Pump device, cooling unit and cooling system

Abstract

To provide a pump device, a cooling unit, and a cooling system that can restrain liquid from flowing backward even if one of pumps arranged in parallel with respect to a flow passage is not sufficiently driven.SOLUTION: A pump device comprises a flow passage through which liquid flows, a first pump 21 arranged in the flow passage, a second pump 22 arranged in the flow passage, a first pump downstream flow passage located downstream of the first pump out of the flow passage, a second pump downstream flow passage located downstream of the second pump out of the flow passage, a connection flow passage 4b connected to the first pump downstream flow passage 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow passage 4a2 out of the flow passage, a first check valve 51 provided in the first pump downstream flow passage, and a second check valve 52 provided in the second pump downstream flow passage or the connection flow passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump device, a cooling unit, and a cooling system.

Background Art

[0002] A pump is used to flow a liquid. A pump device having a flow path together with a pump is suitably used as a cooling unit for cooling a heat source (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] A conventional cooling system is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The electronic component cooling device includes an evaporator, a condenser, and a pump. The evaporator includes a heat generating component to be cooled and a liquid pipe through which a liquid flows as a refrigerant. The condenser has a liquid flow path through which the refrigerant flows, and the liquid flow path is air-cooled to cool the refrigerant. The pump gives moving energy to the refrigerant and circulates the refrigerant between the evaporator and the condenser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the cooling system disclosed in the above patent document, the pump is arranged at a position away from the evaporator. Also, a check valve is arranged between the tank and the pump, and the refrigerant flows backward to the pump. To the extent that the refrigerant flows backward to the pump, there is a risk that the refrigerant will not flow to the moving pump and the cooling efficiency will decrease.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a pump device, a cooling unit, and a cooling system capable of suppressing backflow of a liquid even when one of the pumps arranged in parallel with the flow path is not sufficiently driven.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An exemplary pump device according to the present invention includes a flow path through which a liquid flows, a first pump disposed in the flow path, a second pump disposed in the flow path, a first downstream flow path of the first pump located downstream of the first pump in the flow path, a second downstream flow path of the second pump located downstream of the second pump in the flow path, a connection flow path connecting the first downstream flow path and the second downstream flow path in the flow path, a first check valve provided in the first downstream flow path, and a second check valve provided in the second downstream flow path or the connection flow path.

[0008] An exemplary cooling unit according to the present invention includes the pump device described above and a metal cold plate located in a first direction with respect to the housing of the pump device, and the flow path includes a cooling flow path defined by the housing and the cold plate.

[0009] An exemplary cooling system according to the present invention includes the cooling unit described above and a radiator, and the radiator is connected to the inlet and the outlet.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the backflow of the liquid even when one of the pumps arranged in parallel with the flow path is not sufficiently driven.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

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Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 12

Figure 13A

Figure 13B

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Figure 15A

Figure 15B

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Figure 17

Figure 18

[0012] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a pump device, a cooling unit, and a cooling system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present application, the direction in which the cold plate 1 and the pump unit 2 face each other may be described as the "first direction X". Further, the direction in which the pump unit 2 is arranged with respect to the cold plate 1 may be described as the "one side in the first direction" or the "+X direction", and the opposite side of the direction in which the pump unit 2 is arranged with respect to the cold plate 1 may be described as the "other side in the first direction" or the "-X direction".

[0013] In the present application, the direction in which the pump unit 2 (or the housing main body 6a) faces the tank 6 is described as the "second direction Y", and the direction orthogonal to the "first direction X" and the "second direction Y" may be described as the "third direction Z". Further, the direction in which the tank 6 is arranged with respect to the pump unit 2 may be described as the "one side of the second direction" or the "+Y direction", and the direction in which the pump unit 2 is arranged with respect to the tank 6 may be described as the "other side of the second direction" or the "-Y direction". Alternatively, the longitudinal direction of the housing 3 may be described as the "second direction Y". Also, the direction in which the liquid flows in or out in the longitudinal direction of the housing 3 may be described as the "one side of the second direction" or the "+Y direction", and the direction opposite to the direction in which the liquid flows in the longitudinal direction of the housing 3 may be described as the "other side of the second direction" or the "-Y direction". Further, the direction in which the second check valve 52 is located with respect to the first check valve 51 may be described as the "one side of the third direction" or the "+Z direction", and the direction in which the first check valve 51 is located with respect to the second check valve 52 may be described as the "one side of the third direction" or the "-Z direction", and the shape and positional relationship of each part are described with reference to these directions. However, these are merely definitions of the vertical and horizontal directions for the sake of convenience of explanation, and do not limit the orientation during the manufacture and use of the pump device, cooling unit, and cooling system according to the present invention. Also, in the present application, the "orthogonal direction" includes a direction that is approximately orthogonal.

[0014] <First Embodiment> The cooling system S of an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the cooling system S according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling system S includes a cooling unit A, a radiator B, and a pipe C. The cooling unit A and the radiator B are connected via the pipe C, and a liquid flows through these components. A heat source D is disposed on the other side in the first direction (-X direction) of the cooling unit A. The cooling unit A absorbs the heat of the heat source D, and the absorbed heat moves to the radiator B through the liquid. The heat that has moved to the radiator B is dissipated by the radiator B. In this embodiment, the refrigerant is a liquid, and for example, an antifreeze such as an ethylene glycol aqueous solution or a propylene glycol aqueous solution, or pure water, etc. is used.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling unit A includes a cold plate 1 and a pump device P. The cold plate 1 is attached to the pump device P.

[0017] The heat source D (FIG. 1) is attached to the cold plate 1. For example, the cold plate 1 is made of metal. Typically, the cold plate 1 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum.

[0018] The pump device P includes a pump section 2, a housing 3, a flow path 4, and a check valve section 5. The pump section 2 sends out the liquid in the flow path 4 in the cooling unit A. For example, the pump section 2 circulates the liquid in the flow path 4 in the cooling unit A. The pump section 2 includes a first pump 21 and a second pump 22. Here, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are centrifugal pumps. In this specification, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 may be collectively referred to as the pump section 2.

[0019] The housing 3 includes a housing main body section 6a and a tank 6. Here, the tank 6 is disposed outside the housing main body section 6a. The pump section 2 and the check valve section 5 are disposed in the housing main body section 6a. The cold plate 1 is attached to the housing main body section 6a. The tank 6 stores the liquid.

[0020] The housing 3 has an inlet 31 and an outlet 32. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inlet 31. The liquid flows out from the outlet 32 of the housing 3.

[0021] Here, the inlet 31 and the outlet 32 are provided on the side of the tank 6. The liquid flowing into the inlet 31 flows from the tank 6 to the housing main body 6a, and then flows out from the outlet 32 through the inside of the tank 6 from the housing main body 6a.

[0022] Liquid flows through the flow path 4. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inlet 31, and the flowing-in liquid flows along the flow path 4 and flows out from the outlet 32. In the present embodiment, the flow path 4 has a first flow path 41, a second flow path 42, a third flow path 43, and a fourth flow path 44. Typically, in the cooling unit A, the liquid flowing through the flow path 4 functions as a refrigerant.

[0023] The first flow path 41 connects the pump section 2 and the cold plate 1. The second flow path 42 connects the tank 6 and the pump section 2 in the housing main body 6a. The third flow path 43 connects the cold plate 1 and the tank 6 in the housing main body 6a. The fourth flow path 44 is connected to the outlet 32 inside the tank 6.

[0024] The tank 6 stores liquid between the inlet 31 and the second flow path 42. The tank 6 is located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction with respect to the pump section 2, and the tank 6 and the fourth flow path 44 overlap in the first direction (X direction). Specifically, the fourth flow path 44 is accommodated inside the tank 6. Thereby, since there is no need to arrange the flow path 4 outside the housing main body 6a or the tank 6, the cooling unit A can be miniaturized. The second flow path 42 has a tank inlet 61 through which liquid flows in from the tank 6. The third flow path 43 has a tank outlet 62 that is connected to the fourth flow path 44 and through which liquid flows.

[0025] The pump device P further includes a tank 6 for storing a liquid and a housing main body 6a connected to the tank. The tank 6 has a tank inlet 61, a tank outlet 62, and an internal piping section 63 in the tank. The tank inlet 61 allows the liquid to flow from the tank 6 into the housing main body 6a. The tank outlet 62 allows the liquid to flow out from the housing main body 6a into the interior of the tank 6. The internal piping section 63 in the tank 6 is arranged in the tank 6 and connected to the tank outlet 62.

[0026] The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are connected in parallel between the first flow path 41 and the second flow path 42. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are always in operation, and redundancy can be maintained so that the cooling unit A can still operate even when one of the pumps stops. In this embodiment, two pumps are used, but this is not limiting, and a plurality of pumps may be used.

[0027] The check valve section 5 is arranged in the flow path 4. The check valve section 5 suppresses the backflow of the liquid flowing through the flow path 4. For example, the check valve section 5 is arranged between the pump section 2 and a through hole 33 (to be described later) in the first flow path 41.

[0028] The check valve section 5 has a first check valve 51 and a second check valve 52. In this specification, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 may be collectively referred to as the check valve section 5.

[0029] The first check valve 51 is arranged in the first flow path 41 connecting the first pump 21 and the cold plate 1. The second check valve 52 is arranged in the first flow path 41 connecting the second pump 22 and the cold plate 1. When either the first pump 21 or the second pump 22 stops, the first check valve 51 or the second check valve 52 corresponding to the stopped pump closes the first flow path 41 on the stopped pump side. Thereby, even when either the first pump 21 or the second pump 22 stops, it is possible to suppress the check valve section 5 from flowing back to the side of the stopped pump, and it is possible to suppress the liquid from circulating between the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. Therefore, the circulation of the liquid to the cold plate 1 can be efficiently performed.

[0030] The flow path 4 also includes a first pump downstream flow path 4a1, a second pump downstream flow path 4a2, and a connection flow path 4b. The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 is located downstream of the first pump 21 in the flow path 4. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 is located downstream of the second pump 22 in the flow path 4. The connection flow path 4b connects the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 in the flow path 4. Here, the first pump downstream flow path 4a1, the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, and the connection flow path 4b are included in the first flow path 41.

[0031] Also, a cooling flow path 4c is defined as part of the flow path 4 from the cold plate 1 and the pump device P. When the liquid flows through the cooling flow path 4c, the heat source D (Fig. 1) is cooled. For this reason, the temperature of the liquid rises as the liquid flows through the cooling flow path 4c. The flow path 4 includes the cooling flow path 4c defined by the housing 3 and the cold plate 1.

[0032] In this way, the pump device P includes the flow path 4 through which the liquid flows, the first pump 21 arranged in the flow path 4, the second pump 22 arranged in the flow path 4, the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 located downstream of the first pump 21 in the flow path 4, the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 located downstream of the second pump 22 in the flow path 4, the connection flow path 4b that connects the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 in the flow path 4, the first check valve 51 provided in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1, and the second check valve 52 provided in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2. By arranging the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 respectively, which are located on the downstream sides of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 with respect to the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 connected in parallel, it is possible to suppress the reverse flow of the liquid even when either the first pump 21 or the second pump 22 stops.

[0033] As described above, the housing 3 further has an inlet 31 through which liquid flows in and an outlet 32 through which liquid flows out. The flow path 4 further has an inflow path 4s connected to the inlet 31, a first pump upstream path 4t1 connecting the inflow path 4s and the first pump 21, a second pump upstream path 4t2 connecting the inflow path 4s and the second pump 22, and an outlet side path 4u connecting the cooling path 4c and the outlet 32. Since the flow path can be formed only by the housing 3 without using a tube or the like, evaporation of the liquid from the flow path 4 can be suppressed. In this specification, the first pump upstream path 4t1 and the second pump upstream path 4t2 may be collectively referred to as an inlet side path 4t. The inlet side path 4t is included in the second flow path 42. Further, the outlet side path 4u includes the third flow path 43 and the fourth flow path 44.

[0034] As can be understood from FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling system S includes a cooling unit A and a radiator B. The radiator B is connected to the inlet 31 and the outlet 32. Thereby, the heat absorbed by the liquid from the cold plate 1 can be released from the radiator B.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 3 is disposed on one side (+X direction side) of the cold plate 1 in the first direction. Further, the pump unit 2 is disposed on one side (+X direction) of the cold plate in the first direction. Thereby, the cold plate 1, the pump unit 2, and the housing 3 can be integrated to reduce the size of the cooling unit A.

[0036] By integrating the cold plate 1, the pump unit 2, and the housing 3, the pipes connecting each of the cold plate 1, the housing 3, and the pump unit 2 can be shortened. Thereby, the size of the cooling unit A can be reduced. Further, the installation can be facilitated as compared with separately installing the cold plate 1, the housing 3, and the pump unit 2 on an actual machine.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cold plate 1 is a rectangular plate component that extends in the second direction (Y direction) and the third direction (Z direction) in a top view. Note that the cold plate 1 of this embodiment is quadrilateral in a top view, but this is not restrictive. For example, it may be a polygon having a plurality of corners or a circle in a top view. A heat source D (FIG. 1) is disposed on the other side (-X direction side) of the cold plate 1 in the first direction.

[0038] The housing 3 and the cold plate 1 are fixed, for example, with screws or the like. A flow path 4 shown in FIG. 2 is formed between the housing 3 and the cold plate 1. As described above, the flow path 4 has a first flow path 41, a second flow path 42, a third flow path 43, and a fourth flow path 44.

[0039] The pump device P includes a housing 3. The housing 3 has a first pump chamber 34a in which the first pump 21 is disposed and a second pump chamber 34b in which the second pump 22 is disposed. In this specification, the first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b may be collectively referred to as the pump chamber 34. The connection flow path 4b, the first check valve 51, and the second check valve 52 shown in FIG. 2 are provided in the housing 3. By providing the first pump chamber 34a in which the first pump 21 is disposed, the second pump chamber 34b in which the second pump 22 is disposed, the connection flow path 4b, the first check valve 51, and the second check valve 52 in the housing 3, a flow path can be formed only with the housing without using a tube or the like, so that evaporation of the liquid can be suppressed.

[0040] The first pump 21 is arranged at a position overlapping at least a part of the second pump 22 in a second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction). At least a part of the first flow path is arranged between the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. That is, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 face each other in the second direction (Y direction) via the first flow path 41. Thereby, since the width of the cooling unit A in the third direction (Z direction) can be shortened, the cooling unit A can be miniaturized. In this way, the second pump 22 is arranged at a position overlapping at least a part of the first pump 21 with respect to the second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction).

[0041] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are exploded perspective views of a cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the first check valve cover 71, and the second check valve cover 72 are shown separated from the housing 3, whereas in FIG. 4, the first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the first check valve cover 71, and the second check valve cover 72 are shown attached to the housing 3.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cooling unit A includes a pump device P and a cold plate 1. The cold plate 1 is located in a first direction (X direction) with respect to the housing 3 of the pump device P. The cold plate 1 is made of metal.

[0043] Here, the pump device P has an opening on the surface on the other side of the first direction (-X direction), and the cold plate 1 covers the opening portion of the pump device P. Thereby, a cooling flow path 4c is defined as a part of the flow path 4 from the cold plate 1 and the pump device P. The flow path 4 includes the cooling flow path 4c defined by the housing 3 and the cold plate 1. In the cooling unit A including the first pump 21, the second pump 22, and the cold plate 1, backflow can be prevented.

[0044] The cold plate 1 has a plurality of fins 11 extending in one side in the first direction (+X direction). The fins 11 are located within the cooling channel 4c. The housing 3 has a channel opening 38 that opens to the other side in the first direction (-X direction). A part of the plurality of fins 11 overlaps with the channel opening 38 in the first direction (X direction). Since the channel opening 38 partially overlaps with a part of the fins 11 in the first direction (X direction), the cooling unit A can be miniaturized. Also, since the liquid flows from the channel opening 38 toward the other side in the first direction (-X direction) and directly flows onto the fins 11, the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0045] Here, the pump device P has an opening on the surface on the other side in the first direction (-X direction), and together with the cold plate 1 covering the opening surface, constitutes the cooling unit A. However, the pump device P may not be used separately from the cold plate 1. For example, the pump device P may not have an opening on the surface on the other side in the first direction (-X direction), and the location where the cold plate 1 is disposed in the housing 3 may be covered by a separate member or a member identical to the housing 3.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, on the other side in the first direction (-X direction) of the housing main body 6a, a first opening 35 that partially opens in the first pump downstream channel 4a1 and a second opening 36 that partially opens in the second pump downstream channel 4a2 are provided. The first opening 35 is covered by the first check valve cover 71. The second opening 36 is covered by the second check valve cover 72.

[0047] Therefore, the housing 3 has the first opening 35 that partially opens in the first pump downstream channel 4a1, the second opening 36 that partially opens in the second pump downstream channel 4a2, the first check valve cover 71 that covers the first opening 35, and the second check valve cover 72 that covers the second opening 36. The first check valve 51 is located within the space defined by the first opening 35 and the first check valve cover 71. The second check valve 52 is located within the space defined by the second opening 36 and the second check valve cover 71. Thereby, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 can be easily mounted.

[0048] Further, on the other side (-X direction) of the housing main body 6a in the first direction, a flow path opening 38 where the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 are connected is provided. The flow path opening 38 extends in the third direction (Z direction).

[0049] The cooling unit A is located between the housing 3 and the cold plate 1 in the first direction (X direction), and further includes a partition component 8 that contacts the fins 11. The partition component 8 is a plate-like member. The partition component 8 has a through hole 33 that extends in the same direction as the flow path opening 38. The through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38 are connected at positions overlapping in the first direction (X direction). By having the partition component 8, the flow path 4 on the housing 3 side and the cooling flow path 4c can be partitioned. Further, the partition component 8 contacts the one-side (+X direction) end of the fins 11 in the first direction. Since there is no gap between the partition component 8 and the one-side (+X direction) end of the fins 11 in the first direction, the liquid can spread into the gaps between the fins 11, and the cooling efficiency can be improved. Further, the partition component 8 is an elastic member. Thereby, the partition member and the fins 11 can be brought into close contact with each other.

[0050] The flow path opening 38 is at least a part of the connection flow path 4b. With the flow path opening 38, it is not necessary to separately provide a flow path leading to the fins 11 and the connection flow path 4b, and the space can be effectively used.

[0051] The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are, for example, centrifugal pumps. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are respectively arranged in a second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction) with the connection flow path 4b interposed therebetween. The connection flow path 4b extends in a third direction (Z direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 connects to the other side (-Z direction) of the connection flow path 4b in the third direction. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 connects to one side (+Z direction) of the connection flow path 4b in the third direction. When the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 of the centrifugal pump are arranged side by side in the second direction (Y direction), by providing the connection flow path 4b between the first pump 21 and the second pump 22, the connection flow path 4b can be shortened. Further, by connecting the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 to one side (+Z direction) and the other side (-Z direction) of the connection flow path 4b in the third direction respectively, the flow of the cooling water flowing into the through hole 33 can be made uniform.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a view of the cold plate 1 of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention as seen from one side (+X direction) in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the cold plate 1 has fins 11 protruding in one side (+X direction) in the first direction. In the cold plate 1, a plurality of fins 11 protrude toward the housing 3 side. The fins 11 are formed in a flat plate shape, stand up from the upper surface of the cold plate 1 surface, and extend in the second direction (Y direction) or the third direction (Z direction) of the cold plate 1. In the present embodiment, the plurality of fins 11 extend in the second direction (Y direction) of the cold plate 1. Further, the fins 11 are arranged in parallel in the third direction (Z direction) of the cold plate 1 at equal intervals. By allowing liquid to pass between the fins 11, the heat absorbed by the cold plate 1 can be more efficiently heat-exchanged with the liquid. Therefore, a heat source D with a larger heat generation amount can be more efficiently heat-exchanged.

[0053] The cold plate 1 is provided with a first groove portion 1p that is recessed on the other side in the first direction (-X direction). The first groove portion 1p is arranged apart from the fins 11. The first groove portion 1p connects the tank inlet 61, the pump suction port 24a, and the pump suction port 24b provided in the housing 3. The first groove portion 1p functions as a second flow path 42. In this specification, the pump suction port 24a and the pump suction port 24b may be collectively referred to as the pump suction port 24.

[0054] Liquid from the tank inlet 61 of the tank 6 (Figs. 2 to 5) flows in. The liquid flows through the second flow path 42, is sucked from the pump suction port 24a, and is sucked into the first pump 21 (Figs. 2 to 4). The pump suction port 24a is located on the central axis of the first pump 21. Also, the liquid flows through the second flow path 42, is sucked from the pump suction port 24b, and is sucked into the second pump 22. The pump suction port 24b is located on the central axis of the second pump 22.

[0055] The cold plate 1 is provided with a second groove portion 1q that communicates with the fins 11. The second groove portion 1q is recessed on the other side in the first direction (-X direction). The second groove portion 1q connects the fins 11 and the tank outlet 62 provided in the housing 3. The second groove portion 1q functions as a third flow path 43.

[0056] In this way, the cold plate 1 has the first groove portion 1p and the second groove portion 1q. The first groove portion 1p and the second groove portion 1q and the housing 3 form a part of the flow path 4. Specifically, the first groove portion 1p and the housing 3 constitute the second flow path 42. Also, the second groove portion 1q and the housing 3 constitute the third flow path 43. Since the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the connection flow path 4b, the first check valve 51, and the second check valve 52 are arranged in the housing 3, there are restrictions on the space for arranging the flow path from the inlet 31 and the flow path from the outlet 32. However, by forming a part of the flow path 4 from the first groove portion 1p and the second groove portion 1q of the cold plate 1, the flow path 4 can be arranged in the empty region of the cold plate 1.

[0057] The first groove portion 1p is provided separately from the cooling channel 4c in which the fins 11 are arranged. The first groove portion 1p constitutes an inlet-side channel 4t (FIG. 2) that connects the inlet 31 to the first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b. Therefore, a channel can be arranged in the empty area of the cold plate 1.

[0058] The second groove portion 1q is connected to the cooling channel 4c in which the fins 11 are arranged. The second groove portion 1q constitutes an outlet-side channel 4u (FIG. 3) that connects the cooling channel 4c to the outlet 32. Therefore, a channel can be arranged in the empty area of the cold plate 1.

[0059] Note that FIG. 6 shows not only the cold plate 1 but also the first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the through-hole 33 of the partition part 8, and the channel opening 38 arranged in the housing 3. The first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the through-hole 33, and the channel opening 38 are all located on one side (+X direction side) in the first direction with respect to the fins 11. The first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the through-hole 33 of the partition part 8, and the channel opening 38 are arranged in the first channel 41 (FIG. 2) of the housing 3.

[0060] Although not shown in FIG. 6, the first pump 21 is arranged between the pump suction port 24a and the first check valve 51. Similarly, the second pump 22 is arranged between the pump suction port 24b and the second check valve 52.

[0061] The first check valve 51 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of the liquid. Also, the second check valve 52 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of the liquid. Here, the through-hole 33 and the channel opening 38 are located downstream of the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52. The liquid that has flowed through the first check valve 51 in the forward direction merges with the liquid that has flowed through the second check valve 52 in the forward direction to form the connecting channel 4b (FIG. 2). Then, the liquid passes through the channel opening 38 and the through-hole 33 and flows to the fins 11.

[0062] The housing 3 has a flow path opening 38 in the first flow path 41. The liquid passes from the pump section 2 through the first flow path 41 and is further discharged to the cold plate 1 through the flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33 of the partition part 8 along the first flow path 41. The flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33 overlap with the fins 11 in the first direction (X direction). That is, the cold plate 1 is arranged on the other side (-X direction) of the first direction of the flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33, and the fins 11 are arranged between the through hole 33 and the cold plate 1. Thereby, by flowing the liquid directly to the fins 11 through the flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33, the liquid can be spread between each of the fins 11, and the cooling effect is enhanced.

[0063] Specifically, the through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38 extend in a third direction (Z direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). Further, the through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38 overlap with the approximate center of the cold plate 1 in the first direction (X direction). Thereby, the liquid can flow from the flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33 to the approximate center of the cold plate 1, and the liquid can be spread between the plurality of fins 11. In the present embodiment, the fins 11 are arranged along the second direction (Y direction), and the through hole 33 extends in the third direction (Z direction), so that the liquid can be more spread between the plurality of fins 11.

[0064] The first check valve 51 is arranged on the other side (-Z direction) of the third direction with respect to the centers of the through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38, and the second check valve 52 is arranged on one side (+Z direction) of the third direction. In the present embodiment, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 are positioned point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the through hole 33. Thereby, when the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 face each other through the through hole 33 along the second direction (Y direction), it is possible to further suppress the reverse flow of the liquid to the other first flow path 41 when one of the pumps stops.

[0065] At least a part of the check valve portion 5 faces the pump portion 2 in the second direction (Y direction) and is slidable along the direction in which the liquid flows. That is, the check valve portion 5 can slide in the second direction (Y direction) by the water flow caused by the pump portion 2 pushing out the liquid. Thereby, when one of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 stops, it is possible to suppress the backflow of the liquid into the stopped pump. Further, it is not necessary to provide an elastic member such as a spring in the check valve portion 5, and the cost can be suppressed without increasing the number of parts.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a view of the housing 3 of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the other side in the first direction (-X direction). As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 3 has an inlet 31, an outlet 32, and a flow path opening 38. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inlet 31. Liquid flows out of the housing 3 from the outlet 32. Inside the housing 3, the liquid flows from the flow path opening 38 through the through hole 33 of the partition part 8 to the cold plate 1.

[0067] The housing 3 has a check valve cover portion 7 that covers the check valve portion 5. The housing 3 has a first check valve 51 and a first check valve cover 71 that overlaps in the first direction (X direction), and a second check valve 52 and a second check valve cover 72 that overlaps in the first direction (X direction). Thereby, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 can be easily attached. In this specification, the first check valve cover 71 and the second check valve cover 72 may be collectively referred to as the check valve cover portion 7.

[0068] The first check valve cover 71 and the second check valve cover 72 are attached to the housing main body portion 6a. The first check valve cover 71 is located in the +Y direction with respect to the through hole 33. The second check valve cover 72 is located in the -Y direction with respect to the through hole 33.

[0069] Further, the first check valve cover 71 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the second check valve cover 72. The second check valve cover 72 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the first check valve cover 71.

[0070] FIG. 8A is a view of the housing 3 of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention as seen from one side in the first direction (+X direction). As shown in FIG. 8A, in the housing 3, the tank 6 is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the housing main body 6a.

[0071] A first pump chamber 34a and a second pump chamber 34b are provided in the housing main body 6a. As shown in FIG. 3, the first pump 21 is disposed in the first pump chamber 34a, and the second pump 22 is disposed in the second pump chamber 34b.

[0072] A pump suction port 24a located on the central axis of the first pump 21 is provided on the bottom surface of the first pump chamber 34a. A pump discharge port 25a is provided on the side surface of the first pump chamber 34a. The pump discharge port 25a is located on the other side in the second direction (-Y direction) and the other side in the third direction (-Z direction) with respect to the pump suction port 24a.

[0073] A pump suction port 24b located on the central axis of the second pump 22 is provided on the bottom surface of the second pump chamber 34b. A pump discharge port 25b is provided on the side surface of the second pump chamber 34b. The pump discharge port 25b is located on one side in the second direction (+Y direction) and one side in the third direction (+Z direction) with respect to the pump suction port 24b.

[0074] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 8B, the first check valve 51 is disposed in the gap between the first check valve cover 71 and the housing main body 6a. The first check valve 51 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of the liquid. When the liquid flows in the forward direction from the first pump 21, the first check valve 51 moves toward the flow path opening 38, so that the first opening 35 and the flow path opening 38 are connected and the liquid flows. On the other hand, when the first pump 21 stops, the first check valve 51 moves toward the first pump 21, thereby blocking the connection between the first opening 35 and the flow path opening 38 and blocking the reverse flow of the liquid.

[0075] Similarly, the second check valve 52 is disposed in the gap between the second check valve cover 72 and the housing main body 6a. The second check valve 52 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of the liquid. When the liquid flows forward from the second pump 22, the second check valve 52 moves toward the flow path opening 38, so that the second opening 36 and the flow path opening 38 are connected and the liquid flows. On the other hand, when the second pump 22 stops, the second check valve 52 moves toward the second pump 22, thereby blocking the connection between the second opening 36 and the flow path opening 38 and blocking the reverse flow of the liquid.

[0076] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXA-IXA in FIG. 8B. FIG. 9B is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the second pump 22 in FIG. 9A. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the pump unit 2 is disposed in the pump chamber 34 of the housing 3. The pump chamber 34 is provided on one side (+X direction) in the first direction of the housing 3. For example, the pump unit 2 in the present embodiment is a centrifugal pump and has an impeller (not shown). The impeller is located in the pump chamber 34. A pump suction port 24 is formed on the surface of the pump chamber 34 on the other side (-X direction) in the first direction, and a pump discharge port 25 is provided on the side surface.

[0077] As described above, the pump unit 2 circulates the liquid in the cooling unit A. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the impeller of the pump unit 2 is rotatably supported about a central axis extending in the first direction and is connected to the rotation axis of a motor (not shown). When the motor is driven, the impeller rotates, and the liquid flowing in from the pump suction port 24 is discharged from the pump discharge port 25. The pump unit 2 sucks the liquid in one direction (+X direction) in the first direction through the pump suction port 24. Then, the sucked liquid is caused to flow in the second direction (Y direction) toward the flow path opening 38. Further, the housing main body 6a has a check valve stopper portion 6s. The check valve stopper portion 6s projects from a position overlapping the check valve covers (71, 72) of the housing main body 6a in the X direction in the first direction toward the other side (-X direction) in the first direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the check valve portion 5 from moving to the through hole 33 and closing the through hole 33.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged part of FIG. 8B. As shown in FIG. 10, the first check valve 51 is movable within a first opening 35 defined by the housing 3 and the first check valve cover 71. The width along the Z direction of a part of the first check valve 51 facing the first opening 35 is larger than the width Wa of the first part 35a. On the other hand, the width along the Z direction of a part of the first check valve 51 on the side opposite to the part facing the first opening 35 is larger than the width Wa of the first part 35a and smaller than the width Wb of the second part 35b.

[0079] Thus, the first opening 35 has a first part 35a connected to the first pump chamber 34a and a second part 35b where the first check valve 51 is located. The width Wa of the first part 35a of the first opening 35 is smaller than the width Wb of the second part 35b. Since the width Wa of the first part 35a of the first opening 35 is smaller than the width Wb of the second part 35b, the first check valve 51 disposed in the second part 35b can cover the first part 35a, suppressing the backflow of the liquid.

[0080] FIG. 11A is a perspective view showing the first check valve 51 and the first check valve cover 71 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11A, the first check valve cover 71 has a first narrow-width part 71a that at least partially overlaps with the first pump 21 in the first direction (X direction), and a second wide-width part 71b that at least partially overlaps with the first check valve 51 in the first direction (X direction). The width of the first narrow-width part 71a of the first check valve cover 71 in the second direction (Y direction) is smaller than the width of the second wide-width part 71b of the first check valve cover 71 in the second direction (Y direction). Therefore, the first check valve 51 can be easily replaced.

[0082] Note that FIG. 11A shows the first check valve 51 located on the other side (-Y direction) in the second direction with respect to the first check valve cover 71. However, the second check valve 52 and the second check valve cover 72 have the same configuration as the first check valve 51 and the first check valve cover 71, except that the second check valve 52 is located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction with respect to the second check valve cover 72. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted.

[0083] FIG. 11B is a perspective view showing the check valve portion 5 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11B, the check valve portion 5 has a triangular pyramid-shaped portion when viewed from one side (+X direction) in the first direction. The check valve portion 5 has a main body portion 5a and a protrusion portion 5b.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the triangular pyramid shape is a shape in which the width in the third direction (Z direction) becomes narrower as it moves away from the through hole 33 in the second direction (Y direction). Thereby, when the liquid flowing from the pump portion 2 toward the through hole 33 passes through the check valve portion 5, the flow can be made easier. That is, it is possible to suppress the triangular shape from obstructing the flow of the liquid more than when the check valve portion 5 has a surface orthogonal to the flow of the liquid.

[0085] Here, the protrusion portion 5b has a triangular pyramid shape protruding from the main body portion 5a, but the protrusion portion 5b preferably has a cone shape protruding from the main body portion 5a. For example, the protrusion portion 5b may have a conical shape protruding from the main body portion 5a.

[0086] Thus, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 have a main body portion 5a and a conical protrusion portion 5b protruding from the main body portion 5a. The protrusion portion 5b protrudes toward the upstream side of the flow path 4. By the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 having the conical protrusion portion 5b, the liquid can be smoothly flowed in the forward direction and the backflow of the liquid can be suppressed.

[0087] In the cooling unit A according to the exemplary first embodiment of the present invention described above with reference to FIG. 2 in particular, the liquid flowing into the housing 3 flows to the cold plate 1 after passing through the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0088] <Second Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17, a cooling unit A1 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the cooling unit A1 according to the exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. The cooling unit A1 in FIG. 12 has the same configuration as the cooling unit A in FIG. 2, except that the liquid flowing into the tank 6 first passes through the cold plate 1 and then flows through the first pump 21 and the second pump 22, and the tank 6 is disposed within the housing main body 6a. In order to avoid redundancy, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0089] The cooling unit A1 includes a cold plate 1 and a pump device P. The cold plate 1 is attached to the pump device P.

[0090] The pump device P includes a pump section 2, a housing 3, a flow path 4, and a check valve section 5. The pump section 2 circulates the liquid in the flow path 4 in the cooling unit A1. The pump section 2 includes a first pump 21 and a second pump 22.

[0091] The housing 3 has an inlet 31 and an outlet 32. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inlet 31. The liquid flows out from the outlet 32 of the housing 3.

[0092] The housing 3 includes a housing main body 6a and a tank 6. The tank 6 is disposed inside the housing main body 6a. The pump section 2 and the check valve section 5 are disposed in the housing main body 6a. The cold plate 1 is attached to the housing main body 6a. The tank 6 stores the liquid.

[0093] The flow path 4 also has a first pump downstream flow path 4a1, a second pump downstream flow path 4a2, and a connection flow path 4b. The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 is located downstream of the first pump 21 in the flow path 4. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 is located downstream of the second pump 22 in the flow path 4. The connection flow path 4b connects the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 in the flow path 4. The flow path 4 also includes a cooling flow path 4c defined by the housing 3 and the cold plate 1.

[0094] The housing 3 further has a liquid inlet 31 through which the liquid flows in and a liquid outlet 32 through which the liquid flows out. The flow path 4 further has an inflow flow path 4p connecting the inlet 31 and the cooling flow path 4c, a first pump upstream flow path 4q1 connecting the cooling flow path 4c and the first pump 21, a second pump upstream flow path 4q2 connecting the cooling flow path 4c and the second pump 22, and an outflow flow path 4r connecting the connection flow path 4b and the outlet 32. Since the flow path 4 is branched only at the portions where the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 flow through, evaporation of the liquid from the flow path 4 can be suppressed.

[0095] The liquid that has flowed into the housing 3 from the inlet 31 flows to the cold plate 1 after passing through the tank 6. Thereafter, the liquid flows from the cold plate 1 to the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. The liquid that has flowed through the first pump 21 passes through the first check valve 51 located in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and flows into the connection flow path 4b. The liquid that has flowed through the second pump 22 passes through the second check valve 52 located in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 and flows into the connection flow path 4b. Thereafter, the liquid flows through the connection flow path 4b and flows out of the housing 3 through the outlet 32.

[0096] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a cooling unit A1 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13A, the housing 3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 3 has a first pump chamber 34a and a second pump chamber 34b. The first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b are provided on one side (+X direction) in the first direction of the housing 3. The first pump 21 is disposed in the first pump chamber 34a, and the second pump 22 is disposed in the second pump chamber 34b.

[0097] The housing 3 has an inlet 31 and an outlet 32. The inlet 31 and the outlet 32 are provided on one side (+Y direction) of the housing 3 in the second direction. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inlet 31. The liquid flows out from the outlet 32 of the housing 3.

[0098] FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view taken along line XIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 13A. As shown in FIG. 13B, the inlet 31 is connected to a tank 6 disposed inside the housing main body 6a.

[0099] Inside the housing main body 6a, a partition part 8 is disposed between the tank 6 and the cold plate 1. The partition part 8 has a through hole 33 in the inflow channel 4p. The through hole 33 is located on the other side (-X direction) of the tank 6 in the first direction and extends in the Z direction. Liquid flows from the inlet 31 through the tank 6 and the through hole 33 to the cold plate 1. The liquid that has flowed to the cold plate 1 flows to the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. Then, it flows out from the outlet 32.

[0100] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a cooling unit A1 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the cooling unit A1 includes a pump device P, a cold plate 1, and a partition part 8.

[0101] The pump device P has a pump part 2, a housing 3, a flow path 4, and a check valve part 5. The pump part 2, the flow path 4, and the check valve part 5 are provided in the housing 3.

[0102] The housing 3 includes a housing main body 6a, a tank 6 (FIG. 13B), and a valve cover 6b. The valve cover 6b is attached to the housing main body 6a. An outlet 32 is provided in the valve cover 6b. The valve cover 6b covers a first check valve 51 located in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and a second check valve 52 located in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2. The liquid flowing through the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the liquid flowing through the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 merge within the valve cover 6b. A part of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1, a part of the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, and a connection flow path 4b are arranged in the valve cover 6b.

[0103] A first pump chamber 34a and a second pump chamber 34b are provided in the housing main body 6a. The first pump 21 is attached to the first pump chamber 34a. The second pump 22 is attached to the second pump chamber 34b.

[0104] The cold plate 1 is attached to the pump device P. The cold plate 1 is arranged on the other side (-X direction side) of the housing 3 in the first direction. The cold plate 1 has a plurality of fins 11 extending in one side (+X direction) of the first direction. The fins 11 are located within the cooling flow path 4c.

[0105] The partition part 8 is located between the housing 3 and the cold plate 1 in the first direction (X direction). The partition part 8 is attached to the housing 3. The partition part 8 is in contact with the fins 11.

[0106] FIG. 15A is a view of the housing 3 of the cooling unit A1 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the other side (-X direction) in the first direction. FIG. 15B is a view of the housing 3 of the cooling unit A1 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the other side (-X direction) in the first direction. Note that FIG. 15A shows the housing 3 with the partition part 8 attached, while FIG. 15B shows the housing 3 with the partition part 8 removed.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 15A, the partition part 8 is provided with a through hole 33. Through the through hole 33, the liquid in the tank 6 flows to the cold plate 1. The through hole 33 is located approximately at the center of the cold plate 1. The through hole 33 extends in the third direction (Z direction).

[0108] Also, the partition part 8 is provided with an opening 8p. The opening 8p is located on one side in the second direction (+Y direction) and the other side in the third direction (-Z direction) of the cold plate 1. Through the opening 8p, the liquid in the cooling channel 4c flows to the first pump 21. The opening 8p is connected to the first pump upstream channel 4q1.

[0109] Also, the housing 3 is provided with a second pump upstream channel 4q2 on the other side in the second direction (-Y direction). The second pump upstream channel 4q2 connects the cooling channel 4c and the second pump 22. The liquid in the cooling channel 4c flows through the second pump upstream channel 4q2 to the second pump 22.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 15B, a first pump upstream channel 4q1 is provided on the other side in the first direction (-X direction) of the housing main body part 6a. The first pump upstream channel 4q1 is located on one side in the second direction (+Y direction) and the other side in the third direction (-Z direction) of the housing 3. The tank 6 is located approximately at the center of the housing 3. The tank 6 and the first pump upstream channel 4q1 are separated by the wall 4w of the housing main body part 6a and the partition part 8. The wall 4w extends from the housing main body part 6a toward the other side in the first direction (-X direction).

[0111] The first pump upstream channel 4q1 is provided with a communication hole 4h. The communication hole 4h is located on the central axis of the first pump 21. The liquid in the first pump upstream channel 4q1 flows through the communication hole 4h to the first pump 21.

[0112] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 13A. As shown in FIG. 16, a first pump chamber 34a and a second pump chamber 34b are provided in the housing main body 6a. As shown in FIG. 14, a first pump 21 is disposed in the first pump chamber 34a, and a second pump 22 is disposed in the second pump chamber 34b.

[0113] On the bottom surface of the first pump chamber 34a, a pump suction port 24a located on the central axis of the first pump 21 is provided. On the side surface of the first pump chamber 34a, a pump discharge port 25a is provided. The pump discharge port 25a is located on one side in the second direction (+Y direction) and one side in the third direction (+Z direction) with respect to the pump suction port 24a. The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 extends in the second direction (Y direction) from the pump discharge port 25a. A first check valve 51 is disposed in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1. The first check valve 51 is located at the end of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing main body 6a. The first check valve 51 is provided in the housing main body 6a. The first check valve 51 protrudes from the housing main body 6a toward the valve cover 6b. In the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing main body 6a, the diameter (D1a) of the end portion is larger than the diameter (L1) of the first check valve 51, and the diameter (D1b) of the central portion is smaller than the diameter (L1) of the first check valve 51.

[0114] The valve cover 6b is provided with a first restricting portion 6b1 for restricting the movement of the first check valve 51. When the first check valve 51 moves a predetermined distance in the +Y direction with respect to the housing main body 6a, the movement of the first check valve 51 is restricted by the first restricting portion 6b1. In this case, the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing main body 6a is connected to the connection flow path 4b of the valve cover 6b.

[0115] The first check valve 51 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of the liquid. When the liquid flows in the forward direction from the first pump 21, the first check valve 51 moves toward the first regulating portion 6b1, so the liquid flows along the side of the first check valve 51 along the first pump downstream flow path 4a1. On the other hand, when the first pump 21 stops, the first check valve 51 moves toward the first pump 21, thereby blocking the connection of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 by the first check valve 51 and blocking the reverse liquid flow.

[0116] A pump suction port 24b located on the central axis of the second pump 22 is provided on the bottom surface of the second pump chamber 34b. A pump discharge port 25b is provided on the side surface of the second pump chamber 34b. The pump discharge port 25b is located on one side of the second direction (+Y direction) and one side of the third direction (+Z direction) with respect to the pump suction port 24b. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 extends in the second direction (Y direction) from the pump discharge port 25b. A second check valve 52 is disposed in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2. The second check valve 52 is provided in the housing main body portion 6a. The second check valve 52 protrudes from the housing main body portion 6a toward the valve cover 6b. In the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 of the housing main body portion 6a, the diameter (D2a) of the end portion is larger than the diameter (L2) of the second check valve 52, and the diameter (D2b) of the central portion is smaller than the diameter (L2) of the second check valve 52.

[0117] The valve cover 6b is provided with a second regulating portion 6b2 that regulates the movement of the second check valve 52. When the second check valve 52 moves a predetermined distance in the +Y direction with respect to the housing main body portion 6a, the movement of the second check valve 52 is regulated by the second regulating portion 6b2. In this case, the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 of the housing main body portion 6a is connected to the connection flow path 4b of the valve cover 6b.

[0118] The second check valve 52 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of the liquid. When the liquid flows in the forward direction from the second pump 22, the second check valve 52 moves toward the second regulating portion 6b2, so that the liquid flows along the side of the second check valve 52 along the second pump downstream flow path 4a2. On the other hand, when the second pump 22 stops, the second check valve 52 moves toward the second pump 22, thereby blocking the connection of the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 by the second check valve 52 and blocking the reverse flow of the liquid.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 17, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 in the cooling unit A1 according to the exemplary second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view in which the vicinity of the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 in FIG. 16 is enlarged.

[0120] The first check valve 51 has a conical portion. The conical shape of the first check valve 51 is a shape in which the widths in the first direction (X direction) and the third direction (Z direction) become wider as it moves away from the first pump 21 in the second direction (Y direction).

[0121] The first check valve 51 has a main body portion 51a and a protrusion portion 51b. The main body portion 51a has a cylindrical shape, and the protrusion portion 51b has a conical shape. The diameter of the main body portion 51a has a portion larger than the diameter of the central portion of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing main body portion 6a. Thereby, when either pump stops, the main body portion 51a can block the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and prevent backflow. The protrusion portion 51b protrudes along the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 from the main body portion 51a toward the first pump 21.

[0122] The length of the main body portion 51a along the second direction (Y direction) is equal to or less than the length along the second direction (Y direction) of the space in which the first check valve 51 can move until it is regulated by the first regulating portion 6b1. For this reason, when the first check valve 51 moves toward the first regulating portion 6b1, the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing main body portion 6a is connected to the connection flow path 4b.

[0123] Note that the second check valve 52 also has the same configuration as the first check valve 51. This allows the liquid flowing from the pump section 2 toward the outlet 32 to flow more easily through the check valve section 5. That is, it is possible to suppress the conical shape from interfering with the flow of the liquid more than when the check valve section 5 has a surface orthogonal to the flow of the liquid.

[0124] Here, the protrusion 5b is conical, protruding from the main body 5a, but the protrusion 5b preferably has a pyramidal shape protruding from the main body 5a.

[0125] In the above description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17, in the cooling units A and A1, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 are arranged in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. One of the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 may be arranged in the connection flow path 4b.

[0126] Next, a cooling unit A2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the cooling unit A2 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cooling unit A2 in FIG. 18 has the same configuration as the cooling units A and A1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 12, except that the second check valve 52 is arranged in the connection flow path 4b, and redundant descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy. Also, a configuration in which the first check valve 51 is arranged in the connection flow path and the second check valve 52 is arranged in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 may be adopted.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 18, the cooling unit A2 includes a cold plate 1 and a pump device P. The cold plate 1 is attached to the pump device P.

[0128] The pump device P includes a pump section 2, a housing 3, a flow path 4, and a check valve section 5. The pump section 2 circulates the liquid in the flow path 4 in the cooling unit A2. The pump section 2 includes a first pump 21 and a second pump 22.

[0129] The pump device P includes a flow path 4, a first pump 21, a second pump 22, a downstream flow path 4a2 of the second pump, a downstream flow path 4a2 of the second pump, a connection flow path 4b, a first check valve 51, and a second check valve 52. Liquid flows through the flow path 4. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are arranged in the flow path 4. The downstream flow path 4a1 of the first pump is located downstream of the first pump 21 in the flow path 4. The downstream flow path 4a2 of the second pump is located downstream of the second pump 22 in the flow path 4. The connection flow path 4b connects to the downstream flow path 4a1 of the first pump and the downstream flow path 4a2 in the flow path 4. The first check valve 51 is provided in the downstream flow path 4a1 of the first pump. The second check valve 52 is provided in the connection flow path 4b. Specifically, the second check valve 52 is provided near the connection portion of the downstream flow path 4a1 of the first pump and the downstream flow path 4a2 in the connection flow path 4b. When the first pump 21 stops, the first check valve 51 moves toward the first pump 21, thereby blocking the connection of the downstream flow path 4a1 of the first pump and blocking the reverse flow of the liquid. Also, when the second pump 22 stops, the second check valve 52 moves toward the second pump 22, thereby blocking the connection of the downstream flow path 4a2 of the second pump and blocking the reverse flow of the liquid. By arranging the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 downstream of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22, respectively, with respect to the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 connected in parallel, it is possible to suppress the backflow of the liquid even when either the first pump 21 or the second pump 22 is not sufficiently driven.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the pump section 2 includes a centrifugal pump, but the pump section 2 may include pumps such as a diaphragm type or a cascade type. Also, although the check valve section 5 is formed in a triangular pyramid shape, it is not limited to this. Also, although the cold plate 1 is formed in a rectangle in a top view, it may be a quadrilateral such as a circle or a parallelogram. Also, although a plurality of heat sources D are illustrated in FIG. 1, there is no limitation on their arrangement or number, and they may be arranged as appropriate.

[0131] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention. The configurations of the embodiments may be appropriately changed within a range not exceeding the technical idea of the present invention. Also, the embodiments may be implemented in combination within a possible range.

Claims

1. A flow path through which a liquid flows, a first pump disposed in the flow path, a second pump disposed in the flow path, a first downstream flow path of the first pump located downstream of the first pump in the flow path, a second downstream flow path of the second pump located downstream of the second pump in the flow path, a connection flow path connecting the first downstream flow path and the second downstream flow path in the flow path, a first check valve provided in the first downstream flow path of the first pump, a second check valve provided in the second downstream flow path or the connection flow path, and comprising: further comprising a housing having a first pump chamber in which the first pump is disposed and a second pump chamber in which the second pump is disposed, wherein the connection flow path, the first check valve, and the second check valve are provided in the housing, the housing is a first opening that partially opens in the first downstream flow path of the first pump, a second opening that partially opens in the second downstream flow path of the second pump, a first check valve cover covering the first opening, a second check valve cover covering the second opening, and having: the first check valve is located in a space defined by the first opening and the first check valve cover, the second check valve is located in a space defined by the second opening and the first check valve cover, a pump device, a metal cold plate located in a first direction with respect to the housing of the pump device, and comprising: the flow path includes a cooling flow path defined by the housing and the cold plate, the cold plate is located in the cooling flow path and has a plurality of fins extending on one side in the first direction, The housing has a flow path opening that opens on the other side in the first direction. A part of the plurality of fins overlaps with the flow path opening in the first direction. The flow path opening is at least a part of the flow path of the connection flow path, a cooling unit.

2. A flow path through which a liquid flows, A first pump disposed in the flow path, A second pump disposed in the flow path, A first pump downstream flow path located downstream of the first pump in the flow path, A second pump downstream flow path located downstream of the second pump in the flow path, A connection flow path that connects the first pump downstream flow path and the second pump downstream flow path in the flow path, A first check valve provided in the first pump downstream flow path, A second check valve provided in the second pump downstream flow path or the connection flow path and includes, further includes a housing having a first pump chamber in which the first pump is disposed and a second pump chamber in which the second pump is disposed, The connection flow path, the first check valve, and the second check valve are provided in the housing, The housing, A first opening that partially opens in the first pump downstream flow path, A second opening that partially opens in the second pump downstream flow path, A first check valve cover that covers the first opening, A second check valve cover that covers the second opening and has, The first check valve is located in a space defined by the first opening and the first check valve cover, The second check valve is located in a space defined by the second opening and the first check valve cover, a pump device, A metal cold plate located in the first direction with respect to the housing of the pump device is provided with The flow path includes a cooling flow path defined by the housing and the cold plate, The cold plate is located in the cooling flow path and has a plurality of fins extending on one side in the first direction, The housing has a flow path opening that opens on the other side in the first direction, A part of the plurality of fins overlaps the flow path opening in the first direction, The first pump and the second pump are centrifugal pumps, The first pump and the second pump are respectively arranged on both sides of the connection flow path in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, The connection flow path extends in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, The downstream flow path of the first pump is connected to one side of the connection flow path in the third direction, The downstream flow path of the second pump is connected to the other side of the connection flow path in the third direction, a cooling unit.

3. The first check valve and the second check valve have a main body portion and a conical protrusion protruding from the main body portion and The protrusion protrudes toward the upstream side of the flow path, the pump device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first opening has a first portion connected to the first pump chamber and a second portion where the first check valve is located and The width of the first portion is smaller than the width of the second portion, the pump device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Further provided with a partition component located between the housing and the cold plate in the first direction and in contact with the fins, The partition component has a through hole extending in the same direction as the flow path opening, The cooling unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the through hole and the flow path opening are connected at positions overlapping in the first direction.

6. The housing further has an inlet through which a liquid flows in and an outlet through which the liquid flows out, the flow path further has an inflow flow path connected to the inlet, a first pump upstream flow path connecting the inflow flow path and the first pump, a second pump upstream flow path connecting the inflow flow path and the second pump, and an outlet side flow path connecting the cooling flow path and the outlet, The cooling unit according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The housing further has an inlet through which a liquid flows in and an outlet through which the liquid flows out, the flow path further has an inflow flow path connecting the inlet and the cooling flow path, a first pump upstream flow path connecting the cooling flow path and the first pump, a second pump upstream flow path connecting the cooling flow path and the second pump, an outflow flow path connecting the connection flow path and the outlet, and The cooling unit according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The housing further has a tank for storing the liquid, and a housing main body connected to the tank, the tank has a tank inlet through which the liquid flows from the tank into the housing main body, a tank outlet through which the liquid flows out from the housing main body into the interior of the tank, a tank internal piping portion disposed in the tank and connected to the tank outlet, and has The inlet is connected to the inside of the tank. The cooling unit according to claim 7.

9. A cooling unit according to claim 8 and a radiator are provided. The radiator is a cooling system that connects to the inlet and the outlet.

10. The cold plate has a groove portion, and the groove portion and the housing form a part of the flow path. The cooling system according to claim 9.

11. The groove portion is provided separately from the cooling flow path in which the fins are arranged, and includes an inlet-side flow path that connects the inlet to the first pump chamber and the second pump chamber. The cooling system according to claim 10.

12. The groove portion is connected to the cooling flow path in which the fins are arranged, and includes an outlet-side flow path that connects to the outlet. The cooling system according to claim 10 or 11.

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