Pipe connection components

Abstract

This application provides a pipe connecting member comprising a main body and an end cover, wherein the main body has a first communication port, a port, and a cavity, the first communication port and port are located at opposite ends of the cavity and both communicate with the cavity, the first communication port is connected to an inlet pipe, the end cover is provided on the port and the end cover has a second communication port, the second communication port is connected to an outlet pipe, the end cover and the main body engage to form a flow cavity, the flow cavity is at least a part of the cavity and the flow cavity connects the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.According to the technical aspects of this application, the problems of the prior art, which are difficult to process and have high manufacturing costs, can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of a patent application with an application number of 202321542598.8 and a title of "Pipe Connection Member", which was filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 15, 2023.

[0002] This application relates to the field of pipe connection, and specifically, to pipe connection members.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, in a cooling system, in order to distribute the refrigerant, a branch switching of the pipes is required. In the prior art, in order to connect different pipes, usually, the use of a three-way pipe fitting is required. However, in the prior art, the three-way pipe fitting is usually manufactured by liquid pressure integral molding. Such a manufacturing method has a high processing difficulty, a high processing cost, and strict requirements for the material of the three-way pipe fitting in the liquid pressure molding process. Therefore, usually, a high-cost material such as pure copper needs to be used for manufacturing, resulting in a further increase in the manufacturing cost.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a pipe connection component for solving the problems of difficult processing and high manufacturing cost in the prior art.

[0005] This application provides a pipe connection member including a main body and an end cover. The main body has a first communication port, a port, and a cavity. The first communication port and the port are respectively located at both ends of the cavity and both communicate with the cavity. The first communication port is connected to an inlet pipe. The end cover is provided on the port. The end cover has a second communication port. The second communication port is connected to an outlet pipe. The end cover and the main body are engaged to form a flow cavity. The flow cavity is at least a part of the cavity. The flow cavity communicates the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.

[0006] When the technical aspects of this application are applied, the pipe connection member consists of a separate body and end cover, thereby reducing the difficulty of processing and lowering manufacturing costs. Furthermore, because the processing requirements are low, low-cost materials may be used, thereby further reducing production costs. At the same time, since the pipe connection member can be assembled by first connecting the inlet pipe and outlet pipe beforehand and then assembling the body and end cover, pipe connection becomes easier and installation efficiency is improved.

[0007] Furthermore, at least a portion of the end cover is located inside the port, and the length of the end cover located inside the port is greater than 2 mm, with the flow cavity being part of the cavity. The above installation ensures the connection strength between the end cover and the main body and improves the stability between the end cover and the main body.

[0008] Furthermore, the end cover is either provided on the end face of the port, or a portion of the end cover is located inside the port, with the length of the end cover located inside the port being 2 mm or less. Here, when the end cover is provided on the end face of the port, the flow cavity is the entire cavity. The above-described installation allows for an increase in the volume of the flow cavity surrounded by the main body and the end cover, which is advantageous for mixing fluids within the flow cavity.

[0009] Furthermore, the main body has a first end and a second end that are positioned opposite each other, with the first communication port located at the first end and the port located at the second end, and the flow area of ​​the main body gradually increases from the first end to the second end. This configuration reduces fluid pressure loss and makes the fluid flow within the flow cavity more stable.

[0010] Furthermore, the cross-section along the flow direction of the cavity has a tapered or arc-shaped structure. This configuration eliminates processing steps in the manufacturing process of the main body, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0011] Furthermore, the tapered structure has a taper angle α, where 180° > α ≥ 30°. The above-described installation ensures fluid flow stability and reduces the possibility of fluid backflow.

[0012] Furthermore, the contour along the cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the cavity is either an oval or circular structure. This installation reduces the space occupied by the pipe connection members, simplifies the design of the pipe connection structure, and effectively reduces the production cost of the pipe connection members.

[0013] Furthermore, there are at least two secondary communication ports, which are spaced apart and connected one-to-one to the outlet pipe. This configuration enables fluid diversion and piping connections, improving the system's integration.

[0014] Furthermore, the end cover, main body, inlet pipe, and outlet pipe are all made of stainless steel. The end cover is formed by cutting sheet metal, punching out flanges, or welding. The above-described installation reduces the production cost of pipe connection components and simplifies the processing of the end cover, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0015] Furthermore, the depth of the first and second communication ports is 2 mm or more. The above-described installation ensures the stability of the connection between the inlet pipe and the first communication port, and the stability of the connection between the outlet pipe and the second communication port.

[0016] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second communication port is R2, there are two communication ports, the center distance between the two adjacent second communication ports is L, where L≧0.5R2, and / or the inner diameter of the first communication port is R1, where R1≧R2 and R1≧12.7mm. The above installation facilitates welding between the outlet pipe and the second communication port, improving installation efficiency. By setting R1≧R2 and R1≧12.7mm, the production cost of the pipe connection components can be further reduced compared to conventional technical embodiments where expensive materials such as pure copper are selected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] The drawings herein constitute part of this application and are used to enhance the understanding of this application. The exemplary embodiments and descriptions herein are used to illustrate this application and do not constitute an unreasonable limitation thereto.

[0018] [Figure 1] This shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the pipe connection member according to Embodiment 1 of this application. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the main body's structure. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the end cover structure. [Figure 4] This shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe connection member related to this application. [Figure 5] This shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the pipe connection member according to Embodiment 2 of this application. [Figure 6] This shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the pipe connection member according to Embodiment 3 of this application. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a schematic structure of the pipe connection member according to Embodiment 4 of this application. [Figure 8] This shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the pipe connection member according to Embodiment 5 of this application.

[0019] Here, the above-mentioned drawings include the following reference numbers. 10 main body, 101 first end, 102 second end, 11 First access port, 12 Port, 13 Cavity, 14 Distribution cavity, 20 End cover, 21 Second communication opening, 22 Mounting boss. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, the technical aspects in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, not all embodiments. The description of at least one of the following exemplary embodiments is actually only an illustration and is not intended to be any limitation on the present application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments that can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, Embodiment 1 of this application provides a piping connection member comprising a main body 10 and an end cover 20. Here, the main body 10 has a first communication opening 11, a port 12, and a cavity 13, the first communication opening 11 and the port 12 are located at opposite ends of the cavity 13 and both communicate with the cavity 13. The end cover 20 is provided on the port 12 and has two second communication openings 21. The end cover 20 and the main body 10 engage to form a flow cavity 14, the flow cavity 14 is at least a part of the cavity 13, and the two second communication openings 21 communicate with the flow cavity 14 between the end cover 20 and the main body 10. In this application, the first communication port 11 is used to connect to the inlet pipe, and the end cover 20 has two second communication ports 21, which are used to connect to the outlet pipe. Fluid enters the flow cavity 14 from the inlet pipe, flows out of the outlet pipe through the flow cavity 14, and thus branch switching is achieved. Of course, the number of second communication ports 21 may differ in other embodiments. Applying the technical aspects of this application, the pipe connection member comprises a main body 10 and an end cover 20, and by making the pipe connection member a separate component, the processing of the pipe connection member can be simplified and production costs can be reduced. In conventional technical embodiments, pipe connection members are usually integrally molded by hydraulic processing. This processing method has high requirements for material properties and processing steps, and requires the use of highly processable materials such as copper alloys, resulting in high production costs. Since the main body 10 and the end cover 20 are independently processed parts, they can be processed using materials such as stainless steel, which have low costs and low processing step requirements, thus reducing production costs. At the same time, since the piping connection components can be assembled with the main body 10 and end cover 20 after they have been pre-connected to the inlet and outlet pipes during installation, piping connections are made easier and installation efficiency is improved.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, in a specific embodiment of the present application, at least a part of the end cover 20 is located within the port 12, and the length of the end cover 20 located within the port 12 is greater than 2 mm, that is, the length of the end cover 20 located within the port 12 along the thickness direction of the end cover 20 is greater than 2 mm. With such an arrangement, even when the piping connection member is subjected to a fluid impact, the connection strength between the end cover 20 and the main body 10 is ensured, and the stability between the end cover 20 and the main body 10 is improved. In this case, the end cover 20 and the main body 10 are welded by brazing, and the brazing material can enter the contact surface between the main body 10 and the end cover 20. By making the length of the end cover 20 located within the port 12 greater than 2 mm, the connection strength between the main body 10 and the end cover 20 is improved. Also, since the temperature requirement for the brazing process is low, the influence on the main body 10 and the end cover 20 during welding is reduced, the deformation of the main body 10 and the end cover 20 during welding is reduced, and the dimensional accuracy of the main body 10 and the end cover 20 is ensured. Specifically, the length of the end cover 20 located within the port 12 may be 2.5 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. As shown in FIG. 4, when at least a part of the end cover 20 is located within the port 12, the chamber below the end cover 20 within the cavity 13 forms a flow cavity 14, that is, the flow cavity 14 is a part of the cavity 13.

[0023] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in other specific embodiments of this application, the end cover 20 is provided on the end face of the port 12, that is, along the thickness direction of the end cover 20, one end face of the end cover 20 and the end face of the port 12 are in close contact, or a portion of the end cover 20 is located inside the port 12, and the length of the end cover 20 located inside the port 12 is 2 mm or less, that is, the length of the end cover 20 located inside the port 12 in the thickness direction is 2 mm or less. With such an installation, the volume of the flow cavity surrounded by the main body 10 and the end cover 20 can be increased by the above design without changing the volume of the main body 10, which is advantageous for mixing fluids in the flow cavity 14. At the same time, compared to the case where a portion of the end cover 20 is located inside the port 12, by arranging the end cover 20 on the end face of the port 12, the volume of the main body 10 can be reduced, which is advantageous for the processing and molding of the main body. In this case, in order to ensure the welding strength between the main body 10 and the end cover 20, the main body 10 and the end cover 20 are welded together by argon arc welding or laser welding. Furthermore, the welding methods of argon arc welding and laser welding reduce the possibility of gaps occurring in the welded joint between the main body 10 and the end cover 20, thereby improving the sealing performance of the pipe connection member. Here, when the end cover 20 is provided on the end face of the port 12, that is, when one end face of the end cover 20 and the end face of the port 12 are in close contact, the volume of the flow cavity 14 is equal to the volume of the cavity 13, that is, the flow cavity 14 is the entire cavity 13. Also, when at least a part of the end cover 20 is located inside the port 12, the volume of the cavity 13 is greater than the volume of the flow cavity 14.

[0024] In this application, the body 10 has a first end 101 and a second end 102 that are facing each other, the first communication port 11 is located at the first end 101, the port 12 is located at the second end 102, and the area of ​​the flow cavity of the body 10 gradually increases from the first end 101 to the second end 102. This configuration reduces fluid pressure loss and makes the fluid flow within the flow cavity 14 more stable.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, in Embodiment 2 of this application, the cross-section of the cavity 13 along the flow direction is tapered. This configuration facilitates the processing and molding of the main body 10, reducing production costs. Furthermore, because the tapered structure is simple, it eliminates processing steps in the processing of the main body 10, improving production efficiency. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cavity 13 has a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side that are provided opposite each other. The front and rear sides are parallel to each other and both extend along the flow direction, while the left and right sides are inclined surfaces, and the distance between the left and right sides gradually increases along the flow direction. Of course, the entire cavity 13 may be tapered if necessary.

[0026] Specifically, the tapered structure has a taper angle α, where 180° > α ≥ 30°. When the taper angle α < 30°, turbulence is likely to occur when the fluid in the main body 10 flows from the first end 101 to the second end 102, and when 180° ≤ α, there is a risk of backflow. Therefore, by setting 180° > α ≥ 30°, the stability of the fluid flow can be ensured and the possibility of fluid backflow can be reduced. In this application, the taper angle is set to 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90°.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, in Embodiment 3 of this application, the cross-section of the cavity 13 along the flow direction is an arc-shaped structure. This configuration reduces fluid pressure loss and further improves the fluid motion efficiency. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cavity 13 has a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side that are provided opposite each other. The front side and the rear side are parallel to each other and both extend along the flow direction, while the left side and the right side are arc-shaped surfaces, and the distance between the left side and the right side gradually increases along the flow direction, or increases gradually at first and then becomes constant.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments of this application, the contour along the cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the cavity 13 is an oval structure. Such an installation results in a flattened overall shape of the pipe connection member, which is advantageous in reducing the space occupied by the pipe connection member and simplifies the design of the pipe connection structure. Specifically, the shape of the end cover 20 is also consistent with this; that is, the end cover 20 is also an oval structure, and the two second communication openings 21 are distributed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the oval structure, and in one specific embodiment, the two second communication openings 21 are provided symmetrically and have equal inner diameters.

[0029] In this application, the end cover 20, main body 10, intake pipe, and exhaust pipe are all made of stainless steel. The end cover 20 is formed by cutting sheet metal, forming a flange by punching, or forming by welding. This installation method significantly reduces the production cost of the piping connection components, and because the end cover 20 is manufactured by the above process, it becomes easier to process the end cover 20, improving production efficiency.

[0030] Specifically, there are at least two second communication ports 21, and multiple second communication ports 21 are provided at intervals, with each second communication port 21 connected to the outlet pipe in a one-to-one relationship. When multiple pipe connections are required, it is usually necessary for multiple pipes to be connected to one pipe simultaneously. The above-described installation satisfies the flow division effect and connection effect of the pipe connection members, simplifies the arrangement of the system's piping, and improves the system's integration.

[0031] In this application, the depths of the first communication port 11 and the second communication port 21 are 2 mm or more. This installation increases the contact area between the inlet pipe and the first communication port 11, and between the outlet pipe and the second communication port 21, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the inlet pipe and the first communication port 11, and between the outlet pipe and the second communication port 21. Furthermore, increasing the contact area is advantageous in improving welding strength and reducing the possibility of connection problems between the inlet pipe and the first communication port 11, and between the outlet pipe and the second communication port 21. Specifically, the depths of the first communication port 11 and the second communication port 21 may be 2 mm, 3 mm, or 5 mm.

[0032] As shown in Figure 7, in Embodiment 4 of this application, a mounting boss 22 is provided around the second communication port 21, assisting in the fixing of the outlet pipe and further improving the connection strength between the second communication port 21 and the outlet pipe. Specifically, the mounting boss 22 may be provided on the end face facing outward of the end cover 20, or on the end face facing inward of the end cover 20. Specifically, the mounting boss 22 and the end cover 20 may be integrally molded or separate structures. If the mounting boss 22 and the end cover 20 are integrally molded, the mounting boss 22 may be flanged from the end cover 20. If the mounting boss 22 and the end cover 20 are separate structures, the mounting boss 22 may be fixedly connected to the end cover 20 by welding.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, in Embodiment 5 of this application, the contour along the cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the cavity 13 is circular. With the above-described installation, the main body 10 may be formed by a spinning process using stainless steel pipe, and compared to conventional processing and forming using pure copper material, the process of forming stainless steel pipe by spinning can effectively reduce the production cost of the pipe connection member. Accordingly, the shape of the end cover 20 matches the shape of the main body 10, that is, the end cover 20 is also provided as a circular structure. In this embodiment, the flow area of ​​the main body 10 gradually increases from the first end 101 to the second end 102.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, in this application, there are two second communication ports 21, the inner diameter of the second communication ports 21 is R2, and the center distance between two adjacent second communication ports 21 is L, where L ≥ 0.5R2. With the above-described installation, the distance between adjacent outlet pipes is increased, welding between the outlet pipe and the second communication ports 21 becomes easier, and the efficiency of installation is improved.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, in this application, the inner diameter of the first communication port 11 is R1, where R1 ≥ R2 and R1 ≥ 12.7 mm. By setting R1 ≥ R2, the fluid pressure loss can be reduced and the fluid distribution effect can be ensured. At the same time, in the selection of specifications, when the outer diameter of the applicable inlet pipe is 12.7 mm or more, this application can further reduce the production cost of the pipe connection member compared to when expensive materials such as pure copper are selected in the conventional art.

[0036] In yet another embodiment of this application, L≧0.5R2, R1≧R2, and R1≧12.7mm, the above-described installation ensures fluid distribution effect, reduces production costs of piping connection members, facilitates welding of the outlet pipe and the second communication port 21, and improves installation efficiency.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments provided herein. As used herein, unless otherwise explicitly indicated in the context, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form, and it should be understood that when the terms “includes” and / or “contains” are used herein, it means that features, steps, operations, devices, assemblies, and / or combinations thereof exist.

[0038] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements, formulas, and numerical values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. At the same time, for the sake of descriptive convenience, it should be understood that the dimensions of the parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. While no detailed discussion of art, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art is provided, where appropriate, such art, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Accordingly, other examples in exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters indicate similar elements in subsequent drawings, and therefore, once an element is defined in a drawing, no further explanation is required for it in subsequent drawings.

[0039] In the description of this application, directions or positional relationships indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, top, bottom, left, right," "lateral, vertical, vertical, horizontal," and "top, bottom" are usually directions or positional relationships based on the illustrations and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description in this application. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the specified device or element has a particular direction or must be configured and operated in a particular direction, and should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application. The directional terms "inside" and "outside" should be understood as meaning inside and outside with respect to the contour of each component itself.

[0040] For ease of explanation, this specification may use spatial relative terms such as "above," "above," "on the top surface," and "upper" to describe the spatial relationship between one device or feature and another, as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations during use or operation other than the orientation indicated in the figures of the device. For example, if the top and bottom of a device in the drawing are inverted, a device described as "above another device or structure" or "on top of another device or structure" would subsequently be positioned "below another device or structure" or "below another device or structure." Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include two orientations: "above" and "below." This device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or positioned in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0041] Furthermore, it should be explained that the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., to define parts is merely to facilitate the distinction between corresponding parts, and unless otherwise stated, these terms do not have any special meaning and should not be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit it, and various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. It comprises a main body (10) and an end cover (20), The main body (10) has a first communication opening (11), a port (12), and a cavity (13), the first communication opening (11) and the port (12) are located at opposite ends of the cavity (13) and both communicate with the cavity (13), and the first communication opening (11) is connected to an inlet pipe. The end cover (20) is provided on the port (12), the end cover (20) has a second communication opening (21), the second communication opening (21) is connected to an outlet pipe, the end cover (20) and the main body (10) engage to form a flow cavity (14), the flow cavity (14) is at least a part of the cavity (13), and the flow cavity (14) connects the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, the pipe connecting member.

2. The pipe connection member according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the end cover (20) is located inside the port (12) and the length of the end cover (20) located inside the port (12) is greater than 2 mm, and the flow cavity (14) is part of the cavity (13).

3. The end cover (20) is provided on the end face of the port (12), or A portion of the end cover (20) is located inside the port (12), and the length of the end cover (20) located inside the port (12) is 2 mm or less. The pipe connection member according to claim 1, wherein when the end cover (20) is provided on the end face of the port (12), the flow cavity (14) is the entire cavity (13).

4. The pipe connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the main body (10) has a first end (101) and a second end (102) provided opposite to each other, the first communication port (11) is located at the first end (101), the port (12) is located at the second end (102), and the flow area of ​​the main body (10) gradually increases from the first end (101) to the second end (102).

5. The pipe connecting member according to claim 4, wherein the cross section of the cavity (13) along the flow direction is tapered or arc-shaped.

6. The pipe connecting member according to claim 5, wherein the tapered structure has a taper angle α, where 180° > α ≥ 30°.

7. The pipe connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the contour along the cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the cavity (13) is an oval structure or a circular structure.

8. The piping connection member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of second communication ports (21) is at least two, the plurality of second communication ports (21) are provided at intervals, and the plurality of second communication ports (21) are connected to the outlet pipe in a one-to-one ratio.

9. The pipe connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the end cover (20), the main body (10), the inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe are all made of stainless steel, and the end cover (20) is formed by cutting a sheet metal, forming a flange by punching, or forming by welding.

10. The pipe connecting member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the depth of the first communication port (11) and the second communication port (21) is 2 mm or more.

11. There are two second communication openings (21), the inner diameter of each second communication opening (21) is R2, the distance between the centers of two adjacent second communication openings (21) is L, where L ≥ 0.5R2, and / or The pipe connecting member according to claim 8, wherein the inner diameter of the first communication port (11) is R1, where R1 ≥ R2 and R1 ≥ 12.7 mm.

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