Method for assembling plate-shaped cooling device, plate-shaped cooling device, and clamp device

Abstract

Provided is a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device that includes a flow passage for circulating a coolant liquid, and that has greater liquid-tightness and airtightness than in the past. The method comprises: a clamping step of overlaying a first plate-shaped member (3) and a second plate-shaped member (2), and then using a clamping means to fix the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member to each other at a set of clamped regions, the set of clamped regions being two clamped regions (C) provided at the closest positions across a divided welding region (L1); and a welding step, during the clamping step, of welding the divided welding region (L1) in a state in which the clamped regions (C) are clamped.

Description

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

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

[0002] Recently, batteries installed in electric vehicles (BEVs) 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 first and second sheets made of aluminum plates together with a material such as brazing.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-101926

[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.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to the present disclosure is 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 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, the 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.

[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.

[0010] 5 is a diagram showing a plate-shaped cooling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the arrows A-A in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the plate-shaped cooling device. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the plate-shaped cooling device showing the welding region. FIG. 10 is a plan view partially showing the schematic configuration of a clamping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a rear view of the clamping device shown in FIG. 5, seen from the rear. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a state in which a laser beam is irradiated onto the outer peripheral welding region of the plate-shaped cooling device. FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged view of the area E enclosed by the dashed line frame shown in FIG. 6.

[0011] First Embodiment Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[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 A-A 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] (Overview of Plate-Shaped 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. Note that 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 includes 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 a fastening member such as a screw. The first plate-like member 3 has an intake port 32 for drawing in coolant and an exhaust port 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] 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 the first plate-shaped member 3 and the 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 separated from 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 abutting when stacked together.

[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, and 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 may be used.

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

[0024] (Welding Region) 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. Note that in Fig. 4, 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 portion 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 a 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] In detail, 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] (Divided 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 area C is a portion that is pressed by a clamp portion 410, which will be described later. The clamped area 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-rear 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-rear direction.

[0032] The clamped region C may be provided outside the welding region YR. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the clamped region C may be provided at a position where the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge 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 down by the clamping portion 410 when the outer peripheral welding region L2 is laser welded.

[0033] (Periphery welding region) As shown by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 3, the 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 periphery welding region L2 shown by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 3 is an example, and the 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 peripheral welding region L2 is preferably provided along the outer edge of the flow path 21 and in a position close to the outer edge. By providing the peripheral welding 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 a 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 stacking the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2.

[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 the 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 rotates the first arm 41 around the pivot shaft 411 using the grip 41b.

[0038] The first arm 41 includes a plurality of clamping portions 410. After the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 placed on the placing portion 44 are overlapped, the clamping portions 410 press down and clamp the two clamped regions C provided at the closest positions across the divided welding region L1 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 each 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 the dashed line D in Figure 3, a case in which the 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, the clamped areas C provided near the divided welding area L1 may be appropriately combined to form a set of clamped areas C. In this way, the clamping unit 410 fixes the first plate-shaped member 3 and the 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 the clamped areas C with the clamping unit 410 to clamp them.

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

[0043] 9 , as a configuration in which the multiple clamp 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 clamp units 410. The actuator 4103 is connected to a shaft 4101 that constitutes the clamp 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 a 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 manner, it becomes possible for the clamp units 410 to individually clamp the clamped region C. It is preferable to use a piezo actuator that uses a piezo 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 of the first arm 41 that is on the second arm 42 side (right side).

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

[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 actuator in accordance with a control signal received by the actuator, for example.

[0052] (Method of Assembling Plate-Shaped Cooling Device) Next, a description will be given of a 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 portion 44 may have a placing surface configured so that it is 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 closed, the second arm 42 is closed. Note that the third arm 43 may be closed at any timing before or after the first arm 41 is closed or before or after the second arm 42 is closed.

[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. Pressing down on all of the clamped areas C corresponding to the divided welding areas L1 reduces thermal distortion of the plate-like member that may occur during laser welding. Furthermore, the ability to press down on minute gaps due to manufacturing tolerances of the plate-like member improves the liquid-tightness and air-tightness of the flow path 21.

[0057] The first arm 41 is not limited to the configuration described above in which it presses 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, 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 first arm 41 may be configured to simultaneously press 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 clamp portion 410 at a position (hereinafter referred to as a position facing the clamped regions C) at which it can press 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 areas C adjacent to the divided welding areas L1, the clamping units 410 positioned opposite the clamped areas 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 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 therebetween may be lowered from above to below to clamp the clamped areas. In this case, the other clamping units 410 do not abut the other clamped areas 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 moved outward from the clamp unit 410 that has come into contact with the clamped area C.

[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 region L1 is welded while the clamped region 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, and therefore a detailed description of the configuration will be omitted.

[0065] The laser welding device welds the objects to be welded by irradiating a laser beam L (see FIGS. 7 and 8) onto the first plate-shaped member 3 and the 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 linearly scanned.

[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] Alternatively, 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 (to control the position of the welding object).

[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. A filler metal (adhesive) used in brazing or other brazing processes may also 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 the welding of all the 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 of all divided welding regions L1 is completed, 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 of one divided welding region L1 is completed, the clamping of the clamped region C by the clamp 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 the first arm 41, the second arm 42, and the 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 clamping step may be repeated.

[0076] Furthermore, the clamping device 4 may be configured to repeat the above-described series of operations in a clamping device 4 having a clamping portion 410 that clamps 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 therebetween. Furthermore, the welding work on the divided welding area L1 by the above-described 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 direction and the left-right direction. Furthermore, the welding operation may be performed sequentially on all of the divided welding areas L1 arranged in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the diagonal direction, with each group being treated as one group in the front-rear direction, one group in the left-right direction, and one group in the diagonal direction.

[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 work such as welding / clamping 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 regions L1 is completed, a periphery welding process is performed to linearly weld the periphery welding region L2. As described above, it is preferable to perform the periphery welding process on the periphery welding region L2 after welding of all divided welding regions L1 is completed, but this is not limited to this. After performing the periphery welding process, the welding process on the divided welding region 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 the state in which the laser beam L is irradiated onto the outer peripheral welding region L2 of the plate-shaped cooling device 1. Figure 8 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 7.

[0082] The outer periphery welding process is performed by laser welding in which a clamped region C, which is provided outside the welding region YR, is clamped by the clamp 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 for welding the outer circumferential welding region L2 is inclined in a direction intersecting 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 peripheral welding region L2. That is, when laser welding is performed on the outer peripheral 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 described with reference to 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 are vaporized, and minute particles are scattered around the molten pool F. These scattered particles are spatter S.

[0088] Since the spatter S is a minute 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 intrusion of the spatter S generated during welding into the flow path 21.

[0089] In the peripheral welding process, in order to facilitate guiding 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] (Modifications) 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 include 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 include 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 clamped region 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 clamped region 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 intersecting in the left-right direction. In other words, the flow paths may be formed in a grid pattern in a plan view, or may be formed in an orthogonal grid pattern in which flow paths intersect at right angles.

[0094] (Operational Effects) As described above, according to this embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.

[0095] A method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is 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 coolant flows on the side of a welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member, the second plate-shaped member having a welding region YR 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 are in contact when the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped, a divided welding region L1 which is a region obtained by dividing the welding region YR into predetermined ranges, and a divided welding region L2 which is a region 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 across 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 the split welding region L1 is welded while the clamped regions C are clamped in the clamping process.

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

[0097] A method for assembling the plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to Aspect 2 of the present disclosure may be a method in which, in Aspect 1 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 region L1, the outer peripheral welding region L2 can be welded, which further improves 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-described 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 a 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 circumferential welding region L2 is laser-welded in the outer circumferential welding step, the irradiation angle of the laser beam L can be tilted inward with respect to the outer circumferential 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 of 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 has been completed, after the clamping process is performed on the other divided welding area L1.

[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] The assembly method of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure may be a method in which, in the above aspects 1 to 5, the clamping process is performed by treating 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 regions L1 as one group. As a result, even if the size of the plate-shaped cooling device 1 increases, the divided welding regions L1 can be grouped and the welding process can be performed. Therefore, the processing efficiency of the welding process is improved compared to the conventional method.

[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 for welding 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] A clamping device 4 according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a clamping device 4 for clamping a plate-shaped cooling device 1 including a first plate-shaped member 3 and a second plate-shaped member 2 provided with a flow path 21 through which a cooling liquid 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 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 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 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 on either side of 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 using the clamping means.

[0109] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in the clamping process.

[0110] (Clamping step) (First clamping step) 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 overlapping 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, of 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 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. Furthermore, 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. Furthermore, 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 step) After the first clamping step, a set of clamped regions C is clamped by a clamping means so that the first plate-like member 3 and the second plate-like member 2 are fixed to each other (the 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 the "set of clamped regions C" may be interpreted in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0114] (Clamping Force Adjustment Process) During a predetermined time period after the second clamping process, the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping process 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 process (the clamping force adjustment process 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 period may be, for example, 1 to 2 seconds. The predetermined time period 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" refers, for example, to adjusting the clamping force to a value less than 40 Newtons (N) while maintaining the clamped state, preferably to a value close to 0 (zero) N.

[0115] (Clamping force restoration process) After the clamping force adjustment process, the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping process is adjusted to be higher than the clamping force adjusted to be lower in the clamping force adjustment process (clamping force restoration process 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 process 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 starts clamping the clamped area C. For example, if the clamping force 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 recovery of the clamping force may be the same as the clamping force at the time when the third arm 43 starts clamping the clamped region C in the first clamping step, or may be a value higher than the clamping force at the time when the third arm 43 starts clamping the clamped region 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] (Modification) 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 no technical contradiction occurs.

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the clamping step is performed first, followed by the welding step. However, this is not limiting. For example, after completing the welding step for one divided welding area L1, the clamping step 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 step and the welding step may be performed sequentially for each divided welding area L1.

[0121] 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] (Effects) 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 of clamping at least the front-to-rear end edges of the overlapping peripheral edges of the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 with the clamping means; a second clamping step of fixing the set of clamped regions C to each other with the clamping means after the first clamping step; a clamping force adjustment step of adjusting the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping step to be lower than the clamping force 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; and a clamping force restoration step of adjusting the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping step after the clamping force adjustment step 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, the first clamping step and the second clamping step are performed, and then 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 in a state where the adhesion between the first plate-shaped member 3 and the second plate-shaped member 2 is further improved. Therefore, it is possible to realize a method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device 1 having 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.

[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 Inlet port 33 Outlet port

Claims

1. 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 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 area 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; and clamped areas which are provided in positions adjacent to the divided welding areas and are clamped by clamping means, the assembly method comprising: a clamping step of overlapping the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member, and then fixing the set of clamped areas to each other by the clamping means, with the two clamped areas provided in the closest positions across the divided welding area as one set of clamped areas; a welding step of welding the divided welding regions together while the clamped region is being clamped in the clamping step.

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

3. The method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the welding process further includes a peripheral welding process for welding a peripheral welding area that is outside the area in which the flow path is formed.

4. A method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device as described in claim 3, characterized in that 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 the scanning direction in which the laser that welds the peripheral welding area is scanned and inward with respect to the peripheral welding area.

5. The method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that 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 has been 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 method for assembling a plate-shaped cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping process includes: a first clamping process in which at least the front-to-rear edge of the overlapping peripheral portion of the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member is clamped by the clamping means; a second clamping process in which, after the first clamping process, the set of clamped regions is fixed to the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member by the clamping means; a clamping force adjustment process in which, while maintaining the clamped state by the clamping means in the first clamping process until a predetermined time has elapsed since the second clamping process was performed, the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping process is adjusted to be lower than the clamping force at the start of clamping; and a clamping force recovery process in which, after the clamping force adjustment process, the clamping force of the clamping means in the first clamping process is adjusted to be higher than the clamping force adjusted lower in the clamping force adjustment process.

8. A plate-shaped cooling device comprising: 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 comprises: a welding region provided along the flow path for welding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in the 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 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 which is clamped by clamping means.

9. A clamping device for clamping a plate-shaped cooling device comprising 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 the welding surface to be welded to the first plate-shaped member, wherein the second plate-shaped member has: a welding area provided along the flow path for welding the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member in the 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; and clamped areas which are provided in positions adjacent to the divided welding areas and are clamped by clamping means; and a clamping section which, after the first plate-shaped member and the second plate-shaped member are overlapped, fixes the set of clamped areas to each other by the clamping means, with the two clamped areas provided in the closest positions across the divided welding area as one set of clamped areas. A clamping device characterized by:

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