JP2008187754A - Heating element cooling structure and drive unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a heating element cooling structure which has proper heat dissipation performance at low cost, and to obtain a drive unit which is improved in reliability, by comprising the heating element cooling structure. <P>SOLUTION: The heating element cooling structure is constituted in such a manner that a refrigerant space R is formed between a heat-dissipating face 53a, connected thermally to the heating element and an opposing face 2a formed so as to oppose the heat-dissipating face 53a, a plurality of heat-dissipating fins 56 arranged erect directed toward the opposing face 2a from the heat dissipation face 53a are arranged in the refrigerant space R, in parallel with one another; and an inter-fin passage Rp where a refrigerant circulates is formed between each of the plurality of adjacent fins 56. The structure also comprises the drive unit, and the heat-dissipating fins 56 are energized toward the opposing face 2a by being deformed elastically, in a state where the heat dissipation fins 56 abut against the opposing face 2a and are formed into a meandering shape which has a plurality of curved parts along the circulating direction of the refrigerant. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a refrigerant space is formed between a heat radiating surface thermally connected to the heat generator and a counter surface disposed to face the heat radiating surface, and the counter surface is formed in the refrigerant space from the heat radiating surface to the counter surface. The present invention relates to a heating element cooling structure in which a plurality of radiating fins erected toward the side are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows is formed between adjacent ones of the radiating fins.

When an electric motor is used as a drive source for a vehicle, the electric motor requires an inverter for controlling the electric motor and an ECU for controlling the inverter. Since such an inverter is connected to the electric motor with a power cable, it can be separated from the electric motor and disposed at an appropriate position. However, for convenience on the vehicle, a driving device incorporating the electric motor is provided. There is a case where an arrangement to be integrated is adopted.
By the way, with the current technology, the heat resistance temperature of the inverter or the like is lower than the heat resistance temperature of the electric motor. Therefore, when integrating an inverter or the like with a drive unit incorporating an electric motor as described above, some means for interrupting direct heat transfer from the electric motor to the inverter or the like is necessary to thermally protect the inverter or the like. It is. In addition, since the temperature of the inverter and the like rises due to heat generated by its own elements, cooling is required to keep it below the heat-resistant temperature.

Under these circumstances, in a drive device including an electric motor, a drive device case that houses the electric motor, and an inverter that controls the electric motor, an inverter that has a cooling structure for cooling the electric motor is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
The cooling structure provided in the driving device described in Patent Document 1 includes a heat dissipation surface thermally connected to the inverter, and a facing surface that is disposed opposite to the heat dissipation surface and is thermally connected to the drive device case. A refrigerant space is formed between the plurality of heat radiation fins arranged in parallel from the heat radiation surface on the inverter case side to the case surface on the drive device case side in the refrigerant space. An inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows is formed between adjacent ones. And this kind of cooling structure cools an inverter via the above-mentioned radiating surface by allowing the refrigerant supplied to the above-mentioned refrigerant space by the refrigerant pump to flow through the plurality of inter-fin passages arranged in parallel, The electric motor can be cooled via the facing surface.

International Publication WO 2004/025807

In the heating element cooling structure for cooling a heating element such as an inverter as described above, it is preferable that the refrigerant is allowed to flow evenly through the passages between the fins in order to reliably cool the heating element.
In order to keep the refrigerant flow in each fin passage uniform, it is necessary to prevent the refrigerant flowing through each fin passage from going back and forth between the fin passages. It must abut against the surface without any gaps. However, in order to bring each radiating fin into contact with the opposing surface without any gap, it is necessary to strictly manage the dimensions so that the distance from the radiating surface to the opposing surface matches the height of each radiating fin. There was a problem that the manufacturing cost increased.
Furthermore, in this type of heating element cooling structure, it is naturally necessary to increase its heat dissipation capability.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a heating element cooling structure having a good heat dissipation capability at low cost, and further to provide reliability by including the heating element cooling structure. It is in the point which implement | achieves a high drive device.

The first characteristic configuration of the heating element cooling structure according to the present invention is that a refrigerant space is formed between a heat radiating surface thermally connected to the heat generating element and a facing surface disposed to face the heat radiating surface.
In the refrigerant space, a plurality of radiating fins erected from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the radiating fins. A heating element cooling structure formed,
In the abutting state where the radiating fin is in contact with the facing surface, the radiating fin is elastically deformed and biased to the facing surface, and the radiating fin has a plurality of curved portions along the flow direction of the refrigerant. It is in the point formed in the meandering shape which has.

According to this configuration, the heat dissipating fin is elastically deformed and biased to the facing surface in a contact state where the heat dissipating fin contacts the facing surface. In other words, since the heat radiation fin is elastically deformed and its elastic force is used to bring the heat radiation fin into contact with the opposite surface, the heat radiation fin is brought into contact with the opposite surface while absorbing a dimensional error by elastic deformation of the heat radiation fin. Can be touched. For this reason, since it can be made to contact | abut a radiation fin and an opposing surface reliably, without performing dimension management of a radiation fin so much, it can prevent that a refrigerant | coolant goes back and forth between passages between fins. It is possible to maintain a uniform flow state of the refrigerant in the fin passages.
Furthermore, since the radiating fins are formed in a meandering manner along the refrigerant flow direction, the refrigerant meanders through the fin passages, and the flow is accompanied by a local vortex, which promotes heat transfer. Therefore, the heat dissipation capability can be increased.
As a result of the above, it is possible to realize a heating element cooling structure having good heat dissipation capability at low cost.

  In the above-described heating element cooling structure, it is preferable that the tips of the radiating fins bite into the facing surface in the biased state.

  Since the tip of the radiating fin bites into the opposing surface as in this configuration, dimensional errors can be absorbed not only by elastic deformation of the radiating fin but also by biting into the opposing surface. Can be brought into contact with the opposite surface. In addition, since the sealing portion between the fin passages is improved by biting the tip of the radiating fin into the opposing surface, it is possible to more reliably prevent the refrigerant from going back and forth between the fin passages. it can.

  In the heating element cooling structure described above, it is preferable that the facing surface is formed of a member that can be elastically deformed.

With this configuration, when the radiating fin is brought into contact with the facing surface, the elastically deformable facing surface is elastically deformed, and the radiating fin and the facing surface are reliably brought into contact with each other by the elastic force and the elastic force of the radiating fin. .
Moreover, when the front-end | tip part of a radiation fin bites into an opposing surface, since an opposing surface elastically deforms, the front-end | tip part of a radiation fin can be easily bite into an opposing surface.
As a result, the airtightness between the inter-fin passages is improved, and the refrigerant flowing through each inter-fin passage can be more reliably prevented from going back and forth between the inter-fin passages.

The second characteristic configuration of the heating element cooling structure according to the present invention is that a refrigerant space is formed between a heat radiating surface thermally connected to the heat generating element and a facing surface disposed to face the heat radiating surface.
In the refrigerant space, a plurality of radiating fins erected from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the radiating fins. A heating element cooling structure formed,
The radiating fin is formed in a meandering shape having a plurality of curved portions along the flow direction of the refrigerant,
The opposing surface is formed of an elastically deformable member, and the tips of the heat radiating fins are bitten into the opposing surface.

According to this configuration, the opposing surface is formed of a member that can be elastically deformed, and the tip of the radiating fin bites into the opposing surface. Therefore, the size of the radiating fin from the elastic deformation of the opposing surface when the tip of the radiating fin bites into the opposing surface is measured. The error can be absorbed and the radiating fin and the opposing surface can be brought into contact with each other reliably.
Furthermore, since the radiating fins are formed in a meandering manner along the refrigerant flow direction, the refrigerant meanders through the fin passages, and the flow is accompanied by a local vortex, which promotes heat transfer. Therefore, the heat dissipation capability can be increased.

  In the heating element cooling structure described so far, it is preferable that an unevenness in the fin height direction is formed at the tip of the radiating fin along the flow direction of the refrigerant.

With this configuration, the heat dissipating fin has a shape in which a concave portion and a convex portion in the fin height direction are successively connected to the tip portion along the refrigerant flow direction. As a result, since the force required for elastically deforming the radiating fins is small, the radiating fins can be easily elastically deformed.
In addition, when the tip of the radiating fin is bitten into the opposing surface, the amount of deformation of the opposing surface required to bite the tip of the radiating fin is small, so that the amount of unevenness can be reduced. Can be easily bited into.

Thus, in the case of the configuration in which the radiating fins are provided with irregularities, the radiating fins need not necessarily be formed in a meandering shape. For example, the heat dissipating fins as a whole may be raised in a flat plate shape, and irregularities may be formed at the tip.
That is, as the third characteristic configuration of the heating element cooling structure according to the present invention,
A refrigerant space is formed between the heat dissipating surface thermally connected to the heating element and the facing surface disposed to face the heat dissipating surface,
In the refrigerant space, a plurality of radiating fins erected from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the radiating fins. A heating element cooling structure formed,
Concavities and convexities in the fin height direction are formed along the flow direction of the refrigerant at the front end portion of the heat radiating fins,
The heat dissipation fin is elastically deformed and biased to the opposite surface in a contact state where the heat dissipation fin is in contact with the opposite surface.
In this configuration, the heat dissipating fins may be flat or meandering, for example, but have a shape in which the concave and convex portions in the fin height direction are successively connected along the refrigerant flow direction. As a result, since the force required for elastically deforming the radiating fins is small, the radiating fins can be easily elastically deformed. As a result, the entire surface of the concavo-convex portion can be brought into contact with the contact surface, so that the flow can be equalized between the fin channels.
In addition, when the tip of the radiating fin is bitten into the opposing surface, the amount of deformation of the opposing surface required to bite the tip of the radiating fin is small, so that the amount of unevenness can be reduced. Can be easily bited into.

In order to obtain a heating element cooling structure including the heating element cooling structure as described above,
A refrigerant space is formed between the heat dissipating surface thermally connected to the heating element and the facing surface disposed to face the heat dissipating surface,
In the refrigerant space, a plurality of radiating fins erected from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the radiating fins. When manufacturing the formed heating element cooling structure,
To form the heat dissipation fin, at the tip of the heat dissipation fin, along the flow direction of the refrigerant, to form irregularities in the fin height direction,
Pressing the radiating fin on which the irregularities are formed against the facing surface,
The entire surface of the unevenness along the flow direction of the refrigerant can be brought into contact with the facing surface.

  In the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the heat dissipating fins stand upright from the heat dissipating surface toward the opposing surface.

If the radiating fins are erected obliquely from the radiating surface toward the opposite surface as in this configuration, the length of the radiating fins in the standing direction becomes longer, the heat transfer area of the radiating fins is expanded, and Capability can be improved. As a result, the heat dissipation capability of the heating element cooling structure can be further enhanced.
Also, when elastically deforming the radiating fin, if the radiating fin is erected diagonally from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface, the radiating fin receives a push when the radiating fin is brought into contact with the opposing surface. Of the pressure, the component in the direction perpendicular to the heat radiating fins is increased, and the heat radiating fins are easily elastically deformed, so that the heat radiating fins can be reliably brought into contact with the opposing surface.

  In the above-described heating element cooling structure, it is preferable that the radiating fin is bent and formed from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface.

As in this configuration, if the radiating fin is bent as it goes from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface, the length in the standing direction of the radiating fin becomes longer, and the heat transfer area of the radiating fin is expanded, It is possible to improve the heat dissipation capability. As a result, the heat dissipation capability of the heating element cooling structure can be further enhanced.
In addition, when elastically deforming the radiating fins, the component in the direction perpendicular to the radiating fins out of the pressing force received by the radiating fins when the radiating fins are brought into contact with the opposing surface increases, and the radiating fins are elastically deformed. Since it becomes easy to do, a radiation fin can be made to contact | abut to an opposing surface reliably.
Further, not only the front end portion of the radiating fin but also the deformed portion near the front end portion comes into contact with the opposing surface, and the contact area can be increased. For this reason, a radiation fin can be made to contact | abut to an opposing surface reliably.

  In the above-described heating element cooling structure, it is preferable that the thickness of the distal end portion of the radiating fin is set smaller than the thickness of the proximal end portion of the radiating fin.

If the thickness of the tip of the radiating fin is set smaller than the thickness of the base end of the radiating fin as in this configuration, deformation near the tip of the radiating fin that contacts the opposing surface is easy. Therefore, it can be deformed in accordance with the shape of the facing surface. For this reason, a radiation fin can be made to contact | abut to an opposing surface reliably.
In addition, when the tip of the radiating fin is bitten into the opposing surface, the pressing force is concentrated on the tip of the radiating fin having a small thickness, so the tip of the radiating fin should be easily bited into the opposing surface. Can do.

The first characteristic configuration of the drive device according to the present invention is an electric motor,
A drive case for housing the electric motor;
An inverter for controlling the electric motor,
One of the heating element cooling structures described above is that the inverter is provided as the heating element.

  According to this configuration, even when the inverter is integrated with the drive device incorporating the electric motor as described above, the heating element cooling structure according to the present invention described above is provided with the inverter as a heating element. A characteristic configuration similar to the structural configuration of the structure can be exhibited, and the inverter can be radiated well to protect the inverter thermally.

  In the above-described driving device, it is preferable that the driving device case is provided on the facing surface side with respect to the heat dissipation surface, and the driving device case and the facing surface are thermally connected.

  According to this configuration, since the drive device case is thermally connected to the heat radiating surface, the heat generated from the electric motor or the like inside the drive device case can be radiated well to the refrigerant side through the heat radiating surface. .

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a heating element cooling structure and a drive device including the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the drive device of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present drive device”) includes an electric motor 1 and a drive device case 2 that houses the electric motor 1, and an inverter 3 that controls the electric motor 1. The heating element cooling structure 50 of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present cooling structure”) is employed. Moreover, the thing (for example, drive device) provided with this heat generating body cooling structure is a heat generating body cooling structure said to this application.

The drive device constitutes a drive device used for an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and the like. The drive device case 2 includes a motor and / or generator as the electric motor 1, a differential device, a counter gear mechanism, and the like. Accommodates attached mechanisms.
On the other hand, as will be described in detail later, the cooling structure 50 circulates heat generated by a heating element such as the inverter 3 and the electric motor 1 with the radiator 42 in the refrigerant circulation path 4 as shown in FIG. The heat is radiated to the refrigerant to thermally protect the heating element.

The inverter 3 is a power module comprising a switching transistor for converting a direct current of a battery power source into an alternating current (a three-phase alternating current when the motor is a three-phase alternating current motor) by a switching action, and an associated circuit element, and a circuit board on which the switching transistor is arranged Means.
And this inverter 3 is attached to the upper surface side of the heat sink 53 integrated with the board | substrate by attaching the board | substrate itself or another member to a board | substrate. The lower surface of the heat sink 53 is formed as a heat radiating surface 53 a thermally connected to the inverter 3.
The inverter 3 is covered with an inverter case 5 in order to protect the inverter 3 from rainwater and dust.

On the other hand, the electric motor 1 is accommodated in the driving device case 2, the upper surface of the driving case 2 is disposed to face the heat radiating surface 53 a, and the opposed surface 2 a that is thermally connected to the electric motor 1 is formed. .
That is, a rectangular space for forming a refrigerant space R described later between the lower surface of the heat sink 53, that is, the heat radiating surface 53a, in a state where the heat sink 53 is mounted on the upper surface of the drive device case 2 on the upper surface of the drive device case 2. A recess is formed. And the bottom face of the recessed part becomes the said opposing surface 2a.
Further, although not shown, a sealing material is appropriately provided between the upper surface of the driving device case 2 and the lower surface of the heat sink 53 in order to seal the refrigerant space R from the outside.
In the present application, the heat dissipation surface 53a and the opposing surface 2a are thermally connected to the inverter 3 and the electric motor 1 because the heat generated by the inverter 3 and the electric motor 1 is directly or indirectly generated. The state transmitted to 2a.

  In the cooling structure 50, a refrigerant space R is formed between the heat radiation surface 53a of the heat sink 53 and the facing surface 2a of the drive device case 2, and in the refrigerant space R, the heat radiation surface 53a faces the facing surface 2a. A plurality of radiating fins 56 that are erected are arranged in parallel to form an inter-fin passage Rp through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the plurality of radiating fins 56. And the refrigerant | coolant supplied to the refrigerant | coolant space R by the refrigerant | coolant pump 41 provided in the refrigerant | coolant circulation path mentioned later is made to flow through the said several fin channel | path Rp arrange | positioned in parallel, via the said heat radiating surface 53a. The inverter 3 is cooled, and further, the electric motor 1 is cooled via the facing surface 2a.

As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of heat dissipating fins 56 arranged in parallel are formed in a meandering shape in which the heat dissipating fins 56 have a plurality of curved portions 56 a and 56 b along the flow direction of the refrigerant.
Specifically, the radiating fins 56 are formed in a zigzag shape in a state in which curved portions 56a bent in a specific direction and curved portions 56b bent opposite to the curved portions 56a are alternately arranged. .
With this configuration, each inter-fin passage Rp formed between adjacent ones of the plurality of radiating fins 56 has a meandering shape, specifically a zigzag shape having a refracting portion that refracts the flow direction of the refrigerant. Has been. Therefore, the heat transfer area of the radiating fins 56 is expanded and the generation of turbulent flow in the refrigerant flow is promoted, so that the heat radiating capability is improved.

Furthermore, the both side wall surfaces of the radiation fin 56 are formed in different shapes. Specifically, at least one of the plurality of curved portions 56a and 56b included in the radiating fin 56 is configured as a deformed curved portion 56a formed by forming both side wall surfaces 56c and 56d of the radiating fin 56 in different curved shapes. Further, the irregularly shaped curved portion 56a is formed such that the side wall surface 56c on the peak portion side is formed in a bow shape, and the side wall surface 56d on the valley side is formed in a square shape.
With such a configuration, the passage width W1 of the portion sandwiched between the opposite side wall surfaces 56c and 56d in the inter-fin passage Rp, that is, the passage width W1 of the refraction portion sandwiched between the pair of curved portions 56a, The passage width W2 of the portion becomes wider and the inter-fin passage Rp has a meandering shape in which the passage width is enlarged and changed in the refracted portion. Therefore, when the refrigerant flows through such an inter-fin passage Rp, the flow velocity of the refrigerant changes in the refraction portion, and the generation of turbulent flow in the refrigerant flow is promoted, and the heat dissipation capability is further improved. It will be.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of radiating fins 56 extend into the refrigerant space R from the radiating surface 53a on the inverter case 2 side toward the facing surface 2a in order to secure a heat exchange area. The space R is traversed in the thickness direction.
Furthermore, the front-end | tip part 56e of the radiation fin 56 is contact | abutting in the state which accept | permits heat conduction with respect to the opposing surface 2a by the side of the drive device case 2. FIG. As a result, in the plurality of inter-fin passages Rp, the refrigerant is prevented from passing back and forth through the front end side of the radiating fins 56, the refrigerant flows stably, and the heat radiating ability becomes substantially uniform. Furthermore, the heat transmitted from the electric motor 1 or the like to the facing surface 2 a is favorably radiated to the refrigerant side through the radiation fins 56.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the radiation fins 56 are in contact with the opposing surface 2 a and are urged toward the opposing surface 2 a by elastic deformation of the radiation fins 56. That is, the height of the radiating fin 56 is set to be larger than the length in the thickness direction of the refrigerant space R, and when the heat sink 53 is mounted on the drive device case 2, the radiating fin 56 is elastically deformed, and its elastic force Thereby, the front-end | tip part 56e of the radiation fin 56 contact | abuts to the opposing surface 2a. As described above, since the heat radiation fin 56 and the facing surface 2a are brought into contact with each other while absorbing a dimensional error due to elastic deformation of the heat radiation fin 56, the heat radiation fin 56 is opposed to the heat radiation fin 56 without performing strict size management. The surface 2a can be reliably brought into contact with the surface 2a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the heat radiation fins 56 are obliquely erected from the heat radiation surface 53a toward the facing surface 2a, and are bent so as to extend from the heat radiation surface 53a toward the facing surface 2a. . As a result, the component in the direction perpendicular to the radiation fins 56 of the pressing force received by the radiation fins 56 when the radiation fins 56 are brought into contact with the opposing surface 2a increases, and the radiation fins 56 are easily elastically deformed. The heat radiating fins 56 can be reliably brought into contact with the facing surface 2a. Further, not only the front end portion 56e of the radiating fin 56 but also a deformed portion in the vicinity of the front end portion 56e comes into contact with (being pressed against) the opposing surface 2a, and the contact area can be increased. For this reason, a radiation fin can be made to contact | abut to the opposing surface 2a reliably. In addition, the heat transfer area of the heat radiating fins 56 is expanded, and the heat radiating capacity can be improved.

  Further, the radiating fin 56 is set such that the distal end portion 56e is thinner than the proximal end portion 56f. Thereby, deformation | transformation of the front-end | tip part 56e contact | abutted to the opposing surface 2a among the radiation fins 56 becomes easy, and it can deform | transform easily according to the shape of the opposing surface 2a.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, at one side end portion of the refrigerant space R, an inflow side port 51 through which the refrigerant flows into the refrigerant space R and an outflow side through which the refrigerant flows out from the refrigerant space R. Ports 52 are connected in parallel to each other. Further, in the refrigerant space R, the refrigerant inflow portion Ri and the refrigerant outflow portion Ro are formed in parallel with each other, and the inflow side port 51 is connected to the refrigerant inflow portion Ri, and the outflow side port 52 is connected to the refrigerant outflow portion Ro. Has been. A plurality of inter-fin passages Rp are arranged in parallel so as to cross between the refrigerant inflow portion Ri and the refrigerant outflow portion Ro.

The heat radiating fin is not particularly limited, but can be elastically deformed, and is formed by sequentially cutting up a metal plate material such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, and stainless steel with good heat conduction by the cutting tool T. be able to. Of course, you may manufacture by methods, such as shaping | molding.
That is, as shown in FIG. 6, a cutting tool T having a mountain-shaped tip shape in which the tip shape of the cutting tool T is matched with the square-shaped side wall surface 56d shape is created. A plurality of heat radiating fins 56 arranged in parallel to each other are formed by continuously scraping the heat radiating surface 53a at a minute interval.
Then, by appropriately determining various conditions such as a cutting depth and a cutting angle by the cutting tool T, the cutting tool T can be formed at the curved portion 56a of the radiating fin 56 formed by the chevron of the tip of the cutting tool T. On the other hand, the side wall surface 56d on the side abutting on the side wall is formed in a square shape, whereas the side wall surface 56c on the opposite side is formed in a bow shape due to tensile stress or the like.
Furthermore, when this manufacturing method is employed, the unevenness in the fin height direction along the refrigerant flow direction can be easily formed on the tip 56e of the heat radiating fin 56. Then, by pressing the radiating fin 56 formed in this manner against the opposing surface 2a, the unevenness formed at the tip 56e of the radiating fin 56 is deformed as shown in FIG. It is possible to easily realize a structure in which the entire entire surface is in contact with the opposing surface 2a.

Next, the refrigerant circulation path 4 to which the refrigerant space R is connected will be described based on FIG.
The refrigerant circulation path 4 is configured to circulate a single refrigerant through the refrigerant space R between the heat sink 53 and the drive device case 2. The refrigerant circulation path 4 includes a refrigerant pump 41 as a pressure supply source, a radiator 42 as a heat exchanger, and passages 43, 44, and 45 connecting them.

In addition, about attachment equipment, such as a drive motor of the refrigerant pump 41, illustration is abbreviate | omitted. The discharge side passage 43 of the refrigerant pump 41 as the starting point of the refrigerant circulation path 4 is connected to the inflow side port 51 on the inlet side of the refrigerant space R, and the outflow side port 52 on the outlet side of the refrigerant space R passes through the return passage 44. Then, it is connected to the inlet side of the radiator 42, and the outlet side of the radiator 42 is connected to the suction side passage 45 of the refrigerant pump 41. Therefore, in this refrigerant circulation path 4, the refrigerant such as cooling water is sent from the refrigerant pump 41 and then flows from the module constituting the inverter 3 when flowing through the inter-fin passage Rp formed in the refrigerant space R. The heat of the drive device case 2 is absorbed and heated, sent to the radiator 42 via the return passage 44, cooled by heat radiation to the air, and returned to the refrigerant pump 41 to repeat the circulation that completes one cycle. Become.
The refrigerant circulation path 4 may be a path that passes through the inside of the drive device case 2 for further cooling, for example, in the return path 44 partway.

[Another embodiment]
(1) In the above embodiment, the radiating fins 56 are formed in a zigzag shape in which curved portions 56a that bend in a specific direction and curved portions 56b that are bent opposite to the curved portions 56a are alternately arranged. The fin-to-fin passages Rp formed between adjacent ones of the radiating fins 56 are zigzag-shaped, but the radiating fins 56 and the fin-to-fin passages Rp are configured in a meandering shape other than the zigzag shape. can do.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the heat dissipating fins 56 are alternately arranged with a pair of bent portions 56a bent in a specific direction and a pair of bent portions 56b bent opposite to the bent portions 56a. Can be formed in a meandering shape.
Also in this case, at least one of the plurality of curved portions 56a, 56b of the radiating fin 56 is configured as a deformed curved portion 56a formed by forming both side wall surfaces 56c, 56d of the radiating fin 56 in different curved shapes. Further, the irregularly shaped curved portion 56a can form the side wall surface 56c on the mountain side in an arc shape and the side wall surface 56d on the valley side in a square shape.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the radiating fins 56 are obliquely erected from the radiating surface 53a toward the facing surface 2a, and are bent and formed from the radiating surface 53a toward the facing surface 2a. Further, an example in which the thickness of the distal end portion 56e of the radiating fin 56 is set smaller than the thickness of the proximal end portion 56f has been described. However, the shape of the radiating fins 56 is not limited to that described above, and the radiating fins 56 are elastically deformed and urged against the opposing surface 2a while the radiating fins 56 are in contact with the opposing surface 2a. Any shape may be used.
For example, the radiating fins may be erected obliquely and linearly from the radiating surface 53a toward the opposing surface 2a, or may be erected straight from the radiating surface 53a toward the opposing surface 2a. Further, the size of the distal end portion 56e and the proximal end portion 56f of the radiating fin 56 may be set to be the same.

(3) Moreover, although the example which comprises a radiation fin elastically deformable was shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, it may be as shown below.
That is, as shown in FIG. 9, on the upper surface of the drive device case 2, the refrigerant space R is formed between the lower surface of the inverter case 5, that is, the heat radiating surface 53a, with the inverter case 5 mounted on the drive device case 2. A rectangular recess is formed for forming the. An elastic member 57 that can be elastically deformed, such as rubber, resin, or sponge, is provided on the bottom surface of the concave portion, and the elastic member 57 serves as the facing surface 2a. Note that the recess itself may be formed of an elastically deformable member such as a resin, and its bottom surface may be used as the facing surface 2a.

Further, in the example of FIG. 9, the heat radiating fins 56 are erected straight from the heat radiating surface 53a toward the opposing surface 2a, and the thickness of the distal end portion 56e is set smaller than the thickness of the base end portion 56f. It is. Specifically, the tip 56e of the heat radiating fin 56 is sharpened.
Further, the height of the radiation fin 56 is set to be slightly larger than the distance from the opening of the rectangular recess for forming the medium space R to the elastic member 57, and the inverter case 5 is placed above the drive device case 2. When mounted on the opposite surface 2a, the opposing surface 2a is elastically deformed, and the tips of the heat radiating fins 56 bite into the opposing surface 2a.

  As described above, when the radiating fin 56 is brought into contact with the opposing surface 2a, the opposing surface 2a is elastically deformed so that the tip of the radiating fin 56 bites into the opposing surface 2a, thereby absorbing a dimensional error and radiating heat. The fin 56 and the opposing surface 2a can be contact | abutted reliably.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, it forms in the shape where a recessed part and a convex part continue in order along the distribution direction of the said refrigerant | coolant. By making the shape of the radiating fins 56 in this way, the elastic deformation amount of the opposing surface 2a required when the radiating fins 56 bite into the opposing surface 2a can be reduced by the unevenness. It is possible to easily bite into the surface 2a.

In this embodiment, the example in which the radiating fins 56 are erected straight from the radiating surface 53a toward the facing surface 2a is shown. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the radiating fins 56 are bent upright from the heat radiating surface 53a toward the facing surface 2a at an angle and from the heat radiating surface 53a toward the facing surface 2a. May be erected obliquely and in a straight line toward the facing surface 2a. Further, it is not always necessary to sharpen the tip 56e of the radiating fin 56.
Moreover, in this embodiment, you may comprise both the radiation fin 56 and the opposing surface 2a so that elastic deformation is possible.

(4) In the above embodiment, the cooling structure 50 is configured to radiate heat generated by a heating element such as the inverter 3 or the electric motor 1 of the driving device to the refrigerant to thermally protect the heating element. Although configured, separately, the present cooling structure may be configured to dissipate heat generated by an inverter, other electronic components, and the like in another device to the refrigerant.
(5) In the embodiments described so far, in order to increase heat dissipation through the heat dissipation fins 56, the preferred embodiments in which the heat dissipation fins 56 meander in the refrigerant flow direction have been described. However, one object of the present application is to make the flow uniform between the fin-to-fin passages even if the management in the height direction of the heat dissipating fins 56 is unsatisfactory. From this requirement, as described above, it is only necessary that the respective heat radiation fins 56 are in contact with the opposing surface 2a without any gap over the entire surface in the refrigerant flow direction.
Therefore, the heat radiating fins 56 do not necessarily have a meandering shape, and are erected from the heat radiating surface 23a in an arbitrary shape, for example, a straight shape (the heat radiating fins are flat and the flow path between the fins is straight). It is good also as a thing. However, by providing unevenness in the height direction at the tips of the radiating fins and pressing the radiating fins 56 against the opposing surface 2a to make contact, the radiating fins 56 easily contact the opposing surface 2a without any gaps. A heating element cooling structure can be realized.

  The heating element cooling structure and driving device according to the present invention can be effectively used as a highly reliable driving device by including a heating element cooling structure having a good heat dissipation capability at low cost and the heating element cooling structure. is there.

The figure which shows the state of the refrigerant circuit of a heat generating body cooling structure Sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the drive device provided with the heat generating body cooling structure Plan view showing state of refrigerant space Sectional view showing state of refrigerant space Partial sectional view showing details of heat dissipation fins The perspective view which shows the formation method of a radiation fin The top view which shows the state of the refrigerant | coolant space in another embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the state of the refrigerant | coolant space in another embodiment. Partial sectional drawing which shows the state of the refrigerant | coolant space in another embodiment. Partial sectional drawing which shows the state of the refrigerant | coolant space in another embodiment. Partial sectional drawing which shows the state of the refrigerant | coolant space in another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1: Electric motor 2a: Opposing surface 3: Inverter 7: Inverter case 50: Heating element cooling structure 56: Radiating fin 56e: Tip 56f: Base end R: Refrigerant space Rp: Inter-fin passage

Claims (12)

A refrigerant space is formed between the heat dissipating surface thermally connected to the heating element and the facing surface disposed to face the heat dissipating surface,
In the refrigerant space, a plurality of radiating fins erected from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the radiating fins. A heating element cooling structure formed,
In the abutting state where the radiating fin is in contact with the facing surface, the radiating fin is elastically deformed and biased to the facing surface, and the radiating fin has a plurality of curved portions along the flow direction of the refrigerant. A heating element cooling structure formed in a meandering shape.   The heating element cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein a tip of the radiation fin bites into the facing surface in the biased state.   The heating element cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein the facing surface is formed of a member that can be elastically deformed. A refrigerant space is formed between the heat dissipating surface thermally connected to the heating element and the facing surface disposed to face the heat dissipating surface,
In the refrigerant space, a plurality of radiating fins erected from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the radiating fins. A heating element cooling structure formed,
The radiating fin is formed in a meandering shape having a plurality of curved portions along the flow direction of the refrigerant,
The heating element cooling structure in which the opposing surface is formed of an elastically deformable member, and the tips of the radiating fins bite into the opposing surface.   The heating element cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein unevenness in a fin height direction is formed at a front end portion of the heat radiating fin along a flow direction of the refrigerant. A refrigerant space is formed between the heat dissipating surface thermally connected to the heating element and the facing surface disposed to face the heat dissipating surface,
In the refrigerant space, a plurality of radiating fins erected from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the radiating fins. A heating element cooling structure formed,
Concavities and convexities in the fin height direction are formed along the flow direction of the refrigerant at the front end portion of the heat radiating fins,
A heating element cooling structure in which the radiating fin is elastically deformed and urged against the opposing surface in a contact state where the radiating fin contacts the opposing surface.   The heating element cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the radiating fin is erected obliquely from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface.   The heating element cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the radiating fin is bent and formed from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface.   The heating element cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a thickness of a distal end portion of the radiation fin is set smaller than a thickness of a proximal end portion of the radiation fin. An electric motor,
A drive case for housing the electric motor;
An inverter for controlling the electric motor,
A drive device comprising the heating element cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and the inverter as the heating element.   The drive device according to claim 10, wherein the drive device case is provided on the facing surface side with respect to the heat dissipation surface, and the drive device case and the facing surface are thermally connected. A refrigerant space is formed between the heat dissipating surface thermally connected to the heating element and the facing surface disposed to face the heat dissipating surface,
In the refrigerant space, a plurality of radiating fins erected from the radiating surface toward the opposing surface are arranged in parallel, and an inter-fin passage through which the refrigerant flows between adjacent ones of the radiating fins. A method of manufacturing a heating element cooling structure including a heating element cooling structure that is formed,
To form the heat dissipation fin, at the tip of the heat dissipation fin, along the flow direction of the refrigerant, to form irregularities in the fin height direction,
Pressing the radiating fin on which the irregularities are formed against the facing surface,
The manufacturing method of the heat generating body cooling structure which makes the said uneven | corrugated whole surface contact | abut the said opposing surface along the distribution direction of the said refrigerant | coolant.

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