Cooler and assembly

Abstract

To improve cooling efficiency while suppressing an increase in pressure loss of a cooling liquid.SOLUTION: A cooler 1 includes a cooling plate 2 having a first cooling wall portion 21 and a second cooling wall portion 22 extending in the longitudinal direction L and facing each other in the thickness direction T, and a coolant passage P formed between the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22 and extending in the longitudinal direction L, and an intermediate plate 3 arranged in the coolant passage P and dividing the coolant passage P into a first region R1 on the first cooling wall portion 21 side and a second region R2 on the second cooling wall portion 22 side, and the intermediate plate 3 includes a first bulge portion 33 bulging toward the first cooling wall portion 21 side and extending along the longitudinal direction L, and a second bulge portion 34 bulging toward the second cooling wall portion 22 side and extending along the longitudinal direction L.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a cooler and assembly for cooling a heat-generating component such as a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a cooler that cools a heat-generating component (electronic element) from above and below by stacking multiple cooling plates (cooling assemblies) and placing the heat-generating component between adjacent cooling plates in the stacking direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-522141 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the cooler described in Patent Document 1, the coolant flowing through the coolant passages of each cooling plate removes heat from the heat-generating components, thereby cooling the heat-generating components. However, while the coolant flowing through the coolant passages near the heat-generating components removes heat from the heat-generating components and increases in temperature, the coolant flowing away from the electronic components passes through the cooling flow paths without increasing in temperature compared to the coolant flowing near the electronic components. As a result, there is a problem that heat cannot be removed efficiently from the electronic components. In other words, there is a problem that sufficient cooling efficiency cannot be achieved.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a cooler and an assembly that can improve cooling efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] A cooler according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cooling plate having a first cooling wall portion and a second cooling wall portion extending in a longitudinal direction and facing each other in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a cooling liquid passage formed between the first cooling wall portion and the second cooling wall portion and extending in the longitudinal direction, and an intermediate plate disposed in the cooling liquid passage and dividing at least a portion of the cooling liquid passage into a first region on the first cooling wall portion side and a second region on the second cooling wall portion side, wherein the intermediate plate has a first bulge portion bulging toward the first cooling wall portion side and extending along the longitudinal direction, and a second bulge portion bulging toward the second cooling wall portion side and extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0007] In this cooler, an intermediate plate is disposed in the coolant passage of the cooling plate, dividing at least a portion of the coolant passage into a first region on the first cooling wall side and a second region on the second cooling wall side. The intermediate plate has a first bulge portion that bulges toward the first cooling wall side and extends along the longitudinal direction, and a second bulge portion that bulges toward the second cooling wall side and extends along the longitudinal direction. That is, the first and second regions are narrowed at the locations where the first and second bulges are provided. Therefore, when the coolant supplied to the first and second regions of the coolant passage flows along the first and second bulges, the flow velocity of the coolant increases, thereby increasing the heat transfer coefficient between the first and second cooling walls and the coolant. This allows, for example, for a heat-generating component to be positioned in the portions of the first and second cooling walls facing the first and second bulges, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the heat-generating component. Furthermore, the first and second regions are widened at the locations where the first and second bulges are not provided. Therefore, even if a temperature difference occurs between the vicinity of the first and second cooling walls and a position distant from the first and second cooling walls when the cooling liquid flows along the first and second bulging portions, this temperature difference is alleviated once the cooling liquid passes through the first and second bulging portions, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency.

[0008] [2] In the cooler described in [1], the first bulging portion may have a first top surface extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the second bulging portion may have a second top surface extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. In this cooler, the first bulging portion has the first top surface extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the second bulging portion has the second top surface extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. As a result, the region where the flow rate of the cooling water is high becomes longer in the longitudinal direction, and the cooling efficiency can be further improved.

[0009] [3] In the cooler described in [2], the length of the first top surface in the longitudinal direction may be longer than the distance between the first top surface and the first cooling wall portion, and the length of the second top surface in the longitudinal direction may be longer than the distance between the second top surface and the second cooling wall portion. In this cooler, the length of the first top surface in the longitudinal direction is longer than the distance between the first top surface and the first cooling wall portion, and the length of the second top surface in the longitudinal direction is longer than the distance between the second top surface and the second cooling wall portion. This makes it possible to increase the flow rate of the coolant flowing along the first bulge portion and the second bulge portion.

[0010] [4] In the cooler described in any one of [1] to [3], the cooling plate may have a plurality of partition walls that partition the coolant passage in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction, the coolant passage having a plurality of small passages partitioned by the plurality of partition walls, and the first and second bulges may be provided corresponding to each of the small passages and inserted into each of the small passages. In this cooler, the cooling plate has a plurality of partition walls that partition the coolant passage in the width direction, and the coolant passage has a plurality of small passages partitioned by the plurality of partition walls. This increases the contact area between the coolant and the cooling plate, thereby improving cooling efficiency. The first and second bulges are provided corresponding to each of the small passages and inserted into each of the small passages. Therefore, when the coolant flows along the first and second bulges, the flow velocity of the coolant increases in the plurality of small passages, and the heat transfer coefficient between the first and second cooling walls and the coolant increases. This improves cooling efficiency.

[0011] [5] In the cooler described in [4], the plurality of partition wall portions may include a partial partition wall portion having a first partial partition wall portion extending from the first cooling wall portion toward the second cooling wall portion, and a second partial partition wall portion extending from the second cooling wall portion toward the first cooling wall portion so as to form a gap between the first partial partition wall portion and the first partial partition wall portion. In this cooler, a gap is formed between the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion of the partial partition wall portion, and therefore, by inserting an intermediate plate into the gap between the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion, at least a portion of the coolant passage can be partitioned by the intermediate plate into a first region on the first cooling wall portion side and a second region on the second cooling wall portion side.

[0012] [6] In the cooler described in [5], the partial partition wall may have an insertion guide portion configured to guide the intermediate plate into the gap between the first partial partition wall and the second partial partition wall. In this cooler, since the partial partition wall has the insertion guide portion configured to guide the intermediate plate into the gap between the first partial partition wall and the second partial partition wall, the intermediate plate can be easily inserted into the gap between the first partial partition wall and the second partial partition wall.

[0013] [7] In the cooler described in [5] or [6], at least one longitudinal end of the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion may be positioned at different positions from each other in the longitudinal direction. In this cooler, since at least one longitudinal end of the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion are positioned at different positions from each other in the longitudinal direction, the top surface of either the first partial partition wall portion or the second partial partition wall portion on the gap side extends outside the gap between the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion. Therefore, by moving the intermediate plate toward the gap while abutting against this top surface, the intermediate plate is guided by this top surface into the gap between the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion. This makes it possible to easily insert the intermediate plate into the gap between the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion.

[0014] [8] In the cooler described in any one of [5] to [7], at least one longitudinal end of each of the first and second partial partition walls may have an inclined surface that extends toward the other longitudinal side and reaches the gap. In this cooler, at least one longitudinal end of each of the first and second partial partition walls has an inclined surface that extends toward the other longitudinal side and reaches the gap. Therefore, by moving the intermediate plate toward the gap while abutting the inclined surface, the intermediate plate is guided by the inclined surface into the gap between the first and second partial partition walls. This makes it possible to easily insert the intermediate plate into the gap between the first and second partial partition walls.

[0015] [9] In the cooler described in any one of [5] to [8], the plurality of partition walls may further include a full-area partition wall extending from the first cooling wall to the second cooling wall, and the intermediate plate may have a slit extending in the longitudinal direction from a first tip, which is a tip on a first longitudinal side, that is, one direction of the longitudinal direction, to a position on the first longitudinal side of a second tip, which is a tip on a second longitudinal side, that is, the other direction of the longitudinal direction, and into which the full-area partition wall is inserted. In this cooler, the full-area partition wall extends from the first cooling wall to the second cooling wall, and the intermediate plate has a slit extending in the longitudinal direction from the first tip to a position on the first longitudinal side of the second tip. Therefore, the full-area partition wall can be inserted into the slit, and the intermediate plate can be inserted into the gap between the first partial partition wall and the second partial partition wall. Since the slit does not reach the second tip of the intermediate plate, when the intermediate plate is inserted into the coolant passage so that the full-area partition wall is inserted into the slit, the end of the slit abuts the full-area partition wall, restricting movement of the intermediate plate in the first longitudinal direction. This prevents the intermediate plate from flowing in the first longitudinal direction even when coolant is flowed in the coolant passage in the first longitudinal direction.

[0016]

[10] In the cooler described in any one of [5] to [9], the intermediate plate may have a first leaf spring portion extending obliquely toward the first cooling wall portion and pressed against the first partial partition wall portion, and a second leaf spring portion extending obliquely toward the second cooling wall portion and pressed against the second partial partition wall portion. In this cooler, the intermediate plate has the first leaf spring portion extending obliquely toward the first cooling wall portion and pressed against the first partial partition wall portion, and the second leaf spring portion extending obliquely toward the second cooling wall portion and pressed against the second partial partition wall portion. Therefore, the intermediate plate 3A is sandwiched between the first partial partition wall portion 27c and the second partial partition wall portion 27d. This makes it possible to prevent the intermediate plate inserted into the coolant passage from moving in the thickness direction.

[0017]

[11] In the cooler according to any one of [1] to

[10] , the intermediate plate may have a communication port connecting the first region and the second region. In this cooler, the intermediate plate has a communication port connecting the first region and the second region, allowing the coolant to flow between the first region and the second region. This further reduces the temperature difference of the coolant that occurs in the coolant passage.

[0018]

[12] In the cooler described in

[11] , the intermediate plate may have a guide that guides the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through either the first region or the second region from the communication port to the other of the first region or the second region. In this cooler, the intermediate plate has a guide that guides the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through either the first region or the second region from the communication port to the other of the first region or the second region. This makes it possible to further reduce the temperature difference of the coolant occurring in the coolant passage.

[0019]

[13] In the cooler according to any one of [1] to

[12] , the first bulging portions may be provided in a plurality of positions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and the second bulging portions may be provided in a plurality of positions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. In this cooler, the first bulging portions are provided in a plurality of positions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and the second bulging portions are provided in a plurality of positions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, for example, even when multiple heat-generating components are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the cooling efficiency of these heat-generating components can be improved.

[0020]

[14] In the cooler described in

[13] , the second bulge portion may be located opposite the first bulge portion, and the intermediate plate may have a plurality of communication ports connecting the first region and the second region, each of the communication ports being located between adjacent first bulge portions in the longitudinal direction. In this cooler, the second bulge portion may be located opposite the first bulge portion, and the intermediate plate may have a plurality of communication ports connecting the first region and the second region, each of the communication ports being located between adjacent first bulge portions in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the coolant supplied to the first region can flow along the first bulge portion and then be supplied to the second region through the communication ports, and the coolant supplied to the second region can flow along the second bulge portion and then be supplied to the first region through the communication ports. This further reduces the temperature difference of the coolant in the coolant passage.

[0021]

[15] In the cooler described in

[14] , the plurality of communication ports may include a first communication port and a second communication port located on the first longitudinal direction side of the first communication port, and the intermediate plate may have a first guide that guides the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through the first region from the first communication port to the second region and a second guide that guides the coolant flowing in the second region in the first longitudinal direction from the second communication port to the first region. In this cooler, the intermediate plate has the first guide that guides the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through the first region from the first communication port to the second region and the second guide that guides the coolant flowing in the second region in the first longitudinal direction from the second communication port to the first region. This makes it easier for the coolant supplied to the first region to flow along the first bulge portion and then be supplied to the second region from the communication port, and makes it easier for the coolant supplied to the second region to flow along the second bulge portion and then be supplied to the first region from the communication port. This further reduces the temperature difference of the coolant that occurs in the coolant passage.

[0022]

[16] In the cooler described in

[15] , the first guide may extend from a position adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the first communication port toward a second longitudinal side, which is the other longitudinal direction, while slanting toward the first cooling wall portion, and the second guide may extend from a position adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port toward the second longitudinal side while slanting toward the second cooling wall portion. In this cooler, the first guide extends from a position adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the first communication port toward the second longitudinal side while slanting toward the first cooling wall portion, and the second guide extends from a position adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port toward the second longitudinal side while slanting toward the second cooling wall portion. Thus, the first guide can guide the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through the first region from the first communication port to the second region, and the second guide can guide the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through the second region from the second communication port to the first region.

[0023]

[17] In the cooler described in

[16] , the distance between the first guide and the first cooling wall portion may be shorter than the distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first communication port on the first longitudinal side and the first cooling wall portion, and the distance between the second guide and the second cooling wall portion may be shorter than the distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the second communication port on the first longitudinal side and the second cooling wall portion. In this cooler, the distance between the first guide and the first cooling wall portion is shorter than the distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first communication port on the first longitudinal side and the first cooling wall portion. Therefore, the distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first communication port on the first longitudinal side and the first cooling wall portion can be shortened, and the flow rate of the coolant flowing along the first cooling wall portion can be increased while preventing foreign matter that has passed between the first guide and the first cooling wall portion from clogging between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first communication port on the first longitudinal side and the first cooling wall portion. Furthermore, the distance between the second guide and the second cooling wall portion is shorter than the distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the second communication port on the first longitudinal side and the second cooling wall portion. This makes it possible to reduce the distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port and the second cooling wall portion, while also preventing foreign matter that has passed between the second guide and the second cooling wall portion from becoming stuck between the second bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port and the second cooling wall portion, thereby increasing the flow rate of the coolant flowing along the second cooling wall portion.

[0024]

[18] In the cooler described in

[17] , a distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the first communication port and the second cooling wall portion may be longer than a distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the first communication port and the first cooling wall portion, and a distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port and the first cooling wall portion may be longer than a distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port and the second cooling wall portion. In this cooler, the distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the first communication port and the second cooling wall portion is longer than a distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the first communication port and the first cooling wall portion. Therefore, foreign matter that did not pass between the first guide and the first cooling wall portion can pass between the second bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the first communication port and the second cooling wall portion. Furthermore, the distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port and the first cooling wall portion is longer than the distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port and the second cooling wall portion, so that foreign matter that does not pass between the second guide and the second cooling wall portion can pass through between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first longitudinal side of the second communication port and the first cooling wall portion.

[0025]

[19] In the cooler according to any one of

[13] to

[18] , among the plurality of first bulging portions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the upstream-side first bulging portion, which is the first bulging portion located furthest in a second longitudinal direction (the other direction of the longitudinal direction), may have a length in the thickness direction shorter than the length in the thickness direction of the downstream-side first bulging portion, which is the first bulging portion adjacent to the upstream-side first bulging portion on the first longitudinal direction (the other direction of the longitudinal direction), and the upstream-side second bulging portion, which is the second bulging portion located furthest in the second longitudinal direction among the plurality of second bulging portions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, may have a length in the thickness direction shorter than the length in the thickness direction of the downstream-side second bulging portion, which is the second bulging portion adjacent to the upstream-side second bulging portion on the first longitudinal direction (the other direction of the longitudinal direction). The coolant flows through the coolant passage while exchanging heat with the first cooling wall portion and the second cooling wall portion, so that the temperature increases from the downstream side to the upstream side. Therefore, increasing the flow rate of the cooling liquid downstream rather than increasing the flow rate of the cooling liquid upstream can cool the heat-generating component more efficiently. In this cooler, the thickness-wise length of the upstream-side first bulging portion is shorter than the thickness-wise length of the downstream-side first bulging portion, and the thickness-wise length of the upstream-side second bulging portion is shorter than the thickness-wise length of the downstream-side second bulging portion. Therefore, the flow rates of the cooling liquid flowing between the upstream-side first bulging portion and the first cooling wall portion and between the upstream-side second bulging portion and the second cooling wall portion can be reduced, and the flow rates of the cooling liquid flowing between the downstream-side first bulging portion and the first cooling wall portion and between the downstream-side second bulging portion and the second cooling wall portion can be increased. As a result, by flowing the cooling liquid in the first longitudinal direction, efficient cooling can be achieved and variation in cooling efficiency in the longitudinal direction can be reduced.

[0026]

[20] The cooler according to any one of [1] to

[19] , further comprising: a first lid joined to the cooling plate so as to cover a first opening on a first longitudinal side, which is one of the longitudinal directions of the coolant passage; and a second lid joined to the cooling plate so as to cover a second opening on a second longitudinal side, which is the other of the longitudinal directions of the coolant passage, wherein an inlet is formed in at least one of the cooling plate and the second lid, opening the coolant passage to both sides in the thickness direction, and an outlet is formed in at least one of the cooling plate and the first lid, opening the coolant passage to both sides in the thickness direction, and the intermediate plate may be exposed from the inlet when viewed from the thickness direction. In this cooler, since the intermediate plate is exposed from the inlet when viewed from the thickness direction, when liquid is supplied from the inlet, the coolant is easily supplied to the coolant passage. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of coolant supplied to the coolant passage of each cooler by adjusting the protruding length of the intermediate plate from the inlet as viewed in the thickness direction, for example, in an assembly in which multiple coolers are stacked and the inlets of each cooler are connected by an inlet connection pipe.

[0027]

[21] In the cooler described in

[20] , the first opening and the second opening may open the coolant passage to the first cooling wall portion side relative to the second cooling wall portion in the thickness direction, the inlet may be composed of a lid-side inlet penetrating the second lid and a wall-side inlet penetrating the second cooling wall portion, and the outlet may be composed of a lid-side outlet penetrating the first lid and a wall-side outlet penetrating the second cooling wall portion. In this cooler, the inlet may be composed of a lid-side inlet penetrating the second lid and a wall-side inlet penetrating the second cooling wall portion, and the outlet may be composed of a lid-side outlet penetrating the first lid and a wall-side outlet penetrating the second cooling wall portion. Therefore, the coolant can be supplied to the coolant passage by supplying the coolant from either the lid-side inlet or the wall-side inlet to the other of the lid-side inlet or the wall-side inlet, and discharging the coolant from either the lid-side outlet or the wall-side outlet to the other of the lid-side outlet or the wall-side outlet. Furthermore, because the intermediate plate is exposed from the inlet when viewed from the thickness direction, flowing the coolant in this manner makes it easier to supply the coolant to the coolant passage.

[0028]

[22] An assembly according to one aspect of the present invention is an assembly comprising a plurality of coolers according to

[20] or

[21] , wherein the plurality of coolers are stacked in the thickness direction so as to be spaced apart from each other, the inlets of the coolers adjacent in the thickness direction are connected by an inlet connection pipe, and the outlets of the coolers adjacent in the thickness direction are connected by an outlet connection pipe.

[0029] In this assembly, multiple coolers are stacked in the thickness direction so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the inlets and outlets of adjacent coolers in the thickness direction are connected by an inlet connecting pipe and an outlet connecting pipe, so that by supplying coolant to one cooler, it is possible to supply coolant to each cooler and discharge coolant from each cooler. Furthermore, multiple heat-generating components are arranged, for example, in the space between adjacent coolers in the thickness direction, so as to be in contact with the second cooling wall portion of the cooler located on the first thickness direction side and the first cooling wall portion of the cooler located on the second thickness direction side, and are arranged in portions of the first cooling wall portion and the second cooling wall portion facing the first bulge portion and the second bulge portion of each cooler. This allows the multiple heat-generating components to be efficiently cooled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve cooling efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cooler according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the cooler shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cooler shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cooler shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cooling plate. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an end view taken along line XX shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an intermediate plate is inserted into a cooling plate. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an intermediate plate is inserted into a cooling plate. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembly according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified intermediate plate. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified intermediate plate. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cooler according to a modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling plate according to a modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an intermediate plate is inserted into a cooling plate according to a modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling plate according to a modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an intermediate plate is inserted into a cooling plate according to a modified example. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling plate according to a modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an intermediate plate is inserted into a cooling plate according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, a cooler and an assembly according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooler according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the cooler shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cooler shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cooler shown in FIG. 1. A cooler 1 according to this embodiment is for cooling a heat-generating member H (see FIG. 14). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cooler 1 includes a cooling plate 2, an intermediate plate 3, a first lid 4, and a second lid 5.

[0034] (cooling plate) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cooling plate. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the cooling plate. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the cooling plate 2 has coolant passages P extending in the longitudinal direction L. The coolant passages P are passages (spaces) through which the coolant can flow. Here, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L is referred to as the thickness direction T, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the thickness direction T is referred to as the width direction W. One side of the longitudinal direction L is referred to as the first longitudinal direction L1, and the other side of the longitudinal direction L is referred to as the second longitudinal direction L2. One side of the thickness direction T is referred to as the first thickness direction T1, and the other side of the thickness direction T is referred to as the second thickness direction T2.

[0035] The cooling plate 2 is an extrusion-molded product obtained by extruding a metal material such as aluminum in the longitudinal direction L. The cooling plate 2 has a first cooling wall portion 21 and a second cooling wall portion 22 that extend in the longitudinal direction L and face each other in the thickness direction T, and a first side wall portion 23 and a second side wall portion 24 that face each other in the width direction W and are connected to both ends of the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22 in the width direction W. The first cooling wall portion 21, the second cooling wall portion 22, the first side wall portion 23, and the second side wall portion 24 are formed as flat plates that are long in the longitudinal direction L. A cross section of the cooling plate 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L has a rectangular frame shape that is long in the width direction W, formed by the first cooling wall portion 21, the second cooling wall portion 22, the first side wall portion 23, and the second side wall portion 24. The internal region of the cooling plate 2 surrounded by the first cooling wall portion 21, the second cooling wall portion 22, the first side wall portion 23, and the second side wall portion 24 forms a coolant passage P. That is, the coolant passage P is formed between the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22. The coolant passage P is also formed between the first side wall portion 23 and the second side wall portion 24. The heat-generating member H is attached to either or both of the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22, and is thereby cooled.

[0036] The cooling plate 2 has a first opening 25 that opens the end of the coolant passage 11 on the first longitudinal direction L1 side, and a second opening 26 that opens the end of the coolant passage 11 on the second longitudinal direction L2 side. The first opening 25 and the second opening 26 are openings that open the coolant passage P to the outside of the cooling plate 2. Therefore, the coolant passage P is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the coolant passage P extends in the longitudinal direction L from the first opening 25 to the second opening 26, penetrating the cooling plate 2 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0037] At the end of the cooling plate 2 in the first longitudinal direction L1, the tip of the first cooling wall portion 21 in the first longitudinal direction L1 is located closer to the second longitudinal direction L2 than the tip of the second cooling wall portion 22 in the first longitudinal direction L1, so that the coolant passage P is open in the first thickness direction T1. In other words, at the end of the cooling plate 2 in the first longitudinal direction L1, the second cooling wall portion 22 is provided but the first cooling wall portion 21 is not provided, so that the coolant passage P is open in the first thickness direction T1.

[0038] The end face 23a of the first side wall portion 23 in the first longitudinal direction L1 and the end face 24a of the second side wall portion 24 in the first longitudinal direction L1 extend obliquely toward the first longitudinal direction L1 from the tip of the first cooling wall portion 21 in the first longitudinal direction L1 to the second cooling wall portion 22. The first opening 25 is formed by the first cooling wall portion 21, the second cooling wall portion 22, the end face 23a of the first side wall portion 23 in the first longitudinal direction L1, and the end face 24a of the second side wall portion 24 in the first longitudinal direction L1.

[0039] At the end of the cooling plate 2 in the second longitudinal direction L2, the tip of the first cooling wall portion 21 in the second longitudinal direction L2 is located closer to the first longitudinal direction L1 than the tip of the second cooling wall portion 22 in the second longitudinal direction L2, so that the coolant passage P is open in the first thickness direction T1. In other words, at the end of the cooling plate 2 in the second longitudinal direction L2, the second cooling wall portion 22 is provided but the first cooling wall portion 21 is not provided, so that the coolant passage P is open in the first thickness direction T1.

[0040] The end face 23b of the first side wall portion 23 in the second longitudinal direction L2 and the end face 24b of the second side wall portion 24 in the second longitudinal direction L2 extend obliquely toward the second longitudinal direction L2 from the tip of the first cooling wall portion 21 in the second longitudinal direction L2 to the second cooling wall portion 22. The second opening 26 is formed by the first cooling wall portion 21, the second cooling wall portion 22, the end face 23b of the first side wall portion 23 in the second longitudinal direction L2, and the end face 24b of the second side wall portion 24 in the second longitudinal direction L2.

[0041] The cooling plate 2 has a plurality of partition walls 27. The partition walls 27 divide the coolant passage P in the width direction W. The coolant passage P has a plurality of small passages p divided by the partition walls 27. The small passages p extend in the longitudinal direction L and are arranged in the width direction W.

[0042] The plurality of partition walls 27 include a full partition wall 27a and a partial partition wall 27b. The full partition wall 27a extends in the thickness direction T from the first cooling wall 21 to the second cooling wall 22. That is, both ends of the full partition wall 27a in the thickness direction T are connected to the first cooling wall 21 and the second cooling wall 22. The partial partition wall 27b is a partition wall 27 that is partially cut out to form a gap G between the first cooling wall 21 and the second cooling wall 22. The partial partition wall 27b includes a first partial partition wall 27c that extends from the first cooling wall 21 toward the second cooling wall 22 in the thickness direction T, and a second partial partition wall 27d that extends from the second cooling wall 22 toward the first cooling wall 21 in the thickness direction T so as to form the gap G between the first partial partition wall 27c and the second cooling wall 22. The numbers of full-area partition wall portions 27a and partial partition wall portions 27b are not particularly limited, but when there are a plurality of partial partition wall portions 27b, the partial partition wall portions 27b are positioned at the same position in the thickness direction T of the gap G. In the present embodiment, as an example, the plurality of partition wall portions 27 are configured by one full-area partition wall portion 27a and six first partial partition wall portions 27c, and three first partial partition wall portions 27c are provided on each side in the width direction W of the full-area partition wall portion 27a.

[0043] The coolant passage P is composed of a partitioned region P1 (see FIG. 11) partitioned into a plurality of small passages p by a plurality of partition walls 27, a first chamber region P2 (see FIG. 11) located between the partitioned region P1 and the first opening 25 and to which the plurality of small passages p are connected, and a second chamber region P3 (see FIG. 11) located between the partitioned region P1 and the second opening 26 and to which the plurality of small passages p are connected. The partitioned region P1 is a region where the second cooling wall portion 22 and the first cooling wall portion 21 face each other, i.e., a region where the first cooling wall portion 21 is provided in the first thickness direction T1 of the second cooling wall portion 22. The first chamber region P2 is a region adjacent to the partitioned region P1 on the first opening 25 side. The first chamber region P2 is a region where the first cooling wall portion 21 is not provided in the first thickness direction T1 of the second cooling wall portion 22 and where the coolant passage P is not partitioned into a plurality of small passages p by the plurality of partition walls 27. The second chamber region P3 is a region adjacent to the partition region P1 on the side of the second opening 26. The second chamber region P3 is also a region where the first cooling wall portion 21 is not provided in the first thickness direction T1 of the second cooling wall portion 22, and where the coolant passage P is not partitioned into a plurality of small passages p by a plurality of partition walls 27.

[0044] A wall-side outlet 28 is formed at an end of the second cooling wall portion 22 in the first longitudinal direction L1, opening the end of the coolant passage P in the first longitudinal direction L1 in the second thickness direction T2. ​​The wall-side outlet 28 is an opening for discharging the coolant from the coolant passage P. The wall-side outlet 28 opens to the first chamber region P2, opening the coolant passage P in the second thickness direction T2.

[0045] A wall-side inlet 29 is formed at an end of the second cooling wall portion 22 in the second longitudinal direction L2, opening the end of the coolant passage P in the second longitudinal direction L2 in the second thickness direction T2. ​​The wall-side inlet 29 is an opening for supplying coolant to the coolant passage P. The wall-side inlet 29 opens to the second chamber region P3, opening the coolant passage P in the second thickness direction T2.

[0046] (Intermediate plate) FIG. 8 is a plan view of the intermediate plate. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the intermediate plate. FIG. 10 is an end view taken along line XX in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the intermediate plate inserted into the cooling plate. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view enlarging a portion of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the intermediate plate inserted into the cooling plate, showing a cross section corresponding to FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 8 to 13, the intermediate plate 3 is disposed in the coolant passage P of the cooling plate 2 and divides at least a portion of the coolant passage P into a first region R1 on the first cooling wall 21 side and a second region R2 on the second cooling wall 22 side. In the present embodiment, as an example, the intermediate plate 3 divides a portion of the coolant passage P into the first region R1 and the second region R2. The first region R1 is the region of the coolant passage P from the intermediate plate 3 to the first cooling wall 21. The first region R1 includes the region of each of the multiple small passages p from the intermediate plate 3 to the first cooling wall 21. The second region R2 is a region of the coolant passage P from the intermediate plate 3 to the second cooling wall portion 22. The second region R2 includes a region of each of the plurality of small passages p from the intermediate plate 3 to the second cooling wall portion 22.

[0047] The intermediate plate 3 has a flat portion 31, a slit 32, a plurality of first bulging portions 33, a plurality of second bulging portions , a plurality of communication holes 35, and a plurality of guides .

[0048] The flat plate portion 31 is formed in a flat plate shape and is inserted into the gap G between the first partial partition wall portion 27c and the second partial partition wall portion 27d to divide the coolant passage P into a first region R1 and a second region R2. That is, the flat plate portion 31 of the intermediate plate 3 divides at least a portion of the coolant passage P into the first region R1 and the second region R2. The flat plate portion 31 is formed, for example, in a rectangular plate shape that is long in the longitudinal direction L and short in the width direction W. The thickness of the flat plate portion 31 in the thickness direction T is, for example, smaller than the dimension of the gap G in the thickness direction T. Furthermore, the width of the flat plate portion 31 in the width direction W is, for example, smaller than the width of the coolant passage P in the width direction W. Furthermore, the length of the flat plate portion 31 in the longitudinal direction L is smaller than the length of the coolant passage P in the width direction W.

[0049] The slit 32 is a notch formed in the flat plate portion 31 and into which the full-area partition wall portion 27a is inserted. The slit 32 is formed at a position corresponding to the full-area partition wall portion 27a in the width direction W, and extends in the longitudinal direction L from a first tip 31a, which is the tip of the flat plate portion 31 on the first longitudinal direction L1 side, to a position on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of a second tip 31b, which is the tip of the flat plate portion 31 on the second longitudinal direction L2 side. Therefore, the slit 32 is open on the first longitudinal direction L1 side, but is closed by the flat plate portion 31 on the second longitudinal direction L2 side. The portions of the flat plate portion 31 divided in the width direction W by the slit 32 are referred to as divided plate portions 31A, 31B.

[0050] Each of the multiple first bulging portions 33 bulges from the flat plate portion 31 toward the first cooling wall portion 21 (toward the first thickness direction T1) and extends along the longitudinal direction L. The first bulging portion 33 extending along the longitudinal direction L does not only mean that the first bulging portion 33 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L, but also means that the first bulging portion 33 extends in the longitudinal direction L while curving, or that the first bulging portion 33 extends in the longitudinal direction L while bending, etc.

[0051] The plurality of first bulging portions 33 are provided corresponding to the plurality of small passages p, respectively, and are inserted into the first regions R1 of the plurality of small passages p. The plurality of first bulging portions 33 provided corresponding to one small passage p are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. In the present embodiment, as an example, four first bulging portions 33 are provided corresponding to the plurality of small passages p, respectively, and are inserted into the first regions R1 of the plurality of small passages p. Of the four first bulging portions 33 inserted into one small passage p, the first bulging portion 33 located closest to the second longitudinal direction L2 is referred to as the first bulging portion 33A, the first bulging portion 33 adjacent to the first bulging portion 33A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side is referred to as the first bulging portion 33B, the first bulging portion 33 adjacent to the first bulging portion 33B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side is referred to as the first bulging portion 33C, and the first bulging portion 33 adjacent to the first bulging portion 33C on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and located closest to the first longitudinal direction L1 side is referred to as the first bulging portion 33D. The first bulging portion 33A is also referred to as the upstream first bulging portion, and the first bulging portion 33B is also referred to as the downstream first bulging portion.

[0052] Of the multiple first bulging portions 33 inserted into one small passage p, the length A1 in the longitudinal direction L of the first bulging portion 33A located closest to the second longitudinal direction L2 may be shorter than the length A1 in the longitudinal direction L of the first bulging portion 33B adjacent to the first bulging portion 33A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side. Furthermore, of the multiple first bulging portions 33 inserted into one small passage p, the length A1 in the longitudinal direction L of the first bulging portion 33A located closest to the second longitudinal direction L2 may be shorter than the lengths A1 in the longitudinal direction L of the other first bulging portions 33. In other words, the length A1 in the longitudinal direction L of the first bulging portion 33A may be shorter than the length A1 in the longitudinal direction L of the first bulging portion 33B, the length A1 in the longitudinal direction L of the first bulging portion 33C, and the length A1 in the longitudinal direction L of the first bulging portion 33D. The length A1 is the maximum length of the first bulging portion 33 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0053] Of the multiple first bulging portions 33 inserted into one small passage p, the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33A located closest to the second longitudinal direction L2 may be shorter than the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33B adjacent to the first bulging portion 33A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side. Furthermore, of the multiple first bulging portions 33 inserted into one small passage p, the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33 located closest to the second longitudinal direction L2 may be shorter than the lengths D1 in the thickness direction T of the other first bulging portions 33. In other words, the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33A may be shorter than the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33B, the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33C, and the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33D. The length D1 is the maximum length of the first bulging portion 33 in the thickness direction T. The length D1 is also referred to as the bulging length (maximum bulging length) of the first bulging portion 33 relative to the flat plate portion 31, or the height (maximum height) of the first bulging portion 33 relative to the flat plate portion 31.

[0054] Each of the multiple first bulging portions 33 has, for example, a first top surface 33a extending parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The first top surface 33a is located at the apex of each of the multiple first bulging portions 33 in the first thickness direction T1 and is a surface facing the first cooling wall portion 21. The length B1 of the first top surface 33a in the longitudinal direction L may be longer than the separation distance C1 between the first top surface 33a and the first cooling wall portion 21. Furthermore, the length B1 of the first top surface 33a in the longitudinal direction L may be longer than the length d1 in the thickness direction T from the flat plate portion 31 to the first top surface 33a. The length d1 in the thickness direction T from the flat plate portion 31 to the first top surface 33a is the maximum length in the thickness direction T from the flat plate portion 31 to the first top surface 33a. The length d1 in the thickness direction T from the flat plate portion 31 to the first top surface 33a is also referred to as the height (maximum height) of the first top surface 33a relative to the flat plate portion 31.

[0055] Each of the multiple second bulging portions 34 bulges from the flat plate portion 31 toward the second cooling wall portion 22 (toward the second thickness direction T2) and extends along the longitudinal direction L. The second bulging portions 34 extending along the longitudinal direction L does not only mean that the second bulging portions 34 extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L, but also means that the second bulging portions 34 extend in the longitudinal direction L while curving, or that the second bulging portions 34 extend in the longitudinal direction L while bending, etc.

[0056] The plurality of second bulging portions 34 are provided corresponding to the plurality of small passages p, respectively, and are inserted into the second regions R2 of the plurality of small passages p. The plurality of second bulging portions 34 provided corresponding to one small passage p are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. In the present embodiment, as an example, four second bulging portions 34 are provided corresponding to the plurality of small passages p, respectively, and are inserted into the second regions R2 of the plurality of small passages p. Of the four second bulging portions 34 inserted into one small passage p, the second bulging portion 34 located furthest in the second longitudinal direction L2 is referred to as second bulging portion 34A, the second bulging portion 34 adjacent to second bulging portion 34A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side is referred to as second bulging portion 34B, the second bulging portion 34 adjacent to second bulging portion 34B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side is referred to as second bulging portion 34C, and the second bulging portion 34 adjacent to second bulging portion 34C on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and located furthest in the first longitudinal direction L1 is referred to as second bulging portion 34D. Second bulging portion 34A is also referred to as the upstream second bulging portion, and second bulging portion 34B is also referred to as the downstream second bulging portion.

[0057] Of the multiple second bulging portions 34 inserted into one small passage p, the length A2 in the longitudinal direction L of the second bulging portion 34A located closest to the second longitudinal direction L2 may be shorter than the length A2 in the longitudinal direction L of the second bulging portion 34B adjacent to the second bulging portion 34A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side. Furthermore, of the multiple second bulging portions 34 inserted into one small passage p, the length A2 in the longitudinal direction L of the second bulging portion 34 located closest to the second longitudinal direction L2 may be shorter than the lengths A2 in the longitudinal direction L of the other second bulging portions 34. In other words, the length A2 in the longitudinal direction L of the second bulging portion 34A may be shorter than the length A2 in the longitudinal direction L of the second bulging portion 34B, the length A2 in the longitudinal direction L of the second bulging portion 34C, and the length A2 in the longitudinal direction L of the second bulging portion 34D. The length A2 is the maximum length of the second bulging portion 34 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0058] Of the multiple second bulging portions 34 inserted into one small passage p, the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34A located furthest in the second longitudinal direction L2 may be shorter than the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34B adjacent to the second bulging portion 34A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side. Furthermore, of the multiple second bulging portions 34 inserted into one small passage p, the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34 located furthest in the second longitudinal direction L2 may be shorter than the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the other first bulging portions 33. In other words, the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34A may be shorter than the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34B, the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34C, and the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34D. The length D2 is the maximum length of the second bulging portion 34 in the thickness direction T. The length D2 is also referred to as the bulging length (maximum bulging length) of the second bulging portion 34 relative to the flat plate portion 31, or the height (maximum height) of the second bulging portion 34 relative to the flat plate portion 31.

[0059] Each of the second bulging portions 34 has a second top surface 34a extending parallel to the longitudinal direction L, for example. The second top surface 34a is located at the apex of each of the second bulging portions 34 in the second thickness direction T2 and is a surface facing the second cooling wall portion 22. The length B2 of the second top surface 34a in the longitudinal direction L may be longer than the separation distance C2 between the second top surface 34a and the second cooling wall portion 22. Furthermore, the length B2 of the second top surface 34a in the longitudinal direction L may be longer than the length d2 in the thickness direction T from the flat plate portion 31 to the second top surface 34a. The length d2 in the thickness direction T from the flat plate portion 31 to the second top surface 34a is the maximum length in the thickness direction T from the flat plate portion 31 to the second top surface 34a. The length d2 in the thickness direction T from the flat plate portion 31 to the second top surface 34a is also referred to as the height (maximum height) of the second top surface 34a relative to the flat plate portion 31.

[0060] Each of the multiple second bulging portions 34 is provided at a position facing each of the multiple first bulging portions 33 in the thickness direction T. In the present embodiment, the second bulging portion 34A is provided at a position facing the first bulging portion 33A in the thickness direction T, the second bulging portion 34B is provided at a position facing the first bulging portion 33B in the thickness direction T, the second bulging portion 34C is provided at a position facing the first bulging portion 33C in the thickness direction T, and the second bulging portion 34D is provided at a position facing the first bulging portion 33D in the thickness direction T. The second bulging portion 34 facing the first bulging portion 33 in the thickness direction T means that at least a portion of the second bulging portion 34 faces the first bulging portion 33 in the thickness direction T. Therefore, the entire second bulge portion 34 may be positioned at the same position as the first bulge portion 33 in the longitudinal direction L and width direction W, or a portion of the second bulge portion 34 may be positioned offset in the longitudinal direction L or width direction W relative to the first bulge portion 33.

[0061] Each of the plurality of communication ports 35 communicates between the first region R1 and the second region R2 partitioned by the flat plate portion 31. Each of the plurality of communication ports 35 penetrates the flat plate portion 31 in the thickness direction T.

[0062] The plurality of communication ports 35 are provided corresponding to the plurality of small passages p, respectively, and connect the first region R1 and the second region R2 of each of the plurality of small passages p. Each of the plurality of communication ports 35 provided corresponding to one small passage p is located between the first bulging portions 33 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction L and between the second bulging portions 34 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction L. In the present embodiment, as an example, three communication ports 35 are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of small passages p, and connect the first region R1 and the second region R2 of each of the plurality of small passages p. Of the three communication ports 35 provided corresponding to one small passage p, the communication port 35 located between the first and second bulging portions 33A, 34A and the first and second bulging portions 33B, 34B is referred to as a first communication port 35A, the communication port 35 located between the first and second bulging portions 33B, 34B and the first and second bulging portions 33C, 34C is referred to as a second communication port 35B, and the communication port 35 located between the first and second bulging portions 33C, 34C and the first and second bulging portions 33D, 34D is referred to as a third communication port 35C. The second communication port 35B is located closer to the first longitudinal direction L1 than the first communication port 35A, and the third communication port 35C is located closer to the first longitudinal direction L1 than the second communication port 35B.

[0063] The plurality of guides 36 guide the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction L1 through either the first region R1 or the second region R2 from the communication opening 35 to the other of the first region R1 or the second region R2. The plurality of guides 36 include a first guide 36A that guides the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction L1 through the first region R1 from the communication opening 35 to the second region R2, and a second guide 36B that guides the coolant flowing in the second region R2 in the first longitudinal direction L1 from the communication opening 35 to the first region R1.

[0064] The first guide 36A extends from a position adjacent to the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the communication port 35 toward the second longitudinal direction L2 while inclining toward the first cooling wall portion 21 so as to cover at least a portion of the communication port 35 from the first cooling wall portion 21 side. The second guide 36B extends from a position adjacent to the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the communication port 35 toward the second longitudinal direction L2 while inclining toward the second cooling wall portion 22 so as to cover at least a portion of the communication port 35 from the second cooling wall portion 22 side.

[0065] 10 and 11 show one second guide 36B, a first guide 36A located on the second longitudinal direction L2 side of the second guide 36B, and a first guide 36A located on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the second guide 36B as the multiple guides 36. The first guide 36A located on the second longitudinal direction L2 side of the second guide 36B is referred to as the upstream first guide 36A1, and the first guide 36A located on the first longitudinal direction L1 side of the second guide 36B is referred to as the downstream first guide 36A2.

[0066] 11, the upstream first guide 36A1 guides the coolant flowing through the first region R1 in the first longitudinal direction L1 from the first communication port 35A to the second region R2. The upstream first guide 36A1 extends from a position adjacent to the first communication port 35A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side toward the second longitudinal direction L2 while inclining toward the first cooling wall portion 21 so as to cover at least a portion of the first communication port 35A from the first cooling wall portion 21 side.

[0067] The second guide 36B guides the coolant flowing through the second region R2 in the first longitudinal direction L1 from the second communication port 35B to the first region R1. The second guide 36B extends from a position adjacent to the second communication port 35B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side toward the second cooling wall portion 22 while inclining toward the second cooling wall portion 22 so as to cover at least a portion of the second communication port 35B that is positioned further in the first longitudinal direction L1 than the first communication port 35A from the second cooling wall portion 22 side.

[0068] The downstream first guide 36A2 guides the coolant flowing through the first region R1 in the first longitudinal direction L1 from the third communication port 35C to the second region R2. The downstream first guide 36A2 extends from a position adjacent to the third communication port 35C on the first longitudinal direction L1 side toward the second longitudinal direction L2 while inclining toward the first cooling wall portion 21 so as to cover at least a portion of the third communication port 35C from the first cooling wall portion 21 side.

[0069] The separation distance E1 between the upstream first guide 36A1 and the first cooling wall portion 21 may be shorter than the separation distance E2 between the first bulging portion 33B adjacent to the first communication port 35A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the first cooling wall portion 21. Furthermore, the separation distance E3 between the second bulging portion 34B adjacent to the first communication port 35A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the second cooling wall portion 22 may be longer than the separation distance E2 between the first bulging portion 33B adjacent to the first communication port 35A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the first cooling wall portion 21.

[0070] The separation distance E4 between the second guide 36B and the second cooling wall portion 22 may be shorter than the separation distance E5 between the second bulging portion 34C adjacent to the second communication port 35B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the second cooling wall portion 22. Furthermore, the separation distance E6 between the first bulging portion 33C adjacent to the second communication port 35B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the first cooling wall portion 21 may be longer than the separation distance E5 between the second bulging portion 34C adjacent to the second communication port 35B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the second cooling wall portion 22.

[0071] The distance between the downstream first guide 36A2 and the first cooling wall portion 21 may be shorter than the distance between the first bulging portion 33D adjacent to the third communication port 35C on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the first cooling wall portion 21. Furthermore, the distance between the second bulging portion 34D adjacent to the third communication port 35C on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the second cooling wall portion 22 may be longer than the distance between the first bulging portion 33D adjacent to the third communication port 35C on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the first cooling wall portion 21.

[0072] (lid) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the first lid 4 is joined to the cooling plate 2 so as to cover the first opening 25 of the coolant passage P. The joining of the first lid 4 to the cooling plate 2 is not particularly limited, and can be done by, for example, welding, brazing, or the like. The first lid 4 has a lid-side outlet 41 that penetrates the first lid 4 and communicates from the first opening 25 to the first chamber region P2. The lid-side outlet 41 is an opening for discharging the coolant from the coolant passage P. The lid-side outlet 41 is formed at a position opposite the wall-side outlet 28 in the thickness direction T, and opens the coolant passage P in the first thickness direction T1. Therefore, the wall-side outlet 28 and the lid-side outlet 41 serve as outlets that open the coolant passage P to both sides in the thickness direction T.

[0073] The second lid 5 is joined to the cooling plate 2 so as to cover the second opening 26 of the coolant passage P. The joining of the second lid 5 to the cooling plate 2 is not particularly limited, and can be performed by, for example, welding, brazing, or the like. The second lid 5 has a lid-side inlet 51 that penetrates the second lid 5 and communicates from the second opening 26 to the second chamber region P3. The lid-side inlet 51 is an opening for supplying coolant to the coolant passage P. The lid-side inlet 51 is formed at a position opposite the wall-side inlet 29 in the thickness direction T and opens the coolant passage P in the first thickness direction T1. Therefore, the wall-side inlet 29 and the lid-side inlet 51 serve as inlets that open the coolant passage P to both sides in the thickness direction T. When viewed from the thickness direction T, the intermediate plate 3 is exposed from the wall-side inlet 29 and the lid-side inlet 51, which are inlets. The protruding length of the intermediate plate 3 from the inlet as viewed in the thickness direction T can be adjusted by, for example, changing the length from the slit 32 to the second tip 31b of the intermediate plate 3.

[0074] (assembly) Fig. 14 is a front view of an assembly according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, an assembly 100 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of coolers 1. In the assembly 100, the plurality of coolers 1 are stacked in the thickness direction T so as to be spaced apart from each other. The inlets of the coolers 1 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction T are connected by an inlet connection pipe 101. The outlets of the coolers 1 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction T are connected by an outlet connection pipe 102.

[0075] The inlet connection pipe 101 is connected to the wall-side inlet 29 of the cooler 1, which is located on the first thickness direction T1 side of the inlet connection pipe 101, and the lid-side inlet 51 of the cooler 1, which is located on the second thickness direction T2 side of the inlet connection pipe 101. The outlet connection pipe 102 is connected to the wall-side outlet 28 of the cooler 1, which is located on the first thickness direction T1 side of the outlet connection pipe 102, and the lid-side outlet 41 of the cooler 1, which is located on the second thickness direction T2 side of the outlet connection pipe 102. The wall-side inlet 29 and the wall-side outlet 28 of the cooler 1, which are located at the end of the second thickness direction T2, are sealed. A supply pipe 103, through which the coolant is supplied, is connected to the lid-side inlet 51 of the cooler 1, which is located at the end of the first thickness direction T1. A discharge pipe 104, through which the coolant is discharged, is connected to the lid-side outlet 41 of the cooler 1, which is located at the end of the first thickness direction T1.

[0076] The heat-generating member H to be cooled by the assembly 100 is disposed in the space between adjacent coolers 1 in the thickness direction T. The heat-generating member H is in contact with the second cooling wall portion 22 of the cooler 1 located on the first thickness direction T1 side and the first cooling wall portion 21 of the cooler 1 located on the second thickness direction T2 side. The heat-generating member H is also disposed in the portions of the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22 that face the first bulging portion 33 and the second bulging portion 34 of each cooler 1.

[0077] When cooling the heat-generating member H, the coolant is supplied to the supply pipe 103. Then, the coolant supplied to the supply pipe 103 is sequentially supplied to the coolant passage P of each cooler 1 via each inlet connection pipe 101, and the coolant discharged from the coolant passage P of each cooler 1 is sequentially discharged to the discharge pipe 104 via each outlet connection pipe 102.

[0078] As described above, in the cooler 1 according to the present embodiment, the intermediate plate 3 is disposed in the coolant passage P of the cooling plate 2, dividing at least a portion of the coolant passage P into a first region R1 on the first cooling wall portion 21 side and a second region R2 on the second cooling wall portion 22 side. The intermediate plate 3 has a first bulging portion 33 that bulges toward the first cooling wall portion 21 side and extends along the longitudinal direction L, and a second bulging portion 34 that bulges toward the second cooling wall portion 22 side and extends along the longitudinal direction L. In other words, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are narrowed at the positions where the first bulging portion 33 and the second bulging portion 34 are provided. Therefore, when the coolant supplied to the first region R1 and the second region R2 of the coolant passage P flows along the first bulging portion 33 and the second bulging portion 34, the flow velocity of the coolant increases, and the heat transfer coefficient between the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22 and the coolant increases. As a result, for example, by disposing the heat-generating component H in the portions of the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22 that face the first bulging portion 33 and the second bulging portion 34, the cooling efficiency of the heat-generating component H can be improved. Moreover, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are wide in the positions where the first bulging portion 33 and the second bulging portion 34 are not provided. Therefore, even if a temperature difference occurs in the cooling water between the vicinity of the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22 and a position away from the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22 when the cooling liquid flows along the first bulging portion 33 and the second bulging portion 34, this temperature difference is alleviated when the cooling liquid passes through the first bulging portion 33 and the second bulging portion 34. This further improves the cooling efficiency.

[0079] Moreover, in this cooler 1, the first bulging portion 33 has a first top surface 33a extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L, and the second bulging portion 34 has a second top surface 34a extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the region where the flow velocity of the cooling water is high becomes longer in the longitudinal direction L, and the cooling efficiency can be further improved.

[0080] Furthermore, in this cooler 1, the length B1 of the first top surface 33a in the longitudinal direction L is longer than the distance C1 between the first top surface 33a and the first cooling wall portion 21, and the length B2 of the second top surface 34a in the longitudinal direction L is longer than the distance C2 between the second top surface 34a and the second cooling wall portion 22. Therefore, the flow rate of the coolant flowing along the first bulging portion 33 and the second bulging portion 34 can be increased.

[0081] In this cooler 1, the cooling plate 2 has a plurality of partition walls 27 that partition the coolant passage P in the width direction W, and the coolant passage P has a plurality of small passages p partitioned by the plurality of partition walls 27. This increases the contact area between the coolant and the cooling plate 2, thereby improving cooling efficiency. A first bulge 33 and a second bulge 34 are provided corresponding to each of the small passages p and inserted into each of the small passages p. Therefore, when the coolant flows along the first bulge 33 and the second bulge 34 in the small passages p, the flow velocity of the coolant increases, increasing the heat transfer coefficient between the first cooling wall 21 and the second cooling wall 22 and the coolant. This improves cooling efficiency.

[0082] Furthermore, in this cooler 1, a gap G is formed between the first partial partition wall portion 27c and the second partial partition wall portion 27d of the partial partition wall portion 27b, and by inserting an intermediate plate 3 into the gap G between the first partial partition wall portion 27c and the second partial partition wall portion 27d, at least a portion of the coolant passage P can be partitioned by the intermediate plate 3 into a first region R1 on the first cooling wall portion 21 side and a second region R2 on the second cooling wall portion 22 side.

[0083] In the cooler 1, the full-area partition wall 27a extends from the first cooling wall 21 to the second cooling wall 22, and the intermediate plate 3 has a slit 32 extending in the longitudinal direction L from the first leading end 31a to a position closer to the first longitudinal direction L1 than the second leading end 31b. Therefore, the full-area partition wall 27a can be inserted into the slit 32, and the intermediate plate 3 can be inserted into the gap G between the first partial partition wall 27c and the second partial partition wall 27d. Since the slit 32 does not reach the second leading end 31b of the intermediate plate 3, when the intermediate plate 3 is inserted into the coolant passage P so that the full-area partition wall 27a is inserted into the slit 32, the end of the slit 32 abuts against the full-area partition wall 27a, thereby restricting movement of the intermediate plate 3 in the first longitudinal direction L1. Therefore, even if the coolant flows through the coolant passage P in the first longitudinal direction L1, the intermediate plate 3 can be prevented from flowing in the first longitudinal direction L1.

[0084] Furthermore, in this cooler 1, the intermediate plate 3 has the communication opening 35 that connects the first region R1 and the second region R2, allowing the coolant to flow between the first region R1 and the second region R2. This further reduces the temperature difference of the coolant that occurs in the coolant passage P.

[0085] Moreover, in this cooler 1, the intermediate plate 3 has guides 36 that guide the coolant flowing in either the first region R1 or the second region R2 in the first longitudinal direction L1 from the communication openings 35 to the other of the first region R1 or the second region R2. This makes it possible to further reduce the temperature difference of the coolant occurring in the coolant passage P.

[0086] Furthermore, in this cooler 1, a plurality of first bulging portions 33 are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L, and a plurality of second bulging portions 34 are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, for example, even when a plurality of heat-generating members H are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L, the cooling efficiency of these heat-generating members H can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, in this cooler 1, the second bulging portion 34 is provided at a position facing the first bulging portion 33, and the intermediate plate 3 has a plurality of communication ports 35 that communicate between the first region R1 and the second region R2, and each of the communication ports 35 is located between the first bulging portions 33 that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the coolant supplied to the first region R1 can flow along the first bulging portion 33 and then be supplied to the second region R2 from the communication port 35, and the coolant supplied to the second region R2 can flow along the second bulging portion 34 and then be supplied to the first region R1 from the communication port 35. This further reduces the temperature difference of the coolant occurring in the coolant passage P.

[0088] In addition, in this cooler 1, the intermediate plate 3 has a first guide 36A that guides the coolant flowing through the first region R1 in the first longitudinal direction L1 from the first communication port 35A to the second region R2, and a second guide 36B that guides the coolant flowing through the second region R2 in the first longitudinal direction L1 from the second communication port 35B to the first region R1. Therefore, the coolant supplied to the first region R1 flows along the first bulging portion 33A and is then more easily supplied to the second region R2 from the first communication port 35A, and the coolant supplied to the second region R2 flows along the second bulging portion 34B and is then more easily supplied to the first region R1 from the second communication port 35B. This further reduces the temperature difference of the coolant occurring in the coolant passage P.

[0089] Moreover, in this cooler 1, the first guide 36A extends from a position adjacent to the first communication port 35A on the first longitudinal direction L1 side toward the second longitudinal direction L2 while slanting toward the first cooling wall portion 21, and the second guide 36B extends from a position adjacent to the second communication port 35B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side toward the second cooling wall portion 22. As a result, the first guide 36A can guide the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction L1 in the first region R1 from the first communication port 35A to the second region R2, and the second guide 36B can guide the coolant flowing in the second region R2 in the first longitudinal direction L1 from the second communication port 35B to the first region R1.

[0090] Furthermore, in this cooler 1, the separation distance E1 between the first guide 36A and the first cooling wall portion 21 is shorter than the separation distance E2 between the first bulging portion 33B adjacent to the first communication port 35A on the side in the first longitudinal direction L1 and the first cooling wall portion 21. Therefore, the separation distance E2 between the first bulging portion 33B and the first cooling wall portion 21 can be shortened, and the flow rate of the coolant flowing along the first cooling wall portion 21 can be increased, while preventing foreign matter that has passed between the first guide 36A and the first cooling wall portion 21 from clogging between the first bulging portion 33B and the first cooling wall portion 21. Furthermore, the separation distance E4 between the second guide 36B and the second cooling wall portion 22 is shorter than the separation distance E5 between the second bulging portion 34C adjacent to the second communication port 35B on the side in the first longitudinal direction L1 and the second cooling wall portion 22. This prevents foreign matter that has passed between the second guide 36B and the second cooling wall portion 22 from becoming stuck between the second bulge portion 34C adjacent to the second communication port 35B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the second cooling wall portion 22, while shortening the separation distance E5 between the second bulge portion 34C adjacent to the second communication port 35B on the first longitudinal direction L1 side and the second cooling wall portion 22, thereby increasing the flow rate of the coolant flowing along the second cooling wall portion 22.

[0091] Furthermore, in this cooler 1, the separation distance E3 between the second bulging portion 34B and the second cooling wall portion 22 is longer than the separation distance E2 between the first bulging portion 33A and the first cooling wall portion 21, and the separation distance E6 between the first bulging portion 33C and the first cooling wall portion 21 is longer than the separation distance E5 between the second bulging portion 34C and the second cooling wall portion 22. Therefore, foreign matter that does not pass between the first guide 36A and the first cooling wall portion 21 can pass between the second bulging portion 34B and the second cooling wall portion 22. Furthermore, the separation distance E6 between the first bulging portion 33C and the first cooling wall portion 21 is longer than the separation distance E5 between the second bulging portion 34C and the second cooling wall portion 22. Therefore, foreign matter that does not pass between the second guide 36B and the second cooling wall portion 22 can pass between the first bulging portion 33C and the first cooling wall portion 21.

[0092] Furthermore, in this cooler 1, the intermediate plate 3 is exposed from the inlet as seen from the thickness direction T, so when liquid is supplied from the inlet, the coolant is easily supplied to the coolant passage P. As a result, for example, in an assembly 100 in which a plurality of coolers 1 are stacked and the inlets of each cooler 1 are connected by an inlet connection pipe 101, the amount of coolant supplied to the coolant passage P of each cooler 1 can be adjusted by adjusting the protruding length of the intermediate plate 3 from the inlet as seen from the thickness direction T.

[0093] Incidentally, since the coolant flows through the coolant passage P while exchanging heat with the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22, the temperature increases from the downstream side to the upstream side. For this reason, increasing the flow rate of the coolant on the downstream side rather than increasing the flow rate of the coolant on the upstream side can cool the heat-generating member H more efficiently. In this cooler 1, the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33A, which is the upstream-side first bulging portion, is shorter than the length D1 in the thickness direction T of the first bulging portion 33B, which is the downstream-side first bulging portion, and the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34A, which is the upstream-side second bulging portion, is shorter than the length D2 in the thickness direction T of the second bulging portion 34B, which is the downstream-side second bulging portion. This reduces the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing between the first bulging portion 33A, which is the upstream first bulging portion, and the first cooling wall portion 21, and between the second bulging portion 34A, which is the upstream second bulging portion, and the second cooling wall portion 22, and increases the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing between the first bulging portion 33B, which is the downstream first bulging portion, and the first cooling wall portion 21, and between the second bulging portion 34B, which is the downstream second bulging portion, and the second cooling wall portion 22. This allows the cooling liquid to flow in the first longitudinal direction L1, thereby enabling efficient cooling and reducing variations in cooling efficiency in the longitudinal direction L.

[0094] Moreover, in this cooler 1, the inlet is composed of a lid-side inlet 51 penetrating the second lid 5 and a wall-side inlet 29 penetrating the second cooling wall portion 22, and the outlet is composed of a lid-side outlet 41 penetrating the first lid 4 and a wall-side outlet 28 penetrating the second cooling wall portion 22. Therefore, the coolant can be supplied to the coolant passage P by supplying the coolant from one side of either the lid-side inlet 51 or the wall-side inlet 29 to the other side of either the lid-side inlet 51 or the wall-side inlet 29 and discharging the coolant from one side of either the lid-side outlet 41 or the wall-side outlet 28 to the other side of either the lid-side outlet 41 or the wall-side outlet 28. Moreover, because the intermediate plate 3 is exposed from the inlet when viewed from the thickness direction T, flowing the coolant in this manner makes it easier for the coolant to be supplied to the coolant passage P.

[0095] In the assembly 100 according to this embodiment, multiple coolers 1 are stacked in the thickness direction T so as to be spaced apart from each other, and the inlets and outlets of coolers 1 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction T are connected by an inlet connection pipe 101 and an outlet connection pipe 102. Therefore, by supplying a coolant to one cooler 1, the coolant can be supplied to each cooler 1 and the coolant can be discharged from each cooler 1. Then, multiple heat-generating members H are arranged, for example, in the space between the coolers 1 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction T, so as to be in contact with the second cooling wall portion 22 of the cooler 1 located on the first thickness direction T1 side and the first cooling wall portion 21 of the cooler 1 located on the second thickness direction T2 side, and are arranged in portions of the first cooling wall portion 21 and the second cooling wall portion 22 facing the first bulge portion 33 and the second bulge portion 34 of each cooler 1. This allows the multiple heat-generating members H to be efficiently cooled.

[0096] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0097] For example, from the viewpoint of suppressing movement of the intermediate plate inserted into the cooling liquid passage in the thickness direction, the intermediate plate may have a first plate spring portion that extends at an incline toward the first cooling wall portion and is pressed against the first partial partition wall portion, and a second plate spring portion that extends at an incline toward the second cooling wall portion and is pressed against the second partial partition wall portion.

[0098] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an intermediate plate according to a modified example. The intermediate plate 3A shown in Fig. 15 is basically the same as the intermediate plate 3 of the above embodiment, but differs from the intermediate plate 3 of the above embodiment in that it has a plurality of first leaf spring portions 37 and a plurality of second leaf spring portions 38.

[0099] Fig. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Fig. 15. As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the first leaf spring portion 37 extends from the flat plate portion 31 while inclining toward the first cooling wall portion 21 (toward the first thickness direction T1) and presses against the first partial partition wall portion 27c (see Fig. 13). The first leaf spring portion 37 is, for example, formed by cutting out a C-shape in the flat plate portion 31, forming a tongue portion that is bent toward the first thickness direction T1. The first leaf spring portion 37 is provided at a position opposite the first partial partition wall portion 27c and is pressed against the end surface of the first partial partition wall portion 27c on the second thickness direction T2 side.

[0100] Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Fig. 15. As shown in Figs. 15 and 17, the second leaf spring portion 38 extends from the flat plate portion 31 while inclining toward the second cooling wall portion 22 (the second thickness direction T2 side) and presses against the second partial partition wall portion 27d (see Fig. 13). The second leaf spring portion 38 is, for example, a tongue portion formed by cutting out a C-shape in the flat plate portion 31 and bent toward the second thickness direction T2 side. The second leaf spring portion 38 is provided at a position opposite the second partial partition wall portion 27d and is pressed against the end surface of the second partial partition wall portion 27d on the first thickness direction T1 side.

[0101] In this way, the intermediate plate 3A has the first leaf spring portion 37 and the second leaf spring portion 38, so that the intermediate plate 3A is sandwiched between the first partial partition wall portion 27c and the second partial partition wall portion 27d. This makes it possible to prevent the intermediate plate 3A inserted into the coolant passage P from moving in the thickness direction T.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the intermediate plate has been described as having through holes and guides, but the intermediate plate may not have either or both of the communication holes and guides. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an intermediate plate of a modified example. The intermediate plate 3B shown in Fig. 18 is basically the same as the intermediate plate 3 of the above embodiment, but differs from the intermediate plate 3 of the above embodiment in that it does not have the multiple communication holes 35 and the multiple guides 36.

[0103] Furthermore, the guide that guides the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through either the first region or the second region from the communication port to the other of the first region or the second region may be provided at any position and extend in any direction. For example, the first guide may extend from a position adjacent to a second longitudinal direction side, which is the other longitudinal direction of the first communication port, toward the first longitudinal direction while slanting toward the second cooling wall portion. Similarly, the second guide may extend from a position adjacent to the second longitudinal direction side of the second communication port toward the first longitudinal direction while slanting toward the first cooling wall portion. In this way, the first guide can guide the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through the first region from the first communication port to the second region, and the second guide can guide the coolant flowing in the second region in the first longitudinal direction from the second communication port to the first region.

[0104] The number of full-area partition walls of the cooling plate and the number of slits of the intermediate plate may be multiple. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a modified cooler corresponding to Fig. 13. The modified cooler 1C shown in Fig. 13 has a cooling plate 2C corresponding to the cooling plate 2 of the above embodiment, and the cooling plate 2C has multiple partition walls 27C corresponding to the multiple partition walls 27 of the above embodiment. The multiple partition walls 27C include two full-area partition walls 27Ca and five partial partition walls 27Cb. The intermediate plate 3C also has two slits 32C. Each of the two slits 32C is formed at a position corresponding to the two full-area partition walls 27Ca in the width direction W. Each of the two full-area partition walls 27Ca is inserted into one of the two slits 32C.

[0105] Furthermore, at least one of the first and second partial partition walls may have an insertion guide portion configured to guide the intermediate plate into the gap between the first and second partial partition walls. "Configured to guide the intermediate plate into the gap between the first and second partial partition walls" means that the insertion guide portion is configured to direct the intermediate plate toward the gap when the intermediate plate is inserted into the gap between the first and second partial partition walls. The insertion guide portion may be provided at any position and may have any shape or structure, etc., as long as it is configured to guide the intermediate plate into the gap between the first and second partial partition walls. In this way, by the partial partition wall having an insertion guide portion that guides the intermediate plate into the gap between the first and second partial partition walls, the intermediate plate can be easily inserted into the gap between the first and second partial partition walls.

[0106] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to a modified example. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling plate according to the modified example. A cooling plate 2D according to the modified example shown in Figs. 20 and 21 has a plurality of partition walls 27D corresponding to the plurality of partition walls 27 of the above embodiment. The plurality of partition walls 27D have first partial partition walls 27Dc and second partial partition walls 27Dd corresponding to the first partial partition walls 27c and second partial partition walls 27d of the above embodiment. The ends of the first partial partition walls 27Dc and the second partial partition walls 27Dd on the second longitudinal direction L2 side are disposed at different positions from each other in the longitudinal direction L. Specifically, the end 27Df of the second partial partition wall 27Dd on the second longitudinal direction L2 side is positioned closer to the second longitudinal direction L2 than the end 27De of the first partial partition wall 27Dc on the second longitudinal direction L2 side. A top surface 27Dg of the second partial partition wall portion 27Dd on the gap G side in the thickness direction T extends to the outside of the gap G.

[0107] 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an intermediate plate is inserted into the cooling plate of the modified example. As shown in FIG. 22, when inserting the intermediate plate 3 into the gap G, first, the intermediate plate 3 is brought into contact with the top surface 27Dg of the second partial partition wall portion 27Dd extending outside the gap G. Then, while the intermediate plate 3 is being brought into contact with the top surface 27Dg of the second partial partition wall portion 27Dd, the intermediate plate 3 is advanced toward the gap G. Then, the intermediate plate 3 is guided by the top surface 27Dg of the second partial partition wall portion 27Dd and inserted into the gap G. In other words, the top surface 27Dg extending outside the gap G serves as an insertion guide configured to guide the intermediate plate 3 into the gap G between the first partial partition wall portion 27Dc and the second partial partition wall portion 27Dd. This facilitates positioning of the intermediate plate 3 in the thickness direction T, thereby facilitating insertion of the intermediate plate 3 into the gap G.

[0108] Here, when the intermediate plate 3 has slits 32, the divided plate portions 31A, 31B (see FIGS. 8, 9, and 13) separated by the slits 32 may be deformed so as to be misaligned with each other in the thickness direction T. Even in such a case, by pressing the divided plate portions 31A, 31B against the top surface 27Dg of the second partial partition wall portion 27Dd, the divided plate portions 31A, 31B are deformed so as to be aligned in the thickness direction T, and the intermediate plate 3 can be easily inserted into the gap G.

[0109] The tip 27De of the first partial partition wall portion 27Dc on the second longitudinal direction L2 side may be located closer to the second longitudinal direction L2 than the tip 27Df of the second partial partition wall portion 27Dd on the second longitudinal direction L2 side. Also, the tips of the first partial partition wall portion 27Dc and the second partial partition wall portion 27Dd on the first longitudinal direction L1 side may be located at different positions from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0110] Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling plate according to a modified example. The cooling plate 2E according to the modified example shown in Fig. 23 has a plurality of partition walls 27E corresponding to the plurality of partition walls 27 of the above embodiment. The plurality of partition walls 27E include first partial partition walls 27Ec and second partial partition walls 27Ed corresponding to the first partial partition walls 27c and second partial partition walls 27d of the above embodiment. An end 27Ee of each of the first partial partition walls 27Ec on the second longitudinal direction L2 side has an inclined surface 27Ef extending toward the first longitudinal direction L1 and reaching the gap G, and an end 27Eg of each of the second partial partition walls 27Ed on the second longitudinal direction L2 side has an inclined surface 27Eh extending toward the first longitudinal direction L1 and reaching the gap G. That is, an inclined surface 27Ef is formed at an end 27Ee of the first partial partition wall portion 27Ec on the second longitudinal direction L2 side, and an inclined surface 27Eh is formed at an end 27Eg of the second partial partition wall portion 27Ed on the second longitudinal direction L2 side. The inclined surface 27Ef is an end face of the first partial partition wall portion 27Ec on the second longitudinal direction L2 side, and extends from the first cooling wall portion 21 to the gap G while inclining toward the first longitudinal direction L1 side. The inclined surface 27Eh is an end face of the second partial partition wall portion 27Ed on the second longitudinal direction L2 side, and extends from the second cooling wall portion 22 to the gap G while inclining toward the first longitudinal direction L1 side.

[0111] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an intermediate plate is inserted into the cooling plate of the modified example. As shown in FIG. 24 , when inserting the intermediate plate 3 into the gap G, first, the intermediate plate 3 is advanced toward the gap G. If the intermediate plate 3 is not inserted into the gap G, the intermediate plate 3 abuts against the inclined surface 27Ef of the first partial partition wall portion 27Ec or the inclined surface 27Eh of the second partial partition wall portion 27Ed. Then, while the intermediate plate 3 abuts against the inclined surface 27Ef or the inclined surface 27Eh, the intermediate plate 3 is advanced toward the gap G. Then, the intermediate plate 3 is guided by the inclined surface 27Ef or the inclined surface 27Eh and inserted into the gap G. Therefore, the inclined surfaces 27Ef and 27Eh function as insertion guides configured to guide the intermediate plate 3 into the gap G between the first partial partition wall portion 27Ec and the second partial partition wall portion 27Ed. This facilitates positioning of the intermediate plate 3 in the thickness direction T, thereby facilitating insertion of the intermediate plate 3 into the gap G.

[0112] Furthermore, even if the multiple divided plate portions 31A, 31B (see Figures 8, 9, and 13) separated by the slits 32 are deformed so that they are misaligned with each other in the thickness direction T, by pressing the multiple divided plate portions 31A, 31B against the inclined surface 27Ef or the inclined surface 27Eh, the multiple divided plate portions 31A, 31B will be deformed so that they are aligned in the thickness direction T, and the intermediate plate 3 can be easily inserted into the gap G.

[0113] Note that the end portions of the first partial partition wall portion 27Ec and the second partial partition wall portion 27Ed on the first longitudinal direction L1 side may have an inclined surface extending toward the second longitudinal direction L2 side and reaching the gap G. Also, either the inclined surface 27Ef or the inclined surface 27Eh may not be formed. Also, as in a cooling plate 2D of a modified example shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the ends of the first partial partition wall portion 27Ec and the second partial partition wall portion 27Ed on the second longitudinal direction L2 side may be disposed at different positions from each other in the longitudinal direction L, and the ends of the first partial partition wall portion 27Ec and the second partial partition wall portion 27Ed on the first longitudinal direction L1 side may be disposed at different positions from each other in the longitudinal direction L.

[0114] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a cooling plate according to a modified example. The cooling plate 2F of the modified example shown in Fig. 25 has a plurality of partition walls 27F corresponding to the plurality of partition walls 27 of the above embodiment. The plurality of partition walls 27F include first partial partition walls 27Fc and second partial partition walls 27Fd corresponding to the first partial partition walls 27c and second partial partition walls 27d of the above embodiment. An end 27Fe of each first partial partition wall 27Fc on the second longitudinal direction L2 side has an inclined surface 27Ff extending toward the first longitudinal direction L1 and reaching the gap G, and an end 27Fg of each second partial partition wall 27Fd on the second longitudinal direction L2 side has an inclined surface 27Fh extending toward the first longitudinal direction L1 and reaching the gap G. That is, an inclined surface 27Ff is formed at the end 27Fe of the first partial partition wall portion 27Fc on the second longitudinal direction L2 side, and an inclined surface 27Fh is formed at the end 27Fg of the second partial partition wall portion 27Fd on the second longitudinal direction L2 side. The inclined surface 27Ff is connected to the end face of the first partial partition wall portion 27Ec on the second longitudinal direction L2 side, and extends to the gap G while inclining toward the first longitudinal direction L1. The inclined surface 27Fh is connected to the end face of the second partial partition wall portion 27Ed on the second longitudinal direction L2 side, and extends to the gap G while inclining toward the first longitudinal direction L1.

[0115] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an intermediate plate is inserted into the cooling plate of the modified example. As shown in FIG. 26, when inserting the intermediate plate 3 into the gap G, first, the intermediate plate 3 is advanced toward the gap G. If the intermediate plate 3 is not inserted into the gap G, the intermediate plate 3 abuts against the inclined surface 27Ff of the first partial partition wall 27Fc or the inclined surface 27Fh of the second partial partition wall 27Fd. Then, while the intermediate plate 3 abuts against the inclined surface 27Ff or the inclined surface 27Fh, the intermediate plate 3 is advanced toward the gap G. Then, the intermediate plate 3 is guided by the inclined surface 27Ff or the inclined surface 27Fh and inserted into the gap G. Therefore, the inclined surface 27Ff and the inclined surface 27Fh function as insertion guides configured to guide the intermediate plate 3 into the gap G between the first partial partition wall 27Fc and the second partial partition wall 27Fd. This allows the intermediate plate 3 to be easily inserted into the gap G, similar to the cooling plate 2E shown in FIG. 25.

[0116] Note that the end portions of the first partial partition wall portion 27Fc and the second partial partition wall portion 27Fd on the first longitudinal direction L1 side may have an inclined surface that extends toward the second longitudinal direction L2 side and reaches the gap G. Also, either the inclined surface 27Ff or the inclined surface 27Fh may not be formed. Also, as in a modified cooling plate 2D shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the ends of the first partial partition wall portion 27Fc and the second partial partition wall portion 27Fd on the second longitudinal direction L2 side may be disposed at different positions from each other in the longitudinal direction L, and the ends of the first partial partition wall portion 27Fc and the second partial partition wall portion 27Fd on the first longitudinal direction L1 side may be disposed at different positions from each other in the longitudinal direction L. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1...cooler, 1C...cooler, 2...cooling plate, 2C...cooling plate, 2D...cooling plate, 2E...cooling plate, 2F...cooling plate, 3...intermediate plate, 3A...intermediate plate, 3B...intermediate plate, 4...first lid, 5...second lid, 11...coolant passage, 21...first cooling wall portion, 22...second cooling wall portion, 23...first side wall portion, 23a...end face, 23b...end face, 24...second side wall portion, 24a...end face, 24b...end face, 25...first opening, 26...second opening, 27...compartment wall portion, 27C...compartment wall portion, 27D...compartment wall portion, 27E...compartment wall portion, 27F...compartment wall portion, 27a...full area partition wall portion , 27Ca... Entire partition wall, 27b... Partial partition wall, 27c... First partition wall, 27Dc... First partition wall, 27Ec... First partition wall, 27Fc... First partition wall, 27d... Second partition wall, 27Dd... Second partition wall, 27Ed... Second partition wall, 27Fd ...Second partition wall, 27Dg...Top surface (insertion guide section), 27Ee...End, 27Ef...Slanted surface (insertion guide section), 27Eg...End, 27Eh...Slanted surface (insertion guide section), 27Fe...End, 27Ff...Slanted surface (insertion guide section), 27Fg...End, 27Fh...Slanted surface (insertion guide section) , 28...wall-side outlet, 29...wall-side inlet, 31...flat plate portion, 31a...first tip, 31b...second tip, 31A...divided plate portion, 31B...divided plate portion, 32...slit, 32C...slit, 33...first bulging portion, 33A...first bulging portion (upstream-side first bulging portion), 33B...first bulging portion (downstream-side first bulging portion), 33C...first bulging portion, 33D...first bulging portion, 33a...first top surface, 34...second bulging portion, 34A...second bulging portion (upstream-side second bulging portion), 34B...second bulging portion (downstream-side second bulging portion), 34C...second bulging portion, 34D...second bulging portion, 34a...second top surface, 35... Communication port, 35A...first communication port, 35B...second communication port, 35C...third communication port, 36...guide, 36A...first guide, 36A1...upstream side first guide, 36A2...downstream side first guide, 36B...second guide, 37...first leaf spring portion, 38...second leaf spring portion, 41...lid side outlet, 51...lid side inlet, 100...assembly, 101...inlet connecting pipe, 102...outlet connecting pipe, 103...supply pipe, 104...discharge pipe, G...gap, H...heat generating component, P...coolant passage, p...small passage, P1...partition area, P2...first chamber area, P3...second chamber area,R1...first region, R2...second region, L...longitudinal direction, L1...first longitudinal direction, L2...second longitudinal direction, T...thickness direction, T1...first thickness direction, T2...second thickness direction, W...width direction.

Claims

1. a cooling plate including a first cooling wall portion and a second cooling wall portion extending in a longitudinal direction and facing each other in a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a coolant passage formed between the first cooling wall portion and the second cooling wall portion and extending in the longitudinal direction; an intermediate plate disposed in the coolant passage and dividing at least a portion of the coolant passage into a first region on the first cooling wall portion side and a second region on the second cooling wall portion side, The intermediate plate is a first bulging portion bulging toward the first cooling wall portion and extending along the longitudinal direction; a second bulging portion bulging toward the second cooling wall portion and extending along the longitudinal direction, cooler.

2. the first bulging portion has a first top surface extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction, The second bulge portion has a second top surface extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. The cooler of claim 1 .

3. a length of the first top surface in the longitudinal direction is longer than a distance between the first top surface and the first cooling wall portion, a length of the second top surface in the longitudinal direction is longer than a distance between the second top surface and the second cooling wall portion; The cooler of claim 2 .

4. the cooling plate has a plurality of partition walls that partition the coolant passage in the longitudinal direction and in a width direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, the coolant passage has a plurality of small passages partitioned by the plurality of partition walls, the first bulging portion and the second bulging portion are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of small passages and inserted into each of the plurality of small passages, The cooler of claim 1 .

5. the plurality of partition wall portions include partial partition wall portions having a first partial partition wall portion extending from the first cooling wall portion toward the second cooling wall portion, and a second partial partition wall portion extending from the second cooling wall portion toward the first cooling wall portion so as to form a gap between the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion; The cooler according to claim 4.

6. At least one of the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion has an insertion guide portion configured to guide the intermediate plate into the gap between the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion. The cooler according to claim 5 .

7. a distal end of each of the first and second partial partition walls on at least one side in the longitudinal direction being disposed at a different position from each other in the longitudinal direction; The cooler according to claim 5 .

8. At least one end portion in the longitudinal direction of each of the first partial partition wall portion and the second partial partition wall portion has an inclined surface that extends toward the other end in the longitudinal direction and reaches the gap. The cooler according to claim 5 .

9. the plurality of partition wall portions further include a full-area partition wall portion extending from the first cooling wall portion to the second cooling wall portion, the intermediate plate has a slit extending in the longitudinal direction from a first tip which is a tip on a first longitudinal direction side, which is one direction of the longitudinal direction, to a position on the first longitudinal direction side of a second tip which is a tip on a second longitudinal direction side, which is the other direction of the longitudinal direction, and into which the full-area partition wall portion is inserted; The cooler according to claim 5 .

10. The intermediate plate is a first leaf spring portion extending while inclining toward the first cooling wall portion and pressed against the first partial partition wall portion; a second leaf spring portion extending inclined toward the second cooling wall portion and pressed against the second partial partition wall portion, The cooler according to claim 5 .

11. The intermediate plate has a communication port that communicates the first region with the second region. The cooler of claim 1 .

12. the intermediate plate has a guide that guides the coolant flowing through either the first region or the second region in a first longitudinal direction, which is one of the longitudinal directions, from the communication port to the other of the first region or the second region. The cooler of claim 11.

13. The first bulging portion is provided in plurality and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, The second bulging portion is provided in plurality and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The cooler of claim 1 .

14. the second bulging portion is provided at a position opposite to the first bulging portion, the intermediate plate has a plurality of communication ports that communicate between the first region and the second region, Each of the plurality of communication ports is located between the first bulging portions adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. The cooler of claim 13.

15. the plurality of communication ports include a first communication port and a second communication port located on a first longitudinal direction side, which is one direction of the longitudinal direction, of the first communication port; The intermediate plate is a first guide that guides the coolant flowing in the first longitudinal direction through the first region from the first communication port to the second region; a second guide that guides the coolant flowing in the second region in the first longitudinal direction from the second communication port to the first region, The cooler of claim 14.

16. the first guide extends from a position adjacent to the first longitudinal direction side of the first communication port toward a second longitudinal direction side, which is the other direction of the longitudinal directions, while inclining toward the first cooling wall portion, the second guide extends from a position adjacent to the second communication port on the first longitudinal direction side toward the second longitudinal direction side while inclining toward the second cooling wall portion. The cooler of claim 15.

17. a separation distance between the first guide and the first cooling wall portion is shorter than a separation distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first communication port on the first longitudinal direction side and the first cooling wall portion, a separation distance between the second guide and the second cooling wall portion is shorter than a separation distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the second communication port on the first longitudinal direction side and the second cooling wall portion; The cooler of claim 16.

18. a separation distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the first communication port on the first longitudinal direction side and the second cooling wall portion is longer than a separation distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the first communication port on the first longitudinal direction side and the first cooling wall portion, a separation distance between the first bulging portion adjacent to the second communication port on the first longitudinal direction side and the first cooling wall portion is longer than a separation distance between the second bulging portion adjacent to the second communication port on the first longitudinal direction side and the second cooling wall portion; The cooler of claim 17.

19. Among the plurality of first bulging portions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the length in the thickness direction of the upstream first bulging portion, which is the first bulging portion located furthest to the second longitudinal direction side, that is, the other direction of the longitudinal direction, is shorter than the length in the thickness direction of the downstream first bulging portion, which is the first bulging portion adjacent to the upstream first bulging portion on the first longitudinal direction side, that is, one direction of the longitudinal direction, Among the plurality of second bulging portions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the length in the thickness direction of an upstream second bulging portion, which is the second bulging portion located furthest to the second longitudinal direction side, is shorter than the length in the thickness direction of a downstream second bulging portion, which is the second bulging portion adjacent to the upstream second bulging portion on the first longitudinal direction side. The cooler of claim 13.

20. a first cover joined to the cooling plate so as to cover a first opening on a first longitudinal direction side of the coolant passage, the first opening being located in one of the longitudinal directions of the coolant passage; a second cover joined to the cooling plate so as to cover a second opening on a second longitudinal direction side of the coolant passage, the second opening being in a second longitudinal direction that is the other direction of the longitudinal direction of the coolant passage; an inlet that opens the coolant passage to both sides in the thickness direction is formed in at least one of the cooling plate and the second cover; an outlet that opens the coolant passage to both sides in the thickness direction is formed in at least one of the cooling plate and the first lid; When viewed from the thickness direction, the intermediate plate is exposed from the inlet. The cooler of claim 1 .

21. the first opening and the second opening open the coolant passage to a side of the second cooling wall portion relative to the first cooling wall portion in the thickness direction, the inlet is composed of a lid-side inlet penetrating the second lid and a wall-side inlet penetrating the second cooling wall portion, The outlet is composed of a lid-side outlet penetrating the first lid and a wall-side outlet penetrating the second cooling wall portion. The cooler of claim 20.

22. 22. An assembly comprising a plurality of coolers according to claim 20 or 21, The plurality of coolers are stacked in the thickness direction so as to be spaced apart from each other, the inlets of the coolers adjacent to each other in the thickness direction are connected by an inlet connection pipe, The outlets of the coolers adjacent to each other in the thickness direction are connected by an outlet connecting pipe. assembly.

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