Movable pipe structure and liquid cooling system

Abstract

This application provides a movable piping structure and a liquid cooling system. The movable piping structure includes a first piping assembly, which includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe and / or the second pipe are flexible pipes. One end of the first pipe is rotatably connected to a chiller via a first connector. The other end of the first pipe is rotatably connected to one end of the second pipe via a second connector. The first piping assembly is configured to have a fixed state and a pulled-out state. When the first piping assembly is in the fixed state, at least one flexible pipe is in a bent and compressed state. When the first piping assembly is in the pulled-out state, at least one flexible pipe is in a stretched state. The movable piping structure and liquid cooling system provided by this application can realize flexible movement of the piping. Through the rotatable connection, relative rotation between the pipes can be realized, which can realize the pull-out movement of the chiller to a certain extent. The first pipe and / or the second pipe are flexible pipes. The flexible pipes are in a bent and compressed state in the fixed state and in a stretched state in the pulled-out state, thus realizing a greater degree of pull-out movement of the chiller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of energy storage pipeline technology, and in particular to a movable pipeline structure and liquid cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] As the demand for battery pack capacity in the energy storage sector continues to increase, the power requirements for chillers also rise. Higher-power chillers require higher airflow, necessitating a movable chiller that can be pulled out during actual use to increase airflow at its rear. However, existing piping connections restrict the ability to move the chiller, thus limiting its airflow and preventing it from achieving the ideal performance commonly found in the industry.

[0003] In the process of developing this application, the inventors discovered that the prior art has at least the following problems: When using welded steel pipes in the piping structure, the rigidity of the welded steel pipes, coupled with the limitations of structural dimensions, makes it difficult to flexibly implement the pull-out function of the chiller within a limited space. To ensure that the piping does not interfere with other objects within a limited space, it is often necessary to process non-standard steel pipe parts, which is difficult to process, has large processing tolerances, and is prone to installation errors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, this application provides a movable pipeline structure and liquid cooling system to improve the problem that the existing welded steel pipe pipeline structure cannot flexibly realize the pull-out function of the chiller in a limited space.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows: On one hand, embodiments of this application provide a movable pipeline structure, including a first pipeline assembly, the first pipeline assembly including a first pipeline and a second pipeline; the first pipeline and / or the second pipeline are flexible pipes; one end of the first pipeline is rotatably connected to a chiller via a first connector; the other end of the first pipeline is rotatably connected to one end of the second pipeline via a second connector; The first conduit assembly is configured to have a fixed state and a pulled-out state; when the first conduit assembly is in the fixed state, at least one of the flexible tubes is in a bent and compressed state; when the first conduit assembly is in the pulled-out state, at least one of the flexible tubes is in a stretched state.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first conduit is located above the second conduit, and the second connector is configured as a tee connector; the second conduit is connected to the bottom of the second connector via a third connector, and both the third connector and the first connector are configured as quick-connect connectors.

[0007] In one embodiment, the movable piping structure further includes a snap-fit ​​head, with a snap-fit ​​head respectively fitted at the connection between the first pipe and the first connector, the connection between the first pipe and the second connector, and the connection between the second pipe and the third connector.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second conduit is a flexible conduit; when the first conduit assembly is in a fixed state, the second conduit is in a bent and compressed state.

[0009] In one embodiment, both the first conduit and the second conduit are flexible conduits; when the first conduit assembly is in a fixed state, both the first conduit and the second conduit are in a bent and compressed state.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first conduit is a flexible conduit; when the first conduit assembly is in a fixed state, the first conduit is in a bent and compressed state.

[0011] In one embodiment, the movable piping structure further includes a second piping assembly, which includes a third pipe and a fourth pipe; the third pipe and / or the fourth pipe are flexible pipes; one end of the third pipe is rotatably connected to the chiller via a fifth connector; the other end of the third pipe is rotatably connected to one end of the fourth pipe via a sixth connector; The second conduit assembly is configured to have a fixed state and a pulled-out state; when the second conduit assembly is in the fixed state, at least one of the flexible tubes is in a bent and compressed state; when the second conduit assembly is in the pulled-out state, at least one of the flexible tubes is in a stretched state.

[0012] In one embodiment, the flexible tube includes an EPDM rubber hose, a PTFE hose, or a stainless steel hose.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first connector and the second connector are made of stainless steel.

[0014] On the other hand, embodiments of this application provide a liquid cooling system, including the movable piping structure as described above, and also including a chiller. The movable piping structure includes a first piping assembly and a second piping assembly. A first connector of the first piping assembly is connected to the outlet of the chiller, and a fifth connector of the second piping assembly is connected to the inlet of the chiller.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution provided in this application has at least the following beneficial effects: The movable piping structure provided in this application has one end of a first pipe rotatably connected to a chiller, and the other end of the first pipe rotatably connected to a second pipe. This rotatable connection allows for relative rotation between the pipes, enabling a certain degree of pull-out movement of the chiller. Furthermore, the first and / or second pipes are flexible pipes. In the fixed state, the flexible pipes are bent and compressed; in the pull-out state, they are stretched. This allows for a greater degree of pull-out movement of the chiller. The flexible pipes are also easily deformed during the pull-out process, effectively preventing interference between the pipes during movement. Additionally, the degree of bending and compression of the flexible pipes can be selected according to actual needs to adjust the maximum distance the chiller can move. In summary, this application effectively improves the problem in existing technologies where welded steel pipe structures cannot flexibly achieve the pull-out function of a chiller within a limited space.

[0016] The liquid cooling system provided in this application includes the aforementioned movable piping structure, and therefore also has the aforementioned beneficial effects. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the movable pipeline structure (first pipeline assembly) according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of the first pipeline assembly transitioning from a fixed state to a pull-out state.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the combined structure of the first pipeline and its two end connectors.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the combined structure of the second pipeline and its two end connectors.

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 1 An enlarged structural diagram of the third connector (quick connector).

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a movable pipeline structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] The meanings of the labels in the attached diagram are as follows: 10. First piping assembly; 11. First piping; 111. First connector; 112. Second connector; 12. Second piping; 121. Fourth connector; 122. Third connector; 20. Second piping assembly; 21. Third piping; 211. Fifth connector; 212. Sixth connector; 22. Fourth piping; 221. Seventh connector; 222. Eighth connector; 30. Chiller. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] 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 limit the ways in which this application may be implemented. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are used 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 on this application. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] The energy storage sector is demanding increasing battery pack capacity, which in turn requires higher power from chillers. Higher power chillers require higher air intake. In limited spaces such as shipping containers, to ensure sufficient air intake for chillers, a pipe structure that allows the chiller to be pulled out and moved can be used. This allows the chiller to be pulled out during actual use, thereby increasing the air intake at its back.

[0029] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2The movable piping structure provided in this application embodiment includes a first piping assembly 10, which includes a first pipe 11 and a second pipe 12. The first pipe 11 and / or the second pipe 12 are flexible pipes. One end of the first pipe 11 is rotatably connected to the chiller 30 via a first connector 111. The other end of the first pipe 11 is rotatably connected to one end of the second pipe 12 via a second connector 112.

[0030] The first piping assembly 10 is configured to have a fixed state and a retractable state. When the first piping assembly 10 is in the fixed state, at least one flexible tube is in a bent and compressed state. When the first piping assembly 10 is in the retractable state, at least one flexible tube is in a stretched state. The fixed state can be used, for example, for transporting a liquid cooling system, where the piping needs to be kept in a bent and compressed state within a limited space. When the liquid cooling system needs to be operated, the piping can be moved by moving the chiller 30, causing the first piping assembly 10 to enter the retractable state. After the chiller 30 is moved, its back has a larger air intake distance and space, which can improve the heat dissipation performance, stability, and reliability of the liquid cooling system.

[0031] The movable piping structure provided in this application has one end of the first pipe 11 rotatably connected to the chiller 30, and the other end of the first pipe 11 rotatably connected to the second pipe 12. This rotatable connection allows for relative rotation between the pipes, enabling a certain degree of pull-out movement of the chiller 30. Furthermore, the first pipe 11 and / or the second pipe 12 are flexible pipes. In the fixed state, the flexible pipes are in a bent and compressed state; in the pull-out state, they are in a stretched state. This allows for a greater degree of pull-out movement of the chiller 30. The flexible pipes are also easily deformed during the pull-out process, effectively preventing interference between the pipes during movement. Additionally, the degree of bending and compression of the flexible pipes can be selected according to actual needs to adjust the maximum movable distance of the chiller 30. In summary, this application effectively improves the problem in the prior art where welded steel pipe piping structures cannot flexibly achieve the pull-out function of the chiller within a limited space.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the first pipe 11 is positioned above the second pipe 12. The second connector 112 is configured as a tee connector, with one end connected to the first pipe 11 and the other end usable for connecting to other pipes, etc. The bottom end of the tee connector is connected to the third connector 122. One end of the second pipe 12 is connected to the third connector 122, that is, the second pipe 12 is connected to the bottom of the second connector 112 via the third connector 122, and the other end of the second pipe 12 is connected to a fourth connector 121, which is used for connecting to other pipes. Figure 5As shown, both the first connector 111 and the third connector 122 are quick-connect fittings. Quick-connect fittings are easy to install, and the connection points of these fittings allow for 360° rotation around the quick-connect male connector. For example, when the first connector 111 is connected to the chiller 30, if the second pipe 12 remains stationary, pulling the chiller 30 will cause the first pipe 11 to rotate around the quick-connect male connector at the third connector 122. At this time, the first connector 111 can also rotate around the quick-connect male connector. Therefore, even if the second pipe 12 remains stationary, the chiller 30 can be moved to some extent, but it cannot be translated.

[0033] All connectors in this embodiment are made of metal. For example, the first connector 111, the second connector 112, the fourth connector 121, and the third connector 122 are all made of metal. The material of the metal can be stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel.

[0034] In some embodiments, the movable piping structure further includes crimp heads (not shown), for example, a crimp head can be fitted at the connection between the first pipe 11 and the first connector 111, the connection between the first pipe 11 and the second connector 112, the connection between the second pipe 12 and the third connector 122, and the connection between the second pipe 12 and the fourth connector 121. The crimp heads are fixed to each connector (first connector 111, second connector 112, fourth connector 121, third connector 122) by welding. After each pipe (first pipe 11, second pipe 12) is inserted into the crimp head, it is locked and fixed by a locking member, which can effectively improve the reliability of the connection between the pipe and the connector, ensure the sealing effect, and prevent the risk of leakage at the joint.

[0035] At least one of the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12 is a flexible pipe, so that the chiller 30 can achieve translational stretching or a greater pulling distance.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the second conduit 12 is a flexible conduit, and the first conduit 11 can be either a flexible conduit or a rigid conduit. For example... Figure 1As shown, this is a structural diagram of the first pipe assembly 10 in a fixed state, while the second pipe 12 is in a bent and compressed state. In the diagram, one section of the second pipe 12 is arranged vertically alongside the first pipe 11, while the other section is bent backward. Normally, the fourth connector 121 is fixed after connecting to other pipes and cannot move. When it is necessary to pull or move the chiller 30, the positional restrictions on the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12 can be released, allowing the chiller 30 to move forward. The chiller 30 drives the first pipe 11 to rotate around the center of the third connector 122, simultaneously moving the second pipe 12 forward, achieving a stretched state for the second pipe 12. The maximum distance can be reached when the second pipe 12 is straightened. The specific bending or compression form of the second pipe 12 in the bent and compressed state is not limited. For example, it can be bent in one section as shown in the diagram; multiple bends can be used to achieve a greater stretching distance; or, a compressible and extendable spring tube can be used. In this embodiment, the length of the first pipe 11 does not need to change in either the fixed state or the pulled state; the movement of the chiller 30 can be achieved solely by changing the length of the second pipe 12.

[0037] In the second embodiment, both the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12 are flexible pipes. When the first pipe assembly 10 is in a fixed state, both the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12 are in a bent and compressed state. The structure of the second pipe 12 in this structure is the same as that in the above embodiment, and will not be described again. The structure of the first pipe 11 can also be the same as that of the second pipe 12. For example, the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12 can have the same bending state, and the pipe segments can be arranged side by side vertically. Alternatively, the first pipe 11 can also have a different bending state than the second pipe 12, as long as the bending, compression, and stretching states of the pipe can be achieved. There are no specific restrictions. In this embodiment, when the chiller 30 needs to be pulled out, the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12 are first released from their fixed state, so that the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12 are in a movable state. When the chiller 30 is pulled out, the first pipe 11 rotates and extends, and the second pipe 12 also extends, so that the chiller 30 can be pulled out a greater distance.

[0038] In the third embodiment, the first pipe 11 is a flexible pipe, and the second pipe 12 can be a flexible pipe or a rigid pipe. When the first pipe assembly 10 is in a fixed state, the first pipe 11 is in a bent and compressed state. The structure and layout of the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12 in this embodiment are opposite to those in the first embodiment. At this time, the first pipe 11 both rotates and elongates, thereby realizing the pulling and translation of the chiller 30.

[0039] like Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the movable piping structure further includes a second piping assembly 20, which has the same or similar structure as the first piping assembly 10. The second piping assembly 20 can be arranged side by side with the first piping assembly 10, but they are not directly connected. The second piping assembly 20 includes a third pipe 21 and a fourth pipe 22. The third pipe 21 and / or the fourth pipe 22 are flexible pipes. One end of the third pipe 21 is rotatably connected to the chiller 30 via a fifth connector 211. The other end of the third pipe 21 is rotatably connected to one end of the fourth pipe 22 via a sixth connector 212. The two ends of the fourth pipe 22 are respectively connected to a seventh connector 221 and an eighth connector 222. The fourth pipe 22 is connected to the third pipe 21 via the eighth connector 222, which is used to connect to other pipes.

[0040] The second conduit assembly 20 is configured to have a fixed state and a pulled-out state; when the second conduit assembly 20 is in the fixed state, at least one flexible tube is in a bent and compressed state; when the second conduit assembly 20 is in the pulled-out state, at least one flexible tube is in a stretched state.

[0041] In use, for example, the first connector 111 can be connected to the outlet of the chiller 30, and the fifth connector 211 can be connected to the inlet of the chiller 30. For ease of use, the third pipe 21 can be configured with the same structural layout as the first pipe 11, and the fourth pipe 22 can be configured with the same structural layout as the second pipe 12. The structure of each connector in the second pipe assembly 20 is also the same as the structure of each connector in the first pipe assembly 10. Alternatively, crimp connectors can be used for pipe connections.

[0042] Flexible tubing can be selected from materials such as EPDM rubber hoses or PTFE hoses, or stainless steel hoses. There are no specific restrictions, as long as it allows for bending, compression, and stretching. Stainless steel is recommended for all fittings. When stainless steel fittings are used and rubber tubing is selected, the metal fittings and crimp heads should be welded first, then subjected to pickling and passivation surface treatment before installing and tightening the rubber tubing.

[0043] This application embodiment also provides a liquid cooling system, including the movable pipeline structure of the above embodiment, and a chiller 30. The movable pipeline structure includes a first pipeline assembly 10 and a second pipeline assembly 20. A first connector 111 is connected to the outlet of the chiller 30, and a fifth connector 211 is connected to the inlet of the chiller 30.

[0044] The movable piping structure and liquid cooling system provided in this application embodiment maintain a bent and compressed state in each pipe during transportation within a limited space. Before the liquid cooling system needs to be operated, the piping needs to be pulled out a certain distance along with the chiller 30 to ensure the air intake at the back of the chiller 30. When the liquid cooling system is running, the fixing points of the piping are removed, and the piping remains in a stretched state during operation.

[0045] like Figure 2 The diagram shown illustrates the switching between a fixed state and a pull-out state of the first pipeline component 10 of the movable pipeline structure according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In the diagram, solid lines represent the pulled-out state, dashed lines represent the fixed state, and arrows indicate the direction of movement of the chiller 30. In the fixed state, the second pipe 12 is in a bent and compressed state. After releasing the fixing points of the first pipe 11 and the second pipe 12, pulling the chiller 30 upwards causes the first pipe 11 to move upwards as a whole. Simultaneously, the first pipe 11 rotates around the center of the third connector 122. One end of the second pipe 12 remains stationary, while the other end moves upwards with the first pipe 11, and the second pipe 12 extends. During the operation of the liquid cooling system, all pipes need to be kept in a stretched state. At this time, tools can be used to fix each pipe in place, and they can be removed after the liquid cooling system stops operating.

[0046] The movable piping structure and liquid cooling system provided in this application embodiment establishes a telescopic structure for the piping through a flexible tube and quick-connect fitting structure. This allows for the pull-and-move of the chiller within the confined space of the liquid cooling system, effectively addressing the need for greater airflow at the back of the chiller in energy storage and other fields. Double-layer sealing rings can be installed at each quick-connect fitting to seal the piping, and the crimping process of the crimp head further enhances the double seal, improving the sealing effect and making the piping structure suitable for both high and low pressure applications, thus increasing its reliability. Furthermore, the quick-connect fittings enable rapid installation and disassembly of the piping, making maintenance more convenient. This application embodiment combines the advantages of rigid and flexible pipes, effectively solving the problem of poor flexibility in rigid pipe structures and improving the space requirements of flexible pipes. This allows the movable piping structure of this embodiment to be easily arranged even in relatively confined spaces, offering greater spatial adaptability. The large-diameter flexible pipes can also meet the flow rate and flow resistance requirements of energy storage systems.

[0047] The movable pipe structure and liquid cooling system provided in this application embodiment utilize the connection methods of rigid pipes, flexible pipes, and quick-connect couplings, combining the advantages of the three types of pipes, to provide a pipe structure that is easy to install and has high sealing reliability. Moreover, within a limited space, it can realize the linkage between the chiller and the pipes, which is beneficial to increasing the air intake of the chiller, and thus improving the heat dissipation performance of the liquid cooling system.

[0048] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0049] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A mobile pipeline structure, characterized by It includes a first conduit assembly, which includes a first conduit and a second conduit; the first conduit and / or the second conduit are flexible conduits; One end of the first pipeline is used for a rotatable connection with the chiller via a first connector; The other end of the first pipeline is rotatably connected to one end of the second pipeline via a second connector; The first piping assembly is configured to have a fixed state and a pull-out state; When the first pipeline assembly is in a fixed state, at least one of the flexible tubes is in a bent and compressed state. When the first pipeline assembly is in the pulled-out state, at least one of the flexible tubes is in the stretched state.

2. The mobile plumbing structure of claim 1, wherein, The first pipeline is located above the second pipeline, and the second connector is a tee connector; the second pipeline is connected to the bottom of the second connector via a third connector, and both the third connector and the first connector are quick-connect connectors.

3. The movable pipeline structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a snap-fit ​​head, with a snap-fit ​​head respectively fitted at the connection between the first pipe and the first connector, the connection between the first pipe and the second connector, and the connection between the second pipe and the third connector.

4. The movable pipeline structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second pipeline is a flexible pipe; when the first pipeline assembly is in a fixed state, the second pipeline is in a bent and compressed state.

5. The movable pipeline structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first pipeline and the second pipeline are flexible pipes; When the first pipeline assembly is in a fixed state, both the first pipeline and the second pipeline are in a bent and compressed state.

6. The movable pipeline structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipeline is a flexible pipe; when the first pipeline assembly is in a fixed state, the first pipeline is in a bent and compressed state.

7. The movable pipeline structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second piping assembly, which includes a third pipe and a fourth pipe; the third pipe and / or the fourth pipe are flexible pipes; one end of the third pipe is used for rotatable connection with the chiller via a fifth connector; the other end of the third pipe is rotatably connected to one end of the fourth pipe via a sixth connector; The second conduit assembly is configured to have a fixed state and a retractable state; when the second conduit assembly is in the fixed state, at least one of the flexible tubes is in a bent and compressed state; When the second pipeline assembly is in the pulled-out state, at least one of the flexible tubes is in the stretched state.

8. The movable pipeline structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The flexible tube includes EPDM rubber hose, PTFE hose, or stainless steel hose.

9. The movable pipeline structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first connector and the second connector are made of stainless steel.

10. A liquid cooling system, characterized in that, The device includes the movable piping structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and also includes a chiller. The movable piping structure includes a first piping assembly and a second piping assembly, wherein a first connector of the first piping assembly is connected to the outlet of the chiller, and a fifth connector of the second piping assembly is connected to the inlet of the chiller.

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