Linkage joint and liquid cooling assembly

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of liquid cooling systems, and discloses a linkage joint and a liquid cooling assembly. The linkage joint comprises an adapter and a butt joint, the adapter comprises a first connecting end and a second connecting end, the first connecting end is connected to the second connecting end, and the first connecting end is closer to the second joint than the second connecting end and is connected with the second joint; the butt joint comprises a third connecting end and a fourth connecting end, the third connecting end is connected to the fourth connecting end, the third connecting end is rotatably clamped in the second connecting end, and the fourth connecting end is connected to the liquid cooling pipe. Through the arrangement, the second joint and the liquid cooling pipe can rotate relatively, so that even if the first joint is mounted on the water inlet / outlet and generates angle deflection, the mounting angle of the second joint can be adjusted by rotating the second joint, and the second joint and the first joint are coaxially and correspondingly arranged, so that the second joint and the first joint are accurately mounted in place; the assembling efficiency between the liquid cooling pipe and the liquid cooling plate is ensured, operation is convenient, and implementation is easy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid cooling system technology, and in particular to a linkage joint and a liquid cooling component. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the increasing severity of energy depletion and environmental degradation, energy conservation and environmental protection have become fundamental national policies for economic development in countries worldwide, and the development of new energy sources is an inevitable trend. Liquid cooling plates will become a core component of battery packs, directly affecting the temperature uniformity, timely heat dissipation, and timely temperature rise of the batteries within the pack. They are also a crucial factor influencing battery lifespan and improving driving range. Therefore, the performance of liquid cooling plates directly impacts the overall performance of a vehicle. Furthermore, due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the power consumption of AI chips is increasing, leading to the more widespread use of liquid cooling plates. This places higher demands on the rapid interconnection of pipes.

[0003] In existing technologies, a corrugated pipe or a pagoda-shaped pipe with a rubber tube is connected to a male connector, and then the male connector is connected to a matching female connector on the liquid cooling plate to achieve the connection between the housing and the liquid cooling plate, thereby enabling the transfer of cooling medium into the liquid cooling plate. However, currently, the female connectors on liquid cooling plates in the industry are only fixed by threads or welding. Due to the lack of axial positioning reference, the female connector is prone to angular deflection after installation, making it difficult to install the male connector and female connector in place, thus affecting the assembly efficiency of the liquid cooling plate.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a linkage connector and liquid cooling assembly to solve the problems existing in the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a linkage joint and liquid cooling assembly, which facilitates the quick connection between the housing and the liquid cooling plate, ensures installation accuracy, and improves assembly efficiency.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A linkage connector is used on a liquid cooling plate, the liquid cooling plate having inlet and outlet ports and a first connector disposed on the inlet and outlet ports, the first connector being connected to a liquid cooling pipe via a second connector, and the linkage connector being assembled between the liquid cooling pipe and the second connector, the linkage connector comprising:

[0008] An adapter, comprising a first connecting end and a second connecting end, wherein the first connecting end is connected to the second connecting end, and the first connecting end is disposed closer to the second connector than the second connecting end and is connected to the second connector;

[0009] The mating joint includes a third connecting end and a fourth connecting end, the third connecting end being connected to the fourth connecting end, the third connecting end being rotatably snapped into the second connecting end, and the fourth connecting end being connected to the liquid cooling pipe.

[0010] Preferably, the internal channel of the second connecting end is stepped and includes a first diameter segment and a second diameter segment, wherein the inner diameter of the first diameter segment is larger than the inner diameter of the second diameter segment, and there is a first stepped surface between the first diameter segment and the second diameter segment.

[0011] The outer surface of a portion of the third connecting end has an annular protrusion, and a second stepped surface is provided between the annular protrusion and the outer surface of the remaining portion of the third connecting end. The second stepped surface is disposed opposite to the first stepped surface. The annular protrusion is rotatably engaged with the first diameter segment, and the remaining portion of the third connecting end is rotatably connected to the second diameter segment.

[0012] Preferably, the internal channel of the first connecting end includes a third diameter segment, the inner diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the first diameter segment. The third diameter segment and the second diameter segment are spaced apart at both ends of the first diameter segment. The second connector is inserted into the third diameter segment and fits against the end face of the third connecting end.

[0013] Preferably, the internal channel of the first connecting end includes a third diameter segment, the inner diameter of the third diameter segment is larger than the inner diameter of the first diameter segment, the third diameter segment and the first diameter segment are spaced apart at both ends of the second diameter segment, and there is a third stepped surface between the third diameter segment and the second diameter segment;

[0014] The third connecting end is provided with a deformable part at a position away from the annular protrusion. The deformable part can expand outward to generate deformation and abut against the third stepped surface.

[0015] Preferably, the third stepped surface is conical.

[0016] Preferably, the annular protrusion has an annular groove along its circumferential direction, and a sealing ring is embedded in the annular groove, which is sealed between the annular groove and the inner wall surface of the first diameter segment.

[0017] Preferably, a fourth diameter segment is provided at the end of the first diameter segment away from the second diameter segment, and the inner diameter of the fourth diameter segment gradually decreases along the direction in which the mating joint is inserted into the adapter.

[0018] Preferably, the distance between the second stepped surface and the first stepped surface is 0.05-0.1 mm.

[0019] Preferably, the distance between the annular protrusion and the inner wall of the second diameter segment is 0.2-0.6 mm.

[0020] The liquid cooling assembly includes a liquid cooling plate, a liquid cooling pipe, and the aforementioned linkage connector. The liquid cooling plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and a first connector is provided at the inlet and outlet. One end of the liquid cooling pipe is provided with a second connector, which is connected to the first connector. The other end of the liquid cooling pipe is provided with a liquid cooling medium storage tank, and the linkage connector is connected between the liquid cooling pipe and the second connector.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0022] This utility model provides a linkage connector and a liquid cooling assembly. The linkage connector includes an adapter and a docking connector. Since the adapter is rotatably connected to the docking connector, the second connector and the liquid cooling pipe connected to the adapter and the docking connector respectively can rotate relative to each other. In this way, even if the first connector is installed on the inlet and outlet and the angle is deflected, the installation angle of the second connector can be adjusted by manually rotating the second connector, so that the second connector can be re-coaxially aligned with the first connector. This ensures the tightness of the installation of the second connector and the first connector, and ensures that the two are installed accurately. This ensures good assembly efficiency between the liquid cooling pipe and the liquid cooling plate. At the same time, it is convenient to operate and easy to implement, thereby improving the production efficiency and safety and reliability of the liquid cooling assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage joint provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the linkage joint provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the linkage joint provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the adapter provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage joint provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the linkage joint provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the linkage joint provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of the adapter provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Adapter; 11. First connecting end; 111. Third diameter section; 12. Second connecting end; 121. First diameter section; 122. Second diameter section; 123. First stepped surface; 124. Fourth diameter section; 125. Third stepped surface;

[0033] 2. Butt joint; 21. Third connecting end; 211. Annular protrusion; 2111. Annular groove; 212. Second stepped surface; 213. Deformable part; 22. Fourth connecting end;

[0034] 3. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0039] In existing technologies, a common approach is to connect a corrugated pipe or a pagoda-shaped pipe with a rubber tube to a water distribution channel on a liquid cooling plate. The water distribution channel has inlet and outlet ports, each with a first connector (e.g., a female connector). The liquid cooling pipe has a second connector (e.g., a male connector). The connection between the liquid cooling pipe and the liquid cooling plate is achieved through the mating of the first and second connectors, enabling the transfer of cooling medium into the liquid cooling plate. However, currently, the first connector on the liquid cooling plate is only fixed by threads or welding. Due to the lack of an axial positioning reference, the first connector is prone to angular deflection after installation, making it difficult to properly install the second connector when it mates with the first connector, thus affecting the assembly efficiency of the liquid cooling plate.

[0040] Based on the shortcomings existing in the industry, the technical solution provided by this utility model will be introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings and two specific embodiments to solve the problem of difficulty in properly installing the liquid cooling pipe and the liquid cooling plate.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Combination Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a linkage connector, which is assembled between the liquid cooling pipe and the second connector. Specifically, the linkage connector includes an adapter 1 and a mating connector 2. The adapter 1 includes a first connecting end 11 and a second connecting end 12. The first connecting end 11 is connected to the second connecting end 12 and is positioned closer to the second connector than the second connecting end 12, and is connected to the second connector. The mating connector 2 includes a third connecting end 21 and a fourth connecting end 22. The third connecting end 21 is connected to the fourth connecting end 22 and is rotatably engaged within the second connecting end 12. The fourth connecting end 22 is used to connect to the liquid cooling pipe. Since the adapter 1 is rotatably connected to the docking joint 2, the second joint and the liquid cooling pipe connected to the adapter 1 and the docking joint 2 respectively can rotate relative to each other. In this way, even if the first joint is installed on the inlet and outlet and the angle is deflected, the installation angle of the second joint can be adjusted by manually rotating the second joint, so that the second joint can be re-coaxially aligned with the first joint. This ensures the tightness of the installation of the second joint and the first joint, and ensures that the two are installed accurately. This ensures good assembly efficiency between the liquid cooling pipe and the liquid cooling plate, and is convenient and easy to implement.

[0043] Specifically, in this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the internal channel of the second connecting end 12 is stepped and includes a first diameter segment 121 and a second diameter segment 122, wherein the inner diameter of the first diameter segment 121 is larger than the inner diameter of the second diameter segment 122, and a first stepped surface 123 is provided between the first diameter segment 121 and the second diameter segment 122; a portion of the outer surface of the third connecting end 21 has an annular protrusion 211, and a second stepped surface 212 is provided between the annular protrusion 211 and the outer surface of the remaining portion of the third connecting end 21, the second stepped surface 212 being disposed opposite to the first stepped surface 123, the annular protrusion 211 being rotatably engaged with the first diameter segment 121, and the remaining portion of the third connecting end 21 being rotatably connected to the second diameter segment 122. Through the above arrangement, the mating connector 2 can be accurately positioned and installed in a preset position within the adapter 1, avoiding the situation where the mating connector 2 is inserted too deeply, affecting subsequent operations.

[0044] More specifically, in this embodiment, the internal channel of the first connecting end 11 includes a third diameter segment 111, the inner diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the first diameter segment 121, and the third diameter segment 111 and the second diameter segment 122 are spaced apart at both ends of the first diameter segment 121. The first diameter segment 121 is used to insert the second connector. When the mating connector 2 is inserted into the adapter 1 and the first stepped surface 123 abuts against the second stepped surface 212, it indicates that the mating connector 2 has been assembled in place. Then, the second connector can be inserted into the third diameter segment 111 through the first connecting end 11. After the second connector is inserted to the depth that fits against the end face of the third connecting end 21, the insertion is stopped. This completes the mating of the second connector and the adapter 1. At this time, the annular protrusion 211 can be limited and locked between the second connector and the first stepped surface 123, and at the same time, it can also prevent the second connector from exerting a pressing force on the third connecting end 21, ensuring that the annular protrusion 211 can maintain a state of relative rotation with the second connecting end 12.

[0045] Optionally, in this embodiment, an annular groove 2111 is provided along the circumferential direction on the annular protrusion 211, and a sealing ring 3 is embedded in the annular groove 2111. The sealing ring 3 is sandwiched between the annular groove 2111 and the inner wall surface of the first diameter section 121. In this way, when the mating joint 2 is inserted into the adapter 1, the sealing ring 3 can seal the assembly gap between the mating joint 2 and the adapter 1 to prevent the liquid cooling medium from leaking out through the assembly gap between the two.

[0046] To facilitate assembly, in this embodiment, a fourth diameter section 124 is provided at the end of the first diameter section 121 away from the second diameter section 122, and the inner diameter of the fourth diameter section 124 gradually decreases along the direction in which the mating joint 2 is inserted into the adapter 1. By providing the fourth diameter section 124, the resistance to the insertion of the sealing ring 3 into the first diameter section 121 can be reduced to a certain extent, so that the annular protrusion 211 equipped with the sealing ring 3 can be smoothly inserted into the first diameter section 121.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between the annular protrusion 211 and the inner wall surface of the second diameter segment 122 is set to 0.2-0.6 mm. For example, the distance between the annular protrusion 211 and the inner wall surface of the second diameter segment 122 can be 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, etc. When the distance between the annular protrusion 211 and the inner wall surface of the second diameter segment 122 is less than 0.2 mm, the close proximity will affect the smooth rotation of the adapter 1, and after prolonged use, it will cause wear on the surface of the annular protrusion 211, reducing the service life of the linkage. When the distance between the annular protrusion 211 and the inner wall surface of the second diameter segment 122 is greater than 0.6 mm, it is understood that the excessive distance between the annular protrusion 211 and the inner wall surface of the second diameter segment 122 can easily lead to sealing failure of the sealing ring 3. Therefore, by setting the distance between the annular protrusion 211 and the inner wall of the second diameter section 122 between 0.2 and 0.6 mm, it is possible to ensure good sealing between the two while ensuring the smooth rotation of the adapter 1 and reducing the feeling of blockage.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between the second stepped surface 212 and the first stepped surface 123 is set to 0.05-0.1mm. For example, the distance between the second stepped surface 212 and the first stepped surface 123 can be 0.05mm, 0.06mm, 0.07mm, 0.08mm, 0.09mm, 0.1mm, etc. When the distance between the second stepped surface 212 and the first stepped surface 123 is less than 0.05mm, the distance between them is too close, resulting in a small range of motion and affecting the smoothness of the rotation of the adapter 1. Prolonged use will cause surface wear on both surfaces, reducing the lifespan of the linkage. Conversely, when the distance between them is greater than 0.1mm, the excessive distance also poses a risk of sealing failure. Therefore, setting the distance between the first stepped surface 123 and the second stepped surface 212 between 0.05mm and 0.1mm not only further ensures the sealing safety between the adapter 1 and the mating joint 2 but also enhances the ease of rotation of the adapter 1.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] This embodiment provides a linkage connector, which has a basically the same structure as the linkage connector provided in Embodiment 1, except that:

[0051] Combination Figures 5 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the third diameter segment 111 inside the first connecting end 11 is spaced apart from the first diameter segment 121 at both ends of the second diameter segment 122, and there is a third stepped surface 125 between the third diameter segment 111 and the second diameter segment 122; a deformable part 213 is provided on the third connecting end 21 at a position away from the annular protrusion, the deformable part 213 can expand outward to generate deformation, and abut against the third stepped surface 125. In the above configuration, when the mating joint 2 is inserted into the adapter 1 and the first stepped surface 123 abuts against the second stepped surface 212, that is, after the mating joint 2 is assembled in place, the riveting part can enter the third diameter section 111 through the opening of the first connecting end 11 and apply pressure to the deformable part 213 so that the deformable part 213 can expand outward and deform, so that the deformable part 213 can fit against the third stepped surface 125. Then the riveting part is withdrawn, so that the third connecting end 21 can be engaged in the second connecting end 12 through the deformable part 213 and the annular protrusion 211, thereby realizing the rotatable connection between the adapter 1 and the mating joint 2, and effectively improving the connection stability between the adapter 1 and the mating joint 2.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third stepped surface 125 is conical, and the corresponding deformable part 213 expands and deforms to form a conical structure. On the basis of ensuring that the deformable part 213 can abut against the third stepped surface 125, the deformation of the deformable part 213 can be appropriately reduced, thereby avoiding the risk of fracture caused by stress concentration due to excessive bending angle of the deformable part 213.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] This embodiment provides a liquid cooling assembly, which includes the aforementioned liquid cooling plate, liquid cooling pipe, and the linkage connector provided in any of the above embodiments. The liquid cooling plate includes a water distribution channel with inlet and outlet ports, each with a first connector. One end of the liquid cooling pipe has a second connector connected to the first connector. The other end of the liquid cooling pipe has a liquid cooling medium storage tank. The linkage connector connects the liquid cooling pipe and the second connector.

[0055] In the liquid cooling assembly provided in this embodiment, since the adapter 1 in the linkage joint is rotatably connected to the docking joint 2, the second joint and the liquid cooling pipe connected to the adapter 1 and the docking joint 2 respectively can rotate relative to each other. In this way, even if the first joint is installed on the inlet and outlet and the angle is deflected, the installation angle of the second joint can be adjusted by manually rotating the second joint, so that the second joint can be re-coaxially aligned with the first joint. This ensures the tightness of the installation of the second joint and the first joint, and ensures that the two are installed accurately. This ensures good assembly efficiency between the liquid cooling pipe and the liquid cooling plate. At the same time, it is convenient to operate and easy to implement, thereby significantly reducing the assembly difficulty of the liquid cooling assembly and improving the safety and reliability of the liquid cooling assembly.

[0056] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example 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.

[0057] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the protection scope of this utility model. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A linkage connector, characterized in that, Applied to a liquid cooling plate, the liquid cooling plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet and a first connector disposed on the inlet and outlet. The first connector is connected to a liquid cooling pipe through a second connector. A linkage connector is assembled between the liquid cooling pipe and the second connector. The linkage connector includes: The adapter (1) includes a first connecting end (11) and a second connecting end (12). The first connecting end (11) is connected to the second connecting end (12). The first connecting end (11) is located closer to the second connector than the second connecting end (12) and is connected to the second connector. The mating connector (2) includes a third connecting end (21) and a fourth connecting end (22). The third connecting end (21) is connected to the fourth connecting end (22). The third connecting end (21) is rotatably snapped into the second connecting end (12). The fourth connecting end (22) is connected to the liquid cooling pipe.

2. The linkage joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The internal channel of the second connecting end (12) is stepped and includes a first diameter segment (121) and a second diameter segment (122). The inner diameter of the first diameter segment (121) is larger than the inner diameter of the second diameter segment (122), and there is a first stepped surface (123) between the first diameter segment (121) and the second diameter segment (122). The outer surface of a portion of the third connecting end (21) has an annular protrusion (211), and a second stepped surface (212) is provided between the annular protrusion (211) and the outer surface of the remaining portion of the third connecting end (21). The second stepped surface (212) is disposed opposite to the first stepped surface (123). The annular protrusion (211) is rotatably engaged with the first diameter segment (121), and the remaining portion of the third connecting end (21) is rotatably connected to the second diameter segment (122).

3. The linkage joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The internal channel of the first connecting end (11) includes a third diameter section (111), the inner diameter of the third diameter section (111) is larger than the inner diameter of the first diameter section (121), the third diameter section (111) and the second diameter section (122) are spaced apart at both ends of the first diameter section (121), the second connector is inserted into the third diameter section (111) and fits against the end face of the third connecting end (21).

4. The linkage joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The internal channel of the first connecting end (11) includes a third diameter segment (111), the inner diameter of the third diameter segment (111) is larger than the inner diameter of the first diameter segment (121), the third diameter segment (111) and the first diameter segment (121) are spaced apart at both ends of the second diameter segment (122), and there is a third stepped surface (125) between the third diameter segment (111) and the second diameter segment (122); The third connecting end (21) is provided with a deformable part (213) at a position away from the annular protrusion. The deformable part (213) can expand outward to generate deformation and abut against the third stepped surface (125).

5. The linkage joint according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third step surface (125) is conical.

6. The linkage joint according to claim 2, characterized in that, The annular protrusion (211) has an annular groove (2111) along its circumferential direction. A sealing ring (3) is embedded in the annular groove (2111). The sealing ring (3) is sandwiched between the annular groove (2111) and the inner wall surface of the first diameter section (121).

7. The linkage joint according to claim 6, characterized in that, A fourth diameter segment (124) is provided at one end of the first diameter segment (121) away from the second diameter segment (122). The inner diameter of the fourth diameter segment (124) gradually decreases along the direction in which the mating joint (2) is inserted into the adapter (1).

8. The linkage joint according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distance between the second stepped surface (212) and the first stepped surface (123) is 0.05-0.1 mm.

9. The linkage joint according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distance between the annular protrusion (211) and the inner wall of the second diameter section (122) is 0.2-0.6 mm.

10. A liquid cooling assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a liquid cooling plate, a liquid cooling pipe, and a linkage connector as described in any one of claims 1-9. The liquid cooling plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and a first connector is provided at the inlet and outlet. One end of the liquid cooling pipe is provided with a second connector, which is connected to the first connector. The other end of the liquid cooling pipe is provided with a liquid cooling medium storage tank, and the linkage connector is connected between the liquid cooling pipe and the second connector.

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