Pipeline connector

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a pipeline connector, comprising: a body, wherein the body is provided with a first communication port, a port and a cavity, the first communication port and the port are respectively located at two ends of the cavity and are both in communication with the cavity, and the first communication port is connected to an inlet pipe; and an end cover, wherein the end cover is arranged at the port and is provided with a second communication port, the second communication port is connected to an outlet pipe, the end cover fits with the body to form a circulation cavity, and the circulation cavity is at least part of the cavity and is in communication with the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. By means of the technical solution of the present application, the problems of difficult machining and a relatively high manufacturing cost in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Pipe connectors

[0001] This application claims priority to a patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on June 15, 2023, with application number 202321542598.8 and title “Pipeline Connector.” Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of pipeline connection, and in particular, to a pipeline connector. Background Art

[0003] At present, in the refrigeration system, in order to distribute the refrigerant, it is necessary to branch and convert the pipeline. In the existing technology, it is usually necessary to use three-way pipe fittings to connect different pipelines. However, the three-way pipe fittings in the existing technology are usually manufactured by hydraulic one-piece molding. This manufacturing method is difficult to process and has high processing costs. In addition, because the hydraulic molding process has strict requirements on the material of the three-way pipe fittings, it is usually necessary to use higher-cost materials such as copper, which will further increase the manufacturing cost.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a pipeline connector to solve the problems of difficult processing and high manufacturing cost in the prior art.

[0006] The present application provides a pipeline connector, which includes: a body, the body having a first communication port, a port and a cavity, the first communication port and the port being respectively located at two ends of the cavity and both being connected to the cavity, the first communication port being connected to the inlet pipe; an end cover, the end cover being arranged at the port, the end cover having a second communication port, the second communication port being connected to the outlet pipe, the end cover and the body cooperating to form a flow cavity, the flow cavity being at least part of the cavity, and the flow cavity connecting the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.

[0007] By applying the technical solution of the present application, the pipe connector is composed of a separate main body and end caps, which simplifies processing and reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, due to the low processing requirements, it can also be processed using lower-cost materials, which can further reduce production costs. Furthermore, during installation, the pipe connector can be pre-connected to the inlet and outlet pipes, and then the main body and end caps can be assembled, which facilitates pipe connection and improves installation efficiency.

[0008] Furthermore, at least part of the end cap is located in the port, and the length of the end cap located in the port is greater than 2 mm, and the flow cavity is part of the cavity. Through the above arrangement, the connection strength between the end cap and the body can be ensured, and the stability between the end cap and the body can be improved.

[0009] Furthermore, the end cap is disposed on the end surface of the port; or the end cap is partially located within the port, and the length of the end cap located within the port is less than or equal to 2 mm. When the end cap is disposed on the end surface of the port, the flow cavity is entirely hollow. This arrangement increases the volume of the flow cavity enclosed by the body and the end cap, facilitating fluid mixing within the flow cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, the body has a first end and a second end disposed opposite each other, with the first communication port located at the first end and the port located at the second end. The flow area of ​​the body gradually increases from the first end to the second end. This arrangement can reduce fluid pressure loss and ensure more stable fluid flow within the flow chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, the cross section of the cavity along the flow direction is a conical structure or an arc structure. Through the above arrangement, processing steps can be saved during the processing of the body, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0012] Furthermore, the conical structure has a cone angle α, wherein 180°>α≥30°. Through the above arrangement, the stability of fluid circulation can be ensured and the possibility of fluid backflow can be reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, the cross-section of the cavity perpendicular to the flow direction has a waist-shaped or circular structure. The above arrangement is conducive to reducing the space occupied by the pipe connector, facilitating the design of the pipe connection structure, and effectively reducing the production cost of the pipe connector.

[0014] Furthermore, the number of the second communication ports is at least two, the plurality of second communication ports are spaced apart, and the plurality of second communication ports are connected to outlet pipes one by one. Through the above arrangement, the fluid diversion and pipeline connection can be achieved, thereby improving the integration level of the system.

[0015] Furthermore, the end cap, body, inlet pipe, and outlet pipe are all made of stainless steel, and the end cap is cut from a plate, stamped and flanging, or welded. This arrangement can reduce the production cost of the pipe connector, facilitate the processing of the end cap, and improve production efficiency.

[0016] Furthermore, the depth of the first communication port and the second communication port is greater than or equal to 2 mm. Through the above arrangement, the stability of the connection between the inlet pipe and the first communication port, and the outlet pipe and the second communication port can be ensured.

[0017] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second connecting port is R2, there are two connecting ports, and the center distance between two adjacent second connecting ports is L, where L ≥ 0.5R2; and / or the inner diameter of the first connecting port is R1, where R1 ≥ R2 and R1 ≥ 12.7 mm. This arrangement facilitates welding the outlet pipe to the second connecting port, improving installation efficiency. By setting R1 ≥ R2 and R1 ≥ 12.7 mm, the production cost of the pipe connector can be further reduced compared to traditional solutions that use more expensive materials such as copper. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings that constitute part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation on this application. In the drawings:

[0019] FIG1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a pipe connector provided in Example 1 of the present application;

[0020] FIG2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the body in FIG1 ;

[0021] FIG3 shows a schematic structural diagram of the end cover in FIG1 ;

[0022] FIG4 shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe connector provided in the present application;

[0023] FIG5 shows a schematic structural diagram of a pipe connector provided in Example 2 of the present application;

[0024] FIG6 shows a schematic structural diagram of a pipe connector provided in Example 3 of the present application;

[0025] FIG7 shows a schematic structural diagram of a pipe connector provided in Example 4 of the present application;

[0026] FIG8 shows a schematic structural diagram of a pipeline connector provided in Example 5 of the present application.

[0027] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0028] 10. Main body; 101. First end; 102. Second end;

[0029] 11. First communication port; 12. Port; 13. Cavity; 14. Flow cavity;

[0030] 20. End cover; 21. Second communication port; 22. Mounting boss. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the first embodiment of the present application provides a pipe connector, which includes a body 10 and an end cap 20. The body 10 has a first communication port 11, a port 12, and a cavity 13. The first communication port 11 and the port 12 are respectively located at the two ends of the cavity 13 and are both connected to the cavity 13. The end cap 20 is arranged at the port 12. The end cap 20 has two second communication ports 21. The end cap 20 cooperates with the body 10 to form a flow cavity 14. The flow cavity 14 is at least part of the cavity 13. As far as the end cap 20 and the body 10 are concerned, the two second communication ports 21 are connected to the flow cavity 14. In the present application, the first communication port 11 is used to connect to the inlet pipe, and the end cap 20 has two second communication ports 21. The second communication port 21 is used to connect to the outlet pipe. The fluid enters the flow cavity 14 from the inlet pipe and flows out of the outlet pipe after passing through the flow cavity 14 to achieve branch conversion. Of course, as other embodiments, the second communication ports 21 can also be other numbers. By applying the technical solution provided in the present application, the pipe connector includes a main body 10 and an end cover 20. By setting the pipe connector as a split type, the processing of the pipe connector can be facilitated and the production cost can be reduced. In the traditional technical solution, the pipe connector is usually formed in one piece by hydraulic processing. This processing method has high requirements on material properties and processing technology. For example, materials with strong processing performance such as copper alloy can be selected, which will result in a high production cost of the product. The main body 10 and the end cover 20 are independently processed parts, so that materials such as stainless steel with lower cost and lower processing technology requirements can be used for processing to reduce production costs. At the same time, when installing the pipe connector, it can be connected to the inlet pipe and outlet pipe in advance, and then the main body 10 and the end cover 20 can be assembled. This can facilitate pipeline connection and improve installation efficiency.

[0033] As shown in FIG4 , in a specific embodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the end cap 20 is located within the port 12, and the length of the end cap 20 located within the port 12 is greater than 2 mm. Specifically, the length of the end cap 20 located within the port 12 along the thickness direction of the end cap 20 is greater than 2 mm. This arrangement ensures the connection strength between the end cap 20 and the body 10 when the pipe connector is impacted by fluid, improving the stability of the connection between the end cap 20 and the body 10. In this case, the end cap 20 and the body 10 can be brazed, allowing the brazing material to enter the contact surface between the body 10 and the end cap 20. Setting the length of the end cap 20 located within the port 12 to greater than 2 mm can improve the connection strength between the body 10 and the end cap 20. Furthermore, the brazing process requires a relatively low temperature, which can reduce the impact on the body 10 and the end cap 20 during welding, minimize deformation of the body 10 and the end cap 20 during welding, and ensure the dimensional accuracy of the body 10 and the end cap 20. Specifically, the length of the end cap 20 located within the port 12 can be 2.5 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. As shown in FIG. 4 , when at least a portion of the end cap 20 is located within the port 12 , the cavity below the end cap 20 within the cavity 13 forms a flow cavity 14 , ie, the flow cavity 14 is part of the cavity 13 .

[0034] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in other specific embodiments of the present application, the end cap 20 is disposed on the end face of the port 12, that is, along the thickness direction of the end cap 20, one end face of the end cap 20 is disposed in contact with the end face of the port 12, or the end cap 20 is partially located within the port 12, and the length of the end cap 20 located within the port 12 is less than or equal to 2 mm, that is, the length of the end cap 20 located within the port 12 along the thickness direction of the end cap 20 is less than or equal to 2 mm. With such a configuration, without changing the volume of the body 10, the above design can increase the volume of the flow cavity enclosed by the body 10 and the end cap 20, thereby facilitating the mixing of fluids within the flow cavity 14. At the same time, compared to the configuration in which part of the end cap 20 is located within the port 12, disposing the end cap 20 on the end face of the port 12 can reduce the volume of the body 10, thereby facilitating the processing and molding of the body. In this case, in order to ensure the welding strength between the body 10 and the end cover 20, the body 10 and the end cover 20 are welded by argon arc welding or laser welding. In addition, the argon arc welding and laser welding methods can reduce the possibility of gaps between the body 10 and the end cover 20 at the welding position, thereby improving the sealing performance of the pipe connector. Among them, when the end cover 20 is set on the end face of the port 12, that is, when one end face of the end cover 20 is arranged in contact with the end face of the port 12, 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; when the end cover 20 is at least partially located in the port 12, the volume of the cavity 13 is greater than the volume of the flow cavity 14.

[0035] In the present application, the body 10 has a first end 101 and a second end 102 that are oppositely disposed. The first communication port 11 is located at the first end 101, and the port 12 is located at the second end 102. The area of ​​the flow cavity 14 of the body 10 gradually increases from the first end 101 to the second end 102. This arrangement can reduce fluid pressure loss and ensure more stable fluid flow within the flow cavity 14.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, in the second embodiment provided by the present application, the cross-section of the cavity 13 along the flow direction is a tapered structure. Such a configuration can facilitate the processing and forming of the main body 10, reducing production costs. At the same time, the tapered structure, due to its simple structural configuration, can save processing steps during the processing of the main body 10, thereby 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 relatively arranged. The front side and the rear side are parallel to each other and extend along the flow direction. The left side and the right side are inclined surfaces, and the distance between the left side and the right side gradually increases along the flow direction. Of course, the cavity 13 can also be configured as a cone as needed.

[0037] Specifically, the conical structure has a cone angle α, where 180°>α≥30°. When the cone angle α is less than 30°, turbulence is likely to occur when the fluid in the body 10 flows from the first end 101 to the second end 102. When 180°≤α, there is a risk of backflow. Therefore, setting 180°>α≥30° can ensure the stability of fluid flow and reduce the possibility of fluid backflow. In this application, the cone angle is set to 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90°.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, in the third embodiment provided by the present application, the cross-section of the cavity 13 along the flow direction is an arc-shaped structure. This configuration can reduce fluid pressure loss and further improve the fluid movement efficiency. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cavity 13 has a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side that are relatively arranged. The front side and the rear side are parallel to each other and extend along the flow direction. 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 first gradually increases and then remains equal.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments of the present application, the cross-section of cavity 13 perpendicular to the flow direction has a waist-shaped profile. This configuration results in a flat overall shape for the pipe connector, which helps reduce the space occupied by the pipe connector and facilitates the design of the pipe connection structure. Specifically, the shape of end cap 20 matches this, i.e., end cap 20 also has a waist-shaped structure, with two second communication ports 21 spaced apart along the length of the waist-shaped structure. As a specific embodiment, the two second communication ports 21 can be symmetrically arranged and have equal inner diameters.

[0040] In this application, the end cap 20, the body 10, the air inlet pipe, and the air outlet pipe are all made of stainless steel, and the end cap 20 is cut from a plate, stamped and flanging, or welded. This arrangement can significantly reduce the production cost of the pipe connector. At the same time, the end cap 20 is manufactured using the above-mentioned process, which can facilitate the processing of the end cap 20 and improve production efficiency.

[0041] Specifically, there are at least two second communication ports 21, with multiple second communication ports 21 spaced apart and connected to outlet pipes one by one. The need to connect multiple pipelines often involves the simultaneous connection of multiple pipelines to a single pipeline. This arrangement satisfies both the flow diversion effect of the pipeline connector and the connection effect of the pipelines, facilitating the layout of the system pipelines and improving the system's integration.

[0042] In the present application, the depth of the first communication port 11 and the second communication port 21 is greater than or equal to 2 mm. This configuration can increase 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. In addition, increasing the contact surface area is also conducive to improving the welding strength and reducing the possibility of failure of the connection between the inlet pipe and the first communication port 11, and between the outlet pipe and the second communication port 21. Specifically, the depth of the first communication port 11 and the second communication port 21 can be set to 2 mm, 3 mm, or 5 mm.

[0043] As shown in FIG7 , in the fourth embodiment provided in the present application, a mounting boss 22 is provided around the second communication port 21 to assist in fixing the outlet pipe and further increase the connection strength between the second communication port 21 and the outlet pipe. Specifically, the mounting boss 22 can be provided on the end face of the end cover 20 facing outward, or on the end face of the end cover 20 facing inward. Specifically, the mounting boss 22 and the end cover 20 can be an integrally formed structure or a split structure. When the mounting boss 22 and the end cover 20 are an integrally formed structure, the mounting boss 22 can be formed by flanging the end cover 20; when the mounting boss 22 and the end cover 20 are a split structure, the mounting boss 22 can be fixedly connected to the end cover 20 by welding.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8, in the fifth embodiment provided by the present application, the outline of the cross section of the cavity 13 perpendicular to the flow direction is circular. Through the above-mentioned arrangement, the main body 10 can be formed using a stainless steel tube through a rotational shrinkage process. Compared with the traditional process of using copper materials for processing and forming, the process of rotational shrinkage of stainless steel tubes can effectively reduce the production cost of pipeline connectors. Correspondingly, the shape of the end cap 20 matches the shape of the main body 10, that is, the end cap 20 is also set to 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.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4 , in this application, there are two second communication ports 21 , each with an inner diameter of R2 , and a center-to-center distance of L between two adjacent second communication ports 21 , where L ≥ 0.5R2 . This arrangement increases the spacing between adjacent outlet pipes, facilitates welding of the outlet pipes to the second communication ports 21 , and improves installation efficiency.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, in the present 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 pressure loss of the fluid can be reduced and the distribution effect of the fluid can be ensured. At the same time, in the specification selection, when the outer diameter of the inlet pipe of the specification application is greater than or equal to 12.7 mm, compared with the traditional technical solution that selects more expensive materials such as copper, the present application can further reduce the production cost of the pipeline connector.

[0047] In another embodiment of the present application, L≥0.5R2, R1≥R2, and R1≥12.7mm. Through the above setting, it is possible to ensure the fluid distribution effect, reduce the production cost of the pipeline connector, facilitate the welding of the outlet pipe and the second connecting port 21, and improve the installation efficiency.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0049] Unless otherwise specified, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. Meanwhile, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. Technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as a part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments can have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in an accompanying drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0050] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0051] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0052] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A pipe connector, characterized in that: The pipeline connector comprises: A body (10), the body (10) having a first communication port (11), a port (12) and a cavity (13), the first communication port (11) and the port (12) being respectively located at two ends of the cavity (13) and both being in communication with the cavity (13), the first communication port (11) being connected to an inlet pipe; An end cover (20), wherein the end cover (20) is arranged at the port (12), the end cover (20) has a second communication port (21), the second communication port (21) is connected to the outlet pipe, the end cover (20) cooperates with the body (10) 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.

2. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least part of the end cap (20) is located in the port (12), and the length of the end cap (20) located in the port (12) is greater than 2 mm, and the flow cavity (14) is part of the cavity (13).

3. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end cap (20) is arranged on the end surface of the port (12); or, The end cap (20) is partially located in the port (12), and the length of the end cap (20) located in the port (12) is less than or equal to 2 mm; Wherein, when the end cover (20) is arranged on the end surface of the port (12), the flow cavity (14) is the entirety of the cavity (13).

4. The pipe connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The body (10) has a first end (101) and a second end (102) arranged opposite to each other, the first connecting 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 body (10) gradually increases from the first end (101) to the second end (102).

5. The pipe connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cross section of the cavity (13) along the flow direction is a conical structure or an arc structure.

6. The pipe connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The conical structure has a cone angle α, wherein 180°>α≥30°.

7. The pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The profile of the cavity (13) along a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction is a waist-shaped structure or a circular structure.

8. The pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The number of the second communication ports (21) is at least two, the plurality of the second communication ports (21) are arranged at intervals, and the plurality of the second communication ports (21) are connected to the outlet pipes in a one-to-one correspondence.

9. The pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The end cover (20), the body (10), the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are all made of stainless steel, and the end cover (20) is formed by cutting or stamping a plate or welding.

10. The pipe connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The depth of the first communication opening (11) and the second communication opening (21) is greater than or equal to 2 mm.

11. The pipe connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: There are two second communicating ports (21), the inner diameter of the second communicating ports (21) is R2, and the center distance between two adjacent second communicating ports (21) is L, wherein L≥0.5R2; And / or, the inner diameter of the first communication port (11) is R1, wherein R1≥R2, and R1≥12.7 mm.

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