Cooler through which fluid can flow for cooling power electronics

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow for cooling a power electronic component (200), comprising a first metal part (11), a second metal part (12), a cooling structure (14) and a reinforcing part (13). The first metal part (11) and the second metal part (12) are connected to each other and a cooling channel (10) is defined between them, through which a fluid can flow. The first metal part (11) has a receiving region (110) for receiving a power electronic component (200) to be cooled. A cooling structure (14) is arranged in the cooling channel (10) and is connected to the first metal part (11) and the second metal part (12). The reinforcing member (13) is fastened to the first metal member (11). The invention further relates to a power electronics assembly (1000) having such a cooler (1) and a power electronics (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid-permeable cooler for cooling power electronics. The invention also relates to a power electronics assembly having a power electronics and such a fluid-permeable cooler. The power electronics can in particular have at least one power semiconductor. Background Art

[0002] Power semiconductors conduct high currents. The resulting conduction losses, together with the switching losses, cause high thermal losses that must be removed over a very small surface. The maximum permissible semiconductor temperature is critical to failure, so it is crucial to minimize the thermal resistance between the semiconductor and the coolant. For efficient cooling, the power substrate is applied to a cooler through which a fluid can flow. This cooler is made of aluminum, aluminum silicon carbide (AISiC) or a copper alloy. Pins or ribs are arranged inside the cooler to increase the surface of heat conduction and enhance heat conduction. For the purpose of low thermal resistance between the power substrate, especially the AMB / DBC power substrate (AMB: active metal braze; DBC: direct copper bonding) and the cooler, the power substrate is joined to the cooler by means of a soldering process, optionally also a sintering process. For this purpose, the surface of this cooler is coated with a material suitable for a soldering process or a sintering process, if necessary. In automotive technology, aluminum coolers, also aluminum silicon carbide or copper coolers, are often known which consist of a plurality of components which are joined together, in particular, by a brazing process. Summary of the invention

[0003] The advantage of the fluid-permeable cooler for cooling power electronic devices according to the present invention is that it can meet the requirements for pressure loss in the cooling channel of the cooler, the resistance of the cooler to the internal pressure in the cooling channel (the internal pressure is formed by the fluid that can flow through the cooling channel) and the cooling performance of the cooler. This is achieved by a fluid-permeable cooler for cooling power electronic devices, which includes a first metal component, a second metal component, a cooling structure and a reinforcement component. The first metal component and the second metal component are connected to each other and a cooling channel is defined between them, and the cooling channel can be flowed through by the fluid. The first metal component has a receiving area for receiving the power electronic device to be cooled. The cooling structure is arranged in the cooling channel and is connected to the first metal component and the second metal component. The reinforcement component is fastened to the first metal component. The reinforcement component is used in an advantageous manner to reinforce the arrangement structure composed of the first metal component and the second metal component to resist the internal pressure that exists when the cooler is in operation. Since the reinforcing component is an external component, it is possible to save the expensive insert or the component placed in the middle, which will be connected to the first metal component and the second metal component and will then combine the first metal component and the second metal component together when pressure is applied, for example, by a tie rod. In particular, the components that are not arranged in the cooling channel can be understood as external components. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the higher pressure loss in the cooling channel, which would otherwise be caused by the additional supporting geometry mentioned in the cooling channel. It should be noted that the cooling structure is used as a supporting structural element, especially as an internal supporting structural element, due to its connection with the first metal component and the second metal component. In addition, the resistance of the cooler to the internal pressure in the cooling channel can be ensured or improved by the present invention, without having to select a sufficiently large thickness (material thickness) of each metal component. Because the thermal resistance of the first metal component and / or the second metal component directly depends on the corresponding thickness of the first metal component and / or the second metal component, the first metal component and / or the second metal component with the smallest possible thickness can be constructed by setting the reinforcing component. Therefore, the cooling performance of the cooler can be kept high. In addition, it is ensured that a higher flexibility is selected for the first metal component and / or the second metal component in terms of strength when selecting a suitable material. In particular, a material can be selected for the first metal part and / or the second metal part which has sufficient strength and which is simultaneously suitable for a brazing process when the cooler is to be manufactured by means of a brazing process. In the context of the present invention, a reinforcing part (reinforcing element) can also be referred to as an external supporting structural element for the internal pressure support of the cooler. The reinforcing part can preferably be made of metal. In the context of the present invention, a metal part can advantageously be understood as a part made of at least one metal or metal alloy. It should also be noted that the reinforcing part, due to its arrangement on the first metal part, is not used in particular to define the cooling channel.It is possible that the cooler comprises a plurality of reinforcement components.

[0004] The dependent claims reveal preferred developments of the invention.

[0005] Advantageously, the cooling channel is completely surrounded by the first metal component and the second metal component in the circumferential direction. The cooling channel is advantageously formed by the first metal component and the second metal component as a cooling channel that is closed in the circumferential direction. The first metal component and the second metal component are advantageously directly connected to one another. Direct connection means, in particular, that between the first metal component and the second metal component there is only the connecting material by means of which the two metal components are connected to one another. The connecting material is preferably a brazing layer.

[0006] The first metal component, the second metal component and the reinforcement component advantageously form a housing. The cooling channel corresponds in particular to an interior space of the housing defined by the first metal component and the second metal component. An inlet and an outlet for a fluid serving as a coolant are preferably arranged directly on the housing.

[0007] Advantageously, the first metal component is arranged between the reinforcement component and the second metal component. In the context of the invention, the first metal component can therefore also be referred to in particular as a metal intermediate component. Advantageously, the first metal component and the second metal component are arranged one above the other. The reinforcement component is advantageously fastened to the outer surface of the first metal component.

[0008] The cooler preferably includes a longitudinal direction, a width direction (transverse direction) and a thickness direction (height direction). The longitudinal direction preferably corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing component. The width direction preferably corresponds to the width direction of the reinforcing component. The thickness direction preferably corresponds to the thickness direction of the reinforcing component. In addition, the cooler preferably includes a first end and a second end in the longitudinal direction and includes a first edge and a second edge in the width direction.

[0009] Preferably, the reinforcing component is at least partially arranged on the first metal component outside the overlapping area between the first metal component and the cooling structure and / or between the second metal component and the cooling structure. That is, in particular, at least one area of ​​the reinforcing component is arranged outside the overlapping area. The overlapping area between the first metal component and the cooling structure and / or between the second metal component and the cooling structure is the following area, in which the first metal component and the cooling structure overlap and / or the second metal component and the cooling structure overlap. In other words, the reinforcing component is preferably at least partially applied to the area of ​​the first metal component where the cooler is not supported by the cooling structure. The reinforcing component thus improves the resistance to the internal pressure existing in the weaker area of ​​the cooler, wherein the flow in the interior of the cooling channel is not affected by the reinforcing component. In particular, in the area of ​​the applied power electronic device, that is, in the receiving area, a relatively thin material thickness can be used for the first metal component, because the cooling channel is supported upward and downward by the inserted cooling structure in this area. This can achieve a minimum thermal resistance between the power electronic device and the fluid used as a coolant.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement component can be arranged on the first metal component completely outside the overlap region. That is to say, in particular, the reinforcement component does not overlap with the cooling structure or does not cover the cooling structure. In other words, the reinforcement component does not overlap with the overlap region. In particular, the reinforcement component can be arranged at a distance from the overlap region or the cooling structure.

[0011] According to an alternative advantageous design of the invention, the reinforcement component can be arranged partially outside the overlapping area. The reinforcement component overlaps the cooling structure or the overlapping area. It is understood that the overlap of the reinforcement component with the cooling structure or the overlapping area is advantageously a partial overlap. That is to say, in particular, at least one area of ​​the reinforcement component is arranged outside the overlapping area and at least one area of ​​the reinforcement component overlaps the cooling structure or the overlapping area. In this case, the reinforcement component can be arranged substantially outside the overlapping area.

[0012] Preferably, at least one area of ​​the reinforcing component can be arranged completely outside the overlapping area on the first metal component and / or at least one area of ​​the reinforcing component overlaps with the cooling structure. Thus, the area of ​​the reinforcing component extending in the longitudinal direction from the end of the cooler to the receiving area can, for example, overlap with or cover the cooling structure, wherein the area of ​​the reinforcing component extending in the width direction from the edge of the cooler to the receiving area is arranged completely outside the overlapping area, and vice versa. It is also conceivable that not only the area of ​​the reinforcing component extending in the longitudinal direction from the end of the cooler to the receiving area, but also the area of ​​the reinforcing component extending in the width direction from the edge of the cooler to the receiving area overlaps with or covers the cooling structure.

[0013] In the case of an overlapping arrangement of the reinforcement element and the cooling structure, the overlap between a region of the reinforcement element and the cooling structure along the extension direction of said region preferably has a maximum dimension of ten times, particularly preferably a maximum dimension of five times, the thickness of the first metal component.

[0014] Preferably, the cooler, in particular the housing of the cooler, comprises a recess. Preferably, the receiving area of ​​the first metal part is arranged at the location of the recess. Preferably, the recess defines the receiving area.

[0015] The recess can preferably be formed in the reinforcement component. In other words, the reinforcement component can preferably have a recess. The recess can preferably be defined by the inner wall of the reinforcement component. The recess preferably surrounds the receiving area at least partially, in particular completely, in the circumferential direction. According to a particularly advantageous design of the invention, the recess is closed in the circumferential direction / in the circumferential direction.

[0016] Alternatively, the recess can preferably be formed between two reinforcement components.

[0017] The thickness of the reinforcement component is preferably greater than or equal to the thickness of the first metal component, in particular the receiving region of the first metal component.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferred that the sum of the thickness of the reinforcement component and the thickness of the first metal component, in particular the receiving region of the first metal component, is greater than or equal to the thickness of the second metal component.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement component extends in the longitudinal direction from the end of the cooler (only) to the receiving area. Preferably, the cooler can include two reinforcement components, wherein one reinforcement component extends in the longitudinal direction from the first end of the cooler (only) to the receiving area, and the other reinforcement component extends in the longitudinal direction from the second end of the cooler (only) to the receiving area.

[0020] According to an alternative design of the present invention, the reinforcing component is constructed continuously in the longitudinal direction. In the framework of the present invention, a continuous reinforcing component means in particular that the reinforcing component is at least partially constructed continuously. In other words, at least one region of the reinforcing component is constructed continuously. That is to say, in particular, at least one region of the reinforcing component extends from the first end of the cooler to the second end of the cooler in the longitudinal direction. In this design of the cooler, the reinforcing component can preferably have a first end region, at least one edge region and a second end region. Preferably, the first end region can extend (only) from the first end of the cooler in the longitudinal direction to the receiving region, and the second end region extends (only) from the second end of the cooler in the longitudinal direction to the receiving region, wherein at least one edge region extends (only) from the edge of the cooler in the width direction to the receiving region. At least one edge region is preferably arranged between the first end region and the second end region. Preferably, at least one edge region connects the first end region and the second end region to each other. A portion of the first end region, at least one edge region and a portion of the second end region can correspond to the aforementioned region of the reinforcing component, which extends from the first end of the cooler to the second end of the cooler in the longitudinal direction and is therefore constructed continuously. It is particularly preferred that the reinforcing component includes two edge regions.

[0021] Preferably, reinforcement elements can be arranged at the inlet and / or the outlet of the cooler.

[0022] Preferably, the reinforcement component is arranged on the first metal component at at least one connection point between the first metal component and the second metal component, in particular at a plurality of connection points, particularly preferably at each connection point. Thus, the cooler is reinforced at at least one connection point between the first metal component and the second metal component by means of the reinforcement component.

[0023] The cooler is preferably designed in such a way that it has a resistance to a relative internal pressure in the cooling channel of 2 bar or more. In addition, the cooler can preferably be designed in such a way that it withstands a maximum relative internal pressure of 2.5 bar. That is to say, the cooler is especially designed in such a way that it also withstands the internal pressure during its service life without or at least without significant deformation. Relative internal pressure means the pressure relative to the ambient pressure or atmospheric pressure.

[0024] The reinforcement element is preferably designed in a plate-shaped manner / as a plate part, in particular as an oval plate part.

[0025] The first metal component is preferably plate-shaped, wherein the second metal component has a plate-shaped region and a trapezoidal region in cross section. In particular, the second metal component can be configured as a deep-drawn part. However, it is also possible that the first metal component has a plate-shaped region and a trapezoidal region in cross section and the second metal component is plate-shaped.

[0026] The first metal component and / or the second metal component are preferably designed as sheet metal.

[0027] The cooling structure can preferably include a cooling rib structure and / or a pin structure (cooling pin structure). It is also conceivable that, as an alternative or in addition, the cooling structure also has a cooling structure element or a plurality of cooling structure elements, which have a shape different from the cooling ribs or the pins. It is particularly possible that the cooling structure has a plurality of cooling structure elements of different shapes. It is then possible, for example, for the cooling structure to have a cooling rib and a pin or a plurality of cooling ribs and a plurality of pins. In the context of the present invention, cooling ribs and pins can each be referred to in particular as cooling structure elements.

[0028] In the context of the present invention, cooling structures are preferably understood to be surface-enlarging, flow-guiding and heat-conducting structures.

[0029] The cooling rib structure can preferably include (only) one cooling rib or a plurality of cooling ribs which are preferably arranged one behind the other in the through-flow direction. The through-flow direction corresponds in particular to the main flow direction of a fluid used as a coolant, which flows through the through-opening formed by one or more cooling ribs. The main flow direction is in particular the direction in which the fluid mainly flows, that is to say the direction in which the velocity component of the fluid is greater than the velocity component of the fluid in a direction perpendicular to the main flow direction. The main flow direction can preferably correspond to the direction in which the fluid is introduced into the cooler through which the fluid can flow. The main flow direction is preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cooler.

[0030] The cooling rib structure can also be referred to in particular as a turbulator. Preferably, the cooling ribs are formed by a wave-shaped profile that repeats periodically in a repetition direction. The pin structure can preferably include (only) one or preferably a plurality of pins arranged in the throughflow direction and / or in a direction perpendicular to the throughflow direction.

[0031] The cooling structure can preferably be at least partially, in particular completely, made of and / or coated with a material having a thermal conductivity of more than 200 W / (m·K). Advantageously, the cooling structure can be at least partially, in particular completely, made of aluminum or coated with aluminum. In particular, this embodiment relates to one or more cooling structure elements of the cooling structure.

[0032] The entire cooler, ie the first metal component, the second metal component, the reinforcement component and the cooling structure, can preferably be produced from the same material, preferably aluminum or, for example, copper or stainless steel, and / or coated.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, a fluid that can flow through a cooler can in particular also be referred to as cooling fluid.

[0034] The invention further relates to a power electronics assembly comprising the above-described cooler through which a fluid can flow and a power electronics component. The power electronics component is arranged, in particular fastened, on a receiving region of a first metal component.

[0035] Preferably, the power electronics component can include a power electronics component unit or a plurality of power electronics component units.

[0036] In the context of the present invention, a power electronics unit may also be referred to in particular as a power module. The power electronics unit preferably comprises a carrier plate and / or a conductor track and / or one or more power semiconductors.

[0037] One or more power electronics components are preferably joined to the receiving region of the fluid-permeable cooler or the first metal component by means of a layer produced by a soldering or sintering process (the layer can therefore be referred to as a soldering layer or sintering layer, respectively).

[0038] Advantageously, the power electronics are arranged only on the receiving region of the first metal component, that is to say, in particular, the power electronics are not arranged on the reinforcement component.

[0039] The power electronics are preferably arranged in an advantageous manner in the above-described recess of the housing.

[0040] As already described above, according to an advantageous design of the present invention, the recess can be constructed in the reinforcement component. That is, the recess is constructed in the reinforcement component. Preferably, the power electronic device protrudes beyond the outer surface of the reinforcement component in the thickness direction. The power electronic device can preferably be arranged in a manner spaced apart from the inner wall of the reinforcement component. Alternatively, preferably, the power electronic device can contact the inner wall of the reinforcement component. Thus, the power electronic device can be pre-centered for its connection with the first metal component. In addition, a portion of the heat generated by the power electronic device can be diverted by the contact of the power electronic device with the inner wall of the reinforcement component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same components or components with the same functions are respectively provided with the same reference numerals. In the accompanying drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 shows a schematic, simplified perspective sectional view of a power electronics assembly according to the invention, which has power electronics and a cooler through which a fluid can flow according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0043] Figure 2 Shown from Figure 1 A schematic, simplified perspective sectional view of a power electronics component according to the invention,

[0044] Figure 3 Shown from Figure 1 A schematic, simplified sectional view of a power electronics assembly according to the invention, and

[0045] Figure 4 A schematic, simplified perspective view of a power electronics assembly according to the invention is shown, which has power electronics and a cooler through which a fluid can flow according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Reference below Figures 1 to 3 A power electronics component 1000 according to the invention is described which has a power electronics component 200 and a cooler 1 through which a fluid can flow according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention for cooling the power electronics component 200 . Figure 1 A power electronics assembly 1000 is shown in perspective. Figure 2 Along Figure 1 The line BB in FIG. 5 (along the width direction 502 ) shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the power electronic device-assembly 1000 , wherein Figure 2 In addition, a part of the cooler 1 is shown on an enlarged scale. Figure 3 Along the line Figure 1 AA (along the longitudinal direction 501 ) in FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the power electronics component 1000 .

[0047] If Figures 1 to 3 As is evident, the cooler 1 through which a fluid can flow comprises a first metal component 11 , a second metal component 12 , a cooling structure 14 and a reinforcement component 13 .

[0048] The first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12 are directly connected to each other and define a cooling channel 10 between them, through which a fluid serving as a coolant can flow, and in which the cooling structure 14 is arranged. Figure 3As known, the cooling channel 10 is completely surrounded by the first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12 in the circumferential direction. Here, the cooling channel 10 is formed as a cooling channel closed in the circumferential direction by the first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12. In order to connect the first metal component 11 to the second metal component 12, brazing can be used in an advantageous manner, so that a brazing layer is arranged between the two metal components 11, 12 in the assembled state of the cooler 1. Not only the first metal component 11, but also the second metal component 11 can preferably be an aluminum part. Other materials can be conceivable for the first metal component 11 and / or the second metal component 12.

[0049] In particular, the two metal parts 101, 102 are configured as plates. As for the shapes of the metal parts 11, 12, the first metal part 11 is configured in a plate shape, in particular as an elliptical plate, wherein the second metal part 12 has a plate-shaped area and a trapezoidal area in cross section ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The second metal component 12 can be manufactured in an advantageous manner by a deep drawing process. However, it is also possible that the first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12 have other shapes.

[0050] The metal parts 11, 12 and the reinforcement part 13 advantageously form a housing 15, on which an inlet 151 and an outlet 152 for a fluid serving as a coolant are arranged. In the present exemplary embodiment, the inlet 151 and the outlet 152, which are each designed as a sleeve and can therefore also be referred to as a coolant sleeve, are arranged on the second metal part 12.

[0051] In order to receive the power electronic device 200 to be cooled, the first metal component has a receiving area 110. In the present exemplary embodiment, the power electronic device 200 comprises three power electronic device components 210, which can also be referred to as power modules and are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction 501. Each of the power electronic device components 210 can preferably have a carrier plate, conductor tracks and power semiconductors.

[0052] The power electronics unit 210 is preferably joined to the fluid-permeable cooler 100 , in particular to the receiving region 110 of the first metal component 11 , by means of a layer produced by a soldering or sintering process (the layer is therefore respectively referred to as a soldering layer or sintering layer).

[0053] As already described above, the cooling structure 14 is arranged in the cooling channel 10 and serves as a surface-enlarged structure for the fluid used as coolant, which guides the flow and increases the heat conduction. Figure 3The cooling structure 14 includes or is a cooling rib structure. To this end, the cooling rib structure can have at least one cooling rib 140, which extends along the length of the cooling channel 10 or along the flow direction 504 of the fluid. Figure 3 As a result, the cooling ribs 140 are preferably formed by a wave-shaped profile which is repeated periodically in a repeating direction. Through-openings 141 are formed by the cooling ribs 140 , through which a fluid can flow.

[0054] The cooling structure 14 is preferably made of a material and / or coated with a material having a thermal conductivity of more than 200 W / (m·K). Advantageously, the cooling ribs 10 can be made of aluminum or coated with aluminum. Other thermally conductive materials can also be used for the cooling structure 14 and / or the layers of the cooling structure.

[0055] The cooling structure 14 is connected to the first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12. To connect the cooling structure 14 to the first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12, brazing can be used as the connection between the first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12. By connecting the cooling structure 14 to the first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12, the cooler 1 is supported in the region of the cooling channel 10 against the internal pressure existing therein.

[0056] In order to increase the resistance of the cooler 1 and thus reinforce the structure of the cooler 10 even in areas in which the cooling structure 10 cannot serve as a supporting structural element, the aforementioned reinforcement element 13 is fastened, in particular soldered, to the first metal component 11 .

[0057] The connection of the first metal component 11 to the second metal component 12 and / or the connection of the cooling structure 14 to the metal components 11 , 12 and / or the connection of the reinforcement component 13 to the first metal component 11 can advantageously be realized in the same processing step, in particular by means of brazing.

[0058] The reinforcement component 13 is partially arranged on the first metal component 11 between the first metal component 11 and the cooling structure 14 and / or outside the overlapping region 16 between the second metal component 12 and the cooling structure 14. In particular, the reinforcement component 13 is mainly arranged on the first metal component 11 outside the overlapping region 16. The arrangement or structure of the reinforcement component 13 is explained in more detail below.

[0059] When observing Figures 1 to 3, it is determined that the reinforcement component 13 in this embodiment includes a recess 130 that is closed in the circumferential direction. However, it is also possible that the recess 130 is not closed in the circumferential direction. The recess 130, which can also be regarded as a recess of the housing 15, is particularly defined by an inner wall 135 of the reinforcement component 13 and is arranged at the location of the receiving area 110. In particular, the recess 130 completely surrounds the receiving area 110 in the circumferential direction. In the case of the processed power electronic device component 1000, the power electronic device structural unit 210 is arranged in the recess 130. In particular, the power electronic device structural unit 210 can protrude beyond the outer surface 136 of the reinforcement component 13 in the thickness direction 503. By Figures 1 to 3 Furthermore, it results that the power electronics component unit 210 is positioned on the receiving region 110 at a distance from the inner wall 135. However, a contact between the power electronics component unit 210 and the inner wall 135 is also conceivable.

[0060] The reinforcing member 13 has a first end region 131, a second end region 132, a first edge region 133, and a second edge region 134. The first edge region 133 is arranged between the first end region 131 and the second end region 133 and connects them to each other. Correspondingly, the second edge region 134 is arranged between the first end region 131 and the second end region 133 and connects them to each other. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first edge region 133 can also be referred to as a first intermediate region, and the second edge region 134 can also be referred to as a second intermediate region.

[0061] like Figure 2 As can be seen in particular from the enlarged section of the cooler 1 shown therein, the first end region 131 advantageously extends in the longitudinal direction 501 from the first end 17 of the cooler 1 (only) to the receiving region 110 of the first metal component 11 and overlaps the cooling structure 14. That is to say, the first end region 131 is arranged partially outside the overlapping region 16. In particular, the first end region 131 is arranged mainly outside the overlapping region 16. The second end region 132 advantageously extends in the longitudinal direction 501 from the second end 18 of the cooler 1 (only) to the receiving region 110 of the first metal component 11 and overlaps the cooling structure 14. That is to say, the second end region 132 is arranged partially outside the overlapping region 16. In particular, the second end region 132 is arranged mainly outside the overlapping region 16.

[0062] In this design of the cooler 1, the reinforcement component 13, the first metal component 11 and the cooling structure 14 overlap. In particular, the first end region 131, the first metal component 11 and the cooling structure 14 overlap, and the second end region 132, the first metal component 11 and the cooling structure 14 overlap. Figure 2As is evident, the dimension 604 of the overlap between the first end region 131 of the reinforcement component 13 and the cooling structure 14 in the longitudinal direction 501 is at most ten times, particularly preferably at most five times, the thickness 601 of the first metal component 11. The same preferably applies to the dimension of the overlap between the second end region 132 and the cooling structure 14 in the longitudinal direction 501.

[0063] Depend on Figure 3 Furthermore, it can be seen that the first edge region 133 extends (only) from the first edge 19 of the cooler 1 in the width direction 502 to the receiving region 110 and is arranged completely outside the overlapping region 16. In other words, the first edge region 133 does not overlap with the cooling structure 14. Correspondingly, the second edge region 134 extends (only) from the second edge 20 of the cooler 1 in the width direction 502 to the receiving region 110 and is arranged completely outside the overlapping region 16. In other words, the second edge region 134 does not overlap with the cooling structure 14. However, it is also possible that the first edge region 133 and / or the second edge region 134 overlap with the cooling structure 14.

[0064] The first part of the first end region 131, the first edge region 133 and the first part of the second end region 132 form a first region of the reinforcement component 13, which is configured continuously in the longitudinal direction 501. In other words, the first part of the first end region 131, the first edge region 133 and the first part of the second end region 132 form a first region of the reinforcement component 13, which extends from the first end 17 to the second end 18 of the cooler 1. Correspondingly, the second part of the first end region 131, the second edge region 134 and the second part of the second end region 132 form a second region of the reinforcement component 13, which is configured continuously in the longitudinal direction 501. In other words, the second part of the first end region 131, the second edge region 134 and the second part of the second end region 132 form a second region of the reinforcement component 13, which extends from the first end 17 to the second end 18 of the cooler 1. Overall, the reinforcement component 13 can be referred to as continuous.

[0065] In addition, especially by Figure 3As can be seen, the thickness 603 of the reinforcement component 13 is greater than the thickness 601 of the first metal component 11. In addition, the thickness 602 of the second metal component 12 is also greater than the thickness 601 of the first metal component 11. In addition, the sum of the thickness 603 of the reinforcement component 13 and the thickness 601 of the first metal component 11 is preferably equal to the thickness 602 of the second metal component 12. However, it is also possible that the sum of the thickness 603 of the reinforcement component 13 and the thickness 601 of the first metal component 11 is greater than the thickness 602 of the second metal component 12. In an advantageous manner, the first metal component 11 has the same thickness 601 everywhere. That is to say, the receiving area 110 also has a thickness 601. Correspondingly, the thickness 602 of the second metal component 12 and the thickness 603 of the reinforcement component 13 are respectively constant. The fact that the thickness 601 of the first metal component 11, in particular of its receiving region 110, is selected in this way relative to the thickness 602 of the second metal component 12 and the thickness 603 of the reinforcement component 13 makes it possible to achieve a minimum thermal resistance between the power electronic component 200 and the fluid used as coolant without adversely affecting the resistance of the cooler 1 to the internal pressure in the cooling channel 10.

[0066] By arranging the power electronic device 200 on the cooler 1 through which fluid can flow and the cooling structure 14 in the cooling channel 111, the heat generated during the operation of the power electronic device 200 can be efficiently transferred from the power electronic device 200 to the first metal component 11 first and from there to the fluid flowing through the cooling structure 14 and conducted away. In particular, a turbulent flow of the fluid is caused by the cooling structure 14, thereby achieving an improved cooling efficiency of the cooler 1.

[0067] The cooler structure according to the present invention is reinforced by the reinforcement member 13 to resist the internal pressure in the cooling channel 10. In particular, the reinforcement member 13 is arranged on the first metal component 11 at the connection between the first metal component 11 and the second metal component 12. Such a connection 21 is Figure 2 and Figure 3 Although the cooler 1 is reinforced, the reinforcement member 13 does not increase the pressure loss already caused by the cooling structure 14, and thus does not affect the cooling performance of the cooler 1.

[0068] Figure 4 A perspective view of a power electronics component 1000 is shown, which has a power electronics component 200 and a cooler 1 through which a fluid can flow according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention for cooling the power electronics component 200 .

[0069] The power electronics component 1000 according to the second exemplary embodiment differs from the power electronics component according to the first exemplary embodiment in the design of the cooler 1 through which a fluid can flow.

[0070] If Figure 4 As can be seen, the cooler 1 through which fluid can flow according to the second embodiment comprises two reinforcement components 13, wherein one reinforcement component 13 is preferably arranged at the inlet 151 and the other reinforcement component 13 is preferably arranged at the outlet 152. In particular, one reinforcement component 13, in this case the reinforcement component 13 arranged at the inlet 151, extends along the longitudinal direction 501 from the first end 17 of the cooler 1 (only) to the receiving area 110, wherein the other reinforcement component 13, in this case the reinforcement component 13 arranged at the outlet 152, extends along the longitudinal direction 101 from the second end 18 of the cooler 1 (only) to the receiving area 110. The two reinforcement components 13 are preferably constructed identically. The recess 130 of the housing 15 is arranged between the two reinforcement components 13. Correspondingly, the receiving area 110 is positioned between the two reinforcement components 13.

[0071] Each of the reinforcement components 13 overlaps with the cooling structure 14 or the overlap region 16 between the first metal component 11 and the cooling structure 14 and / or between the second metal component 12 and the cooling structure 14. That is, similar to the reinforcement components 13 of the cooler 1 according to the first embodiment, each of the reinforcement components 13 of the cooler 1 according to the second embodiment is partially arranged outside the overlap region 16. In particular, each of the reinforcement components 13 is mainly arranged outside the overlap region 16. Here, the reinforcement component 13 arranged at the inlet 151 corresponds to the first end region 131 of the reinforcement component 13 of the cooler 1 according to the first embodiment, wherein the reinforcement component 13 arranged at the outlet 152 corresponds to the second end region 132 of the reinforcement component 13 of the cooler 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] However, it is also possible that at least one of the reinforcement components 13, in particular both reinforcement components 13, is arranged completely outside the overlap region 16. In other words, at least one of the reinforcement components 13, in particular both reinforcement components 13, can extend (only) from the corresponding end 17, 18 of the cooler 1 to the overlap region 16.

Claims

1. A cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow for cooling a power electronic device (200), the cooler comprising: a first metal component (11) and a second metal component (12), which are connected to one another and define a cooling channel (10) between them, through which a fluid can flow, wherein the first metal component (11) has a receiving area (110) for receiving a power electronic component (200) to be cooled, a cooling structure (14) arranged in the cooling channel (10) and connected to the first metal component (11) and the second metal component (12), and A reinforcement component (13) which is fastened to the first metal component (11).

2. The cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to claim 1, wherein: The cooling channel (10) is completely surrounded by the first metal component (11) and the second metal component (12) in the circumferential direction.

3. A cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first metal component (11) is arranged between the reinforcement component (13) and the second metal component (12).

4. A cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reinforcement component (13) is arranged on the first metal component (11) at least partially outside an overlapping area (16) between the first metal component (11) and the cooling structure (14) and / or between the second metal component (12) and the cooling structure (14).

5. The cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to claim 4, wherein: The reinforcing component (13) is arranged on the first metal component (11) completely outside the overlapping area (16), or The reinforcing component (13) is partially arranged outside the overlapping area (16) and overlaps with the cooling structure (14).

6. A cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reinforcing component (13) comprises a recess (130), wherein the receiving area of ​​the first metal component (11) is arranged at the location of the recess (130), and / or Therein, the recess (130) at least partially, in particular completely, surrounds the receiving region (110) in a circumferential direction.

7. A cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The thickness (603) of the reinforcing component (13) is greater than or equal to the thickness (601) of the first metal component (11), in particular the receiving area (110), and / or The sum of the thickness (603) of the reinforcing component (13) and the thickness (601) of the first metal component (11), in particular the receiving area (110), is greater than or equal to the thickness (602) of the second metal component (12).

8. A cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reinforcement element (13) extends in the longitudinal direction (501) from the ends (17, 18) of the cooler (1) only as far as the receiving region (110), or the reinforcement element (13) is designed to be continuous in the longitudinal direction (501).

9. A cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reinforcement component (13) is arranged on the first metal component (11) at at least one connection point between the first metal component (11) and the second metal component (12).

10. The cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reinforcing member (13) is plate-shaped.

11. A power electronic component (1000) comprising a power electronic component (200) and a cooler (1) through which a fluid can flow according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power electronic device (200) is arranged on a receiving region (110) of the first metal component (11).

12. The power electronic device assembly (1000) according to claim 11, wherein: The power electronic component (200) is arranged only on the receiving region (110) of the first metal component (11).

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