A cooler and an inverter

Abstract

This utility model discloses a cooler, comprising: a heat exchange section made of copper; the heat exchange section includes a base plate and multiple heat dissipation fins protruding from the base plate; the surface of the base plate facing away from the heat dissipation fins is used to contact a power module; a connecting plate section including a mounting hole, the base plate of the heat exchange section being located within the mounting hole and connected to the connecting plate section; the connecting plate section is made of aluminum or magnesium; the connecting plate section is used to connect to the power module. This utility model can effectively reduce the weight of the cooler and lower the cost while ensuring good heat dissipation performance. This utility model also provides an inverter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power electronics technology, and in particular to a cooler and an inverter. Background Technology

[0002] Inverters play a crucial role in fields such as new energy power generation and electric vehicles, converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). However, the power modules of inverters generate a significant amount of heat during operation. If this heat is not dissipated in time, it can reduce conversion efficiency and even damage the equipment. Therefore, coolers are essential components for ensuring the stable operation of inverters.

[0003] Currently, some coolers use copper as a single piece for connecting and heat dissipation components. Copper has good thermal conductivity, which is beneficial for heat dissipation, but it also brings two major problems: First, copper has a high density, making the cooler heavy. In weight-sensitive applications such as electric vehicles and aerospace, this increases energy consumption and affects performance. Second, copper is expensive, which hinders its widespread adoption.

[0004] Therefore, developing a cooler that can ensure good heat dissipation performance while effectively reducing weight and cost has become a key issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the current inverter field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of high cost and heavy weight of existing all-copper coolers. This invention provides a cooler and inverter that can effectively reduce weight and lower cost while ensuring good heat dissipation performance.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model discloses a cooler comprising: a heat exchange section made of copper; the heat exchange section including a base plate and a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the base plate; a surface of the base plate facing away from the heat dissipation fins for contacting a power module; and a connecting plate including a mounting hole, the base plate of the heat exchange section being located within the mounting hole and connected to the connecting plate; the connecting plate being made of aluminum or magnesium; and the connecting plate being used to connect to the power module.

[0007] Using the above technical solution, the connecting plate is connected to the power module, and the base plate is located inside the mounting hole. The surface of the base plate facing away from the heat dissipation fins contacts the power module through the mounting hole. The heat generated by the power module can be directly transferred to the heat dissipation fins through the base plate, and the heat dissipation fins contact the cooling medium to achieve convective heat transfer. In this embodiment, copper is selected as the material for the heat exchange part. Copper has a thermal conductivity as high as 401 W / mK, so heat can be conducted more quickly on the base plate and the heat dissipation fins, ensuring good heat dissipation performance of the cooler.

[0008] Furthermore, the cooler in this embodiment is not integrally formed; its heat exchange section and connecting plate section are formed as two separate parts and then connected. The connecting plate section is made of aluminum or magnesium; therefore, it can be understood that copper has a density of 8.96 g / cm³. 3 The density of aluminum is approximately 2.7 g / cm³. 3 The density of magnesium is approximately 1.74 g / cm³. 3 That is, aluminum and magnesium both have lower densities than copper. According to the density formula m = ρV (where m is mass, ρ is density, and V is volume), for the same volume, the lower the density, the lower the mass. With the dimensions of the cooler (e.g., length, width, etc.) remaining constant, using aluminum or magnesium as the material for the connecting plate in this embodiment significantly reduces the overall mass of the cooler compared to a cooler made entirely of copper. Furthermore, aluminum and magnesium are both cheaper than copper; therefore, when using materials of the same volume to manufacture the cooler, the raw material cost of a cooler using copper or magnesium as the connecting plate is lower than the raw material cost of a cooler made entirely of copper.

[0009] In summary, this embodiment, while ensuring good heat dissipation performance, uses aluminum or magnesium materials as the connecting plate of the cooler, which can reduce production costs, expand profit margins, and enhance price competitiveness. Furthermore, its lightweight nature makes installation more convenient, shortens the installation cycle, allows for more flexible layout, and improves space utilization.

[0010] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the outer edge of the substrate portion and the inner edge of the mounting hole are connected.

[0011] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the outer edge of the substrate portion and the inner edge of the mounting hole are connected by friction stir welding.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the outer edge of the substrate and the inner edge of the mounting hole are connected by friction stir welding, so that the cooler can withstand various stresses during operation, including thermal stress and mechanical vibration stress, ensuring that the connecting plate and the substrate will not easily loosen or fall off, thereby improving the overall reliability and stability of the cooler.

[0013] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the connecting plate is provided with a plurality of threaded holes for connecting to the power module.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooler is connected to the power module, which can conduct the heat generated by the power module to the heat dissipation fins of the cooler. The heat dissipation fins contact the cooling medium to form convection heat transfer, which carries away the heat and ensures that the power module operates within a suitable temperature range, preventing performance degradation or damage due to overheating.

[0015] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the connecting plate portion is formed by a stamping process.

[0016] According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange part is formed by cold forging.

[0017] The present invention also discloses an inverter based on any of the above embodiments of the cooler, comprising: a power module; and the above-described cooler, wherein the surface of the connecting plate portion facing away from the heat dissipation fins is connected to the power module, and the surface of the heat exchange portion substrate portion facing away from the heat dissipation fins is in contact with the power module. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of a cooler according to some embodiments is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 An exploded view of the cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 A perspective view of the cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. Although the description of this utility model will be presented in conjunction with preferred embodiments, this does not mean that the features of this utility model are limited to this embodiment. On the contrary, the purpose of describing the utility model in conjunction with the embodiments is to cover other options or modifications that may be derived based on the claims of this utility model. To provide a deep understanding of this utility model, many specific details will be included in the following description. This utility model may also be implemented without using these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion or obscuring the focus of this utility model, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0022] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0023] In the description of this embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the utility model.

[0024] The terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this embodiment, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of the cooler 100 in some embodiments is shown. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the cooler 100 is integrally formed from copper. Specifically, the cooler 100 includes a connecting portion 101 and a heat exchange portion 102, both of which are made of copper. The heat exchange portion 102 includes heat dissipation fins 103.

[0028] For example, the cooler 100 is generally rectangular in shape, with a length L1 of 181 mm and a width H1 of 91 mm. The raw material weight of copper required for a single cooler 100 is 575 g, and the corresponding raw material cost is 39 yuan. Its high raw material cost and heavy weight lead to many problems, such as poor compatibility and difficulty in replacement and maintenance.

[0029] Based on this, such as Figure 2 As shown in the figure, this application provides an inverter, including a power module (not shown) and a cooler 200. The power module generates heat during operation, and the cooler 200 is used to dissipate the heat generated by the power module during operation.

[0030] Specifically, the cooler 200 in this embodiment includes a heat exchange section 210 and a connecting plate section 220. The heat exchange section 210 includes a base plate section 211 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins 212 protruding from the base plate section 211; the surface of the base plate section 211 facing away from the heat dissipation fins 212 is used to contact the power module. Exemplarily, the heat dissipation fins 212 are cylindrical, and the base plate section 211 is generally rectangular, with the plurality of heat dissipation fins 212 densely arranged on the base plate section 211. The base plate section 211 serves as a basic support structure, providing a stable architecture for the entire heat exchange section 210 and ensuring reliability under various operating conditions. The protruding plurality of heat dissipation fins 212 greatly expand the heat dissipation area of ​​the heat exchange section 210. The dense arrangement of these heat dissipation fins 212 increases the contact area with the cooling medium, enhancing the convective heat transfer effect.

[0031] For example, the length L3 of the substrate portion 211 is 163 mm and the width H3 is 62 mm.

[0032] For example, the heat exchange section 210 is formed by a cold forging process. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the connecting plate portion 220 includes a mounting hole 221, the base plate portion 211 of the heat exchange portion 210 is located within the mounting hole 221, and the outer edge 213 of the base plate portion 211 is connected to the inner edge 222 of the mounting hole 221. Exemplarily, the outer edge 213 of the base plate portion 211 and the inner edge 222 of the mounting hole 221 are connected by friction stir welding, thereby allowing the cooler 200 to withstand various stresses during operation, including thermal stress and mechanical vibration stress, ensuring that the connecting plate portion 220 and the base plate portion 211 will not easily loosen or detach, thus improving the overall reliability and stability of the cooler 200. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, the base plate portion 211 and the mounting hole 221 can also be connected in other ways, such as by screws.

[0033] For example, if the surface of the connecting plate portion 220 facing away from the heat dissipation fins 212 is connected to the power module, then the surface of the substrate portion 211 facing away from the heat dissipation fins 212 is in contact with the power module through the mounting hole 221, so that the heat generated by the power module is directly transferred to the heat dissipation fins 212 through the substrate portion 211, and then the heat dissipation fins 212 contact the cooling medium, thereby realizing convective heat transfer.

[0034] For example, the connecting plate portion 220 is a plate-shaped structure, which is formed by a stamping process.

[0035] The heat exchange section 210 is made of copper, and the connecting plate section 220 is made of aluminum or magnesium.

[0036] In this embodiment, copper is selected as the material of the heat exchange part 210. Copper has a thermal conductivity of up to 401 W / mK, so heat can be conducted more quickly on the substrate part 211 and the heat dissipation fins 212, ensuring good heat dissipation performance of the cooler 200.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cooler 200 is not integrally formed; its heat exchange section 210 and connecting plate section 220 are formed as two separate parts and then connected. The connecting plate section 220 is made of aluminum or magnesium; therefore, it can be understood that copper has a density of 8.96 g / cm³. 3 The density of aluminum is approximately 2.7 g / cm³. 3 The density of magnesium is approximately 1.74 g / cm³. 3 That is, aluminum and magnesium both have lower densities than copper. According to the density formula m = ρV (where m is mass, ρ is density, and V is volume), with the same volume, the lower the density, the lower the mass. However, by using aluminum or magnesium as the raw material for the connecting plate 220 while keeping the dimensions of the cooler 200 (e.g., length, width, etc.) unchanged, this embodiment significantly reduces the overall mass of the cooler 200 compared to the all-copper cooler 100 of the previous embodiment.

[0038] On the other hand, aluminum and magnesium are both cheaper than copper. Therefore, when using materials of the same volume to make a cooler, the cost of a cooler 200 with copper or magnesium as the connecting plate 220 is lower than the cost of a cooler 100 made entirely of copper.

[0039] For example, the cooler 200 in this embodiment is also generally rectangular in shape, which is similar to... Figure 1 The overall dimensions of the cooler 100 in the aforementioned embodiment are the same, that is, its length L2 is also 181 mm and its width H2 is 91 mm. Specifically, the heat dissipation fins 212 of the heat exchange section 210 in this embodiment have the same structure, the same distribution pattern, and the same total area as the heat dissipation fins 103 of the heat exchange section 102 in the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the cooler 200 in this embodiment can achieve the same cooling effect as the cooler 100 in the aforementioned embodiment. However, since aluminum or magnesium is used as the material for the connecting plate section 220 in this embodiment, compared with the all-copper cooler 100 in the aforementioned embodiment, it will significantly reduce the overall weight and cost of the cooler 200.

[0040] Specifically, taking the connecting plate 220 as the raw material and the heat exchange part 210 as the raw material as the raw material, this embodiment has the same overall size and cooling effect as the all-copper cooler 100 in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the aluminum weight of the connecting plate 220 of a single cooler 200 is 53g, with a corresponding raw material cost of 1 yuan. The copper weight of the heat exchange part 210 is 405g, with a corresponding raw material cost of 28 yuan. Therefore, the total weight of the cooler 200 in this embodiment is 458g, and the total raw material cost is 29 yuan. Compared to the all-copper cooler 100 in the previous embodiment, where the copper raw material weight is 575g and the corresponding raw material cost is 39 yuan, this embodiment reduces the amount of copper used by 170g, lowering the raw material cost by 10 yuan.

[0041] In summary, this embodiment uses aluminum or magnesium as the connecting plate 220 of the cooler 200, which can reduce production costs, expand profit margins, and enhance price competitiveness. Moreover, its light weight makes installation more convenient, shortens the installation cycle, allows for more flexible layout, and improves space utilization.

[0042] In some possible implementations, the connecting plate portion 220 is provided with a plurality of threaded holes 223 for connection with the power module. Specifically, the surface of the connecting plate portion 220 facing away from the heat dissipation fins 212 is threadedly connected to the power module through the threaded holes 223, and the base plate portion 211 of the heat exchange portion 210 is in contact with the power module. The heat generated by the power module during operation is directly transferred to the heat dissipation fins 212 through the base plate portion 211 in contact with it. The heat dissipation fins 212 contact the cooling medium, forming convective heat transfer, which carries away the heat, ensuring that the power module operates within a suitable temperature range and preventing performance degradation or damage due to overheating.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will understand that this embodiment does not limit the connection method between the connecting plate 220 and the power module. For example, the connecting plate 220 and the power module can also be snapped together.

[0044] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the above description is a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific embodiments, and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art can make various changes in form and detail, including some simple deductions or substitutions, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A chiller characterized by, include: The heat exchange section is made of copper; the heat exchange section includes a base plate and a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the base plate; the surface of the base plate facing away from the heat dissipation fins is used to contact the power module. The connecting plate includes a mounting hole, the base plate of the heat exchange section is located in the mounting hole and connected to the connecting plate; the connecting plate is made of aluminum or magnesium; the connecting plate is used to connect to the power module.

2. The cooler of claim 1, wherein, The outer edge of the substrate portion is connected to the inner edge of the mounting hole.

3. The cooler of claim 2, wherein, The outer edge of the substrate and the inner edge of the mounting hole are connected by friction stir welding.

4. The cooler of claim 1, wherein, The connecting plate is provided with multiple threaded holes for connecting to the power module.

5. The cooler of claim 1, wherein, The connecting plate is formed by a stamping process.

6. The cooler of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange section is formed by cold forging.

7. An inverter, characterized by comprising: include: Power module; as well as According to any one of claims 1 to 6, in the cooler, the surface of the connecting plate portion facing away from the heat dissipation fins is connected to the power module, and the surface of the base plate portion of the heat exchange portion facing away from the heat dissipation fins is in contact with the power module.

Images