Cooler, cooling unit, method for manufacturing a cooler, and method for manufacturing a cooling unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a cooler, a cooling unit, a method for manufacturing the cooler, and a method for manufacturing the cooling unit, which enable the joining of a resin member to the end of a tubular metal member and sealing the outer surface without injection molding, thereby reducing the dimensional tolerance requirements of the resin member. [Solution] The metal member 1 has one outer peripheral surface 15a which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of one end, and the other outer peripheral surface 15b which is the other part of the outer peripheral surface of one end. The first resin member 2 has one resin piece 21 which covers one outer peripheral surface 15a of one end, and the other resin piece 22 which covers the other outer peripheral surface 15b of one end, sealing the opening Ra so that it can communicate. At one end, the one resin piece 21 is joined to the one outer peripheral surface 15a, and the other resin piece 22 is joined to the other outer peripheral surface 15b. Furthermore, the one resin piece 21 and the other resin piece 22 are joined together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooler, a cooling unit, a method for manufacturing a cooler, and a method for manufacturing a cooling unit.

Background Art

[0002] As a method for joining a resin member and a metal member, welding is known in which a softened or molten resin is joined to a metal by applying pressure while the heated resin member and metal member are in contact with each other. By this method, it is possible to manufacture a container having an internal space sandwiched between the resin member and the metal member. Such a container can be used, for example, as a cooler.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a heat exchanger including an aluminum heat exchanger main body member in which a flow path for a heat medium to circulate is formed, and a thermoplastic resin member joined to the heat exchanger main body member. In Patent Document 1, the resin main body member is pre-molded, the resin main body member is abutted against both ends of the heat exchanger main body member, and injection molding of the resin composition is performed in this state. In this way, a fitting member is formed so as to cover the abutted outer peripheral surfaces of the heat exchanger main body member and the resin main body member, and the resin main body member is joined to both ends of the heat exchanger main body member via the fitting member to manufacture the heat exchanger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The heat exchanger manufacturing method described in Patent Document 1 involves a first step of molding a resin body member, a second step of inserting the end of the heat exchanger body member into the resin body member and butting them together, and a third step of forming a fitting member by injection molding to cover the butted outer surfaces of the heat exchanger body member and the resin body member. In this case, the third step requires injection molding to cover the outer surfaces, making it difficult to apply to joining large members due to limitations of the injection molding equipment.

[0006] Furthermore, when inserting the heat exchanger body member into the resin body member, if the inner diameter of the resin body member is too small compared to the outer diameter of the heat exchanger body member, it becomes difficult to insert the end of the heat exchanger body member into the hollow part of the resin body member. Conversely, if the inner diameter of the resin body member is too large, the injection-molded resin will flow into the interior of the resin end member through the gap between the resin body member and the heat exchanger body member during injection molding. For this reason, it was necessary to strictly control the dimensional tolerances of the resin body member. In addition, a third step of forming a fitting member was necessary after the second step of inserting the heat exchanger body member into the resin body member.

[0007] From this perspective, the objective is to provide a cooler, a cooling unit, a method for manufacturing a cooler, and a method for manufacturing a cooling unit that can join a resin member to the end of a tubular metal member and seal its outer surface without injection molding, thereby reducing the dimensional tolerance requirements for the resin member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] A cooler comprising a tubular metal member having an opening at one end, and a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member, wherein the metal member has a one-side outer surface which is a part of the outer surface of one end, and a other-side outer surface which is the other part of the outer surface of one end, and the first resin member has a one-side resin piece that covers the one-side outer surface of one end, and a other-side resin piece that covers the other-side outer surface of one end, sealing the opening so as to allow communication, and at one end, the one-side resin piece is joined to the one-side outer surface, and the other-side resin piece is joined to the other-side outer surface, and further, the one-side resin piece and the other-side resin piece are joined together.

[0009] [2] The cooler according to [1], wherein the metal member also has the opening at the other end, the cooler comprises a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member, and a second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member, the metal member has a one-sided outer surface which is a part of the outer surface of the other end, and a other-sided outer surface which is the other part of the outer surface of the other end, the second resin member has a one-sided resin piece that covers the one-sided outer surface of the other end, and a other-sided resin piece that covers the other-sided outer surface of the other end, sealing the opening so as to allow communication, and at the other end, the one-sided resin piece is joined to the one-sided outer surface, and the other-sided resin piece is joined to the other-sided outer surface, and further, the one-sided resin piece and the other-sided resin piece are joined.

[0010] [3] The cooler according to [2], characterized in that the first resin member and the second resin member each have a communication portion that connects the opening to the outside.

[0011] [4] The cooler according to [1] or [2], wherein the metal member is a flattened multi-hole tube having a plurality of flow channels arranged in parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, the metal member has a flattened surface on one side and a flattened surface on the other side that are opposite to each other in the thickness direction as the outer peripheral surface on one side and the outer peripheral surface on the other side, the resin piece on one side covers the flattened surface on one side of the metal member, the resin piece on the other side covers the flattened surface on the other side of the metal member, the resin piece on one side is joined to the flattened surface on one side and the resin piece on the other side is joined to the flattened surface on the other side.

[0012] A cooling unit in which a plurality of coolers described in [5][2] are arranged in a line in the height direction, wherein the cooling unit includes a connecting portion in which the first resin members on one end of the metal member are connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces of the plurality of first resin members are in communication with each other, and a connecting portion in which the second resin members on the other end of the metal member are connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces of the plurality of second resin members are in communication with each other.

[0013] [6] The cooler comprises a metal member on the forward side and a metal member on the return side, which are arranged in parallel with each other; a first resin member on the forward side and a first resin member on the return side, which are connected to one end of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side, respectively; and a second resin member, which is connected to the other end of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side, wherein the first resin member on the forward side seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the forward side so as to be able to communicate, and the first resin member on the return side The cooler according to [2], wherein the opening at one end of the metal member on the return path side is sealed so as to be able to communicate, the second resin member seals so as to be able to communicate the opening at the other end of the metal member on the forward path side and the opening at the other end of the metal member on the return path side, the first resin member on the forward path side has a forward-side communicating portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the forward path side to the outside, and the first resin member on the return path side has a return-side communicating portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the return path side to the outside.

[0014] A cooling unit in which a plurality of coolers described in [7] and [6] are arranged in the height direction, wherein the cooling unit includes a connecting portion in which the first resin members on the forward path side are connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces of the plurality of first resin members on the forward path side are in communication with each other, and a connecting portion in which the first resin members on the return path side are connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces of the plurality of first resin members on the return path side are in communication with each other.

[0015] [8] The cooler comprises a metal member on the forward path side and a metal member on the return path side, which are provided in parallel with each other; a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member on the forward path side and the metal member on the return path side; and a second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member on the forward path side and the metal member on the return path side, wherein the first resin member seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the forward path side in a way that allows communication, and seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the return path side in a way that allows communication, and the second resin member seals the opening at the other end of the metal member on the forward path side and the opening at the other end of the metal member on the return path side in a way that allows communication, and the first resin member has a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the forward path side to the outside, and a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the return path side to the outside.

[0016] A cooling unit in which a plurality of coolers described in [9][8] are arranged in a line in the height direction, wherein the cooling unit includes a connecting portion in which the first resin members are connected in the height direction and the internal spaces on the forward side of the plurality of first resin members communicate with each other, and a connecting portion in which the first resin members are connected in the height direction and the internal spaces on the return side of the plurality of first resin members communicate with each other.

[0017]

[10] The cooler according to [1] or [2], wherein a rough surface is formed on one outer peripheral surface and the other outer peripheral surface of the metal member.

[0018]

[11] A method for manufacturing a cooler comprising a tubular metal member having an opening at one end, and a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member, wherein the metal member has a one-sided outer surface which is a part of the outer surface of one end, and a other-sided outer surface which is the other part of the outer surface of one end, the first resin member has a one-sided resin piece that covers the one-sided outer surface of one end, and a other-sided resin piece that covers the other-sided outer surface of one end, and seals the opening so as to allow communication, and the method for manufacturing a cooler comprising a heating step of heating the one-sided outer surface and the other-sided outer surface of the metal member, and the joining surfaces of the one-sided resin piece and the other-sided resin piece of the first resin member, and a joining step of pressing the one-sided outer surface and the one-sided resin piece, and the other-sided outer surface and the other-sided resin piece in contact with each other to join the metal member and the one-sided resin piece, the metal member and the other-sided resin piece, and the one-sided resin piece and the other-sided resin piece.

[0019]

[12] The metal member also has the opening at the other end, and the cooler comprises a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member, and a second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member, the metal member has one outer peripheral surface which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and the other outer peripheral surface which is the other part of the outer peripheral surface of the other end, the second resin member has one resin piece that covers the one outer peripheral surface of the other end, and the other resin piece that covers the other outer peripheral surface of the other end, and seals the opening so that it can communicate, A method for manufacturing a cooler according to

[11] , wherein in the heating step, the one outer peripheral surface and the other outer peripheral surface of the metal member, and the joining surfaces of the one resin piece and the other resin piece of the second resin member are heated at the other end, and in the joining step, the one outer peripheral surface and the one resin piece, and the other outer peripheral surface and the other resin piece are brought into contact and pressurized at the other end to join the metal member and the one resin piece, the metal member and the other resin piece, and the one resin piece and the other resin piece.

[0020] A method for manufacturing a cooling unit in which coolers manufactured in the method for manufacturing a cooler described in

[13] and

[12] are arranged in the height direction, comprising a connecting step of connecting adjacent first resin members in the height direction via connecting parts to connect the internal spaces of a plurality of first resin members, and connecting adjacent second resin members in the height direction via connecting parts to connect the internal spaces of a plurality of second resin members.

[0021]

[14] The cooler comprises a metal member on the forward path and a metal member on the return path, which are arranged in parallel with each other; a first resin member on the forward path and a first resin member on the return path, which are connected to one end of the metal member on the forward path and the metal member on the return path, respectively; and a second resin member, which is connected to the other end of the metal member on the forward path and the metal member on the return path. The first resin member on the forward path seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the forward path so as to allow communication; the first resin member on the return path seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the return path so as to allow communication; the second resin member seals the opening at the other end of the metal member on the forward path and the opening at the other end of the metal member on the return path so as to allow communication; the first resin member on the forward path has a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the forward path to the outside. A method for manufacturing a cooler, wherein the first resin member on the road side has a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the return side to the outside, wherein in the heating step, the joining surfaces of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side, the joining surfaces of the one side resin piece and the other side resin piece of the first resin member on the forward side, the joining surfaces of the one side resin piece and the other side resin piece of the first resin member on the return side, and the joining surfaces of the one side resin piece and the other side resin piece of the second resin member are heated, and in the joining step, at both ends, the one side outer peripheral surface and the one side resin piece, and the other side outer peripheral surface and the other side resin piece are brought into contact and pressurized to join the one side outer peripheral surface and the one side resin piece, the other side outer peripheral surface and the other side resin piece, and the one side resin piece and the other side resin piece, respectively.

[0022]

[15] The cooler comprises a metal member on the forward side and a metal member on the return side, which are arranged in parallel with each other; a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side; and a second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side, wherein the first resin member seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the forward side so as to allow communication, and seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the return side so as to allow communication, and the second resin member seals the opening at the other end of the metal member on the forward side so as to allow communication, and the first resin member connects the opening of the metal member on the forward side to the outside. A method for manufacturing a cooler having a connecting portion and a connecting portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the return path side to the outside, wherein in the heating step, the joining surfaces of the metal member on the forward path side and the metal member on the return path side, the joining surfaces of one resin piece and the other resin piece of the first resin member, and the joining surfaces of one resin piece and the other resin piece of the second resin member are heated, and in the joining step, at both ends, the one outer peripheral surface and the one resin piece, and the other outer peripheral surface and the other resin piece are brought into contact and pressurized to join the one outer peripheral surface and the one resin piece, the other outer peripheral surface and the other resin piece, and the one resin piece and the other resin piece.

[0023] A method for manufacturing a cooling unit in which coolers manufactured in the method for manufacturing a cooler described in

[16]

[14] are arranged in the height direction, comprising a connecting step of connecting adjacent first resin members on the forward path side in the height direction via a connecting portion to connect the internal spaces of a plurality of first resin members on the forward path side, and connecting adjacent first resin members on the return path side in the height direction via a connecting portion to connect the internal spaces of a plurality of first resin members on the return path side.

[0024] A method for manufacturing a cooling unit in which coolers manufactured by the method for manufacturing a cooler according to

[17] or

[15] are arranged side by side in the height direction, the cooling unit comprising a connecting step of connecting the first resin members adjacent in the height direction via a connecting portion to communicate the inner spaces on the forward path side of the plurality of first resin members with each other, and connecting the first resin members adjacent in the height direction via a connecting portion to communicate the inner spaces on the return path side of the plurality of first resin members with each other.

[0025]

[18] The method for manufacturing a cooler according to

[11] , wherein in the joining step, joining of the metal member and the one-side resin piece, joining of the metal member and the other-side resin piece, and joining of the one-side resin piece and the other-side resin piece are performed simultaneously.

[0026]

[19] The method for manufacturing a cooler according to

[11] , further comprising a roughening step of forming a roughened surface portion on one outer peripheral surface and the other outer peripheral surface of the metal member, wherein in the heating step, the metal member on which the roughened surface portion is formed is heated.

[0027]

[20] The method for manufacturing a cooler according to

[11] , wherein in the heating step, the joining surface of the one-side resin piece, the joining surface of the other-side resin piece, and the joining surface of the metal member are heated in a non-contact state with a heating device, and in the joining step, the one-side resin piece, the other-side resin piece, and the metal member are joined without being heated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the cooler, the cooling unit, the method for manufacturing a cooler, and the method for manufacturing a cooling unit according to the present invention, when a resin member is joined to an end portion of a tubular metal member to seal the outer peripheral surface, the joining can be performed without using injection molding, and the requirement for dimensional tolerance of the resin member can be lowered. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the cooler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the cooler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the first resin member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view along the VV line. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the surface roughening process of the manufacturing method for a cooler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the heating step of the method for manufacturing a cooler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the joining process of the manufacturing method for a cooler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a cooling unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an exploded side view showing a cooling unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing a cooling unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a cooler according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Figure 12. [Figure 14] This is an exploded perspective view showing a cooler according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing the first resin member on the forward path side according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the second resin member according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Figure 12. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 12. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing the surface roughening process in the manufacturing method of a cooler according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a side view showing the joining process of the manufacturing method for a cooler according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21]This is a perspective view showing a cooling unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a rear view of the cooling unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] This is an exploded side view of the cooling unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of a cooler according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is an exploded perspective view showing the first resin member of the cooler according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing the first resin member of the cooler according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 24 shows a cross-sectional view along the line XXVII-XXVII. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view showing a cooling unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This is a rear view of the cooling unit according to the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Some or all of the components in each embodiment can be combined as appropriate. Directions in the description follow the arrows in Figure 1. These directions are for convenience only and do not limit the present invention.

[0031] [1.Cooler] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cooler X of the present invention comprises a tubular metal member 1 having an opening Ra at one end, and a first resin member 2 connected to one end of the metal member 1. The metal member 1 has a one-side outer peripheral surface 15a, which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of one end, and a other-side outer peripheral surface 15b, which is the other part of the outer peripheral surface of one end. The first resin member 2 has a one-side resin piece 21 that covers the one-side outer peripheral surface 15a of one end, and a other-side resin piece 22 that covers the other-side outer peripheral surface 15b of one end, sealing the opening Ra so that it can communicate. At one end of the metal member 1, the one-side resin piece 21 is joined to the one-side outer peripheral surface 15a, the other-side resin piece 22 is joined to the other-side outer peripheral surface 15b, and further, the one-side resin piece 21 and the other-side resin piece 22 are joined together.

[0032] In the cooler of the present invention, the metal member 1 may also have an opening Rb at the other end. In this case, the cooler X comprises a first resin member 2 connected to one end of the metal member 1, and a second resin member 3 connected to the other end of the metal member 1. The metal member 1 has a one-sided outer peripheral surface 16a which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and a other-sided outer peripheral surface 16b which is the other part of the outer peripheral surface of the other end. The second resin member 3 has a one-sided resin piece 21 that covers the one-sided outer peripheral surface 16a of the other end, and a other-sided resin piece 22 that covers the other-sided outer peripheral surface 16b of the other end, sealing the opening Rb so that it can communicate. At the other end of the metal member 1, the one-sided resin piece 21 is joined to the one-sided outer peripheral surface 16a, the other-sided resin piece 22 is joined to the other-sided outer peripheral surface 16b, and further, the one-sided resin piece 21 and the other-sided resin piece 22 are joined together.

[0033] [2. First Embodiment] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cooler X according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a metal member 1, a first resin member 2, and a second resin member 3. The cooler X is a device that cools a heating element (not shown) by arranging it on at least one of the upper surface 11 and lower surface 12 of the metal member 1 and circulating a fluid inside to exchange heat with the heating element. In the first embodiment, the cooler X has an opening Ra at one end and an opening Rb at the other end. The cooler X comprises a first resin member 2 connected to one end of the metal member 1 and a second resin member 3 connected to the other end. The first resin member 2 has an inlet (communication part) 23a that connects the opening Ra to the outside. The second resin member 3 has an outlet (communication part) 23b that connects the opening Rb to the outside. The upper surface 11 side of the cooler X is the top, and the lower surface 12 side is the bottom. Also, the first resin member 2 side of the cooler X is the rear side, and the second resin member 3 side is the front side. Furthermore, of the cooler X, the side 13 described later is the right side, and the side 14 is the left side. First, let's explain the detailed configuration of each component.

[0034] [2-1. Metal Components] As shown in Figure 3, the metal member 1 is made of metal and is a component that exchanges heat with a heating element by allowing fluid to flow through it. In this embodiment, the metal member 1 is exemplified as a multi-hole tube having openings Ra and Rb at both ends. In other words, the metal member 1 is a flattened multi-hole tube having a plurality of flow channels R arranged in parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. The metal member 1 has a flattened shape and has a flat upper surface 11 and a lower surface 12, and curved sides 13 and 14. In other words, it has an upper surface (one side flattened) 11 and a lower surface (the other side flattened) 12 that are opposite each other in the thickness direction. Note that the metal member 1 may have any shape other than a tube shape as long as it has flow channels inside and openings at both ends.

[0035] A roughened surface portion S1 of a predetermined width is formed on the outer circumferential surface 15 of the rear end of the metal member 1, extending over its entire circumference. Similarly, a roughened surface portion S2 of a predetermined width is formed on the outer circumferential surface 16 of the front end of the metal member 1, extending over its entire circumference. The roughened surfaces S1 and S2 can be formed, for example, by laser processing, mechanical processing (polishing, etc.), chemical processing (etching, etc.), or electrical processing (electropolishing, etc.).

[0036] The metal member 1 can be any metal that can be joined, and in this embodiment, an aluminum alloy is used. Aluminum alloys are preferred because they are lightweight, easy to process, and have high thermal conductivity. The metal member 1 may also be, for example, a copper alloy, stainless steel, or iron. From the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, a copper alloy is preferred. From the viewpoint of strength and chemical resistance, stainless steel is preferred.

[0037] [2-2. First resin component] The first resin member 2 is a member that seals the opening Ra at one end (rear end) of the metal member 1 so that it can communicate. As shown in Figure 2, an internal space V1 is formed inside the first resin member 2. As shown in Figure 3, the first resin member 2 is composed of one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22. The one side resin piece 21 has an upper surface portion 31, side portions 32, 33 and an end surface portion 34. The upper surface portion 31 is plate-shaped and is the part that is welded to the upper surface 11 of the metal member 1. The side portion 32 curves downward from the right end of the upper surface portion 31 and is the part that is welded to the side portion 13 of the metal member 1. The side portion 33 curves downward from the left end of the upper surface portion 31 and is the part that is welded to the side portion 14 of the metal member 1. As shown in Figure 2, the end face portion 34 slopes downward from the rear end of the upper surface portion 31 and faces the opening Ra of the metal member 1 with a gap between them. An inlet (communication portion) 23a is provided on the upper surface of the upper surface portion 31. The inlet (communication portion) 23a is a cylindrical body with an elongated oval shape in plan view that penetrates the upper surface portion 31. The shape of the inlet 23 may be other shapes as long as it is cylindrical. The inlet (communication portion) 23a is provided perpendicular to the upper surface portion 31.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the other resin piece 22 has a lower surface portion 35, side portions 36 and 37, and an end surface portion 38. The lower surface portion 35 is plate-shaped and is the part that is welded to the lower surface 12 of the metal member 1. The side portion 36 rises upward in a curved shape from the right end of the lower surface portion 35 and is the part that is welded to the side surface 13 of the metal member 1. The side portion 37 rises upward in a curved shape from the left end of the lower surface portion 35 and is the part that is welded to the side surface 14 of the metal member 1. The end surface portion 38 rises upward from the rear end of the lower surface portion 35 and is the part that faces the opening Ra of the metal member 1 with a gap between them.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the first resin member 2 is formed by overlapping and joining one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22 in the vertical direction. The flat cross-section U-shaped end of the one side resin piece 21 and the flat cross-section U-shaped end of the other side resin piece 22 are joined along their entire length. In this embodiment, the ends of the one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22 are joined by heat welding, but they may also be joined by adhesive or by other methods.

[0040] The resin piece 21 on one side and the resin piece 22 on the other side may be made of resin, and their manufacturing method and material are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment they are made of PPS (Polyphenylene sulfide) and formed by injection molding. The resin piece 21 on one side and the resin piece 22 on the other side may be, for example, a thermoplastic resin, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, acrylic resin, polyamide, or polycarbonate. In this embodiment the resin piece 21 on one side and the resin piece 22 on the other side are integrally formed from a single component, but they may be formed by combining multiple components.

[0041] [2-3. Second resin component] The second resin member 3 is a member that seals the opening Rb at the other end (front end) of the metal member 1 so as to allow communication. As shown in Figure 2, an outflow section (communication section) 23b is provided on the upper surface of the upper surface 31. The outflow section (communication section) 23b is a cylindrical body with an elongated oval shape in plan view that penetrates the upper surface 31. The shape of the outflow section (communication section) 23b may be any shape other than cylindrical. The outflow section (communication section) 23b is provided perpendicular to the upper surface 31. An internal space V2 is formed inside the second resin member 3. Note that the other components of the second resin member 3 are the same as those of the first resin member 2, except for the sealing part, so the same reference numerals are used and their explanation is omitted.

[0042] [2-4.Joining form] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the metal member 1 and the first resin member 2 are joined by welding at the rear end of the metal member 1 over the circumferential direction. In addition, one resin piece 21 and the other resin piece 22 constituting the first resin member 2 are joined by welding.

[0043] More specifically, the upper half of the outer circumferential surface 15a of the metal member 1 is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21 by welding. The outer circumferential surface 15a of the metal member 1 and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21 form the joining surface. Additionally, the lower half of the outer circumferential surface 15b of the metal member 1 is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22 by welding. The outer circumferential surface 15b of the metal member 1 and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22 form the joining surface. In other words, the metal member 1 has an upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 and a lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 that are opposite each other in the thickness direction, with one outer peripheral surface 15a and the other outer peripheral surface 15b. The resin piece 21 on one side covers the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 of the metal member 1, and the resin piece 22 on the other side covers the lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 of the metal member 1, with the resin piece 21 on one side being joined to the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 and the resin piece 22 on the other side being joined to the lower surface 12 (the other-sided flat surface).

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the end of one resin piece 21 and the end of the other resin piece 22 are joined by welding. As shown in Figure 2, the metal member 1 is inserted into the first resin member 2 to about 40% of its length in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the metal member 1 is inserted to the extent that the opening Ra of the metal member 1 and the inflow portion (communication portion) 23a are in communication.

[0045] The joining configuration between the metal member 1 and the second resin member 3 is the same as that between the metal member 1 and the first resin member 2. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the upper half of the outer circumferential surface 16a of the metal member 1 is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21 by welding. The outer circumferential surface 16a of the metal member 1 and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21 form the joining surface. In addition, the lower half of the outer circumferential surface 16b of the metal member 1 is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22 by welding. The outer circumferential surface 16b of the metal member 1 and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22 form the joining surface. In other words, the metal member 1 has an upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 and a lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 that are opposite each other in the thickness direction, with one outer peripheral surface 16a and the other outer peripheral surface 16b. The resin piece 21 on one side covers the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 of the metal member 1, and the resin piece 22 on the other side covers the lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 of the metal member 1. The resin piece 21 on one side is joined to the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11, and the resin piece 22 on the other side is joined to the lower surface 12 (the other-sided flat surface).

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, at the front end, the end of one resin piece 21 and the end of the other resin piece 22 are joined by welding. The metal member 1 is inserted into the second resin member 3 to about 40% of its length. In other words, the metal member 1 is inserted to the extent that the opening Rb of the metal member 1 and the outflow section (communication section) 23b are in communication.

[0047] [2-5. Fluid Flow] Next, the fluid flow of the cooler X according to this embodiment will be described. The fluid can be a cooled liquid or gas. As shown in Figure 2, the fluid flows in from the rear inlet (communication part) 23a, passes through the internal space V1 of the first resin member 2, and flows into the respective flow paths R of the metal member 1 from the rear opening Ra of the metal member 1. The fluid also flows out from the front opening Rb of the metal member 1 and, after passing through the internal space V2 of the second resin member 3, flows out to the outside from the rear outlet (communication part) 23b.

[0048] [2-6. Method for manufacturing a cooler] Next, a method for manufacturing a cooler according to this embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing a cooler according to this embodiment includes a preparation step, a surface roughening step, a heating step, a joining step, a cooling step, and an opening step.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the preparation step is the process of forming the metal member 1, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side. The method of forming the metal member 1, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side is not particularly limited. The metal member 1 is formed, for example, by extrusion molding. In this embodiment, it is integrally molded, but it may also be formed by joining multiple members. The resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side are formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0050] The surface roughening process, as shown in Figure 6, is a process of forming roughened areas (roughened surface structure: dotted areas) S1 and S2 on the outer circumferential surfaces 15 and 16 of the metal member 1, respectively. The roughened areas S1 and S2 are formed over the entire circumference with a predetermined width. In other words, in the surface roughening process, roughened area S1 is formed on one outer circumferential surface 15a and the other outer circumferential surface 15b on the rear end side, and roughened area S2 is formed on one outer circumferential surface 16a and the other outer circumferential surface 16b on the front end side. The roughened areas can be formed, for example, by laser processing, mechanical processing (polishing, etc.), chemical processing (etching, etc.), or electrical processing (electropolishing, etc.).

[0051] The heating process, as shown in Figure 7, involves heating the metal member 1, one side resin piece 21, 21, and the other side resin piece 22, 22. In the heating process, the entire metal member 1, one side resin piece 21, 21, and the other side resin piece 22, 22 may be heated, but it is preferable to heat at least the joining surfaces of each member (surfaces that overlap each other) and the ends that come into contact with each other. In this embodiment, the metal member 1, one side resin piece 21, 21, and the other side resin piece 22, 22 are heated simultaneously using a heating device 91. The heating device 91 includes a first heating section 92, a second heating section 93, and a connecting section 94 that connects the first heating section 92 and the second heating section 93 in a positional relationship where they are separated and facing each other. The heating device 91 has a U-shaped cross-section or a U-shape with all corners at right angles, and has space inside to accommodate the metal member 1. The heating method in the heating device is not limited, but the heating device 91 in this embodiment heats the object using infrared rays.

[0052] An upper heating section 92a is provided above the first heating section 92 for heating the one-side resin pieces 21, 21. The upper heating section 92a and the one-side resin pieces 21, 21 are heated at a distance from each other to prevent the resin contained in the one-side resin pieces 21, 21 from adhering to them when they melt.

[0053] Below the first heating section 92 is a lower heating section 92b for heating the metal member 1. The lower heating section 92b and the metal member 1 may be heated in contact with each other, but in this embodiment they are heated while separated.

[0054] Above the second heating section 93 is an upper heating section 93a for heating the metal member 1. The upper heating section 93a and the metal member 1 may be heated in contact with each other, but in this embodiment they are heated while separated.

[0055] Below the second heating section 93 is a lower heating section 93b for heating the other resin pieces 22, 22. The lower heating section 93b and the other resin pieces 22, 22 are heated at a distance from each other to prevent the resin contained in the other resin pieces 22, 22 from adhering to them when they melt.

[0056] In the heating process, the metal member 1, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side, and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side are heated to a temperature at which they can be heat-welded together. It is preferable to set this temperature appropriately, taking into consideration, for example, the melting points of the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side, the material of the metal member 1, and the heating method (welding method). The heating temperatures of the metal member 1 and the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side may be the same or different.

[0057] The heating temperature of the metal member 1 can be set based on the resin melting point temperature, which is the melting point temperature of the thermoplastic resin contained in the resin pieces 21,21 on one side and 22,22 on the other side. For example, as in this embodiment, when the resin pieces 21,21 on one side and 22,22 on the other side are formed from PPS (Polyphenylene sulfide) (melting point: 280°C), and the metal member 1 is formed from an aluminum alloy (e.g., A6063T5, 150 mm long x 75 mm wide x 2 mm thick), and heated non-contact by infrared radiation, the temperature of the metal member 1 is set to approximately 220°C. It is preferable to set the heating temperature of the metal member 1 to be around the resin melting point temperature. The heating temperature of the metal member 1 is preferably above the resin melting point -100°C, above the resin melting point -70°C, above the resin melting point -40°C, above the resin melting point -20°C, and preferably below the resin melting point +100°C, below the resin melting point +70°C, below the resin melting point +40°C, below the resin melting point +20°C, or below the resin melting point.

[0058] The heating temperature of one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22 can be set based on the resin melting temperature, which is the melting temperature of the thermoplastic resin contained in the one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22. Preferably, the heating temperature of one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22 is above the resin melting temperature and close to the melting temperature. Preferably, the heating temperature of one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22 is above the resin melting temperature, above the resin melting temperature + 5°C, above the resin melting temperature + 10°C, above the resin melting temperature + 20°C, and preferably below the resin melting temperature + 100°C, below the resin melting temperature + 70°C, below the resin melting temperature + 50°C, and below the resin melting temperature + 30°C.

[0059] The joining process, as shown in Figure 8, involves bringing the preheated metal member 1, one side resin piece 21,21, and the other side resin piece 22,22 into contact and joining them by welding under pressure using a pressurizing device (not shown). In the joining process, a predetermined pressing force is applied from above the one side resin piece 21,21 and from below the other side resin piece 22,22 to weld them together.

[0060] In the joining process, at one end (rear end), the metal member 1 is joined to the resin piece 21, the metal member 1 to the resin piece 22, and the resin piece 21 to the resin piece 22 by applying pressure while the outer peripheral surface 15a and the resin piece 21 are in contact. Furthermore, in the joining process, at the other end (front end), pressure is applied while the outer peripheral surface 16a of one side and the resin piece 21 of one side, and the outer peripheral surface 16b of the other side and the resin piece 22 of the other side are in contact, thereby joining the metal member 1 to the resin piece 21 of one side, the metal member 1 to the resin piece 22 of the other side, and the resin piece 21 of one side and the resin piece 22 of the other side.

[0061] The cooling process is a process of cooling the structure after the joining process. The method of the cooling process is not particularly limited. The cooling process may be, for example, natural cooling or forced cooling. For forced cooling, for example, gas or cooling water may be circulated inside the structure, or airflow may be applied.

[0062] The release process is the process of releasing the pressure on the joined structure after the cooling process. After the temperature of one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22 has decreased and solidified due to the cooling process, the pressure applied to the metal member 1, one side resin member 21,21 and the other side resin member 22,22 is released, and the joined cooler X is removed from the pressurizing device. With this, the cooler X is completed.

[0063] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the cooler can be modified as appropriate. For example, after performing a heating process (preheating process, first heating process), a heating process (main heating process, second heating process) may be performed during the joining process. In other words, each component may be heated and pressurized during the joining process.

[0064] Furthermore, while infrared welding (non-contact resin / metal) was used as an example for the joining described above, other methods may also be used. For example, joining may be performed using ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, high-frequency induction heating welding, laser welding, hot plate welding, spin welding, etc.

[0065] In ultrasonic thermal welding, the metal member 1, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side are heated by frictional heat generated by ultrasonic vibrations. In the vibration welding method, the metal member 1, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side are heated by frictional heat generated by vibration. In the high-frequency induction heating welding method, the metal member 1 is heated by heat generated by molecular vibration in a high-frequency electric field. In addition, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and 22, 22 on the other side are heated by heat conduction from the metal member 1. The laser welding method heats the metal member 1 by generating heat through laser light absorption. In addition, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and 22, 22 on the other side are heated by heat conduction from the metal member 1. In the hot plate welding method, the metal member 1, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side are heated by heat generation through heat conduction from the hot plate or by far-infrared heating. In the spin welding method, the metal member 1, the resin pieces 21, 21 on one side and the resin pieces 22, 22 on the other side are heated by frictional heat generated by high-speed rotation.

[0066] For example, when forming one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22 with PPS, and forming the metal member 1 with an aluminum alloy, and heating using a general heat welding method, the metal member 1 is heated to approximately 350°C. The heat welding method is a method in which the one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22 are heated by heat conduction from the heated metal member 1.

[0067] Furthermore, for example, when forming one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22 with PPS, forming the metal member 1 with an aluminum alloy, and heating it using a resin-contact type hot plate welding method, the metal member 1 is heated to approximately 280°C. The resin-contact type hot plate welding method is a method in which the first resin member 2 is heated by simultaneously heating the metal member 1 and bringing it into contact with the one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, when forming one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22 with PPS, forming the metal member 1 with an aluminum alloy, and heating it with a non-contact resin hot plate welding method, the metal member 1 is heated to approximately 240°C. The non-contact resin hot plate welding method is a method in which the metal member 1 is heated while simultaneously being brought into contact with the one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22, and the one side resin piece 21,21 and the other side resin piece 22,22 are heated by radiant heat.

[0069] [2-7. Effects] According to the cooler X of this embodiment described above, one side resin piece 21 is joined to one side outer peripheral surface 15a of the metal member 1, the other side resin piece 22 is joined to the other side outer peripheral surface 15b of the metal member 1, and further, the one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22 are joined to seal the openings Ra and Rb of the metal member 1 so that they can communicate. In this way, by joining multiple resin pieces to a part and another part of the outer peripheral surface of the metal member 1, respectively, to seal the openings Ra and Rb so that they can communicate, the structure has the capability to be manufactured by joining without injection molding, and can therefore be applied to joining large members. Furthermore, in the cooler X, the one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22 join the one side outer peripheral surface 15a and the other side outer peripheral surface 15b of the metal member 1 by sandwiching them, and the one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22 are joined together. Therefore, dimensional tolerances are absorbed as the one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22 deform to match the shape of the metal member 1 during joining. Consequently, the dimensional tolerance requirements for the one side resin piece 21 and the other side resin piece 22 can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the cooler X of this embodiment, at both one end (rear end) and the other end (front end) of the cooler X, one resin piece 21 is joined to the outer peripheral surface 15a of one end, and the other resin piece 22 is joined to the outer peripheral surface 15b of the other end, and the one resin piece 21 and the other resin piece 22 are joined together. As a result, both ends of the cooler X are sealed by the first resin member 2 and the second resin member 3, respectively, and fluid can flow through the inlet (communication part) 23a and the outlet (communication part) 23b. This makes it possible to increase the cooling efficiency.

[0071] Furthermore, in the joining process, each component is formed so that the direction of the applied load is perpendicular to the joining surface, allowing the load to be applied evenly to the joining surface. This improves the welding strength (welding accuracy).

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a flattened, multi-hole tube having multiple flow channels R is used as the metal component 1. This makes it possible to improve cooling efficiency even in installation spaces that are narrow in the vertical direction. Furthermore, when attempting to join a flattened multi-hole tube by covering both ends of the point where it intersects with the flattened surface with resin members, the resin members will have a long, narrow shape (with a large depth) that covers the multi-hole tube from the ends toward the center. In this case, when attempting to preheat the inner surface of the resin members for heat welding, heating the recessed areas becomes difficult, which may result in insufficient joining in these recessed areas. Also, in this case, attempting to apply a load to the recessed areas makes it difficult to apply a load to the flattened surface. In contrast, according to the cooler X of this embodiment, since the resin piece 21 on one side and the resin piece 22 on the other side have a shape that covers the flattened upper surface (first flattened surface) 11 and lower surface (second flattened surface) 12, the first resin member 2 and the second resin member 3 have a wide shape that corresponds to the flattened surface. Furthermore, when attempting to preheat the inner surfaces of one resin piece 21 and the other resin piece 22 for heat welding, it becomes easier to heat the upper surface (first flat surface) 11 and lower surface (second flat surface) 12 of the metal member 1 and the entire joining surface of the one resin piece 21 and the other resin piece 22 to be joined, making it easier to achieve a good bond across the entire joining surface. In addition, it becomes easier to apply load to the entire joining surface of the one resin piece 21 and the other resin piece 22, making it easier to achieve a good bond across the entire joining surface.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the cooler X of this embodiment, roughened surfaces S1 and S2 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 15a on one side and the outer peripheral surface 15b on the other side at both ends of the metal member 1. As a result, the molten resin enters the grooves of the roughened surfaces S1 and S2, which can improve the bonding strength and leak resistance (airtightness and watertightness).

[0074] Furthermore, the joining process may involve joining the one-sided resin piece 21 and the other-sided resin piece 22 separately. However, in this embodiment, the joining of the metal member 1 to the one-sided resin piece 21, the joining of the metal member 1 to the other-sided resin piece 22, and the joining of the one-sided resin piece 21 to the other-sided resin piece 22 are performed simultaneously. This allows for an acceleration of the manufacturing cycle. Furthermore, while the joining process may be performed separately at one end (rear end) and the other end (front end), in this embodiment, the joining of the metal member 1 to one side resin piece 21, the joining of the metal member 1 to the other side resin piece 22, and the joining of one side resin piece 21 to the other side resin piece 22 are performed simultaneously at one end (rear end) and the other end (front end). This increases the manufacturing cycle. In addition, the load can be applied evenly at both ends. Furthermore, while each component may be heated separately during the heating process, in this embodiment, each component is heated simultaneously. This allows for a faster manufacturing cycle.

[0075] [2-8. Others] Although specific illustrations are omitted, there may be only one resin member for each metal member 1. For example, if the metal member is a U-shaped tube with openings at both ends of the tube adjacent (continuously) arranged, a single resin member may be used to seal both ends so that they can communicate with the outside. Furthermore, the resin member placed at one end of the pipe does not need to cover the entire outer surface of the end of the metal member; it may be provided to seal at least the end of the pipe opening in a way that allows communication.

[0076] [3. Second Embodiment] [3-1. Overall configuration of the cooling unit] Next, a cooling unit Y according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 9, the cooling unit Y comprises a cooler XA, a cooler XA1, and a cooler XA2 in order from bottom to top. In other words, the cooling unit Y is formed by connecting the coolers XA, XA1, and XA2 in the height direction. In the second embodiment, the cooling unit Y has multiple coolers XA, XA1, and XA2 having a configuration common to the cooler X described in the first embodiment, arranged in parallel in the height direction. The cooling unit Y includes a connecting portion 41 formed by connecting the first resin members 2A, 2XA, 2XA at ​​one end of the coolers XA, XA1, and XA2 in the height direction, and by communicating the internal spaces V1, V1, V1 of the multiple first resin members 2A, 2XA, 2XA with each other. Furthermore, the cooling unit Y includes a connecting section formed by the second resin members 3A, 3XA, 3XA on the other end sides of the coolers XA, XA1, XA2 being connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces V2, V2, V2 of the multiple second resin members 3A, 3XA, 3XA communicating with each other.

[0077] Cooler XA comprises a metal member 1A, a first resin member 2A, and a second resin member 3A. The metal member 1A is shorter in width than the metal member 1 of the first embodiment. The first resin member 2A and the second resin member 3A are also shorter in width than the first resin member 2 and the second resin member 3 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the first resin member 2A and the second resin member 3A each have a resin piece 21A on one side and a resin piece 22A on the other side. In addition, the inlet (communication part) 23a and the outlet (communication part) 23b are cylindrical in shape.

[0078] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cooler XA1 positioned in the center comprises a metal member 1A, a first resin member 2XA, and a second resin member 3XA. The metal member 1A is shorter in width than the metal member 1 of the first embodiment. The first resin member 2XA and the second resin member 3XA are also shorter in width than the first resin member 2 and the second resin member 3 of the first embodiment. In addition, the inlet (communication part) 23a and the outlet (communication part) 23b are cylindrical in shape.

[0079] The first resin member 2XA comprises one side resin piece 21XA and the other side resin piece 22XA. The one side resin piece 21XA has a cylindrical inlet (communication part) 23a extending upward. The other side resin piece 22XA has a cylindrical tubular part 24 extending downward. The inner diameter of the tubular part 24 is larger than the outer diameter of the inlet (communication part) 23a of the opposing cooler XA. As a result, the tubular part 24 is fitted to the inlet (communication part) 23a in the height direction and is detachable. As shown in Figure 11, the inlet (communication part) 23a and the tubular part 24 are fitted together to form a connecting part 41 on the inlet (communication part) 23a side.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the second resin member 3XA of the cooler XA1 comprises one side resin piece 21XA and the other side resin piece 22XA. The one side resin piece 21XA has a cylindrical outlet (communication part) 23b that extends upward. The other side resin piece 22XA has a cylindrical tubular part 24 that extends downward. The inner diameter of the tubular part 24 is larger than the outer diameter of the outlet (communication part) 23b of the opposing cooler XA. As a result, the tubular part 24 is fitted to the outlet (communication part) 23b in the height direction and is detachable. Referring to Figure 11, on the second resin member 3XA side, the outlet (communication part) 23b and the tubular part 24 are fitted together to form a connecting part 41 on the outlet (communication part) 23b side.

[0081] The uppermost cooler XA2 has longer inlet (connecting section) 23a and outlet (connecting section) 23b compared to the middle cooler XA1. Cooler XA2 is the same as cooler XA1 except for the lengths of the inlet (connecting section) 23a and outlet (connecting section) 23b. Furthermore, the connection structure between cooler XA1 and cooler XA2 is the same as the connection structure between cooler XA and cooler XA1.

[0082] [3-2. Method for manufacturing a cooling unit] The method for manufacturing the cooler according to this embodiment includes a preparation step, a surface roughening step, a heating step, a joining step, a cooling step, and a connection step. The steps from the preparation step to the cooling step are the same as in the first embodiment, and coolers XA, XA1, and XA2 are formed, respectively. The connection step is a step in which the formed coolers XA, XA1, and XA2 are connected in the height direction via connecting parts 41, 41. The cooling unit Y is thus formed.

[0083] [3-3. Effects of the Cooling Unit] As shown in Figure 11, the cooling unit Y is equipped with connecting parts 41, 41, so that the internal spaces V1, V1, V1 of adjacent first resin members 2A, 2XA, 2XA in the height direction are in communication. Although not shown in detail, the internal spaces V2, V2, V2 (see Figures 9, 10) of the second resin members 3A, 3XA, 3XA are also in communication, similar to one end (rear end) of the second resin members 3A, 3XA, 3XA. This allows fluid to circulate throughout the entire cooling unit Y. Furthermore, the cooling unit Y can be formed with a simple structure. In this embodiment, three coolers are connected, but two or four or more may be connected.

[0084] Furthermore, the cooling unit Y allows for increased cooling efficiency by connecting the coolers X(XA1,XA2) in the height direction. In other words, when manufacturing the coolers X(XA1,XA2), the cooling unit Y can be easily formed by selecting whether to use the other side resin piece 22A or the other side resin piece 22XA equipped with a cylindrical portion 24.

[0085] [4. Third Embodiment] Next, as shown in Figures 12-14, a cooler P according to a third embodiment and its manufacturing method will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fluid flows through the inside of the cooler P in a U-shape in plan view.

[0086] The cooler P according to this embodiment comprises a metal member 1C on the forward path side, a metal member 1D on the return path side, a first resin member 2C on the forward path side, a first resin member 2D on the return path side, and a second resin member 3C. The cooler P of the fifth embodiment comprises a metal member 1C on the forward path side and a metal member 1D on the return path side, which are provided in parallel with each other. The cooler P comprises a first resin member 2C on the forward path side and a first resin member 2D on the return path side, which are connected to one end of the metal member 1C on the forward path side and the metal member 1D on the return path side, respectively, and a second resin member 3C, which is connected to the other end of the metal member 1C on the forward path side and the metal member 1D on the return path side. The first resin member 2C on the forward path side has a forward path side communication portion (outlet portion) 23a that connects the opening Ra of the metal member 1C on the forward path side to the outside. The first resin member 2D on the return path side has a return path side communication portion (outlet portion) 23b that connects the opening Ra of the metal member 1D on the return path side to the outside.

[0087] [4-1. Metal Components] The metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path are metal members that have multiple flow paths R inside and through which fluid flows. The metal member 1C on the forward path is located on the left side, and the metal member 1D on the return path is located on the right side. The metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path are identical to the metal member 1 of the first embodiment, except that they are narrower in width. The metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path are the same size and shape as each other, but they may be different.

[0088] [4-2. First resin component] The first resin member 2C on the forward path is a member that seals the opening Ra so that it can communicate at one end (rear end) of the metal member 1C on the forward path. As shown in Figure 13, the first resin member 2C on the forward path is composed of one resin piece 21C and the other resin piece 22C. The first resin member 2D on the return path is a member that seals the opening Ra so that it can communicate at one end (rear end) of the metal member 1D on the return path. As shown in Figure 12, the first resin member 2D on the return path is composed of one resin piece 21D and the other resin piece 22D. The first resin member 2C on the forward path and the first resin member 2D on the return path are the same size and shape. The first resin member 2C on the forward path and the first resin member 2D on the return path are identical to the first resin member 2 of the first embodiment, except that they are narrower in width and the inlet (communicating part) 23a and outlet (communicating part) 23b are cylindrical. As shown in Figure 12, for the sake of explanation, the internal space of the first resin member 2C on the outbound side is referred to as internal space V1, and the internal space of the first resin member 2D on the return side is referred to as internal space V3.

[0089] [4-3. Second resin component] As shown in Figure 14, the second resin member 3C is a member that seals the openings Rb, Rb so that they can communicate at the other end (front end) of the forward-side metal member 1C and the other end (front end) of the return-side metal member 1D. The second resin member 3C is connected across both the forward-side metal member 1C and the return-side metal member 1D. The second resin member 3C is composed of one side resin piece 51 and the other side resin piece 52. The one side resin piece 51 has an upper surface portion 61, side portions 62, 63, an end surface portion 64, and an intermediate wall portion 69 (see Figure 16). The upper surface portion 61 is plate-shaped and is the part that is welded to the upper surfaces 11, 11 of the forward-side metal member 1C and the return-side metal member 1D. The side portion 62 curves downward from the right end of the upper surface portion 61 and is the part that is welded to the side surface 13 of the return-side metal member 1D. The side portion 63 curves downward from the left end of the upper portion 61 and is the portion that is welded to the side portion 14 of the metal member 1C on the forward path side. As shown in Figure 13, the end portion 64 curves downward from the front end of the upper portion 61 and is the portion that faces the opening Rb of the metal member 1C on the forward path side and the metal member 1D on the return path side with a gap between them. As shown in Figure 16, the middle wall portion 69 is a protruding wall portion that curves downward at the rear end of the upper portion 61. Both the left and right sides of the middle wall portion 69 are formed in a curved shape. The left side of the middle wall portion 69 is the portion that is welded to the side portion 14 of the metal member 1C on the forward path side. The right side of the middle wall portion 69 is the portion that is welded to the side portion 13 of the metal member 1D on the return path side. The middle wall portion 69 is provided on the front end side of the upper portion 61 and is spaced apart from the end portion 64.

[0090] As shown in Figure 14, the other resin piece 52 has a lower surface portion 65, side portions 66, 67, an end surface portion 68, and an intermediate wall portion 70. The lower surface portion 65 is plate-shaped and is the portion that is welded to the lower surfaces 12, 12 of the forward-side metal member 1C and the return-side metal member 1D. The side portion 66 rises upward in a curved shape from the right end of the lower surface portion 65 and is the portion that is welded to the side surface 13 of the return-side metal member 1D. The side portion 67 rises upward in a curved shape from the left end of the lower surface portion 65 and is the portion that is welded to the side surface 14 of the forward-side metal member 1C. As shown in Figure 13, the end surface portion 68 rises upward from the front end of the lower surface portion 65 and is the portion that faces the opening Rb of the forward-side metal member 1C and the return-side metal member 1D with a gap between them. As shown in Figure 14, the middle wall portion 70 is a protruding wall portion that rises from the rear end of the lower surface portion 65. Both the left and right surfaces of the middle wall portion 70 are formed in a curved shape. The left side of the middle wall portion 70 is the part that is welded to the side surface 14 of the metal member 1C on the forward path side. The right side of the middle wall portion 69 is the part that is welded to the side surface 14 of the metal member 1D on the return path side. The middle wall portion 70 is provided at the rear end of the lower surface portion 65 and is spaced apart from the end surface portion 68. As shown in Figure 16, the ends of one resin piece 51 and the other resin piece 52 are welded together along their entire length, and the ends of the middle wall portions 69 and 70 are also welded together. The internal space U1 on the forward path side and the internal space U2 on the return path side, which are formed inside the second resin member 3C, are in communication on the front side (rear side).

[0091] [4-4.Joining form] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII of Figure 12. In other words, Figure 17 shows the joining configuration of the forward-side metal member 1C and the forward-side first resin member 2C, and the return-side metal member 1D and the return-side first resin member 2D. As shown in Figure 17, the forward-side metal member 1C and the forward-side first resin member 2C are joined by welding circumferentially at their rear ends. Similarly, the return-side metal member 1D and the return-side first resin member 2D are joined by welding circumferentially at their rear ends.

[0092] More specifically, the upper half of the outer circumferential surface 15a of the outer circumferential surface 15 of the metal member 1C on the forward side is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21C on the forward side by welding. The outer circumferential surface 15a of the metal member 1C on the forward side and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21C on the forward side form the joining surface. In addition, the other outer circumferential surface 15b of the lower half of the outer circumferential surface 15 of the metal member 1C on the forward side is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22C on the other side by welding. The other outer circumferential surface 15b of the metal member 1C on the forward side and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22C on the other side form the joining surface. In other words, the metal member 1C on the forward path side has an upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 and a lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 that are opposite each other in the thickness direction, with one outer peripheral surface 15a and the other outer peripheral surface 15b. The resin piece 21C on one side covers the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 of the metal member 1C on the forward path side, and the resin piece 22C on the other side covers the lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 of the metal member 1C on the forward path side. The resin piece 21C on one side is joined to the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11, and the resin piece 22C on the other side is joined to the lower surface 12 (the other-sided flat surface).

[0093] Furthermore, in the first resin member 2C on the forward path side, the end of one resin piece 21C and the end of the other resin piece 22C are joined together by welding along their entire length. Also, as shown in Figure 13, the metal member 1C on the forward path side is inserted into the first resin member 2C on the forward path side by about 30% in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the metal member 1C on the forward path side is inserted to the extent that the opening Ra of the metal member 1C on the forward path side communicates with the inlet (communication part) 23a.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the upper half of the outer circumferential surface 15a of the outer circumferential surface 15 of the metal member 1D on the return path side is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21D on the return path side by welding. The outer circumferential surface 15a of the metal member 1D on the return path side and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21D on the return path side form the joining surface. In addition, the lower half of the outer circumferential surface 15b of the outer circumferential surface 15 of the metal member 1D on the return path side is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22D on the other side by welding. The outer circumferential surface 15b of the metal member 1D on the return path side and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22D on the other side form the joining surface. In other words, the metal member 1D on the return path side has an upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 and a lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 that are opposite each other in the thickness direction, with one outer peripheral surface 15a and the other outer peripheral surface 15b. The resin piece 21D on one side covers the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 of the metal member 1D on the return path side, and the resin piece 22D on the other side covers the lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 of the metal member 1D on the return path side. The resin piece 21D on one side is joined to the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11, and the resin piece 22D on the other side is joined to the lower surface 12 (the other-sided flat surface).

[0095] Furthermore, in the first resin member 2D on the return path side, the end of one resin piece 21D and the end of the other resin piece 22D are joined together by welding along their entire length. Also, as shown in Figure 13, the metal member 1D on the return path side is inserted into the first resin member 2D on the return path side by about 30% in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the metal member 1D on the return path side is inserted to the extent that the opening Ra of the metal member 1D on the return path side communicates with the outflow section (communication section) 23b.

[0096] As shown in Figure 18, at the other end (front end), the upper half of the outer circumferential surfaces 16a, 16a In other words, the metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path have an upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 and a lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 that face each other in the thickness direction, with one outer peripheral surface 16a and the other outer peripheral surface 16b. The resin piece 51 on one side covers the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 of the metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path, and the resin piece 52 on the other side covers the lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 of the metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path. The resin piece 51 on one side is joined to the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11, and the resin piece 52 on the other side is joined to the lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 13 and 18, at the other end (front end), the end of one resin piece 51 and the end of the other resin piece 52 are joined by welding along their entire length. Also, the end of the middle wall 69 and the end of the middle wall 70 are joined by welding. The metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path are inserted into the second resin member 3C to within approximately 30% of its length in the front-rear direction. In other words, the metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path are inserted so that the opening Rb of the metal member 1C on the forward path, the opening Rb of the metal member 1D on the return path, and the internal spaces U1 and U2 of the second resin member 3C are in communication with each other.

[0098] [4-5. Fluid Flow] Next, the fluid flow in the cooler P according to this embodiment will be described. The fluid can be a cooled liquid or gas. As shown in Figure 12, the fluid flows in from the rear end inlet (communication part) 23a, passes through the internal space V1 of the first resin member 2C on the forward path side, and flows into the flow paths R of the metal member 1C on the forward path side from the opening Ra of the metal member 1C on the forward path side. The fluid also flows from the opening Rb of the metal member 1C on the forward path side through the internal spaces U1 and U2 of the second resin member 3C, and flows into the metal member 1D on the return path side from the opening Rb of the metal member 1D on the return path side. The fluid then flows inside the metal member 1D on the return path side and flows out to the outside through the internal space V3 of the first resin member 2D on the return path side and the outlet (communication part) 23b.

[0099] [4-6. Method for manufacturing a cooler] Next, the method for manufacturing the cooler according to this embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing the cooler according to this embodiment includes a preparation step, a surface roughening step, a heating step, a joining step, and a cooling step. The basic parts of each step are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0100] The preparation process involves forming the metal member 1C on the forward path, the metal member 1D on the return path, one resin piece 21C and the other resin piece 22C of the first resin member 2C on the forward path, one resin piece 21D and the other resin piece 22D of the first resin member 2D on the return path, and further forming one resin piece 51 and the other resin piece 52 of the second resin member 3C.

[0101] The roughening process, as shown in Figure 19, involves forming roughened areas (roughened surface structure: dotted areas) S1 and S2 on the outer circumferential surfaces 15 and 16 of both ends of the metal member 1C on the forward path, and forming roughened areas S1 and S2 on the outer circumferential surfaces 15 and 16 of both ends of the metal member 1D on the return path.

[0102] The heating process involves heating the metal member 1C on the forward path, the metal member 1D on the return path, the resin pieces 21C and 21D on one side and the resin pieces 22C and 22D on the other side, the resin piece 51 on one side and the resin piece 52 on the other side.

[0103] As shown in Figure 20, the joining process involves joining the preheated forward-side metal member 1C, the return-side metal member 1D, one-side resin pieces 21C, 21D, the other-side resin pieces 22C, 22D, one-side resin piece 51, and the other-side resin piece 52 by applying pressure with a pressurizing device (not shown). In the joining process, a predetermined pressing force is applied from above the one-side resin pieces 21C, 21D, 51 and from below the other-side resin pieces 22C, 22D, 52 to perform welding.

[0104] The cooling process is the same as in the first embodiment. With this, the cooler P is completed.

[0105] The manufacturing method of the cooler can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the heating process, it is preferable to heat each component simultaneously, but they may be heated separately. Also, it is preferable to join the first resin component 2C on the forward path, and the first resin component 2D and second resin component 3C on the return path simultaneously, but they may be joined at different times.

[0106] [4-7. Effects and Benefits] The cooler P according to this embodiment described above can achieve substantially the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a cooler P in which the fluid flows in a U-shape in plan view can be easily manufactured.

[0107] [4-8. Others] In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the cooler P comprises two multi-hole tubes, a metal member 1C on the forward path and a metal member 1D on the return path, was explained as an example. The metal member may consist of a single multi-hole tube having multiple flow paths R, and some of the multiple flow paths R arranged in a continuous line may be designated as the forward path, while other multiple flow paths R arranged in a continuous line may be designated as the return path. In this case, the openings Ra of the multiple flow paths R on the forward path are sealed by the first resin member 2C on the forward path so as to allow communication. The openings Ra of the multiple flow paths R on the return path are sealed by the first resin member 2D on the return path so as to allow communication. Furthermore, the openings Rb of the multiple flow paths R on the forward path and the openings Rb of the multiple flow paths R on the return path are sealed by the second resin member 3C so as to allow communication. The fourth to sixth embodiments described later can be similarly modified.

[0108] [5. Fourth Embodiment] [5-1. Overall configuration of the cooling unit] Next, a cooling unit Q according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the cooling unit Q comprises a cooler P, a cooler P1, and a cooler P2, in that order from bottom to top. In other words, the cooling unit Q is formed by connecting the coolers P, P1, and P2 in the height direction. In the cooling unit Q of the fourth embodiment, a plurality of coolers P, P1, and P2 having a configuration common to the cooler P described in the third embodiment are arranged in parallel in the height direction. The cooling unit Q includes connecting parts 43a, 43a formed by connecting the first resin members 2C, 2CA, 2CA on the forward path side in the height direction, and connecting the internal spaces V1, V1, V1 of the plurality of first resin members 2C, 2CA, 2CA on the forward path side to communicate with each other. The cooling unit Q includes connecting parts 43b, 43b formed by connecting the first resin members 2D, 2DA, 2DA on the return path side in the height direction, and connecting the internal spaces V3, V3, V3 of the plurality of first resin members 2D, 2DA, 2DA on the return path side to communicate with each other.

[0109] The cooler P located at the bottom is the same as the cooler P in the third embodiment. As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the cooler P1 located in the middle comprises a metal member 1C on the forward path side, a metal member 1D on the return path side, a first resin member 2CA on the forward path side, a first resin member 2DA on the return path side, and a second resin member 3C.

[0110] The first resin member 2CA on the forward path side comprises one resin piece 21CA and the other resin piece 22CA. The one resin piece 21CA has a cylindrical inlet (communication part) 23a extending upward. The other resin piece 22CA has a cylindrical tubular part 24 extending downward. The inner diameter of the tubular part 24 is larger than the outer diameter of the inlet (communication part) 23a of the opposing cooler P. As a result, the tubular part 24 is fitted to the inlet (communication part) 23a in the height direction and is detachable. As shown in Figure 22, a connecting part 43a is formed when the inlet (communication part) 23a and the tubular part 24 are fitted together.

[0111] The first resin member 2DA on the return path side comprises one resin piece 21DA and the other resin piece 22DA. The one resin piece 21DA has a cylindrical outlet (communication part) 23b that extends upward. The other resin piece 22DA has a cylindrical tubular part 24 that extends downward. The inner diameter of the tubular part 24 is larger than the outer diameter of the outlet (communication part) 23b of the opposing cooler P. As a result, the tubular part 24 is fitted to the outlet (communication part) 23b in the height direction and is detachable. As shown in Figure 22, the connection part 43b is formed when the outlet (communication part) 23b and the tubular part 24 are fitted together.

[0112] The uppermost cooler P2, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, comprises a metal member 1C on the forward path, a metal member 1D on the return path, a first resin member 2CA on the forward path, a first resin member 2DA on the return path, and a second resin member 3C. The length of the inlet (communication section) 23a and outlet (communication section) 23b of cooler P2 is greater than that of cooler P1. Except for the lengths of the inlet (communication section) 23a and outlet (communication section) 23b, cooler P2 is the same as cooler P1. Furthermore, the connection structure between cooler P1 and cooler P2 is the same as the connection structure between cooler P and cooler P1.

[0113] [5-2. Method for manufacturing a cooling unit] The method for manufacturing the cooler according to this embodiment includes a preparation step, a surface roughening step, a heating step, a joining step, a cooling step, and a connection step. The steps from the preparation step to the cooling step are the same as in the first embodiment. The connection step involves connecting the formed coolers P, P1, and P2 in the height direction via their respective connecting parts 43a and 43b. The cooling unit Q is thus formed.

[0114] [5-3. Effects of the Cooling Unit] As shown in Figure 22, the cooling unit Q is equipped with connecting parts 43a, 43a, so that the internal spaces V1, V1, V1 of the adjacent forward-side first resin members 2C, 2CA, 2CA in the height direction are in communication. Furthermore, the cooling unit Q is equipped with connecting parts 43b, 43b, so that the internal spaces V3, V3, V3 of the adjacent return-side first resin members 2D, 2DA, 2DA in the height direction are in communication. This allows fluid to circulate throughout the entire cooling unit Q. In addition, the cooling unit Q can be formed with a simple structure. In this embodiment, three coolers are connected, but two or four or more may be connected.

[0115] Furthermore, the cooling unit Q allows for increased cooling efficiency by connecting the coolers P(P1, P2) in the height direction. In other words, when manufacturing the coolers P(P1, P2), the cooling unit Q can be easily formed by selecting whether to use the other side resin pieces 22C, 22D or the other side resin pieces 22CA, 22DA equipped with a cylindrical portion 24.

[0116] [6. Fifth Embodiment] Next, as shown in Figures 24 to 26, a cooler M according to the fifth embodiment and its manufacturing method will be described. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment described above in that the first resin member 2E is formed from a single member across the forward and return paths. The cooler M of the fifth embodiment includes a forward-side metal member 1C and a return-side metal member 1D, which are provided in parallel with each other. The cooler M includes a first resin member 2E connected to one end of the forward-side metal member 1C and the return-side metal member 1D, and a second resin member 3C connected to the other ends of the forward-side metal member 1C and the return-side metal member 1D. The first resin member 2E seals the opening Ra at one end of the forward-side metal member 1C so that it can communicate, and also seals the opening Ra at one end of the return-side metal member 1D so that it can communicate. The second resin member 3C seals the opening Rb at the other end of the forward-side metal member 1C and the opening Rb at the other end of the return-side metal member 1D so that they can communicate. The first resin member 2E has a communication portion (inlet portion) 23a that connects the opening Ra of the metal member 1C on the forward path side to the outside, and a communication portion (outlet portion) 23b that connects the opening Ra of the metal member 1D on the return path side to the outside.

[0117] [6-1. Overall configuration of the cooler] The cooler M according to this embodiment comprises a metal member 1C on the forward path side, a metal member 1D on the return path side, a first resin member 2E, and a second resin member 3C.

[0118] The metal member 1C on the forward path, the metal member 1D on the return path, and the second resin member 3C are the same as those in the third embodiment described above. As shown in Figure 25, the first resin member 2E comprises one side resin piece 21E and the other side resin piece 22E. The one side resin piece 21E comprises an upper surface portion 31, side portions 32, 33, an end surface portion 34, and a middle wall portion 39. The middle wall portion 39 is formed continuously from the end surface portion 34 to the front end. A vertically rising inlet portion (communication portion) 23a is formed on the left side of the upper surface portion 31. A vertically rising outlet portion (communication portion) 23b is formed on the right side of the upper surface portion 31.

[0119] The other resin piece 22E comprises a lower surface portion 35, side portions 36 and 37, an end surface portion 38, and an intermediate wall portion 40. The intermediate wall portion 40 is formed continuously from the end surface portion 38 to the front end. The ends of the intermediate wall portions 39 and 40 abut and are welded together. The internal spaces V11 and V12 formed inside the first resin member 2E are independent of each other.

[0120] [6-2.Joining form] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXVII-XXVII of Figure 24. In other words, Figure 27 shows the joining configuration of the forward-side metal member 1C and the return-side metal member 1D to the first resin member 2E at one end (rear end). As shown in Figure 27, the forward-side metal member 1C and the return-side metal member 1D to the first resin member 2E are joined by welding in the circumferential direction at the rear end.

[0121] More specifically, the upper half of the outer circumferential surface 15a of the outer circumferential surface 15 of the metal member 1C on the forward side is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21E on the forward side by welding. The outer circumferential surface 15a of the metal member 1C on the forward side and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21E on the forward side form the joining surface. In addition, the other outer circumferential surface 15b of the lower half of the outer circumferential surface 15 of the metal member 1C on the forward side is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22E on the other side by welding. The other outer circumferential surface 15b of the metal member 1C on the forward side and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22E on the other side form the joining surface. In other words, the metal member 1C on the forward path side has an upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 and a lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 that are opposite each other in the thickness direction, with one outer peripheral surface 15a and the other outer peripheral surface 15b. The resin piece 21E on one side covers the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 of the metal member 1C on the forward path side, and the resin piece 22E on the other side covers the lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 of the metal member 1C on the forward path side. The resin piece 21E on one side is joined to the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11, and the resin piece 22C on the other side is joined to the lower surface 12 (the other-sided flat surface).

[0122] Furthermore, the upper half of the outer circumferential surface 15a of the outer circumferential surface 15 of the metal member 1D on the return side is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21E on the return side by welding. The outer circumferential surface 15a of the metal member 1D on the return side and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 21E on the return side form the joining surface. Furthermore, the lower half of the outer circumferential surface 15b of the outer circumferential surface 15 of the metal member 1D on the return side is joined to the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22E on the other side by welding. The outer circumferential surface 15b of the metal member 1D on the return side and the inner circumferential surface of the resin piece 22E on the other side form the joining surface. In other words, the metal member 1D on the return path side has an upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 and a lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 that are opposite each other in the thickness direction, with one outer peripheral surface 15a and the other outer peripheral surface 15b. The resin piece 21E on one side covers the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11 of the metal member 1D on the return path side, and the resin piece 22E on the other side covers the lower surface (the other-sided flat surface) 12 of the metal member 1D on the return path side. The resin piece 21E on one side is joined to the upper surface (one-sided flat surface) 11, and the resin piece 22E on the other side is joined to the lower surface 12 (the other-sided flat surface).

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, at one end (rear end), the end of one resin piece 21E and the end of the other resin piece 22E are joined by welding along their entire length. Also, the end of the middle wall 39 and the end of the middle wall 40 are joined by welding. The metal member 1C on the forward path and the metal member 1D on the return path are inserted into the first resin member 2E by about 30% of its length in the front-rear direction. In other words, the metal member 1C on the forward path is inserted so that its opening Ra communicates with the internal space V11 of the first resin member 2E. Similarly, the metal member 1D on the return path is inserted so that its opening Ra communicates with the internal space V12 of the first resin member 2E.

[0124] [6-3. Fluid Flow] Next, the fluid flow in the cooler M according to this embodiment will be described. The fluid can be a cooled liquid or gas. As shown in Figure 24, the fluid flows in from the rear end inlet (communication part) 23a, passes through the internal space V11 of the first resin member 2E, and flows into the flow paths R of the forward-side metal member 1C from the opening Ra of the forward-side metal member 1C. The fluid also flows from the opening Rb of the forward-side metal member 1C through the internal spaces U1 and U2 of the second resin member 3C, and flows into the return-side metal member 1D from the opening Rb of the return-side metal member 1D. The fluid then flows inside the return-side metal member 1D and flows out to the outside through the internal space V12 of the first resin member 2E and the outlet (communication part) 23b.

[0125] [6-4. Method for manufacturing a cooler] Next, a method for manufacturing a cooler according to this embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing a cooler according to this embodiment includes a preparation step, a surface roughening step, a heating step, a joining step, and a cooling step.

[0126] The preparation process involves forming the metal member 1C on the forward path, the metal member 1D on the return path, one resin piece 21E and the other resin piece 22E of the first resin member 2E, and one resin piece 51 and the other resin piece 52 of the second resin member 3C. The surface roughening process is generally the same as in the third embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0127] The heating process involves heating the metal member 1C on the forward path, the metal member 1D on the return path, the resin piece 21E on one side, the resin piece 22E on the other side, the resin piece 51 on one side, and the resin piece 52 on the other side.

[0128] The joining process, as shown in Figure 27, involves joining the preheated forward-side metal member 1C, return-side metal member 1D, first resin member 2E, and second resin member 3C by applying pressure with a pressure device (not shown) and welding them together. In the joining process, a predetermined pressing force is applied from the upper side of one side resin piece 21E, 51 and from the lower side of the other side resin piece 22E, 52 to weld them together.

[0129] The cooling process is the same as in the third embodiment. With this, the cooler M is completed.

[0130] The manufacturing method of the cooler can be modified as appropriate. For example, in the heating process, it is preferable to heat each component simultaneously, but they may be heated separately. Also, it is preferable to join the first resin component 2E and the second resin component 3C at the same time, but they may be joined at different times.

[0131] [6-5. Effects and Benefits] The cooler M according to this embodiment described above can achieve substantially the same effects as the third embodiment. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a cooler P in which the fluid flows in a U-shape in plan view can be easily manufactured. In addition, since the first resin member 2E is formed spanning the metal member 1C on the forward path side and the metal member 1D on the return path side, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the third embodiment.

[0132] [7. Sixth Embodiment] [7-1. Overall configuration of the cooling unit] Next, a cooling unit N according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 28, the cooling unit N comprises a cooler M, a cooler M1, and a cooler M2, in that order from bottom to top. In other words, the cooling unit N is formed by connecting the coolers M, M1, and M2 in the height direction. In the cooling unit N of the sixth embodiment, a plurality of coolers M, M1, and M2 having a configuration common to the cooler M described in the fifth embodiment are arranged side by side in the height direction. The cooling unit N has a connecting portion 43a where the first resin members 2E, 2EA, 2EA are connected to each other in the height direction, and the internal spaces V11, V11, V11 on the forward path side of the plurality of first resin members 2E, 2EA, 2EA communicate with each other. The cooling unit N has a connecting portion 43b where the first resin members 2E, 2EA, 2EA are connected to each other in the height direction, and the internal spaces V12, V12, V12 on the return path side of the plurality of first resin members 2E, 2EA, 2EA communicate with each other.

[0133] The cooler M located at the bottom is the same as the cooler M in the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the cooler M1 located in the middle comprises a metal member 1C on the forward path side, a metal member 1D on the return path side, a first resin member 2EA, and a second resin member 3C.

[0134] The first resin member 2EA comprises one side resin piece 21EA and the other side resin piece 22EA. The one side resin piece 21EA has cylindrical inlet portions (communication portions) 23a, 23b that extend upward. The other side resin piece 22EA has cylindrical portions 24, 24 that extend downward. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 24 is larger than the outer diameter of the inlet portions (communication portions) 23a, 23b of the opposing cooler M. As shown in Figure 29, the inlet portions (communication portions) 23a, 23b and the cylindrical portions 24, 24 are fitted together to form connecting portions 43a, 43b.

[0135] The uppermost cooler M2, as shown in Figures 28 and 29, comprises a metal member 1C on the forward path, a metal member 1D on the return path, a first resin member 2EA, and a second resin member 3C. The length of the inlet (communication section) 23a and outlet (communication section) 23b of cooler M2 is greater than that of cooler M1. Except for the lengths of the inlet (communication section) 23a and outlet (communication section) 23b, cooler M2 is the same as cooler M1. Furthermore, the connection structure between cooler M1 and cooler M2 is the same as the connection structure between cooler M and cooler M1.

[0136] [7-2. Method for manufacturing a cooling unit] The method for manufacturing the cooler according to this embodiment includes a preparation step, a surface roughening step, a heating step, a joining step, a cooling step, and a connection step. The steps from the preparation step to the cooling step are the same as in the third embodiment. The connection step involves connecting the formed coolers M, M1, and M2 in the height direction via their respective connecting parts 43a and 43b. The cooling unit N is thus formed.

[0137] [7-3. Effects of the Cooling Unit] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the cooling unit N is equipped with connecting parts 43a and 43b, so that the internal spaces V11, V11, V11 of adjacent first resin members 2E, 2EA, 2EA in the height direction are in communication. Also, because the cooling unit N is equipped with connecting parts 43a and 43b, the internal spaces V12, V12, V12 of adjacent first resin members 2E, 2EA, 2EA in the height direction are in communication. This allows fluid to circulate throughout the entire cooling unit N. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1: Metal member 1C: Metal member on the forward path 1D: Metal member on the return path 2: First resin member 2C: First resin member on the forward path 2D: First resin member on the return path 3: Second resin member 3C: Second resin member 11: Top surface (flattened on one side) 12: Bottom surface (flattened on the other side) 13: Side surface 14: Side surface 15: Outer surface 15a: Outer surface on one side 15b: Outer surface on the other side 16: Outer surface 16a: Outer surface on one side 16b: Outer surface on the other side 21: Resin piece on one side 22: Resin piece on the other side 23a: Connecting part (inlet) 23b: Connecting part (outlet) 24: Cylindrical part 43: Connecting part 51: Resin piece on one side 52: Resin piece on the other side M: Cooler N: Cooling unit P: Cooler Q: Cooling unit R: Flow path Ra: Opening Rb: Opening V1: Internal space V2: Internal space V3: Internal space V11: Internal space V12: Internal space X: Cooler Y: Cooling unit

Claims

1. A cooler comprising a tubular metal member having an opening at one end, and a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member, The metal member has one outer peripheral surface which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of one end, and the other outer peripheral surface which is the other part of the outer peripheral surface of one end. The first resin member has a resin piece covering one side of the outer peripheral surface of one end, and a resin piece covering the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and seals the opening so that it can communicate. At one end, the one side resin piece is joined to the one side outer peripheral surface, and the other side resin piece is joined to the other side outer peripheral surface, and further, the one side resin piece and the other side resin piece are joined together. A cooler characterized by the following features.

2. The metal member also has the opening at the other end, The cooler comprises a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member, and a second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member. The metal member has one outer circumferential surface which is a part of the outer circumferential surface of the other end, and the other outer circumferential surface which is the other part of the outer circumferential surface of the other end. The second resin member has a resin piece on one side that covers the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and a resin piece on the other side that covers the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and seals the opening so that it can communicate. At the other end, the one resin piece is joined to the one outer peripheral surface, and the other resin piece is joined to the other outer peripheral surface, and furthermore, the one resin piece and the other resin piece are joined together. The cooler according to claim 1.

3. The cooler according to claim 2, characterized in that the first resin member and the second resin member each have a communication portion that connects the opening to the outside.

4. The metal member is a flattened, multi-hole tube having multiple flow channels arranged in parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. The metal member has one side circumferential surface and the other side circumferential surface, which are opposite to each other in the thickness direction. The aforementioned one-sided resin piece covers the one-sided flat surface of the metal member. The other side resin piece covers the other side of the metal member, The resin piece on one side is joined to the flattened surface on the other side, and the resin piece on the other side is joined to the flattened surface on the other side. A cooler according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A cooling unit comprising a plurality of coolers according to claim 2 arranged in a line in the height direction, The cooling unit has a connecting portion in which the first resin members on one end of the metal member are connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces of the multiple first resin members communicate with each other, The second resin members on the other end sides of the metal member are connected in the height direction, and a connecting portion is provided that allows the internal spaces of the multiple second resin members to communicate with each other. Cooling unit.

6. The cooler consists of a metal member on the forward path and a metal member on the return path, which are arranged in parallel with each other. The first resin member on the forward side and the first resin member on the return side are connected to one end of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side, respectively, and The metal member on the forward path and the second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member on the return path are provided, The first resin member on the forward path seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the forward path so as to be able to communicate with it. The first resin member on the return path side seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the return path side so as to be able to communicate with it. The second resin member seals the opening at the other end of the metal member on the forward path side and the opening at the other end of the metal member on the return path side so that they can communicate with each other. The first resin member on the forward path has a forward-side communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the forward path to the outside, The first resin member on the return path side has a return-path communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the return path side to the outside. The cooler according to claim 2.

7. A cooling unit comprising a plurality of coolers arranged in the height direction according to claim 6, The cooling unit has a connecting portion in which the first resin members on the forward side are connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces of the multiple first resin members on the forward side communicate with each other, The first resin members on the return path are connected in the height direction, and a connecting portion is provided that allows the internal spaces of multiple first resin members on the return path to communicate with each other. Cooling unit.

8. The cooler consists of a metal member on the forward path and a metal member on the return path, which are arranged in parallel with each other. The first resin member connected to one end of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side, The metal member on the forward path and the second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member on the return path are provided, The first resin member seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the forward path side so as to allow communication, and seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the return path side so as to allow communication. The second resin member seals the opening at the other end of the metal member on the forward path side and the opening at the other end of the metal member on the return path side so that they can communicate with each other. The first resin member has a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the forward path side to the outside, and a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the return path side to the outside. The cooler according to claim 2.

9. A cooling unit comprising a plurality of coolers according to claim 8 arranged in a line in the height direction, The cooling unit is configured such that the first resin members are connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces on the forward side of the multiple first resin members are in communication with each other at the connecting portion. Furthermore, the first resin members are connected in the height direction, and the internal spaces on the return path side of the multiple first resin members are connected to each other, and the connecting portion is provided. Cooling unit.

10. A roughened surface is formed on one outer peripheral surface and the other outer peripheral surface of the metal member. A cooler according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. A method for manufacturing a cooler comprising a tubular metal member having an opening at one end, and a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member, The metal member has one outer peripheral surface which is a part of the outer peripheral surface of one end, and the other outer peripheral surface which is the other part of the outer peripheral surface of one end. The first resin member has a resin piece covering one side of the outer peripheral surface of one end, and a resin piece covering the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and seals the opening so that it can communicate. A heating step of heating the one outer peripheral surface and the other outer peripheral surface of the metal member, and the joining surface of the one resin piece and the other resin piece of the first resin member, The method includes a joining step of applying pressure while the outer peripheral surface of one side and the resin piece of one side are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the other side and the resin piece of the other side, thereby joining the metal member and the resin piece of one side, the metal member and the resin piece of the other side, and the resin piece of one side and the resin piece of the other side. A method for manufacturing a cooler, characterized by the following:

12. The metal member also has the opening at the other end, The cooler comprises a first resin member connected to one end of the metal member, and a second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member. The metal member has one outer circumferential surface which is a part of the outer circumferential surface of the other end, and the other outer circumferential surface which is the other part of the outer circumferential surface of the other end. The second resin member has a resin piece on one side that covers the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and a resin piece on the other side that covers the outer peripheral surface of the other end, and seals the opening so that it can communicate. In the heating step, the other end is heated, the outer peripheral surface of one side and the outer peripheral surface of the metal member, and the joining surface of the resin piece on one side and the resin piece on the other side of the second resin member. In the joining process, at the other end, the metal member and the resin piece on one side, and the resin piece on the other side, are brought into contact and pressure is applied to join them together. A method for manufacturing a cooler according to claim 11.

13. A method for manufacturing a cooling unit in which coolers manufactured according to the method for manufacturing a cooler described in claim 12 are arranged in the height direction, The invention includes a connecting step of connecting adjacent first resin members in the height direction via connecting parts to connect the internal spaces of multiple first resin members, and connecting adjacent second resin members in the height direction via connecting parts to connect the internal spaces of multiple second resin members. A method for manufacturing a cooling unit.

14. The cooler consists of a metal member on the forward path and a metal member on the return path, which are arranged in parallel with each other. The first resin member on the forward side and the first resin member on the return side are connected to one end of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side, respectively, and The metal member on the forward path and the second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member on the return path are provided, The first resin member on the forward path seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the forward path so as to be able to communicate with it. The first resin member on the return path side seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the return path side so as to be able to communicate with it. The second resin member seals the opening at the other end of the metal member on the forward path side and the opening at the other end of the metal member on the return path side so that they can communicate with each other. The first resin member on the forward path side has a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the forward path side to the outside, A method for manufacturing a cooler, wherein the first resin member on the return path side has a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the return path side to the outside, In the heating step, the joining surfaces of the metal member on the forward path and the metal member on the return path, the joining surfaces of the one resin piece and the other resin piece of the first resin member on the forward path, the joining surfaces of the one resin piece and the other resin piece of the first resin member on the return path, and the joining surfaces of the one resin piece and the other resin piece of the second resin member are heated. In the joining process, at both ends, the outer peripheral surface of one side and the resin piece of one side, and the outer peripheral surface of the other side and the resin piece of the other side are brought into contact and pressure is applied to join the outer peripheral surface of one side and the resin piece of one side, the outer peripheral surface of the other side and the resin piece of the other side, and the resin piece of one side and the resin piece of the other side. A method for manufacturing a cooler according to claim 12.

15. The cooler consists of a metal member on the forward path and a metal member on the return path, which are arranged in parallel with each other. The first resin member connected to one end of the metal member on the forward side and the metal member on the return side, The metal member on the forward path and the second resin member connected to the other end of the metal member on the return path are provided, The first resin member seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the forward path side so as to allow communication, and seals the opening at one end of the metal member on the return path side so as to allow communication. The second resin member seals the opening at the other end of the metal member on the forward path side and the opening at the other end of the metal member on the return path side so that they can communicate with each other. The first resin member is a cooling device having a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the forward path side to the outside, and a communication portion that connects the opening of the metal member on the return path side to the outside, In the heating step, the joining surfaces of the metal member on the forward path and the metal member on the return path, the joining surfaces of one resin piece and the other resin piece of the first resin member, and the joining surfaces of one resin piece and the other resin piece of the second resin member are heated. In the joining process, at both ends, the outer peripheral surface of one side and the resin piece of one side, and the outer peripheral surface of the other side and the resin piece of the other side are brought into contact and pressure is applied to join the outer peripheral surface of one side and the resin piece of one side, the outer peripheral surface of the other side and the resin piece of the other side, and the resin piece of one side and the resin piece of the other side. A method for manufacturing a cooler according to claim 12.

16. A method for manufacturing a cooling unit in which coolers manufactured according to the method for manufacturing a cooler described in claim 14 are arranged in the height direction, The device includes a connecting step in which adjacent first resin members on the forward path side in the height direction are connected via a connecting portion to connect the internal spaces of multiple first resin members on the forward path side, and adjacent first resin members on the return path side in the height direction are connected via a connecting portion to connect the internal spaces of multiple first resin members on the return path side. A method for manufacturing a cooling unit.

17. A method for manufacturing a cooling unit in which coolers manufactured according to the method for manufacturing a cooler described in claim 15 are arranged in the height direction, The cooling unit includes a connection step in which adjacent first resin members in the height direction are connected via a connecting portion to connect the internal spaces on the forward path side of a plurality of first resin members, and also connect adjacent first resin members in the height direction via a connecting portion to connect the internal spaces on the return path side of a plurality of first resin members. A method for manufacturing a cooling unit.

18. In the aforementioned joining process, The joining of the metal member and the resin piece on one side, Joining the metal member and the other side resin piece, The joining of the one resin piece and the other resin piece is performed simultaneously. A method for manufacturing a cooler according to claim 11.

19. The process further comprises a surface roughening step in which roughened surfaces are formed on one outer peripheral surface and the other outer peripheral surface of the metal member, In the heating step, the metal member on which the roughened surface portion is formed is heated. A method for manufacturing a cooler according to claim 11.

20. In the heating step, the joining surface of one resin piece, the joining surface of the other resin piece, and the joining surface of the metal member are heated in a non-contact state with the heating device. In the joining process, the one resin piece, the other resin piece, and the metal member are joined without heating. A method for manufacturing a cooler according to claim 11.

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