Dual-channel liquid cooling switching function heat sink

Abstract

The application discloses a dual-channel liquid cooling switching function radiator and relates to the technical field of radiators. The radiator comprises a liquid cooling radiator frame, a first fixing frame and a second fixing frame are fixedly connected in the liquid cooling radiator frame, a water pump for pumping cooling liquid is fixedly connected to the liquid cooling radiator frame, a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet are formed in the first fixing frame and are communicated with each other, a switching valve for switching the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet is slidably connected to the first fixing frame, and a first liquid outlet and a second liquid outlet are formed in the second fixing frame and are communicated with each other. The application realizes automatic rotation of the cooling circuit through the alternate use of two independent water tank circuits, can automatically switch to another set of cooling liquid after one set of cooling liquid is heated, is suitable for the configuration of a cooling source with 'one for use and one for standby', 'one for cooling and one for normal use' or different temperature control strategies, improves the thermal adaptability of the system, effectively prolongs the continuous high-load operation time, and avoids the heat dissipation failure caused by the saturation temperature rise of the cooling liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of radiators, and more particularly to radiators with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid cooling radiators are widely used in the thermal management of high-power electronic devices due to their high heat exchange efficiency. To improve heat dissipation capacity, existing liquid cooling systems often employ multi-channel or high-flow-rate designs. However, traditional liquid cooling plates generally use a fixed flow channel structure, resulting in a single and non-adjustable coolant circuit.

[0003] To enhance the adaptability of cooling systems, some solutions introduce multi-way valves or proportional valves, using electronic control to switch between different inlet / outlet ports to achieve multi-loop coolant path switching. However, such solutions typically require separate control of the inlet and outlet valves. If their actions are not synchronized, it can easily lead to mismatch between the inlet and outlet flow paths—for example, coolant flowing into the first tank but attempting to flow back into the second tank, causing the loop to break, the pump to run dry, or even the system to become pressurized, potentially damaging the pump or sealing structure in severe cases. Therefore, ensuring strict synchronization between inlet and outlet switching has become a key technical challenge for the safe operation of multi-channel liquid cooling systems.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, there is an urgent need for a reliable and coordinated liquid cooling switching device that can ensure strict synchronization between the inlet and outlet switching without relying on complex external controls. This ensures safe switching of the dual-channel cooling circuit and avoids system failures caused by misconnection of flow paths. Based on this core requirement, this invention provides a radiator with a dual-channel liquid cooling switching function that integrates a synchronous switching mechanism, effectively solving the technical problems of difficult matching of inlet and outlet flow paths and asynchronous switching in multi-loop liquid cooling systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings mentioned in the background art, the present invention provides a heat sink with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function.

[0006] A radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function includes a liquid cooling heat sink frame, a first fixed frame and a second fixed frame fixedly connected inside the liquid cooling heat sink frame, a water pump for drawing coolant fixedly connected to the liquid cooling heat sink frame, a first liquid inlet and a second liquid inlet that are interconnected inside the first fixed frame, a switching valve for switching the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet that is slidably connected to the first fixed frame, a first liquid outlet and a second liquid outlet that are interconnected inside the second fixed frame, a switching frame for switching the first liquid outlet and the second liquid outlet that is slidably connected to the second fixed frame, and a synchronous switching mechanism for synchronously switching the switching valve and the switching frame that is provided on the first fixed frame.

[0007] In one embodiment, the synchronous switching mechanism includes an electromagnetic valve body, which is fixedly connected to the first fixed frame. The electromagnetic valve body is provided with a first electromagnet core and a second electromagnet core. A sliding frame is slidably connected to the first fixed frame, and a round iron piece is fixedly connected to the sliding frame. The switching valve is fixedly connected to the sliding frame, and a threaded column is fixedly connected to the sliding frame. The switching frame and the threaded column are threadedly connected through an internal thread groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, the synchronous switching mechanism further includes two receiving cavities, which are fixedly connected to the first fixed frame. A heat-conducting pipe is fixedly connected to both the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet. The heat-conducting pipe is fixedly connected to the adjacent receiving cavity. A sliding plug is slidably connected to the receiving cavity. A contact switch corresponding to the sliding plug is fixedly connected to the first fixed frame. The sliding plug moves into contact with the adjacent contact switch. The contact switch on one side is used to simultaneously control the first electromagnet core to be energized and the second electromagnet core to be de-energized, and the contact switch on the other side is used to simultaneously control the first electromagnet core to be de-energized and the second electromagnet core to be energized.

[0009] In one embodiment, the contact switch is electrically connected to the first electromagnet core and the second electromagnet core via a control module.

[0010] In one embodiment, the switching valve has a first liquid guide port and a second liquid guide port. Initially, the first liquid guide port is aligned with the first liquid inlet, and the second liquid guide port is misaligned with the second liquid inlet.

[0011] In one embodiment, the switching frame has a third liquid guide port. Initially, the third liquid guide port is aligned with the first liquid outlet and misaligned with the second liquid outlet.

[0012] In one embodiment, both the side of the first mounting bracket near the switching valve and the side of the second mounting bracket near the switching bracket are provided with multiple micro buffer cavities.

[0013] In one embodiment, the micro-buffer cavity includes a fixed tube and an elastic tube that are fixedly connected to each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, a connecting plate is further included, which is fixed to the top of the liquid cooling heat sink, a fan is fixed to the connecting plate, and ventilation openings are symmetrically distributed along the connecting plate.

[0015] Beneficial effects: This invention achieves automatic switching of cooling circuits by alternating the use of two independent water tank circuits. It can automatically switch to the other circuit after the coolant in one circuit heats up. It is suitable for cooling source configurations with different temperature control strategies, such as "one in use and one on standby", "one cooling and one constant", or different temperature control strategies. It improves the thermal adaptability of the system, effectively extends the continuous high load operation time, and avoids heat dissipation failure caused by the saturation temperature rise of the coolant.

[0016] This invention uses a mechanical linkage design between the threaded column and the internal threaded groove to ensure precise matching between the translation of the switching valve and the rotation of the switching frame. The inlet and outlet of the liquid always correspond to the same water tank, avoiding malfunctions such as coolant short circuit, chaotic backflow, or pump dry running caused by asynchronous control.

[0017] The switching trigger of this invention relies entirely on a contact switch driven by thermal expansion, requiring no external power supply or communication; the electromagnetic actuation part only needs instantaneous electrical energy to complete the action, which can be guaranteed by a small energy storage unit. Thus, even in harsh environments such as power outages and strong interference, it can still reliably complete the flow channel switching, taking into account both passive sensing and reliable execution, which is significantly better than pure electric control systems or pure mechanical drive solutions, and enhances the robustness under extreme working conditions.

[0018] This invention utilizes the elastic tube in the micro buffer chamber to absorb the pressure shock wave generated during the flow channel switching moment, which greatly reduces the mechanical stress on valves, joints and flow channel walls, reduces leakage, fatigue cracks and noise, and extends the service life of the whole machine. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid cooling heat sink and fixing tube components of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid cooling heat sink and solenoid valve body of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sliding frame, heat-conducting pipe, and sliding plug of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sliding frame and switching valve components of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid-cooled heat sink and water pump of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sliding frame and switching frame components of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8This is a three-dimensional structural separation diagram of the sliding frame, switching frame, and threaded column of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid cooling heat sink, fixed tube, and elastic tube components of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the components such as the fixed tube and the elastic tube of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid cooling heat sink, connecting plate, and fan of the present invention.

[0030] The diagram is labeled as follows: 101-Liquid cooling heat sink, 102-First fixed frame, 1021-First liquid inlet, 1022-Second liquid inlet, 103-Solenoid valve body, 104-First electromagnet core, 105-Second electromagnet core, 106-Sliding frame, 1061-Iron sheet, 107-Switching valve, 108-First liquid guide port, 109-Second liquid guide port, 110-Heat pipe, 111-Sliding plug, 112-Receiving cavity, 113-Contact switch, 201-Second fixed frame, 2011-First liquid outlet, 2012-Second liquid outlet, 202-Water pump, 203-Switching frame, 204-Threaded column, 2031-Third liquid guide port, 301-Fixed tube, 302-Elastic tube, 401-Connecting plate, 402-Fan, 403-Ventilation port. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Example 1: This invention provides a radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching capability, particularly suitable for applications requiring high heat flux density and comprehensive cooling system reliability, energy efficiency, and adaptability. By integrating thermal sensing, electromagnetic-assisted execution, and mechanical synchronization mechanisms, this device achieves automatic switching of the coolant circuit between two independent tanks without continuous intervention from an external controller. This balances efficient heat dissipation with system robustness, effectively addressing the thermal management challenges of electronic devices under dynamic loads.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, the radiator mainly includes a liquid-cooled heat exchange frame 101, a first fixed frame 102, a switching valve 107, a second fixed frame 201, a water pump 202, a switching frame 203, and a synchronous switching mechanism. The liquid-cooled heat exchange frame 101, as the core heat exchange component, has dense flow channels inside to maximize the contact area with the heat source. A water pump 202 for drawing coolant is fixedly connected to it, forming a closed-loop power circulation. The first fixed frame 102 and the second fixed frame 201 are respectively fixed to the liquid inlet and outlet ends of the liquid-cooled heat exchange frame 101. The first fixed frame 102 has a first liquid inlet 1021 and a second liquid inlet 1022 that are interconnected, connecting to the first water tank and the second water tank respectively; a switching valve 107 is slidably connected to it to control which water tank the coolant flows into, and the switching valve 107 has a first liquid guide port 108 and a second liquid guide port 109. The second fixed frame 201 is equipped with a first liquid outlet 2011 and a second liquid outlet 2012 that are interconnected, corresponding to the return paths of the two water tanks. A switching frame 203 is slidably connected to it to match the liquid flow direction. The switching frame 203 has a third liquid guide port 2031. The key is that the switching valve 107 and the switching frame 203 achieve linkage through a synchronous switching mechanism to ensure that the inlet and outlet channels are always matched, avoiding short circuits or flow interruptions caused by misconnection of the flow path.

[0034] The core of the synchronous switching mechanism includes an electromagnetic valve body 103, a sliding frame 106, a threaded post 204, and a thermal drive unit. The electromagnetic valve body 103 is fixed to the first fixed frame 102 and houses a first electromagnet core 104 and a second electromagnet core 105, located at the front and rear ends in the sliding direction, respectively. The sliding frame 106 can slide horizontally within the first fixed frame 102, and a round iron plate 1061 is fixed to it, moving back and forth due to the magnetic attraction of the first electromagnet core 104 and the second electromagnet core 105. The switching valve 107 is rigidly connected to the sliding frame 106, and the synchronous displacement of the switching valve 107 and the sliding frame 106 realizes the switching of the liquid inlet end. A threaded post 204 with an internal thread groove is fixed to the right end of the sliding frame 106, and the switching frame 203 engages with the threaded post 204 through the internal thread groove. The transmission pair between the threaded column 204 and the internal thread groove preferably adopts a trapezoidal thread design, which has self-locking properties and high load-bearing capacity. Even in a vibration environment, it can maintain a stable switching position and avoid misalignment of the flow channel due to loosening. When the sliding frame 106 moves back and forth, the linear motion of the threaded column 204 is converted into a 180-degree rotation of the switching frame 203, thereby switching the third liquid guide port 2031 on it between the first liquid outlet 2011 and the second liquid outlet 2012, realizing the switching of the liquid outlet end. In this way, strict synchronization of the inlet and outlet flow channels is guaranteed.

[0035] To achieve the intelligent switching logic of "passive sensing and active locking," the device embeds two sets of thermally sensitive driving units inside the first fixed frame 102. Specifically, heat-conducting pipes 110 are fixedly connected to both the first liquid inlet 1021 and the second liquid inlet 1022, with the other end of each heat-conducting pipe 110 extending to the left and right receiving cavities 112 respectively. The receiving cavities 112 are filled with a thermal expansion agent, preferably a paraffin-based phase change material with a phase change temperature in the range of 45℃ to 65℃. This range precisely covers the safe upper temperature limit of most electronic devices, and a sliding plug 111 is slidably connected to it. A contact switch 113 corresponding to the sliding plug 111 is fixedly connected inside the first fixed frame 102. The sliding plug 111 moves into contact with the adjacent contact switch 113. The contact switch 113 is electrically connected to the first electromagnet core 104 and the second electromagnet core 105 via a control module. The left contact switch 113 is used to simultaneously control the first electromagnet core 104 to be energized and the second electromagnet core 105 to be de-energized, and the right contact switch 113 is used to simultaneously control the first electromagnet core 104 to be de-energized and the second electromagnet core 105 to be energized. When the coolant in one path circulates for a long time, causing the temperature to rise, the heat is transferred to the corresponding receiving cavity 112 through the heat pipe 110, causing the thermal expansion agent to expand and push the sliding plug 111 forward. When the sliding plug 111 touches the contact switch 113 at a preset position, an electrical signal is emitted. After receiving the signal, the control module triggers the corresponding electromagnet core action: for example, when the right sliding plug 111 is triggered, the control module de-energizes the first electromagnet core 104 and energizes the second electromagnet core 105, and the round iron piece 1061 is attracted to the second electromagnet core 105, which drives the sliding frame 106 to move forward, completing the switch from the first water tank to the second water tank; the reverse is also true.

[0036] Initially, the first liquid guide port 108 of the switching valve 107 is aligned with the first liquid inlet 1021, and the second liquid guide port 109 is misaligned with the second liquid inlet 1022. The third liquid guide port 2031 of the switching frame 203 is aligned with the first liquid outlet 2011 and misaligned with the second liquid outlet 2012. The coolant circulates from the first water tank → first liquid inlet 1021 → liquid cooling radiator 101 → first liquid outlet 2011 → first water tank. As the running time increases, the coolant temperature rises, and the heat transfer from the right heat pipe 110 causes the right-side receiving cavity 112 to expand, triggering the right-side contact switch 113. The system automatically switches to the second water tank circuit, and the coolant circulates from the second water tank → second liquid inlet 1022 → liquid cooling radiator 101 → second liquid outlet 2012 → second water tank. After the coolant in the second water tank also heats up, the left-side thermal unit is triggered, and the system switches back to the first water tank. This process is repeated to allow for the alternating use of two cooling circuits. The two water tanks can be used to dissipate heat in turn (e.g., one tank is naturally cooled while the other is in operation), or cooling sources with different temperature or flow characteristics can be connected to improve the system's thermal adaptability.

[0037] Example 2: Based on Example 1, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, when the coolant temperature rises and the synchronous switching mechanism operates, if the flow path suddenly changes (such as rapid valve closure / opening or flow path adjustment), water hammer—a pressure shock wave caused by a sudden change in fluid momentum—is easily triggered. This not only generates noise and vibration but may also damage the switching valve 107 and the switching frame 203. Therefore, to solve the water hammer problem caused by sudden changes in flow velocity during flow path switching, this invention adds multiple miniature buffer chambers to the side of the first fixed frame 102 near the switching valve 107 and the side of the second fixed frame 201 near the switching frame 203. Each miniature buffer chamber is formed by fixing a fixed tube 301 and an elastic tube 302, with the elastic tube 302 made of pressure-resistant silicone or fluororubber. When the valve switches rapidly, causing a sudden increase in local pressure, the shock wave energy is directed to the elastic tube 302, causing it to expand instantaneously and "absorb" the pressure pulse on-site, significantly reducing the mechanical impact on the switching valve 107, the switching frame 203, and the pipe joints, extending equipment life and suppressing vibration and noise.

[0038] Example 3: Based on Example 2, such as Figure 1 and Figure 11 As shown, a connecting plate 401 is fixedly connected to the top of the liquid cooling heat sink 101, and a fan 402 is installed on the connecting plate 401. The connecting plate 401 has symmetrically distributed ventilation openings 403. This air-cooling auxiliary system can provide supplementary heat dissipation during the switching intervals of the liquid cooling main system or under light load conditions. It is especially suitable for scenarios where there is a sudden power outage but the residual heat is still high. Even if the water pump 202 stops, the fan 402 can still rely on backup power or inertia to run for a short time to cool down, enhancing the system's safety redundancy.

[0039] It is worth mentioning that although this solution introduces an electromagnet core and a control module, its control logic is entirely triggered by the thermal contact switch 113, without relying on external sensors, communication buses, or central processing units. Under extreme conditions such as data center power outage drills, electric vehicle collision power outages, or strong industrial electromagnetic interference, as long as the coolant is still flowing (e.g., by gravity or residual kinetic energy), the thermal unit can still sense the temperature rise and trigger the switching command; while the electromagnetic actuation part only requires instantaneous power (which can be backed up by a supercapacitor or a small battery) to complete reliable operation. Compared to the problem of insufficient thrust in high-current-resistance cooling plates caused by purely mechanical actuators, this invention, through a hybrid drive mode of "thermal sensing + electromagnetic boosting," retains the advantages of passive sensing while ensuring the determinism and response speed of the switching action.

[0040] In summary, this invention ingeniously integrates thermal expansion drive, electromagnetic assisted execution, synchronous conversion of screw rotation, and water hammer buffer structure to construct a highly reliable, adaptive, and low-dependency dual-channel liquid-cooled switching radiator. It not only solves the shortcomings of traditional single-channel cold plates that are single and unadjustable, but also avoids the risks of mismatched inlet and outlet flow channels and failure of the fully electronic control system under extreme conditions. This provides an innovative solution for the thermal management of high-power-density electronic equipment that combines safety, energy efficiency, and engineering feasibility.

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function, comprising a liquid cooling heat sink (101), wherein a first fixing frame (102) and a second fixing frame (201) are fixedly connected inside the liquid cooling heat sink (101), and a water pump (202) for drawing coolant is fixedly connected to the liquid cooling heat sink (101), characterized in that: The first fixed frame (102) has a first liquid inlet (1021) and a second liquid inlet (1022) that are interconnected. A switching valve (107) for switching the first liquid inlet (1021) and the second liquid inlet (1022) is slidably connected on the first fixed frame (102). The second fixed frame (201) has a first liquid outlet (2011) and a second liquid outlet (2012) that are interconnected. A switching frame (203) for switching the first liquid outlet (2011) and the second liquid outlet (2012) is slidably connected on the second fixed frame (201). A synchronous switching mechanism for synchronous switching of the switching valve (107) and the switching frame (203) is provided on the first fixed frame (102).

2. The radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The synchronous switching mechanism includes an electromagnetic valve body (103), which is fixedly connected to the first fixed frame (102). The electromagnetic valve body (103) is provided with a first electromagnetic core (104) and a second electromagnetic core (105). A sliding frame (106) is slidably connected to the first fixed frame (102). A round iron piece (1061) is fixedly connected to the sliding frame (106). The switching valve (107) is fixedly connected to the sliding frame (106). A threaded column (204) is fixedly connected to the sliding frame (106). The switching frame (203) and the threaded column (204) are connected by an internal thread groove.

3. The radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The synchronous switching mechanism also includes two receiving cavities (112), which are fixedly connected to the first fixed frame (102). A heat-conducting pipe (110) is fixedly connected to both the first liquid inlet (1021) and the second liquid inlet (1022). The heat-conducting pipe (110) is fixedly connected to the adjacent receiving cavity (112). A sliding plug (111) is slidably connected to the receiving cavity (112). A contact switch (113) corresponding to the sliding plug (111) is fixedly connected to the first fixed frame (102). The sliding plug (111) moves into contact with the adjacent contact switch (113). One side of the contact switch (113) is used to simultaneously control the first electromagnet core (104) to be energized and the second electromagnet core (105) to be de-energized. The other side of the contact switch (113) is used to simultaneously control the first electromagnet core (104) to be de-energized and the second electromagnet core (105) to be energized.

4. The radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The contact switch (113) is electrically connected to the first electromagnet core (104) and the second electromagnet core (105) via the control module.

5. The radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The switching valve (107) has a first liquid guide port (108) and a second liquid guide port (109). Initially, the first liquid guide port (108) is aligned with the first liquid inlet (1021), and the second liquid guide port (109) is misaligned with the second liquid inlet (1022).

6. The radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The switching frame (203) has a third liquid guide port (2031). Initially, the third liquid guide port (2031) is aligned with the first liquid outlet (2011) and misaligned with the second liquid outlet (2012).

7. The radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The first fixing frame (102) near the switching valve (107) and the second fixing frame (201) near the switching frame (203) are each provided with multiple micro buffer cavities.

8. The radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The miniature buffer cavity includes a fixed tube (301) and an elastic tube (302) that are fixed to each other.

9. The radiator with dual-channel liquid cooling switching function as described in claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a connecting plate (401), which is fixed to the top of the liquid cooling heat sink (101). A fan (402) is fixed on the connecting plate (401), and ventilation openings (403) are symmetrically distributed along the connecting plate (401).

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