be removed.

[0055] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the description and drawings of this utility model, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A heat pipe end cap, comprising a base (1) and a top cover (2), a containing chamber (21) is arranged in the top cover (2) to contain a steel ball (3), the containing chamber (21) is communicated with the bottom surface of the top cover (2); a conveying channel (11) is arranged in the base (1) to communicate with the inside of the heat pipe, the other end of the conveying channel (11) extends outward to form a plug (12), the plug (12) is inserted into the containing chamber (21) through the bottom of the top cover (2) to support the steel ball (3); characterized in that: The chamber (21) is provided with a rotating connector (4) placed above the steel ball (3). The other end of the rotating connector (4) extends outward through the top cover (2). A through hole (41) in the rotating connector (4) connects the chamber (21) to the outside. The chamber (21) is connected to the through hole (41) and the conveying channel (11) to form a pipeline for conveying the medium. ​ 2. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 1, characterised in that: The through hole (41), the chamber (21), the conveying channel (11) and the steel ball (3) are arranged on the same axis. Rotate the rotating connector (4) so ​​that its relative position with the steel ball (3) is adjusted by vertical displacement to open and close the conveying channel (11). When the rotating connector (4) moves up and separates from the steel ball (3), the conveying channel (11) is opened. When the rotating connector (4) rotates down to press the steel ball (3) tightly, the conveying channel (11) is blocked.

3. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 2, wherein: The rotating connector (4) adjusts the vertical displacement of the chamber (21) by thread engagement with it.

4. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that: Elastic sealing rings for filling gaps are provided between the top cover (2) and the rotating connector (4), and between the top cover (2) and the base (1).

5. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 4, characterised in that: The rotating connector (4) is a hollow structure with a cross-section of T-shape, and its hollow interior is a through hole (41) that runs vertically through the top and bottom. The lower part of the rotating connector (4) with a larger diameter is an adjustment end (42) placed inside the chamber (21), and the upper part with a smaller diameter is a connection end (43) placed outside the top cover (2). The adjustment end (42) is provided with an external thread on its outer periphery.

6. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 5, characterised in that: The top cover (2) is a hollow cylindrical structure with openings on both the top and bottom surfaces. The hollow interior is the chamber (21), and the upper wall of the chamber (21) is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread. The opening on the top surface of the top cover (2) is fitted with the connecting end (43).

7. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 6, characterised in that: The elastic sealing ring is embedded in the top wall of the chamber (21). The elastic sealing ring is a first annular sealing ring (5) arranged concentrically with it. The other side of the first annular sealing ring (5) extends into the chamber (21) and abuts against the adjustment end (42).

8. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 6, wherein: The plug (12) is integrally formed with the base (1), and the two ends of the conveying channel (11) are respectively connected to the top surface of the plug (12) and the bottom surface of the base (1); the lower wall of the chamber (21) is provided with the same internal thread as the upper wall; the outer periphery of the plug (12) is provided with an external thread that matches the internal thread.

9. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 8, characterised in that: The elastic sealing ring is embedded on the surface of the base (1) near the top cover (2). The elastic sealing ring is a second annular sealing ring (5') set concentrically with it. The second annular sealing ring (5') is set higher than the outer surface of the base (1).

10. A head for a heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end section of the conveying channel (11) inserted into the chamber (21) is stepped, and a heat pipe sealing gasket (13) is bonded to the step and is concentrically arranged to fill the gap between the steel ball (3) and the conveying channel (11).

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