Liquid leakage isolation device and electronic device
By designing a leakage isolation device, the coolant is collected in the grooves and bottom wall of the liquid cooler, and a detection device is installed at the second end. This solves the problem of equipment damage caused by coolant leakage, enables rapid detection and isolation of leakage, and improves the reliability of the equipment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FULIAN PRESION ELECTRONICS (TIANJIN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-04
AI Technical Summary
Coolant leaks can cause damage to or render electronic equipment unusable.
Design a leakage isolation device, including a liquid-cooled radiator and a detection device. The leakage of coolant is collected by the groove and bottom wall of the liquid-cooled radiator, and the detection device is installed at the second end to quickly detect the leakage, reducing the installation area of the detection device.
It effectively prevents coolant leakage from damaging electronic equipment, and reduces equipment wear and tear and improves equipment reliability by quickly detecting and isolating leaks.
Smart Images
Figure CN116963452B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of liquid cooling technology, specifically to a leakage isolation device and electronic equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, with the development of high-power applications such as cloud computing, edge computing, and high-performance computing, the power density of each server is gradually increasing, and its heat generation is also gradually increasing. Liquid cooling is often used to dissipate heat from servers.
[0003] Coolant leakage is one of the biggest potential risks in server cooling systems, as leaked coolant can damage or render electronic equipment unusable. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the above situation, it is necessary to provide a leakage isolation device to solve the problem of coolant leakage causing damage or scrapping of electronic equipment.
[0005] This application provides a leakage isolation device, including a liquid-cooled radiator and a detection device. The liquid-cooled radiator includes a first housing and a second housing, which are connected to form a cavity between them. The cavity is used for the flow of coolant. A cooling surface is formed on the side of the second housing away from the first housing, and this cooling surface is used to cool a heat-generating element. A groove is provided on the side of the first housing away from the cavity, and the groove has a bottom wall. A fixing structure is provided on the bottom wall for fixing a coolant return pipe. The fixing structure has a flow channel for connecting the cavity and the coolant return pipe. The groove is used to collect coolant leaking from the connection between the coolant return pipe and the fixing structure. The bottom wall has a first end and a second end, with the first end higher than the second end. The detection device is disposed at the second end for detecting leakage and issuing a leakage signal.
[0006] In this leakage isolation device, a cavity is provided between the first and second housings for the return of coolant, which can be used as a liquid cooling device to cool electronic equipment. The liquid cooling pipe joint is mounted on a fixed structure. When coolant leakage occurs at the interface between the liquid cooling pipe joint and the coolant return pipe or the fixed structure, the groove of the liquid cooling radiator is used to collect the leaking liquid, and the sidewall of the liquid cooling radiator is used to block the leakage flow. The first end of the bottom wall of the liquid cooling radiator is higher than the second end, so the leaking liquid inside the liquid cooling radiator will accumulate at the second end. A detection device can be installed only at the second end to detect the leak, reducing the installation area of the detection device. The detection device detects the leak and sends a signal, which can be used for further processing.
[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the groove has a sidewall disposed on one side of the bottom wall and enclosing the bottom wall to form the groove. The sidewall has a top surface located on the side of the sidewall away from the bottom wall. The bottom wall includes a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface. The first bottom surface has a first depth relative to the top surface, and the second bottom surface has a second depth relative to the top surface. The first depth is less than the second depth.
[0008] This leakage isolation device has a first bottom surface with a first depth relative to the top surface, and a second bottom surface with a second depth relative to the top surface. The first depth is less than the second depth. The bottom wall is designed in a stepped shape to facilitate the leakage to flow down the steps and converge at the second end of the liquid-cooled radiator.
[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the bottom wall is arc-shaped, and the cross-section of the bottom wall and the side wall along a direction perpendicular to a first direction is U-shaped, where the first direction is the extension direction of the bottom wall.
[0010] In this type of leakage isolation device, the bottom wall of the liquid-cooled radiator is arc-shaped, forming a U-shaped cross-section with the side walls. If the U-shape is such that the opening is far from the top surface, making the two sides of the bottom wall lower than other positions, the leaked coolant will collect on both sides of the second end of the liquid-cooled radiator, and detection devices can be installed only on the two sides of the second end. If the U-shape is such that the opening is close to the top surface, making the middle of the bottom wall lower than other positions, the leaked coolant will collect in the middle of the second end of the liquid-cooled radiator, and detection devices can be installed only in the middle of the second end, further reducing the installation area of the detection devices.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, a bracket is also included, the bracket being provided with a fixing component, and the liquid cooling radiator is disposed on the bracket and fixed to the electronic device by the fixing component.
[0012] This leakage isolation device connects the liquid-cooled radiator to the electronic equipment via a fixing component on a bracket, making it easy to remove the liquid-cooled radiator for cleaning or replacement.
[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the bracket is integrally formed with the liquid cooling radiator.
[0014] In this leakage isolation device, the bracket and the liquid-cooled radiator are integrally molded, which reduces the need for mold making and lowers manufacturing costs.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the detection device is a water immersion sensor.
[0016] This leakage isolation device uses a water immersion sensor as its detection device. The water immersion sensor is characterized by miniaturization, digitalization, and intelligence. It has a small installation space and can sensitively detect whether water leakage has occurred in the measured area.
[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the first housing and the second housing are detachably connected and sealed by a seal.
[0018] The first and second housings of this leakage isolation device are detachably connected, facilitating cleaning of the parts of the first and second housings that come into contact with the coolant. A seal is also used between the first and second housings to reduce coolant leakage within the cavity.
[0019] Another embodiment of this application provides an electronic device, including a coolant return pipe and the aforementioned leakage isolation device.
[0020] The fixed structure includes a fixed base and a liquid cooling pipe joint. The fixed base is fixedly connected to the bottom wall, and the liquid cooling pipe joint is detachably fitted to the fixed base. The liquid cooling pipe joint is connected to the coolant return pipe.
[0021] The liquid cooling pipe joint of this electronic device is located in a groove. When coolant leaks at the interface between the liquid cooling pipe joint and the coolant return pipe, the liquid cooling radiator can catch the leak and isolate the leak from contacting the electronic components. The detection device detects the leak and sends a signal to reduce the impact of the leak.
[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid-cooled pipe joint extends from the fixed base toward the second end.
[0023] The liquid cooling pipe joint in this electronic device extends from the fixed base toward the second end. When a coolant leak occurs, the leaked liquid flows out along the direction extending toward the second end, which can reduce the flow path of the leaked liquid in the bottom wall and make the leak more quickly detected. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the leakage isolation device in one embodiment of this application.
[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the MM side of the leakage isolation device shown.
[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of the leakage isolation device in another embodiment.
[0027] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the detection device and the control system in a leakage isolation device according to another embodiment of this application.
[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the leakage isolation device shown on surface AA.
[0029] Explanation of main component symbols
[0030] Leakage isolation device 1000
[0031] Liquid cooling radiator 100
[0032] First shell 10
[0033] Side wall 11
[0034] Top surface 111
[0035] Bottom wall 12
[0036] First bottom surface 123
[0037] Second bottom surface 124
[0038] Third bottom surface 125
[0039] Groove 13
[0040] Fixed structure 14
[0041] First fixed base 141
[0042] First distribution channel 1411
[0043] Second fixed base 142
[0044] Second distribution channel 1421
[0045] First end 121
[0046] Second end 122
[0047] Second shell 20
[0048] Cooling surface 21
[0049] Cavity 50
[0050] Detection device 200
[0051] Bracket 30
[0052] Fixed component 31
[0053] First fastener 311
[0054] Second fastener 312
[0055] Liquid cooling pipe joint 40
[0056] Reflux tube 60
[0057] Control System 300
[0058] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation
[0059] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.
[0060] It should be noted that when a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located. When a component is considered to be "set" on another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may also have a component that is centrally located.
[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0062] Embodiments of this application provide a leakage isolation device to solve the problem of coolant leakage causing damage or scrapping of electronic equipment.
[0063] The leakage isolation device includes a liquid-cooled radiator and a detection device. The liquid-cooled radiator includes a first housing and a second housing, which are connected to form a cavity between them. This cavity is used for the flow of coolant. A cooling surface is formed on the side of the second housing away from the first housing, used to cool the heating element. A groove is provided on the side of the first housing away from the cavity, and this groove has a bottom wall. A fixing structure is provided on the bottom wall to fix a coolant return pipe. The fixing structure has a flow channel connecting the cavity and the coolant return pipe. The groove is used to collect coolant leaking from the connection between the coolant return pipe and the fixing structure. The bottom wall has a first end and a second end, with the first end higher than the second end. The detection device is located at the second end and is used to detect leakage and issue a leakage signal.
[0064] In this leakage isolation device, a cavity is provided between the first and second housings for the return of coolant, which can be used as a liquid cooling device to cool electronic equipment. The liquid cooling pipe joint is mounted on a fixed structure. When coolant leakage occurs at the interface between the liquid cooling pipe joint and the coolant return pipe or the fixed structure, the groove of the liquid cooling radiator is used to collect the leaking liquid, and the sidewall of the liquid cooling radiator is used to block the leakage flow. The first end of the bottom wall of the liquid cooling radiator is higher than the second end, so the leaking liquid inside the liquid cooling radiator will accumulate at the second end. A detection device can be installed only at the second end to detect the leak, reducing the installation area of the detection device. The detection device detects the leak and sends a signal, which can be used for further processing.
[0065] The embodiments of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0066] Please see Figure 1 One embodiment of this application provides a leakage isolation device 1000 to solve the problem of coolant leakage causing damage or scrapping of electronic equipment.
[0067] Please also refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The leakage isolation device 1000 includes a liquid-cooled radiator 100 and a detection device 200. The liquid-cooled radiator 100 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20 connected together, forming a cavity 50 between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 for the flow of coolant.
[0068] In one embodiment, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are detachably connected, which facilitates cleaning of the parts of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 that come into contact with the coolant.
[0069] In one embodiment, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are further sealed by a seal to reduce leakage of coolant within the cavity 50.
[0070] It is understandable that the liquid cooling radiator 100 can also be integrally molded, that is, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are integrally molded.
[0071] The first housing 10 has a groove 13 on the side away from the cavity 50. The groove 13 has a side wall 11 and a bottom wall 12. The bottom wall 12 is located on one side of the side wall 11 and surrounds the side wall 11 to form the groove 13. The bottom wall 12 extends along the first direction X and has a first end 121 and a second end 122, with the first end 121 being higher than the second end 122.
[0072] A fixing structure 14 is provided on the bottom wall 12. The fixing structure 14 includes two fixing bases, which are used to fix the coolant return pipe 60. For ease of description, the two fixing bases are named the first fixing base 141 and the second fixing base 142. The first fixing base 141 has a first flow channel 1411, and the second fixing base 142 has a second flow channel 1421. The first flow channel 1411 is used to connect the cavity 50 with the inlet coolant return pipe 60, and the second flow channel 1421 is used to connect the cavity 50 with the outlet coolant return pipe 60. The inlet coolant return pipe 60, the first flow channel 1411, the cavity 50, the second flow channel 1421, and the outlet coolant return pipe 60 form a coolant return channel, which can be used for coolant circulation.
[0073] The side of the second housing 20 furthest from the first housing 10 forms a cooling surface 21. The cooling surface 21 is disposed on the heat-generating components of the electronic device, promoting heat dissipation and achieving the function of cooling the electronic device. The electronic device includes, but is not limited to, servers and computers. Heat-generating components include, but are not limited to, CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), and memory.
[0074] The first fixed base 141 and the second fixed base 142 are each connected to a liquid cooling pipe connector 40. One end of the liquid cooling pipe connector 40 is connected to the first fixed base 141, and the other end is connected to the inlet coolant return pipe 60. The other liquid cooling pipe connector 40 is connected to the second fixed base 142, and the other end is connected to the outlet coolant return pipe 60. When coolant leakage occurs at the interface between the liquid cooling pipe connector 40 and the coolant return pipe 60 or the fixed base, the groove 13 of the liquid cooling radiator 100 collects the leaking liquid, the side wall 11 of the liquid cooling radiator 100 blocks the leakage from flowing out, and the first end 121 of the bottom wall 12 of the liquid cooling radiator 100 is higher than the second end 122. The leaking liquid in the liquid cooling radiator 100 will accumulate at the second end 122. The leak can be detected simply by installing a detection device 200 at the second end 122, reducing the installation area of the detection device 200. The detection device 200 detects the leak and sends a signal, which can be used for further processing.
[0075] Please see Figure 4 In one embodiment, the leakage isolation device 1000 further includes a control system 300. The detection device 200 is electrically connected to the control system 300. When the detection device 200 detects leakage, it sends a leakage signal to the control system 300. The control system 300 receives the signal and issues control commands, such as controlling the power supply of electronic equipment to be cut off or controlling the cooling device to shut down the coolant circulation.
[0076] In other embodiments, the control system 300 may be omitted, and the detection device 200 may issue an alarm signal when it detects a leak to remind people to deal with it in time.
[0077] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the sidewall 11 has a top surface 111 located at the end of the sidewall 11 away from the bottom wall 12. The bottom wall 12 includes a first bottom surface 123, a second bottom surface 124, and a third bottom surface 125. The first bottom surface 123 has a first depth h1 relative to the top surface 111, the second bottom surface 124 has a second depth h2 relative to the top surface 111, and the third bottom surface 125 has a third depth h3 relative to the top surface 111, where h1 < h2 < h3. That is, the bottom wall 12 is designed in a stepped shape to facilitate the flow of leaked liquid down the steps and converge at the second end 122 of the liquid-cooled radiator 100.
[0078] Understandably, the number of bottom surfaces can be set to multiple, specifically two, four, five, etc., depending on the size of the groove 13, and is not limited here.
[0079] In one embodiment, the bottom wall 12 is arc-shaped, and the cross section of the bottom wall 12 perpendicular to the first direction X is a U-shape with the opening away from the top surface 111, so that the two sides of the bottom wall 12 are lower than other positions, and the leaked coolant gathers on both sides of the second end 122 of the liquid cooler 100. The detection device 200 can be installed only on both sides of the second end 122, further reducing the installation area of the detection device 200.
[0080] In other embodiments, the bottom wall 12 is arc-shaped, and the cross-section of the bottom wall 12 perpendicular to the first direction is a U-shape with an opening close to the top surface 111, so that the middle part of the bottom wall 12 is lower than other positions, and the leaked coolant gathers in the middle of the second end 122 of the liquid cooler 100. The detection device 200 can be installed only in the middle of the second end 122, further reducing the installation area of the detection device 200.
[0081] In one embodiment, the leakage isolation device 1000 further includes a bracket 30, on which fixing components 31 are provided. Preferably, four fixing components 31 are provided, located at the four corners of the bracket 30. The liquid-cooled radiator 100 is mounted on the bracket 30 and fixed to the electronic device by the fixing components 31. When the liquid-cooled radiator 100 needs to be removed for cleaning or replacement, the connection between the fixing components 31 and the electronic device is disconnected, and the leakage isolation device 1000 can be removed. When cleaning or replacing the liquid-cooled radiator 100 is completed, the fixing components 31 and the electronic device are connected, thus completing the installation of the leakage isolation device 1000.
[0082] In one embodiment, each fixing component 31 includes a first fixing member 311 and a second fixing member 312. The first fixing member 311 is specifically a locking ring, and the second fixing member 312 is specifically a hexagonal screw hole. When it is necessary to fix the leakage isolation device 1000 to the heat-generating element of an electronic device, such as a CPU, the leakage isolation device 1000 is first quickly pre-fixed to the CPU using the locking rings at the four corners, and then the leakage isolation device 1000 is further tightened to the CPU using hexagonal screws passing through the hexagonal screw holes.
[0083] Preferably, the bracket 30 and the liquid cooling radiator 100 are detachably connected. When cleaning the liquid cooling radiator 100, the bracket 30 and the liquid cooling radiator 100 can be cleaned together, or the liquid cooling radiator 100 can be removed and cleaned separately. When replacing the liquid cooling radiator 100, it can be replaced together with the bracket 30, or the liquid cooling radiator 100 can be removed and replaced separately.
[0084] In one embodiment, the bracket 30 and the liquid cooling radiator 100 are integrally formed, which can reduce the need for mold making and facilitate processing.
[0085] In one embodiment, the first housing 10 is made of plastic. Preferably, the plastic material used for the first housing 10 is ABS plastic. ABS plastic is a terpolymer of three monomers: acrylonitrile (A), butadiene (B), and styrene (S). ABS plastic has the common properties of the three components. A makes it resistant to chemical corrosion and heat, and has a certain surface hardness. B makes it highly elastic and tough. S makes it have the processing and molding characteristics of thermoplastic plastic and improves electrical properties.
[0086] In one embodiment, the second housing 20 is used for heat dissipation and is made of metal, such as aluminum or copper.
[0087] In one embodiment, the detection device 200 is a water immersion sensor. The water immersion sensor detects whether water leakage has occurred within the measured area, and immediately issues an alarm upon detection of leakage. The two ends of the liquid-cooled pipe joint 40 are prone to coolant leakage. When coolant leakage occurs at the two ends of the liquid-cooled pipe joint 40, the liquid-cooled radiator 100 can collect the leaking liquid and isolate it from contact with electronic equipment. The leaking liquid flows along the bottom wall 12 of the groove 13 towards a relatively low point. When the leaking liquid reaches the detection area of the detection device 200, the detection device 200 detects the leakage and issues a signal. The water immersion sensor is characterized by miniaturization, digitalization, and intelligence; it requires little installation space and can sensitively detect whether water leakage has occurred within the measured area.
[0088] Another embodiment of this application provides an electronic device, including a coolant return pipe 60 and the aforementioned leakage isolation device 1000. The fixing structure 14 of the leakage isolation device 1000 includes a first fixing base 141 and a second fixing base 142, both of which are fixedly connected to the bottom wall 12. A liquid cooling pipe connector 40 is detachably connected to each of the first fixing base 141 and the second fixing base 142, and the liquid cooling pipe connector 40 is located within a groove 13. One end of each liquid cooling pipe connector 40 is connected to the coolant return pipe 60, and the other end is connected to either the first fixing base 141 or the second fixing base 142. When coolant enters the cavity 50 through the inlet coolant return pipe 60, or when coolant flows out of the cavity 50 through the outlet coolant return pipe 60, the two ends of the liquid cooling pipe joint 40 are prone to coolant leakage. When coolant leaks at the two ends of the liquid cooling pipe joint 40, the liquid cooling radiator 100 can collect the leaking liquid and isolate it from contact with electronic equipment. When the leaking liquid reaches the detection area of the detection device 200, the detection device 200 detects the leak and sends a signal, thereby reducing the damage to electronic equipment.
[0089] In one embodiment, the liquid-cooled pipe connector 40 extends from the first fixed base 141 toward the second end 122. Preferably, the liquid-cooled pipe connector 40 also extends from the second fixed base 142 toward the second end 122. When a coolant leak occurs, the leaked liquid flows out along the extension direction toward the second end 122, which reduces the flow path of the leaked liquid in the bottom wall 12, allowing the leaked liquid to reach the detection area of the detection device 200 more quickly, so as to detect the leak more quickly.
[0090] In addition, those skilled in the art may make other changes within the spirit of this application. Of course, all such changes made in accordance with the spirit of this application should be included within the scope disclosed in this application.
Claims
1. A leak barrier device, characterized in that, include: A liquid-cooled radiator includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing are connected, a cavity is formed between the first housing and the second housing, the cavity is used for the flow of coolant, and a cooling surface is formed on the side of the second housing away from the first housing, the cooling surface is used for cooling the heat-generating element; The first housing has a groove on the side away from the cavity, and the groove has a bottom wall; A fixing structure is provided on the bottom wall. The fixing structure includes a fixing base and a liquid cooling pipe joint. The fixing base is provided on the bottom wall. The liquid cooling pipe joint is connected to the fixing base. The liquid cooling pipe joint is located in the groove. The fixing structure is used to fix the coolant return pipe. The fixing structure is provided with a flow channel. The flow channel is used to connect the cavity and the coolant return pipe. The groove is used to collect the coolant leaking from the connection between the coolant return pipe and the fixed structure. The bottom wall has a first end and a second end, with the first end being higher than the second end. A detection device, located at the second end, is used to detect the coolant flowing to the second end and issue a leakage signal.
2. The liquid leakage isolation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The groove has a sidewall, which is located on one side of the bottom wall and surrounds the bottom wall to form the groove; the sidewall has a top surface, which is located on the side of the sidewall away from the bottom wall; the bottom wall includes a first bottom surface and a second bottom surface, the first bottom surface having a first depth relative to the top surface, and the second bottom surface having a second depth relative to the top surface, wherein the first depth is less than the second depth.
3. The liquid leakage isolation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The bottom wall is arc-shaped, and the cross-section of the bottom wall and the side wall along the first direction perpendicular to the first direction is U-shaped, where the first direction is the extension direction of the bottom wall.
4. The liquid leakage isolation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: It also includes a bracket, which is provided with a fixing component, and the liquid cooling radiator is mounted on the bracket and fixed to the electronic device by the fixing component.
5. The liquid leakage isolation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The bracket is integrally formed with the liquid-cooled radiator.
6. The liquid leakage isolation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The detection device is a water immersion sensor.
7. The liquid leakage isolation apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The first housing and the second housing are detachably connected and sealed by a seal.
8. An electronic device, comprising: It includes a coolant return pipe and a leakage isolation device as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the fixed base is fixedly connected to the bottom wall, the liquid cooling pipe joint is detachably engaged with the fixed base, and the liquid cooling pipe joint is connected to the coolant return pipe.
9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein: The liquid-cooled pipe joint extends from the fixed base toward the second end.