Liquid cooling device for antenna cooling

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of phased array antennas, in particular to a liquid cooling device for antenna cooling, which comprises a cooling device and a structural member, the cooling device is sequentially provided with an antenna array plane and a TR module from top to bottom, and the structural member is internally sequentially provided with a signal modulator, a wave controller, a power supply and a feed network from top to bottom. A heat dissipation device used for enabling cooled liquid to circularly flow in the cooling device is arranged at the bottom of the structural part; by arranging the heat dissipation device, utilizing a circulation cooling structure, adopting a spiral pipe and a circumferential rotation design, and cooperating with a base internal air flow circulation channel formed by an air inlet fan and an exhaust fan, the surface of the spiral pipe is in dynamic and repeated comprehensive contact with air flow, so that the cooling speed and the cooling effect of cooling liquid are improved; the temperature sensing module in the cooling device works cooperatively with the speed adjusting mechanism, the rotating speed of the circulation cooling structure can be adjusted in a self-adaptive mode according to the liquid temperature, and accurate control over the temperature of the cooling liquid is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of phased array antenna technology, and in particular to a liquid cooling device for antenna cooling. Background Technology

[0002] In active phased array antennas, the TR module, as the core signal processing unit, generates a large amount of heat during operation. As the system power density continues to increase, the heat flow of the TR module and antenna array far exceeds the heat dissipation limit of traditional air cooling technology. Liquid cooling technology, with its advantages of high heat dissipation efficiency and large temperature control potential, has gradually replaced air cooling technology and become the mainstream cooling solution for high-power antenna systems.

[0003] A liquid cooling device and method for antenna cooling, disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN112615128B, adopts a closed-loop circulation structure. The coolant circulates within a liquid cooling plate attached to the antenna array and TR module, carrying away the heat generated during equipment operation. The heat is then dissipated to the external environment by a heat dissipation module, thereby achieving equipment temperature control. However, based on liquid cooling devices and existing technologies in related fields, it has been found in practical use that the heat dissipation pipes of existing liquid cooling devices are mostly fixed structures, and the contact with the air-cooled airflow is static. The airflow easily forms a boundary layer on the pipe surface, causing the heat exchange efficiency to decrease over time. Furthermore, the pipe layout cannot achieve all-round, dead-angle-free airflow scouring, which easily leads to local heat accumulation and makes it difficult to meet the heat dissipation requirements of high-power TR modules. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, solve the problems mentioned in the background art, and provide a liquid cooling device for antenna cooling.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a liquid cooling device for antenna cooling, comprising a cooling device and a structural component. The cooling device is equipped with an antenna array and a TR module sequentially from top to bottom. The structural component contains, from top to bottom, a signal modulator, a wave controller, a power supply, and a feed network. The bottom of the structural component is provided with a heat dissipation device for circulating the cooled liquid within the cooling device. The heat dissipation device includes a base. An inlet drain and an outlet drain are fixedly installed on the left and right sides of the base, respectively. Multiple sets of flow-through cooling structures are rotatably arranged between the inlet drain and the outlet drain to allow them to communicate with each other. Multiple inlet fans and multiple exhaust fans are fixedly installed on the front and rear sides of the base, respectively. The base contains a drive mechanism for controlling the opposing rotation of two adjacent flow-through cooling structures, and a speed regulating mechanism for adjusting the rotation speed of the flow-through cooling structures according to the liquid temperature.

[0006] Furthermore, the flow cooling structure includes a spiral tube, with connectors fixedly provided at both ends of the spiral tube. Rotary joints are provided at the positions of the liquid inlet and liquid outlet corresponding to the connectors, and the connectors are connected to the rotary joints.

[0007] Furthermore, the liquid inlet is connected to the liquid outlet of the cooling device via a liquid outlet pipe, and the liquid outlet is connected to the liquid inlet of the cooling device via a return pipe. The cooling device is equipped with a temperature sensing module.

[0008] Furthermore, the driving mechanism includes a conical shaft rotatably disposed between two adjacent flow cooling structures. A spline shaft is inclined above the conical shaft, and the slope of the spline shaft is the same as the taper of the conical shaft. A driving wheel is slidably disposed on the outer surface of the spline shaft, and the driving wheel is in contact with the conical shaft. A first gear is fixedly installed at one end of the driving wheel, and the first gear is coaxially disposed with the driving wheel. A second gear is fixedly installed on each of the two adjacent connecting members corresponding to the position of the first gear. The second gear is coaxially disposed with the connecting member, and both second gears mesh with the first gear.

[0009] Furthermore, sleeves are fixedly provided at both ends of the drive wheel, and the speed regulating mechanism includes a connecting frame rotatably connected to the two sleeves. The connecting frame is U-shaped, and a mounting base is fixedly provided on the side of the connecting frame away from the sleeves.

[0010] Furthermore, a motor is installed inside the base, and the end of the spline shaft is connected to the output flange of the motor.

[0011] Furthermore, the base is equipped with an electric push rod inside, and the output end of the electric push rod is fixedly installed with the mounting base.

[0012] Furthermore, a first fixing seat is fixedly installed on the side of the base near the motor, and the motor is fixedly installed on the first fixing seat. A second fixing seat is fixedly installed on the side of the base near the electric push rod, and the electric push rod is fixedly installed on the second fixing seat. The top of the base is open, and a top cover is fixedly installed on the top of the base.

[0013] Furthermore, a third fixing seat is fixedly installed on the side of the base near the first gear. The third fixing seat is rotatably provided with a mounting shaft at the center of the first gear and the conical shaft. Both the first gear and the conical shaft are rotatably connected to the mounting shaft.

[0014] Furthermore, the connecting frame has a rotating hole corresponding to the position of the sleeve, and the sleeve is connected to the rotating hole through a bearing.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Firstly, by setting up a heat dissipation device, the spiral tube and circumferential rotation design of the circulating cooling structure, combined with the airflow circulation path inside the base formed by the intake fan and exhaust fan, enables the surface of the spiral tube to achieve dynamic, repeated, and comprehensive contact with the airflow, significantly increasing the effective area and disturbance intensity of gas-liquid heat exchange, and significantly improving the cooling speed and cooling effect of the coolant. Secondly, the temperature sensing module and speed regulation mechanism inside the cooling device work together to adaptively adjust the rotation speed of the circulating cooling structure according to the liquid temperature inside the cooling device, achieving precise control of the coolant temperature, avoiding thermal stress caused by local overheating or excessive heat dissipation in the TR module and antenna array, and effectively extending the service life of the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the entire invention; Figure 2 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the entire invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the base of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the base of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rotary joint of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the flow-through cooling structure of the present invention; Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 Enlarged structural diagram at point A; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the drive wheel's state when the conical shaft rotates at its highest speed according to the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the drive wheel's state when the conical shaft speed is at its lowest. Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 9 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Cooling device; 2. Structural component; 3. Base; 301. Top cover; 4. Liquid inlet drain; 5. Liquid outlet drain; 6. Flow cooling structure; 601. Spiral tube; 602. Connector; 7. Inlet fan; 8. Exhaust fan; 9. Drive mechanism; 901. Conical shaft; 902. Splined shaft; 903. Drive wheel; 9031. Sleeve; 904. First gear; 905. Second gear; 10. Speed ​​regulating mechanism; 1001. Connecting frame; 10011. Rotating hole; 1002. Mounting seat; 11. Rotary joint; 12. Drain pipe; 13. Return pipe; 14. Motor; 15. Electric push rod; 16. First fixed seat; 17. Second fixed seat; 18. Third fixed seat; 19. Mounting shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be further set forth in the description which follows in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0021] An embodiment of the liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to the present invention, such as... Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the device includes a cooling device 1 and a structural component 2. The cooling device 1 has an antenna array and a TR module installed sequentially from top to bottom. The internal components of the structural component 2 have a signal modulator, a wave controller, a power supply, and a feed network installed sequentially from top to bottom. The bottom of the structural component 2 is equipped with a heat dissipation device for circulating the cooled liquid within the cooling device 1. The heat dissipation device includes a base 3 with an open top. A top cover 301 is fixedly installed on the top of the base 3. An inlet drain 4 and an outlet drain 5 are fixedly installed on the left and right sides of the base 3, respectively. A rotatable mechanism is provided between the inlet drain 4 and the outlet drain 5. There are multiple sets of circulating cooling structures 6 for interconnection. Multiple inlet fans 7 and multiple exhaust fans 8 are fixed on the front and rear sides of the base 3 respectively. The base 3 has a drive mechanism 9 for controlling the opposite rotation of two adjacent circulating cooling structures 6. The base 3 also has a speed regulating mechanism 10 for adjusting the speed of the circulating cooling structures 6 according to the liquid temperature. The liquid inlet drain 4 is connected to the liquid outlet of the cooling device 1 through the liquid outlet pipe 12. The liquid outlet drain 5 is connected to the liquid inlet of the cooling device 1 through the return pipe 13. The cooling device 1 has a temperature sensing module inside.

[0022] In summary, by utilizing the heat dissipation device, the circulating cooling structure 6 continuously rotates circumferentially. The liquid then sequentially enters the circulating cooling structure 6 through the drain port, drain pipe 12, and inlet drain 4 of the cooling device 1. Afterward, it flows back to the cooling device 1 through the outlet drain 5 and return pipe 13 of the circulating cooling structure 6. During this process, multiple inlet fans 7 and multiple exhaust fans 8 create an airflow circulation path inside the base 3. Thus, by utilizing the rotation of the circulating cooling structure 6, the airflow repeatedly contacts the liquid, improving the cooling speed and cooling effect.

[0023] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the circulating cooling structure 6 includes a spiral tube 601, with connectors 602 fixed at both ends of the spiral tube 601. Rotary joints 11 are provided at the positions of the inlet drain 4 and outlet drain 5 corresponding to the connectors 602. The connectors 602 are connected to the rotary joints 11. The rotary joints 11 ensure the connection between the connectors 602 and the inlet drain 4 or outlet drain 5, and also allow the connectors 602 to rotate. The circulating cooling structure 6 adopts a spiral tube 601 and a circumferential rotation design. Combined with the airflow circulation path inside the base 3 formed by the inlet fan 7 and the exhaust fan 8, the surface of the spiral tube 601 and the airflow achieve dynamic, repeated, and comprehensive contact. Compared with traditional fixed pipeline heat dissipation, it significantly increases the effective area and disturbance intensity of gas-liquid heat exchange, significantly improves the cooling speed and cooling effect of the coolant, and can quickly remove the high heat generated by the antenna array and TR module, meeting the heat dissipation requirements in high power density scenarios.

[0024] like Figures 4 to 7As shown, the drive mechanism 9 includes a conical shaft 901 rotatably disposed between two adjacent flow cooling structures 6. A spline shaft 902 is inclinedly disposed above the conical shaft 901, and the slope of the spline shaft 902 is the same as the taper of the conical shaft 901. A drive wheel 903 is slidably disposed on the outer surface of the spline shaft 902, and the drive wheel 903 is in contact with the conical shaft 901. A first gear 904 is fixedly mounted on one end of the drive wheel 903, and the first gear 904 is coaxially disposed with the drive wheel 903. Two adjacent connecting pieces 602 are each fixedly mounted with a second gear 905 at the position corresponding to the first gear 904. The second gear 905 is coaxially disposed with the connecting piece 602, and both second gears 905 mesh with the first gear 904. A motor 14 is disposed inside the base 3, and the end of the spline shaft 902 is connected to the output flange of the motor 14. The system can control the spline shaft 902 to rotate continuously in the circumferential direction. Then, through the sliding engagement of the drive wheel 903 with the spline shaft 902 (i.e., the drive wheel 903 and the spline shaft 902 are splined together), the spline shaft 902 can control the rotation of the drive wheel 903. Simultaneously, the drive wheel 903 can slide on the spline shaft 902. A first fixed seat 16 is fixedly installed on the side of the base 3 near the motor 14, and the motor 14 is fixedly installed on the first fixed seat 16. A third fixed seat 18 is fixedly installed on the side of the base 3 near the first gear 904. A mounting shaft 19 is rotatably provided at the center of the first gear 904 and the conical shaft 901 corresponding to the center of the third fixed seat 18. A bearing is embedded at the end of the mounting shaft 19 in the third fixed seat 18, and the mounting shaft 19 is inserted into the inner ring of the bearing. Both the first gear 904 and the conical shaft 901 are rotatably connected to the mounting shaft 19. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, by utilizing the aforementioned mounting shaft 19, the frictional force between the first gear 904 and the conical shaft 901 during rotation can be reduced, thereby improving the stability of the first gear 904 and the conical shaft 901 during rotation. The drive mechanism 9 controls the adjacent flow cooling structure 6 to rotate in opposite directions, further aggravating the airflow disturbance inside the base 3, avoiding the heat exchange dead angle formed by local airflow stagnation, achieving uniform heat exchange inside the heat dissipation device, and improving the overall heat dissipation efficiency.

[0025] like Figures 4 to 10As shown, sleeves 9031 are fixedly provided at both ends of the drive wheel 903. The speed regulating mechanism 10 includes a connecting frame 1001 rotatably connected to the two sleeves 9031. The connecting frame 1001 is U-shaped. A mounting seat 1002 is fixedly provided on the side of the connecting frame 1001 away from the sleeves 9031. An electric push rod 15 is provided inside the base 3. The output end of the electric push rod 15 is fixedly installed on the mounting seat 1002. Using the electric push rod 15, the connecting frame 1001 and the mounting seat 1002 can be moved, thereby changing the position of the drive wheel 903 through the connecting frame 1001. A second fixed seat 17 is fixedly installed on the side of the base 3 near the electric push rod 15. The electric push rod 15 is fixedly installed on the second fixed seat 17. Figure 10 As shown, the connecting frame 1001 has a rotating hole 10011 at the position corresponding to the sleeve 9031. The sleeve 9031 is connected to the rotating hole 10011 through a bearing. By using the bearing, the connecting frame 1001 can control the movement of the sleeve 9031 and the drive wheel 903, and the friction force when the sleeve 9031 and the drive wheel 903 rotate can be reduced. The temperature sensing module inside the cooling device 1 works in conjunction with the speed regulating mechanism 10. It can adaptively adjust the rotation speed of the flow cooling structure 6 according to the liquid temperature inside the cooling device 1: high speed rotation enhances heat dissipation when the liquid temperature is high, and low speed rotation maintains heat dissipation when the temperature is low. This achieves precise control of the coolant temperature, avoids thermal stress caused by local overheating or excessive heat dissipation of the TR module and antenna array, and effectively extends the service life of the equipment.

[0026] The work process is as follows: S1: During operation, the spline shaft 902 is continuously rotated circumferentially by the motor 14. Then, the drive wheel 903 slides with the spline shaft 902, allowing the spline shaft 902 to control the drive wheel 903 to rotate. Afterward, the drive wheel 903 and the conical shaft 901 are engaged, allowing the conical shaft 901 to drive the first gear 904 to rotate. Thus, the first gear 904 meshes with two second gears 905, allowing the two adjacent flow cooling structures 6 to rotate in opposite directions. S2: Using the heat dissipation device, the circulating cooling structure 6 rotates continuously in a circumferential direction. Then, the liquid enters the circulating cooling structure 6 through the drain port, drain pipe 12 and inlet drain 4 of the cooling device 1 in sequence. After that, it flows back to the cooling device 1 through the outlet drain 5 and return pipe 13 of the circulating cooling structure 6 in sequence. During this period, multiple inlet fans 7 and multiple exhaust fans 8 form an airflow circulation path inside the base 3. By utilizing the rotation of the circulating cooling structure 6, the airflow repeatedly contacts it, thereby improving the cooling speed and cooling effect of the liquid. S3: The temperature sensing module inside the cooling device 1 works in conjunction with the speed regulation mechanism 10 to adaptively adjust the rotation speed of the flow cooling structure 6 according to the liquid temperature inside the cooling device 1: high speed rotation enhances heat dissipation when the liquid temperature is high, and low speed rotation maintains heat dissipation when the temperature is low. This achieves precise control of the coolant temperature, avoids thermal stress caused by local overheating or excessive heat dissipation in the TR module and antenna array, and effectively extends the service life of the equipment. S4: When the operating temperature of the cooling device 1 is high, the electric push rod 15 controls the mounting base 1002 and the connecting frame 1001 to move towards the end with the smaller diameter of the conical shaft 901. Thus, the sleeve 9031 is rotatably connected to the connecting frame 1001, allowing the drive wheel 903 to also move towards the end with the smaller diameter of the conical shaft 901. At this time, the rotation speed of the conical shaft 901 will increase, thereby increasing the rotation speed of the cooling structure 6. Conversely, when the drive wheel 903 moves towards the end with the larger diameter of the conical shaft 901, the rotation speed of the conical shaft 901 will decrease, thereby slowing down the rotation speed of the cooling structure 6. S5: In summary, the control logic of the speed regulating mechanism 10 is designed so that the drive source (motor 14) of the drive mechanism 9 always maintains a fixed speed. The heat dissipation mode is switched by adjusting the speed of the circulating cooling structure 6, rather than frequently adjusting the speed of the motor 14. This avoids the extra energy consumption and mechanical loss caused by frequent start-stop or speed change of the motor 14, which reduces the overall energy consumption of the system, extends the service life of the motor 14, and reduces the operation and maintenance costs.

[0027] The cooling device 1 and structural component 2, as well as their internal components, the temperature sensing module inside the cooling device 1, the control linkage between the temperature sensing module and the electric push rod 15, the assembly of the connector 602 and the rotary joint 11, and the operation of the motor 14 described in this application are all known technologies, therefore their specific structures and working principles are not described in detail.

[0028] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid cooling device for antenna cooling, characterized in that: It includes a cooling device (1) and a structural component (2). The cooling device (1) is equipped with an antenna array and a TR module from top to bottom. The internal components of the structural component (2) are equipped with a signal modulator, a wave controller, a power supply and a feed network from top to bottom. The bottom of the structural component (2) is provided with a heat dissipation device for circulating the cooled liquid inside the cooling device (1). The heat dissipation device includes a base (3), with an inlet drain (4) and an outlet drain (5) fixedly installed on the left and right sides of the base (3), and multiple sets of flow cooling structures (6) for connecting the inlet drain (4) and the outlet drain (5) are rotatably provided between them. Multiple inlet fans (7) and multiple exhaust fans (8) are fixedly installed on the front and rear sides of the base (3). The base (3) is provided with a drive mechanism (9) for controlling the two adjacent flow cooling structures (6) to rotate in opposite directions, and the base (3) is provided with a speed regulating mechanism (10) for adjusting the speed of the flow cooling structure (6) according to the liquid temperature.

2. The liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circulating cooling structure (6) includes a spiral tube (601), and both ends of the spiral tube (601) are fixedly provided with connectors (602). The liquid inlet (4) and the liquid outlet (5) are provided with rotary joints (11) at the positions corresponding to the connectors (602). The connectors (602) are connected to the rotary joints (11).

3. The liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet drain (4) is connected to the outlet of the cooling device (1) through the outlet pipe (12), and the outlet drain (5) is connected to the inlet of the cooling device (1) through the return pipe (13). The cooling device (1) is equipped with a temperature sensing module inside.

4. A liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 2, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (9) includes a conical shaft (901) rotatably disposed between two adjacent flow cooling structures (6). A spline shaft (902) is inclined above the conical shaft (901). The slope of the spline shaft (902) is the same as the taper of the conical shaft (901). A drive wheel (903) is slidably disposed on the outer surface of the spline shaft (902). The drive wheel (903) is in contact with the conical shaft (901). A first gear (904) is fixedly installed at one end of the drive wheel (903). The first gear (904) is coaxially disposed with the drive wheel (903). A second gear (905) is fixedly installed on each of the two adjacent connecting pieces (602) corresponding to the position of the first gear (904). The second gear (905) is coaxially disposed with the connecting piece (602). Both second gears (905) mesh with the first gear (904).

5. A liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both ends of the drive wheel (903) are fixedly provided with sleeves (9031). The speed regulating mechanism (10) includes a connecting frame (1001) rotatably connected to the two sleeves (9031). The connecting frame (1001) is U-shaped. A mounting seat (1002) is fixedly provided on the side of the connecting frame (1001) away from the sleeves (9031).

6. A liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 5, characterized in that: The base (3) is equipped with a motor (14), and the end of the spline shaft (902) is connected to the output flange of the motor (14).

7. A liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 6, characterized in that: The base (3) is equipped with an electric push rod (15) inside, and the output end of the electric push rod (15) is fixedly installed with the mounting base (1002).

8. A liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 7, characterized in that: The base (3) is fixedly mounted with a first fixed seat (16) on the side near the motor (14), and the motor (14) is fixedly mounted on the first fixed seat (16). The base (3) is fixedly mounted with a second fixed seat (17) on the side near the electric push rod (15), and the electric push rod (15) is fixedly mounted on the second fixed seat (17). The top of the base (3) is open, and a top cover (301) is fixedly mounted on the top of the base (3).

9. A liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 4, characterized in that: A third fixing seat (18) is fixedly installed on the side of the base (3) near the first gear (904). The third fixing seat (18) is rotatably provided with a mounting shaft (19) at the center of the first gear (904) and the conical shaft (901). The first gear (904) and the conical shaft (901) are rotatably connected to the mounting shaft (19).

10. A liquid cooling device for antenna cooling according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting frame (1001) has a rotating hole (10011) at the position corresponding to the sleeve (9031), and the sleeve (9031) is connected to the rotating hole (10011) through a bearing.

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