Radiator and cooling device

Abstract

The radiator is used together with a fluid flow generating device that generates a flow of fluid by rotation about a central axis extending vertically. The radiator has: a main body portion having an upper surface facing the fluid flow generating device in the vertical direction; and fins extending upward from the upper surface, dividing into a plurality of flow paths. Each of the plurality of fluid paths obtained according to the plurality of flow paths has: an inlet through which the fluid discharged from the fluid flow generating device flows in; and an outlet that discharges the fluid that has entered through the inlet to the outside. A part of the plurality of fluid paths has: a first branch portion that branches from a first fluid path at a position downstream of the inlet; and a first confluence portion that converges with a second fluid path different from the inlet at a position downstream of the first branch portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiator and a cooling device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cooling device having a radiator thermally connected to a heat generating body and an electric fan device for supplying cooling air to the radiator has been known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] The radiator has: a heat receiving part and a plurality of heat radiating fins that receive heat from the heat radiating body; and a cooling air passage through which cooling air is supplied. The cooling air passage is formed along the heat radiating fins. The electric fan device has a centrifugal impeller. The impeller sucks in air and discharges the sucked air toward the cooling air passage. The air flowing in the cooling air passage exchanges heat with the radiator and functions as a main cooling medium for taking heat from the heat generating body. The air heated by the heat exchange with the radiator is discharged to the outside from the downstream end of the cooling air passage.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-23281 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, if the number of heat radiating fins is increased, the heat radiating area increases, and thus an increase in cooling capacity is expected. However, if the number of cooling air passages is increased simply by increasing the heat radiating fins, the flow of air may deteriorate. In particular, in a cooling air passage having a long length from the inlet to the outlet, if heat radiating fins are arranged in the middle of the air passage to branch the air passage and increase its number, the flow of air is likely to stagnate.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of suppressing stagnation of fluid flow while increasing the number of flow paths divided by fins to improve cooling efficiency.

[0010] Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] An exemplary radiator of the present invention is used together with a fluid flow generating device that generates a fluid flow by rotating about a central axis extending vertically. The radiator has: a main body portion having an upper surface facing the fluid flow generating device in the vertical direction; and fins extending upward from the upper surface, dividing a plurality of flow paths. Each of the plurality of fluid paths obtained from the plurality of flow paths has: an inlet for the fluid discharged from the fluid flow generating device to flow in; and an outlet for discharging the fluid that has entered from the inlet to the outside. At least a part of the plurality of fluid paths has: a first branch portion that branches from a first fluid path at a position downstream of the inlet; and a first confluence portion that confluences with a second fluid path different from the inlet at a position downstream of the first branch portion.

[0012] In addition, an exemplary radiator of the present invention is used together with a fluid flow generating device that generates a fluid flow by rotating about a central axis extending vertically. The radiator has: a main body portion having an upper surface facing the fluid flow generating device in the vertical direction; and fins extending upward from the upper surface, dividing a plurality of flow paths. Four regions defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis are sequentially set as a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device. The X-axis and the Y-axis intersect at the intersection of the central axis and the upper surface and extend in the direction of expansion along the upper surface. Each of the plurality of fluid paths obtained from the plurality of flow paths has: an inlet for the fluid discharged from the fluid flow generating device to flow in; and an outlet provided in the first region for discharging the fluid that has entered from the inlet to the outside. The long-distance paths of the plurality of fluid paths that pass through the second region and the third region from the inlet to the outlet are constituted by using long-distance flow paths extending over the entire range from the second region to the third region. When viewed from above, a plurality of the long-distance flow paths are arranged in a direction away from the intersection. The outermost long-distance flow path, which is located at the place farthest from the intersection in the second region among the plurality of long-distance flow paths, has a confluence portion that confluences with other flow paths in at least one of the second region and the third region.

[0013] An exemplary cooling device of the present invention has a radiator having the above structure and the fluid flow generating device.

[0014] Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the exemplary present invention, it is possible to increase the number of flow paths divided by the fins to improve the cooling efficiency while suppressing the stagnation of the fluid flow. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 It is a top view of the cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a view after removing the Figure 1 cover.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the fluid flow generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a simplified sectional view of the cooling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a top view of the radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a view for explaining the main path and the sub-path of the radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a view for explaining the details of the sub-path of the radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 It is a view for explaining the branch portion and the confluence portion in the main path of the radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 It focuses on the Figure 8 shown third main path and fourth main path.

[0025] Figure 10 It focuses on the Figure 8 shown first main path and second main path.

[0026] Figure 11 It focuses on the Figure 8 shown tenth main path.

[0027] Figure 12 It is a top view of the radiator of the first modification.

[0028] Figure 13 It is a view for explaining the details of the main path of the radiator of the first modification.

[0029] Figure 14 It is a top view of the radiator of the second modification.

[0030] Figure 15 It is a view for explaining the details of the main path of the radiator of the second modification. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification, the direction parallel to the central axis C of the fluid flow generating device 2 used together with the radiator 1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis C is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction along the arc centered on the central axis C is referred to as the "circumferential direction". Figure 3 The direction parallel to the shown central axis C is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis C is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction along the arc centered on the central axis C is referred to as the "circumferential direction".

[0032] In addition, in this specification, the axial direction is used as the up-down direction, and the side where the fluid flow generating device 2 is provided with respect to the radiator 1 is regarded as the upper side to describe the shape and positional relationship of each part. However, it is not intended to limit the orientation when the radiator and the cooling device of the present invention are used by this definition of the up-down direction.

[0033] In addition, in this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" in principle refer to the upstream and downstream in the flow direction of the fluid from the shown inlet 131 towards the outlet 132 by rotating the fluid flow generating device 2. Figure 2 The direction parallel to the shown central axis C is referred to as the "axial direction", the direction perpendicular to the central axis C is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction along the arc centered on the central axis C is referred to as the "circumferential direction".

[0034] <1. Cooling device>

[0035] Figure 1 is a top view of the cooling device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a view of the cooling device 100 observed from above. As Figure 1 shown, the cooling device 100 includes a radiator 1 and a fluid flow generating device 2. The cooling device 100 also includes a cover 3.

[0036] The radiator 1 is used together with the fluid flow generating device 2. The radiator 1 is, for example, a heat dissipation component made of a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity such as aluminum, copper, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, etc. Figure 2 is a view after removing the Figure 1 cover 3. In Figure 2 , the fluid flow generating device 2 is simplified and shown. As Figure 2 shown, the radiator 1 includes a main body portion 10 and fins 11. The main body portion 10 and the fins 11 are the same component.

[0037] When viewed from above, the main body portion 10 is rectangular. However, the main body portion 10 may also have a shape other than rectangular, for example, it may be a polygon other than rectangular. The main body portion 10 has an upper surface 10a that faces the fluid flow generating device 2 in the up-down direction. The upper surface 10a extends in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The upper surface 10a may be a flat surface, but may also be a surface with irregularities. At the periphery of the upper surface 10a, except for one of the four sides, a peripheral wall 10b extending upward is provided.

[0038] The fin 11 extends upward from the upper surface 10a. A plurality of fins 11 are provided on the upper surface 10a. When viewed from above, the shapes of the respective fins 11 are various. For example, when viewed from above, one fin 11 is linear, another fin 11 is a curved shape such as an arc shape, and still another fin 11 is a shape having a linear portion and a curved portion, etc. In addition, when viewed from above, the fin 11 may be dot-shaped. The dot-shaped fin may be, for example, cylindrical, prismatic, hammer-shaped, etc.

[0039] The fin 11 demarcates a plurality of flow paths 12. The flow path 12 is a passage for a fluid to pass through. The flow path 12 is formed at a position sandwiched between two fins 11. In addition, the flow path 12 is formed at a position sandwiched between the fin 11 and the peripheral wall 10b. In the present embodiment, the flow path 12 is in a groove shape. The fluid flowing in the flow path 12 comes into contact with the fin 11, thereby performing heat exchange with the fin 11. Specifically, the fluid extracts heat from the fin 11. That is, the fin 11 is a heat radiating fin.

[0040] In Figure 2 the relatively thick dashed lines schematically show a plurality of fluid paths 13 obtained according to the plurality of flow paths 12. In addition, in Figure 2 only a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13 obtained according to the plurality of flow paths 12 is shown. The plurality of fluid paths 13 each have an inlet 131 and an outlet 132. Each fluid path 13 is a passage through which a fluid flows from a certain inlet 131 to a certain outlet 132.

[0041] The inlet 131 is a part where the fluid discharged from the fluid flow generating device 2 flows in. The outlet 132 is a part where the fluid that has entered from the inlet 131 is discharged toward the outside. Here, the outside refers to the outside of the radiator 1. That is, the fluid path 13 is a path through which the fluid discharged from the fluid flow generating device 2 reaches the outside of the radiator 1. Heat exchange occurs between the fluid passing through each fluid path 13 and the fin 11.

[0042] As Figure 2 shown, the fluid flow generating device 2 generates the flow of the fluid by rotating about a central axis C extending vertically. In addition, Figure 2 the hollow arrows shown indicate the flow of the fluid. In the fluid flow generating device 2, the direction in which the fluid flows in is different from the direction in which the fluid is discharged. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the fluid flows in is the vertical direction, and the direction in which the fluid is discharged is a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2 that rotates about the central axis C is the clockwise direction. However, the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device 2 may also be the counterclockwise direction. In the case where the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device 2 is the counterclockwise direction, change the arrangement and shape of the fin 11.

[0043] In addition, the fluid is, for example, a gas or a liquid. The gas is, for example, air. The liquid is, for example, water or a coolant. In the present embodiment, the fluid is air.

[0044] In addition, the fluid flow generating device 2 is, for example, a fan or a pump. In the present embodiment, the fluid flow generating device 2 is a centrifugal fan that allows air to flow in from above and discharge in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. According to this structure, by driving the fluid flow generating device 2, air is sucked into the cooling device 100 from the outside. The sucked air exchanges heat while passing through each fluid path 13 and is discharged to the outside. Through the flow of this air, the object to be cooled can be efficiently cooled.

[0045] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fluid flow generating device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. For easy understanding, a part of the main body 10 of the radiator 1 is also shown in Figure 3 As shown in Figure 3 the fluid flow generating device 2 includes a motor 20, an impeller 21, and a support portion 22.

[0046] The motor 20 has a shaft 201, a stator 202, and a rotor 203. The shaft 201 extends vertically along the central axis C. The shaft 201 is supported by bearings 204 disposed radially outside the shaft 201 so as to be rotatable. The bearings 204 are housed in a covered cylindrical bearing holder 205 supported by the support portion 22 and are held by the bearing holder 205. In addition, in the present embodiment, the bearing 204 is a sleeve bearing, but the bearing may be other types, for example, a ball bearing.

[0047] The stator 202 is annular with the central axis C as the center. The stator 202 is disposed radially outside the bearing holder 205 and fixed to the bearing holder 205. The rotor 203 is cylindrical with the central axis C as the center. A ring-shaped magnet 203a is fixed to the radially inner surface of the rotor 203. The magnet 203a is disposed radially outside the stator 202 at an interval from the stator 202. By supplying a drive current to the stator 202, a rotational torque is generated between the magnet 203a and the stator 202. Thereby, the rotor 203 rotates relative to the stator 202.

[0048] The impeller 21 has an impeller cup 211 and a plurality of blades 212. The impeller cup 211 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with the central axis C as the center and is fixed to the shaft 201. The rotor 203 is fixed to the radially inner surface of the impeller cup 211. That is, the impeller 21 rotates together with the rotation of the rotor 203.

[0049] Each blade 212 extends in a direction away from the central axis C from a surface on the radially outer side of the impeller cup 211. A plurality of blades 212 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, the direction away from the central axis C may be parallel to the radial direction or a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction. The rotation of each blade 212 generates an air flow.

[0050] The support portion 22 that supports the motor 20 is fixed to the lower surface of the cover 3. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the fluid flow generating device 2 and the upper surface 10a of the main body portion 10 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. However, the support portion 22 may also be integrated with the cover 3. Thereby, the number of components can be reduced, and cost reduction can be achieved. In addition, the support portion 22 may also be mounted on the upper surface 10a. That is, the upper surface 10a that faces the fluid flow generating device 2 in the vertical direction may also be in contact with the fluid flow generating device 2.

[0051] As Figure 1 shown, the cover 3 covers the upper surface 10a of the main body portion 10 of the radiator 1. The cover 3 is made of a metal material having excellent thermal conductivity such as iron / ferroalloy, for example. The cover 3 is mounted on the main body portion 10 of the radiator 1 by a fixing method such as screw fastening or brazing, for example.

[0052] A circular cover opening 3a penetrating in the vertical direction is provided near the central portion of the cover 3. The fluid flow generating device 2 mounted on the lower surface of the cover 3 is exposed to the outside of the cooling device 100 through the cover opening 3a. By driving the fluid flow generating device 2, fluid flows into the interior of the cooling device 100 from the outside through the cover opening 3a. In addition, by driving the fluid flow generating device 2, the fluid sucked into the interior is discharged to the outside of the cooling device 100 through the fluid path 13 formed in the radiator 1 from the portion where the peripheral wall 10b is not provided.

[0053] Figure 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the cooling device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 4 shown, the main body portion 10 has a cooled body housing portion 101 for housing the cooled body on the lower surface 10c side. The cooled body is an object to be cooled. In Figure 4 the example shown, the heating element 4 and the substrate 5 on which the heating element 4 is mounted correspond to the cooled body. As the heating element 4, for example, heating elements such as semiconductor chips and transistors are exemplified.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the cooled body housing portion 101 has an element housing portion 101a and a substrate housing portion 101b. However, it may also be configured to have only either the element housing portion 101a or the substrate housing portion 101b. The element housing portion 101a is a recess formed by the downward depression of the lower surface 10c of the main body portion 10, and houses at least a part of the heating element that is the heating body 4. The heating body 4 housed in the element housing portion 101a preferably contacts the main body portion 10. In addition, as long as the heating body 4 is in thermal contact with the main body portion 10, for example, it may also be configured such that a thermal grease is sandwiched between the heating body 4 and the main body portion 10. The substrate housing portion 101b is a portion that houses the substrate 5, and the substrate 5 housed in the substrate housing portion 101b preferably is in thermal contact with the main body portion 10.

[0055] The fluid flowing through the plurality of fluid paths 13 by the driving of the fluid flow generating device 2 exchanges heat with the radiator 1, thereby taking heat from the cooled body. Thus, the cooled body is cooled. The fluid heated by the heat exchange with the radiator 1 is discharged to the outside of the cooling device 100 through the outlet 132 of the fluid path 13. In the present embodiment, since the radiator 1 used together with the fluid flow generating device 2 can be cooled over a relatively large range by the fluid, the cooled body can be cooled efficiently. In addition, in the present embodiment, the cooled body housing portion 101 for housing the cooled body is provided on the lower surface side of the radiator 1 that can be cooled over a relatively large range, so that the restrictions related to the arrangement of the cooled body can be reduced.

[0056] <2. Details of the radiator>

[0057] (2-1. Outline of the fluid path)

[0058] Figure 5 is a top view of the radiator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a view of the radiator 1 as observed from above. Figure 5 The dotted arrows in [ ] indicate the flow of the fluid. In the present embodiment, the flow of the fluid is the flow of air, that is, wind. In Figure 5 the same as Figure 2 a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13 obtained from the plurality of flow paths 12 is schematically shown by a relatively thick dotted line. Figure 5 The hollow arrow RD in [ ] indicates the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device 2.

[0059] In Figure 5Among them, in a direction opposite to the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2, the four regions R1, R2, R3, and R4 divided by the X-axis and the Y-axis are sequentially set as the first region R1, the second region R2, the third region R3, and the fourth region R4. The X-axis and the Y-axis intersect at the intersection point CP of the central axis C and the upper surface 10a and extend along the direction in which the upper surface 10a extends. The direction in which the upper surface 10a extends is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The rotation direction RD is the clockwise direction, and the direction opposite to the rotation direction RD is the counterclockwise direction.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, the X-axis is perpendicular to the Y-axis. However, the X-axis and the Y-axis may not be perpendicular. In addition, in the present embodiment, the X-axis and the Y-axis do not equally divide the upper surface 10a of the main body portion 10 into four parts. However, the X-axis and the Y-axis may equally divide the upper surface 10a of the main body portion 10 into four parts.

[0061] As Figure 5 shown, when viewed from above, the inlets 131 of the respective fluid paths 13 are provided in at least any one of the four regions R1, R2, R3, and R4. Each inlet 131 may be provided only in any one of the four regions R1, R2, R3, and R4, or may be provided in a manner spanning multiple regions.

[0062] In the present embodiment, starting from the first region R1, a first inlet 131a, a second inlet 131b, a third inlet 131c, a fourth inlet 131d, a fifth inlet 131e, a sixth inlet 131f, a seventh inlet 131g, an eighth inlet 131h, a ninth inlet 131i, a tenth inlet 131j, an eleventh inlet 131k, and a twelfth inlet 131l are provided in sequence in the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2.

[0063] The first inlet 131a and the second inlet 131b are provided in the first region R1. The third inlet 131c, the fourth inlet 131d, the fifth inlet 131e, and the sixth inlet 131f are provided in the fourth region R4. The seventh inlet 131g and the eighth inlet 131h are provided in the third region R3. The ninth inlet 131i is provided in a manner spanning the third region R3 and the second region R2. The tenth inlet 131j, the eleventh inlet 131k, and the twelfth inlet 131l are provided in the second region R2.

[0064] As Figure 5 shown, when viewed from above, the outlets 132 of the respective fluid paths 13 are provided in the first region R1. Specifically, all the outlets 132 of the multiple fluid paths 13 are provided in the first region R1. That is, in the radiator 1 of the present embodiment, the outlets 132 of the respective fluid paths 13 are provided in a manner biased in a specific direction.

[0065] In the present embodiment, in the first region R1, the first outlet 132a, the second outlet 132b, the third outlet 132c, the fourth outlet 132d, the fifth outlet 132e, the sixth outlet 132f, the seventh outlet 132g, the eighth outlet 132h, the ninth outlet 132i, the tenth outlet 132j, and the eleventh outlet 132k are provided in the order from the upstream to the downstream in the rotational direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2.

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment, a structure in which only one fluid path 13 is obtained with respect to one inlet 131 and a structure in which a plurality of fluid paths 13 are obtained with respect to one inlet 131 coexist. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, it may be a structure in which only either the former structure or the latter structure is provided. In the former structure, the relationship between the inlet 131 and the outlet 132 is always a one-to-one relationship. In the latter structure, for example, a structure in which the outlet 132 is shared among a plurality of fluid paths 13 may be included. In addition, the latter structure may include a structure in which the outlet 132 is different for a plurality of fluid paths 13.

[0067] By Figure 5 Taking a specific example, for example, with respect to the seventh inlet 131g provided in the third region R3, only one fluid path 13 from the seventh inlet 131g to the third outlet 132c is obtained. With respect to the sixth inlet 131f provided in the fourth region R4, a total of three fluid paths 13 including the fluid path 13 from the sixth inlet 131f to the first outlet 132a and the two fluid paths 13 from the sixth inlet 131f to the second outlet 132b are obtained.

[0068] In addition, the first inlet 131a, the second inlet 131b, the third inlet 131c, the fourth inlet 131d, the fifth inlet 131e, the sixth inlet 131f, the tenth inlet 131j, and the eleventh inlet 131k are shared among a plurality of fluid paths 13. In addition, the first outlet 132a, the second outlet 132b, the seventh outlet 132g, the eighth outlet 132h, the tenth outlet 132j, and the eleventh outlet 132k are shared among a plurality of fluid paths 13.

[0069] In addition, in the present embodiment, the fins 11 include Y-shaped fins 11a and 11b. By disposing the Y-shaped fins 11a and 11b on the upper surface 10a, the rigidity of the radiator 1 can be improved. In addition, by forming the flow paths 12 with the Y-shaped fins 11a and 11b, the fluid can be easily guided in different directions. In the present embodiment, the number of the Y-shaped fins 11a and 11b is two, but the number may be other than two. One of the two Y-shaped fins 11a exists so as to straddle the third region R3 and the fourth region R4. The other of the two Y-shaped fins 11b exists so as to straddle the first region R1 and the fourth region R4.

[0070] In the radiator 1, when viewed from above, at least a part of the fluid path 13 having the inlet 131 in the fourth region R4, the direction of fluid flow changes at an acute angle midway. As Figure 5 shown, in the present embodiment, four inlets 131, i.e., a third inlet 131c, a fourth inlet 131d, a fifth inlet 131e, and a sixth inlet 131f, are provided in the fourth region R4. In the fluid paths 13 having the third inlet 131c and the fourth inlet 131d among the four inlets 131 as the inlet 131, the direction of fluid flow changes at an acute angle midway.

[0071] Midway refers to a position or region between the inlet 131 and the outlet 132. In other words, at least a part of the fluid path 13 having the inlet 131 in the fourth region R4, the direction of fluid flow changes at an acute angle at a position downstream of the inlet 131. In the present embodiment, the direction of fluid flow does not change at an acute angle at the inlet 131. In addition, the direction of fluid flow changing at an acute angle means a state in which, with a certain position or narrow region as a boundary, the angle formed by the flow direction of the fluid upstream of the boundary and the flow direction of the fluid downstream is an acute angle. The narrow region is a relatively narrow region having a length of 1 / 5 or less of the total length of the fluid path 13 in each fluid path 13. The narrow region is preferably a relatively narrow region having a length of 1 / 8 or less of the total length of the fluid path 13 in each fluid path 13.

[0072] Here, as a comparative example of the present embodiment, consider a case where the direction in which the fluid path 13 extends is only along the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2. In this case, regarding the fluid path having the inlet 131 in the fourth region R4, it is considered that the fluid flow deteriorates because the distance to the outlet 132 provided in the first region R1 is long. That is, it is considered that the contribution of the fluid flowing in this fluid path to cooling is low.

[0073] On the other hand, according to the structure of the present embodiment, at least a part of the fluid path 13 having the inlet 131 in the fourth region R4 is formed such that the direction of fluid flow changes at an acute angle. Therefore, with respect to at least a part of the fluid path 13 having the inlet 131 in the fourth region R4, the distance to the outlet 132 can be shortened, thereby enabling good fluid flow. That is, according to this structure, the contribution of the fluid flowing in the fluid path 13 having the inlet 131 in the fourth region R4 to cooling can be improved. In addition, according to this structure, the fluid path 13 can be formed in a relatively large range of the fourth region R4 where it was likely to be a dead zone in the past, thereby expanding the range of fluid flow and improving the cooling efficiency. Further, in this structure, it is configured such that the direction of fluid flow changes at an acute angle at a position downstream of the inlet 131, and thus, compared with a structure in which the direction of fluid flow changes abruptly at the inlet of the path, the direction of fluid flow can be changed efficiently.

[0074] (2-2. Main path and sub-path)

[0075] Figure 6 FIG. is for explaining the main path 13M and the sub-path 13S of the radiator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Similar to Figure 5 is a top view of the radiator 1 as viewed from above. In Figure 6 , the thicker solid lines are lines provided to easily grasp the general category of the fluid path 13 approximately and are not necessarily the boundary lines for distinguishing the categories of the fluid path 13. In addition, Figure 6 the main path 13M, the sub-path 13S, and the auxiliary path 13A indicated by the thicker dashed lines in

[0076] are merely examples of a plurality of paths, respectively. At least a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13 formed on the upper surface 10a of the main body 10 is divided into the main path 13M and the sub-path 13S. In the present embodiment, a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13 is divided into the main path 13M and the sub-path 13S. Specifically, the plurality of fluid paths 13 are divided into the main path 13M, the sub-path 13S, and the auxiliary path 13A.

[0077] The main path 13M is a fluid path 13 in which the fluid flows in the same direction as the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2. The fluid flowing in the same direction as the rotation direction RD means that when viewed from above, with respect to the imaginary line connecting the central axis C and the point of interest on the fluid path 13, the fluid flowing through the point of interest flows obliquely in the same direction as the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2. In the main path 13M, in the entire range or substantially the entire range, the fluid flows in the same direction as the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2. For example, when changing the flow direction of the fluid to adjust the discharge direction of the fluid near the outlet 132, it may be in substantially the entire range. In the present embodiment, in the main path 13M, in the entire range, the fluid flows in the same direction as the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the inlet 131 is provided in the fourth region R4, the third region R3, or the second region R2, and the outlet 132 is any one of the first outlet 132a, the second outlet 132b, the third outlet 132c, the fourth outlet 132d, the fifth outlet 132e, the sixth outlet 132f, and the seventh outlet 132g (refer to Figure 5 ). The fluid path 13 is the main path 13M.

[0079] As a preferred mode, in the present embodiment, the main path 13M includes at least a part of the fluid path 13 having the inlet 131 in the third region R3. Specifically, the main path 13M includes a plurality of fluid paths 13 having the seventh inlet 131g, the eighth inlet 131h, and the ninth inlet 131i as the inlet 131, and at least a part of the seventh inlet 131g, the eighth inlet 131h, and the ninth inlet 131i exists in the third region R3. Thus, through the main path 13M, it is possible to cool a relatively large range including not only the first region R1 and the second region R2 but also the third region R3.

[0080] The sub-path 13S is a fluid path 13 having a portion where the direction of fluid flow is switched from the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device 2 to the opposite direction at an acute angle. The fluid flowing in the direction opposite to the rotation direction RD means that when viewed from above, with respect to the imaginary line connecting the central axis C and the point of interest on the fluid path 13, the fluid flowing through the point of interest flows obliquely in the direction opposite to the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2. The portion where the acute angle switch occurs is located downstream of the inlet 131. The portion where the acute angle switch occurs is a certain position or a narrow area of the fluid path 13.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the inlet 131 is provided in the fourth region R4 or the first region R1, and the outlet 132 is the tenth outlet 132j or the eleventh outlet 132k (refer to Figure 5 ), and the fluid path 13 is a sub-path 13S. According to this structure, while cooling a relatively large area of the radiator 1 using the main path 13M, the sub-path 13S can be arranged in the area where it is difficult to arrange the main path 13M in the radiator 1, thereby cooling a larger area of the radiator 1.

[0082] As a preferred mode, in the present embodiment, the sub-path 13S includes at least a part of the fluid path 13 having an inlet 131 in the fourth region R4 and also includes at least a part of the fluid path 13 having an inlet 131 in the first region R1. Specifically, the sub-path 13S includes a plurality of fluid paths 13 having the third inlet 131c and the fourth inlet 131d (refer to Figure 5 ) as the inlet 131, and the third inlet 131c and the fourth inlet 131d are present in the fourth region R4. In addition, the sub-path 13S includes a plurality of fluid paths 13 having the first inlet 131a and the second inlet 131b (refer to Figure 5 ) as the inlet 131, and the first inlet 131a and the second inlet 131b are present in the first region R1. In such a structure, it is also possible to send the fluid from the first region R1 to the fourth region R4, thereby being able to efficiently cool the fourth region R4 that is difficult to handle by the main path 13M.

[0083] The auxiliary path 13A is a fluid path 13 having a part that switches the direction of fluid flow from the rotational direction RD of the fluid generating device 2 to the opposite direction. However, in the auxiliary path 13A, the direction of fluid flow does not change at an acute angle. That is, the auxiliary path 13A is different from the main path 13M and the sub-path 13S. The part that switches the direction of fluid flow from the rotational direction RD to the opposite direction is present at a position downstream of the inlet 131.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the fluid path 13 having an inlet 131 in the second region R2 and the outlet 132 being the eighth outlet 132h or the ninth outlet 132i (refer to Figure 5 ) is the auxiliary path 13A. In addition, the auxiliary path 13A may not be provided. However, by providing the auxiliary path 13A, a relatively large area of the radiator 1 can be cooled.

[0085] As described above, in the present embodiment, there is a Y-shaped fin 11b that exists in a manner straddling the first region R1 and the fourth region R4. The Y-shaped fin 11b has a portion that extends linearly toward the outlet 132 in the first region R1. By providing this Y-shaped fin 11b, a sub-path 13S can be formed in a manner different from other types of paths. In the present embodiment, other types of paths are auxiliary paths 13A. In addition, when it is not necessary to completely distinguish from other types of paths, a V-shaped fin may be arranged instead of the Y-shaped fin 11b. If the Y-shaped fin 11b of the present embodiment is replaced with a V-shaped fin, a part of the sub-path 13S merges with a part of the auxiliary path 13A.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the portion of the Y-shaped fin 11b that exists in a manner straddling the first region R1 and the fourth region R4 and extends linearly toward the outlet 132 is arranged at a position closer to the fourth region R4 side than the center in the direction in which the plurality of outlets 132 are arranged. However, this configuration can also be changed. For example, the portion that extends linearly toward the outlet 132 may also be arranged at the center in the direction in which the plurality of outlets 132 are arranged. In this case, a structure without the auxiliary path 13A can also be formed.

[0087] (2-3. Details of the sub-path)

[0088] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the details of the sub-path 13S of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a part of the radiator 1 enlarged when viewed from above. At least a part of the plurality of sub-paths 13S has a sub-path confluence portion 133 that merges with other sub-paths 13S. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of sub-paths 13S has a sub-path confluence portion 133 that merges with other sub-paths 13S.

[0089] In each sub-path 13S, the sub-path confluence portion 133 is provided at a position downstream of the inlet 131. The sub-path confluence portion 133 can be formed by interrupting the fin 11 that divides the flow path 12 before reaching the outlet 132. When viewed from above, the sub-path confluence portion 133 is the downstream end of the fin 11 that is interrupted before reaching the outlet 132. In the sub-path confluence portion 133, the fluid converges from the plurality of fluid paths 13, so the flow rate increases. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the stagnation of the fluid flow in the sub-path 13S having a portion where the fluid flow is switched at an acute angle.

[0090] As Figure 7As shown, in the present embodiment, there is a confluence region 30 where the fluids passing through each sub-path confluence section 133 converge. Upstream of the confluence region 30, there are, in order of the rotational direction RD, a first pre-confluence flow path 12a, a second pre-confluence flow path 12b, a third pre-confluence flow path 12c, and a fourth pre-confluence flow path 12d. Downstream of the confluence region 30, there are, in order of the rotational direction RD, a first post-confluence flow path 12e and a second post-confluence flow path 12f. That is, the number of flow paths 12 after confluence is reduced compared to before confluence. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the flow of the fluid stagnates due to insufficient flow rate.

[0091] In addition, the first pre-confluence flow path 12a and the second pre-confluence flow path 12b converge before converging with the third pre-confluence flow path 12c and the fourth pre-confluence flow path 12d. That is, the fluid flowing in the first pre-confluence flow path 12a converges with the fluid flowing in the second pre-confluence flow path 12b and then converges with the fluid flowing in the third pre-confluence flow path 12c and the fourth pre-confluence flow path 12d. In addition, the fluid flowing in the second pre-confluence flow path 12b converges with the fluid flowing in the first pre-confluence flow path 12a and then converges with the fluid flowing in the third pre-confluence flow path 12c and the fourth pre-confluence flow path 12d.

[0092] However, it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be a structure in which the fluids flowing in the first pre-confluence flow path 12a, the second pre-confluence flow path 12b, the third pre-confluence flow path 12c, and the fourth pre-confluence flow path 12d converge simultaneously. In the present embodiment, the first pre-confluence flow path 12a has a step where the height in the vertical direction of the flow path becomes higher from upstream to downstream. The step is generated, for example, by a component disposed on the lower surface 10c side of the main body portion 10. Due to the presence of this step, the flow of the fluid in the first pre-confluence flow path 12a may be reduced. In the present embodiment, since the first pre-confluence flow path 12a and the second pre-confluence flow path 12b converge at an earlier stage, the reduction in the flow of the above-mentioned fluid can be suppressed.

[0093] (2-4. Details of the main path)

[0094] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the branch sections 134a to 134d and the confluence sections 135a to 135c in the main path 13M of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a view of the radiator 1 from above. In Figure 8 it, the thicker dashed line indicates the main path 13M.

[0095] As Figure 8As shown, the main path 13M includes a first main path 13M1, a second main path 13M2, a third main path 13M3, a fourth main path 13M4, a fifth main path 13M5, a sixth main path 13M6, a seventh main path 13M7, an eighth main path 13M8, a ninth main path 13M9, a tenth main path 13M10, and an eleventh main path 13M11.

[0096] The first main path 13M1 is a fluid path from the fifth inlet 131e to the first outlet 132a. The second main path 13M2 is a fluid path from the fifth inlet 131e to the second outlet 132b. The third main path 13M3 is a fluid path from the sixth inlet 131f to the first outlet 132a. The fourth main path 13M4 is one of two fluid paths from the sixth inlet 131f to the second outlet 132b. The fifth main path 13M5 is the other of the two fluid paths from the sixth inlet 131f to the second outlet 132b. When viewed from above, the fourth main path 13M4 is located on the outer side when observed from the intersection point CP compared to the fifth main path 13M5. Additionally, Figure 5 Details of the inlets 131 and outlets 132 are shown.

[0097] The sixth main path 13M6 is a fluid path from the seventh inlet 131g to the third outlet 132c. The seventh main path 13M7 is a fluid path from the eighth inlet 131h to the fourth outlet 132d. The eighth main path 13M8 is a fluid path from the ninth inlet 131i to the fifth outlet 132e. The ninth main path 13M9 is a fluid path from the tenth inlet 131j to the sixth outlet 132f. The tenth main path 13M10 is a fluid path from the tenth inlet 131j to the seventh outlet 132g. The eleventh main path 13M11 is a fluid path from the eleventh inlet 131k to the seventh outlet 132g. Additionally, Figure 5 Details of the inlets 131 and outlets 132 are shown.

[0098] At least a part of the plurality of main paths 13M has at least one of a branch portion and a confluence portion. In the branch portion, the fluid path 13 is divided into at least two. In the confluence portion, at least two fluid paths 13 merge. When viewed from above, the branch portion and the confluence portion are generated at the ends of the fins 11 that make up the flow path 12.

[0099] As Figure 8 shown, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of main paths 13M has at least one of branch portions 134a to 134d and confluence portions 135a to 135c. By Figures 9 - 11 , details of the branch portions 134a to 134d and the confluence portions 135a to 135c are described.

[0100] Figure 9 It focuses on Figure 8 the diagram of the 3rd main path 13M3 and the 4th main path 13M4 shown in the figure. As Figure 9 shown, the 3rd main path 13M3 has two branch parts 134a, 134b and one confluence part 135a. The 4th main path 13M4 has two branch parts 134a, 134b and two confluence parts 135a, 135b.

[0101] The 3rd main path 13M3 and the 4th main path 13M4 have a branch part 134a that branches from the 5th main path 13M5 at a position downstream of the 6th inlet 131f. In other words, at least a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13 has a 1st branch part 1341 that branches from the 1st fluid path 13a at a position downstream of the inlet 131. In Figure 9 the example shown, the 5th main path 13M5 is the 1st fluid path 13a, and the number of the 1st fluid paths 13a is one. However, the number of the 1st fluid paths 13a can also be plural. In addition, in Figure 9 the example shown, the branch part 134a is the 1st branch part 1341.

[0102] The 3rd main path 13M3 and the 4th main path 13M4 have a confluence part 135a that merges with the 1st main path 13M1 and the 2nd main path 13M2 with the 5th inlet 131e as the inlet 131 at a position downstream of the branch part 134a. In other words, at least a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13 has a 1st confluence part 1351 that merges with a 2nd fluid path 13b different from the inlet 131 at a position downstream of the 1st branch part 1341. In Figure 9 the example shown, the 1st main path 13M1 and the 2nd main path 13M2 are the 2nd fluid paths 13b, and the number of the 2nd fluid paths 13b is two. However, the number of the 2nd fluid paths 13b can also be single or more than three. In addition, in Figure 9 the example shown, the confluence part 135a is the 1st confluence part 1351.

[0103] According to this embodiment, the cooling efficiency is improved by increasing the number of flow paths 12 divided by the fins 11 through the 1st branch part 1341. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the situation where the flow of the fluid stagnates at the 1st confluence part 1351 provided at a position downstream of the 1st branch part 1341 due to the influence of the branching of the previous fluid path 13 while improving the cooling efficiency.

[0104] In addition, the third main path 13M3 and the fourth main path 13M4 also have a branch portion 134b that branches the fluid path 13 at a position downstream of the confluence portion 135a. In other words, a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13 has a second branch portion 1342 that branches the fluid path 13 at a position downstream of the first confluence portion 1351. In Figure 9 In the example shown, the branch portion 134b is the second branch portion 1342. The fluid path 13 is branched by the second branch portion 1342. Specifically, the third main path 13M3 and the fourth main path 13M4 are separate. In the present embodiment, the number of the second branch portions 1342 is one, but the number of the second branch portions 1342 may also be plural.

[0105] According to this structure, by providing the second branch portion 1342 that branches the fluid path 13, the range in which the fluid flows can be expanded. As a result, the cooling area in the radiator 1 can be expanded. However, the second branch portion 1342 may not be provided. In this case, for example, the structure may be such that the first main path 13M1 and the third main path 13M3 are not provided.

[0106] In addition, the third main path 13M3 has a confluence portion 135b that confluences with a fifth main path 13M5 that is separate from the branched portion 134a, in addition to the confluence portion 135a. As described above, in Figure 9 the example shown, the branch portion 134a is the first branch portion 1341, the confluence portion 135a is the first confluence portion 1351, and the fifth main path 13M5 is the first fluid path 13a. That is, a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13 has a second confluence portion 1352 that confluences with the first fluid path 13a that is separated by the first branch portion 1341, in addition to the first confluence portion 1351. In Figure 9 the example shown, the confluence portion 135b is the second confluence portion 1352. According to this structure, the occurrence of stagnation of the fluid flow can also be suppressed by the second confluence portion 1352 that is different from the first confluence portion 1351.

[0107] Figure 10 is a view focusing on Figure 8 the first main path 13M1 and the second main path 13M2 shown. As Figure 10 shown, the first main path 13M1 has one branch portion 134b and one confluence portion 135a. The second main path 13M2 has one branch portion 134b and two confluence portions 135a and 135b.

[0108] Specifically, the first main path 13M1 and the second main path 13M2 merge with the third main path 13M3 and the fourth main path 13M4 at the confluence part 135a. The first main path 13M1 and the second main path 13M2 are separated by the branch part 134b. The second main path 13M2 merges with the fifth main path 13M5 at the confluence part 135b.

[0109] Here, focus on the second main path 13M2. The second main path 13M2 has a branch part 134b that branches from the first main path 13M1 at a position downstream of the fifth inlet 131e. That is, the branch part 134b is regarded as the above-mentioned first branch part 1341. The branch part 134b has the functions of the first branch part 1341 and the second branch part 1342. In addition, in Figure 10 the example shown, the first main path 13M1 is the above-mentioned first fluid path 13a.

[0110] In addition, the second main path 13M2 has a confluence part 135b that merges with the fifth main path 13M5, which takes the sixth inlet 131f as the inlet 131, at a position downstream of the branch part 134b that functions as the first branch part 1341. That is, the confluence part 135b can be regarded as the first confluence part 1351. The confluence part 135b has the functions of the first confluence part 1351 and the second confluence part 1352. In addition, in this case, the fifth main path 13M5 is the above-mentioned second fluid path 13b.

[0111] In the present embodiment, at least a part of the main path 13M has the first branch part 1341 and the first confluence part 1351. Thus, even when there are not many inlets 131 for the main path 13M where the fluid path 13 is likely to become long due to, for example, spatial conditions, etc., by providing the first branch part 1341 and the first confluence part 1351, it is possible to expand the range where the main path 13M is provided while suppressing the stagnation of the fluid flow. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the radiator 1 can be improved.

[0112] In addition, the first branch part 1341 and the first confluence part 1351 can also be provided in the sub-path 13S and the auxiliary path 13A.

[0113] In addition, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the long-distance path 13LD, which is a path in the plurality of fluid paths 13 from the inlet 131 to the outlet 132 passing through the third region R3 and the second region R2, has the first branch part 1341 and the first confluence part 1351. Specifically, the long-distance path 13LD is a fluid path 13 that passes through at least the third region R3, the second region R2, and the first region R1. The long-distance path 13LD can also be a fluid path 13 that passes through the fourth region R4, the third region R3, the second region R2, and the first region R1.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the second main path 13M2, the third main path 13M3, and the fourth main path 13M4 have a first branch portion 1341 and a first confluence portion 1351. The second main path 13M2, the third main path 13M3, and the fourth main path 13M4 are long-distance paths 13LD passing through the fourth region R4, the third region R3, the second region R2, and the first region R1.

[0115] Regarding the fluid flowing along the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2, in the long-distance path 13LD, the distance from the inlet 131 to the outlet 132 is long, so the flow of the fluid is likely to stagnate. Therefore, according to the common sense so far, it is difficult to dispose the fins 11 in the middle of the fluid path 13 to form a branch portion. However, in the present embodiment, a first confluence portion 1351 is provided, and the first confluence portion 1351 compensates for the stagnation of the fluid flow that may occur due to the provision of the first branch portion 1341. Therefore, even in the long-distance path 13LD, the fins 11 constituting the branch portion can be disposed in the middle, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.

[0116] In addition, in the short-distance path 13SD passing only through the second region R2 and the first region R1, or only through the first region R1, the first branch portion 1341 and the first confluence portion 1351 may also be provided. Figure 11 It is focused on Figure 8 a view of the tenth main path 13M10 shown. As Figure 11 shown, in the present embodiment, the tenth main path 13M10, which is a short-distance path 13SD, has a first branch portion 1341 and a first confluence portion 1351. Specifically, the branch portion 134c is the first branch portion 1341. The ninth main path 13M9 is the first fluid path 13a. The confluence portion 135c is the first confluence portion 1351. One of the fluid paths 13 with the eleventh inlet 134k (refer to Figure 5 ) as the inlet is the second fluid path 13b. In addition, the branch portion 134d is a second branch portion 1342 provided downstream of the first confluence portion 1351.

[0117] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the number of each of the inlets 131 and outlets 132 shared between the plurality of fluid paths 13 is counted as one, in the long-distance path 13LD, the number of outlets 132 is the same as the number of inlets 131. Specifically, the inlets 131 of the long-distance path 13LD include the fifth inlet 131e, the sixth inlet 131f, the seventh inlet 131g, the eighth inlet 131h, and the ninth inlet 131i (refer to Figure 5) The number of inlets 131 of the long-distance path 13LD is five. The outlet 132 of the long-distance path 13LD includes a first outlet 132a, a second outlet 132b, a third outlet 132c, a fourth outlet 132d, and a fifth outlet 132e (refer to Figure 5 ), and the number of outlets 132 of the long-distance path 13LD is also five. According to this structure, in the long-distance path 13LD, it is possible to prevent the path from branching more than necessary, thereby suppressing the situation where the flow of the fluid stagnates.

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the long-distance path 13LD has an inlet 131 in the fourth region R4. Specifically, a first main path 13M1, a second main path 13M2, a third main path 13M3, a fourth main path 13M4, and a fifth main path 13M5, which are parts of the long-distance path 13LD, have inlets 131 in the fourth region R4. Thereby, the fourth region R4 can be actively used as a channel for the fluid, and the cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0119] <3. Modification Example>

[0120] (3-1. First Modification Example)

[0121] Figure 12 is a top view of the radiator 1α of the first modification example. Figure 12 is a view of the radiator 1α observed from above. The radiator 1α of the first modification example also has fins 11α that divide a plurality of flow paths 12α on the upper surface 10aα of the main body portion 10α in the same manner as the above-described embodiment. Through the plurality of flow paths 12α, a plurality of fluid paths 13α are obtained. The plurality of fluid paths 13α are divided into a main path 13Mα, a sub-path 13Sα, and an auxiliary path 13Aα. A plurality of each of the main path 13Mα, the sub-path 13Sα, and the auxiliary path 13Aα are provided. In addition, in Figure 12 only a part of the plurality of fluid paths is shown by thick lines.

[0122] In the first modification example, in the main path 13Mα, the fluid flows in the same direction as the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2. The sub-path 13Sα has a portion that switches the direction of fluid flow from the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2 to the opposite direction. In the radiator 1α of the first modification example, the number of Y-shaped fins 11bα is one, which is different from the above-described embodiment. The Y-shaped fin 11bα arranged so as to straddle the first region R1 and the fourth region R4 divides the sub-path 13Sα and the auxiliary path 13Aα.

[0123] Figure 13 is a view for explaining the details of the main path 13Mα of the radiator 1α of the first modification example. As Figure 13As shown, a part of the main path 13Mα has: a first branch portion 1341α, which forms a branch point with the first fluid path 13aα; and a first confluence portion 1351α, which is provided at a position downstream of the first branch portion 1341α and forms a confluence point with the second fluid path 13bα.

[0124] In addition, in the first modification, only a part of the long-distance path 13LDα passing through the fourth region R4, the third region R3, the second region R2, and the first region R1 has the first branch portion 1341α and the first confluence portion 1351α. In addition, in the first modification, there is no main path 13Mα having a second branch portion at a position downstream of the first confluence portion 1351α. In addition, in the first modification, there is no main path 13Mα having a second confluence portion that merges with the first fluid path 13aα separated by the first branch portion 1341α.

[0125] The number of each of the inlets 131α and outlets 132α shared among the plurality of fluid paths 13α is counted as one. In this case, in the first modification, in the long-distance path 13LDα, the number of outlets 132α and the number of inlets 131α are both six, which is the same number. In addition, the fluid paths 13α passing through all of the four regions R1 to R4 and the fluid paths 13α passing through the third region R3, the second region R2, and the first region R1 correspond to the long-distance path 13LDα.

[0126] In Figure 13 In the first modification shown, the long-distance path 13LDα is formed by using a long-distance flow path 121α that extends throughout the second region R2 and the third region R3. The upstream end of the long-distance flow path 121α may be located on the boundary between the third region R3 and the fourth region R4, may be located in the fourth region R4, or may be located in the third region R3. The downstream end of the long-distance flow path 121α is located in the first region R1.

[0127] When viewed from above, a plurality of long-distance flow paths 121α are arranged in a direction away from the intersection point CP. Among the plurality of long-distance flow paths 121α, the outermost long-distance flow path 121aα located at the place farthest from the intersection point CP in the second region R2 has a confluence portion 135aα that merges with other flow paths 12α in at least one of the second region R2 and the third region R3. In this modification, specifically, the outermost long-distance flow path 121aα has a confluence portion 135aα in the third region R3. By providing the confluence portion 135aα, it is possible to suppress the stagnation of the fluid flow. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, there is also a similar confluence portion 135a (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0128] (3-2. The second modification)

[0129] Figure 14 It is a top view of the radiator 1β of the second modified example. Figure 14 It is a view of the radiator 1β observed from above. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the radiator 1β of the second modified example also has fins 11β that divide a plurality of flow paths 12β on the upper surface 10aβ of the main body portion 10β. Through the plurality of flow paths 12β, a plurality of fluid paths 13β are obtained. The plurality of fluid paths 13β are divided into a main path 13Mβ, a sub-path 13Sβ, and an auxiliary path 13Aβ. A plurality of each of the main path 13Mβ, the sub-path 13Sβ, and the auxiliary path 13Aβ are provided. In addition, Figure 14 only a part of the plurality of fluid paths 13β is shown by thick lines in

[0130] In the second modified example, in the main path 13Mβ, the fluid also flows in the same direction as the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2. The sub-path 13Sβ has a portion that switches the direction of fluid flow from the rotation direction RD of the fluid flow generating device 2 to the opposite direction. In the second modified example, similar to the first modified example, one Y-shaped fin 11bβ that divides the sub-path 13Sβ and the auxiliary path 13Aβ is provided.

[0131] Figure 15 It is a view for explaining details of the main path 13Mβ of the radiator 1β of the second modified example. As Figure 15 shown, a part of the main path 13Mβ has: a first branch portion 1341β, which constitutes a branch point with the first fluid path 13aβ; and a first confluence portion 1351β, which is provided at a position downstream of the first branch portion 1341β and constitutes a confluence point with the second fluid path 13bβ.

[0132] In addition, in the second modified example, only a part of the long-distance path 13LDβ of the fourth region R4, the third region R3, the second region R2, and the first region R1 has the first branch portion 1341β and the first confluence portion 1351β. In addition, in the second modified example, there is no main path 13Mβ that has a second branch portion at a position downstream of the first confluence portion 1351β.

[0133] In the second modification example, the main path 13Mβ having the first branch portion 1341β and the first confluence portion 1351β has a second confluence portion 1352β, and the second confluence portion 1352β merges with the first fluid path 13aβ separated by the first branch portion 1341β. In the second modification example, there is a main path 13Mβ having a third branch portion 1343 that branches the fluid path 13. There is no confluence portion as a point where fluids merge before and after the third branch portion 1343. The main path 13Mβ having the third branch portion 1343 is a short-distance path 13SDβ that passes only through the second region R2 and the first region R1. In the short-distance path 13SDβ, compared with the long-distance path 13LDβ, fluid stagnation is less likely to occur, so it is easy to set up a branch portion without setting up a confluence portion.

[0134] The number of each of the inlets 131β and outlets 132β shared among the plurality of fluid paths 13β is counted as one. In this case, in the second modification example, in the long-distance path 13LDβ, the number of outlets 132β is less than the number of inlets 131β. Specifically, the number of outlets 132β is four, and the number of inlets 131β is five. Therefore, in the long-distance path 13LDβ, it is possible to prevent the fluid path 13β from branching more than necessary, thereby suppressing the situation where the fluid flow stagnates.

[0135] In addition, in Figure 15 the second modification example shown, the outermost long-distance flow path 121aβ also has confluence portions 135aβ, 135bβ. Specifically, the outermost long-distance flow path 121aβ has confluence portions 135aβ, 135bβ that merge with other flow paths in the second region R2 and the third region R3.

[0136] <4. Precautions>

[0137] Various technical features disclosed in this specification can be added with various changes without departing from the gist of its technical creation. In addition, the multiple embodiments and modification examples shown in this specification can also be implemented in combination within the possible range.

[0138] Industrial Applicability

[0139] The present invention can be applied, for example, to cooling devices configured for vehicle use, home appliance use, office equipment use, etc.

[0140] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0141] 1, 1α, 1β: Radiator; 2: Fluid flow generating device; 10, 10α, 10β: Main body portion; 11, 11α, 11β: Fins; 12, 12α, 12β: Flow path; 13, 13α, 13β: Fluid path; 13a, 13aα, 13aβ: First fluid path; 13b, 13bα, 13bβ: Second fluid path; 13LD, 13LDα, 13LDβ: Long-distance path; 13M, 13Mα, 13Mβ: Main path; 13S, 13Sα, 13Sβ: Sub-path; 100: Cooling device; 101: Cooled body housing portion; 131, 131α, 131β: Inlet; 132, 132α, 132β: Outlet; 133: Sub-path confluence portion; 1341, 1341α, 1341β: First branch portion; 1342: Second branch portion; 1351, 1351α, 1351β: First confluence portion; 1352, 1352β: Second confluence portion; C: Central axis; CP: Intersection point; R1: First region; R2: Second region; R3: Third region; R4: Fourth region; RD: Rotation direction.

Claims

1. A radiator, which is used together with a fluid flow generating device that generates a fluid flow by rotation about a central axis extending vertically, wherein, the radiator has: a main body portion having an upper surface facing the fluid flow generating device in the vertical direction; and fins extending upward from the upper surface, dividing a plurality of flow paths, the upper surface includes a flat area that is not provided with the fins and faces the fluid flow generating device, the fins are arranged around the flat area, each of the plurality of fluid paths obtained according to the plurality of flow paths has: an inlet for the fluid discharged from the fluid flow generating device to flow in; and an outlet for discharging the fluid that has entered from the inlet to the outside, at least a part of the plurality of fluid paths has: a first branch portion that branches from the first fluid path at a position downstream of the inlet; and a first confluence portion that converges with a second fluid path different from the inlet at a position downstream of the first branch portion, when the four regions divided by the X-axis and the Y-axis that intersect at the intersection of the central axis and the upper surface and extend in the direction extending along the upper surface are sequentially set as the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device, when viewed from above, the inlets each of the plurality of fluid paths has are provided in at least any one of the four regions, the outlets each of the plurality of fluid paths has are provided in the first region, the plurality of fluid paths include: a short-distance path that passes through the second region and the first region from the inlet to the outlet; and a long-distance path that passes through the third region, the second region, and the first region from the inlet to the outlet, at least a part of the long-distance path has the first branch portion and the first confluence portion.

2. The radiator according to claim 1, wherein, a part of the plurality of fluid paths, in addition to having the first confluence portion, further has a second confluence portion that converges with the first fluid path separated by the first branch portion.

3. The radiator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, a part of the plurality of fluid paths further has a second branch portion that branches the fluid path at a position downstream of the first confluence portion.

4. The radiator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the number of the inlets and the outlets shared between the plurality of fluid paths is counted as one each, in the long-distance path, the number of the outlets is the same as or less than the number of the inlets.

5. The radiator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, at least a part of the long-distance path has the inlet in the fourth region.

6. The radiator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the main body portion has a cooled body housing portion for housing the cooled body on the lower surface side.

7. The radiator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid flow generating device discharges fluid in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

8. A radiator used together with a fluid flow generating device that generates a fluid flow by rotation about a central axis extending vertically, wherein the radiator has: a main body portion having an upper surface facing the fluid flow generating device in the vertical direction; and fins extending upward from the upper surface and partitioning a plurality of flow paths, each of the plurality of fluid paths obtained according to the plurality of flow paths has: an inlet for the fluid discharged from the fluid flow generating device to flow in; and an outlet for discharging the fluid that has entered from the inlet to the outside, at least a part of the plurality of fluid paths has: a first branch portion that branches from a first fluid path at a position downstream of the inlet; and a first confluence portion that confluences with a second fluid path different from the inlet at a position downstream of the first branch portion, when the four regions divided by the X-axis and the Y-axis that intersect at the intersection of the central axis and the upper surface and extend in the direction extending along the upper surface are sequentially set as the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device, when viewed from above, the inlet is provided in at least any one of the four regions, the outlet is provided in the first region, at least a part of the plurality of fluid paths is divided into the following paths: a main path in which the fluid flows in the same direction as the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device; and a sub-path having a portion where the direction of fluid flow is switched from the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device to an acute angle in the opposite direction, at least a part of the main path has the first branch portion and the first confluence portion.

9. The radiator according to claim 8, wherein the main body portion has a cooled body receiving portion for receiving a cooled body on the lower surface side.

10. The radiator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the fluid flow generating device discharges fluid in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

11. A radiator used together with a fluid flow generating device that generates a fluid flow by rotation about a central axis extending vertically, wherein the radiator has: a main body portion having an upper surface facing the fluid flow generating device in the vertical direction; and fins extending upward from the upper surface and partitioning a plurality of flow paths, the upper surface includes a flat region that is not provided with the fins and faces the fluid flow generating device, the fins are arranged around the flat region, when the four regions divided by the X-axis and the Y-axis that intersect at the intersection of the central axis and the upper surface and extend in the direction extending along the upper surface are sequentially set as the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the fluid flow generating device, The plurality of fluid paths obtained from the plurality of flow paths each have: an inlet through which the fluid discharged from the fluid flow generating device flows in; and an outlet which discharges the fluid that has entered through the inlet to the outside, the outlets of the plurality of fluid paths are provided in the first region, the plurality of fluid paths include: a short-distance path which passes through the second region and the first region from the inlet to the outlet; and a long-distance path which passes through the third region, the second region, and the first region from the inlet to the outlet, the long-distance path is constituted by using a long-distance flow path extending over the entire range from the third region to the second region, when viewed from above, a plurality of the long-distance flow paths are arranged in a direction away from the intersection point, the outermost long-distance flow path among the plurality of long-distance flow paths, which is located at the place farthest from the intersection point in the second region, has a confluence portion which confluences with other flow paths in at least one of the second region and the third region.

12. The radiator according to claim 11, wherein the fluid flow generating device discharges fluid in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

13. A cooling device, comprising: the radiator according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and the fluid flow generating device.

14. The cooling device according to claim 13, wherein the fluid is air, the fluid flow generating device is a centrifugal fan through which the air flows in from above and is discharged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

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