Cooling device and cold plate

Abstract

An exemplary cooling device of this disclosure includes a first cold plate, a first pipe, a second pipe, a second cold plate, a third pipe, and a fourth pipe. The first cold plate has a first opening and a second opening, and a first flow path continuous with each of the first and second openings. The first pipe is connected to the first opening. The second pipe is connected to the second opening. The second cold plate has a third opening and a fourth opening, and a second flow path continuous with each of the third and fourth openings. The third pipe is connected to the third opening. The fourth pipe is connected to the fourth opening. The first and second openings are located separately from each other in a first direction. The fourth pipe passes between the first and second openings and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to cooling devices and cold plates. [Previous Technology]

[0002] As an example of a cooling device in the background art, a liquid cooling module has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-152500). A pipe connected to the inlet of the liquid cooling module on the right side in the width direction functions as an inlet pipe. Refrigerant is introduced from the outside of the electronic device into the interior of the liquid cooling module on the right side through the inlet pipe.

[0003] The piping connected to the outlet of the liquid-cooled module on the left functions as a discharge pipe. The liquid refrigerant inside the liquid-cooled module on the left is discharged to the outside of the electronic device through the discharge pipe.

[0004] The inlet of the liquid cooling module on the right and the outlet of the liquid cooling module on the left are also connected by piping, which acts as a transfer pipe. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0006] In cooling devices, the piping becomes more complicated when the number of cooling items increases.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cooling device and cold plate that do not complicate piping.

[0008] The technical solution adopted to solve the technical problem

[0009] An exemplary cooling device of this disclosure includes a first cold plate, a first pipe, a second pipe, a second cold plate, a third pipe, and a fourth pipe. The first cold plate has a first opening and a second opening, and a first flow path continuous with each of the first opening and the second opening. The first pipe is connected to the first opening. The second pipe is connected to the second opening. The second cold plate has a third opening and a fourth opening, and a second flow path continuous with each of the third opening and the fourth opening. The third pipe is connected to the third opening. The fourth pipe is connected to the fourth opening. The first opening and the second opening are located apart from each other in a first direction. The fourth pipe passes between the first opening and the second opening and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0010] An exemplary cold plate of this disclosure comprises a body, three or more openings, and flow paths. The body has a cooling portion that comes into thermal contact with a cooled object. The three or more openings are formed in the body in portions other than the cooling portion. The flow paths are continuous with each of the three or more openings.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to this disclosure, a cooling device and cold plate that do not complicate piping can be provided.

Implementation Method

[0014] Hereinafter, the cooling apparatus 100 of each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0015] [Definition of the term]

[0016] The term “connection” means “connection in a manner that allows for the flow of fluid energy”.

[0017] The term “thermal contact” means “direct thermal contact” or “(thermal contact via something)”.

[0018] The term "intersection" includes cases where lines intersect each other, surfaces intersect each other, or lines and surfaces intersect at right angles, as well as cases where they intersect non-right angles to the extent or with respect to the purposes of this disclosure. Minor differences include tolerances and errors, etc.

[0019] The term “pipe fitting” refers to a pipe (pipe or tube), a fitting (also called a connector), or a combination of pipe and fitting. Pipes may be, for example, metal pipes or resin pipes.

[0020] [Implementation Method]

[0021] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0022] The figures show the intersecting Z, X and Y directions.

[0023] The Z direction is defined based on the following state: the state in which the cooling device 100 is set up in a usable manner on the object being cooled (described later) (hereinafter also referred to as the "usage state"). The Z direction is the vertical direction of the cooling device 100. The X direction is, for example, the direction in which the openings 11A and 11B are arranged.

[0024] The Z-direction side and the other side are also referred to as Z-direction side Z1 and Z-direction side Z2. In this embodiment, Z-direction side Z1 and Z-direction side Z2 are the upper and lower directions of the cooling device 100 in use.

[0025] The X-direction side and the other side are also referred to as X-direction side X1 and X-direction side X2. In this embodiment, in the cooling device 100 in use, X-direction side X1 is the direction in which the opening 11B is located when viewed from the opening 11A. X-direction side X2 is the opposite direction of X-direction side X1.

[0026] The Y-direction side and the other side are also referred to as Y-direction side Y1 and Y-direction side Y2. In this embodiment, in the cooling device 100 in use, Y-direction side Y1 is the direction in which the cold plate 1C is located when viewed from the opening 11A. Y-direction side Y2 is the opposite direction of Y-direction side Y1.

[0027] [First Embodiment (Schematic Structure of Cooling Device 100)]

[0028] The cooling device 100 of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0029] In Figure 1, the cooling device 100 includes cold plates 1A to 1D and pipe fittings 2A to 2I.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the cold plate 1A has openings 11A and 11B and a flow path 12A. Furthermore, in Figure 5, openings 11A and 11B are shown as dashed imaginary lines. Flow path 12A is continuous with openings 11A and 11B, respectively. Cold plate 1A is an example of the "first cold plate" of this disclosure. Openings 11A and 11B are examples of the "first opening" and "second opening" of this disclosure. Flow path 12A is an example of the "first flow path" of this disclosure.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, fittings 2A and 2B are connected to openings 11A and 11B (see Figure 5), respectively. Fittings 2A and 2B are examples of the "first fitting" and "second fitting" of this disclosure.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the cold plate 1B has openings 11C and 11D and a flow path 12B. The flow path 12B is continuous with the openings 11C and 11D, respectively. The cold plate 1B is an example of the "second cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11C and 11D are examples of the "third opening" and "fourth opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12B is an example of the "second flow path" of this disclosure.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, fittings 2C and 2D are connected to openings 11C and 11D (see Figures 5 and 6), respectively. Fittings 2C and 2D are examples of the "third fitting" and "fourth fitting" of this disclosure.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, openings 11A and 11B are located separately from each other in the X direction. Fitting 2D passes between openings 11A and 11B and extends in the Y direction. Thus, the piping arrangement is not complicated. Specifically, fitting 2D is arranged in the X direction along with fittings 2A and 2B; therefore, the piping arrangement (i.e., the installation of fittings 2A, 2B, and 2D) is not complicated. The X and Y directions are examples of the "first direction" and "second direction" of this disclosure.

[0035] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cold plate 1C has openings 11E to 11G and a flow path 12C. The flow path 12C is continuous with the openings 11E to 11G. The cold plate 1C is an example of the "third cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11E, 11F, and 11G are examples of the "fifth opening," "sixth opening," and "seventh opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12C is an example of the "third flow path" of this disclosure.

[0036] Fittings 2E to 2G are respectively connected to openings 11E to 11G. Fitting 2G is an example of the "fifth fitting" of this disclosure.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cold plate 1D has openings 11H and 11I and a flow path 12D. The flow path 12D is continuous with the openings 11H and 11I, respectively. The cold plate 1D is an example of the "fourth cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11H and 11I are examples of the "eighth opening" and "ninth opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12D is an example of the "fourth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0038] Fitting 2H is connected to opening 11H. Fitting 2I is connected to opening 11I and fitting 2D. Fitting 2I is an example of the "sixth fitting" of this disclosure. As a result, the total length of the fittings is shortened. In detail, even when there are four cold plates, since fitting 2I is connected to fitting 2D, the total length of the fittings (fittings 2A to 2I) is shortened.

[0039] As shown within the imaginary line of the elongated circle V in Figure 1, at least a portion of the tube 2D extends along at least one of the tubes 2B, 2C, and 2E. This restricts the movement of the tube 2D. This also suppresses the complication of winding the tube.

[0040] Openings 11E to 11G are located at positions that are separated from each other in at least one of the X and Y directions. The fitting 2D passes between two openings selected from openings 11E to 11G. This restricts the movement of the fitting 2D. This also suppresses the complication of winding the fitting.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, opening 11C is located further away from opening 11F than opening 11D. Opening 11H is located further away from opening 11G than opening 11I. This allows fittings 2C and 2G to bend gently. As a result, the load applied to fittings 2C and 2G is suppressed.

[0042] In Figure 1, in the cooling device 100 in use, firstly, low-temperature refrigerant flows into cold plate 1A among cold plates 1A to 1D. Specifically, the refrigerant flows into cold plate 1A through pipe 2A from opening 11A. The refrigerant flows out from opening 11A through flow path 12A and exits from opening 11B. During the flow of the refrigerant in flow path 12A, heat is transferred from the object being cooled, which is in thermal contact with the cooling section 14A of cold plate 1A, to the refrigerant flowing within flow path 12A. As a result, the object being cooled is cooled.

[0043] The refrigerant flowing out from the cold plate 1A passes through pipes 2B and 2E, and flows into the cold plate 1C through opening 11E. The refrigerant flows out from opening 11E through flow path 12C and out through openings 11F and 11G. During the flow of the refrigerant in flow path 12C, the object being cooled, which is in thermal contact with the cooling section 14C, is cooled.

[0044] The refrigerant flowing out from opening 11F passes through pipes 2C and 2F, and flows into cold plate 1B from opening 11C. The refrigerant flows from opening 11C through flow path 12B and out from opening 11D. During the flow of the refrigerant in flow path 12B, the object being cooled, which is in thermal contact with the cooling section 14B, is cooled.

[0045] The refrigerant flowing out from opening 11G passes through pipes 2G and 2H, and flows into cold plate 1D from opening 11H. The refrigerant flows from opening 11H through flow path 12D and out from opening 11I. During the flow of the refrigerant in flow path 12D, the object being cooled, which is in thermal contact with the cooling section 14D, is cooled.

[0046] The high-temperature refrigerant flowing out from opening 11D flows within fitting 2D. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing out from opening 11I merges with the refrigerant flowing within fitting 2D via fitting 2I. The refrigerant flowing within fitting 2D flows out from cooling device 100.

[0047] The refrigerant is, for example, a coolant. Examples of coolants include antifreeze or pure water. Typical examples of antifreeze are aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. Furthermore, the refrigerant is not limited to liquid refrigerants; it can also be a gaseous refrigerant.

[0048] [Detailed Structure of Cooling Device 100]

[0049] The structure of the cooling device 100 will be described in further detail below.

[0050] In Figures 1 to 6, the cold plates 1A to 1D have main bodies 13A to 13D. The main bodies 13A to 13D are roughly rectangular parallelepipeds that are thinner in the Z direction.

[0051] The main bodies 13A to 13D are each made of a material with high thermal conductivity. Examples of such materials include metals such as copper or aluminum. In addition, the main bodies 13A to 13D can also be made of precision ceramics containing aluminum nitride or silicon carbide.

[0052] As shown in FIG2, the main body 13A to 13D has cooling sections 14A to 14D. The cooling sections 14A to 14D are respectively the surfaces facing the opposite direction Z2 in the Z direction when the cooling device 100 is in use. The cooling sections 14A to 14D can make thermal contact with the object being cooled (not shown).

[0053] The object being cooled is, for example, a heat source. The heat source is an electronic component or electronic device. The electronic component is a part that constitutes the electronic device, such as a central processing unit (so-called a CPU), electrolytic capacitors, power semiconductor modules, or printed circuit boards. The electronic component operates and generates heat due to power supply. The electronic device is a rack-mount server or a blade server. The electronic device can also be other projectors, personal computers, or monitors.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the main body 13A has a surface 15A. The planar shape of surface 15A is approximately rectangular. Surface 15A extends from the cooling section 14A in the Z direction Z1. Surface 15A has two protrusions 151A and a recess 152A.

[0055] Both protrusions 151A extend in the X and Y directions. One of the two protrusions 151A is the portion between the end 153A of the X-direction side X1 of the surface 15A and the portion 154A that moves away from the end 153A toward the other X-direction X2.

[0056] The other of the two protrusions 151A is the portion between the end 155A of the other side X2 in the X direction of the surface 15A and the portion 156A that moves away from the end 155A toward the X direction X1. The two protrusions 151A each form an opening 11A and 11B.

[0057] The recess 152A is the portion between the two protrusions 151A in the surface 15A, extending in the X and Y directions. The recess 152A is located between the end 157A of the Y-direction Y1 and the end 158A of the Y-direction Y2, which is further towards the Z-direction Z2 than the two protrusions 151A.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the pipe 2D passes between the two protrusions 151A and the recess 152A. Therefore, the offset of the pipe 2D in the X direction can be suppressed.

[0059] The fitting 2A includes a bend 21A, a resin pipe 22A, and a quick coupling 23A. One end of the bend 21A is connected to the opening 11A. One end of the pipe 22A is connected to the other end of the bend 21A. The other end of the pipe 22A is connected to the end of the quick coupling 23A.

[0060] The fitting 2B includes bends 21B and 22B and a resin pipe 23B. One port of bends 21B and 22B is connected to openings 11B and 11E. Pipe 23B connects the other ports of bends 21B and 22B to each other.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the volume of flow path 12A is smaller than that of flow paths 12B to 12D. As a result, the temperature difference between the refrigerant flowing into flow path 12A and the refrigerant flowing out of flow path 12A is smaller. Therefore, the cooling capacity of cold plates 1B to 1D will not be excessively reduced.

[0062] In Figures 1 to 6, the main body 13C is located at a position Y1 further along the Y direction than the main body 13A. As shown in Figure 3, the main body 13C has a surface 15C, which faces the same direction as surface 15A and is approximately parallel to surface 15A. Surface 15C has openings 11E to 11G. Opening 11E is located at the position closest to the main body 13A among openings 11E to 11G. Opening 11F is formed at a position Y1 distance away from opening 11E in the Y direction. Opening 11G is located at a position X2 further along the X direction than opening 11F.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, fitting 2E and fitting 2B are shared. Fitting 2E includes bends 21B, 22B and pipe 23E that are the same as bends 21B, 22B and pipe 23B. In addition, when a different cold plate different from cold plates 1A to 1D is connected between openings 11B and 11E, bends 21E, 22E and pipe 23E are different from bends 21B, 22B and pipe 23B, respectively.

[0064] In Figures 1 to 6, the main body 13B is located at a position Y1 further along the Y direction than the main body 13C. As shown in Figure 3, the main body 13C has a surface 15B, which faces the same direction as surface 15A and is approximately parallel to surface 15A. Surface 15B has openings 11C and 11D. Opening 11C is further away from opening 11F than opening 11D.

[0065] Fitting 2C includes bends 21C and 22C and a resin pipe 23C. One port of bends 21C and 22C is connected to openings 11F and 11C. Pipe 23C connects the other ports of bends 21C and 22C to each other.

[0066] In Figures 1 to 6, the main body 13D is located at a position Y1 further in the Y direction than the main body 13C and X2 further in the X direction than the main body 13B. As shown in Figure 3, the main body 13D has a surface 15D, which faces the same direction as surface 15A and is approximately parallel to surface 15A. Surface 15D has openings 11H and 11I. Opening 11H is further away from opening 11G than opening 11I.

[0067] The fitting 2G includes bends 21G and 22G and a resin pipe 23G. One port of bends 21G and 22G is connected to openings 11G and 11H. Pipe 23G connects the other ports of bends 21G and 22G to each other.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, fitting 2F and fitting 2C are shared. Fitting 2F includes bends 21F, 22F and pipe 23F that are the same as bends 21C, 22C and pipe 23C. In addition, when a different cold plate different from cold plates 1A to 1D is connected between openings 11F and 11C, bends 21F, 22F and pipe 23F are different from bends 21C, 22C and pipe 23C, respectively.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, fitting 2H and fitting 2G are shared. Fitting 2H includes bends 21H, 22H and pipe 23H that are the same as bends 21G, 22G and pipe 23G. In addition, when a different cold plate different from cold plates 1A to 1D is connected between openings 11G and 11H, bends 21H, 22H and pipe 23H are different from bends 21G, 22G and pipe 23G, respectively.

[0070] The fitting 2D includes a bend 21D, resin pipes 22D and 23D, a tee fitting 24D, and a quick coupling 25D. One port of the bend 21D connects to the opening 11D. One end of the pipe 22D connects to the other port of the bend 21D. The other end of the pipe 22D connects to the first port of the tee fitting 24D. One end of the pipe 23D connects to the second port of the tee fitting 24D. The other end of the pipe 23D connects to the port of the quick coupling 25D.

[0071] The fitting 2I includes an elbow 21I and a resin pipe 22I. One end of the elbow 21I is connected to an opening 11I. One end of the pipe 22I is connected to the other end of the elbow 21I. The other end of the pipe 22I is connected to the third end of a tee fitting 24D.

[0072] [Modifications of the First Embodiment]

[0073] As shown in FIG. 7, the cooling device 100 differs from the first embodiment in the following aspects. Specifically, pipe 2B connects openings 11B and 11D. Pipe 2C connects openings 11C and 11F. Pipe 2D branches off from pipe 2B and connects to opening 11I. Pipe 2E connects openings 11H and 11G. Pipe 2F connects to opening 11E, passes through recess 152A, and extends along the Y direction. Furthermore, in FIG. 7, openings 11A to 11I are shown as dashed imaginary lines.

[0074] [Second Embodiment (Schematic Structure of Cooling Device 100)]

[0075] The cooling device 100 of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0076] In Figures 8 and 9, the cooling device 100 includes cold plates 1A to 1I and pipe fittings 2A to 2K.

[0077] In Figures 8 and 9, the cold plates 1A to 1D can be the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the cold plates 1A to 1D is simplified.

[0078] The cold plate 1A has openings 11A and 11B, a flow path 12A, and a cooling section 14A. The cold plate 1A is an example of the "first cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11A and 11B are examples of the "first opening" and "second opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12A is an example of the "first flow path" of this disclosure.

[0079] Fittings 2A and 2B are connected to openings 11A and 11B, respectively. Fittings 2A and 2B are examples of the "first fitting" and "second fitting" of this disclosure.

[0080] The cold plate 1I has openings 11R and 11S, a flow path 12I, and a cooling section 14I. The flow path 12I is continuous with the openings 11R and 11S, respectively. The cold plate 1I is another example of the "second cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11R and 11S are another example of the "third opening" and "fourth opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12I is another example of the "second flow path" of this disclosure.

[0081] Fittings 2G and 2H are connected to openings 11R and 11S, respectively. Fittings 2G and 2H are examples of the "third fitting" and "fourth fitting" of this disclosure.

[0082] Openings 11A and 11B are located at positions that are separated from each other in the X direction. Pipe fitting 2H passes between openings 11A and 11B and extends in the Y direction. Thus, as in the first embodiment, the piping is not complicated.

[0083] The cold plate 1C has openings 11E to 11G, a flow path 12C (see Figures 5 and 6), and a cooling section 14C. The cold plate 1C is another example of the "third cold plate" of this disclosure. Openings 11E, 11F, and 11G are another example of the "fifth opening," "sixth opening," and "seventh opening" of this disclosure. Flow path 12C is another example of the "third flow path" of this disclosure.

[0084] Fittings 2B to 2D are respectively connected to openings 11E to 11G. Fittings 2C and 2D are examples of the "fifth fitting" and "eighth fitting" of this disclosure.

[0085] The cold plate 1E has openings 11J and 11K, a flow path 12E, and a cooling section 14E. The flow path 12E is continuous with the openings 11J and 11K, respectively. The cold plate 1E is an example of the "fourth cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11J and 11K are examples of the "eighth opening" and "ninth opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12E is an example of the "fourth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0086] Additionally, in Figure 9, flow path 12E is shown as a hidden line based on dashed lines. The same applies to flow paths 12F to 12I.

[0087] Fittings 2C and 2E are connected to openings 11J and 11K, respectively. Fitting 2E is an example of the "sixth fitting" of this disclosure.

[0088] The cold plate 1B has openings 11C and 11D, a flow path 12B, and a cooling section 14B. The cold plate 1B is an example of the "fifth cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11C and 11D are examples of the "tenth opening" and "eleventh opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12B is an example of the "fifth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0089] Fittings 2E and 2F are connected to openings 11C and 11D, respectively. Fitting 2F is an example of the "seventh fitting" of this disclosure.

[0090] The cold plate 1F has openings 11L and 11M, a flow path 12F, and a cooling section 14F. The flow path 12F is continuous with the openings 11L and 11M. The cold plate 1F is an example of the "sixth cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11L and 11M are examples of the "twelfth opening" and "thirteenth opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12F is an example of the "sixth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0091] Pipe fittings 2F and 2G are connected to openings 11L and 11M respectively.

[0092] The cold plate 1G has openings 11N and 11O, a flow path 12G, and a cooling section 14G. The flow path 12G is continuous with the openings 11N and 11O. The cold plate 1G is an example of the "seventh cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11N and 11O are examples of the "fourteenth opening" and "fifteenth opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12G is an example of the "seventh flow path" of this disclosure.

[0093] Fittings 2D and 2I are connected to openings 11N and 11O, respectively. Fitting 2I is an example of the "ninth fitting" of this disclosure.

[0094] The cold plate 1D has openings 11H and 11I, a flow path 12D (see Figures 5 and 6), and a cooling section 14D. The cold plate 1D is an example of the "eighth cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11H and 11I are examples of the "sixteenth opening" and "seventeenth opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12D is an example of the "eighth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0095] Fittings 2I and 2J are connected to openings 11H and 11I, respectively. Fitting 2J is an example of the "tenth fitting" of this disclosure.

[0096] The cold plate 1H has openings 11P and 11Q, a flow path 12H, and a cooling section 14H. The flow path 12H is continuous with the openings 11P and 11Q. The cold plate 1H is an example of the "ninth cold plate" of this disclosure. The openings 11P and 11Q are examples of the "eighteenth opening" and "nineteenth opening" of this disclosure. The flow path 12H is an example of the "ninth flow path" of this disclosure.

[0097] Pipe fitting 2J is connected to opening 11P.

[0098] The cold plate 1I also has an opening 11T. The flow path 12I is continuous with the openings 11R to 11T respectively. The opening 11T is an example of the "twentieth opening" of this disclosure.

[0099] Fitting 2K is connected to openings 11Q and 11T. Fitting 2K is an example of the "eleventh fitting" of this disclosure.

[0100] The cooling sections 14E to 14T are similar to the cooling sections 14A to 14D, and are surfaces that can come into thermal contact with the object being cooled (not shown).

[0101] The cooling device 100 according to the second embodiment can cool a large number of cooling objects. Specifically, in FIG8, in the cooling device 100 in use, the refrigerant flows into the cold plates 1A and 1C in sequence, and then into the cold plates 1E and 1G respectively. The refrigerant flows into the cold plates 1E, 1B, 1F, and 1I in sequence. The refrigerant flows into the cold plates 1G, 1D, 1H, and 1I in sequence. The refrigerant merges in the cold plate 1I and flows out to the outside of the cooling device 100 through the pipe 2H.

[0102] During the flow of refrigerant in flow paths 12A to 12I, heat is transferred from the object being cooled that is in thermal contact with the cooling sections 14A to 14I to the refrigerant flowing within flow paths 12A to 12I. As a result, the object being cooled is cooled.

[0103] The refrigerant flowing out from the cold plate 1A passes through the pipe 2B and flows into the cold plate 1C through the opening 11E. The refrigerant flows out from the opening 11E through the flow path 12C and out through the openings 11F and 11G. During the flow of the refrigerant in the flow path 12C, the object being cooled, which is in thermal contact with the cooling section 14C, is cooled.

[0104] The refrigerant flowing out from the opening 11F passes through the pipe 2C and flows into the cold plate 1B from the opening 11C. The refrigerant flows out from the opening 11C through the flow path 12B and out from the opening 11D. During the flow of the refrigerant in the flow path 12B, the object being cooled, which is in thermal contact with the cooling section 14B, is cooled.

[0105] The refrigerant flowing out from opening 11G passes through pipe 2D and flows into cold plate 1D from opening 11H. The refrigerant flows out from opening 11H through flow path 12D and out from opening 11I. During the flow of the refrigerant in flow path 12D, the object being cooled, which is in thermal contact with the cooling section 14D, is cooled.

[0106] The high-temperature refrigerant flowing out from opening 11D flows within fitting 2F. The high-temperature refrigerant flowing out from opening 11I merges with the refrigerant flowing within fitting 2G via fitting 2J. The refrigerant flowing within fitting 2H flows out from cooling device 100.

[0107] The cold plates 1E to 1H are identical in shape. The cooling device 100 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0108] At least one of the fittings 2B to 2G and 2I to 2K is bent. As a result, the fittings are longer compared to the case where the fittings are not bent. As a result, the degree of freedom in the layout of each cold plate 1A to 1I is increased.

[0109] Cold plates 1B and 1D are located at specific positions spaced apart in the X direction. The X direction is an example of a "third direction" of this disclosure. Cold plate 1I is located between cold plates 1B and 1D in the X direction. As a result, the winding of pipe fitting 2H becomes easier.

[0110] The cold plate 1I has a first surface 15I and a second surface 16I located separately from each other in the X direction. Openings 11R and 11T are formed on the first surface 15I and the second surface 16I, respectively. This facilitates making the lengths of the fittings 2G and 2K consistent.

[0111] Fittings 2G and 2K are bent. Compared to the non-bent case, the pipe becomes longer. As a result, the degree of freedom in the layout of each cold plate 1I, 1B, and 1D is increased.

[0112] [Third Embodiment]

[0113] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, three openings 11E to 11G are formed in the main body 13C of the cold plate 1C, excluding the cooling section 14C. The number of openings can also be three or more. Thus, the cold plate 1C functions as a T-tube (T-joint). As a result, the number of T-tubes in the cooling device 100 can be reduced.

[0114] The refrigerant flows into the flow path 12C through at least one of the openings 11E to 11G. The refrigerant flows out of the flow path through the remaining openings 11F and 11G of the openings 11E to 11G. Thus, the cold plate 1C can function as a branch pipe.

[0115] Alternatively, the refrigerant flows into the flow path 12C through multiple openings among the openings 11E to 11G, and flows out of the flow path 12C through the remaining openings. Thus, the cold plate 1C can function as a confluence pipe.

[0116] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, multiple structural elements disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately modified. For example, one of the structural elements shown in one embodiment can be added to the structural elements of another embodiment, or several structural elements shown in one embodiment can be deleted from the embodiment.

[0117] Furthermore, to facilitate understanding of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings are schematically illustrated with each structural element as the main body. For ease of drawing, the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each structural element shown in the drawings may sometimes differ from the actual values. In addition, the structure of each structural element shown in the above embodiments is an example and is not particularly limited. It is self-evident that various changes can be made without substantially departing from the effects of this disclosure.

[0118] [Other variations]

[0119] (1) In the first embodiment, multiple fins protrude from the end face of the Z2 side in the Z direction in the flow path 12A. As a result, when the low-temperature refrigerant flows in the flow path 12A in the cooling device 100 in use, the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the flow path 12A and the high-temperature cooled object that is in thermal contact with the cooling section 14A is improved. This is also true for the other flow paths 12B to 12D in the first embodiment and the flow paths 12A to 12I in the second embodiment.

[0120] (2) In the first embodiment, the bend 21A is mounted to the main body 13A through the opening 11A in a manner that allows it to rotate circumferentially in the Z direction on the surface 15A. This increases the freedom of arrangement of the cooling device 100 relative to the cooled object. This is also true for the other bends 21B, 22B, 21C, 22C, 21G, and 22G in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the same applies to the second embodiment.

[0121] (3) Thermal grease may also be applied to a portion or the entire area of ​​the cooling section 14A. Thermal grease is a grease with high thermal conductivity. This promotes heat dissipation from the object being cooled. This is also true for the other cooling sections 14B to 14D in the first embodiment and the cooling sections 14A to 14I in the second embodiment.

[0122] [Postscript]

[0123] The following is noted in this disclosure. The notes are not intended to limit the cooling device of this disclosure.

[0124] (1) A cooling device comprising: a first cold plate having a first opening and a second opening and a first flow path continuous with each of the first opening and the second opening; a first pipe connected to the first opening; a second pipe connected to the second opening; a second cold plate having a third opening and a fourth opening and a second flow path continuous with each of the third opening and the fourth opening; a third pipe connected to the third opening; and a fourth pipe connected to the fourth opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are located apart from each other in a first direction, and the fourth pipe passes between the first opening and the second opening and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0125] (2) Based on the cooling device described in (1), it further comprises: a third cold plate having a fifth opening connected to the second pipe, a sixth opening and a seventh opening connected to the third pipe, and a third flow path continuous with each of the fifth opening, the sixth opening and the seventh opening; a fifth pipe connected to the seventh opening; a fourth cold plate having an eighth opening and a ninth opening connected to the fifth pipe, and a fourth flow path continuous with each of the eighth opening and the ninth opening; and a sixth pipe connected to the ninth opening and the fourth pipe.

[0126] (3) Based on the cooling device described in(2), at least a portion of the fourth pipe extends along at least one of the second pipe, the third pipe and the fifth pipe.

[0127] (4) Based on the cooling device described in (2) or (3), the fifth opening, the sixth opening and the seventh opening are located at positions separated from each other in at least one of the first direction and the second direction, and the fourth pipe passes between two openings selected from the fifth opening, the sixth opening and the seventh opening.

[0128] (5) Based on the cooling device described in any of (2) to (4), the third opening is located further away from the sixth opening than the fourth opening, and the eighth opening is located further away from the seventh opening than the ninth opening.

[0129] (6) Based on any of the cooling devices described in (1) to (5), the device comprises: a third cold plate having a fifth opening, a sixth opening, and a seventh opening connected to the second pipe fitting and a third flow path continuous with each of the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening; a fifth pipe fitting connected to the sixth opening; a fourth cold plate having an eighth opening and a ninth opening connected to the fifth pipe fitting and a fourth flow path continuous with each of the eighth opening and the ninth opening; a sixth pipe fitting connected to the ninth opening; a fifth cold plate having a tenth opening and an eleventh opening connected to the sixth pipe fitting and a fifth flow path continuous with each of the tenth opening and the eleventh opening; a seventh pipe fitting connected to the eleventh opening; a sixth cold plate having a twelfth opening connected to the seventh pipe fitting and a thirteenth opening connected to the third pipe fitting and a sixth flow path continuous with each of the twelfth opening and the thirteenth opening; and an eighth pipe fitting connected to the seventh opening. A seventh cold plate having a fourteenth and a fifteenth opening connected to the eighth fitting and a seventh flow path continuous with each of the fourteenth and fifteenth openings; a ninth fitting connected to the fifteenth opening; an eighth cold plate having a sixteenth and a seventeenth opening connected to the ninth fitting and an eighth flow path continuous with each of the sixteenth and seventeenth openings; a tenth fitting connected to the seventeenth opening; a ninth cold plate having an eighteenth and a nineteenth opening connected to the tenth fitting and a ninth flow path continuous with each of the eighteenth and nineteenth openings; and an eleventh fitting connected to the nineteenth opening; the second cold plate having a twentieth opening connected to the eleventh fitting, the second flow path continuous with the twentieth opening.

[0130] (7) Based on the cooling device described in(6), the fourth cold plate, the sixth cold plate, the seventh cold plate and the ninth cold plate are of the same shape as each other.

[0131] (8) Based on the cooling device described in(6) or(7), at least one of the second pipe, the third pipe, the fifth pipe to the eleventh pipe is bent.

[0132] (9) Based on the cooling device described in any of (6) to (8), the fifth cold plate and the eighth cold plate are located at a distance apart in the third direction, and the second cold plate is located between the fifth cold plate and the eighth cold plate in the third direction.

[0133] (10) Based on any of the cooling devices described in (6) to (9), the second cold plate has a first surface and a second surface located at positions separated from each other in the third direction, and the third opening and the second tenth opening are formed on the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

[0134] (11) Based on the cooling device described in any of (6) to (10), the third pipe and the eleventh pipe are respectively bent.

[0135] (12) A cold plate comprising: a body having a cooling portion in thermal contact with a cooled object; three or more openings formed in the body in portions other than the cooling portion; and a flow path continuous with each of the three or more openings.

[0136] (13) Based on the cold plate described in (12), the refrigerant flows into the flow path through at least one of the three or more openings, and the refrigerant flows out of the flow path through the remaining openings.

[0137] (14) Based on the cold plate described in (12), the refrigerant flows into the flow path through a plurality of the three or more of the openings, and the refrigerant flows out of the flow path through the remaining openings.

[0138] Industrial availability

[0139] The cooling device disclosed herein is industrially available. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0013] FIG1 is a perspective view showing the cooling device 100 in use (first embodiment). FIG2 is a perspective view of the cooling device 100 in use shown in FIG1 from another direction. FIG3 is a perspective view showing the openings 11A to 11I formed on the cold plates 1A to 1D shown in FIG1. ​​FIG4 is a side view of the cooling device 100 shown in FIG3 viewed from the X direction X1. FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling device 100 along line VV shown in FIG4 viewed from the Z direction Z1. FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of the cooling device 100 along line VI-VI shown in FIG4 viewed from the Z direction Z1. FIG7 is a perspective view showing the cooling device 100 of a first modified example. FIG8 is a perspective view showing the cooling device 100 in use (second embodiment). FIG9 is a perspective view showing the openings 11A to 11T formed on the cold plates 1A to 1D shown in FIG8.

Claims

1. A cooling device comprising: a first cold plate having a first opening and a second opening, and a first flow path continuous with each of the first opening and the second opening; A first pipe fitting, which is connected to the first opening; The second fitting is connected to the second opening; A second cold plate having a third opening and a fourth opening and a second flow path continuous with each of the third opening and the fourth opening; The third pipe fitting is connected to the third opening; And a fourth fitting, the fourth fitting being connected to the fourth opening, the refrigerant flowing into the first cold plate through the first fitting and the first opening, the refrigerant flowing out through the first opening through the first flow path and the second opening, the second flow path being a flow path downstream of the first flow path, the refrigerant flowing into the second cold plate through the third fitting and the third opening through the second flow path and the fourth opening, the first opening and the second opening being located at positions separated from each other in a first direction, the fourth fitting passing between the first opening and the second opening and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

2. The cooling device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a third cold plate having a fifth opening connected to the second pipe fitting, a sixth opening and a seventh opening connected to the third pipe fitting, and a third flow path continuous with each of the fifth opening, the sixth opening and the seventh opening; A fifth fitting, which is connected to the seventh opening; a fourth cold plate, which has an eighth opening and a ninth opening connected to the fifth fitting and a fourth flow path continuous with each of the eighth opening and the ninth opening; And a sixth fitting, which is connected to the ninth opening and the fourth fitting.

3. The cooling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, At least a portion of the fourth fitting extends along at least one of the second fitting, the third fitting, and the fifth fitting.

4. The cooling device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, The fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening are located at positions that are separated from each other in at least one of the first direction and the second direction, and the fourth pipe passes between two openings selected from the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening.

5. The cooling device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein, The third opening is located further away from the sixth opening than the fourth opening, and the eighth opening is located further away from the seventh opening than the ninth opening.

6. The cooling device as claimed in claim 1, comprising: a third cold plate having a fifth opening, a sixth opening, and a seventh opening connected to the second pipe fitting, and a third flow path continuous with each of the fifth opening, the sixth opening, and the seventh opening; a fifth pipe fitting connected to the sixth opening; a fourth cold plate having an eighth opening and a ninth opening connected to the fifth pipe fitting, and a fourth flow path continuous with each of the eighth opening and the ninth opening; and a sixth pipe fitting connected to the ninth opening. A fifth cold plate having a tenth opening and an eleventh opening connected to the sixth pipe fitting and a fifth flow path continuous with each of the tenth opening and the eleventh opening; a seventh pipe fitting connected to the eleventh opening; a sixth cold plate having a twelfth opening connected to the seventh pipe fitting and a thirteenth opening connected to the third pipe fitting and a sixth flow path continuous with each of the twelfth opening and the thirteenth opening; The eighth fitting is connected to the seventh opening; The seventh cold plate has a fourteenth opening and a fifteenth opening connected to the eighth pipe fitting, and a seventh flow path continuous with each of the fourteenth opening and the fifteenth opening; The ninth fitting is connected to the fifteenth opening; The eighth cold plate has a sixteenth opening and a seventeenth opening connected to the ninth pipe fitting, and an eighth flow path continuous with each of the sixteenth opening and the seventeenth opening; the tenth pipe fitting is connected to the seventeenth opening; The ninth cold plate has an eighteenth and a nineteenth opening connected to the tenth fitting and a ninth flow path continuous with each of the eighteenth and nineteenth openings; and an eleventh fitting connected to the nineteenth opening; the second cold plate has a twentieth opening connected to the eleventh fitting, and the second flow path continuous with the twentieth opening.

7. The cooling device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The fourth, sixth, seventh, and ninth cold plates are all the same shape.

8. The cooling device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein, At least one of the second, third, fifth to eleventh fittings is bent.

9. The cooling device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein, The fifth cold plate and the eighth cold plate are located at a distance apart in the third direction, and the second cold plate is located between the fifth cold plate and the eighth cold plate in the third direction.

10. The cooling device as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The second cold plate has a first surface and a second surface located at a position separated from each other in the third direction, and the third opening and the second tenth opening are formed on the first surface and the second surface, respectively.

11. The cooling device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The third and eleventh pipe fittings are both bent.

12. A cold plate comprising: a body having a cooling portion in thermal contact with a cooled object; three or more openings formed in a portion of the body other than the cooling portion; and a flow path continuous with each of the three or more openings.

13. The cold plate as described in claim 12, wherein, The refrigerant flows into the flow path through at least one of the three or more openings, and flows out of the flow path through the remaining openings.

14. The cold plate as described in claim 12, wherein, The refrigerant flows into the flow path through a plurality of the three or more openings, and flows out of the flow path through the remaining openings.

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