Connection member

Abstract

A connection member according to one aspect of the present disclosure connects a plurality of cold plates. The connection member comprises a base body, two first flow channels, two second flow channels, and two third flow channels. The base body has a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side from the first surface. The two first flow channels pass through the first surface and the second surface, and extend in a first direction. The two second flow channels open onto a third surface orthogonal to the first surface, and extend in a second direction different from the first direction. The two third flow channels extend in a direction different from the first direction and the second direction. One of the two third flow channels connects one of the two first flow channels and one of the two second flow channels. The other of the two third flow channels connects the other of the two first flow channels and the other of the two second flow channels.

Description

Connecting member

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connecting member. The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-030052 filed in Japan on February 27, 2025, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, a cooling method using a cold plate is known as a method for cooling a heating element such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A flow path is formed inside the cold plate, and a coolant such as cold water circulates through the flow path.

[0003] Furthermore, a manifold is known that is positioned between a plurality of cold plates, allows the coolant delivered from the plurality of cold plates to flow into a reservoir, and allows the coolant delivered from the reservoir to flow to the plurality of cold plates (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2024-143088

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, the flow path for the coolant flowing into the cold plate and the flow path for the coolant discharged from the cold plate are linearly arranged within a single component. For this reason, due to space constraints within a single component, it has been necessary to join a plurality of components to form a manifold (hereinafter also referred to as a connecting member). In this case, there has been a risk that coolant flowing into the manifold from the reservoir or the cold plate may leak out of the manifold through the joined portion. Accordingly, realization of a highly reliable connecting member is desired.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a connecting member with excellent reliability.

[0007] A connecting member according to one aspect of the present disclosure connects a plurality of cold plates. The connecting member comprises a base, two first channels, two second channels, and two third channels. The base has a first surface and a second surface located opposite to the first surface. The two first channels penetrate the first and second surfaces and extend in a first direction. The two second channels open into a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and extend in a second direction different from the first direction. The two third channels extend in directions different from the first and second directions. One of the two third channels connects one of the two first channels to one of the two second channels. The other of the two third channels connects the other of the two first channels to the other of the two second channels.

[0008] The connecting members disclosed herein offer excellent reliability.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a connecting member according to an exemplary embodiment connected to a plurality of cold plates. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the connecting member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the connecting member according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the connecting member according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for implementing the connecting member according to this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "exemplary embodiments"). However, this disclosure is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent. Also, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the following exemplary embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] Furthermore, in the drawings referenced below, for the sake of clarity, mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axis directions are sometimes defined, and a Cartesian coordinate system is shown with the positive Z axis pointing vertically upward.

[0012] (Exemplary Embodiment) First, a connecting member 2 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a connecting member 2 according to an exemplary embodiment is connected to a plurality of cold plates 1.

[0013] The connecting member 2 is connected to the cold plate 1. The cold plate 1 has a refrigerant inlet, outlet, and internal flow path (not shown). The inlet and outlet of the cold plate 1 are connected to the flow path 30 (see Figure 2) within the connecting member 2, respectively. The refrigerant, such as chilled water, flows into the internal flow path of the cold plate 1 from the inlet and flows out from the outlet.

[0014] The cold plate 1 is in thermal contact with a heat source (not shown). As a result, the heat energy from the heat source is transferred to the refrigerant circulating through the internal flow path of the cold plate 1. Consequently, the heat source is cooled. The refrigerant used to cool the heat source flows into a storage section (not shown) or the like via the flow path 30 and cylindrical member 3 within the connecting member 2.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the connecting member 2 connects multiple cold plates 1. The refrigerant flowing out from each cold plate 1 flows into a storage section (not shown) via the flow path 30 and cylindrical member 3 of the connecting member 2. The refrigerant flowing out from the storage section flows back into each cold plate 1 via the flow path 30 of the cylindrical member 3 and the connecting member 2. The connecting member 2 is a so-called manifold.

[0016] Next, the configuration of the connecting member 2 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the connecting member 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the connecting member 2 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the connecting member 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] The connecting member 2 comprises a base 20 and a flow path 30.

[0018] The base body 20 has a first surface 21, a second surface 22 located on the opposite side of the first surface 21, and a third surface 23 perpendicular to the first surface 21.

[0019] The material used to form the base 20 is not particularly limited and may be made of resin or metal. A resin base 20 can suppress heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air. The resin base 20 may be made of, for example, polyamide or polypropylene. The metal base 20 may be made of copper or iron (stainless steel).

[0020] The flow path 30 comprises two first flow paths 31, two second flow paths 32, and two third flow paths 33.

[0021] The two first channels 31 penetrate the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 and extend in the first direction (Z-axis direction). In the following description, one of the two first channels 31 will be referred to as the first channel 31A and the other as the first channel 31B.

[0022] The two second channels 32 open to the third surface 23 and extend in a second direction (X-axis direction) different from the first direction. The second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. In the following description, one of the two second channels 32 will be referred to as second channel 32A and the other as second channel 32B.

[0023] The second channel 32A and the second channel 32B may be positioned on the third surface 23 with a gap between them in the first direction (Z-axis direction). Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the second channel 32A may be positioned on the third surface 23 closer to the first surface 21 than the second channel 32B.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the diameter of the second channel 32A may be larger than the diameter of the second channel 32B.

[0025] The two third channels 33 extend in directions different from the first and second directions. In the following description, one of the two third channels 33 will be referred to as third channel 33A and the other as third channel 33B.

[0026] The third channel 33A connects the first channel 31A and the second channel 32A. As shown in Figure 4, one end of the third channel 33A may be connected to the central part of the first channel 31A. Here, the central part of the first channel 31A is, for example, the central region of the three regions obtained by dividing the first channel 31A into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, one end of the third channel 33A may be connected to a position close to the first surface 21 in the central part of the first channel 31A.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the other end of the third channel 33A may be connected to the end face of the second channel 32A and the side surface connected to that end face in a planar perspective view. Specifically, the other end of the third channel 33A may be connected to the end face of the second channel 32A in the second direction (X-axis direction) and the side surface connected to that end face that is located on the negative Y-axis side.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the third flow path 33A may extend in a direction that is inclined with respect to the second direction (X-axis direction) in a planar perspective view.

[0029] The third channel 33B connects the first channel 31B and the second channel 32B. As shown in Figure 4, one end of the third channel 33B may be connected to one end of the first channel 31B. Here, one end of the first channel 31B is, for example, the region closest to the second surface 22 among the three regions obtained by dividing the first channel 31B into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the other end of the third channel 33B may be connected to the end face of the second channel 32B in the second direction (X-axis direction) in a plan view.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the third flow path 33B may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the second direction (X-axis direction) when viewed from a side perspective of the connecting member 2 from a direction parallel to the first surface 21 (Y-axis direction).

[0032] The connecting member 2, configured as described above, has both ends of the first flow path 31 connected to the cold plate 1 (see Figure 1). The opening of the second flow path 32 is connected to the cylindrical member 3. The refrigerant flowing out from the two cold plates 1 flows into the connecting member 2 from both ends of the first flow path 31A, passes through the third flow path 33A, and flows out from the opening of the second flow path 32A. Also, the refrigerant flowing out from the storage section (not shown) and passing through the cylindrical member 3 flows into the connecting member 2 from the opening of the second flow path 32B, passes through the third flow path 33B, and flows into the cold plate 1 from both ends of the first flow path 31B. That is, both ends of the first flow path 31A may be refrigerant inlets, and the opening of the second flow path 32A may be an outlet. Similarly, both ends of the first flow path 31B may be refrigerant outlets, and the opening of the second flow path 32B may be an inlet.

[0033] Furthermore, the relationship between the refrigerant inlet and outlet is not limited to the above relationship. Both ends of the first flow path 31A may be refrigerant outlets, and the opening of the second flow path 32A may be an inlet. Similarly, both ends of the first flow path 31B may be refrigerant inlets, and the opening of the second flow path 32B may be an outlet.

[0034] In conventional technology, the flow path for refrigerant flowing into the cold plate and the flow path for refrigerant discharged from the cold plate were arranged linearly within a single component. As a result, due to space constraints within a single component, it was necessary to join multiple components to form a manifold. In this case, there was a risk that the refrigerant flowing from the storage unit or cold plate into the manifold could leak out of the manifold through the joints.

[0035] On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment, the connecting member 2 connects the first flow path 31, the second flow path 32, and the third flow path 33, which extend in different directions. In other words, multiple components that previously constituted a manifold are integrated into a single unit. This makes it difficult for refrigerant to leak out of the connecting member 2. Therefore, the connecting member 2 according to this embodiment is highly reliable.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the diameter S3 of the third channel 33 may be smaller than the diameter S1 of the first channel 31 or the diameter S2 of the second channel 32.

[0037] With this configuration, the thickness of the connecting member 2 (base 20) can be increased compared to the case where the diameter S3 of the third flow path 33 is the same as the diameter S1 of the first flow path 31 or the diameter S2 of the second flow path 32, thereby improving the strength of the connecting member 2. In addition, the possibility of the third flow path 33 penetrating the connecting member 2 can be reduced.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the third flow path 33B may extend in a direction perpendicular to the end face of the second direction of the second flow path 32B (in the X-axis direction) when viewed in a plan perspective of the connecting member 2 from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 21 (in the Z-axis direction).

[0039] According to this configuration, after the second flow path 32B is formed in the connecting member 2, the third flow path 33B can be formed at a desired position with reference to the end face of the second flow path 32B. Therefore, the connecting member 2 can improve the positional accuracy of the third flow path 33B. In addition, the third flow path 33B can be easily formed.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, in a planar perspective view of the connecting member 2 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface 21 (Z-axis direction), an imaginary line A passing through the central axis of the third flow path 33A may be positioned shifted relative to the center of the first flow path 31A in the in-plane direction of the first surface 21.

[0041] According to this configuration, the third flow path 33B can be formed more easily, compared with the case where the third flow path 33B is formed at a position where the imaginary line A overlaps the center of the first flow path 31A.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the second surface 22 may further include a convex portion 40 protruding in a direction away from the second surface 22 (negative Z-axis direction). The convex portion 40 may be positioned on the third surface 23 side of the second surface 22. As shown in FIG. 4, a part of the second flow path 32B may be located on the convex portion 40. The length of the second flow path 32B may be smaller than the dimension of the convex portion 40 in the X-axis direction.

[0043] Since the connecting member 2 has the convex portion 40 as described above, when another member such as a cold plate 1 is joined, the connecting member can be adapted to the convex portion 40, and the positional accuracy of the connecting member 2 relative to the other member can be improved.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the third flow path 33B may extend in a direction approaching the first surface 21 as it approaches the first flow path 31B. According to this configuration, even if the second flow path 32B is formed at a position close to the convex portion 40, the possibility that the third flow path 33B penetrates the side surface of the convex portion 40 can be reduced. That is, the possibility that the third flow path 33B penetrates the connecting member 2 can be reduced.

[0045] Furthermore, this technology can also take the following configurations: (1) A connecting member for connecting a plurality of cold plates, comprising: a base having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to the first surface; two first channels penetrating the first surface and the second surface and extending in a first direction; two second channels opening to a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and extending in a second direction different from the first direction; and two third channels extending in directions different from the first and second directions, wherein one of the two third channels connects one of the two first channels to one of the two second channels, and the other of the two third channels connects the other of the two first channels to the other of the two second channels. (2) The connecting member according to (1), wherein the diameter of the third channel is smaller than the diameter of the first channel or the second channel. (3) The connecting member according to (1) or (2), wherein the other of the two third channels extends in a direction perpendicular to the end face of the other of the two second channels in the second direction when viewed in a plan perspective of the connecting member from a direction perpendicular to the first surface. (4) The connecting member according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein, when viewed in a plan perspective of the connecting member from a direction perpendicular to the first surface, a virtual line passing through the central axis of one of the two third channels is positioned offset in the in-plane direction of the first surface with respect to the center of one of the two first channels. (5) The connecting member according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the second surface further has a convex portion projecting away from the second surface. (6) The connecting member according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the other of the two third channels extends in a direction approaching the first surface as it approaches the other of the two first channels.

[0046] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments described above can be embodied in a variety of forms. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described above may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0047] 1 Cold plate 2 Connecting member 3 Cylindrical member 20 Base body 21 First surface 22 Second surface 23 Third surface 30 Flow channels 31, 31A, 31B First flow channels 32, 32A, 32B Second flow channels 33, 33A, 33B Third flow channels 40 Protrusion

Claims

1. A connecting member for connecting a plurality of cold plates, comprising: a base having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to the first surface; two first channels penetrating the first surface and the second surface and extending in a first direction; two second channels opening to a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and extending in a second direction different from the first direction; and two third channels extending in directions different from the first and second directions, wherein one of the two third channels connects one of the two first channels to one of the two second channels, and the other of the two third channels connects the other of the two first channels to the other of the two second channels.

2. The connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the third channel is smaller than the diameter of the first channel or the second channel.

3. The connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the other of the two third flow channels extends in a direction perpendicular to the end face of the other of the two second flow channels in the second direction, in a plan perspective view of the connecting member from a direction perpendicular to the first surface.

4. In a planar perspective view of the connecting member viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first surface, the virtual line passing through the central axis of one of the two third flow channels is positioned offset in the in-plane direction of the first surface with respect to the center of one of the two first flow channels, according to claim 1.

5. The connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the second surface further has a protrusion projecting away from the second surface.

6. The connecting member according to claim 1, wherein the other of the two third flow channels extends in a direction toward the first surface as it approaches the other of the two first flow channels.

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