A quick connector applied to a water cooling system of a data processing center

Abstract

The application discloses a quick connector applied to a water cooling system of a data processing center, which comprises a valve box, a pipeline positioning assembly, a guide box and a metering valve group, water inlets for connecting cooling pipelines are arranged on the two sides of the valve box, magnetic rings and springs are arranged on the inner sides of the water inlets, a magnetic resistance sheet is arranged in the guide box, and the metering valve group comprises a rotating wheel, valve sheets and a metering device. After the cooling pipelines are inserted, the magnetic rings are pushed to move, the magnetic resistance sheet is driven to be accommodated through magnetic force, the rotating wheel is released from locking only when the two cooling pipelines are both connected, the rotating wheel is rotated and the fluid cavity formed between the adjacent valve sheets is used to continuously complete the suction, transportation and discharge of the cooling liquid, and the cooling liquid is transported. The application has the advantages of automatic opening and automatic plugging for preventing leakage when being connected from both ends, quick connection for preventing separation, and integration of cooling liquid transportation and flow metering, and can improve the safety and operation reliability of online maintenance of the liquid cooling system of the data processing center.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid cooling connection technology, specifically a quick-connect connector for use in water cooling systems of data processing centers. Background Technology

[0002] As data processing centers, cloud computing servers, artificial intelligence computing platforms, and high-density server rack equipment continue to evolve towards higher power and higher integration, liquid cooling technology, with its advantages of high heat exchange efficiency, low energy consumption, and stable temperature control, is gradually becoming an important heat dissipation method for data processing centers. In liquid cooling systems, servers, cold plates, heat exchange modules, and circulation pipes typically require quick-connect and disconnection via quick-connect couplings to meet the frequent connection and disconnection needs during equipment maintenance, replacement, and expansion. Therefore, quick-connect couplings not only need to have rapid connection and reliable sealing capabilities but also must ensure the safety and reliability of the liquid cooling system during online operation.

[0003] Currently, most quick-connect fittings used in liquid cooling systems achieve rapid connection and anti-dislodgement locking of cooling pipes through structures such as clamps, clips, or locking rings. Their main function is to fix and seal the pipes. When equipment needs maintenance, replacement, or online expansion with coolant, the lack of a reliable automatic sealing mechanism in existing quick-connect fittings can easily cause coolant leakage during pipe removal. This prevents online pipe connection operations from being performed, affecting continuous equipment operation and allowing coolant to enter servers, power modules, and electronic components, increasing the risk of short circuits and equipment damage. Furthermore, existing quick-connect fittings lack an automatic closing function after accidental pipe detachment, leading to coolant overflow and posing a short circuit risk to the data processing center's processing system.

[0004] In view of this, we have studied and improved the existing problems and provided a quick-connect connector for water cooling systems in data processing centers to solve the current problems. The aim of this technology is to achieve automatic opening of double-ended access, automatic sealing to prevent leakage, and integration of coolant delivery and flow metering. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to address the problem that existing quick-connect fittings for liquid cooling systems in data processing centers only have pipeline connection and anti-disconnection locking functions, lacking effective automatic sealing mechanisms and protection functions. It provides a quick-connect fitting for water cooling systems in data processing centers to achieve automatic opening and closing of cooling pipelines, online leak prevention, and integrated coolant delivery and metering.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A quick-connect fitting for a water cooling system in a data processing center includes a valve box, a pipe positioning assembly, a guide box, and a metering valve assembly rotatably mounted inside the valve box. Two cover plates are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the valve box, each with a water inlet. The pipe positioning assembly is located at the end of the water inlet for engaging and securing the water cooling pipes. A sliding groove is provided inside the water inlet, and a spring is fixedly installed inside the sliding groove. One end of the spring is connected to a magnetic ring slidably mounted inside the sliding groove. The guide box is positioned opposite the magnetic ring on the surface of the other cover plate, and a retractable magnetic resist is provided inside the guide box. The metering valve assembly includes a rotor, valve plates, and a meter. The rotor surface has a shaft that penetrates the cover plate and extends to the inside of the meter. Valve plates are evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the rotor, and a grating groove is provided at the end of the shaft. Insertion of the cooling pipe pushes the magnetic ring to move, and the magnetic force between the magnetic ring and the magnetic resist controls the metering valve assembly to unlock. The cooling water circuit is opened only when both cooling pipes on both sides are connected, achieving automatic opening and closing control.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the water inlets on the two cover surfaces are arranged symmetrically about the center of the valve box axis, and each valve plate slides against the opposite surfaces of the two cover plates. A closed fluid cavity is formed between multiple adjacent valve plates. The fluid cavity completes the intake, transfer and discharge of coolant in sequence as the impeller rotates, so that the coolant is continuously transported from one water inlet to the other water inlet, thereby improving the stability of coolant delivery and sealing performance.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the pipe positioning assembly includes a ferrule and a conical ring. The ferrule is fixedly installed inside the nozzle, and the conical ring is slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the ferrule. One end of the conical ring is provided with a conical head, and the surface of the ferrule is provided with several deformation gaps. When the conical ring moves axially, it compresses the ferrule radially through the conical head, causing the ferrule to grip the cooling pipe tightly, thereby achieving rapid positioning, anti-disengagement locking, and rapid assembly and disassembly, and improving the reliability of the quick-connect fitting.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic ring is further configured to have a magnetic ring structure, with a spring located on the side of the magnetic ring away from the guide box. The magnetic resist plate and the magnetic ring are set with the same magnetic poles. When the cooling pipe pushes the magnetic ring to the corresponding position in the guide box, the magnetic ring pushes the magnetic resist plate into the guide box through magnetic repulsion, releasing the lock on the rotating wheel. When the cooling pipe is pulled out, the spring pushes the magnetic ring to automatically reset, and the magnetic resist plate extends again and locks the rotating wheel, thereby achieving automatic shutdown of the cooling water circuit.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, a filter screen is detachably installed on one side of the magnetic ring. The filter screen has a metal filter structure to filter the coolant entering the valve box, reduce impurities entering the metering valve assembly, improve the reliability of valve assembly operation, and facilitate the disassembly and maintenance of the filter screen.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the shaft end is further configured such that a grating groove is provided, and the metering device adopts a grating metering sensor or a touch sensor structure. By detecting the angle and speed of the grating groove rotating synchronously with the wheel, the real-time flow rate of the coolant is calculated, so that the quick-connect connector has both coolant delivery and flow metering functions, thereby improving the operation monitoring capability of the liquid cooling system.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the valve plate and the elastic part are integrally formed, and the elastic part has a corrugated elastic sheet structure. Under the action of the elastic part, each valve plate is always in contact with the opposite surface of the cover plate, so that each fluid cavity maintains a good sealing state, reduces coolant leakage and backflow, and improves coolant delivery efficiency.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic resist sheet is further configured to extend and retract in a direction perpendicular to the rotor, selectively engaging or disengaging from the outer circumference of the rotor to achieve automatic locking and release of the metering valve assembly. The metering valve assembly is allowed to rotate only when all cooling pipes on both sides are fully connected, thereby improving the safety of online maintenance of the liquid cooling system.

[0014] The beneficial effects achieved by this invention are as follows: 1. In this invention, the magnetic rings inside the water inlets on both sides control the storage of the corresponding magnetic resist plates inside the guide box. Only when the cooling pipes at both ends are fully connected can the two magnetic resist plates simultaneously release the locking of the metering valve group, allowing the metering valve group to rotate and open the water circuit. This avoids coolant leakage when only one side is connected, effectively reducing the risk of short circuits in electronic equipment caused by coolant leakage in the liquid cooling system of the data processing center.

[0015] 2. In this invention, the rotation of the metering valve group causes the closed cavity formed between each valve plate to continuously complete the containment, transfer and release of coolant, realizing the stable delivery of coolant from one water inlet to the other. At the same time, combined with the linkage control of the magnetic ring and the magnetic resist plate, the water circuit is automatically opened when the cooling pipe is connected and automatically locked and cut off when the cooling pipe is disconnected, improving the automatic sealing performance and safety of the quick-connect connector.

[0016] 3. In this invention, during the process of transferring coolant through the metering valve group, the impeller synchronously drives the shaft and grating groove to rotate, and cooperates with the meter to detect the rotation angle and speed of the impeller in real time, so as to realize online metering of coolant flow. While completing the coolant delivery, it also has the function of flow monitoring, providing a basis for monitoring the operation status and flow management of the liquid cooling system in the data processing center, and improving the system's intelligence level. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic ring and guide box structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the valve box and its internal metering valve assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of a pipe positioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the rotor and valve plate structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure label: 100. Valve box; 110. Cover plate; 120. Water inlet; 130. Magnetic ring; 140. Spring; 121. Sliding sleeve groove; 131. Filter screen; 200. Pipe positioning assembly; 210. Compression fitting; 220. Conical ring; 211. Deformation gap; 212. Conical head; 300. Conductor box; 310. Magnetic resist sheet; 400, Metering valve assembly; 410, Rotary wheel; 420, Valve plate; 430, Meter; 411, Shaft; 412, Grating groove; 421, Elastic part. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.

[0020] It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0021] The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the present invention, providing a quick-connect fitting for a water cooling system in a data processing center.

[0022] Combination Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention provides a quick-connect fitting for a water cooling system in a data processing center, comprising a valve box 100, a pipe positioning assembly 200, a guide box 300, and a metering valve assembly 400. The valve box 100 serves as the main body of the quick-connect fitting, and two cover plates 110 are symmetrically fixedly installed on both sides. The surfaces of the two cover plates 110 are respectively provided with water inlets 120 for connecting the cooling pipes on both sides of the liquid cooling system in the data processing center.

[0023] A sliding sleeve groove 121 is provided inside the water inlet 120. A spring 140 is fixedly installed in the sliding sleeve groove 121. One end of the spring 140 is connected to a magnetic ring 130. The magnetic ring 130 is slidably installed inside the sliding sleeve groove 121 and can reciprocate along the axial direction of the water inlet 120. The magnetic ring 130 adopts a magnetic ring structure. A filter screen 131 is detachably installed on the side near the valve box 100. The filter screen 131 is preferably a metal filter screen structure, used to filter particulate impurities in the coolant, prevent impurities from entering the metering valve assembly 400, and facilitate disassembly, cleaning and replacement.

[0024] The guide box 300 is fixedly installed on the surface of another cover plate 110 and is positioned opposite to the magnetic ring 130. A magnetic resist plate 310 is slidably installed inside the guide box 300. An elastic element is provided on the inner side of the guide box 300. The elastic element continuously pushes the magnetic resist plate 310 to extend into the valve box 100. The magnetic poles of the magnetic resist plate 310 and the magnetic ring 130 are opposite, so that when the magnetic ring 130 approaches the guide box 300, it can push the magnetic resist plate 310 into the guide box 300 through magnetic repulsion to compress the elastic element and store it.

[0025] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the metering valve assembly 400 is rotatably mounted inside the valve box 100, including a rotating wheel 410, valve plates 420, and a metering device 430. The rotating wheel 410 is generally disc-shaped, and a plurality of valve plates 420 are evenly mounted on its outer circumference. One end of each valve plate 420 is inserted into the interior of the rotating wheel 410 and connected to the rotating wheel 410 through an elastic part 421. The elastic part 421 is preferably a corrugated elastic sheet structure. The rotating wheel 410 has a corresponding mounting groove for accommodating and fixing the elastic part 421, so that each valve plate 420 can always fit against the inside of the valve box 100 under the action of the elastic part 421, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0026] A shaft 411 is fixedly connected to the center of the rotor 410. The shaft 411 passes through the cover plate 110 and extends into the meter 430. A grating groove 412 is provided at the end of the shaft 411. The meter 430 can use a grating metering sensor or a touch sensor structure to detect the grating groove 412 in real time to obtain the rotation angle and speed of the rotor 410, and further calculate the coolant flow rate.

[0027] like Figure 5As shown, the pipe positioning assembly 200 is disposed inside the inlet 120 and includes a ferrule 210 and a conical ring 220. The ferrule 210 is fixedly installed inside the inlet 120, and its surface has several deformation gaps 211 evenly distributed along the axial direction. The inner diameter of the ferrule 210 is adapted to the outer diameter of the liquid cooling pipe. The conical ring 220 is slidably sleeved on the outer circumference of the ferrule 210. One end of the conical ring 220 is provided with a conical head 212, which slides in cooperation with the outer circumference of the ferrule 210. When the conical ring 220 moves along the axial direction, the conical head 212 gradually presses the ferrule 210, causing the ferrule 210 to undergo radial elastic contraction through the deformation gaps 211, forming an anti-detachment effect on the liquid cooling pipe and avoiding the risk of accidental detachment of the pipe and joint.

[0028] In use, the cooling pipes of the data processing center on both sides are first inserted into the corresponding water inlets 120. The ends of the cooling pipes push the magnetic ring 130 along the sliding sleeve groove 121 toward the valve box 100, while simultaneously compressing the spring 140, causing the magnetic ring 130 to gradually approach the guide box 300. When the magnetic ring 130 moves to the corresponding position in the guide box 300, the magnetic resist plate 310 and the magnetic ring 130 are set with the same magnetic poles, so that when the magnetic ring 130 approaches the guide box 300, the magnetic resist plate 310 can be pushed into the guide box 300 by magnetic repulsion, and the elastic element is compressed.

[0029] Subsequently, the above insertion action is repeated at the other water inlet 120. When the other cooling pipe also pushes the corresponding magnetic ring 130 to move and the other magnetic resist plate 310 is put into storage, both magnetic resist plates 310 are disengaged from the limiting position of the rotating wheel 410, the metering valve group 400 is completely unlocked, and the rotating wheel 410 can rotate freely inside the valve box 100.

[0030] After the coolant enters the valve box 100, the fluid flow drives the impeller 410 to rotate continuously. A closed fluid cavity is formed between each adjacent valve plate 420. This closed fluid cavity sequentially completes the coolant intake, transfer, and discharge, allowing the coolant to be continuously delivered from one water inlet 120 to the other, achieving stable connection between the liquid cooling pipes on both sides. During rotation, the valve plates 420 remain in contact with the opposite surface of the cover plate 110 under the action of the elastic part 421, maintaining a good seal in each fluid cavity, reducing coolant leakage and backflow, and improving delivery efficiency.

[0031] At the same time, the wheel 410 drives the shaft 411 to rotate synchronously. The grating groove 412 at the end of the shaft 411 continuously passes through the detection area of ​​the meter 430. The meter 430 calculates the rotation speed of the wheel 410 based on the passing frequency and rotation angle of the grating groove 412, and further calculates the real-time flow rate of the coolant, so as to realize the synchronous completion of coolant delivery and flow metering.

[0032] During the pipe connection process, the cooling pipe is inserted into the sleeve 210. When subjected to internal water pressure of the liquid cooling system or external pulling force, the cone ring 220 moves axially along the sleeve 210, and the cone head 212 gradually presses against the outer periphery of the sleeve 210, causing the sleeve 210 to radially contract through the deformation gap 211, forming a radial clamp on the cooling pipe, improving the connection reliability and preventing the pipe from falling off due to water pressure impact or accidental pulling. When disassembly is required, simply push the cone ring 220 toward the valve box 100 to restore the sleeve 210 to the open state, and at the same time pull out the cooling pipe to complete the quick unlocking.

[0033] When any cooling pipe is pulled out and disconnected from the inlet 120, it loses its supporting function. The spring 140 pushes the magnetic ring 130 to reset outward along the sliding sleeve groove 121, moving the magnetic ring 130 away from the guide box 300. The elastic element inside the guide box 300 simultaneously pushes the magnetic resist plate 310 to extend again. The magnetic resist plate 310 abuts against the corresponding position of the valve plate 420 on the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 410, forming a mechanical lock on the rotating wheel 410. This stops the metering valve group 400 from rotating, and the fluid channel formed between each valve plate 420 is immediately interrupted, realizing automatic water circuit closure. This prevents the coolant from continuing to flow out, effectively avoiding coolant leakage during online maintenance of the liquid cooling system, and improving the safety and reliability of the liquid cooling system operation in the data processing center.

[0034] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0035] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A quick-connect connector for use in a water cooling system of a data processing center, characterized in that, It includes a valve box (100), a pipeline positioning assembly (200), a guide box (300), and a metering valve assembly (400) rotatably mounted inside the valve box (100). The valve box (100) has two cover plates (110) symmetrically arranged on both sides. Both cover plates (110) have water inlets (120) on their surfaces. The pipe positioning assembly (200) is located at the end of the water inlet (120) for connecting and fixing the water cooling pipe. The water inlet (120) has a sliding sleeve groove (121) inside, and a spring (140) is fixedly installed inside the sliding sleeve groove (121). One end of the spring (140) is a free end and is connected to a magnetic ring (130) that is slidably installed inside the sliding sleeve groove (121). The guide box (300) is arranged on the surface of another cover plate (110) relative to the magnetic ring (130). The guide box (300) is provided with a retractable and slidable magnetic resist (310) inside.

2. The quick-connect connector for a water cooling system in a data processing center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metering valve assembly (400) includes a rotating wheel (410), valve plates (420), and a meter (430) fixed to the surface of the cover plate (110). The rotating wheel (410) has a shaft (411) that penetrates the cover plate (110) and extends to the inside of the meter (430). The valve plates (420) are evenly distributed in a circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the rotating wheel (410). One end of each valve plate (420) is inserted into the inside of the rotating wheel (410) and has an elastic part (421) located inside the rotating wheel (410). The other end of the rotating wheel (410) slides against the inside of the valve box (100).

3. A quick-connect connector for a water cooling system in a data processing center according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water inlets (120) on the surfaces of the two cover plates (110) are symmetrically arranged about the center of the valve box (100). The valve plate (420) slides against the opposite surfaces of the two cover plates (110) on both sides. The cooling water flows from one water inlet (120) to the other water inlet (120) by rotating the wheel (410).

4. A quick-connect connector for a water cooling system in a data processing center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipe positioning assembly (200) includes a sleeve (210) and a conical ring (220). The sleeve (210) is fixedly installed inside the water inlet (120). The conical ring (220) is slidably sleeved on the outer periphery of the sleeve (210). One end of the conical ring (220) is provided with a conical head (212) located inside the water inlet (120). Several deformation gaps (211) are opened on the surface of the sleeve (210). The outer periphery of each conical head (212) slides against the inner side of the conical ring (220). The inner diameter of the sleeve (210) is adapted to the outer diameter of the water cooling pipeline.

5. A quick-connect connector for a water cooling system in a data processing center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring (140) is located on the side of the magnetic ring (130) away from the magnetic resist (310). The magnetic resist (310) and the magnetic ring (130) are arranged with the same magnetic poles. The inner side of the guide box (300) is provided with an elastic element for pushing the magnetic resist (310) out.

6. A quick-connect connector for a water cooling system in a data processing center according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter screen (131) is detachably installed on one side of the magnetic ring (130), and the filter screen (131) is a metal filter screen structure.

7. A quick-connect connector for a water cooling system in a data processing center according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the shaft (411) is provided with a grating groove (412) located inside the meter (430). The meter (430) is a grating metering sensor or a touch sensor structure. The grating groove (412) rotates synchronously with the wheel (410).

8. A quick-connect connector for a water cooling system in a data processing center according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve plate (420) and the elastic part (421) are integrally formed. The elastic part (421) has a corrugated elastic sheet structure. The surface of the rotating wheel (410) is provided with a mounting groove for fixing and accommodating the elastic part (421). Under the elastic action of the elastic part (421), each valve plate (420) always keeps in close contact and sealed with the inside of the valve box (100).

9. A quick-connect connector for a water cooling system in a data processing center according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic resist (310) moves vertically toward the inside of the valve box (100) to selectively insert into the grating groove (412) or corresponding limit position on the surface of the rotating wheel (410) to lock or release the rotating wheel (410).

Images