Coupling device and refrigerant circulation device

Abstract

To provide a coupling device capable of inhibiting leakage of a fluid, and to provide a refrigerant circulation device.SOLUTION: A coupling device 8, 9 includes a first connection portion, a second connection portion, a tube portion, and a sealing material 84. The first connection portion is connectable to an external socket or plug, and includes a first flow path 811 through which a fluid flows. The second connection portion includes: a first inner surface 821 defining a second flow path 823 which is continuous with the first flow path; and a first outer surface 822 positioned farther outward than the first inner surface. The tube portion includes an end portion T83 to be inserted into the second connection portion, and a second inner surface 831 positioned outside the first outer surface and defining a third flow path. The sealing material is disposed between the first outer surface and the second inner surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a coupling device and a refrigerant circulation device. [Background technology]

[0002] The coupling device includes a flow tube having a flow passage and an adapter assembly, the end of which is connected to the adapter assembly (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent No. 113970026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In coupling devices, there is often a difference in thermal expansion between the flow tube and the adapter assembly, which can cause fluid to leak between the flow tube and the adapter assembly during expansion or contraction.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupling device and a refrigerant circulation device capable of suppressing fluid leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, a tube, and a sealant. The first connecting portion is connectable to an external socket or plug and has a first flow path through which a fluid flows. The second connecting portion has a first inner surface that defines a second flow path continuous with the first flow path, and a first outer surface located outside the first inner surface. The tube has an end that is inserted into the second connecting portion, and a second inner surface that is located outside the first outer surface and defines a third flow path. The sealant is interposed between the first outer surface and the second inner surface.

[0007] A refrigerant circulation device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing and a coupling device. The housing has a socket or plug. The coupling device includes a first connecting part, a second connecting part, a tubing, and a sealing material. The first connecting part is connected to the socket or plug and has a first flow path through which a fluid flows. The second connecting part has a first inner surface that defines a second flow path continuous with the first flow path, and a first outer surface located outside the first inner surface. The tubing has an end that is inserted into the second connecting part, and a second inner surface that is located outside the first outer surface and defines a third flow path. The sealing material is interposed between the first outer surface and the second inner surface. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a coupling device and a refrigerant circulation device capable of suppressing fluid leakage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cooling system 100. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of coupling devices 8 and 9 shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of coupling devices 8 and 9 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device 8, 9 taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 4 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a connection portion 82a shown in FIG. 3. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] [Cooling system 100] 1, the cooling system 100, in use, includes as components a refrigerant circulation unit (hereinafter also referred to as "CDU") 1, a distribution manifold 2, a collection manifold 3, at least one cold plate 4, a cooling device 5, flow paths 6 and 7, and coupling devices 8 and 9. At least one heat source 44 installed in a space A01 is cooled by the components.

[0012] In addition, when the cooling system 100 includes one cold plate 4, the cooling system 100 does not need to include the distribution manifold 2 and the collection manifold 3. In this case, the coupling devices 8 and 9 directly connect the cold plate 4 and the CDU 1.

[0013] Among the components, the CDU 1, the distribution manifold 2, the collection manifold 3, and the cold plate 4 are installed in a space A01. The space A01 is, for example, a server room.

[0014] [Heat source 44, rack 200] A rack 200 is provided in the space A01. For example, a plurality of heat sources 44 are housed in the rack 200. Each heat source 44 is, for example, an electronic component or electronic device. The electronic components are components that constitute the electronic device, and include, for example, a central processing unit (so-called CPU), an electrolytic capacitor, a power semiconductor module, or a printed circuit board. The electronic components operate when supplied with power and generate heat. The electronic device is a rack mount server or a blade server. The electronic device may also be a projector, a personal computer, or a display.

[0015] [CDU1] The CDU 1 can be distributed on the market as a component of the cooling system 100. When distributed as the cooling system 100, the cooling device 5 and the flow paths 6 and 7 may be removed from the cooling system 100. The CDU 1 may be distributed on the market alone. In this embodiment, the CDU 1 is housed in, for example, the rack 200 when in use. However, this is not limiting, and the CDU 1 may be installed outside the rack 200 when in use.

[0016] [Chassis 11] The CDU 1 includes a housing 11. The housing 11 includes an exterior body and a frame, and the exterior body separates the internal space of the CDU 1 from the external space of the CDU 1. The exterior body is, for example, an exterior panel or casing. The housing 11 has a primary inlet 11a, a primary outlet 11b, a secondary inlet 11c, and a secondary outlet 11d in the exterior body. Each of the secondary inlet 11c and the secondary outlet 11d is a socket or plug, and is an example of an "external socket or plug" in this disclosure.

[0017] A low-temperature primary refrigerant C1 flows into the primary inlet 11a through the flow path 6. A connection part 81a (see FIG. 2) of the coupling device 8 is connected to the secondary inlet 11c. A high-temperature secondary refrigerant C2 flows into the secondary inlet 11c from the coupling device 8. The CDU1 exchanges heat between the primary refrigerant C1 (low temperature) that flows into the CDU1 from the primary inlet 11a and the secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) that flows into the CDU1 from the secondary inlet 11c by a heat exchanger (not shown) included in the CDU1. As a result, in the CDU1, the thermal energy of the primary refrigerant C1 is transferred to the secondary refrigerant C2. In detail, the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 is lower when it flows out of the CDU1 than when it flows into the CDU1. The CDU1 pumps the low-temperature secondary refrigerant C2 toward the secondary outlet 11d by a pump (not shown) included in the CDU1. One of the connecting parts 81a, 81b (see FIG. 2) of the coupling device 9 is connected to the secondary outlet 11d. Which of the connecting parts 81a, 81b is connected to the secondary outlet 11d is determined by the specifications of the secondary outlet 11d and the distribution manifold 2, etc. The secondary refrigerant C2 flows out from the secondary outlet 11d to the coupling device 9. The CDU 1 sends the high-temperature primary refrigerant C1 from the primary outlet 11b to the flow path 7.

[0018] [Primary refrigerant C1, secondary refrigerant C2] The primary refrigerant C1 is a fluid such as a cooling liquid. Examples of the cooling liquid include antifreeze liquid and pure water. Typical examples of antifreeze liquid are an ethylene glycol aqueous solution and a propylene glycol aqueous solution. The secondary refrigerant C2 is a fluid of the same type or a different type from the primary refrigerant C1. At least one of the primary refrigerant C1 and the secondary refrigerant C2 may be a gas refrigerant. The secondary refrigerant C2 is an example of a "fluid" in the present disclosure.

[0019] [Distribution manifold 2] In FIG. 1, the distribution manifold 2 has a common flow path 21 and a plurality of individual flow paths 22. For convenience of explanation, only two individual flow paths 22 are shown in FIG. 1. A secondary refrigerant C2 (i.e., a fluid) can flow through the common flow path 21 and each individual flow path 22. One end T21 of the common flow path 21 is connected to a connection portion 81b (see FIG. 2) of the coupling device 9, and is used as an inlet of the secondary refrigerant C2 in the distribution manifold 2. One end T22a of each individual flow path 22 is connected to the common flow path 21. The other end T22b of each individual flow path 22 is used as an outlet of the secondary refrigerant C2 in the distribution manifold 2, and is individually connected to an inlet 41 of the cold plate 4. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) that flows into the inlet (i.e., one end T21) of the distribution manifold 2 first circulates within the common flow path 21, is branched into each individual flow path 22, and then flows out from each outlet (i.e., the other end T22b) of the distribution manifold 2.

[0020] In each embodiment, the term "connected" means "connected so that a fluid can flow" unless there is an adverb or adjective that further explains "connected".

[0021] [Cold Plate 4] 1, each cold plate 4 is in thermal contact with at least one heat source 44. A secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flows inside each cold plate 4. In detail, each cold plate 4 is arranged to be in direct thermal contact with the heat source 44. Each cold plate 4 may be arranged to be in thermal contact with the heat source 44 via, for example, a thermally conductive sheet (not shown). That is, the term "thermal contact" includes the meanings of "direct thermal contact" and "indirect thermal contact".

[0022] Each cold plate 4 has an inlet 41, an outlet 42, and an internal flow path 43 for the secondary refrigerant C2. The internal flow path 43 connects the inlet 41 and the outlet 42. The secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flows into the inlet 41 from the individual flow paths 22 connected to the inlet 41. The secondary refrigerant C2 flows through the internal flow path 43 to the outlet 42. Therefore, the thermal energy generated in the heat source 44 is transferred to the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing through the internal flow path 43 of the cold plate 4 that is in thermal contact with the heat source 44. As a result, the heat source 44 is cooled, and the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 increases. The secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) flows out from the outlet 42 to the individual flow paths 31 of the collection manifold 3.

[0023] [Collection Manifold 3] In FIG. 1, the collection manifold 3 has a plurality of individual flow paths 31 and a common flow path 32. For convenience of explanation, two individual flow paths 31 are shown in FIG. 1. A secondary refrigerant C2 (i.e., a fluid) can flow through each individual flow path 31 and the common flow path 32. One end T31a of each individual flow path 31 is individually connected to the outlet 42 as an inlet for the fluid in the collection manifold 3. The other end T31b of each individual flow path 31 is connected to the common flow path 32. One end T32 of the common flow path 32 is used as an outlet for the fluid in the collection manifold 3 and is connected to the connection part 81b (see FIG. 2) of the coupling device 8. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 that flows from the cold plate 4 into each inlet (i.e., one end T31a) in the collection manifold 3 joins in the common flow path 32 and flows out from the one end T32 to the secondary inlet 11c of the CDU 1. Thus, the secondary refrigerant C2 circulates through the CDU 1, the distribution manifold 2, the cold plate 4 and the collection manifold 3, in that order.

[0024] [Cooling device 5] In FIG. 1, the cooling device 5 is installed, for example, outside the space A01. The cooling device 5 may be installed either inside or outside the space A01. The cooling device 5 is, for example, a chiller or a cooling tower. The cooling device 5 includes an inlet 51, an outlet 52, and an internal flow path 53 for the primary refrigerant C1, a cooling unit 54, and a pump 55. The internal flow path 53 connects the inlet 51 and the outlet 52. The cooling unit 54 and the pump 55 are each inserted into the internal flow path 53.

[0025] The primary refrigerant C1 flows into the inlet 51 through the flow path 7. The primary refrigerant C1 flows from the inlet 51 through the internal flow path 53 into the cooling section 54. The cooling section 54 cools the primary refrigerant C1 that has flowed into the cooling section 54. The cooling method in the cooling section 54 may be either an air-cooling method or a water-cooling method. The primary refrigerant C1 that has flowed out of the cooling section 54 flows into the pump 55 through the internal flow path 53. The pump 55 pumps the primary refrigerant C1 that has flowed into the pump 55 toward the outlet 52. The primary refrigerant C1 that has flowed out of the outlet 52 flows into the primary inlet 11a through the flow path 6. The flow paths 6 and 7 may have the same configuration as the coupling devices 8 and 9.

[0026] 1, the pump 55 is located between the cooling section 54 and the outlet 52 in the internal flow path 53. However, this is not limited thereto, and the pump 55 may be located between the outlet 52 and the cooling section 54 in the internal flow path 53.

[0027] [Coupling device 8,9] Next, the coupling devices 8, 9 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0028] In Fig. 1, the coupling device 8 connects the secondary inlet 11c of the housing 11 to one end T32 of the collection manifold 3. The coupling device 9 connects the secondary outlet 11d of the housing 11 to one end T21 of the distribution manifold 2. In this embodiment, the coupling devices 8 and 9 have roughly the same configuration as each other, as shown in Figs. 2 to 5. Note that the coupling devices 8 and 9 may be completely identical to each other, or may be completely different from each other in configuration.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, each of the coupling devices 8, 9 includes two couplings C5, C6, a tube 83, and a seal 84.

[0030] Each coupling C5 has a connection portion 81a, 82a. That is, each coupling device 8, 9 includes a connection portion 81a, 82a, a pipe material 83, and a sealing material 84. The connection portion 81a is a first example of a "first connection portion" of the present disclosure, and the connection portion 82a is a first example of a "second connection portion" of the present disclosure. Each coupling C5, C6 is made of, for example, resin or metal.

[0031] Each connecting portion 81a can be connected to a secondary inlet 11c or a secondary outlet 11d (see FIG. 1) of the housing 11. In other words, the connecting portion 81a can be connected to a secondary inlet 11c or a secondary outlet 11d that is located outside the coupling devices 8 and 9.

[0032] The connection portion 81a has a flow path 811a through which the secondary refrigerant C2 flows. The flow path 811a is a first example of a "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0033] Each of the secondary inlet 11c and the secondary outlet 11d (see FIG. 1) is a socket or a plug. The connection part 81a is a plug or a socket that is paired with a socket or a plug on the housing 11 (see FIG. 1). That is, the connection part 81a is connected to the socket or the plug on the housing 11.

[0034] The flow path 811a passes through between both end faces T81a, T81b of the connection portion 81. The secondary refrigerant C2 can flow through the flow path 811a when the cooling system 100 (see FIG. 1) is in use.

[0035] Each coupling C5 may have a valve for opening and closing the flow path 811a in the flow path 811a of the connection part 81a. Each coupling C5 has a latch (push button or operating lever)-based detachment mechanism (not shown) in the connection part 81a. The detachment mechanism is a mechanism for immediately detaching the connection part 81a from the socket or plug on the housing 11 side when the latch is operated by an operator. The coupling C6 may also have a valve or detachment mechanism similar to that of the coupling C5.

[0036] The connecting portion 82a protrudes from an end surface T81b of the connecting portion 81a in a first direction D01. That is, the first direction D01 is a direction in which the connecting portion 82a protrudes relative to the connecting portion 81a. An end T83a of the pipe 83 can be connected to the connecting portion 82a.

[0037] The connecting portion 82a is cylindrical and has an inner surface 821a and an outer surface 822a. The inner surface 821a and the outer surface 822a are first examples of a "first inner surface" and a "first outer surface" in this disclosure.

[0038] The inner surface 821a defines a flow path 823a that is continuous with the flow path 811a. The flow path 823a extends in a first direction D01 between both ends T82a, T82b of the connection portion 82. An end of the flow path 823 in the first direction D01 is an opening A82a that opens in the same direction. The flow path 823a is a first example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0039] In this embodiment, the inner surface 821a is a cylindrical surface. A cylindrical surface can be obtained by rotating one of two parallel line segments around the other as an axis. When the inner surface 821a is a cylindrical surface, the fluid flows smoothly in the flow path 823a. The shape of the inner surface 821a is not limited to a cylindrical surface, and may be another shape.

[0040] The outer surface 822a is located outside the inner surface 821a. In detail, the outer surface 822a is located in the radial direction D02 (see FIG. 5) of the first direction D01 outside the inner surface 821a. In other words, the outer surface 822a extends in the circumferential direction D03 (see FIG. 5) of the first direction D01 outside the inner surface 821a.

[0041] Each coupling C6 has connecting portions 81b, 82b. In this embodiment, the connecting portions 81b, 82b have shapes different from the connecting portions 81a, 82a, respectively. The connecting portions 81b, 82b may have the same shapes as the connecting portions 81a, 82a, respectively. That is, each coupling device 8, 9 includes connecting portions 81b, 82b, a tube material 83, and a sealing material 84. The connecting portion 81b is a second example of a "first connecting portion" of the present disclosure, and the connecting portion 82b is a second example of a "second connecting portion" of the present disclosure.

[0042] Each of the connection parts 81b can be connected to one end T32 of the collection manifold 3 or one end T21 (see FIG. 1) of the distribution manifold 2. In other words, the connection part 81b can be connected to one end T32, T21 outside the coupling devices 8, 9.

[0043] The connecting portion 81b has a flow path 811b through which the secondary refrigerant C2 flows. The flow path 811b is a second example of a "first flow path" in this disclosure.

[0044] One end T32 of the collection manifold 3 or one end T21 of the distribution manifold 2 is a socket or a plug. The connection part 81b is a plug or a socket that forms a pair with a socket or a plug on the collection manifold 3 side. The connection part 81b is also a plug or a socket that forms a pair with a socket or a plug on the distribution manifold 2 side.

[0045] The flow path 811b passes through the connecting portion 81b between both end faces T81c, T81d. The secondary refrigerant C2 can flow through the flow path 811b when the cooling system 100 (see FIG. 1) is in use.

[0046] The connecting portion 82b protrudes in a second direction D04 from an end face T81d of the connecting portion 81b. The second direction D04 is a direction in which the connecting portion 82b protrudes relative to the connecting portion 81b. An end T83b of the pipe 83 can be connected to the connecting portion 82b.

[0047] The connecting portion 82b is cylindrical and has an inner surface 821b and an outer surface 822b. The inner surface 821b and the outer surface 822b are a second example of a "first inner surface" and a "first outer surface" in this disclosure.

[0048] The inner surface 821b defines a flow path 823b that is continuous with the flow path 811b. The flow path 823b extends in the second direction D04 between both ends T82c, T82d of the connection portion 82b. The end of the flow path 823 in the second direction D04 is an opening A82b that opens in the same direction. The flow path 823b is a second example of a "second flow path" in this disclosure.

[0049] Also, in an embodiment, the inner surface 821b, like the inner surface 821a, may be a cylindrical surface or have another shape.

[0050] The outer surface 822b is located outside the inner surface 821b. In detail, the outer surface 822b is located outside the inner surface 821b in the radial direction D05 (see FIG. 4) of the second direction D04. In other words, the outer surface 822b extends outside the inner surface 821b in the circumferential direction D06 (see FIG. 4) of the second direction D04.

[0051] The pipe material 83 is a so-called tube or pipe, and is made of resin in this embodiment. The resin may be either a natural resin or a synthetic resin. The pipe material 83 may be made of a material having a different thermal expansion coefficient from the connecting parts 82a and 82b.

[0052] The pipe material 83 has ends T83a and T83b that are inserted into the connecting portions 82a and 82b, respectively. The pipe material 83 has an inner surface 831. The inner surface 831 is located outside the outer surfaces 822a and 822b. In detail, the inner surface 831 is located on the outer surfaces 822a and 822b when the pipe material 83 is inserted into the connecting portions 82a and 82b. The inner surface 831 defines a flow path 832 for the secondary refrigerant C2. The inner surface 831 is an example of a "second inner surface" in the present disclosure. The flow path 832 is an example of a "third flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0053] In this embodiment, the inner surface 831 is, for example, a cylindrical surface when the pipe material 83 is not inserted into the connecting portions 82a and 82b.

[0054] The sealant 84 is interposed between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831. The sealant 84 prevents gaps from being generated between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831. In detail, the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831 have different thermal expansion coefficients. The temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 varies within a range of about -20°C to about 80°C while circulating in the cooling system 100 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, in the absence of the sealant 84, gaps may be generated between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831 due to their respective expansions or contractions when the cooling system 100 is in use. However, in this embodiment, the sealant 84 prevents gaps from being generated between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831, so that leakage of the secondary refrigerant C2 from between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831 is prevented. That is, the sealant 84 seals against leakage of the secondary refrigerant C2.

[0055] Specifically, the sealing material 84 is a silicone sealant that has excellent weather resistance, water resistance, and heat resistance, taking into consideration the characteristics of the cooling system 100 .

[0056] Furthermore, the thermal expansion coefficient of the sealing material 84 is smaller than that of the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and larger than that of the inner surface 831. As a result, the rate at which the sealing material 84 expands or contracts due to the ambient temperature is intermediate between the rate at which the outer surfaces 822a, 822b expand or contract and the rate at which the inner surface 831 expands or contracts. Leakage of the secondary refrigerant C2 from between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831 is suppressed.

[0057] 3 and 4, the sealant 84 is spaced apart from both ends of the outer surface 822a in the first direction D01 or both ends of the outer surface 822b in the second direction D04. Therefore, the sealant 84 is unlikely to protrude outside the flow path 832 or the pipe material 83 during or after inserting the pipe material 83 into the connection portions 82a and 82b.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, each of the outer surfaces 822a, 822b has a plurality of recesses 824a, 824b, respectively. The sealant 84 is in the recesses 824a, 824b. As a result, the sealant 84 enters the recesses 824a, 824b and solidifies. Therefore, due to the anchor effect, the pipe material 83 and the connecting parts 82a, 82b are less likely to be misaligned with each other. That is, the occurrence of gaps between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831 is suppressed. Note that it is sufficient for the outer surface 822a to have at least one recess 824a. The same applies to the number of recesses 824b.

[0059] The recesses 824a, 824b are formed around the entire circumference of the outer surfaces 822a, 822b. In other words, the recesses 824a, 824b are formed over the entire area of ​​the outer surfaces 822a, 822b in the circumferential directions D03, D06. This provides a relatively large anchor effect, further suppressing the occurrence of gaps between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831.

[0060] The multiple recesses 824a, 824b are formed into a shape that allows the pipe material 83 to be easily attached to the connecting portions 82a, 82b, that is, into a bulge tube shape or a bamboo shoot shape. In detail, the bamboo shoot shape of each of the multiple recesses 824a is a tapered shape in which the dimension of the recess 824a in the radial direction D02 gradually decreases toward the first direction D01 (i.e., the protruding direction of the connecting portion 82a). The multiple bamboo shoot-shaped recesses 824a are arranged on the outer surface 822a in the first direction D01. The details of the bamboo shoot shape are similarly applied to the multiple recesses 824b.

[0061] 4, among the multiple recesses 824b, the recesses 824b at the ends in the second direction D04 may not have the sealant 84. Alternatively, the recesses 824b at the ends may have a smaller amount of sealant 84 than the other recesses 824b. This also applies to the multiple recesses 824a.

[0062] The ends T83a, T83b of the pipe 83 have elasticity. As a result, the ends T83a, T83b are in close contact with the sealant 84, further preventing the secondary refrigerant C2 from leaking between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831. In detail, the ends T83a, T83b have a smaller elastic modulus (i.e., a physical property value indicating the resistance to deformation) than the sealant 84 and the connecting portions 82a, 82b.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, the coupling device 8, 9 further includes fastening members 85a, 85b. The fastening members 85a, 85b fasten the pipe material 83 to the connection parts 82a, 82b. Therefore, the pipe material 83 is less likely to come off from the connection parts 82a, 82b. As a result, the secondary refrigerant C2 is further prevented from leaking between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831. Each of the fastening members 85a, 85b is, for example, a metal band with a fastening metal fitting. However, this is not limited thereto, and each of the fastening members 85a, 85b may be a resin band with a fastening tool. Alternatively, each of the fastening members 85a, 85b may be a cable tie, a rubber band, or a string.

[0064] The fastening members 85a, 85b are positioned outside the sealing material 84. As a result, the ends T83a, T83b are in close contact with the sealing material 84, and the sealing material 84 is in close contact with the connecting portions 82a, 82b. This further prevents the secondary refrigerant C2 from leaking between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831. More specifically, the fastening members 85a, 85b fasten the pipe material 83 to the connecting portions 82a, 82b at positions outside the sealing material 84 in the radial directions D02, D05 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0065] 5, the fastening member 85a is located outside the recess 824a. This brings the ends T83a and T83b into close contact with the sealant 84, and the sealant 84 into close contact with the connection portions 82a and 82b. This further prevents the secondary refrigerant C2 from leaking between the outer surfaces 822a and 822b and the inner surface 831. Specifically, the fastening member 85a is located outside the recess 824a in the radial direction V2.

[0066] The thermal expansion coefficient of the inner surface 831 is equal to or greater than the thermal expansion coefficient of the outer surfaces 822a, 822b. As a result, the rate at which the inner surface 831 expands due to the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the rate at which the outer surfaces 822a, 822b expand. Therefore, during expansion, the inner surface 831 is pressed against the outer surfaces 822a, 822b by the fastening members 85a, 85b, so that leakage of the secondary refrigerant C2 from between the outer surfaces 822a, 822b and the inner surface 831 is suppressed.

[0067] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to a component of another embodiment, or some components among all the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0068] In addition, the drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each illustrated component may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. In addition, the configurations of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure.

[0069] [Note] The present technology can also adopt the following configuration.

[0070] (1) a first connection part connectable to an external socket or plug and having a first flow path through which a fluid flows; a second connection portion having a first inner surface that defines a second flow path continuous with the first flow path and a first outer surface located outside the first inner surface; a pipe member having an end portion inserted into the second connection portion and a second inner surface located outside the first outer surface and defining a third flow path; a sealant interposed between the first outer surface and the second inner surface; A coupling device comprising:

[0071] (2) The coupling device described in (1), wherein the thermal expansion coefficient of the sealing material is smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the first outer surface and larger than the thermal expansion coefficient of the second inner surface.

[0072] (3) The coupling device according to (1) or (2), wherein the sealing material is spaced apart from both ends of the first outer surface.

[0073] (4) The first outer surface has a recess, The coupling device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the sealing material is in the recess.

[0074] (5) The coupling device according to (4), wherein the recess is formed around the entire circumference of the first outer surface.

[0075] (6) A coupling device as described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the end of the tubular material is elastic.

[0076] (7) A coupling device as described in any one of (1) to (6), comprising a fastening member for fastening the pipe material to the second connection portion.

[0077] (8) The coupling device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the fastening member is positioned outside the sealing material.

[0078] (9) The first outer surface has a recess, The coupling device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the fastening member is positioned outside the recess.

[0079] (10) The coupling device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the second inner surface has a thermal expansion coefficient equal to or greater than the thermal expansion coefficient of the first outer surface.

[0080] (11) A housing having a socket or plug; Coupling device and Equipped with The coupling device comprises: a first connection portion connected to the socket or the plug and having a first flow path through which a fluid flows; a second connection portion having a first inner surface that defines a second flow path continuous with the first flow path and a first outer surface located outside the first inner surface; a pipe member having an end portion inserted into the second connection portion and a second inner surface located outside the first outer surface and defining a third flow path; a sealant interposed between the first outer surface and the second inner surface; A refrigerant circulation device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Refrigerant circulation device 8,9 Coupling device 81a, 81b Connection part (first connection part) 811a, 811b flow path (first flow path) 823a, 823b flow path (second flow path) 821a,821b Inner surface (first inner surface) 822a, 822b External surface (first external surface) 82a, 82b Connection part (second connection part) 83 Piping material T83a,T83b end 831 Inner surface (second inner surface) 832 Channel (Third Channel) 84 Encapsulating materials 824a, 824b Recess 85a, 85b Fastening members

Claims

1. A first connection part that is connectable to an external socket or plug and has a first flow path through which a fluid flows; a second connection portion having a first inner surface that defines a second flow path continuous with the first flow path and a first outer surface located outside the first inner surface; a pipe member having an end portion inserted into the second connection portion and a second inner surface located outside the first outer surface and defining a third flow path; a sealant interposed between the first outer surface and the second inner surface; A coupling device comprising:

2. 2. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the sealant has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the first exterior surface and greater than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second interior surface.

3. 3. A coupling device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sealant is spaced from both ends of the first outer surface.

4. The first outer surface has a recess; The coupling device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealant is in the recess.

5. The coupling device according to claim 4 , wherein the recess is formed around an entire periphery of the first outer surface.

6. 3. A coupling device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ends of the tubing are resilient.

7. 3. The coupling device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a clamping member for clamping the tubing to the second connection portion.

8. The coupling device of claim 7 , wherein the fastening member is positioned outboard of the sealant.

9. The first outer surface has a recess; The coupling device according to claim 7 , wherein the fastening member is located outside the recess.

10. 8. The coupling device of claim 7, wherein the second inner surface has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than or equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first outer surface.

11. A housing having a socket or plug; Coupling device and Equipped with The coupling device comprises: a first connection portion connected to the socket or the plug and having a first flow path through which a fluid flows; a second connection portion having a first inner surface that defines a second flow path continuous with the first flow path and a first outer surface located outside the first inner surface; a pipe member having an end portion inserted into the second connection portion and a second inner surface located outside the first outer surface and defining a third flow path; a sealant interposed between the first outer surface and the second inner surface; A refrigerant circulation device comprising:

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