WO2018124806A1 - Flow path connecting structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flow path connecting structure which is modularized, thus allowing the manufacturing process to be simplified and reduces the weight of the structure, and in which adapters that are compatible between modules are used, thus making structure modification convenient and enabling increased productivity and reduced cost.

Description

Euro connection structure

The present invention relates to a flow path connection structure, and more particularly, to simplify and reduce the manufacturing process by modularizing the flow path connection structure, as well as to easily change the structure by using a compatible adapter between modules, productivity and cost reduction This relates to a possible passage connecting structure.

Ducts or pipes are structures that form fluid flow paths, and are widely used in various pipes of various devices, exhaust ducts of gas turbine engines, and the like.

In forming the flow path, it is necessary to extend the length of the flow path or branch the fluid in a plurality of directions depending on the moving direction of the fluid. Accordingly, each flow path must be connected or a duct or pipe suitable for branching needs to be manufactured.

As a result, productivity is reduced due to production cost and time, and welding is usually performed through welding in order to connect valves or sensors to the flow paths for connecting the flow paths or for controlling the flow rate and measuring the properties of the fluids in the flow paths. This increases the complexity of the structure, and there is a problem that the performance of the system can be degraded in the long run.

For example, when welding the base pipes and connecting pipes of all specifications by welding, it is cumbersome to cut one end of the connecting pipes into the same shape as the outer diameter of the base pipes before welding, and the connecting pipes After welding, the film formed on the welding site due to the impurity of the welding rod should be wiped off with a hammer, etc., and the spark marks and the welding areas generated during welding should be smoothly processed using a polishing machine and repainted. There is a problem that the installation efficiency of the pipe structure is deteriorated because it has to perform additional work such as.

For example, a fuel cell system is a device that converts chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of a fuel cell, and includes a fuel cell stack and a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cell cells are stacked. And a fuel supply system for supplying hydrogen, which is a fuel, an air supply system for supplying oxygen, which is an oxidant for an electrochemical reaction, and a water and thermal management system for controlling the temperature of the fuel cell stack.

In general, a fuel cell system includes a hydrogen supply flow path for supplying hydrogen to a fuel electrode (anode electrode) of a fuel cell stack, and an air supply flow path for supplying air, that is, oxygen, to the cathode (cathode electrode) of a fuel cell stack. Many different flow paths are complicated, such as a cooling water supply passage for supplying cooling water to cool the heat generated in the electrical energy generation process of the stack, and an exhaust passage for exhausting water and exhaust gas generated as reaction by-products of the fuel cell stack. Each fluid flow path is usually connected through a connection member such as a rubber hose or a metal sleeve.

In addition, a plurality of sensors are combined in the flow path to measure the pressure of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell stack, the temperature of the cooling water, and the like to form a more complicated structure. The flow path is connected according to the branching direction of the connection flow path and the diameter of the pipe. It is necessary to produce a structure for each, there is a problem that the connection and separation of the flow path is inconvenient, not only easy to change the structure, but also increase the welding parts to reduce productivity.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, by modularizing the flow path connection structure can simplify and lighten the manufacturing process, as well as easy to change the structure by using a compatible adapter between modules, productivity and cost reduction It is an object to provide a possible flow path connection structure.

One embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems, a module block, a first flow path penetrating the interior of the module block, one end is in communication with the middle portion of the first flow path and the other end is the first flow path A second flow path perpendicular to the second flow path penetrating toward the outer circumferential surface of the module block, one end communicating with an intermediate portion of the first flow path, and the other end perpendicular to the first flow path and the second flow path, A plurality of coupling ports formed on an outer circumferential surface of the module block so as to communicate with a third flow passage penetrating toward each other, and both ends of the first flow passage and one end of the second flow passage and the third flow passage, Comprising a plurality of adapters to be coupled, the adapter provides a flow path connecting structure consisting of any one of a straight branch pipe, a curved branch pipe and the blocking plate.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems, the module block, the first flow path penetrating through the interior of the module block, and in a state in communication with the intermediate portion of the first flow path is perpendicular to, A second flow path penetrating the inside of the module block or penetrating toward the outer circumferential surface, and a plurality of coupling ports formed on the outer circumferential surface of the module block so as to communicate with both ends of the first flow path and the second flow path, and detachable from the coupling port. It includes a plurality of adapters that are possibly coupled, the adapter provides a flow path connecting structure consisting of any one of the straight branch pipe, the bent branch pipe and the blocking plate.

The adapter is characterized in that the pipe or valve or sensor can be selectively coupled.

The module block may be made of a cube.

The coupling port may include a connection hole communicating with the flow path and a first coupling plate surrounding the connection hole.

The adapter includes a second coupling plate formed to correspond to the first coupling plate, and the second coupling plate is provided with a blocking plate blocking the connection hole or a branch or pipe having a straight or bent shape in communication with the connection hole. Can be.

The first coupling plate and the second coupling plate may be screwed through a plurality of screw holes formed at positions corresponding to each other.

The pipe or valve or sensor can be coupled to the adapter via an O-ring and a clamp.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention can provide a fuel cell system including the flow path connecting structure.

According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify and reduce the manufacturing process by modularizing the flow path connection structure, as well as to easily change the structure, productivity and cost reduction by using a compatible adapter between modules.

Specifically, by including a module block having a flow path and a plurality of adapters that can be detachably coupled thereto, without the need to manufacture a branched flow path pipe or duct respectively or to join the structure to each flow path through welding, the adapter By using the connection of the flow path, the branch or the combination of the structure can be made and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

In addition, the adapter is molded in a variety of diameters and shapes and can be easily coupled or separated through the coupling port of the module block, it is easy to connect the structure such as pipes, sensors, valves, etc. The ability to remove or reduce parts can improve system performance over the long term.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, but should be understood to include all the effects deduced from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

1 is a view showing a flow path connecting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a separate module block of FIG. 1.

3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.

4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2.

5 to 9 are separate views of the adapter of FIG.

10 is a view showing a state in which the flow path connecting structure of FIG. 1 is applied to a fuel cell system.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the flow path connecting structure of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

In addition, terms to be described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary according to intentions or customs of users or operators, and the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. It is merely illustrative of the components set forth in the claims.

In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, it means that it may further include other components, without excluding the other components unless otherwise stated.

1 is a view showing a flow path connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a view showing a separate module block of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a sectional view AA of Figure 2, Figure 4 is a BB of Figure 2 5 to 9 are cross-sectional views of the adapter of FIG. 1, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the flow path connecting structure of FIG. 1 is applied to a fuel cell system.

The flow path connecting structure of the present invention can be applied to various devices and systems in which a flow path is formed. In the following, a fuel cell in a fuel cell system having a fuel cell generated by electrochemical reaction of fuel gas and oxidizing gas is described below. Describe what is applied inside the system.

Looking at the flow path connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 1 to 9, the flow path connection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention largely the module block 100 and a plurality of adapters 200 coupled thereto It can be made, including.

Looking at the module block 100 in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the module block 100 may be formed in a variety of shapes, such as hexahedron, tetrahedron, cylinder, in particular the shape of the cube as in this embodiment It is preferable to form.

One or more flow paths are formed in the module block 100 to communicate with each other. Specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the first flow path 120 penetrating the inside of the module block 100 and one end thereof are the first flow paths. A second flow passage 140 and one end of the first flow passage 120 which communicate with an intermediate portion of the 120 and the other end perpendicular to the first flow passage 120 and penetrate toward the outer circumferential surface of the module block 100. A third flow path 160 may be formed in communication with an intermediate portion of the second flow path, and the other end thereof may be perpendicular to the first flow path 120 and the second flow path 140 and penetrate toward the outer circumferential surface of the module block 100. have.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the flow path structure formed inside the module block 100 is vertical in communication with the first flow path penetrating the interior of the module block and the middle portion of the first flow path. And a second flow path penetrating the inside of the module block or penetrating toward the outer circumferential surface thereof.

As the plurality of flow paths are formed as described above, the pipes of the flow paths can be connected to the appropriate positions according to the connection direction or the branching direction when connecting each flow path disposed at an arbitrary position, and at the same time, the pressure of the fluid in the flow path, Sensors can be coupled to other locations to measure temperature and the like. This is discussed in detail below.

In addition, as in the present embodiment, as the first to third flow paths are formed, both ends of the first flow path 120 and one end of the second flow path 140 and the third flow path 160 are respectively formed. The outer peripheral surface of the module block 100 may be in communication with the outside. That is, four coupling ports 180 are connected to four outer peripheral surfaces of the module block 100 so as to communicate with both ends of the first flow path 120 and one ends of the second flow path 140 and the third flow path 160, respectively. ) May be formed.

The coupling port 180 is a place for coupling the plurality of adapters 200, and a total of four coupling ports 180 may be coupled with different adapters 200 for each purpose.

Each of the coupling ports 180 may include a connection hole 182 communicating with the flow path and a first coupling plate 184 formed to surround the connection hole 182. Each of the connection holes 182 corresponds to a hole passing through the module block 100 and formed on an outer circumferential surface of the module block, and the first coupling plate 184 is a base for coupling the adapter 200. To form. In this case, the first coupling plate 184 may be integrally formed with the module block 100.

Each of the coupling port 180 may be coupled to a plurality of different adapters having a variety of diameters and shapes depending on the branching direction of the flow path, whether or not the structure is coupled, which will be described in detail below.

The plurality of adapters 200 are detachably coupled to the plurality of coupling ports 180, and the adapter 200 may be formed of any one of a straight branch pipe, a curved branch pipe, and a blocking plate. The adapter 200 is pre-molded to have various diameters and shapes, and the adapter 200 is coupled to a pipe, a valve structure, or the like, which forms a different flow path in accordance with the direction in which the fluid flows in the flow path, or Sensor structures can optionally be combined to measure pressure, temperature, and the like.

The pipe or valve or sensor may be coupled to the adapter 200 via an O-ring and a clamp.

The adapter 200 may include a second coupling plate 220 formed to correspond to the first coupling plate 184, and the second coupling plate 220 may include a blocking plate blocking the connection hole 182. A branch pipe of a date or bent shape communicating with the connection hole 182 may be installed.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first coupling plate 184 and the second coupling plate 220 may be formed of a square plate of the same size so as to face each other and correspond to each other, the first coupling plate 184 Connection hole 182 is formed in the center of the.

The first coupling plate 184 and the second coupling plate 220 are formed with a plurality of screw holes in positions facing each other, the adapter by screwing through the screw holes in a state in which the plates face each other in contact with each other 200 may be coupled to the coupling port 180.

However, the shape of the plate is not limited to a quadrangular shape and may be any shape such as a circle, and if the adapter is a structure that can be detachably coupled to the coupling port, the screw coupling is not required. Accordingly, the adapter 200 is easy to assemble and detach the coupling port 180 has an advantage that the structure can be easily changed to match the flow path connection structure.

5 to 9, in the present embodiment, the plurality of adapters 200 may be classified into five types and classified according to the shape of the structure installed in the second coupling plate 220. .

Specifically, the adapter shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is provided with a pipe formed on the second coupling plate 220 so as to communicate with the connection hole 182, the diameters are formed different from each other, The small diameter 1st pipe 1240 is provided and FIG. 6 is equipped with the 2nd large diameter pipe 2240. As shown in FIG. Accordingly, it can be easily combined with other flow path pipes or structures.

In the adapter illustrated in FIG. 7, a pipe formed to communicate with the connection hole 182 is installed on the second coupling plate 220 in the same manner as the adapter illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. 1240 or the second pipe 2240 is not a smooth pipe, but a pipe shape in which the coupling part 3240 is formed so that structures such as valves are easily coupled.

The adapter illustrated in FIG. 8 has a branch pipe 4240 formed on the second coupling plate 220 so as to communicate with the connection hole 182 so that fluid can be sent along the branching direction of the flow path. It is installed. Of course, the coupling portion may be formed at the end of the branch pipe 4240 to facilitate the coupling of the structure, such as a valve.

In the adapter illustrated in FIG. 9, a blocking plate 5240 may be formed on the second coupling plate 220 to block the connection hole 182, thereby preventing the fluid in the flow path from communicating with the outside.

The various adapters 200 as described above may be detachably coupled to the plurality of coupling ports 180 for each purpose. As a result, one embodiment of the module block in which the adapter is coupled is illustrated in FIG. 1.

The first flow path 120 is formed to penetrate the left and right inside the module block 100 with reference to FIG. 1, one end communicates with an intermediate portion of the first flow path 120, and the other end is the module block 100. The second flow path 140 is formed to penetrate the upper side of), and one end communicates with the middle portion of the first flow path 120 and the other end penetrates to the lower side of the module block 100. 160 is formed.

In this case, an adapter having a coupling part 3240 is coupled to a left side of the coupling ports communicating with both ends of the first flow path 120, and an adapter having a first pipe 1240 is coupled to the right side of the coupling port. In addition, an adapter having a blocking plate 5240 is coupled to a coupling port communicating with one end of the second flow path 140, and a diameter of the coupling port communicating with one end of the third flow path 160. Adapters having a second pipe 2240 larger than the first pipe 1240 are engaged.

Accordingly, pipes forming different flow paths having different diameters may be coupled to the first pipe 1240 and the second pipe 2240, and may be firmly and easily coupled through an O-ring or a clamp. .

In addition, the coupling unit 3240 may be coupled to a sensor for measuring the pressure or temperature of the fluid passing through the flow path.

However, the structure as described above is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto, and the flow path structure in the module block and the adapter structure coupled to each coupling port are differently formed according to the location of the flow path, the branching direction, and whether or not the structure is installed. May be

As a result, the above-described flow path connecting structure not only replaces elbows, tees, manifolds, etc., but also simplifies the structure for connecting each flow path and modularizes the flow path connecting structure. In addition, the manufacturing process can be simplified and reduced in weight, and by using a compatible adapter between modules, the structure can be easily changed, productivity can be increased, and cost can be reduced.

Referring to FIG. 10, it can be seen that the passage connection structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to the fuel cell system in the fuel cell system.

Thus, by including a module block having a flow path and a plurality of adapters that can be detachably coupled thereto, the adapter can be connected without the need to fabricate a branched flow path pipe or duct or to join the structure to each flow path by welding. By using the connection of the flow path, the branch or the combination of the structure can be made, the manufacturing process can be simplified.

In addition, the adapter is molded in a variety of diameters and shapes and can be easily coupled or separated through the coupling port of the module block, it is easy to connect the structure such as pipes, sensors, valves, etc. The ability to remove or reduce parts can improve system performance over the long term.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments and descriptions, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims. Such variations are within the protection scope of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a flow path connection structure, and more particularly, to simplify and reduce the manufacturing process by modularizing the flow path connection structure, as well as to easily change the structure by using a compatible adapter between modules, productivity and cost reduction This relates to a possible passage connecting structure.

Claims (15)

Module blocks; A first flow passage penetrating the inside of the module block; A second flow path having one end communicating with an intermediate portion of the first flow path and the other end perpendicular to the first flow path and penetrating toward an outer circumferential surface of the module block; A third flow passage having one end communicating with an intermediate portion of the first flow passage and the other end perpendicular to the first flow passage and the second flow passage and penetrating toward an outer circumferential surface of the module block; A plurality of coupling ports formed on an outer circumferential surface of the module block so as to communicate with both ends of the first flow path and one end of the second flow path and the third flow path, respectively; And And a plurality of adapters detachably coupled to the coupling port. The adapter is a flow path connecting structure consisting of any one of a straight branch pipe, a curved branch pipe and the blocking plate. The method of claim 1, The adapter is connected to the flow path, characterized in that the pipe or valve or sensor can be selectively coupled. The method of claim 2, The module block is a flow path connecting structure, characterized in that consisting of a cube. The method of claim 2, The coupling port is, A connection hole communicating with the flow path; And A first coupling plate formed to surround the connection hole; Euro connection structure comprising a. The method of claim 4, wherein The adapter includes a second coupling plate formed to correspond to the first coupling plate, The second coupling plate is a flow passage connecting structure is provided with a blocking plate blocking the connection hole or a branch or pipe of the date or bent shape in communication with the connection hole. The method of claim 5, And the first coupling plate and the second coupling plate are screwed through a plurality of screw holes formed at positions corresponding to each other. The method of claim 6, The pipe or valve or sensor is coupled to the adapter via an O-ring and a clamp. Module blocks; A first flow passage penetrating the inside of the module block; A second flow passage perpendicular to the middle portion of the first flow passage and penetrating the inside of the module block or penetrating toward an outer circumferential surface thereof; A plurality of coupling ports formed on an outer circumferential surface of the module block so as to communicate with both ends of the first flow path and the second flow path, respectively; And And a plurality of adapters detachably coupled to the coupling port. The adapter is a flow path connecting structure consisting of any one of a straight branch pipe, a curved branch pipe and the blocking plate. The method of claim 8, The adapter is connected to the flow path, characterized in that the pipe or valve or sensor can be selectively coupled. The method of claim 9, The module block is a flow path connecting structure, characterized in that consisting of a cube. The method of claim 9, The coupling port is, A connection hole communicating with the flow path; And A first coupling plate formed to surround the connection hole; Euro connection structure comprising a. The method of claim 11, The adapter includes a second coupling plate formed to correspond to the first coupling plate, The second coupling plate is a flow passage connecting structure is provided with a blocking plate blocking the connection hole or a branch or pipe of the date or bent shape in communication with the connection hole. The method of claim 12, And the first coupling plate and the second coupling plate are screwed through a plurality of screw holes formed at positions corresponding to each other. The method of claim 13, The pipe or valve or sensor is coupled to the adapter via an O-ring and a clamp. A fuel cell system comprising the flow path connecting structure of any one of claims 1 to 14.

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