JP7454488B2 - Temperature control unit and temperature control unit manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a temperature control unit and a method of manufacturing the temperature control unit.

Various cooling devices that use liquid refrigerants such as water have been proposed as means for cooling objects (heating elements) that generate heat during operation, such as CPUs installed in computers and secondary batteries installed in electric vehicles. . For example, a cooling device is known that includes a casing made of a material with excellent heat dissipation, such as metal, and a flow path for circulating a refrigerant inside the case.

In a cooling device configured as described above, the metal members that make up the device are generally joined by brazing to withstand the internal pressure of the refrigerant flowing inside and to prevent refrigerant leakage. . Moreover, Patent Document 1 proposes a cooling device that is manufactured by selectively using welding and spot welding for each part.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-210032

Conventional cooling devices employ a method in which the members constituting the device are joined together by brazing, and then parts such as joints are joined to the casing by brazing. As described above, since brazing is performed in two stages, the process becomes complicated, and there is a risk that the strength may be reduced due to the influence of heat received in the brazing process.
Furthermore, as devices become thinner, it is becoming more difficult to maintain their strength.

In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a temperature control unit that can achieve both reduction in thickness and maintenance of strength, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Means for solving the above problems include the following embodiments.
<1> A base member containing metal, a cover member containing metal, a flow path provided between the base member and the cover member, and a resin portion disposed between the base member and the cover member; The base member has a communication port that communicates the outside of the temperature control unit and the flow path at a position corresponding to a side portion of the temperature control unit, and the base member has a communication port that communicates the outside of the temperature control unit with the flow path, and A temperature control unit whose dimensions in the thickness direction satisfy the following formula (1).
Formula (1) Dimension A on the side surface of the temperature control unit>Dimension B of the part that overlaps with the resin part in the thickness direction
<2> The temperature control unit according to <1>, wherein the communication port has a dimension A of 10 mm or less.
<3> The temperature control unit according to <1> or <2>, wherein the temperature control unit has a thickness dimension of 20 mm or less.
<4> The temperature control unit according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the resin part forms at least a part of a side part of the temperature control unit.
<5> The temperature control unit according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein surfaces of portions of the base member and cover member that are in contact with the resin portion are roughened.
<6> Any of <1> to <5>, including the steps of arranging the base member and the cover member in a mold, and supplying molten resin between the base member and the cover member. The temperature control unit according to item 1.

According to the present invention, there is provided a temperature control unit that can achieve both thinness and maintenance of strength, and a method for manufacturing the same.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the temperature control unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the temperature control unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the temperature control unit. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the temperature control unit.

In the present disclosure, a numerical range indicated using "~" indicates a range that includes the numerical values written before and after "~" as the minimum value and maximum value, respectively.
In the numerical ranges described step by step in the present disclosure, the upper limit or lower limit described in one numerical range may be replaced with the upper limit or lower limit of another numerical range described step by step, and , may be replaced with the values shown in the examples.
In the present disclosure, if there are multiple substances corresponding to each component in the material, the amount of each component in the material means the total amount of the multiple substances present in the material, unless otherwise specified.
In the present disclosure, when embodiments are described with reference to drawings, the configuration of the embodiments is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the sizes of the members in each figure are conceptual, and the relative size relationships between the members are not limited thereto.

<Temperature control unit>
The temperature control unit of the present disclosure includes a base member including a metal, a cover member including a metal, a flow path provided between the base member and the cover member, and a flow path disposed between the base member and the cover member. A temperature control unit comprising: a resin part;
The base member has a communication port that communicates the outside of the temperature control unit and the flow path at a position corresponding to a side part of the temperature control unit,
The temperature control unit is such that a dimension of the communication port in the thickness direction of the temperature control unit satisfies the following formula (1).
Formula (1)...Dimension A on the side surface of the temperature control unit>Dimension B of the part that overlaps with the resin part in the thickness direction

In the present disclosure, the term "temperature control unit" refers to a device that controls the temperature of an object by circulating fluid through a flow path provided therein. Temperature control includes cooling, heating, keeping warm, keeping cool, etc. of objects.

In the temperature control unit of the present disclosure, the communication port is provided at a position of the base member corresponding to the side of the temperature control unit. As a result, the size of the temperature control unit in the thickness direction can be reduced compared to, for example, a case where the communication port is provided in the cover member, which is advantageous in terms of making the temperature control unit thinner. Furthermore, the heating element can be disposed on one or both of the main surfaces of the temperature control unit, which is advantageous in terms of space saving and improved cooling efficiency.
Furthermore, in the temperature control unit of the present disclosure, the resin part is disposed between the base member and the cover member. That is, resin is used as a means for joining the base member and the cover member. Therefore, the shape of the joint region can be designed more freely than when the base member and the cover member are joined by brazing or welding.

In the temperature control unit of the present disclosure, the dimension of the communication port in the thickness direction of the temperature control unit satisfies formula (1). Thereby, the temperature control unit can be made thinner while ensuring sufficient bonding strength of the resin portion to the base member and the cover member.

A case where the dimension of the communication port in the thickness direction of the temperature control unit satisfies formula (1) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1. In the structure shown in FIG. 1, a resin part 3 is disposed between a base member 1 and a cover member 2. The base member 1 also constitutes a part of the side of the temperature control unit, and has a communication port 5 at a position corresponding to the side of the temperature control unit.

In the structure shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the resin portion 3 enters below the cover member 2 (on the base member side) in order to ensure a contact area with the base member 1 and the cover member 2. Furthermore, the dimension A of the communication port 5 on the side surface of the temperature control unit is larger than the dimension B of the portion where the communication port 5 overlaps the resin portion 3 in the thickness direction (that is, the portion corresponding to the lower part of the resin portion 3). .

In the structure shown in FIG. 1, by designing the communication port 5 so that the dimension in the thickness direction satisfies the formula (1), the contact area of the resin part 3 with the base member 1 and the cover member 2 can be secured, and the temperature control unit This achieves both a thinner design and a thinner design.

In formula (1), the dimension A of the communication port in the thickness direction is not particularly limited, and can be selected depending on the thickness of the temperature control unit, etc. For example, the dimension A of the communication port in the thickness direction may be 10 mm or less, 9 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. Moreover, it may be 4 mm or more, 5 mm or more, or 6 mm or more. The dimension A of the communication port in the thickness direction means the maximum diameter of the communication port in the thickness direction.

In formula (1), the dimension B of the communication port in the thickness direction is not particularly limited, and can be selected depending on the thickness of the temperature control unit, etc. For example, the dimension B of the communication port in the thickness direction may be in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm. The dimension B of the communication port in the thickness direction means the maximum diameter of the communication port in the thickness direction.

In formula (1), the ratio between dimension A and dimension B in the thickness direction of the communication port (dimension A/dimension B) may be within the range of 1.25 to 5.00, for example. If the value of dimension B is not constant, the ratio between dimension A and the minimum value of dimension B may be within the above range.

The cross-sectional shape of the communication port is not particularly limited, and can be selected from circular, elliptical, semicircular, polygonal, etc.
The communication port may be a combination of a supply port that supplies fluid to the channel from outside the temperature control unit and a discharge port that discharges the fluid to the outside of the temperature control unit.

From the viewpoint of sealability, dimensional stability, etc. of the temperature control unit, it is preferable that the resin part, the base member, and the cover member are in a bonded state.
In the present disclosure, "bonding" means a state in which the resin part is fixed to the surfaces of the base member and the cover member without using adhesives, screws, or other means. This allows the resin part to be firmly fixed to the base member and cover member, resulting in superior sealing performance, compared to, for example, attaching the resin part manufactured in a separate process to the base member and cover member using adhesive, screws, etc. is achieved.

In order to firmly bond the resin part to the base member and cover member, it is preferable that the surfaces of the base member and cover member in contact with the resin part be roughened.
When the surfaces of the base member and cover member are roughened, the texture of the surface of the resin portion enters into the uneven structure formed on the surface, thereby creating an anchor effect and providing a strong bond.

The state of the uneven structure formed by the roughening treatment on the surfaces of the base member and cover member is not particularly limited as long as sufficient bonding strength with the resin portion can be obtained.
The average pore diameter of the recesses in the uneven structure may be, for example, 5 nm to 250 μm, preferably 10 nm to 150 μm, and more preferably 15 nm to 100 μm.
Further, the average pore depth of the recesses in the uneven structure may be, for example, 5 nm to 250 μm, preferably 10 nm to 150 μm, and more preferably 15 nm to 100 μm.
When either or both of the average pore diameter and the average pore depth of the recesses in the uneven structure is within the above numerical range, a stronger bond tends to be obtained.

The average pore diameter and average pore depth of the recesses in the uneven structure can be determined using an electron microscope or a laser microscope. Specifically, the surfaces and cross sections of the surfaces of the base member and cover member are photographed. From the obtained photographs, 50 arbitrary recesses are selected, and the average pore diameter and average pore depth of the recesses can be calculated as arithmetic mean values from the pore diameters and hole depths of the recesses.

The method of roughening the surfaces of the base member and cover member is not particularly limited, and various known methods can be used. For example, a method using a laser as disclosed in Patent No. 4020957; a method of immersing in an aqueous solution of an inorganic base such as NaOH or an inorganic acid such as HCl, _HNO3 ; A method of treatment by anodic oxidation; as disclosed in International Publication No. 2015-8847, an acid-based etching agent (preferably an inorganic acid, ferric ion or cupric ion) and optionally Displacement crystallization method in which etching is performed with an aqueous acid-based etching agent solution containing manganese ions, aluminum chloride hexahydrate, sodium chloride, etc.; A method of immersion in one or more aqueous solutions selected from water-soluble amine compounds (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the NMT method); a hot water treatment method as disclosed in JP-A No. 2008-162115; a blasting treatment, etc. Can be mentioned. The roughening treatment method can be selectively used depending on the materials of the surfaces of the base member and the cover member, the desired state of the uneven structure, and the like.

In addition to roughening treatment, the surfaces of the base member and cover member may be subjected to treatment for adding functional groups. By adding functional groups to the surfaces of the base member and cover member, chemical bonding between the base member and cover member and the resin portion increases, and bonding strength tends to be further improved.

The process of adding functional groups to the surfaces of the base member and the cover member is preferably performed simultaneously with the roughening process or after the roughening process.
The method for adding functional groups to the surfaces of the base member and cover member is not particularly limited, and various known methods can be used. For example, based on a solution of a chemical substance with a functional group dissolved in water or an organic solvent such as methyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, acetone, toluene, ethyl cellosolve, dimethyl formaldehyde, tetrahydrofuran, methyl ethyl ketone, benzene, acetate ethyl ether, etc. A method of dipping the member and the cover member; A method of coating or spraying a chemical substance having a functional group or a solution containing the same on the surface of the base member and the cover member; A method of soaking the base member and the cover member with a film containing the chemical substance having a functional group. Examples include a method of pasting it on the surface of.
Examples of methods for performing the process of adding a functional group at the same time as the roughening process include a method of performing a wet etching process, a chemical conversion process, an anodic oxidation process, etc. using a liquid containing a chemical substance having a functional group.

The resin contained in the resin part is not particularly limited, and can be selected depending on the purpose of the temperature control unit. For example, polyolefin resin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene resin, AS resin, ABS resin, polyester resin, poly(meth)acrylic resin, polyvinyl alcohol, polycarbonate resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin. , thermoplastic resins (including elastomers) such as polyether resins, polyacetal resins, fluorine resins, polysulfone resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polyketone resins, and phenolic resins, melamine resins, urea resins, polyurethane resins, Examples include thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins and unsaturated polyester resins. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
From the viewpoint of moldability, thermoplastic resin is preferable as the resin contained in the resin part.

The resin contained in the resin portion may contain various additives. Examples of compounding agents include fillers, heat stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, weathering agents, flame retardants, plasticizers, dispersants, lubricants, mold release agents, antistatic agents, and the like.

The state in which the resin portion is joined to the surfaces of the base member and the cover member can be formed, for example, by applying molten resin to the surfaces of the base member and the cover member. If the resin applied to the surfaces of the base member and cover member is in a molten state, the degree of adhesion of the surfaces of the base member and cover member to the surface will improve (for example, the uneven structure of the surface of the base member and cover member) The resin enters and creates an anchor effect). Therefore, the resin portion can be more firmly joined to the surfaces of the base member and the cover member.

The method for applying the molten resin to the surfaces of the base member and the cover member is not particularly limited, and may be performed by a known method such as injection molding.
For example, the resin portion may be formed by placing a base member and a cover member in a mold, and injecting molten resin through a through hole (gate) provided in either the base member or the cover member.

The type of metal included in the base member and cover member is not particularly limited, and can be selected depending on the intended use of the temperature control unit. For example, from the group consisting of iron, copper, nickel, gold, silver, platinum, cobalt, zinc, lead, tin, titanium, chromium, aluminum, magnesium, manganese, and alloys containing the above metals (stainless steel, brass, phosphor bronze, etc.) At least one selected type may be used.
From the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, the metal is preferably aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, or copper alloy, and more preferably copper or copper alloy.
From the viewpoint of reducing weight and ensuring strength, aluminum and aluminum alloys are more preferable as the metal.
The metals contained in the base member and the cover member may be the same or different.

In the present disclosure, the flow path provided between the base member and the cover member means a space provided between the base member and the cover member to allow fluid to circulate.
The type of fluid flowing through the flow path is not particularly limited, and can be selected depending on the purpose of the temperature control unit. Examples include water, organic solvents, oil, and the like.

The base member may have a wall defining a periphery of the flow path. When the base member has a wall portion that forms the periphery of the flow path, for example, by arranging the cover member on the side where the wall portion of the base member is formed, the flow path can be easily created between the base member and the cover member. can be formed into

The temperature control unit of the present disclosure may include a resin portion that fills a space between the base member and the cover member in which no flow path is provided.
If the temperature control unit has a resin part that fills the space between the base member and the cover member where no flow path is provided, leakage of the contents of the flow path to the outside of the flow path is effectively suppressed. be done. Furthermore, swelling, deformation, etc. of the temperature control unit are effectively suppressed.

The resin part that fills the space between the base member and the cover member where no flow path is provided may be the same member as the resin part described above, or may be a different member.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of a temperature control unit having a resin portion that fills a space between a base member and a cover member where no flow path is provided.
In the structure shown in FIG. 2, a base member 1 and a cover member 2, which constitute a temperature control unit, are arranged to face each other. The base member 1 has a protrusion corresponding to the wall 4 separating the flow path and the resin section. Therefore, a flow path is formed between the base member 1 and the cover member 2 as a space surrounded by a wall. Further, a space between the base member 1 and the cover member 2 that does not correspond to a flow path is filled with a resin portion 3.

The resin portion 3 may fill a space that does not correspond to the flow path and may also form at least a part of the side portion of the temperature control unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the side portions may be formed so that the end surfaces of the base member 1 and the cover member 2 are covered with the resin portion 3.
By forming at least a part of the side part of the temperature control unit with the resin part, the airtightness and impact resistance of the temperature control unit can be further improved.

From the perspective of ensuring sufficient airtightness inside the temperature control unit, the larger the proportion of the space between the base member and the cover member in which no flow path is filled is filled with the resin part. preferable. For example, it is preferable that the resin part fills 90% by volume or more of the space between the base member and the cover member in which no flow path is provided, more preferably the resin part fills 95% by volume or more, It is further preferable that the resin portion fills the volume %.

From the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient airtightness inside the temperature control unit, it is preferable that a region having a distance of 1.5 mm or more from the end face of the base member or cover member is bonded to the resin part. More preferably, a region of the cover member whose distance from the end surface is 2.0 mm or more is joined to the resin portion.
The end face of the base member or cover member includes the end face of the base member or cover member on the side of the temperature control unit, and the inner periphery of a through hole (for example, a gate for supplying resin) provided in the base member or cover member. Examples include surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 3, a region on the side of the temperature control unit where the distance X from the end face of the base member 1 or cover member 2 is 1.5 mm or more, preferably 2.0 mm or more is joined to the resin part 3. Preferably. Further, it is preferable that a region where the distance Y from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole provided in the cover member 2 is 1.5 mm or more, preferably 2.0 mm or more is joined to the resin part 3.

The temperature control unit may include one resin section or may be divided into a plurality of resin sections. In the case where the resin part is divided into multiple parts, for example, the flow path has an annular shape and is divided into a resin part placed outside the flow path and a flow path placed inside the flow path. In this case, a resin section may be arranged between each of a plurality of channels.

The dimensions of the temperature control unit and each member constituting the temperature control unit are not particularly limited, and can be selected depending on the intended use of the temperature control unit.

The area of the main surface of the temperature control unit may be, for example, in the range of 50 cm ² to 5,000 cm ² .
The thickness of the temperature control unit (or the minimum thickness if the thickness is not constant) may be within the range of 5 mm to 50 mm, for example. From the viewpoint of reducing the thickness of the temperature control unit, the thickness of the temperature control unit may be 20 mm or less.

The thickness of the base member and the cover member (or the minimum value if the thickness is not constant) is set to, for example, 0.000. It may be 5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm.
When the base member has a wall part, the thickness of the wall part (or the minimum value if the thickness is not constant) is determined, for example, from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient strength to withstand the pressure when injection molding the resin part. It may be 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm.
If the base member has a wall, the height of the wall (or the minimum height if the height is not constant) is determined from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient strength to withstand the pressure when injection molding the resin part. , for example, from 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 1 to 8 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm.

The shape of the flow path in the temperature control unit is not particularly limited, and can be selected from U-shape, O-shape, I-shape, L-shape, etc. If necessary, components such as a heat sink may be placed inside the flow path.

FIG. 4 is a plan view (with the cover member removed) schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the temperature control unit.
In the structure shown in FIG. 4, the portion surrounded by the wall portion 4 formed on the base member 1 corresponds to the flow path. The area outside the flow path is filled with a resin part 3. A heat sink 6 is arranged inside the flow path. The flow path communicates with the outside of the temperature control unit through two communication ports 5 provided on the sides of the temperature control unit.

The temperature control unit has parts, as necessary, such as a joint part that connects the flow path placed inside the temperature control unit and external piping, and reinforcing ribs installed outside the temperature control unit. You can.

When the temperature control unit has parts, these parts may contain resin and be bonded to the surfaces of the base member and the cover member. The resin contained in the component is not particularly limited, and can be selected from those exemplified as resins contained in the resin part.

<Applications of temperature control unit>
Applications of the temperature control unit of the present disclosure are not particularly limited. For example, it is suitably used for cooling heating elements such as CPUs installed in computers and secondary batteries installed in electric vehicles. In addition, it is suitably used in all applications where temperature control is required, such as air conditioning equipment, hot water supply equipment, and power generation equipment.

<Manufacturing method of temperature control unit>
A method for manufacturing a temperature control unit according to the present disclosure includes a step of arranging a base member and a cover member in a mold, and a step of supplying molten resin between the base member and the cover member. This is a manufacturing method.

In the above method, the molten resin supplied between the base member and the cover member solidifies to form the resin portion.
According to the above method, the adhesion of the resin part to the base member and cover member is superior to that of, for example, a method of manufacturing a temperature control unit by arranging a resin part produced in a separate process between the base member and the cover member. , ensuring high sealing performance. Moreover, even when the shape of the resin part is complicated, the resin part can be formed with high precision.

In the above method, the molten resin can be supplied between the base member and the cover member using, for example, a through hole (gate) provided in either the base member or the cover member.

The details and preferred embodiments of the base member and cover member used in the above method are the same as the details and preferred embodiments of the base member and cover member included in the temperature control unit described above.

The details and preferred embodiments of the resin used in the above method are the same as the details and preferred embodiments of the resin contained in the resin part included in the temperature control unit described above.

If necessary, the method may include the step of providing parts such as joints, ribs, etc.

The details and preferred embodiments of the temperature control unit manufactured by the above method are the same as the details and preferred embodiments of the temperature control unit described above. That is, the above-mentioned method may be for manufacturing the above-mentioned temperature control unit.

Claims (6)

a base member containing metal;
a cover member containing metal;
a flow path provided between the base member and the cover member;
A temperature control unit comprising: a resin part disposed between the base member and the cover member;
The base member has a communication port that communicates the outside of the temperature control unit and the flow path at a position corresponding to a side part of the temperature control unit,
A temperature control unit in which a dimension of the communication port in the thickness direction of the temperature control unit satisfies the following formula (1).
Formula (1) Dimension A on the side surface of the temperature control unit>Dimension B of the part that overlaps with the resin part in the thickness direction The temperature control unit according to claim 1, wherein a dimension A of the communication port is 10 mm or less. The temperature control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature control unit has a thickness dimension of 20 mm or less. The temperature control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resin part forms at least a part of a side part of the temperature control unit. 5. The temperature control unit according to claim 1, wherein surfaces of portions of the base member and the cover member that are in contact with the resin portion are roughened. arranging the base member and the cover member in a mold;
The temperature control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising the step of supplying molten resin between the base member and the cover member.