FLOW PATH UNIT AND REFRIGERANT CIRCULATION DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-072917, filed on Apr. 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to flow path assemblies and refrigerant circulation devices.

2. BACKGROUND

A known refrigerant circulation device cools a cooling target by transmitting, to a circulating refrigerant, heat received from the cooling target.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a flow path assembly including a main body, a first tubular body, and a sensor. The main body includes a flow path continuous with each of a first opening and a second opening. The first tubular body extends in a first direction intersecting the first opening in the flow path. A plurality of holes are provided in the first tubular body. The sensor detects a pressure in the first tubular body. A first end of the first tubular body in the first direction is connected to the first opening. The sensor is closer to a second end of the first tubular body than the first end of the first tubular body.

Another example embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a refrigerant circulation device including the flow path assembly at a refrigerant inflow port.

The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a cooling system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a CDU 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration of the CDU 1.

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the CDU 1 taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the CDU 1 taken along line V-V shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the CDU 1 taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a flow path assembly 15a illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the flow path assembly 15a taken along line VIII-VIII shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view illustrating an end on the other side X2 in the X direction of the flow path assembly 15a illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view illustrating an end on one side X1 in the X direction of the flow path assembly 15a illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating openings 111a and 111b in a housing 11 illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating insertion and removal of pumps 15g and 15h through the openings 111a and 111b illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a structure for fixing the pumps 15g and 15h illustrated in FIG. 12 to the housing 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing structure of a lever 183 illustrated in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numeral and description thereof will not be repeated.

In FIG. 1, a cooling system 100 includes, as constituent elements, a refrigerant circulation device (hereinafter, also referred to as “CDU”) 1, a distribution manifold 2, a collection manifold 3, at least one cold plate 4, a cooling device 6, and flow paths 7 and 8. The constituent elements cool at least one heat source 5 installed in a space A01.

When the cooling system 100 includes one cold plate 4, the cooling system 100 may not include the distribution manifold 2 and the collection manifold 3.

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

The space A01 is provided with a rack 9. For example, a plurality of the heat sources 5 are accommodated in the rack 9. Each heat source 5 is typically an electronic component or electronic equipment. The electronic component is a component constituting electronic equipment, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (so-called CPU), an electrolytic capacitor, a power semiconductor module, or a printed circuit board. The electronic component operates by power supply and generates heat. The electronic equipment is a rack mounted server or a blade server. The electronic equipment may also be a projector, a personal computer, or a display.

The CDU 1 is commercially available as a constituent element of the cooling system 100. In the case of circulation as the cooling system 100, the cooling device 6 and the flow paths 7 and 8 may be excluded from the cooling system 100. The CDU 1 may be circulated on the market alone. In the present example embodiment, the CDU 1 is accommodated, for example, in the rack 9 when in use. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the CDU 1 may be installed outside the rack 9 when in use.

The CDU 1 includes a housing 11. The housing 11 includes an exterior body and a frame, and partitions the internal space of the CDU 1 from the external space of the CDU 1 by the exterior body. The housing 11 has a primary inflow port 11a, a primary outflow port 11b, a secondary inflow port 11c, and a secondary outflow port 11d in the exterior body.

A low-temperature primary refrigerant C1 flows into the primary inflow port 11a through the flow path 7. A high-temperature secondary refrigerant C2 flows into the secondary inflow port 11c from the collection manifold 3. The CDU 1 performs heat exchange by the heat exchanger 16 (see FIG. 2) between the primary refrigerant C1 (low temperature) flowing into the CDU 1 from the primary inflow port 11a and the secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) flowing into the CDU 1 from the secondary inflow port 11c. As a result, in the CDU 1, the thermal energy of the secondary refrigerant C2 moves to the primary refrigerant C1. Specifically, the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 decreases when flowing out of the CDU 1 as compared with when flowing into the CDU 1. The CDU 1 pumps the secondary refrigerant C2 having a low temperature from the secondary outflow port 11d toward the distribution manifold 2 by the pumps 15g and 15h (see FIG. 2). The CDU 1 sends the primary refrigerant C1 having a high temperature from the primary outflow port 11b to the flow path 8.

The primary refrigerant C1 is, for example, a fluid such as a coolant. Examples of the coolant include antifreeze liquid and pure water. A typical example of antifreeze liquid is an ethylene glycol aqueous solution or a propylene glycol aqueous solution. The secondary refrigerant C2 is a fluid of the same type as or a different type from the primary refrigerant C1. At least one of the primary refrigerant C1 and the secondary refrigerant C2 may be a gas refrigerant.

In FIG. 1, the distribution manifold 2 has a common flow path 21 and a plurality of individual flow paths 22. In FIG. 1, only two individual flow paths 22 are illustrated for convenience of description. Fluids can flow through the common flow path 21 and the individual flow paths 22. One end T21 of the common flow path 21 is connected to the secondary outflow port 11d, and is used as an inflow port for a fluid in the distribution manifold 2. One end T22a of each individual flow path 22 is connected to the common flow path 21. The other ends T22b of the individual flow paths 22 are used as outflow ports for the secondary refrigerant C2 in the distribution manifold 2, and are individually connected to an inflow port 41 of the cold plate 4. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flowing into the inflow port (that is, the one end T21) of the distribution manifold 2 first flows in the common flow path 21, is divided into the individual flow paths 22, and then flows out from the respective outflow ports (that is, the other ends T22b) of the distribution manifold 2.

In each example embodiment, the term “connection” means “connection through which a fluid can flow” unless there is an adjective verb additionally describing “connection”.

In FIG. 1, each cold plate 4 is in thermal contact with at least one heat source 5. The secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flows inside each cold plate 4. In detail, each cold plate 4 is arranged in direct thermal contact with the heat source 5. Each cold plate 4 may be arranged in thermal contact with the heat source 5 via a thermally conductive sheet (not shown), for example. That is, the term “thermal contact” includes the meaning of “direct thermal contact” and the meaning of “indirect thermal contact”.

Each cold plate 4 has the inflow port 41, an outflow port 42, and an internal flow path 43 for the secondary refrigerant C2. The internal flow path 43 connects the inflow port 41 and the outflow port 42. The secondary refrigerant C2 (low temperature) flows into the inflow port 41 from the individual flow path 22 connected to the inflow port 41. The secondary refrigerant C2 flows through the internal flow path 43 to the outflow port 42. Therefore, the heat energy generated at the heat source 5 moves to the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing through the internal flow path 43 of the cold plate 4 in thermal contact with the heat source 5. As a result, the heat source 5 is cooled, and the temperature of the secondary refrigerant C2 rises. The secondary refrigerant C2 (high temperature) flows out of the outflow port 42 to the individual flow path 31 of the collection manifold 3.

In FIG. 1, the collection manifold 3 includes a plurality of the individual flow paths 31 and the common flow path 32. In FIG. 1, two individual flow paths 31 are illustrated for convenience of description. A fluid can flow through each of the individual flow paths 31 and the common flow path 32. One end T31a of each individual flow path 31 is individually connected to the outflow port 42 as an inflow port for the fluid in the collection manifold 3. The other end T31b of each of the individual flow paths 31 is connected to the common flow path 32. One end T32 of the common flow path 32 is used as an outflow port of the fluid in the collection manifold 3, and is connected to the secondary inflow port 11c. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing from the cold plate 4 into each inflow port (that is, the one end T31a) in the collection manifold 3 merges at the common flow path 32, and flows out from one end (that is, the one end T32) of the collection manifold to the secondary inflow port 11c of the CDU 1. Therefore, the secondary refrigerant C2 circulates through the CDU 1, the distribution manifold 2, the cold plate 4, and the collection manifold 3 in this order.

In FIG. 1, the cooling device 6 is installed outside the space A01, for example. The cooling device 6 may be installed either indoors or outdoors. The cooling device 6 is, for example, a chiller or a cooling tower. The cooling device 6 includes an inflow port 61, an outflow port 62, and an internal flow path 63 for the primary refrigerant C1, a cooling unit 64, and a pump 65. The internal flow path 63 connects the inflow port 61 and the outflow port 62. Each of the cooling unit 64 and the pump 65 is inserted on the internal flow path 63.

The primary refrigerant C1 flowing into the inflow port 61 flows into the cooling unit 64 through the flow path. The cooling unit 64 cools the primary refrigerant C1 flowing into the cooling unit 64. The cooling system in the cooling unit 64 may be either an air cooling system or a water cooling system. The primary refrigerant C1 flowing out of the cooling unit 64 flows into the pump 65 through the internal flow path 63. The pump 65 pumps, toward the outflow port 62, the primary refrigerant C1 flowing into the pump 65. In FIG. 1, the pump 65 is positioned between the cooling unit 64 and the outflow port 62 in the internal flow path 63. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the pump 65 may be positioned between the outflow port 62 and the cooling unit 64 in the internal flow path 63.

Next, each part of the CDU 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.

In FIG. 3 and subsequent drawings, a Z direction, an X direction, direction intersecting each other are illustrated.

The Z direction, the X direction, and the Y direction are defined based on a state in which the CDU 1 is installed so as to be usable (hereinafter, also referred to as a “use state”). In particular, the Z direction, the X direction, and the Y direction are an up-down direction, a front-back direction, and a left-right direction of the CDU 1 in the use state.

One side and the other side in the Z direction are also referred to as one side Z1 in the Z direction and the other side Z2 in the Z direction. In the present example embodiment, the one side Z1 in the Z direction and the other side Z2 in the Z direction are an upward direction and a downward direction of the cooling system 100 in a use state.

One side and the other side in the X direction are also referred to as one side X1 in the X direction and the other side X2 in the X direction. In the present example embodiment, the one side X1 in the X direction is a direction in which the openings 111a and 111b face in the CDU 1 in the use state. The other side X2 in the X direction is a direction opposite to the one side X1 in the X direction.

One side and the other side in the Y direction are also referred to as one side Y1 in the Y direction and the other side Y2 in the Y direction. In the present example embodiment, the one side Y1 in the Y direction is a left direction toward the openings 111a and 111b in the CDU 1 in the use state. The other side Y2 in the Y direction is a direction opposite to the one side Y1 in the Y direction.

In FIGS. 2 to 6, the CDU 1 further includes a primary flow path 13, a motor actuator 14, a secondary flow path 15, a heat exchanger 16, a sensor unit 17, an operation unit 18, and a control unit 19 as constituent elements.

The primary flow path 13 includes a flow path assembly 13a, a three-way valve 13b, a pipe portion 13c, a merging pipe 13d, and a flow path 16c (described later) of the heat exchanger 16. The primary flow path 13 is installed in the housing 11. The primary flow path 13 is a pipe through which the primary refrigerant C1 flows in the CDU 1.

The flow path assembly 13a has a flow path that connects the primary inflow port 11a and an inflow port P00 of the three-way valve 13b.

The three-way valve 13b includes a valve box, a valve body, a valve rod, and the like. The valve box has the inflow port P00, a first outflow port P01, and a second outflow port P02 as three ports to which pipes can be connected. The valve box further has a cavity. The cavity connects the three ports to each other to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The valve body is accommodated in the cavity. The valve body rotates in the cavity by the force transmitted from the outside through the valve rod. With the rotation of the valve body, an opening degree D1 of the first outflow port P01 and an opening degree D2 of the second outflow port P02 are adjusted in a state where the opening degree of the inflow port P00 is maintained at a predetermined value V01 [%]. Specifically, the total of the opening degree D1 and the opening degree D2 is adjusted to be a predetermined value V02.

In the present example embodiment, the opening degrees D1 and D2 each are ratios between the opening area of the port at an arbitrary movement amount of the valve body and the opening area when the port is fully opened. For ease of understanding, the opening degrees D1 and D2 are expressed in percentage. In this case, each of the predetermined values V01 and V02 is approximately 80 [%] or more and 120 [%] or less. The predetermined values V01 and V02 may be fixed values or variable values.

For example, assuming that the predetermined values V01 and V02 are 100 [%], if the opening degree D01 is 90 [%], the opening degree D2 is 10 [%]. When the opening degree D01 is 80 [%], 60 [8], 40 [%], or 20 [%], the opening degree D2 is 20 [%], 40 [%], 60 [%], or 80 [%]. By adjusting the opening degrees D01 and D02 in this manner, a part of the primary refrigerant C1 flows from the three-way valve 13b toward the primary outflow port 11b via the heat exchanger 16 in the primary flow path 13. On the other hand, the rest of the primary refrigerant C1 flows in the primary flow path 13 from the three-way valve 13b toward the primary outflow port 11b without passing through the heat exchanger 16.

The pipe portion 13c connects the first outflow port P01 of the three-way valve 13b and the primary inflow port 16a of the heat exchanger 16.

The merging pipe 13d has three ports and a flow path that makes the three ports continuous with each other. The three ports are a first port P11, a second port P12, and a third port P13. The first port P11 is connected to the second outflow port P02 of the three-way valve 13b. The second port P12 is connected to the primary outflow port 16b of the heat exchanger 16. The third port P13 is connected to the primary outflow port 11b.

The motor actuator 14 includes a motor and a link mechanically connected to the output shaft of the motor. The link rotates the valve rod of the three-way valve 13b by the power from the motor. When the power supplied to the CDU 1 is lost, the motor actuator 14 rotates the valve rod of the three-way valve 13b so as to set the opening degree D1 of the first outflow port P01 of the three-way valve 13b to 0 [%].

The secondary flow path 15 includes a flow path assembly 15a, a branch pipe 15b, couplings 15c to 15f, the pumps 15g and 15h, a merging pipe 15i, a pipe portion 15j, and a flow path 16f (described later) of the heat exchanger 16. The secondary flow path 15 is installed in the housing 11. The secondary flow path 15 is a pipe for the secondary refrigerant C2 in the CDU 1.

The flow path assembly 15a connects the secondary inflow port 11c and the secondary inflow port 16d of the heat exchanger 16.

The branch pipe 15b has three ports and a flow path that makes the three ports continuous with each other. The three ports are a first port P21, a second port P22, and a third port P23. The first port P21 is connected to a secondary outflow port 16e of the heat exchanger 16. The second port P22 is connected to the coupling 15c. The third port P23 is connected to the coupling 15d.

The merging pipe 15i has three ports and a flow path that makes the three ports continuous with each other. The three ports are a first port P31, a second port P32, and a third port P33. The first port P31 is connected to the coupling 15e. The second port P32 is connected to the coupling 15f. The third port P33 is connected to the secondary outflow port 11d.

Each of the pumps 15g and 15h includes a housing, a pump motor, a pump rotor, an inflow port, an outflow port, and the like. In each of the pumps 15g and 15h, the inflow port can be connected to any of the couplings 15c and 15d. In each of the pumps 15g and 15h, the outflow port can be connected to any of the couplings 15e and 15f. As a result, the pumps 15g and 15h are connected to the secondary flow path 15.

In a state where at least one of the pumps 15g and 15h is connected to the secondary flow path 15, the pump rotor rotates by the power from the pump motor in the housing. As a result, each of the pumps 15g and 15h sucks the refrigerant from its own inflow port, and pressure-feeds the sucked refrigerant from the outflow port.

The heat exchanger 16 is, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 16 includes a plurality of heat transfer plates stacked in the same direction (that is, a laminate of heat transfer plates), the primary inflow port 16a, the primary outflow port 16b, the secondary inflow port 16d, and the secondary outflow port 16e.

Each of the primary inflow port 16a, the primary outflow port 16b, the secondary inflow port 16d, and the secondary outflow port 16e is defined in, for example, a heat transfer plate located at one end of the laminate. In addition, the flow path 16c through which the primary refrigerant C1 flows between the primary inflow port 16a and the primary outflow port 16b is defined in the laminate. Moreover, the flow path 16f through which the secondary refrigerant C2 flows between the secondary inflow port 16d and the secondary outflow port 16e is defined in the laminate.

In the heat exchanger 16, the primary refrigerant C1 flows into the flow path 16c in the laminate from the primary inflow port 16a, and flows through the laminate toward the primary outflow port 16b. The secondary refrigerant C2 flows into the flow path 16f in the laminate from the secondary inflow port 16d, and flows through the laminate toward the secondary outflow port 16e.

In the laminate of the heat transfer plates, the secondary refrigerant C2 and the primary refrigerant C1 flow in a physically separated state. Each heat transfer plate is made of a material having a relatively small heat transfer resistance. Therefore, in the laminate, heat exchange is performed between the primary refrigerant C1 and the secondary refrigerant C2. That is, the heat exchanger 16 performs heat exchange between the primary refrigerant C1 and the secondary refrigerant C2. As a result of the heat exchange, the thermal energy of the secondary refrigerant C2 is transferred to the primary refrigerant C1. That is, the secondary refrigerant C2 has a lower temperature when flowing out of the secondary outflow port 16e than when flowing into the secondary inflow port 16d.

The sensor unit 17 includes a pressure sensor 17a, temperature sensors 17b to 17d, and flow rate sensors 17e and 17f.

The pressure sensor 17a, the temperature sensors 17b to 17d, and the flow rate sensors 17e and 17f output signals correlated with the pressure, temperature, and flow rate, which are detection targets of the sensors, to the control unit 19.

The detection target of the pressure sensor 17a is the pressure in the flow path assembly 15a.

The detection target of the temperature sensor 17b is the temperature in the flow path assembly 13a. The detection target of the temperature sensor 17c is the temperature near the third port P13 of the merging pipe 13d. The detection target of the temperature sensor 17d is the temperature near the third port P33 of the merging pipe 15i.

The detection target of the flow rate sensor 17e is the flow rate in the flow path assembly 13a. The detection target of the flow rate sensor 17f is the flow rate near the third port P33 of the merging pipe 15i.

The operation unit 18 is, for example, a touch screen. The touch screen includes a touch panel and a touch sensor.

The control unit 19 includes electronic circuits such as a microcomputer and a memory (not illustrated). The microcomputer controls the constituent elements of the CDU 1 according to a program stored in the memory.

Next, main parts of the flow path assembly 15a will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, the flow path assembly 15a includes a main body 151, a first tubular body 152, and a pressure sensor 17a.

The main body 151 has a first opening 151a, a second opening 151b, and a flow path 151c. The flow path 151c is continuous with each of the first opening 151a and the second opening 151b.

In the example embodiment, the first opening 151a is connected to the secondary inflow port 11c. That is, the CDU 1 includes the flow path assembly 15a at the inflow port (that is, the secondary inflow port 11c) for the refrigerant (that is, the secondary refrigerant C2). Each of the first opening 151a and the secondary inflow port 11c opposes the other side X2 in the X direction. The second opening 151b is connected to the secondary inflow port 16d and opposes the one side Y1 in the Y direction. The flow path 151c is indicated by an arrow A02 in FIG. 4.

The main body 151 further includes a space (in FIG. 7, indicated by a broken line) continuous with the flow path 151c as a reservoir 151d for the secondary refrigerant C2. Therefore, the reservoir 151d is located upstream of the heat exchanger 16 and the pumps 15g and 15h in the secondary flow path 15. Accordingly, bubbles contained in the secondary refrigerant C2 can be recovered by the reservoir 151d on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 16 and the pumps 15g and 15h.

The first tubular body 152 extends in a first direction intersecting the first opening 151a in the flow path 151c. In the present example embodiment, the first direction is the X direction. A plurality of holes 1524 (see FIG. 9) are defined in the first tubular body 152. In the first tubular body 152, an end 1521 on the other side X2 in the X direction is connected to the first opening 151a. The end 1521 is an example of “one end of the first tubular body in the first direction” of the present disclosure.

Specifically, each of the plurality of holes 1524 penetrates the side wall of the first tubular body 152 in a direction intersecting the first direction.

A tubular mesh filter detachably connected to the first tubular body 152 may be further located inside the side wall of the first tubular body 152.

The pressure sensor 17a detects the pressure in the first tubular body 152. The pressure sensor 17a is located closer to an end 1522 on the one side X1 in the X direction in the first tubular body 152 than the end 1521 of the first tubular body 152.

According to the configuration of the flow path assembly 15a, the replacement time of the first tubular body 152 can be estimated from the signal level of the pressure sensor 17a. Specifically, the secondary refrigerant C2 flows into the flow path assembly 15a from the first opening 151a, flows through the flow path 151c, and flows out from the second opening 151b. When the secondary refrigerant C2 contains a foreign substance of a certain size, the foreign substance is collected by the first tubular body 152. Therefore, with the lapse of time, foreign substances are accumulated in the first tubular body 152, and it is eventually necessary to replace the first tubular body 152. In the present example embodiment, a decrease in the pressure of the secondary refrigerant C2 in the flow path 151c can be determined by the signal level of the pressure sensor 17a, so that the replacement time of the first tubular body 152 can be estimated.

In the flow path assembly 15a, the first tubular body 152 is located most upstream in the flow path 151c. Therefore, foreign substances are prevented from flowing into the heat exchanger 16 and the pumps 15g and 15h.

The main body 151 includes a first pipe portion 1511 and

a second pipe portion 1512.

In addition to the first opening 151a, the first pipe portion 1511 further includes a bottom wall 1511a and a semi-through hole 1511b located between the first opening 151a and the bottom wall 1511a.

The semi-through hole 1511b is a hole whose end on the other side X2 in the X direction is opened toward the other side X2 in the X direction through the first opening 151a and whose end on the one side X1 in the X direction is closed by the bottom wall 1511a.

The first pipe portion 1511 also extends in the X direction on the other side Z2 in the Z direction with respect to the reservoir 151d. With respect to the dimension in the Y direction, the first pipe portion 1511 is smaller than the reservoir 151d. The first tubular body 152 is accommodated in the first pipe portion 1511 having a relatively small dimension in the Y direction. Therefore, even when the amount of the secondary refrigerant C2 in the reservoir 151d decreases, the secondary refrigerant C2 can be circulated in the first pipe portion 1511.

The second pipe portion 1512 extends from a position P51 between the first opening 151a and the bottom wall 1511a in the first pipe portion 1511. The second pipe portion 1512 has the second opening 151b and a through hole 1512a continuous with each of the semi-through hole 1511b and the second opening 151b.

According to the configuration of the flow path assembly 15a, since the pressure sensor 17a is provided on the bottom wall 1511a, the pressure in the first tubular body 152 can be accurately detected as compared with the case where the pressure sensor 17a is provided at a location other than the bottom wall 1511a.

The second opening 151b opposes the first tubular body 152 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In the present example embodiment, the second direction is the Y direction. According to the configuration of the flow path assembly 15a, the pressure loss of the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing from the first tubular body 152 to the second opening 151b is reduced.

The second pipe portion 1512 extends from a position P01 in the second direction intersecting the first direction. According to the configuration of the flow path assembly 15a, since the second pipe portion 1512 extends in the second direction, the pressure loss of the secondary refrigerant C2 flowing from the first tubular body 152 to the second opening 151b is reduced.

The flow path assembly 15a further includes a support portion 153. The support portion 153 supports the first tubular body 152 at a position away from the first pipe portion 1511. Specifically, the support portion 153 is interposed between the first tubular body 152 and the first pipe portion 1511 to separate the first tubular body 152 from the first pipe portion 1511.

According to the configuration of the flow path assembly 15a, the foreign substance collection performance by the first tubular body 152 is improved. Specifically, if the first tubular body 152 is not separated from the first pipe portion 1511, it is difficult for the first tubular body 152 to collect foreign substances. However, as in the flow path assembly 15a, by separating the first tubular body 152 from the first pipe portion 1511 by the support portion 153, the secondary refrigerant C2 flows between the first tubular body 152 and the first pipe portion 1511. Therefore, the foreign substances can be easily collected by the first tubular body 152.

The support portion 153 has a second tubular body 1531 positioned between the bottom wall 1511a and the end 1522 of the first tubular body 152. The second tubular body 1531 is attached to the bottom wall 1511a. The second tubular body 1531 is in contact with the inner surface 1523 of the first tubular body 152. The pressure sensor 17a has a pressure receiving portion 171a inside the second tubular body 1531. According to the flow path assembly 15a, the secondary refrigerant C2 can be guided to the pressure receiving portion 171a of the pressure sensor 17a. Therefore, the pressure in the flow path 151c can be detected relatively accurately. The pressure receiving portion 171a is a portion that receives a pressure to be detected in the pressure sensor 17a.

The second tubular body 1531 has a portion having a larger inner diameter at a position farther from the bottom wall 1511a. According to the flow path assembly 15a, since the pressure received by the pressure receiving portion 171a increases, it is easy to detect the pressure in the flow path 171c.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the outer shape of the housing 11 is, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is relatively thin in the Z direction and relatively long in the X direction. The housing 11 includes panels 111 to 115. The panels 111 to 115 define the outer shape of the housing 11. The panels 111 to 115 partition an internal space A11 of the housing 11 from the outside.

The panel 111 expands in the Y direction and the Z direction at an end on the one side X1 in the X direction of the housing 11.

The panel 112 extends from an end of the panel 111 on the one side Y1 in the Y direction toward the other side X2 in the X direction and expands in the X direction and the Z direction. The panel 113 extends from an end of the panel 111 on the other side Y2 in the Y direction toward the other side X2 in the X direction, and expands in the X direction and the Z direction. The panels 112 and 113 are located apart from each other in the Y direction.

The panel 114 extends from an end of the panel 111 on the one side Z1 in the Z direction toward the other side X2 in the X direction, and expands in the X direction and the Y direction. The panel 115 extends from an end of the panel 111 on the other side Z2 in the Z direction toward the other side X2 in the X direction, and expands in the X direction and the Y direction. The panels 114 and 115 are located apart from each other in the Z direction.

The two openings 111a and 111b are formed at different positions in the panel 111. That is, the housing 11 has the openings 111a and 111b. The number of openings may be other than two. The openings 111a and 111b each have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view from the X direction. The openings 111a and 111b are opened toward the one side X1 in the X direction and are continuous with the internal space A11 of the housing 11. The opening 111a is positioned at the one side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the opening 111b. The internal space A11 is provided with guides (not illustrated) of the pumps 15g and 15h that are insertable and removable through the openings 111a and 111b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, each of the pumps 15g and 15h is movable in the X direction in the internal space A11 through one of the openings 111a and 111b.

Specifically, at the time of insertion, each of the pumps 15g and 15h is moved toward the other side X2 in the X direction while being guided in the internal space A11 through one of the openings 111a and 111b by the external force applied by a person. The pumps 15g and 15h are mounted at mounting positions defined in advance in the internal space A11.

When viewed from the opening 111a, the couplings 15c and 15e are located at the back of the internal space A11 on the other side X2 in the X direction. When viewed from the opening 111b, the couplings 15d and 15f are located at the back of the internal space A11 on the other side X2 in the X direction.

When one of the pumps 15g and 15h is attached to the internal space A11 through the opening 111a, the inflow port and the outflow port of one of the pumps 15g and 15h are connected to the couplings 15c and 15e, respectively. As a result, the secondary refrigerant C2 can flow into one of the pumps 15g and 15h through the coupling 15c, and the secondary refrigerant C2 can flow out of one of the pumps 15g and 15h through the coupling 15e. Similarly, when one of the pumps 15g and 15h is attached to the internal space A11 through the opening 111b, the inflow port and the outflow port of one of the pumps 15g and 15h are connected to the couplings 15d and 15f, respectively.

Each of the pumps 15g and 15h is fixed to the housing 11 by a fixing structure described later.

On the other hand, when the pumps 15g and 15h are removed, first, the fixation to the housing 11 is released. Thereafter, an external force toward the one side X1 in the X direction is applied to the pumps 15g and 15h by a person. As a result, the pumps 15g and 15h are moved toward the one side X1 in the X direction from the internal space A11. In the process, the inflow port and the outflow port of each of the pumps 15g and 15h are removed from the couplings 15c to 15f, respectively. Thereafter, the pumps 15g and 15h are removed through the openings 111a and 111b while being guided toward the one side X1 in the X direction in the internal space A11.

In FIG. 11, the housing 11 includes stoppers 116a and 116b. The stoppers 116a and 116b are provided at positions facing each other in the Y direction on the peripheral edge of the opening 111a. The stopper 116a is located at the end on the one side Y1 in the Y direction and at the substantially center in the Z direction on the peripheral edge of the opening 111a. At such a position, the stopper 116a has a small plate shape spreading in the Y direction and the Z direction. The stopper 116b is located on the opposite side of the stopper 116a in the Y direction on the peripheral edge of the opening 111a, and has a small plate shape having substantially the same size as the stopper 116a.

Note that the housing 11 also includes stoppers 116c and 116d similar to the stoppers 116a and 116b on the peripheral edge of the opening 111b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, each of the pumps 15g and 15h includes a pump housing 181, a panel 182, a lever 183, claws 184a and 184b, and a claw moving mechanism 185.

The pump housing 181 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape relatively long in the X direction, and has a dimension that can be inserted into and removed from the housing 11 through the openings 111a and 111b in the Z direction, the X direction, and the Y direction. The pump housing 181 accommodates an internal flow path for the secondary refrigerant C2, a pump rotor, and a pump motor. The pump housing 181 has a suction port 181a and a discharge port 181b at an end on the other side X2 in the X direction.

The panel 182 is fixedly attached to an end on the one side X1 in the X direction of the pump housing 181. The pump housing 181 includes the panel 182. In the present example embodiment, the panel 182 has a plate shape that is thin in the X direction and expands in both the Z direction and the Y direction. The panel 182 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view from the X direction. The dimensions in the Z direction and the Y direction of the panel 182 are substantially the same as the dimensions in the Z direction and the Y direction of the openings 111a and 111b, respectively.

A slit 182a is defined in the panel 182. The slit 182a extends from the vicinity of the end of the panel 182 on the one side Z1 in the Z direction toward the other side 22 in the Z direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the lever 183 has a rod shape that is relatively thin in the Y direction and relatively long in the Z direction. The lever 183 includes a first end 183a, a first portion 183b, a second portion 183c, a third portion 183d, a second end 183e, a first shaft 183f, and a second shaft 183g.

In the state of FIG. 13, that is, when the pumps 15g and 15h are attached, the first end 183a is located closer to the other side X2 in the X direction than the end of the slit 182a on the one side Z1 in the Z direction. The first portion 183b extends from the first end 183a toward an end of the slit 182a on the one side Z1 in the Z direction and is physically connected to the second portion 183c. The second portion 183c passes through the slit 182a and protrudes toward the one side X1 in the X direction from the panel 182. The second portion 183c extends toward the other side Z2 in the Z direction Z on the one side X1 in the X direction with respect to the panel 182, and is physically connected to the third portion 183d. The third portion 183d extends toward the other side Z2 in the Z direction along the panel 182 on the one side X1 in the X direction with respect to the panel 182. The third portion 183d is bent toward the panel 182 near an end of the panel 182 on the other side Z2 in the Z direction and reaches the second end 183e. The second end 183e is fitted into a hole 182b formed near the end of the panel 182 on the other side Z2 in the Z direction. Hereinafter, the position of the lever 183 where the second end 183e is fitted into the hole 182b is also referred to as a “lever mounting position”.

The first shaft 183f protrudes toward both the one side Y1 in the Y direction and the other side Y2 in the Y direction from the lever 183, at a position closer to the first end 183a in the first portion 183b.

The second shaft 183g protrudes toward both the one side Y1 in the Y direction and the other side Y2 in the Y direction from the lever 183, at a location where the first portion 183b and the second portion 183c are physically connected.

On the other side X2 in the X direction with respect to the panel 182, a bearing 182c is provided at a position near the end of the slit 182a on the one side Z1 in the Z direction. The bearing 182c supports the second shaft 183g so as to be rotatable about the axis along the Y direction (see arrow A21). Thus, the lever 183 is supported by the panel 182.

Further, the claws 184a and 184b are provided at positions on the other side in the Z direction with respect to the slit 182a on the other side X2 in the X direction of the panel 182, and near the end on the one side Y1 in the Y direction and near the end on the other side Y2 in the Y direction. The claws 184a and 184b are engaged with the stoppers 116a and 116b when the pumps 15g and 15h are attached. This prevents the pumps 15g and 15h from coming off the housing 11 when the pumps 15g and 15h are attached.

The claw moving mechanism 185 can be realized by a cam and a link, and is provided on the other side X2 in the X direction of the panel 182, and releases the claws 184a and 184b from the state of being engaged with the stoppers 116a and 116b in response to the lever 183 being rotated from the lever mounting position to one side in the Z direction (see also the arrow A21) by the human force. As a result, the pumps 15g and 15h can be removed from the housing 11.

According to the fixing structure of the pumps 15g and 15h, the operator rotates the lever 183 protruding at a central portion in the Y direction of the panel 182. Accordingly, the pumps 15g and 15h are engaged with the stoppers 116a and 116b of the housing 11 by the claws 184a and 184b on both sides in the Y direction. Therefore, the pumps 15g and 15h can be stably fixed to the housing 11 as compared with the case where a claw on one side in the Y direction is engaged with the housing 11. That is, it is possible to provide the CDU 1 with good usability.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, each of the pumps 15g and 15h further has a fixing structure of the lever 183.

The lever 183 is supported by the panel 182 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the axis of the second shaft 183g indicated by the arrow A21 (see FIG. 13). The hole 183f parallel to the second shaft 183g is defined in the second end 183e of the lever 183.

A fixing pin 182d is supported around the hole 182b in the panel 182 via the attachment member 182c as a part of the fixing structure of the lever 183. The fixing pin 182d is a so-called spring projecting pin, and includes a knob, a pin, and a spring. The pin is biased by the spring, and projects and retracts from the attachment member 182c by the external force applied by a person. When the knob is pulled by a person, the pin retracts from the attachment member 182c against the biasing force of the spring. The pin is inserted into the hole 183f of the second end 183e. As a result, the lever 183 is not separated from the panel 182. In addition, before the pumps 15g and 15h are removed, when a person pulls the knob, the pin comes out of the hole 183f, and the lever 183 becomes rotatable. The fixing structure of the lever 183 prevents the pumps 15g and 15h from easily coming off the housing 11. This improves usability of the CDU 1.

In FIG. 3, the CDU 1 includes a recessed groove 112a in the panel 112 of the housing 11. The recessed groove 112a has a rectangular shape elongated in the X direction in plan view from the Y direction. The recessed groove 112a is recessed from the panel 112 toward the other side Y2 in the Y direction. The recessed groove 112a extends along the X direction between the end of the panel 112 on the other side X2 in the X direction and a position away from the end on the one side X1 in the X direction in the other side X2 in the X direction.

In the recessed groove 112a, guide rails 112b and 112c are positioned on a surface facing the one side Z1 in the Z direction and a surface facing the other side Z2 in the Z direction. The guide rails 112b and 112c are engaged with, for example, a guide rail (not illustrated) prepared in the rack 9 (see FIG. 1).

The CDU 1 includes a handle 112d in the recessed groove 112a. The handle 112d is supported by the recessed groove 112a so as to be rotatable about the axis along the X direction. When the CDU 1 is not carried by the operator, the handle 112d does not protrude from the panel 112 to the one side Y1 in the Y direction but retreats from the panel 112 on the other side Y2 in the Y direction. On the other hand, when the CDU 1 is carried by the operator, the handle 112d rotates around the axis and protrudes to the one side Y1 in the Y direction from the panel 112. As a result, the operator carries the CDU 1 by gripping the handle 112d.

In FIG. 12, the CDU 1 includes a recessed groove 113a in the panel 113 of the housing 11. The recessed groove 113a may have a substantially symmetrical shape with the recessed groove 112a in the Y direction. Therefore, the detailed description of the recessed groove 113a will be omitted.

In the recessed groove 113a, guide rails 113b and 113c similar to the guide rails 112b and 112c are positioned on a surface facing the one side Z1 in the Z direction and a surface facing the other side Z2 in the Z direction.

The CDU 1 includes a handle 113d similar to the handle 112d in the recessed groove 113a. The handle 113d may have a substantially symmetrical shape with the handle 112d in the Y direction. Therefore, the handle 112d will not be described in detail.

The handles 112d and 113d are retained in the recessed grooves 112a and 113a when the CDU 1 is not carried. Therefore, when the CDU 1 is accommodated in the rack 9 or the like, the handles 112d and 113d do not interfere with the rack 9. As a result, the CDU 1 can be easily stored in the rack 9. That is, it is possible to provide the CDU 1 with good usability.

The example embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above example embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Further, a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above example embodiments can be appropriately modified. For example, a certain constituent element of all constituent elements illustrated in a certain example embodiment may be added to constituent elements of another example embodiment, or some constituent elements of all constituent elements illustrated in a certain example embodiment may be removed from the example embodiment.

The drawings schematically show each constituent element mainly in order to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and the thickness, length, number, interval, and the like of each constituent element that is shown may be different from the actual ones for convenience of the drawings. The configuration of each constituent element shown in the above example embodiments is an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present disclosure.

The operation unit 18 may be installed in the housing 11. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the operation unit 18 may be openable and closable with respect to the housing 11 in order to allow an operator to access the inside of the housing 11. Specifically, in the panel 111, an opening is formed on the one side Y1 in the Y direction with respect to the openings 111a and 111b. The operation unit 18 can open and close the opening by rotating around a rotation axis provided at the peripheral edge of the opening. In addition, the operation unit 18 may open and close the opening by being movable in the X direction through the opening in the same manner as the pumps 15g and 15h.

The present technology can also adopt the following configurations.

(1) A flow path assembly including a main body including a flow path continuous with each of a first opening and a second opening, a first tubular body extending in a first direction intersecting the first opening in the flow path and including a plurality of holes, and a sensor configured detect a pressure in the first tubular body, wherein a first end of the first tubular body in the first direction is connected to the first opening, and the sensor is closer to a second end of the first tubular body than the first end of the first tubular body.

(2) The flow path assembly according to (1), wherein the main body includes a first pipe including the first opening, a bottom wall, and a semi-through hole between the first opening and the bottom wall, and a second pipe extending from a position between the first opening and the bottom wall in the first pipe, and including the second opening and a through hole continuous with each of the semi-through hole and the second opening, the first tubular body is located in the semi-through hole, and the sensor is attached to the bottom wall.

(3) The flow path assembly according to (1) or (2), wherein the second opening opposes the first tubular body in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

(4) The flow path assembly according to (2) or (3), wherein the second pipe extends from the position in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

(5) The flow path assembly according to any one of (2) to (4), further including a support that supports the first tubular body at a position spaced away from the first pipe.

(6) The flow path assembly according to (4) or (5), wherein the support includes a second tubular body positioned between the bottom wall and an end of the first tubular body, the second tubular body is attached to the bottom wall and is in contact with an inner surface of the first tubular body; and the sensor includes a pressure receiving portion inside the second tubular body.

(7) The flow path assembly according to (5) or (6), wherein the second tubular body includes a portion having a larger inner diameter at a position farther from the bottom wall.

(8) A refrigerant circulation device including the flow path assembly according to any one of (1) to (7) at a refrigerant inflow port.

Features of the above-described example embodiments and the modifications thereof may be combined appropriately as long as no conflict arises.

While example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.