Reserve tank, cooling device, and projector

Abstract

To provide a reserve tank that is improved in gas-liquid separation performance, and to provide a cooling device including the same and a projector.SOLUTION: A reserve tank includes: a tank body 16 for storing a refrigerant therein; an inflow passage 13 for causing the refrigerant to flow into the tank body 16; an outflow passage 14 for causing the refrigerant to flow out from the tank body 16; a collision member 101 disposed while being opposite to an outlet 13a of the inflow passage 13 inside the tank body 16 and having a first surface 101a with which the refrigerant flowing out from the inflow passage 13 collides; and a bubble contamination prevention member 100 disposed while being opposite to an inlet 14a of the outflow passage 14 inside the tank body 16 to prevent contamination of bubbles into the outflow passage 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a reserve tank, a cooling device, and a projector. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a cooling device that cools a heat generating element by circulating a refrigerant, a reserve tank is known that traps air that has become mixed in the refrigerant.

[0003] The liquid cooling tank described in Patent Document 1 separates and traps air that has become mixed in with the refrigerant, thereby preventing air from getting mixed in with the pump that is the power source for circulating the refrigerant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-84958 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The liquid cooling tank described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that air is re-mixed in when the amount of refrigerant circulated is increased.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a reserve tank with improved gas-liquid separation performance, and a cooling device and a projector including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A reserve tank according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tank body that stores a refrigerant therein, an inlet passage for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the tank body, an outlet passage for allowing the refrigerant to flow out from the tank body, a collision member inside the tank body that faces the outlet of the inlet passage and has a first surface with which the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet of the inlet passage collides, and an air bubble prevention member inside the tank body that faces the inlet of the outlet passage and prevents air bubbles from entering the outlet passage.

[0008] A cooling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described reserve tank, a pump for circulating a refrigerant, a heat receiving portion for recovering heat from a heat generating element, and a heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerant. The cooling device cools the heat generating element by circulating the refrigerant stored in the reserve tank.

[0009] A projector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described cooling device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a reserve tank with improved gas-liquid separation performance, and a cooling device and a projector including the reserve tank. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooling device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the cooling device in Figure 1 [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reserve tank included in the cooling device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] An exploded perspective view of the reserve tank in Figure 3. [Figure 5A] Plan view of the reserve tank in Figure 3 [Figure 5B] Cross section AA of Figure 5A [Figure 5C] Cross section B-B of Figure 5A [Figure 6A] Plan view of the reserve tank in Figure 3 from another direction [Figure 6B] CC cross section of Figure 6A [Figure 6C] An enlarged view of the dashed area R1 in Figure 6B [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a collision member and an air bubble entrapment prevention member included in the reserve tank of FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a reserve tank according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8B] DD cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 8A [Figure 8C] EE cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 8A [Figure 9A] A plan view of the reserve tank of FIG. 8A from another direction. [Figure 9B] FF cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 9A [Figure 10] FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing an air bubble intrusion prevention member and a collision member included in the reserve tank of FIG. 8A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a reserve tank according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11B] GG cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 11A [Figure 11C] HH cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 11A [Figure 12A] A plan view of the reserve tank of FIG. 11A from another direction. [Figure 12B] Section II of the reserve tank in Figure 12A [Figure 13] FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing an air bubble entrapment prevention member and a collision member included in the reserve tank of FIG. 11A. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a reserve tank according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14B] JJ cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 14A [Figure 14C] KK cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 14A [Figure 15A] A plan view of the reserve tank of Figure 14A from another direction [Figure 15B] LL cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 15A [Figure 16] FIG. 14B is a perspective view showing an air bubble intrusion prevention member and a collision member included in the reserve tank of FIG. 14A. [Figure 17A]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a reserve tank according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17B] MM cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 17A [Figure 17C] NN cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 17A [Figure 18A] A plan view of the reserve tank of Figure 17A from another direction [Figure 18B] OO cross section of the reserve tank in Figure 18A [Figure 19] FIG. 17B is a perspective view showing an air bubble intrusion prevention member and a collision member included in the reserve tank of FIG. 17A. [Figure 20] PP cross section of the air bubble prevention member and collision member in Figure 19 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (Background to this disclosure) 2. Description of the Related Art In projection-type image display devices (projectors) and the like, cooling devices are used to cool heat-generating components such as laser light sources.

[0013] Known cooling methods for cooling devices include directly cooling the light source with a fan, or placing a heat sink with heat dissipation fins in contact with the heat-generating body and cooling the heat sink with a fan. Another known method is to construct a heat sink module in which a heat receiving body and a heat dissipating body are thermally connected using a heat pipe, and then cooling the heat dissipating body with a fan.

[0014] Furthermore, some cooling devices use a liquid refrigerant for cooling. In cooling devices that circulate a refrigerant, a highly thermally conductive refrigerant is forcibly circulated by a pump, and heat from a heat receiving part is dissipated by a heat dissipation part. Furthermore, some cooling devices improve cooling performance by cooling the heat dissipation part with a fan. Furthermore, some cooling devices that use such refrigerants are equipped with a reserve tank to prevent air from entering the pump when circulating the refrigerant.

[0015] In recent years, there has been a rapid shift in projectors from lamp light sources to laser light sources, which have a high heat density. Projectors are also required to have higher brightness and be compatible with omnidirectional (360°) installation. This requires cooling devices to have high cooling performance and be compatible with omnidirectional installation. Meanwhile, there is also a demand for lighter and more compact projectors.

[0016] Therefore, in the cooling device and the reserve tank, there is a demand for increasing the circulating flow rate of the refrigerant while also reducing the size in order to improve the cooling performance.

[0017] As the refrigerant circulation flow rate increases, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the reserve tank also increases. As the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the reserve tank increases, the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing into the reserve tank also increases. At this time, the flowing refrigerant significantly shakes the interface between the refrigerant and the air in the reserve tank, making it easier for the air trapped inside the reserve tank to re-enter the circulation path of the cooling device. Therefore, as the refrigerant flow rate increases, the gas-liquid separation performance of the reserve tank decreases. To avoid this decrease in gas-liquid separation performance, the reserve tank must be enlarged, making it difficult to achieve both gas-liquid separation performance and compactness.

[0018] Therefore, the inventor(s) have studied a reserve tank with improved gas-liquid separation performance, and a cooling device and projector equipped with the same, and have arrived at the following invention.

[0019] A reserve tank according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a tank body that stores a refrigerant therein, an inlet passage for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the tank body, an outlet passage for allowing the refrigerant to flow out from the tank body, a collision member that is disposed inside the tank body opposite the outlet of the inlet passage and has a first surface against which the refrigerant flowing out from the inlet passage collides, and an air bubble prevention member that is disposed inside the tank body opposite the inlet of the outlet passage and prevents air bubbles from entering the outlet passage.

[0020] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a reserve tank with improved gas-liquid separation performance.

[0021] The inlet of the outflow passage may be provided inside the tank body at a position away from the inner wall of the tank body.

[0022] With this configuration, gas-liquid separation performance can be maintained even if the orientation of the tank body is changed.

[0023] The inlet passage includes a first inlet passage through which the refrigerant flows from outside the tank body, and a second inlet passage connecting the first inlet passage to the outlet, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet passage may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet passage.

[0024] This configuration allows the refrigerant to flow into the tank body from the outside while slowing down its flow rate, thereby reducing fluctuations at the interface between the refrigerant and air inside the tank and preventing air from re-entering the refrigerant flowing out of the reserve tank.

[0025] The outlet of the inlet passage and the inlet of the outlet passage may be arranged in a first direction and may be provided at a different position from the outlet of the inlet passage and the inlet of the outlet passage in the first direction, and the collision member may be arranged between the outlet of the inlet passage and the inlet of the outlet passage in the first direction.

[0026] With this configuration, the reserve tank can be used regardless of the orientation.

[0027] The first surface may have one or more through holes formed therein for allowing the coolant to move to the opposite side of the first surface.

[0028] With this configuration, part of the refrigerant flowing in from the inlet channel flows along the collision member, and the other part flows through the through-holes, dispersing the refrigerant that has flowed into the tank body. This reduces the overall flow rate of the refrigerant inside the tank body and prevents air from re-entering.

[0029] The tank body may be provided with a first region in which the outlet of the inlet passage is located and a second region in which the inlet of the outlet passage is located, the first region and the second region being separated by a collision member, and the first region and the second region being connected by one or more through holes.

[0030] With this configuration, the outlet of the inlet passage and the inlet of the outlet passage are located in different areas separated by the collision member, so that the refrigerant that has flowed into the tank body from the outlet of the inlet passage is prevented from directly flowing out of the outlet passage, thereby preventing air from mixing into the refrigerant flowing out of the tank body.

[0031] The sum of the opening areas of the one or more through holes may be greater than the opening area of ​​the outlet of the inlet channel.

[0032] With this configuration, the flow velocity of the refrigerant inside the tank body can be reduced.

[0033] The collision member and the air bubble entrapment prevention member may be integrally formed.

[0034] With this configuration, the structure of the tank body can be simplified while reducing the flow rate of the inflowing refrigerant.

[0035] The first surface of the collision member may be formed in a flat shape.

[0036] With this configuration, the flow velocity of the inflowing coolant can be reduced by causing the coolant to collide with the collision member.

[0037] The first surface of the collision member may be formed in a concave shape.

[0038] With this configuration, the path of the inflowing refrigerant can be easily changed, and the pressure loss when the inflowing refrigerant collides with the collision member can be reduced.

[0039] The first surface of the collision member may be formed in a convex shape.

[0040] With this configuration, the path of the inflowing refrigerant can be easily changed, and the pressure loss when the inflowing refrigerant collides with the collision member can be reduced.

[0041] The impingement member may have a sidewall surrounding the first surface of the impingement member, the sidewall covering at least a portion of the outlet of the inlet channel.

[0042] This configuration allows the flow of the inflowing refrigerant to be reversed, which in turn suppresses the swaying of the refrigerant-air interface inside the tank body due to the inflow of refrigerant, reducing the amount of air contained in the outflowing refrigerant, thereby improving gas-liquid separation performance.

[0043] A cooling device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned reserve tank, a pump for circulating the refrigerant, a heat receiving section for recovering heat from a heat generating element, and a heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerant, and circulates the refrigerant stored in the reserve tank to cool the heat generating element.

[0044] With this configuration, the cooling device can be made smaller and its cooling performance can be improved.

[0045] A projector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described cooling device.

[0046] With this configuration, it is possible to provide a compact projector with improved cooling performance.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary will be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters and redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration will be omitted.

[0048] This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the inventor(s) provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0049] (Embodiment 1) [Cooling system configuration] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cooling device 1 of Fig. 1.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling device 1 includes a reserve tank 10, a pump 20, a heat receiving unit 30, and a heat exchanger 40. The reserve tank 10 is a tank that stores refrigerant and removes air contained in the refrigerant. The pump 20 is a power source that circulates the refrigerant. The heat receiving unit 30 is thermally connected to a heat generating element 31 and absorbs heat generated by the heat generating element 31. The heat exchanger 40 cools the refrigerant using an air-cooled fan 41.

[0051] The heat receiving portion 30 of the cooling device 1 is thermally connected to a heat generating element 31 such as a laser light source of a projector.

[0052] In the cooling device 1, the pump 20 is used as a power source to circulate the refrigerant through the refrigerant transport paths 50a to 50d, thereby cooling the heat generating element 31.

[0053] Specifically, heat generated from the heat-generating element 31 is recovered in the heat receiving section 30. As the refrigerant flows through the heat receiving section 30, the heat recovered in the heat receiving section 30 is absorbed by the refrigerant. The refrigerant that has absorbed the heat travels from the refrigerant transport path 50c through the pump 20 and the refrigerant transport path 50d to the heat exchanger 40, where it is cooled by air blown by the air-cooling fan 41. The cooled refrigerant passes through the refrigerant transport path 50a and flows into the reserve tank 10 through the inlet path 13 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and is introduced into the reserve tank 10. After gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant occurs in the reserve tank 10, the refrigerant flows out of the reserve tank 10 through the outlet path 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and flows through the refrigerant transport path 50b and returns to the heat receiving section 30.

[0054] The refrigerant may be an antifreeze solution such as an ethylene glycol aqueous solution or a propylene glycol aqueous solution. The refrigerant may also contain an anticorrosion additive to prevent corrosion of copper or copper alloys, which are used in the material constituting the heat receiving portion 30.

[0055] The refrigerant transport paths 50a-50d are formed by combining flexible tubes and metal pipes. The flexible tubes are made of a polymer material with low gas permeability, such as butyl rubber or fluororubber. The metal pipes are made of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like.

[0056] [Reserve tank configuration] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reserve tank 10 included in the cooling device 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the reserve tank 10 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5A is a plan view of the reserve tank 10 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 10 of FIG. 5A taken along line AA. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 10 of FIG. 5A taken along line BB. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the reserve tank 10 of FIG. 3 from another direction. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of line CC of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is an enlarged view of the dashed line region R1 of FIG. 6B. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a collision member 101 and an air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 included in the reserve tank 10 of FIG. 3.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reserve tank 10 includes a tank body 16, an inflow path 13, an outflow path 14, a collision member 101, and an air bubble entrapment prevention member 100.

[0058] The tank body 16 stores a refrigerant therein. The tank body 16 includes a lower tank portion 11 and an upper tank portion 12. The lower tank portion 11 and the upper tank portion 12 are cylindrical containers with bottoms, and by joining their openings together, the tank body 16 having a substantially cylindrical internal space is formed. The lower tank portion 11 is provided with an inlet passage 13 for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the tank body 16 and an outlet passage 14 for allowing the refrigerant to flow out of the tank body 16.

[0059] A refrigerant refill pipe 15 is provided in the tank upper portion 12, and when the refrigerant inside the tank body 16 becomes low, the refrigerant can be refilled through the refrigerant refill pipe 15. A rubber cap (not shown) is usually attached to the refrigerant refill pipe 15. When refilling the refrigerant, the rubber cap can be removed and a container containing the refrigerant, such as a syringe, can be connected to the refrigerant refill pipe 15 to refill the refrigerant. Alternatively, the refrigerant can be refilled by connecting a hose or the like to the refrigerant refill pipe 15.

[0060] The tank lower part 11 and the tank upper part 12 can be made of resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polyphenylene ether (PPE), or may be made of metal or the like.

[0061] The refrigerant passes through inlet 13b of inlet channel 13 provided in lower tank portion 11, passes through inlet channel 13, and flows into tank body 16 from outlet 13a of inlet channel 13. Meanwhile, the refrigerant passes through outlet channel 14 from inlet 14a of outlet channel 14 provided in lower tank portion 11, and flows out of tank body 16 from outlet 14b of outlet channel 14.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5B, the outlet 13a of the inflow channel 13 is provided inside the tank body 16 at a position away from the inner wall 11w of the tank body 16.

[0063] The refrigerant that has passed through inflow passage 13 as indicated by arrow F1 flows into tank body 16 from outlet 13a. A portion of the refrigerant that has flowed out from outlet 13a collides with collision member 101 (described later), changes its direction of travel as indicated by arrow F2, and then flows in. Another portion of the refrigerant that has flowed out from outlet 13a passes through through-hole 103 provided in collision member 101, as indicated by arrow F3, and flows in without changing its direction of travel.

[0064] The inlet channel 13 includes a first inlet channel 13c through which the refrigerant flows from the outside of the tank body 16, and a second inlet channel 13d that connects the first inlet channel 13c to the outlet 13a of the inlet channel 13. The first inlet channel 13c penetrates the cylindrical sidewall of the tank lower portion 11 and is a flow path from the outside to the inside of the tank body 16. The second inlet channel 13d extends from the bottom of the tank lower portion 11 toward the tank upper portion 12. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet channel 13d is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet channel 13c. With the inlet channel 13 configured in this manner, the flow rate of the refrigerant is slowed when it passes through the second inlet channel 13d, which has a larger cross-sectional area. As shown in FIG. 5B, the inlet channel 13 is configured so that the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the first inlet channel 13c is perpendicular to the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the second inlet channel 13d.

[0065] 5C, the inlet 14a of the outflow path 14 is provided inside the tank body 16 at a position away from the inner wall 11w of the tank body 16. In this embodiment, the inlet 14a of the outflow path 14 is disposed near the center inside the tank body 16.

[0066] An air bubble prevention member 100, which will be described later, is disposed at the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14, and the refrigerant inside the tank body 16 collides with an air bubble prevention wall 102b of the air bubble prevention member 100 and enters the outflow channel 14. The air bubble prevention wall 102b is intended to prevent air bubbles (air) from entering the refrigerant being discharged from the tank body 16. The refrigerant that has entered the outflow channel 14 is discharged to the outside of the tank body 16 from an outlet 14b of the outflow channel 14, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6B , the outlet 13a of the inlet channel 13 and the inlet 14a of the outlet channel 14 are arranged facing the Z direction. Here, the Z direction corresponds to the "first direction" in the present disclosure. That is, the inlet channel 13 and the outlet channel 14 are both arranged so that their openings face the Z direction. In the Z direction, the outlet 13a of the inlet channel 13 and the inlet 14a of the outlet channel 14 are located at different positions. That is, the outlet 13a of the inlet channel 13 and the inlet 14a of the outlet channel 14 are located at different heights in the Z direction.

[0068] Returning to Fig. 4, an air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 is disposed inside the tank body 16. In this embodiment, a collision member 101 is formed integrally with the air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 (see Fig. 7).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5B , the collision member 101 is disposed inside the tank body 16, facing the outlet 13a of the inflow channel 13. The collision member 101 has a first surface 101a with which the refrigerant flowing out from the inflow channel 13 collides. The collision member 101 also has a second surface 101b opposite to the first surface 101a. In this embodiment, the first surface 101a is formed in a flat shape. The first surface 101a is formed as a flat surface along the XY plane. Therefore, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 13a of the inflow channel 13, as indicated by arrow F1, collides with the first surface 101a of the collision member 101, reduces its flow velocity, changes its traveling direction as indicated by arrow F2, and flows into the tank body 16.

[0070] The collision member 101 is formed with a through hole 103 that moves the refrigerant from the first surface 101a toward the second surface 101b (the surface opposite to the first surface 101a). The through hole 103 is formed to be small relative to the opening size of the outlet 13a of the inflow channel 13. More preferably, the through hole 103 is formed to be sufficiently small relative to the outlet 13a of the inflow channel 13. In this embodiment, the collision member 101 is formed with two through holes 103. The number of through holes 103 is not limited to two, and may be one or more.

[0071] Because a through hole 103 is formed in the collision member 101, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 13a of the inlet passage 13 passes through the through hole 103 from the first surface 101a of the collision member 101 and moves to the opposite side of the first surface 101a, as shown by arrow F3.

[0072] In this way, by providing the through hole 103 in the collision member 101, the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 13a of the inlet passage 13 can be dispersed in the directions of the arrows F2 and F3, thereby reducing the overall flow velocity of the refrigerant and suppressing flow bias.

[0073] 6B , the collision member 101 is disposed between the outlet 13a of the inlet 13 and the inlet 14a of the outlet 14 in the Z direction. That is, the inlet 14a of the outlet 14 is disposed at a higher position in the Z direction than the outlet 13a of the inlet 13, and the collision member 101 is disposed between the inlet 14a and the outlet 13a in the Z direction. By disposing the collision member 101 in this manner, the flow of the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 13a of the inlet 13 can be dispersed to a position away from the outlet 14, and the refrigerant can be prevented from directly entering the outlet 14.

[0074] The air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 is disposed inside the tank body 16, facing the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14. The air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 is intended to prevent air bubbles (air) from entrapment in the outflow channel 14.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6C , the air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 has a lid 102a and an air bubble entrapment prevention wall 102b. The lid 102a is disposed to face the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14. The lid 102a restricts the inflow of refrigerant into the outflow channel 14 from the Z direction. The air bubble entrapment prevention wall 102b is a cylindrical member disposed to surround the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14 and the lid 102a. In this embodiment, the air bubble entrapment prevention wall 102b has a shape resembling a notched circle when viewed from the Z direction. This shape creates a large gap between the air bubble entrapment prevention wall 102b and the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14, thereby preventing pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing into the inlet 14a. Furthermore, the gap between the air bubble prevention wall 102b and the inlet 14a can be made small near the notch 14c of the inlet 14a (described later), which prevents pressure loss of the refrigerant and removes air bubbles from the refrigerant flowing into the inlet 14a. A gap is provided between the outer periphery of the lid 102a and the air bubble prevention wall 102b, allowing the refrigerant to pass through this gap. The air bubble prevention wall 102b can restrict the flow of refrigerant into the outflow channel 14 from the X and Y directions.

[0076] A notch 14c (see FIG. 4) is formed in the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14. By forming the notch 14c in the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14, a gap can be formed between the lid 102a and the inlet 14a, even when the lid 102a is placed close to the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14. By disposing the air bubble entrapment prevention member 100, the refrigerant flows along the air bubble entrapment prevention wall 102b and enters the outflow channel 14 through the notch 14c (arrow F4 in FIG. 6C). At this time, as described above, the air bubble entrapment prevention wall 102b is formed so that the gap between the notch 14c of the inlet 14a and the lid 102a is small, so that the lid 102a can prevent air bubbles from entering the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14. Furthermore, since the gap between the outer wall of the outflow channel 14 and the air bubble entrainment prevention wall 102b is small, it is possible to suppress air bubbles in the refrigerant from passing through the gap and prevent them from entraining into the outflow channel 14. In this way, the air bubble entrainment prevention member 100 can prevent air bubbles from entraining into the outflow channel 14.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 7, in this embodiment, the air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 and the collision member 101 are integrally formed. The air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 and the collision member 101 are connected by a connecting portion 100a extending from the outside of the air bubble entrapment prevention wall 102b. The connecting portion 100a rises from the collision member 101 in the Z direction and is structured to divide the flow path of the refrigerant flowing in the Z direction from the two through-holes 103. By integrally forming the air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 and the collision member 101 in this way, the structure of the tank body 16 can be simplified.

[0078] Furthermore, two base portions 100b extend in the Y direction from the air bubble entrapment prevention wall 102b. These serve as bases when the air bubble entrapment prevention member 100 is attached to the tank body 16.

[0079] [Reserve tank operation] Here, the operation of the reserve tank 10 will be described.

[0080] The refrigerant cooled in the heat exchanger 40 passes through the refrigerant transport path 50a and flows into the reserve tank 10. The refrigerant from the refrigerant transport path 50a enters the reserve tank 10 from the inlet 13b of the inlet path 13. The refrigerant that has entered the inlet path 13 passes through the first inlet path 13c, slows down in the second inlet path 13d, flows out from the outlet 13a of the inlet path 13, and reaches the inside of the tank body 16.

[0081] A portion of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 collides with first surface 101a of collision member 101, changes its direction of travel, and flows into tank body 16 (arrow F2 in FIG. 5B). Meanwhile, another portion of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 passes through through-hole 103 provided in collision member 101 and flows to the opposite side of first surface 101a (arrow F3 in FIG. 5B).

[0082] By disposing the collision member 101 at a position opposite the outlet 13a of the inflow channel 13, the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing into the tank body 16 is reduced. Furthermore, by colliding with the collision member 101 and changing the direction of travel of the refrigerant, the fluctuation of the interface 3a between the refrigerant and the air inside the tank body 16 shown in FIG. 6B can be reduced. When the interface 3a fluctuates, air bubbles tend to get mixed in the refrigerant flowing out of the outflow channel 14. However, in this embodiment, the provision of the collision member 101 reduces the fluctuation of the interface 3a, improving gas-liquid separation performance. Furthermore, by disposing the collision member 101, the fluctuation of the interface 3a can be reduced even when the flow rate of the refrigerant is increased. Therefore, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be increased and cooling performance can be improved without increasing the size of the reserve tank 10 itself.

[0083] The refrigerant inside the tank body 16 passes through the air bubble entrainment prevention member 100 and is discharged from the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14 through the outflow channel 14 to the outside of the tank body 16. At this time, the air bubble entrainment prevention wall 102b arranged to surround the inlet 14a of the outflow channel 14 can prevent air bubbles from entraining into the outflow channel 14.

[0084] The refrigerant discharged to the outside of the tank body 16 passes through the refrigerant transport path 50b and flows to the heat receiving portion 30.

[0085] [effect] According to the embodiment described above, the reserve tank 10 includes the tank body 16, the inlet channel 13, the outlet channel 14, the collision member 101, and the air bubble entrainment prevention member 100. The collision member 101 is disposed opposite the outlet 13a of the inlet channel 13. With this configuration, the refrigerant flowing into the tank body 16 from the inlet channel 13 is caused to collide with the collision member 101, thereby reducing the flow velocity of the refrigerant and preventing the interface 3a between the refrigerant and the air inside the tank body 16 from vibrating. As a result, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from entraining in the refrigerant flowing out of the tank body 16 without increasing the size of the tank body 16. Therefore, it is possible to provide a small reserve tank 10 with improved gas-liquid separation performance.

[0086] Furthermore, inlet channel 13 includes first inlet channel 13c through which the refrigerant flows from outside tank body 16, and second inlet channel 13d that connects first inlet channel 13c to outlet 13a. The cross section of second inlet channel 13d is larger than the cross section of first inlet channel 13c. This configuration allows the flow velocity of the refrigerant to be reduced in second inlet channel 13d. Because the flow velocity is reduced in second inlet channel 13d and the refrigerant flows out of outlet 13a of inlet channel 13 at a reduced flow velocity, the impact of the refrigerant flowing out of outlet 13a on interface 3a can be reduced.

[0087] Furthermore, collision member 101 has first surface 101a with which the refrigerant flowing out from inflow channel 13 collides. First surface 101a of collision member 101 is formed on a flat surface. When the refrigerant collides with first surface 101a of collision member 101, the direction of travel of the refrigerant can be changed. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant that flows directly to interface 3a between the refrigerant and air, thereby reducing the impact on interface 3a.

[0088] Furthermore, the inlet 14a of the outflow path 14 is located inside the tank body 16, away from the inner wall 11w of the tank body 16. By locating the inlet 14a of the outflow path 14 away from the inner wall 11w of the tank body 16, the inlet 14a of the outflow path 14 is located closer to the refrigerant than the interface 3a between the refrigerant and the air, regardless of the orientation in which the reserve tank 10 is placed. In other words, the inlet 14a of the outflow path 14 is always located inside the refrigerant. Therefore, the reserve tank 10 can exhibit gas-liquid separation performance regardless of the orientation in which it is used.

[0089] Furthermore, collision member 101 is formed with through holes 103 that allow the refrigerant to move from first surface 101a toward the opposite side of first surface 101a. With this configuration, part of the refrigerant collides with collision member 101 and changes its direction of travel, while other part of the refrigerant can pass through through holes 103. By dispersing the refrigerant and causing it to flow inside tank body 16, the overall flow velocity of the refrigerant can be reduced and uneven flow can be suppressed.

[0090] Furthermore, outlet 13a of inlet channel 13 and inlet 14a of outlet channel 14 are arranged facing the Z direction (first direction), and outlet 13a of inlet channel 13 and inlet 14a of outlet channel 14 are provided at different positions in the Z direction, and collision member 101 is arranged between outlet 13a of inlet channel 13 and inlet 14a of outflow channel 14 in the Z direction. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant, which has changed direction at first surface 101a of collision member 101, from directly reaching inlet 14a of outflow channel 14.

[0091] Furthermore, the collision member 101 is formed integrally with the air bubble entrapment prevention member 100. With this configuration, the structure of the tank body 16 can be simplified, and the refrigerant can be easily prevented from affecting the interface 3a.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which two through holes 103 are provided in the collision member 101, but the collision member 101 may have one or more through holes 103 formed therein.

[0093] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 8A to 10. In Embodiment 2, the same or equivalent configurations as in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In Embodiment 2, descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0094] FIG. 8A is a plan view showing the reserve tank 110 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8B is a DD cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 110 of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is an EE cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 110 of FIG. 8A. FIG. 9A is a plan view of the reserve tank 110 of FIG. 8A from another direction. FIG. 9B is an FF cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 110 of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an air bubble intrusion prevention member 200 and a collision member 201 included in the reserve tank 110 of FIG. 8A.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the shape of the collision member 201 is different from that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a first region 16a in which the outlet 13a of the inlet channel 13 is disposed and a second region 16b in which the inlet 14a of the outlet channel 14 is disposed are provided inside the tank body 16. The first region 16a and the second region 16b are separated by the collision member 201. A plurality of through holes 203a, 203b are formed in the collision member 201, and the first region 16a and the second region 16b are connected to each other by the through holes 203a, 203b.

[0096] 8B to 8C and 9B, in this embodiment, collision member 201 is arranged so as to divide the interior of tank body 16 into two regions. Outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 is arranged in first region 16a, and inlet 14a of outflow channel 14 is arranged in second region 16b. Therefore, collision member 201 divides the interior of tank body 16 into a region (first region 16a) where refrigerant flows from the outside of tank body 16 to the inside, and a region (second region 16b) where refrigerant flows from the inside of tank body 16 to the outside.

[0097] Since the outlet 13a of the inlet passage 13 and the inlet 14a of the outlet passage 14 are located in different areas separated by the collision member 201, the refrigerant that flows into the tank body 16 from the outlet 13a of the inlet passage 13 can be prevented from flowing directly out of the tank body 16 from the inlet 14a of the outlet passage 14.

[0098] 10, in this embodiment, the collision member 201 is formed in a disk shape. Four through holes 203a are formed along the outer periphery of the disk-shaped collision member 201. In addition, a through hole 203b is formed at a position facing the outlet 13a of the inflow channel 13 when the collision member 201 is placed in the tank body 16.

[0099] A portion of the refrigerant (arrow F21 in FIG. 8B) that passes through inflow channel 13 and flows out from outlet 13a collides with first surface 201a of collision member 201, changes its direction of travel, and flows through through-hole 203a into second region 16b (arrow F22 in FIG. 8B). Another portion of the refrigerant (arrow F21 in FIG. 8B) that passes through inflow channel 13 and flows out from outlet 13a flows through through-hole 203b into second region 16b (arrow F23 in FIG. 8B).

[0100] The formation of four through holes 203a allows the refrigerant that has flowed into first region 16a from outside tank body 16 to flow into second region 16b. The refrigerant that flows out from outlet 13a of inflow path 13 does not flow directly into second region 16b, but flows into first region 16a and then flows into second region 16b through through holes 203a and 203b, thereby preventing fluctuations in interface 3a between the refrigerant and air.

[0101] The sum of the opening areas of the multiple through holes 203a, 203b of the collision member 201 is larger than the opening area of ​​the outlet 13a of the inflow channel 13. By forming the through holes 203 in this manner, it is possible to reduce the flow velocity of the refrigerant that has flowed into the tank body 16. As a result, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation of the interface 3a between the refrigerant and the air, and improve the gas-liquid separation performance.

[0102] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 11A to 13. In Embodiment 3, the same or equivalent configurations as in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, in Embodiment 3, descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0103] FIG. 11A is a plan view showing reserve tank 210 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11B is a GG cross-sectional view of reserve tank 210 in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11C is an HH cross-sectional view of reserve tank 210 in FIG. 11A. FIG. 12A is a plan view of reserve tank 210 in FIG. 11A from another direction. FIG. 12B is a II cross-sectional view of reserve tank 210 in FIG. 12A. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing air bubble intrusion prevention member 300 and collision member 301 included in reserve tank 210 in FIG. 11A.

[0104] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first surface 301a of the collision member 301 is formed in a concave shape.

[0105] 11B and 13, first surface 301a of collision member 301 is formed concavely with respect to outlet 13a of inflow channel 13. In this case, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 into tank body 16 (arrow F31 in FIG. 11B) collides with first surface 301a of collision member 301, changes its direction of travel, and flows into tank body 16 (arrow F32 in FIG. 11B). Another portion of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 into tank body 16 (arrow F31 in FIG. 11B) passes through through-hole 303 formed in collision member 301 and flows into tank body 16 (arrow F33 in FIG. 11B).

[0106] When first surface 301a of collision member 301 has such a shape, the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 faces less resistance to flow after colliding with first surface 301a. As a result, it is possible to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment while reducing pressure loss.

[0107] (Fourth embodiment) Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 14A to 16. In Embodiment 4, the same or equivalent configurations as in Embodiment 3 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in Embodiment 4, descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 3 will be omitted.

[0108] FIG. 14A is a plan view showing a reserve tank 310 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14B is a JJ cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 310 of FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C is a KK cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 310 of FIG. 14A. FIG. 15A is a plan view of the reserve tank 310 of FIG. 14A from another direction. FIG. 15B is an LL cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 310 of FIG. 15A. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an air bubble intrusion prevention member 400 and a collision member 401 included in the reserve tank 310 of FIG. 14A.

[0109] The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the first surface 401a of the collision member 401 is formed in a convex shape.

[0110] 14B and 16, first surface 401a of collision member 401 is formed in a convex shape relative to outlet 13a of inflow channel 13. In this case, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 into tank body 16 (arrow F41 in FIG. 14B) collides with first surface 401a of collision member 401, changes its direction of travel, and flows into tank body 16 (arrow F42 in FIG. 14B). Another portion of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 into tank body 16 (arrow F41 in FIG. 14B) passes through through-hole 403 formed in collision member 401 and flows into tank body 16 (arrow F43 in FIG. 14B).

[0111] When first surface 401a of collision member 401 has such a shape, the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 faces less resistance after colliding with first surface 401a, thereby achieving the same effects as in the third embodiment while reducing pressure loss.

[0112] (Embodiment 5) Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Figures 17A to 20. In Embodiment 5, the same or equivalent configurations as in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, in Embodiment 5, descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0113] FIG. 17A is a plan view showing a reserve tank 410 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17B is an MM cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 410 of FIG. 17A. FIG. 17C is an NN cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 410 of FIG. 17A. FIG. 18A is a plan view of the reserve tank 410 of FIG. 17A from another direction. FIG. 18B is an OO cross-sectional view of the reserve tank 410 of FIG. 18A. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an air bubble intrusion prevention member 500 and a collision member 501 included in the reserve tank 410 of FIG. 17A. FIG. 20 is a PP cross-sectional view of the air bubble intrusion prevention member 500 and the collision member 501 of FIG. 19.

[0114] In the fifth embodiment, the shape of the collision member 501 is different from that in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17A and Figs. 19-20, the collision member 501 has a side wall 501b surrounding the first surface 501a, and the side wall 501b covers at least a part of the outlet 13a of the inlet channel 13.

[0115] In this case, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 into tank body 16 (arrow F51 in FIG. 17B) collides with first surface 501a of collision member 501 and reverses its direction of travel (arrow F52 in FIG. 17B). The refrigerant that has changed its direction of travel flows along side wall 501b of collision member 501 and flows into tank body 16 (arrow F53 in FIG. 17B). Another portion of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13 into tank body 16 (arrow F51 in FIG. 17B) passes through through-hole 503 formed in collision member 501 and flows into tank body 16 (arrow F54 in FIG. 17B).

[0116] In this way, when collision member 501 is formed in a box shape and arranged so as to cover at least a part of outlet 13a of inflow channel 13, it is possible to reverse the direction of travel of part of the refrigerant flowing out from outlet 13a of inflow channel 13. This makes it possible to further reduce the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing into tank body 16. As a result, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation of interface 3a between the refrigerant and air, and improve gas-liquid separation performance.

[0117] In the above description, the respective embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided for that purpose.

[0118] Therefore, the components shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only essential components for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above-mentioned technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0119] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The present disclosure is applicable to a reserve tank, and a cooling device and a projector that include a reserve tank. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Cooling device 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 reserve tank 13 Inflow channel 13a Exit 13c 1st inflow channel 13d 2nd inflow channel 14 Outflow channel 14a Entrance 16 Tank body 16a 1st area 16b Second area 20 Pump 30 Heat receiving part 40 Heat exchanger 41 Cooling fan 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Air bubble prevention material 101, 201, 301, 401, 501 Collision members 101a, 201a, 301a, 401a, 501a Page 1 103, 203, 203a, 203b, 303, 403, 503 through holes 501b sidewall

Claims

1. a tank body that stores a refrigerant therein; an inflow channel through which the refrigerant flows into the tank body; an outflow path through which the refrigerant flows out from inside the tank body; a collision member disposed inside the tank body and facing the outlet of the inlet passage, the collision member having a first surface with which the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet of the inlet passage collides; an air bubble prevention member that faces the inlet of the outflow path inside the tank body and prevents air bubbles from entering the outflow path; Equipped with Reserve tank.

2. The inlet of the outflow path is provided inside the tank body at a position away from the inner wall of the tank body. The reservoir tank according to claim 1.

3. the inlet passage includes a first inlet passage through which the refrigerant flows from the outside of the tank body, and a second inlet passage connecting the first inlet passage to an outlet of the inlet passage, The cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet passage is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet passage.

3. The reserve tank according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The inflow path is configured such that the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the first inflow path is perpendicular to the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the second inflow path. The reserve tank according to claim 3.

5. The outlet of the inlet passage and the inlet of the outlet passage are arranged in a first direction, The outlet of the inlet passage is provided at a position different from the position of the inlet of the outlet passage in the first orientation, The collision member is disposed between the outlet of the inlet passage and the inlet of the outlet passage in the first orientation.

5. The reserve tank according to claim 1.

6. the collision member has a second surface opposite to the first surface, The impingement member has one or more through holes that allow the coolant to move from the first surface toward the second surface.

6. The reserve tank according to claim 1.

7. the tank body has, inside the tank body, a first region in which the outlet of the inlet channel is arranged and a second region in which the inlet of the outlet channel is arranged, the first region and the second region are separated by the collision member, the one or more through holes communicate with the first region and the second region; The reserve tank according to claim 6.

8. a sum of the opening areas of the one or more through holes is greater than an opening area of ​​the outlet of the inlet channel; The reserve tank according to claim 7.

9. The collision member and the air bubble entrapment prevention member are integrally formed. A reserve tank according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first surface of the collision member is formed into a flat surface.

10. The reserve tank according to claim 1.

11. The first surface of the collision member is formed in a concave shape.

10. The reserve tank according to claim 1.

12. The first surface of the collision member is formed in a convex shape.

10. The reserve tank according to claim 1.

13. the collision member has a side wall surrounding the first surface of the collision member, the sidewall covers at least a portion of the outlet of the inlet channel; 13. The reserve tank according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The air bubble entrapment prevention member is a lid portion facing the inlet of the outflow channel; A cylindrical wall surrounding the inlet of the outflow channel and the lid portion, The reservoir tank according to claim 1.

15. A reserve tank according to any one of claims 1 to 14; a pump for circulating the refrigerant; a heat receiving section that recovers heat from the heating element; a heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant, The refrigerant stored in the reserve tank is circulated to cool the heating element. Cooling device.

16. A projector comprising the cooling device according to claim 15.

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