electronic machines

Abstract

To provide electronic equipment in which a coolant is restrained from coming in contact with an electronic component.SOLUTION: Electronic equipment 10 comprises: a cooling pipe 50 inside which a coolant flows; a coupling 40 inside which the cooling pipe is provided; and firmly sealing portion 41, 42, and 44 which are provided between the coupling and the cooling pipe. The coupling comprises a large diameter portion 31 and a small diameter portion 32 having inner diameters different from each other. The small diameter portion is provided in a manner separated from the electronic component from the large diameter portion to an arrangement direction. Each sealing portion comprises: a first sealing portion 41 provided between the large diameter portion and the cooling pipe; and a second sealing portion 42 provided between the small diameter portion and the cooling pipe. At least a part of an exhaust passage 33 for exhausting the coolant to the outside of a case is provided in the large diameter and / or the small diameter portion, and a region between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion in the arrangement direction in the coupling can be deformed by the coolant in such a manner as to be communicated with the exhaust passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure described in this specification relates to electronic devices.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an electronic device including an electronic component, a liquid-cooled cooler for cooling the electronic component, a refrigerant pipe extending from the cooler, a pipe joint into which the refrigerant pipe is inserted, a gasket provided between the refrigerant pipe and the pipe joint, and a case containing these components. A first gasket is disposed in a large-diameter portion of the pipe joint that continues from the opening into which the refrigerant pipe is inserted. A second gasket is disposed in a small-diameter portion of the pipe joint that continues from the inside of the large-diameter portion and has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the function of the second gasket is not fully exerted due to aging deterioration or improper installation, etc., the refrigerant may pass between the pipe joint and the refrigerant pipe and penetrate between the first gasket and the second gasket. If the pressure of the refrigerant that has penetrated between the first gasket and the second gasket exceeds the pressure resistance of the first gasket, there is a concern that the refrigerant will pass over the first gasket and penetrate into the case. There was a risk that the refrigerant would come into contact with the electronic component.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device in which contact between the refrigerant and the electronic component is suppressed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electronic device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is Electronic components (5) and, A cooling pipe (50) extends toward the electronic component and through which a coolant flows, A case (20) that houses electronic components and cooling tubes and has through holes (25) in its side wall (22A), A joint (40) that is passed through a through hole and has a cooling pipe inside, It comprises sealing portions (41, 42, 43, 44) provided between the joint and the cooling pipe, The joint comprises a first diameter portion (31) and a second diameter portion (32) continuous with the first diameter portion. The second diameter portion is provided further away from the electronic components than the first diameter portion with respect to the alignment direction (TD) of the first and second diameter portions. The sealing portion comprises a first sealing portion (41) provided between the first diameter portion and the cooling tube, and a second sealing portion (42) provided between the second diameter portion and the cooling tube. At least a portion of a discharge path (33) for discharging refrigerant to the outside of the case is provided in the first diameter portion and / or the second diameter portion. The portion of the joint between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion is deformable in such a way that it communicates with the discharge path due to the refrigerant.

[0007] Even if the refrigerant enters the space between the first sealing portion (41) and the second sealing portion (42) through the joint (40) and the cooling pipe (50), the portion between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion is deformable in a manner that communicates with the discharge path, so the refrigerant is actively discharged to the outside through the discharge path (33). Therefore, contact of the refrigerant with the electronic component (5) is suppressed.

[0008] Another electronic device according to another aspect of this disclosure is: Electronic components (5) and, A cooling pipe (50) extends toward the electronic component and through which a coolant flows, A case (20) that houses electronic components and cooling tubes and has through holes (25) in its side wall (22A), A joint (40) that is passed through a through hole and has a cooling pipe inside, It comprises sealing portions (41, 42, 43, 44) provided between the joint and the cooling pipe, The joint comprises a first diameter portion (31) and a second diameter portion (32) continuous with the first diameter portion. The second diameter portion is provided further away from the electronic components than the first diameter portion with respect to the alignment direction (TD) of the first and second diameter portions. The sealing portion comprises a first sealing portion (41) provided between the first diameter portion and the cooling tube, and a second sealing portion (42) provided between the second diameter portion and the cooling tube. At least a portion of a discharge path (33, 833) for discharging refrigerant to the outside of the case is provided in the first diameter portion and / or the second diameter portion. Discharge holes (634, 834) are provided in the portion between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion of the joint to guide the refrigerant to the discharge path.

[0009] Even if refrigerant enters the space between the first sealing part (41) and the second sealing part (42) through the joint (40) and the cooling pipe (50), the refrigerant is actively discharged to the outside through the discharge path (33, 833) because there are discharge holes (634, 834) in the area between the first sealing part and the second sealing part that guide the refrigerant to the discharge path. Therefore, contact of the refrigerant with the electronic component (5) is suppressed.

[0010] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate the correspondence with the configurations described in the embodiments below, and do not in any way limit the technical scope. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an in-vehicle system equipped with electronic devices. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of an electronic device. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 10] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a plan view of the joint according to the ninth embodiment as viewed from the inner end portion side.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to those described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, other previously described embodiments can be applied to other parts of the configuration.

[0013] In addition, not only combinations of parts explicitly shown to be combinable in each embodiment are possible, but also embodiments can be partially combined with each other, embodiments with modification examples, and modification examples with each other, as long as there is no problem with the combination, even if not explicitly stated.

[0014] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an in-vehicle system 1 on which an electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment is mounted. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] <In-vehicle System and Electronic Device> The in-vehicle system 1 includes a DC power supply 2, a motor generator 7, a control circuit 8, and electronic equipment 10. The electronic equipment 10 includes a power conversion unit 3 and a capacitor 6. The power conversion unit 3 includes a plurality of semiconductor modules 5. The power conversion unit 3 converts the power input from the DC power supply 2 into AC power. The converted power is supplied to the motor generator 7. The capacitor 6 is connected in parallel to the plurality of semiconductor modules 5. The power conversion unit 3 converts the DC power supplied from the DC power supply 2 into AC power by switching the semiconductor elements 4 of the semiconductor modules 5 on and off. The DC power supply 2 is, for example, a plurality of secondary batteries. The secondary batteries can be lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride secondary batteries, or organic radical batteries.

[0016] The motor-generator 7 includes a three-phase AC rotating electric machine, i.e., a three-phase AC motor. The motor-generator 7 functions as an electric motor that is the driving source for the vehicle. The motor-generator 7 functions as a generator during regeneration. The electronic equipment 10 performs power conversion between the DC power supply 2 and the motor-generator 7.

[0017] The electronic device 10 converts the DC voltage to a three-phase AC voltage and outputs it to the motor generator 7 according to the switching control of the control circuit 8. As a result, the vehicle drives the motor generator 7 using the AC power converted from DC power by the power conversion unit 3. The electronic device 10 converts the AC power generated by the motor generator 7 back into DC power and outputs it to the high-potential power line in the circuit. The electronic device 10 performs bidirectional power conversion between the DC power supply 2 and the motor generator 7.

[0018] A capacitor 6 is connected to the input side of the power conversion unit 3. A motor generator 7, which is an example of an electrical load, is connected to the output side of the power conversion unit 3. The capacitor 6 primarily smooths the DC voltage supplied from the DC power supply 2. The capacitor 6 is connected between the high-potential power line and the low-potential power line. The high-potential power line is connected to the positive terminal of the DC power supply 2. The low-potential power line is connected to the negative terminal of the DC power supply 2. The positive terminal of the capacitor 6 is connected to the high-potential power line between the DC power supply 2 and the semiconductor module 5. The negative terminal of the capacitor 6 is connected to the low-potential power line between the DC power supply 2 and the semiconductor module 5.

[0019] The semiconductor module 5 has two IGBTs and two diodes 4A, which are semiconductor elements 4. The two semiconductor elements 4 are connected in series between the high-potential power line and the low-potential power line. The anode of the diode is connected to the emitter of the corresponding IGBT, and the cathode is connected to the collector of the corresponding IGBT.

[0020] The control circuit 8 generates drive commands to operate the IGBT and outputs them to the drive circuit. The control circuit 8 generates drive commands based on, for example, torque requests input from a higher-level ECU and signals detected by various sensors. The control circuit 8 outputs a PWM signal as a drive command, for example. The control circuit 8 is equipped with a microcomputer.

[0021] <Mechanical configuration of electronic equipment> Next, the mechanical configuration of the electronic device 10 will be described. In addition to the components described so far, the electronic device 10 includes a case 20, a joint 40, and a cooler 80. A power module 11 is formed by multiple semiconductor modules 5 and the cooler 80. The case 20 forms a single container. The power module 11 and a part of the joint 40 are provided in the internal space of the case 20. Note that the semiconductor modules 5 correspond to electronic components.

[0022] The case 20 is formed of a metal material. For example, the case 20 is formed of aluminum die casting. The case 20 includes, for example, a first case member 20A, a second case member 20B, and a cover 20C. The first case member 20A is a case member provided above the second case member 20B. The second case member 20B is a case member provided below the first case member 20A.

[0023] For example, the first case member 20A is provided above the second case member 20B such that its internal space overlaps with the internal space of the second case member 20B. The cover 20C is provided above the first case member 20A so as to close off the internal space of the first case member 20A. The power module 11 is provided in the internal space of the first case member 20A. The capacitor 6 is provided in the internal space of the second case member 20B. Note that the placement of the capacitor 6 is not limited to the internal space of the second case member 20B.

[0024] The capacitor 6 may be housed in the internal space of the first case member 20A. The capacitor 6 may be arranged across the internal space of the first case member 20A and the internal space of the second case member 20B. The second case member 20B does not necessarily have an internal space. The second case member 20B itself may also serve as a cooler. In that case, the power module 11 and the capacitor 6 are provided in the internal space of the first case member 20A.

[0025] In describing each component below, the thickness direction of the semiconductor module 5 may be referred to as the thickness direction TD. The width direction of the semiconductor module 5, which is perpendicular to the thickness direction TD, may be referred to as the width direction WD. The height direction, which is perpendicular to both the thickness direction TD and the width direction WD, may be referred to as the height direction HT. Note that the thickness direction TD is equal to the direction in which the large-diameter portion 31 and the small-diameter portion 32, described later, are aligned. For this reason, the thickness direction can also be referred to as the alignment direction.

[0026] Case 20 comprises a bottom wall 21 and a plurality of side walls 22 erected from the periphery of the bottom wall 21. The plurality of side walls 22 include a first side wall 22A and a second side wall 22B that are spaced apart in the thickness direction TD, and a third side wall 22C and a fourth side wall 22D that are spaced apart in the width direction WD. The first side wall 22A is adjacent to the third side wall 22C and the fourth side wall 22D. The second side wall 22B is adjacent to the third side wall 22C and the fourth side wall 22D. The first side wall 22A is provided with a through hole 25 for passing a joint 40 through. The through hole 25 is a hole that penetrates the inner and outer surfaces of the first side wall 22A. Details of the joint 40 will be described later.

[0027] The power module 11 comprises multiple semiconductor modules 5 and a cooler 80. The cooler 80 is fixed to the case 20 by fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, or welding. The cooler 80 includes an inlet pipe 50, multiple passage pipe sections 60, and an outlet pipe 70. Each part forming the passages in the cooler 80 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, for example, aluminum. The inlet pipe 50 is sometimes also referred to as a cooling pipe.

[0028] The inlet pipe 50 and outlet pipe 70 extend along the stacking direction of the multiple semiconductor modules 5. The multiple passage pipe sections 60 extend along a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. In other words, the inlet pipe 50 and outlet pipe 70 extend along the thickness direction TD. The multiple passage pipe sections 60 extend along the width direction WD.

[0029] The inlet pipe 50 is the refrigerant introduction section in the cooler 80. The upstream end of the inlet pipe 50 is connected to the external introduction pipe 91. The downstream end of the inlet pipe 50 is connected to the passage pipe section 60. The external introduction pipe 91 is an external pipe that forms a passage connected to the inlet pipe 50.

[0030] The passage tube section 60 is a rectangular tubular body that is flattened in the thickness direction TD. The inside of the rectangular tubular body is a rectangular parallelepiped cooling passage. An inlet pipe 50 is connected to one end of the passage tube section 60 in the width direction WD in a manner that allows the refrigerant to flow. An outlet pipe 70 is connected to the other end of the passage tube section 60 in the width direction WD in a manner that allows the refrigerant to flow. The cooling passage is an internal passage of the passage tube section 60. As the cooling fluid flows through the cooling passage, it absorbs the heat generated by the semiconductor module 5. The passage tube section 60 is in contact with the semiconductor module 5. The semiconductor module 5 is cooled at both end faces by adjacent passage tube sections 60 in the thickness direction TD.

[0031] The outlet pipe 70 is the refrigerant discharge section of the cooler 80. The upstream end of the outlet pipe 70 is in communication with the passage pipe section 60. The downstream end of the outlet pipe 70 is in communication with the external discharge pipe 92. The external discharge pipe 92 is an external pipe that forms a passage to the outlet pipe 70 and extends outside the case 20.

[0032] <Fittings> A joint 40 is provided between the external inlet pipe 91 and the inlet pipe 50. Another joint 40 is provided between the external discharge pipe 92 and the outlet pipe 70. The joint 40 on the inlet pipe 50 side plays the role of reliably transferring refrigerant from the external inlet pipe 91 to the inlet pipe 50 while preventing refrigerant leakage between the external inlet pipe 91 and the inlet pipe 50. The joint 40 on the outlet pipe 70 side plays the role of reliably transferring refrigerant from the outlet pipe 70 to the external discharge pipe 92 while preventing refrigerant leakage between the external discharge pipe 92 and the outlet pipe 70. Hereinafter, the joint 40 on the inlet pipe 50 side will be simply referred to as the joint 40.

[0033] As an example, the following describes a fitting 40 that is applied when the outer diameter of the external introduction pipe 91 and the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 50 are almost equal. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the fitting 40 on the inlet pipe 50 side of the electronic device 10 in the first embodiment. The fitting 40 comprises a main body 30, a first sealing part 41, a second sealing part 42, an external sealing part 43, a stopper 45, and a separator 48. The main body 30, the stopper 45, and the separator 48 are formed mainly of a resin material. The first sealing part 41, the second sealing part 42, and the external sealing part 43 are formed mainly of a flexible material such as silicone rubber. The first sealing part 41, the second sealing part 42, and the external sealing part 43 are provided along the inner circumferential surface of the main body 30 as a means of preventing refrigerant leakage.

[0034] <Main body> The main body 30 comprises a cylindrical portion 38 and a flange portion 39 extending radially from the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 38. The flange portion 39 extends radially from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 38. The cylindrical portion 38 has two ends separated in the thickness direction TD. The main body 30 is provided in the through hole 25 such that one end is provided in the internal space of the case 20, and the other end and the flange portion 39 are provided on the outside of the case 20.

[0035] The end portion of the cylindrical portion 38 that is located inside the case 20 may be referred to as the inner end portion 38A. The end portion of the cylindrical portion 38 that is located outside the case 20 may be referred to as the outer end portion 38B. The flange portion 39 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side wall 22A by fixing members such as bolts. The flange portion 39 may also be provided on the outer surface of the first side wall 22A via a sealing member (not shown).

[0036] The cylindrical portion 38 has four continuous parts with respect to the thickness direction TD. The cylindrical portion 38 comprises a large diameter portion 31, a small diameter portion 32, a base portion 36, and an outer diameter portion 37. These are provided in the order of large diameter portion 31, small diameter portion 32, base portion 36, and outer diameter portion 37 from the inner end portion 38A to the outer end portion 38B. A flange portion 39 is provided between the base portion 36 and the outer diameter portion 37 of the cylindrical portion 38. The base portion 36 is provided in the through hole 25. The large diameter portion 31 and the small diameter portion 32 are provided in the internal space of the case 20. The outer diameter portion 37 is provided on the outside of the case 20. The large diameter portion 31 is also called the first diameter portion. The small diameter portion 32 is also called the second diameter portion.

[0037] Comparing the inner diameters of the large-diameter section 31, the small-diameter section 32, and the base section 36, the inner diameter of the large-diameter section 31 is larger than that of the small-diameter section 32. The inner diameter of the large-diameter section 31 is larger than that of the base section 36. The inner diameter of the small-diameter section 32 is larger than that of the base section 36. Of the large-diameter section 31, the small-diameter section 32, and the base section 36, the inner diameter of the large-diameter section 31 is the largest, and the inner diameter of the base section 36 is the smallest. The inner diameter of the base section 36 is almost equal to the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 50 and the outer diameter of the external introduction pipe 91.

[0038] In the radial direction, the large diameter portion 31, the small diameter portion 32, and a part of the base portion 36 overlap with the inlet pipe 50. In the radial direction, the outer diameter portion 37 and a part of the base portion 36 overlap with the external introduction pipe 91. In the radial direction, a first sealing portion 41 and a second sealing portion 42 are provided between the cylindrical portion 38 and the inlet pipe 50. In the radial direction, an external sealing portion 43 is provided between the cylindrical portion 38 and the external introduction pipe 91. From the inner end portion 38A toward the outer end portion 38B, the three sealing portions 41 to 43 are provided in the order of the first sealing portion 41, the second sealing portion 42, and the external sealing portion 43.

[0039] <Sealing part> The shape of the first sealing portion 41 is annular. The cross-section of a single first sealing portion 41 is circular. The inner diameter of the first sealing portion 41 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 50. The first sealing portion 41 is compressed with respect to the height direction HT between the large diameter portion 31 and the inlet pipe 50. The first sealing portion 41 is compressed between the large diameter portion 31 and the inlet pipe 50. As an example, the cross-section of the compressed first sealing portion 41 is elliptical in shape, where the length in the thickness direction TD is longer than the length in the height direction HT. The cross-section of the first sealing portion 41 refers to the cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the first sealing portion 41 extends annularly. Note that the elliptical shape may be one in which the length in the height direction HT is longer than the length in the thickness direction TD. The cross-section of the compressed first sealing portion 41 is not limited to an elliptical shape; it may be any shape as long as it can seal between the large diameter portion 31 and the inlet pipe 50 so that the refrigerant cannot pass through.

[0040] The shape of the second sealing portion 42 is annular. The cross-section of the second sealing portion 42 alone is circular. The inner diameter of the second sealing portion 42 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 50. The outer diameter of the second sealing portion 42 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first sealing portion 41. The inner diameter of the second sealing portion 42 is almost equal to the inner diameter of the first sealing portion 41. The second sealing portion 42 is flattened in the height direction HT between the small diameter portion 32 and the inlet pipe 50. The second sealing portion 42 is compressed between the small diameter portion 32 and the inlet pipe 50. The cross-section of the compressed second sealing portion 42 is elliptical in shape, with the thickness direction TD being longer than the height direction HT. Note that the cross-section of the second sealing portion 42 refers to the cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the second sealing portion 42 extends annularly. The external sealing portion 43 has a similar shape. The description of the external sealing portion 43 is omitted.

[0041] As an example, we have described a joint 40 that is applicable when the outer diameter of the external introduction pipe 91 and the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 50 are almost equal, but the outer diameters of the external introduction pipe 91 and the inlet pipe 50 may be different. Although not shown in the figures, as another example, the outer diameter of the external introduction pipe 91 may be larger than the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 50. The inner diameter of the external introduction pipe 91 may be almost equal to the outer diameter of the outer diameter section 37, and the outer diameter section 37 may be fitted inside the external introduction pipe 91 so that there is no gap between the external introduction pipe 91 and the outer diameter section 37. In that case, an external sealing section 43 may not be provided between the external introduction pipe 91 and the outer diameter section 37. In addition, various connection configurations may be adopted, such as keeping the diameter of the external introduction pipe 91 the same, but locally reducing the size of the outer diameter section 37 so that the outer diameter section 37 is fitted inside the external introduction pipe 91 without any gaps. In that case as well, an external sealing section 43 may not be provided between the external introduction pipe 91 and the outer diameter section 37.

[0042] <Stopper> A stopper 45 is provided at the inner end portion 38A. The stopper 45 comprises an annular stopper base portion 46 and a stopper projection portion 47 that protrudes from the stopper base portion 46. The stopper projection portion 47 extends along the inner circumference of the stopper base portion 46. The outer diameter of the stopper projection portion 47 is almost equal to the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 31. The stopper 45 is provided at the inner end portion 38A in such a manner that the stopper projection portion 47 is fitted inside the inner circumference of the large diameter portion 31. The stopper 45 prevents the first sealing portion 41 from moving further inward into the case 20 than the inner end portion 38A.

[0043] <Separator> A separator 48 is provided at the end 32B on the inner end 38A side of the small diameter portion 32. The separator 48 is annular. The outer diameter of the separator 48 is almost equal to the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 32. As an example, the separator 48 is provided at the end 32B in such a manner that the separator 48 itself is fitted into the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 32. The separator 48 is fixed to the end 32B. The separator 48 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface 32A of the end 32B.

[0044] As another example, the separator 48 may have a configuration similar to that of the stopper 45. Although not shown in the figures, the separator 48 may also have an annular base and a projection protruding from the base, similar to the stopper 45. In this case, the outer diameter of the projection is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 32. The separator 48 may be provided at the end portion 32B in such a manner that the projection is fitted inside the inner circumference of the small diameter portion 32. The separator 48 has the role of restricting the movement of the second sealing portion 42 in the thickness direction TD. The separator 48 prevents the second sealing portion 42 from moving further inward into the case 20 than the end portion 32B. The separator 48 corresponds to a restricting portion.

[0045] <Discharge Route> Furthermore, a discharge path 33 is provided inside the main body 30 to discharge the refrigerant to the outside. The discharge path 33 is provided continuously across the outer diameter portion 37, the base portion 36, and the small diameter portion 32. An exhaust hole is provided at the outer end portion 38B, which is connected to the discharge path 33 and is used to discharge the refrigerant to the outside. The discharge path 33 extends in the thickness direction TD. The discharge path 33 is divided into multiple sections. The tip section 33A, located at the inner end portion 38A side of the multiple sections, is provided on the outer end portion 38B side of the connecting surface 34A that connects the first inner circumferential surface 31A of the large diameter portion 31 and the second inner circumferential surface 32A of the small diameter portion 32. It can also be said that the connecting surface 34A is provided at the end portion 32B.

[0046] As described above, the discharge path 33 is provided continuously across the outer diameter portion 37, the base portion 36, and the small diameter portion 32. In addition to the tip side section screen 33A, part of the discharge path 33 is partitioned by the inner circumferential section screen 33B on the inner circumferential surface side. The thickness between the tip side section screen 33A and the connecting surface 34A is smaller than the thickness between the inner circumferential section screen 33B and the second inner circumferential surface 32A. The wall comprising the tip side section screen 33A and the connecting surface 34A is sometimes referred to as the connecting wall 34. The wall comprising the inner circumferential section screen 33B and the second inner circumferential surface 32A is sometimes referred to as the extension wall 35. The thickness of the connecting wall 34 in the thickness direction TD is smaller than the thickness of the extension wall 35 in the height direction HT. The thickness of the extension wall 35 is larger than the thickness of the connecting wall 34.

[0047] The connecting wall 34 has a thickness that is strong enough to collapse under the pressure of the refrigerant introduced from the external introduction pipe 91. The pressure of the refrigerant introduced from the external introduction pipe 91 is less than the pressure resistance of the first sealing section 41. The collapse of the connecting wall 34 due to the pressure of the refrigerant introduced from the external introduction pipe 91 forms a path in the connecting wall 34 that connects to the discharge path 33. In other words, the thickness of the connecting wall 34 is such that it is strong enough to deform to the extent that it can form a path that connects to the discharge path 33 under the pressure of the refrigerant introduced from the external introduction pipe 91.

[0048] On the other hand, the thickness of the extension wall 35 is such that it has sufficient strength to prevent collapse due to the pressure of the refrigerant introduced from the external introduction pipe 91. The thickness of the extension wall 35 is such that it has sufficient strength to prevent the formation of a path leading to the discharge path 33 due to the pressure of the refrigerant introduced from the external introduction pipe 91.

[0049] As described above, the movement of the large-diameter portion 31 toward the inner end portion 38A in the thickness direction TD is restricted by the stopper 45. The movement of the small-diameter portion 32 toward the inner end portion 38A in the thickness direction TD is restricted by the separator 48. With respect to the thickness direction TD, a connecting wall 34 is provided in the area between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42. The connecting wall 34 can also be described as a step between the large-diameter portion 31 and the small-diameter portion 32. For example, the refrigerant flows from the outer end portion 38B toward the inner end portion 38A. That is, the connecting wall 34 is provided downstream of the separator 48. It can also be said that the separator 48 is provided upstream of the connecting wall 34.

[0050] Furthermore, the direction of refrigerant flow is not limited to flowing from the outer end 38B to the inner end 38A. As another example, an external discharge pipe 92 may be connected to the inlet pipe 50 and an external introduction pipe 91 may be connected to the outlet pipe 70, so that the refrigerant flows from the inner end 38A to the outer end 38B.

[0051] <Effects and Effects> A joint 40 is provided between the external introduction pipe 91 and the inlet pipe 50 as a means to prevent refrigerant leakage. A first sealing portion 41 is provided between the large-diameter portion 31 of the joint 40 and the inlet pipe 50. A second sealing portion 42 is provided between the small-diameter portion 32 of the joint 40 and the inlet pipe 50. The refrigerant flows from the external introduction pipe 91 to the inlet pipe 50 through the joint 40.

[0052] A discharge path 33 is provided inside the main body 30 to discharge the refrigerant to the outside. Furthermore, the portion of the main body 30 between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42 is deformable in such a way that it can communicate with the discharge path 33 by the refrigerant. Specifically, the discharge path 33 extends in the thickness direction TD. A connecting wall 34, which has a tip side section screen 33A and a connecting surface 34A that partition a part of the discharge path 33, is provided between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42. The connecting wall 34 has a thickness that allows it to deform to the extent that a path connecting to the discharge path 33 is formed by a refrigerant having a pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the first sealing portion 41.

[0053] According to this, when refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42, a path leading to the discharge path 33 is formed in the connecting wall 34. Even if refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42, the refrigerant is actively drawn into the discharge path 33 through the path formed in the connecting wall 34 and discharged to the outside. Even if refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42, it is prevented from passing through the first sealing portion 41 and coming into contact with electrical components.

[0054] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the small-diameter section 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter section 31. The thickness of the extension wall 35, which comprises the inner circumferential side surface 33B and the second inner circumferential surface 32A, is greater than the thickness of the connecting wall 34. The thickness of the extension wall 35 is such that the pressure of the refrigerant introduced from the external introduction pipe 91 does not cause a passage leading to the discharge path 33 to form. This prevents the refrigerant from flowing into the discharge path 33 before it overflows the second sealing section 42. This makes it possible to discharge the refrigerant to the outside from the discharge path 33 only after it has overflowed the second sealing section 42.

[0055] The cylindrical portion 38 comprises a large-diameter portion 31, a small-diameter portion 32, and a base portion 36. The large-diameter portion 31, the small-diameter portion 32, and the base portion 36 are arranged in that order from the inner end 38A toward the outer end 38B. Of the large-diameter portion 31, the small-diameter portion 32, and the base portion 36, the large-diameter portion 31 has the largest inner diameter, and the base portion 36 has the smallest inner diameter. Because the base portion 36, which has a smaller inner diameter than the small-diameter portion 32, is located on the outer end 38B side of the small-diameter portion 32, it becomes difficult for the refrigerant to enter between the inlet pipe 50 and the small-diameter portion 32. As a result, it is difficult for the refrigerant to pass through the second sealing portion 42. It is possible to suppress the refrigerant from flowing between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42.

[0056] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device 10 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the cylindrical portion 38 further includes a medium-diameter portion 231. A medium-diameter stopper 248 is provided at the end of the medium-diameter portion 231. The arrangement of the medium-diameter stopper 248 on the medium-diameter portion 231 is the same as the arrangement on the small-diameter portion 32 of the separator 48, so no explanation is given. The medium-diameter portion 231 is also called the third diameter portion.

[0057] The cylindrical portion 38 is provided with a large diameter portion 31, a medium diameter portion 231, a small diameter portion 32, a base portion 36, and an outer diameter portion 37 in that order from the inner end 38A to the outer end 38B. The inner diameter of the medium diameter portion 231 is smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 31. The inner diameter of the medium diameter portion 231 is larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 32.

[0058] In the second embodiment, a third sealing portion 44 is further provided. The shape of the third sealing portion 44 is annular. The cross-section of the third sealing portion 44 alone is circular. The inner diameter of the third sealing portion 44 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 50. The outer diameter of the third sealing portion 44 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first sealing portion 41. The inner diameter of the third sealing portion 44 is almost equal to the inner diameter of the first sealing portion 41 and the inner diameter of the second sealing portion 42. The third sealing portion 44 is formed mainly from a flexible material such as silicone rubber. The third sealing portion 44 is flattened in the height direction HT between the middle diameter portion 231 and the external inlet pipe 91. The third sealing portion 44 is compressed between the outer diameter portion 37 and the external inlet pipe 91.

[0059] The discharge path 33 extends in the thickness direction TD. The discharge path 33 extends across the outer diameter portion 37, the base portion 36, and the small diameter portion 32. The tip side screen 33A is provided on the outer end 38B side of the connecting surface 34A. In the second embodiment, the connecting surface 34A includes the surface connecting the third inner circumferential surface 231A and the second inner circumferential surface 32A of the middle diameter portion 231, the third inner circumferential surface 231A, and the surface connecting the third inner circumferential surface 231A and the first inner circumferential surface 31A. The tip side screen 33A is provided on the outer end 38B side of the surface connecting the third inner circumferential surface 231A and the second inner circumferential surface 32A. The connecting wall 34 comprises the surface connecting the third inner circumferential surface 231A and the second inner circumferential surface 32A, and the tip side screen 33A. The connecting wall 34 has a thickness that allows it to deform to the extent that a path connecting to the discharge path 33 is formed by a refrigerant having a pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the third sealing portion 44.

[0060] According to this, when refrigerant flows between the second sealing part 42 and the third sealing part 44, a path leading to the discharge path 33 is formed in the connecting wall 34. Even if refrigerant flows between the second sealing part 42 and the third sealing part 44, the refrigerant is actively directed from the path to the discharge path 33. The refrigerant is discharged from the discharge path 33 before it enters between the first sealing part 41 and the third sealing part 44. The refrigerant is discharged to the outside from the discharge path 33 at an early stage. This further suppresses the refrigerant from coming into contact with electrical components.

[0061] (Third embodiment) Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device 10 of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the arrangement of the discharge path 33 may differ from that of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the discharge path 33 extends across the outer diameter portion 37, the base portion 36, and the small diameter portion 32. The connecting surface 34A in the third embodiment is the same as the connecting surface 34A in the second embodiment. A tip side section screen 33A is provided on the outer end portion 38B side of the surface connecting the third inner circumferential surface 231A and the first inner circumferential surface 31A. The connecting wall 34 comprises a surface connecting the third inner circumferential surface 231A and the first inner circumferential surface 31A, and a tip side section screen 33A. The connecting wall 34 has a thickness that allows it to deform to the extent that a path connecting to the discharge path 33 is formed by a refrigerant having a pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the first sealing portion 41.

[0062] According to this design, when refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the third sealing portion 44, a path leading to the discharge path 33 is formed in the connecting wall 34. Even if refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the third sealing portion 44, the refrigerant is actively directed from the path to the discharge path 33. Furthermore, the path leading to the discharge path 33 is located on the inner end 38A side of the second sealing portion 42 and the third sealing portion 44 with respect to the thickness direction TD. Therefore, the flow of refrigerant into the path leading to the discharge path 33 is easily suppressed. This further suppresses contact between the refrigerant and electrical components.

[0063] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device 10 of the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, there are multiple first sealing portions 41. As an example, there are two first sealing portions 41. The two first sealing portions 41 are provided between the large diameter portion 31 and the inlet pipe 50. The two first sealing portions 41 are pressed between the large diameter portion 31 and the inlet pipe 50. This makes it difficult for refrigerant that has entered between one of the two first sealing portions 41 on the outer end 38B side and the second sealing portion 42 to penetrate into the inside of the case 20. This further suppresses refrigerant from coming into contact with electrical components. Although not shown, in the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which there are multiple second sealing portions 42 may also be adopted. A configuration in which there are multiple first sealing portions 41 and multiple second sealing portions 42 may also be adopted. In that case as well, refrigerant from coming into contact with electrical components is further suppressed.

[0064] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device 10 of the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a part of the large diameter portion 31, a small diameter portion 32, a base portion 36, and an outer diameter portion 37 are provided outside the case 20 beyond the through hole 25. A first sealing portion 41, a second sealing portion 42, and a connecting wall 34 are provided outside the case 20 beyond the through hole 25.

[0065] In the fifth embodiment, as described above, the connecting wall 34 has a thickness that allows it to deform to the extent that a path connecting to the discharge path 33 is formed by a refrigerant having a pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the first sealing portion 41. Even if refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42, the refrigerant actively flows into the discharge path 33 through the path formed in the connecting wall 34. As a result, the refrigerant is discharged into the discharge path 33 outside the case 20, further suppressing contact of the refrigerant with electrical components.

[0066] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device 10 of the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, a discharge hole 634 is provided at the step at the boundary between the small diameter portion 32 and the large diameter portion 31, which guides the refrigerant that has entered between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42 to the discharge path 33. This also makes it possible to discharge the refrigerant that has entered between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42 to the discharge path 33. Note that the position where the discharge hole 634 is provided is not limited to the step at the boundary between the small diameter portion 32 and the large diameter portion 31. The discharge hole 634 may be provided in the cylindrical portion 38, between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42 with respect to the thickness direction TD, for example, in the large diameter portion 31. In that case as well, the same effects as described above are achieved.

[0067] (Seventh Embodiment) Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device 10 of the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the discharge path 33 extends across the outer diameter portion 37, the base portion 36, the small diameter portion 32, and the large diameter portion 31. The leading edge section screen 33A of the discharge path 33 is provided on the inner end portion 38A side of the connecting surface 34A with respect to the thickness direction TD. In the seventh embodiment, the wall 735 comprises an inner circumferential section screen 33B and a first inner circumferential surface 31A. The thickness of the wall 735 is such that it has sufficient strength to deform to the extent that it can form a path connected to the discharge path 33 by the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0068] The wall 735 has a thickness that allows it to deform to the extent that a path connecting to the discharge path 33 is formed by a refrigerant having a pressure lower than the pressure resistance of the first sealing portion 41. As a result, when refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42, a path connecting to the discharge path 33 is formed in the wall 735. Even if refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42, the refrigerant is actively drawn into the discharge path 33 through the path formed in the wall 735 and discharged to the outside. Even if refrigerant flows between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42, it is prevented from passing through the first sealing portion 41 and coming into contact with electrical components.

[0069] (Eighth embodiment) Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the electronic device 10 of the eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, the discharge path 833 is provided in the large diameter portion 31 so as to penetrate the large diameter portion 31 in the height direction HT. The large diameter portion 31 is provided with a discharge hole 834 that communicates with the discharge path 833. The discharge path 833 is provided between the first sealing portion 41 and the second sealing portion 42 in the thickness direction TD. This also produces the same effects as the embodiments described so far.

[0070] (Ninth Embodiment) Figure 12 is a plan view of the joint 40 of the ninth embodiment, as seen from the inner end 38A side. In the ninth embodiment, the joint 40 is provided with multiple discharge paths 33. Specifically, the joint 40 is provided with four discharge paths 33. The discharge paths 33 are provided at 90-degree intervals, in the upper, lower, left, and right directions. This further suppresses the refrigerant from coming into contact with electrical components.

[0071] (Other embodiments) In the embodiments described so far, the description has been limited to a configuration in which the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 31 is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 32. However, the inner diameters of the large-diameter portion 31 and the small-diameter portion 32 may be equal.

[0072] This disclosure is described in accordance with the embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalence. In addition, while various combinations and forms are shown in this disclosure, other combinations and forms that include one, more, or fewer of those elements also fall within the scope and concept of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 20 Case, 22A Side wall, 231 Third diameter section, 25 Through hole, 31 First diameter section, 31A First inner surface, 32 Second diameter section, 32A Second inner surface, 33 Discharge path, 33A, 33B Section screen, 34 Connecting wall, 34A Connecting surface, 35 Extension wall, 36 Base, 40 Joint, 41 First sealing section, 41 Sealing section, 42 Second sealing section, 43 External sealing section, 44 Third sealing section, 48 Regulating section, 5 Electronic components, 50 Cooling pipe, 634 Discharge hole, 833 Discharge path, 834 Discharge hole, TD Alignment direction.

Claims

1. Electronic components (5) and A cooling pipe (50) extending toward the aforementioned electronic component, through which a refrigerant flows, A case (20) that houses the aforementioned electronic components and the aforementioned cooling pipe, and has through holes (25) in its side wall (22A), A joint (40) that passes through the aforementioned through hole and has the cooling pipe inside, The fitting and the cooling pipe are provided with sealing portions (41, 42, 43, 44), The joint comprises a first diameter portion (31) and a second diameter portion (32) continuous with the first diameter portion. The second diameter portion is provided further away from the electronic component than the first diameter portion with respect to the alignment direction (TD) of the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion. The sealing portion comprises a first sealing portion (41) provided between the first diameter portion and the cooling tube, and a second sealing portion (42) provided between the second diameter portion and the cooling tube. At least a portion of a discharge path (33) for discharging the refrigerant to the outside of the case is provided in the first diameter portion and / or the second diameter portion. An electronic device in which the portion between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion of the joint is deformable in such a manner that it communicates with the discharge path due to the refrigerant.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the second diameter portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the first diameter portion.

3. The joint further comprises a connecting wall (34) having a connecting surface (34A) that connects the first inner circumferential surface (31A) on the inside of the first diameter portion and the second inner circumferential surface (32A) on the inside of the second diameter portion, and one of a plurality of partition screens (33A, 33B) that demarcate the discharge path, provided on the back side of the connecting surface. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting wall is deformable by the refrigerant in a manner that communicates with the discharge path.

4. The discharge path extends in the direction of the alignment at least in the second diameter portion, The joint further comprises an extension wall (35) having the second inner circumferential surface and one of the plurality of section screens provided on the back side of the second inner circumferential surface, The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the extension wall is greater than the thickness of the connecting wall to such an extent that the refrigerant does not form a path leading to the discharge path.

5. With respect to the aforementioned alignment direction, between the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion, there is a third diameter portion (231) having an inner diameter larger than that of the second diameter portion and a smaller inner diameter than that of the first diameter portion, The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third sealing portion (44) provided between the third diameter portion and the cooling tube.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of the first sealing portion and / or the second sealing portion.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joint is provided with a plurality of discharge paths.

8. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting wall is provided outside the case beyond the through hole.

9. With respect to the aforementioned alignment direction, the system further includes a restricting portion (48) that restricts the movement of the second sealing portion, The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the restricting portion is provided upstream of the connecting wall.

10. Electronic components (5) and A cooling pipe (50) extending toward the aforementioned electronic component, through which a refrigerant flows, A case (20) that houses the aforementioned electronic components and the aforementioned cooling pipe, and has through holes (25) in its side wall (22A), A joint (40) that passes through the aforementioned through hole and has the cooling pipe inside, The fitting and the cooling pipe are provided with sealing portions (41, 42, 43, 44), The joint comprises a first diameter portion (31) and a second diameter portion (32) continuous with the first diameter portion. The second diameter portion is provided further away from the electronic component than the first diameter portion with respect to the alignment direction (TD) of the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion. The sealing portion comprises a first sealing portion (41) provided between the first diameter portion and the cooling tube, and a second sealing portion (42) provided between the second diameter portion and the cooling tube. At least a portion of a discharge path (33, 833) for discharging the refrigerant to the outside of the case is provided in the first diameter portion and / or the second diameter portion. An electronic device having a discharge hole (634, 834) in the portion between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion of the joint, which guides the refrigerant to the discharge path.

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