Hydraulic quick male joint, female joint and joint

Abstract

The utility model discloses a hydraulic quick male joint, a hydraulic quick female joint and a hydraulic quick joint. The hydraulic quick joint comprises a male joint and a female joint, the tail part of the male joint is provided with a thread part, the middle part is convexly provided with an annular sealing baffle, one side of the baffle is provided with a first sealing ring, and a first colored tape is embedded in a peripheral first annular groove; a ball sleeve capable of axially sliding is arranged at the rear end of the female connector, the ball sleeve and a movable outer sleeve are matched with the limiting groove of the male connector in a sealed butt joint mode, and a second colored tape is embedded in a second annular groove in the rear side of the movable outer sleeve. The first color band and the second color band can emit fluorescence in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold value. The connector can provide in-place connection indication, low-light environment identification and positioning and cooling liquid outlet overheating early warning in high-requirement data center and supercomputer center liquid cooling scenes, so that a fault source is accurately positioned, and the installation reliability, the maintenance efficiency and the operation safety of a liquid cooling system are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of hydraulic quick couplings, and in particular to a hydraulic quick coupling, a female coupling, and a connector. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of data centers, high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, and supercomputers (supercomputing centers), the power density of their internal chips and systems has continued to rise, placing unprecedented demands on heat dissipation efficiency. Liquid cooling technology, with its superior heat dissipation capabilities, has become a key solution for meeting the heat dissipation needs of such high-power-density devices and has been widely applied and promoted in server clusters and supercomputing centers. Correspondingly, the demand for high-reliability hydraulic quick couplings (liquid-cooled couplings) used to connect coolant lines has surged, and the requirements for their performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance have become increasingly stringent.

[0003] In existing technologies, hydraulic quick couplings are widely used in various liquid cooling systems. A typical quick coupling usually consists of a male and a female connector, relying on sealing elements such as O-rings to achieve a seal after connection, and using locking mechanisms such as ball bearings and ferrules to achieve quick insertion, removal, and locking. However, with the increasing prevalence of liquid cooling systems in critical infrastructure (such as data centers and supercomputing centers) and the increasing complexity of application environments, existing liquid cooling couplings have revealed the following significant shortcomings, making it difficult to meet current high-standard application requirements:

[0004] In environments with densely deployed equipment, such as server rooms and supercomputing centers, maintenance work is often carried out in low-light conditions (e.g., inside server racks, at night) or in emergencies. Existing connectors generally lack effective fluorescent or self-illuminating marking systems. This makes it difficult for professional maintenance personnel to quickly and accurately locate specific connectors and identify connection points in low-light environments, especially when troubleshooting leaks in complex piping systems or performing fault diagnosis. This inefficiency and error-proneness extend system downtime.

[0005] If the computing module malfunctions (water-cooled plate temperature is too high), the outlet temperature will change from dark red to orange, indicating the location of the fault. Localized overheating may occur at the connectors, which is a potential precursor to a fault or a safety hazard. However, existing connectors lack integrated temperature-sensitive indication functionality. Maintenance personnel cannot predict overheating problems by directly observing changes in the connector's condition; they typically need to rely on additional temperature sensors or complex monitoring systems, increasing system complexity and cost, and lacking real-time accuracy, failing to provide intuitive on-site warnings. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a hydraulic quick-connect male and female connector and a fitting, especially for high-requirement liquid cooling applications in data centers and supercomputing centers. It can effectively solve the above problems, provide clear connection positioning indication, be easy to identify and locate in low light environments, and provide intuitive early warning of overheating of the coolant outlet caused by computing module failure, thereby accurately locating the source of the fault and significantly improving the installation reliability, maintenance efficiency and operational safety of the liquid cooling system.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A hydraulic quick-connect male connector has a threaded portion at its tail and an annular sealing baffle protruding radially outward from its middle portion. A first sealing ring is provided on the side of the annular sealing baffle near the threaded portion. The male connector is sealed and installed through the annular sealing baffle, the first sealing ring, and the threaded portion. A first annular groove is provided on the outer periphery of the annular sealing baffle. A first color strip is embedded in the first annular groove. The first color strip is configured to fluoresce in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold.

[0009] Furthermore, the first color strip includes a first silicone layer, a first fluorescent layer, and a first temperature-sensitive layer disposed sequentially from the inside out.

[0010] Furthermore, the first color band includes multiple first fluorescent segments and first temperature-sensitive segments arranged sequentially outward along the circumference.

[0011] A hydraulic quick-connect female connector is provided with an axially sliding ball sleeve at the rear end. The female connector achieves a sealed connection with the male connector through the ball sleeve and a movable outer sleeve. A second annular groove is provided on the rear side of the movable outer sleeve. A second color strip is embedded in the second annular groove. The second color strip is configured to fluoresce in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold.

[0012] Furthermore, the second annular groove is provided on the rear side of the movable outer sleeve, and when the movable outer sleeve slides axially to the reset state, the second color strip is exposed to the outside and is visible.

[0013] Furthermore, the second color strip includes a second silicone layer, a second fluorescent layer, and a second temperature-sensitive layer disposed sequentially from the inside out.

[0014] Furthermore, the second color band includes multiple second fluorescent segments and second temperature-sensitive segments arranged sequentially outward along the circumferential direction.

[0015] A hydraulic quick coupling includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector has a threaded portion at its tail end and an annular sealing baffle protruding radially outward from its center. A first sealing ring is provided on the side of the annular sealing baffle near the threaded portion. A first annular groove is provided on the outer periphery of the annular sealing baffle, and a first colored strip is embedded in the first annular groove. The female connector has an axially sliding ball sleeve at its rear end. The male connector is sealed and installed through the annular sealing baffle, the first sealing ring, and the threaded portion. The female connector achieves a sealed connection by engaging with the limiting groove of the male connector through the ball sleeve and a movable outer sleeve. A second annular groove is provided on the rear side of the movable outer sleeve, and a second colored strip is embedded in the second annular groove. The first colored strip is configured to fluoresce in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold. The second colored strip is configured to fluoresce in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold.

[0016] Furthermore, the second annular groove is provided on the rear side of the movable outer sleeve, and when the movable outer sleeve slides axially to the reset state, the second color strip is exposed to the outside and is visible.

[0017] Furthermore, the first and second color strips include a silicone layer, a fluorescent layer, and a thermosensitive layer arranged sequentially from the inside out.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0019] (1) Both the first and second color bands have fluorescent properties and automatically emit light in low-light conditions in the computer room or in emergency maintenance scenarios, making the joint locations clearly identifiable. Maintenance personnel can quickly locate pipeline nodes without additional lighting, greatly improving troubleshooting efficiency and shortening system downtime.

[0020] (2) The first and second color bands can dynamically change color according to temperature changes. When the local temperature of the connector exceeds a preset threshold (such as abnormal temperature rise of the coolant), the color band changes from the initial color to dark red, indicating that the downstream computing module (such as CPU / GPU) of its circuit has failed, causing the water cooling plate to overheat and resulting in a sudden rise in the temperature of the coolant at the outlet. Through color grading changes, maintenance personnel can instantly locate the liquid cooling circuit corresponding to the faulty module, achieving precise positioning. The temperature-sensitive characteristics of the color bands give the connector passive diagnostic capabilities. Without relying on external sensors, it can reflect the thermal status of the system in real time, providing an intuitive basis for preventing cooling failures, reducing the risk of equipment damage, and reducing operation and maintenance costs.

[0021] (3) The second colored strip on the rear side of the movable outer sleeve of the female connector forms an alignment mark when the connector is fully inserted and locked. The colored strip is visible. If the connection is not in place, the colored strip is blocked by the movable outer sleeve. The operator can directly judge the connection status by visual inspection, completely avoiding the risk of coolant leakage caused by loose connection, and significantly improving the installation reliability of the high-density liquid cooling system. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a hydraulic quick connector connected to a cooling water plate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hydraulic quick-connect male connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hydraulic quick-connect female connector provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a hydraulic quick-connect male and female connector after being connected according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 A front view of a first color strip provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Sectional view at AA;

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of the area at point B;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a front view of another embodiment of the first color strip of this application.

[0030] Figure 9 A front view of the second color strip provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 5 Sectional view at CC;

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A magnified view of the area at point D;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a front view of another embodiment of the second color strip of this application.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 100 male connector; 200 female connector;

[0036] 110. External threaded portion; 120. Annular sealing baffle; 121. First O-ring seal; 122. First annular groove; 130. First color strip;

[0037] 210. Movable outer sleeve; 211. Second annular groove; 220. Second color strip; Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. In particular, the understanding of the term "upper" following a noun in the claims should be understood as meaning that the entire inner and outer surfaces of the structure referred to by the noun conform to the definition of "upper."

[0040] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, describes the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects provided in this application.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown in the schematic diagram, this embodiment provides a hydraulic quick coupling, including a male connector 100 and a female connector 200 that mate with each other.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the male connector 100 has an external threaded portion 110 at its tail for connecting to the hydraulic port Q of the equipment (such as the coolant interface of the chiller plate). An annular sealing baffle 120 is integrally formed by radially protruding outwards from the center of the male connector. An annular sealing groove is provided on the end face of this baffle near the threaded portion 110, and a first O-ring seal 121 (made of fluororubber, with a high temperature resistance of ≥150℃) is embedded in the groove. A first annular groove 122 is machined on the outer periphery of the annular sealing baffle 120, and a first colored strip 130 is press-fitted into the first annular groove via an interference fit.

[0043] like Figure 3As shown, the female connector 200 has a movable outer sleeve 210 coaxially mounted at its rear end, which is axially slidable. The inner wall of the movable outer sleeve 210 has a ball guide slope. The movable outer sleeve 210 engages with a return spring installed inside the female connector for reset (not shown in the figure). The outer surface of the rear end of the movable outer sleeve 210 has a second annular groove 211. A second colored strip 220 is embedded in this groove. When the movable outer sleeve 210 slides backward to the reset state (e.g....), Figure 3 The second color band 220 is fully exposed to the external visible area.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, the first color band 130 includes a first silicone layer 131, a first fluorescent layer 132, and a first temperature-sensitive layer 133 arranged sequentially from the inside out.

[0045] like Figure 8 As shown, the first color band 130 includes multiple first fluorescent segments 134 and first temperature-sensitive segments 135 arranged sequentially along the circumference.

[0046] like Figure 11 As shown, the second color band 220 includes a second silicone layer 221, a second fluorescent layer 222, and a second temperature-sensitive layer 223 arranged sequentially from the inside out.

[0047] like Figure 12 As shown, the second color band includes multiple second fluorescent segments 224 and second temperature-sensitive segments 225 arranged sequentially outward along the circumference.

[0048] The ribbons are manufactured using the same composite process: the first ribbon 130 and the second ribbon 220 are made using the same composite process.

[0049] Example 1: Multifunctional integrated ribbon

[0050] The first color band (130) and the second color band (220) are integrally molded using functional composite materials. The manufacturing process includes: substrate preparation: liquid silicone rubber (LSR, model LSR4350) is mixed with 25wt% rare earth aluminate phosphor (SrAl2O4:Eu,Dy, particle size 5μm) and injected into a ring mold; pre-curing at 80℃ for 20 minutes forms a fluorescent base band with a thickness of 1.5mm. Thermosensitive composite: thermochromic coating (containing 75℃ threshold liquid crystal microcapsules, model LC-T75) is sprayed onto the surface of the pre-cured base band, with a coating thickness of 0.3mm; secondary curing: heat treatment at 120℃ for 30 minutes to embed the liquid crystal microcapsules into the silicone surface layer. Protective treatment: the surface is impregnated with a transparent polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dispersion to form a 0.05mm anti-oil protective film. The process is simple, the color band has good flexibility, and is suitable for narrow slot installation.

[0051] Example 2: Double-layer superimposed color ribbon

[0052] The color strip employs a dual-layer structure with a fluorescent layer and a thermosensitive layer: The bottom fluorescent strip is fabricated by cutting a silicone strip (Shore hardness A50) into a closed ring; the surface is coated with a fluorescent paste: 40wt% europium-activated strontium silicate phosphor (Sr2SiO4:Eu²⁺) is mixed with epoxy resin and UV-cured to form a 0.4mm fluorescent layer. The top thermosensitive layer is laminated: a thermosensitive film is hot-pressed onto the surface: a 0.2mm thick polyurethane film containing inorganic thermochromic pigments (Bi-V-Mo oxide, red → orange at 75℃) is laminated using a high-temperature resistant adhesive; the edges are laser-sealed to prevent hydraulic oil from seeping into the interlayer.

[0053] Example 3: Segmented functional color ribbon

[0054] The color band is divided circumferentially into alternating fluorescent and thermosensitive segments: Segmented manufacturing: The mold design is an annular band with 24 equally spaced isolation grooves circumferentially; alternating injection: Fluorescent segment material: silicone + 30% aluminate phosphor (green); Thermosensitive segment material: silicone + 40% liquid crystal microcapsules (red / orange color change); Demolding after segmented curing. A transparent oleophobic nano-SiO2 coating is sprayed onto the entire surface. This avoids interference between functional materials, and the color change is more pronounced when the thermosensitive segment is locally overheated.

[0055] Working principle:

[0056] The male connector is fixed to the equipment port via a threaded section, and the annular sealing baffle presses against the first sealing ring to form a static seal. When the female connector is inserted, it pushes the movable outer sleeve forward (the ball retracts). After the male connector is in place, the outer sleeve slides axially backward to the reset state under the action of the spring, and the ball engages with the male connector's limiting groove to complete the locking. At this time: when connected in place, the movable outer sleeve resets, and the second color strip in the second annular groove behind it is fully exposed, forming a visual identification of double-ring alignment with the first color strip of the male connector;

[0057] The connection is not in place; the movable outer sleeve has not reset; and the second color strip is obscured by the outer sleeve body and is not visible. The connection status can be directly determined by the visibility of the color strip, completely eliminating the risk of loose connections.

[0058] The ribbon contains fluorescent material, which emits light in low-light environments, making it easy to quickly locate at night or inside a server rack.

[0059] Temperature level warning: Module failure (>75℃): When the color band changes from dark red to orange, it indicates that the downstream computing module (such as GPU) has failed, causing the coolant to backflow and overheat, directly locating the source of the failure.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and substitutions without departing from the technical principles of this application, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A hydraulic quick-connect male coupling, characterized in that: The male connector has a threaded portion at its tail end, and an annular sealing baffle protrudes radially outward from the middle of the male connector. A first sealing ring is provided on the side of the annular sealing baffle near the threaded portion. The male connector is sealed and installed through the annular sealing baffle, the first sealing ring, and the threaded portion. A first annular groove is provided on the outer periphery of the annular sealing baffle. A first color strip is embedded in the first annular groove. The first color strip is configured to fluoresce in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold.

2. A hydraulic quick-connect male coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first color strip includes a first silicone layer, a first fluorescent layer, and a first temperature-sensitive layer arranged sequentially from the inside out.

3. A hydraulic quick-connect male coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first color band includes multiple first fluorescent segments and first temperature-sensitive segments arranged sequentially outward along the circumference.

4. A hydraulic quick-connect female coupling, characterized in that: The female connector has an axially sliding ball sleeve at its rear end. The female connector achieves a sealed connection with the male connector through the ball sleeve and the movable outer sleeve. The rear side of the movable outer sleeve is provided with a second annular groove. A second color strip is embedded in the second annular groove. The second color strip is configured to fluoresce in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold.

5. A hydraulic quick-connect female coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second annular groove is provided on the rear side of the movable outer sleeve. When the movable outer sleeve slides axially to the reset state, the second color strip is exposed and visible to the outside.

6. A hydraulic quick-connect female coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second color strip includes a second silicone layer, a second fluorescent layer, and a second temperature-sensitive layer arranged sequentially from the inside out.

7. A hydraulic quick-connect female coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second color band includes multiple second fluorescent segments and second temperature-sensitive segments arranged sequentially outward along the circumference.

8. A hydraulic quick coupling, characterized in that: The device includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector has a threaded portion at its tail end and an annular sealing baffle protruding radially outward from its center. A first sealing ring is provided on the side of the annular sealing baffle near the threaded portion. A first annular groove is provided on the outer periphery of the annular sealing baffle, and a first colored strip is embedded in the first annular groove. The female connector has an axially sliding ball sleeve at its rear end. The male connector is sealed and installed through the annular sealing baffle, the first sealing ring, and the threaded portion. The female connector achieves a sealed connection by engaging with the limiting groove of the male connector through the ball sleeve and a movable outer sleeve. A second annular groove is provided on the rear side of the movable outer sleeve, and a second colored strip is embedded in the second annular groove. The first colored strip is configured to fluoresce in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold. The second colored strip is configured to fluoresce in a low-light environment and / or change color when the temperature exceeds a preset threshold.

9. A hydraulic quick coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second annular groove is provided on the rear side of the movable outer sleeve. When the movable outer sleeve slides axially to the reset state, the second color strip is exposed and visible to the outside.

10. A hydraulic quick coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first and second color strips each include a silicone layer, a fluorescent layer, and a thermosensitive layer arranged sequentially from the inside out.

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