Connection device for a liquid cooling module

Abstract

The present invention provides a connection device of a liquid cooling module. The connection device of the liquid cooling module includes a floating joint, a housing, and a spring sheet. The floating joint has a passage, and the passage is used for a fluid to pass through. The spring sheet includes a first extension structure, a second extension structure, and a bending structure. The first extension structure is fixed to the housing, the second extension structure is connected to the floating joint, and the bending structure has a first end and a second end connected to the first extension structure and the second extension structure respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device, and more particularly to a connection device for a liquid cooling module. Background Art

[0002] To effectively control temperature, many modern electronic devices are equipped with liquid cooling modules that provide cooling liquid (e.g., water or oil). However, the connectors of these modules can misalign during production, leading to connection failures.

[0003] To avoid this, some connectors have a floating feature. However, existing floating connectors are not suitable for smaller spaces. Furthermore, because floating connectors are not completely fixed, improper force applied during connection can cause the connector to rotate and break. Therefore, solving this problem has become an important issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a connection device for a liquid cooling module to solve at least one of the above problems.

[0005] The present invention provides a connection device for a liquid cooling module, comprising a floating joint, a housing, and a spring. The floating joint has a channel for passing a fluid. The spring includes a first extension structure, a second extension structure, and a curved structure. The first extension structure is fixed to the housing, the second extension structure is connected to the floating joint, and the curved structure has a head end and a tail end connected to the first and second extension structures, respectively.

[0006] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second extending structure comprises a plate, and the plate contacts the floating joint in a detachable manner.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first extending structure and the second extending structure are substantially parallel.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the floating joint further comprises a connecting post, the second extension structure comprises an annular portion detachably connected to the connecting post, the annular portion has an opening, and the connecting post is located between the opening and the first extension structure.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the floating joint further includes an anti-rotation structure, and the housing includes a through-hole. The floating joint passes through the through-hole, and the anti-rotation structure is accommodated in the through-hole to limit the rotation angle of the floating joint.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the anti-rotation structure includes a side edge, and the through-hole includes a wall surface facing the side edge, wherein the maximum distance between a central axis of the floating joint and the side edge is greater than the minimum distance between the central axis and the wall surface. The side edge and the wall surface are respectively concave and convex. A gap is formed between the anti-rotation structure and the wall surface.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the floating joint further comprises a guide hole disposed beside the channel, and the connecting device further comprises a spring connecting the housing and the floating joint.

[0012] The present invention also provides a connection device for a liquid cooling module, comprising a floating joint, a housing, and a plurality of spring clips. The floating joint has a channel for passing a fluid. Each spring clip comprises a first extension structure, a second extension structure, and a curved structure. The first extension structure is fixed to the housing, the second extension structure is connected to the floating joint, and the first and second extension structures are connected at their respective ends. The connection between the spring clip and the floating joint is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis of the floating joint.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the floating joint further includes a plurality of connecting posts, and each second extension structure includes an annular portion detachably connected to the connecting posts.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, each annular portion includes an opening, and for each spring, the connecting post connected to the spring is located between the opening of the spring and the first extension structure. The floating joint has a generally rectangular cross-section, and the connecting posts are located at corners of the rectangular cross-section.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the floating joint further includes an anti-rotation structure, and the housing includes a through-hole, wherein the floating joint passes through the through-hole, and the anti-rotation structure is accommodated in the through-hole to limit the rotation angle of the floating joint.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the anti-rotation structure includes a side edge, and the through-hole includes a wall surface facing the side edge, wherein the maximum distance between a central axis of the floating joint and the side edge is greater than the minimum distance between the central axis and the wall surface. The side edge and the wall surface are respectively concave and convex. A gap is formed between the anti-rotation structure and the wall surface.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the floating joint further comprises a guide hole disposed beside the channel, and the connecting device further comprises a spring connecting the housing and the floating joint. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention in which a connecting device of a liquid cooling module is disposed on a housing of an electronic device.

[0019] Figure 2 FIG1 is an exploded view of a connection device of a liquid cooling module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a floating joint, a first housing, and a spring in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the second housing and the anti-rotation structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the connecting device of the liquid cooling module and the fluid supplier in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a connection device of a liquid cooling module in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a connection device of a liquid cooling module in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a floating joint, a first housing, and a spring in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of a second housing and an anti-rotation structure in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0028] 10: Fluid supplier

[0029] 11: Pipeline

[0030] 12: Guide column

[0031] 100:Floating joint

[0032] 110: Channel

[0033] 111: One end of the channel

[0034] 112: The other end of the channel

[0035] 120: Anti-rotation structure

[0036] 121,122,123,124: Side

[0037] 130: Guide hole

[0038] 140: Rectangular part

[0039] 150: Connecting column

[0040] 200: Shell

[0041] 210: First shell

[0042] 212: Installation

[0043] 213: Hole

[0044] 220: Second shell

[0045] 221:Piercing

[0046] 221A, 221B, 221C, 221D: wall

[0047] 300: Shrapnel

[0048] 310: First extension structure

[0049] 320: Second extension structure

[0050] 330: curved structure

[0051] 331: Head end

[0052] 332: End

[0053] 400: Spring

[0054] AX: Center axis

[0055] C: Connecting device

[0056] D1: Distance

[0057] D2: Distance

[0058] H: Shell DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The following describes the connection device for a liquid cooling module of the present invention. However, it will be readily apparent that the present invention provides many suitable inventive concepts that can be implemented in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments disclosed are merely illustrative of specific uses of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It is understood that these terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with the background or context of the relevant technology and the present invention, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner unless specifically defined herein.

[0061] First see Figure 1 The connection device C of the liquid cooling module can be set on the housing H of an electronic device (such as a server cabinet or a computer housing). The aforementioned connection device C can be connected to a fluid supply (such as Figure 5 The fluid supply device 10 shown is connected to a heat generating component (e.g., a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, and / or a hard disk) in an electronic device, so that the fluid supply device can provide cooling fluid to the heat generating component via a connecting device C. In this way, the cooling fluid can absorb the heat energy generated by the heat generating component, thereby achieving the effect of cooling the heat generating component.

[0062] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the connecting device C in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connection device C for the liquid cooling module primarily comprises a floating joint 100, a housing 200, and a plurality of spring clips 300. The floating joint 100 has a channel 110, with two ends 111 and 112 of the channel 110 connected to the liquid cooling module and the heating element, respectively, via pipes. The housing 200 can be secured to the housing H of the electronic device E and surrounds the floating joint 100 to protect it from external impacts. In some embodiments, the housing 200 can be a portion of the housing H of the electronic device.

[0063] See also Figures 1 to 3 In this embodiment, the housing 200 includes a first housing 210, and the floating joint 100 can extend along the X-axis and pass through the first housing 210. The first housing 210 has a generally rectangular cross-section, with a mounting portion 212 and a hole 213 formed on each of its four sides. The spring 300 can be fixed to the outer surface of the mounting portion 212 and pass through the hole 213. Specifically, the spring 300 can include a first extension structure 310, a second extension structure 320, and a curved structure 330. The first extension structure 310 is fixed to the outer surface of the mounting portion 212, the second extension structure 320 is disposed between the mounting portion 212 and the floating joint 100, and the curved structure 330 passes through the hole 213 and connects the first extension structure 310 and the second extension structure 320. The spring 300 can provide support that a spring cannot, allowing the floating joint 100 to float when sufficient support is provided.

[0064] The first extension structure 310 and the second extension structure 320 are generally plate-like (i.e., plate-like) structures and are generally parallel to each other. The curved structure 330 extends generally along an arc, with its head end 331 connected to the first extension structure 310 and its tail end 332 connected to the second extension structure 320. Therefore, the first extension structure 310, the second extension structure 320, and the curved structure 330 generally form a U-shaped cross-section. When the floating joint 100 passes through the first housing 210, the second extension structure 320 of the spring 300 detachably contacts the floating joint 100. The elastic force of the spring 300 allows the floating joint 100 to be positioned in a predetermined position when the fluid supply pipeline is not yet connected to the floating joint 100. Furthermore, because the spring 300 is flexible, the floating joint 100 can move within a limited range relative to the housing 200. Therefore, when the position of the pipeline of the fluid supplier deviates slightly from the position of the floating joint 100 , the floating joint 100 can move corresponding to the position of the pipeline, and the user can still connect the aforementioned pipeline to the floating joint 100 .

[0065] In this embodiment, the spring pieces 300 in the connection device C have the same shape and size, and the spring pieces 300 may be arranged in a rotationally symmetric manner with respect to the central axis AX of the floating joint 100 .

[0066] See also Figure 2 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the housing 200 further includes a second housing 220. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be connected to each other or may be integrally formed. The second housing 220 may have a through-hole 221, and the floating joint 100 may extend along the X-axis and pass through this through-hole 221. Specifically, the floating joint 100 may have an anti-rotation structure 120 housed in this through-hole 221.

[0067] The anti-rotation structure 120 has four side edges 121, 122, 123, 124, and the aforementioned side edges 121, 122, 123, 124 are concave. The walls of the through hole 221 facing the side edges 121, 122, 123, 124 of the anti-rotation structure 120 are walls 221A, 221B, 221C, 221D, respectively, and the walls 221A, 221B, 221C, 221D are formed in a convex shape corresponding to the outer shape of the side edges 121, 122, 123, 124. Since the farthest distance (e.g., distance D1) between the central axis AX of the floating joint 100 and the side edges 121, 122, 123, 124 is greater than the closest distance (e.g., distance D2) between the central axis AX of the floating joint 100 and the walls 221A, 221B, 221C, 221D, the rotation angle of the floating joint 100 can be limited. For example, by the aforementioned through hole 221 and the anti-rotation structure 120, the floating joint 100 can only rotate 5-10 degrees relative to the housing 200.

[0068] Since a gap is formed between the side edges 121, 122, 123, 124 of the anti-rotation structure 120 and the walls 221A, 221B, 221C, 221D of the through hole 221, the floating joint 100 can still move along the Y-axis and / or Z-axis directions relative to the housing 200 to achieve the floating purpose even if the floating joint 100 has the anti-rotation structure 120.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, the floating joint 100 further includes a guide hole 130. The guide hole 130 is disposed beside the passage 110 of the floating joint 100, and the guide column 12 beside the pipe 11 of the fluid supply device 10 can have a guide hole corresponding to the guide hole 130. Therefore, when the user wants to connect the pipe 11 of the fluid supply device 10 to the floating joint 100, the guide column 12 can first enter the guide hole 130 of the floating joint 100, so that the pipe 11 of the fluid supply device 10 is adjusted to a position corresponding to the passage 110 of the floating joint 100.

[0070] In this embodiment, the connecting device C further includes a spring 400 connecting the housing 200 and the floating joint 100. The spring 400, for example, can be a compression spring, and the elastic force of the spring 400 can provide a buffer when the pipe of the fluid supply device is connected to the floating joint 100, and can also ensure that the pipe is connected to the floating joint 100.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7In another embodiment of the present invention, a connection device C for a liquid cooling module primarily comprises a floating joint 100, a housing 200, and a plurality of spring clips 300. The floating joint 100 has a channel 110, with two ends 111 and 112 of the channel 110 connected to the liquid cooling module and the heating element, respectively, via pipes. In this embodiment, the floating joint 100 also includes a rectangular portion 140 and a plurality of connecting posts 150. The rectangular portion 140 has a rectangular cross-section, and the connecting posts are disposed on the rectangular portion 140, each located at its corners.

[0072] The housing 200 can be fixed to the housing H of the electronic device E and can surround the floating joint 100 to protect the floating joint 100 from being impacted by external elements. Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 200 includes a first housing 210, and the floating joint 100 can extend along the X-axis and pass through the first housing 210. The first housing 210 has a generally rectangular cross-section, and a mounting portion 212 and a hole 213 can be formed on each of its four sides. The spring clip 300 can be fixed to the outer surface of the mounting portion 212 and pass through the hole 213. Specifically, the spring clip 300 can include a first extending structure 310, a second extending structure 320, and a curved structure 330. The first extending structure 310 is fixed to the outer surface of the mounting portion 212, the second extending structure 320 is disposed between the mounting portion 212 and the floating joint 100, and the curved structure 330 passes through the hole 213 and connects the first extending structure 310 and the second extending structure 320.

[0073] The first extension structure 310 is generally a plate. The curved structure 330 extends generally along an arc. The head end 331 of the curved structure 330 is connected to the first extension structure 310, and the tail end 332 of the curved structure 330 is connected to the second extension structure 320. The second extension structure 320 includes an annular portion 321, which is detachably connected to the connecting post 150 on the floating joint 100. Specifically, when a spring clip 300 and a connecting post 150 are connected, the connecting post 150 is located between the opening 322 of the annular portion 321 and the first extension structure 310.

[0074] The elastic force of the spring 300 allows the floating joint 100 to be positioned at a predetermined position when the fluid supply pipeline is not yet connected to the floating joint 100. Furthermore, because the spring 300 is flexible, the floating joint 100 can move within a limited range relative to the housing 200. Therefore, if the position of the fluid supply pipeline slightly deviates from the position of the floating joint 100, the floating joint 100 can move to correspond with the pipeline's position, allowing the user to still connect the pipeline to the floating joint 100.

[0075] In this embodiment, the connection between the spring 300 and the floating joint 100 (ie, the position where the annular portion 321 is connected to the connecting post 150 ) is rotationally symmetric with respect to the central axis AX of the floating joint 100 .

[0076] See also Figure 7 and Figure 9 In this embodiment, the housing 200 further includes a second housing 220. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be connected to each other or may be integrally formed. The second housing 220 may have a through-hole 221, and the floating joint 100 may extend along the X-axis and pass through this through-hole 221. The floating joint 100 may have an anti-rotation structure 120, which is accommodated in this through-hole 221.

[0077] The anti-rotation structure 120 has four sides 121, 122, 123, and 124, all of which are concave. The walls of the through-hole 221 facing the sides 121, 122, 123, and 124 of the anti-rotation structure 120 are walls 221A, 221B, 221C, and 221D, respectively. These walls 221A, 221B, 221C, and 221D are convex, corresponding to the shape of the sides 121, 122, 123, and 124. Because the maximum distance (e.g., distance D1) between the central axis AX of the floating joint 100 and the side edges 121, 122, 123, and 124 is greater than the minimum distance (e.g., distance D2) between the central axis AX of the floating joint 100 and the wall surfaces 221A, 221B, 221C, and 221D, the rotation angle of the floating joint 100 is limited. For example, the aforementioned through-holes 221 and anti-rotation structure 120 limit the rotation of the floating joint 100 relative to the housing 200 by 5 to 10 degrees. Furthermore, the connecting post 150 and the anti-rotation structure 120 can be provided either or both, depending on the needs. The simultaneous provision of the connecting post 150 and the anti-rotation structure 120 further enhances the stability and anti-rotation effectiveness of the floating joint 100.

[0078] Since gaps are formed between the side edges 121, 122, 123, 124 of the anti-rotation structure 120 and the walls 221A, 221B, 221C, 221D of the through hole 221, even though the floating joint 100 has the anti-rotation structure 120, the floating joint 100 can still move relative to the housing 200 along the Y-axis and / or Z-axis to achieve the purpose of floating.

[0079] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7In this embodiment, the floating joint 100 further includes a guide hole 130. Guide hole 130 is located adjacent to the channel 110 of the floating joint 100, and a guide post corresponding to this guide hole 130 may be located adjacent to the fluid supply pipe. Therefore, when a user wishes to connect the pipe 11 of the fluid supply 10 to the floating joint 100, the guide post can first be inserted into the guide hole 130 of the floating joint 100, allowing the fluid supply pipe to be adjusted to a position corresponding to the channel 110 of the floating joint 100.

[0080] In this embodiment, the connection device C further includes a spring 400 connecting the housing 200 and the floating joint 100. This spring 400 can be, for example, a compression spring. Its elastic force provides a cushion when connecting the fluid supply pipe to the floating joint 100, while also ensuring a secure connection between the pipe and the floating joint 100.

[0081] In summary, the present invention provides a connection device for a liquid cooling module, comprising a floating joint, a housing, and a spring. The floating joint has a channel for passing a fluid. The spring comprises a first extension structure, a second extension structure, and a curved structure. The first extension structure is fixed to the housing, the second extension structure is connected to the floating joint, and the curved structure has a head end and a tail end connected to the first and second extension structures, respectively.

[0082] The present invention also provides a connection device for a liquid cooling module, comprising a floating joint, a housing, and a plurality of spring clips. The floating joint has a channel for passing a fluid. Each spring clip comprises a first extension structure, a second extension structure, and a curved structure. The first extension structure is fixed to the housing, the second extension structure is connected to the floating joint, and the first and second extension structures are connected at their respective ends. The connection between the spring clip and the floating joint is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis of the floating joint.

[0083] Although the embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been disclosed above, it should be understood that those skilled in the art may make changes, substitutions and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods and steps in the specific embodiments described in the specification. Any person skilled in the art can understand from the disclosure of the present invention that the processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods and steps currently or in the future developed can be used according to the present invention as long as they can implement substantially the same functions or obtain substantially the same results in the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention includes the above-mentioned processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods and steps. In addition, each claim constitutes a separate embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present invention also includes the combination of each claim and embodiment.

[0084] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to several preferred embodiments, these are not intended to limit the present invention. Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. Furthermore, each claim constitutes an independent embodiment, and any combination of claims and embodiments is within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connection device for a liquid cooling module, comprising: a floating joint having a passage for passing a fluid; a shell; as well as A shrapnel comprising: a first extension structure fixed to the housing; a second extension structure connected to the floating joint; and a curved structure, wherein a first end of the curved structure is connected to the first extension structure, and a terminal end of the curved structure is connected to the second extension structure; The floating joint further includes a connecting post. The second extension structure includes an annular portion, and the annular portion is detachably connected to the connecting post. The annular portion has an opening, and the connecting post is located between the opening and the first extension structure. 2 . The connecting device of a liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second extending structure comprises a plate, and the plate contacts the floating joint in a detachable manner. 3 . The connecting device of the liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first extending structure and the second extending structure are parallel.

4. The connection device of the liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floating joint further includes an anti-rotation structure, and the housing includes a through-hole, wherein the floating joint passes through the through-hole, and the anti-rotation structure is accommodated in the through-hole to limit the rotation angle of the floating joint.

5. The connection device of the liquid cooling module as described in claim 4, wherein the anti-rotation structure includes a side edge, and the through hole includes a wall facing the side edge, wherein the maximum distance between a central axis of the floating joint and the side edge is greater than the minimum distance between the central axis and the wall edge. 6 . The connection device of the liquid cooling module according to claim 4 , wherein the anti-rotation structure includes a side edge, the through hole includes a wall surface facing the side edge, and the side edge and the wall surface are concave and convex respectively. 7 . The connecting device of a liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the through hole comprises a wall surface, and a gap is formed between the anti-rotation structure and the wall surface. 8 . The connection device of the liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the floating joint further comprises a guide hole disposed beside the channel. 9 . The connecting device of the liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the connecting device further comprises a spring connecting the housing and the floating joint.

10. A connection device for a liquid cooling module, comprising: a floating joint having a passage for passing a fluid; a shell; as well as A plurality of spring fragments, each of which comprises: a first extension structure fixed to the housing; a second extension structure connected to the floating joint; and a curved structure, wherein a first end of the curved structure is connected to the first extension structure, and a terminal end of the curved structure is connected to the second extension structure, wherein the connection points between the plurality of spring pieces and the floating joint are symmetrically arranged relative to a central axis of the floating joint; The floating joint also includes a plurality of connecting columns, and each second extension structure includes an annular portion, which is respectively connected to the plurality of connecting columns in a detachable manner; each annular portion includes an opening, and for each spring sheet, the connecting column connected to the spring sheet is located between the opening of the spring sheet and the first extension structure. 11 . The connection device of a liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the floating joint has a rectangular cross-section, and the plurality of connection posts are respectively located at corners of the rectangular cross-section.

12. The connection device of the liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 10, wherein the floating joint further includes an anti-rotation structure, and the housing includes a through-hole, wherein the floating joint passes through the through-hole, and the anti-rotation structure is accommodated in the through-hole to limit the rotation angle of the floating joint.

13. The connection device of the liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the anti-rotation structure includes a side edge, and the through hole includes a wall facing the side edge, wherein the maximum distance between the central axis and the side edge is greater than the minimum distance between the central axis and the wall edge. 14 . The connection device of a liquid cooling module according to claim 12 , wherein the anti-rotation structure comprises a side edge, the through hole comprises a wall surface facing the side edge, and the side edge and the wall surface are concave and convex respectively. 15 . The connecting device of a liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the through hole comprises a wall, and a gap is formed between the anti-rotation structure and the wall. 16 . The connection device of the liquid cooling module as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the floating joint further comprises a guide hole disposed beside the channel. 17 . The connecting device of the liquid cooling module according to claim 10 , further comprising a spring connecting the housing and the floating joint.

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