Self-locking connection system for tubes

Abstract

The invention relates to an element for connection of a tube to a cooling body, wherein: the element has a fitting for the tube to be fitted on, a housing portion and a fluid channel; the fluid channel extends at least partially through the fitting; and the housing portion and the fitting form a groove for insertion of the tube.

Description

[0001] Self-locking connection system for hoses >

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to an element for connecting a hose to a heat sink, as well as to a device comprising at least one element according to the invention and a housing. The invention also relates to a cooling system comprising at least two devices according to the invention. The invention further relates to a part, preferably a microelectronic part, particularly preferably a chip, comprising a device according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for producing a device according to the invention. The invention further relates to the use of an element according to the invention.

[0004] Microelectronic components, such as chips, are becoming increasingly more powerful. As performance increases, so does the generation of heat. This heat must be dissipated quickly for trouble-free operation. Therefore, increasingly efficient cooling systems are required. These components can be cooled by fitting the microelectronic components with a cooling body (heat sink), which is cooled by a fluid. The fluid, a liquid or gas, can be fed into the heat sink through a tube. The tube and body preferably form a closed system in which the fluid circulates. The heat is dissipated from the system in a separate heat exchanger.

[0005] Fluids can be conveyed through hoses. Nipples for connecting a hose by pushing the hose onto the nipple are well known. One difficulty lies in ensuring that the hose does not detach from the nipple.

[0006] To secure the hose to the nipple and prevent it from slipping off, hose clamps can be installed after the hose is pushed on. However, this is an additional step that requires a separate component. This results in additional material consumption, more complex manufacturing, and slower assembly and disassembly of the hose. Furthermore, additional space is required for an external fastener.

[0007] In addition, the connection nipples are often manufactured separately and only screwed into the heat sink after grinding. This also represents a complex manufacturing process, as both the nipple and its counterpart must be machined accordingly.

[0008] Against this background, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved element for connecting a hose to a heat sink, and an improved device, comprising at least one element according to the invention and a housing, for cooling at least one part, preferably a microelectronic part. A further object of the present invention is to provide a cooling system. A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved part, preferably a microelectronic part, particularly preferably an improved chip, comprising a device according to the invention. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a device according to the invention. A further object of the present invention lies in the use of an element according to the invention.The improvement shall, where possible, include at least one effect selected from more secure attachment of the hose to the nipple, reduced material consumption, easier manufacturing and accelerated assembly and / or disassembly.

[0009] According to the invention, at least one of these objects is achieved by an element for connecting a hose to a heat sink, wherein the element comprises a nipple for attaching the hose, a housing section and a fluid channel, wherein the fluid channel extends at least partially through the nipple, wherein the housing section and the nipple form a groove for inserting the hose.

[0010] The fluid channel extends at least partially through the nipple. A fluid can be guided from the attached hose into the fluid channel arranged in the nipple. The fluid channel then carries the fluid, for example, to cool a microelectronic component. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid is a coolant, in particular a coolant that is liquid and / or gaseous at 25°C.

[0011] The housing section and the nipple form a groove for inserting the hose. The groove serves to secure the hose. A hose inserted into the groove is better protected against accidental detachment from the nipple.

[0012] The term hose also includes pipes and ribbed hoses or any means for continuous fluid transport.

[0013] The heat sink is preferably a body or a device for cooling a microelectronic component.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the element according to the invention comprises a hose, wherein the hose is placed onto the nipple and inserted into the groove. The hose has a wall thickness.

[0015] Preferred embodiments are also specified in the subclaims.

[0016] The groove for pressing the hose onto the nipple preferably has a first section with a diameter D1 in the insertion direction of the hose and a second section with a diameter D2, where D1 > D2. The first and second sections are not particularly limited in their extent along the insertion direction of the hose into the groove. For example, the first and second sections can each extend over a few millimeters or micrometers along the insertion direction of the hose into the groove. In one embodiment, the first and second sections only have a point-like extension along the insertion direction of the hose into the groove. The point-like extension can be distributed regularly or irregularly around the circumference of the section.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the first section with diameter D1 is the first section of the groove in the insertion direction of the hose. In other words, in this embodiment, the first section with diameter D1 is located where the hose first touches the housing section and the nipple when inserted into the groove.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the second section with diameter D2 is the diameter of the groove in the area of ​​the maximum stop point or at the maximum stop point of the hose. In other words, in this embodiment, the second section with diameter D2 is located at the bottom of the groove or near the bottom of the groove. In other words, in this embodiment, the second section with diameter D2 represents a section of the groove immediately before the groove transitions into the housing section and nipple.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the diameter of the groove is larger at the opening point of the groove than at the bottom of the groove. A larger diameter of the groove at the first section of the groove in the insertion direction of the hose facilitates insertion of the hose. A smaller diameter of the groove at the second section of the hose in the insertion direction of the hose results in the hose being pressed onto the nipple, at least in this section. This leads to a more secure attachment of the hose to the nipple.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the groove comprises the maximum stop point of the hose in the groove.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the groove comprises at least one intermittent section between the first section with diameter D1 and the second section with diameter D2.

[0022] Preferably, the diameter Dl of the first section corresponds to the wall thickness of the hose. The diameter Dl is in particular somewhat larger, preferably by at most 2%, more preferably by at most 5%, and especially preferably by at most 10% larger than the wall thickness of the hose. This facilitates insertion of the hose into the nipple.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the diameter Dl of the first

[0024] The wall thickness of the first section and the diameter D2 of the hose are larger than the diameter D2 of the second section. This forces the hose onto the nipple. This results in a more secure attachment of the hose to the nipple.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the groove for pressing the hose onto the nipple has a diameter that tapers in the direction of insertion of the hose. This causes the hose to be pressed onto the nipple. If D1 > D2, the pressure increases toward the bottom of the groove. This leads to a more secure attachment of the hose to the nipple.

[0026] The nipple preferably comprises at least one structure selected from a surface profile, a rough surface, at least one retaining rib, and combinations thereof, preferably at least one retaining rib, for retaining the hose attached to the nipple. A rough surface can be formed, for example, by additive manufacturing, a coating, or roughening, preferably by additive manufacturing. Particularly preferably, the nipple comprises two to three, most preferably three, retaining ribs in the insertion direction for retaining the attached hose. This leads to a more secure attachment of the hose to the nipple.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the housing section in the groove forms at least one element for retaining the hose inserted into the groove, preferably a barb. Particularly preferably, the housing section in the groove forms two barbs. This leads to a more secure attachment of the hose to the nipple.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the housing section is designed such that a hose inserted into the groove is held in place by plastic deformation of the housing section. This can be achieved by forming the entire circular groove into an elliptical shape, with the smaller diameter parts providing the holding force, while the larger diameters may lose contact under certain circumstances.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the housing section forms at least one, preferably two, retaining tabs. Contact and thus the locking connection are established by bending or pressing the retaining tabs into the groove and onto the hose. The retaining tab(s) can have retaining hooks, barbs, and / or spikes.

[0030] According to the invention, at least one object of the present invention is achieved by a device comprising a housing and at least one element according to the invention. The housing forms the housing section(s).

[0031] The element according to the invention can be attached to the housing in any spatial direction. In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device according to the invention forms a substantially planar structure. Preferably, the at least one element according to the invention is designed such that at least the nipple stands out from the planar structure. In other words, for example, the nipple has an angle of 5°, preferably 15°, more preferably 45°, and particularly preferably 90°, relative to the planar structure. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the hose, and collisions between the hose and components, for example a circuit board or a microelectronic part, can be avoided. It is also conceivable for some or all of the nipples to slope downwards from the planar structure of the device (negative angle degrees).It is also possible for the nipples to be angled to one or both sides (left and / or right) of the device to achieve similar assembly and disassembly purposes. The arrangement of the nipples is not limited to one side of the device. The nipples can be arranged in combination on any side of the device.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid channel extends meandering through the device.

[0033] The device preferably comprises two or four, particularly preferably four, elements according to the invention. Two or four elements can ensure simultaneous inflow and outflow of fluid. This allows a body to be effectively cooled.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises at least one opening and / or recess for visually verifying that the at least one hose has been connected to the nipple. Preferably, each element according to the invention is provided with an opening for visually verifying that the at least one hose has been connected to the nipple. This allows for the hose to be connected to the nipple as completely and securely as possible. The opening or recess is preferably positioned on a free side of the device where the groove is best accessible visually and / or manually.

[0035] The device is preferably one-piece. In other words, the device is preferably a single piece. This means that the device, including the housing and its housing sections, the nipple, and any one or more structures for retaining the hose plugged onto the nipple, preferably retaining rib(s), as well as any one or more elements for retaining the hose inserted into the groove, preferably barbs, are formed from a single piece. This makes assembly particularly simple. Furthermore, the device is less prone to failure and more stable. High leak resistance is particularly important when used for cooling electronic components.

[0036] The device is preferably made of a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient. This ensures rapid heat conduction from the device or part to be cooled into the fluid (cooling medium). The material is preferably corrosion-resistant and suitable for use in cooling circuits. The device is preferably made of a material that contains or consists of a metal, wherein the metal is preferably selected from iron, copper, and aluminum, particularly preferably selected from copper and aluminum. Stainless steels and other materials can also be used. Particularly preferably, the material contains at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 70% by weight, of a metal, preferably selected from iron, copper, and aluminum. The material can contain up to 100% by weight or 70% by weight of metal.

[0037] The device is preferably manufactured additively. Additive manufacturing allows the device, despite its complex structure, to be manufactured in one piece (i.e., in one piece or in one piece), even in a small size. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a body for cooling at least one part, preferably a microelectronic part. In a preferred embodiment, the microelectronic part comprises a chip or is a chip. Due to its design, the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for cooling at least one part, preferably a microelectronic part such as a chip.

[0038] According to the invention, at least one object of the present invention is achieved by a part, preferably a microelectronic part, comprising a device according to the invention. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the microelectronic part comprises a chip or is a chip. The microelectronic part comprising a device according to the invention can be cooled particularly reliably and effectively. Furthermore, simple assembly is possible.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a chip has a surface, wherein the device according to the invention extends over a part of the surface of the microelectronic part, e.g. 30%.

[0040] According to the invention, at least one object of the present invention is achieved by a system comprising at least two devices according to the invention, wherein the two devices are connected to each other by at least one hose for conducting a fluid. Preferably, the system also comprises one or two parts, preferably microelectronic parts, for example, chips, wherein the at least two devices according to the invention are attached to the part(s).

[0041] According to the invention, at least one object of the present invention is achieved by a method for producing a device according to the invention. The method comprises additive manufacturing of the device. Additive manufacturing allows the device to be manufactured in one piece (i.e., in a one-piece or single-piece form) despite its complex structure, even in a small size.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises grinding edges of the device after additive manufacturing using grinding material whose diameter is larger than the maximum diameter of the groove or larger than the diameter of the first section of the groove. The advantage resulting from this embodiment is that the grinding material cannot penetrate into the groove. Accordingly, any one or more structures present for retaining the attached hose, preferably retaining rib(s), as well as any one or more elements present for retaining the hose inserted into the groove, preferably barbs, are not ground but retain their intended shapes and properties. The grinding is preferably vibratory grinding.

[0043] According to the invention, at least one object of the present invention is achieved by the use of an element according to the invention for connecting a hose to a body, wherein the groove is further tapered by plastic deformation and a holding force is applied to the hose. Preferably, the deformation is applied reproducibly in a defined manner.

[0044] According to the invention, at least one object of the present invention is achieved by the use of an element according to the invention for connecting a hose to a body for cooling a chip, wherein no hose clamp is used to connect the hose. The invention eliminates the use of fastening means such as hose clamps. This saves material and simplifies and accelerates assembly and / or disassembly. Furthermore, less space is required, and sharp edges of an external fastening means are avoided.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the use, the opening and / or recess serves as a defined weakening of the outer wall of the groove for visual verification of the insertion, thus facilitating deformation. Depending on the number of openings, a different number of retaining tabs are created, but two are preferred.

[0046] The invention is described below using an example.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a cross section through an embodiment of an element according to the invention for connecting a hose to a heat sink;

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a cross section through a further embodiment of an element according to the invention for connecting a hose to a heat sink;

[0049] Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic part without the opening / recess;

[0050] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a device according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic part with the opening / recess;

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a device according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic part;

[0052] Fig. 6 shows a device according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic part;

[0053] Fig. 7 shows a device according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic part;

[0054] Fig. 8 shows a chip according to the invention, containing a device according to the invention for cooling the chip;

[0055] Fig. 9 shows a circuit board with a chip according to the invention as shown in Fig. 8.

[0056] Figure 1 shows an element 10 for connecting a hose (the hose is not shown in the figures) to a heat sink. The element 10 comprises a nipple 11 for attaching the hose, a housing section 12, and a fluid channel 13. The fluid channel 13 extends at least partially through the nipple 11. The housing section 12 and the nipple 11 form a groove 14 for inserting the hose.

[0057] The groove 14 for pressing the hose onto the nipple 11 has a first section 14a with a diameter D1 in the insertion direction of the hose and a second section 14b with a diameter D2 (each extending at a point along the insertion direction of the hose). The diameter of the first section D1 is larger than the average diameter of the second section D2.

[0058] Thus, the groove 14 for pressing the hose onto the nipple 11 has a diameter that tapers in the insertion direction of the hose.

[0059] Figures 1 and 2 show a nipple 11 with three retaining ribs 15 for holding back the attached hose.

[0060] Figure 2 shows an embodiment in which the housing section 12 forms two barbs 16 in the groove 14 for retaining the hose inserted into the groove 14.

[0061] Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a device 20 according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic component. The device 20 comprises a housing 21 and two elements 10 for connecting a hose to the device 20, i.e., the heat sink.

[0062] Fig. 4 is also a partial cross-sectional view of a device 20 according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic component. Two elements 10, each for connecting a hose to the device 20, i.e., the heat sink, as well as three retaining ribs 15 on the nipple, can be seen.

[0063] Fig. 5 shows a bottom view of a device 20 according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic component. Openings 22 are visible for visually checking the connection of the hoses to the respective nipples.

[0064] Fig. 6 shows a device 20 according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic component. In particular, retaining tabs 17 can be seen, which hold the hose through plastic deformation.

[0065] Fig. 7 shows a device 20 according to the invention for cooling a microelectronic component. It can be seen that retaining tabs 17, which hold the tube by plastic deformation, additionally have retaining hooks 18. Fig. 8 shows a chip 30 according to the invention, containing a device 20 according to the invention for cooling the chip 30. The device 20 according to the invention here comprises two elements 10 according to the invention.

[0066] Fig. 9 shows a circuit board 40 with a chip 30 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 8. It can be seen, among other things, that the device 20 according to the invention forms a substantially planar structure, with the elements 10 according to the invention being designed such that the nipple 11 has an angle of between 10° and 90° relative to the planar structure. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the hose, and collisions between the hose and components of the circuit board 40 can be avoided.

[0067] List of reference symbols

[0068] 10 elements

[0069] 11 nipples

[0070] 12 Housing section

[0071] 13 Fluid channel

[0072] 14 grooves

[0073] 14a first section of the groove

[0074] 14b second section of the groove

[0075] 15 holding rib

[0076] 16 barbs

[0077] 17 Retaining tab

[0078] 18 retaining hooks of the retaining tab

[0079] 20 Device

[0080] 21 housings

[0081] 22 Opening for visual inspection of the attachment

[0082] 30 chips

[0083] 40 boards

[0084] Dl Diameter of the first section

[0085] D2 Diameter of the second section

[0086] -> Insertion direction of the hose

Claims

Claims 1. Element (10) for connecting a hose to a heat sink, characterized in that the element (10) comprises a nipple (11) for plugging on the hose, a housing section (12) and a fluid channel (13), wherein the fluid channel (13) extends at least partially through the nipple (11), wherein the housing section (12) and the nipple (11) have a groove (14) for inserting the hose.

2. Element (10) at least according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (14) for pressing the hose onto the nipple (11) has a first section with a diameter D1 in the insertion direction of the hose and a second section with a diameter D2, where D1 > D2.

3. Element (10) at least according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the groove (14) for pressing the hose onto the nipple (11) has a diameter tapering in the insertion direction of the hose.

4. Element (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nipple (11) has at least one structure selected from a surface profiling, a rough surface, at least one retaining rib (15) and combinations thereof, preferably at least one retaining rib (15) for retaining the hose attached to the nipple.

5. Element (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing section (12) forms at least one element, preferably at least one barb (16), in the groove (14) for retaining the hose inserted into the groove (14) and / or that the housing section (12) forms at least one, preferably two, retaining tabs (17) for pressing the retaining tabs (17) into the groove (14) and onto the hose.

6. Device (20) comprising a housing (21) and at least one element (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 5.

7. Device (20) at least according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing (21) comprises at least one opening and / or recess (22) for visually checking the attachment of the at least one hose to the nipple (11).

8. Device (20) according to at least one of claims 6-7, characterized in that the device (20) is one-piece.

9. Device (20) according to at least one of claims 6-8, characterized in that the device (20) is manufactured additively.

10. Part, preferably microelectronic part, particularly preferably chip (30), comprising a device (20) at least according to one of the preceding claims 6-9.

11. A cooling system comprising at least two devices (20) according to at least one of claims 6-9, wherein the two devices (20) are connected to each other at least by a hose for conducting a fluid.

12. A method for producing a device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims 6-9, comprising additive manufacturing of the device (20).

13. Method at least according to claim 12, comprising, after the additive manufacturing, grinding, preferably vibratory grinding, of the edges of the device (20) using grinding material whose diameter is larger than the maximum diameter of the groove (14).

14. Use of an element (10) according to any one of claims 1-5 for Connecting a hose to a body, wherein the groove (14) is plastic deformation is additionally tapered and a holding force is applied to the hose.

15. Use at least according to claim 14, wherein the opening (22) for visual inspection of the plugging is designed as a defined weakening of the outer wall of the groove (14) and thus facilitates deformation.

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