Cooling component

Abstract

The cooling member is provided with: a flow path member that has a pair of plate materials disposed at a distance from each other, and that forms a flow path through which a fluid flows between one plate material and the other plate material; and a pool that is disposed across the entire width of the flow path member between the flow path and the inlet of the fluid on the upstream side of the flow path, and that stores the fluid, where h is the height of the cavity of the flow path, H is the height of the cavity of the pool, and W is the width dimension of the pool in the direction of flow of the fluid, h is the height of the cavity of the flow path, H is the height of the cavity of the pool, and W is the width dimension of the pool in the direction of flow of the fluid. Hlt is met; w, and hlt; h).

Description

Technical Field

[0008]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling component. Background Art

[0002] For example, in the inverter device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-346480, a cooling component is disclosed in which cooling water is made to flow in a cooling water path formed between a radiator and a cooling water path forming component to cool the radiator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the inverter device of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-346480, for example, cooling water flows in from a water inlet provided on one side of the cooling water path formed between the recess of the cooling water path forming component and the radiator. The inverter device of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-346480 is configured such that the cooling water after cooling the radiator is discharged from a water outlet provided on the other side of the cooling water path, so that the cooling water can circulate.

[0004] However, in the recess of the cooling water path forming component, there is a case where the width in the direction orthogonal to the imaginary line connecting one water inlet and the other water inlet, that is, the width of the cooling water path is wide. When the width of the cooling water path is wide, as the flow of the cooling water in the recess flowing from one water inlet to the other water inlet, the flow rate per unit time on the above-mentioned imaginary line (that is, the central portion in the width direction of the cooling water path forming component) connecting one water inlet and the other water inlet at the shortest distance becomes large. As a result, as it moves away from the imaginary line in the orthogonal direction, the flow rate per unit time becomes small.

[0005] Therefore, in the entire width direction of the cooling water path forming component, the cooling water as a fluid does not flow evenly in the cooling water path as a flow path.

[0006] In view of the above facts, an object of the present disclosure is to make the flow of the fluid in the flow path of the cooling component uniform in the width direction.

[0007] [Means for Solving the Problem] The cooling component according to the first aspect includes: a flow path component having a pair of plates arranged at intervals, and a flow path for fluid to flow is formed between one plate and the other plate; a pool disposed between the flow path and the fluid inlet over the entire width of the flow path component on the upstream side of the flow path component to store the fluid, wherein when the inner space height of the flow path is h, the inner space height of the pool is H, and the width dimension of the pool in the fluid flow direction is W, h < W and h < H are satisfied.

[0008] If fluid is caused to flow into a pool disposed between the flow path and the fluid inlet on the upstream side of the flow path component from the fluid inlet, the fluid flows into the flow path of the flow path component after being stored in the pool disposed across the entire width of the flow path component. Here, by forming the pool in such a manner that h < W and h < H are satisfied, the fluid stored in the pool is split (in other words, dispersed) across the width direction of the flow path (i.e., the direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the fluid flowing in the flow path) into a state with improved uniformity and then flows into the flow path.

[0009] Thereby, it is easy to make the cooling performance of the cooling component uniform across the entire width.

[0010] The cooling component of the second aspect, in the cooling component of the first aspect, further includes a pool disposed between the flow path and the fluid outlet on the downstream side of the flow path with respect to the pool.

[0011] In the cooling component of the second aspect, a pool is also provided between the flow path and the fluid outlet on the downstream side of the flow path component. Therefore, compared with the case where no pool is provided between the flow path and the fluid outlet on the downstream side of the flow path component, it is easier to make the resistance received by the fluid flowing out from the flow path uniform across the entire width direction. As a result, the fluid flowing in the flow path flows in a state with higher uniformity across the entire width of the flow path.

[0012] The cooling component of the third aspect, in the cooling component of the first aspect or the second aspect, the plate material is at least composed of a metal plate.

[0013] By forming the plate material to include a metal plate, heat is more easily transferred compared with the case where no metal plate is included. As a result, it is easy to cool the object to be cooled by the plate material composed of a metal plate.

[0014] The cooling component of the fourth aspect, in the cooling component of the first aspect or the second aspect, includes a radiator made of a metal material that closes an opening formed in at least one of the plate materials, and the radiator is exposed to the flow path.

[0015] In the cooling component of the fourth aspect, a radiator made of a metal material is provided to close the opening formed in the plate material. Since the radiator is exposed to the flow path, it is possible to efficiently cool the object to be cooled in contact with the outer surface of the radiator using the fluid in the flow path.

[0016] The cooling component of the fifth aspect, in any one of the cooling components of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, includes a plurality of partition plates extending in the flow direction of the fluid and disposed at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction, and the flow path is divided into a plurality of small flow paths by the plurality of partition plates.

[0017] Inside the flow path, multiple baffles are arranged at intervals in the direction of fluid flow and in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction, dividing the flow path into multiple smaller flow paths. This allows the fluid in the flow path to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side in a turbulent manner.

[0018] In the cooling component of the sixth embodiment, in any one of the cooling components of the first to fifth embodiments, the flow path component comprises: a rectangular frame disposed between one of the plates and the other plate to form the flow path, and a columnar portion integrally connected to the end of the rectangular frame and including the pool inside; one of the plates is joined to one side of the rectangular frame and one side of the columnar portion connected to one side of the rectangular frame; the other plate is joined to the other side of the rectangular frame; the internal height of the flow path formed between the frame plate constituting the pool side of the rectangular frame and one of the plates is formed to be lower than the internal height of the flow path inside the frame of the rectangular frame; and a protrusion is formed on the frame plate to engage with one of the plates.

[0019] In the cooling component of the sixth embodiment, one of the sheet metal plates engages with a protrusion formed on the pool side of the rectangular frame. Therefore, compared to the case where no protrusion is provided, the bonding strength between the rectangular frame and one of the sheet metal plates can be improved. In addition, the other sheet metal plate can be bonded to the entire other side of the rectangular frame, including the pool side frame plate.

[0020] [Invention Effects] As described above, the cooling component according to the present invention enables the fluid flow within the flow path of the cooling component to be uniform in the width direction. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the cooling component of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the cooling component of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the cooling water passage.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the inflow section.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view showing the inflow section and cooling water passages from the lower surface side.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view showing the inflow section and cooling water passages from the lower surface side.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the outflow section.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the cooling component of the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing the cooling component of the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the cooling component of the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the upper frame as seen from below.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a top view showing the upper frame.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the inflow section of the cooling component used in the simulation. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The first and second embodiments of this disclosure are described below. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In this disclosure, when the embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the structure of the embodiments is not limited to the structure shown in the drawings. In addition, the sizes of the components in each figure are conceptual, and the relative sizes between the components are not limited thereto.

[0035] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. However, the figures are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, as well as the ratio of thickness of each device and component, differs from reality. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the figures also include parts with different dimensional relationships and scales. Additionally, unless otherwise specified in the description, the number of constituent elements of this disclosure is not limited to one, and multiple elements may exist.

[0036] [First Implementation] use Figures 1 to 7 The cooling component 10 of the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall cooling component 10 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the cooling component 10 according to the first embodiment. It should be noted that the direction of arrow L and the direction of arrow R in the figure are appropriately referred to as the frame length direction, and the direction of arrow F and the direction of arrow B, which are orthogonal to the direction of arrow L and the direction of arrow R, are appropriately referred to as the frame width direction.

[0038] The cooling component 10 of the first embodiment generally comprises a frame 12, an upper cover 14, a lower cover 16, and a corrugated plate 18. The frame 12, the upper cover 14, and the lower cover 16 are examples of the flow channel component of the present invention. The lower cover 16 is an example of one of the pair of plates disclosed in the present invention. The upper cover 14 is an example of the other of the pair of plates disclosed in the present invention. The lower cover 16 and the upper cover 14 are arranged at a distance from each other.

[0039] (Structure of frame and corrugated plate) like Figure 2 As shown, frame 12 is generally rectangular. On frame 12, along its length... Figure 2 A prism-shaped inflow portion 20 is provided on the side in the direction of arrow R, and similarly, a prism-shaped outflow portion 22 is provided on the side in the direction of arrow L, which is the length direction. The inflow portion 20 is an example of the columnar portion of this disclosure. The inflow portion 20 is integrally connected to the end of the rectangular frame 24 on the side in the direction of arrow R. The outflow portion 22 is integrally connected to the end of the rectangular frame 24 on the side in the direction of arrow L. The inflow portion 20 and the outflow portion 22 are integrally connected by the rectangular frame 24. It should be noted that, as an example, the frame 12 is formed of synthetic resin.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, three corrugated plates 18, all with the same structure, are arranged inside the rectangular frame 24. In the first embodiment, as an example, the upper cover 14 is fused to the upper surface of the rectangular frame 24, and the lower cover 16 is fused to the lower surface of the rectangular frame 24. Thus, with the corrugated plates 18 arranged inside the frame, the opening of the rectangular frame 24 is blocked.

[0041] In other words, the lower cover 16 and Figure 3 The lower surface of the rectangular frame 24 is joined to the lower surface of the inflow portion 20 which is connected to the lower surface of the rectangular frame 24. Figure 3 The lower surface of the rectangular frame 24 is an example of one side of the rectangular frame of this disclosure. Figure 3 The lower surface of the inflow section 20 is an example of the lower surface of the inflow section of this disclosure. The upper cover 14 and... Figure 3 The upper surface of the rectangular frame 24 in the middle is joined. Figure 3 The upper surface of the rectangular frame 24 in the present disclosure is an example of the other side of the rectangular frame.

[0042] As an example, the upper cover 14 and lower cover 16 of the first embodiment are laminated sheets formed by overlapping thermoplastic synthetic resin sheets and aluminum sheets. Here, the aluminum sheet in the laminate can also be a metal plate. It should be noted that the upper cover 14 and lower cover 16 can be sheets other than laminated sheets, i.e., plates, or metal sheets with excellent thermal conductivity, i.e., plates. Furthermore, the upper cover 14 and lower cover 16 can also be bonded to the rectangular frame 24. By configuring the upper cover 14 and lower cover 16 to include metal plates, heat transfer becomes easier compared to the case where metal plates are not included. As a result, the upper cover 14 and lower cover 16, which are constructed with metal plates, make it easier to cool the object being cooled. It should be noted that if the upper cover 14 and lower cover 16 are formed of a material with good thermal conductivity, they may not need to include metal plates.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the space surrounded by the rectangular frame 24, the upper cover 14, and the lower cover 16 is referred to as a cooling water flow path 26, which is an example of the flow path of this disclosure. The frame 12, the upper cover 14, and the lower cover 16 form a cooling water flow path 26 between the lower cover 16 and the upper cover 14 for fluid flow.

[0044] The corrugated plate 18 is formed in a concave-convex shape in the width direction (i.e., the short side direction orthogonal to the length direction) of the frame 12, and its shape is rectangular corrugated when viewed from the length direction. As an example, the corrugated plate 18 in the first embodiment is a laminated sheet formed by overlapping synthetic resin sheets and aluminum sheets, but it can also be made of other materials. The corrugated plate 18 is an example of the partition of this disclosure. By providing the corrugated plate 18 inside the cooling water flow path 26, the cooling water flow path 26 is divided into a plurality of small flow paths 26A. Inside the cooling water flow path 26, a plurality of corrugated plates 18 are arranged at intervals in the direction of cooling water flow and in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction, dividing the cooling water flow path 26 into a plurality of small flow paths, thereby enabling the cooling water in the cooling water flow path 26 to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side with turbulence suppressed. The flow direction of the cooling water is along Figure 1 The arrows extend in the directions of L and R.

[0045] (Structure of the inflow section) like Figure 2 As shown, the inlet section 20 has a column shape with a rectangular cross-section. The length of the inlet section 20 (in other words, the dimension in the frame width direction) is set to be the same as the dimension in the frame width direction of the rectangular frame 24.

[0046] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, inside the inflow section 20, an inflow side pool 28 with a rectangular cross-section that is longer in the vertical direction is provided along the length of the inflow section 20. The inflow side pool 28 is contained inside the inflow section 20.

[0047] The inflow side pool 28 not only allows cooling water, as a fluid, to pass through, but also serves as a space for storing cooling water. It should be noted that the inflow side pool 28 can also be referred to as a flow divider or buffer to improve uniformity.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, a cooling water inlet pipe 30, communicating with the inlet side pool 28, is connected to the upper side of the central portion in the longitudinal direction on the side of the inlet portion 20 in the direction of arrow R. The cooling water inlet pipe 30 is an example of the inlet pipe of this disclosure. The cooling water inlet pipe 30 communicates with the cooling water flow path 26. The cooling water inlet pipe 30 has an end opening 30A for cooling water to flow in. The end opening 30A is an example of the inlet of this disclosure. The end opening 30A of the cooling water inlet pipe 30 in the direction of arrow L is opposite to the inner wall 20A of the inlet portion 20 in the direction of arrow L. The inlet side pool 28 is arranged on the upstream side of the cooling water flow path 26 and between the cooling water flow path 26 and the end opening 30A, covering the entire width of the flow path component composed of the frame 12, the upper cover 14, and the lower cover 16.

[0049] In this embodiment, a cylindrical cooling water inlet pipe 30 is shown installed in a prismatic inlet portion 20. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the component corresponding to the inlet pipe for supplying fluid is not limited to this. In this disclosure, for example, an inlet component with a prismatic shape and internally formed holes, grooves, etc., for fluid flow can be integrally installed in the prismatic inlet portion. Furthermore, an inlet communicating with the fluid flow path and supplying fluid into a pool can be formed at the opening of the inlet portion of the prismatic inlet component. In this disclosure, the shape of the inlet component installed in the inlet portion is arbitrary.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower end of the inflow side pool 28 in the direction of arrow L is connected to the cooling water flow path 26 via the narrow inflow side flow path 32. The internal height dimension h1 of the narrow inflow side flow path 32 is smaller than the internal height dimension h0 of the cooling water flow path 26. In other words, the vertical dimension of the narrow inflow side flow path 32 is narrower (in other words, thinner) than that of the cooling water flow path 26. Thus, in the first embodiment, the internal height of the narrow inflow side flow path 32 is formed to be lower than the internal height of the cooling water flow path 26 inside the frame piece 24A of the rectangular frame 24.

[0051] like Figure 5As shown, it is preferable that the width dimension W1 of the narrow flow path 32 on the inflow side in the frame width direction, the width dimension W0 of the cooling water flow path 26, and the length dimension L0 of the inflow side pool 28 are of the same size. In the present disclosure, the following cases are not excluded: a slight difference is formed between the width dimension of the narrow flow path on the inflow side along the frame width direction, the width dimension of the cooling water flow path, and the length dimension of the inflow side pool, as in the case of forming a fine step difference. In the present embodiment, in order to improve the uniformity, the width dimension W1 of the narrow flow path 32 on the inflow side along the frame width direction, the width dimension W0 of the cooling water flow path 26, and the length dimension L0 of the inflow side pool 28 are adjusted to the same size. In addition, the diameter of the end opening 30A of the cooling water inflow pipe 30 is smaller than the length dimension L0 of the inflow side pool 28.

[0052] As Figure 4 shown, the internal height dimension H of the inflow side pool 28 is set to be greater than the width dimension W of the inflow side pool 28. In addition, the internal height dimension h1 of the narrow flow path 32 on the inflow side is set to be smaller than the internal height dimension H of the inflow side pool 28 and the width dimension W of the inflow side pool 28. That is, for the inflow side pool 28, when the internal height dimension of the cooling water flow path 26 is h, the internal height dimension of the inflow side pool 28 is H, and the width dimension of the inflow side pool 28 in the cooling water flow direction is W, h < W and h < H are satisfied. Thus, the inflow side pool 28 with a relatively large volume is formed.

[0053] As Figures 4-6 shown, in the narrow flow path 32 on the inflow side, a plurality of oblong protrusions 34 protruding downward from the inflow portion 20 and the frame piece 24A (i.e., an example of the frame piece in the present disclosure) which is a part of the rectangular frame 24 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the inflow portion 20. At the top of the protrusion 34 (i.e., Figure 4 the lower surface of the protrusion 34 in

[0054] the lower cover 16 is welded (i.e., fixed). It should be noted that the protrusions 34 can be provided as needed, or they can be absent.

[0055] (Structure of the outflow portion) As Figure 7 shown, the outflow portion 22 is provided with the same structure as the inflow portion 20 (i.e., the same shape and size). In other words, the cooling component 10 of the first embodiment has a bilaterally symmetric shape.

[0056] Inside the outlet section 22, an outlet side pool 36, identical to the inflow side pool 28, is provided separately from it. A cooling water outlet pipe 38, communicating with the outlet side pool 36, is connected to the side of the outlet section 22 in the direction of arrow L. The cooling water outlet pipe 38 is an example of an outlet pipe of this disclosure. The cooling water outlet pipe 38 communicates with the cooling water flow path 26 and has an end opening 38A for cooling water to flow out. The end opening 38A is an example of an outlet of this disclosure.

[0057] In this embodiment, a cylindrical cooling water outlet pipe 38 is shown installed in a prismatic outlet portion 22. However, in this disclosure, the shape of the component corresponding to the outlet pipe supplying fluid is not limited to this. In this disclosure, for example, an outlet component with a prismatic shape and internally formed holes, grooves, etc., for fluid flow can be integrally installed in the prismatic outlet portion. Furthermore, an outlet communicating with a fluid flow path and allowing fluid to flow out of the pool can be formed at the opening of the outlet portion in the prismatic outlet component. In this disclosure, the shape of the outlet component installed in the outlet portion is arbitrary.

[0058] The outflow side pool 36 is disposed downstream of the cooling water flow path 26, between the cooling water flow path 26 and the end opening 38A of the cooling water outflow pipe 38. This allows cooling water flowing from the cooling water flow path 26 to enter the outflow side pool 36 and be discharged to the outside via the cooling water outflow pipe 38. The length of the outflow side pool 36 is the same as the length L0 of the inflow side pool 28. The diameter of the end opening 38A of the cooling water outflow pipe 38 is smaller than the length L0 of the outflow side pool 36.

[0059] The lower end of the outflow side pool 36 in the direction of arrow R is connected to the cooling water flow path 26 via the outflow side narrow flow path 40. In addition, a plurality of protrusions 42 identical to the protrusions 34 of the inflow section 20 are arranged in the outflow side narrow flow path 40.

[0060] (Function, effect) Next, the function and effect of the cooling component 10 in the first embodiment will be explained.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the cooling component 10 is used such that the lower cover 16 is in close contact with the object to be cooled (not shown).

[0062] If cooling water is allowed to flow into the cooling water inlet pipe 30, the cooling water will flow into the cooling water flow path 26 via the inlet side pool 28 and the inlet side narrow flow path 32. It should be noted that the cooling water is not limited to water, but can also be liquids such as ethylene glycol (i.e., antifreeze) and long-life coolant (LLC).

[0063] Here, the inflow side pool 28 is a space with a large volume that not only allows cooling water to pass through but also stores it. Therefore, when cooling water flows into the inflow side pool 28 from the cooling water inflow pipe 30, the cooling water discharged from the end opening 30A of the cooling water inflow pipe 30 flows towards both sides of the length direction of the inflow side pool 28, that is, both sides of the frame width direction. Then, the cooling water flowing towards both sides of the frame width direction flows into the inflow side narrow flow path 32 in a state of improved uniformity throughout the frame width direction. Afterwards, the cooling water flowing into the inflow side narrow flow path 32 flows into the cooling water flow path 26.

[0064] In other words, the cooling water flowing from the cooling water inlet pipe 30 into the inlet-side pool 28, which is arranged throughout the entire width of the flow path component, can be diverted (in other words, dispersed) along the length of the inlet-side pool 28 to a state with improved uniformity. Then, the cooling water, which has been diverted to a state with improved uniformity, flows into the cooling water flow path 26 via the narrow inlet-side flow path 32. It should be noted that, in this disclosure, "storage" includes not only the state where the cooling water is stationary in the pool due to zero velocity, but also the state where the cooling water flows within the pool with velocity.

[0065] Therefore, the flow rate of cooling water per unit time can be made equal on the central side of the frame width direction and on both end sides of the frame width direction sandwiching the central side. In other words, the flow of cooling water within the cooling water flow path 26 can be made uniform in the width direction. Thus, differences in cooling performance caused by different locations can be suppressed.

[0066] That is, it is possible to improve the uniformity of the flow rate of cooling water flowing in the direction of arrow L within the cooling water flow path 26 along the frame width direction of the cooling water flow path 26. Therefore, uniform cooling throughout the frame width direction of the lower cover 16 can be achieved, and consequently, uneven cooling of the object in contact with the lower cover 16 can be suppressed. This makes it easier to make the cooling performance of the cooling component 10 consistent across the entire width. As a result, the flow of cooling water within the cooling water flow path 26 can be made uniform in the width direction. It should be noted that the upper cover 14 can also be used in close contact with the object to be cooled (not shown).

[0067] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the cooling water flowing within the cooling water flow path 26 is discharged from the cooling water outlet pipe 38 via the larger outlet side pool 36, which has the same volume as the inflow side pool 28. Because the outlet side pool 36 has a large volume, the resistance to cooling water flowing from the cooling water flow path 26 into the outlet side pool 36 is small, which improves the uniformity of the flow rate of cooling water flowing into the outlet side pool 36 throughout the entire width direction of the cooling water flow path 26. In other words, it is easier to ensure that the resistance experienced by the cooling water flowing out of the cooling water flow path 26 downstream is consistent in the width direction.

[0068] In the cooling component 10 of the first embodiment, an example is shown where the inflow side pool 28 and the cooling water flow path 26 are connected via the inflow side narrow flow path 32, and the cooling water flow path 26 and the outflow side pool 36 are connected via the outflow side narrow flow path 40. However, in this disclosure, the inflow side pool 28 and the cooling water flow path 26 may be directly connected, and the cooling water flow path 26 and the outflow side pool 36 may be directly connected.

[0069] Even without the narrow inflow path 32 and the narrow outflow path 40, the cooling component of this disclosure easily ensures that the flow rate of cooling water per unit time is consistent at the central portion of the frame width direction of the cooling water flow path 26 and at both ends of the frame width direction sandwiching the central portion. In other words, it can suppress the deviation of the flow rate of cooling water flowing in each small flow path 26A, and can make the flow rate of cooling water flowing in each small flow path 26A the same.

[0070] Furthermore, in the cooling component 10 of the first embodiment, since the lower cover 16 is joined to the protrusion 34 on the frame piece 24A formed on the pool side of the rectangular frame 24, the joining strength between the rectangular frame 24 and the lower cover 16 can be improved compared to the case where the protrusion 34 is not provided.

[0071] [Second Implementation] Next, refer to Figures 8 to 12 The cooling component 50 of the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are used for structures identical to those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0072] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cooling component 50 of the second embodiment is generally composed of a lower frame 52, an upper frame 54, and a radiator 56. The lower frame 52 and the upper frame 54 are an example of a pair of plates disclosed herein. The radiator 56 is exposed to the cooling water flow path 60. Therefore, the object being cooled, which is in contact with the outer surface of the radiator 56, can be effectively cooled by the cooling water in the cooling water flow path 60.

[0073] (Lower frame) like Figure 9 As shown, the lower frame 52 is formed as a thick-walled plate that appears rectangular in plan view, and a shallow recess 58 that also appears rectangular in plan view is formed on its upper surface. As an example, the lower frame 52 can be formed of synthetic resin.

[0074] (Upper frame) The upper frame 54, like the lower frame 52, is formed into a rectangular, thick-walled plate when viewed from above, and is joined to the upper part of the lower frame 52. It should be noted that, as an example, the upper frame 54 can be formed of synthetic resin, just like the lower frame 52.

[0075] like Figure 10 As shown, the opening of the recess 58 is blocked by fixing the upper frame 54 to the upper surface of the lower frame 52. As a result, a cooling water flow path 60 is formed between the lower frame 52 and the upper frame 54.

[0076] like Figure 9 As shown, on the upper frame 54, in the direction of the frame length... Figure 9 An inflow portion 62 is provided on the side in the direction of arrow R, and an outflow portion 64 is provided on the side in the direction of arrow L, which is the length direction.

[0077] like Figure 10 As shown, inside the cooling component 50, an inflow side pool 66 with a rectangular cross-section that extends along the width direction of the frame and is longer in the vertical direction is provided on the side in the direction of arrow R. The inflow side pool 66 is formed by a recess 68 that extends along the width direction of the frame and a portion of the recess 58 on the side in the direction of arrow R, which is formed in the inflow portion 62.

[0078] Similar to the first embodiment, the inflow side pool 66 not only allows cooling water to pass through, but also serves as a space for storing cooling water. It can also be referred to as a diversion section or buffer to improve uniformity.

[0079] On the side of the inflow section 62 in the direction of arrow R, a cooling water inflow pipe 70 is connected to the inflow side pool 66 at the center in the length direction.

[0080] like Figure 10 As shown, the lower end of the side of the inflow pool 66 in the direction of arrow L is connected to the cooling water flow path 60.

[0081] The internal height dimension H of the inflow side pool 66 is set to be larger than the width dimension W of the inflow side pool 66. Furthermore, the internal height dimension H of the inflow side pool 66 is set to be smaller than the internal height dimension h0 of the cooling water flow path 60. Additionally, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the length L0 of the inflow side pool 66 along the width direction of the frame is the same as the width W0 of the cooling water flow path 60 along the width direction of the frame. This results in a larger volume inflow side pool 66.

[0082] A rectangular opening 72 is formed in the center of the upper frame 54. A heat sink 56 made of metal is embedded in this opening 72. The heat sink of this disclosure may be made of at least metal. The heat sink 56 plugs the opening 72 formed in the upper frame 54, thereby watertightly fixing the upper frame 54 and the heat sink 56. A plurality of protrusions 56A protruding toward the cooling water flow path 60 are formed on the lower surface of the heat sink 56. The protrusions may be referred to as fins.

[0083] It should be noted that, as Figures 8-12 As shown, the outlet 64 and the inlet 62 have the same structure, and the cooling component 50 is symmetrical in shape, so the description of the outlet 64 is omitted. It should be noted that a cooling water outlet pipe 74 is connected to the side of the outlet 64.

[0084] (Function, effect) Next, the function and effect of the cooling component 50 in the second embodiment will be explained.

[0085] As an example, the cooling component 50 of the second embodiment is used to make the outer surface of the heat sink 56 fit tightly against the object to be cooled (not shown).

[0086] If cooling water is allowed to flow into the cooling water inlet pipe 70, the cooling water will flow into the cooling water flow path 60 via the inlet side pool 66.

[0087] Here, the inflow side pool 66 is a large-volume space that not only allows cooling water to pass through but also has the capacity to store cooling water. Therefore, if cooling water flows from the cooling water inflow pipe 70 into the inflow side pool 66, the cooling water discharged from the end of the cooling water inflow pipe 70 flows to both sides in the longitudinal direction toward the inflow side pool 66 and then flows in with improved uniformity throughout the frame width direction of the cooling water flow path 60.

[0088] In other words, the cooling water flowing from the cooling water inlet pipe 70 into the inlet side pool 66 can be diverted along the length of the inlet side pool 66 to a state with improved uniformity. In addition, the cooling water diverted to a state with improved uniformity can flow into the cooling water flow path 60.

[0089] This makes it easy to ensure that the flow rate of cooling water per unit time is consistent on the central side of the cooling water flow path 60 in the frame width direction and on both end sides of the frame width direction sandwiching the central side. Furthermore, it enables the radiator 56 to be cooled in a state with improved uniformity throughout the frame width direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress uneven cooling of the object in contact with the radiator 56.

[0090] [Experimental Example] To confirm the effectiveness of this disclosure, the flow rate of cooling water flowing in the cooling water path was simulated for each of the cooling components of Embodiments 1 and 2, which are examples of this disclosure, and the cooling components of Comparative Examples 1 to 4.

[0091] like Figure 13 As shown, the structure of the cooling component 100 used for simulation is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, but with the inflow side pool 28 directly connected to the cooling water flow path 26, and the outflow side pool 36 directly connected to the cooling water flow path 26. That is, the cooling component 100 has a left-right symmetrical shape.

[0092] Table 1 below shows the length, internal height and width of the inflow side pool of the cooling components of Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Examples 1, 2-4, the internal height and width of the cooling water flow path, the state of the cooling water flowing inside the cooling water flow path when cooling water is supplied to the cooling water inflow pipe, and the pressure loss of the cooling components.

[0093] [Table 1] The simulation results show that, compared with the comparative example, the cooling component of the present disclosure suppresses the uneven flow of the cooling water circuit, and thus also suppresses the pressure loss.

[0094] Compared to Example 1, the pressure loss of the cooling component in Example 2 is smaller. This is believed to be because, compared to Example 1, the inflow side pool in Example 2 has a larger width and a larger cross-sectional area, thus facilitating fluid flow within the pool.

[0095] It should be noted that, based on simulation results, the preferred ratio W / H is 6 / 8.5 or higher. There is no specific upper limit to the ratio W / H, but if the ratio W / H increases, the height of the inflow section will increase.

[0096] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of pressure loss, the ratio W / h0 is preferably 2 or higher, and more preferably 3 or higher. There is no particular upper limit to the ratio W / h0, but if the ratio W / h0 increases, the width of the inflow section increases.

[0097] [Other Implementation Methods] The above describes one embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above content. Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0098] The cooling component 10 of the first embodiment and the cooling component 50 of the second embodiment can be used in series or in parallel. In this case, the function and effect of each cooling component can be obtained in the same way as in the first or second embodiment.

[0099] The cooling component 10 of the first embodiment and the cooling component 50 of the second embodiment are, for example, like... Figure 12The cooling component 50, which has a bilaterally symmetrical shape, is also bilaterally symmetrical in the direction of cooling water flow. Furthermore, an inflow side pool 28 is provided on the inflow side of the cooling water, and an outflow side pool 36 is provided on the outflow side of the cooling water. However, in this disclosure, it is sufficient to provide at least an inflow side pool 28 on the inflow side of the cooling water; the outflow side pool 36 can be provided as needed, or it may not be provided on the outflow side of the cooling water. Moreover, providing an outflow side pool 36 on the outflow side of the cooling water allows for further homogenization of the cooling water flow within the flow path compared to not providing an outflow side pool 36. Without an outflow side pool, the uniformity of cooling water flow is slightly worse compared to having one, but this is not a problem in practical use.

[0100] Furthermore, in the cooling member 10 of the first embodiment, by providing an inflow side pool 28 on the inflow side of the cooling water and an outflow side pool 36 on the outflow side of the cooling water, a left-right symmetrical shape is achieved in the flow direction of the cooling water. Therefore, there is no directional limitation during use, making the cooling member 10 easy to use. It should be noted that since the cooling member 50 of the second embodiment is also left-right symmetrical, there is no directional limitation during use, resulting in the ease of use of the cooling member 50.

[0101] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-127408, filed on August 3, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as those specifically and separately described and incorporated by reference.

[0102] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures] 10 Cooling components 12-frame (flow path components) 14. Top cover (the other side's sheet metal, flow path components) 16. Bottom cover (one side of the sheet metal, flow path components) 18 Corrugated Sheet (Block) 20. Inflow section (columnar section) 24 Rectangular Frame 24A frame 26 Cooling water path (flow path) 26A small flow path 28 flows into the side pool (pool) 30A End Opening (Inlet) 34 protrusions 38A End Opening (Outlet) 50 Cooling Components 52. Lower frame (plate) 54 Upper Frame (Plate) 56 Radiator 60 Cooling water path (flow path) 66 flowed into the side pool 72 openings

Claims

1. A cooling component, comprising: A flow path component having a pair of plates arranged at intervals, and a flow path for fluid flow is formed between one plate and the other plate; A pool, disposed across the entire width of the flow path component on the upstream side of the flow path, between the flow path and the inlet of the fluid, stores the fluid, wherein... When the internal height of the flow path is set as h, the internal height of the pool is set as H, and the width dimension of the pool in the fluid flow direction is set as W, h < W and h < H are satisfied.

2. The cooling component according to claim 1, wherein In addition to the pool, there is also a pool arranged between the flow path and the fluid outlet on the downstream side of the flow path.

3. The cooling component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The plate at least comprises a metal plate.

4. The cooling component according to claim 1, wherein A radiator made of a metal material is provided in a manner of blocking an opening formed in at least one of the plates, The radiator is exposed to the flow path.

5. The cooling component according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of partition plates extending in the fluid flow direction and arranged at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction are provided, The flow path is divided into a plurality of small flow paths by the plurality of partition plates.

6. The cooling component according to claim 1, wherein The flow path component comprises: a rectangular frame arranged between one plate and the other plate and forming the flow path, and a columnar part integrally connected to the end of the rectangular frame and containing the pool inside, One plate is joined to one surface of the rectangular frame and one surface of the columnar part connected to the one surface of the rectangular frame, and the other plate is joined to the other surface of the rectangular frame, The internal height of the flow path formed between the pool-side frame piece of the rectangular frame and one plate is formed lower than the internal height of the flow path inside the frame of the rectangular frame, Protrusions for joining with one plate are formed on the frame piece.

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