Floating centering test fixture

Abstract

A floating centering test fixture includes a base, a cover plate, a slider, and two elastic elements. The base includes a bottom wall and an outer peripheral wall surrounding the outer edge of the bottom wall, both defining a receiving space. The end of the base away from the bottom wall is attached to the cover plate, which has a first through hole. The slider is located within the aforementioned receiving space and can slide radially. It has a first connecting hole at its center, within which a first connecting structure is provided for connecting a test connector. The first connecting hole corresponds to the first through hole of the cover plate. Elastic elements are respectively disposed on two opposite surfaces of the slider along its own axis, contacting the cover plate and the bottom wall of the base, respectively. These elastic elements not only provide floating support and cushioning positioning for the slider, but also achieve a sealing effect when the first connecting hole of the slider is a through hole, effectively preventing fluid leakage and thus improving the accuracy and reliability of the testing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fixture for testing the performance of a joint, and in particular, to a floating centering test fixture for simulating the floating characteristics and sealing effect of a joint. Prior Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of server technology, the demand for heat dissipation is constantly increasing. Traditional air cooling methods can no longer meet the needs of some high-performance servers, prompting the rise of new technologies such as cooling plate cooling and immersion cooling. These technologies effectively transfer the heat generated inside the server to a liquid cooling medium, which then dissipates the heat outside the server through heat exchange, achieving efficient heat dissipation. In this process, the transfer of the liquid cooling medium between different components requires the support of quick-release connectors, making quick-release connectors an indispensable and important component in liquid cooling systems.

[0003] Traditional quick-release couplings are mostly used in hydraulic systems or general liquid cooling devices, where the requirements for product lifespan and sealing performance are relatively low, and replacement costs are also relatively controllable. However, servo drives have extremely high requirements for reliability and stability during operation. Therefore, quick-release couplings must possess excellent sealing performance to prevent serious problems such as internal short circuits caused by coolant leakage. Furthermore, servo drives need to operate stably for extended periods, and any downtime caused by repairing or replacing quick-release couplings can result in significant losses. Based on this, servo drive liquid cooling applications place much more stringent technical requirements on quick-release couplings.

[0004] In server liquid cooling applications, reliability testing of quick-release connectors requires simulating various real-world usage scenarios, including repeated insertion and removal operations, to evaluate the connector's durability and sealing performance. Simultaneously, to accurately replicate actual operating conditions, precise alignment (core) between the insert and receiver connectors must be ensured during each mating process. This alignment is particularly crucial for receivers employing a blind-mating design. Any misalignment can lead to discrepancies between test conditions and actual application scenarios, resulting in biased test results or misjudgments.

[0005] In actual testing, due to limitations in equipment processing tolerances, product tolerances, and assembly processes, the insertion and receiving ends may not align precisely, especially during repeated docking operations. Excessive misalignment can lead to abnormal wear on the connector, further causing sealing failure and thus affecting the authenticity and reliability of the test.

[0006] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, in conventional test fixtures without a floating function, if the misalignment between the insert connector M and the receiver connector F is too large during mating tests, the insert connector M will damage the sealing ring S near the inlet of the receiver connector F. After repeated mating, the sealing ring S will wear out rapidly due to excessive force caused by the misalignment, ultimately leading to a significant decrease in sealing performance, which in turn affects the accuracy of the test results and the service life of the connector.

[0007] Therefore, designing a fixture that can achieve precise alignment to ensure the accuracy of insertion and removal operations and the stability of the testing process has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in the relevant technical field. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention discloses a floating centering test fixture, comprising a base, a cover plate, a slider, and two elastic elements. The base has a bottom wall and an outer peripheral wall surrounding the outer edge of the bottom wall, such that the bottom wall and the outer peripheral wall together define a receiving space. The outer peripheral wall is connected to the cover plate, which has a first through hole, at its end away from the bottom wall. The slider is disposed within the aforementioned receiving space, sandwiched between the base bottom wall and the cover plate, and can slide in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the base (e.g., radially). It has a first surface and a second surface, located at opposite ends of the slider along the axial direction. A first connecting hole is formed at the center of the slider for connecting a test connector. The first connecting hole can be a through hole or a blind hole, and its inner wall has a first connecting structure for fixing the test connector. In addition, the two elastic elements are respectively disposed on the first and second surfaces of the slider. The elastic element disposed on the first surface contacts the cover plate, and the elastic element disposed on the second surface contacts the bottom wall of the base. This not only provides buffering and support during the test, but also allows the slider to float radially inside the base, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the test. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the initial state of the insertion end connector and the receiving end connector in the prior art test fixture during the docking process. Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the subsequent state of the insertion end connector and the receiving end connector in the prior art test fixture during the docking process. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the main components of the floating centering test fixture according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the floating centering test fixture according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the floating centering test fixture according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the floating centering test fixture according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the floating centering test fixture of the second embodiment of the present invention in an operating state. Implementation

[0010] The above-mentioned objectives of the present invention and its structural and functional characteristics will be described with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the main components of the floating centering test fixture according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the floating centering test fixture according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the floating centering test fixture 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention mainly includes: a base 10, a cover plate 11, a slider 12, and two elastic elements 13 and 14. Their structures and functions are described below:

[0013] The base 10 can be made of metal or non-metal, and has a bottom wall 102 and an outer peripheral wall 103 surrounding the outer edge of the bottom wall 102. A mating surface 101 is provided at the end away from the bottom wall 102. The bottom wall 102 and the outer peripheral wall 103 together define an accommodating space P. The bottom wall 102 may have a second connecting hole 1020 and a second connecting structure 1021, such as a threaded structure, as required for specific connection or fixing applications.

[0014] In this embodiment, the floating centering test fixture 1 further includes a fixing rod 104, which can be made of metal or a hard material. The outer peripheral wall 103 of the base 10 is provided with at least one first fixing hole 1030 (through hole), and the outer peripheral wall of the slider 12 is provided with at least one second fixing hole 124. The fixing rod 104 passes through the first fixing hole 1030 and is inserted into the second fixing hole 124, which can securely fix the slider 12 to the base 10, prevent it from moving, and achieve a stable lock between the slider 12 and the base 10.

[0015] The cover plate 11, made of metal, covers and secures to the mating surface 101 of the base 10. Its fixation can be achieved using several screws (not shown in the figure). The fastening of the cover plate 11 not only provides a stable connection to the base 10 but also effectively restricts the axial movement of the slider 12 within the accommodating space P, thereby ensuring good sealing and sliding performance of the overall structure. Furthermore, the cover plate 11 has a first through hole 110, which corresponds to the first connecting hole 120 of the slider 12, allowing a test connector 125 to pass through and extend to the outside of the cover plate 11 to meet testing requirements. In this invention, the fixation method between the cover plate 11 and the base 10 is not limited to screw locking; a snap-fit ​​structure or other suitable fixing mechanism can also be used to further improve the flexibility and reliability of the assembly.

[0016] The slider 12, made of metal, is housed within the receiving space P of the base 10, sandwiched between the base bottom wall 102 and the cover plate 11, and can slide in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the base 10. In this embodiment, the slider 12 is placed within the cylindrical receiving space P, allowing for radial sliding to accommodate the centering adjustment requirements during testing. The slider 12 has a first surface 121 and a second surface 122, located at opposite ends along its own axis, providing stable support and a buffer base. A first connecting hole 120 is formed at the center of the slider 12 along its own axis. This first connecting hole 120 is a through hole, and its inner wall is provided with a first connecting structure 123, such as a threaded structure, to accommodate various types of test connectors and provide a secure locking effect. This design not only enhances the adaptability of the slider 12 but also effectively improves the installation stability and operational convenience of the test connector 125.

[0017] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 103, bottom wall 102 and cover plate 11 of the base 10 together constitute a shell structure. The shell structure includes a cylindrical part, and the shape of the slider 12 is a cylindrical structure that matches the cylindrical part, ensuring that the slider 12 can slide radially within the accommodating space P and form a stable fit with the base 10.

[0018] Two elastic elements 13 and 14, such as O-rings, are respectively disposed on the first surface 121 and the second surface 122 of the slider 12. Elastic element 13 is located on the first surface 121 of the slider 12 and is in close contact with the inner surface of the cover plate 11; elastic element 14 is located on the second surface 122 of the slider 12 and is in close contact with the inner surface of the bottom wall 102 of the base 10. This structural configuration not only provides effective cushioning and support during testing but also ensures stable radial sliding of the slider 12 within the accommodating space P, allowing it to be aligned according to the eccentricity of the tested connector 125. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first connecting hole 120 of the slider 12 is a through hole, allowing the floating alignment test fixture 1 to be connected to a medium pressure source (not shown), allowing fluid to pass through the base 10, the slider 12, and the tested connector 125. For this application, the two elastic elements 13 and 14, in addition to providing the floating function of the slider 12, also achieve a sealing function. The elastic element 13 located on the first surface 121 of the slider 12 ensures the seal between the slider 12 and the cover plate 11, while the elastic element 14 located on the second surface 122 of the slider 12 provides a seal between the slider 12 and the bottom wall 102 of the base 10, thereby effectively preventing fluid leakage and ensuring the safety and accuracy of the testing process.

[0019] In this embodiment, the floating centering test fixture 1 further includes a fixing base 15 for fixing the test fixture to an external device (not shown) that provides a medium pressure source (fluid). The fixing base 15 is connected to the base 10 and has a third connecting structure 151 with an external thread. The third connecting structure 151 mates with the second connecting hole 1020 of the base 10 to connect the fixing base 15 and the base 10. Through the above configuration, the entire fixture is stably installed in practical applications.

[0020] In this embodiment, the test connector 125 is inserted from the outside and securely locked through the first connecting hole 120 of the slider 12 and the first through hole 110 of the cover plate 11. The first connecting hole 120 is a through hole, and during the test, the medium pressure source can be input or output from the outside of the base 10, allowing fluid to flow through the slider 12 and the test connector 125 to simulate various test conditions. The configuration of the two elastic elements 13 and 14 supports the slider 12 to slide stably radially within the accommodating space P, thus significantly improving the centering accuracy and test stability. In addition, the elastic elements 13 and 14 also have sealing performance, which can effectively prevent fluid leakage and ensure the safety and reliability of the test process. Therefore, this floating centering test fixture 1 is particularly suitable for server liquid cooling and other applications with high sealing and precision requirements for quick-release connectors. In addition, the second connecting hole 1020 of the bottom wall 102 of the base 10 is connected to the third connecting structure 151 of the fixed seat 15, and is connected to an external device (not shown) that provides a medium pressure source through the fixed seat 15, further improving the ease of installation.

[0021] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the floating centering test fixture according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the floating centering test fixture according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The main difference between the floating centering test fixture 1' of the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment lies in the form of the first connecting hole 120' of the slider 12' and the application requirements. The slider 12' is disposed within the accommodating space P' and is clamped by the bottom wall of the base 10' and the cover plate 11', and can slide in the radial direction. It is provided with buffering and centering adjustment functions by two elastic elements 13' and 14', and its configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. A first connecting hole 120' is provided at the center of the slider 12' along its own axial direction. The first connecting hole 120' is changed from a through hole to a blind hole, and a first connecting structure 123' (e.g., a threaded structure) is provided on the inner wall to lock or connect the test connector 125'. Since the first connecting hole 120' is a blind hole design, the blind hole structure does not penetrate the entire slider 12', which is suitable for test application scenarios where it is not necessary for the fluid medium to flow from the bottom wall of the base 10' through the slider 12' to the test connector 125' (vertical connection). The basic structures of other components, such as base 10', cover plate 11', and slider 12', are the same as those in the first embodiment. The relevant details have been described in the foregoing description and will not be repeated here.

[0023] In this embodiment, the floating alignment test fixture 1' uses a blind-hole design for the slider 12', making it suitable for applications that only require simulating the floating alignment and one-way sealing functions of the tested connector 125'. The slider 12' can slide radially within the receiving space P' of the base 10', and is supported and adjusted by two elastic elements 13' and 14', improving the alignment accuracy and testing stability of the floating alignment test fixture 1'. Therefore, this embodiment is also suitable for server liquid cooling and other applications with stringent testing requirements for quick-release connectors.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the floating centering test fixture of this embodiment in an operating state.

[0025] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, under operation, the floating alignment test fixture 1' can be mounted on a plane through the second connecting hole 1020' of the base 10'. The test connector 125', serving as the insertion end, can be firmly fixed in the first connecting hole 120' of the slider 12' and extends through the first through hole of the cover plate 11' to the outside of the cover plate 11'. When the test connector 125' at the insertion end and the test connector F' at the receiving end are subjected to repeated insertion and removal reliability testing, the two elastic elements 13' and 14' can provide floating support for the slider 12', allowing the slider 12' to slide radially within the base 10' to correct alignment deviation. This design effectively solves the alignment deviation problem caused by machining tolerances or installation errors between the test connector 125' at the insertion end and the test connector F' at the receiving end, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the test and preventing the test connector 125' at the insertion end from damaging the sealing ring inside the test connector at the receiving end.

[0026] The floating alignment test fixture of this invention, through the coordinated configuration of a base, slider, cover plate, and two elastic elements, allows the slider to be clamped by the bottom wall of the base and the cover plate within the accommodating space and to slide stably radially, significantly improving the alignment accuracy and test stability of the tested connector. The slider is provided with a first connecting hole and a connecting structure, adaptable to different types of tested connectors and providing a secure fixing function. The two elastic elements not only provide floating support for the slider but also provide a sealing effect when the slider is designed as a through hole, effectively preventing fluid leakage and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the test. Furthermore, the base is provided with a connecting hole and achieves a stable connection and media transport with external equipment through a fixed seat, making this fixture particularly suitable for testing server liquid cooling and other high-requirement quick-release connector applications. This invention effectively solves the problem of alignment deviation caused by machining tolerances or installation errors, prevents connector damage, and ensures the authenticity and stability of multiple insertion and removal tests.

[0027] (customary knowledge) M: Insertion connector F: Receiver connector S: Sealing ring (This invention) 1, 1': Floating centering test fixture 10, 10': Base 101: Joint surface 102: Bottom wall 1020, 1020': Second connecting hole 1021: Second connection structure 103: Peripheral wall 1030: First fixing hole 104: Fixing rod 11,11': Cover plate 110: First through hole 12, 12': Slider 120, 120': First connecting hole 121, 121': First surface 122, 122': Second surface 123, 123': First connection structure 124: Second fixing hole 125, 125': Test connector 13, 13', 14, 14': Elastic elements 15: Fixture 151: Third connection structure P, P': Containment space F': Receiver test connector

Claims

1. A floating centering test fixture, comprising: A base has a bottom wall and an outer peripheral wall surrounding the outer edge of the bottom wall. The outer peripheral wall has a mating surface at its end away from the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the outer peripheral wall together define an accommodating space. A cover plate is disposed on the mating surface of the base and has a first through hole. A slider is disposed within the accommodating space and can slide in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the base. The slider has a first surface and a second surface, located at opposite ends of the slider along its own axis. The slider has a first connecting hole with a first connecting structure for connecting a test connector, and the first connecting hole corresponds to the first through hole of the cover plate. Two elastic elements are disposed on the first and second surfaces of the slider, respectively. The elastic element on the first surface contacts the cover plate, and the elastic element on the second surface contacts the bottom wall of the base.

2. The floating centering test fixture as described in claim 1, wherein, The first connecting hole is a through hole, and the inner wall of the first connecting hole is provided with the first connecting structure, and the first connecting structure is a threaded structure.

3. The floating centering test fixture as described in claim 1, wherein, The first connecting hole is a blind hole, and the inner wall of the first connecting hole is provided with the first connecting structure, which is a threaded structure.

4. The floating centering test fixture as described in claim 1, wherein, The base has a second connection hole on its bottom wall, and a second connection structure is provided in the second connection hole.

5. The floating centering test fixture as described in claim 4, wherein, The inner wall of the second connecting hole is provided with the second connecting structure, and the second connecting structure is a threaded structure.

6. The floating centering test fixture as described in claim 2 further includes a fixing seat connected to the base; the fixing seat has a third connecting structure, through which the fixing seat is connected to a second connecting hole of the base.

7. The floating centering test fixture as described in claim 2, wherein, The elastic element disposed on the first surface of the slider is also used to provide a seal between the slider and the cover plate, and the elastic element disposed on the second surface of the slider is also used to provide a seal between the slider and the bottom wall of the base. The two elastic elements together provide sliding support for the slider within the base.

8. The floating centering test fixture as described in claim 1 further includes a fixing rod, wherein, The outer peripheral wall of the base is provided with at least one first fixing hole, which is a through hole. The outer peripheral wall of the slider is provided with at least one second fixing hole. The fixing rod is used to pass through the at least one first fixing hole and insert into the at least one second fixing hole to fix the slider on the base.

9. The floating centering test fixture as described in claim 1, wherein, The outer peripheral wall, the bottom wall, and the cover plate together constitute a shell structure, which includes a cylindrical part, and the slider has a cylindrical shape that matches the cylindrical part.

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