System for pressing a server onto a metal block

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for pressing an electronic board onto a metal block (29A, 29B) provided with one or more side support members (30). The system comprises: - a cradle (31) housing the electronic board intended to be pressed against a surface of the metal block (29A, 29B), the cradle (31) comprising side walls (31A, 31B) provided with straight grooves (31C) capable of engaging with the support members (30) of the metal block (29A, 29B) when the cradle (31) is pressed against the surface of the metal block (29A, 29B), - a slide (33) arranged on the back of the cradle (31), this slide (33) comprising side walls (33A, 33B) provided with oblique grooves (33C) capable of engaging with the support members (30); these oblique grooves (33C) being arranged in such a way that a longitudinal sliding movement of the slide (33) relative to the cradle (31) moves the cradle (31) sideways so as to press the electronic board onto the metal block (29A, 29B), - at least one cam handle (34, 35) for applying pressure to press the electronic board against the metal block (29A, 29B).

Description

Description Title of the invention: PLATING SYSTEM OF A SERVER ON A METAL BLOCK [1] Technical field [2] The present invention relates to a system for plating a server on a metal block. It finds a particularly interesting application in the field of digital boilers in which the heat generated by servers in operation is used to heat the water circulating in pipes. The invention can also be applied to the field of cooling servers used in data centers. [3] State of the prior art [4] The fixing of the heat sinks is generally ensured by screws or springs or both at the same time. [5] Graphics card coolers based on copper heat pipes are known. Such copper heat pipes are fixed in finned radiators which are in turn screwed onto the electronic card. The screw fixing can generate physical stresses which can damage the electronic card. The screw and spring assembly can move without guaranteeing the positioning of the server relative to the cooler. [6] Immersion cooling systems are also known in which servers are immersed in a coolant. Such systems are complex to implement. There are also water cooling systems in which water circulates in a water block placed on the component to be cooled. These devices can exist with other heat transfer fluids. [7] The present invention aims to provide a new plating system that is efficient and repeatable, including during maintenance operations. [8] The invention also aims to provide a new, simple and rapid plating system. [9] Statement of the invention

[0010] At least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a system for plating an electronic card onto a metal block provided with one or more lateral supports. The system according to the invention comprises: - a cradle carrying within it the electronic card intended to be pressed against one face of the metal block, the cradle comprising side walls provided with straight grooves capable of engaging with the supports of the metal block when the cradle is pressed against the face of the metal block, - a slide arranged on the back of the cradle, this slide comprising side walls provided with oblique grooves capable of engaging with the supports; these oblique grooves being arranged in such a way that a longitudinal sliding movement of the slide relative to the cradle moves the cradle laterally so as to press the electronic card against the metal block, - at least one cam handle to ensure pressure to press the electronic card against the metal block.

[0011] An electronic card is a server-type electronic card or a printed circuit board on which electronic components for processing and / or storing data are attached, removable components, for example RAM sticks, a power supply or any other component capable of generating heat. Electronic processing components may include microprocessors, graphics processors or others. Electronic storage components may include S SD (Solid-state drive) memories or others.

[0012] The metal block can be in the form of a central column that is generally parallelepiped.

[0013] With the system according to the invention, the fixing of the electronic card on the metal block and the removal of the electronic card are easily done without tools. This provides a significant advantage in terms of reliability, repeatability and maintenance.

[0014] Effective and firm clamping is ensured by using a cam handle. Locking the cam handle exerts pressure on the cradle, thus clamping the electronic board against the metal block. When locked, the slide is held fixed by the supports inserted into the oblique grooves. The handle is also used to carry and position the cradle. It also has an ergonomic role.

[0015] The straight grooves ensure correct positioning of the electronic card in relation to the metal block.

[0016] The system according to the invention makes it possible to place the electronic card, cradle and slide assembly by placing the entrance of the straight and oblique grooves on the supports of the metal block. The slide can be moved longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the straight grooves; this movement having the effect of sliding the supports inside the oblique grooves, which brings the back of the slide closer to the metal block, and consequently the electronic card and cradle assembly towards the metal block.

[0017] The cam handle lock keeps the circuit board pressed against the metal block. The cam sizing determines the amount of pressure applied to the cradle.

[0018] A good plating of the electronic card against the metal block ensures a good transfer of the heat produced by the electronic card onto the metal block.

[0019] With such a system according to the invention, the number of actions to be carried out to press the electronic card against the metal block is limited. The pressing process is perfectly reversible, efficient and repeatable, which ensures good reliability of the heat transfer, including during maintenance operations, particularly on site.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the slide may include an opening in the back of the cradle such that a locking of the cam handle presses the cradle against the metal block. In other words, the cam handle bears on the fixed slide to exert a force on the cradle via the opening in the back of the cradle.

[0021] The cam handle has a cam that can directly exert this force on the cradle through the opening in the back of the cradle.

[0022] We can also consider a case where the slide includes a spring arranged between the cam handle and the back of the cradle. In this case, the force of the cam is exerted on the cradle via the spring.

[0023] The pressure of the plating can be adjusted by the type and characteristics of the spring chosen.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the spring may be a blade capable of pressing the cradle against the metal block when locking the cam handle.

[0025] The blade may advantageously have a curve; the two ends then rest directly on the back of the cradle. In other words, the spring blade has two support points on the cradle. The center of the blade may include a rib in which a rod connected to the cam of the cam handle is inserted; the rod being outside the pivot axis of the cam handle.

[0026] With such an arrangement, the cam transmits its force to the rod which presses the spring against the cradle.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cam handle may comprise two cams connected to each other by the rod, the two cams being arranged on either side of the blade.

[0028] This way, the cam handle rests on two spaced locations on the slide, which provides some stability when locking.

[0029] According to the invention, the cam handle may include a pivot axis contained in a plane parallel to the back of the cradle, the handle being pivotally connected to eyelets of the slide.

[0030] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the slide may have a “U” shaped section capable of fitting the cradle into this slide.

[0031] According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the cradle may have a “U” shaped section to house the electronic card and to fit the metal block into this cradle.

[0032] In addition to all of the above, the oblique groove may be an opening in the side wall of the slide, this opening extending from a point on the wall, distant from the free edge, descending obliquely in a linear or non-linear manner until it opens onto the free edge of the side wall of the slide.

[0033] Such an oblique arrangement allows the slide to be brought closer to the metal block when the slide slides by raising the supports inside the oblique grooves.

[0034] Ideally, the slanted grooves have a stress-free support area at the entrance. Then, the slanted part of the slanted grooves can be linear or have waves to facilitate the insertion of the supports.

[0035] In addition to all of the above, the straight groove may be an opening in the side wall of the cradle, this opening being perpendicular to a plane containing the electronic card and opening onto the free edge of the side wall of the cradle.

[0036] The plane containing the electronic card is generally the plane of the printed circuit on which the electronic components constituting the electronic card are fixed.

[0037] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the metal block may be a longitudinal body and the system may further comprise at least two lateral supports fixed to the metal block but extending outside the metal block on the same line but in two opposite directions.

[0038] The metal block is a body and the supports are spread arms with which the straight and oblique grooves engage.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the metal block may comprise at least one water circulation pipe for recovering the heat generated by the electronic card.

[0040] In fact, the metal block can be a metal plate intended to transmit the heat generated by the electronic card to water circulation pipes. Such an arrangement makes it possible to evacuate the heat produced in electronic cards or computer servers or to transmit this heat to water in a boiler.

[0041] Advantageously, the system according to the invention can be used on a metal block arranged vertically. Ideally, it is possible to envisage several metal blocks equipped with electronic cards plated according to the invention and distributed over a page in a boiler. A page means a water circuit made with a copper pipe in the form of a coil and metal blocks arranged vertically on straight vertical portions of the coil, the whole constituting a vertical panel.

[0042] A page structure also facilitates access to electronic cards on both sides of the block, without cutting off water or electricity and reduces the mobility of electrical cables used in electronic cards.

[0043] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the metal block may comprise a protuberance and / or a cavity capable of matching the external shape of an electronic component contained on the electronic card.

[0044] Advantageously, the metal block may consist of at least two parts, a fixed block and a modular block adapted to a given electronic card. In other words, several modular blocks are provided, each of which can be fixed to the fixed block. The fixed blocks comprise the tapped holes according to a matrix, and the modular blocks have the holes according to this same matrix. Each modular block comprises recesses and / or protrusions adapted to the electronic components of a given electronic card.

[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fixing an electronic card on a metal block, the electronic card being contained in a cradle equipped with a slide, this metal block being provided with one or more lateral supports. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: - plating the cradle on the metal block, the cradle comprising side walls provided with straight grooves which engage with the supports of the metal block, and the slide comprising side walls provided with oblique grooves which also engage with the supports of the metal block; - longitudinal sliding of the slide relative to the cradle so that the supports progress in the oblique grooves and the electronic card is pressed against the metal block, - locking of a cam handle to ensure pressure to press the electronic card against the metal block.

[0046] The angled grooves allow the electronic board to be correctly positioned facing the metal block. This positioning can be achieved without contact, before locking the handle. When thermal paste is provided on an electronic component of the electronic board, locking the handle allows the electronic component to be pressed against the metal block. The sandwiched thermal paste ensures good thermal contact between the electronic component and the metal block.

[0047] Description of figures and embodiments.

[0048] Other advantages and particularities of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description of implementations and embodiments which are in no way limiting, and the following appended drawings:

[0049] [Fig- 1] Figure 1 is a diagram of a general exterior view of the boiler according to the invention,

[0050] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the boiler according to the invention when a side wall is detached,

[0051] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of the top of the boiler according to the invention,

[0052] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a boiler panel open on the side according to the invention,

[0053] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the top of the boiler according to the invention with an open panel on the side according to the invention,

[0054] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a copper pipe loop arranged in a serpentine shape according to the invention,

[0055] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of two cradles intended to frame a metal block, the two cradles being equipped with cam handles for plating according to the invention,

[0056] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 is a view of the assembly of Figure 7 in an assembled but not yet locked position,

[0057] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a view of the assembly of Figure 7 in a locked position with the handles folded down,

[0058] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is an exploded and schematic view illustrating the successive layers comprising the slide, the cradle, the server and the metal block according to the invention,

[0059] [Fig. H] Figure 11 is a schematic view illustrating the displacement of the oblique groove relative to the support of the metal block,

[0060] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 is a schematic top view of a metal block around the copper pipe in the presence of a server plated on the metal block according to the invention,

[0061] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 is a schematic top view of a slide on a cradle,

[0062] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 is a schematic view illustrating the arrangement between the cam and the spring according to the invention,

[0063] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 is a schematic side view of a portion of the cam handle 42 illustrating an asymmetry of the cam according to the invention,

[0064] [Fig. 16] Figure 16 is a schematic sectional view of the cam in connection with an eyelet of the slide according to the invention,

[0065] [Fig. 17] Figure 17 is a schematic sectional view of heat pipes integrated in a modular block according to the invention,

[0066] [Fig. 18] Figure 18 is a schematic top view of heat pipes integrated into a modular block according to the invention, and

[0067] [Fig. 19] Figure 19 is a schematic view from below of heat pipes integrated into a modular block according to the invention.

[0068] The embodiments which will be described below are in no way limiting. ; in particular, variants of the invention may be implemented comprising only a selection of features described below isolated from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art. This selection includes at least one preferably functional feature without structural details, or with only part of the structural details if only this part is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0069] Although the invention is not limited thereto, the invention will now be described in the context of a digital boiler. It should be noted that the invention can also be applied to heat removal systems within data centers.

[0070] Figure 1 is an exterior view of the boiler 1 according to the invention. A metal box 2 of generally parallelepiped shape can be seen. As a non-limiting example, the dimensions of the boiler may be 114cm in length L, 35cm in width 1 and 114cm in height h.

[0071] A handle 3 is provided across the width of the boiler, in the upper part, for handling.

[0072] The upper part of the boiler has a recess to accommodate inlet and outlet interfaces. We distinguish: - an inlet 4 for the water supply, this inlet can be directly connected to the water distribution network, for example the drinking water network,

[0073] - an outlet 5 for the outlet of hot water after a route inside the box, this outlet is intended to supply a network with hot water,

[0074] - an input 6 for the general power supply to power the electrical components within the boiler, this general power supply input 6 can be directly connected to the mains, i.e. the conventional electrical network,

[0075] - one or more network connectors, such as fiber optics, for computer communication between the boiler and the outside world.

[0076] In the installed position, boiler 1 is designed to be taller than it is wide.

[0077] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the boiler 1 with one side wall removed. This may be a removable wall or a door that can be opened by pivoting relative to hinges (not shown) fixed to one of the four flanges defining the opening of Figure 2.

[0078] We distinguish a panel 8 in the form of a vertical page positioned in a plane comprising the length and height of the box.

[0079] A fixed foot 9 made of metal or hard plastic material is erected vertically in the direction of the height of the box.

[0080] The foot 9 plays the role of a mast to support the panel 8 by means of two hinges 10 and 11. As a result, the panel 8 can pivot around an axis passing through the fixed foot 9 and thus exit the box 2.

[0081] The panel 8 comprises a copper pipe 12 arranged in a serpentine fashion and running through the panel, forming several vertical sections. There are generally three electronic card cradles 13, 14 and 15 corresponding generally to three vertical sections. A final vertical section comprises two power supplies 16 and 17. A retractable foot 18 is provided to keep the panel fixed inside the box and to be deployed, touching the ground when the panel 8 is open.

[0082] Figure 2 shows very schematically in dotted lines two pipes 19 and 20 arranged for one between the water inlet in the boiler and the bottom of the foot 9, and for the other between the water outlet of the boiler and the bottom of the foot 9. Hoses are provided to connect the pipes 19 and 20 to the inlet and outlet of the loop formed by the pipe 12. These two pipes 19 and 20, forming part of the water circuit, pass through a radiator 21 arranged on the upper part of the boiler. Thus the heat coming from the electronic cards and rising by chimney effect comes into contact with the radiator to heat the pipes 19 and 20. It thus achieves a form of natural preheating. Fans can be provided under the radiator, for example in contact with the lower surface of the radiator, to promote the mixing of the air.

[0083] Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view from above of the boiler. Inside the box 2, the foot 9 is integral with the box and remains fixed. The panel 8 is illustrated with four sections 13, 14, 15 and the assembly 16 and 17. Another panel 22 is also distinguished, formed in the same way as the panel 8 and which can be deployed outwards, on the side opposite the panel 8. But it is possible to envisage the same foot 9 or a narrow foot, equipped with the same hinges or other types of hinges, in particular sliding hinges, and allowing the panel 22 to be deployed on the same side as the panel 8. Thus, during a maintenance operation, the two panels would be accessible from the same side.

[0084] It is also possible to consider having more than two panels inside a same box.

[0085] The arrangement of the panels as illustrated in Figure 3 allows for the creation of empty vertical columns in which the air circulates within the box. This arrangement promotes circulation from the bottom to the top. And the arrangement of the pipes in the vertical direction with a parallel back-and-forth path allows for better temperature distribution inside the box.

[0086] The vertical orientation of the panels makes it easier to place electronic boards and allows some temperature-sensitive components to be placed at the bottom.

[0087] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the open panel 8. Foot 9 and panel 22 remaining in place can be seen.

[0088] Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view from above of the boiler in accordance with the situation in Figure 4. Inside the box 2, the fixed foot 9 can be seen.

[0089] Panel 8 is deployed towards the outside of the box. Depending on the hinges used, it is possible to envisage a total or partial deployment of the panel outside the box 2.

[0090] We can now describe the construction of a panel.

[0091] Figure 6 is a schematic view of the copper pipe 12 arranged in a serpentine fashion in the panel. This pipe 12 is supplied by the inlet pipe 19 via a flexible hose 23A. And the return pipe 12 supplies the outlet pipe 20 or a second panel 22 via the flexible hose 23B.

[0092] The forward path of the pipe 12 starts from the hose 23 A, rises vertically in the vertical section 24, turns to return from top to bottom in the vertical section 25. The path continues in this way via the vertical section 26 to the vertical section 27.

[0093] Pipe 12 then takes a turn and heads back in the other direction, parallel to the first route. Thus, in each section, pipe 12 passes twice: in one direction and then in the other.

[0094] With the boiler according to the invention, the circulation of water between the vertical sections is done in such a way as to homogenize the overall temperature on a panel.

[0095] In the example of Figure 6, the vertical section 27 is intended to receive two feeds 16 and 17. The gap between the supply pipe and the return pipe in the vertical section 27 is a little higher than in other vertical sections.

[0096] With the invention, copper pipes of conventional plumbing dimensions are used so that the boiler can be directly connected to the water distribution network.

[0097] In Figure 6 we also see a frame 28 to hold the assembly rigidly. Each vertical section 24-26 is equipped with two blocks metal 29 framing the two pipes 12.

[0098] We will now describe the system for plating a server or electronic card on the metal block so as to ensure effective contact between the electronic components likely to produce heat and the metal block; good contact being synonymous with good transmission of heat to the pipe 12.

[0099] Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate the progression of the server's plating movement on the metal block.

[0100] In Figure 7, we can see the two adjoining metal blocks 29A and 29B sandwiching the copper pipe 12. The cradle 31 is kept parallel but at a distance from the metal block 29A. As will be seen later, the server is arranged inside the cradle, facing the metal block. Advantageously, a slide 33 is placed against the cradle 31. In other words, the slide 33 matches the external shape (the server being inside) of the cradle, that is to say the back and the side walls of the cradle.

[0101] In Figure 10, the succession of the different layers between the slide and the metal block can be seen in a little more detail. The pipe 12 is held in grooves inside the metal block 29A. The server 32 is held fixed in the cradle 31 between the back of the cradle and the metal block. The electronic components 39 of the server are intended to be pressed against the receptacle 40 (visible in Figure 7) of the metal block. The cradle comprises two side walls 31A and 31B. The wall 31A comprises a straight groove 3 IC made with respect to the support 30. When the support 30 engages with the straight groove 31C, the electronic component 39 is facing the receptacle 40. The straight groove 3 IC is a guide for positioning the electronic component exactly facing a predefined area of ​​the metal block. Once the support 30 is engaged in the straight groove 3 IC, the movements of bringing the electronic component closer to the metal block are carried out while maintaining this electronic component facing its predefined area. The same pair of straight groove and support is produced on the opposite wall 3 IB. Other pairs are provided on the walls. In Figure 7, three pairs are distinguished on each wall. With such a straight groove 3 IC, once the cradle is engaged in the supports 30, pressure on the back of the cradle causes a linear movement of the server towards the metal block.

[0102] The slide 33 in Figure 10 also comprises two side walls 33A and 33B. The side wall 33A comprises an oblique groove 33C whose entry is intended to be positioned opposite the support 30 before sliding of the slide 33. The same pair of oblique groove and support is produced on the opposite wall 33B. Other couples are provided on the walls. In Figure 7 we can see three couples on each wall.

[0103] With such an oblique groove 33C, a downward movement of the slide in Figure 10, slides the slide relative to the cradle 31 which remains at the same height due to the supports 30. The slide can descend until the support 30 abuts the upper end of the oblique groove 33C. The downward movement of the slide presses the cradle against the metal block 29A. The upper end of the oblique groove may include a curved portion to prevent leakage of the support 30.

[0104] In Figure 7, we can see two cam handles 34 and 35 associated with springs 36 and 37 intended to press the back of the cradle towards the metal block 29A.

[0105] In Figure 7 we can also see another assembly 38 comprising a slide, a cradle and a server intended to be pressed against the metal block 29B.

[0106] In Figure 8, using the cam handles 34 and 35, a user places the slide assembly 33 and cradle 31 on the metal block 29A, and the assembly 38 on the metal block 29B, taking care to insert the supports 30 into the straight and oblique grooves. Then, a longitudinal displacement movement is used to slide the slide 33 downwards, raising the supports in the oblique grooves; the supports sinking further forward into the straight grooves.

[0107] The sliding of the slide relative to the cradle constitutes a first plating.

[0108] A second plating is obtained after locking the cam handles. To do this, the cam handles are folded down along the slide as shown in Figure 9.

[0109] Figure 11 is a schematic view illustrating the movement of the oblique groove 33C relative to the support 30 of the metal block. This support 30 is considered to remain fixed relative to the movement of the slide 41, a movement identical to that of the groove 33C. When the slide / cradle assembly 33 / 31 is dissociated from the metal block 29A, the groove 33C is at a distance from the support 30 as seen in the first part of the figure. 11. The movement of associating the slide / cradle assembly 33 / 31 and the metal block 29A comprises a first horizontal movement (according to the arrangement illustrated in Figures 10 and 11). During this first movement, the support 30 is inserted into a horizontal, straight part of the groove 33C as seen in the second part of Figure 11. Then, the slide, and therefore the groove, performs both a horizontal and vertical downward movement (according to the arrangement illustrated in figures 10 and 11), so that the support 30 is inserted and progresses in the oblique part of the groove 33C.

[0110] Figure 12 is a sectional view showing the cradle 31 pressed against the metal block 29A.

[0111] The electronic component 39 is in contact with the metal block 29A. The supports 30 keep the cradle 31 fixed. When the electronic component 39 heats up, the heat is efficiently transmitted to the pipes 12 which transport the water.

[0112] The spring 36 presses the cradle 31 towards the metal block so as to maintain the plating of the electronic component 39 against this metal block 29 A. In figure 12, the handle 34 is in the locked position.

[0113] Although Figures 7 to 12 relate to embodiments with slides equipped with double cam handles, these embodiments can be repeated by those skilled in the art with a single cam handle per slide without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0114] In Figure 13, we can see the cradle 31 on which is mounted a slide 41 equipped with a single cam handle 42. The slide 41 can slide longitudinally on the cradle 31. Openings 43 and 44 are made in the slide so that the back of the cradle 31 is exposed in the areas defined by the openings.

[0115] The cam handle 42 comprises cams 42A and 42B which are pivotally attached to eyelets 41A and 41B of the slide 4L respectively. The leaf spring 45 having a domed shape is engaged with a rod 46 connecting the two cams 42A and 42B. The rod 46 is inserted into a rib 47 positioned in the center of the leaf spring 45.

[0116] When the cam handle 42 is in the up position, as in Figure 13 and Figure 8, the rod 46 is also in the up position and the ends of the leaf spring 45 do not exert significant pressure on the back of the cradle 31 at the openings 43 and 44. In this position, the ends of the spring may not even be in contact with the cradle 31.

[0117] When the cam handle 42 is in the locked position as in Figure 9 and Figure 14, the rod 46 is in the down position, pressing both ends of the leaf spring 45 onto the back of the cradle 31.

[0118] The rod 46 can move from a high position to a low position, and vice versa, because this rod connecting the two cams 42A and 42B is not located in the axis of rotation 48 of the cams 42A and 42B. The openings 43 and 44 are sufficiently large and the ends of the leaf spring are shaped so that when the rod 46 rotates, the spring can undergo small sliding movements without hindrance. In particular, the ends of the leaf spring have a rounded shape.

[0119] In Figures 15 and 16, we see in a little more detail the mechanism of the cam allowing the springs to be supported on the cradle 31. In Figure 15, we can see the handle 42 equipped at one end with its cam 42B. This cam is a part equivalent to a deformed semicircle. The handle is designed to pivot around an axis of rotation 48 spaced from the attachment point of the rod 46. Thus, on the cam 42B, the axis of rotation 48 and the rod 46 are spaced such that when the handle is in the open position, the rod 46 is in a position further from the slide 41 than when the handle is in the closed position. Figure 15 illustrates the handle in the closed position, the rod 46 being in the low position, close to the slide 4L. The distance between the rotation axis 48 and the rod 46 makes it possible to define the optimal pressure to be applied to the spring 45. The same principle which has just been described is carried out on the side of the cam 42A.

[0120] In Figure 16, the elements of Figure 15 are shown in sectional view. The cam 42B is held pivoting by the axis 48 which is integral with the eyelet 41B. The movement of the handle 42 moves the rod 46 away from or towards the part of the slide 41 located under the cam 42B. When the rod 48 approaches the slide, this corresponds to a support of the spring 45 on the cradle 31.

[0121] It is possible to integrate heat pipes into the metal block to better diffuse the heat in and through the metal block and better recover it in the water circuit. Figure 17 illustrates an example of an embodiment of heat pipes integrated into a modular block 49 according to the invention. The electronic card 32 with the component 39 can be seen. This modular block 49 is a removable part intended to be fixed on a fixed block 53, the assembly constituting the metal block. The modular block 49 comprises an opening 50 for receiving the electronic component 39. Heat pipes 51 are arranged through the modular block 49. These heat pipes 51 are rods having one end visible in the upper opening 50 as seen in Figure 18.

[0122] The second ends of the rods 51 appear on the lower face of the modular block 49 as seen in Figure 19. In this Figure 19 showing the rear face of the modular block 49, the lower opening 52 can be seen allowing the heat pipes 51 to pass through the modular block 49. The fixed block 53 is intended to come into contact with the lower face of the modular block 49 and with the heat pipes 51. The fixed block 53 may comprise hollows 54 to receive the heat pipes 51.

[0123] The heat pipes 51 have the function of efficiently transferring the heat produced by the electronic component 39 to the fixed block 53, then to a water circuit.

[0124] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described. Many modifications can be made to these examples. without departing from the scope of the present invention as described.

Claims

Claims

1. System for plating an electronic card on a metal block (29A, 29B) provided with one or more lateral supports (30); the system comprising: - a cradle (31) carrying within it the electronic card intended to be pressed against a face of the metal block (29A, 29B), the cradle (31) comprising side walls (31 A, 31B) provided with straight grooves (31C) capable of engaging with the supports (30) of the metal block (29A, 29B) when the cradle (31) is pressed against the face of the metal block (29A, 29B), - a slide (33) arranged on the back of the cradle (31), this slide (33) comprising side walls (33A, 33B) provided with oblique grooves (33C) capable of engaging with the supports (30); these oblique grooves (33C) being arranged in such a way that a longitudinal sliding movement of the slide (33) relative to the cradle (31) laterally moves the cradle (31) so as to press the electronic card against the metal block (29A, 29B), - at least one cam handle (34, 35) to ensure pressure for pressing the electronic card against the metal block (29A, 29B).

2. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide (33) comprises an opening in the back of the cradle (31) so that a locking of the cam handle (34, 35) presses the cradle (31) against the metal block (29 A, 29B).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the slide (33) comprises a spring (36) disposed between the cam handle (34, 35) and the back of the cradle (31).

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring (36) is a blade capable of pressing the cradle (31) against the metal block (29A, 29B) when locking the cam handle (34, 35).

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the blade has a curvature; the two ends resting directly on the back of the cradle (31); the center of the blade comprising a rib in which is inserted a rod connected to the cam of the cam handle (34, 35); the rod being outside the pivot axis of the cam handle.

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the cam handle (34, 35) comprises two cams connected to each other by the rod, the two cams being arranged on either side of the blade.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the cam handle (34, 35) comprises a pivot axis contained in a plane parallel to the back of the cradle (31), the handle (34, 35) being pivotally connected to eyelets of the slide.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide (33) has a “U” shaped section capable of fitting the cradle (31) into this slide.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cradle (31) has a “U” shaped section for housing the electronic card and for fitting the metal block (29A, 29B) into this cradle (31).

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the oblique groove (33C) is an opening in the side wall (33A, 33B) of the slide, this opening going from a point on the wall (33A, 33B), distant from the free edge, descending obliquely in a linear or non-linear manner until it opens onto the free edge of the side wall (33A, 33B) of the slide.

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straight groove (31 C) is an opening in the lateral wall (31 A, 31B) of the cradle (31), this opening being perpendicular to a plane containing the electronic card and opening onto the free edge of the lateral wall (31 A, 31B) of the cradle (31).

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal block (29A, 29B) is a longitudinal body and the system further comprises at least two lateral supports (30) fixed to the metal block (29A, 29B) but extending outside the metal block (29A, 29B) on the same line but in two opposite directions.

13. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal block (29A, 29B) comprises at least one water circulation pipe for recovering the heat generated by the electronic card.

14. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal block (29A, 29B) comprises a protuberance and / or a cavity capable of matching the external shape of an electronic component contained on the electronic card.

15. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal block (29A, 29B) consists of at least two parts, a fixed block and a modular block adapted to a given electronic card.

16. Method for fixing an electronic card on a metal block (29A, 29B), the electronic card being contained in a cradle (31) equipped with a slide, this metal block (29A, 29B) being provided with one or more lateral supports (30); the method comprising the following steps: - plating the cradle (31) on the metal block (29A, 29B), the cradle (31) comprising side walls (31 A, 31B) provided with straight grooves (31C) which engage with the supports (30) of the metal block (29A, 29B), and the slide (33) comprising side walls (33A, 33B) provided with oblique grooves (33C) which also engage with the supports (30) of the metal block (29A, 29B); - longitudinal sliding of the slide (33) relative to the cradle (31) so that the supports (30) progress in the oblique grooves (33C) and the electronic card is pressed against the metal block (29A, 29B), - locking a cam handle (34, 35) to ensure pressure to press the electronic card against the metal block (29A, 29B).

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