Cooling unit

Abstract

To realize appropriate cooling efficiency at a plurality of parts in a cooling unit.SOLUTION: A cooling unit A has: a cold plate 1 contacting a heating component Da; a housing disposed on one side in a first direction of a cold plate; a first wall part Wa placed between the housing and the cold plate; and a second wall part Wb which separates a plate chamber defined by the housing and the first wall part into a first plate chamber 11 and a second plate chamber 12 adjacent to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first wall part has a first open hole 31 opposite the cold plate in the first plate chamber and a second open hole 32 opposite the cold plate in the second plate chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a cooling device that includes a metal cooling panel for cooling a heat generating element such as a battery or an electronic component, and a resin flow path that is joined to the metal cooling panel and through which a coolant flows (for example, Patent Document 1). In the cooling device of Patent Document 1, the resin flow path has a coolant inlet and a coolant recovery port. In this cooling device, the resin flow path is provided in a horizontal direction relative to the heat generating element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-088108 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the cooling device of Patent Document 1, the flow path has an inlet and an outlet through which the coolant flows in and out. If the flow speed of the coolant is constant at every point, the coolant will flow evenly throughout the entire flow path. However, in reality, the flow speed of the coolant is not constant. For example, if a pump is located near the coolant inlet and the coolant branch port, the coolant will flow faster toward the coolant inlet and the coolant branch port, but will flow slower toward the coolant junction port and the coolant recovery port. As a result, the coolant is likely to stagnate at the coolant junction port and the coolant recovery port, reducing the cooling efficiency at those points.

[0005] The present invention aims to achieve appropriate cooling efficiency at multiple locations in a cooling unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An exemplary cooling unit of the present invention includes a cold plate in contact with a heat-generating component, a housing arranged on one side of the cold plate in a first direction, a first wall portion located between the housing and the cold plate, and a second wall portion separating a plate chamber defined by the housing and the first wall portion into a first plate chamber and a second plate chamber adjacent to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the cold plate has a plurality of fins arranged on the surface on one side of the first direction, the plurality of fins being located in the second plate chamber and spaced apart in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first wall portion having a first through hole facing the cold plate in the first plate chamber and a second through hole facing the cold plate in the second plate chamber and extending in the second direction, wherein the coolant flowing in the second plate chamber flows along the cold plate into a connecting chamber, and the second through hole is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the plurality of fins in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cooling unit capable of achieving appropriate cooling efficiency at multiple locations can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system equipped with a cooling unit of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of a cooling unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a cooling unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a schematic top view of a cold plate in a cooling unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic partial enlarged perspective view of a cold plate in a cooling unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a cooling unit according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a view of a cold plate in a cooling unit according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above in a first direction. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a schematic perspective view of a cold plate in a cooling unit according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an overall perspective view of a cooling unit according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a cooling unit according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system equipped with a cooling unit of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of a cooling unit according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an overall perspective view of a cooling unit according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B]FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a cooling unit according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a cooling unit according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the inside of a housing of a cooling unit according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a cooling unit according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a view of a cold plate and an elastic member in a cooling unit according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above in a first direction. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a schematic perspective view of a cold plate and an elastic member in a cooling unit according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a cooling unit according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a cooling system equipped with an exemplary cooling unit of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this application, the direction in which the housing 2 is disposed relative to the cold plate 1 will be referred to as the "first direction X." The direction in which the housing 2 is disposed relative to the cold plate 1 will be referred to as the "upper side Xa," ​​and the direction opposite to the direction in which the housing 2 is disposed will be referred to as the "lower side Xb," thereby defining the up-down direction. In this application, the up-down direction and the horizontal direction are defined for the convenience of explanation, and are not intended to limit the orientation of the cooling unit A according to the present invention during manufacture or use.

[0010] Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the first direction X is referred to as the "second direction Y." One side of the second direction Y is referred to as the "second direction Ya," and the other side is referred to as the "second direction Yb." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as the "third direction Z." One side of the third direction Z is referred to as the "third direction Za," and the other side is referred to as the "third direction Zb."

[0011] In addition, in this application, the term "orthogonal direction" also includes a direction that is approximately orthogonal.

[0012] <First embodiment> A cooling system S and a cooling unit A according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system S equipped with a cooling unit A according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is an overall perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] <Cooling System> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system S equipped with a cooling unit A of the present invention. The cooling system S has a cooling unit A, a radiator B, and a coolant pipe C. The cooling unit A and the radiator B are connected by the coolant pipe C, and a coolant flows through these components. In this embodiment, the coolant is a liquid. For example, an antifreeze solution such as an ethylene glycol aqueous solution or a propylene glycol aqueous solution, or pure water, etc., is used as the coolant.

[0014] A heat-generating component D, which is a heat source, is attached to cooling unit A, and cooling unit A receives heat from heat-generating component D. Examples of heat-generating components D include microprocessors used in computers and power semiconductors used in inverters. The heat received by cooling unit A flows through coolant, coolant pipe C, and to radiator B. As the heated coolant passes through radiator B, the heat is dissipated to the outside.

[0015] Here, the heat-generating component D includes a first heat-generating component Da and a second heat-generating component Db. Both the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db are attached to the cooling unit A.

[0016] The coolant pipe C has a first pipe Ca and a second pipe Cb. The first pipe Ca connects the radiator B and the cooling unit A. The second pipe Cb connects the cooling unit A and the radiator B. The coolant cooled in the radiator B flows into the cooling unit A via the first pipe Ca. Furthermore, the coolant flowing out of the cooling unit A flows into the radiator B via the second pipe Cb. In this way, the coolant circulates through the radiator B and the cooling unit A via the first pipe Ca and the second pipe Cb.

[0017] Although not specifically shown in FIG. 1, the cooling system S preferably has a pump for circulating the coolant. Typically, the pump is disposed in the coolant pipe C. However, the pump may also be mounted on the cooling unit A.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling unit A has a cold plate 1 and a housing 2. The cold plate 1 is plate-shaped. Here, the cold plate 1 has a flat plate shape. The housing 2 has a box shape with one side open. The housing 2 is disposed on the upper side Xa of the cold plate 1 in the first direction. The opening of the housing 2 is covered by the cold plate 1.

[0019] The housing 2 has an inlet 21 through which the coolant flows into the housing 2 and an outlet 22 through which the coolant flows out of the housing 2. A coolant pipe C is attached to each of the inlet 21 and the outlet 22.

[0020] The housing 2 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with one side open. The housing 2 has an outer peripheral surface 2s and an inner peripheral surface 2t. The specific configuration of the housing 2 will be described later.

[0021] The outer peripheral surface 2s of the housing 2 has an outer main surface 2sa, a first outer side surface 2sb, a second outer side surface 2sc, a third outer side surface 2sd, and a fourth outer side surface 2se. The first outer side surface 2sb and the second outer side surface 2sc are each connected to the outer main surface 2sa. The third outer side surface 2sd and the fourth outer side surface 2se are each connected to the outer main surface 2sa, the first outer side surface 2sb, and the second outer side surface 2sc, respectively. The outer main surface 2sa is located on the upper side Xa in the first direction. The first outer side surface 2sb is located on one side Ya in the second direction, and the second outer side surface 2sc is located on the other side Yb in the second direction. The third outer side surface 2sd is located on one side Za in the third direction, and the fourth outer side surface 2se is located on the other side Zb in the third direction. Here, the outer main surface 2sa, the first outer side surface 2sb, the second outer side surface 2sc, the third outer side surface 2sd, and the fourth outer side surface 2se are all flat surfaces.

[0022] The inner peripheral surface 2t of the housing 2 has an inner main surface 2ta, a first inner side surface 2tb, a second inner side surface 2tc, a third inner side surface 2td, and a fourth inner side surface 2te. The first inner side surface 2tb and the second inner side surface 2tc are each connected to the inner main surface 2ta. The third inner side surface 2td and the fourth inner side surface 2te are each connected to the inner main surface 2ta, the first inner side surface 2tb, and the second inner side surface 2tc, respectively. The inner main surface 2ta is located on the upper side Xa in the first direction. The first inner side surface 2tb is located on one side Ya in the second direction, and the second inner side surface 2tc is located on the other side Yb in the second direction. The third inner side surface 2td is located on one side Za in the third direction, and the fourth inner side surface 2te is located on the other side Zb in the third direction. Here, The inner main surface 2ta, the first inner side surface 2tb, the second inner side surface 2tc, the third inner side surface 2td, and the fourth inner side surface 2te are all flat surfaces.

[0023] The inlet 21 is provided in the second outer side surface 2sc. The inlet 21 connects the second outer side surface 2sc and the second inner side surface 2tc. The outlet 22 is provided in the first outer side surface 2sb. The outlet 22 connects the first outer side surface 2sb and the first inner side surface 2tb.

[0024] Next, a cooling unit A according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3B. Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] 3A and 3B, the cooling unit A has a cold plate 1, a housing 2, and a partition 3. The housing 2 is disposed on an upper side Xa of the cold plate 1 in the first direction.

[0026] <Cold Plate 1> The cold plate 1 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. In this embodiment, the cold plate 1 is a rectangular plate component extending in the second direction Y and the third direction Z when viewed from above. Although the cold plate 1 in this embodiment is quadrangular when viewed from above, this is not limiting and the cold plate 1 may be, for example, polygonal with multiple corners or circular when viewed from above. A heat-generating component D contacts the underside of the cold plate 1.

[0027] Here, the heat-generating component D has a first heat-generating component Da and a second heat-generating component Db. The first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db are attached to the cold plate 1. The first heat-generating component Da is disposed at the center of the cold plate 1 in the second direction Y, and the second heat-generating component Db is disposed on the other side of the cold plate 1 in the second direction Yb.

[0028] <Housing 2> The housing 2 has an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Typically, the housing 2 is formed from a resin material. This makes it easier to mold the housing 2 than when the housing 2 is molded from metal. Furthermore, the housing 2 can be prevented from rusting even in a humid environment.

[0029] The housing 2 has a tank chamber 24 that stores the coolant. The tank chamber 24 is a recess formed by the housing 2 being recessed toward the upper side Xa in the first direction. The tank chamber 24 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cooling unit A has the tank chamber 24, which makes it possible to increase the amount of coolant circulating within the cooling system S. For example, if the coolant gradually leaks out from the connection points between the coolant pipes C and each component, and the amount of coolant decreases, the cooling efficiency decreases. However, the cooling unit A has the tank chamber 24, which makes it possible to suppress the decrease in cooling efficiency.

[0030] <Plate chamber 1p, partition 3> The housing 2 opens on the lower side Xb in the first direction. The partition 3 is located relative to the opening of the housing 2. In other words, the partition 3 is located on the lower side Xb of the housing 2 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the partition 3 is separate from the housing 2. By configuring the partition 3 as a separate body from the housing 2, the housing 2 can be easily formed by resin molding. However, the partition 3 may also be a single member together with the housing 2.

[0031] A plate chamber 1p is located between the cold plate 1 and the partition 3. The cold plate 1 has the plate chamber 1p, through which a coolant flows, between the cold plate 1 and the partition 3. The plate chamber 1p has a first plate chamber 11 and a second plate chamber 12. The partition 3 has a partition wall (second wall Wb) that extends downward in the first direction Xb and contacts the cold plate 1. The partition wall (second wall Wb) divides the plate chamber 1p into the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. The first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 are located in that order from the other side Yb of the second direction toward one side Ya of the second direction. In other words, the first plate chamber 11 is located at the farthest position from the outlet 22 provided on one side Ya of the second direction.

[0032] The partition section 3 has a plurality of through holes that penetrate the first plate chamber 11, the second plate chamber 12, and the housing 2. In detail, the partition section 3 has a first through hole 31 that connects the first plate chamber 11 with a communication flow path 23 (described later), and a second through hole 32 that connects the tank chamber 24 with the second plate chamber 12.

[0033] The partition 3 has a first wall Wa and a second wall Wb. The first wall Wa extends in the YZ plane. The first wall Wa and the cold plate 1 define a plate chamber 1p.

[0034] The second wall portion Wb extends in the X direction. The second wall portion Wb connects the first wall portion Wa and the cold plate 1. The second wall portion Wb separates the plate chamber 1p into a first plate chamber 11 and a second plate chamber 12.

[0035] There are a plurality of heat-generating components D, each positioned opposite to one of the plate chambers. Each of the heat-generating components D contacts the lower surface Xb of the cold plate 1 in the first direction. Heat from the heat-generating components D is absorbed in each of the plate chambers.

[0036] Here, the heat-generating component D has a first heat-generating component Da and a second heat-generating component Db. The first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db are attached to the cold plate 1. The first heat-generating component Da is disposed at the center of the cold plate 1 in the second direction Y, and the second heat-generating component Db is disposed on the other side Yb of the cold plate 1 in the second direction. Therefore, the first heat-generating component Da is disposed opposite the second plate chamber 12, and the second heat-generating component Db is disposed opposite the first plate chamber 11.

[0037] Separating the plate chamber 1p into the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 for each heat-generating component D makes it easier for the coolant to reach the corners of the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. Specifically, the second plate chamber 12 to which the first heat-generating component Da is attached is separated from the first plate chamber 11 to which the second heat-generating component Db is attached. This reduces the accumulation of coolant in each of the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. Reducing the accumulation of coolant allows for more efficient heat exchange.

[0038] <Communication Flow Path 23> The housing 2 further has a communication flow path 23 that connects the inlet 21 and the first through-hole 31. Here, the communication flow path 23 faces downward in the first direction Xb.

[0039] The first through hole 31 is located approximately in the center of the first plate chamber 11. Approximately in the center of the first plate chamber 11 means that the distance from the first through hole 31 to the edge of the first plate chamber 11 is approximately the same in the second direction Y and / or the third direction Z. For example, the distance from the first through hole 31 to the third inner side surface 2td is approximately equal to the distance from the first through hole 31 to the fourth inner side surface 2te. Furthermore, the distance from the first through hole 31 to the second inner side surface 2tc may be approximately equal to the distance from the first through hole 31 to the second wall portion Wb. The coolant that flows along the communication flow path 23 bends in the first plate chamber 11, forming a flow path that bends from the other side of the second direction Yb, i.e., the first plate chamber 11 side, toward one side of the second direction Ya and widens toward the third direction Z.

[0040] Since the first through-hole 31 is located in the center of the first plate chamber 11, the coolant flows through the first through-hole 31 from the upper side Xa in the first direction down to the lower side Xb in the first direction, spreading throughout the first plate chamber 11. This reduces stagnation within the first plate chamber 11.

[0041] The first wall portion Wa has a large opening that connects the first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24. The coolant that has flowed into the first plate chamber 11 passes through the opening and flows into the tank chamber 24.

[0042] In the tank chamber 24, the coolant flows from the other second direction Yb to the one second direction Ya. Therefore, an intermediate flow path 24F for the coolant is formed in the tank chamber 24. The coolant flowing through the intermediate flow path 24F flows into the second plate chamber 12 via the second through hole 32. The opening area of ​​the second through hole 32 may be larger than the opening area of ​​the first through hole 31. This makes it possible to make the flow rate of the coolant passing through the second through hole 32 approximately equal to the flow rate of the coolant passing through the first through hole 31.

[0043] <Second Plate Chamber 12> The second plate chamber 12 is located on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the tank chamber 24. The partition portion 3 has a second through hole 32. The second plate chamber 12 is located on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the second through hole 32. The second through hole 32 connects the tank chamber 24 and the second plate chamber 12.

[0044] In the second plate chamber 12, the coolant flows from the other second direction Yb to the one second direction Ya. Therefore, a coolant flow path is formed in the second plate chamber 12. The coolant flowing in the second plate chamber 12 flows along the cold plate 1 to the communication chamber 27.

[0045] The communication chamber 27 is defined by the fourth wall portion Wd and the cold plate 1. The fourth wall portion Wd faces the cold plate 1 and extends in the YZ plane parallel to the cold plate 1. The fourth wall portion Wd extends from the first inner side surface 2tb in the other side of the second direction Yb. In the communication chamber 27, the coolant flows from the lower side Xb in the first direction to the upper side Xa in the first direction. A through hole is provided in the fourth wall portion Wd, and the coolant flows through the through hole in the fourth wall portion Wd and into the outflow chamber 28. Therefore, a flow path for the coolant is formed in the communication chamber 27.

[0046] The outflow chamber 28 is defined by the housing 2, the fourth wall Wd, and the fifth wall We. The fifth wall We extends in the XZ plane, perpendicular to the cold plate 1. The fifth wall We extends from the inner main surface 2ta to the lower side Xb in the first direction. The fifth wall We separates the tank chamber 24 from the outflow chamber 28. The outflow chamber 28 is located on the upper side Xa in the first direction of the communication chamber 27. The outflow chamber 28 is connected to the outflow port 22. In the outflow chamber 28, the coolant flows from the other side Yb in the second direction to the one side Ya in the second direction, and then flows out from the outflow port 22. Therefore, a flow path for the coolant is formed in the outflow chamber 28. The coolant flowing through the outflow chamber 28 flows out from the outflow port 22.

[0047] In this way, in the cooling unit A, the cooling liquid that flows in through the inlet 21 flows in order through the connecting flow path 23, the first through hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the intermediate flow path 24F (tank chamber 24), the second through hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the connecting chamber 27 and the outlet chamber 28, and then flows out through the outlet 22.

[0048] As described above, the cooling unit A has a cold plate 1, a housing 2, a first wall portion Wa, and a second wall portion Wb. The cold plate 1 contacts the heat-generating component D. The housing 2 is disposed on one side of the cold plate 1 in the first direction (the upper side Xa in the first direction). The first wall portion Wa is located between the cold plate 1 and the housing 2. The plate chamber 1p is defined by the housing 2 and the first wall portion Wa. The second wall portion Wb separates the plate chamber 1p into a first plate chamber 11 and a second plate chamber 12 adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y direction).

[0049] The first wall portion Wa has a first through hole 31 and a second through hole 32. The first through hole 31 faces the cold plate 1 in the first plate chamber 11. The second through hole 32 faces the cold plate 1 in the second plate chamber 12. Liquid flows into the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 adjacent in the second direction (Y direction) through the first through hole 31 and the second through hole 32 facing the cold plate 1, respectively, allowing efficient heat exchange with multiple heat-generating components (e.g., the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db).

[0050] The housing 2 has an inlet 21 through which the liquid flows in, an outlet 22 through which the liquid flows out, a communication flow path 23 connected to the inlet 21, and an intermediate flow path 24F connecting the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. The first through hole 31 connects the communication flow path 23 and the first plate chamber 11. The second through hole 32 connects the intermediate flow path 24F and the second plate chamber 12.

[0051] Since the liquid flows into the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 from different flow paths via the first through-holes 31 and the second through-holes 32, respectively, heat can be efficiently exchanged with the plurality of heat-generating components D.

[0052] Cooling unit A has a connecting flow path. The third wall portion Wc separates the inner main surface 2ta from the intermediate flow path 24F (tank chamber 24). The third wall portion Wc extends from the inner main surface 2ta toward the lower side Xb in the first direction.

[0053] The third wall portion Wc may be a single member together with the housing 2. For example, the housing 2 has the third wall portion Wc. In this case, the housing 2 and the third wall portion Wc can be configured from a single member, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0054] Alternatively, for example, the partition 3 may have the third wall Wc. For example, the first wall Wa and the third wall Wc may be a single member. In this case, the first wall Wa and the third wall Wc can be configured from a single member, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0055] Alternatively, the first wall Wa and the second wall Wb may be a single member, in which case the first wall Wa and the second wall Wb can be configured from a single member, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0056] The first through hole 31 is located in the center of the first plate chamber 11 in the second direction (Y direction) or in the center of the third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first and second directions. The second through hole 32 is located in the center of the second direction (Y direction) or the center of the third direction (Z direction) in the second plate chamber 12. The liquid is located in the center of the first plate chamber 11 in the second direction or the center of the third direction. Since the liquid flows into the first plate chamber 11 through the first through hole 31, the liquid spreads evenly throughout the first plate chamber 11, thereby reducing uneven heat distribution within the first plate chamber 11. Furthermore, since the liquid flows into the second plate chamber 12 through the second through hole 32 located in the center of the second plate chamber 12 in the second direction or the center of the third direction, the liquid spreads evenly throughout the second plate chamber 12, thereby reducing uneven heat distribution within the second plate chamber 12.

[0057] Here, the housing 2 has an opening on the lower side Xb in the first direction, and the cold plate 1 completely covers the opening of the housing 2, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The housing 2 may have a partial surface on the lower side Xb in the first direction, and the cold plate 1 may partially cover the housing 2. In this case, the cold plate 1 may be separated into multiple parts. For example, the cold plate 1 may be separated into a portion to which the first heat-generating component Da is attached and a portion to which the second heat-generating component Db is attached.

[0058] In addition, in the cooling unit A according to the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24 are connected by a large opening, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24 may be connected by a through-hole. In addition, in the cooling unit A according to the first exemplary embodiment, the cold plate 1 has a flat plate shape, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The cold plate 1 may have fins.

[0059] Next, a cooling unit A according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 5B. FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cooling unit A shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B has a similar configuration to the cooling unit A according to the first exemplary embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, except that the cooling unit A has a third through-hole 33 connecting the first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24, the cold plate 1 has fins 13, and a third heat-generating component Dc is further attached to the cold plate 1. Therefore, redundant description will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0060] 4A and 4B, a third through hole 33 is provided in the partition portion 3. The third through hole 33 connects the first plate chamber 11 and the tank chamber 24. The opening area of ​​the third through hole 33 is preferably approximately equal to the opening area of ​​the first through hole 31. This allows the flow rate of the coolant passing through the third through hole 33 to be approximately equal to the flow rate of the coolant passing through the first through hole 31.

[0061] The heat-generating component D includes a first heat-generating component Da, a second heat-generating component Db, and a third heat-generating component Dc. The first heat-generating component Da is disposed at the center of the cold plate 1 in the second direction Y, and the second heat-generating component Db is disposed on the other side Yb of the cold plate 1 in the second direction. The third heat-generating component Dc is disposed on one side Ya of the cold plate 1 in the second direction.

[0062] In addition, the first heat-generating component Da is arranged opposite the second plate chamber 12, the second heat-generating component Db is arranged opposite the first plate chamber 11, and the third heat-generating component Dc is arranged opposite the connecting chamber 27.

[0063] The cold plate 1 has a plurality of fins 13 that protrude toward the housing 2. The fins 13 are formed by scraping away the metal material of the cold plate 1 and erecting them using a method known as skive fin processing. In this case, the fins 13 are a single member integrated with the cold plate 1. However, the fins 13 may also be separate members from the cold plate 1.

[0064] The coolant passes between the fins 13, so that the heat absorbed by the cold plate 1 can be more efficiently exchanged with the coolant. Therefore, by bringing the heat-generating component D into contact with the side of the cold plate 1 opposite to the side where the fins 13 are located, the heat-generating component D, which generates a larger amount of heat, can be more efficiently exchanged with the coolant.

[0065] The second through holes 32 are provided at positions overlapping with the fins 13 in the first direction X. As described above, since the multiple fins 13 are provided standing in the first direction X, it is preferable that the coolant flows from the upper side Xa in the first direction to the lower side Xb in the first direction.

[0066] The second through holes 32 extend in the second direction Y, and the multiple fins 13 are arranged to extend in the third direction Z. Because the fins 13 are shaped to extend in the third direction Z, the coolant first flows in the third direction Z and then flows to the end of the second plate chamber 12. The coolant then flows in one side of the second direction Ya. By making the second through holes 32 extend in the second direction Y, the coolant also flows in the other side of the second direction Yb of the second plate chamber 12, thereby reducing stagnation of the coolant in the second plate chamber 12.

[0067] In this embodiment, it is desirable to arrange the heat-generating component D with a higher heat quantity on the lower side Xb in the first direction of the second plate chamber 12 having the fins 13. However, if all of the multiple heat-generating components D generate a large amount of heat, the fins 13 may be provided in the first plate chamber 11. Note that, although multiple heat-generating components D that serve as heat sources are exemplified here, there is no limitation on their arrangement or number, and they may be arranged as appropriate.

[0068] The cooling unit A has a third wall portion Wc that separates the communication flow path 23 and the intermediate flow path 24F. For example, the housing 2 has the third wall portion Wc. The first wall portion Wa further has a third through hole 33 located between the second wall portion Wb and the third wall portion Wc in the second direction (Y direction). The liquid that flows in from the inlet flows sequentially through the communication flow path 23, the first through hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the third through hole 33, the intermediate flow path 24F, the second through hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the communication chamber 27, and the outflow chamber 28, and then flows out from the outflow port 22, thereby efficiently cooling the heat-generating component D without separating the flow of the liquid that flows in from the inlet 21.

[0069] In this way, in the cooling unit A, the cooling liquid that flows in through the inlet 21 flows in order through the connecting flow path 23, the first through hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the third through hole 33, the intermediate flow path 24F (tank chamber 24), the second through hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the connecting chamber 27 and the outlet chamber 28, and then flows out through the outlet 22.

[0070] Fig. 5A is a schematic top view of a cold plate 1 in a cooling unit A according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the cold plate 1 in the cooling unit A according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A also shows the positions of a first through hole 31, a second through hole 32, and a third through hole 33 relative to the cold plate 1.

[0071] 5A and 5B, the cold plate 1 has a plurality of fins 13 arranged on a surface on the upper side Xa in the first direction (one side in the first direction). Here, the fins 13 are located in the first plate chamber 11, but the fins 13 may be located in at least one of the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12. The first through holes 31 or the second through holes 32 are located on one side in the first direction (the upper side Xa in the first direction) of the fins 13. Because the first through holes 31 or the second through holes 32 are located on the upper side of the fins 13, liquid flowing from one side in the first direction (the upper side Xa in the first direction) to the other side in the first direction (the lower side Xb in the first direction) can easily flow between the fins 13.

[0072] Here, the multiple fins 13 are arranged in the second direction (Y direction). More specifically, the multiple fins 13 are arranged at equal intervals along the second direction. Furthermore, the second through holes 32 extend in the second direction. This allows the liquid flowing out from the second through holes 32 to easily flow between the fins 13.

[0073] Although the cold plate 1 shown in FIGS. 3A to 5B is flat, the cold plate 1 may have a stepped shape.

[0074] Next, a cooling unit A according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6A to 7B. Figure 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] 6A and 6B, the cold plate 1 has fins 13. The fins 13 are arranged on an upper side Xa of the cold plate 1 in the first direction (one side in the first direction).

[0076] The cold plate 1 has a stepped shape. Specifically, the center of the cold plate 1 in the second direction (Y direction) is recessed downward in the first direction Xb from the end portions. The cold plate 1 has a first end portion 1a located on one side Ya in the second direction, a central portion 1b located at the center in the second direction Y, a second end portion 1c located on the other side Yb in the second direction, a first inclined portion 1d located between the first end portion 1a and the central portion 1b, and a second inclined portion 1e located between the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c.

[0077] The first end 1a and the second end 1c are each flat. The height of the first end 1a in the first direction (X direction) is located on the first-direction upper side Xa than the height of the central portion 1b in the first direction (X direction). The height of the second end 1c in the first direction (X direction) is located on the first-direction upper side Xa than the height of the central portion 1b in the first direction (X direction). The height of the first end 1a in the first direction (X direction) is approximately equal to the height of the second end 1c in the first direction (X direction). The second wall portion Wb contacts the surface of the central portion 1b on the first-direction lower side Xb.

[0078] Fins 13 are arranged on the upper surface (Xa) of the central portion 1b in the first direction. The height of the fins 13 in the first direction (X direction) is approximately equal to or smaller than the distance between the central portion 1b and the first wall portion Wa.

[0079] The first heat-generating component Da is located on the surface of the central portion 1b on the lower side Xb in the first direction. The second heat-generating component Db is located on the surface of the second end portion 1c on the lower side Xb in the first direction. The third heat-generating component Dc is located on the surface of the first end portion 1a on the lower side Xb in the first direction.

[0080] Figure 7A is a schematic top view of a cold plate 1 in a cooling unit A according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7B is a schematic cross-sectional oblique view of the cooling unit A according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the cold plate 1 has a first end 1a located on one side of the second direction Ya, a central portion 1b located in the center of the second direction Y, a second end 1c located on the other side of the second direction Yb, a first inclined portion 1d located between the first end 1a and the central portion 1b, a second inclined portion 1e located between the central portion 1b and the second end 1c, a first peripheral portion 1f located on one side of the third direction Za, and a second peripheral portion 1g located on the other side of the third direction Zb.

[0082] The first inclined portion 1d is located between the first end portion 1a and the central portion 1b, and connects the first end portion 1a and the central portion 1b. The surface of the first inclined portion 1d on the upper side Xa in the first direction is The central portions 1b are inclined with respect to the upper surface Xa in the first direction.

[0083] The second inclined portion 1e is located between the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c and connects the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c. The surface of the second inclined portion 1e on the upper side Xa in the first direction is inclined with respect to the surfaces of the central portion 1b and the second end portion 1c on the upper side Xa in the first direction.

[0084] The first peripheral portion 1f is located on one side Za in the third direction relative to the first inclined portion 1d, the central portion 1b, and the second inclined portion 1e. The second peripheral portion 1g is located on the other side Zb in the third direction relative to the first inclined portion 1d, the central portion 1b, and the second inclined portion 1e. The height of the upper surface Xa in the first direction of the first peripheral portion 1f and the second peripheral portion 1g is equal to the height of the upper surface Xa in the first direction of the first end portion 1a and the second end portion 1c. Therefore, the first end portion 1a, the second end portion 1c, the first peripheral portion 1f, and the second peripheral portion 1g form a plane that surrounds the first inclined portion 1d, the central portion 1b, and the second inclined portion 1e.

[0085] Because the cold plate 1 has a stepped shape, for example, even if the positions of the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db in the first direction are different, the cold plate 1 can be in contact with both the first heat-generating component Da and the second heat-generating component Db.

[0086] The cooling unit A preferably has a pump, which allows the cooling liquid in the cooling unit A to flow smoothly.

[0087] Next, a cooling unit A according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 9B. Figure 8 is an overall perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] The cooling unit A includes a pump 4 in addition to the cold plate 1 and the housing 2. The housing 2 has a pump chamber 25 on the outer main surface 2sa in one side of the second direction Ya. The pump 4 is disposed in the pump chamber 25.

[0089] FIG. 9A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cooling unit A according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional oblique view of a cooling unit A according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] 9A and 9B, the cooling unit A includes a cold plate 1, a housing 2, a partition 3, and a pump 4. The housing 2 and the pump 4 are disposed on an upper side Xa of the cold plate 1 in the first direction.

[0091] The pump 4 is preferably disposed downstream of the flow path in the cooling unit A, from where the coolant flows in through the inlet 21 to where it flows out through the outlet 22. For example, the pump 4 is preferably disposed so as to pump out the coolant that has passed through the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12.

[0092] If air gets into the coolant, the pump 4's ability to circulate the coolant through the cooling system S will decrease. By storing the coolant in the tank chamber 24, it is possible to ensure an amount of coolant sufficient to maintain the cooling efficiency of the cooling system S. Even if air gets into the cooling system S, the air can be stored in the tank chamber 24, which makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the ability to circulate the coolant due to air getting into the pump 4.

[0093] The cooling unit A has a pump 4 and a fourth wall portion Wd. The pump 4 has a motor 41 and an impeller 42. The motor 41 has a stator 41a, a rotor 41b, and a casing 41c. The stator 41a is disposed within the casing 41c. The rotor 41b is integrally formed with the impeller 42. The fourth wall portion Wd and the casing 41c define a pump chamber 25. The impeller 42 is housed in the pump chamber 25. The housing 2 has a pump inlet-side flow path 27F connecting the second plate chamber 12 and the pump chamber 25. The fourth wall portion Wd has an inlet 25p connecting the pump inlet-side flow path 27F and the pump chamber 25. In the cooling unit A according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fourth wall portion Wd is a part of the housing 2, and the pump chamber 25 is defined by the housing 2 and the casing 41c.

[0094] The pump chamber 25 is provided on one side in the second direction Ya from the tank chamber 24. The housing 2 has an outlet 22. The outlet 22 is connected to one side in the second direction Ya of the pump chamber 25. The coolant flows from the plate chamber 1p into the pump chamber 25 through the suction port 25p. The pump 4 is a centrifugal pump, which sucks up the coolant from the plate chamber 1p through the suction port 25p in the first direction X and delivers the coolant to the outlet 22.

[0095] Since the liquid flowing in from the inlet 21 passes through a plurality of flow paths before reaching the pump chamber 25, the impeller 42 can be prevented from immediately running idle even if air flows in together with the liquid.

[0096] The second through holes 32 extend in the second direction Y, and the multiple fins 13 are arranged to extend in the third direction Z. If the fins 13 are shaped to extend in the third direction Z, the coolant will first flow in the third direction Z and then flow to the end of the second plate chamber 12. Because the pump 4 is located on one side of the second direction Ya, the coolant will flow in one side of the second direction Ya. By making the second through holes 32 extend in the second direction Y, the coolant will also flow in the other side of the second direction Yb of the second plate chamber 12, thereby reducing stagnation of the coolant in the second plate chamber 12.

[0097] 1 to 9, the inlet 21 is located on the other side of the second direction Yb of the housing 2, and the outlet 22 is located on the one side of the second direction Ya of the housing 2, but this embodiment is not limited to this. Both the inlet 21 and the outlet 22 may be located on either the one side of the second direction Ya or the other side of the second direction Yb of the housing 2.

[0098] Next, a cooling system S equipped with a cooling unit A of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system equipped with a cooling unit of the present invention.

[0099] 10, the housing 2 has an inlet 21 through which the coolant flows into the housing 2 and an outlet 22 through which the coolant flows out of the housing 2. A coolant pipe C is attached to each of the inlet 21 and the outlet 22. The inlet 21 and the outlet 22 are provided on one side in the second direction Ya. By providing the inlet 21 and the outlet 22 at the same directional position, the length of the cooling unit A along the second direction Y can be shortened.

[0100] The inlet 21 and the outlet 22 are located on one side Ya in the second direction with respect to the housing 2. This allows the inlet 21 and the outlet 22 of the cooling unit A to be concentrated on one side.

[0101] 11 is an overall perspective view of a cooling unit A according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 11, the inlet 21 and the outlet 22 are located on the first outer side surface 2sb of the housing 2. The inlet 21 and the outlet 22 connect the first outer side surface 2sb and the first inner side surface 2tb of the housing 2.

[0102] In this way, the cooling unit A may have the inlet 21 and the outlet 22 positioned in the same direction. Also in this case, the cooling unit A preferably has a pump.

[0103] Next, a cooling unit A according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. Figure 12 is an overall perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 12 , the cooling unit A has a cold plate 1, a housing 2, and a pump 4. The housing 2 has an inlet 21 and an outlet 22. The inlet 21 and the outlet 22 are arranged on one side Ya in the second direction. The housing 2 has a pump chamber 25 on one side Ya in the second direction. The pump 4 is arranged in the pump chamber 25.

[0105] By locating the inlet 21 and the outlet 22 at the same directional position, the length of the cooling unit A along the second direction Y can be shortened. If the first plate chamber 11 and the second plate chamber 12 were a large plate chamber connected from one side Ya in the second direction to the other side Yb in the second direction, the area corresponding to the first plate chamber 11 would be far from the inlet 21, and the flow of the coolant would be slow in the first plate chamber 11 and would be prone to stagnation. Furthermore, the pump 4 is also located on one side Ya in the second direction of the housing 2, and is located away from the first plate chamber 11. Therefore, the coolant circulates near the pump 4, and the coolant flows more slowly in areas farther from the pump 4 and is prone to stagnation.

[0106] However, in the cooling unit A of this embodiment, the accumulation of coolant is reduced by isolating the plate chamber 1p for each heat-generating component D. Also, by providing a communication flow path 23 that connects the inlet 21 and the first through-hole 31, that is, the first plate chamber 11 farthest from the inlet 21 and the outlet 22, to connect to the inlet 21 first, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of coolant in the first plate chamber 11. This makes it possible to maintain the heat exchange efficiency of the heat-generating component D arranged on the first plate chamber 11 side.

[0107] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a cooling unit A according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the cooling unit A according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] 13A and 13B, the inlet 21 is connected to the communication channel 23. The coolant that flows in from the inlet 21 flows into the communication channel 23, passes through the first through-hole 31, and flows into the first plate chamber 11.

[0109] The communication flow path 23 extends from one side Ya in the second direction to the other side Yb in the second direction, bypassing the tank chamber 24. More specifically, the communication flow path 23 is located on one side Za in the third direction of the tank chamber 24. This allows the coolant to flow through the inlet 21, the communication flow path 23, the first through-hole 31, the first plate chamber 11, the third through-hole 33, the tank chamber 24 (intermediate flow path 24F), the second through-hole 32, the second plate chamber 12, the communication chamber 27 (pump inlet-side flow path 27F), the pump chamber 25, and the outlet 22 in this order.

[0110] 14 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a cooling unit A according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 14, the inlet 21 is connected to the connection flow path 23 located on one side Za in the third direction relative to the tank chamber 24, and is connected to the first through-hole 31 located on one side Ya in the second direction.

[0111] The pump 4 is disposed on one side Ya in the second direction of the cooling unit A. The coolant flows in the following order: inlet 21, communication flow path 23, first through-hole 31, first plate chamber 11, third through-hole 33, intermediate flow path 24F, second through-hole 32, second plate chamber 12, pump inlet-side flow path 27F, pump chamber 25, and outlet 22. The communication flow path 23 bypasses the intermediate flow path 24F and extends from one side Ya in the second direction to the other side Yb in the second direction.

[0112] When the pump 4, the inlet 21, and the outlet 22 are provided in one side of the second direction Ya, unless the communication flow path 23 is provided as a detour, the coolant circulates in one side of the second direction Ya, and the coolant on the other side stagnates. In the cooling unit A of this embodiment, the coolant first flows through the communication flow path 23 from one side of the second direction Ya to the other side of the second direction Yb, and then flows from the other side of the second direction Yb to the one side of the second direction Ya, thereby allowing the coolant to flow throughout the entire cooling unit A.

[0113] Fig. 15 is a view of the inside of the housing 2 in a cooling unit A according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 15, the housing 2 has a communication flow path 23 in the other second direction Yb and one third direction Za. The housing 2 has a tank chamber 24 on the other third direction Zb relative to the communication flow path 23.

[0114] Next, a cooling unit A according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling unit A according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cooling unit A according to the seventh exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 16 has a similar configuration to the cooling unit A according to the sixth embodiment described above with reference to Figure 13B, except that an elastic member 5 is disposed between the first wall portion Wa and the fins 13 of the cold plate 1. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 16, an elastic member 5 is disposed between the first wall portion Wa and the fins 13 of the cold plate 1. The elastic member 5 is plate-shaped. A slit 5s is provided in the elastic member 5. The slit 5s extends in the second direction (Y direction) in the same manner as the second through-hole 32 of the first wall portion Wa. The slit 5s is The slits 5s overlap with the second through-holes 32. The size of the slits 5s is similar to that of the second through-holes 32 in the first wall portion Wa. This allows the coolant in the tank chamber 24 to flow through the second through-holes 32 in the first wall portion Wa and the slits 5s in the elastic member 5 into the second plate chamber 12. By disposing the elastic members 5 in contact with the fins 13 between the first wall portion Wa and the fins 13 of the cold plate 1, the coolant can flow more actively through the gaps between the fins 13.

[0116] Figure 17A is a view of the cold plate 1 and elastic member 5 in a cooling unit A according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the upper side Xa in the first direction, and Figure 17B is a schematic oblique view of the cold plate 1 and elastic member 5 in a cooling unit A according to an exemplary seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] 17A and 17B, the elastic member 5 covers the fins 13 of the cold plate 1. More specifically, the elastic member 5 contacts the upper side Xa of the fins 13 in the first direction. Typically, the length of the elastic member 5 along the Y direction and the length of the elastic member 5 along the Z direction are approximately equal to the lengths of the multiple fins 13 of the cold plate 1 along the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0118] The elastic member 5 has a slit 5s. The slit 5s extends in the second direction (Y direction). The slit 5s is located at the center of the elastic member 5 in the third direction (Z direction).

[0119] 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a cooling unit A according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, the cooling unit A includes a cold plate 1, a housing 2, a partition 3, a pump 4, an elastic member 5, and a sealing member Se. The cold plate 1 includes fins 13 on the upper side Xa in the first direction. The elastic member 5 is disposed between the cold plate 1 and the partition 3. The shape and size of the slit 5s in the elastic member 5 are substantially the same as the shape and size of the second through-hole 32 in the partition 3.

[0120] A sealing member Se having an annular structure is attached to the cold plate 1. Typically, the sealing member Se is an O-ring. An elastic member 5 and a partition portion 3 are arranged inside the sealing member Se.

[0121] The partition 3 is sandwiched between the cold plate 1 and the housing 2. The pump 4 is disposed in a pump chamber 25 of the housing 2.

[0122] Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a cooling system S equipped with an exemplary cooling unit A of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 19, the cooling system S has a cooling unit A, a radiator B, and a coolant pipe C. The cooling unit A and the radiator B are connected by the coolant pipe C.

[0123] A heat-generating component D, which is a heat source, is attached to cooling unit A, and cooling unit A receives heat from heat-generating component D. Examples of heat-generating components D include microprocessors used in computers and power semiconductors used in inverters. The heat received by cooling unit A flows through coolant, coolant pipe C, and to radiator B. As the heated coolant passes through radiator B, the heat is dissipated to the outside.

[0124] The cooling unit A has a first cooling unit A1, a second cooling unit A2, a third cooling unit A3, and a fourth cooling unit A4.

[0125] The coolant pipe C has a first coolant pipe C1, a second coolant pipe C2, a third coolant pipe C3, a fourth coolant pipe C4, a fifth coolant pipe C5, and a sixth coolant pipe C6. The first coolant pipe C1 connects the radiator B and the inlet 21 of the first cooling unit A1. The second coolant pipe C2 connects the outlet 22 of the first cooling unit A1 and the inlet 21 of the second cooling unit A2. The third coolant pipe C3 connects the outlet 22 of the second cooling unit A2 and the radiator B.

[0126] The fourth coolant pipe C4 connects the radiator B and the inlet 21 of the third cooling unit A3. The fifth coolant pipe C5 connects the outlet 22 of the third cooling unit A3 and the inlet 21 of the fourth cooling unit A4. The sixth coolant pipe C6 connects the outlet 22 of the fourth cooling unit A4 and the radiator B.

[0127] The coolant flowing from the radiator B through the first coolant pipe C1 flows in the order of the first cooling unit A1, the second coolant pipe C2, the second cooling unit A2, and the third coolant pipe C3, before returning to the radiator B. In this way, the coolant flowing from the radiator B through the first coolant pipe C1 circulates.

[0128] Similarly, the coolant flowing from the radiator B through the fourth coolant pipe C4 flows in the order of the third cooling unit A3, the fifth coolant pipe C5, the fourth cooling unit A4, and the sixth coolant pipe C6 before returning to the radiator B. In this way, the coolant flowing from the radiator B through the fourth coolant pipe C4 circulates.

[0129] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention. The configurations of the embodiments may be appropriately modified without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be combined to the extent possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] A... Cooling unit 1... Cold plate 1p... Plate chamber 11... First plate chamber 12... Second plate chamber 13... Fin 2... Housing 21... Inlet 22... Outlet 23... Connecting passage 24... Tank chamber 25... Pump chamber 3... Partition 31... First through-hole 32... Second through-hole 33... Third through-hole 4... Pump

Claims

1. a housing disposed on one side of the cold plate in a first direction; a first wall portion located between the housing and the cold plate; and a second wall portion separating a plate chamber defined by the housing and the first wall portion into a first plate chamber and a second plate chamber adjacent to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the cold plate has a plurality of fins disposed on a surface on the one side in the first direction, the plurality of fins being located in the second plate chamber and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first wall portion having a first through hole facing the cold plate in the first plate chamber and a second through hole facing the cold plate in the second plate chamber and extending in the second direction, wherein a cooling liquid flowing into the second plate chamber flows along the cold plate into a connecting chamber, and the second through hole is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the plurality of fins in the first direction.

2. 2. The cooling unit according to claim 1, wherein the first through hole is located at the center of the first plate chamber in the second direction or at the center of a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the second through hole is located at the center of the second plate chamber in the second direction or at the center of the third direction.

3. 3. The cooling unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing has an inlet through which liquid flows in, an outlet through which the liquid flows out, a communication flow path connected to the inlet, and an intermediate flow path connecting the first plate chamber and the second plate chamber, the first through hole connecting the communication flow path and the first plate chamber, and the second through hole connecting the intermediate flow path and the second plate chamber.

4. The cooling unit of claim 3 , wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion are a single member.

5. 5. The cooling unit according to claim 3, further comprising a third wall portion separating the communication flow path and the intermediate flow path, wherein the first wall portion further comprises a third through hole located between the second wall portion and the third wall portion in the second direction.

6. The cooling unit of claim 5 , wherein the first wall portion and the third wall portion are a single member.

7. The cooling unit according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the third wall portion is a single member together with the housing.

8. 8. The cooling unit according to claim 5, further comprising: a pump; and a fourth wall portion, wherein the pump has a motor, a casing, and an impeller, wherein the impeller is housed in an impeller chamber defined by the fourth wall portion and the casing, the housing has a pump inlet-side flow path connecting the second plate chamber and the impeller chamber, and the fourth wall portion has an intake port connecting the pump inlet-side flow path and the impeller chamber.

9. The cooling unit according to claim 8 , wherein the inlet and the outlet are located on one side of the housing in the second direction.

10. 10. The cooling unit according to claim 9, wherein the pump is disposed on one side of the cooling unit in the second direction, and the inlet, the communication flow path, the first plate chamber, the intermediate flow path, the second plate chamber, the pump inlet side flow path, the impeller chamber, and the outlet are connected in this order, and the communication flow path extends from the one side in the second direction to the other side in the second direction, bypassing the intermediate flow path.

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