Anti-sputtering connecting device and liquid cooling cabinet

Abstract

The invention provides an anti-sputtering connecting device and a liquid cooling cabinet. The method can be used in the technical field of liquid-cooling heat dissipation. The anti-sputtering connecting device comprises a first connector, a second connector and a shielding structure, the shielding structure comprises a main body and a shielding piece, the main body is arranged on the first connecting piece, and the shielding piece is movably arranged on the main body and shields or exposes the first connecting piece; when the shielding piece is in the first state, the shielding piece shields the first connecting piece; when the shielding piece is in the second state, the shielding piece can expose the first connecting piece so that the first connecting piece can be in butt joint with the second connecting piece. In this way, fluid splashing can be prevented in the dynamic plugging and unplugging process of the female head and the male head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of liquid cooling technology, and in particular to a splash-proof connection device and a liquid cooling cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] Equipment such as server racks typically generate significant heat during operation. Liquid cooling technology is widely used in server racks and similar equipment due to its advantages such as high heat capacity and high heat transfer efficiency.

[0003] Liquid cooling primarily relies on coolant circulating in closed piping systems, flowing over heat-generating components or cooling plates within the equipment to dissipate heat. To enable modular maintenance and rapid replacement, pluggable liquid cooling pipe connectors are commonly used, consisting of a female connector located on the fixed cabinet side and a male connector located on the pluggable device side, forming a coolant circulation path. However, fluid splashing can easily occur during dynamic insertion and removal of the female and male connectors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a splash-proof connection device and a liquid-cooled cabinet to solve the problem of fluid splashing that easily occurs during dynamic insertion and removal of female and male connectors.

[0005] On the one hand, this application provides a splash-proof connection device, including a first connector, a second connector, and a shielding structure;

[0006] The shielding structure includes a main body and a shielding member. The main body is disposed on the first connecting member, and the shielding member is movably disposed on the main body. The shielding member shields or exposes the first connecting member.

[0007] When the shielding member is in the first state, the shielding member blocks the first connecting member; when the shielding member is in the second state, the shielding member exposes the first connecting member so that the first connecting member can dock with the second connecting member.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the anti-splash connection device includes a first connector, a second connector, and a shielding structure that cooperate with each other. The shielding structure is equipped with a movable shielding element, which can automatically switch working states as the first connector and the second connector are docked and separated.

[0009] In the specific implementation process, the shielding component is movably set on the main body. When docking, the shielding component is driven to switch from the first state to the second state, so that the interface of the first connector is exposed and the two are docked. When the second connector is disengaged, the shielding component switches back to the first state and shields the interface of the first connector.

[0010] Understandably, compared to the passive detection or fixed baffle solutions used in related technologies, the splash-proof connection device of this application achieves automatic synchronization between the protective state and the connection state through a mechanical linkage design. This device provides reliable shielding when not connected and automatically avoids splashes during docking, ensuring smooth operation and eliminating the risk of splashing during insertion and removal, thus improving the safety and maintenance convenience of the liquid cooling system.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the shielding member has a shielding portion and an opening;

[0012] When the shielding member is in the first state, the shielding part is disposed opposite to the first connecting member; when the shielding member is in the second state, the opening is disposed opposite to the first connecting member.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the main body is provided with a receiving cavity, the mating end of the first connector is located in the receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity has a connection port;

[0014] The shielding member is movably disposed at the connection port; when the shielding member is in the first state, the shielding part closes the portion of the connection port opposite to the mating end of the first connection member.

[0015] When the shielding member is in the second state, the opening opens a portion of the connection port opposite to the docking end of the first connector, so that the second connector can dock with the first connector through the opening.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the shielding member is slidably disposed at the connection port;

[0017] The shielding member is provided with a control unit; the second connector can drive the control unit to move relative to the connection port to adjust the position of the opening and the shielding member.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the control unit is movably disposed on the main body, and the moving direction of the control unit is a first direction, which is parallel to the docking direction of the first connector and the second connector;

[0019] As the second connector approaches the first connector, the second connector pushes the control unit to move relative to the main body, so that the opening moves between the first connector and the second connector.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the main body is provided with a reset member, and the reset member is connected to the control unit;

[0021] As the second connector moves away from the first connector, the reset member can push the control unit to move relative to the main body, so that the blocking part moves between the first connector and the second connector.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the control unit is disposed on the side of the main body along the first direction;

[0023] The second connector is provided with a pusher, which is attached to the main body and can drive the control unit to move relative to the main body in a first direction.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the pusher is provided with an elastic portion, a first end of the elastic portion is connected to the second connector, a second end of the elastic portion is connected to the pusher, and the elastic portion can apply a force to the pusher away from the second connector.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the first connector has a plurality of mating ends, and the plurality of mating ends are arranged at intervals along a second direction.

[0026] The number of openings is multiple, and the portion of the shielding member between the multiple openings forms the shielding part; in the second direction, the distance between two adjacent openings is greater than the inner diameter of the mating end.

[0027] On the one hand, this application provides a liquid-cooled cabinet, including the anti-splash connection device described in any of the above claims.

[0028] Since the liquid cooling cabinet includes any of the above-mentioned anti-splash connection devices, the advantages of the liquid cooling cabinet including any of the above-mentioned anti-splash connection devices can be found in the relevant description above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-splash connection device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-splash connection device provided in the embodiments of this application when the first connector and the second connector are separated;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the anti-splash connection device provided in the embodiments of this application when the first connector and the second connector are aligned;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second connectors of the anti-splash connection device provided in the embodiments of this application when they are inserted;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the pusher component of the anti-splash connection device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] 100. First connector;

[0037] 200. Second connecting member; 210. Pushing member; 211. Elastic part;

[0038] 300, shielding structure; 310, main body; 311, receiving cavity; 3111, connection port; 320, shielding component; 321, shielding part; 322, opening; 323, control part.

[0039] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0040] As mentioned in the background technology, equipment such as server racks typically generate significant heat during operation. Liquid cooling technology is widely used in server racks and similar equipment due to its advantages such as high heat capacity and high heat transfer efficiency.

[0041] Liquid cooling primarily relies on coolant circulating in closed pipes, flowing over heat-generating components or cooling plates within the equipment to dissipate heat. To enable modular maintenance and rapid replacement of equipment, pluggable liquid cooling pipe connectors are commonly used, consisting of a female connector located on the fixed cabinet side and a male connector located on the pluggable device side, forming a coolant circulation path.

[0042] Currently, to prevent coolant splashing when pipes are disconnected, liquid cooling systems typically install leak detection sensors and drainage channels at the rack level, or add fixed baffles to the outside of the joints. For example, in liquid-cooled server racks in data centers, leak detection cables are often installed at the bottom of the rack; once liquid is detected, an alarm is triggered and the drain pump is started.

[0043] While traditional static baffles can provide some shielding, they can hinder normal insertion and removal operations of the connectors. For example, connectors using enclosed splash guards require an additional travel distance to avoid the baffle during insertion and removal, resulting in increased operating force and decreased mating accuracy.

[0044] However, all of the above-mentioned protection solutions have significant shortcomings: passive detection solutions only trigger alarms and diversion after a leak occurs, failing to provide active isolation at the moment of splashing; while fixed baffle solutions affect operational efficiency and cannot achieve precise linkage with plugging and unplugging actions. Especially for high-density liquid-cooled cabinets requiring frequent plugging and unplugging maintenance, existing solutions neither eliminate the risk of splashing nor reduce maintenance convenience.

[0045] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a splash-proof connection device that can be linked to the plugging and unplugging action of the connector.

[0046] To address the issue of dynamic splash protection during the insertion and removal of liquid-cooled connectors in related technologies, this application provides a splash-proof connection device that achieves linkage protection during insertion and removal. This splash-proof connection device includes a first connector, a second connector, and a shielding structure that cooperate with each other. The shielding structure has a movable shielding element that automatically switches its operating state as the first and second connectors are connected and disconnected.

[0047] In the specific implementation process, the shielding component is movably set on the main body. When docking, the shielding component is driven to switch from the first state to the second state, so that the interface of the first connector is exposed and the two are docked. When the second connector is disengaged, the shielding component switches back to the first state and shields the interface of the first connector.

[0048] Understandably, compared to the passive detection or fixed baffle solutions used in related technologies, the splash-proof connection device of this application achieves automatic synchronization between the protective state and the connection state through a mechanical linkage design. This device provides reliable shielding when not connected and automatically avoids splashes during docking, ensuring smooth operation and eliminating the risk of splashing during insertion and removal, thus improving the safety and maintenance convenience of the liquid cooling system.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims. Figure 1

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0051] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0052] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "linking", "fixing", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integrated; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can be connections within two components or interactions between two components.

[0053] In embodiments of this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0054] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0055] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] See Figure 1 This application provides a splash-proof connection device, which may include a first connector 100, a second connector 200, and a shielding structure 300.

[0057] The first connector 100 can refer to a fixedly installed interface portion in a liquid cooling system, such as a liquid cooling female connector located on the rack side. The second connector 200 can refer to a movable interface portion that mates with the first connector 100, such as a liquid cooling male connector located on a pluggable device.

[0058] The docking and separation of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are the basic operations for connecting and disconnecting the liquid cooling circulation path.

[0059] The shielding structure 300 can dynamically change its position according to the docking state of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200, thereby selectively shielding or exposing the docking end of the first connector 100, preventing external contaminants from entering the interface in the non-docked state, or preventing the pressurized coolant remaining inside from splashing outward in the transition state of plugging and unplugging.

[0060] For example, the shielding structure 300 may include a main body 310 and a shielding member 320. The main body 310 may be disposed on the first connector 100, and the shielding member 320 may be movably disposed on the main body 310, and the shielding member 320 may shield or expose the first connector 100.

[0061] The blocking component 320 can take the form of a sliding plate, a flip cover, a roller shutter, or a flexible belt. The main body 310 can be correspondingly provided with a slide rail, a rotating shaft, a roller, or a guide groove to enable the blocking component 320 to move along a specific path. The blocking component 320 is positionally associated with the mating end of the first connecting member 100, and it can switch between two main states.

[0062] See Figure 2 When the blocking member 320 is in the first state, the blocking member 320 can block the first connecting member 100. See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the shielding member 320 is in the second state, the shielding member 320 can expose the first connector 100 so that the first connector 100 can dock with the second connector 200.

[0063] When in the first state, the shield 320 is located in front of the docking end of the first connector 100, forming a physical shield; when docking is required, the shield 320 moves to the second state under the drive of the second connector 200 or its related components, thereby moving away and making room for the docking channel, so that the docking end of the first connector 100 can be exposed.

[0064] By incorporating a shielding structure 300 that operates in conjunction with insertion and removal, this anti-splash connection device effectively seals the interface during non-connection periods to prevent splashing and contamination. During connection, it automatically and reliably creates space for docking, ensuring smooth operation. This proactively eliminates the risk of liquid splashing during the insertion and removal window, significantly improving the operational safety, long-term reliability, and maintenance convenience of the liquid cooling system.

[0065] As a specific embodiment of this application, the shielding member 320 may have a shielding portion 321 and an opening 322.

[0066] The shielding part 321 can refer to the part on the shielding member 320 that can form a substantial physical barrier. When the shielding member 320 is in a specific position, it can block the passage of sight, fluid or foreign objects, and directly face and cover the docking end area of ​​the first connector 100.

[0067] The opening 322 may refer to the through portion or notch provided on the shield 320. When the shield 320 moves to another position, it can provide an unobstructed passage, allowing the mating end of the first connector 100 to be exposed and making way for the access of the second connector 200.

[0068] When the shielding member 320 is in the first state, the shielding part 321 can be disposed opposite to the first connector 100. In this state, the shielding member 320, through its shielding part 321, is directly opposite the mating end of the first connector 100, thereby achieving effective sealing of the interface.

[0069] When the shielding member 320 is in the second state, the opening 322 can be positioned opposite to the first connector 100. At this time, the shielding member 320 has been displaced, causing the area of ​​the opening 322 on it to move to a position aligned with the mating end of the first connector 100. At this time, the shielding part 321 is removed, and the interface is fully open through the opening 322, ready for or in the process of mating with the second connector 200.

[0070] For example, the shielding portion 321 and the opening 322 can be integrated into the same shielding member 320 structure. The shielding member 320 can be a flat plate member with one or more through holes as openings 322, and the flat plate area surrounding the through holes constitutes the shielding portion 321.

[0071] Another possibility is that the shielding member 320 is made of a flexible strip or film material, with holes regularly or at intervals on the material as openings 322, and the material segments between the holes are the shielding portions 321. By winding, translating or folding the strip material, different areas (shielding portions 321 or openings 322) can be moved to the working position.

[0072] By integrating the shielding part 321 and the opening 322 into the same shielding member 320 and making it movable to switch the relative position with the first connector 100, the switching between two states from fully shielded to fully open is realized. This ensures that the interface is reliably closed when protection is needed and the channel is clearly and completely opened when connection is needed. It avoids protection failure or docking interference caused by component separation or ambiguous state, thereby making the anti-splash function more certain and reliable.

[0073] As a specific embodiment of this application, the main body 310 may be provided with a receiving cavity 311. The receiving cavity 311 may refer to a cavity or recessed area formed inside the main body 310, which provides a protected receiving space for the mating end of the first connector 100, so that it is relatively isolated from the external environment when not in use.

[0074] The mating end of the first connector 100, that is, the part used for physical and fluid connection with the second connector 200, is provided and fixed in the receiving cavity 311.

[0075] The receiving cavity 311 may have a connection port 3111, which refers to the opening 322 or channel of the receiving cavity 311 facing outward for the second connector 200 to enter. The receiving cavity 311 and the connection port 3111 together constitute a semi-enclosed protective environment, with the mating end of the first connector 100 located inside it, and the connection port 3111 serving as its means of interaction with the outside.

[0076] The shield 320 is movably disposed at the connection port 3111. When the shield 320 is in the first state, the shielding part 321 can close the part of the connection port 3111 opposite to the mating end of the first connector 100.

[0077] When the shield 320 is in the second state, the opening 322 can open a portion of the connection port 3111 opposite to the mating end of the first connector 100, so that the second connector 200 can mate with the first connector 100 through the opening 322.

[0078] The blocking member 320 covers or is adjacent to the connection port 3111, and its movement affects the opening and closing state of the connection port 3111, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the mating end of the first connector 100 within the receiving cavity 311. Specifically, when the blocking member 320 is in the first state, its blocking portion 321 moves to a position opposite to a specific area of ​​the connection port 3111, effectively closing that portion of the connection port 3111. At this time, the passage from the outside through the connection port 3111 to the inside of the receiving cavity 311 is blocked by the blocking portion 321, and the mating end of the first connector 100 is hidden and protected.

[0079] When the blocking member 320 switches to the second state, its movement causes the blocking portion 321 to move away, and simultaneously moves its opening 322 to align with the corresponding area of ​​the connecting port 3111. At this time, the overlapping portion of the opening 322 and the connecting port 3111 forms a continuous, unobstructed channel that extends through the connecting port 3111 into the receiving cavity 311 and is directly opposite the mating end of the first connector 100. In this way, the second connector 200 can pass through the connecting port 3111 from the outside and penetrate into the receiving cavity 311, thereby achieving insertion and connection with the mating end of the first connector 100 located therein.

[0080] For example, the receiving cavity 311 of the main body 310 can be a cylindrical structure with one end closed and the other end having a connection port 3111. The first connector 100 is installed from the closed end, with its mating end facing the connection port 3111. The connection port 3111 can be circular, square, or other holes adapted to the shape of the connector. The blocking member 320 can be configured as a cover plate that slides on the outer plane of the connection port 3111, with an opening 322 on the cover plate being a through hole. When the cover plate slides to align the through hole with the connection port 3111, it is in the second state; when the cover plate slides to cover the connection port 3111 with the blocking part 321, it is in the first state.

[0081] Another possibility is that the side wall of the receiving cavity 311 can be provided with a groove or guide rail, and the blocking member 320 is embedded therein as a sliding door, reciprocating in the groove to realize the opening and closing of the connection port 3111.

[0082] By setting up a main body 310 with a receiving cavity 311 and a connection port 3111, and placing the mating end of the first connector 100 inside it, and then controlling the opening and closing of the channel by a blocking member 320 movable in the connection port 3111, a clearly layered protection system is constructed. The receiving cavity 311 provides primary containment protection for the mating end, and the movement of the blocking member 320 in the connection port 3111 provides controllable secondary dynamic protection. By making the blocking member 320 close the connection port 3111 in the first state and align the opening 322 with the connection port 3111 in the second state, precise conduction and cutoff of the access path of the second connector 200 are achieved, ensuring that the channel is safely and reliably opened only during correct docking, thereby improving the initiative and reliability of splash protection.

[0083] As a specific embodiment of this application, the shielding member 320 is slidably disposed on the connection port 3111. The shielding member 320 and the main body 310 where the connection port 3111 is located are connected by a sliding pair, so that the shielding member 320 can perform linear or approximately linear translational movement along one or more predetermined directions.

[0084] The shielding member 320 may be provided with a control unit 323. The second connector 200 can drive the control unit 323 to move relative to the connector 3111 to adjust the position of the opening 322 and the shielding member 321.

[0085] The control unit 323 can refer to a functional part or structural feature disposed on the shielding member 320, specifically used to receive external driving force or control signal, and transmit the force or signal to the shielding member 320 body to drive its sliding. It can establish a mechanical interaction interface between the shielding member 320 and the external driving source (the second connecting member 200 in this embodiment of the application), and effectively convert the movement of the second connecting member 200 into the sliding of the shielding member 320 itself.

[0086] During its docking or disengagement, the second connector 200 will make physical contact or interact with the control unit 323 on the shield 320 and transmit its own movement (e.g., movement toward or away from the first connector 100) to the control unit 323 through this contact.

[0087] After being subjected to this force, the control unit 323 causes the entire blocking member 320 to slide relative to the fixed connection port 3111. As the blocking member 320 slides, the positions of its opening 322 and blocking part 321 change relative to the connection port 3111 and the mating end of the first connecting member 100 thereafter, thereby adjusting the opening and closing state of the connection port 3111, that is, completing the switching from the first state to the second state or vice versa.

[0088] For example, the control unit 323 may be a protrusion, groove, pin, or friction surface provided on the edge or surface of the shield 320. The second connector 200 may have corresponding mating features, such as a ramp, push rod, or hook, which contacts the aforementioned protrusion, groove, etc., during movement and pushes it to move.

[0089] For example, the control unit 323 can be a lever extending from the side of the blocking member 320, and the side wall of the second connector 200 can be provided with an inclined surface in its insertion path. When the second connector 200 is pushed forward, the inclined surface contacts and presses against the lever, thereby converting the axial pushing force of the second connector 200 into the lateral sliding component of the lever and the blocking member 320.

[0090] Another possibility is that the control unit 323 is disposed on an inclined or curved surface of the blocking member 320 facing the second connector 200, with the end of the second connector 200 directly abutting against this surface and, as it continues to advance, the inclined surface forces the blocking member 320 to slide laterally. The transmission between the control unit 323 and the second connector 200 can also be indirect, for example, through an intermediate link or lever mechanism.

[0091] By configuring the shield 320 to slide on the connector 3111 and incorporating a control unit 323 directly driven by the second connector 200, a simple and efficient mechanical linkage drive method is achieved. The sliding motion of the shield 320 is directly triggered by the docking operation itself, eliminating the need for an additional independent power source or complex control system. The position of the opening 322 and the shield 321 is adjusted by moving the control unit 323 via the second connector 200, ensuring a high degree of synchronization between the switching of the protection state and the insertion / removal of the connector in time and space. This achieves an automatic splash-proof effect of plug-and-open and plug-and-close, improving the reliability and ease of operation of the device.

[0092] As a specific embodiment of this application, the control unit 323 is movably disposed on the main body 310, and the moving direction of the control unit 323 is a first direction, which is parallel to the docking direction of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0093] As the second connector 200 approaches the first connector 100, the second connector 200 can push the control unit 323 to move relative to the main body 310, so that the opening 322 moves between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0094] Since the control unit 323 is movably disposed on the main body 310 in the first direction, the continuous pushing force of the second connector 200 in the docking direction will be directly applied to the control unit 323, and push the control unit 323 to move relative to the main body 310 in the same direction.

[0095] The movement of the control unit 323 is transmitted to the shielding member 320 connected thereto. For example, the control unit 323 may be part of the shielding member 320 or fixedly connected to the shielding member 320, thereby driving the entire shielding member 320 to perform corresponding activities. Due to the movement of the shielding member 320, the opening 322 on it will change position accordingly, causing the opening 322 to move between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0096] Through the aforementioned pushing and transmission, the opening 322 on the shield 320 is positioned on the axis between the mating ends of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200, which are approaching each other, so that the mating channel between them is fully opened and aligned. At this time, the center lines of the opening 322, the mating ends of the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 coincide or substantially coincide, allowing for smooth and accurate mating.

[0097] For example, the control unit 323 can be a slider or push rod that is independent of but linked to the blocking member 320. The slider or push rod is mounted on the main body 310 via a guide rail or groove, ensuring that its sliding direction is parallel to the docking direction. The end or side of the second connector 200 may be provided with a boss, which abuts against one end of the slider during insertion and pushes it to slide along the guide rail. The other end of the slider is connected to or pushes the blocking member 320, causing it to slide and bring the opening 322 into the working position.

[0098] Another possibility is that the control unit 323 is directly formed by the end face of the shield 320 facing the second connector 200, which is in direct contact with the end face of the second connector 200; when the second connector 200 is advanced, the two end faces contact each other and because the shield 320 is constrained to slide only in the first direction, the thrust of the second connector 200 is directly converted into the sliding of the shield 320 in the first direction until its opening 322 reaches the predetermined position.

[0099] By configuring the control unit 323 to move along a first direction parallel to the docking direction within the main body 310, and by directly pushing the control unit 323 during the approach process using the second connector 200, the driving force transmission path is simplified. The axial thrust during the docking process is directly and unidirectionally used to drive the opening of the docking channel, resulting in high mechanical efficiency and direct response. This process moves the opening 322 between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200, ensuring that the shield 320 has simultaneously cleared a complete docking channel when the docking action is completed. This achieves a seamless and reliable switch between the protective state and the connection state, effectively avoiding docking difficulties or seal damage caused by misalignment of the opening 322, and improving the smoothness and safety of the entire connection process.

[0100] As a specific embodiment of this application, the main body 310 may be provided with a reset member, which may be connected to the control unit 323. As the second connector 200 moves away from the first connector 100, the reset member can push the control unit 323 to move relative to the main body 310, so that the blocking part 321 moves between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0101] The reset element can be an elastic element or mechanism capable of storing and releasing mechanical energy to provide a tendency for the component to return to its initial or default position. When the external force driving the shield 320 to open (i.e., the thrust of the second connector 200) is removed, a reverse force is provided to the control unit 323 and the shield 320 linked thereto, driving them to move in the opposite direction, thereby automatically closing the opening 322, allowing the shield 321 to cover the connection port 3111 again, realizing the automatic reset and continuous protection of the device.

[0102] As the second connector 200 moves away from the first connector 100 to separate, the contact force between the second connector 200 and the control unit 323 gradually decreases until it disappears. At this time, the reset member connected to the control unit 323 begins to release its stored elastic energy or restoring force.

[0103] The force applied by the reset member acts on the control unit 323, causing the control unit 323 to move in the opposite direction to the previous opening movement. This reverse movement of the control unit 323 is also transmitted to the blocking member 320, causing the blocking member 320 to perform a corresponding reverse movement, so that the blocking part 321 moves between the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0104] By reversing the movement of the reset member drive control unit 323 and the shielding member 320, the shielding part 321 on the shielding member 320 is moved back to the front of the mating end of the first connector 100. At this time, the shielding part 321 re-closes the connection port 3111, blocking the path from the inside of the receiving cavity 311 to the outside, thereby providing a dynamic physical barrier to prevent residual liquid that may escape from the interface from splashing out while the mating end of the first connector 100 is exposed in the receiving cavity 311.

[0105] For example, the reset element can be a coil spring, torsion spring, leaf spring, or elastic rubber body. For instance, a compression coil spring can be installed inside the main body 310, with one end abutting against a fixed portion of the main body 310 and the other end connected to the control unit 323. When the second connecting member 200 pushes the control unit 323 to move, the spring is compressed and stores energy; when the second connecting member 200 retracts, the spring's thrust is released, pushing the control unit 323 to reset, thereby causing the blocking member 320 to close.

[0106] Another possibility is to use a tension spring, which stores energy when the control unit 323 is pulled open and contracts to pull the control unit 323 back when released. The reset element can also be integrated into the hinge or sliding joint between the control unit 323 and the main body 310, for example, using a torsional shaft. The reset element must be positioned to ensure that its force direction is consistent with the desired reset motion direction.

[0107] By incorporating a reset mechanism for the connection control unit 323 within the main body 310, the splash-proof connection device possesses the ability to automatically restore its protective state. During the movement of the second connector 200 away, without additional operation, the reset mechanism drives the control unit 323 and the shielding member 320 to move, causing the shielding member 321 to quickly move in front of the first connector 100, re-establishing the protective barrier. This automatic reset mechanism ensures that the interface is instantly and reliably shielded after each disconnection operation, effectively eliminating the risk of splashing between connections and at the moment of disconnection, improving the safety and convenience of the device, and achieving full-cycle, automated dynamic protection.

[0108] As a specific embodiment of this application, the control unit 323 may be disposed on the side of the main body 310 along the first direction. The side of the main body 310 along the first direction may refer to the surface of the outer surface of the main body 310 whose normal direction is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0109] For example, if the docking direction is horizontal, then the left or right side of the main body 310 belongs to this side. By placing the control unit 323 in this position, when the control unit 323 extends or is exposed from the side of the main body 310, its motion interaction interface is located to the side of the main body 310 in the width direction, rather than the end face directly facing the docking axis, thus spatially offsetting the drive mechanism from the central docking channel and avoiding interference.

[0110] The second connector 200 may be provided with a pusher 210, which can fit against the main body 310 and drive the control unit 323 to move relative to the main body 310 in a first direction.

[0111] The pusher 210 can refer to the functional structure on the second connector 200 used to make physical contact with the control unit 323 and transmit thrust. As the second connector 200 approaches the main body 310, one surface of the pusher 210 will maintain a relative sliding relationship of contact or near-contact with the corresponding outer surface of the main body 310.

[0112] Since the control unit 323 is located on the side of the main body 310, and the pusher 210 moves against this side, when the second connector 200 moves forward in the docking direction, the pusher 210 moves forward along with it. On the forward path, the pusher 210 contacts and abuts against the control unit 323 located on the side. Because the direction of movement of the pusher 210 is parallel to the first direction of movement of the control unit 323, and the control unit 323 is constrained by the main body 310 and mainly moves along the first direction, the lateral abutment force of the pusher 210 against the control unit 323 can be effectively converted into linear movement of the control unit 323 along the first direction, thereby driving the entire blocking member 320 to move.

[0113] For example, the pusher 210 may be a protrusion, guide rail, or extension arm disposed on the side wall of the housing of the second connector 200. The side of the main body 310 may be provided with a recessed groove or guide surface, in which the pusher 210 is embedded and slides. The control unit 323 may be a lug or slider extending from the inner wall of the groove on the side of the main body 310. When the pusher 210 slides in the groove, its front end or side edge will contact the lug and push it to move together in the first direction.

[0114] Another possibility is that the pusher 210 is a contact that can elastically extend and retract slightly relative to the main body 310 of the second connector 200, and always adheres to the side of the main body 310 with a certain pressure; the control part 323 is a slope or recess on the side of the main body 310. When the pusher 210 moves to meet the control part 323, it sinks into the recess or climbs up the slope under elastic pressure, thereby converting the axial movement of the second connector 200 into a lateral component force or locking effect on the control part 323, thereby triggering the movement of the control part 323 in the first direction.

[0115] By placing the control unit 323 on the side of the main body 310 and providing a pusher 210 that fits against it on the second connector 200, the axial thrust during the docking process is effectively transmitted and converted into linear motion of the control unit 323 along a first direction parallel to the axial direction through side contact and contact. The fit between the pusher 210 and the main body 310 ensures the stability and precision of the driving process. By moving the control unit 323 through the pusher 210, a reliable and spatially efficient mechanical linkage is achieved between the docking action of the second connector 200 and the opening action of the shield 320. This allows the operation of the entire protective mechanism to be triggered and controlled entirely by the docking process itself, resulting in a compact structure and coordinated movements.

[0116] See Figure 5 As a specific embodiment of this application, the pusher 210 may be provided with an elastic part 211. The first end of the elastic part 211 may be connected to the second connector 200, and the second end of the elastic part 211 may be connected to the pusher 210. The elastic part can apply a force away from the second connector 200 to the pusher 210.

[0117] The elastic part 211 may be a flexible or elastically deformable component integrated into the structure of the pusher 210, providing a continuous and adjustable contact force.

[0118] For example, the elastic part 211 can be a compression spring. The first end of the spring is fixed to a seat inside the second connector 200, and the second end is connected to a slider or contact that serves as a pusher 210. The spring is pre-compressed, and its elastic force always attempts to push the slider outward, so that the portion of the slider extending out of the housing of the second connector 200 is pressed tightly against the lateral guide rail or plane of the body 310.

[0119] By providing an elastic part 211 with the aforementioned connection relationship and mechanical properties to the pusher 210, adaptive dynamic contact between the pusher 210 and the side of the main body 310 is achieved. The continuous outward force provided by the elastic part 211 ensures that the pusher 210 maintains reliable contact with the surface of the main body 310 throughout the entire working process, eliminating idle stroke or drive failure caused by gaps.

[0120] As a specific embodiment of this application, the first connector 100 may have multiple mating ends, which may be arranged sequentially at intervals along a second direction. The angle between the second direction and the first direction may be 90 degrees.

[0121] There can be multiple openings 322, and the partial blocking members 320 between multiple openings 322 can form blocking portions 321. In the second direction, the distance between two adjacent openings 322 can be greater than the inner diameter of the mating end.

[0122] The distance between two adjacent openings 322 can refer to the minimum physical spacing from the edge of opening 322 to the edge of the adjacent opening 322. The inner diameter of the mating end can refer to the diameter or main dimension of the fluid channel inside the mating end.

[0123] The distance between two adjacent openings 322 is greater than the inner diameter of the mating end. That is, on the shielding member 320, the solid interval between the openings 322 used to expose the mating end (i.e., the partial width of the shielding portion 321) is greater than the size of the flow channel opening 322 of the mating end itself. In this way, it can be ensured that when the shielding member 320 is in the first state, the solid area of ​​the shielding portion 321 between adjacent mating ends has sufficient width. When the mating end leaks, the splashed liquid will be effectively blocked and contained by the ample solid area of ​​the shielding portion 321 in front of and to the side, reducing the risk of liquid spreading laterally, flowing into the area of ​​adjacent openings 322, and then being sprayed out through adjacent openings 322, providing independent and enhanced lateral shielding protection for each mating end.

[0124] For example, the first connector 100 may have two cylindrical mating ends arranged side by side for water inlet and water outlet, respectively, spaced apart laterally. The shield 320 may be a rectangular slide plate with two circular holes as openings 322, the distance between the edges of the two circular holes being the distance between adjacent openings 322. This distance is greater than the diameter of the internal flow channel of each cylindrical mating end. Thus, the shielding portion 321 between the two circular holes has sufficient width to block liquid splashed from the connector.

[0125] By having the first connector 100 have multiple mating ends spaced apart along the second direction, and by correspondingly providing multiple openings 322 on the shield 320, the anti-splash connection device can be adapted to multi-channel liquid cooling systems. By limiting the distance between adjacent openings 322 to be greater than the inner diameter of the mating ends, the structural strength and reliability of the shield 321 are enhanced, providing sufficient physical isolation barriers between each fluid channel, effectively preventing cross-contamination or splash diffusion caused by leakage from a single channel, and improving the overall protection safety level in multi-channel connection scenarios.

[0126] This application provides a liquid-cooled cabinet, including a splash-proof connection device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0127] Since the liquid cooling cabinet includes the anti-splash connection device of any of the above embodiments, the advantages of the liquid cooling cabinet including the anti-splash connection device of any of the above embodiments can be found in the relevant description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0128] The above technical description is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application, and which show implementations according to the described embodiments. While these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement them, these embodiments are not limiting; thus, other embodiments can be used, and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the described embodiments.

[0129] Furthermore, terminology is used in the above technical description to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, excessive detail is not required to implement the described embodiments. Therefore, the above description of the embodiments is presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. The embodiments presented in the above description, as well as the examples disclosed according to these embodiments, are provided separately to add context and aid in understanding the described embodiments. The above specification is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise form of this application. Based on the above teachings, several modifications, selections, and variations are possible. In some cases, well-known processing steps have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily affecting the described embodiments.

[0130] This application uses specific embodiments to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0131] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A sputter-protected connection device, characterized in that The device comprises a first connector, a second connector and a shielding structure; The shielding structure comprises a main body and a shielding member, the main body is arranged on the first connector, and the shielding member is movably arranged on the main body, and the shielding member can shield or expose the first connector; When the shielding member is in the first state, the shielding member shields the first connector; When the shielding member is in the second state, the shielding member exposes the first connector, so that the first connector can be connected with the second connector.

2. The sputter-resistant connection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The shielding member has a shielding part and an opening; When the shielding member is in the first state, the shielding part is arranged opposite to the first connector, and when the shielding member is in the second state, the opening is arranged opposite to the first connector.

3. The sputter-resistant connection apparatus of claim 2, wherein The main body is provided with a receiving cavity, the connecting end of the first connector is located in the receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity has a connecting port; The shielding member is movably arranged in the connecting port; when the shielding member is in the first state, the shielding part closes the part of the connecting port opposite to the connecting end of the first connector; When the shielding member is in the second state, the opening opens the part of the connecting port opposite to the connecting end of the first connector, so that the second connector can be connected with the first connector through the opening.

4. The sputter-resistant connection apparatus of claim 3, wherein The shielding member is slidably arranged in the connecting port; The shielding member is provided with a control part; the second connector can drive the control part to move relative to the connecting port to adjust the positions of the opening and the shielding part.

5. The sputter-resistant connection apparatus of claim 4, wherein The control part is movably arranged on the main body, the moving direction of the control part is the first direction, and the first direction is arranged in parallel with the connecting direction of the first connector and the second connector; In the process that the second connector approaches the first connector, the second connector pushes the control part to move relative to the main body, so that the opening moves to the space between the first connector and the second connector.

6. The sputter-resistant connection apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The main body is provided with a reset member, and the reset member is connected with the control part; In the process that the second connector moves away from the first connector, the reset member can push the control part to move relative to the main body, so that the shielding part moves to the space between the first connector and the second connector.

7. The sputter-resistant connection apparatus of claim 5, wherein The control part is arranged on the side surface of the main body along the first direction; The second connector is provided with a pushing member, the pushing member is attached to the main body, and the pushing member can drive the control part to move relative to the main body along the first direction.

8. The sputter-resistant connection apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The pushing member is provided with an elastic part, the first end of the elastic part is connected with the second connector, the second end of the elastic part is connected with the pushing member, and the elastic part can apply an action force away from the second connector to the pushing member.

9. The sputter-preventing connection device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that The first connector has a plurality of connecting ends, and the plurality of connecting ends are arranged in sequence and spaced apart along the second direction; The number of the openings is plural, and the shielding member between the plurality of openings forms the shielding part; In the second direction, the distance between two adjacent openings is greater than the inner diameter of the connecting end.

10. A liquid-cooled cabinet, characterized by The device comprises the splash-proof connecting device according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images