PUMP DEVICE, COOLING UNIT, AND COOLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A pump device includes a flow path through which liquid flows, a first pump in the flow path, a second pump in the flow path, a first pump downstream flow path located downstream of the first pump in the flow path, a second pump downstream flow path located downstream of the second pump in the flow path, a connection flow path connected to the first pump downstream flow path and the second pump downstream flow path in the flow path, a first check valve provided in the first pump downstream flow path, and a second check valve provided in the second pump downstream flow path or the connection flow path.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-086535, filed on May 21, 2021, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-125578 filed on Jul. 22, 2020, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a pump device, a cooling assembly, and a cooling system.

BACKGROUND

A pump is used to flow liquid. A pump device including a flow path together with a pump is suitably used as a cooling assembly for cooling a heat source.

A conventional electronic component cooling device includes an evaporator, a condenser, and a pump. The evaporator includes a heat generating component to be cooled and a liquid pipe through which liquid flows as a refrigerant. The condenser has a liquid flow path through which the refrigerant flows, and the liquid flow path is air-cooled to cool the refrigerant. The pump imparts moving energy to the refrigerant and circulates the refrigerant between the evaporator and the condenser.

However, conventional cooling systems place the pump away from the evaporator. A check valve is disposed between the tank and the pump, and the refrigerant flows back to the pump. As the refrigerant flows back to the pump, the refrigerant does not flow to the pump, and the cooling efficiency may decrease.

SUMMARY

A pump device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flow path through which liquid flows, a first pump in the flow path, a second pump in the flow path, a first pump downstream flow path, a second pump downstream flow path, a connection flow path, a first check valve, and a second check valve. The first pump downstream flow path is located downstream of the first pump in the flow path. The second pump downstream flow path is located downstream of the second pump in the flow path. The connection flow path is connected to the first pump downstream flow path and the second pump downstream flow path in the flow path. The first check valve is provided in the first pump downstream flow path. The second check valve is provided in the second pump downstream flow path or the connection flow path.

The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the example embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cooling system according to a first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cooling assembly according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cooling assembly according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling assembly according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling assembly according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a view of a cold plate of the cooling assembly according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from one side in the first direction.

FIG. 7 is a view of a housing of the cooling assembly according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the other side in the first direction.

FIG. 8A is a view of the housing of the cooling assembly according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from one side in the first direction.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXA-IXA in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view illustrating a check valve portion and a check valve cover according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view illustrating the check valve portion according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a cooling assembly according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the cooling assembly according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view taken along line XIIIB-XIIIB in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling assembly according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A is a view of a housing of the cooling assembly according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the other side in the first direction.

FIG. 15B is a view of the housing of the cooling assembly according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the other side in the first direction.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view in which the vicinity of the check valve portion of FIG. 16 is enlarged.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a cooling assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, pump devices, cooling assemblies, and cooling systems according to example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present application, the direction in which a cold plate 1 and a pump unit 2 face each other may be referred to as a “first direction X”, the direction in which the pump unit 2 is disposed with respect to the cold plate 1 may be referred to as “one side in the first direction” or “+X direction”, and the opposite side of the direction in which the pump unit 2 is disposed with respect to the cold plate 1 may be referred to as “the other side in the first direction” or “−X direction”.

In the present application, a direction in which the pump unit 2 (or a housing body 6a) and a tank 6 face each other may be referred to as a “second direction Y”, and a direction orthogonal to the “first direction X” and the “second direction Y” may be referred to as a “third direction Z”. Further, the direction in which the tank 6 is disposed with respect to the pump unit 2 may be described as “one side in the second direction” or “+Y direction”, and the direction in which the pump unit 2 is disposed with respect to the tank 6 may be described as “the other side in the second direction” or “−Y direction”. Alternatively, the longitudinal direction of the housing 3 may be referred to as the “second direction Y”. In addition, a direction in which liquid flows in or out in the longitudinal direction of the housing 3 may be described as “one side in the second direction” or “+Y direction”, and a direction opposite to the direction in which liquid flows in in the longitudinal direction of the housing 3 may be described as “the other side in the second direction” or “−Y direction”. In addition, the direction in which a second check valve 52 is located with respect to a first check valve 51 may be described as “one side in the third direction” or “+Z direction”, and the direction in which the first check valve 51 is located with respect to the second check valve 52 may be described as “one side in the third direction” or “−Z direction”, and the shape and positional relationship of each part will be described with reference to these directions. However, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are defined merely for convenience of description, and the orientations at the time of manufacturing and using the pump device, the cooling assembly, and the cooling system according to the present disclosure are not limited. In addition, an “orthogonal direction” in the present application includes a substantially orthogonal direction.

A cooling system S according to a first example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the cooling system S according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the cooling system S includes a cooling assembly A, a radiator B, and a pipe C. The cooling assembly A and the radiator B are connected via the pipe C, and a liquid flows through these components. A heat source D is disposed on the other side (−X direction) in the first direction of the cooling assembly A. The cooling assembly A absorbs the heat of the heat source D, and the absorbed heat moves to the radiator B via the liquid. The heat transferred to the radiator B is dissipated in the radiator B. In the present example embodiment, the refrigerant is a liquid, and for example, an antifreeze such as an ethylene glycol aqueous solution or a propylene glycol aqueous solution, pure water, or the like is used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the cooling assembly A according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cooling assembly A includes the cold plate 1 and a pump device P. The cold plate 1 is attached to the pump device P.

The heat source D (FIG. 1) is attached to the cold plate 1. For example, the cold plate 1 is made of metal. Typically, the cold plate 1 is made of metal having high thermal conductivity such as copper or aluminum.

The pump device P includes a pump unit 2, a housing 3, a flow path 4, and a check valve 5. The pump unit 2 feeds the liquid in the flow path 4 in the cooling assembly A. For example, the pump unit 2 circulates the liquid in the flow path 4 in the cooling assembly A. The pump unit 2 includes a first pump 21 and a second pump 22. Here, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are centrifugal pumps. In the present specification, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 may be collectively referred to as a pump unit 2.

The housing 3 includes the housing body 6a and the tank 6. Here, the tank 6 is disposed outside the housing body 6a. The pump unit 2 and the check valve 5 are disposed in the housing body 6a. The cold plate 1 is attached to the housing body 6a. The tank 6 stores liquid.

The housing 3 has an inflow port 31 and an outflow port 32. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inflow port 31. The liquid flows out from the outflow port 32 of the housing 3.

Here, the inflow port 31 and the outflow port 32 are provided on the side of the tank 6. The liquid flowing into the inflow port 31 flows from the tank 6 to the housing body 6a, and then flows out from the outflow port 32 through the inside of the tank 6 from the housing body 6a.

The liquid flows in the flow path 4. The liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inflow port 31, and the inflowing liquid flows along the flow path 4 and flows out from the outflow port 32. In the present example embodiment, the flow path 4 includes a first flow path 41, a second flow path 42, a third flow path 43, and a fourth flow path 44. Typically, in the cooling assembly A, the liquid flowing through the flow path 4 functions as a refrigerant.

The first flow path 41 connects the pump unit 2 and the cold plate 1. The second flow path 42 connects the tank 6 and the pump unit 2 in the housing body 6a. The third flow path 43 connects the cold plate 1 and the tank 6 in the housing body 6a. The fourth flow path 44 is connected to the outflow port 32 inside the tank 6.

The tank 6 stores liquid between the inflow port 31 and the second flow path 42. The tank 6 is located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction with respect to the pump unit 2, and the tank 6 and the fourth flow path 44 overlap in the first direction (X direction). Specifically, the fourth flow path 44 is accommodated in the tank 6. As a result, it is not necessary to arrange the flow path 4 outside the housing body 6a or the tank 6, so that the cooling assembly A can be downsized. The second flow path 42 has a tank inflow port 61 into which liquid flows from the tank 6. Further, the third flow path 43 has a tank outflow port 62 which is connected to the fourth flow path 44 and through which liquid flows.

The pump device P further includes the tank 6 that stores liquid, and the housing body 6a connected to the tank. The tank 6 has the tank inflow port 61, the tank outflow port 62, and an in-tank piping portion 63. The liquid flows into the housing body 6a from the tank 6 through the tank inflow port 61. In the tank outflow port 62, the liquid flows out from the housing body 6a into the tank 6. The in-tank piping portion 63 is disposed in the tank 6 and is connected to the tank outflow port 62.

The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are connected in parallel between the first flow path 41 and the second flow path 42. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are always operated, and redundancy can be maintained so that the cooling assembly A can be operated even when one of the pumps is stopped. In the present example embodiment, two pumps are used, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a plurality of pumps may be used.

The check valve 5 is disposed in the flow path 4. The check valve 5 suppresses backflow of liquid flowing through the flow path 4. For example, the check valve 5 is disposed between the pump unit 2 and a through hole 33 described later in the first flow path 41.

The check valve 5 includes the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52. In the present specification, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 may be collectively referred to as a check valve 5.

The first check valve 51 is disposed in the first flow path 41 connecting the first pump 21 and the cold plate 1. The second check valve 52 is disposed in the first flow path 41 connecting the second pump 22 and the cold plate 1. When either the first pump 21 or the second pump 22 is stopped, the first check valve 51 or the second check valve 52 corresponding to the stopped pump closes the first flow path 41 on the stopped pump side. As a result, even when either the first pump 21 or the second pump 22 is stopped, it is possible to prevent the check valve 5 from flowing back to the stopped pump side, and it is possible to prevent the liquid from circulating between the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. Accordingly, liquid can be efficiently circulated to the cold plate 1.

The flow path 4 also includes a first pump downstream flow path 4a1, a second pump downstream flow path 4a2, and a connection flow path 4b. The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 is located downstream of the first pump 21 in the flow path 4. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 is located downstream of the second pump 22 in the flow path 4. The connection flow path 4b is connected to the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 in the flow path 4. Here, the first pump downstream flow path 4a1, the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, and the connection flow path 4b are included in the first flow path 41.

A cooling flow path 4c is defined as a part of the flow path 4 from the cold plate 1 and the pump device P. When the liquid flows through the cooling flow path 4c, the heat source D (FIG. 1) is cooled. Therefore, the temperature of the liquid rises while the liquid flows through the cooling flow path 4c. The flow path 4 includes the cooling flow path 4c defined by the housing 3 and the cold plate 1.

As described above, the pump device P includes the flow path 4 through which liquid flows, the first pump 21 disposed in the flow path 4, the second pump 22 disposed in the flow path 4, the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 located downstream of the first pump 21 in the flow path 4, the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 located downstream of the second pump 22 in the flow path 4, the connection flow path 4b connected to the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 in the flow path 4, the first check valve 51 provided in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1, and the second check valve 52 provided in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2. By disposing the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 in each of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 located downstream of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 with respect to the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 connected in parallel, it is possible to suppress backflow of liquid even when either of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 is stopped.

As described above, the housing 3 further includes the inflow port 31 into which the liquid flows and the outflow port 32 from which the liquid flows out. The flow path 4 further includes an inflow path 4s connected to the inflow port 31, a first pump upstream flow path 4t1 connecting the inflow path 4s and the first pump 21, a second pump upstream flow path 4t2 connecting the inflow path 4s and the second pump 22, and an outflow-port-side flow path 4u connecting the cooling flow path 4c and the outflow port 32. Since the flow path can be formed only by the housing 3 without using a tube or the like, evaporation of liquid from the flow path 4 can be suppressed. In the present specification, the first pump upstream flow path 4t1 and the second pump upstream flow path 4t2 may be collectively referred to as an inflow-port-side flow path 4t. The inflow-port-side flow path 4t is included in the second flow path 42. The outflow-port-side flow path 4u includes the third flow path 43 and the fourth flow path 44.

As understood from FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling system S includes the cooling assembly A and the radiator B. The radiator B is connected to the inflow port 31 and the outflow port 32. As a result, the heat absorbed by the liquid from the cold plate 1 can be released from the radiator B.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cooling assembly A according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the housing 3 is disposed on one side (+X direction side) in the first direction of the cold plate 1. The pump unit 2 is disposed on one side (+X direction) in the first direction of the cold plate. Accordingly, the cold plate 1, the pump unit 2, and the housing 3 can be integrated to downsize the cooling assembly A.

By integrating the cold plate 1, the pump unit 2, and the housing 3, the pipes connecting the cold plate 1, the housing 3, and the pump unit 2 can be shortened. Accordingly, the cooling assembly A can be downsized. In addition, the cold plate 1, the housing 3, and the pump unit 2 can be easily attached to the actual machine as compared with a case where the cold plate 1, the housing 3, and the pump unit 2 are separately attached to the actual machine.

In the present example embodiment, the cold plate 1 is a rectangular plate component extending in the second direction (Y direction) and the third direction (Z direction) in a top view. The cold plate 1 according to the present example embodiment has a quadrangular shape in a top view, but is not limited thereto. For example, the cold plate 1 may have a polygonal shape having a plurality of corners in a top view or a circular shape. The heat source D (FIG. 1) is disposed on the other side (−X direction side) in the first direction of the cold plate 1.

The housing 3 and the cold plate 1 are fixed to each other with screws or the like, for example. The flow path 4 illustrated in FIG. 2 is formed between the housing 3 and the cold plate 1. As described above, the flow path 4 includes the first flow path 41, the second flow path 42, the third flow path 43, and the fourth flow path 44.

The pump device P includes the housing 3. The housing 3 has a first pump chamber 34a in which the first pump 21 is disposed and a second pump chamber 34b in which the second pump 22 is disposed. In the present specification, the first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b may be collectively referred to as a pump chamber 34. The connection flow path 4b, the first check valve 51, and the second check valve 52 illustrated in FIG. 2 are provided in the housing 3. Since the first pump chamber 34a in which the first pump 21 is disposed, the second pump chamber 34b in which the second pump 22 is disposed, the connection flow path 4b, the first check valve 51, and the second check valve 52 are provided in the housing 3, a flow path can be formed only with the housing without using a tube or the like, and thus evaporation of liquid can be suppressed.

The first pump 21 is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the second pump 22 in the second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction). At least a part of the first flow path is disposed between the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. That is, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 face each other via the first flow path 41 in the second direction (Y direction). Accordingly, since the width of the cooling assembly A in the third direction (Z direction) can be shortened, the cooling assembly A can be downsized. In this manner, the second pump 22 is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the first pump 21 with respect to the second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction).

FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views of the cooling assembly A according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure. While FIG. 5 illustrates the first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, a first check valve cover 71, and a second check valve cover 72 separately from the housing 3, FIG. 4 illustrates the first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the first check valve cover 71, and the second check valve cover 72 mounted to the housing 3.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cooling assembly A includes the pump device P and the cold plate 1. The cold plate 1 is located in the first direction (X direction) with respect to the housing 3 of the pump device P. The cold plate 1 is made of metal.

Here, the surface of the pump device P on the other side (−X direction) in the first direction is opened, and the cold plate 1 covers the opening portion of the pump device P. As a result, the cooling flow path 4c is defined as a part of the flow path 4 from the cold plate 1 and the pump device P. The flow path 4 includes the cooling flow path 4c defined by the housing 3 and the cold plate 1. In the cooling assembly A including the first pump 21, the second pump 22, and the cold plate 1, backflow can be prevented.

The cold plate 1 includes a plurality of fins 11 extending in one side (+X direction) of the first direction. The fins 11 are located in the cooling flow path 4c. The housing 3 has a flow path opening 38 that opens to the other side (−X direction) in the first direction. A part of the plurality of fins 11 overlaps the flow path opening 38 in the first direction (X direction). Since the flow path opening 38 partially overlaps with a part of the fin 11 in the first direction (X direction), the cooling assembly A can be downsized. In addition, since the liquid flows from the flow path opening 38 toward the other side (−X direction) in the first direction and directly flows to the fins 11, the cooling efficiency is increased.

Here, the surface of the pump device P on the other side in the first direction (−X direction) is opened, and constitutes the cooling assembly A together with the cold plate 1 covering the opened surface. However, the pump device P may not be used separately from the cold plate 1. For example, the surface of the pump device P on the other side (−X direction) in the first direction may not be opened, and a portion of the housing 3 where the cold plate 1 is disposed may be covered with another member or the same member as the housing 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, on the other side in the first direction (−X direction) of the housing body 6a, a first opening 35 partially opened in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and a second opening 36 partially opened in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 are provided. The first opening 35 is covered with the first check valve cover 71. The second opening 36 is covered with the second check valve cover 72.

Therefore, the housing 3 includes the first opening 35 partially opened in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1, the second opening 36 partially opened in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, the first check valve cover 71 covering the first opening 35, and the second check valve cover 72 covering the second opening 36. The first check valve 51 is located in a space defined by the first opening 35 and the first check valve cover 71. The second check valve 52 is located in a space defined by the second opening 36 and the first check valve cover 71. Accordingly, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 can be easily mounted.

The flow path opening 38 connecting the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 is provided on the other side (−X direction) in the first direction of the housing body 6a. The flow path opening 38 extends in the third direction (Z direction).

The cooling assembly A further includes a partition 8 that is located between the housing 3 and the cold plate 1 in the first direction (X direction) and is in contact with the fins 11. The partition 8 is a plate-like member. The partition 8 has the through hole 33 extending in the same direction as the flow path opening 38. The through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38 are connected to each other at a position overlapping in the first direction (X direction). By including the partition 8, the flow path 4 on the housing 3 side and the cooling flow path 4c can be partitioned. Further, the partition 8 is in contact with the end portion on one side (+X direction) of the fin 11 in the first direction. Since there is no gap between the partition 8 and the end portion on one side (+X direction) in the first direction of the fin 11, the liquid can spread over the gap between the fin 11 and the fin 11, and the cooling efficiency can be improved. The partition 8 is an elastic member. As a result, the partition member and the fin 11 can be brought into close contact with each other.

The flow path opening 38 is a flow path of at least a part of the connection flow path 4b. The flow path opening 38 eliminates the need to separately provide the flow path flowing toward the fin 11 and the connection flow path 4b, and the space can be effectively used.

The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 are, for example, centrifugal pumps. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are disposed in the second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction) with the connection flow path 4b interposed therebetween. The connection flow path 4b extends in the third direction (Z direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 is connected to the other side (−Z direction) of the connection flow path 4b in the third direction. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 is connected to one side (+Z direction) of the connection flow path 4b in the third direction. When the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 of the centrifugal pump are arranged in the second direction (Y direction), the connection flow path 4b can be shortened by providing the connection flow path 4b between the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. In addition, since the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 are connected to one side (+Z direction) and the other side (−Z direction) of the connection flow path 4b in the third direction, respectively, the flow of a refrigerant flowing to the through hole 33 can be made uniform.

FIG. 6 is a view of the cold plate 1 of the cooling assembly A according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from one side (+X direction) in the first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cold plate 1 has the fins 11 projecting toward one side (+X direction) in the first direction. In the cold plate 1, the plurality of fins 11 protrude toward the housing 3. Each of the fins 11 is formed in a flat plate shape, stands upright from the upper surface of the surface of the cold plate 1, and extends in the second direction (Y direction) or the third direction (Z direction) of the cold plate 1. In the present example embodiment, the plurality of fins 11 extend in the second direction (Y direction) of the cold plate 1. The plurality of fins 11 are arranged in parallel at equal intervals in the third direction (Z direction) of the cold plate 1. When the liquid passes between the fins 11, heat absorbed by the cold plate 1 can be more efficiently exchanged with the liquid. Therefore, the heat source D having a larger calorific value can exchange heat more efficiently.

The cold plate 1 is provided with a first groove 1p recessed toward the other side (−X direction) in the first direction. The first groove 1p is disposed away from the fins 11. The first groove 1p connects the tank inflow port 61, a pump suction port 24a, and a pump suction port 24b provided in the housing 3. The first groove 1p functions as the second flow path 42. In the present specification, the pump suction port 24a and the pump suction port 24b may be collectively referred to as a pump suction port 24.

Liquid in the tank 6 (FIGS. 2 to 5) flows in from the tank inflow port 61. The liquid flows through the second flow path 42 and is sucked into the first pump 21 (FIGS. 2 to 4) from the pump suction port 24a. The pump suction port 24a is located on the central axis of the first pump 21. The liquid flows through the second flow path 42 and is sucked into the second pump 22 from the pump suction port 24b. The pump suction port 24b is located on the central axis of the second pump 22.

The cold plate 1 is provided with a second groove 1q communicating with the fins 11. The second groove 1q is recessed to the other side (−X direction) in the first direction. The second groove 1q connects the fin 11 and the tank outflow port 62 provided in the housing 3. The second groove 1q functions as the third flow path 43.

As described above, the cold plate 1 includes the first groove 1p and the second groove 1q . The first groove 1p, the second groove 1q , and the housing 3 form a part of the flow path 4. Specifically, the second flow path 42 is configured by the first groove 1p and the housing 3. The third flow path 43 is configured by the second groove 1q and the housing 3. Since the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the connection flow path 4b, the first check valve 51, and the second check valve 52 are disposed in the housing 3, a space for disposing the flow path from the inflow port 31 and the flow path from the outflow port 32 is restricted. However, by configuring a part of the flow path 4 from the first groove 1p and the second groove 1q of the cold plate 1, the flow path 4 can be disposed in an empty region of the cold plate 1.

The first groove 1p is provided separately from the cooling flow path 4c in which the fins 11 are disposed. The first groove 1p constitutes the inflow-port-side flow path 4t (FIG. 2) connecting the inflow port 31 to the first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b. Accordingly, the flow path can be disposed in an empty region of the cold plate 1.

The second groove 1q is connected to the cooling flow path 4c in which the fins 11 are disposed. The second groove 1q constitutes the outflow-port-side flow path 4u (FIG. 3) connecting the cooling flow path 4c to the outflow port 32. Accordingly, the flow path can be disposed in an empty region of the cold plate 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates not only the cold plate 1 but also the first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the through hole 33 of the partition 8, and the flow path opening 38 disposed in the housing 3. The first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the through hole 33, and the flow path opening 38 are all located on one side (+X direction side) in the first direction with respect to the fin 11. The first check valve 51, the second check valve 52, the through hole 33 of the partition 8, and the flow path opening 38 are disposed in the first flow path 41 (FIG. 2) of the housing 3.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, the first pump 21 is disposed between the pump suction port 24a and the first check valve 51. Similarly, the second pump 22 is disposed between the pump suction port 24b and the second check valve 52.

The first check valve 51 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of liquid. In addition, the second check valve 52 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of liquid. Here, the through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38 are located downstream of the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52. The liquid flowing through the first check valve 51 in the forward direction merges with the liquid flowing through the second check valve 52 in the forward direction to form the connection flow path 4b (FIG. 2). Thereafter, the liquid passes through the flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33 and flows to the fin 11.

The housing 3 has a flow path opening 38 in the first flow path 41. The liquid is discharged from the pump unit 2 to the cold plate 1 through the first flow path 41, and further through the flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33 of the partition 8 along the first flow path 41. The flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33 overlap the fin 11 in the first direction (X direction). That is, the cold plate 1 is disposed on the other side (−X direction) in the first direction of the flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33, and the fin 11 is disposed between the through hole 33 and the cold plate 1. As a result, the liquid directly flows to the fins 11 through the flow path opening 38 and the through holes 33, so that the liquid can be spread between the fins 11, and the cooling effect is enhanced.

Specifically, the through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38 extend in the third direction (Z direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). The through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38 overlap substantially the center of the cold plate 1 in the first direction (X direction). As a result, liquid flows through the flow path opening 38 and the through hole 33 substantially at the center of the cold plate 1, and the liquid can be spread between the plurality of fins 11. In the present example embodiment, the fins 11 are arranged along the second direction (Y direction), and the through holes 33 extend in the third direction (Z direction), so that liquid can be further spread between the plurality of fins 11.

The first check valve 51 is disposed on the other side (−Z direction) in the third direction with respect to the center of the through hole 33 and the flow path opening 38, and the second check valve 52 is disposed on one side (+Z direction) in the third direction. In the present example embodiment, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 are located point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the through hole 33. As a result, it is possible to further suppress backflow of liquid into the other first flow path 41 when the pump on one side is stopped, as compared with the case where the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 face each other along the second direction (Y direction) via the through hole 33.

At least a part of the check valve 5 faces the pump unit 2 in the second direction (Y direction) and is slidable along the liquid flowing direction. That is, the check valve 5 can slide in the second direction (Y direction) by the water flow generated when the pump unit 2 pushes out the liquid. Accordingly, when one of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 is stopped, it is possible to suppress backflow of liquid into the stopped pump. In addition, it is not necessary to provide an elastic member such as a spring in the check valve 5, and the cost can be suppressed without increasing the number of parts.

FIG. 7 is a view of the housing 3 of the cooling assembly A according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the other side (−X direction) in the first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the housing 3 has the inflow port 31, the outflow port 32, and the flow path opening 38. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inflow port 31. The liquid flows out of the housing 3 from the outflow port 32. In the housing 3, the liquid flows from the flow path opening 38 to the cold plate 1 through the through hole 33 of the partition 8.

The housing 3 has a check valve cover portion 7 that covers the check valve 5. The housing 3 includes the first check valve cover 71 that overlaps the first check valve 51 in the first direction (X direction), and the second check valve cover 72 that overlaps the second check valve 52 in the first direction (X direction). Accordingly, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 can be easily mounted. In the present specification, the first check valve cover 71 and the second check valve cover 72 may be collectively referred to as the check valve cover portion 7.

The first check valve cover 71 and the second check valve cover 72 are attached to the housing body 6a. The first check valve cover 71 is located in the +Y direction with respect to the through hole 33. The second check valve cover 72 is located in the −Y direction with respect to the through hole 33.

The first check valve cover 71 is located in the −Z direction with respect to the second check valve cover 72. The second check valve cover 72 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the first check valve cover 71.

FIG. 8A is a view of the housing 3 of the cooling assembly A according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from one side (+X direction) in the first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in the housing 3, the tank 6 is located on the +Y direction side with respect to the housing body 6a.

The housing body 6a is provided with the first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first pump 21 is disposed in the first pump chamber 34a, and the second pump 22 is disposed in the second pump chamber 34b.

The bottom surface of the first pump chamber 34a is provided with the pump suction port 24a located on the central axis of the first pump 21. A pump discharge port 25a is provided on a side surface of the first pump chamber 34a. The pump discharge port 25a is located on the other side (−Y direction) in the second direction and the other side (−Z direction) in the third direction with respect to the pump suction port 24a.

The bottom surface of the second pump chamber 34b is provided with the pump suction port 24b located on the central axis of the second pump 22. A pump discharge port 25b is provided on a side surface of the second pump chamber 34b. The pump discharge port 25b is located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction and one side (+Z direction) in the third direction with respect to the pump suction port 24b.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the first check valve 51 is disposed in the gap between the first check valve cover 71 and the housing body 6a. The first check valve 51 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of liquid. When the liquid flows in the forward direction from the first pump 21, the first check valve 51 moves toward the flow path opening 38, so that the first opening 35 and the flow path opening 38 are connected and the liquid flows. On the other hand, when the first pump 21 is stopped, the first check valve 51 moves toward the first pump 21 to cut off the connection between the first opening 35 and the flow path opening 38, thereby blocking the flow of liquid in the reverse direction.

Similarly, the second check valve 52 is disposed in the gap between the second check valve cover 72 and the housing body 6a. The second check valve 52 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of liquid. When the liquid flows in the forward direction from the second pump 22, the second check valve 52 moves toward the flow path opening 38, so that the second opening 36 and the flow path opening 38 are connected and the liquid flows. On the other hand, when the second pump 22 is stopped, the second check valve 52 moves toward the second pump 22 to cut off the connection between the second opening 36 and the flow path opening 38, thereby blocking the flow of liquid in the reverse direction.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXA-IXA in FIG. 8B. FIG. 9B is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the second pump 22 in FIG. 9A. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the pump unit 2 is disposed in the pump chamber 34 of the housing 3. The pump chamber 34 is provided on one side (+X direction) in the first direction of the housing 3. For example, the pump unit 2 in the present example embodiment is a centrifugal pump, and includes an impeller (not illustrated). An impeller is located in the pump chamber 34. The pump suction port 24 is formed in a surface on the other side (−X direction) in the first direction of the pump chamber 34, and a pump discharge port 25 is provided on a side surface.

As described above, the pump unit 2 circulates the liquid in the cooling assembly A. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the impeller of the pump unit 2 is rotatably supported about a central axis extending in the first direction, and is connected to a rotation shaft of a motor (not illustrated). The impeller is rotated by driving of the motor, and the liquid flowing in from the pump suction port 24 is discharged from the pump discharge port 25. The pump unit 2 sucks the liquid to one side (+X direction) in the first direction via the pump suction port 24. Then, the sucked liquid flows in the second direction (Y direction) toward the flow path opening 38. The housing body 6a has a check valve stop portion 6s. The check valve stop portion 6s protrudes from a position overlapping the check valve cover (71, 72) of the housing body 6a in the first direction X toward the other side (−X direction) in the first direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the check valve 5 from moving to the through hole 33 and closing the through hole 33.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view in which a part of FIG. 8B is enlarged. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first check valve 51 is movable within a first opening 35 defined by the housing 3 and the first check valve cover 71. The width along the Z direction of a part of the first check valve 51 facing the first opening 35 is larger than a width Wa of a first portion 35a. On the other hand, the width along the Z direction of the portion of the first check valve 51 opposite to the portion facing the first opening 35 is larger than the width Wa of the first portion 35a and smaller than a width Wb of a second portion 35b.

As described above, the first opening 35 has the first portion 35a connected to the first pump chamber 34a and the second portion 35b where the first check valve 51 is located. The width Wa of the first portion 35a is smaller than the width Wb of the second portion 35b. Since the width Wa of the first portion 35a of the first opening 35 is smaller than the width Wb of the second portion 35b, the first check valve 51 disposed in the second portion 35b can cover the first portion 35a, and backflow of liquid can be suppressed.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view illustrating a first check valve 51 and a first check valve cover 71 according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the first check valve cover 71 includes a first narrow portion 71a that overlaps at least a part of the first pump 21 in the first direction (X direction), and a second wide portion 71b that overlaps at least a part of the first check valve 51 in the first direction (X direction). The width of the first narrow portion 71a of the first check valve cover 71 in the second direction (Y direction) is smaller than the width of the second wide portion 71b of the first check valve cover 71 in the second direction (Y direction). Therefore, the first check valve 51 can be easily replaced.

FIG. 11A illustrates the first check valve 51 located on the other side (−Y direction) in the second direction with respect to the first check valve cover 71, but the second check valve 52 and the second check valve cover 72 have a configuration similar to those of the first check valve 51 and the first check valve cover 71 except that the second check valve 52 located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction with respect to the second check valve cover 72 is located, and thus redundant description is omitted.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view illustrating the check valve 5 according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the check valve 5 has a triangular pyramid shaped portion when viewed from one side (+X direction) in the first direction. The check valve 5 includes a main body 5a and a protrusion 5b.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the triangular pyramid shape is a shape in which the width in the third direction (Z direction) narrows with increasing distance from through hole 33 in the second direction (Y direction). As a result, the liquid flowing from the pump unit 2 toward the through hole 33 can easily flow when passing through the check valve 5. That is, the triangular shape of the check valve 5 can suppress hindrance of the flow of liquid rather than having a surface orthogonal to the flow of the liquid.

Here, the protrusion 5b has a triangular pyramid shape protruding from the main body 5a, but the protrusion 5b preferably has a cone shape protruding from the main body 5a. For example, the protrusion 5b may have a conical shape protruding from the main body 5a.

As described above, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 have the main body 5a and the conical protrusion 5b protruding from the main body 5a. The protrusion 5b protrudes toward the upstream side of the flow path 4. Since the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 have the conical protrusion 5b, it is possible to smoothly flow liquid in the forward direction and to suppress backflow of liquid.

In particular, in the cooling assembly A according to the first example embodiment of the present disclosure described above with reference to FIG. 2, the liquid flowing into the housing 3 flows to the cold plate 1 after passing through the first pump and the second pump 22, but the example embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Next, a cooling assembly A1 according to a second example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the cooling assembly A1 according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure. The cooling assembly A1 illustrated in FIG. 12 has a configuration similar to that of the cooling assembly A illustrated in FIG. 2, except that the liquid that has mainly flowed into the tank 6 first passes through the cold plate 1 and then flows through the first pump 21 and the second pump 22, and that the tank 6 is disposed in the housing body 6a. In order to avoid redundancy, redundant description is omitted.

The cooling assembly A1 includes the cold plate 1 and the pump device P. The cold plate 1 is attached to the pump device P.

The pump device P includes a pump unit 2, a housing 3, a flow path 4, and a check valve 5. The pump unit 2 circulates the liquid of the flow path 4 in the cooling assembly A1. The pump unit 2 includes a first pump 21 and a second pump 22.

The housing 3 has an inflow port 31 and an outflow port 32. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inflow port 31. The liquid flows out from the outflow port 32 of the housing 3.

The housing 3 includes the housing body 6a and the tank 6. The tank 6 is disposed inside the housing body 6a. The pump unit 2 and the check valve 5 are disposed in the housing body 6a. The cold plate 1 is attached to the housing body 6a. The tank 6 stores liquid.

The flow path 4 also includes a first pump downstream flow path 4a1, a second pump downstream flow path 4a2, and a connection flow path 4b. The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 is located downstream of the first pump 21 in the flow path 4. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 is located downstream of the second pump 22 in the flow path 4. The connection flow path 4b is connected to the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 in the flow path 4. The flow path 4 also includes the cooling flow path 4c defined by the housing 3 and the cold plate 1.

The housing 3 further includes the inflow port 31 through which liquid flows in and the outflow port 32 through which liquid flows out. The flow path 4 further includes an inflow path 4p connecting the inflow port 31 and the cooling flow path 4c, a first pump upstream flow path 4q1 connecting the cooling flow path 4c and the first pump 21, a second pump upstream flow path 4q2 connecting the cooling flow path 4c and the second pump 22, and an outflow path 4r connecting the connection flow path 4b and the outflow port 32. Since the flow path 4 is branched only at a portion flowing through the first pump 21 and the second pump 22, it is possible to suppress evaporation of the liquid from the flow path 4.

The liquid flowing into the housing 3 from the inflow port 31 passes through the tank 6 and then flows to the cold plate 1. Thereafter, the liquid flows from the cold plate 1 to the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. The liquid flowing through the first pump 21 passes through the first check valve 51 located in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and flows to the connection flow path 4b. The liquid flowing through the second pump 22 passes through the second check valve 52 located in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 and flows to the connection flow path 4b. Thereafter, the liquid flows through the connection flow path 4b and flows out of the housing 3 through the outflow port 32.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the cooling assembly A1 according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the housing 3 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 3 has the first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b. The first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b are provided on one side (+X direction) in the first direction of the housing 3. The first pump 21 is disposed in the first pump chamber 34a, and the second pump 22 is disposed in the second pump chamber 34b.

The housing 3 has an inflow port 31 and an outflow port 32. The inflow port 31 and the outflow port 32 are provided on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction of the housing 3. Liquid flows into the housing 3 from the inflow port 31. The liquid flows out from the outflow port 32 of the housing 3.

FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view taken along line XIIIB-XIIIB in FIG. 13A. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the inflow port 31 is connected to the tank 6 disposed inside the housing body 6a.

The partition 8 is disposed between the tank 6 and the cold plate 1 inside the housing body 6a. The partition 8 has the through hole 33 in the inflow path 4p. The through hole 33 is located on the other side (−X direction) in the first direction of the tank 6 and extends in the Z direction. The liquid flows from the inflow port 31 to the cold plate 1 through the tank 6 and the through hole 33. The liquid flowing into the cold plate 1 flows into the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. Thereafter, the liquid flows out from the outflow port 32.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling assembly A1 according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the cooling assembly A1 includes the pump device P, the cold plate 1, and the partition 8.

The pump device P includes a pump unit 2, a housing 3, a flow path 4, and a check valve 5. The pump unit 2, the flow path 4, and the check valve 5 are provided in the housing 3.

The housing 3 includes the housing body 6a, the tank 6 (FIG. 13B), and a valve cover 6b. The valve cover 6b is attached to the housing body 6a. The valve cover 6b is provided with the outflow port 32. The valve cover 6b covers the first check valve located in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second check valve 52 located in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2. The liquid flowing through the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the liquid flowing through the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 merge in the valve cover 6b. A part of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 and the connection flow path 4b are arranged in the valve cover 6b.

The housing body 6a is provided with the first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b. The first pump 21 is attached to the first pump chamber 34a. The second pump 22 is attached to the second pump chamber 34b.

The cold plate 1 is attached to the pump device P. The cold plate 1 is disposed on the other side (−X direction side) in the first direction of the housing 3. The cold plate 1 includes the plurality of fins 11 extending in one side (+X direction) of the first direction. The fins 11 are located in the cooling flow path 4c.

The partition 8 is located between the housing 3 and the cold plate 1 in the first direction (X direction). The partition 8 is mounted on the housing 3. The partition 8 is in contact with the fin 11.

FIG. 15A is a view of the housing 3 of the cooling assembly A1 according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the other side (−X direction) in the first direction. FIG. 15B is a view of the housing 3 of the cooling assembly A1 according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the other side (−X direction) in the first direction. Note that FIG. 15A illustrates the housing 3 to which the partition 8 is mounted, while FIG. 15B illustrates the housing 3 from which the partition 8 is removed.

As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the partition 8 is provided with the through hole 33. The liquid in the tank 6 flows into the cold plate 1 through the through hole 33. The through hole 33 is located substantially at the center of the cold plate 1. The through hole 33 extends in the third direction (Z direction).

The partition 8 is provided with an opening 8p. The opening 8p is located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction and the other side (−Z direction) in the third direction of the cold plate 1. The liquid in the cooling flow path 4c flows to the first pump 21 by the opening 8p. The opening 8p is connected to the first pump upstream flow path 4q1.

The housing 3 is provided with the second pump upstream flow path 4q2 on the other side (−Y direction) in the second direction. The second pump upstream flow path 4q2 connects the cooling flow path 4c and the second pump 22. The liquid in the cooling flow path 4c flows to the second pump 22 through the second pump upstream flow path 4q2.

As illustrated in FIG. 15B, the first pump upstream flow path 4q1 is provided on the other side (−X direction) in the first direction of the housing body 6a. The first pump upstream flow path 4q1 is located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction and the other side (−Z direction) in the third direction of the housing 3. The tank 6 is located substantially at the center of the housing 3. The tank 6 and the first pump upstream flow path 4q1 are separated by a wall 4w of the housing body 6a and the partition 8. The wall 4w extends from the housing body 6a toward the other side (−X direction) in the first direction.

A communication hole 4h is provided in the first pump upstream flow path 4q1. The communication hole 4h is located on the central axis of the first pump 21. Liquid in the first pump upstream flow path 4q1 flows to the first pump 21 through the communication hole 4h.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 13A. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the housing body 6a is provided with the first pump chamber 34a and the second pump chamber 34b. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the first pump 21 is disposed in the first pump chamber 34a, and the second pump 22 is disposed in the second pump chamber 34b.

The bottom surface of the first pump chamber 34a is provided with the pump suction port 24a located on the central axis of the first pump 21. A pump discharge port 25a is provided on a side surface of the first pump chamber 34a. The pump discharge port 25a is located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction and one side (+Z direction) in the third direction with respect to the pump suction port 24a. The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 extends in the second direction (Y direction) from the pump discharge port 25a. The first check valve 51 is disposed in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1. The first check valve 51 is located at the end portion of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing body 6a. The first check valve 51 is provided in the housing body 6a. The first check valve 51 protrudes from the housing body 6a toward the valve cover 6b. In the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing body 6a, the diameter (D1a) of the end portion is larger than the diameter (L1) of the first check valve 51, and the diameter (D1b) of the central portion is smaller than the diameter (L1) of the first check valve 51.

The valve cover 6b is provided with a first regulation portion 6b1 that regulates the movement of the first check valve 51. When the first check valve 51 moves by a predetermined distance in the +Y direction with respect to the housing body 6a, the movement of the first check valve 51 is regulated by the first regulation portion 6b1. In this case, the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing body 6a is connected to the connection flow path 4b of the valve cover 6b.

The first check valve 51 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of liquid. When the liquid flows in the forward direction from the first pump 21, the first check valve 51 moves toward the first regulation portion 6b1, so that the liquid flows along the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 on the side of the first check valve 51. On the other hand, when the first pump 21 is stopped, the first check valve 51 moves toward the first pump 21 to cut off the connection of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 by the first check valve 51, thereby blocking the flow of liquid in the reverse direction.

The bottom surface of the second pump chamber 34b is provided with the pump suction port 24b located on the central axis of the second pump 22. A pump discharge port 25b is provided on a side surface of the second pump chamber 34b. The pump discharge port 25b is located on one side (+Y direction) in the second direction and one side (+Z direction) in the third direction with respect to the pump suction port 24b. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 extends in the second direction (Y direction) from the pump discharge port 25b. The second check valve 52 is disposed in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2. The second check valve 52 is provided in the housing body 6a. The second check valve 52 protrudes from the housing body 6a toward the valve cover 6b. In the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 of the housing body 6a, the diameter (D2a) of the end portion is larger than the diameter (L2) of the second check valve 52, and the diameter (D2b) of the central portion is smaller than the diameter (L2) of the second check valve 52.

The valve cover 6b is provided with a second regulation portion 6b2 that regulates the movement of the second check valve 52. When the second check valve 52 moves by a predetermined distance in the +Y direction with respect to the housing body 6a, the movement of the second check valve 52 is regulated by the second regulation portion 6b2. In this case, the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 of the housing body 6a is connected to the connection flow path 4b of the valve cover 6b.

The second check valve 52 moves in the Y direction according to the flow of liquid. When the liquid flows in the forward direction from the second pump 22, the second check valve 52 moves toward the second regulation portion 6b2, so that the liquid flows along the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 on the side of the second check valve 52. On the other hand, when the second pump 22 is stopped, the second check valve 52 moves toward the second pump 22 to cut off the connection of the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 by the second check valve 52, thereby blocking the flow of liquid in the reverse direction.

The first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 in the cooling assembly A1 according to the second example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view in which the vicinity of the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 in FIG. 16 is enlarged.

The first check valve 51 has a conical portion. The conical shape of the first check valve 51 is a shape in which the widths in the first direction (X direction) and the third direction (Z direction) increase with increasing distance from the first pump 21 in the second direction (Y direction).

The first check valve 51 includes a main body 51a and a protrusion 51b. The main body 51a has a columnar shape, and the protrusion 51b has a conical shape. The diameter of the main body 51a is larger than the diameter of the central portion of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing body 6a. As a result, when one of the pumps is stopped, the main body 51a can close the first pump downstream flow path 4a1, and backflow can be prevented. The protrusion 51b protrudes along the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 from the main body 51a toward the first pump 21.

The length of the main body 51a along the second direction (Y direction) is equal to or less than the length of the space along the second direction (Y direction), the space being movable until the first check valve 51 is regulated by the first regulation portion 6b1. Therefore, when the first check valve 51 moves toward the first regulation portion 6b1, the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 of the housing body 6a is connected to the connection flow path 4b.

The second check valve 52 also has a configuration similar to that of the first check valve 51. As a result, the liquid flowing from the pump unit 2 toward the outflow port 32 can easily flow when passing through the check valve 5. That is, it is possible to suppress hindrance of the flow of liquid in the conical shape rather than in the case where the check valve 5 has a surface orthogonal to the flow of the liquid.

Here, the protrusion 5b has a conical shape protruding from the main body 5a, but the protrusion 5b preferably has a conical shape protruding from the main body 5a.

In the above description with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17, in the cooling assemblies A and A1, the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 are disposed in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, but the present example embodiment is not limited thereto. One of the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 may be disposed in the connection flow path 4b.

Next, a cooling assembly A2 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the cooling assembly A2 according to the example embodiment of the present disclosure of the present example embodiment. The cooling assembly A2 in FIG. 18 mainly has a configuration similar to those of the cooling assemblies A and A1 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12 except that the second check valve 52 is disposed in the connection flow path 4b, and redundant description will be omitted to avoid redundancy. Alternatively, the first check valve 51 may be disposed in the connection flow path, and the second check valve 52 may be disposed in the second pump downstream flow path 4a2.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the cooling assembly A2 includes the cold plate 1 and the pump device P. The cold plate 1 is attached to the pump device P.

The pump device P includes a pump unit 2, a housing 3, a flow path 4, and a check valve 5. The pump unit 2 circulates the liquid of the flow path 4 in the cooling assembly A2. The pump unit 2 includes a first pump 21 and a second pump 22.

The pump device P includes the flow path 4, the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, the connection flow path 4b, the first check valve 51, and the second check valve 52. Liquid flows in the flow path 4. The first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are disposed in the flow path 4. The first pump downstream flow path 4a1 is located downstream of the first pump 21 in the flow path 4. The second pump downstream flow path 4a2 is located downstream of the second pump 22 in the flow path 4. The connection flow path 4b is connected to the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 in the flow path 4. The first check valve 51 is provided in the first pump downstream flow path 4a1. The second check valve 52 is provided in the connection flow path 4b. Specifically, the second check valve 52 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1 and the second pump downstream flow path 4a2 in the connection flow path 4b. When the first pump 21 is stopped, the first check valve 51 moves toward the first pump 21 to cut off the connection of the first pump downstream flow path 4a1, thereby blocking the flow of liquid in the reverse direction. When the second pump 22 is stopped, the second check valve 52 moves toward the second pump 22 to cut off the connection of the second pump downstream flow path 4a2, thereby blocking the flow of liquid in the reverse direction. By arranging the first check valve 51 and the second check valve 52 downstream of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22, respectively, with respect to the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 connected in parallel, it is possible to suppress backflow of liquid even when either the first pump 21 or the second pump 22 is not sufficiently driven.

In the above example embodiment, the pump unit 2 includes a centrifugal pump, but the pump unit 2 may include a diaphragm type pump, a cascade type pump, or the like. Although the check valve 5 is formed in a triangular pyramid shape, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although the cold plate 1 is formed in a rectangular shape in a top view, the cold plate 1 may be formed in a rectangular shape such as a circular shape or a parallelogram shape. Although a plurality of heat sources D are illustrated in FIG. 1, there is no limitation on the arrangement and number of heat sources D, and the heat sources D may be arranged as appropriate.

The above example embodiment is merely an example of the present disclosure. The configuration of the example embodiment may be appropriately changed without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Further, the example embodiments may be implemented in combination as far as possible.

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.

Claims

1. A pump device, comprising: a flow path through which liquid flows;a first pump in the flow path;a second pump in the flow path;a first pump downstream flow path located downstream of the first pump in the flow path;a second pump downstream flow path located downstream of the second pump in the flow path;a connection flow path connected to the first pump downstream flow path and the second pump downstream flow path in the flow path;a first check valve provided in the first pump downstream flow path; anda second check valve provided in the second pump downstream flow path or the connection flow path.

2. The pump device according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing that includes a first pump chamber in which the first pump is provided and a second pump chamber in which the second pump is provided; whereinthe connection flow path, the first check valve, and the second check valve are provided in the housing.

3. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein the first check valve and the second check valve include: a main body; anda conical protrusion protruding from the main body; andthe protrusion protrudes toward an upstream side of the flow path.

4. The pump device according to claim 2, wherein the housing includes: a first opening partially opened in the first pump downstream flow path;a second opening partially opened in the second pump downstream flow path;a first check valve cover that covers the first opening; anda second check valve cover that covers the second opening;the first check valve is located in a space defined by the first opening and the first check valve cover; andthe second check valve is located in a space defined by the second opening and the first check valve cover.

5. The pump device according to claim 4, wherein the first opening includes: a first portion connected to the first pump chamber; anda second portion in which the first check valve is located; anda width of the first portion is smaller than a width of the second portion.

6. A cooling assembly, comprising: the pump device according to claim 4; and a metal cold plate located in a first direction with respect to the housing of the pump device; whereinthe flow path includes a cooling flow path defined by the housing and the cold plate.

7. The cooling assembly according to claim 6, wherein the cold plate includes a plurality of fins located in the cooling flow path and extending to one side in the first direction;the housing includes a flow path opening that opens to the other side in the first direction; anda portion of the plurality of fins overlaps the flow path opening in the first direction.

8. The cooling assembly according to claim 7, further comprising: a partition located between the housing and the cold plate in the first direction and in contact with at least one of the plurality of fins; whereinthe partition includes a through hole extending in the same direction as the flow path opening; andthe through hole and the flow path opening are connected at a position overlapping in the first direction.

9. The cooling assembly according to claim 7, wherein the flow path opening is at least a portion of the connection flow path.

10. The cooling assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first pump and the second pump are centrifugal pumps;the first pump and the second pump are in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with the connection flow path interposed therebetween;the connection flow path extends in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction;the first pump downstream flow path is connected to one side of the connection flow path in the third direction; andthe second pump downstream flow path is connected to the other side of the connection flow path in the third direction.

11. The cooling assembly according to claim 7, wherein the housing further includes: an inflow port into which liquid flows; andan outflow port through which liquid flows out; andthe flow path further includes: an inflow path connected to the inflow port;a first pump upstream flow path connecting the inflow path and the first pump;a second pump upstream flow path connecting the inflow path and the second pump; andan outflow-port-side flow path connecting the cooling flow path and the outflow port.

12. The cooling assembly according to claim 7, wherein the housing further includes: an inflow port into which liquid flows; andan outflow port through which liquid flows out; andthe flow path further includes: an inflow path connecting the inflow port and the cooling flow path;a first pump upstream flow path connecting the cooling flow path and the first pump;a second pump upstream flow path connecting the cooling flow path and the second pump; andan outflow path connecting the connection flow path and the outflow port.

13. The cooling assembly according to claim 12, wherein the housing further includes: a tank that stores the liquid; anda housing body connected to the tank;the tank includes: a tank inflow port through which the liquid flows from the tank into the housing body;a tank outflow port through which the liquid flows out from the housing body into the tank; andan in-tank piping portion in the tank and connected to the tank outflow port; andthe inflow port is connected to an inside of the tank.

14. A cooling system, comprising: the cooling assembly according to claim 11; anda radiator; whereinthe radiator is connected to the inflow port and the outflow port.

15. The cooling system according to claim 14, wherein the cold plate includes a groove; andthe groove and the housing define a portion of the flow path.

16. The cooling system according to claim 15, wherein the groove is separate from the cooling flow path in which the plurality of fins is provided, and includes an inflow-port-side flow path connecting the inflow port, a first pump chamber, and a second pump chamber.

17. The cooling system according to claim 15, wherein the groove includes an outflow-port-side flow path connected to the cooling flow path in which the plurality of fins is provided and connected to the outflow port.