Patent ID: 12232297

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference signs and description thereof will not be repeated. In the following description, a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z that are orthogonal to one another are described as appropriate for ease of understanding. One side in the first direction X is referred to as the first direction one side X1, and the other side in the first direction X is referred to as first direction other side X2. One side in the second direction Y is referred to as second direction one side Y1, and the other side in the second direction Y is referred to as second direction other side Y2. One side in the third direction Z is referred to as third direction one side Z1, and the other side in the third direction Z is referred to as third direction other side Z2. However, the direction is defined merely for convenience of description, and the orientation at the time of use of the cooling device according to the present disclosure is not limited unless it is particularly necessary to define the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. An “orthogonal direction” in the present application includes a substantially orthogonal direction.

With reference toFIG.1, a cooling system100including a cooling device10of an example embodiment will be described.FIG.1is a view showing an outline of the cooling system100.

The cooling system100includes the cooling device10and a heat exchanger50. The heat exchanger50is connected to the cooling device10. The cooling system100and the cooling device10are used for cooling of a heat generating component C1. A refrigerant RL for cooling the heat generating component C1passes through the heat exchanger50and the cooling device10. The refrigerant RL is, for example, liquid or gas. The heat generating component C1is, for example, electronic equipment such as a central processing unit (CPU). The heat generating component C1is not limited to electronic equipment.

The cooling device10includes two cooling sections11A and11B, two pump sections12A and12B, two flow path sections20A and20B, a connection section2, a branch section3, and a merging section4. The cooling section11A is an example of the first cooling section. The cooling section11B is an example of the second cooling section. The pump section12A is an example of the first pump section. The pump section12B is an example of the second pump section. The flow path section20A is an example of the first flow path section. The flow path section20B is an example of the second flow path section. In the present description, there are cases where each of the cooling section11A and the cooling section11B is referred to as the cooling section11, each of the pump section12A and the pump section12B is referred to as pump section12, and each of the flow path section20A and the flow path section20B is referred to as flow path section20.

The cooling section11cools the heat generating component C1. The pump section12sucks the refrigerant RL and discharges the refrigerant RL. The flow path section20connects the cooling section11and the pump section12. Specifically, the flow path section20A connects the cooling section11A and the pump section12A. The flow path section20B connects the cooling section11B and the pump section12B.

By suction and discharge of the refrigerant RL by the pump section12, the refrigerant RL passes through the cooling section11and the flow path section20B. In the cooling section11, the heat generating component C1is cooled by the refrigerant RL. As a result, for example, the temperature of the refrigerant RL rises.

The branch section3branches the refrigerant RL into a first path P1and a second path P2. The first path P1includes the cooling section11A, the pump section12A, and the flow path section20A. The second path P2includes the cooling section11B, the pump section12B, and the flow path section20B. One portion of the refrigerants RL branched by the branch section3passes through the first path P1. The other of the refrigerants RL branched by the branch section3passes through the second path P2. That is, the first path P1and the second path P2are arranged in parallel.

The merging section4merges the refrigerants RL that have passed through the first path P1and the second path P2. The refrigerant RL merged by the merging section4reaches the branch section3through the heat exchanger50. When passing through the heat exchanger50, the refrigerant RL is cooled. As described above, the refrigerant RL circulates through the heat exchanger50and the cooling device10in the cooling system100.

The connection section2fluidly connects the flow path section20A and the flow path section20B in a section from the branch section3to the merging section4. Specifically, the connection section2connects the flow path section20A and the flow path section20B such that the refrigerant RL can flow therebetween. For example, the connection section2can supply the refrigerant RL passing through the flow path section20A to the flow path section20B, and can supply the refrigerant RL passing through the flow path section20B to the flow path section20A. That is, the connection section2is a bypass flow path that connects the flow path section20A and the flow path section20B.

For example, when the pump section12A is driven and the pump section12B is stopped, the refrigerant RL passing through the second path P2is supplied to the flow path section20A via the connection section2by suction and discharge of the refrigerant RL by the pump section12A. On the other hand, when the pump section12B is driven and the pump section12A is stopped, the refrigerant RL passing through the first path P1is supplied to the flow path section20B via the connection section2by suction and discharge of the refrigerant RL by the pump section12B. As a result, even when the pump section12in one cooling assembly1is stopped, the pump section12in the other cooling assembly1is driven, so that the refrigerant RL can be supplied to the cooling section11in one cooling assembly1via the connection section2, and the circulation of the refrigerant RL in the cooling system100can be continued. That is, the cooling system100including redundancy can be constructed.

Next, a specific example of a cooling system of an example embodiment is described with reference toFIG.2.FIG.2is a view showing a detailed configuration of a cooling system101. The cooling system101is an example of a specific example of the cooling system100shown inFIG.1.

The cooling system101includes a cooling device10A, a pipe31, a pipe42, and the heat exchanger50. The heat exchanger50is connected to the cooling device10A via the pipe31and the pipe42. The refrigerant RL for cooling the heat generating component C1passes through inside the heat exchanger50, the pipe31, the pipe42, and the cooling device10A. For example, the refrigerant RL passes through the heat exchanger50, the pipe31, the cooling device10A, and the pipe42in this order, and returns to the heat exchanger50.

The heat exchanger50cools the refrigerant RL. For example, the heat exchanger50is a radiator that radiates heat to the outside when the refrigerant RL having heat passes therethrough. The heat exchanger50includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes extending along the third direction Z inside the heat exchanger50and a plurality of fins. The refrigerant RL passes through inside the refrigerant pipes. The plurality of fins are arranged around the refrigerant pipes. A part of each of the fins is in contact with the refrigerant pipe. More specifically, the fin and the refrigerant pipe are joined by welding or the like. The fins absorb heat of the refrigerant pipes and the refrigerant RL and radiate the heat to the outside air, thereby lowering the temperature of the refrigerant RL. However, the heat exchanger50is not limited to a radiator that radiates heat to the outside. For example, heat exchange may be performed to a flow path through which a refrigerant other than the refrigerant RL flows.

Next, the cooling device10A and the cooling assembly1will be described with reference toFIGS.2and3.FIG.3is a perspective view showing the cooling assembly1.

The cooling device10A includes two cooling assemblies1A and1B, a connection section2A, a branch section3A, and a merging section4A. The cooling assembly1A and the cooling assembly1B each cool the heat generating component C1. In the present description, each of the cooling assembly1A and the cooling assembly1B may be referred to as cooling assembly1. The cooling assembly1A is an example of the first path P1. The cooling assembly1B is an example of the second path P2.

The pipe31connects one end of the refrigerant pipe of the heat exchanger50and the branch section3A of the cooling device10A. A pipe32A and a pipe32B are further connected to the branch section3A. The pipe32A connects the branch section3A and the cooling assembly1A. The pipe32B connects the branch section3A and the cooling assembly1B. The refrigerant RL having passed through the heat exchanger50passes through the pipe31, the pipe32A, and the pipe32B. The branch section3A causes the refrigerant RL having passed through the pipe31to pass through the pipe32A and the pipe32B in a branched manner.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the cooling assembly1includes the cooling section11, the pump section12, and an accommodation section13. The accommodation section13connects the cooling section11and the pump section12. The accommodation section13includes the flow path section20. The accommodation section13is, for example, a box-shaped housing. The accommodation section13is made of, for example, resin. In the present example embodiment, the cooling assembly1A includes the cooling section11A, the pump section12A, and an accommodation section13A. The cooling assembly1B includes the cooling section11B, the pump section12B, and an accommodation section13B.

The refrigerant RL having passed through the pipe32A reaches the cooling assembly1A and passes through inside the cooling assembly1A. The refrigerant RL having passed through the pipe32B reaches the cooling assembly1B and passes through inside the cooling assembly1B. Details of the inside of the cooling assembly1will be described later.

A pipe41A is further connected to the cooling assembly1A. A pipe41B is further connected to the cooling assembly1B. The refrigerant RL having passed through the cooling assembly1A passes through the pipe41A. The refrigerant RL having passed through the cooling assembly1B passes through the pipe41B. The pipe41A and the pipe41B are connected to the merging section4A. A pipe42is further connected to the merging section4A. The merging section4A merges the refrigerant RL having passed through the pipe41A and the refrigerant RL having passed through the pipe41B to pass through the pipe42.

The pipe42connects the merging section4A and the other end of the refrigerant pipe of the heat exchanger50. The refrigerant RL having passed through the pipe42reaches the heat exchanger50and passes through inside the refrigerant pipe of the heat exchanger50.

Next, details of the cooling assembly1will be described with reference toFIGS.3to6B.FIGS.4and5are schematic perspective views showing the inside of the cooling assembly1.FIG.6Ais a schematic perspective view showing the inside of the pump section12.FIG.6Bis a sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB ofFIG.6A.

As shown inFIGS.4and5, the cooling section11includes a contact section111and a first heat exchange chamber RH1. The contact section111is in contact with the heat generating component C1. The accommodation section13includes a partition section131. The partition section131partitions the pump section12and the cooling section11. That is, the pump section12and the cooling section11are positioned on opposite sides across the partition section131. Specifically, the partition section131is positioned on the first direction other side X2of the pump section12and on the first direction one side X1of the first heat exchange chamber RH1. The contact section111is positioned on the first direction other side X2of the first heat exchange chamber RH1. For example, the contact section111is positioned on a surface facing the first direction other side X2outside the first heat exchange chamber RH1. The heat generating component C1is disposed in the contact section111.

For example, in the cooling assembly1A, the refrigerant RL flows into the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the cooling section11A from the pipe32A. Details of the flow path from the pipe32A to the first heat exchange chamber RH1will be described later. Hereinafter, since the configuration of the cooling assembly1B is the same as the configuration of the cooling assembly1A, the description will be omitted.

The refrigerant RL having flowed into the first heat exchange chamber RH1flows into the pump section12through inside the first heat exchange chamber RH1. Specifically, the refrigerant RL flows into a pump chamber123shown inFIG.6Avia a pump inflow path124shown inFIG.6A. The pump inflow path124penetrates the partition section131to connect the first heat exchange chamber RH1and the pump chamber123shown inFIG.6A. In the cooling assembly1A, the pump inflow path124is an example of a first pump inflow path, and the pump chamber123is an example of a first pump chamber. In the cooling assembly1B, the pump inflow path124is an example of a second pump inflow path, and the pump chamber123is an example of a second pump chamber.

The connection section2A connects the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the cooling assembly1A and the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the cooling assembly1B. In the present example embodiment, the first heat exchange chamber RH1corresponds to the flow path section20. Therefore, the refrigerant RL passing through the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the cooling assembly1A can be supplied to the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the cooling assembly1B by the connection section2A. The refrigerant RL passing through the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the cooling assembly1B can be supplied to the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the cooling assembly1A by the connection section2A.

As described above, it is possible to make the cooling assembly1compact by accommodating the pump section12and the cooling section11in one accommodation section13. By arranging the two cooling assemblies1in parallel and connecting the two cooling assemblies1by the connection section2A, it is possible to continue cooling of the heat generating component C1by supplying the refrigerant RL from the other cooling assembly1to the cooling section11in one cooling assembly1where the pump section12is stopped. If the two conventional cold plates are arranged in parallel, the two cold plates are not connected, and therefore discharge of a fluid is stopped in the cold plate where the pump is stopped, and heat exchange can no longer be continued.

Next, details of the pump section12will be described with reference toFIGS.6A and6B. As shown inFIG.6A, the pump section12includes a pump121, the pump chamber123, the pump inflow path124, a pump outflow path125, and a check valve126(FIG.6C). The pump section12is an example of the first pump section in the cooling assembly1A, and is an example of the second pump section in the cooling assembly1B. The pump121is an example of a first pump in the cooling assembly1A, and is an example of a second pump in the cooling assembly1B. The pump outflow path125is an example of a first pump outflow path in the cooling assembly1A, and is an example of a second pump outflow path in the cooling assembly1B. The check valve126is an example of a first check valve in the cooling assembly1A, and is an example of a second check valve in the cooling assembly1B.

The pump121is disposed in the pump chamber123. The pump121sucks the refrigerant RL and discharges the refrigerant RL to circulate the refrigerant RL in the cooling system101. The pump121includes an impeller122and a motor221. As shown inFIG.6B, the pump121includes a rotating shaft222. The motor221rotates the rotating shaft222. The rotating shaft222couples the motor221and the impeller122. The rotating shaft222is positioned at the center of the surface on the first direction other side X2of the pump chamber123. The pump inflow path124is positioned at the center of the surface on the first direction other side X2of the pump chamber123.

Specifically, the motor221includes a stator223, a rotor224, and a casing225that covers the first direction one side X1of the pump chamber123. The stator223includes a coil2231. The rotor224includes a magnet2241. In the example ofFIG.6B, the motor221is an outer rotor type. That is, the rotor224is positioned radially outside the stator223. For example, the impeller122is attached on the first direction other side X2of the rotor224. Therefore, the stator223and the rotor224are isolated from each other by the casing225. That is, the stator223is isolated from the refrigerant RL. The rotating shaft222is positioned at the center of the pump chamber123and is rotatably supported by the casing225and an inner wall on the first direction other side X2of the pump chamber123.

The impeller122is disposed in the pump chamber123. The impeller122is attached to the first direction other side X2of the rotating shaft222. The rotor224rotates by a magnetic action of the stator223. As a result, the rotor224rotates about the rotating shaft222as a shaft center. The impeller122rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotor224. That is, the motor221rotates the impeller122about the rotating shaft222.

By the rotation of the impeller122, the refrigerant RL in the pump chamber123is pushed out and flows out from the pump outflow path125to the outside of the pump chamber123. That is, the pump121discharges the refrigerant RL. With discharge of the refrigerant RL, the refrigerant RL is sucked from the pump inflow path124and flows into the pump chamber123. In the present example embodiment, the pump outflow path125is connected to the pipe41A or the pipe41B.

Next, the pump outflow path125will be described with reference toFIGS.6A to7.FIGS.6C and6Dare sectional views showing the inside of the pump section12.FIG.7is a sectional view of the cooling assembly1.FIGS.6C and6Dare sectional views on a plane passing through the pump outflow path125and orthogonal to the first direction X.FIG.7shows a cut surface in which the cooling assembly1is cut in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction X.

The pump outflow path125is, for example, a tubular flow path. The pump outflow path125is disposed parallel to a plane orthogonal to the first direction X. Specifically, the pump outflow path125includes a first outflow path125aand a second outflow path125b.

The first outflow path125aextends substantially parallel to the third direction other side Z2from a part of the inner wall parallel to the first direction X of the pump chamber123. One end of the first outflow path125ais connected to a part of the inner wall parallel to the first direction X of the pump chamber123.

The second outflow path125bextends in parallel to the second direction other side Y2from a position other than both ends of the first outflow path125a. One end of the second outflow path125bis connected to the first outflow path125a. The other end of the second outflow path125bis connected to the pipe41A or the pipe41B.

The check valve126is disposed in the pump outflow path125. The check valve126blocks inflow of the refrigerant RL into the pump chamber123in a state where the pump121is stopped. Therefore, the check valve126can prevent the refrigerant RL from flowing back from the pump outflow path125via the connection section2to the pump chamber123of the pump121in the stopped state. As a result, the circulation direction of the refrigerant RL in the cooling system100can be limited to one direction.

Specifically, the check valve126is positioned at a connection position with the second outflow path125bin the first outflow path125a. The check valve126is movable along the first outflow path125a. The position of the check valve126in the first outflow path125achanges in accordance with the drive or stop of the pump121. In a state where the pump121is stopped, the check valve126is positioned at a first position G1and closes the first outflow path125aand the second outflow path125b.

On the other hand, in a state where the pump121is driven, the refrigerant RL is sent out to the pump outflow path125. Due to pressure of the refrigerant RL having been sent out, the check valve126moves to a second position G2positioned on the other end side of the first outflow path125arelative to the first position G1. As a result, the first outflow path125aand the second outflow path125bare opened.

When the pump121being driven is stopped, the sending out of the refrigerant RL to the pump outflow path125is stopped. Therefore, the pressure of the refrigerant RL to be sent out is not applied to the check valve126. As a result, the check valve126moves to the first position G1by its own weight, for example.

The check valve126may be configured to be pressed toward one end side of the first outflow path125aby an elastic member such as a spring. For example, the elastic member is disposed on the other end side of the first outflow path125arelative to the check valve126inside the first outflow path125a.

Next, a flow path from the pipe32A or the pipe32B to the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the cooling assembly1will be described with reference toFIGS.7to11.FIGS.8to11are each a sectional view of the cooling assembly1.FIGS.7to11show cut surfaces in which the cooling assembly1is cut in different cross sections.

The accommodation section13includes a tank section15. The tank section15accommodates the refrigerant RL. The tank section15is disposed on the first direction one side X1relative to the first heat exchange chamber RH1and the partition section131in the accommodation section13. The partition section131includes a first through hole141that connects the tank section15and the first heat exchange chamber RH1. When circulating the refrigerant RL, temporarily storing the refrigerant RL in the tank section15prevents air from being carried in the first heat exchange chamber RH1and being mixed into the pump chamber123. As a result, the refrigerant RL smoothly circulates in the cooling system101, thereby contributing to a long life of the pump121.

For example, the cooling section11further includes a second heat exchange chamber RH2. The first heat exchange chamber RH1is positioned on a downstream side relative to the second heat exchange chamber RH2in the flow path of the refrigerant RL. The tank section15includes a first tank chamber151and a second tank chamber152. The first tank chamber151is positioned between the second heat exchange chamber RH2and the first heat exchange chamber RH1in the flow path of the refrigerant RL. The second tank chamber152is positioned on an upstream side relative to the second heat exchange chamber RH2in the flow path of the refrigerant RL. The partition section131further includes a second through hole142and a third through hole143. The first through hole141connects the first tank chamber151and the first heat exchange chamber RH1. The second through hole142connects the second heat exchange chamber RH2and the first tank chamber151. The third through hole143connects the second tank chamber152and the second heat exchange chamber RH2.

As shown inFIG.10, the second tank chamber152includes an inlet153. The inlet153is connected to the pipe32A or the pipe32B shown inFIG.2. The refrigerant RL flows into the second tank chamber152from the pipe32A or the pipe32B via the inlet153. The refrigerant RL having flowed into the second tank chamber152passes from the second tank chamber152to the first heat exchange chamber RH1through the third through hole143, the second heat exchange chamber RH2, the second through hole142, the first tank chamber151, and the first through hole141in this order. Therefore, an appropriate flow path for the refrigerant RL can be formed in the cooling assembly1. Since heat exchange becomes possible in a plurality of heat exchange chambers, it becomes possible to cool a plurality of heat generating components.

Specifically, the partition section131includes a protrusion section132that protrudes from the surface on the first direction other side X2toward the first direction other side X2and extends in the third direction Z. The protrusion section132separates a space surrounded by the contact section111and the partition section131into the first heat exchange chamber RH1and the second heat exchange chamber RH2. That is, the first heat exchange chamber RH1and the second heat exchange chamber RH2are adjacent to each other along the second direction Y.

The first heat exchange chamber RH1is positioned on an axis extending from the heat generating component C1toward the first direction one side X1. The first tank chamber151and the first through hole141are positioned on the axis extending from the heat generating component C1toward the first direction one side X1. Therefore, the refrigerant RL can be efficiently delivered to the first heat exchange chamber RH1in contact with the heat generating component C1.

The second through hole142is positioned away from the first through hole141on the second direction one side Y1. Therefore, the second through hole142is positioned on the first direction one side X1of the second heat exchange chamber RH2. The third through hole143is positioned away from the second through hole142on the second direction one side Y1, and is positioned on the first direction one side X1of the second heat exchange chamber RH2.

Next, the connection section2A will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.7to11. The connection section2A includes an external connection pipe21and an internal connection pipe22. In the cooling assembly1, the internal connection pipe22extends from the first heat exchange chamber RH1to the first direction one side X1and penetrates the partition section131and the tank section15. The external connection pipe21connects, outside the cooling assembly1, the internal connection pipe22in the cooling assembly1A and the internal connection pipe22in the cooling assembly1B. Specifically, one end section of the internal connection pipe22is connected to the first heat exchange chamber RH1. The other end of the internal connection pipe22is connected to the external connection pipe21.

As shown inFIG.2, in the cooling device10A, the cooling assembly1A and the cooling assembly1B are disposed along the third direction Z orthogonal to the first direction X. The external connection pipe21extends along the third direction Z. Therefore, the shape of the cooling assembly1and the orientation in which the cooling assembly1is disposed can be unified. As a result, the cooling device10A can be made more compact.

As shown inFIGS.9and10, the internal connection pipe22is positioned on the opposite side of the pump inflow path124across the first through hole141. Specifically, the pump inflow path124is positioned on the second direction other side Y2relative to the first through hole141. The internal connection pipe22is positioned on the second direction one side Y1relative to the first through hole141.

Therefore, the refrigerant RL having reached the first heat exchange chamber RH1through the first through hole141moves toward the pump inflow path124or the internal connection pipe22. For example, in the cooling assembly1A, when the pump121is driven, the refrigerant RL in the first heat exchange chamber RH1moves to the second direction other side Y2of the first heat exchange chamber RH1, and is sucked into the pump chamber123via the pump inflow path124. As a result, it is possible to reduce inflow of the refrigerant RL into the pump chamber123of the pump section12that is stopped.

On the other hand, when the pump121of the cooling assembly1A is stopped and the pump121of the cooling assembly1B is driven, the refrigerant RL in the first heat exchange chamber RH1of the cooling assembly1A moves to the second direction one side Y1of the first heat exchange chamber RH1, and reaches the first heat exchange chamber RH1of the cooling assembly1B via the internal connection pipe22of the cooling assembly1A, the external connection pipe21, and the internal connection pipe22of the cooling assembly1B.

The refrigerant RL having reached the first heat exchange chamber RH1of the cooling assembly1B is sucked into the pump chamber123via the pump inflow path124by suction of the pump121of the cooling assembly1B.

In a state where both the pump121of the cooling assembly1A and the pump121of the cooling assembly1B are driven, when the suction pressure of the pump121in the cooling assembly1A and the suction pressure of the pump121in the cooling assembly1B are made substantially equal, the refrigerant RL in the first heat exchange chamber RH1does not move to the second direction one side Y1of the first heat exchange chamber RH1, and does not pass through the internal connection pipe22of the cooling assembly1A, the external connection pipe21, and the internal connection pipe22of the cooling assembly1B. The suction pressure indicates a pressure at which the pump121causes the refrigerant RL to flow into the pump chamber123.

While the example in which the cooling section11and the pump section12are accommodated in one accommodation section13has been described above with reference toFIGS.2to11, the cooling section11and the pump section12may be arranged apart from each other in the present example embodiment. In this case, for example, the cooling section11and the pump section12are connected by a pipe or the like. The pipe connecting the cooling section11and the pump section12is an example of the flow path section20. The connection section2connects the pipe connecting one cooling section11and the pump section12and the pipe connecting the other cooling section11and the pump section12.

In the present example embodiment, the cooling device10A includes the first tank chamber151and the second tank chamber152, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the cooling device10A may include only one tank chamber. While the cooling device10A includes the first heat exchange chamber RH1and the second heat exchange chamber RH2, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the cooling device10A may include only one heat exchange chamber. In this case, the partition section131includes at least any one of the second through hole142and the third through hole143.

Next, another example of the cooling system will be described with reference toFIG.12.FIG.12is a view showing an outline of a cooling system102. The cooling system102includes a cooling device10B. The cooling system102has a circulation direction of the refrigerant RL that is opposite to that of the cooling system100shown inFIG.1. In other words, the arrangement of the cooling section11and the pump section12in the cooling device10B is opposite to that of the cooling device10. For example, in the example of the cooling device10A shown inFIGS.5and6A, the pump inflow path124functions as an outflow path of the refrigerant RL from the pump chamber123, and the pump outflow path125functions as an inflow path of the refrigerant RL into the pump chamber123. In this case, a check valve is disposed in the pump inflow path124.

Next, an example of a cooling system including two cooling devices will be described with reference toFIG.13.FIG.13is a view showing a cooling system103including two cooling devices10A. The cooling system103includes the two cooling devices10A and a heat exchanger51. The heat exchanger51is connected to the two cooling devices10A. In the cooling system103, the refrigerant RL circulating in one cooling device10A and the refrigerant RL circulating in the other cooling device10A are separated inside the heat exchanger51.

Next, another example of the cooling system will be described with reference toFIG.14.FIG.14is a view showing a cooling system104. The cooling system104includes a cooling device10C, the pipe31, the pipe42, and the heat exchanger50. The pipe31, the pipe42, and the heat exchanger50are the same as the pipe31, the pipe42, and the heat exchanger50of the cooling system101shown inFIG.2.

As compared with the cooling device10A shown inFIG.2, the cooling device10C includes a cooling assembly1C instead of the cooling assembly1A. The cooling device10C includes a cooling assembly1D instead of the cooling assembly1B. The cooling device10C includes a connection section2C instead of the connection section2A. The cooling device10C includes a branch section3C instead of the branch section3A. The cooling device10C includes a merging section4C instead of the merging section4A. The branch section3C is connected to the cooling assembly1C via a pipe32C, and is connected to the cooling assembly1D via a pipe32D. The merging section4C is connected to the cooling assembly1C and the cooling assembly1D.

Next, the cooling assembly1C will be described with reference toFIGS.14and15.FIG.15is a view showing the cooling assembly1C. The cooling assembly1C includes a cooling section11C, a pump section12C, and an accommodation section13C. The cooling assembly1D includes a cooling section11D, a pump section12D, and an accommodation section13D. Since the cooling assembly1C and the cooling assembly1D have the same configuration similarly to the cooling assembly1A and the cooling assembly1B shown inFIG.2, the cooling assembly1C will be described below as an example.

The cooling section11C has the same configuration as and a different shape from the cooling section11shown inFIGS.3to6D. The pump section12C has the same configuration as and a different shape from the pump section12shown inFIGS.3to6D. The accommodation section13C has the same configuration as and a different shape from the accommodation section13shown inFIGS.3to6D.

Therefore, the arrangement of the pipe32C and a pipe41C in the cooling assembly1C is different from the arrangement of the pipe32A and the pipe41A in the cooling assembly1A. The arrangement of the pipe32D and the pipe41D in the cooling assembly1D is different from the arrangement of the pipe32B and the pipe41B in the cooling assembly1B. The arrangement of the connection section2C in the cooling device10C is different from the arrangement of the connection section2A in the cooling device10A.

Next, the pump section12C and the accommodation section13C will be described with reference toFIGS.13to16.FIG.16is a sectional view showing the inside of the pump section and the accommodation section.FIG.16is a sectional view taken along a plane passing through a pump outflow path125C and orthogonal to the first direction X.

The pump section12C includes the pump121shown inFIG.6Aand the pump inflow path124shown inFIG.6A. The pump section12C includes a pump chamber123C and the pump outflow path125C. The pump chamber123C is different in shape from pump chamber123shown inFIG.6A. The pump outflow path125C is different in configuration and shape from the pump outflow path125shown inFIGS.6C and6D.

Specifically, the pump outflow path125C includes a first outflow path125c, a second outflow path125d, and a guide section127. The guide section127guides the refrigerant RL to the outside of the accommodation section13C. The first outflow path125cand the second outflow path125dconnect the pump chamber123C and the guide section127. The first outflow path125cand the second outflow path125dare examples of a connection path. The pump outflow path125C is connected to the merging section4C.

The first outflow path125cextends substantially parallel to the second direction one side Y1from a part of the inner wall parallel to the first direction X of the pump chamber123C. One end of the first outflow path125cis connected to a part of the inner wall parallel to the first direction X of the pump chamber123C. In the present example embodiment, the inner wall of the first outflow path125cincludes the partition section and the accommodation section13C. That is, the inner wall of the first outflow path125cincludes a plurality of members.

The second outflow path125dextends parallel to the first direction one side X1from the other end of the first outflow path125c. That is, one end of the second outflow path125dis connected to the first outflow path125c. The other end of the second outflow path125dis connected to the guide section127shown inFIG.15. In the present example embodiment, the inner wall of the second outflow path125dincludes the accommodation section13C. That is, the inner wall of the second outflow path125dincludes a single portion. The second outflow path125dis an example of a connection portion between the connection path and the guide section.

The guide section127extends from the inside to the outside of the accommodation section13C. Specifically, the guide section127extends parallel to the first direction one side X1, bends substantially at a right angle with respect to the first direction X, and extends, for example, to the third direction one side Z1. One end of the guide section127is connected to the other end of the second outflow path125d. The other end of the guide section127is connected to the merging section4C. For example, the guide section127includes an L-shaped pipe and the pipe41C. The pipe41C connects the L-shaped pipe and the merging section4C. For example, the guide section127is detachable from the accommodation section13C.

Next, the guide section127and a check valve128of the cooling device10C will be described with reference toFIGS.17and18.FIG.17is a view showing a check valve of the cooling device.FIG.18is a sectional view showing the inside of the guide section, the check valve, and the accommodation section.

As shown inFIG.18, the pump section12C includes the check valve128. The check valve128is disposed on the guide section127, for example.

As shown inFIG.17, the check valve128includes a plate-like section128A, a ring section128B, four columnar sections128C, and a sealing section128D. For example, the ring section128B is an annular member. The outer diameter of the ring section128B is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the guide section127. For example, the plate-like section128A is a disk. The outer diameter of the plate-like section128A is smaller than the outer diameter of the ring section128B. That is, the outer diameter of the plate-like section128A is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide section127. The four columnar sections128C couple an outer edge of the plate-like section128A and a surface on the plate-like section128A side of the ring section128B. The sealing section128D is disposed on the plate-like section128A. The sealing section128D is positioned on the opposite side of the ring section128B in the plate-like section128A. For example, the sealing section128D has a substantially conical shape or a substantially hemispherical shape having the plate-like section128A as a bottom surface. The plate-like section128A and the ring section128B are only required to have a shape that is not limited to a circular shape but conforming to the shape of the inside of the guide section.

The sealing section128D includes a seal128E. The seal128E is, for example, an O-ring, a packing, a gasket, or the like. In the example shown inFIG.18, the seal128E is an O-ring. The seal128E is disposed on the surface of the sealing section128D. The outer diameter of the O-ring is, for example, substantially the same as the width of the flow path of the refrigerant RL sealed by the sealing section128D. By disposing the seal128E in the sealing section128D, it is possible to more reliably close the flow path of the refrigerant RL.

Next, sealing of the flow path of the refrigerant RL by the check valve128will be described with reference toFIGS.19and20.FIGS.19and20are enlarged views of the guide section, the check valve, the first outflow path, and the second outflow path inFIG.18.FIG.19shows a case where the check valve128is positioned at the first position G1.FIG.20shows a case where the check valve128is positioned at the second position G2.

The check valve128moves along the first direction X between the first position G1and the second position G2in the guide section127. The second position G2is positioned on the first direction one side X1relative to the first position G1. Since the principle of movement of the check valve128is the same as that of the check valve126, the description will be omitted.

When the check valve128is positioned at the first position G1, the seal128E of the sealing section128D comes into contact with at least a part of the pump outflow path125C. Specifically, the seal128E comes into contact with the inner wall of the second outflow path125dat the first position G1. By the seal128E coming into contact with the inner wall of the second outflow path125d, the pump outflow path125C is sealed.

On the other hand, when the check valve128is positioned at the second position G2, the seal128E of the sealing section128D does not come into contact with the pump outflow path125C. Therefore, the pump outflow path125C is opened. As described above, the sealing section128D can come into contact with a single portion. By the sealing section128D coming into contact with the single portion, an individual difference, a manufacturing error, or the like in the flow path of the refrigerant RL can be absorbed, and the flow path of the refrigerant RL can be closed more reliably. By disposing the check valve128in the pump outflow path125C, it is possible to more efficiently prevent backflow of the refrigerant RL into the pump chamber123C. In particular, disposing the check valve128in the guide section127allows the seal128E and the inner wall of the second outflow path125dto be more easily brought into contact with each other.

Furthermore, by making the moving direction of the check valve128the first direction X, the extending direction of the second outflow path125dor the opening direction of the other end of the second outflow path125dbecomes the first direction X. Therefore, in the accommodation section13C manufactured by resin molding, the second outflow path125dcan be more easily molded.

In the present example embodiment, the inner wall of the first outflow path125cincludes a plurality of members, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the inner wall of the first outflow path125cmay include a single portion. For example, the inner wall of the first outflow path125cmay include the accommodation section13C. That is, both the inner wall of the first outflow path125cand the inner wall of the second outflow path125dmay include the accommodation section13C.

In the present example embodiment, the sealing section128D needs not have the seal128E. In this case, the inner wall of the flow path of the refrigerant RL is sealed by the surface of the sealing section128D coming into contact with the inner wall of the flow path of the refrigerant RL.

In the present example embodiment, the check valve128is disposed in the guide section127, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the check valve128may be disposed in, for example, the first outflow path125c, the second outflow path125d, or the pipe41C. In this case, the moving direction of the check valve128is not limited to the first direction X. Specifically, the check valve128moves along the direction in which the first outflow path125c, the second outflow path125d, or the pipe41C extends.

The example embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS.1to20). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above example embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Additionally, the plurality of components disclosed in the above example embodiment can be appropriately modified. For example, a certain component of all components shown in a certain example embodiment may be added to a component of another example embodiment, or some components of all components shown in a certain example embodiment may be removed from the example embodiment.

The drawings schematically show mainly each component in order to facilitate understanding of the disclosure, and each illustrated component may be different in thickness, length, number, interval, or the like from actual one for convenience of creating the drawings. The configuration of each component shown in the above example embodiment is an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without substantially departing from the effects of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is applicable to the field of cooling systems.

Features of the above-described example embodiments and the modifications thereof may be combined appropriately as long as no conflict arises.

While example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.