Cooler

Abstract

To reduce manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: A cooler 1 has a refrigerant passage 2. The cooler 1 comprises: a cooling plate part 7 having a plurality of partition walls 74 and a first opening 75; and a first lid part 8 which is bonded to the cooling plate part 7 so as to close the first opening 75 of the cooling plate part 7. The plurality of partition walls 74 extends in a longitudinal direction L so as to divide the refrigerant passage 2 in a width direction W perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The first opening 75 opens the refrigerant passage 2 in a first longitudinal direction L1, which is one of the directions in the longitudinal direction L, and in a first height direction H1, which is one of the directions in a height direction H perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. A first bonding surface 77, of the cooling plate part 7, to the first lid part 8 is oriented further to the first height direction H1 side than the longitudinal direction L side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler for cooling a battery or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a cooler for cooling a battery or the like. This cooler includes a flat cooling plate having a refrigerant passage along the longitudinal direction, and a pair of upper lid bodies joined to the cooling plate and having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet communicating with the refrigerant passage. At both longitudinal ends of the cooling plate, a pair of cutouts are formed that open upward and at the longitudinal ends while leaving both wall portions in the width direction. And a pair of upper lid bodies are joined to the pair of cutouts by brazing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The cooling plate of the cooler described in Patent Document 1 is formed in a flat shape by an upper piece, a lower piece, and a pair of both side walls. And the upper surface of the upper piece and the longitudinal end surfaces of the lower piece and the pair of both side walls serve as joint surfaces of the cooling plate joined to the pair of upper lid bodies. However, while the upper surface of the upper piece is a horizontal plane, the longitudinal end surfaces of the lower piece and the pair of both side walls are vertical planes. For this reason, when brazing the cooling plate and the pair of upper lid bodies, the brazing material is likely to drop off from the longitudinal end surfaces of the lower piece and the pair of both side walls which are vertical planes. For this reason, there is a problem that a fixture for holding the brazing material is required and the manufacturing cost increases.

[0005] Here, it is also conceivable to join the cooling plate and the pair of upper lid bodies by welding. However, in the welding to the upper surface of the upper piece which is a horizontal plane and the welding to the longitudinal end surfaces of the lower piece and the pair of both side walls which are vertical surfaces, the welding directions are orthogonal to each other. That is, the upper surface of the upper piece which is a horizontal plane needs to be welded from the vertical direction, and the longitudinal end surfaces of the lower piece and the pair of both side walls which are vertical surfaces need to be welded from the horizontal direction. For this reason, there is a problem that large-scale welding equipment is required and the manufacturing cost becomes high.

[0006] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a cooler capable of reducing the manufacturing cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The cooler according to one aspect of the present invention is as follows.

[0008] [1] A cooler having a refrigerant passage, a plurality of partition walls extending in the longitudinal direction and partitioning the refrigerant passage in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a first longitudinal direction which is one direction of the longitudinal direction, and a first height direction which is one direction of the height direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and the width direction, a cooling plate portion having an opening for opening the refrigerant passage, and a lid portion joined to the cooling plate portion so as to close the opening of the cooling plate portion, wherein the joint surface of the cooling plate portion with the lid portion faces the first height direction side rather than the longitudinal direction.

[0009] In the cooler of [1], the lid is joined to the cooling plate portion, thereby closing the opening of the cooling plate portion. Here, since the opening releases the refrigerant passage in the first longitudinal direction and the first height direction, there is a portion that is displaced in the height direction on the joint surface of the cooling plate portion. However, the joint surface of the cooling plate portion faces the side in the first height direction rather than the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when joining the cooling plate portion and the lid by brazing, it becomes difficult for the brazing material to fall off from the joint surface. Also, when joining the cooling plate portion and the lid by welding, it is not necessary to direct the welding direction in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0010] [2] The cooler according to [1], wherein the joint surface has an inclined surface that faces the second height direction opposite to the first height direction as it goes in the first longitudinal direction.

[0011] In the cooler of [2], since the joint surface has an inclined surface that faces the second direction as it goes in the first longitudinal direction, in the portion where the joint surface is displaced in the height direction, the joint surface can be directed toward the side in the first height direction rather than the longitudinal direction.

[0012] [3] The cooler according to [2], wherein the joint surface is formed by a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction and the inclined surface.

[0013] In the cooler of [3], since the joint surface is formed by a horizontal plane and an inclined surface, the joint surface can be directed toward the side in the first height direction rather than the longitudinal direction.

[0014] [4] The cooler according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the joint surface does not have a vertical surface extending in the height direction.

[0015] In the cooler of [4], since the joint surface does not have a vertical surface, when joining the cooling plate portion and the lid by brazing, it becomes difficult for the brazing material to fall off from the joint surface, and when joining the cooling plate portion and the lid by welding, it is not necessary to direct the welding direction in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] [5] The cooling plate portion has a bottom wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, an upper wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction and facing the bottom wall portion in the height direction, and a pair of side wall portions connected to the bottom wall portion and the upper wall portion and facing each other in the width direction. The joint surface is formed on the bottom wall portion, the upper wall portion, and the pair of side wall portions, and is the cooler according to any one of [1] to [4].

[0017] In the cooler of [5], since the cooling plate portion has a bottom wall portion, an upper wall portion, and a pair of side wall portions, and the joint surface is formed on the bottom wall portion, the upper wall portion, and the pair of side wall portions, a refrigerant passage partitioned by a plurality of partition walls can be appropriately formed, and an opening for opening the refrigerant passage can be appropriately closed by a lid portion.

[0018] [6] The joint surface is formed by an upper wall upper surface which is a surface of the upper wall portion on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion, an upper wall end surface which is an end surface of the upper wall portion in the first longitudinal direction, a side wall end surface which is an end surface of the pair of side wall portions in the first longitudinal direction, and a bottom wall upper surface which is a surface of the bottom wall portion on the upper wall portion side. The joint surface formed on the upper wall upper surface and the bottom wall upper surface is a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, and the joint surface formed on the upper wall end surface and the side wall end surface is an inclined surface facing a second height direction opposite to the first height direction as it goes in the first longitudinal direction. The cooler according to [5].

[0019] In the cooler of [6], since the joint surface is formed by a horizontal plane and an inclined plane, the joint surface can be directed toward the first height direction side rather than the longitudinal direction.

[0020] [7] The joint surface is formed by an upper wall upper surface which is a surface on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion of the upper wall portion, an upper wall end surface which is an end surface of the upper wall portion in the first longitudinal direction, a side wall end surface which is an end surface of the pair of side wall portions in the first longitudinal direction, and a bottom wall end surface which is an end surface of the bottom wall portion in the first longitudinal direction. The joint surface formed on the upper wall upper surface is a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, and the joint surfaces formed on the upper wall end surface, the side wall end surface, and the bottom wall end surface are inclined surfaces facing a second height direction opposite to the first height direction as going in the first longitudinal direction. The cooler according to [5].

[0021] In the cooler of [7], since the joint surface is formed by a horizontal plane and an inclined surface, the joint surface can be directed toward the first height direction side rather than the longitudinal direction.

[0022] [8] The partition wall end surface which is an end surface of the plurality of partition walls in the first longitudinal direction is formed at the same position as the side wall end surface which is an end surface of the pair of side wall portions in the first longitudinal direction when viewed from the width direction. The cooler according to any one of [1] to [7].

[0023] In the cooler of [8], since the partition wall end surface is formed at the same position as the side wall end surface when viewed from the width direction, the cooling plate portion can be easily manufactured.

[0024] [9] The partition wall end surface which is an end surface of the plurality of partition walls in the first longitudinal direction is an inclined surface facing a second height direction opposite to the first height direction as going in the first longitudinal direction. The cooler according to any one of [1] to [8].

[0025] In the cooler of [9], since the partition wall end surfaces in the first longitudinal direction of the plurality of partition walls are inclined surfaces, the opening area of the partition refrigerant passage in which the refrigerant passage is partitioned by the plurality of partition walls can be increased. Thereby, the pressure loss of the refrigerant can be reduced. Further, it is possible to suppress the pressure loss of the refrigerant from changing abruptly due to the plurality of partition walls.

[0026]

[10] The cooler further includes an attachment portion for attaching the cooler to an external device, and the attachment portion is located on the side opposite to the refrigerant passage with respect to the joint surface. The cooler according to any one of [1] to [9].

[0027] In the cooler of

[10] , since the attachment portion is located on the side opposite to the refrigerant passage with respect to the joint surface, it is possible to suppress the inhibition of the sealing of the refrigerant passage by the attachment portion and to suppress the complication of the shape of the joint surface. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0029]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, a cooler according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The cooler according to the present embodiment cools a body to be cooled. The body to be cooled is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be a battery mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. In each figure, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0031] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the cooler of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooler 1 according to the present embodiment is formed in a flat shape so as to increase the contact area with the body to be cooled. That is, the cooler 1 extends in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L, and is flattened in the height direction H orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The cooling plate portion 7 is formed longer in the longitudinal direction L than in the width direction W. One direction of the longitudinal direction L is referred to as the first longitudinal direction L1, and the other direction of the longitudinal direction L is referred to as the second longitudinal direction L2. The second longitudinal direction L2 is the direction opposite to the first longitudinal direction L1. Also, one direction of the height direction H is referred to as the first height direction H1, and the other direction of the height direction H is referred to as the second height direction H2. The second height direction H2 is the direction opposite to the first height direction H1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an end portion of the cooler in the first longitudinal direction. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an end portion of the cooler in the second longitudinal direction. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an end portion of the cooler in the first longitudinal direction. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an end portion of the cooler in the second longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the cooler 1 includes a refrigerant passage 2, a first port 3, a second port 4, a first attachment portion 5, and a second attachment portion 6.

[0033] The refrigerant passage 2 is a passage (space) through which the refrigerant for cooling the object to be cooled flows. The first port 3 and the second port 4 are ports that communicate with the refrigerant passage 2 and supply or discharge the refrigerant to or from the refrigerant passage 2. The first port 3 is located at the end of the cooler 1 in the first longitudinal direction L1. The second port 4 is located at the end of the cooler 1 in the second longitudinal direction L2. Therefore, the refrigerant is supplied from either one of the first port 3 or the second port 4 to the refrigerant passage 2, flows through the refrigerant passage 2 in the longitudinal direction L, and is discharged from the other one of the first port 3 or the second port 4. The refrigerant cools the object to be cooled connected to the cooler 1 by taking heat from the cooler 1 when flowing through the refrigerant passage 2.

[0034] The first attachment portion 5 and the second attachment portion 6 are portions for attaching the cooler 1 to an external device (not shown). The first attachment portion 5 is located at the end of the cooler 1 in the first longitudinal direction L1. The second attachment portion 6 is located at the end of the cooler 1 in the second longitudinal direction L2. The first attachment portion 5 and the second attachment portion 6 are, for example, through-holes into which bolts (not shown) for attaching the cooler 1 to an external device are inserted. The external device can be the object to be cooled that is cooled by the cooler 1.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state before joining the cooling plate portion and the lid portion at the end of the cooler in the first longitudinal direction. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state before joining the cooling plate portion and the lid portion at the end of the cooler in the second longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the cooler 1 includes a cooling plate portion 7, a first lid portion 8 and a second lid portion 9 joined to the cooling plate portion 7.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the ends of the cooling plate portion in the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the ends of the cooling plate portion in the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the ends of the cooling plate portion in the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses in FIGS. 9 to 11 indicate the reference numerals of the ends of the cooling plate portion in the second longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the cooling plate portion 7 forms the main body of the cooler 1. The cooling plate portion 7 includes a bottom wall portion 71, an upper wall portion 72, a pair of side wall portions 73, 73, a plurality of partition walls 74, a first opening 75, and a second opening 76.

[0037] The bottom wall portion 71 forms the bottom wall of the cooler 1 and is the portion that abuts against the object to be cooled. The bottom wall portion 71 is formed as a substantially flat plate extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. A part of the first attachment portion 5 is formed at the end of the bottom wall portion 71 in the first longitudinal direction L1, and a part of the second attachment portion 6 is formed at the end of the bottom wall portion 71 in the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0038] The upper wall portion 72 is the portion that forms the upper wall of the cooler 1. The upper wall portion 72 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The upper wall portion 72 is arranged so as to face the bottom wall portion 71 in the height direction H.

[0039] The pair of side wall portions 73, 73 are the portions that form the pair of side walls of the cooler 1. The pair of side wall portions 73, 73 are formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H. The pair of side wall portions 73, 73 are arranged so as to face each other in the width direction W and are connected to both ends of the bottom wall portion 71 and the upper wall portion 72 in the width direction W.

[0040] The plurality of partition walls 74 extend in the longitudinal direction L and partition the refrigerant passage 2 in the width direction W. That is, the plurality of partition walls 74 extending in the longitudinal direction L are arranged in the width direction W. Each of the plurality of partition walls 74 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H and is connected to the bottom wall portion 71 and the upper wall portion 72. In the cooling plate portion 7, the refrigerant passage 2 is partitioned into a plurality of partition refrigerant passages 21 by the plurality of partition walls 74. The plurality of partition refrigerant passages 21 extend in the longitudinal direction L and are arranged in the width direction W. Among the plurality of partition refrigerant passages 21, the partition refrigerant passages 21 located at both ends in the width direction W are formed by the bottom wall portion 71, the upper wall portion 72, the side wall portion 73, and the partition wall 74, and the other partition refrigerant passages 21 are formed by the bottom wall portion 71, the upper wall portion 72, and a pair of adjacent partition walls 74.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the first opening 75 opens the refrigerant passage 2 in the first longitudinal direction L1 and the first height direction H1 at the end of the cooling plate portion 7 in the first longitudinal direction L1. The second opening 76 opens the refrigerant passage 2 in the second longitudinal direction L2 and the first height direction H1 at the end of the cooling plate portion 7 in the second longitudinal direction L2. The first opening 75 and the second opening 76 are formed by the bottom wall portion 71, the upper wall portion 72, and a pair of side wall portions 73, 73. The first opening 75 and the second opening 76 are formed, for example, by notching the upper wall portion 72, the pair of side wall portions 73, 73, and the plurality of partition walls 74.

[0042] In the first opening 75, the tip of the upper wall portion 72 in the first longitudinal direction L1 is located on the second longitudinal direction L2 side of the tip of the bottom wall portion 71 in the first longitudinal direction L1, so that the refrigerant passage 2 is opened in the first height direction H1. Also, in the first opening 75, the refrigerant passage 2 is opened in the first longitudinal direction L1 because the cooling plate portion 7 is not provided on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the refrigerant passage 2.

[0043] In the second opening 76, the tip of the upper wall portion 72 in the second longitudinal direction L2 is located on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the tip of the bottom wall portion 71 in the second longitudinal direction L2, so that the refrigerant passage 2 is open in the first height direction H1. Further, in the second opening 76, since the cooling plate portion 7 is not provided on the second longitudinal direction L2 side of the refrigerant passage 2, the refrigerant passage 2 is open in the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIGS. 9 to 11, the first lid portion 8 is joined to the cooling plate portion 7 so as to close the first opening 75. The portion where the cooling plate portion 7 and the first lid portion 8 are joined is referred to as a first joining portion A. In the first joining portion A, the first joining surface 77 of the cooling plate portion 7 and the joining surface 81 of the first lid portion 8 are joined. The first joining surface 77 is the joining surface of the cooling plate portion 7 with the first lid portion 8 and does not include the surface not joined to the first lid portion 8. The joining surface 81 is the joining surface of the first lid portion 8 with the cooling plate portion 7 and does not include the surface not joined to the cooling plate portion 7. The joining of the first lid portion 8 to the cooling plate portion 7 is not particularly limited, and can be performed, for example, by brazing, welding, or the like. In the drawings, the first joining portion A, the first joining surface 77, and the joining surface 81 are shown with fine dot hatching.

[0045] The first lid portion 8 has the first port 3 and the chamber forming portion 82 described above. The chamber forming portion 82 forms a first chamber 22 disposed between the first port 3 and the plurality of partitioned refrigerant passages 21. The first chamber 22 is located on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the plurality of partitioned refrigerant passages 21, and is a space that communicates with the plurality of partitioned refrigerant passages 21 and also communicates with the first port 3. The first chamber 22 forms a part of the refrigerant passage 2 and distributes or merges the refrigerant between the first port 3 and the plurality of partitioned refrigerant passages 21.

[0046] A part of the first mounting portion 5 is formed at the end of the first lid portion 8 in the first longitudinal direction L1. The first mounting portion 5 is formed by the mutually overlapping portions of the bottom wall portion 71 of the cooling plate portion 7 and the first lid portion 8.

[0047] The joint surface 81 of the first lid portion 8 surrounds the chamber forming portion 82 in order to close the first opening 75. The joint surface 81 has a shape corresponding to the first joint surface 77 of the cooling plate portion 7, that is, a shape along the first joint surface 77 of the cooling plate portion 7.

[0048] The first joint surface 77 of the cooling plate portion 7 surrounds the first opening 75 in order to close the first opening 75. The first joint surface 77 is formed by the upper wall upper surface 72c which is the surface on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 71 (the first height direction H1 side) of the upper wall portion 72, the first upper wall end surface 72a which is the end surface of the upper wall portion 72 in the first longitudinal direction L1, the first side wall end surfaces 73a, 73a which are the end surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 73, 73 in the first longitudinal direction L1, and the bottom wall upper surface 71a which is the surface of the bottom wall portion 71 on the upper wall portion 72 side (the first height direction H1 side). The first joint surface 77 is formed by a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W and an inclined surface extending in the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1, and does not have a vertical plane extending in the height direction H. For this reason, the first joint surface 77 faces the first height direction H1 side (the upper wall portion 72 side with respect to the bottom wall portion 71) rather than the longitudinal direction L. That is, all of the first joint surface 77 surrounding the first opening 75 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L. Further, the first joint surface 77 faces the first height direction H1 side and surrounds the first opening 75 in a circle when viewed from the first height direction H1 (surrounds the entire circumference of the first opening 75 when viewed from the first height direction H1). Note that the inclined surface is not limited to an inclined surface extending in a planar shape, and may be an inclined surface that inclines while bending at one or a plurality of locations, or may be an inclined surface that inclines while curving.

[0049] Specifically, the upper surface 72c of the upper wall and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall are horizontal planes extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The first end face 72a of the upper wall is an inclined plane that slopes in the second height direction H2 as it extends in the first longitudinal direction L1. The first side wall end faces 73a, 73a are connected to the first end face 72a of the upper wall and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall, and are inclined planes that slope in the second height direction H2 as they extend in the first longitudinal direction L1. The inclination angle of the first end face 72a of the upper wall and the inclination angles of the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a can be the same. In this case, the first end face 72a of the upper wall and the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a are flush.

[0050] The first partition wall end face 74a, which is the end face of the plurality of partition walls 74 in the first longitudinal direction L1, is an inclined plane that slopes in the second height direction H2 as it extends in the first longitudinal direction L1. The first partition wall end face 74a is formed at the same position as the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a when viewed in the width direction W. That is, the inclination angle of the first partition wall end face 74a is the same as the inclination angles of the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a.

[0051] The first joint surface 77 of the cooling plate portion 7 is formed by the upper surface 72c of the upper wall, which is a horizontal plane, the first end face 72a of the upper wall, which is an inclined plane, the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a, which are inclined planes, and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall, which is a horizontal plane.

[0052] Note that the first joint portion A (the first joint surface 77 and the joint surface 81) may be formed at any position on the upper surface 72c of the upper wall, the first end face 72a of the upper wall, the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a, and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall, but it is preferably formed such that the first attachment portion 5 is located on the opposite side of the refrigerant passage 2 with respect to the first joint portion A. In this case, the first joint portion A may be formed at a position separated from the first attachment portion 5, or may be formed at a position surrounding a part of the first attachment portion 5. In the drawings, as an example, a case where the first joint portion A is formed at a position surrounding a part of the first attachment portion 5 is shown.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 to 11, the second lid portion 9 is joined to the cooling plate portion 7 so as to close the second opening 76. The portion where the cooling plate portion 7 and the second lid portion 9 are joined is referred to as the second joint portion B. The cooling plate portion 7 and the second lid portion 9 are joined at the second joint portion B. At the second joint portion B, the second joint surface 78 of the cooling plate portion 7 and the joint surface 91 of the second lid portion 9 are joined. The second joint surface 78 is the joint surface of the cooling plate portion 7 with the second lid portion 9 and does not include the surface not joined to the second lid portion 9. The joint surface 91 is the joint surface of the second lid portion 9 with the cooling plate portion 7 and does not include the surface not joined to the cooling plate portion 7. The joining of the second lid portion 9 to the cooling plate portion 7 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be performed by brazing, welding, or the like. In the drawings, the second joint portion B, the second joint surface 78, and the joint surface 91 are shown with fine dot hatching.

[0054] The second lid portion 9 has the second port 4 and the chamber forming portion 92 described above. The chamber forming portion 92 forms a second chamber 23 disposed between the second port 4 and the plurality of partitioned refrigerant passages 21. The second chamber 23 is located on the second longitudinal direction L2 side of the plurality of partitioned refrigerant passages 21 and is a space that communicates with the plurality of partitioned refrigerant passages 21 and also communicates with the second port 4. The second chamber 23 forms a part of the refrigerant passage 2 and distributes or merges the refrigerant between the second port 4 and the plurality of partitioned refrigerant passages 21.

[0055] A part of the second mounting portion 6 is formed at the end of the second lid portion 9 in the second longitudinal direction L2. The second mounting portion 6 is formed by the mutually overlapping portions of the bottom wall portion 71 of the cooling plate portion 7 and the second lid portion 9.

[0056] The joint surface 91 of the second lid portion 9 surrounds the chamber forming portion 92 in order to close the second opening 76. The joint surface 91 has a shape corresponding to the second joint surface 78 of the cooling plate portion 7, that is, a shape along the second joint surface 78 of the cooling plate portion 7.

[0057] The second joint surface 78 of the cooling plate portion 7 surrounds the second opening 76 in order to close the second opening 76. The second joint surface 78 is formed by the upper wall upper surface 72c, the second upper wall end surface 72b which is the end surface of the upper wall portion 72 in the second longitudinal direction L2, the second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b which are the end surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 73, 73 in the second longitudinal direction L2, and the bottom wall upper surface 71a. The second joint surface 78 is formed by a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, and an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the second longitudinal direction L2, and does not have a vertical surface extending in the height direction H. For this reason, the second joint surface 78 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L. That is, all of the second joint surface 78 surrounding the second opening 76 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L. Further, the second joint surface 78 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L and goes around the second opening 76 when viewed from the first height direction H1 (surrounds the entire circumference of the second opening 76 when viewed from the first height direction H1).

[0058] Specifically, the upper wall upper surface 72c and the bottom wall upper surface 71a are horizontal planes extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The second upper wall end surface 72b is an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the second longitudinal direction L2. The second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b are connected to the second upper wall end surface 72b and the bottom wall upper surface 71a and are inclined surfaces facing the second height direction H2 as they go in the second longitudinal direction L2. The inclination angle of the second upper wall end surface 72b and the inclination angles of the second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b can be the same. In this case, the second upper wall end surface 72b and the second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b are flush.

[0059] The second partition wall end surface 74b, which is the end surface of the plurality of partition walls 74 in the second longitudinal direction L2, is an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the second longitudinal direction L2. The second partition wall end surface 74b is formed at the same position as the second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b when viewed from the width direction W. That is, the inclination angle of the second partition wall end surface 74b is the same as the inclination angles of the second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b.

[0060] The second joint surface 78 of the cooling plate portion 7 is formed on the upper surface 72c of the upper wall which is a horizontal plane, the second end surface 72b of the second upper wall which is an inclined surface, the second end surfaces 73b, 73b of the second side walls which are inclined surfaces, and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall which is a horizontal plane.

[0061] Note that the second joint portion B (the second joint surface 78 and the joint surface 91) may be formed at any position on the upper surface 72c of the upper wall, the second end surface 72b of the second upper wall, the second end surfaces 73b, 73b of the second side walls, and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall, but it is preferably formed such that the second mounting portion 6 is located on the opposite side of the refrigerant passage 2 with respect to the second joint portion B. In this case, the second joint portion B may be formed at a position separated from the second mounting portion 6, or may be formed at a position surrounding a part of the second mounting portion 6. In the drawings, as an example, a case where the second joint portion B is formed at a position surrounding a part of the second mounting portion 6 is shown.

[0062] As described above, in the cooler 1 according to the present embodiment, the first lid portion 8 and the second lid portion 9 are joined to the cooling plate portion 7, so that the first opening 75 and the second opening 76 of the cooling plate portion 7 are closed. Here, since the first opening 75 opens the refrigerant passage 2 in the first longitudinal direction L1 and the first height direction H1, there is a portion that is displaced in the height direction H on the first joint surface 77 of the cooling plate portion 7. Further, since the second opening 76 opens the refrigerant passage 2 in the second longitudinal direction L2 and the first height direction H1, there is a portion that is displaced in the height direction H on the second joint surface 78 of the cooling plate portion 7. However, the first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78 of the cooling plate portion 7 face the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, when joining the cooling plate portion 7 and the first lid portion 8 and the second lid portion 9 by brazing, it becomes difficult for the brazing material to fall off from the first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78. Also, when joining the cooling plate portion 7 and the first lid portion 8 and the second lid portion 9 by welding, it is not necessary to direct the welding direction in the longitudinal direction L. Thereby, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0063] In addition, in this cooler 1, since the first joint surface 77 has an inclined surface that faces the second height direction H2 as it faces the first longitudinal direction L1, in the portion where the first joint surface 77 is displaced in the height direction H, the first joint surface 77 can be oriented toward the first height direction H1 side rather than the first longitudinal direction L1. Also, since the second joint surface 78 has an inclined surface that faces the second height direction H2 as it faces the second longitudinal direction L2, in the portion where the second joint surface 78 is displaced in the height direction H, the second joint surface 78 can be oriented toward the first height direction H1 side rather than the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0064] In addition, in this cooler 1, since the first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78 are formed by a horizontal surface and an inclined surface, the second joint surface 78 can be oriented toward the first height direction H1 side rather than the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0065] In addition, in this cooler 1, since the first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78 do not have a vertical surface, when the cooling plate portion 7 and the first lid portion 8 and the second lid portion 9 are joined by brazing, it becomes difficult for the brazing material to fall off from the first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78, and when the cooling plate portion 7 and the first lid portion 8 and the second lid portion 9 are joined by welding, it is not necessary to orient the welding direction in the longitudinal direction L.

[0066] In addition, in this cooler 1, since the cooling plate portion 7 has a bottom wall portion 71, an upper wall portion 72, and a pair of side wall portions 73, 73, and the first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78 are formed on the bottom wall portion 71, the upper wall portion 72, and the pair of side wall portions 73, 73, a refrigerant passage 2 partitioned by a plurality of partition walls 74 can be appropriately formed, and a first opening 75 and a second opening 76 for opening the refrigerant passage 2 can be appropriately closed by the first lid portion 8 and the second lid portion 9.

[0067] In addition, in this cooler 1, the first joint surface 77 is formed on the upper surface 72c of the upper wall, the first upper wall end surface 72a, the pair of first side wall end surfaces 73a, 73a, and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall, and the second joint surface 78 is formed on the upper surface 72c of the upper wall, the second upper wall end surface 72b, the pair of second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b, and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall. The first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78 formed on the upper surface 72c of the upper wall and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall are horizontal planes extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, and the first joint surface 77 formed on the first upper wall end surface 72a and the pair of first side wall end surfaces 73a, 73a, and the second joint surface 78 formed on the second upper wall end surface 72b and the pair of second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b are inclined surfaces facing the second height direction H2 as they go in the first longitudinal direction L1. Therefore, the first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78 can be directed toward the first height direction H1 side rather than the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0068] In addition, in this cooler 1, the first partition wall end surface 74a is formed at the same position as the first side wall end surfaces 73a, 73a when viewed in the width direction W, and the second partition wall end surface 74b is formed at the same position as the second side wall end surfaces 73b, 73b when viewed in the width direction W. Therefore, the cooling plate portion 7 can be easily manufactured.

[0069] In addition, in this cooler 1, since the first partition wall end surface 74a and the second partition wall end surface 74b are inclined surfaces, the opening area of the partition refrigerant passage 21 in which the refrigerant passage 2 is partitioned by the plurality of partition walls 74 can be increased. Thereby, the pressure loss of the refrigerant can be reduced. Also, it is possible to suppress a sudden change in the pressure loss of the refrigerant due to the plurality of partition walls 74.

[0070] In addition, in this cooler 1, the first attachment portion 5 is located on the side opposite to the refrigerant passage 2 with respect to the first joint surface 77, and the second attachment portion 6 is located on the side opposite to the refrigerant passage 2 with respect to the second joint surface 78. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the inhibition of the sealing of the refrigerant passage 2 by the first attachment portion 5 and the second attachment portion 6, and it is possible to suppress the complication of the shapes of the first joint surface 77 and the second joint surface 78.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, only the matters different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description similar to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the ends of the cooler of the second embodiment in the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state before joining the cooling plate portion and the lid portion at the end in the first longitudinal direction of the cooler. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state before joining the cooling plate portion and the lid portion at the end in the second longitudinal direction of the cooler. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, the cooler 101 of the second embodiment includes a refrigerant passage 2, a first port 3, a second port 4, a first attachment portion 105, and a second attachment portion 106. The first attachment portion 105 and the second attachment portion 106 correspond to the first attachment portion 5 and the second attachment portion 6 of the first embodiment. Further, the cooler 101 includes a cooling plate portion 107, and a first lid portion 108 and a second lid portion 109 joined to the cooling plate portion 107. The cooling plate portion 107, the first lid portion 108, and the second lid portion 109 correspond to the cooling plate portion 7, the first lid portion 8, and the second lid portion 9 of the first embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the ends of the cooling plate portion in the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction. FIG. 17 is a front view showing the ends of the cooling plate portion in the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction. FIG. 18 is a side view showing the ends of the cooling plate portion in the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction. The reference numerals in parentheses in FIGS. 16 to 18 indicate the reference numerals of the ends in the second longitudinal direction of the cooling plate portion. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 18, the cooling plate portion 107 includes a bottom wall portion 171, an upper wall portion 172, a pair of side wall portions 173, 173, a plurality of partition walls 174, a first opening 175, and a second opening 176. The bottom wall portion 171, the upper wall portion 172, the pair of side wall portions 173, 173, the plurality of partition walls 174, the first opening 175, and the second opening 176 correspond to the bottom wall portion 71, the upper wall portion 72, the pair of side wall portions 73, 73, the plurality of partition walls 74, the first opening 75, and the second opening 76 of the first embodiment.

[0074] The first attachment portion 105 is formed only on the first lid portion 108 and not on the cooling plate portion 107. Also, the second attachment portion 106 is formed only on the second lid portion 109 and not on the cooling plate portion 107.

[0075] The first opening 175, similar to the first opening 75 of the first embodiment, opens the refrigerant passage 2 in the first longitudinal direction L1 and the first height direction H1 at the end of the cooling plate portion 107 in the first longitudinal direction L1. The second opening 176, similar to the second opening 76 of the first embodiment, opens the refrigerant passage 2 in the second longitudinal direction L2 and the first height direction H1 at the end of the cooling plate portion 107 in the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 and FIGS. 16 to 18, the first lid portion 108 is joined to the cooling plate portion 107 so as to close the first opening 175. The portion where the cooling plate portion 107 and the first lid portion 108 are joined is referred to as the first joint portion A1. In the first joint portion A1, the first joint surface 177 of the cooling plate portion 107 and the joint surface 181 of the first lid portion 108 are joined. The first joint surface 177 is the joint surface of the cooling plate portion 107 with the first lid portion 108 and does not include the surface not joined to the first lid portion 108. The joint surface 181 is the joint surface of the first lid portion 108 with the cooling plate portion 107 and does not include the surface not joined to the cooling plate portion 107. The joining of the first lid portion 108 to the cooling plate portion 107 is not particularly limited, and can be performed, for example, by brazing, welding, or the like.

[0077] The first lid portion 108 has the first port 3 and the chamber forming portion 82 described above. A first attachment portion 105 is formed at an end portion of the first lid portion 108 in the first longitudinal direction L1. The joint surface 181 of the first lid portion 108 surrounds the chamber forming portion 82 in order to close the first opening 175. The joint surface 181 has a shape corresponding to the first joint surface 77 of the cooling plate portion 107, that is, a shape along the first joint surface 177 of the cooling plate portion 107.

[0078] The first joint surface 177 of the cooling plate portion 107 surrounds the first opening 175 in order to close the first opening 175. The first joint surface 177 is formed by the upper wall upper surface 172c which is the surface on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 71 of the upper wall portion 172 (the first height direction H1 side), the first upper wall end surface 172a which is the end surface of the upper wall portion 172 in the first longitudinal direction L1, the first side wall end surfaces 173a, 173a which are the end surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 173, 173 in the first longitudinal direction L1, and the first bottom wall end surface 171b which is the end surface of the bottom wall portion 171 in the first longitudinal direction L1. The first joint surface 177 is formed by a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W and an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1, and does not have a vertical plane extending in the height direction H. For this reason, the first joint surface 177 faces the first height direction H1 side (the upper wall portion 172 side with respect to the bottom wall portion 171) rather than the longitudinal direction L. That is, all of the first joint surface 177 surrounding the first opening 175 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L. Further, the first joint surface 177 faces the first height direction H1 side and goes around the first opening 175 when viewed from the first height direction H1 (surrounds the entire circumference of the first opening 175 when viewed from the first height direction H1). Note that the inclined surface is not limited to an inclined surface extending in a planar shape, and may be an inclined surface that inclines while bending at one or a plurality of locations, or an inclined surface that inclines while curving.

[0079] Specifically, the upper wall upper surface 172c is a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The first upper wall end surface 172a is an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1. The first side wall end surfaces 173a, 173a are connected to the first upper wall end surface 172a and the first bottom wall end surface 171b and are inclined surfaces facing the second height direction H2 as they go in the first longitudinal direction L1. The first bottom wall end surface 171b is an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1. The inclination angle of the first upper wall end surface 172a, the inclination angles of the first side wall end surfaces 173a, 173a, and the inclination angle of the first bottom wall end surface 171b can be the same. In this case, the first upper wall end surface 172a, the first side wall end surfaces 173a, 173a, and the first bottom wall end surface 171b are flush.

[0080] The first partition wall end face 174a, which is the end face of the plurality of partition walls 174 in the first longitudinal direction L1, is a vertical plane extending in the height direction H. The first partition wall end face 174a is located on the second longitudinal direction L2 side of the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a when viewed from the width direction W.

[0081] And the first joint surface 177 of the cooling plate portion 107 is formed on the upper wall upper surface 172c which is a horizontal plane, the first upper wall end face 172a which is an inclined plane, the first side wall end faces 173a, 173a which are inclined planes, and the first bottom wall end face 171b which is an inclined plane.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 15 to 18, the second lid portion 109 is joined to the cooling plate portion 107 so as to close the second opening 176. The portion where the cooling plate portion 107 and the second lid portion 109 are joined is referred to as a second joint portion B1. The cooling plate portion 107 and the second lid portion 109 are joined at the second joint portion B1. At the second joint portion B1, the second joint surface 178 of the cooling plate portion 107 and the joint surface 191 of the second lid portion 109 are joined. The second joint surface 178 is the joint surface of the cooling plate portion 107 with the second lid portion 109 and does not include the surface not joined to the second lid portion 109. The joint surface 191 is the joint surface of the second lid portion 109 with the cooling plate portion 107 and does not include the surface not joined to the cooling plate portion 107. The joining of the second lid portion 109 to the cooling plate portion 107 is not particularly limited, and can be performed, for example, by brazing, welding, or the like.

[0083] The second lid portion 109 has the second port 4 and the chamber forming portion 92 described above. A second attachment portion 106 is formed at an end of the second lid portion 109 in the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0084] The joint surface 191 of the second lid portion 109 surrounds the chamber forming portion 92 in order to close the second opening 176. The joint surface 191 has a shape corresponding to the second joint surface 178 of the cooling plate portion 107, that is, a shape along the second joint surface 178 of the cooling plate portion 107.

[0085] The second joint surface 178 of the cooling plate portion 107 surrounds the second opening 176 in order to close the second opening 176. The second joint surface 178 of the cooling plate portion 107 is formed by the upper wall upper surface 172c, the second upper wall end surface 172b which is the end surface of the upper wall portion 172 in the second longitudinal direction L2, the second side wall end surfaces 173b, 173b which are the end surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 173, 173 in the second longitudinal direction L2, and the second bottom wall end surface 171c which is the end surface of the bottom wall portion 171 in the second longitudinal direction L2. The second joint surface 178 is formed by a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W and an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the second longitudinal direction L2, and does not have a vertical plane extending in the height direction H. For this reason, the second joint surface 178 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L. That is, all of the second joint surface 178 surrounding the second opening 176 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L. Further, the second joint surface 178 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L and goes around the second opening 176 when viewed from the first height direction H1 (surrounds the entire circumference of the second opening 176 when viewed from the first height direction H1).

[0086] Specifically, the upper wall upper surface 172c is a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The second upper wall end surface 172b is an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the second longitudinal direction L2. The second side wall end surfaces 173b, 173b are connected to the second upper wall end surface 172b and the second bottom wall end surface 171c and are inclined surfaces facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the second longitudinal direction L2. The second bottom wall end surface 171c is an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1. The inclination angle of the second upper wall end surface 172b, the inclination angles of the second side wall end surfaces 173b, 173b, and the inclination angle of the second bottom wall end surface 171c can be the same. In this case, the second upper wall end surface 172b, the second side wall end surfaces 173b, 173b, and the second bottom wall end surface 171c are flush.

[0087] The second partition wall end face 174b, which is the end face in the second longitudinal direction L2 of the plurality of partition walls 174, is a vertical plane extending in the height direction H. The second partition wall end face 174b is located on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the pair of second side wall end faces 73b, 73b when viewed from the width direction W.

[0088] And the second joint surface 178 of the cooling plate portion 107 is formed by the upper wall upper surface 172c which is a horizontal plane, the second upper wall end face 172b which is an inclined plane, the second side wall end faces 173b, 173b which are inclined planes, and the second bottom wall end face 171c which is an inclined plane.

[0089] As described above, in the cooler 101 according to the present embodiment, the first joint surface 177 is formed on the upper wall upper surface 172c, the first upper wall end face 172a, the pair of first side wall end faces 173a, 173a, and the first bottom wall end face 171b, and the second joint surface 178 is formed on the upper wall upper surface 172c, the second upper wall end face 172b, the pair of second side wall end faces 173b, 173b, and the second bottom wall end face 171c. And the first joint surface 177 and the second joint surface 178 formed on the upper wall upper surface 172c are horizontal planes extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, and the first joint surface 177 formed on the first upper wall end face 172a, the pair of first side wall end faces 173a, 173a, and the first bottom wall end face 171b, and the second joint surface 178 formed on the second upper wall end face 172b, the pair of second side wall end faces 173b, 173b, and the second bottom wall end face 171c are inclined planes facing the second height direction H2 as they go in the first longitudinal direction L1. Therefore, the first joint surface 177 and the second joint surface 178 can be directed to the first height direction H1 side rather than the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0090] [Third Embodiment] Next, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, only the matters different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same description as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0091] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a cooler according to a third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state before joining a cooling plate portion and a lid portion at an end portion of the cooler in a first longitudinal direction. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a state before joining a cooling plate portion and a lid portion at an end portion of the cooler in a second longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the cooler 201 according to the third embodiment includes a refrigerant passage 2, a first port 3, a second port 4, a first attachment portion 5, and a second attachment portion 6. Further, the cooler 201 includes a cooling plate portion 207, and a first lid portion 208 and a second lid portion 209 joined to the cooling plate portion 207. The cooling plate portion 207, the first lid portion 208, and the second lid portion 209 correspond to the cooling plate portion 7, the first lid portion 8, and the second lid portion 9 of the first embodiment.

[0092] The cooling plate portion 207 includes a bottom wall portion 71, an upper wall portion 72, a pair of side wall portions 73, 73, a plurality of partition walls 74, a first opening 75, a second opening 76, and a separation wall 279.

[0093] The separation wall 279 extends in the longitudinal direction L and separates the refrigerant passage 2 into a first refrigerant passage 2A and a second refrigerant passage 2B in the width direction W. The separation wall 279 is located at a central portion in the width direction W of the cooling plate portion 207. The separation wall 279 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction L and the height direction H, similar to the plurality of partition walls 74, and is connected to the bottom wall portion 71 and the upper wall portion 72. Of the first openings 75, the opening on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the first refrigerant passage 2A is referred to as a first separation opening 75A, and the opening on the second longitudinal direction L2 side of the second refrigerant passage 2B is referred to as a second separation opening 75B.

[0094] The first separation wall end face 279a, which is the end face of the separation wall 279 in the first longitudinal direction L1, is an inclined surface that slopes toward the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1. Also, the first separation wall end face 279a is formed at the same position as the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a when viewed in the width direction W. That is, the inclination angle of the first separation wall end face 279a is the same as the inclination angles of the first side wall end faces 73a, 73a. The second separation wall end face (not shown), which is the end face of the separation wall 279 in the second longitudinal direction L2, is an inclined surface that slopes toward the second height direction H2 as it goes in the second longitudinal direction L2. Also, the second separation wall end face is formed at the same position as the second side wall end faces 73b, 73b when viewed in the width direction W. That is, the inclination angle of the second separation wall end face is the same as the inclination angles of the second side wall end faces 73b, 73b.

[0095] The plurality of partition walls 74 are arranged in the width direction W in each of the first refrigerant passage 2A and the second refrigerant passage 2B separated in the width direction W by the separation wall 279. Among the plurality of partition refrigerant passages 21 arranged in the first refrigerant passage 2A and the second refrigerant passage 2B, the partition refrigerant passage 21 located at the end on the separation wall 279 side (the partition refrigerant passage 21 adjacent to the separation wall 279) is formed by the bottom wall portion 71, the upper wall portion 72, the partition wall 74, and the separation wall 279.

[0096] The first lid portion 208 is joined to the cooling plate portion 207 so as to close the first opening 75. The portion where the cooling plate portion 207 and the first lid portion 208 are joined is referred to as the first joint portion A2. In the first joint portion A2, the first joint surface 277 of the cooling plate portion 207 and the joint surface 281 of the first lid portion 208 are joined. The first joint surface 277 is the joint surface of the cooling plate portion 207 with the first lid portion 208 and does not include the surface not joined to the first lid portion 208. The joint surface 281 is the joint surface of the first lid portion 208 with the cooling plate portion 207 and does not include the surface not joined to the cooling plate portion 207. The joining of the first lid portion 208 to the cooling plate portion 207 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be performed by brazing, welding, or the like.

[0097] The first cover portion 208 has the above-described first port 3, the above-described second port 4, a first chamber forming portion 282, a second chamber forming portion 283, and a refrigerant passage separating portion 284.

[0098] The first port 3 is provided in the first chamber forming portion 282, and the second port 4 is provided in the second chamber forming portion 283. The first chamber forming portion 282 forms a first chamber 222a disposed between the first port 3 and the first refrigerant passage 2A. The first chamber 222a is located on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the first refrigerant passage 2A, and is a space that communicates with a plurality of partition refrigerant passages 21 arranged in the first refrigerant passage 2A and also communicates with the first port 3. The second chamber forming portion 283 forms a second chamber 222b disposed between the second port 4 and the second refrigerant passage 2B. The second chamber 222b is located on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the second refrigerant passage 2B, and is a space that communicates with a plurality of partition refrigerant passages 21 arranged in the second refrigerant passage 2B and also communicates with the second port 4. The refrigerant passage separating portion 284 separates the first chamber 222a and the second chamber 222b by being joined to the cooling plate portion 207 at the first joint portion A2.

[0099] The first joint surface 277 of the cooling plate portion 207 surrounds the first opening 75 and surrounds each of the first separation opening 75A and the second separation opening 75B in order to close the first opening 75. The first joint surface 277 is formed on the upper surface 72c of the upper wall, the first end surface 72a of the upper wall, the first end surfaces 73a, 73a of the side walls, the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall, and the first end surface 279a of the separation wall. The first joint surface 277 is formed by a horizontal plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W and an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1, and does not have a vertical plane extending in the height direction H. Therefore, the first joint surface 277 faces the first height direction H1 side (the upper wall portion 72 side with respect to the bottom wall portion 71) rather than the longitudinal direction L. That is, all of the first joint surface 277 that surrounds the first opening 75 and surrounds each of the first separation opening 75A and the second separation opening 75B faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L. Further, the first joint surface 277 faces the first height direction H1 side rather than the longitudinal direction L, and goes around the first opening 75 and goes around each of the first separation opening 75A and the second separation opening 75B when viewed from the first height direction H1 (surrounds the entire circumference of the first opening 75 and surrounds the entire circumference of each of the first separation opening 75A and the second separation opening 75B when viewed from the first height direction H1).

[0100] Specifically, the first end surface 279a of the separation wall is connected to the first end surface 72a of the upper wall and the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall, and is an inclined surface facing the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1. The inclination angle of the first end surface 72a of the upper wall, the inclination angles of the first end surfaces 73a, 73a of the side walls, and the inclination angle of the first end surface 279a of the separation wall can be the same. In this case, the first end surface 72a of the upper wall, the first end surfaces 73a, 73a of the side walls, and the first end surface 279a of the separation wall are flush.

[0101] And the first joint surface 277 of the cooling plate portion 207 is formed on the upper surface 72c of the upper wall which is a horizontal plane, the first upper wall end surface 72a which is an inclined surface, the first side wall end surfaces 73a, 73a which are inclined surfaces, the upper surface 71a of the bottom wall which is a horizontal plane, and the first partition wall end surface 279a which is an inclined surface. Therefore, when the cooling plate portion 207 and the first lid portion 208 are joined at the first joint portion A2, the mutually separated first chamber 222a and second chamber 222b are formed.

[0102] The second lid portion 209 is joined to the cooling plate portion 207 so as to close the second opening 76. The portion where the cooling plate portion 207 and the second lid portion 209 are joined is referred to as the second joint portion B2. The cooling plate portion 207 and the second lid portion 209 are joined at the second joint portion B. At the second joint portion B, the second joint surface 78 of the cooling plate portion 207 and the joint surface 91 of the second lid portion 209 are joined. The second joint portion B, the second joint surface 78, and the joint surface 91 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The joining of the second lid portion 209 to the cooling plate portion 207 is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be performed by brazing, welding, or the like.

[0103] The second lid portion 209 has a chamber forming portion 292 and does not have either of the first port 3 and the second port 4 described above. The chamber forming portion 292 forms a communication chamber 223 that communicates the first refrigerant passage 2A and the second refrigerant passage 2B. The communication chamber 223 is located on the second longitudinal direction L2 side of the first refrigerant passage 2A and the second refrigerant passage 2B and is a space that communicates with the plurality of partition refrigerant passages 21 formed in the first refrigerant passage 2A and the plurality of partition refrigerant passages 21 formed in the second refrigerant passage 2B.

[0104] As described above, in the cooler 201 according to the present embodiment, the refrigerant passage 2 is separated into the first refrigerant passage 2A and the second refrigerant passage 2B in the width direction W by the partition wall 279, and the first chamber 222a and the second chamber 222b are separated by the first joint portion A2 between the cooling plate portion 207 and the first lid portion 208. Therefore, the first port 3 and the second port 4 can be arranged in the same direction in the longitudinal direction L. Further, the supply direction and the discharge direction of the refrigerant to the cooler 201 can be the same. As a result, the cooler 201 can be attached even in a place where the refrigerant can be supplied and discharged only from one side.

[0105] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0106] For example, in the above embodiment, in the second embodiment, the first side wall end faces 173a, 173a, which are the end faces of the pair of side wall portions 173, 173 in the first longitudinal direction L1, have been described as inclined faces. However, like the cooler 301 shown in FIG. 22, the first bottom wall end face 371a, which is the end face of the bottom wall portion 371 of the cooling plate 307 in the first longitudinal direction L1, may be formed by an inclined face that faces the second height direction H2 as it goes in the first longitudinal direction L1 and a vertical face that extends in the height direction H. In this case, the first lid portion 308 is joined to the inclined face of the first bottom wall end face 371a.

[0107] Also, in the above embodiment, the first port 3 and the second port 4 have been described as extending in the first height direction H1. However, the extending direction of the first port 3 and the second port 4 is not particularly limited. Although it is a reference example, in the cooler 401 shown in FIG. 23, the first port 403 and the second port (not shown) extend along the longitudinal direction L, which is the same direction as the extending direction of the partition refrigerant passage (not shown).

Explanation of reference numerals

[0108] 1…Cooler, 2…Refrigerant passage, 2A…First refrigerant passage, 2B…Second refrigerant passage, 3…First port, 4…Second port, 5…First mounting portion, 6…Second mounting portion, 7…Cooling plate portion, 8…First lid portion, 9…Second lid portion, 21…Partition refrigerant passage, 22…First chamber, 23…Second chamber, 71…Bottom wall portion, 71a…Upper surface of bottom wall, 72…Upper wall portion, 72a…First end face of upper wall, 72b…Second end face of upper wall, 72c…Upper surface of upper wall, 73…Side wall portion, 73a…First end face of side wall, 73b…Second end face of side wall, 74…Partition wall, 74a…First end face of partition wall, 74b…Second end face of partition wall, 75…First opening, 75A…First separation opening, 75B…Second separation opening, 76…Second opening, 77…First joint surface, 78…Second joint surface, 81…Joint surface, 82…Chamber forming portion, 91…Joint surface, 92…Chamber forming portion, 101…Cooler, 105…First mounting portion, 106…Second mounting portion, 107…Cooling plate portion, 108…First lid portion, 109…Second lid portion, 171…Bottom wall portion, 171b…First end face of bottom wall, 171c…Second end face of bottom wall, 172…Upper wall portion, 172a…First end face of upper wall, 172b…Second end face of upper wall, 172c…Upper surface of upper wall, 173…Side wall portion, 173a…First end face of side wall, 173b…Second end face of side wall, 174…Partition wall, 174a…First end face of partition wall, 174b…Second end face of partition wall, 175…First opening, 176…Second opening, 177…First joint surface, 178…Second joint surface, 181…Joint surface, 191…Joint surface, 201…Cooler, 207…Cooling plate portion, 208…First lid portion, 209…Second lid portion, 222a…First chamber, 222b…Second chamber, 223…Communication chamber, 277…First joint surface, 279…Separation wall, 279a…First end face of separation wall, 281…Joint surface, 282…First chamber forming portion, 283…Second chamber forming portion, 284…Refrigerant passage separation portion, 292…Chamber forming portion, 301…Cooler, 371…Bottom wall portion, 371a…First end face of bottom wall, 401…Cooler, 403…First port, A…First joint portion, A1…First joint portion, A2…First joint portion, B…Second joint portion, B1…Second joint portion, B2…Second joint portion, H…Height direction, H1…First height direction, H2…Second height direction, L…Longitudinal direction, L1…First longitudinal direction, L2…Second longitudinal direction, W…Width direction.

Claims

1. A cooler having a refrigerant passage, a cooling plate portion including a plurality of partition walls extending in a longitudinal direction and partitioning the refrigerant passage in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and openings for opening the refrigerant passage in a first longitudinal direction that is one of the longitudinal directions and in a first height direction that is one of height directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the width direction; a lid portion joined to the cooling plate portion so as to cover the opening of the cooling plate portion, a joint surface of the cooling plate portion with the lid portion faces toward the first height direction rather than the longitudinal direction, The joint surface is formed by a horizontal surface extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, and an inclined surface extending in a second height direction opposite to the first height direction as it approaches the first longitudinal direction. cooler.

2. The joining surface does not have a vertical surface extending in the height direction. The cooler of claim 1 .

3. The cooling plate portion is a bottom wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction; an upper wall portion extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction and facing the bottom wall portion in the height direction; a pair of side wall portions connected to the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion and opposed to each other in the width direction, The joint surfaces are formed on the bottom wall portion, the top wall portion, and the pair of side wall portions. The cooler of claim 1 .

4. The joining surface is an upper wall upper surface which is a surface of the upper wall portion opposite to the bottom wall portion; an upper wall end surface which is an end surface of the upper wall portion in the first longitudinal direction; side wall end surfaces which are end surfaces in the first longitudinal direction of the pair of side wall portions; a bottom wall end surface which is an end surface of the bottom wall portion in the first longitudinal direction, the joint surface formed on the upper surface of the upper wall is a horizontal surface extending in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, The joint surfaces formed on the upper wall end surface, the side wall end surface, and the bottom wall end surface are inclined surfaces that extend in the first longitudinal direction toward a second height direction opposite to the first height direction. The cooler according to claim 3.

5. Partition wall end faces, which are end faces in the first longitudinal direction of the plurality of partition walls, are formed at the same positions as side wall end faces, which are end faces in the first longitudinal direction of the pair of side wall portions, when viewed from the width direction. The cooler according to claim 3.

6. The partition wall end surfaces, which are end surfaces in the first longitudinal direction of the plurality of partition walls, are inclined surfaces that extend in a second height direction opposite to the first height direction as they extend in the first longitudinal direction. The cooler of claim 1 .

7. Further, a mounting portion is provided for mounting the cooler to an external device, The attachment portion is located on the opposite side of the refrigerant passage from the joint surface. The cooler of claim 1 .

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