Coolant connector fixing structure and liquid cooling equipment

Abstract

This application provides a coolant connector fixing structure and a liquid cooling device, applicable to the field of liquid cooling equipment technology. The coolant connector fixing structure includes a mounting structure and a fixing bracket; the mounting structure is disposed on the chassis of the liquid cooling device; the fixing bracket is used to fix the coolant connector of the liquid cooling device, and the fixing bracket is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting structure for detachably mounting the coolant connector on the chassis. By providing a detachable mounting structure and fixing bracket, the coolant connector fixing structure of this application can effectively fix the coolant connector of the liquid cooling device during transportation and handling, reducing the risk of damage to the coolant connector and ensuring the reliability and safety of subsequent installation and use of the liquid cooling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of liquid cooling equipment technology, and in particular to a coolant connector fixing structure and a liquid cooling equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid cooling equipment is a device that uses liquid as a cooling medium to efficiently remove heat through the flow and heat exchange of the liquid coolant. During operation, the coolant inlet and outlet connectors typically extend from the rear window of the equipment chassis and connect to the manifold of the cooling fluid distribution pipe in the cabinet of the equipment being cooled. This establishes an efficient and stable coolant circulation path, ensuring that the heat generated by the equipment being cooled is removed promptly and effectively.

[0003] However, before the liquid cooling equipment is installed on the equipment to be cooled, the coolant connectors extending outside the liquid cooling equipment casing lack effective fixing measures. During the transportation and handling of the liquid cooling equipment, the free coolant connectors are prone to collisions and friction. These external forces may damage the coolant connectors at any time, potentially causing problems such as loosening, deformation, and seal failure. This can affect the normal operation of the entire liquid cooling system and even lead to serious malfunctions such as coolant leakage. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a coolant connector fixing structure and a liquid cooling device to solve the technical problem that the coolant connector of existing liquid cooling devices is easily damaged during transportation and handling due to the lack of effective fixing measures.

[0005] According to the first aspect disclosed in this application, this application provides a coolant connector fixing structure, including a mounting structure and a fixing bracket;

[0006] The mounting structure is mounted on the chassis of the liquid cooling equipment;

[0007] The mounting bracket is used to fix the coolant connector of the liquid cooling equipment, and the mounting bracket is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting structure for detachably mounting the coolant connector on the chassis.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the mounting structure is a slot configured for insertion of the fixing bracket.

[0009] In one feasible implementation, the bottom surface of the fixed bracket is provided with a hook, and the slot is provided with a first hook groove that is adapted to the hook.

[0010] In one feasible implementation, a handle is provided on the bottom surface of the fixed bracket, and one end of the handle is elastically connected to the bottom surface of the fixed bracket;

[0011] The bottom surface of the handle is provided with barbs;

[0012] The card slot is provided with a second hook groove that is adapted to the barb.

[0013] In one feasible implementation, the bottom surface of the fixing bracket is provided with a groove;

[0014] The handle corresponds to the slot, and one end of the handle is connected to one side of the slot, so that the handle can move elastically within the slot.

[0015] In one feasible implementation, the bottom surface of the other end of the handle is provided with an anti-slip structure.

[0016] In one feasible implementation, the mounting structure is a magnetic structure, which is configured to magnetically connect with the fixed bracket.

[0017] In one feasible implementation, the fixed bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are fixedly connected.

[0018] The first bracket is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting structure;

[0019] The second bracket is configured to securely mount the coolant connector onto the first bracket.

[0020] In one feasible implementation, the first bracket and the second bracket are connected by screws.

[0021] According to a third aspect disclosed in this application, this application provides a liquid cooling device, including a coolant connector fixing structure as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following advantages:

[0023] This application provides a coolant connector fixing structure and a liquid cooling device. By setting up a coolant connector fixing structure, it solves the technical problem that the coolant connector is easily damaged by external forces such as impact, squeezing, and shaking during transportation and handling due to the lack of effective fixing measures. This improves the integrity rate of the coolant connector during transportation and handling, reduces the risk of coolant leakage caused by connector damage, ensures the reliability and safety of subsequent installation and use of the liquid cooling device, and also reduces the additional costs and time losses caused by repair or replacement of damaged coolant connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a coolant connector fixing structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the assembly between an installation structure and a fixing bracket, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a fixed bracket provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a fixed bracket provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 100-Chassis;

[0031] 200-card slot;

[0032] 201-First groove;

[0033] 202 - Second groove;

[0034] 300 - Fixed bracket;

[0035] 301 - First stent;

[0036] 302 - Second stent;

[0037] 303-Card Hook;

[0038] 304 - Barbed;

[0039] 305 - Handle;

[0040] 306 - Anti-slip structure;

[0041] 307 - Groove;

[0042] 308 screw;

[0043] 400 - Coolant Connector.

[0044] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0046] Liquid cooling equipment is a device that uses liquid as a cooling medium to efficiently remove heat through the flow and heat exchange of the liquid working fluid. Compared to traditional air cooling methods, liquid cooling equipment has a significant advantage in heat dissipation efficiency. Its working principle is based on the high specific heat capacity of liquids, which can quickly absorb and transfer heat. For example, in data center scenarios, equipment such as servers generates a large amount of heat during operation. Liquid cooling equipment uses circulating coolant (such as deionized water, specialized coolant, etc.) to flow over the surface of heat-generating components, rapidly removing the heat and dissipating it into the environment, ensuring that the equipment being cooled operates stably at a suitable temperature.

[0047] In scenarios with stringent heat dissipation requirements, such as data centers and high-performance computing, liquid cooling equipment plays a crucial role in heat dissipation. During the use of liquid cooling equipment, the inlet and outlet connectors of the coolant typically extend from the rear window of the equipment chassis and connect to the manifold of the coolant distribution pipe in the cabinet of the equipment being cooled. This establishes an efficient and stable coolant circulation path, ensuring that the heat generated by the equipment being cooled can be removed in a timely and effective manner.

[0048] However, before the liquid cooling equipment is installed on the equipment to be cooled, the coolant connectors extending outside the equipment casing lack effective securing measures. During transportation and handling, these free-floating connectors are prone to collisions and friction, which can damage them, leading to loosening, deformation, and seal failure. This can affect the normal operation of the entire liquid cooling system and even cause serious malfunctions such as coolant leaks. Simultaneously, the water pipes connected to the coolant connectors are also in a free-hanging state, making them susceptible to pulling and squeezing, potentially causing them to crack or deform. Therefore, securing the coolant connectors outside the equipment casing is crucial at this stage.

[0049] Currently, the common method used in the industry to secure coolant connectors is to use simple tools such as cable ties or Velcro to bind them to the chassis of liquid-cooled equipment. While this method solves the problem of securing coolant connectors to some extent, it is quite inconvenient to operate. Installing and removing coolant connectors requires considerable time and effort to loosen or tighten the cable ties and Velcro, and improper application of force during the binding process can potentially damage the coolant connectors or water pipes.

[0050] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes a coolant connector fixing structure and a liquid cooling device. By setting a detachable installation structure and fixing bracket, the coolant connector of the liquid cooling device can be effectively fixed during transportation and handling, reducing the risk of damage to the coolant connector and ensuring the reliability and safety of subsequent installation and use of the liquid cooling device.

[0051] The technical solutions for the coolant connector fixing structure and liquid cooling equipment provided in this application will be described in detail below through specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following embodiments may exist alone or in combination with each other, and the same or similar content may not be described again in different embodiments.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a coolant connector fixing structure provided in an embodiment of this application. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1 In some embodiments, the coolant connector fixing structure includes a mounting structure and a fixing bracket 300; the mounting structure is disposed on the chassis 100 of the liquid cooling equipment; the fixing bracket 300 is used to fix the coolant connector 400 of the liquid cooling equipment, and the fixing bracket 300 is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting structure for detachably mounting the coolant connector 400 on the chassis 100.

[0053] In this embodiment, during the use of the coolant connector fixing structure, the mounting structure is first installed on the chassis 100 of the liquid cooling equipment, and then the coolant connector 400 is fixed to the fixing bracket 300. Thus, using the detachable mounting structure and the fixing bracket 300, the coolant connector 400 is detachably mounted on the chassis 100 of the liquid cooling equipment. This allows the coolant connector 400 to be fixed to the chassis 100 during transportation or handling of the liquid cooling equipment, preventing damage caused by its free movement. During the use of the liquid cooling equipment, the coolant connector 400 can be removed from the chassis 100 and connected to the equipment to be cooled without affecting its normal operation.

[0054] Therefore, by setting up a coolant connector fixing structure, the technical problem of coolant connector 400 being easily damaged by external forces such as impact, squeezing, and shaking during transportation and handling due to the lack of effective fixing measures is solved. This improves the integrity rate of coolant connector 400 during transportation and handling, reduces the risk of coolant leakage caused by connector damage, ensures the reliability and safety of subsequent installation and use of liquid cooling equipment, and also reduces the additional costs and time losses caused by repair or replacement of coolant connector 400 due to damage.

[0055] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the mounting structure is a slot 200, which is configured to allow the fixing bracket 300 to be inserted.

[0056] In this embodiment, the mounting structure is set as a slot 200. The slot-shaped structure of the slot 200 can quickly guide the fixing bracket 300 to be inserted into the slot 200, which facilitates the detachable connection of the fixing bracket 300 to the mounting structure by plugging it in. The fixing bracket 300 can be fixed on the mounting structure by the limiting structure of the slot 200 and the friction between the slot 200 and the fixing bracket 300, thereby fixing the coolant connector 400.

[0057] Specifically, the card slot 200 can be composed of multiple sheet metal parts set on the chassis 100. The multiple sheet metal parts can form the card slot 200 structure using the original chassis 100 structure of the liquid cooling equipment. The structure is simple and the manufacturing cost is low.

[0058] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 Optionally, the bottom surface of the fixed bracket 300 is provided with a hook 303, and the slot 200 is provided with a first hook groove 201 that is adapted to the hook 303.

[0059] Among them, see Figure 1 When the fixed bracket 300 is inserted into the slot 200 in the direction of the arrow, in order to prevent the fixed bracket 300 from passing through the slot 200, a hook 303 is provided on the bottom surface of the fixed bracket 300. When the fixed bracket 300 slides to the preset position in the slot 200, the hook 303 can be inserted into the first hook groove 201 provided on the slot 200, thereby limiting the fixed bracket 300 and preventing the fixed bracket 300 from continuing to move in the direction of the arrow and causing the fixed bracket 300 to pass through the slot 200, so as to ensure that the fixed bracket 300 can be accurately inserted into the slot 200.

[0060] See Figure 1 and Figure 3Optionally, the bottom surface of the fixed bracket 300 is provided with a handle 305, one end of which is elastically connected to the bottom surface of the fixed bracket 300; the bottom surface of the handle 305 is provided with a barb 304; and the slot 200 is provided with a second hook slot 202 that is adapted to the barb 304.

[0061] Among them, see Figure 1 It can be seen that when the fixed bracket 300 is connected to the slot 200, its sliding direction along the slot 200 is limited only by friction. However, when encountering violent shaking or other situations, the friction may not be sufficient to stably fix the fixed bracket 300 on the slot 200.

[0062] To address this, a handle 305 is provided on the bottom surface of the fixed bracket 300, a barb 304 is provided on the bottom surface of the handle 305, and a second hook groove 202 adapted to the barb 304 is provided on the slot 200. (See reference...) Figure 1 When the fixed bracket 300 is inserted into the slot 200 in the direction of the arrow, the handle 305 is first squeezed by the slot 200 (or the operator manually presses the handle 305), causing the handle 305 and the barb 304 to move closer to the fixed bracket 300, so as to avoid the handle 305 and the barb 304 affecting the insertion of the fixed bracket 300 into the slot 200.

[0063] When the fixed bracket 300 slides to the preset position in the slot 200, the handle 305 rebounds, causing the barb 304 to insert into the second hook slot 202 to position the fixed bracket 300. Through the fixing action of the barb 304, the fixed bracket 300 can also remain fixed in the sliding direction of the slot 200, thus improving the stability of the fixed bracket 300 installed on the slot 200.

[0064] Due to the fixing effect of the barb 304, when it is necessary to remove the coolant connector 400 from the mounting structure, you first need to press the handle 305 so that the handle 305 drives the barb 304 to disengage from the second hook groove 202. At this time, the fixing effect of the barb 304 disappears. Then, pull out the fixing bracket 300 along the slot 200, and the coolant connector 400 can be removed.

[0065] Furthermore, by setting the barb 304, the fixed bracket 300 can be limited and fixed through the cooperation of the slot 200 and the barb 304. Therefore, the presence of the barb 304 eliminates the need for friction between the fixed bracket 300 and the mounting structure for fixing, thereby minimizing the friction between the fixed bracket 300 and the slot 200, so that the fixed bracket 300 can be inserted or removed from the slot 200 more smoothly.

[0066] See Figure 3Optionally, the bottom surface of the fixed bracket 300 is provided with a slot 307; the handle 305 is positioned corresponding to the slot 307, and one end of the handle 305 is connected to one side of the slot 307 so that the handle 305 can move elastically within the slot 307.

[0067] In the process of the handle 305 moving the barb 304, a certain amount of space is required. By setting a slot 307 on the bottom surface of the fixed bracket 300, the handle 305 can move in the slot 307. The fixed bracket 300 does not need to be designed to be larger in order to provide space for the handle 305, making the structure of the fixed bracket 300 more compact.

[0068] See Figure 3 Optionally, the bottom surface of the other end of the handle 305 is provided with an anti-slip structure 306.

[0069] The anti-slip structure 306 prevents fingers from slipping when the operator presses the handle 305, facilitating the pressing operation. Furthermore, the anti-slip structure 306 also serves as a contact identification marker. The operator can quickly determine the pressing position of the handle 305 without visual confirmation by comparing the different tactile sensations of their fingers on the anti-slip structure 306 with other smooth areas of the handle 305, thereby improving the efficiency of pressing the handle 305.

[0070] Specifically, the anti-slip structure 306 can be an anti-slip texture, such as a raised dot texture, a striped texture, a mesh texture, or an anti-slip coating, such as a rubber coating or a silicone coating.

[0071] In some embodiments, the mounting structure is a magnetic structure, which is configured to magnetically connect with the mounting bracket 300.

[0072] In this embodiment, by setting the mounting structure as a magnetic structure, the fixed bracket 300 and the mounting structure can be detachably connected through magnetic attraction. The magnetic connection achieves quick connection and separation between the mounting structure and the fixed bracket 300 through magnetic force, which has the advantages of quick assembly and disassembly and convenient operation.

[0073] Specifically, the magnetic structure can use magnets, and the bottom surface of the fixing bracket 300 can also be equipped with magnets, or the fixing bracket 300 can be made of ferromagnetic metal, thereby achieving a magnetic connection between the installation structure and the fixing bracket 300.

[0074] In addition, when the mounting structure is a magnetic structure, the magnetic structure can be fixed to the liquid cooling equipment chassis 100 by magnetic force. The adsorption position of the mounting structure on the chassis 100 can also be flexibly adjusted and set to adapt to liquid cooling equipment of different specifications and shapes, thereby improving the applicability of the coolant connector fixing structure.

[0075] See Figure 4 Optionally, the fixed bracket 300 includes a first bracket 301 and a second bracket 302, the first bracket 301 and the second bracket 302 being fixedly connected; the first bracket 301 is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting structure; the second bracket 302 is configured to fix the coolant connector 400 onto the first bracket 301.

[0076] The fixing bracket 300 consists of a first bracket 301 and a second bracket 302. The first bracket 301 is detachably connected to the mounting structure, while the second bracket 302 cooperates with the first bracket 301 to fix the coolant connector 400 in place. By designing the fixing bracket 300 into two parts, it is easy to install and fix the coolant connector 400, and also easy to remove the coolant connector 400 from the fixing bracket 300, facilitating subsequent replacement and maintenance of the fixing bracket 300.

[0077] Specifically, the second bracket 302 is a sheet metal part. Sheet metal parts can be processed into various complex shapes through stamping, bending and other processes, so that the second bracket 302 can be used with different types and specifications of coolant connectors 400, thus improving the applicability of the second bracket 302.

[0078] Meanwhile, sheet metal parts can be arranged reasonably according to the shape and size of the coolant connector 400, making the most of the metal sheet, reducing material waste, and lowering the manufacturing and processing cost of the second bracket 302.

[0079] See Figure 4 Optionally, the first bracket 301 and the second bracket 302 are connected by screws 308.

[0080] The first bracket 301 and the second bracket 302 are fixed by screws 308, which makes the connection structure between the first bracket 301 and the second bracket 302 simple, easy to disassemble and assemble, and has strong connection stability.

[0081] In some embodiments, this application also provides a liquid cooling device, including the above-described coolant connector fixing structure.

[0082] In this embodiment, by installing a coolant connector 400 fixing device on the liquid cooling equipment, the coolant connector 400 of the liquid cooling equipment can be effectively fixed during transportation and handling, reducing the risk of damage to the coolant connector 400 and ensuring the reliability and safety of subsequent installation and use of the liquid cooling equipment.

[0083] Furthermore, the entire coolant connector fixing structure is compact and occupies little space. It will not affect the insertion and removal of the rear window module of the liquid cooling equipment for maintenance, nor will it exceed the 100mm height of the liquid cooling equipment's chassis, thus not affecting the normal operation of the liquid cooling equipment. Moreover, it can be manufactured simultaneously with the liquid cooling equipment during the manufacturing stage and is also suitable for retrofitting existing liquid cooling equipment, making it highly adaptable.

[0084] Specifically, the liquid cooling equipment is mainly plate-type liquid cooling equipment.

[0085] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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 of this application.

[0086] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0087] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0088] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0089] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered within the scope of this specification.

[0090] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the appended claims.

[0091] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A coolant connector fixing structure, characterized in that, This includes the mounting structure and mounting brackets; The mounting structure is mounted on the chassis of the liquid cooling equipment; The mounting bracket is used to fix the coolant connector of the liquid cooling equipment, and the mounting bracket is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting structure for detachably mounting the coolant connector on the chassis.

2. The coolant connector fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting structure is a slot, which is configured for the insertion of the fixing bracket.

3. The coolant connector fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the fixed bracket is provided with a hook, and the slot is provided with a first hook groove that is adapted to the hook.

4. The coolant connector fixing structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, A handle is provided on the bottom surface of the fixed bracket, and one end of the handle is elastically connected to the bottom surface of the fixed bracket; The bottom surface of the handle is provided with barbs; The card slot is provided with a second hook groove that is adapted to the barb.

5. The coolant connector fixing structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the fixed bracket is provided with a groove; The handle corresponds to the slot, and one end of the handle is connected to one side of the slot, so that the handle can move elastically within the slot.

6. The coolant connector fixing structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The other end of the handle has an anti-slip structure on its bottom surface.

7. The coolant connector fixing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting structure is a magnetic structure, which is configured to magnetically connect with the fixed bracket.

8. The coolant connector fixing structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The fixed bracket includes a first bracket and a second bracket, and the first bracket and the second bracket are fixedly connected. The first bracket is configured to be detachably connected to the mounting structure; The second bracket is configured to securely mount the coolant connector onto the first bracket.

9. The coolant connector fixing structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first bracket and the second bracket are connected by screws.

10. A liquid cooling device, characterized in that, Includes the coolant connector fixing structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images