Information processing device and connector

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of fitting a male connector and a female connector in a coolant, and a connector.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes an insertion part and is disposed in a coolant. The female connector is disposed in the coolant and includes an outer surface, a recess and a flow passage. The recess extends from the outer surface in a first direction and stores the insertion part therein. When inserting the insertion part into the recess, the flow passage communicates a portion in the recess between an end of the insertion part in the first direction and an end of the recess in the first direction with the outside, and the coolant passes in the flow passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and a connector. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, various components mounted on information processing devices generate heat during operation. Liquid immersion cooling is a known cooling method for these components. For example, a device including the components is immersed in an insulating cooling liquid and cooled by the cooling liquid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0161392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When mating male and female connectors in a coolant bath, there is a risk that the coolant accumulated at the back of the recess may prevent the insertion part of the male connector from entering the recess when the insertion part is inserted into the recess.

[0005] One example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a connector that enable mating of a male connector and a female connector in a coolant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment, an information processing device includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector has an insertion portion and is configured to be placed in a coolant. The female connector is configured to be placed in the coolant and has an outer surface, a recess, and a flow path. The recess extends from the outer surface in a first direction and accommodates the insertion portion. When the insertion portion is inserted into the recess, the flow path connects a portion of the recess between an end of the insertion portion in the first direction and an end of the recess in the first direction with the outside, and the coolant passes through the flow path. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a test device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view showing a test unit of the first embodiment, with a portion cut away; [Figure 3] 1 is an exemplary block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an SSD according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing a male connector according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing a female connector of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is an exemplary plan view showing a male connector and a female connector of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the male connector and female connector of the first embodiment taken along line F7-F7 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing the male connector and female connector of the first embodiment taken along line F8-F8 in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 3 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of a portion of the male connector and the female connector of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a male connector being inserted into a female connector of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an exemplary plan view showing a male connector and a female connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is an exemplary perspective view showing a female connector according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a female connector of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In this specification, the vertically upward direction is basically defined as the upward direction, and the vertically downward direction is basically defined as the downward direction. In addition, in this specification, components according to the embodiment and their descriptions may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. The components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0009] In the following description, "suppress" is defined as, for example, preventing an event, action, or influence from occurring, or reducing the severity of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the following description, "restrict" is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation beyond the predetermined range.

[0010] 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a test apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment. The test apparatus 10 tests a solid state drive (SSD) 11 during the manufacturing process of the SSD 11, for example. The test apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing apparatus.

[0011] As shown in the drawings, for convenience, the +X direction, the -X direction, the +Y direction, the -Y direction, the +Z direction, and the -Z direction are defined in this specification. The +X direction is a direction along the width of the test apparatus 10, and the -X direction is the opposite direction to the +X direction. The +Y direction is a direction along the depth of the test apparatus 10, and the -Y direction is the opposite direction to the +Y direction. The +Z direction is a direction along the height of the test apparatus 10, and the -Z direction is the opposite direction to the +Z direction. For example, the +Z direction is the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction.

[0012] The test apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 12, multiple test units 13, a heat exchanger 14, piping 15, and a control device 16. Note that the test apparatus 10 is not limited to this example. Multiple SSDs 11 are mounted on the test apparatus 10 during testing. Therefore, the test apparatus 10 further includes SSDs 11.

[0013] The SSD 11 has a male connector 21. The male connector 21 may also be referred to as a plug, for example. The male connector 21 is, for example, a connector that complies with the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) standard. However, the male connector 21 is not limited to this example. The SSD 11 further has various components such as a circuit board and a NAND flash memory.

[0014] A chamber 31 is provided inside the housing 12. The housing 12 houses a plurality of test units 13 in the chamber 31. The housing 12 has a door 35 that can open and close the chamber 31. The door 35 can airtightly close the chamber 31. Note that the door 35 is not limited to this example.

[0015] 2 is an exemplary perspective view showing a partially cutaway test unit 13 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the multiple test units 13 has a case 41, a substrate 42, and multiple female connectors 43. The case 41 may also be referred to as a tank. The female connector 43 is an example of a female connector and may also be referred to as a receptacle or a socket.

[0016] An accommodation chamber 45 is provided inside the case 41. The case 41 accommodates the substrate 42, a plurality of female connectors 43, and the SSD 11 in the accommodation chamber 45. The case 41 has a lid 46 that can open and close the accommodation chamber 45. Note that the lid 46 is omitted from FIG. 2 for ease of understanding. The lid 46 can liquid-tightly close the accommodation chamber 45. Note that the lid 46 is not limited to this example.

[0017] The accommodation chamber 45 is filled with a coolant L. The coolant L may also be referred to as a refrigerant. The coolant L is an insulating liquid, such as a fluorine-based inert liquid (Fluorinert) or silicone oil. However, the coolant L is not limited to these examples.

[0018] The substrate 42 is, for example, a printed wiring board. The multiple female connectors 43 are mounted on an upper surface 42a of the substrate 42 facing approximately in the +Z direction. The female connectors 43 are connectors that comply with the PCIe standard.

[0019] The board 42, female connector 43, and SSD 11 are immersed in and cooled by the coolant L. In the coolant L, the male connector 21 of the SSD 11 is mated with each of the multiple female connectors 43. In other words, the male connector 21 and the female connector 43 are placed in the coolant L. The SSD 11 and the board 42 can transmit electrical signals to each other through the male connector 21 and the female connector 43.

[0020] The heat exchanger 14 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a plurality of test units 13 through piping 15. Coolant L circulates between the heat exchanger 14 and the plurality of test units 13 through piping 15. The heat exchanger 14 cools the coolant L that has been heated in the accommodation chamber 45. The heat exchanger 14 supplies the cooled coolant L back to the accommodation chamber 45. Note that the heat exchanger 14 is not limited to this example, and the coolant L may be cooled in the accommodation chamber 45, for example.

[0021] The control device 16 is electrically connected to the SSD 11 via the boards 42 and female connectors 43 of the multiple test units 13. The control device 16 can, for example, diagnose the SSD 11 by acquiring information from the SSD 11 and record information such as firmware in the SSD 11.

[0022] The control device 16 controls the heat exchanger 14. Furthermore, when the test device 10 performs an environmental test, the control device 16 changes the temperature and air pressure in the chamber 31 by controlling, for example, the heat exchanger and the pump.

[0023] 3 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an SSD 11 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the SSD 11 includes, for example, a plurality of flash memories 11a, a memory controller 11b, and a RAM 11c. The SSD 11 may also include components other than those described above. The RAM 11c may also be referred to as a buffer memory.

[0024] The flash memory 11a is, for example, a NAND flash memory. The memory controller 11b includes various electronic circuits such as a processor, and is electrically connected to the flash memories 11a, the RAM 11c, and the male connector 21. The memory controller 11b controls the entire SSD 11 and communicates with a host such as the control device 16 via the male connector 21 and the female connector 43.

[0025] FIG. 4 is an exemplary perspective view showing male connector 21 of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exemplary perspective view showing female connector 43 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary plan view showing male connector 21 and female connector 43 of the first embodiment mated. FIG. 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing male connector 21 and female connector 43 of the first embodiment along line F7-F7 in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing male connector 21 and female connector 43 of the first embodiment along line F8-F8 in FIG. 6. In the drawings, female connector 43 is mainly hatched upward to the right, and male connector 21 is mainly hatched downward to the right.

[0026] 4, the male connector 21 has a housing 51 and a plurality of contacts 52. However, the male connector 21 is not limited to this example. The contacts 52 may also be referred to as pins.

[0027] The housing 51 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the housing 51 has an attachment portion 55, an insertion portion 56, and a protrusion 57. The protrusion 57 may also be referred to as a claw. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 51 further has two guides 58.

[0028] The mounting portion 55 is attached to the substrate of the SSD 11. The mounting portion 55 has an end surface 55a. The end surface 55a is provided at an end of the mounting portion 55 in the -Z direction and faces the -Z direction as a whole. The insertion portion 56 extends in the -Z direction from the end surface 55a of the mounting portion 55. The -Z direction is an example of a first direction. The insertion portion 56 is formed in a plate shape that extends along the YZ plane. However, the insertion portion 56 is not limited to this example.

[0029] The insertion portion 56 has an end surface 56a and an outer peripheral surface 56b. The end surface 56a is provided at the end of the insertion portion 56 in the -Z direction and faces the -Z direction as a whole. The outer peripheral surface 56b is provided between the end surface 56a and the mounting portion 55. As shown in FIG. 8, the outer peripheral surface 56b has an upper surface 56c, a lower surface 56d, and two side surfaces 56e. Note that the expressions "upper" and "lower" relating to the male connector 21 and the female connector 43 are used for convenience based on the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, for example.

[0030] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the upper surface 56c is formed to be substantially flat and faces substantially in the -X direction. As shown in Figure 4, the lower surface 56d is located opposite the upper surface 56c. The lower surface 56d is formed to be substantially flat and faces substantially in the +X direction. Two side surfaces 56e connect both ends of the upper surface 56c and the lower surface 56d in the Y direction. One side surface 56e faces substantially in the +Y direction. The other side surface 56e faces substantially in the -Y direction.

[0031] 7, the protrusion 57 protrudes from the lower surface 56d of the insertion portion 56 in approximately the +X direction. The protrusion 57 is located near the end surface 56a. The protrusion 57 is formed, for example, in a substantially hemispherical shape. However, the position and shape of the protrusion 57 are not limited to this example.

[0032] 4, the two guides 58 extend substantially in the -Z direction from the mounting portion 55. The two guides 58 are spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. A guide groove 59 is provided in each of the two guides 58. The guide groove 59 extends in the +Z direction from the end of the guide 58 in the -Z direction.

[0033] The contactors 52 are made of a metal such as copper and are conductive. Each of the multiple contactors 52 has a mounting portion 61 and a contact portion 62. The mounting portion 61 is provided at one end of the contactor 52. The mounting portion 61 protrudes from the attachment portion 55 and is joined to a pad on the substrate of the SSD 11 by, for example, solder. The contact portion 62 is provided at the other end of the contactor 52. The contact portions 62 of the multiple contactors 52 are each provided on the upper surface 56c or the lower surface 56d of the insertion portion 56. The multiple contactors 52 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The protrusion 57 is spaced apart in the -Z direction from the end of the contactor 52 in the -Z direction. Note that the position of the protrusion 57 is not limited to this example.

[0034] 5, female connector 43 has a housing 71, two guides 72, and a plurality of contacts 73. However, female connector 43 is not limited to this example.

[0035] The housing 71 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has insulating properties. The housing 71 has an outer surface 71a and an inner surface 71b. The outer surface 71a faces the outside of the housing 71. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer surface 71a has an end surface 71c, an upper outer surface 71d, and a lower outer surface 71e.

[0036] End surface 71c is provided at the end of housing 71 in the +Z direction. Upper outer surface 71d is formed to be approximately flat and faces approximately in the -X direction. Lower outer surface 71e is located on the opposite side of upper outer surface 71d. Lower outer surface 71e is formed to be approximately flat and faces approximately in the +X direction.

[0037] Housing 71 is provided with a recess 75, a plurality of through holes 76 and 77, and a plurality of grooves 78 and 79. Note that housing 71 is not limited to this example. Recess 75 may also be referred to as an insertion opening. Through holes 76 and 77 are examples of through holes and holes. Grooves 78 and 79 are omitted from FIG. 5.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, recess 75 opens to end face 71c and extends from end face 71c in approximately the -Z direction. Recess 75 is a slit that extends along the YZ plane. Note that recess 75 is not limited to this example. Female connector 43 accommodates insertion portion 56 of male connector 21 in recess 75. Inner surface 71b of housing 71 defines recess 75. Inner surface 71b has a bottom surface 71f, an upper inner surface 71g, and a lower inner surface 71h shown in FIG. 7, and two side surfaces 71i shown in FIG. 8.

[0039] 7, the bottom surface 71f is provided at the end of the recess 75 in the -Z direction. The bottom surface 71f and the end surface 56a of the insertion portion 56 face each other with a gap therebetween. The end surface 56a and the bottom surface 71f may be in contact with each other.

[0040] The upper inner surface 71g, the lower inner surface 71h, and the side surface 71i are each provided between the end surface 71c and the bottom surface 71f. The upper inner surface 71g and the lower inner surface 71h face each other via a recess 75. The distance between the upper inner surface 71g and the lower inner surface 71h is slightly longer than the distance between the upper surface 56c and the lower surface 56d of the insertion portion 56.

[0041] When insertion portion 56 is accommodated in recess 75, upper inner surface 71g and upper surface 56c of insertion portion 56 face each other with a small gap therebetween. Lower inner surface 71h and lower surface 56d of insertion portion 56 face each other with a small gap therebetween. Furthermore, when insertion portion 56 is completely accommodated in recess 75, end surface 71c of female connector 43 and end surface 55a of male connector 21 come into contact with each other with no gap therebetween.

[0042] The housing 71 further has an upper wall 81 and a lower wall 82. The upper wall 81 is an example of a first wall. The lower wall 82 is an example of a second wall. The upper wall 81 is a portion of the housing 71 between the upper outer surface 71d and the upper inner surface 71g. Therefore, the upper wall 81 has the upper outer surface 71d and an upper inner surface 71g that is a part of the inner surface 71b. The lower wall 82 is a portion of the housing 71 between the lower outer surface 71e and the lower inner surface 71h. Therefore, the lower wall 82 has the lower outer surface 71e and a lower inner surface 71h that is another part of the inner surface 71b.

[0043] The lower wall 82 is thinner than the upper wall 81. That is, the distance between the upper outer surface 71d and the upper inner surface 71g is longer than the distance between the lower outer surface 71e and the lower inner surface 71h. Note that the upper wall 81 and the lower wall 82 are not limited to this example.

[0044] 8, two side surfaces 71i are provided on both ends of the recess 75 in the Y direction. The two side surfaces 71i connect both ends of the upper inner surface 71g and the lower inner surface 71h in the Y direction. One side surface 71i faces the +Y direction. The other side surface 71i faces the -Y direction.

[0045] The two side surfaces 71i face each other via a recess 75. The distance between the two side surfaces 71i is slightly longer than the distance between the two side surfaces 56e of the insertion portion 56. When the insertion portion 56 is housed in the recess 75, the side surfaces 71i and the side surfaces 56e of the insertion portion 56 face each other with a small gap therebetween.

[0046] Two notches 83 are further provided in the housing 71. The two notches 83 open to the two side surfaces 71i. Therefore, the two notches 83 communicate with the recess 75. The notches 83 are provided between the end surface 71c and the bottom surface 71f, and open to the end surface 71c.

[0047] 7, the plurality of through holes 76 each penetrate an end of the upper wall 81 in the -Z direction substantially in the X direction, and open to an upper outer surface 71d and an upper inner surface 71g. The plurality of through holes 77 each penetrate an end of the lower wall 82 in the -Z direction substantially in the X direction, and open to a lower outer surface 71e and a lower inner surface 71h. Therefore, the plurality of through holes 76, 77 each communicate between the recess 75 and the outside of the female connector 43. The X direction is the thickness direction of the housing 71.

[0048] 8, the multiple through holes 76 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The Y direction is perpendicular to (intersects with) the -Z direction and is an example of a second direction. The multiple through holes 77 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction.

[0049] 7, for example, each of the multiple through holes 76, 77 has two recesses 85, 86 and a round hole 87. The recesses 85, 86 are elliptical hemispherical depressions. The recess 85 opens to the upper outer surface 71d or the lower outer surface 71e, and the recess 86 opens to the upper inner surface 71g or the lower inner surface 71h. The round hole 87 is a substantially circular hole and extends substantially in the X direction between the recesses 85 and 86.

[0050] The cross sections of the recesses 85, 86 in the upper outer surface 71d, the lower outer surface 71e, the upper inner surface 71g, and the lower inner surface 71h are larger than the cross section of the round hole 87. That is, the through holes 76, 77 are enlarged at both ends. Note that the through holes 76, 77 are not limited to this example.

[0051] Insertion portion 56 of male connector 21 is located between upper wall 81 and lower wall 82. Protrusion 57 protrudes from lower surface 56d of insertion portion 56 toward lower wall 82. The distance between upper surface 56c of insertion portion 56 and the end of protrusion 57 in the +X direction is longer than the distance between upper inner surface 71g and lower inner surface 71h.

[0052] Protrusion 57 fits into one of the multiple through holes 77. Protrusion 57 abuts against the edge of through hole 77, thereby restricting movement of male connector 21 in the +Z direction relative to female connector 43. That is, protrusion 57 fits into through hole 77, thereby restricting insertion portion 56 from coming out of recess 75.

[0053] A plurality of grooves 78 are provided in upper inner surface 71g. A plurality of grooves 79 are provided in lower inner surface 71h. Each of the plurality of grooves 78, 79 is provided between end surface 71c and bottom surface 71f and opens to end surface 71c. Therefore, each of the plurality of grooves 78, 79 communicates between recess 75 and the outside of female connector 43.

[0054] 8, the plurality of grooves 78 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The plurality of grooves 79 are also arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The positions of the plurality of grooves 78 and the positions of the plurality of grooves 79 in the Y direction may be different from each other.

[0055] Housing 71 is located between two guides 58 of male connector 21. Two guides 72 of female connector 43 protrude from both ends of housing 71 in the Y direction and fit into two guide grooves 59 of male connector 21. Guides 72 abut against the ends of guide grooves 59 in the +Z direction, thereby restricting movement of male connector 21 in the -Z direction relative to female connector 43.

[0056] The contactors 73 are made of a metal such as copper and are conductive. As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the multiple contactors 73 has a mounting portion 91 and a contact portion 92. The mounting portion 91 is provided at one end of the contactor 73. The mounting portion 91 protrudes from the housing 71 and is joined to a pad on the substrate 42 by, for example, solder. The contact portion 92 is provided at the other end of the contactor 73. The contact portions 92 of the multiple contactors 73 are each provided on an upper inner surface 71g or a lower inner surface 71h of the housing 71. The multiple contactors 73 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction.

[0057] Figure 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of male connector 21 and female connector 43 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, contact portion 92 of female connector 43 contacts contact portion 62 of male connector 21. Therefore, contactor 52 of male connector 21 and contactor 73 of female connector 43 are electrically connected to each other.

[0058] The plurality of grooves 78 are provided in the upper inner surface 71g between adjacent pairs of the plurality of contacts 73. The plurality of grooves 79 are provided in the lower inner surface 71h between adjacent pairs of the plurality of contacts 73.

[0059] The female connector 43 further has a coating 101. The coating 101 is, for example, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film. However, the coating 101 is not limited to this example.

[0060] The coating 101 is provided on the inner surface 71b. The coating 101 repels the coolant L more than the inner surface 71b. That is, the contact angle between the droplet of the coolant L and the coating 101 is larger than the contact angle between the droplet of the coolant L and the inner surface 71b.

[0061] As described above, the SSD 11 is tested by a plurality of test devices 10. For example, when testing in the first test device 10 is completed, the door 35 of the housing 12 is opened and the test unit 13 is removed from the chamber 31. Furthermore, the lid 46 is opened and the male connector 21 is detached from the female connector 43 in the coolant L. The SSD 11 is then removed from the coolant L in the accommodation chamber 45.

[0062] Next, the SSD 11 is attached to the test unit 13 of the second test apparatus 10. That is, the SSD 11 is immersed in the coolant L in the accommodation chamber 45, and the male connector 21 is mated with the female connector 43 in the coolant L. The test unit 13 is accommodated in the chamber 31, and the SSD 11 is inspected by the second test apparatus 10.

[0063] 10 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing male connector 21 being inserted into female connector 43 of the first embodiment. When male connector 21 is removed from female connector 43, recess 75 of female connector 43 is open to the outside at end face 71c. However, as shown in FIG. 10, when insertion portion 56 of male connector 21 is inserted into recess 75, insertion portion 56 at least partially blocks deep portion B of recess 75.

[0064] The back portion B is a portion of the recess 75 between the end surface 56a of the insertion portion 56 and the bottom surface 71f of the housing 71. In other words, the back portion B is an example of a portion of the recess between the end of the insertion portion in the first direction and the end of the recess in the first direction.

[0065] The viscosity of the cooling liquid L is high. For example, the cooling liquid L does not easily pass through the small gap between the top surface 56c of the insertion portion 56 and the upper inner surface 71g of the housing 71. If the cooling liquid L in the back portion B is not drained, it may remain in the back portion B and prevent the insertion portion 56 from being completely accommodated in the recess 75. In other words, the cooling liquid L remaining in the back portion B may prevent the end surface 71c of the female connector 43 and the end surface 55a of the male connector 21 from contacting each other without any gaps.

[0066] In this embodiment, through holes 76, 77 communicate between the rear portion B and the outside of female connector 43. That is, when insertion portion 56 is inserted into recess 75, through holes 76, 77 are provided in female connector 43 as flow path C1 that communicates between rear portion B and the outside. Coolant L in rear portion B is discharged to the outside through through holes 76, 77, which are flow path C1.

[0067] In this embodiment, when the insertion portion 56 is inserted into the recess 75, the protrusion 57 presses the lower wall 82, thereby elastically deforming the lower wall 82. As a result, the recess 75 is pushed open by the protrusion 57, and the distance between the lower surface 56d of the insertion portion 56 and the lower inner surface 71h of the housing 71 increases. The notch 83 extends the inner periphery of the recess 75, making it easier for the recess 75 to expand.

[0068] The protrusions 57 may elastically deform the bottom wall 82 by pressing the contact portions 92 of the contactors 73. The protrusions 57 are made of synthetic resin, and the contactors 73 are made of metal. This prevents the protrusions 57 from damaging the contactors 73.

[0069] In the Y direction, the length (width) of the protrusion 57 is shorter than the length (width) of the recess 75. Therefore, the protrusion 57 expands the recess 75, thereby providing a flow path C2 in the female connector 43, which is a gap between the lower surface 56d of the insertion portion 56 and the lower inner surface 71h of the housing 71. The flow path C2 connects the rear portion B with the outside. Therefore, the cooling liquid L in the rear portion B is discharged to the outside through the flow path C2.

[0070] In this embodiment, the plurality of grooves 78, 79 communicate between the deepest portion B and the outside. Therefore, when the insertion portion 56 is inserted into the recess 75, the grooves 78, 79 are provided in the female connector 43 as flow paths C3 that communicate between the deepest portion B and the outside. The coolant L in the deepest portion B is discharged to the outside through the grooves 78, 79 that are flow paths C3.

[0071] As described above, when the insertion portion 56 is inserted into the recess 75, the coolant L in the rear portion B is discharged to the outside through at least one of the flow paths C1, C2, and C3. Therefore, the insertion portion 56 is completely inserted into the recess 75 without being obstructed by the coolant L in the rear portion B. When the insertion portion 56 is completely inserted into the recess 75, the protrusion 57 fits into the through-hole 77, and the elastic deformation of the lower wall 82 is released.

[0072] The male connector 21 and the female connector 43 may be mated outside of the coolant L. For example, the coolant L is discharged from the accommodating chamber 45 before the male connector 21 and the female connector 43 are mated. In this case, the coolant L may remain in the recess 75.

[0073] For example, when the male connector 21 and the female connector 43 are not mated, a blower blows air into the recess 75, causing the coolant L inside the recess 75 to be discharged through the through holes 76, 77 and the grooves 78, 79. A suction device may also be used to suck the coolant L from the recess 75. Furthermore, because the coolant L is repelled by the coating 101, it can be discharged from the recess 75 and the grooves 78, 79 by tilting the female connector 43.

[0074] Because the coolant L is discharged from the recess 75, the insertion portion 56 is fully inserted into the recess 75 without being obstructed by the coolant L in the innermost portion B. Therefore, the contacts 52 of the male connector 21 and the contacts 73 of the female connector 43 are electrically connected to each other without being obstructed by the coolant L.

[0075] A cleaning liquid such as benzene may be flowed from the recess 75 into the through-holes 76 and 77 to discharge the cooling liquid L and foreign matter such as dust. After cleaning, a fan blows air into the recess 75, thereby discharging the cleaning liquid remaining inside the recess 75 through the through-holes 76 and 77 and the grooves 78 and 79.

[0076] In the test apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the male connector 21 has an insertion portion 56 and is configured to be placed in the coolant L. The female connector 43 is configured to be placed in the coolant L. The female connector 43 has an outer surface 71a, a recess 75, and flow paths C1, C2, and C3. The recess 75 extends in the −Z direction from an end face 71c of the outer surface 71a and accommodates the insertion portion 56. When the insertion portion 56 is inserted into the recess 75, the flow paths C1, C2, and C3 communicate with the outside and a deep portion B between the end face 56a, which is the end of the insertion portion 56 in the −Z direction, and the bottom face 71f, which is the end of the recess 75 in the −Z direction. This allows the coolant L to pass through the flow paths C1, C2, and C3.

[0077] The male connector 21 and the female connector 43 are provided in a test apparatus 10 capable of immersion cooling, and when the insertion portion 56 of the male connector 21 is inserted into the recess 75 of the female connector 43 in the coolant L, the coolant L collects in the innermost portion B. However, because the flow paths C1, C2, and C3 connect the innermost portion B with the outside, the coolant L can be discharged from the innermost portion B to the outside. Therefore, the test apparatus 10 of this embodiment makes it possible to mate the male connector 21 and the female connector 43 even in the coolant L.

[0078] The female connector 43 has an inner surface 71b that defines a recess 75. The flow path C1 has through holes 76 and 77 that open to the inner surface 71b and connect the rear portion B to the outside. In other words, the male connector 21 has an insertion portion 56. The female connector 43 is matable with the male connector 21 and has a housing 71. The housing 71 includes at least one through hole 76 and 77 that penetrates the thickness of the housing 71 and a recess 75 that accommodates the insertion portion 56 and extends in the Z direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. The recess 75 communicates with the through holes 76 and 77. In other words, the through holes 76 and 77 that form the flow path C1 are always provided in the female connector 43. This allows the testing device 10 of this embodiment to easily discharge the coolant L that accumulates in the rear portion B to the outside via the flow path C1. Furthermore, when the female connector 43 is removed from the coolant L, the coolant L may remain inside the recess 75. For example, when a fan blows air into the recess 75, the coolant L inside the recess 75 is discharged through the through holes 76 and 77. Therefore, the testing device 10 of this embodiment can prevent the coolant L from remaining inside the recess 75.

[0079] The through holes 76, 77 include a plurality of through holes 76, 77 arranged in the Y direction, which intersects with the -Z direction. In other words, the housing 71 includes a plurality of through holes 76, 77. The plurality of through holes 76, 77 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the thickness direction and the Z direction. The Y direction intersects with the -Z direction, which is the direction in which the insertion portion 56 is inserted into the recess 75. Therefore, the plurality of through holes 76, 77 can maintain a flow path area sufficient to discharge the coolant L until the insertion portion 56 is fully inserted into the recess 75. Therefore, the testing apparatus 10 of this embodiment can easily discharge the coolant L that has accumulated in the innermost portion B to the outside through the flow path C1.

[0080] Male connector 21 has protrusion 57 protruding from insertion portion 56. Female connector 43 has inner surface 71b that defines recess 75. When insertion portion 56 is inserted into recess 75, female connector 43 is configured such that protrusion 57 pushes and widens recess 75, thereby providing flow path C2 between insertion portion 56 and inner surface 71b. In other words, flow path C2 is temporarily provided when insertion portion 56 is inserted into recess 75. This allows testing device 10 to prevent deep portion B from always being connected to the outside by flow path C2, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering deep portion B from the outside.

[0081] The connector has an upper wall 81 and a lower wall 82. The upper wall 81 has an upper inner surface 71g that is a part of the inner surface 71b. The lower wall 82 has a lower inner surface 71h that is another part of the inner surface 71b, and is thinner than the upper wall 81. The insertion portion 56 is located between the upper wall 81 and the lower wall 82. The protrusion 57 protrudes from the insertion portion 56 toward the lower wall 82.

[0082] When the insertion portion 56 is inserted into the recess 75, the protrusion 57 presses against the lower wall 82. The thin lower wall 82 is easily deformed by being pressed by the protrusion 57, widening the recess 75. Therefore, the testing device 10 of this embodiment can easily provide the flow path C2 when the insertion portion 56 is inserted into the recess 75.

[0083] A through hole 77 that opens to the inner surface 71b is provided in the lower wall 82. The protrusion 57 is configured to fit into the through hole 77 and prevent the insertion portion 56 from coming out of the recess 75. This makes it possible for the testing device 10 of this embodiment to prevent the insertion portion 56 from undesirably falling out of the recess 75 due to the thin lower wall 82.

[0084] The female connector 43 has an inner surface 71b that defines a recess 75. The flow path C3 has grooves 78 and 79 that are provided on the inner surface 71b and communicate the rear portion B with the outside. In other words, the recess 75 has multiple grooves 78 and 79 that are arranged side by side at intervals in the Y direction. That is, the grooves 78 and 79 that form the flow path C3 are always provided in the female connector 43. This allows the testing device 10 of this embodiment to easily drain the coolant L that accumulates in the rear portion B to the outside through the flow path C3. Furthermore, when the female connector 43 is removed from the coolant L, the coolant L may remain inside the recess 75. For example, when the female connector 43 is tilted, the coolant L inside the recess 75 is drained through the grooves 78 and 79. Therefore, the testing device 10 of this embodiment can prevent the coolant L from remaining inside the recess 75.

[0085] The male connector 21 and the female connector 43 are configured to be placed in the coolant L. The coolant L can move in the Z direction along the multiple grooves 78, 79 and in the thickness direction along the through holes 76, 77. In other words, the grooves 78, 79 and the through holes 76, 77 can discharge the coolant L in the recess 75 to the outside. Therefore, the male connector 21 and the female connector 43 of this embodiment can be fitted together even in the coolant L.

[0086] The female connector 43 has a plurality of contacts 73 provided on the inner surface 71b. Grooves 78, 79 are provided on the inner surface 71b between adjacent two of the plurality of contacts 73. As a result, the gaps between the plurality of contacts 73 are widened by the grooves 78, 79. Therefore, the testing device 10 of this embodiment can prevent the coolant L from remaining in the gaps between the plurality of contacts 73 due to surface tension.

[0087] The female connector 43 has an inner surface 71b that defines a recess 75. A coating 101 that repels the coolant L more than the inner surface 71b is provided on the inner surface 71b. This allows the testing device 10 of this embodiment to smoothly discharge the coolant L in the inner portion B to the outside. Furthermore, when the female connector 43 is removed from the coolant L, the coolant L may remain inside the recess 75. Because the coating 101 causes the coolant L to float, the coolant L inside the recess 75 can be easily discharged by, for example, tilting the female connector 43. Therefore, the female connector 43 of this embodiment can prevent the coolant L from remaining inside the recess 75.

[0088] Female connector 43 has an outer surface 71a and an inner surface 71b. Inner surface 71b defines a recess 75 that opens to outer surface 71a. Through holes 76 and 77 that connect recess 75 to the outside open to inner surface 71b.

[0089] For example, when the male connector 21 is mated with the female connector 43 in the coolant L, the coolant L accumulates inside the recess 75. However, because the through-holes 76 and 77 connect the inside and outside of the recess 75, the coolant L can be discharged from inside the recess 75 to the outside. Therefore, the female connector 43 of this embodiment can be mated with the male connector 21 even in the coolant L. Furthermore, when the female connector 43 is removed from the coolant L, the coolant L may remain inside the recess 75. For example, by blowing air into the recess 75 with a fan, the coolant L inside the recess 75 is discharged through the through-holes 76 and 77. Therefore, the female connector 43 of this embodiment can prevent the coolant L from remaining inside the recess 75.

[0090] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. In the following description of the embodiments, components having the same functions as components already described are given the same reference numerals as the components already described, and further description may be omitted. Furthermore, components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all the same functions and properties, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0091] Fig. 11 is an exemplary plan view showing a male connector 21 and a female connector 43 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, a housing 71 of the second embodiment is provided with a plurality of through grooves 201, 202 instead of a plurality of through holes 76, 77. The through grooves 201, 202 are substantially the same as the through holes 76, 77, except for the points described below.

[0092] The through grooves 201 and 202 extend in the Y direction. The two through grooves 201 penetrate the upper wall 81 and are arranged side by side with a gap in the Y direction. The two through grooves 202 penetrate the lower wall 82 and are arranged side by side with a gap in the Y direction.

[0093] In the testing apparatus 10 of the second embodiment described above, the through grooves 201, 202 extend in the Y direction. The Y direction intersects with the −Z direction, which is the direction in which the insertion portion 56 is inserted into the recess 75. Therefore, the through grooves 201, 202 can maintain a flow path area that allows the coolant L to be discharged until the insertion portion 56 is completely inserted into the recess 75. Therefore, the testing apparatus 10 of this embodiment can easily discharge the coolant L that has accumulated in the innermost portion B to the outside through the flow path C1.

[0094] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is an exemplary perspective view showing a female connector 43 according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 is an exemplary cross-sectional view showing a female connector 43 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, a housing 71 of the third embodiment is provided with a plurality of through holes 301, 302 instead of through holes 76, 77. The through holes 301, 302 are substantially the same as the through holes 76, 77, except for the points described below.

[0095] Each of the multiple through holes 301, 302 has a circular cross section. The through hole 301 penetrates the upper wall 81 in a direction that diagonally intersects with the upper inner surface 71g. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12 , the edges of the through hole 301 on the upper outer surface 71d and the upper inner surface 71g are formed into an ellipse that is larger than the cross section of the through hole 301.

[0096] The through hole 302 penetrates the lower wall 82 in a direction that diagonally intersects with the lower inner surface 71h. Therefore, the edges of the through hole 302 on the lower outer surface 71e and the lower inner surface 71h are formed in an elliptical shape that is larger than the cross section of the through hole 302.

[0097] In the testing apparatus 10 of the third embodiment described above, the through holes 301, 302 extend from the inner surface 71b in a direction that diagonally intersects with the inner surface 71b. This increases the flow path area of ​​the through holes 301, 302 on the inner surface 71b. Therefore, the testing apparatus 10 of this embodiment can easily discharge the coolant L that has accumulated in the deep portion B to the outside through the flow path C1.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the test device 10 is an example of an information processing device, but the information processing device is not limited to this example and may be another device, such as a server having an immersion cooling device.

[0099] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10...test device, 21...male connector, 43...female connector, 56...insertion portion, 56a...end face, 57...protrusion, 71a...outer surface, 71b...inner surface, 71f...bottom surface, 73...contact, 75...recess, 76, 77, 301, 302...through hole, 78, 79...groove, 81...upper wall, 82...lower wall, 101...coating, 201, 202...through groove, L...coolant, B...rear portion, C1, C2, C3...flow path.

Claims

1. a male connector having an insert and configured to be placed in the coolant; configured to be placed in the cooling fluid; The exterior and a recess extending in a first direction from the outer surface and accommodating the insertion portion; a flow path through which the cooling liquid passes, the flow path connecting a portion of the recess between an end of the insertion portion in the first direction and an end of the recess in the first direction with the outside when the insertion portion is inserted into the recess; A female connector; An information processing device comprising:

2. the female connector has an inner surface that defines the recess; The flow path has a through hole that opens to the inner surface and connects the portion to the outside. The information processing device according to claim 1.

3. The through hole has at least one of a through groove extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a plurality of through holes arranged in the second direction.

3. The information processing device of claim 2.

4. The male connector has a protrusion protruding from the insertion portion, The female connector has an inner surface that defines the recess, and is configured so that when the insertion portion is inserted into the recess, the recess is expanded by the protrusion, thereby providing the flow path between the insertion portion and the inner surface. The information processing device according to claim 1.

5. the female connector has a first wall having a portion of the inner surface, and a second wall having another portion of the inner surface and being thinner than the first wall; the insert is located between the first wall and the second wall; The protrusion protrudes from the insertion portion toward the second wall.

5. The information processing device of claim 4.

6. a hole that opens to the inner surface is provided in the second wall; The protrusion is configured to fit into the hole to restrict the insertion portion from coming out of the recess. The information processing device according to claim 5.

7. the female connector has an inner surface that defines the recess; The flow path has a groove provided on the inner surface and communicating the portion with the outside. The information processing device according to claim 1.

8. the female connector has a plurality of contacts provided on the inner surface; The groove is provided on the inner surface between two adjacent contacts of the plurality of contacts. The information processing device according to claim 7.

9. the female connector has an inner surface that defines the recess, and the inner surface is provided with a coating that repels the coolant more than the inner surface. The information processing device according to claim 1.

10. The exterior and an inner surface defining a recess that opens to the outer surface, and a through hole that communicates the recess with the outside; A connector comprising:

11. a male connector having an insertion portion; a female connector that can be mated with the male connector and has a housing; Equipped with The housing includes: At least one through hole penetrating the housing in a thickness direction; an insertion opening that accommodates the insertion portion and extends in a first direction perpendicular to the thickness direction; Including, the insertion opening communicates with the through hole; connector.

12. the housing includes a plurality of the through holes, The plurality of through holes are arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the first direction. The connector of claim 11.

13. The insertion opening has a plurality of grooves arranged side by side at intervals in the second direction. The connector of claim 12.

14. the male connector and the female connector are configured to be disposed in a coolant; the cooling liquid is movable in the first direction along the plurality of grooves and in the thickness direction through the through holes; The connector of claim 13.

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