Rivetable pipe connector, assembly comprising same, and mounting method therefor

Abstract

A pipe connector capable of being riveted to a component to be riveted, a riveting assembly, and a mounting method. The pipe connector (10) comprises: a body (110) internally provided with a through hole (111). The body comprises: a connecting portion (112), the connecting portion comprising a proximal end (121) for connecting a pipe fitting and a distal end (122) relatively far away from the proximal end; a deformation portion (113), a proximal end of the deformation portion being connected to the distal end of the connecting portion, wherein the outer diameter of the distal end of the connecting portion is larger than the outer diameter of the deformation portion, and the deformation portion can radially protrude outward under the action of external force so as to work in conjunction with the distal end of the connecting portion to clamp a component to be riveted (102); and a limiting portion (114), the connecting portion being connected to the deformation portion by means of the limiting portion, and the outer diameter of the limiting portion being larger than that of the deformation portion and smaller than that of the distal end of the connecting portion, wherein the limiting portion is configured so that when the deformation portion is inserted into an opening (105) of the component to be riveted, the limiting portion abuts against the opening to limit the rotation of the pipe connector about an axis in the extension direction of the through hole of the pipe connector. The riveting assembly comprises a component to be riveted and the pipe connector. The mounting method comprises: providing a component to be riveted, the component to be riveted being provided with a fluid channel (103); and inserting a deformation portion of a pipe connector into the fluid channel through an opening, such that a limiting portion abuts against the opening.

Description

Riveted pipe fittings and their components and installation methods Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of fluid transport systems, and more specifically, to a riveted pipe fitting, its components, and an installation method. Background Technology

[0002] Fluid transport systems (such as liquid cooling systems) are widely used in many fields, including data centers, electronic equipment, automobiles, and aerospace. In such systems, pipe fittings, as key components connecting pipelines and fluid channels, have structural designs that directly affect the system's heat dissipation efficiency, operational reliability, and installation and maintenance costs.

[0003] Currently, common pipe fitting installation methods mainly include welding and hot drilling. While welding offers good sealing performance, its complex installation process requires highly skilled operators and is heavily dependent on the construction environment, significantly increasing manufacturing and installation costs and limiting its widespread application. Hot drilling, although enabling rapid connections in some thermoplastic materials, also has several drawbacks: its applicability is limited, making it difficult to apply to metals or composite materials; localized heating can easily cause structural deformation, affecting connection strength and sealing performance; and its process parameters are sensitive, making installation failures prone to errors due to operational deviations. Furthermore, hot drilling connections are not conducive to subsequent maintenance and reassembly, and pose certain safety hazards.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a pipe fitting and its installation method that is easy to install, compact in structure, reliable in connection, and low in maintenance cost, in order to meet the higher requirements of modern fluid transport systems for performance, efficiency and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of this application is to provide an improved riveted pipe fitting, its components, and an installation method.

[0006] In one aspect of this application, a pipe fitting that can be riveted to a member to be riveted is provided, comprising: a body having a through hole therethrough, and the body including: a connecting portion including a proximal end for connecting a pipe and a distal end relatively away from the proximal end; a deformable portion having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the connecting portion, wherein the outer diameter of the distal end of the connecting portion is larger than the outer diameter of the deformable portion, and the deformable portion can protrude radially outward under external force to cooperate with the distal end of the connecting portion in clamping the member to be riveted; and a limiting portion having the connecting portion connected to the deformable portion via the limiting portion, the outer diameter of the limiting portion being larger than the outer diameter of the deformable portion and smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end of the connecting portion, the limiting portion being configured to abut against the opening during the process of the deformable portion being inserted into the opening on the member to be riveted to restrict the rotation of the pipe fitting about an axis extending in the through hole direction.

[0007] In another aspect of this application, a riveting assembly is provided, comprising: a member to be riveted, the member having a fluid channel and at least one opening on the wall of the fluid channel; and a pipe connector as described in the claims or embodiments of this application, wherein a deformable portion of the pipe connector is inserted into the fluid channel through the opening and protrudes radially outward under external force to cooperate with the distal end of the connecting portion in clamping the wall of the fluid channel, thereby fixing the pipe connector to the member to be riveted.

[0008] In another aspect of this application, a method for installing a pipe fitting described in the claims or embodiments of this application to a component to be riveted is provided, comprising: providing a component to be riveted, the component having a fluid channel and at least one opening provided on the wall of the fluid channel; inserting a deformable portion of the pipe fitting through the opening into the fluid channel, such that the limiting portion abuts against the opening; applying a force to the deformable portion, thereby causing the deformable portion to protrude radially outward, so as to cooperate with the distal end of the connecting portion to clamp the wall of the fluid channel.

[0009] In another aspect of this application, a pipe fitting that can be riveted to a component to be riveted is provided, comprising: a body having a through hole therethrough, and the body including: a connecting portion including a proximal end for connecting a pipe and a distal end relatively away from the proximal end; a deformable portion having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the connecting portion, wherein the outer diameter of the distal end of the connecting portion is larger than the outer diameter of the deformable portion, and the deformable portion can protrude radially outward under external force to cooperate with the distal end of the connecting portion in clamping the component to be riveted; the body further including a riveting portion having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the deformable portion, and the through hole having at least partially provided internal threads for engaging with a riveting tool at the location of the riveting portion, wherein the deformable portion is connected to the riveting portion through a breakable portion that is prone to breakage under external force, thereby causing the riveting portion to separate from the pipe fitting.

[0010] In another aspect of this application, a pipe fitting structure is provided, comprising: a main body having a cavity for communication; a deformation portion provided at the middle position of the main body, and a riveting portion and a connecting portion respectively connected to both sides of the deformation portion; the inner wall of the connecting portion having an internal thread, and the outer diameter of the connecting portion being larger than the outer diameter of the deformation portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sidewall of the connecting portion facing the direction of the deformable portion has a platform, and the sidewall of the platform facing the deformable portion has a sealing groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, a sealing strip is installed or sealant is filled in the sealing groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connection between the platform and the deformable part has a beveled portion, and the beveled portion has an inclination angle of 45°.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the deformed part is provided with a toothed structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the deformed part is set as a polygonal structure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sidewall of the platform is provided with a plurality of protrusions at intervals.

[0017] In another aspect of this application, a pipe joint mounting structure is provided, comprising the pipe joint structure described in the above embodiments, wherein the rivet portion on the main body is inserted into a rectangular tube, and the connecting portion on the main body abuts against the outer wall of the rectangular tube; wherein the deformation portion is extruded and deformed to form a stop portion, and the stop portion abuts against the inner wall of the rectangular tube.

[0018] In some embodiments, the connecting portion has a platform on the side wall facing the deformable portion, and a sealing groove is formed on the side wall of the platform facing the deformable portion. A sealing strip is installed or sealant is filled in the sealing groove to seal the connection between the platform and the outer wall of the rectangular tube.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connection between the platform and the deformed part has a beveled portion, and the beveled portion is pressed against the wall of the connecting hole of the rectangular tube to form a blocking structure for sealing the connection between the platform and the outer wall of the rectangular tube.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the deformed part is characterized by a toothed structure, which is used to form a stop with a toothed cross-section.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cross-section of the deformed part is set as a polygonal structure to form a stop with a polygonal cross-section.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sidewall of the platform is provided with a plurality of protrusions spaced apart, and the plurality of protrusions are pressed and embedded in the outer wall of the rectangular tube.

[0023] In some embodiments, the deformed portion undergoes annealing.

[0024] In another aspect of this application, a liquid-cooled pipe joint with low head loss is provided, comprising a flange portion and a body and a deformable portion coaxially disposed on both sides of the flange portion. The deformable portion has a riveting portion at one end opposite to the flange portion. The deformable portion is detachably connected to the riveting portion through a connecting portion. The end face of the body opposite to the flange portion has a through hole extending to the riveting portion. The riveting portion has a riveting thread that can be connected to a riveting tool.

[0025] In some embodiments, a sealing groove is provided on the side of the flange facing away from the body, surrounding the deformed portion, and the sealing groove is used to accommodate a sealing ring.

[0026] In some embodiments, a limiting part is provided at the connection between the flange and the deformable part.

[0027] In some embodiments, the limiting portion is a polygonal structure coaxially arranged with the flange portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the body has an internal thread, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the rivet thread.

[0029] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the riveted portion is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the deformed portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the connecting portion is less than the wall thickness of the deformable portion.

[0031] In another aspect of this application, a connection structure for a low head loss liquid-cooled pipe joint is provided, characterized in that it comprises: a tubular profile having mounting holes; a liquid-cooled pipe joint including a flange portion and a body coaxially disposed on both sides of the flange portion, and a deformable portion at least partially deformable into a deformable unit, wherein the deformable portion has a riveting portion at one end away from the flange portion, and the deformable portion is detachably connected to the riveting portion via a connecting portion; the body has a through hole extending to the riveting portion, and the riveting portion... The part has a riveting thread that can be connected to a riveting tool; the liquid-cooled pipe joint passes through the mounting hole of the tubular profile; under the action of the riveting tool, the riveting part breaks apart from the deformed part, and at least a portion of the deformed part is deformed into a deformable unit under the action of the riveting part; the deformable unit and the flange part clamp the plate of the tubular profile with the mounting hole, thereby making the liquid-cooled pipe joint riveted to the tubular profile; the riveting part breaks apart from the deformed deformable unit, thereby reducing head loss.

[0032] In some embodiments, a limiting part is provided at the connection between the flange and the deformable part, and a limiting hole that mates with the limiting part is provided on the end face of the tubular profile.

[0033] In some embodiments, a sealing groove is provided on the side of the flange facing away from the body, surrounding the deformed portion. The sealing groove is used to accommodate a sealing ring, and the flange is pressed against the end face of the tubular profile to seal the sealing ring.

[0034] Another aspect of this application provides a method for using a low head loss liquid-cooled pipe joint, characterized by comprising the following steps: Step 1, providing a liquid-cooled pipe joint, the liquid-cooled pipe joint comprising a flange portion and a body and a deformable portion coaxially disposed on both sides of the flange portion, the deformable portion having a riveting portion at one end opposite to the flange portion, the deformable portion being detachably connected to the riveting portion via a connecting portion; the end face of the body opposite to the flange portion having a through hole extending to the riveting portion, the inner wall of the riveting portion having a riveting thread capable of connecting with a riveting tool; Step 2, providing a tubular profile, the tubular profile... The system has mounting holes for riveting the liquid-cooled pipe joint; Step 3, one end of the liquid-cooled pipe joint with the riveting part is inserted into the mounting hole, and the flange part is tightly attached to the end face of the tubular profile with the mounting hole; Step 4, a riveting tool is used to connect with the riveting part, and the riveting part is pulled, causing the riveting part to break from the deformed part. The riveting tool continues to pull the riveting part and moves it towards the flange part, causing the riveting part to abut against the deformed part, thereby causing the deformed part to undergo plastic deformation and become a deformed unit riveted to the tubular profile; Step 5, the riveting tool is rotated to separate from the riveting part, thereby causing the riveting part to fall off.

[0035] In some embodiments, step three further includes providing a sealing groove around the deformed portion on the side of the flange facing away from the body, the sealing groove being used to accommodate a sealing ring, and the sealing ring being pressed against the end face of the flange and the tubular profile having a mounting hole.

[0036] In some embodiments, step three further includes a limiting part at the connection between the flange and the deformable part, and a limiting hole that mates with the limiting part on the end face of the tubular profile.

[0037] In another aspect, this application provides a method for using a low-head-loss liquid-cooled pipe joint, characterized by the following steps: Step 1, providing a liquid-cooled pipe joint, the liquid-cooled pipe joint including a flange portion and a body and a deformable portion coaxially disposed on both sides of the flange portion, the deformable portion having a riveting portion at one end opposite to the flange portion, the deformable portion being detachably connected to the riveting portion via a connecting portion; the end face of the body opposite to the flange portion having a through hole extending to the riveting portion, the inner wall of the riveting portion having a riveting thread capable of connecting with a riveting tool; Step 2, providing a tubular profile, the tubular profile having a... Step 3: The liquid cooling pipe joint has a riveting hole for riveting; Step 4: The end of the liquid cooling pipe joint with the riveting part is inserted into the mounting hole, and the flange part is in close contact with the end face of the tubular profile with the mounting hole; Step 5: The riveting tool is used to connect with the riveting part and pull the riveting part towards the flange part, so that the deformable part undergoes plastic deformation, and at least part of the deformable part is deformed into a deformable unit that is riveted to the tubular profile; Step 6: The riveting tool continues to pull the riveting part until the riveting part breaks and separates from the deformable unit, and the riveting tool rotates to separate from the riveting part, thereby causing the riveting part to fall off. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The above and other features of this application will become more fully clear through the description and appended claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only a few embodiments of this application and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the application. The application will be described more clearly and in more detail through the use of the drawings.

[0039] Figure 1A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 1B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting shown in Figure 1A;

[0041] Figure 1C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveted assembly formed after the pipe fitting shown in Figure 1A is riveted and installed onto the component to be riveted;

[0042] Figure 1D schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to another embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 2A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to another embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting shown in Figure 2A;

[0045] Figure 2C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveted assembly formed after the pipe fitting shown in Figure 2A is riveted and installed onto the component to be riveted;

[0046] Figure 3A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to another embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 3B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting shown in Figure 3A;

[0048] Figure 3C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveted assembly formed after the pipe fitting shown in Figure 3A is riveted and installed onto the component to be riveted;

[0049] Figure 4A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to another embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 4B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting shown in Figure 4A;

[0051] Figure 5A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to another embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 5B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting shown in Figure 5A;

[0053] Figure 5C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveted assembly formed after the pipe fitting shown in Figure 5A is riveted and installed onto the component to be riveted;

[0054] Figure 5D schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting according to yet another embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of an installation method for installing a pipe fitting to a component to be riveted, according to an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 7A schematically illustrates a perspective view of one of the steps in forming a flat mounting area on a member to be riveted, according to an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 7B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the steps shown in Figure 7A;

[0058] Figure 7C schematically illustrates a perspective view of one of the steps in forming a flat mounting area on a member to be riveted, according to an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 7D schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the steps shown in Figure 7C;

[0060] Figure 7E schematically shows a perspective view of a component to be riveted, having a flat mounting area, formed according to the steps shown in Figures 7A and 7C;

[0061] Figure 7F schematically shows a perspective view of the component to be riveted shown in Figure 7E after riveting a pipe joint according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings, similar symbols generally denote similar components unless the context otherwise requires. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments and variations may be employed without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter of this application. It will be understood that various different configurations, substitutions, combinations, and designs can be made to the various aspects of the general description and illustrated in the drawings of this application, all of which explicitly form part of the subject matter of this application.

[0063] In this application, unless otherwise expressly stated, the singular is used to include the plural. In this application, unless otherwise stated, the use of "or" means "and / or". Furthermore, the term "comprising," as well as terms such as "including" and "containing," should be understood as open-ended terms and should not be construed as exclusive or restrictive. Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, terms such as "element" or "component" cover elements and components comprising one unit, as well as elements and components comprising more than one sub-unit. Additionally, the section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0064] As used herein, spatially relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “above,” “over,” “upper,” “upper side,” “lower side,” “left side,” “right side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the accompanying figures. In addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present.

[0065] It should be noted that the riveted pipe fitting described in this application can be any fitting component used for riveting to the component to be riveted. It achieves fluid communication between the fluid channel in the component to be riveted and the pipe connected to the fitting through its own through-hole. The fitting can adopt any structure or layout capable of achieving the above functions, such as a straight pipe fitting, a bent pipe fitting, or a multi-channel pipe fitting. Furthermore, the external contour or the cross-sectional shape of the internal through-hole of the fitting can be designed as any shape, such as circular, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes, as needed. The component to be riveted in this application can be any component with a fluid channel, which can be part of a liquid cooling system, such as a coolant fluid channel arranged in a server or electrical equipment rack. Of course, the component to be riveted can also be the entirety or part of any device, apparatus, or component with a fluid channel for other purposes.

[0066] Figure 1A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting 101 according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting 101 shown in Figure 1A. Figure 1C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveted assembly formed after the pipe fitting 101 shown in Figure 1A is riveted to the member 102 to be riveted.

[0067] As shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the riveted pipe fitting 101 includes a body 110 and a through hole 111 extending through the body 110. The body 110 includes a connecting portion 112 and a deformable portion 113. The connecting portion 112 includes a proximal end 121 for connecting the pipe or fitting to be connected and a distal end 122 relatively away from the proximal end 121. The proximal end 131 of the deformable portion 113 connects to the distal end 122 of the connecting portion 112, and the outer diameter of the distal end 122 is larger than the outer diameter of the deformable portion 113. Although in the embodiment shown, the distal end 122 of the connecting portion 112 has a flange structure, and the outer diameter of the distal end 122 is larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end 121, in some embodiments, the connecting portion 112 may also have a uniform outer diameter overall, and its overall outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the deformable portion 113. It should be noted that the "outer diameter" mentioned in this application is not limited to the diameter of a circular cross-section. For non-circular structures, the "outer diameter" should be understood as the corresponding external dimension, such as the maximum external dimension or equivalent dimension. Furthermore, although the outer periphery of the connecting portion 122 of the pipe fitting shown in Figures 1A to 1C is circular in cross-section, it can obviously also have an outer periphery with any other cross-sectional shape. Figure 1D schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting 101' according to another embodiment of this application. The main difference between the pipe fitting shown in Figure 1A and the pipe fitting 101' shown in Figure 1D is its connecting portion 112'. Specifically, the outer periphery of the connecting portion 112' of the pipe fitting 101' shown in Figure 1D has a hexagonal cross-section, which facilitates the riveting and installation operation of the pipe fitting 101'. In some embodiments, the connecting portion 112' of the pipe fitting 101' can also have other outer periphery profiles; for example, the connecting portion 112' can be an elongated structure with an outer periphery cross-section that is elliptical, square, star-shaped, or other arbitrary polygonal. As shown in Figure 1B, the through hole 111 has an internal thread 128 at a position corresponding to the connecting part 112, so that the pipe or fitting to be connected can achieve fluid connection with the pipe joint 101 by cooperating with the internal thread 128. In some embodiments, the connecting part 112 may also have other structures for connecting pipes or fittings. For example, an external thread structure at least partially provided on the outer surface of the connecting part 112, a groove structure at least partially provided on the outer surface of the connecting part 112, a tapered transition surface structure, or a toothed structure, etc. As shown in Figure 1C, when the pipe joint 101 is riveted to the member 102 to be riveted, the deformable part 113 protrudes radially outward under the action of external force. The deformable part 113, after deformation, protrudes radially outward and cooperates with the distal end 122 of the connecting part 112 to clamp the pipe wall 104 of the member 102 to be riveted, thereby fixing the pipe joint 101 to the member 102 to be riveted.

[0068] Referring again to FIG1B, the proximal end 131 of the deformable portion 113 is connected to the distal end 122 of the connecting portion 112 via the limiting portion 114. The outer diameter of the limiting portion 114 is larger than the outer diameter of the deformable portion 113 and smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end 122 of the connecting portion 112, and the cross-section of its outer periphery has a polygonal structure. In this case, when the deformable portion 113 is inserted into the opening 105 on the member to be riveted 102 as shown in FIG1C to rivet the pipe joint 101 to the member to be riveted 102, the limiting portion 114 abuts against the opening 105, which corresponds to the size and shape, to restrict the pipe joint 101 from deflecting about the axis of its through hole 111. Specifically, the opening 105 can also be polygonal or other corresponding shapes, thereby restricting the rotation of the limiting portion 114 in the opening 105. Therefore, the limiting part 114 effectively prevents the pipe joint 101 from rotating or sliding around the axis of its through hole 111 during the process of riveting the pipe joint 101 to the member 102 to be riveted, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the final riveted structure and avoiding loosening or failure due to torsion. In addition, after the pipe joint 101 is riveted to the member 102 to be riveted, the abutting action between the limiting part 114 and the opening 105 can also effectively improve the torsional resistance of the pipe joint, thereby enhancing the durability of the connection structure.

[0069] It should be noted that, although in the embodiment shown in the figure, the limiting part 114 achieves the above-mentioned anti-torsional effect by abutting against the corresponding opening 105 through its outer peripheral contour, which has a polygonal cross-section, in some embodiments, the limiting part 114 may also be other structures or configurations that can abut against the opening 105 to achieve the anti-torsional effect. For example, in some embodiments, the outer peripheral contour of the limiting part 114 may be a non-circular contour, such as an outer peripheral contour with a D-shaped, hexagonal, or elliptical cross-section, so that it can abut against the opening 105 with a corresponding contour, thereby providing the above-mentioned anti-torsional effect. In other embodiments, at least one protrusion, such as a pair of lugs, may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the limiting part 114. During use, the protrusion can match the corresponding recessed structure on the opening 105 to achieve the above-mentioned anti-torsional effect. In still other embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the limiting part is provided with a surface structure for enhancing friction, such as a knurled structure, a granular protrusion structure, and a rubber coating structure. The surface structure that enhances friction engages with the inner wall of the opening 105 to enhance the friction between the outer peripheral surface of the limiting portion 114 and the inner wall of the opening 105, thereby achieving the aforementioned anti-torsion effect.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1A to 1C, a groove 125 is also provided on the outer end face 123 (the end face facing the deformable part 113) of the distal end 122 of the connecting part 112. This groove is arranged around the outer periphery of the deformable part 113 and is used to accommodate the sealing element 124. After the pipe joint 101 is riveted to the component 102 to be riveted, the sealing element 124 provided in the groove 125 can effectively achieve a fluid seal between the pipe joint 101 and the component 102 to be riveted. Although the sealing element 124 shown is an O-ring structure, in some other embodiments, the sealing element 124 can also be other structures that can achieve a sealing effect, such as a gasket structure. In other embodiments, a silicone or rubber coating can be provided on the outer end face 123 of the connecting part 112 to achieve the above-mentioned sealing effect. In some embodiments, during the process of riveting the fitting 101 to the member 102 to be riveted, the outer end face 123 is at least partially coated with a liquid sealant (such as silicone or anaerobic adhesive) to achieve a fluid seal between the fitting 101 and the member 102 to be riveted.

[0071] Referring again to Figures 1B and 1C, the main body 110 further includes a riveting portion 115. The proximal end 151 of the riveting portion 115 is connected to the distal end 132 of the deformable portion 113. A through-hole 111 has at least partially an internal thread 153 at the location of the riveting portion 115. This internal thread 153 can be used to engage with a riveting tool, thereby driving the riveting portion 115 towards the deformable portion 113 when the riveting tool rotates. This, in turn, drives the deformable portion 113 to produce a radially outward deformation as shown in Figure 1C, cooperating with the distal end 122 of the connecting portion 112 to clamp the pipe wall 104 of the member 102 to be riveted. As shown, the diameter of the through-hole 111 at the riveting portion is smaller than its diameter at the connecting portion 112 and the deformable portion 113.

[0072] Figure 1C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveting assembly formed after the pipe fitting shown in Figure 1A is riveted to the component to be riveted. As shown, the riveting assembly includes the component to be riveted 102. The component to be riveted 102 includes a fluid channel 103, and an opening 105 is provided on the wall 104 of the fluid channel 103. The deformable portion 113 of the pipe fitting 101 is inserted into the fluid channel 103 through the opening 105, and after deformation, the radially outwardly protruding deformable portion 113 cooperates with the distal end 122 of the connecting portion 112 to clamp the wall 104 of the fluid channel 103, thereby fixing the pipe fitting 101 to the component to be riveted 102. As shown in Figure 1C, the limiting portion 114 of the pipe fitting 103 abuts against the opening 105, thereby restricting the rotation of the pipe fitting 103 about the axis extending in the through hole 111.

[0073] Figure 2A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting 201 according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 2B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting 201 shown in Figure 2A. Figure 2C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveted assembly formed after the pipe fitting 201 shown in Figure 2A is riveted to the member 202 to be riveted.

[0074] Figures 2A to 2C show pipe fittings 201 similar to pipe fitting 101 shown in Figure 1A. The overall structure of pipe fitting 201 is largely the same as that of pipe fitting 101, with the main difference being its deformable portion and riveting portion. Specifically, the body 210 of pipe fitting 201 does not include a riveting portion for engagement with a riveting tool. Correspondingly, the deformable portion 213 of pipe fitting 201 is configured such that its distal end 232 can be folded radially outward under external force, thereby enabling it to cooperate with the distal end 222 of the connecting portion 212 to clamp the member 102 to be riveted.

[0075] Figure 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the riveting assembly formed after the pipe fitting 201 shown in Figure 2A is riveted to the member 202 to be riveted. As shown, the riveting assembly includes the member 202 to be riveted, which has a fluid channel 203, and an opening 205 is provided on the pipe wall 204 of the fluid channel 203. The deformable portion 213 of the pipe fitting 201 is inserted into the fluid channel 203 through the opening 205, and its distal end 232 is radially folded outward under the action of external force, and cooperates with the distal end 222 of the connecting portion 212 to clamp the pipe 204 of the fluid channel 203, thereby fixing the pipe fitting 201 to the member 202 to be riveted. The other structures of this riveting assembly are generally the same as those of the riveting assembly shown in Figure 1C, and will not be described again here. By adopting the above-mentioned special construction of the deformable portion 213, the deformable portion 213 after final installation can fit as close as possible to the pipe wall 204, thereby reducing the impact of the excessively protruding deformable portion and the presence of the riveting portion on the fluid flow in the fluid channel 203.

[0076] Figure 3A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting 301 according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 3B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting 301 shown in Figure 3A. Figure 3C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveted assembly formed after the pipe fitting 301 shown in Figure 3A is riveted and installed onto the component to be riveted.

[0077] Figures 3A to 3C show pipe fittings 301 similar to pipe fitting 101 shown in Figure 1A. The overall structure of pipe fitting 301 is largely the same as that of pipe fitting 101. The main difference is that a breakable portion 316 is further provided between the deformable portion 313 and the riveting portion 315 of pipe fitting 301. This breakable portion 316 is designed to easily break under external force, so that the riveting portion 315 can be separated from pipe fitting 301 after the riveting operation is completed.

[0078] Figure 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the riveting assembly formed after the pipe fitting 301 shown in Figure 3A is riveted and installed onto the member 302 to be riveted. As shown, the riveting assembly includes the member 302 to be riveted, which has a fluid channel 303, and an opening 305 is provided on the pipe wall 304 of the fluid channel 303. The deformable portion 313 of the pipe fitting 301 is inserted into the fluid channel 303 through the opening 305 and deforms radially outward under the action of external force to cooperate with the distal end 322 of the connecting portion 312 to clamp the pipe 304 of the fluid channel 303, thereby fixing the pipe fitting 301 to the member 302 to be riveted. Compared with the structure of the riveting assembly shown in Figure 1C, its main difference is that there is no rivet portion 315, which effectively reduces the impact of the presence of the rivet portion on the fluid flow in the fluid channel 203.

[0079] Referring again to Figures 3A and 3B, the outer diameter of the fracture-prone portion 316 is smaller than the outer diameters of the deformable portion 313 and the riveting portion 315, thus forming a reduced-diameter section. Therefore, it is prone to fracture under external force. In some embodiments, the fracture-prone portion 316 may also be a V-shaped groove or cut arranged at least partially circumferentially between the deformable portion 313 and the riveting portion 315, thereby forming a stress concentration area that is prone to controlled fracture under external force. In other embodiments, the fracture-prone portion 316 may have a thinner wall thickness, for example, less than the wall thickness of the deformable portion 313 and the riveting portion 315, thereby achieving the aforementioned fracture-prone effect. In still other embodiments, the fracture-prone portion 316 may also be an opening structure partially circumferentially disposed between the deformable portion 313 and the riveting portion 315. Due to the presence of one or more openings arranged circumferentially, this area can weaken the mechanical strength of the portion between the deformable portion 313 and the riveting portion 315, thereby making it prone to fracture at this location. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that the fracturing portion 316 can also employ any other structure or construction that facilitates controlled fracture in this area, such as a recess, serration, or opening structure provided in this area. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the construction on the fracturing portion 316 can be an annular structure along its outer peripheral surface, or an intermittent structure formed locally therein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will also understand that, in addition to the structural design, the fracturing portion 316 can also be made of a different material than other parts of the pipe joint 301, thereby achieving the aforementioned effect through the inherent fracturing properties of the material itself.

[0080] Figure 4A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting 401 according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 4B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting 401 shown in Figure 4A.

[0081] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate another type of fracturing section 416 construction in pipe structure 401. Specifically, the fracturing section 416 is a tapered transition section structure located between the deformable section 413 and the riveting section 415. Its outer contour gradually tapers from the distal end 432 of the deformable section 413 towards the proximal end 451 of the riveting section 415, thereby achieving a controllable fracture direction and strength, and the final fracture structure is relatively natural. Apart from the fracturing section 416, the other structures of the pipe joint 401 are basically the same as those of the pipe joint 301 shown in Figures 3A and 3B, and will not be described in detail here.

[0082] Figure 5A schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe fitting 501 according to another embodiment of this application. Figure 5B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the pipe fitting 501 shown in Figure 5A. Figure 5C schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the riveted assembly formed after the pipe fitting 501 shown in Figure 5A is riveted to the member 502 to be riveted.

[0083] The main difference between the pipe connector 501 shown in Figures 5A to 5C and the pipe connector 101 shown in Figures 1A to 1C is that the outer contour of its deformable portion 513 is a polygonal outline. This deformable portion 513 can directly abut against the matching opening, thus restricting the pipe connector 501 from rotating about the axis of its through hole. In addition to the above difference, the pipe connector 501 also has a transition slope 527 between its connecting portion 512 and the deformable portion 513. The angle between the transition slope 527 and the axis of the pipe connector 501 along the extension direction of the through hole is 30 to 60 degrees, preferably 45 degrees. As shown in Figure 5C, through the provision of this transition slope 527, during the process of riveting the pipe connector 501 to the component 502 to be riveted, the transition slope 527 can compress the edge of the opening 505, thereby forming a more effective sealing structure between the transition slope 527 and the edge of the opening 505.

[0084] Figure 5D schematically shows a perspective view of a pipe joint 501' according to another embodiment of this application. As shown, the main difference between it and the pipe joint 501 shown in Figure 5A is that a protrusion 526' is formed on the outer end face 523' at the distal end of the connecting portion 512'. This protrusion 526' can enhance the friction between the outer end face 523' and the outer wall surface near the opening of the component to be riveted, thereby also achieving the effect of restricting the rotation of the pipe joint 501' around its through-hole axis. It should be noted that although the protrusion 526' shown in the figure is a plurality of protrusions 526' extending radially outward, the protrusions 526' can also adopt other arrangements, such as a dotted structure arranged on the outer end face 523'. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that other surface structures for enhancing friction can be provided on the outer end face 523' to achieve the above-mentioned anti-torsion effect, such as knurled structures, toothed structures, and rubber coating structures.

[0085] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 for installing a pipe fitting to a component to be riveted according to an embodiment of this application. Method 600 will now be described in conjunction with Figures 1A to 1C. First, in step 601, a component 102 to be riveted, as shown in Figure 1C, is provided. As previously mentioned, the component 102 to be riveted can be any component with a fluid channel, which can be part of a liquid cooling system, such as a coolant fluid channel arranged in a server or electrical equipment rack. Of course, the component to be riveted can also be an integral or partial part of any device, apparatus, or component with a fluid channel for other purposes. Furthermore, although the component 102 to be riveted shown has a square cross-section fluid channel, it can also have fluid channels of other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular or elliptical.

[0086] In step 602, the deformable portion 113 of the pipe fitting 101 is inserted into the fluid channel 103 through the opening 105, and the limiting portion 114 of the pipe fitting 101 abuts against the opening 105 to restrict the pipe fitting 101 from rotating about the axis of its own through hole 111.

[0087] Subsequently, in step 603, a force is applied to the deformable portion 113, causing it to deform radially outward as shown in FIG1C, and clamping the pipe wall 104 of the riveted member 102 with the distal end 122 of the connecting portion 112 of the pipe joint 101. In the embodiment shown in FIG1C, a riveting tool can be used to apply force to the deformable portion 113. In some embodiments, the riveting tool used is a pull riveting tool, the pull rod of which can pass through the through hole 111 of the pipe joint 103, and the thread at the end of the pull rod can engage with the internal thread 153 at the position of the pull riveting portion 115. Subsequently, the rotation of the pull rod drives the pull riveting portion 115 to move toward the deformable portion 113, thereby driving the deformable portion 113 to deform, and finally the radially outward-protruding deformable portion 113 and the distal end 122 of the connecting portion 112 cooperate to clamp the pipe wall 104 of the fluid channel 103.

[0088] In the process of riveting the pipe fitting 201 to the component 202 to be riveted, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, step 603 involves applying a force to the deformable portion 213 to cause its distal end 232 to fold radially outward. Ultimately, the distal end 232 of the deformable portion 213 and the distal end 222 of the connecting portion cooperate to clamp the pipe wall 204 of the fluid channel 203. Those skilled in the art will understand that a riveting tool can be used to apply a force to the deformable portion 213. The riveting tool can be any tool capable of causing the distal end of the deformable portion 213 to fold radially outward, such as a riveting tool with an expandable head. Specifically, after inserting the expandable head of the riveting tool through a through-hole into a position adjacent to the distal end 232 of the deformable portion 213, the distal end 232 of the deformable portion 213 can be expanded to achieve a radially outward fold. In other embodiments, similar riveting tools with expandable heads can also be used to form other deformable portion deformations. Specifically, the extendable end of the riveting tool is inserted and passed through the through hole of the pipe fitting, and then the extendable end is unfolded. Next, the extendable end is moved toward the deformable portion, thereby causing it to move toward the connecting portion. In this case, the radially outward-protruding deformable portion can be a folded form with the middle of the deformable portion protruding outward as shown in FIG1C, rather than the form with the distal end 232 radially folded outward as shown in FIG2C.

[0089] Figure 7A schematically illustrates a perspective view of one of the steps in forming a flat area on the member 702 to be riveted according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7B schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the step shown in Figure 7A. Figure 7C schematically illustrates a perspective view of one of the steps in forming a flat area on the member 702 to be riveted according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7D schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the step shown in Figure 7C.

[0090] In the steps shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the pressure head 781 is moved to the pipe wall near the opening of the member 702 to be riveted. As shown, the pressure head 781 has a flat portion 707 and beveled portions 708 located on both sides of the flat portion 707. In the steps shown in Figures 7C and 7D, pressure is applied to the pipe wall near the opening of the member 702 to be riveted by the flat portion 707 of the pressure head 781 to form a relatively flat mounting area. At the same time, pressure is applied to the pipe wall adjacent to the relatively flat mounting area along the fluid flow direction of the fluid channel by the beveled portions 708 of the pressure head 781 to form a guide region adjacent to the relatively flat mounting area. The structure of the member 702 to be riveted, finally formed by the above steps, is shown in Figure 7E, which has a relatively flat mounting area 706 near the opening 705 and guide regions 709 located on both sides of the mounting area 706 along the fluid flow direction. The provision of the guide regions 709 helps to eliminate the influence of the formation of the flat mounting area 706 on the fluid flow within the fluid channel.

[0091] As shown in Figures 7A to 7D, when pressure is applied to the pipe wall of the member 702 to be riveted by the pressure head 781, a lower die 783 disposed in the fluid channel of the member 702 to be riveted can also be used. At least one side of the lower die 783 has a flat portion, which mates with the flat portion of the pressure head 781 to better form a flat mounting area 706 near the opening. Furthermore, as shown, during the above steps, the member 702 to be riveted can be disposed on a support member 782, which may have an upper surface profile that matches a portion of the outer profile of the member 702 to better support the member 702.

[0092] The steps shown in Figures 7A and 7C can be performed as pre-operation steps of method 600 shown in Figure 6, thereby achieving the riveting of the pipe joint structure described in various embodiments of this application to the pipe wall with the opening located on the curved profile. Figure 7F schematically shows a perspective view of the member 702 to be riveted shown in Figure 7E after riveting it to the pipe joint 701 according to one embodiment of this application. The opening 705 shown in Figure 7E is a hexagonal opening, so that it can match the corresponding limiting portion of the pipe joint 701 with a hexagonal outer peripheral profile to restrict the rotation of the pipe joint 701 about its own axis.

[0093] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the division of the above parts, structures, or locations is merely an example. In practical applications, the components or assemblies can be divided into different parts, structures, or locations according to specific needs, and all different division methods are included within the protection scope of this invention.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will understand and implement other modifications to the disclosed embodiments by studying the specification, the disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements and steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. In practical application of this application, a single part may perform the function of multiple technical features referenced in the claims. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A pipe joint which is rivet-mountable to a member to be riveted, characterized by, The application relates to a pipe joint. The main body is internally provided with a through hole extending therethrough, and comprises: a connecting portion comprising a proximal end for connecting a pipe and a distal end opposite to the proximal end; a deformation portion, a proximal end of the deformation portion being connected to a distal end of the connecting portion, wherein an outer diameter of the distal end of the connecting portion is larger than an outer diameter of the deformation portion, and the deformation portion is capable of protruding radially outward under an external force to cooperatively clamp the to-be-riveted member with the distal end of the connecting portion; and a limiting portion, the connecting portion being connected to the deformation portion through the limiting portion, an outer diameter of the limiting portion being larger than the outer diameter of the deformation portion and smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end of the connecting portion, the limiting portion being arranged to abut against an opening on the to-be-riveted member during insertion of the deformation portion into the opening to rivet the pipe joint to the to-be-riveted member, so as to limit rotation of the pipe joint around an axis extending in a direction of the through hole.

2. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral contour of the limiting portion is a non-circular structure.

3. The pipe joint of claim 2, wherein, The outer peripheral contour of the limiting portion is a polygonal structure.

4. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, At least one protruding portion is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the limiting portion.

5. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, A surface structure for enhancing friction is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the limiting portion.

6. The pipe joint of claim 5, wherein, The surface structure for enhancing friction comprises a knurled structure.

7. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, A groove for accommodating a sealing element is arranged on an outer end surface of the distal end of the connecting portion and surrounds the outer periphery of the deformation portion.

8. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, A surface structure for enhancing friction is arranged on an outer end surface of the distal end of the connecting portion.

9. The pipe joint of claim 8, wherein, The surface structure for enhancing friction comprises at least one protruding portion.

10. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, A transition inclined surface is formed between the connecting portion and the limiting portion, and an included angle between the transition inclined surface and an axis extending in a direction of the through hole is 30-60 degrees.

11. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, The through hole is at least partially provided with an internal thread at the position of the connecting portion.

12. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, The main body further comprises a pull-riveting portion, a proximal end of the pull-riveting portion being connected to a distal end of the deformation portion, and the through hole is at least partially provided with an internal thread for engaging with a riveting tool at the position of the pull-riveting portion.

13. The pipe joint of claim 12, wherein, A diameter of the through hole at the position of the pull-riveting portion is smaller than diameters at the positions of the connecting portion and the deformation portion.

14. The pipe joint of claim 12, wherein, The deformation portion is connected to the pull-riveting portion through a breakable portion, the breakable portion being prone to breaking under an external force, so that the pull-riveting portion is separated from the pipe joint.

15. The pipe joint of claim 14, wherein, A wall thickness of the breakable portion is smaller than wall thicknesses of the pull-riveting portion and the deformation portion.

16. The pipe joint of claim 14, wherein, An outer diameter of the breakable portion is smaller than outer diameters of the pull-riveting portion and the deformation portion.

17. The pipe joint of claim 14, wherein, The breakable portion is a tapered transition structure arranged between the deformation portion and the pull-riveting portion.

18. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, The deformation portion is arranged such that a distal end thereof is capable of being folded radially outward under an external force to cooperatively clamp the to-be-riveted member with a distal end of the connecting portion.

19. The pipe joint of claim 1, wherein, The distal end of the connecting portion has a flange structure.

20. A riveted assembly, comprising: The application relates to a to-be-riveted member. The to-be-riveted member has a fluid passage, and at least one opening is arranged on a pipe wall of the fluid passage. The pipe joint of claims 1 to 19, the deformation portion of the pipe joint is inserted into the fluid passage through the opening and protrudes radially outward under an external force to clamp the pipe wall of the fluid passage in cooperation with the distal end of the connecting portion, thereby fixing the pipe joint to the member to be riveted.

21. The riveted assembly of claim 20, wherein, The limiting portion abuts against the opening to limit rotation of the pipe joint about an axis extending in a direction of the through hole of the pipe joint.

22. The riveted assembly of claim 20, wherein, The distal end of the deformation portion is folded radially outward and clamps the pipe wall of the member to be riveted in cooperation with the distal end of the connecting portion.

23. A method of installing the pipe joint of any one of claims 1 to 19 to a member to be riveted, comprising: providing a member to be riveted having a fluid passage, and at least one opening provided on a pipe wall of the fluid passage; inserting the deformation portion of the pipe joint into the fluid passage through the opening and causing the limiting portion to abut against the opening; applying a force to the deformation portion, thereby causing the deformation portion to protrude radially outward to clamp the pipe wall of the fluid passage in cooperation with the distal end of the connecting portions.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The fluid passage of the member to be riveted includes a cylindrical pipe wall, and the method further comprises applying pressure to the pipe wall near the opening using a pressure head to form a relatively flat installation area near the opening.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The pressure head has a flat portion and a beveled portion, and the applying pressure to the pipe wall near the opening using the pressure head to form a relatively flat installation area near the opening includes applying pressure to the pipe wall near the opening using the flat portion to form a relatively flat installation area near the opening, and applying pressure to the pipe wall adjacent to the relatively flat installation area in a fluid flow direction of the fluid passage using the beveled portion to form a beveled flow guide area.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein, The applying a force to the deformation portion, thereby causing the deformation portion to protrude radially outward to clamps the pipe wall of the fluid passage in cooperation with the distal end of the connecting portions includes applying a force to the deformation portion, thereby causing the distal end of the deformation portion to fold radially outward to clamp the pipe wall of the member to be riveted in cooperation with the distal end of the connection portion.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein, The pipe joint further comprises a pull rivet portion, a proximal end of the pull rivet portion is connected to the distal end of the deformation portion, and the through hole is at least partially provided with an internal thread for engaging with a riveting tool at the position of the pull rivet portion, and the applying a force to the deformation portion, thereby causing the deformation portion to protrude radially outward, to clamp the pipe wall of the fluid passage in cooperation with the distal end of the connecting potion includes using a riveting tool to pass through the through hole of the main body and engage with the internal thread at the position of the pull rivet portion, and rotating the riveting tool to cause the pull rivet portion to move towards the deformation portion, thereby causing the deformation portion to protrude radially outward to clamp the pipe walls of the fluid passage in cooperation with the distal end of the connecting portion.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein, The applying a force to the deformation portion, thereby causing the deformation portion to protrude radial ly outward to clamp the pipe wall of the fluid passage in cooperation with the distal end of the connection portion includes: passing a head end of a head-expandable riveting tool through the through hole of the main body; expanding the head end of the riveting tool; The riveting tool is moved toward the connection portion to drive the deformed portion toward the connection portion with the head end of the riveting tool, and the deformed portion protrudes radially outward to clamp the tube wall of the fluid passage together with the distal end of the connection portion.

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