Cooling device and cold plate

Abstract

To provide a cooling device and a cold plate that prevent piping from being complicated.SOLUTION: A cooling device 100 includes first and second cold plates 1A, 1B, and first to fourth pipes 2A to 2D. The first cold plate 1A has first and second openings, and a first flow path in communication with each of the first and second openings. The first pipe 2A is connected to the first opening. The second pipe 2B is connected to the second opening. The second cold plate 1B has third and fourth openings, and a second flow path in communication with each of the third and fourth openings. The third pipe 2C is connected to the third opening. The fourth pipe 2D is connected to the fourth opening. The first and second openings are positioned apart from each other in a first direction X. The fourth pipe 2D passes between the first opening and the second opening, and extends in a second direction Y which is perpendicular to the first direction X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling device and a cold plate. [Background technology]

[0002] A liquid-cooled module is disclosed as an example of a cooling device according to the background art (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A pipe connected to the inlet of the liquid-cooled module on the right side in the width direction functions as an introduction pipe. The refrigerant is introduced from the outside of the electronic device through the introduction pipe into the liquid-cooled module on the right side.

[0003] The pipe connected to the outlet of the left liquid cooling module acts as a discharge pipe, and the liquid coolant inside the left liquid cooling module is discharged to the outside of the electronic device through the discharge pipe.

[0004] A pipe also connects the inlet of the right liquid cooling module and the outlet of the left liquid cooling module, and the pipe acts as a transfer pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-152500 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In cooling devices, the problem is that the piping becomes more complicated when the number of cooling targets increases.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling device and a cold plate that do not require complicated piping. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An exemplary cooling device of the present disclosure includes a first cold plate, a first tubular member, a second tubular member, a second cold plate, a third tubular member, and a fourth tubular member. The first cold plate has a first opening, a second opening, and a first flow path continuous with each of the first opening and the second opening. The first tubular member is connected to the first opening. The second tubular member is connected to the second opening. The second cold plate has a third opening, a fourth opening, and a second flow path continuous with each of the third opening and the fourth opening. The third tubular member is connected to the third opening. The fourth tubular member is connected to the fourth opening. The first opening and the second opening are spaced apart from each other in a first direction. The fourth tubular member passes between the first opening and the second opening and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0009] An exemplary cold plate according to the present disclosure includes a body, three or more openings, and a flow path. The body has a cooling portion that is in thermal contact with an object to be cooled. The three or more openings are formed in a portion of the body other than the cooling portion. The flow path is continuous with each of the three or more openings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cooling device and a cold plate that do not require complicated piping. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a cooling device 100 (first embodiment) in use. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the cooling device 100 in use shown in FIG. 1, viewed from a different direction. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing openings 11A to 11I formed in cold plates 1A to 1D shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a side view of the cooling device 100 shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from one side X1 in the X direction. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling device 100 taken along line VV in FIG. 4, viewed from one side Z1 in the Z direction. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling device 100 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4, viewed from one side Z1 in the Z direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooling device 100 according to a first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cooling device 100 (second embodiment) in use. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view showing openings 11A to 11T formed in cold plates 1A to 1I shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a cooling device 100 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be designated by the same reference characters, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] [Term definition] The term "connected" means "fluidly connected."

[0014] The term "thermal contact" can mean "direct thermal contact" or "thermal contact (through something)."

[0015] The term "intersection" includes perpendicular intersections between lines, surfaces, or lines and surfaces, as well as non-perpendicular intersections within a range or small deviation for purposes of this disclosure. Small deviations include tolerances, errors, and the like.

[0016] The term "tubing" refers to a pipe (or tube), a fitting (also called a coupling), or a combination of a pipe and a fitting. The pipe may be, for example, a metal pipe or a plastic pipe.

[0017] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0018] In each figure, the Z direction, X direction, and Y direction that intersect with each other are shown.

[0019] The Z direction is defined based on a state in which the cooling device 100 is installed on a cooling target (described later) so that it can be used (hereinafter also referred to as an "used state"). The Z direction is the vertical direction of the cooling device 100. The X direction is, for example, the direction in which the openings 11A and 11B are aligned.

[0020] The one side and the other side of the Z direction are also referred to as the one side of the Z direction Z1 and the other side of the Z direction Z2. In this embodiment, the one side of the Z direction Z1 and the other side of the Z direction Z2 are the upward and downward directions of the cooling device 100 in use.

[0021] The one side and the other side of the X direction are also referred to as one side of the X direction X1 and the other side of the X direction X2. In this embodiment, one side of the X direction X1 is the direction in which the opening 11B is located when viewed from the opening 11A in the cooling device 100 in use. The other side of the X direction X2 is the opposite direction to one side of the X direction X1.

[0022] The one side and the other side of the Y direction are also referred to as the one side of the Y direction Y1 and the other side of the Y direction Y2. In this embodiment, the one side of the Y direction Y1 is the direction in which the cold plate 1C is located when viewed from the opening 11A in the cooling device 100 in use. The other side of the Y direction Y2 is the opposite direction to the one side of the Y direction Y1.

[0023] [First embodiment (outline of cooling device 100)] The cooling device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0024] In FIG. 1, a cooling device 100 includes cold plates 1A to 1D and pipes 2A to 2I.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, cold plate 1A has openings 11A and 11B and flow path 12A. In FIG. 5, openings 11A and 11B are indicated by dashed imaginary lines. Flow path 12A is continuous with each of openings 11A and 11B. Cold plate 1A is an example of a "first cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11A and 11B are examples of a "first opening" and a "second opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12A is an example of a "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, pipes 2A and 2B are connected to openings 11A and 11B (see Figure 5), respectively. Pipes 2A and 2B are examples of the "first pipe" and "second pipe" of the present disclosure.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, cold plate 1B has openings 11C and 11D and flow path 12B. Flow path 12B is continuous with each of openings 11C and 11D. Cold plate 1B is an example of a "second cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11C and 11D are examples of a "third opening" and a "fourth opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12B is an example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, pipe members 2C and 2D are connected to openings 11C and 11D (see Figures 5 and 6), respectively. Pipe members 2C and 2D are examples of the "third pipe member" and "fourth pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, openings 11A and 11B are positioned apart from each other in the X direction. Pipe member 2D passes between openings 11A and 11B and extends in the Y direction. This prevents the piping from becoming complicated. In particular, pipe member 2D is aligned with both pipe members 2A and 2B in the X direction, so the piping (i.e., the installation of pipe members 2A, 2B, and 2D) does not become complicated. The X direction and the Y direction are examples of the "first direction" and "second direction" of the present disclosure.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, cold plate 1C has openings 11E-11G and flow path 12C. Flow path 12C is continuous with each of openings 11E-11G. Cold plate 1C is an example of a "third cold plate" of the present disclosure. Openings 11E, 11F, and 11G are examples of a "fifth opening," a "sixth opening," and a "seventh opening" of the present disclosure. Flow path 12C is an example of a "third flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0031] Pipe members 2E to 2G are connected to openings 11E to 11G, respectively. Pipe member 2G is an example of the "fifth pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, cold plate 1D has openings 11H and 11I and flow path 12D. Flow path 12D is continuous with each of openings 11H and 11I. Cold plate 1D is an example of a "fourth cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11H and 11I are examples of an "eighth opening" and a "ninth opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12D is an example of a "fourth flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0033] Pipe member 2H is connected to opening 11H. Pipe member 2I is connected to opening 11I and pipe member 2D. Pipe member 2I is an example of the "sixth pipe member" of the present disclosure. This shortens the total length of the pipe members. In particular, even when there are four cold plates, pipe member 2I is connected to pipe member 2D, so the total length of the pipe members (pipes 2A to 2I) is shortened.

[0034] As shown within the imaginary line of the oval V in Figure 1, at least a portion of the pipe 2D extends along at least one of the pipes 2B, 2C, and 2E. This restricts the movement of the pipe 2D. This prevents the pipes from being routed too complicatedly.

[0035] The openings 11E to 11G are positioned apart from one another in at least one of the X and Y directions. The pipe 2D passes between two selected openings 11E to 11G. This restricts the movement of the pipe 2D. This prevents the pipe from being routed too complicatedly.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, opening 11C is located farther from opening 11F than opening 11D. Opening 11H is located farther from opening 11G than opening 11I. This allows tubular members 2C and 2G to bend gently. As a result, the load on tubular members 2C and 2G is reduced.

[0037] In FIG. 1, in cooling device 100 in use, a cold refrigerant first flows into cold plate 1A among cold plates 1A-1D. Specifically, the refrigerant flows through pipe material 2A and into cold plate 1A from opening 11A. The refrigerant flows from opening 11A through flow path 12A and out through opening 11B. As the refrigerant flows through flow path 12A, heat is transferred from the object to be cooled, which is in thermal contact with cooling portion 14A of cold plate 1A, to the refrigerant flowing within flow path 12A. As a result, the object to be cooled is cooled.

[0038] The refrigerant flowing out of cold plate 1A passes through pipes 2B and 2E and flows into cold plate 1C through opening 11C. The refrigerant flows from opening 11E through flow path 12C and out through openings 11F and 11G. As the refrigerant flows through flow path 12C, the object to be cooled that is in thermal contact with cooling portion 14C is cooled.

[0039] The refrigerant flowing out from opening 11F passes through pipes 2C and 2F and flows into cold plate 1B from opening 11C. The refrigerant flows from opening 11C through flow path 12B and out from opening 11D. As the refrigerant flows through flow path 12B, the object to be cooled that is in thermal contact with cooling portion 14B is cooled.

[0040] The refrigerant flowing out from opening 11G passes through pipes 2G and 2H and flows into cold plate 1D from opening 11H. The refrigerant flows from opening 11H through flow path 12D and out from opening 11I. As the refrigerant flows through flow path 12D, the cooling target in thermal contact with cooling unit 14D is cooled.

[0041] The high-temperature refrigerant that flows out from opening 11D flows inside pipe 2D. The high-temperature refrigerant that flows out from opening 11I passes through pipe 2I and merges with the refrigerant flowing inside pipe 2D. The refrigerant that has flowed through pipe 2D flows out of cooling device 100.

[0042] The refrigerant is, for example, a cooling liquid. Examples of the cooling liquid include antifreeze liquid and pure water. Typical examples of antifreeze liquid are an ethylene glycol aqueous solution and a propylene glycol aqueous solution. The refrigerant is not limited to a liquid refrigerant, and may be a gas refrigerant.

[0043] [Detailed configuration of cooling device 100] The configuration of the cooling device 100 will be described in more detail below.

[0044] 1 to 6, cold plates 1A to 1D include main bodies 13A to 13D, each of which has an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped that is thin in the Z direction.

[0045] Each of the main bodies 13A to 13D is made of a highly thermally conductive material, such as a metal such as copper or aluminum. Alternatively, each of the main bodies 13A to 13D can be made of fine ceramics containing aluminum nitride or silicon carbide.

[0046] 2, the main bodies 13A to 13D have cooling sections 14A to 14D. Each of the cooling sections 14A to 14D has a surface that faces the other side Z2 of the Z direction when the cooling device 100 is in use. The cooling sections 14A to 14D are capable of thermally contacting an object to be cooled (not shown).

[0047] The object to be cooled is, for example, a heat source. The heat source is an electronic component or an electronic device. The electronic component is a component that constitutes an electronic device, and includes, for example, a central processing unit (so-called CPU), an electrolytic capacitor, a power semiconductor module, or a printed circuit board. The electronic component operates when powered and generates heat. The electronic device is a rack-mounted server or a blade server. The electronic device may also be a projector, a personal computer, or a display.

[0048] 3, the main body 13A has a surface 15A. The planar shape of the surface 15A is substantially rectangular. The surface 15A is spaced apart from the cooling unit 14A on one side Z1 in the Z direction. The surface 15A has two protrusions 151A and a recess 152A.

[0049] Each of the two protrusions 151A extends in both the X and Y directions. One of the two protrusions 151A is a portion on the surface 15A between an end 153A on one side X1 in the X direction and a portion 154A that is spaced apart from the end 153A on the other side X2 in the X direction.

[0050] The other of the two protrusions 151A is a portion on the surface 15A between an end 155A on the other side X2 of the X direction and a portion 156A away from the end 155A on the one side X1 of the X direction. One opening 11A and one opening 11B are formed in each of the two protrusions 151A.

[0051] The recess 152A is a portion of the surface 15A between the two protrusions 151A and extends in the X and Y directions. The recess 152A is located between an end 157A on one side Y1 of the Y direction and an end 158A on the other side Y2 of the Y direction, on the other side Z2 of the Z direction, beyond the two protrusions 151A.

[0052] 1, the pipe material 2D is between the two protrusions 151A and passes through the recess 152A, so that the pipe material 2D is prevented from shifting in the X direction.

[0053] The pipe 2A includes an elbow 21A, a resin pipe 22A, and a quick coupling 23A. One port of the elbow 21A is connected to the opening 11A. One end of the pipe 22A is connected to the other port of the elbow 21A. The other end of the pipe 22A is connected to the port of the quick coupling 23A.

[0054] Pipe 2B includes elbows 21B and 22B and a resin pipe 23B. One ports of elbows 21B and 22B are connected to openings 11B and 11E. Pipe 23B connects the other ports of elbows 21B and 22B to each other.

[0055] 5 and 6, the volume of flow path 12A is smaller than the volumes of each of flow paths 12B to 12D. As a result, the difference in the refrigerant temperature between when it flows into flow path 12A and when it flows out of flow path 12A can be made relatively small. Therefore, the cooling capacity of cold plates 1B to 1D does not decrease excessively.

[0056] 1 to 6, the main body 13C is located on one side Y1 in the Y direction relative to the main body 13A. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 13C has a surface 15C that faces the same direction as the surface 15A and is generally parallel to the surface 15A. Openings 11E to 11G are formed in the surface 15C. Of the openings 11E to 11G, the opening 11E is located closest to the main body 13A. The opening 11F is formed at a position that is spaced apart on one side Y1 in the Y direction relative to the opening 11E. The opening 11G is located on the other side X2 in the X direction relative to the opening 11F.

[0057] 1, in the first embodiment, pipe member 2E is the same as pipe member 2B. Pipe member 2E includes elbows 21E, 22E and pipe 23E that are the same as elbows 21B, 22B and pipe 23B. Note that when a cold plate different from cold plates 1A to 1D is connected between openings 11B and 11E, elbows 21E, 22E and pipe 23E are different from elbows 21B, 22B and pipe 23B, respectively.

[0058] 1 to 6, main body 13B is located on one side Y1 in the Y direction relative to main body 13C. As shown in FIG. 3, main body 13C has surface 15B that faces the same direction as surface 15A and is generally parallel to surface 15A. Openings 11C and 11D are formed in surface 15B. Opening 11C is farther from opening 11F than opening 11D.

[0059] The pipe 2C includes elbows 21C and 22C and a resin pipe 23C. One ports of the elbows 21C and 22C are connected to the openings 11F and 11C. The pipe 23C connects the other ports of the elbows 21C and 22C to each other.

[0060] 1 to 6, main body 13D is located on one side Y1 in the Y direction from main body 13C and on the other side X2 in the X direction from main body 13B. As shown in FIG. 3, main body 13D has surface 15D that faces the same direction as surface 15A and is generally parallel to surface 15A. Openings 11H and 11I are formed in surface 15D. Opening 11H is farther from opening 11G than opening 11I.

[0061] The pipe 2G includes elbows 21G and 22G and a resin pipe 23G. One port of each of the elbows 21G and 22G is connected to the openings 11G and 11H. The pipe 23C connects the other ports of the elbows 21C and 22C to each other.

[0062] 1, in the first embodiment, pipe member 2F is the same as pipe member 2C. Pipe member 2F includes elbows 21F, 22F and pipe 23F that are the same as elbows 21C, 22C and pipe 23C. Note that when a cold plate different from cold plates 1A to 1D is connected between openings 11F, 11C, elbows 21F, 22F and pipe 23F are different from elbows 21C, 22C and pipe 23C, respectively.

[0063] 1, in the first embodiment, pipe member 2H is the same as pipe member 2G. Pipe member 2H includes elbows 21H and 22H and a pipe 23H that are the same as elbows 21G and 22G and pipe 23G. Note that when a cold plate different from cold plates 1A to 1D is connected between openings 11G and 11H, elbows 21H and 22H and pipe 23H are different from elbows 21G and 22G and pipe 23G, respectively.

[0064] The pipe material 2D includes an elbow 21D, resin pipes 22D and 23D, a tee fitting 24D, and a quick coupling 25D. One port of the elbow 21D is connected to the opening 11D. One end of the pipe 22D is connected to the other port of the elbow 21D. The other end of the pipe 22D is connected to a first port of the tee fitting 24D. One end of the pipe 23D is connected to a second port of the tee fitting 24D. The other end of the pipe 23D is connected to a port of the quick coupling 25D.

[0065] The pipe 2I includes an elbow 21I and a resin pipe 22I. One port of the elbow 21I is connected to the opening 11I. One end of the pipe 22I is connected to the other port of the elbow 21I. The other end of the pipe 22I is connected to a third port of the tee fitting 24D.

[0066] [Modification of the first embodiment] As shown in Fig. 7, the cooling device 100 differs from the first embodiment in the following respects. That is, pipe 2B connects openings 11B and 11D. Pipe 2C connects openings 11C and 11F. Pipe 2D branches off from pipe 2C and is connected to opening 11I. Pipe 2E connects openings 11H and 11G. Pipe 2F is connected to opening 11E, passes through recess 152A, and extends in the Y direction. Note that in Fig. 7, openings 11A to 11I are indicated by dashed imaginary lines.

[0067] [Second embodiment (outline of cooling device 100)] The cooling device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below.

[0068] 8 and 9, the cooling device 100 includes cold plates 1A to 1I and pipe members 2A to 2K.

[0069] 8 and 9, the cold plates 1A to 1D may be similar to the cold plates 1A to 1D of the first embodiment, and therefore the description of the cold plates 1A to 1D will be simplified.

[0070] Cold plate 1A has openings 11A and 11B, flow path 12A, and cooling portion 14A. Cold plate 1A is an example of a "first cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11A and 11B are examples of a "first opening" and a "second opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12A is an example of a "first flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0071] Pipe members 2A and 2B are connected to openings 11A and 11B, respectively. Pipe members 2A and 2B are examples of the "first pipe member" and the "second pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0072] Cold plate 1I has openings 11R and 11S, a flow path 12I, and a cooling section 14I. Flow path 12I is continuous with each of openings 11R and 11S. Cold plate 1I is another example of a "second cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11R and 11S are another example of a "third opening" and a "fourth opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12I is another example of a "second flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0073] Pipe members 2G and 2H are connected to openings 11R and 11S, respectively. Pipe members 2G and 2H are examples of the "third pipe member" and "fourth pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0074] The openings 11A and 11B are positioned apart from each other in the X direction. The pipe material 2H passes between the openings 11A and 11B and extends in the Y direction. This prevents the piping from becoming complicated, as in the first embodiment.

[0075] Cold plate 1C has openings 11E-11G, flow path 12C (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and cooling section 14C. Cold plate 1C is another example of the "third cold plate" of the present disclosure. Openings 11E, 11F, and 11G are another example of the "fifth opening," "sixth opening," and "seventh opening" of the present disclosure. Flow path 12C is another example of the "third flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0076] Pipe members 2B to 2D are connected to openings 11E to 11G, respectively. Pipe members 2C and 2D are examples of the "fifth pipe member" and "eighth pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0077] Cold plate 1E has openings 11J and 11K, flow path 12E, and cooling section 14E. Flow path 12E is continuous with each of openings 11J and 11K. Cold plate 1E is an example of a "fourth cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11J and 11K are examples of an "eighth opening" and a "ninth opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12E is an example of a "fourth flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0078] 9, the flow path 12E is indicated by a hidden dashed line, and the same applies to the flow paths 12F to 12I.

[0079] Pipe members 2C and 2E are connected to openings 11J and 11K, respectively. Pipe member 2E is an example of the "sixth pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0080] Cold plate 1B has openings 11C and 11D, flow path 12B, and cooling section 14B. Cold plate 1B is an example of a "fifth cold plate" of the present disclosure. Openings 11C and 11D are examples of a "tenth opening" and an "eleventh opening" of the present disclosure. Flow path 12B is an example of a "fifth flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0081] Pipe members 2E and 2F are connected to openings 11C and 11D, respectively. Pipe member 2F is an example of the "seventh pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0082] Cold plate 1F has openings 11L and 11M, flow path 12F, and cooling section 14F. Flow path 12F is continuous with each of openings 11L and 11M. Cold plate 1F is an example of a "sixth cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11L and 11M are examples of a "twelfth opening" and a "thirteenth opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12F is an example of a "sixth flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0083] Pipes 2F and 2G are connected to openings 11L and 11M, respectively.

[0084] Cold plate 1G has openings 11N and 11O, flow path 12G, and cooling section 14G. Flow path 12G is continuous with each of openings 11N and 11O. Cold plate 1G is an example of a "seventh cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11N and 11O are examples of a "fourteenth opening" and a "fifteenth opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12G is an example of a "seventh flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0085] Pipe members 2D and 2I are connected to openings 11N and 11O, respectively. Pipe member 2I is an example of the "ninth pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0086] Cold plate 1D has openings 11H and 11I, flow path 12D (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and cooling section 14D. Cold plate 1D is an example of the "eighth cold plate" of the present disclosure. Openings 11H and 11I are examples of the "sixteenth opening" and "seventeenth opening" of the present disclosure. Flow path 12D is an example of the "eighth flow path" of the present disclosure.

[0087] Pipe members 2I and 2J are connected to openings 11H and 11I, respectively. Pipe member 2J is an example of the "tenth pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0088] Cold plate 1H has openings 11P and 11Q, flow path 12H, and cooling section 14H. Flow path 12H is continuous with each of openings 11P and 11Q. Cold plate 1H is an example of a "ninth cold plate" in the present disclosure. Openings 11P and 11Q are examples of an "eighteenth opening" and a "nineteenth opening" in the present disclosure. Flow path 12H is an example of a "ninth flow path" in the present disclosure.

[0089] The pipe 2J is connected to the opening 11P.

[0090] The cold plate 1I further has an opening 11T. The flow path 12I is continuous with each of the openings 11R to 11T. The opening 11T is an example of the "twentieth opening" of the present disclosure.

[0091] Pipe member 2K is connected to openings 11Q and 11T. Pipe member 2K is an example of the "eleventh pipe member" of the present disclosure.

[0092] Like the cooling portions 14A to 14D, the cooling portions 14E to 14I are surfaces that can be in thermal contact with an object to be cooled (not shown).

[0093] The cooling device 100 of the second embodiment can cool many cooling targets. Specifically, in Fig. 8, in cooling device 100 in use, the refrigerant flows into cold plates 1A and 1C in that order, and then flows into cold plates 1E and 1G. The refrigerant flows into cold plates 1E, 1B, 1F, and 1I in that order. The refrigerant flows into cold plates 1G, 1D, 1H, and 1I in that order. The refrigerants join at cold plate 1I and flow out of cooling device 100 via pipe 2H.

[0094] As the coolant flows through the flow paths 12A to 12I, heat is transferred from the object to be cooled that is in thermal contact with the cooling portions 14A to 14I to the coolant flowing through the flow paths 12A to 12I, resulting in the object to be cooled being cooled.

[0095] The refrigerant flowing out of cold plate 1A passes through pipes 2B and 2E and flows into cold plate 1C through opening 11C. The refrigerant flows from opening 11E through flow path 12C and out through openings 11F and 11G. As the refrigerant flows through flow path 12C, the object to be cooled that is in thermal contact with cooling portion 14C is cooled.

[0096] The refrigerant flowing out from opening 11F passes through pipes 2C and 2F and flows into cold plate 1B from opening 11C. The refrigerant flows from opening 11C through flow path 12B and out from opening 11D. As the refrigerant flows through flow path 12B, the object to be cooled that is in thermal contact with cooling portion 14B is cooled.

[0097] The refrigerant flowing out from opening 11G passes through pipes 2G and 2H and flows into cold plate 1D from opening 11H. The refrigerant flows from opening 11H through flow path 12D and out from opening 11I. As the refrigerant flows through flow path 12D, the cooling target in thermal contact with cooling unit 14D is cooled.

[0098] The high-temperature refrigerant that flows out from opening 11D flows inside pipe 2D. The high-temperature refrigerant that flows out from opening 11I passes through pipe 2I and merges with the refrigerant flowing inside pipe 2D. The refrigerant that has flowed through pipe 2D flows out of cooling device 100.

[0099] The cold plates 1E to 1H have the same shape, which allows the cooling device 100 to be manufactured at low cost.

[0100] At least one of the pipes 2B to 2G, 2I to 2K is curved. This makes the pipe longer than if the pipes were not curved. This increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the cold plates 1A to 1I.

[0101] Cold plates 1B and 1D are positioned at a distance in the X direction. The X direction is an example of the "third direction" of the present disclosure. Cold plate 1I is positioned between cold plates 1B and 1D in the X direction. This makes it easier to route pipe 2H.

[0102] The cold plate 1I has a first surface 15I and a second surface 16I that are spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The openings 11R and 11T are formed in the first surface 15I and the second surface 16I, respectively. This makes it easier to align the lengths of the pipes 2G and 2K.

[0103] Each of the pipes 2G and 2K is curved. This makes the tubes longer than if they were not curved. This increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the cold plates 1I, 1B, and 1D.

[0104] [Third embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, three openings 11E to 11G are formed in the main body 13C of the cold plate 1C in a portion other than the cooling portion 14C. The number of openings may be three or more. This allows the cold plate 1C to function as a T-pipe (T-joint). As a result, the number of T-pipes in the cooling device 100 can be reduced.

[0105] The refrigerant flows into the flow path 12C through at least one opening 11E among the openings 11E-11G. The refrigerant flows out of the flow path through the remaining openings 11F and 11G among the openings 11E-11G. This allows the cold plate 1C to function as a branch pipe.

[0106] The refrigerant may flow into flow path 12C through a plurality of openings among openings 11E to 11G, and may flow out of flow path 12C through the remaining openings, thereby allowing cold plate 1C to function as a junction pipe.

[0107] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0108] Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual configuration due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure.

[0109] [Other variations] (1) In the first embodiment, a number of fins protrude from the end face of the flow path 12A on the other Z-direction side Z2. This improves the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the flow path 12A and the high-temperature object to be cooled that is in thermal contact with the cooling unit 14A when a low-temperature refrigerant flows through the flow path 12A in the cooling device 100 in use. This also applies to the other flow paths 12B to 12D in the first embodiment and the flow paths 12A to 12I in the second embodiment.

[0110] (2) In the first embodiment, elbow 21A is attached to main body 13A through opening 11A so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction in the Z direction on surface 15A. This improves the degree of freedom in layout of cooling device 100 relative to the object to be cooled. This also applies to the other elbows 21B, 22B, 21C, 22C, 21G, and 22G in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the same applies to the second embodiment.

[0111] (3) Heat grease may be applied to a part or the entire area of ​​the cooling unit 14A. Heat grease is a grease with high thermal conductivity. This promotes heat dissipation from the object to be cooled. This also applies to the other cooling units 14B to 14D of the first embodiment and the cooling units 14A to 14I of the second embodiment.

[0112] [Note] The present disclosure includes the following additional notes: The additional notes do not limit the refrigerant circulation device according to the present disclosure.

[0113] (1) a first cold plate having a first opening, a second opening, and a first flow passage connected to each of the first opening and the second opening; a first pipe connected to the first opening; a second pipe connected to the second opening; a second cold plate having a third opening and a fourth opening, and a second flow passage communicating with each of the third opening and the fourth opening; a third pipe connected to the third opening; a fourth tubular member connected to the fourth opening; Equipped with the first opening and the second opening are spaced apart from each other in a first direction; The fourth pipe member passes between the first opening and the second opening and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0114] (2) a third cold plate having a fifth opening connected to the second pipe, a sixth opening connected to the third pipe, and a seventh opening, and a third flow path connected to each of the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening; a fifth pipe connected to the seventh opening; a fourth cold plate having an eighth opening and a ninth opening to which the fifth pipe is connected, and a fourth flow path connected to each of the eighth opening and the ninth opening; a sixth pipe connected to the ninth opening and the fourth pipe; The cooling device according to (1), further comprising:

[0115] (3) A cooling device as described in (2), wherein at least a portion of the fourth pipe extends along at least one of the second pipe, the third pipe, and the fifth pipe.

[0116] (4) the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening are positioned apart from each other in at least one of the first direction and the second direction; The cooling device according to (2) or (3), wherein the fourth pipe member passes between two selected from the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening.

[0117] (5) The third opening is located farther from the sixth opening than the fourth opening, The cooling device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the eighth opening is positioned farther from the seventh opening than the ninth opening.

[0118] (6) a third cold plate having a fifth opening, a sixth opening, and a seventh opening to which the second pipe member is connected, and a third flow path connected to each of the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening; a fifth pipe connected to the sixth opening; a fourth cold plate having an eighth opening and a ninth opening to which the fifth pipe is connected, and a fourth flow path connected to each of the eighth opening and the ninth opening; a sixth pipe connected to the ninth opening; a fifth cold plate having a tenth opening and an eleventh opening to which the sixth pipe is connected, and a fifth flow path connected to each of the tenth opening and the eleventh opening; a seventh pipe connected to the eleventh opening; a sixth cold plate having a twelfth opening connected to the seventh pipe and a thirteenth opening connected to the third pipe, and a sixth flow path continuous with each of the twelfth opening and the thirteenth opening; an eighth pipe connected to the seventh opening; a seventh cold plate having a fourteenth opening and a fifteenth opening to which the eighth pipe is connected, and a seventh flow path connected to each of the fourteenth opening and the fifteenth opening; a ninth pipe connected to the fifteenth opening; an eighth cold plate having a sixteenth opening and a seventeenth opening to which the ninth pipe is connected, and an eighth flow path continuous with each of the sixteenth opening and the seventeenth opening; a tenth pipe connected to the seventeenth opening; a ninth cold plate having an eighteenth opening and a nineteenth opening to which the tenth pipe is connected, and a ninth flow path connected to each of the eighteenth opening and the nineteenth opening; an eleventh pipe connected to the nineteenth opening; Equipped with the second cold plate has a twentieth opening connected to the eleventh pipe; The cooling device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the second flow path is continuous with the twentieth opening.

[0119] (7) The cooling device described in (6), wherein the fourth cold plate, the sixth cold plate, the seventh cold plate, and the ninth cold plate have the same shape as each other.

[0120] (8) A cooling device described in (6) or (7), wherein at least one of the second pipe member, the third pipe member, and the fifth pipe member to the eleventh pipe member is curved.

[0121] (9) the fifth cold plate and the eighth cold plate are positioned at a distance in a third direction; The cooling device according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the second cold plate is located between the fifth cold plate and the eighth cold plate in the third direction.

[0122] (10) The second cold plate has a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from each other in the third direction, The cooling device according to any one of (6) to (9), wherein the third opening and the twentieth opening are formed in the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

[0123] (11) A cooling device described in any one of (6) to (10), wherein each of the third pipe member and the eleventh pipe member is curved.

[0124] (12) A main body having a cooling part that is in thermal contact with an object to be cooled; three or more openings formed in the main body in a portion other than the cooling portion; a flow path continuous with each of the three or more openings; A cold plate comprising:

[0125] (13) The cold plate according to (12), wherein the refrigerant flows into the flow path through at least one of the three or more openings, and the refrigerant flows out of the flow path through the remaining openings.

[0126] (14) The cold plate according to (12), wherein the refrigerant flows into the flow path through a plurality of the openings among the three or more openings, and the refrigerant flows out of the flow path through the remaining openings. [Industrial Applicability]

[0127] The cooling device according to the present disclosure has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 100: Cooling device 1A-1I: Cold plate 11A-11T: Opening 12A-12I: Flow path 13A―13D: Main body 14A-14I: Cooling section 15I: Front page 16I:Second side 151A: Convex part 152A: Recess 2A-2K: Pipe material X1 :X direction one side X2 :Other side in X direction Y1: One side of the Y direction Y2: Other side of Y direction Z1: One side in Z direction Z2: Other side in Z direction

Claims

1. a first cold plate having a first opening and a second opening, and a first flow passage communicating with each of the first opening and the second opening; a first pipe connected to the first opening; a second pipe connected to the second opening; a second cold plate having a third opening and a fourth opening, and a second flow passage communicating with each of the third opening and the fourth opening; a third pipe connected to the third opening; a fourth tubular member connected to the fourth opening; Equipped with the first opening and the second opening are spaced apart from each other in a first direction; The fourth pipe member passes between the first opening and the second opening and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

2. a third cold plate having a fifth opening connected to the second pipe, a sixth opening connected to the third pipe, and a seventh opening, and a third flow path connected to each of the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening; a fifth pipe connected to the seventh opening; a fourth cold plate having an eighth opening and a ninth opening to which the fifth pipe is connected, and a fourth flow path connected to each of the eighth opening and the ninth opening; a sixth pipe connected to the ninth opening and the fourth pipe; The cooling device of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The cooling device of claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the fourth tubing extends along at least one of the second tubing, the third tubing, and the fifth tubing.

4. the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening are positioned apart from each other in at least one of the first direction and the second direction, The cooling device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fourth pipe member passes between two selected from the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening.

5. the third opening is located farther from the sixth opening than the fourth opening, The cooling device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the eighth opening is located farther from the seventh opening than the ninth opening.

6. a third cold plate having a fifth opening, a sixth opening, and a seventh opening to which the second pipe is connected, and a third flow path connected to each of the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening; a fifth pipe connected to the sixth opening; a fourth cold plate having an eighth opening and a ninth opening to which the fifth pipe is connected, and a fourth flow path connected to each of the eighth opening and the ninth opening; a sixth pipe connected to the ninth opening; a fifth cold plate having a tenth opening and an eleventh opening to which the sixth pipe is connected, and a fifth flow path connected to each of the tenth opening and the eleventh opening; a seventh pipe connected to the eleventh opening; a sixth cold plate having a twelfth opening connected to the seventh pipe and a thirteenth opening connected to the third pipe, and a sixth flow path continuous with each of the twelfth opening and the thirteenth opening; an eighth pipe connected to the seventh opening; a seventh cold plate having a fourteenth opening and a fifteenth opening to which the eighth pipe is connected, and a seventh flow path connected to each of the fourteenth opening and the fifteenth opening; a ninth pipe connected to the fifteenth opening; an eighth cold plate having a sixteenth opening and a seventeenth opening to which the ninth pipe is connected, and an eighth flow path connected to each of the sixteenth opening and the seventeenth opening; a tenth pipe connected to the seventeenth opening; a ninth cold plate having an eighteenth opening and a nineteenth opening to which the tenth pipe is connected, and a ninth flow path connected to each of the eighteenth opening and the nineteenth opening; an eleventh pipe connected to the nineteenth opening; Equipped with the second cold plate has a twentieth opening connected to the eleventh pipe; The cooling device according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow path is continuous with the twentieth opening.

7. The cooling device of claim 6 , wherein the fourth cold plate, the sixth cold plate, the seventh cold plate, and the ninth cold plate are identical to one another.

8. 8. The cooling device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein at least one of the second pipe member, the third pipe member, and the fifth pipe member through the eleventh pipe member is curved.

9. the fifth cold plate and the eighth cold plate are positioned at a distance in a third direction; The cooling device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second cold plate is located between the fifth cold plate and the eighth cold plate in the third direction.

10. the second cold plate has a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from each other in the third direction; The cooling device according to claim 9 , wherein the third opening and the twentieth opening are formed in the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

11. The cooling device of claim 10 , wherein the third pipe and the eleventh pipe are each curved.

12. a main body having a cooling part that is in thermal contact with an object to be cooled; three or more openings formed in the main body in a portion other than the cooling portion; a flow path continuous with each of the three or more openings; A cold plate comprising:

13. The cold plate of claim 12 , wherein the coolant flows into the flow passage through at least one of the three or more openings, and flows out of the flow passage through the remaining openings.

14. The cold plate of claim 12 , wherein the coolant flows into the flow passage through a plurality of the openings among the three or more openings, and flows out of the flow passage through the remaining openings.

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