cooling device

Abstract

A cooling device capable of inhibiting stress concentration in a connection portion of a joint and a flow path tube is provided. The cooling device of an example embodiment includes a joint, a flow path tube, and a first cover member. The joint includes a joint main body and a first protruding portion. The joint main body has an internal flow path. The first protruding portion protrudes from the joint main body, has an internal flow path, and is fluidly connected to the joint main body. The flow path tube is connected to the first protruding portion and is fluidly connected to the joint. The first cover member covers an outer peripheral surface of a connection portion of the first protruding portion and the flow path tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An exemplary embodiment relates to a cooling device. Background Technology

[0002] There is a cooling device comprising: a connector having an internal flow path for refrigerant flow; and a flow path pipe fluidly connected to the connector (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-029880 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in cooling devices where the refrigerant flow path is fluidly connected to the connector, stress concentration may occur at the connection point between the flow path and the connector, potentially causing adverse effects on the flow path.

[0008] The exemplary embodiments were made in view of the above circumstances, and their purpose is to provide a cooling device that can suppress stress concentration at the connection between the connector and the flow path pipe.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] A cooling device in an exemplary embodiment includes a connector, a flow path, and a first cover member. The connector includes a connector body and a first protrusion. The connector body has an internal flow path. The first protrusion protrudes from the connector body, has an internal flow path, and is in fluid communication with the connector body. The flow path is connected to the first protrusion and is in fluid communication with the connector. The first cover member covers the outer peripheral surface of the connection between the first protrusion and the flow path.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] In the exemplary embodiment, the cooling device is able to suppress stress concentration at the connection between the connector and the flow path pipe by utilizing the first cover member, since the first protrusion of the connector is covered by the first cover member. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection between the connector and the flow path pipe in an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3This is an explanatory diagram showing a first modified example of the connection between the connector and the flow path pipe in an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing a second variation of the connection between the connector and the flow path pipe in an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing a third variation of the connection between the connector and the flow path pipe in an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection between the connector and the cooler in an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the fastening part of the cooling device and the bracket in an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fastening part in a cooling device according to an exemplary embodiment, which is fastened to the object being cooled.

[0021] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of a cold plate according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the cooling device will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0023] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cooling device 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cooling device 2 is a device installed on a cooling object that serves as a heat source to cool the object. Figure 1 As shown, the cooling device 2 includes multiple (4 in this case) coolers 3 (31-34) and multiple (11 in this case) connectors 4 (40-50) in fluid connection with the coolers 3 (31-34). Furthermore, the cooling device 2 includes flow path pipes 5 (51-57) in fluid connection with the connectors 4 (40-50).

[0024] It should be noted that, in the following description, when any one of the multiple coolers 31 to 34 is specified, it is referred to as cooler 3. Furthermore, when any one of the multiple connectors 40 to 50 is specified, it is referred to as connector 4. Furthermore, when any one of the multiple flow path pipes 5 (51 to 57) is specified, it is referred to as flow path pipe 5.

[0025] Flow pipes 51 and 55 are fluidly connected to a refrigerant circulation device (not shown). Each cooler 3 has an internal flow path for refrigerant flow. The refrigerant, cooled by the refrigerant circulation device, is supplied to connectors 40 and 47 via flow pipe 51.

[0026] The refrigerant supplied to connector 40 passes through flow path pipe 52 and is supplied from connector 41 to the internal flow path of cooler 31. As the refrigerant flows through the internal flow path of cooler 31, it absorbs heat from the object being cooled, thereby cooling the object.

[0027] After passing through the internal flow path of the cooler 31, the refrigerant is supplied to the internal flow path of the cooler 32 in sequence through connector 42, flow pipe 53, and connector 43. During its passage through the internal flow path of the cooler 32, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the object being cooled, thereby cooling the object.

[0028] The refrigerant, after passing through the internal flow path of the cooler 32, is supplied to the internal flow path of the cooler 34 in sequence through connector 44, flow pipe 54, and connector 45. During its passage through the internal flow path of the cooler 34, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the object being cooled, thereby cooling the object. The refrigerant, after passing through the internal flow path of the cooler 34, is then sent out through connector 46 and flow pipe 55 to the refrigerant circulation device. The refrigerant sent to the refrigerant circulation device is cooled by the heat exchanger inside the refrigerant circulation device and is then supplied back to the cooling device 2 through flow pipe 51.

[0029] Furthermore, the refrigerant supplied to connector 47 is supplied from connector 48 to the internal flow path of cooler 33 via flow path pipe 56. As the refrigerant flows through the internal flow path of cooler 33, it absorbs heat from the object being cooled, thereby cooling the object.

[0030] After passing through the internal flow path of cooler 33, the refrigerant is supplied to the internal flow path of cooler 32 via connector 49, flow pipe 57, and connector 50. During its passage through the internal flow path of cooler 32, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the object being cooled, thereby cooling the object.

[0031] The refrigerant, after passing through the internal flow path of the cooler 32, is supplied to the internal flow path of the cooler 34 in sequence through connector 44, flow pipe 54, and connector 45. During its passage through the internal flow path of the cooler 34, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the object being cooled, thereby cooling the object. The refrigerant, after passing through the internal flow path of the cooler 34, is then sent out through connector 46 and flow pipe 55 to the refrigerant circulation device. The refrigerant sent to the refrigerant circulation device is cooled by the heat exchanger inside the refrigerant circulation device and is then supplied back to the cooling device 2 through flow pipe 51.

[0032] The cooling device 2 is equipped with a bracket (not shown) that serves as a support base for fixing the relative positions of the four coolers 31-34. The bracket is fixed to, for example, a mounting plate using fastening screws. Figure 1 The mounting portion and other parts of the cooling device 2 are indicated by the dashed elliptical frame A. Regarding the structure of the mounting portion of the cooling device 2 indicated by the dashed elliptical frame A, please refer to... Figure 7 This will be described later.

[0033] In addition, cooling device 2 Figure 1 The fixing parts, represented by the dashed elliptical frame B, are fixed to the cooling object by fastening screws. (Regarding...) Figure 1 The structure of the fixing part, represented by the dashed elliptical box B, will be referred to... Figure 8 This will be described later.

[0034] In the aforementioned cooling device 2, stress concentration at the connection between the flow path pipe 5 and the connector 4 may adversely affect the flow path pipe 5, such as causing damage at the stress concentration point. Therefore, the cooling device 2 is configured to suppress stress concentration at the connection between the flow path pipe 5 and the connector 4.

[0035] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection between the connector 4 and the flow path pipe 5 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, connector 4 includes connector body 61 and a first protrusion 62. Connector body 61 has an internal flow path and is in fluid connection with cooler 3.

[0036] A first protrusion 62 protrudes from the connector body 61, has an internal flow path, and is in fluid connection with the connector body 61. In one example, the first protrusion 62 is cylindrical. A flow path tube 5 is connected to the first protrusion 62 and is in fluid connection with the connector 4.

[0037] When the first protrusion 62 is positioned in the direction of protrusion from the connector body 61, the flow path 5 is connected to the first protrusion 62 in the first protrusion direction. This simplifies the connection process between the first protrusion 62 and the flow path 5. In one example, the flow path 5 can be brazed to the first protrusion 62 while covering its outer peripheral surface. That is, the flow path 5 can be brazed to the first protrusion 62 while the first protrusion 62 is inserted inside it. Furthermore, in other examples, the flow path 5 can be brazed to the first protrusion 62 while its outer peripheral surface is covered by the first protrusion 62. That is, the first protrusion 62 can be brazed to the flow path 5 while the flow path 5 is inserted inside it.

[0038] In one example, the flow path 5 is made of metal. Therefore, the strength of the flow path 5 is higher than that of pipes made of resin or rubber. Furthermore, in another example, the flow path 5 is a corrugated pipe. Therefore, the flow path 5 allows for greater flexibility in piping and can distribute stress acting on it through bending.

[0039] Figure 2 In the example shown, the flow path 5 is connected to the first protrusion 62 without bending in the first protruding direction, but it can also be connected to the first protrusion 62 in a bent state at the connection point. It should be noted that the flow path 5 may sometimes be connected to the first protrusion 62 in a straight state and then bent under stress. Furthermore, Figure 2 In the example shown, the first protrusion 62 protrudes straight from the connector body 61, but it can also protrude from the connector body 61 in a bent state.

[0040] Furthermore, the cooling device 2 includes a first cover member 71 at the connection between the connector 4 and the flow path 5. The first cover member 71 covers the outer peripheral surface of the connection between the first protrusion 62 and the flow path 5. Here, the first cover member 71 contacts both the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 62 and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path 5. The bending and movement of the flow path 5 relative to the connector 4 are suppressed by the first cover member 71, thereby suppressing stress concentration at the connection between the flow path 5 and the connector 4. In addition, the first cover member 71 can also suppress stress concentration at the connection between the flow path 5 and the connector 4 by absorbing the stress acting on the connection between the flow path 5 and the connector 4.

[0041] In one example, the first cover member 71 has lower rigidity than the connector body 61 but higher rigidity than the flow path tube 5. For instance, the Young's modulus of the first cover member 71 is lower than that of the connector body 61 but higher than that of the flow path tube 5. Therefore, the first cover member 71 can alleviate the limitation on the movable range of the flow path tube 5 while suppressing damage to the flow path tube 5 due to excessive bending. Here, because the first cover member 71 has higher rigidity than the flow path tube 5 and has less deflection as a tubular member, it can suppress damage to the flow path tube 5 due to excessive bending. Furthermore, because the first cover member 71 has lower rigidity than the connector body 61, it alleviates the limitation on the movable range of the flow path tube 5 and improves the workability of the winding operation of the flow path tube 5.

[0042] Furthermore, the end of the first cover member 71 on the connector 4 side contacts the connector body 61. Thus, the first cover member 71 can increase the protected area by covering.

[0043] In one example, the first cover member 71 is a sheet-like or tubular member with heat-shrinkable properties. Therefore, after being installed at the connection between the connector 4 and the flow pipe 5, the first cover member 71 is heated to fit tightly against the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 62 and the outer peripheral surface of the end of the flow pipe 5 on the connector 4 side. Thus, the first cover member 71 can suppress misalignment with the first protrusion 62 and the flow pipe 5, and can also suppress refrigerant leakage from the connection between the connector 4 and the flow pipe 5.

[0044] It should be noted that, Figure 2 The connection shown is an example, and various modifications are possible. Next, refer to... Figure 3 The first modified example of the connection between the connector 4 and the flow path pipe 5 will be described. Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing a first modified example of the connection between the connector 4 and the flow path pipe 5 in an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the connection between the connector 4 and the flow path pipe 5 in the first modified example is similar in that it has a second cover member 72 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe 5. Figure 2 The connecting part shown is different, and other components are the same. Figure 2 The connection portion shown is the same. As a result, since the outer peripheral surface of the flow path 5 is protected by the second cover member 72, damage to not only the connection portion with the first protrusion 62 can be suppressed, but also damage to the flow path 5 as a whole can be suppressed.

[0046] In one example, the second cover member 72 has lower rigidity than the first cover member 71 but higher rigidity than the flow path tube 5. For instance, the Young's modulus of the second cover member 72 is lower than that of the first cover member 71 but higher than that of the flow path tube 5. Therefore, the second cover member 72 can alleviate the limitation on the movable range of the flow path tube 5 while suppressing damage to the flow path tube 5 due to excessive bending. Here, because the second cover member 72 has higher rigidity than the flow path tube 5 and has less deflection as a tubular member, it can suppress damage to the flow path tube 5 due to excessive bending. Furthermore, because the second cover member 72 has lower rigidity than the first cover member 71, it alleviates the limitation on the movable range of the flow path tube 5 and improves the workability of the winding operation of the flow path tube 5. In addition, the second cover member 72 covers not only the connection with the connector 4 but also the entire flow path tube 5, thereby suppressing surface damage to the flow path tube 5. Furthermore, even though the second cover member 72 covers the entire flow path tube 5, its lower rigidity compared to other members makes it less likely to reduce workability.

[0047] Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the end of the second cover member 72 on the joint 4 side is covered by the first cover member 71. As described above, in one example, the first cover member 71 is a sheet-like or tubular member with heat shrinkability, and therefore, after covering the second cover member 72, it is heated and tightly adhered to the second cover member 72. As a result, displacement of the second cover member 72 can be suppressed.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 4 The second modified example of the connection between the connector 4 and the flow path pipe 5 will be described. Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram showing a second modified example of the connection between the connector 4 and the flow path pipe 5 in an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in the second modified example, the end of the connecting part on the connector 4 side in the flow path pipe 5 contacts the connector body 61 at the point where... Figure 2 The connecting part shown is different, and other components are the same. Figure 2 The connection shown is the same. As a result, the contact area between the flow path pipe 5 and the connector 4 is increased, thereby improving the fixing strength of the connector 4.

[0050] Next, refer to Figure 5 The third modified example of the connection between connector 4 and flow path pipe 5 will be described. Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing a third variation of the connection between the connector 4 and the flow path pipe 5 in an exemplary embodiment.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, in the third modified example, the first protrusion 62A has a cylindrical root portion 63A and a cylindrical front end portion 63B. The root portion 63A protrudes from the connector body 61 in a first protruding direction. The front end portion 63B protrudes from at least a portion of the root portion 63A in the first protruding direction, and its diameter is smaller than that of the root portion 63A.

[0052] The first protruding direction here is from the base end of the first protrusion 62A connected to the connector body 61 toward the front end. The flow path 5 is fluidly connected to the front end 63B of the first protrusion 62A.

[0053] Figure 5 In the example shown, the root portion 63A and the front portion 63B are configured to be concentric with the connector body 61 when viewed axially from the internal flow path. It should be noted that... Figure 5 In the example shown, the configuration is arranged in a straight line along the first protruding direction, but it can also be a configuration in which at least one of the root 63A and the front end 63B is bent.

[0054] Furthermore, in the third modification, the first cover member 71 covers the outer peripheral surface of the root 63A. At this time, a gap is formed between the first cover member 71 and the end on the connector 4 side of the flow path pipe 5. As a result, contact between the first cover member 71 and the end on the connector 4 side of the flow path pipe 5 can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, the end of the flow path 5 on the connector 4 side contacts the root 63A. This increases the contact area between the flow path 5 and the first protrusion 62A, and further increases the contact area through contact with the root 63A, thus improving the fixing strength of the flow path 5. Moreover, by suppressing contact with metal machining marks, damage to the first cover member 71 can be prevented.

[0056] Furthermore, the first cover member 71 and the second cover member 72 are made of insulating material. As a result, insulation can be added to the flow path pipe 5 made of metallic material, thus preventing accidental short circuits through the flow path pipe 5.

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 6 The configuration of the connection between the connector 4 and the cooler 3 in the exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection between the connector 4 and the cooler 3 in an exemplary embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 6 The insertion direction of connector 4 into cooler 3 is indicated by a thick straight arrow.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the connector 4 has an insertion portion 60 that is inserted into an opening 34A in the cooler 3, which serves as an inlet or outlet for the refrigerant. In one example, the insertion portion 60 is brazed to the opening 34A for fluid connection with the cooler 3.

[0059] The contact surface between the insertion part 60 and the opening 34A includes: a first surface 64, parallel to a plane with the insertion direction of the insertion part 60 (refer to the thick straight arrow) as the normal; and a cylindrical second surface 65, extending from the outer periphery of the first surface 64 toward the connector body 61 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the insertion part 60. That is, the contact surface between the insertion part 60 and the opening 34A is stepped.

[0060] Therefore, regarding the connector 4, for example, compared to the case where the contact surface between the insertion part 60 and the opening part 34A is a simple cylindrical surface, the bonding strength is improved when the insertion part 60 and the opening part 34A are brazed. Moreover, the positioning operation of the connector 4 relative to the cooler 3 becomes easier.

[0061] Furthermore, the contact surface between the insertion portion 60 and the opening portion 34A also includes a third surface 66 and a fourth surface 67. The third surface 66 is a plane that extends radially outward from the end of the connector body 61 side in the second surface 65 toward the opening portion 34A and is parallel to a plane with the insertion direction of the insertion portion 60 as the normal. The fourth surface 67 extends from at least a portion of the third surface 66 toward the connector body 61 side in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the insertion portion 60.

[0062] That is, the contact surface between the insertion part 60 and the opening part 34A is partially stepped in two sections. Therefore, the contact area of ​​the connector 4 when the insertion part 60 and the opening part 34A are brazed is further increased, thus further improving the bonding strength. It should be noted that, when viewed from the side, Figure 6 In the connector 4 shown, the connector body 61 is bent in an L-shape from the insertion direction of the flow path tube 5 toward the insertion part 60, but the connector body 61 may not be bent. That is, the connector body 61 may also be shaped such that the insertion direction of the flow path tube 5 and the insertion direction of the insertion part 60 are on the same straight line.

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 7 The structure of the fastening part between the cooling device 2 and the bracket 8 in the exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the fastening part between the cooling device 2 and the bracket 8 in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 The middle figure shows the cooling device 2. Figure 1 The portion within the dashed elliptical frame A shown.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, the bracket 8 is fixed to the cooling device 2 by screws 12. The bracket 8 includes: a plate portion 81 with screw holes 11 for screws 12 to be screwed in; an upright portion 82 that rises from one end of the plate portion 81 toward the normal direction of the plate portion 81; and a flat portion 83 that extends from the end of the upright portion 82 opposite to the side of the plate portion 81 in a direction parallel to the main surface of the plate portion 81.

[0065] On the other hand, the cooling device 2 has a planar contact portion 35 that abuts against the plate portion 81 of the bracket 8. A screw hole for screwing in the contact portion 35 is formed therein. Furthermore, the cooling device 2, excluding the portion with the upright portion 82 and the portion forming the outer periphery of the plate portion 81 of the bracket 8 that abuts against the contact portion 35, has a wall portion 36 extending from the contact portion 35 in a direction parallel to the uprighting direction of the upright portion 82. Thus, since there is no wall portion 36 near the upright portion 82, the fixing strength of the cooling device 2 to the bracket 8 can be improved by increasing the contact area between the plate portion 81 and the contact portion 35.

[0066] Multiple parts are provided in the cooling device 2 and the bracket 8 with Figure 7The fastening part has the same structure as shown. As a result, the contact area between the bracket 8 and the cooling device 2 is increased, thus suppressing wobbling after the bracket 8 and the cooling device 2 are fixed with screws 12. In addition, the plate portion 81 of the bracket 8 and the fixing screws 12 are enclosed in space by the abutment portion 35 and the wall portion 36 of the cooling device 2, thus suppressing interference between the screw head and other components.

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 8 The structure of the fastening part to the object being cooled in the cooling device 2 of the exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a fastening part to the object being cooled in a cooling device 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 The middle figure shows the cooling device 2. Figure 1 The back side of the portion within the dashed elliptical frame B shown.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown, the cooling device 2 includes a thin-walled portion 37 with a screw hole 13 formed on its periphery and which appears circular when viewed from above. The screw hole 13 is located in the center of the thin-walled portion 37. It should be noted that a screw hole is provided on the side of the object to be cooled on which the cooling device 2 is installed, at a position corresponding to the position of the screw hole 13.

[0069] With the screw hole 13 aligned with the screw hole of the object being cooled, the cooling device 2 is fixed to the object by screwing a screw into the screw hole 13. Multiple locations on the cooling device 2 are provided with... Figure 8 The fastening part has the same structure as the one shown.

[0070] Furthermore, the cooling device 2 includes a wall portion 39, which, when viewed from above, is a circular outer periphery of the thin-walled portion 37, extending at least beyond a semicircular length, and its outer periphery, excluding the outer periphery of the cooling device 2, extends along the thickness direction of the thin-walled portion 37. Moreover, the cooling device 2 includes a thick-walled portion 38, which extends radially from the end of the wall portion 39 opposite to the thin-walled portion 37.

[0071] Thus, the cooling device 2 has a thick-walled portion 38 that surrounds the outer periphery of the thin-walled portion 37, which is circular in plan view, at least exceeding the length of a semicircle. The thick-walled portion 38 has a protrusion 14 that points out along the outer periphery of the thin-walled portion 37, which is circular in plan view. As a result, the mechanical strength around the screw hole 13 in the cooling device 2 is improved.

[0072] Furthermore, since the thick-walled portion 38 is not located on the outer periphery of the cooling device 2, the screw hole 13 can be positioned as close as possible to the periphery of the cooling device 2. As a result, the cooling device 2 can be fixed to the object being cooled at multiple positions as close as possible to its periphery, thereby improving the positional stability of the cooling device 2 relative to the object being cooled.

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 9 The cold plate 9 of an exemplary embodiment will be described. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of the cold plate 9 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cold plate 9 is disposed in each cooler 3 and forms part of the internal flow path of the refrigerant in the cooler 3. Figure 9 The middle figure shows the side of the cold plate 9 facing the internal flow path of the cooler 3.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, the cold plate 9 is a rectangular plate-shaped component when viewed from above. In one example, the cold plate 9 is made of a component with high thermal conductivity, such as copper. The cold plate 9 has a wall portion 91 arranged in a frame-like manner at its periphery when viewed from above. In the cold plate 9, the inner region surrounded by the wall portion 91 forms the internal flow path for the refrigerant.

[0075] The cold plate 9 has a plurality of fins 92 disposed on the side facing the internal flow path of the refrigerant. The plurality of fins 92 extending along a first direction are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. Furthermore, the cold plate 9 has gaps 94 for refrigerant flow in the wall portions 91 facing both ends of each fin 92. The gaps 94 extend along the arrangement direction of the fins 92, i.e., a second direction. Additionally, a flat, plate-shaped cover portion 95 defining the refrigerant flow path is disposed on the upper part of the fins 92. The cover portion 95 has a window portion in the center that does not cover the upper part of the fins 92. In one example, the window portion is a rectangle with the second direction as its longer side and the first direction as its shorter side.

[0076] Figure 9 The direction of refrigerant flow is indicated by a thick straight arrow. The refrigerant supplied to the internal flow path of the cooler 3 flows in from one end of the cold plate 9 in the second direction, flows toward the other end of the second direction, and flows through the flow path 93 between the fins 92 toward the gap 94 formed in the wall 91. Then, the refrigerant flows inside the gap 94 from one end of the second direction toward the other end and flows out to the outside of the cooler 3.

[0077] Here, without the gap 94, the refrigerant flows in from one end of the cold plate 9 in the second direction, passes over the fins 92 located below the window portion not covered by the cover 95, and flows towards the other end in the second direction. In this case, the flow resistance of the refrigerant increases.

[0078] In contrast, the cold plate 9 has gaps 94 in the wall portions 91 facing each end of the fins 92, allowing flow from the flow path 93 between the fins 92 through the gaps 94 toward the other end in the second direction. This reduces flow resistance. It should be noted that, at this time, a portion of the refrigerant can also flow through the upper region of the fins 92 below the window portion not covered by the cover portion 95.

[0079] Regarding the implementation methods including Examples 1 to n above, the following additional description is further disclosed. (1)

[0081] A cooling device comprising: A connector includes a connector body having an internal flow path and a first protrusion protruding from the connector body, having an internal flow path, and being fluidly connected to the connector body; A flow path tube, connected to the first protrusion and in fluid connection with the connector; and The first cover component covers the outer peripheral surface of the connection between the first protrusion and the flow path pipe. (2)

[0083] The cooling device as described in (1) above, wherein, The first cover component has lower rigidity than the first protrusion but higher rigidity than the flow path pipe. (3)

[0085] The cooling device as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein, The flow path pipe is a metal corrugated pipe. (4)

[0087] The cooling device as described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein, The end of the first cover member on the joint side contacts the joint body. (5)

[0089] The cooling device as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the cooling device having a second cover member covering the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe, The second cover component has lower rigidity than the first cover component, but higher rigidity than the flow path pipe. (6)

[0091] The cooling device described in (5) above, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the end of the second cover member on the joint side is covered by the first cover member. (7)

[0093] The cooling device as described in any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein, The end of the flow path pipe on the connector side contacts the connector body. (8)

[0095] The cooling device as described in any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein, The first protrusion has a cylindrical root protruding from the connector body, and a cylindrical front end protruding from at least a portion of the root and having a diameter smaller than that of the root. The first cover member covers the outer peripheral surface of the root. (9)

[0097] The cooling device as described in (8) above, wherein, The end of the flow path pipe on the connector side contacts the root. (10)

[0099] The cooling device as described in (5) or (6) above, wherein, The first cover component and the second cover component are made of insulating material. (11)

[0101] The cooling device as described in any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein, The first protrusion protrudes from the connector body in a first protruding direction. The flow path tube is connected to the first protrusion from the first protruding direction. (12)

[0103] The cooling device as described in any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein, The connector has an insertion portion that protrudes from the connector body, is inserted into the opening of the cooler, and is in fluid connection with the cooler. The contact surface between the insertion portion and the opening portion includes: The first surface is parallel to a plane whose normal is the insertion direction of the insertion part; and The cylindrical second surface extends from the outer periphery of the first surface toward the connector body in a direction parallel to the insertion direction. (13)

[0105] The cooling device described in (12) above, wherein, The contact surface between the insertion portion and the opening portion further includes: The third surface extends radially outward from the end of the connector body side in the second surface and is parallel to a plane with the insertion direction as its normal; and The fourth side extends from at least a portion of the third side toward the connector body in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

[0106] Those skilled in the art can readily deduce further effects and variations. Therefore, the broader aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Consequently, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0107] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 2: Cooling device; 3, 31, 32, 33, 34: Coolers; 8: Bracket; 9: Cold-rolled steel plate; 11: Screw hole; 12: Screw; 13: Screw hole; 14: Protrusion; 34A: Opening; 35: Butt part; 36: Wall; 37: Thin-walled portion; 38: Thick-walled section; 39: Wall section; 4. 40~50: Connector; 5. 51~57: flow tube; 60: Insertion section; 61: Connector body; 62: First protrusion; 71: First cover component; 72: Second cover component; 81: Plate section; 82: Erect part; 83: Planar part; 91: Wall section; 92: Fins; 93: Flow path; 94: Gap; 95: Cover.

Claims

1. A cooling device, the cooling device comprising: A connector includes a connector body having an internal flow path and a first protrusion protruding from the connector body, having an internal flow path, and being fluidly connected to the connector body; A flow path tube, connected to the first protrusion and in fluid connection with the connector; and The first cover component covers the outer peripheral surface of the connection between the first protrusion and the flow path pipe.

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The first cover component has lower rigidity than the first protrusion but higher rigidity than the flow path pipe.

3. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The flow path pipe is a metal corrugated pipe.

4. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The end of the first cover member on the joint side contacts the joint body.

5. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling device includes a second cover member that covers the outer peripheral surface of the flow path pipe. The second cover component has lower rigidity than the first cover component, but higher rigidity than the flow path pipe.

6. The cooling device according to claim 5, wherein, The outer peripheral surface of the end of the second cover member on the joint side is covered by the first cover member.

7. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The end of the flow path pipe on the connector side contacts the connector body.

8. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The first protrusion has a cylindrical root protruding from the connector body, and a cylindrical front end protruding from at least a portion of the root and having a diameter smaller than that of the root. The first cover member covers the outer peripheral surface of the root.

9. The cooling device according to claim 8, wherein, The end of the flow path pipe on the connector side contacts the root.

10. The cooling device according to claim 5, wherein, The first cover component and the second cover component are made of insulating material.

11. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The first protrusion protrudes from the connector body in a first protruding direction. The flow path tube is connected to the first protrusion from the first protruding direction.

12. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein, The connector has an insertion portion that protrudes from the connector body, is inserted into the opening of the cooler, and is in fluid connection with the cooler. The contact surface between the insertion portion and the opening portion includes: The first surface is parallel to a plane whose normal is the insertion direction of the insertion part; and The cylindrical second surface extends from the outer periphery of the first surface toward the connector body in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

13. The cooling device according to claim 12, wherein, The contact surface between the insertion portion and the opening portion further includes: The third surface extends radially outward from the end of the connector body side in the second surface and is parallel to a plane with the insertion direction as its normal; and The fourth side extends from at least a portion of the third side toward the connector body in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

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