A liquid cold plate
By using an embedded injection molding design of nanostructured layers and plastic components, the high cost and leakage problems of metal plugs in liquid cooling plates are solved, achieving a liquid cooling plate design that reduces costs, improves efficiency, and enhances reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU ECHOM SCI & TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing liquid cooling plates have high costs and low processing efficiency for metal plugs, and brazing connections are prone to leakage, resulting in high production energy consumption.
The tube body with nanostructured layer and plastic components are embedded in the injection molding design. The plastic components replace the traditional metal plugs. The combination of the tight bonding characteristics of nanostructured layer and plastic material realizes the integrated structural design.
It significantly reduces material and processing costs, improves production efficiency, ensures sealing performance and long-term reliability, avoids welding defects, reduces leakage risk, and maintains good heat dissipation performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN224499215U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquid cooling system technology, and in particular to a liquid cooling plate. Background Technology
[0002] Liquid cooling plates are an important component of liquid cooling systems. Among them, harmonica-shaped metal flat tube liquid cooling plates with self-circulating circuits are widely used. In existing technologies, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the open end of the liquid cooling plate tube 100 is sealed by brazing the liquid cooling plate tube 100 to the metal plug 300 with flux 200 to form a complete liquid cooling plate. However, the processing of the metal plug 300 requires aluminum die casting or cold heading to produce blanks before computer numerical control (CNC) processing. This not only results in high material and production costs and low production efficiency, but also in high energy consumption and easy leakage due to poor welding when brazing the metal plug 300 to the liquid cooling plate tube 100. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a liquid cooling plate to solve the problems of high cost, low processing efficiency and poor sealing reliability of existing metal plugs, and to improve the production economy and reliability of liquid cooling plates.
[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0005] A liquid cooling plate includes a tube body and a plastic component. One end of the tube body is open, and the tube body has a first limiting hole penetrating both end faces. The outer surface of the tube body is provided with a nanostructure layer. The plastic component is integrated with the nanostructure layer of the tube body by an embedded injection molding method. The plastic component is sleeved on the outside of the tube body. The inner wall of the plastic component is provided with a first limiting protrusion, which is embedded in the first limiting hole. The portion of the inner cavity of the plastic component facing the open end and the end face of the open end of the tube body form a flow cavity for fluid to pass through.
[0006] As an alternative to the liquid cooling plate, the plastic assembly includes a first plastic part and a second plastic part. The first plastic part is combined with the tube body by embedded injection molding. The first plastic part has a through hole communicating with the flow cavity. The second plastic part is fixedly connected to the first plastic part and seals the through hole.
[0007] As an alternative to the liquid cooling plate, the inner wall of the first plastic part is provided with a second limiting protrusion, which abuts against the end face of the open end of the tube body to limit the axial displacement of the first plastic part relative to the tube body.
[0008] As an alternative to liquid cooling plate, the nanostructure layer is disposed in the contact area between the outer surface of the tube and the inner wall of the first plastic part, and the nanostructure layer is located in the axial direction of the tube between the mating end face of the first plastic part and the second limiting protrusion.
[0009] As an alternative to the liquid cooling plate, the first plastic part and the second plastic part are fixedly connected by welding.
[0010] As an alternative solution for the liquid cooling plate, one of the end faces of the first plastic part and the second plastic part is provided with a first limiting groove, and the other ring is provided with a third limiting protrusion. The first limiting groove is used to accommodate the third limiting protrusion.
[0011] As an alternative solution for liquid cooling plates, the tube body is provided with a plurality of first limiting holes spaced apart radially, and the inner wall of the first plastic part is provided with a plurality of first limiting protrusions, each of the first limiting protrusions cooperating with the corresponding first limiting hole.
[0012] As an alternative to liquid cooling plates, the outer wall of the first plastic part is provided with multiple weight-reduction grooves.
[0013] As an alternative to the liquid cooling plate, the tube body is provided with multiple liquid inlet pipes and multiple liquid return pipes, all of which extend along the axial direction of the tube body and are respectively connected to the flow cavity.
[0014] As an alternative to liquid cooling plates, the tube body is made of metal.
[0015] Beneficial effects:
[0016] This invention provides a liquid cooling plate that achieves a significant improvement in overall performance through an integrated structural design that incorporates a tube with a nanostructured layer and a plastic component via embedded injection molding. Firstly, replacing traditional metal plugs with plastic components drastically reduces material and processing costs. Secondly, the tight bonding between the nanostructured layer and the plastic material ensures excellent sealing performance and long-term reliability. Simultaneously, the embedded injection molding process simplifies the production process, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, this integrated structural design avoids welding defects that may occur with traditional brazing processes, resolving leakage risks and enabling the liquid cooling plate to maintain good heat dissipation performance while also offering better economy and durability. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the liquid cooling plate provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the liquid cooling plate provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the tube body and the first plastic part provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the tube body provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first plastic part provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second plastic part provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0023] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a liquid cooling plate in the prior art.
[0024] In the picture:
[0025] 100. Liquid cooling plate tube body; 200. Flux; 300. Metal plug;
[0026] 1. Pipe body; 11. First limiting hole; 12. Inlet pipe; 13. Return pipe;
[0027] 2. Plastic component; 21. First plastic part; 22. Second plastic part; 211. First limiting protrusion; 212. Second limiting protrusion; 213. First limiting groove; 214. Weight reduction groove; 221. Third limiting protrusion;
[0028] 3. Flow cavity. Detailed Implementation
[0029] 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.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise expressly 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 of the device. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0031] 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.
[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper" and "lower," 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.
[0033] Liquid cooling plates are an important component of liquid cooling systems, among which harmonica-shaped metal flat tube liquid cooling plates with self-circulating circuits are widely used. In existing technologies, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the open end of the liquid cooling plate tube 100 is sealed by brazing the liquid cooling plate tube 100 to the metal plug 300 with flux 200 to form a complete liquid cooling plate. However, the processing of the metal plug 300 requires aluminum die casting or cold heading to produce blanks before CNC machining. This not only results in high material and production costs and low production efficiency, but also in high energy consumption and easy leakage due to poor welding when brazing the metal plug 300 to the liquid cooling plate tube 100.
[0034] This embodiment provides a liquid cooling plate, such as Figures 1-2As shown, the liquid cooling plate includes a tube body 1 and a plastic component 2. One end of the tube body 1 has an open end, and the tube body 1 has a first limiting hole 11 penetrating both end faces. The outer surface of the tube body 1 has a nanostructure layer. The plastic component 2 is integrated with the nanostructure layer of the tube body 1 through an embedded injection molding process. The plastic component 2 is fitted onto the outside of the tube body 1. The inner wall of the plastic component 2 has a first limiting protrusion 211, which is embedded in the first limiting hole 11. The inner cavity of the plastic component 2 facing the open end and the end face of the open end of the tube body 1 form a flow cavity 3, which is used for fluid passage. By adopting an integrated structural design of the tube body 1 with a nanostructure layer and the plastic component 2 through embedded injection molding, the overall performance of the liquid cooling plate is significantly improved. Firstly, replacing the traditional metal plug 300 with the plastic component 2 significantly reduces material and processing costs. Secondly, the tight bonding between the nanostructure layer and the plastic material ensures excellent sealing performance and long-term reliability. Simultaneously, the embedded injection molding process simplifies the production process, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, this integrated structural design avoids welding defects that may occur with traditional brazing processes, resolving leakage risks and enabling the liquid cooling plate to maintain good heat dissipation performance while also achieving better economy and durability.
[0035] In this embodiment, the method for nanostructuring the nanostructure layer is not limited. It can be a chemical method (such as anodizing, chemical etching, etc., to form a nanoscale structure on the surface of tube 1 through chemical reaction), a physical method (such as laser etching, vapor deposition, etc., to construct the nanostructure with the help of physical action), or a hybrid method combining chemical and physical methods. The specific method can be flexibly selected according to the actual processing requirements, the material properties of tube 1, and the precision requirements of the nanostructure layer.
[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the plastic component 2 includes a first plastic part 21 and a second plastic part 22. The first plastic part 21 is combined with the tube body 1 by embedded injection molding. The first plastic part 21 is provided with a through hole communicating with the flow cavity 3. The second plastic part 22 is fixedly connected to the first plastic part 21 and seals the through hole. The first plastic part 21 is bonded to the tube body 1 via embedded injection molding. This molding method allows the plastic material to tightly wrap around the surface of the tube body 1, and even embed itself into the fine structure of the tube body 1, thereby forming a bonding strength far exceeding that of traditional mechanical connections. This significantly reduces the risk of loosening or detachment of the connection, while also reducing the potential for leakage due to assembly gaps. The through-hole on the first plastic part 21 communicates with the flow cavity 3. This design allows for space corresponding to the flow cavity 3 in the mold during the injection molding stage, preventing interference between the mold and the flow cavity 3 area. This allows the mold to more smoothly wrap the molding area of the first plastic part 21. At the same time, after injection molding, it is easy for the mold to be removed from the first plastic part 21, reducing the problem of mold jamming or damage to the first plastic part 21 caused by the complex structure of the flow cavity 3. The second plastic part 22 is fixedly connected to the first plastic part 21 and seals the through-hole. After solving the problem of mold removal, sealing the through-hole ensures the sealing of the flow cavity 3, ensuring that the fluid flows within the flow cavity 3 along a predetermined path without leakage. Plastic materials have a certain degree of elasticity, which allows them to better fit the sealing surface during connection. When combined with appropriate connection methods (such as welding, snap-fit, etc.), they can further improve sealing reliability and reduce fluid leakage problems.
[0037] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the inner wall of the first plastic part 21 is provided with a second limiting protrusion 212, which abuts against the end face of the open end of the tube body 1 to limit the axial displacement of the first plastic part 21 relative to the tube body 1. The second limiting protrusion 212 directly forms a mechanical block with the end face of the open end of the tube body 1. When the first plastic part 21 is subjected to an external force in the axial direction (such as the thrust during assembly), the second limiting protrusion 212 will interact with the end face of the tube body 1 to counteract the axial force and prevent the first plastic part 21 from moving axially. This limiting method does not require additional fixing components and achieves the limiting function by relying on the structure of the first plastic part 21 itself, which simplifies the overall structure, reduces assembly steps, and helps to reduce production and assembly costs. Meanwhile, since the plastic part directly contacts the end face of the tube body 1, the contact area is relatively stable, the limiting effect is more reliable, and the limiting failure caused by long-term use can be avoided. This ensures the stability of the connection between the first plastic part 21 and the tube body 1, reduces the gap caused by relative displacement, reduces the risk of fluid leakage, and improves the service life and safety of the overall structure.
[0038] In this embodiment, a nanostructure layer is disposed in the contact area between the outer surface of the tube body 1 and the inner wall of the first plastic component 21. The nanostructure layer is located axially between the mating end face of the first plastic component 21 and the second limiting protrusion 212. This contact area is the part where the tube body 1 and the first plastic component 21 are in the closest contact and where the force is most concentrated. The nanostructure layer can increase the roughness and surface area of the outer surface of the tube body 1, allowing the molten plastic to more fully fill the nanoscale gaps to form a mechanical anchoring structure, enhancing the interfacial bonding force between the two to reduce relative sliding. At the same time, it makes the plastic material adhere more tightly to the surface of the tube body 1. Together with the second limiting protrusion 212, it effectively blocks the fluid from penetrating along the contact gap to reduce the risk of leakage. Furthermore, by confining the nanostructure layer to this specific area, it can focus on strengthening the performance of key parts and avoid the increase in material and processing costs caused by setting the nanostructure layer in other areas of the tube body 1, thus achieving a balance between functionality and economy.
[0039] In this embodiment, the first plastic part 21 and the second plastic part 22 are fixedly connected by welding. During the welding process, the plastic material melts and fuses under high temperature or pressure, and forms a molecular-level bond after cooling. This connection strength is much higher than that of snap-fit or adhesive bonding, and can effectively resist external forces such as fluid pressure and vibration, preventing the first plastic part 21 and the second plastic part 22 from loosening or separating during use, and ensuring the long-term stability of the sealing performance of the through hole. Specifically, the first plastic part 21 and the second plastic part 22 can be laser welded or ultrasonic welded; the welding method is not limited here.
[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the end face of the first plastic part 21 is provided with a first limiting groove 213, and the end face of the second plastic part 22 is provided with a third limiting protrusion 221. The first limiting groove 213 is used to accommodate the third limiting protrusion 221. The concave-convex fit between the first limiting groove 213 and the third limiting protrusion 221 has a guiding function. When the first plastic part 21 and the second plastic part 22 are mated, their relative positions can be quickly calibrated, avoiding assembly deviations caused by misalignment and significantly improving assembly efficiency. At the same time, the annular fitting design makes the contact area between the two larger and more evenly distributed. During welding, the molten material can more fully fill the mating gap, enhance the continuity of the sealing surface, and reduce the risk of fluid leakage from the connection point. This is especially suitable for open structures that require a surrounding seal. In addition, this concave-convex fit can also provide a pre-fixing effect in the early stage of assembly, making it easier to maintain the relative position of the two in subsequent fixing processes such as welding, reducing offset during operation, indirectly improving the consistency of mass production, and reducing the product defect rate caused by assembly errors. In other embodiments, the end face of the first plastic part 21 is provided with a third limiting protrusion 221, and the end face of the second plastic part 22 is provided with a first limiting groove 213 for accommodating the third limiting protrusion 221.
[0041] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the tube body 1 has multiple first limiting holes 11 spaced radially apart, and the inner wall of the first plastic part 21 has multiple first limiting protrusions 211 correspondingly provided. Each first limiting protrusion 211 engages with its corresponding first limiting hole 11. The radially spaced interlocking structure can distribute the force. When the tube body 1 and the first plastic part 21 are subjected to axial or circumferential external forces (such as fluid impact or vibration), the mechanical interlocking force generated by each first limiting protrusion 211 after being embedded in the corresponding first limiting hole 11 can jointly resist relative displacement, greatly improving the overall shear resistance. Combined with the bonding force of the embedded injection molding, it further reduces the risk of loosening or separation of the connection. At the same time, this multi-point interlocking design makes the contact between the tube body 1 and the first plastic part 21 tighter, reducing the gap between them, which can help enhance the sealing effect and reduce the possibility of fluid leakage from the contact area.
[0042] In this embodiment, the first limiting hole 11 can be an oblong hole or other shapes. Its specific shape and number are not limited. Correspondingly, the shape and number of the first limiting protrusion 211 can be adapted to the first limiting hole 11.
[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer wall of the first plastic part 21 is provided with multiple weight-reducing grooves 214. The multiple ring-shaped weight-reducing grooves 214 can directly reduce the overall material usage of the first plastic part 21 and reduce the weight of the first plastic part 21. For equipment that requires lightweight design (such as liquid cooling systems in the automotive and aerospace fields), this can indirectly reduce energy consumption and improve equipment operating efficiency.
[0044] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the pipe body 1 is provided with multiple inlet pipes 12 and multiple return pipes 13. Both the inlet pipes 12 and the return pipes 13 extend axially along the pipe body 1 and are connected to the flow cavity 3. The multiple inlet pipes 12 can simultaneously supply coolant to the flow cavity 3, increasing the amount of coolant supplied per unit time. Their axial distribution allows the coolant to flow more evenly into all areas of the flow cavity 3, preventing heat dissipation dead zones due to insufficient coolant. Correspondingly, the multiple return pipes 13 can quickly discharge the coolant after absorbing heat. Through the synergistic effect of the inlet and return pipes 13, the circulation speed of the coolant within the flow cavity 3 is accelerated, improving heat exchange efficiency.
[0045] In this embodiment, the material of the pipe body 1 is metal. Metal has high mechanical strength and rigidity, and can withstand the pressure of the fluid in the inlet pipe 12 and the return pipe 13 as well as the impact of external forces during assembly and use. It is not easily deformed and can maintain the structural integrity of the flow cavity and pipe for a long time, ensuring that the fluid flows stably along the preset path. At the same time, metal has excellent thermal conductivity, which can quickly transfer the heat between the coolant in the flow cavity and the external environment, improving the overall heat dissipation efficiency, and is especially suitable for the heat dissipation needs of high-power equipment.
[0046] Optionally, the material of the tube body 1 is aluminum. Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity, allowing it to quickly transfer or dissipate heat when the coolant in the internal flow cavity 3 of the tube body 1 undergoes heat exchange, significantly improving heat dissipation efficiency and making it suitable for high heat dissipation demand scenarios. Its low density reduces the weight of the tube body 1, contributing to lightweight equipment design and reducing operating energy consumption. Furthermore, aluminum is widely available and has mature processing technology, facilitating the manufacture of tube bodies 1 with complex structures and resulting in lower mass production costs. Simultaneously, aluminum possesses a certain strength and toughness, capable of withstanding coolant pressure and external impacts, resisting deformation and damage, and maintaining pipe sealing and structural integrity for a long time. When embedded and injection molded with the first plastic part 21, its surface can form a stable bond with the plastic material, further enhancing the overall structural reliability. Optionally, in addition to aluminum, the tube body 1 can also be made of copper, stainless steel, titanium, and magnesium alloys.
[0047] The operation steps of the liquid cooling plate provided in this embodiment are as follows: First, a first limiting hole 11 is opened on the tube body 1, and then a nanostructure layer is treated on the outer surface of the tube body 1; the tube body 1 is used as an insert and is embedded and injection molded with the first plastic part 21. After cooling and demolding, the first plastic part 21 and the second plastic part 22 are finally welded together.
[0048] 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 liquid-cooled plate, characterized in that, The device includes a tube body (1) and a plastic component (2). One end of the tube body (1) is open. The tube body (1) is provided with a first limiting hole (11) that penetrates both ends of the tube body (1). The outer surface of the tube body (1) is provided with a nanostructure layer. The plastic component (2) is integrated with the nanostructure layer of the tube body (1) by an embedded injection molding method. The plastic component (2) is sleeved on the outside of the tube body (1). The inner wall of the plastic component (2) is provided with a first limiting protrusion (211). The first limiting protrusion (211) is embedded in the first limiting hole (11). The inner cavity of the plastic component (2) facing the open end is surrounded by the end face of the open end to form a flow cavity (3). The flow cavity (3) is used for fluid to pass through.
2. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic component (2) includes a first plastic part (21) and a second plastic part (22). The first plastic part (21) is combined with the tube body (1) by embedded injection molding. The first plastic part (21) is provided with a through hole communicating with the flow cavity (3). The second plastic part (22) is fixedly connected to the first plastic part (21) and blocks the through hole.
3. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the first plastic part (21) is provided with a second limiting protrusion (212), which abuts against the end face of the opening end of the tube body (1) to limit the axial displacement of the first plastic part (21) relative to the tube body (1).
4. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 3, characterized in that, The nanostructure layer is disposed in the contact area between the outer surface of the tube (1) and the inner wall of the first plastic part (21). The nanostructure layer is located in the axial direction of the tube (1) between the mating end face of the first plastic part (21) and the second limiting protrusion (212).
5. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first plastic part (21) and the second plastic part (22) are fixedly connected by welding.
6. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 5, characterized in that, One of the end faces of the first plastic part (21) and the second plastic part (22) is provided with a first limiting groove (213), and the other of the two is provided with a third limiting protrusion (221). The first limiting groove (213) is used to accommodate the third limiting protrusion (221).
7. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tube body (1) is provided with a plurality of first limiting holes (11) spaced apart radially, and the inner wall of the first plastic part (21) is provided with a plurality of first limiting protrusions (211), and any first limiting protrusion (211) cooperates with the corresponding first limiting hole (11).
8. The liquid cooling plate according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first plastic part (21) is provided with multiple weight-reducing grooves (214).
9. The liquid-cooled plate according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The tube body (1) is provided with multiple inlet pipes (12) and multiple return pipes (13). The multiple inlet pipes (12) and multiple return pipes (13) extend along the axial direction of the tube body (1) and are respectively connected to the flow cavity (3).
10. The liquid-cooled plate according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The tube body (1) is made of metal.