Cooling unit

Abstract

To realize appropriate cooling efficiency at a plurality of parts in a cooling unit.SOLUTION: A cooling unit A has: a cold plate 1 contacting a heating component Da; a housing disposed on one side in a first direction of a cold plate; a first wall part Wa placed between the housing and the cold plate; and a second wall part Wb which separates a plate chamber defined by the housing and the first wall part into a first plate chamber 11 and a second plate chamber 12 adjacent to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first wall part has a first open hole 31 opposite the cold plate in the first plate chamber and a second open hole 32 opposite the cold plate in the second plate chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cooling device including a metal cooling panel for cooling a heat generating body such as a battery or an electronic component, and a resin flow path joined to the metal cooling panel and for flowing a coolant has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). In the cooling device of Patent Document 1, the resin flow path has a coolant inlet and a coolant recovery port. In this cooling device, the resin flow path is provided with a flow path in a horizontal direction with respect to the heat generating body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the cooling device of Patent Document 1, although the flow path has an inlet and an outlet through which the coolant enters and exits, if the speed at which the coolant flows is constant at any location, the coolant flows evenly throughout the flow path. However, in reality, the speed at which the coolant flows is not constant. For example, when there is a pump near the coolant inlet and the coolant diversion port, the flow of the coolant is faster at the coolant inlet and the coolant diversion port, but the flow to the coolant confluence port and the coolant recovery port becomes slower. Therefore, the coolant is likely to stagnate at the coolant confluence port and the coolant recovery port, and the cooling efficiency at that location decreases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to achieve appropriate cooling efficiency at a plurality of locations in a cooling unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary cooling unit according to the present invention includes a cold plate in contact with a heat-generating component, a housing disposed on one side of the cold plate in a first direction, a first wall portion located between the housing and the cold plate, and a second wall portion that separates a plate chamber defined by the housing and the first wall portion into a first plate chamber and a second plate chamber adjacent to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The cold plate has a plurality of fins disposed on a surface on the one side in the first direction, the plurality of fins are located in the second plate chamber, and are spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first wall portion has a first through hole facing the cold plate in the first plate chamber and a second through hole facing the cold plate in the second plate chamber and extending in the second direction. The coolant flowing into the second plate chamber flows along the cold plate into a communication chamber, and the second through hole is disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the plurality of fins in the first direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a cooling unit capable of achieving appropriate cooling efficiency at a plurality of locations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present application, the direction in which the housing 2 is disposed with respect to the cold plate 1 is referred to as the "first direction X". And, with respect to the cold plate 1, the direction in which the housing 2 is disposed is referred to as "upper side Xa", and the direction opposite to the direction in which the housing 2 is disposed is referred to as "lower side Xb", respectively, to define the vertical direction. Also, in the present application, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are defined for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the orientation of the cooling unit A according to the present invention during manufacturing and use.

[0010] Also, the direction orthogonal to the first direction X is referred to as the "second direction Y". And the direction on one side of the second direction Y is referred to as the "second direction one side Ya", and the direction on the other side is referred to as the "second direction other side Yb". Further, the direction orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as the "third direction Z". And the direction on one side of the third direction Z is referred to as the "third direction one side Za", and the direction on the other side is referred to as the "third direction other side Zb".

[0011] Also, in the present application, the "orthogonal direction" includes a substantially orthogonal direction.

[0012] <First Embodiment> The cooling system S and the cooling unit A of an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the cooling system S equipped with the cooling unit A of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] <Cooling System> FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the cooling system S equipped with the cooling unit A of the present invention. The cooling system S includes a cooling unit A, a radiator B, and a coolant pipe C. The cooling unit A and the radiator B are connected by the coolant pipe C, and the coolant flows through these components. The coolant in the present embodiment is a liquid. As the coolant, for example, antifreeze such as an ethylene glycol aqueous solution or a propylene glycol aqueous solution, pure water, or the like is used.

[0014] The heat-generating component D, which is a heat source, is attached to the cooling unit A, and the cooling unit A receives the heat from the heat-generating component D. Exemplary heat-generating components D include a microprocessor used in a computer and a power semiconductor used in an inverter or the like. The heat received by the cooling unit A flows through the coolant pipe C via the coolant and then to the radiator B. The coolant with heat dissipates heat to the outside when passing through the radiator B.

[0015] Here, the heat-generating component D includes a first heat-generating component Da and a second heat-generating component Db. Both the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db are attached to the cooling unit A.

[0016] The coolant pipe C has a first pipe Ca and a second pipe Cb. The first pipe Ca connects the radiator B and the cooling unit A. The second pipe Cb connects the cooling unit A and the radiator B. The coolant cooled in the radiator B flows into the cooling unit A through the first pipe Ca. Also, the coolant flowing out from the cooling unit A flows into the radiator B through the second pipe Cb. In this way, the coolant circulates through the radiator B and the cooling unit A via the first pipe Ca and the second pipe Cb.

[0017] Note that in FIG. 1, although not particularly shown, the cooling system S preferably has a pump for circulating the coolant. Typically, the pump is arranged in the coolant pipe C. However, the pump may be mounted on the cooling unit A.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling unit A has a cold plate 1 and a housing 2. The cold plate 1 is plate-shaped. Here, the cold plate 1 has a flat plate shape. The housing 2 has a box shape with one side open. The housing 2 is arranged above the cold plate 1 in the first direction Xa. The opening of the housing 2 is covered by the cold plate 1.

[0019] The housing 2 has an inlet 21 through which the coolant flows into the housing 2 and an outlet 22 through which the coolant flows out of the housing 2. Coolant pipes C are attached to the inlet 21 and the outlet 22, respectively.

[0020] The housing 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with one side open. The housing 2 has an outer peripheral surface 2s and an inner peripheral surface 2t. Note that the specific configuration of the housing 2 will be described later.

[0021] The outer peripheral surface 2s of the housing 2 has an outer main surface 2sa, a first outer side surface 2sb, a second outer side surface 2sc, a third outer side surface 2sd, and a fourth outer side surface 2se. The first outer side surface 2sb and the second outer side surface 2sc are each connected to the outer main surface 2sa. Also, the third outer side surface 2sd and the fourth outer side surface 2se are each connected to the outer main surface 2sa, the first outer side surface 2sb, and the second outer side surface 2sc. The outer main surface 2sa is located on the upper side Xa in the first direction. The first outer side surface 2sb is located on one side Ya in the second direction, and the second outer side surface 2sc is located on the other side Yb in the second direction. The third outer side surface 2sd is located on one side Za in the third direction, and the fourth outer side surface 2se is located on the other side Zb in the third direction. Here, the outer main surface 2sa, the first outer side surface 2sb, the second outer side surface 2sc, the third outer side surface 2sd, and the fourth outer side surface 2se are all flat surfaces.

[0022] The inner peripheral surface 2t of the housing 2 has an inner main surface 2ta, a first inner side surface 2tb, a second inner side surface 2tc, a third inner side surface 2td, and a fourth inner side surface 2te. The first inner side surface 2tb and the second inner side surface 2tc are each connected to the inner main surface 2ta. Also, the third inner side surface 2td and the fourth inner side surface 2te are each connected to the inner main surface 2ta, the first inner side surface 2tb, and the second inner side surface 2tc. The inner main surface 2ta is located on the upper side Xa in the first direction. The first inner side surface 2tb is located on one side Ya in the second direction, and the second inner side surface 2tc is located on the other side Yb in the second direction. The third inner side surface 2td is located on one side Za in the third direction, and the fourth inner side surface 2te is located on the other side Zb in the third direction. Here , the inner main surface 2ta, the first inner side surface 2tb, the second inner side surface 2tc, the third inner side surface 2td, and the fourth inner side surface 2te are all flat surfaces.

[0023] The inflow port 21 is provided on the second outer side surface 2sc. The inflow port 21 connects the second outer side surface 2sc and the second inner side surface 2tc. The outflow port 22 is provided on the first outer side surface 2sb. The outflow port 22 connects the first outer side surface 2sb and the first inner side surface 2tb.

[0024] Next, a cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3B. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cooling unit A includes a cold plate 1, a housing 2, and a partition portion 3. The housing 2 is disposed above the cold plate 1 in the first direction Xa.

[0026] <Cold plate 1> The cold plate 1 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum. In this embodiment, the cold plate 1 is a rectangular plate component that extends in the second direction Y and the third direction Z in a top view. Note that the cold plate 1 of this embodiment is square in a top view, but this is not limiting. For example, it may be a polygon having a plurality of corners or a circle in a top view. A heat-generating component D contacts the lower surface of the cold plate 1.

[0027] Here, the heat-generating component D includes a first heat-generating component Da and a second heat-generating component Db. The first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db are attached to the cold plate 1. The first heat-generating component Da is disposed at the center of the cold plate 1 in the second direction Y, and the second heat-generating component Db is disposed on the other side Yb of the cold plate 1 in the second direction.

[0028] <Housing 2> The outer shape of the housing 2 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Typically, the housing 2 is formed of a resin material. Thereby, it can be easily molded as compared with the case where the housing 2 is molded of metal. Also, in an environment where moisture or the like adheres, it is possible to prevent the housing 2 from rusting.

[0029] The housing 2 has a tank chamber 24 for storing a coolant. The tank chamber 24 is a recess formed by the housing 2 being recessed upward in the first direction Xa. The tank chamber 24 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. By the cooling unit A having the tank chamber 24, the amount of the coolant circulating in the cooling system S can be increased. For example, when the coolant gradually leaks from the connection points between the coolant pipe C and each component and the amount of the coolant decreases, the cooling efficiency decreases. However, by the cooling unit A having the tank chamber 24, a decrease in the cooling efficiency can be suppressed.

[0030] <The plate chamber 1p, the partition portion 3> The housing 2 opens downward in the first direction Xb. The partition portion 3 is located with respect to the opening of the housing 2. That is, the partition portion 3 is located on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the housing 2. In the present embodiment, the partition portion 3 is separate from the housing 2. By configuring the partition portion 3 separately from the housing 2, the housing 2 can be easily formed by resin molding. However, the partition portion 3 may be a single member with the housing 2.

[0031] A plate chamber 1p is located between the cold plate 1 and the partition portion 3. The cold plate 1 has a plate chamber 1p through which the coolant flows between the cold plate 1 and the partition portion 3. The plate chamber 1p has a first plate chamber 11 and a second plate chamber 12. The partition portion 3 extends downward in the first direction Xb and has a partition wall (second wall portion Wb) in contact with the cold plate 1. The plate chamber 1p is partitioned into the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 by the partition wall (second wall portion Wb). The first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 are located in order from the other side Yb in the second direction toward one side Ya in the second direction. That is, the first plate chamber 11 is located at the place farthest from the outlet 22 provided on one side Ya in the second direction.

[0032] The partition portion 3 has a plurality of through holes penetrating the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 and the housing 2. Specifically, the partition portion 3 has a first through hole 31 connecting the first plate chamber 11 and a communication flow path 23 described later, and a second through hole 32 connecting the tank chamber 24 and the second plate chamber 12.

[0033] The partition part 3 has a first wall part Wa and a second wall part Wb. The first wall part Wa extends in the YZ plane. A plate chamber 1p is defined by the first wall part Wa and the cold plate 1.

[0034] The second wall part Wb extends in the X direction. The second wall part Wb is connected to the first wall part Wa and the cold plate 1. By the second wall part Wb, the plate chamber 1p is separated into a first plate chamber 11 and a second plate chamber 12.

[0035] There are a plurality of heat - generating components D, which are respectively located opposite to each plate chamber. The heat - generating components D are respectively in contact with the lower Xb surface of the cold plate 1 in the first direction. And in each plate chamber, the heat of the heat - generating component D is absorbed.

[0036] Here, the heat - generating component D has a first heat - generating component Da and a second heat - generating component Db. The first heat - generating component Da and the second heat - generating component Db are attached to the cold plate 1. The first heat - generating component Da is arranged at the center of the cold plate 1 in the second direction Y, and the second heat - generating component Db is arranged on the other side Yb of the cold plate 1 in the second direction. Therefore, the first heat - generating component Da is arranged opposite to the second plate chamber 12, and the second heat - generating component Db is arranged opposite to the first plate chamber 11.

[0037] By separating the plate chamber 1p into the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 for each heat - generating component D, the coolant can easily reach the corners in the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. Specifically, the second plate chamber 12 to which the first heat - generating component Da is attached is separated from the first plate chamber 11 to which the second heat - generating component Db is attached. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the retention of the coolant in each of the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. By reducing the retention of the coolant, heat exchange can be performed more efficiently.

[0038] <Communication Flow Path 23>The housing 2 further has a communication flow path 23 that connects the inlet 21 and the first through hole 31. Here, the communication flow path 23 faces the lower side Xb in the first direction.

[0039] The first through hole 31 is located substantially at the center of the first plate chamber 11. The substantially center of the first plate chamber 11 means that the distances from the first through hole 31 to the ends of the first plate chamber 11 are provided at substantially the same positions in the second direction Y and / or the third direction Z. For example, the distance from the first through hole 31 to the third inner side surface 2td is substantially equal to the distance from the first through hole 31 to the fourth inner side surface 2te. Also, the distance from the first through hole 31 to the second inner side surface 2tc may be substantially equal to the distance from the first through hole 31 to the second wall portion Wb. The coolant flowing along the communication flow path 23 bends and flows in the first plate chamber 11, and a flow path is formed that bends from the other side Yb in the second direction, that is, from the first plate chamber 11 side, toward one side Ya in the second direction and spreads in the third direction Z.

[0040] Since the first through hole 31 is located at the center of the first plate chamber 11, the coolant flows down from the upper side Xa in the first direction to the lower side Xb in the first direction through the first through hole 31 and spreads throughout the first plate chamber 11. For this reason, the residence in the first plate chamber 11 is reduced.

[0041] A large opening that connects the first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24 is provided in the first wall portion Wa. The coolant that has flowed into the first plate chamber 11 passes through the opening and flows into the tank chamber 24.

[0042] In the tank chamber 24, the coolant flows from the other side Yb in the second direction toward one side Ya in the second direction. Therefore, an intermediate flow path 24F for the coolant is formed in the tank chamber 24. The coolant flowing through the intermediate flow path 24F flows into the second plate chamber 12 through the second through hole 32. Note that the opening area of the second through hole 32 may be larger than the opening area of the first through hole 31. Thereby, the flow rate of the coolant passing through the second through hole 32 can be made substantially equal to the flow rate of the coolant passing through the first through hole 31.

[0043] <Second Plate Chamber 12> The second plate chamber 12 is located on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the tank chamber 24. The partition portion 3 has a second through hole 32. The second plate chamber 12 is located on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the second through hole 32. The second through hole 32 connects the tank chamber 24 and the second plate chamber 12.

[0044] In the second plate chamber 12, the coolant flows from the other side Yb in the second direction toward the one side Ya in the second direction. Therefore, a flow path for the coolant is formed in the second plate chamber 12. The coolant flowing through the second plate chamber 12 flows along the cold plate 1 into the communication chamber 27.

[0045] The communication chamber 27 is defined by the fourth wall portion Wd and the cold plate 1. The fourth wall portion Wd faces the cold plate 1 and extends in the YZ plane parallel to the cold plate 1. The fourth wall portion Wd extends from the first inner side surface 2tb toward the other side Yb in the second direction. In the communication chamber 27, the coolant flows from the lower side Xb in the first direction toward the upper side Xa in the first direction. A through hole is provided in the fourth wall portion Wd, and the coolant flows through the through hole in the fourth wall portion Wd and flows into the outflow chamber 28. Therefore, a flow path for the coolant is formed in the communication chamber 27.

[0046] The outflow chamber 28 is defined by the housing 2, the fourth wall portion Wd, and the fifth wall portion We. The fifth wall portion We extends in the XZ plane perpendicular to the cold plate 1. The fifth wall portion We extends from the inner main surface 2ta toward the lower side Xb in the first direction. The fifth wall portion We separates the tank chamber 24 and the outflow chamber 28. The outflow chamber 28 is located on the upper side Xa in the first direction of the communication chamber 27. The outflow chamber 28 is connected to the outlet 22. In the outflow chamber 28, the coolant flows from the other side Yb in the second direction toward the one side Ya in the second direction, and then flows out from the outlet 22. Therefore, a flow path for the coolant is formed in the outflow chamber 28. The coolant flowing through the outflow chamber 28 flows out from the outlet 22.

[0047] Thus, in the cooling unit A, the coolant flowing in from the inlet 21 flows through the communication channel 23, the first through-hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the intermediate channel 24F (tank chamber 24), the second through-hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the communication chamber 27, and the outflow chamber 28 in sequence, and flows out from the outlet 22.

[0048] As described above, the cooling unit A includes a cold plate 1, a housing 2, a first wall portion Wa, and a second wall portion Wb. The cold plate 1 is in contact with the heat-generating component D. The housing 2 is disposed on one side (upper side Xa in the first direction) of the cold plate 1 in the first direction. The first wall portion Wa is located between the cold plate 1 and the housing 2. The plate chamber 1p is defined by the housing 2 and the first wall portion Wa. The second wall portion Wb separates the plate chamber 1p into a first plate chamber 11 and a second plate chamber 12 adjacent in the second direction (Y direction).

[0049] The first wall portion Wa has a first through-hole 31 and a second through-hole 32. The first through-hole 31 faces the cold plate 1 in the first plate chamber 11. The second through-hole 32 faces the cold plate 1 in the second plate chamber 12. In the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 adjacent in the second direction (Y direction), liquid flows in through the first through-hole 31 and the second through-hole 32 facing the cold plate 1 respectively, so that efficient heat exchange can be performed with a plurality of heat-generating components (for example, the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db).

[0050] The housing 2 has an inlet 21 through which liquid flows in, an outlet 22 through which liquid flows out, a communication channel 23 connected to the inlet 21, and an intermediate channel 24F connecting the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. The first through-hole 31 connects the communication channel 23 and the first plate chamber 11. The second through-hole 32 connects the intermediate channel 24F and the second plate chamber 12.

[0051] In the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12, liquids flow in from different flow paths through the first through-hole 31 and the second through-hole 32 respectively, so that efficient heat exchange can be performed with respect to a plurality of heat-generating components D.

[0052] The cooling unit A further has a third wall portion Wc that separates the communication flow path 23 and the intermediate flow path 24F (tank chamber 24). The third wall portion Wc extends from the inner main surface 2ta downward in the first direction Xb.

[0053] The third wall portion Wc may be a single member with the housing 2. For example, the housing 2 has the third wall portion Wc. In this case, since the housing 2 and the third wall portion Wc can be configured as one member, the number of components can be reduced.

[0054] Alternatively, for example, the partition portion 3 may have the third wall portion Wc. For example, the first wall portion Wa and the third wall portion Wc may be a single member. In this case, since the first wall portion Wa and the third wall portion Wc can be configured as one member, the number of components can be reduced.

[0055] Or, the first wall portion Wa and the second wall portion Wb may be a single member. In this case, since the first wall portion Wa and the second wall portion Wb can be configured as one member, the number of components can be reduced.

[0056] The first through-hole 31 is located at the center in the second direction (Y direction) or at the center in the third direction (Z direction) orthogonal to the first and second directions in the first plate chamber 11. The second through-hole 32 is located at the center in the second direction (Y direction) or at the center in the third direction (Z direction) in the second plate chamber 12. The liquid is located at the center in the second direction or at the center in the third direction in the first plate chamber 11. Since the liquid flows into the first plate chamber 11 through the first through-hole 31, the liquid spreads evenly in the first plate chamber 11, so that the uneven distribution of heat in the first plate chamber 11 can be reduced. Also, since the liquid flows into the second plate chamber 12 through the second through-hole 32 located at the center in the second direction or at the center in the third direction in the second plate chamber 12, the liquid spreads evenly in the second plate chamber 12, so that the uneven distribution of heat in the second plate chamber 12 can be reduced.

[0057] Here, the lower side Xb in the first direction of the housing 2 is open, and the cold plate 1 entirely covers the opening of the housing 2, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The housing 2 has a partial surface on the lower side Xb in the first direction, and the cold plate 1 may partially cover the housing 2. In this case, the cold plate 1 may be separated into a plurality of parts. For example, the cold plate 1 may be separated into a part where the first heat-generating component Da is attached and a part where the second heat-generating component Db is attached.

[0058] Also, in the exemplary first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24 were connected by a large opening, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24 may be connected by a through-hole. Also, in the cooling unit A according to the exemplary first embodiment, the cold plate 1 had a flat plate shape, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. The cold plate 1 may have fins.

[0059] Next, the cooling unit A according to an exemplary second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 5B. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary second embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary second embodiment of the invention. Note that the cooling unit A shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B has a third through-hole 33 connecting the first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24, the cold plate 1 has fins 13, and a third heat-generating component Dc is further attached to the cold plate 1. Except for this point, it has the same configuration as the cooling unit A of the exemplary first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and redundant descriptions will be omitted for the purpose of avoiding redundancy.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a third through-hole 33 is provided in the partition portion 3. The third through-hole 33 connects the first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24. The opening area of the third through-hole 33 is preferably substantially equal to the opening area of the first through-hole 31. Thereby, the flow rate of the coolant passing through the third through-hole 33 can be made substantially equal to the flow rate of the coolant passing through the first through-hole 31.

[0061] The heat-generating component D further has a third heat-generating component Dc in addition to the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db. The first heat-generating component Da is disposed at the center of the cold plate 1 in the second direction Y, and the second heat-generating component Db is disposed on the other side Yb of the cold plate 1 in the second direction. The third heat-generating component Dc is disposed on one side Ya of the cold plate 1 in the second direction.

[0062] Also, the first heat-generating component Da is disposed to face the second plate chamber 12, the second heat-generating component Db is disposed to face the first plate chamber 11, and the third heat-generating component Dc is disposed to face the communication chamber 27.

[0063] The cold plate 1 has a plurality of fins 13 that protrude toward the housing 2 side. The fins 13 are formed by a method called so-called skive fin processing, which involves shaving and standing up the metal material of the cold plate 1. In this case, the fins 13 are a single member with the cold plate 1. However, the fins 13 may be a separate member from the cold plate 1.

[0064] By allowing the coolant to pass between the fins 13, the cold plate 1 can more efficiently exchange the heat it has absorbed with the coolant. Therefore, in the cold plate 1, by bringing the heat-generating component D into contact with the side opposite to where the fins 13 are located, a heat-generating component D with a larger amount of heat generation can be more efficiently heat-exchanged.

[0065] The second through-hole 32 is provided at a position overlapping the fins 13 in the first direction X. As described above, since the plurality of fins 13 are provided standing in the first direction X, it is preferable for the coolant to flow from the upper side Xa in the first direction toward the lower side Xb in the first direction.

[0066] The second through-hole 32 extends in the second direction Y, and the plurality of fins 13 are arranged to extend in the third direction Z. Since the fins 13 are shaped to extend in the third direction Z, the flow of the coolant first flows in the third direction Z and reaches the end of the second plate chamber 12. Thereafter, the flow of the coolant flows toward one side Ya in the second direction. By making the second through-hole 32 extend in the second direction Y, the coolant also flows to the other side Yb in the second direction of the second plate chamber 12, so that the retention of the coolant in the second plate chamber 12 can be reduced.

[0067] In this embodiment, it is desirable to arrange a heat-generating component D with a higher amount of heat in the lower side Xb in the first direction of the second plate chamber 12 having the fins 13. However, when all of the plurality of heat-generating components D generate a large amount of heat, the fins 13 may be provided in the first plate chamber 11. Here, although a plurality of heat-generating components D serving as heat sources are exemplified, there is no limitation on their arrangement or number, and they may be arranged as appropriate.

[0068] The cooling unit A has a third wall portion Wc that separates the communication channel 23 and the intermediate channel 24F. For example, the housing 2 has the third wall portion Wc. The first wall portion Wa further has a third through hole 33 that is located between the second wall portion Wb and the third wall portion Wc in the second direction (Y direction). The liquid flowing in from the inlet flows through the communication channel 23, the first through hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the third through hole 33, the intermediate channel 24F, the second through hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the communication chamber 27, and the outflow chamber 28 in sequence and flows out from the outlet 22, thereby efficiently cooling the heat generating component D without separating the flow of the liquid flowing in from the inlet 21.

[0069] Thus, in the cooling unit A, the coolant flowing in from the inlet 21 flows through the communication channel 23, the first through hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the third through hole 33, the intermediate channel 24F (tank chamber 24), the second through hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the communication chamber 27, and the outflow chamber 28 in sequence and flows out from the outlet 22.

[0070] FIG. 5A is a schematic top view of the cold plate 1 in the cooling unit A according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the cold plate 1 in the cooling unit A according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5A, the positions of the first through hole 31, the second through hole 32, and the third through hole 33 are shown with respect to the cold plate 1.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the cold plate 1 has a plurality of fins 13 disposed on the surface of the upper side Xa in the first direction (one side in the first direction). Here, the fins 13 are located in the first plate chamber 11, but the fins 13 may be located in at least one of the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. The first through hole 31 or the second through hole 32 is located on one side in the first direction (upper side Xa in the first direction) of the fins 13. Since the first through hole 31 or the second through hole 32 is located above the fins 13, the liquid flowing from one side in the first direction (upper side Xa in the first direction) to the other side in the first direction (lower side Xb in the first direction) can easily flow between the fins 13.

[0072] Here, the plurality of fins 13 are arranged in the second direction (Y direction). Specifically, the plurality of fins 13 are arranged at equal intervals along the second direction. Also, the second through hole 32 extends in the second direction. Therefore, the liquid flowing out from the second through hole 32 can easily flow between the fins 13.

[0073] Note that the cold plate 1 shown in FIGS. 3A to 5B was flat, but the cold plate 1 may have a stepped shape.

[0074] Next, a cooling unit A according to an exemplary third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 7B. FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary third embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary third embodiment of the invention.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cold plate 1 has fins 13. The fins 13 are arranged on the upper side Xa in the first direction (one side in the first direction) of the cold plate 1.

[0076] The cold plate 1 has a stepped shape. Specifically, the cold plate 1 is recessed downward in the first direction Xb from the end at the center in the second direction (Y direction). The cold plate 1 has a first end portion 1a located on one side Ya in the second direction, a central portion 1b located at the center in the second direction Y, a second end portion 1c located on the other side Yb in the second direction, a first inclined portion 1d located between the first end portion 1a and the central portion 1b, and a second inclined portion 1e located between the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c.

[0077] The first end portion 1a and the second end portion 1c are each flat. The height of the first end portion 1a in the first direction (X direction) is located on the upper side Xa in the first direction than the height of the central portion 1b in the first direction (X direction). The height of the second end portion 1c in the first direction (X direction) is located on the upper side Xa in the first direction than the height of the central portion 1b in the first direction (X direction). The height of the first end portion 1a in the first direction (X direction) is substantially equal to the height of the second end portion 1c in the first direction (X direction). Note that the second wall portion Wb contacts the surface on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the central portion 1b.

[0078] The fin 13 is disposed on the surface on the upper side Xa in the first direction of the central portion 1b. The height of the fin 13 in the first direction (X direction) is substantially equal to or smaller than the distance between the central portion 1b and the first wall portion Wa.

[0079] The first heat generating component Da is located on the surface on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the central portion 1b. The second heat generating component Db is located on the surface on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the second end portion 1c. The third heat generating component Dc is located on the surface on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the first end portion 1a.

[0080] FIG. 7A is a schematic top view of the cold plate 1 in the cooling unit A according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cold plate 1 includes a first end portion 1a located in one direction Ya of the second direction, a central portion 1b located at the center in the second direction Y, a second end portion 1c located in the other direction Yb of the second direction, a first inclined portion 1d located between the first end portion 1a and the central portion 1b, a second inclined portion 1e located between the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c, a first peripheral portion 1f located in one direction Za of the third direction, and a second peripheral portion 1g located in the other direction Zb of the third direction.

[0082] The first inclined portion 1d is located between the first end portion 1a and the central portion 1b and connects the first end portion 1a and the central portion 1b. The surface on the upper side Xa in the first direction of the first inclined portion 1d is the first end portion 1a and the middle It is inclined with respect to the surfaces on the upper side Xa in the first direction of each of the central portions 1b.

[0083] The second inclined portion 1e is located between the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c and connects the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c. The surface on the upper side Xa in the first direction of the second inclined portion 1e is inclined with respect to the surfaces on the upper side Xa in the first direction of each of the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c.

[0084] The first peripheral portion 1f is located in one direction Za in the third direction with respect to the first inclined portion 1d, the central portion 1b, and the second inclined portion 1e. The second peripheral portion 1g is located in the other direction Zb in the third direction with respect to the first inclined portion 1d, the central portion 1b, and the second inclined portion 1e. The height of the surfaces on the upper side Xa in the first direction of the first peripheral portion 1f and the second peripheral portion 1g is equal to the height of the surfaces on the upper side Xa in the first direction of the first end portion 1a and the second end portion 1c. Therefore, the first end portion 1a, the second end portion 1c, the first peripheral portion 1f, and the second peripheral portion 1g form a plane, and this plane surrounds the first inclined portion 1d, the central portion 1b, and the second inclined portion 1e.

[0085] Since the cold plate 1 has a stepped shape, for example, even when the positions of the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db in the first direction are different, the cold plate 1 can be brought into contact with both the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db.

[0086] Note that the cooling unit A preferably has a pump. The pump can preferably flow the coolant in the cooling unit A.

[0087] Next, the cooling unit A according to the exemplary fourth embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 9B. FIG. 8 is an overall perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the exemplary fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0088] The cooling unit A further has a pump 4 in addition to the cold plate 1 and the housing 2. The housing 2 has a pump chamber 25 in one direction Ya in the second direction on the outer main surface 2sa. The pump 4 is disposed in the pump chamber 25.

[0089] FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling unit A according to an exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the cooling unit A includes a cold plate 1, a housing 2, a partition portion 3, and a pump 4. The housing 2 and the pump 4 are disposed on the upper side Xa in the first direction of the cold plate 1.

[0091] The pump 4 is preferably disposed on the downstream side of the flow path in the cooling unit A until the coolant flows in from the inlet 21 and flows out from the outlet 22. For example, the pump 4 is preferably disposed so as to send out the coolant that has passed through the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12.

[0092] When air enters the coolant, the ability of the pump 4 to circulate the coolant in the cooling system S decreases. By storing the coolant in the tank chamber 24, the amount of coolant for maintaining the cooling efficiency of the cooling system S can be ensured. Further, even if air enters the cooling system S, air can be stored in the tank chamber 24, and a decrease in the ability to circulate the coolant due to air entering the pump 4 can be suppressed.

[0093] The cooling unit A has a pump 4 and a fourth wall portion Wd. The pump 4 has a motor 41 and an impeller 42. The motor 41 has a stator 41a, a rotor 41b, and a casing 41c. The stator 41a is disposed within the casing 41c. The rotor 41b is integrally formed with the impeller 42. The pump chamber 25 is defined by the fourth wall portion Wd and the casing 41c. The impeller 42 is housed in the pump chamber 25. The housing 2 has a pump inlet side flow path 27F that connects the second plate chamber 12 and the pump chamber 25. The fourth wall portion Wd has a suction port 25p that connects the pump inlet side flow path 27F and the pump chamber 25. In the cooling unit A according to the exemplary fourth embodiment of the present invention, the fourth wall portion Wd is a part of the housing 2, and the pump chamber 25 is defined by the housing 2 and the casing 41c.

[0094] The pump chamber 25 is provided in one direction Ya of the second direction from the tank chamber 24. The housing 2 has an outlet 22. The outlet 22 is connected to one direction Ya of the second direction of the pump chamber 25. The coolant flows from the plate chamber 1p into the pump chamber 25 through the suction port 25p. The pump 4 is a centrifugal pump, sucks up the coolant in the plate chamber 1p from the suction port 25p in the first direction X, and sends out the coolant to the outlet 22.

[0095] Since the liquid that has flowed in from the inlet 21 passes through a plurality of flow paths before reaching the pump chamber 25, even when air has flowed in together with the liquid, it is possible to suppress the impeller 42 from immediately idling.

[0096] The second through hole 32 extends in the second direction Y, and the plurality of fins 13 are arranged to extend in the third direction Z. If the fins 13 are shaped to extend in the third direction Z, the flow of the coolant once flows in the third direction Z and reaches the end of the second plate chamber 12. Since there is the pump 4 in one direction Ya of the second direction, the flow of the coolant flows in one direction Ya of the second direction. By making the second through hole 32 extend in the second direction Y, the coolant also flows in the other direction Yb of the second direction of the second plate chamber 12, so that the retention of the coolant in the second plate chamber 12 can be reduced.

[0097] In the description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, the inlet 21 is located in the other direction Yb of the second direction of the housing 2, and the outlet 22 is located in one direction Ya of the second direction of the housing 2. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. Either the inlet 21 or the outlet 22 may be arranged in either one direction Ya or the other direction Yb of the second direction of the housing 2.

[0098] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a cooling system S equipped with the cooling unit A of the present invention will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system equipped with the cooling unit of the present invention.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 10, the housing 2 has an inlet 21 through which the coolant flows into the housing 2 and an outlet 22 through which the coolant flows out of the housing 2. Coolant pipes C are respectively attached to the inlet 21 and the outlet 22. The inlet 21 and the outlet 22 are provided in one direction Ya of the second direction. By providing the inlet 21 and the outlet 22 at the same-direction position, the length of the cooling unit A along the second direction Y can be shortened.

[0100] The inlet 21 and the outlet 22 are located in one direction Ya with respect to the housing 2. Thereby, the inlets 21 and the outlets 22 of the cooling unit A can be aggregated on one side.

[0101] FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the inlets 21 and the outlets 22 are located on the first outer side surface 2sb of the housing 2. The inlets 21 and the outlets 22 connect the first outer side surface 2sb and the first inner side surface 2tb of the housing 2.

[0102] Thus, the cooling unit A may have the inlets 21 and the outlets 22 located in the same direction. Also in this case, the cooling unit A preferably has a pump.

[0103] Next, the cooling unit A according to the exemplary sixth embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. FIG. 12 is an overall perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the exemplary sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 12, the cooling unit A includes a cold plate 1, a housing 2, and a pump 4. The housing 2 has an inlet 21 and an outlet 22. The inlet 21 and the outlet 22 are arranged in one direction Ya of the second direction. The housing 2 has a pump chamber 25 in one direction Ya of the second direction. The pump 4 is arranged in the pump chamber 25.

[0105] By providing the inlet 21 and the outlet 22 at the same-direction positions, the length of the cooling unit A along the second direction Y can be shortened. If the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 were a large plate chamber connected from one direction Ya to the other direction Yb of the second direction, at the location corresponding to the first plate chamber 11, since it is far from the inlet 21, the flow of the coolant becomes slow and it is likely to stagnate in the first plate chamber 11. Furthermore, the pump 4 is also provided in one direction Ya of the second direction of the housing 2 and is at a position far from the first plate chamber 11. Therefore, the coolant circulates near the pump 4, and it is difficult for the coolant to flow and it is likely to stagnate at positions far from the pump 4.

[0106] However, in the cooling unit A of the present embodiment, by isolating the plate chamber 1p for each heat-generating component D, the stagnation of the coolant is reduced. Also, by providing a communication flow path 23 in which the inlet 21 is connected to the first through hole 31, that is, the first plate chamber 11, which is the farthest from the inlet 21 and the outlet 22, is first connected to the inlet 21, the stagnation of the coolant in the first plate chamber 11 can be reduced. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat-generating component D arranged on the first plate chamber 11 side can be maintained.

[0107] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to the exemplary sixth embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the exemplary sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the inlet 21 is connected to the communication channel 23. The coolant flowing in from the inlet 21 flows into the communication channel 23, passes through the first through-hole 31, and then flows into the first plate chamber 11.

[0109] The communication channel 23 bypasses the tank chamber 24 and extends from one side Ya in the second direction to the other side Yb in the second direction. More specifically, the communication channel 23 is located on one side Za in the third direction of the tank chamber 24. Thereby, the coolant flows in the order of the inlet 21, the communication channel 23, the first through-hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the third through-hole 33, the tank chamber 24 (intermediate flow channel 24F), the second through-hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the communication chamber 27 (pump inlet side flow channel 27F), the pump chamber 25, and the outlet 22.

[0110] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the inlet 21 is connected to the communication channel 23 located on one side Za in the third direction with respect to the tank chamber 24, and communicates with the first through-hole 31 located on one side Ya in the second direction.

[0111] The pump 4 is arranged on one side Ya in the second direction of the cooling unit A. The coolant flows in the order of the inlet 21, the communication channel 23, the first through-hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the third through-hole 33, the intermediate flow channel 24F, the second through-hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the pump inlet side flow channel 27F, the pump chamber 25, and the outlet 22. The communication channel 23 bypasses the intermediate flow channel 24F and extends from one side Ya in the second direction to the other side Yb in the second direction.

[0112] When the pump 4, the inlet 21, and the outlet 22 are provided on one side Ya in the second direction, if the communication channel 23 does not bypass, the coolant will circulate in one side Ya in the second direction, and the coolant on the other side will stagnate. In the cooling unit A of the present embodiment, once the coolant flows through the communication channel 23 from one side Ya in the second direction to the other side Yb in the second direction, and then the coolant is made to flow from the other side Yb in the second direction to one side Ya in the second direction, the coolant can be made to flow through the entire cooling unit A.

[0113] FIG. 15 is a view of the interior of the housing 2 in the cooling unit A according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the housing 2 has a communication flow path 23 in the other Yb direction of the second direction and one Za direction of the third direction. The housing 2 has a tank chamber 24 in the other Zb direction of the third direction with respect to the communication flow path 23.

[0114] Next, the cooling unit A according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the present invention. The cooling unit A according to the exemplary seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 16 has the same configuration as the cooling unit A according to the sixth embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 13B, except that an elastic member 5 is disposed between the first wall portion Wa and the fins 13 of the cold plate 1, and redundant descriptions are omitted for the purpose of avoiding redundancy.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 16, an elastic member 5 is disposed between the first wall portion Wa and the fins 13 of the cold plate 1. The elastic member 5 is plate-shaped. The elastic member 5 is provided with a slit 5s. The slit 5s extends in the second direction (Y direction) in the same manner as the second through hole 32 of the first wall portion Wa. The slit 5s overlaps with the second through hole 32 of the first wall portion Wa. The size of the slit 5s is the same as that of the second through hole 32 of the first wall portion Wa. Thereby, the coolant in the tank chamber 24 passes through the second through hole 32 of the first wall portion Wa and the slit 5s of the elastic member 5 and flows into the second plate chamber 12. By disposing the elastic member 5 that contacts the fins 13 between the first wall portion Wa and the fins 13 of the cold plate 1, the coolant can be more actively flowed into the gaps of the fins 13.

[0116] FIG. 17A is a view of the cold plate 1 and the elastic member 5 in the cooling unit A according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the upper side Xa in the first direction, and FIG. 17B is a schematic perspective view of the cold plate 1 and the elastic member 5 in the cooling unit A according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the elastic member 5 covers the fins 13 of the cold plate 1. More specifically, the elastic member 5 contacts the upper side Xa of the fins 13 in the first direction. Typically, the length of the elastic member 5 along the Y direction and the length along the Z direction are substantially equal to the length of the plurality of fins 13 of the cold plate 1 along the Y direction and the length along the Z direction.

[0118] The elastic member 5 has a slit 5s. The slit 5s extends in the second direction (Y direction). The slit 5s is located at the center of the elastic member 5 in the third direction (Z direction).

[0119] FIG. 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a cooling unit A according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, the cooling unit A includes a cold plate 1, a housing 2, a partition portion 3, a pump 4, an elastic member 5, and a sealing member Se. The cold plate 1 has fins 13 on the upper side Xa in the first direction. An elastic member 5 is disposed between the cold plate 1 and the partition portion 3. The shape and size of the slit 5s of the elastic member 5 are substantially equal to the shape and size of the second through hole 32 of the partition portion 3.

[0120] A sealing member Se having an annular structure is attached to the cold plate 1. Typically, the sealing member Se is an O-ring. The elastic member 5 and the partition portion 3 are disposed inside the sealing member Se.

[0121] The partition portion 3 is sandwiched between the cold plate 1 and the housing 2. The pump 4 is disposed in the pump chamber 25 of the housing 2.

[0122] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a cooling system S equipped with an exemplary cooling unit A of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the cooling system S includes a cooling unit A, a radiator B, and a coolant pipe C. The cooling unit A and the radiator B are connected by the coolant pipe C.

[0123] The cooling unit A has a heat-generating component D as the heat source attached to it, and the cooling unit A receives heat from the heat-generating component D. Exemplary heat-generating components D include a microprocessor used in a computer, a power semiconductor used in an inverter, etc. The heat received by the cooling unit A flows through the coolant pipe C via the coolant and reaches the radiator B. The coolant with heat is dissipated to the outside when passing through the radiator B.

[0124] The cooling unit A includes a first cooling unit A1, a second cooling unit A2, a third cooling unit A3, and a fourth cooling unit A4.

[0125] The coolant pipe C includes a first coolant pipe C1, a second coolant pipe C2, a third coolant pipe C3, a fourth coolant pipe C4, a fifth coolant pipe C5, and a sixth coolant pipe C6. The first coolant pipe C1 connects the radiator B and the inlet 21 of the first cooling unit A1. The second coolant pipe C2 connects the outlet 22 of the first cooling unit A1 and the inlet 21 of the second cooling unit A2. The third coolant pipe C3 connects the outlet 22 of the second cooling unit A2 and the radiator B.

[0126] The fourth coolant pipe C4 connects the radiator B and the inlet 21 of the third cooling unit A3. The fifth coolant pipe C5 connects the outlet 22 of the third cooling unit A3 and the inlet 21 of the fourth cooling unit A4. The sixth coolant pipe C6 connects the outlet 22 of the fourth cooling unit A4 and the radiator B.

[0127] The coolant flowing through the first coolant pipe C1 from the radiator B flows through the first cooling unit A1, the second coolant pipe C2, the second cooling unit A2, and the third coolant pipe C3 in sequence and then returns to the radiator B. In the above manner, the coolant flowing through the first coolant pipe C1 from the radiator B circulates.

[0128] Similarly, the coolant flowing through the fourth coolant pipe C4 from the radiator B flows in the order of the third cooling unit A3, the fifth coolant pipe C5, the fourth cooling unit A4, and the sixth coolant pipe C6 and returns to the radiator B. In this way, the coolant flowing through the fourth coolant pipe C4 from the radiator B circulates.

[0129] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention. The configurations of the embodiments may be appropriately changed within the scope not exceeding the technical idea of the present invention. Also, the embodiments may be implemented in combination within the possible range.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0130] A ··· Cooling unit 1 ··· Cold plate 1p ··· Plate chamber 11 ··· First plate chamber 12 ··· Second plate chamber 13 ··· Fin 2 ··· Housing 21 ··· Inlet 22 ··· Outlet 23 ··· Communication flow path 24 ··· Tank chamber 25 ··· Pump chamber 3 ··· Partition part 31 ··· First through hole 32 ··· Second through hole 33 ··· Third through hole 4 ··· Pump

Claims

1. a first wall portion located between the housing and the cold plate; and a second wall portion separating a plate chamber defined by the housing and the first wall portion into a first plate chamber and a second plate chamber adjacent to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the cold plate having a plurality of fins arranged on a surface on the one side in the first direction, the plurality of fins being located in the second plate chamber and arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first wall portion having a first through hole facing the cold plate in the first plate chamber and a second through hole facing the cold plate in the second plate chamber and extending in the second direction, a cooling liquid flowing into the second plate chamber flows along the cold plate into a connecting chamber, and the second through hole is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the plurality of fins in the first direction.

2. 2. The cooling unit according to claim 1, wherein the first through hole is located at the center of the first plate chamber in the second direction or at the center of a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the second through hole is located at the center of the second direction or at the center of the third direction in the second plate chamber.

3. 3. The cooling unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an inlet through which liquid flows in, an outlet through which the liquid flows out, a communication passage connected to the inlet, and an intermediate passage connecting the first plate chamber and the second plate chamber, the first through hole connecting the communication passage and the first plate chamber, and the second through hole connecting the intermediate passage and the second plate chamber.

4. The cooling unit of claim 3 , wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion are a single member.

5. 5. The cooling unit according to claim 3, further comprising a third wall portion separating the communication flow path and the intermediate flow path, the first wall portion further comprising a third through hole located between the second wall portion and the third wall portion in the second direction.

6. The cooling unit of claim 5 , wherein the first wall portion and the third wall portion are a single member.

7. 7. A cooling unit as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the third wall is a single piece with the housing.

8. 8. The cooling unit according to claim 5, further comprising: a pump; and a fourth wall portion, wherein the pump has a motor, a casing, and an impeller, an impeller chamber defined by the fourth wall portion and the casing houses the impeller, the housing has a pump inlet side flow passage connecting the second plate chamber and the impeller chamber, and the fourth wall portion has an intake port connecting the pump inlet side flow passage and the impeller chamber.

9. The cooling unit according to claim 8 , wherein the inlet and the outlet are located on one side of the housing in the second direction.

10. 10. The cooling unit according to claim 9, wherein the pump is disposed on one side of the cooling unit in the second direction, and the inlet, the communication passage, the first plate chamber, the intermediate passage, the second plate chamber, the pump inlet side passage, the impeller chamber, and the outlet are connected in this order, and the communication passage extends from the one side in the second direction to the other side in the second direction, bypassing the intermediate passage.

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