Cooler

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooler capable of suppressing a decrease in heat transfer characteristics. The housing member of the cooler is provided with: an inflow port for a refrigerant; an outlet of the refrigerant; a first member including a first surface receiving heat from the body to be cooled and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface; a second member having a third surface opposite the second surface; and a plurality of columnar protrusions protruding from the third surface toward the second surface. The plurality of protrusions are divided into a plurality of protrusion rows which are arranged side by side at intervals along the flow direction of the refrigerant. The interval between the first projection row closest to the inflow port and the second projection row next to the first projection row and close to the inflow port is larger than the interval between the third projection row closest to the outflow port and the fourth projection row next to the third projection row and close to the outflow port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to coolers. Background Technology

[0002] Semiconductor devices, such as power conversion devices that convert direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power, are known. These semiconductor devices are equipped with a cooler for dissipating heat from a heat-generating element.

[0003] The cooler described in Patent Document 1 includes: a heat dissipation substrate bonded to an insulating substrate on which semiconductor elements are mounted; multiple fins disposed on the side of the heat dissipation substrate opposite to the insulating substrate; and a box-shaped cooling housing housing the multiple fins. The cooling housing has a refrigerant inlet and an outlet, through which refrigerant flows into the cooling housing. Furthermore, the multiple fins are arranged at predetermined intervals. By utilizing these multiple fins, the heat dissipation area can be increased, thus enabling efficient heat exchange.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 069174 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] As the refrigerant flows, it absorbs heat from the object being cooled, and therefore its temperature increases towards the outlet relative to the inlet. Thus, in a structure where protrusions designed to increase refrigerant flow rate are evenly arranged throughout the entire area, the refrigerant flow rate is uniform, but the temperature increases towards the rear flow side. This results in uneven cooling performance of the heat dissipation substrate, causing the temperature of the object being cooled to rise more easily towards the rear flow side.

[0008] To address the above-mentioned issues, a preferred embodiment of the cooler disclosed herein includes a housing member comprising: a refrigerant inlet; a refrigerant outlet; a first member including a first surface receiving heat from the cooled body and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second member having a third surface opposite to the second surface; and a plurality of columnar protrusions projecting from the third surface toward the second surface, the plurality of protrusions being divided into a plurality of protrusion rows arranged side-by-side at intervals along a first direction of refrigerant flow, the plurality of protrusion rows including: a first protrusion row closest to the inlet; a second protrusion row next to the inlet; a third protrusion row closest to the outlet; and a fourth protrusion row next to the outlet, the interval between the first protrusion row and the second protrusion row being larger than the interval between the third protrusion row and the fourth protrusion row. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the cooler according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the second component of the cooler shown.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The top view, front view, side view, and sectional view of the second component.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing multiple protrusions.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A top view showing multiple protrusions.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the thermal resistance in this embodiment and the comparative example.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing multiple protrusions and multiple wall portions in the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shows multiple protrusions and multiple wall sections.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the comparative example.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the flow rate of the refrigerant in the comparative example.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a graph showing the flow rate of the refrigerant in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 It means Figure 7 Diagram of protrusions and walls.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing multiple wall portions and multiple protrusions in the first modified example.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a top view showing the wall portion of the second modified example.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a top view showing the wall portion of the third modified example.

[0025] Figure 17This is a top view showing the wall portion of the fourth modified example.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a top view showing the wall portion of the fifth variation.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a sectional view of the wall portion of the sixth variation.

[0028] Figure 20 This is a sectional view of the wall portion of the seventh variation.

[0029] Figure 21 This is a sectional view of the wall portion of the eighth variation. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the dimensions and scales of various parts differ appropriately from the actual figures, and some parts are shown schematically for ease of understanding. Moreover, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless specifically limited in the following description. Additionally, in this specification, "equal" means, in addition to being substantially equal, also includes differences caused by manufacturing errors, etc.

[0031] 1. First Implementation Method

[0032] 1-1. Overview of Cooler 100

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the cooler 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the second component 1 of the cooler 100 shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The top view (a), front view (b), side view (c, d) and sectional view (e) of the second component 1.

[0034] The following explanation uses intersecting X, Y, and Z axes as appropriate. A direction along the X-axis is called the X1 direction, and the opposite direction is called the X2 direction. Opposite directions along the Y-axis are called the Y1 and Y2 directions. Opposite directions along the Z-axis are called the Z1 and Z2 directions. The view along the Z-axis is called a "top view." The Z1 direction is the top, and the Z2 direction is the bottom.

[0035] Figure 1The cooler 100 shown is used, for example, for cooling power electronic products such as inverters or rectifiers installed in railway vehicles, automobiles, or household electrical equipment. Power electronic products include, for example, power semiconductor elements such as diodes or IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors). This power semiconductor element is an example of the object being cooled in the cooler 100, namely, the cooled body 9. The cooled body 9 is a heat-generating element. Furthermore, the cooled body 9 is not limited to power semiconductor elements; it can be any other electrical or electronic component that generates heat through driving or energizing, as long as cooling is required.

[0036] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the cooler 100 has a housing member 10 and a plurality of protrusions 3.

[0037] 1-1a. Shell Components 10

[0038] The housing member 10 is a housing with an internal space. This internal space is a flow path space for the refrigerant RE to flow through. The housing member 10 is provided with an inlet 101H for the refrigerant RE to flow into the interior and an outlet 102H for the refrigerant RE to flow out to the outside. The refrigerant RE flows into the flow path space from the inlet 101H and is discharged from the outlet 102H. Therefore, the refrigerant RE flows from the inlet 101H toward the outlet 102H.

[0039] The refrigerant RE is a liquid medium at room temperature, such as water including pure water, or a mixture of water and an alcohol. The alcohol is, for example, ethanol or methanol. Alternatively, the refrigerant RE can be of other types. Furthermore, it is preferable to add a surfactant to the refrigerant RE. The surfactant can be a nonionic surfactant, or anionic or cationic surfactant. Specific examples of surfactants include fluorinated surfactants, silicone surfactants, and hydrocarbon surfactants. When the refrigerant is water, a hydrocarbon surfactant with excellent solubility is preferred.

[0040] The shell component 10 is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity, specifically, a metal or alloy such as copper or aluminum. The shell component 10 has a first component 2 and a second component 1. The second component 1 is a box with an opening in the Z1 direction. The first component 2 is a cover that closes the opening. Furthermore, the first component 2 and the second component 1 can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the first component 2 is a flat plate. The first component 2 has a first surface 201 and a second surface 202. Figure 1As shown, a plurality of cooled objects 9 are provided on the first surface 201. The first surface 201 receives heat from the cooled objects 9. In addition, the first surface 201 can be in direct contact with each cooled object 9, or other components can be sandwiched between the first surface 201 and each cooled object 9. The second surface 202 is the surface opposite to the first surface 201.

[0042] The second component 1 has a bottom 11, a side wall portion 15, and a base portion 13. The bottom 11, the side wall portion 15, and the base portion 13 are integrally formed, but they can also be formed and bonded separately. The bottom 11 is the bottom portion of the second component 1 and is flat.

[0043] The sidewall portion 15 extends from the bottom 11 in the Z1 direction. The sidewall portion 15 has a first sidewall 151, a second sidewall 152, a third sidewall 153, and a fourth sidewall 154. The first sidewall 151 and the second sidewall 152 are opposite to each other, and the third sidewall 153 and the fourth sidewall 154 are opposite to each other. An inlet 101H is formed in the first sidewall 151. An outlet 102H is formed in the second sidewall 152. The inlet 101H is a hole penetrating the first sidewall 151, and the outlet 102H is a hole penetrating the second sidewall 152.

[0044] The base 13 is located in the Z1 direction of the bottom 11. The thickness of the base 13 along the Z-axis is greater than the thickness of the bottom 11. The cross-sectional shape of the base 13 is trapezoidal in the illustrated example. By providing the base 13, the cooling performance of the cooler 100 can be improved compared to the case where it is not provided. The upper surface of the base 13 is the third surface 103. The third surface 103 is opposite to the second surface 202.

[0045] 1-1b. Multiple protrusions 3

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, multiple protrusions 3 are separated from each other and disposed within the interior space of the housing member 10. Each protrusion 3 is a columnar protrusion that is connected to the third surface 103 and protrudes toward the second surface 202. Each protrusion 3 does not contact the first member 2, but may contact the first member 2. In the illustrated example, each protrusion 3 is cylindrical.

[0047] By providing multiple protrusions 3, the flow rate of refrigerant RE in contact with the second surface 202 of the first component 2 can be increased. Therefore, the cooling performance of the cooler 100 can be improved.

[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the multiple protrusions 3 shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A top view of the multiple protrusions 3 shown.

[0049] like Figure 4As shown, each protrusion 3 has a protrusion height T3 in the Z1 direction and a width W3 along the refrigerant RE flow direction, i.e., the Y-axis. Additionally, each protrusion 3 has a top surface 31 and a side surface 32. The top surface 31 is the portion of the protrusion 3 closest to the second surface 202. In this embodiment, the top surface 31 is a surface parallel to the third surface 103 and orthogonal to the Z-axis. The top surface 31 is circular when viewed from above. The side surface 32 is cylindrical. The side surface 32 connects the top surface 31 to the third surface 103. In this embodiment, the side surface 32 is parallel to the Z-axis.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the multiple protrusions 3 are arranged in a staggered pattern when viewed from above. The multiple protrusions 3 are divided into multiple rows L of protrusions arranged side-by-side at intervals along the flow direction of the refrigerant RE, i.e., the Y2 direction. In the illustrated example, there are 7 rows L of protrusions. Each row L is a collection of several protrusions 3 arranged in a straight line along the X-axis. In this embodiment, the multiple rows L of protrusions are arranged side-by-side at equal intervals.

[0051] The protrusion L closest to the inlet 101H among the multiple protrusion columns L is designated as the first protrusion column L1. The protrusion L following the first protrusion column L1 and closest to the inlet 101H is designated as the second protrusion column L2. The protrusion L following the second protrusion column L2 and closest to the inlet 101H is designated as the fifth protrusion column L5. The protrusion L following the fifth protrusion column L5 and closest to the inlet 101H is designated as the sixth protrusion column L6. The protrusion L following the sixth protrusion column L6 and closest to the inlet 101H is designated as the seventh protrusion column L7. The protrusion L closest to the outlet 102H among the multiple protrusion columns L is designated as the third protrusion column L3. The protrusion L following the third protrusion column L3 and closest to the outlet 102H is designated as the fourth protrusion column L4.

[0052] The interval between two adjacent protrusion columns L is not constant. Specifically, the interval D1 between the first protrusion column L1 and the second protrusion column L2 is larger than the interval D3 between the third protrusion column L3 and the fourth protrusion column L4.

[0053] The temperature of the refrigerant RE tends to be higher near the outlet 102H relative to the inlet 101H. By reducing the spacing of the protrusions L near the outlet 102H relative to the inlet 101H, the flow rate of the refrigerant RE near the outlet 102H can be increased. Therefore, the non-uniformity of the cooling performance of the first surface 201 of the first member 2 can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, from the inlet 101H towards the outlet 102H, the intervals between two adjacent protrusion columns L gradually decrease. Specifically, the intervals D1, D2 (between the second and fifth protrusion columns L2 and L5), D5 (between the fifth and sixth protrusion columns L5 and L6), D6 (between the sixth and seventh protrusion columns L6 and L7), D4 (between the seventh and fourth protrusion columns L7 and L4), and D3 gradually decrease from the interval D1. That is, the intervals D1, D2, D5, D6, D4, and D3 satisfy the relationship D1 > D2 > D5 > D6 > D4 > D3.

[0055] By gradually decreasing the spacing between two adjacent protrusions L from the inlet 101H toward the outlet 102H, the flow rate of refrigerant RE can be gradually increased from the inlet 101H toward the outlet 102H. Therefore, the non-uniformity of the cooling performance of the first surface 201 of the first component 2 can be reduced particularly effectively.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the thermal resistance in this embodiment and the comparative example. Figure 6 The vertical axis represents the thermal resistance of the cooled body 9, and the horizontal axis represents the position of the cooled body 9. Specifically, six cooled bodies 9 are provided on the first surface 201. The cooled body 9 closest to the inlet 101H is designated as "1", and the cooled bodies 9 are designated as "2", "3", "4", "5" and "6" sequentially from "1" toward the outlet 102H. In the comparative example, these six cooled bodies 9 are arranged side by side in a straight line with approximately equal intervals from the inlet 101H toward the outlet 102H.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, the thermal resistance of the cooled body 9 located near the outlet 102H is lower than that of the cooled body 9 located near the outlet 102H in the comparative example. Figure 6 It can also be seen that, according to the cooler 100 of this embodiment, by making the spacing of the protrusion rows L smaller in the portion closer to the outlet 102H relative to the inlet 101H, the flow rate of the refrigerant RE can gradually increase towards the outlet 102H. Therefore, the non-uniformity of the cooling performance of the first surface 201 of the first member 2 can be reduced.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the flow direction of refrigerant RE, i.e., the Y2 direction, the top view centers of several protrusions 3 belonging to a certain protrusion row L and the top view centers of several protrusions 3 adjacent to that protrusion row L do not overlap.

[0059] By configuring multiple protrusions 3 in this way, the refrigerant RE can easily flow throughout the entire internal space. Therefore, the non-uniformity of the cooling performance of the first surface 201 can be reduced more effectively.

[0060] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0061] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following examples, for elements that have the same function as those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be retained, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0062] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the plurality of protrusions 3 and the plurality of wall portions 4 in the second embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, the cooler 100 of the second embodiment has a plurality of wall portions 4.

[0063] Multiple wall portions 4 are disposed within the internal space of the housing member 10. Each wall portion 4 is a columnar protrusion that connects to the third surface 103 and protrudes toward the second surface 202. The multiple wall portions 4 are provided corresponding to the multiple protrusions 3. In this embodiment, the multiple wall portions 4 correspond one-to-one with the multiple protrusions 3. Each wall portion 4 is wall-shaped. Each wall portion 4 is provided separately from the multiple protrusions 3.

[0064] As described above, a plurality of wall portions 4 are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of protrusions 3. Each wall portion 4 is disposed on the outlet 102H side relative to the corresponding protrusion 3. In this embodiment, each wall portion 4 is arc-shaped when viewed from above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, several wall portions 4 corresponding to several protrusions 3 belonging to the same protrusion row L are interconnected.

[0065] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the multiple protrusions 3 and multiple wall portions 4 shown. (See attached image.) Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion height T3 of each protrusion 3 in the Z1 direction is higher than the protrusion height T4 of each wall portion 4 in the Z1 direction.

[0066] Furthermore, each wall portion 4 has a top surface 41 and a side surface 42. The top surface 41 is the portion of the wall portion 4 closest to the second surface 202. In this embodiment, the top surface 41 is a surface parallel to the third surface 103 and orthogonal to the Z-axis. The top surface 41 is circular when viewed from above. The side surface 42 is cylindrical. The side surface 42 connects the top surface 41 and the third surface 103. In this embodiment, the side surface 42 is parallel to the Z-axis.

[0067] As described above, the protrusion height T3 of each protrusion 3 is higher than the protrusion height T4 in the Z1 direction of each wall portion 4. Furthermore, as described above, the wall portion 4 is separate from the corresponding protrusion 3 and is disposed on the side of the corresponding protrusion 3 opposite to the inlet 101H. By having this wall portion 4, the slowing of refrigerant RE flow at the outlet 102H side of the protrusion 3 can be suppressed. As a result, the cooling performance of the cooler 100 can be improved.

[0068] Furthermore, the protrusion height T4 of the wall portion 4 is lower than the protrusion height T3 of the protrusion 3. If the protrusion height T4 is greater than the protrusion height T3, it is possible that the flow rate and velocity of the refrigerant RE will decrease at the outlet 102H side of the wall portion 4. In contrast, by making the protrusion height T4 lower than the protrusion height T3, it is difficult for this problem of reduced flow rate and velocity to occur.

[0069] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant RE in the comparative example. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant RE in the second embodiment. Figure 9 In the comparative example shown, wall portion 4 is not provided. In contrast, in... Figure 10 In the second embodiment shown, a wall portion 4 is provided. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The streamlines of refrigerant RE are depicted in the figure.

[0070] exist Figure 9 In the comparative example, in region Sx on the outlet side 102H of protrusion 3, refrigerant RE has difficulty flowing. In contrast, in Figure 10 In the second embodiment, in region S on the outlet 102H side of the protrusion 3, the refrigerant RE flows efficiently, just as on the inlet 101H side. This is because when the refrigerant RE encounters the inlet 101H side of the wall 4, the direction of the refrigerant RE flow changes in region S between the protrusion 3 and the wall 4. Therefore, compared to region Sx on the outlet 102H side of the protrusion 3, the flow rate of refrigerant RE through region S in the second embodiment is increased.

[0071] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, by providing the wall portion 4, the decrease in flow rate in region S on the outlet side 102H of the protrusion 3 can be suppressed.

[0072] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the flow rate of refrigerant RE in the comparative example. Figure 12 This is a graph showing the flow rate of refrigerant RE in the second embodiment. Figure 11In the comparative example, the brightness of region Sx on the outlet 102H side of protrusion 3 is lower than that of region Sy on the inlet 101H side of protrusion 3. This indicates that the refrigerant RE flow rate in region Sx is slower than that in region Sy.

[0073] exist Figure 12 In the second embodiment, the brightness of region S on the outlet 102H side of protrusion 3 is approximately the same as the brightness of region S0 on the inlet 101H side of protrusion 3. This indicates that the flow rate of refrigerant RE in region S is not much different from, and is approximately equal to, the flow rate of refrigerant RE in region S0.

[0074] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, by providing the wall portion 4, the decrease in flow velocity in region S on the outlet side 102H of the protrusion 3 can be suppressed.

[0075] Furthermore, the protrusion height T4 of the wall portion 4 is lower than the protrusion height T3 of the protrusion 3. If the protrusion height T4 is greater than the protrusion height T3, it is possible that the flow rate and velocity of the refrigerant RE will decrease at the outlet 102H side of the wall portion 4. In contrast, by making the protrusion height T4 lower than the protrusion height T3, it is difficult for this problem of reduced flow rate and velocity to occur.

[0076] Figure 13 It means Figure 7 The diagram shows protrusion 3 and wall 4. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 13 As shown, consider the case where an imaginary line A1 is provided. This imaginary line A1, when viewed from above, passes through the center O1 of the protrusion 3 and runs along the X1 direction, which is orthogonal to the flow direction of the refrigerant RE. In this case, in this embodiment, the wall portion 4 is positioned closer to the outlet 102H side than the imaginary line A1 of the corresponding protrusion 3.

[0077] By arranging the wall portion 4 in this way, the reduction in the flow rate and velocity of the refrigerant RE at the outlet 102H side can be suppressed particularly effectively. Alternatively, the wall portion 4 may include a portion located closer to the inlet 101H side than the imaginary line A1. However, if the wall portion 4 includes this portion, the flow rate and velocity of the refrigerant RE in region S may be reduced compared to the case where it is not included.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, several wall portions 4 corresponding to several protrusions 3 belonging to the same protrusion row L are interconnected. That is, the plurality of protrusions 3 have two or more protrusions 3 arranged separately from each other in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the refrigerant RE, i.e., in the X1 direction, and are provided with two or more wall portions 4 corresponding to the two or more protrusions 3, and the two or more wall portions 4 are interconnected.

[0079] By connecting several wall portions 4 in the same protrusion row L to each other, the decrease in the flow rate and flow volume of refrigerant RE in region S can be suppressed compared to the case where they are not connected.

[0080] Furthermore, as described above, each protrusion 3 is circular when viewed from above. Moreover, each wall portion 4 is arc-shaped corresponding to the protrusion 3 when viewed from above. By making the wall portion 4 arc-shaped corresponding to the protrusion 3, the flow rate and velocity of the refrigerant RE in region S can be increased more uniformly compared to, for example, a straight line.

[0081] Furthermore, each wall portion 4 is concentrically arranged relative to the protrusion 3. Therefore, the separation distance between the wall portion 4 and the protrusion 3 is equal throughout the entire region of the wall portion 4. A line segment A2 passes through the center O1 of the protrusion 3 and along the refrigerant flow direction, passing through the center O2 of the wall portion 4. Centers O1 and O2 are the geometric centers when viewed from above.

[0082] By arranging each wall portion 4 concentrically relative to the protrusion 3, the flow rate and velocity of refrigerant RE in region S can be increased particularly uniformly.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, wall portions 4 are provided corresponding to all of the plurality of protrusions 3. That is, the plurality of wall portions 4 are provided one-to-one with respect to the plurality of protrusions 3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the flow rate and flow volume of refrigerant RE at the outlet 102H side of all the protrusions 3. Therefore, the cooling performance of the cooler 100 can be improved particularly effectively.

[0084] 2. Variations

[0085] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications as described below are possible. Furthermore, the modifications can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0086] 2-1. First variation example

[0087] Figure 14 This is a top view showing the multiple wall portions 4 and multiple protrusions 3 of the first modified example. (Example) Figure 14 As shown, the wall portion 4 may not necessarily correspond to all of the multiple protrusions 3. Figure 14 In the example, the protrusions 3 belonging to the first protrusion row L1, the fourth protrusion row L4, and the third protrusion row L5 near the inlet 101H are not provided with wall portions 4. The protrusions 3 belonging to the remaining protrusion rows L are provided with wall portions 4.

[0088] As in this modified example, the plurality of wall portions 4 may not be provided one-to-one with all the protrusions 3. That is, the plurality of wall portions 4 are configured corresponding to a portion of the protrusions 3. In other words, the plurality of wall portions 4 are configured corresponding to at least one protrusion 3.

[0089] Alternatively, at least one wall portion 4 may be provided on the third surface 103. In this case, the wall portion 4 may be provided corresponding to at least one protrusion 3. By providing multiple wall portions 4, the cooling performance of the cooler 100 can be improved.

[0090] 2-2. Second variation

[0091] Figure 15 This is a top view showing the wall portion 4 in the second modified example. (Example) Figure 15 As shown, in the second variation, the wall portions 4 corresponding to a portion of the protrusions belonging to the same protrusion row L are not connected to each other and are separated. That is, the plurality of protrusions 3 have two or more protrusions 3 arranged separately from each other in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the refrigerant RE, i.e., in the X1 direction, and two or more wall portions 4 are provided corresponding to the two or more protrusions 3, and the two or more wall portions 4 are separated from each other. Furthermore, all of the plurality of wall portions 4 are separated from each other.

[0092] By separating several wall portions 4 in the same protrusion row L from each other, compared with the connected case, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the flow rate and flow of refrigerant RE in region S, and to mitigate the increase in pressure loss caused by the installation of wall portions 4, thereby suppressing the decrease in overall flow.

[0093] 2-3. Third variation example

[0094] Figure 16 This is a top view showing the wall portion 4 in the third modified example. Figure 16 In the third variation shown, each wall portion 4 is not concentrically arranged relative to the protrusion 3. Therefore, the separation distance between the wall portion 4 and the protrusion 3 is not equal throughout the entire region of the wall portion 4. The line segment A2 passing through the center O1 of the protrusion 3 and along the refrigerant flow direction does not pass through the center O2 of the wall portion 4.

[0095] Thus, the wall portion 4 can also be configured offset relative to the protrusion 3. For example, consider configuring the wall portion 4 offset relative to the protrusion 3 based on the distance from the aforementioned side wall portion 15. Consider configuring the wall portion 4 offset relative to the protrusion 3 based on the deviation of the refrigerant RE flow rate and velocity.

[0096] 2-4. Fourth variation example

[0097] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the wall portion 4A of the fourth modified example. Figure 17The wall portion 4A shown in the fourth variation is not arc-shaped when viewed from above, but includes a straight section. Specifically, wall portion 4A includes a first wall portion 451 and a second wall portion 452. The first wall portion 451 extends in a straight line in the upper-left direction (the direction intersecting the X and Y axes) relative to the paper. The second wall portion 452 extends in a straight line in the lower-left direction (the direction intersecting the X and Y axes). The portion through which line segment A2 in wall portion 4A passes is closest to the outlet 102H. In addition, multiple wall portions 4A corresponding to multiple protrusions 3 belonging to the same protrusion row L are interconnected, but can also be separated.

[0098] By utilizing such a wall 4A, it is also possible to suppress the reduction of flow rate and velocity in region S.

[0099] 2-5. Fifth variation

[0100] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the wall portion 4B of the fifth modified example. Figure 18 The wall portion 4B shown in the fifth variation is not arc-shaped when viewed from above, but includes a straight section. Specifically, wall portion 4B includes a third wall portion 453, a fourth wall portion 454, and a fifth wall portion 455. The third wall portion 453 extends in a straight line along line segment A2 in the direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the refrigerant RE, i.e., the X1 direction. The fourth wall portion 454 extends in a straight line from the first end of the third wall portion 453 in the upward-left direction (the direction intersecting the X and Y axes) relative to the plane of the paper. The fifth wall portion 455 extends in a straight line from the second end of the third wall portion 453 in the downward-left direction (the direction intersecting the X and Y axes). In addition, the wall portions 4B corresponding to the protrusions 3 belonging to the same protrusion row L are separate from each other, but can also be connected.

[0101] By utilizing such a wall 4B, it is also possible to suppress the reduction of flow rate and velocity in region S.

[0102] 2-6. Sixth Variation

[0103] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the wall portion 4C of the sixth modified example. In Figure 19 In the sixth modified example shown, the side 42C of the wall portion 4C is not parallel to the Z-axis. The wall portion 4C is trapezoidal in cross-section. The width of the wall portion 4C narrows as it moves away from the third surface 103.

[0104] 2-7. Seventh Variation

[0105] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the wall portion 4D of the seventh modified example. In Figure 20In the seventh variation shown, the wall portion 4D has a vertex 43D and a side surface 42D. The side surface 42D is not parallel to the Z-axis. The wall portion 4D is triangular in cross-section. The width of the wall portion 4D narrows as it moves away from the third face 103. At the vertex 43D, its width is zero.

[0106] 2-8. Eighth Variation

[0107] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the wall portion 4E of the eighth modified example. In Figure 21 In the eighth variant shown, there is a vertex 43E and an outer surface 44E. The outer surface 44E is hemispherical. The wall portion 4E is semicircular in cross-section.

[0108] 2-10. Other variations

[0109] The shape of the wall portion 4 is not limited to the shapes of the first embodiment, the sixth, the seventh, and the eighth modifications. For example, the inclination angle of the side surface 42 of the wall portion 4 relative to the Z-axis may be different on the inlet 101H side and the outlet 102H side of the wall portion 4. In addition, the top surface 41 may not be parallel to the third surface 103. Furthermore, all of the plurality of wall portions 4 may not have the same shape or the same protrusion height.

[0110] Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion 3 is not limited to that of the first embodiment. For example, the protrusion 3 may also have the shape of the wall portion 4 in the sixth, seventh, and eighth modifications. Additionally, for example, the inclination angle of the side surface 42 of the protrusion 3 relative to the Z-axis may differ between the inlet 101H side and the outlet 102H side of the protrusion 3. Furthermore, the top surface 31 may not be parallel to the third surface 103. Also, all of the plurality of protrusions 3 may not have the same shape or the same protrusion height.

[0111] The present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the structure of each part of the present invention can be replaced with any structure that performs the same function as the embodiments described above, and arbitrary structures can also be added.

[0112] 3. Notes

[0113] Based on the above implementation methods or variations, for example, the following methods can be mastered.

[0114] A cooler according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has a housing member comprising: a refrigerant inlet; a refrigerant outlet; a first member including a first surface receiving heat from a body being cooled and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second member having a third surface opposite to the second surface; and a plurality of columnar protrusions projecting from the third surface toward the second surface, the plurality of protrusions being divided into a plurality of protrusion rows arranged side-by-side at intervals along a first direction of refrigerant flow, the plurality of protrusion rows including: a first protrusion row closest to the inlet; a second protrusion row next to the inlet; a third protrusion row closest to the outlet; and a fourth protrusion row next to the outlet, the interval between the first protrusion row and the second protrusion row being greater than the interval between the third protrusion row and the fourth protrusion row.

[0115] According to this first method, the refrigerant flow rate near the outlet can be increased. Therefore, the non-uniformity of the cooling performance of the first surface of the first component can be reduced.

[0116] In a second embodiment, which is a preferred example of the first embodiment, the spacing between adjacent protrusions in the plurality of protrusion columns gradually decreases from the inlet toward the outlet.

[0117] According to the second method, the refrigerant flow rate can be gradually reduced from the inlet to the outlet. Therefore, the non-uniformity of the cooling performance of the first surface of the first component can be reduced particularly effectively.

[0118] In a third embodiment, which is a preferred example of the second embodiment, the centers of the plurality of protrusions belonging to the first protrusion column when viewed from above do not overlap with the centers of the plurality of protrusions belonging to the second protrusion column when viewed from above, and the centers of the plurality of protrusions belonging to the third protrusion column when viewed from above do not overlap with the centers of the plurality of protrusions belonging to the fourth protrusion column when viewed from above, in the first direction of refrigerant flow.

[0119] According to the third method, the refrigerant can easily flow throughout the entire interior space. Therefore, the non-uniformity of cooling performance on the first surface can be reduced more effectively.

[0120] In the fourth embodiment, which is a preferred example of the first to third embodiments, at least one wall portion is further provided, which is configured corresponding to at least one of the plurality of protrusions, protruding from the third surface toward the second surface. The protrusion height of the at least one wall portion is lower than the protrusion height of the at least one protrusion. The at least one wall portion is separated from the at least one protrusion and is configured on the side of the at least one protrusion opposite to the inlet.

[0121] By having a wall section, the flow of refrigerant on the protruding outlet side can be slowed down. As a result, the cooling performance of the cooler can be improved.

[0122] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0123] 1. Second component; 2. First component; 3. Protrusion; 4. Wall portion; 4A. Wall portion; 4B. Wall portion; 4C. Wall portion; 4D. Wall portion; 4E. Wall portion; 9. Cooled body; 10. Shell component; 11. Bottom; 13. Base; 15. Side wall portion; 31. Top surface; 32. Side surface; 41. Top surface; 42. Side surface; 42C. Side surface; 42D. Side surface; 43D. Vertex; 43E. Vertex; 44E. Outer surface; 100. Cooler; 101H. Inlet; 102H. Outlet; 103. Third surface; 151. First side wall; 152. Second side wall; 153. Third side wall; 154. Fourth side wall; 201. First side; 202, Second side; 451, First wall portion; 452, Second wall portion; 453, Third wall portion; 454, Fourth wall portion; 455, Fifth wall portion; A1, Imaginary line; A2, Line segment; D1, Spacing; D2, Spacing; D3, Spacing; D4, Spacing; L, Protrusion row; L1, First protrusion row; L2, Second protrusion row; L3, Third protrusion row; L4, Fourth protrusion row; L5, Fifth protrusion row; O1, Center; O2, Center; RE, Refrigerant; S, Region; S0, Region; Sx, Region; Sy, Region; T1, Protrusion height; T2, Protrusion height; W3, Width; W40, Width; W41, Width.

Claims

1. A cooler characterized by comprising: a housing member having: a flow inlet of a refrigerant; a flow outlet of the refrigerant; a first member including a first face that receives heat from an object to be cooled and a second face opposite to the first face; a second member having a third face opposite to the second face; and a plurality of columnar protrusions protruding from the third face toward the second face, the plurality of protrusions are divided into a plurality of protrusion rows juxtaposed at intervals from each other in a first direction in which the refrigerant flows, the plurality of protrusion rows include: a first protrusion row closest to the flow inlet; a second protrusion row next to the first protrusion row closer to the flow inlet; a third protrusion row closest to the flow outlet; and a fourth protrusion row next to the third protrusion row closer to the flow outlet, an interval between the first protrusion row and the second protrusion row is larger than an interval between the third protrusion row and the fourth protrusion row.

2. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein intervals between adjacent protrusion rows among the plurality of protrusion rows gradually decrease from the flow inlet toward the flow outlet.

3. The cooler according to claim 2, wherein centers of the plurality of protrusions belonging to the first protrusion row each when viewed from above and centers of the plurality of protrusions belonging to the second protrusion row each when viewed from above do not overlap with each other when viewed in the first direction in which the refrigerant flows, centers of the plurality of protrusions belonging to the third protrusion row each when viewed from above and centers of the plurality of protrusions belonging to the fourth protrusion row each when viewed from above do not overlap with each other when viewed in the first direction.

4. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the cooler further comprises at least one wall portion corresponding to at least one protrusion among the plurality of protrusions, the at least one wall portion protruding from the third face toward the second face, a protruding height of the at least one wall portion is lower than a protruding height of the at least one protrusion, the at least one wall portion is separated from the at least one protrusion and disposed on a side of the at least one protrusion opposite to the flow inlet. ​

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