Chillers and Cooling Systems

Abstract

The invention makes it possible to provide a cooler and a cooling system for efficiently cooling the heat generated from a heating element.　A cooler (1) is for cooling a heating element (2). The cooler (1) is provided with: a case (20) having an outer surface to which the heating element (2) is provided and having an interior space into which a refrigerant flows; and fins (11) that protrude out from an inner surface of the case (20) and form a refrigerant flow path in the interior space. The fins (11) include: a plurality of columnar parts (12) arranged to be staggered; a plurality of planar parts (13) that interconnect columnar parts (12) that are adjacent in a flow direction F which is orthogonal to a height direction H of the case and in which the refrigerant flows; and a plurality of diagonally connecting parts (14) that interconnect columnar parts (12) that are adjacent in a diagonal direction diagonally intersecting with the flow direction F. Also, a cooling system (30) is provided with the cooler (1), a heat exchanger (40), a pump (50), and piping (60) connecting the foregoing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to chillers and cooling systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles such as electric vehicles require power conversion devices such as switching power supplies, inverters, and converters that include semiconductor elements such as MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) and IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) to drive their motors. These power conversion devices process large currents and generate heat, reaching high temperatures. Therefore, liquid-cooled coolers are generally used to cool them.

[0003] This type of cooler (hereinafter referred to as a conventional cooler) is box-shaped, with a coolant flowing inside. The power converter is attached to the outer surface of one of the plates (hereinafter referred to as a heat sink) that make up the cooler box. This allows heat from the power converter to be transferred via the heat sink to the coolant flowing inside the cooler, thereby cooling the power converter. Furthermore, pin fins are provided at intervals on the inner surface of the heat sink, i.e., the surface that comes into contact with the coolant, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to improve the cooling efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 157247 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Many conventional coolers use pin fins. Because the pin fins are spaced apart, there is a distribution of flow velocity between the fins, which prevents the surface area of ​​the pin fins from being used effectively and reduces the heat transfer coefficient. In addition, pin fins increase the flow velocity distribution due to the effect of separation, further reducing the heat transfer coefficient. As a result, conventional coolers have the problem of poor cooling efficiency.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a cooler and a cooling system that efficiently cools heat generated from a heat-generating body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cooler according to the present disclosure is a cooler that cools a heat-generating element, and comprises a case having the heat-generating element on its outer surface and an internal space through which a refrigerant flows, and fins that protrude from the inner surface of the case and form a refrigerant flow path in the internal space, the fins having a plurality of columnar portions arranged in a staggered pattern, a plurality of plate-like portions that are perpendicular to the height direction of the case and connect adjacent columnar portions to each other in the flow direction in which the refrigerant flows, and a plurality of diagonal connecting portions that connect adjacent columnar portions to each other in an oblique direction that intersects obliquely with the flow direction.

[0008] The cooling system according to the present disclosure is a cooling circuit through which a refrigerant flows, and includes a cooler according to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant, a pump that sends the refrigerant to the cooler, and piping that connects the cooler, the heat exchanger, and the pump. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, heat generated from a heat generating element can be efficiently cooled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooler according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cooler according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view of a main surface of a heat sink according to a first embodiment, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the main surface. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the CC section of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fin arrangement according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a heat sink that is a comparison target for the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a cooler according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a cooling system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent components, and this is common throughout the specification. Note that the components shown throughout the specification are merely examples and are not limited to these descriptions.

[0012] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cooler according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the cooler according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 1. In the figure, a height direction H indicated by the H axis is a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by a main surface S1 of a heat sink 10, which will be described later, and a flow direction F indicated by the F axis is a direction in which a refrigerant flows in a case 20 of the cooler 1. Furthermore, a width direction W indicated by the W axis is a direction perpendicular to the height direction H and the flow direction F.

[0013] The cooler 1 cools a heat generating element 2. The heat generating element 2 is, for example, a power converter. The cooler 1 can be divided into four parts: a heat sink 10, a case 20, a refrigerant inlet section 22, and a refrigerant outlet section 24.

[0014] The case 20 is a box-shaped member having a heat sink 10 with a heating element 2 provided on its outer surface. The case 20 has an internal space 21 through which the refrigerant flows after flowing in from a refrigerant inlet 22. The case 20 is made of a material such as aluminum. Although the heat sink 10 is shown separately from the case 20 in the drawings, the heat sink 10 is a component that constitutes the case 20.

[0015] Refrigerant inlet portion 22 is a pipe-shaped member made of aluminum or the like. One end of the pipe forming refrigerant inlet portion 22 is connected to inlet 23 opened in one surface constituting the box of case 20, as shown in Fig. 2. The refrigerant flows into case 20 by flowing in from the other end of refrigerant inlet portion 22.

[0016] Like refrigerant inlet portion 22, refrigerant outlet portion 24 is a pipe-shaped member made of aluminum or the like. One end of the pipe forming refrigerant outlet portion 24 is connected to outlet 25, which is opened in one of the faces constituting the box of case 20, opposite the face to which refrigerant inlet portion 22 is connected, as shown in Fig. 2. The refrigerant that has flowed inside case 20 flows out to the outside of case 20 via outlet 25 and refrigerant outlet portion 24. Inside case 20, the refrigerant flows from inlet 23 toward outlet 25.

[0017] The heat sink 10 is a rectangular flat plate made of copper, aluminum, or the like. As shown in Fig. 3, the heat generating element 2 is attached to the upper surface of the heat sink 10, which is one of the outer surfaces (external surfaces) of the case 20. The lower surface of the heat sink 10, which faces the upper surface, is referred to as the main surface S1. The main surface S1 constitutes one of the inner surfaces (internal surfaces) of the case 20 and comes into contact with the refrigerant.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the main surface S1 of the heat sink 10 according to embodiment 1, seen from a direction perpendicular to the main surface S1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 4.

[0019] Fins 11 are provided on the heat sink 10. The fins 11 protrude from the main surface S1 of the heat sink and form a refrigerant flow path in the internal space 21 of the case 20. The fins 11 have a plurality of columnar portions 12, a plurality of plate-like portions 13, and a plurality of diagonal connection portions 14.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the columnar portions 12 are arranged in a staggered pattern on the main surface S1 when viewed from the height direction H. A plurality of columnar portions 12 are arranged at equal intervals in a flow direction F, which is the direction in which the refrigerant flows, to form a row. This row is called a fin row. A plurality of fin rows are provided in the width direction W. The fin rows are arranged with a shift of a unit phase in the width direction W. Each fin row is arranged with a shift in the flow direction F for every other row in the width direction W. This results in a staggered arrangement of the columnar portions 12 on the heat sink 10.

[0021] The shape of the columnar portion 12 is, for example, a hexagon. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the columnar portion 12 has a surface parallel to the plate-like portion 13 described later. The shape of the columnar portion 12 is preferably such that the vertical width a (width in the flow direction F) of the columnar portion 12 and the horizontal width b (width in the width direction W) of the columnar portion 12 satisfy a / b>1. In other words, the columnar portion 12 is preferably such that the vertical width a is greater than the horizontal width b.

[0022] The columnar portion 12 is a solid member made of aluminum and extends in a height direction H perpendicular to the plane formed by the main surface S1. The height direction H also indicates the height of the case 20 and the fins. As shown in FIG. 5, in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction F, the length of the columnar portion 12 in the height direction H (hereinafter referred to as the height) is the same as the length connecting the bottom surface of the case 20 and the main surface S1 of the heat sink 10. In other words, the height of the columnar portion 12 is equal to the height of the refrigerant flow path.

[0023] 4, the inner surface of the case 20 is provided with a plate-like portion 13 that is perpendicular to the height direction H of the case and connects adjacent columnar portions 12 in the flow direction F of the refrigerant. The plate-like portion 13 is a rectangular flat plate made of aluminum. This flat plate is parallel to the height direction H and the flow direction F.

[0024] One end of the plate-like portion 13 in the flow direction F is provided so as to contact the columnar portion 12 on the inlet 23 side in the flow direction F, and the other end of the plate-like portion 13 is provided so as to contact the columnar portion 12 on the outlet 25 side in the flow direction F. In other words, the plate-like portion 13 connects adjacent columnar portions 12 in the flow direction F to each other.

[0025] 5, the height of the plate-like portion 13 is the same as the height of the columnar portion 12. The length (hereinafter referred to as width) d of the plate-like portion 13 in the width direction W is smaller than the length (hereinafter referred to as width) c of the columnar portion 12 in the width direction W. In other words, the width c of the columnar portion 12 and the width d of the plate-like portion 13 satisfy the relationship c / d>1.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4 , the inner surface of the case 20 is provided with diagonal connection portions 14 that connect adjacent columnar portions 12 in a direction that intersects obliquely with the flow direction F of the refrigerant. The diagonal connection portions 14 are inclined with respect to the flow direction F and the width direction W. The diagonal connection portions 14 connect the corners of the polygonal columnar portions 12. Here, when the columnar portion 12 is hexagonal, the corners of the columnar portions 12 refer to corners formed by connecting side surfaces parallel to the plate-like portions 13 with side surfaces not parallel to the plate-like portions 13 among the six corners of the columnar portion. Note that the corners include not only the corners but also parts of the side surfaces adjacent to the corners. The side surfaces are surfaces that come into contact with the refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 6 , the height of the diagonal connection portions 14 is lower than the heights of the columnar portions 12 and the plate-like portions 13. The diagonal connection portions 14 extend from the heat sink 10 toward the bottom of the case 20.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a fin arrangement according to embodiment 1. Diagonal connection portion 14 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 7. It is assumed that the refrigerant flows from the bottom to the top of the paper in Fig. 7.

[0028] 7, of the fin rows arranged in order in the width direction W, the multiple columnar portions 12 that make up any one fin row are referred to as columnar portions 12a and 12aa in the flow direction F. Furthermore, the multiple columnar portions 12 that make up the fin row adjacent to the fin row including columnar portions 12a and 12aa in the width direction W are referred to as columnar portions 12b and 12bb, respectively. Furthermore, the multiple columnar portions 12 that make up the fin row adjacent to the fin row including columnar portions 12b and 12bb are referred to as columnar portions 12c and 12cc, respectively.

[0029] The columnar portion 12b and the adjacent columnar portion 12aa in the oblique direction obliquely intersecting the flow direction F are connected by an oblique connection portion 14aab. The columnar portion 12b and the adjacent columnar portion 12cc in the oblique direction obliquely intersecting the flow direction F are connected by an oblique connection portion 14bcc. That is, the columnar portion 12b is connected to the columnar portion 12aa on the downstream side obliquely forward by an oblique connection portion 14aab, and to the columnar portion 12cc obliquely forward by an oblique connection portion 14bcc. 14bcc are connected by.

[0030] Furthermore, columnar portion 12b is located upstream of columnar portion 12b and is connected to columnar portion 12a obliquely rearward with respect to the flow direction F by oblique connecting portion 14ab. Columnar portion 12b is located upstream of columnar portion 12b and is connected to columnar portion 12c obliquely rearward with respect to the flow direction F by oblique connecting portion 14bc. In other words, oblique connecting portion 14 connects columnar portions 12 that are closest to each other in fin rows adjacent in the width direction W.

[0031] The distance between the diagonal connections 14 (the distance between the columnar portions 12 that are closest to each other in the fin rows adjacent in the width direction W) is longer than the distance between the columnar portions 12 and the plate-like portions 13 that are adjacent in the width direction W. In other words, the length of the diagonal connections 14 is longer than the distance between the columnar portions 12 and the plate-like portions 13 that are closest to each other.

[0032] Next, the flow of refrigerant in cooler 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Refrigerant is supplied from refrigerant inlet 22 and flows into internal space 21 of the case from inlet 23. The inflowing refrigerant flows through a refrigerant flow path formed by columnar portion 12, plate portion 13, diagonal connection portion 14, main surface S1 of heat sink 10, and the inner surface of case 20 toward outlet 25. In the refrigerant flow path, the refrigerant comes into contact with fins 11 and main surface S1 of heat sink 10, thereby cooling heat-generating element 2. Once the refrigerant reaches outlet 25, it flows out of case 20 from refrigerant outlet 24.

[0033] The cooler 1 is provided, for example, in a refrigerant circulation path of a cooling system 30, which will be described later. In this case, the other end of the refrigerant inlet 22 is connected to a pipe 60, and the refrigerant that has passed through the pipe 60 flows into the case 20. The other end of the refrigerant outlet 24 is connected to the pipe 60. As a result, the refrigerant that has passed through the case 20 flows from the refrigerant outlet 24 to the pipe 60 It flows out into.

[0034] Here, as a comparative example, cooling when a plurality of cylindrical pin fins are arranged on a heat sink will be described. Fig. 8 is a plan view of a heat sink 100 that is a comparison example with the first embodiment.

[0035] In the heat sink 100, the refrigerant that collides with the pin fin 12d passes through the gaps M between the pin fins 12e located upstream of the pin fin 12d and the gaps N between the pin fins 12f adjacent to the pin fin 12d in the width direction W perpendicular to the flow direction F, and then collides with the pin fin 12g located downstream of the pin fin 12d. At this time, because the gaps N are wider than the gaps M, the flow rate of the refrigerant is slower in the gaps N. As a result, the cooling efficiency near the gaps N deteriorates. Furthermore, near the corners of the pin fins, especially in the rear portions (upstream side), the refrigerant is less able to flow due to the effect of separation, and the cooling efficiency deteriorates.

[0036] On the other hand, the cooler 1 according to the first embodiment is a cooler that cools a heat-generating element 2, and includes a case 20 having the heat-generating element 2 on its outer surface and an internal space 21 through which a refrigerant flows, and fins 11 that protrude from the inner surface (main surface S1) of the case and form a refrigerant flow path in the internal space 21, the fins 11 having a plurality of columnar portions 12 arranged in a staggered pattern, a plurality of plate-like portions 13 that are perpendicular to the height direction H of the case and connect adjacent columnar portions 12 to each other in a flow direction F through which the refrigerant flows, and a plurality of diagonal connection portions 14 that connect adjacent columnar portions 12 to each other in an oblique direction that obliquely intersects with the flow direction F. By having such a configuration, the cooler 1 according to the first embodiment can efficiently cool the heat generated from the heat-generating element 2.

[0037] Specifically, the plate-like portion 13 is located at the center of the gap N in the width direction W. This narrows the width of the flow path in the gap N compared to when the plate-like portion 13 is not present. As a result, a decrease in the flow rate of the refrigerant in the gap N is suppressed, and deterioration of the cooling efficiency is suppressed. Therefore, a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient caused by the flow rate distribution can be suppressed, and the cooler 1 can efficiently cool the heat generated from the heat-generating body 2.

[0038] Furthermore, the provision of the diagonal connecting portions 14 promotes turbulence in the refrigerant, resulting in more efficient cooling. The diagonal connecting portions 14 connect adjacent columnar portions 12, among the multiple columnar portions 12 arranged in a staggered pattern, diagonally to the refrigerant flow direction F. Specifically, by providing the diagonal connecting portions 14 near the corners of the columnar portions 12 where separation is likely to occur, the refrigerant collides with the diagonal connecting portions 14 and is stirred, promoting turbulence in the refrigerant. Turbulence suppresses stagnation of the refrigerant (dead zones) due to separation, thereby reducing the flow velocity distribution between the fins. Furthermore, turbulence suppresses dead zones that occur near the corners of the columnar portions 12, thereby enabling effective use of the surface area of ​​the columnar portions 12. As a result, a decrease in heat transfer coefficient is suppressed, resulting in efficient cooling of the heating element 2. Furthermore, because the refrigerant collides with the diagonal connecting portions 14 at an angle, pressure loss is also reduced.

[0039] Furthermore, because the plate-shaped portions 13 and the diagonal connecting portions 14 are provided on the main surface S1 of the heat sink 10 (the inner surface of the case 20), the surface area in contact with the refrigerant is larger than that of a heat sink that does not have the plate-shaped portions 13 and the diagonal connecting portions 14. Therefore, the cooler 1 that includes the heat sink 10 has a higher ability to cool the heat-generating element 2 than a conventional cooler that includes the heat sink 100 that does not have the plate-shaped portions 13 and the diagonal connecting portions 14. Furthermore, because the columnar portions 12, the plate-shaped portions 13, and the diagonal connecting portions 14 are connected, earthquake resistance is improved and vibration suppression effects can also be expected.

[0040] Furthermore, the length of the diagonal connection portion 14 is longer than the closest distance between the columnar portion 12 and the plate-like portion 13. Rather than connecting the columnar portion 12 and the plate-like portion 13 adjacent in the width direction W, the diagonal connection portion 14 connects the columnar portions 12 that are closest to each other in the fin rows adjacent in the width direction W, thereby increasing the contact area with the refrigerant and improving cooling performance.

[0041] Furthermore, the columnar portions 12 are arranged in a staggered pattern on the main surface S1 of the heat sink 10 when viewed from the height direction H. As a result, the refrigerant flowing inside the cooler 1 collides with the columnar portions 12 in a direction parallel to the flow direction F, and the leading edge effect suppresses the development of a thermal boundary layer around the columnar portions 12. As a result, the cooler 1 can efficiently cool the heat generated from the heat-generating body 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the columnar portion 12 has a hexagonal shape. Here, it is assumed that the columnar portion 12 is cylindrical. In this case, the flow of the refrigerant near the surface of the columnar portion 12 is less likely to be disturbed. On the other hand, if the columnar portion 12 has a hexagonal shape as in the first embodiment, the disturbance (turbulence) of the flow of the refrigerant can be promoted. Furthermore, by making the vertical width a of the columnar portion 12 and the horizontal width b of the columnar portion 12 a / b>1, the contact area between the refrigerant and the columnar portion 12 can be increased, thereby improving cooling performance.

[0043] The height of the columnar portion 12 and the height of the plate-like portion 13 are the same as the height of the refrigerant flow path, so that the surface area of ​​the fins 11 that comes into contact with the refrigerant increases, allowing the heat generating element 2 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0044] The height of the diagonal connection portion 14 is set lower than the height of the columnar portion 12 and the height of the plate-like portion 13. This configuration increases the contact area between the heat sink 10 and the refrigerant and promotes turbulence of the refrigerant, thereby enabling the heating element 2 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0045] Furthermore, the width d of the plate-like portion 13 is smaller than the width c of the columnar portion 12. In other words, the relationship is c / d > 1. This configuration increases the contact area between the columnar portion 12 and the plate-like portion 13 and the refrigerant, and also enhances the leading edge effect of the columnar portion 12, allowing the heating element 2 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0046] In addition, in the heat sink 10 of the cooler 1, aluminum is used as the material for the columnar portion 12, and copper is used as the material for the plate-like portion 13. For example, if the thickness of the flat plate forming the plate-like portion 13 is thinner than the width of the hexagon formed by the columnar portion 12, the cooling performance of the plate-like portion 13 may be deteriorated relative to the columnar portion 12. However, by using copper, which has a higher thermal conductivity than aluminum, as the material for the plate-like portion 13, deterioration in the cooling performance of the plate-like portion 13 can be suppressed. Note that when different materials are used for the columnar portion 12 and the plate-like portion 13, the manufacturing process can include a method of press-fitting the plate-like portion 13 after forming the columnar portion 12 on the heat sink 10, or a method of bonding the plate-like portion 13 to the columnar portion 12 by brazing or the like.

[0047] The height of the columnar portion 12 and the plate-like portion 13 is the same as the height of the refrigerant flow path, but as long as it is longer than the height of the diagonal connection portion 14, it may be shorter than the height of the refrigerant flow path depending on the warping of the heat sink 10.

[0048] The power converter, which is an example of the heating element 2, is a converter / inverter or regulator for controlling the motor 80 described below, and includes semiconductor elements such as MOSFETs and IGBTs, reactors, capacitors, etc. The semiconductor elements and the like included in the power converter are mounted on an insulating substrate inside the power converter. When the motor 80 is operating, a current flows through the power converter to control the motor 80, causing the semiconductor elements and the like included inside the power converter to become hot.

[0049] Embodiment 2 A cooler 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The cooler 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the cooler 1 according to the first embodiment in the shape of the diagonal connection portion 14. Explanations of configurations that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a main surface S1 of a heat sink 10A of a cooler 1A according to the second embodiment, viewed from a direction perpendicular to this surface.

[0051] In the heat sink 10A of the cooler 1A of the second embodiment, a plurality of uneven portions G are formed on the side surface of the diagonal connection portion 14, i.e., the surface that comes into contact with the refrigerant. The uneven portions G are grooves that have a V-shaped cross section and extend in the height direction H. This increases the area of ​​contact with the refrigerant in the heat sink 10A compared to the heat sink 10. As a result, the cooler 1A not only achieves the effect of the first embodiment, but can also efficiently cool the heat generated from the heat-generating body 2. The other configurations of the cooler 1A are the same as those of the cooler 1.

[0052] Embodiment 3 A cooling system 30 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The cooling system 30 according to the third embodiment is a cooling system 30 including the cooler described in the first or second embodiment. Explanations of configurations that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and parts that are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0053] 10 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a cooling system 30 according to embodiment 3. The cooling system 30 includes the cooler 1, 1A described in embodiment 1 or 2, a heat exchanger 40, a pump 50, and piping 60 connecting the respective components.

[0054] The cooling system 30 is a cooling circuit that uses a refrigerant to cool the heat generating element 2. In the third embodiment, the heat generating element 2 is a power conversion device.

[0055] The refrigerant flowing through the cooling system 30 circulates in the cooling circuit through the heat exchanger 40, pump 50, and cooler 1 equipped with a heat-generating element 2, in that order. The cooler 1 (1A), heat exchanger 40, and pump are each connected by piping 60. Thus, in the cooling circuit, the refrigerant cooled in the heat exchanger 40 is transported to the cooler 1 (1A) by the pump 50. The refrigerant flows into the cooler 1 and exchanges heat, thereby cooling the heat-generating element 2. The refrigerant that has received heat flows back into the heat exchanger 40 and is cooled by the heat exchanger 40.

[0056] The refrigerant that flows through the cooling circuit is an antifreeze liquid (LLC), which is a mixture of an ethylene glycol aqueous solution and additives that act as rust inhibitors, preservatives, and antifoaming agents.

[0057] As described above, the cooling system 30 according to this embodiment is a cooling circuit through which a refrigerant flows, By including the cooler 1 (1A) described in embodiment 1 or 2, a heat exchanger 40 that cools the refrigerant, a pump 50 that sends the refrigerant to the cooler 1 (1A), and piping 60 that connects the cooler 1 (1A), the heat exchanger 40, and the pump 50, the heat generating element 2 can be cooled efficiently.

[0058] The technical concept of each embodiment can be appropriately combined, modified, or omitted. For example, the refrigerant in the above embodiment is antifreeze, but it may be replaced with a cooled gas. Furthermore, the uneven portion G formed on the side of the diagonal connection portion 14 may be a semicircular recess or the like, instead of a V-shaped groove. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1,1A cooler, 2 heating element (power conversion device), 10,10A heat sink, 11 fin, 12,12a,12aa,12b,12bb,12c,12cc columnar portion, 13 plate portion, 14,14aab,14bcc,14ab,14bc diagonal connection portion, 20 case, 21 internal space, 22 refrigerant inlet portion, 23 inlet, 24 refrigerant outlet portion, 25 outlet, 30 cooling system, 40 heat exchanger, 50 pump, 60 piping, 100 heat sink, F flow direction, G uneven portion, H height direction, S1 main surface, W width direction.

Claims

1. A cooler for cooling a heat generating element, a case having an internal space in which the heat generating element is provided on an outer surface and a refrigerant flows; fins that protrude from the inner surface of the case and form a refrigerant flow path in the internal space; The fins are A plurality of columnar portions arranged in a staggered pattern; a plurality of plate-like portions that are perpendicular to the height direction of the case and connect the columnar portions that are adjacent to each other in a flow direction of the refrigerant; a plurality of diagonal connection portions that connect the adjacent columnar portions to each other in a diagonal direction that diagonally intersects the flow direction; cooler.

2. a plurality of the columnar portions are arranged at intervals in the flow direction to form a fin array; The fin rows are provided at intervals in the height direction and in a width direction perpendicular to the flow direction, and the fin rows are arranged so that every other fin row in the width direction is shifted in the flow direction. The cooler of claim 1 .

3. The cooler according to claim 2 , wherein the diagonal connection portion connects the columnar portions that are closest to each other among the columnar portions that form the fin rows adjacent to each other in the width direction.

4. The cooler according to claim 1 , wherein the height of the columnar portion and the height of the plate portion are the same as the height of the refrigerant flow path.

5. a height of the diagonal connection portion is lower than a height of the columnar portion and a height of the plate-like portion; The cooler of claim 1 .

6. The cooler according to claim 1 , wherein the columnar portions are polygonal in shape, and the diagonal connecting portions connect corners of the columnar portions to each other.

7. The cooler according to claim 1 , wherein the length of the diagonal connection portion is longer than the closest distance between the columnar portion and the plate-like portion.

8. 2. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the columnar portion has a relationship between a vertical width a in the flow direction and a horizontal width b in a width direction perpendicular to the flow direction, such that a / b>1.

9. 2. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction, a relationship between a width c of the columnar portion and a width d of the plate-like portion satisfies c / d>1.

10. The cooler according to claim 1 , wherein the diagonal connection portion has an uneven portion on a side surface.

11. 11. A cooling system comprising: a cooling circuit through which the refrigerant flows, the cooling system comprising: the cooler according to claim 1; a heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant; a pump that sends the refrigerant to the cooler; and piping that connects the cooler, the heat exchanger, and the pump.

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