Plate-shaped cooling device assembly method, plate-shaped cooling device, and clamping device

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device equipped with a flow path for circulating a cooling liquid that is more liquid-tight and airtight than conventional methods. The method includes a clamping step in which, after overlapping a first plate-shaped member (3) and a second plate-shaped member (2), two clamped regions (C) located at the closest positions sandwiching a divided welding region (L1) are used as a set of clamped regions to fix the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member to each other using a clamping means, and a welding step in which, while the clamped regions (C) are clamped in the clamping step, the divided welding region (L1) is welded.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, batteries installed in electric vehicles (Battery Electric Vehicles) and the like have become larger in capacity to ensure sufficient driving range, and liquid cooling mechanisms equipped with flow paths for circulating liquid are employed to efficiently cool the batteries. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling plate for a battery module manufactured by fixing a first sheet and a second sheet made of aluminum plates together with a material such as brazing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-101926 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as the capacity of batteries increases, the cooling device becomes larger when large-area plate-shaped members are brazed or laser welded together, which can cause distortion of the plate-shaped members, which can cause problems in making the flow path for the coolant liquid-tight or airtight.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to realize a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device equipped with a flow path for circulating a cooling liquid that is more liquid-tight and airtight than conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure provides a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device comprising a first plate-shaped member and a second plate-shaped member having a flow path through which a coolant flows on the side of a welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member, wherein the second plate-shaped member has a welding region provided along the flow path for welding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in a range where the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member abut when the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped, and divided welding regions which are regions obtained by dividing the welding region into predetermined ranges; and a clamped region provided adjacent to the divided welding region and clamped by a clamping means, and the assembly method includes a clamping process in which, after overlapping the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member, the two clamped regions provided at the closest positions sandwiching the divided welding region are treated as a set of clamped regions, and the set of clamped regions is fixed to the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member by the clamping means, and a welding process in which the divided welding region is welded while the clamped regions are clamped in the clamping process.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the plate-shaped cooling device of the present disclosure comprises a first plate-shaped member and a second plate-shaped member having a flow path through which a coolant flows on the side of the welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member, and the second plate-shaped member is configured to comprise: a welding area provided along the flow path to weld the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in the area where the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member abut when the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped; divided welding areas which are areas obtained by dividing the welding area into predetermined ranges; and a clamped area provided adjacent to the divided welding area and clamped by a clamping means.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a clamping device according to the present disclosure is a clamping device for clamping a plate-shaped cooling device including a first plate-shaped member and a second plate-shaped member having a flow path through which a cooling liquid flows on the side of a welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member, wherein the second plate-shaped member has a welding region provided along the flow path for welding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in a range where the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member abut when the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped. and divided welding areas, which are areas obtained by dividing the welding area into predetermined ranges, and clamped areas, which are provided adjacent to the divided welding areas and are clamped by clamping means. After the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped, the two clamped areas, which are provided at the closest positions across the divided welding area, are considered as a set of clamped areas, and a clamping section is provided that fixes the set of clamped areas to each other by the clamping means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device having a flow path for circulating a cooling liquid that is more liquid-tight and airtight than conventional methods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a plate-shaped cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA in FIG. 3. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the plate-shaped cooling device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the plate-shaped cooling device showing the welding area. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view partially illustrating a schematic configuration of a clamping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the clamp device shown in FIG. 5, as seen from the rear. [Figure 7]10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a laser beam is irradiated onto an outer peripheral welding region of a plate-shaped cooling device. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the dashed-line frame E shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Embodiment 1) An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the plate-shaped cooling device 1. For ease of explanation, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction are defined as indicated by the arrows in each figure. However, it should be noted that these directions are used to indicate relative positional relationships in a single state, and that the relative positional relationships may change depending on the installation direction of the plate-shaped cooling device 1.

[0013] (Outline of plate-type cooling device) The plate-shaped cooling device 1 is used to cool a battery mounted on an electric vehicle or the like, and is disposed inside the electric vehicle or the like in contact with the battery. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the plate-shaped cooling device 1 is rectangular in plan view and includes a first plate-shaped member 3 and a second plate-shaped member 2 disposed opposite the first plate-shaped member 3. The shape of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 is not limited to a rectangular shape in plan view, and may be appropriately shaped to match the shape of the battery to be contacted. The first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are welded together, for example, by laser welding, and a flow path 21 through which a coolant flows is disposed on the inner surface (welded surface side) of each plate-shaped member. Details of the flow path 21 will be described later.

[0014] (First plate-shaped member) The first plate-shaped member 3 is thin and disposed opposite the second plate-shaped member 2. The first plate-shaped member 3 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. The first plate-shaped member 3 has side plates 31 extending downward from both left and right ends thereof.

[0015] The side plate 31 is a plate-like member for mounting to a battery or an internal component of an automobile via fastening members such as screws. The first plate-like member 3 has an inlet 32 for drawing in coolant and an outlet 33 for discharging the coolant. The side plate 31 is not an essential component, and the configuration may not include the side plate 31. In this case, the first plate-like member 3 only needs to be formed in a flat plate shape. The first plate-like member 3 only needs to have a surface that faces the second plate-like member 2, and the first plate-like member 3 may be, for example, a box-shaped housing.

[0016] In the following description, the side having the intake port 32 may be referred to as the upstream side, and the side having the exhaust port 33 as the downstream side. The first plate-shaped member 3 is formed from a material that has excellent weldability and durability, such as stainless steel (SUS). The material of the first plate-shaped member 3 is not limited to stainless steel, and it may be formed from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0017] (Second plate-shaped member) The second plate-shaped member 2 is thin and disposed opposite the first plate-shaped member 3. The second plate-shaped member 2 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. The second plate-shaped member 2 is formed from a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0018] The second plate-shaped member 2 has a flow path 21 through which a coolant flows on the side of the welding surface that is welded to the first plate-shaped member 3, a welding region YR (see Figure 4), a divided welding region L1, and a clamped region C.

[0019] (flow path) 3, the flow paths 21 are formed to meander at regular intervals in the left-right direction in a plan view of the second plate-like member 2. More specifically, a linear flow path 21 is formed extending from the front to the rear, a U-shaped curve is formed at the rear end of the flow path 21, another linear flow path 21 is formed extending forward from the end of the curve, and another U-shaped curve is formed at the front end of the flow path 21. Thereafter, the flow paths 21 are formed in a similar manner from the upstream side to the downstream side by combining straight lines and curves.

[0020] The flow path 21 is a space through which the coolant flows. The space through which the coolant flows is partitioned in a liquid-tight or airtight manner by stacking a first plate-shaped member 3 and a second plate-shaped member 2 in the vertical direction and welding the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 together as shown in Fig. 1. More specifically, the flow path 21 is an arch-shaped space formed between the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 and having a curved surface with a curved upper portion as shown in Fig. 2.

[0021] The flow path 21 is defined by the area where the flow path 21 is not formed when the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are stacked and welded together, i.e., the area where the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are in contact when stacked.

[0022] Before the first plate-like member 3 and the second plate-like member 2 are welded together, the flow path 21 is open on the joining surface side (lower side). The cross-sectional shape of the flow path 21 is not limited to an arch shape, but may be a U-shape with the opening facing downward, or an angular shape such as a V-shape in cross section with the opening facing downward. In other words, any convex shape that has at least a flow space for the coolant to flow through is sufficient.

[0023] 1 and 3, the upstream end of flow path 21 is connected to intake port 32, and the downstream end is connected to exhaust port 33. As a result, the coolant drawn in from intake port 32 flows through the space of flow path 21 in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 3 and is discharged from exhaust port 33. As the coolant flows through flow path 21 from intake port 32 to exhaust port 33, the heat of the battery is absorbed by the coolant, thereby cooling the battery.

[0024] (welding area) The welding region YR will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 showing the welding region YR. In Fig. 4, the numbers of components other than the welding region YR are omitted as appropriate to make it easier to recognize the range in which the welding region YR is provided.

[0025] The welding region YR is a location where laser welding is performed when joining the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the second plate-shaped member 2 has a welding region YR provided along the flow path 21 in order to weld the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 together. In FIG. 4, the welding region YR is the region indicated by light ink and is set on the surface of the second plate-shaped member 2. The welding region YR may be provided at multiple locations on the surface of the second plate-shaped member 2.

[0026] Specifically, the welding region YR is provided in a range where the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 abut when the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are overlapped. The "range where the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 abut" refers to a range formed between the meandering flow paths 21 at a constant interval in the left-right direction in a plan view of the second plate-shaped member 2, and the welding region YR is provided in this range. As shown in FIG. 4, the welding region YR is a region formed extending in the front-rear direction along the extension direction of the flow paths 21 in the front-rear direction.

[0027] (Split welding area) The divided welding area L1 is a portion where laser welding is performed when joining the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2. The divided welding area L1 is set in advance on the surface of the second plate-shaped member 2 for welding. The divided welding area L1 is an area formed by dividing the welding area YR shown in FIG. 4 into predetermined ranges. In other words, the divided welding area L1 can be said to be an area included in the welding area YR.

[0028] The "predetermined range" is a range that is arbitrarily set depending on the size and shape of the second plate-like member 2 and the flow path 21, and the configuration of the clamping device 4 described below. For example, if the two clamped regions C at the left end of the frame enclosed by the dashed line G shown in FIG. 3 correspond to the arrangement of a pair of clamping parts 410 provided in the clamping device 4 described below, the predetermined range may be set to a length that is shorter than the distance between the pair of clamping parts 410. Note that, as shown in FIG. 3, the divided welding regions L1 may be provided at multiple locations on the surface of the second plate-like member 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are stacked together, and then the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are joined by laser welding multiple divided welding areas L1.

[0030] (clamped area) The clamped region C is a portion that is pressed by a clamping portion 410, which will be described later. The clamped region C is provided at a plurality of locations on the surface of the second plate-like member 2, as shown in FIG.

[0031] More specifically, the clamped region C is provided at a position adjacent to the divided welding region L1. As shown in FIG. 3, "a position adjacent to the divided welding region L1" refers to a position where, from front to back, the clamped region C, the divided welding region L1, and the clamped region C are arranged in this order in the front-to-back direction of the welding region YR (see FIG. 4). In other words, the clamped region C is provided at a position adjacent to the divided welding region L1. In other words, the clamped region C is provided next to the divided welding region L1 in the front-to-back direction.

[0032] The clamped region C may be provided outside the welding region YR. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, it may be provided in a position where the vicinity of the outer periphery of the second plate-shaped member 2 can be clamped by the clamping portion 410. It may also be provided in a position where the four corners of the second plate-shaped member 2 can be clamped by the clamping portion 410. The clamped region C provided outside the welding region YR is a portion that is pressed by the clamping portion 410 when the outer periphery welding region L2 is laser welded.

[0033] (periphery welding area) 3, the outer periphery welding region L2 is a region of the second plate-shaped member 2 that is provided further outward in the front-rear and left-right directions than the region where the flow path 21 is formed. The outer periphery welding region L2 shown by the dot-dash line in FIG. 3 is an example, and the outer periphery welding region L2 may be set arbitrarily depending on the size and shape of the second plate-shaped member 2 and the flow path 21.

[0034] The outer peripheral welded region L2 is preferably provided in a position close to and along the outer edge of the flow path 21. By providing the outer peripheral welded region L2 in a position close to the flow path 21, the flow path 21 can be made liquid-tight or airtight when the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are laser-welded.

[0035] (clamping device) Next, a clamping device 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a plan view partially illustrating the schematic configuration of the clamping device 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a rear view of the clamping device 4 shown in Figure 5, as viewed from the rear.

[0036] The clamping device 4 is a device that clamps the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 in order to laser weld the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 in a stacked state. As shown in Fig. 5, the clamping device 4 includes a placing portion 44, a first arm 41, a second arm 42, and a third arm 43. The placing portion 44 is a flat member on which the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are placed when the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are stacked.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first arm 41 is configured by appropriately combining multiple frames 41a in a grid or lattice pattern. The combination of multiple frames 41a may be set arbitrarily. For example, the first arm 41 may be configured by combining only three frames 41a, or by combining only four frames 41a. As shown in FIG. 6 , the first arm 41 can be shifted between an open state indicated by the dashed line and a closed state indicated by the solid line. The first arm 41 is pivotally supported on the clamp device 4 by a pivot shaft 411. The first arm 41 also includes a grip 41b, and a user of the clamp device 4 uses the grip 41b to rotate the first arm 41 around the pivot shaft 411.

[0038] The first arm 41 is equipped with a plurality of clamping sections 410. After the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 placed on the placing section 44 are overlapped, the clamping sections 410 press down and clamp the two clamped regions C provided at the closest positions with the divided welding region L1 between them as a set of clamped regions C.

[0039] The "two clamped areas C provided at the closest positions sandwiching the divided welding area L1" refers to, for example, two clamped areas C provided in the front-to-rear direction sandwiching the divided welding area L1 at the left end of the frame enclosed by the dashed line G in Fig. 3. Within the frame enclosed by the dashed line G, a total of seven sets of clamped areas C are provided, one set per side from left to right.

[0040] In addition, the clamped area C located behind the left end of the dashed line G, the divided welding area L1 located behind the clamped area C, and the clamped area C located further behind the flow path 21 may be considered as one set of clamped areas C.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown by dashed line D in Figure 3, a case in which divided welding area L1 is surrounded by three clamped areas C may also be included in the category of a set of clamped areas C. In other words, clamped areas C provided near divided welding area L1 may be appropriately combined to form a set of clamped areas C. In this way, clamp unit 410 fixes first plate-shaped member 3 and second plate-shaped member 2 to each other so that they do not move in the front-rear or left-right directions. Note that the "clamping means" of the present disclosure, as described above, presses down on clamped areas C with clamp unit 410 to clamp them.

[0042] Here, the details of the clamping portions 410 provided on the first arm 41 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a part of the area E enclosed by a dashed line in Fig. 6 .

[0043] 9, as a configuration in which the multiple clamping units 410 can be raised and lowered individually, for example, the first arm 41 may be provided with an actuator 4103 that raises and lowers the clamping units 410. The actuator 4103 is connected to a shaft 4101 that constitutes the clamping unit 410, and raises and lowers the shaft 4101 via the actuator 4103 in response to a control signal received by the actuator 4103. The shaft 4101 may be provided with a pressing unit 4102 at a position facing the clamped region C.

[0044] The pressing portion 4102 is made of, for example, an elastic body. The elastic body may be made of, for example, a rubber material. However, instead of an elastic body, it may be made of, for example, plastic, or may be made of a material with higher rigidity.

[0045] The control signal received by the actuator 4103 may be a signal that controls the pressing force that the pressing unit 4102 applies to the clamped region C. The control signal received by the actuator 4103 may also be a signal that controls the stroke length that adjusts the elevation position of the shaft 4101. By providing a configuration that allows the multiple clamp units 410 to be individually raised and lowered in this way, it becomes possible for the clamp units 410 to individually clamp the clamped region C. It is preferable to use a piezoelectric actuator that uses a piezoelectric element as the actuator 4103, but this is not limiting. For example, a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator may also be used.

[0046] 5 and 6, the second arm 42 is configured by appropriately combining multiple frames 42a in a grid or lattice pattern. The combination of multiple frames 42a may be set arbitrarily. For example, the second arm 42 may be configured by combining only three frames 42a, or by combining only four frames 42a. The second arm 42 is pivotally supported on the clamp device 4 by a rotation shaft 420. The second arm 42 is rotatable in the vertical direction around the rotation shaft 420.

[0047] After the first arm 41 is closed, the second arm 42 presses down from above the frame 41a provided on the second arm 42 side (right side) among the frames 41a of the multiple first arms 41.

[0048] Specifically, by shifting second arm 42 from the open state to the closed state, first arm 41 is pressed downward and fixed, thereby increasing the pressing force of clamp portion 410. Note that a clamp portion 410 having the same configuration as clamp portion 410 provided on first arm 41 may be provided on second arm 42.

[0049] The third arm 43 is configured by appropriately combining multiple frames 43a in a grid or lattice pattern. The combination of multiple frames 43a may be set arbitrarily. For example, the third arm 43 may be configured by combining only three frames 43a, or by combining only four frames 43a. The third arm 43 is pivotally supported by the clamp device via a rotation shaft (not shown). The third arm 43 is rotatable in the vertical direction around the rotation shaft.

[0050] The third arms 43 are provided on the front and rear sides of the clamp device 4, and press down on the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 to secure them in place. Specifically, by displacing the third arms 43 from an open state to a closed state, the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are pressed down on the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 to secure them in place. This restricts movement of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 in the front-rear direction. Note that the third arms 43 may be provided with clamp units 410 having the same configuration as the clamp units 410 provided on the first arms 41.

[0051] The opening and closing operations of the first arm 41, the second arm 42, and the third arm may be performed manually by the user, or the operations of the first arm 41, the second arm 42, and the third arm 43 may be controlled via the actuators in accordance with control signals received by the actuators, for example.

[0052] (Method of assembling a plate-shaped cooling device) Next, we will explain the method of assembling the plate-shaped cooling device 1. The first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are manufactured by, for example, press working.

[0053] (Clamping process) First, the manufactured first plate-shaped member 3 is placed on the placing portion 44 of the clamping device 4 with the surface to be welded facing up. Next, the manufactured second plate-shaped member 2 is placed on the first plate-shaped member 3 placed on the placing portion 44 with the surface to be welded facing down. Note that the placing portion 44 preferably has a placing surface configured so that the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 placed on the placing portion 44 are horizontal, but this is not limited to this. For example, the placing surface of the placing portion 44 may be configured to be non-horizontal depending on the processing conditions, shapes, etc. of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2.

[0054] After the first plate-like member 3 and the second plate-like member 2 are overlapped, the first arm 41 of the clamp device 4 is changed from the open state to the closed state, and after the first arm 41 is in the closed state, the second arm 42 is in the closed state. Note that the third arm 43 may be in the closed state at any timing before or after the first arm 41 is in the closed state or before or after the second arm 42 is in the closed state.

[0055] In detail, after the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are overlapped, two clamped areas C provided at the closest positions sandwiching the divided welding area L1 are set as a set of clamped areas C. Then, the set of clamped areas C is clamped to each other by a clamping means to fix the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 to each other. The clamping process is a process of fixing the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 to each other.

[0056] 5 and 6, the clamping device 4 is configured such that the first arm 41 is rotated downward about the rotation axis 411 to close the clamping device 4, thereby pressing down on all of the clamped areas C located adjacent to the divided welding areas L1. By pressing down on all of the clamped areas C corresponding to the divided welding areas L1, thermal distortion of the plate-like member that may occur during laser welding can be reduced. Furthermore, since minute gaps due to manufacturing tolerances of the plate-like member can be sealed, the liquid-tightness and air-tightness of the flow path 21 are improved.

[0057] The first arm 41 is not limited to the configuration described above in which it presses down all of the clamped regions C provided adjacent to the divided welding regions L1, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the design of the clamping device 4, the shape of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 clamped by the clamping device 4, and the like. For example, the divided welding regions L1 within the frame of dashed line G shown in FIG. 3 may be grouped together, and the first arm 41 may be configured to simultaneously press down all of the clamped regions C provided adjacent to the grouped divided welding regions L1. In this case, for example, the first arm 41 may be configured to include a clamping portion 410 at a position (hereinafter referred to as a position facing the clamped regions C) where it can press down the clamped regions C provided adjacent to the grouped divided welding regions L1 when the first arm 41 is in a closed state.

[0058] Furthermore, in a clamping device 4 configured to clamp all of the clamped regions C adjacent to the divided welding regions L1, the clamping units 410 positioned opposite the clamped regions C may be individually movable up and down. For example, consider a case in which the first arm 41, the second arm 42, and the third arm 43 are all closed. In this case, two clamping units 410 positioned opposite two clamped regions C arranged in the front-to-rear direction with the divided welding region L1 at the left end of the frame enclosed by the dashed line G in FIG. 3 sandwiched therebetween may be lowered from above to below to clamp the two clamping regions C. In this case, the other clamping units 410 do not abut against the other clamping regions C. In other words, the other clamping units 410 do not descend from above to below.

[0059] Furthermore, when the first arm 41 is displaced from the open state to the closed state, the order in which the clamping portions 410 come into contact with the clamped region C may be set in advance. For example, when the first arm 41 is set to the closed state, the clamping portion 410 that will first come into contact with the central position of the second plate-like member 2 is set in advance.

[0060] Next, the set clamp units 410 are individually lowered from the top to the bottom. Then, when the first arm 41 is closed, the clamp units 410 that have been individually lowered downward come into contact with the central position. Thereafter, the other clamp units 410 are sequentially brought into contact with the clamped area C outward from the clamp unit 410 that has come into contact with the central position.

[0061] In the above description, the clamping portion 410 that first contacts the center position of the second plate-like member 2 is set in advance, but this is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to set in advance the elevation of a plurality of clamping portions 410 within a predetermined range that is arbitrarily set within the clamped region C.

[0062] Furthermore, there may be one or more clamps 410 that are individually raised and lowered among the multiple clamps 410. The same applies when the second arm 42 and the third arm 43 are each provided with a clamp 410.

[0063] This reduces distortion of the plate members that occurs when the first plate member 3 and the second plate member 2 are clamped together by the clamp device 4 after the first plate member 3 and the second plate member 2 are overlapped. Furthermore, even if the shapes of the first plate member 3 and the second plate member 2 are difficult to clamp, for example, if they have many irregularities or irregular plate thicknesses, the pressing force of the clamp unit 410 can be applied evenly. Furthermore, the clamp unit 410 can clamp the plate members in accordance with the distorted shape.

[0064] (welding process) Next, in the clamping process, a welding process is performed in which the divided welding area L1 is welded while the clamped area C is clamped. The welding process is performed using a laser welding device. The laser welding device may be provided integrally with the clamping device 4 or may be provided separately from the clamping device 4. Note that the configuration of the laser welding device is a known technique, so a detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

[0065] The laser welding device welds the welding objects by irradiating a laser beam L (see FIGS. 7 and 8) onto the welding objects, which are a first plate-shaped member 3 and a second plate-shaped member 2. In the welding process using the laser welding device, for example, the laser beam L is continuously irradiated onto the divided welding region L1 while a laser irradiation head 50 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is scanned linearly.

[0066] The laser irradiation head 50 may be attached to, for example, a robot arm, and the laser irradiation head 50 may be caused to scan by operating the robot arm.

[0067] Furthermore, the laser beam L emitted from the laser irradiation head 50 may be deflected by a reflecting mirror while the laser irradiation head 50 is fixed to the laser welding device, and may be continuously irradiated onto the divided welding region L1.

[0068] Alternatively, the laser irradiation head 50 may be fixed to the laser welding device, and the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 to be welded may be moved on an XY table (the positions of the welding objects are controlled).

[0069] Specifically, the welding step welds the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 by linear welding, in which a weld line is formed by continuously irradiating the divided welding region L1 with a laser beam L. The welding method used in the welding step is not limited to laser welding, and may be, for example, a fusion welding method such as arc welding, electron beam welding, or plasma arc welding. Also, a filler metal (adhesive) used in brazing or other brazing processes may be used.

[0070] In the welding process, for example, the divided welding areas L1 arranged within the frame of dashed line G shown in Fig. 3 are welded in order from left to right. Then, the divided welding areas L1 arranged in front of and parallel to the divided welding areas L1 within the frame of dashed line G, or the divided welding areas L1 arranged behind and parallel to the divided welding areas L1 within the frame of dashed line G, are welded from left to right. Note that the order in which the divided welding areas L1 are welded is not limited to this, and for example, the above-described order may be changed as appropriate.

[0071] When welding of all divided welding regions L1 is completed, the process moves to the outer periphery welding process, which will be described later. By sequentially performing the welding process on the divided welding regions L1 in this manner, the efficiency of the welding work is improved.

[0072] In this embodiment, after welding is completed for all divided welding regions L1, the process proceeds to the outer periphery welding process described below, but this is not limited to this. For example, in the welding process, after the welding process for one divided welding region L1 is completed, the clamping of the clamped region C by the clamping unit 410 may be released (unclamped).

[0073] Furthermore, after the welding process for one divided welding area L1 is completed, the clamping process may be performed again for another divided welding area L1 different from the divided welding area L1, and the other divided welding area L1 may be welded. In this case, for example, after first arm 41, second arm 42, and third arm 43 are closed, laser welding is performed on any one of the divided welding areas L1.

[0074] Furthermore, when all of the multiple divided welding areas L1 are grouped as described above, after the welding process for the multiple divided welding areas L1 belonging to one group is completed, the welding process for the multiple divided welding areas L1 belonging to another group may be performed.

[0075] After the laser welding is completed, the first arm 41, the second arm 42, and the third arm 43 may be opened, and the series of operations of the clamping step, welding, unclamping, and the clamping step may be repeated.

[0076] Furthermore, the above-described series of operations may be repeated in a clamping device 4 having clamping portions 410 that clamp only one set of clamped regions C corresponding to one divided welding region L1.

[0077] "Clamping only one set of clamped areas C" means, for example, clamping only two clamped areas C arranged in the front-to-rear direction with the divided welding area L1 at the left end of the frame enclosed by the dashed line G in Fig. 3 sandwiched between them. Furthermore, the welding work on the divided welding area L1 by the above-mentioned series of operations may be performed sequentially in the front-to-rear direction or in the left-to-right direction.

[0078] The welding operation on the divided welding areas L1 by the above-described series of operations may be performed sequentially in a diagonal direction intersecting the front-rear and left-right directions. Furthermore, the welding operation may be performed sequentially on all of the divided welding areas L1 arranged in the front-rear, left-right, and diagonal directions as one group in the front-rear, left-right, and diagonal directions.

[0079] In addition, in the welding work on the divided welding area L1 using the above-mentioned series of operations, the setting of the areas included in each group and the order of welding / clamping work for each group may be appropriately changed and performed in an order that minimizes overall distortion in the product, depending on the shape, design, material, etc. of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2.

[0080] (periphery welding process) After welding of all divided welding areas L1 is completed, a peripheral welding process is performed to linearly weld the peripheral welding area L2. As described above, it is preferable to perform the peripheral welding process on the peripheral welding area L2 after welding of all divided welding areas L1 is completed, but this is not limited to this. After performing the peripheral welding process, the welding process on the divided welding area L1 may be performed.

[0081] The following description will be made with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing how a laser beam L is irradiated onto the outer peripheral welding region L2 of the plate-shaped cooling device 1. Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 7.

[0082] The outer periphery welding step is performed by laser welding in which a clamped region C provided outside the range of the welding region YR is clamped by the clamping portion 410, and then a laser beam L is irradiated toward the outer periphery welding region L2.

[0083] The locations to be clamped in the outer periphery welding process are, for example, the vicinity of the outer periphery of the second plate-shaped member 2 and the four corners of the second plate-shaped member 2. Note that, if necessary, a clamped region C provided in the welding region YR may also be clamped.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7, the laser beam L that welds the outer circumferential welding region L2 is tilted in a direction that intersects with the scanning direction of the laser beam L (the front-rear direction in FIG. 7).

[0085] More specifically, the irradiation angle of the laser beam L is tilted inward (to the right in FIG. 7) with respect to the outer periphery welding region L2. In other words, when laser welding is performed on the outer periphery welding region L2, the irradiation angle of the laser beam L is always tilted inward.

[0086] Here, spatter S generated during laser welding will be explained using Fig. 8. For ease of explanation, Fig. 8 shows a gap between the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 for easy understanding, and shows the state in which spatter S is scattered into the gap.

[0087] When the laser beam L is irradiated onto the peripheral welding region L2, the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are heated in the area irradiated by the laser beam L, forming a molten pool F. The first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 melted from the molten pool F vaporize, and tiny particles are scattered around the molten pool F. These scattered particles are spatter S.

[0088] Since the spatter S is a very small particle, it may enter the flow path 21 through a very small gap between the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2. However, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when laser welding is performed with the irradiation angle of the laser beam L tilted inward with respect to the outer peripheral welding region L2, it becomes easier to guide the spatter S to the outside, opposite the flow path 21. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of spatter S generated during welding that enters the flow path 21.

[0089] In the peripheral welding process, in order to easily guide the spatter S outward, the irradiation angle of the laser beam L is tilted inward by 5° to 45° from the angle perpendicular to the welding surface of the welding target irradiated with the laser beam L. More preferably, the irradiation angle is tilted inward by 7° to 20° from the angle perpendicular to the welding surface of the welding target irradiated with the laser beam L.

[0090] (Variation) The following modifications can be applied to the present embodiment as appropriate. The modifications may be combined with each other as long as they are not technically inconsistent.

[0091] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the second plate-shaped member 2 is configured to have the flow path 21, the welding region YR, the divided welding region L1, and the clamped region C, but the first plate-shaped member 3 may be configured to have the flow path 21, the welding region YR, the divided welding region L1, and the clamped region C. In other words, it is sufficient that either the first plate-shaped member 3 and / or the second plate-shaped member 2 is provided with the flow path 21, the welding region YR, the divided welding region L1, and the clamped region C.

[0092] (Variation 2) In the above-described embodiment, the clamping unit 410 is configured to mechanically press down and clamp the region to be clamped C, but this is not limiting. For example, an electromagnetic clamp may be used instead. When an electromagnetic clamp is used, an electromagnetic coil may be embedded in the mounting unit 44, and a current may be passed through a portion of the electromagnetic coil embedded in the mounting unit 44 that corresponds to the region to be clamped C to generate a magnetic force and perform clamping.

[0093] (Variation 3) In the above-described embodiment, the flow paths 21 are formed in a serpentine pattern at regular intervals in the left-right direction in a plan view of the second plate-like member 2, as shown in FIG. 3 . However, this is not limited to this. For example, the flow paths may be formed only with linear flow paths extending from the front to the rear. In this case, a coolant inlet 32 and an outlet 33 may be provided at the front and rear ends of each flow path. Furthermore, linear flow paths extending from the front to the rear may be combined with linear flow paths that intersect in the left-right direction. In other words, the flow paths may be formed in a grid pattern in a plan view, or in an orthogonal grid pattern in which flow paths intersect at right angles.

[0094] (Action and effect) As described above, according to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0095] A method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device 1 including a first plate-shaped member 3 and a second plate-shaped member 2 including a flow path 21 through which a coolant flows on the side of a welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member 3, wherein the second plate-shaped member 2 includes a welding region YR provided along the flow path for welding the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 in a range where the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 abut when the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are overlapped, a divided welding region L1 which is an area obtained by dividing the welding region YR into predetermined ranges, and a divided welding region L2 which is an area obtained by dividing the divided welding region YR into predetermined ranges. and a clamped region C provided adjacent to the split welding region L1 and clamped by a clamping means, and the assembly method includes a clamping process in which, after overlapping the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2, the two clamped regions C provided at the closest position sandwiching the split welding region L1 are treated as a set of clamped regions C, and the set of clamped regions C is fixed to the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 by the clamping means, and a welding process in which, in the clamping process, the clamped regions C are clamped while the split welding region L1 is being clamped.

[0096] According to the above configuration, a pair of clamped regions C, which are located closest to each other and sandwich the divided welding region L1, can be fixed by a clamping device. Furthermore, the divided welding region L1 can be welded while the pair of clamped regions C is being clamped. This allows the divided welding region L1 to be fixed firmly, thereby reducing distortion of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 and enabling highly accurate welding. This allows for a method of assembling a plate-shaped cooling device 1 equipped with a flow path 21 for circulating a cooling liquid that is more liquid-tight and airtight than conventional methods.

[0097] A method for assembling the plate-type cooling device 1 according to a second aspect of the present disclosure may be a method in which, in the first aspect described above, the welding step is performed by linear welding.

[0098] According to the above configuration, the divided welding region L1 can be welded by linear welding, thereby improving the working efficiency of the welding process.

[0099] The assembly method of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to aspect 3 of the present disclosure may be a method in which, in the above-mentioned aspect 1 or 2, the welding process further includes an outer peripheral welding process of welding an outer peripheral welding region L2 that is outside the region in which the flow path 21 is formed.

[0100] According to the above configuration, in addition to welding the divided welding regions L1, the outer peripheral welding region L2 can be welded, which can further improve the liquid-tightness and air-tightness of the flow passage 21.

[0101] The assembly method of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure may be a method in which, in the above-mentioned aspect 3, the peripheral welding process is performed by laser welding in which a laser beam L is irradiated toward the peripheral welding area L2, and the irradiation angle of the laser beam L is inclined in a direction intersecting the scanning direction in which the laser beam L welding the peripheral welding area L2 is scanned and inward with respect to the peripheral welding area L2.

[0102] According to the above configuration, when the outer periphery welding region L2 is laser-welded in the outer periphery welding step, the irradiation angle of the laser beam L can be tilted inward with respect to the outer periphery welding region L2 in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the laser beam L. This makes it possible to reduce the intrusion of spatter S into the flow path 21, which may be generated during irradiation with the laser beam L.

[0103] The assembly method of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure may be a method in which, in the above aspects 1 to 4, the welding process includes, after the welding process for one of the divided welding areas L1 is completed, unclamping the clamped area C, and welding another divided welding area L1 different from the divided welding area L1 for which the welding process is completed, after the clamping process is performed.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the welding process is performed for each divided welding region L1, and unclamping is performed each time a welding process is completed. In other words, the order and timing of clamping and unclamping can be controlled in the welding process for one divided welding region L1. This allows the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 to be released from their fixed state each time a welding process is completed. This allows the heat generated during welding to be dissipated. This allows the thermal distortion during welding to be dispersed, reducing the overall distortion of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2.

[0105] A method for assembling the plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure may be a method in which, in the first to fifth aspects described above, the clamping step is performed on a plurality of the divided welding regions L1 as one group.

[0106] According to the above configuration, the clamping process is performed by treating the divided welding areas L1 as one group. As a result, even if the size of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 increases, the divided welding areas L1 can be grouped together to perform the welding process. This improves the processing efficiency of the welding process compared to conventional methods.

[0107] According to aspect 8 of the present disclosure, the plate-shaped cooling device 1 comprises a first plate-shaped member 3 and a second plate-shaped member 2 having a flow path 21 through which a cooling liquid flows on the side of the welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member 3, and the second plate-shaped member 2 comprises a welding region YR provided along the flow path 21 to weld the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 in the area where the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 abut when the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are overlapped, a divided welding region L1 which is an area obtained by dividing the welding region YR into a predetermined range, and a clamped region C provided adjacent to the divided welding region L1 and clamped by a clamping means.

[0108] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the clamping device 4 is a clamping device 4 that clamps a plate-shaped cooling device 1 that includes a first plate-shaped member 3 and a second plate-shaped member 2 that is provided with a flow path 21 through which a cooling liquid flows on the side of the welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member 3, and the second plate-shaped member 2 has a welding region YR provided along the flow path 21 for welding the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 in a range where the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 abut when the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are overlapped, and The structure includes a divided welding area L1, which is an area obtained by dividing the contact area YR into a predetermined range, and a clamped area C located adjacent to the divided welding area L1 and clamped by a clamping means.After the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are overlapped, the two clamped areas C located at the closest position across the divided welding area L1 are considered to be a set of clamped areas C, and a clamping section 410 is provided which fixes the set of clamped areas C to each other by the clamping means.

[0109] (Embodiment 2) A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the clamping process.

[0110] (Clamping process) (First clamping process) In the first embodiment, after the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are overlapped, the first arm 41 of the clamping device 4 is changed from the open state to the closed state. In the clamping step in the second embodiment, at least the front-rear direction edges of the peripheral edges of the overlapped first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are clamped by the clamping means (first clamping step of the present disclosure).

[0111] In detail, among the clamped areas C provided near the outer peripheral edge of the second plate-shaped member 2 shown in Figure 3, which is an example of a "peripheral portion", the clamped areas C provided in the front-to-rear direction are clamped by the clamp portion 410 provided on the third arm 43.

[0112] Note that the clamping by the third arm 43 is not limited to the front-rear edge, but may also be, for example, the left-right edge of the peripheral edge where the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 overlap. Also, the front-rear and left-right edges of the peripheral edge where the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 overlap, in other words, the entire periphery of the peripheral edge, may be clamped. The edge to be clamped in the first clamping step may be set appropriately depending on the shape and size of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2. Also, clamping by the first arm 41 and the second arm 42 may be performed depending on the position of the edge to be clamped in the first clamping step.

[0113] (Second clamping process) After the first clamping step, a set of clamped regions C is clamped by a clamping means so that the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are fixed to each other (second clamping step of the present disclosure). In detail, the first arm 41 is changed from an open state to a closed state, and after the first arm 41 is in the closed state, the second arm 42 is also changed to the closed state, thereby clamping the clamped regions C corresponding to the clamp portions 410 provided on the first arm 41 and the second arm 42. Note that "a set of clamped regions C" may be interpreted in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0114] (Clamping force adjustment process) During the period from the execution of the second clamping step until a predetermined time has elapsed, the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping step is adjusted to be lower than that at the start of clamping while maintaining the clamped state of the clamping means in the first clamping step (the clamping force adjustment step of the present disclosure). Specifically, with the first arm 41, the second arm 42, and the third arm 43 in a closed state, the clamping force (pressure) of the third arm 43 on the plate-like member is adjusted to be lower for a predetermined time while maintaining the clamped state of the third arm 43. The predetermined time is, for example, 1 to 2 seconds. The predetermined time may be set appropriately depending on the thickness, material, shape, etc., of the first plate-like member 3 and the second plate-like member 2 to be clamped. "Adjusting the clamping force to be lower than that at the start of clamping" means, for example, if the clamping force at the start of clamping is 40 Newtons (N), adjusting the clamping force to a value less than 40 N, preferably close to 0 N, while maintaining the clamped state.

[0115] (Clamping force recovery process) After the clamping force adjustment step, the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping step is adjusted to be higher than the clamping force adjusted to be lower in the clamping force adjustment step (the clamping force restoration step of the present disclosure). In detail, the clamping force of the third arm 43 is restored after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second clamping step was performed.

[0116] "Restoring the clamping force" only needs to be adjusted to be higher than the clamping force that was adjusted low in the clamping force adjustment process, and does not have to be the same value as the clamping force at the time when the third arm 43 started clamping the clamped area C. For example, if the clamping force that was adjusted low in the clamping force adjustment process is 5 N, any value higher than 5 N may be included in the category of "restoring the clamping force."

[0117] The clamping force may be restored to the same value as the clamping force at the time when the third arm 43 starts clamping the clamped area C in the first clamping step. Alternatively, the clamping force may be restored to a value higher than the clamping force at the time when the third arm 43 starts clamping the clamped area C.

[0118] After the clamping force recovery process, the welding process and the outer periphery welding process are carried out in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0119] (Variation) This modification can be applied to the present embodiment as appropriate. Furthermore, this modification may be implemented in combination with the first embodiment and each modification of the first embodiment, as long as there is no technical contradiction.

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the clamping process is performed first, followed by the welding process. However, this is not limited to this. For example, after completing the welding process for one divided welding area L1, the clamping process may be performed again for another divided welding area L1 different from the divided welding area L1, and the other divided welding area L1 may be welded. In other words, the clamping process and the welding process may be performed sequentially for each divided welding area L1.

[0121] Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, for example, all of the divided welding regions L1 within the frame of the dashed line G shown in FIG. 3 may be treated as one group, and the clamping step and the welding step may be performed.

[0122] (Action and effect) In the method for assembling the plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure, the clamping step may include a first clamping step in which at least the front-to-rear edges of the overlapping peripheral portions of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are clamped by the clamping means; a second clamping step in which, after the first clamping step, the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 are fixed to each other by the clamping means at a set of the clamped regions C; a clamping force adjustment step in which, while maintaining the clamped state by the clamping means in the first clamping step until a predetermined time has elapsed since the second clamping step was performed, the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping step is adjusted to be lower than the clamping force at the start of clamping; and a clamping force restoration step in which, after the clamping force adjustment step, the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping step is adjusted to be higher than the clamping force adjusted to be lower in the clamping force adjustment step.

[0123] According to the above configuration, the first clamping step, the second clamping step, the clamping force adjustment step, and the clamping force recovery step can be performed. Specifically, after the first clamping step and the second clamping step are performed, the clamping force adjustment step is performed. This reduces distortion of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 that occurs when clamping with the first arm 41, the second arm 42, and the third arm 43, compared to when the clamping force (pressing force) of the third arm 43 on the plate-shaped member is not adjusted to be low. Then, the welding step can be performed while the clamping force recovery step is performed in a state in which distortion of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 is reduced.

[0124] This allows the welding process to be carried out with further improved adhesion between the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2. This makes it possible to realize a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device 1 that is provided with a flow path 21 for circulating a cooling liquid that is more liquid-tight and airtight than conventional methods.

[0125] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 plate-shaped cooling device 2 second plate-shaped member 3 first plate-shaped member 21 flow path 31 side plate 32 intake port 33 exhaust port

Claims

1. A method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device including a first plate-shaped member and a second plate-shaped member having a flow path through which a cooling liquid flows on a side of a welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member, The second plate-shaped member includes: a welding region provided along the flow path for welding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in a range where the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member abut when the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped; divided welding areas, which are areas obtained by dividing the welding area into predetermined ranges; a clamped region provided in the welding region and adjacent to the divided welding region, the clamped region being clamped by a clamping means; and The assembly method includes: a clamping step of overlapping the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member, and then fixing the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member to each other by the clamping means, the first plate-shaped member being clamped by the clamping means, the first plate-shaped member being clamped by the clamping means, the second plate-shaped member being clamped by the clamping means, the first plate-shaped member being clamped by the clamping means, and the second plate-shaped member being clamped by the clamping means. and a welding step of welding the divided welding area while the clamped area is being clamped in the clamping step. A method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device.

2. 2. The method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the welding step is performed by line welding.

3. The welding step includes:

3. The method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to claim 1, further comprising a peripheral welding step of welding a peripheral welding region located outside the region where the flow passage is formed.

4. 4. The method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to claim 3, wherein the peripheral welding process is performed by laser welding in which a laser is irradiated toward the peripheral welding area, and the laser irradiation angle is inclined in a direction intersecting a scanning direction in which the laser that welds the peripheral welding area is scanned and inward with respect to the peripheral welding area.

5. 2. The method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the welding process includes, after the welding process for one of the divided welding areas is completed, unclamping the clamped area, and welding another divided welding area different from the divided welding area for which the welding process has been completed after the clamping process is performed.

6. The method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping step is performed on a plurality of the divided welding regions as one group.

7. The clamping step includes: a first clamping step of clamping at least a front-rear edge of a peripheral portion of the overlapping first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member by the clamping means; a second clamping step of fixing the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member to each other by the clamping means in the set of clamped regions after the first clamping step; a clamping force adjusting step of adjusting the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping step so that the clamping force is lower than that at the start of clamping, while maintaining the clamped state by the clamping means in the first clamping step until a predetermined time has elapsed since the second clamping step was performed; a clamping force recovery step of adjusting the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping step after the clamping force adjustment step so that the clamping force is higher than the clamping force adjusted to be lower in the clamping force adjustment step; Including, 2. A method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to claim 1.

8. a first plate-shaped member; and a second plate-shaped member having a flow path through which a coolant flows on a side of a welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member, The second plate-shaped member includes: a welding region provided along the flow path for welding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in a range where the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member abut when the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped; divided welding areas, which are areas obtained by dividing the welding area into predetermined ranges; a clamped region provided in the welding region and adjacent to the divided welding region, the clamped region being clamped by a clamping means; A plate-shaped cooling device comprising:

9. A clamping device for clamping a plate-shaped cooling device including a first plate-shaped member and a second plate-shaped member having a flow path through which a cooling liquid flows on a side of a welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member, The second plate-shaped member includes: a welding region provided along the flow path for welding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in a range where the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member abut when the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped; divided welding areas, which are areas obtained by dividing the welding area into predetermined ranges; a clamped region provided in the welding region and adjacent to the divided welding region, the clamped region being clamped by a clamping means; and a clamping section for clamping the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member together by the clamping means, the clamping section defining the pair of clamped regions as a set of clamped regions, the pair of clamped regions being located closest to each other across the divided welding region in the welding region, A clamping device characterized by:

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