COOLANT DISTRIBUTION UNIT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Non-Provisional of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/720,617, filed on Nov. 14, 2024, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-091454, filed on May 30, 2025. The entire contents of the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to coolant distribution units.

2. Background

A coolant distribution unit is known that includes a heat exchanger, a plurality of pumps, and a plurality of coolant flow paths, inside a housing.

However, in the coolant distribution unit, when routing of the coolant flow paths inside the housing becomes complicated, the pressure loss of a coolant flowing through each coolant flow path becomes large.

SUMMARY

A coolant distribution unit according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heat exchanger, a housing, a primary flow path, and a secondary flow path. The housing accommodates the heat exchanger. Through the primary flow path, a primary coolant flows from an inlet of the primary coolant in the housing to an outlet of the primary coolant in the housing via the heat exchanger. Through the secondary flow path, a secondary coolant flows from an inlet of the secondary coolant in the housing to an outlet of the secondary coolant in the housing via the heat exchanger. A side surface of the heat exchanger on one side in a first direction and a side surface of the heat exchanger on the other side in the first direction respectively include at least one of an inflow portion for the primary coolant, an outflow portion for the primary coolant, an inflow portion for the secondary coolant, or an outflow portion for the secondary coolant.

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 an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of a coolant distribution unit according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of a coolant distribution unit according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit according to a first modification of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit according to the first modification.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit according to the first modification.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit according to a second modification of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit according to the second modification.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit according to the second modification.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit according to a third modification of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit according to the third modification.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit according to the third modification.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit according to a fourth modification of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit according to the fourth modification.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit according to the fourth modification.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of a coolant distribution unit according to a fifth modification of an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of a display operation unit in the coolant distribution unit according to the fifth modification.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating a movable structure of a display operation unit in a coolant distribution unit according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view illustrating a modification of the movable structure of a display operation unit in a coolant distribution unit according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, coolant distribution units according to example embodiments of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as an “example embodiment” or “example embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited by the example embodiments. In the following example embodiments, elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals and signs, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

In the example embodiments, which will be described below, expressions such as “constant”, “orthogonal”, “perpendicular”, and “parallel” may be used, but these expressions do not strictly require “constant”, “orthogonal”, “perpendicular”, and “parallel” states. That is, each of the above expressions permits deviations in manufacturing accuracy, installation accuracy, and the like, for example.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit 10 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit 10 according to the current example embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit 10 according to the current example embodiment.

The coolant distribution unit 10 is a unit that circulates a primary coolant and a secondary coolant in order to cool a cooling target device. The cooling target device is, for example, a device that generates heat, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU). Note that the cooling target device is not limited to the CPU.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the coolant distribution unit 10 includes a heat exchanger 2 and a housing 3 that accommodates the heat exchanger 2. In addition, the coolant distribution unit 10 includes, inside the housing 3, a primary flow path 4 through which a primary coolant flows and a secondary flow path 5 through which a secondary coolant flows.

The primary flow path 4 is a flow path through which the primary coolant flows from an inlet 41 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 to an outlet 42 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 via the heat exchanger 2. The secondary flow path 5 is a flow path through which the secondary coolant flows from an inlet 51 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 to an outlet 52 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 via the heat exchanger 2. Note that in FIGS. 1 to 3, the primary flow path 4 is indicated by an arrow of a thin broken line, and the secondary flow path 5 is indicated by an arrow of a thick broken line.

Hereinafter, a first direction of the heat exchanger 2 is referred to as an X direction, one side in the first direction is referred to as a positive side in the X direction, the other side in the first direction is referred to as a negative side in the X direction, the positive side in the X direction is referred to as a right side for convenience, and the negative side in the X direction is referred to as a left side for convenience. In addition, a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the heat exchanger 2 is referred to as a Y direction, one side in the second direction is referred to as a positive side in the Y direction, the other side in the second direction is referred to as a negative side in the Y direction, the positive side in the Y direction is referred to as a back side for convenience, and the negative side in the Y direction is referred to as a front side for convenience. Further, a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction of the heat exchanger 2 is referred to as a Z direction, and a positive side in the Z direction may be referred to as a vertically upward direction for convenience.

The inlet 41 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 is located in the lower section of the coolant distribution unit 10, on the positive side of the heat exchanger 2 in the X direction in the housing 3, and at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the positive side in the Y direction.

That is, the inlet 41 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 is located on the right side in the lower section of the back surface of the housing 3. The inlet 41 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 is fluidly connected to an outlet of the primary coolant in a cooling tower (not illustrated) that cools the primary coolant.

The outlet 42 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 is located in the middle section of the coolant distribution unit 10, on the positive side of the heat exchanger 2 in the X direction in the housing 3, and at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the positive side in the Y direction.

That is, the outlet 42 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 is located on the right side in the middle section of the back surface of the housing 3. The outlet 42 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 is fluidly connected to an inlet of the primary coolant in a cooling tower (not illustrated) that cools the primary coolant.

The inlet 51 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 is located in the lower section of the coolant distribution unit 10, on the negative side of the heat exchanger 2 in the X direction in the housing 3, and at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the positive side in the Y direction.

That is, the inlet 51 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 is located on the left side in the lower section of the back surface of the housing 3. The inlet 51 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 is fluidly connected to an outlet of the secondary coolant in a cold plate (not illustrated) attached to the cooling target device, for example.

The outlet 52 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 is located in the upper section of the coolant distribution unit 10, on the negative side of the heat exchanger 2 in the X direction in the housing 3, and at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the positive side in the Y direction.

That is, the outlet 52 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 is located on the left side in the upper section of the back surface of the housing 3. The outlet 52 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 is fluidly connected to an inlet of the secondary coolant in the cold plate (not illustrated) attached to the cooling target device, for example.

Further, both the side surfaces of the heat exchanger 2 on the positive side in the X direction and the negative side in the X direction include at least one of an inflow portion 43 for the primary coolant, an outflow portion 44 for the primary coolant, an inflow portion 53 for the secondary coolant, or an outflow portion 54 for the secondary coolant.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the inflow portion 43 for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 is located in the middle section of the coolant distribution unit 10 and on the front side of the housing 3 at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the right side. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the outflow portion 44 for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 is located on the back side in the middle section at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the right side.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the inflow portion 53 for the secondary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 is located on the back side in the lower section at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the left side. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the outflow portion 54 for the secondary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 is located on the front side in the lower section at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the right side.

Further, the coolant distribution unit 10 includes a solenoid valve 6, a first pump 7a, a second pump 7b, a third pump 7c, a distribution manifold 81, a collection manifold 82, flow rate sensors 11 and 12, a power supply unit 13, a display operation unit 14, and a tank 15.

The flow rate sensor 11 is provided in the primary flow path 4 and detects a flow rate of the primary coolant flowing through the primary flow path 4. The flow rate sensor 12 is provided in the secondary flow path 5 and detects a flow rate of the secondary coolant flowing through the secondary flow path 5. The solenoid valve 6 is provided in a pipe that fluidly connects the inlet 41 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 and the inflow portion 43 for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger 2, and adjusts a flow rate through the pipe.

The first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c are disposed along an inner surface of the side surface of the housing 3 on the front side so as to be close to the side surface of the housing 3 on the left side. The first pump 7a is located at an end on the negative side in the X direction. The second pump 7b is located adjacent to the positive side of the first pump 7a in the X direction. The third pump 7c is located adjacent to the positive side of the second pump 7b in the X direction. The distribution manifold 81 is located, in the lower section of the housing 3, between the heat exchanger 2 and the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c. The distribution manifold 81 is fluidly connected to the outflow portion 54 for the secondary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 and to the inflow portions for the secondary coolant in the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b and the third pump 7c.

The collection manifold 82 is located, in the middle and upper sections of the housing 3, between the heat exchanger 2 and the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c. The collection manifold 82 is fluidly connected to the outflow portions for the secondary coolant of the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c, and to the outlet 52 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3.

The display operation unit 14 is located on the right side of an outer surface of the side surface of the housing 3 on the front side. The tank 15 is located on the right side of an upper surface side in the upper section of the housing 3. The tank 15 is located between the side surface of the housing 3 on the right side and the third pump 7c.

The display operation unit 14 displays information such as flow rates and pressures of the primary coolant and the secondary coolant flowing in the coolant distribution unit 10. In addition, the display operation unit 14 displays operation buttons for controlling the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, the third pump 7c, the solenoid valve 6, and the like.

A part of the tank 15 on the back side covers a part of an upper surface of the collection manifold 82 on the right side. The tank 15 is fluidly connected to the collection manifold 82 at a position covering the collection manifold 82.

In the tank 15, when the pressure of the secondary coolant flowing in the collection manifold 82 rises, the secondary coolant flows in from the collection manifold 82. In the tank 15, when the pressure of the secondary coolant flowing in the collection manifold 82 falls, the secondary coolant flows out into the collection manifold 82.

The power supply unit 13 supplies electric power to the solenoid valve 6, the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, the third pump 7c, the display operation unit 14, and the like. The power supply unit 13 is disposed at a position facing the solenoid valve 6 in the Y direction in the upper section of the housing 3.

Specifically, the power supply unit 13 is located on the positive side with respect to the heat exchanger 2 in the X direction and on the positive side with respect to the solenoid valve 6 in the Y direction. That is, the power supply unit 13 is located at a right end on the back side in the upper section of the housing 3.

This makes it possible to suppress the interference of the power supply unit 13 with the solenoid valve 6 and to easily secure an arrangement space. Furthermore, the power supply unit 13 facilitates routing of wirings for power supply to the solenoid valve 6.

Here, flows of the primary coolant and the secondary coolant in the coolant distribution unit 10 will be described. The primary coolant enters the interior of the housing 3 from the inlet 41 located on the right side in the lower section of the back surface of the housing 3, passes through the primary flow path 4 located between the heat exchanger 2 and the side surface of the housing 3 on the right side, and moves to the middle section of the housing 3 through the solenoid valve 6.

Thereafter, the primary coolant enters the interior of the heat exchanger 2 from the inflow portion 43 located at the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the right side. In the process of flowing inside the heat exchanger 2, the primary coolant absorbs heat from the secondary coolant flowing inside the heat exchanger 2 and exits from the outflow portion 44 located on the right side of the heat exchanger 2.

Thereafter, the primary coolant passes through the primary flow path 4 located between the heat exchanger 2 and the side surface of the housing 3 on the right side, and flows out of the housing 3 from the outlet 42 located on the right side in the middle section of the back surface of the housing 3 to enter the cooling tower. The primary coolant is cooled in the cooling tower and enters the interior of the housing 3 again from the inlet 41 for the primary coolant in the housing 3.

The secondary coolant that has absorbed heat from the cooling target device in the process of passing through the interior of the cold plate enters the interior of the housing 3 from the inlet 51 located on the left side in the lower section of the back surface of the housing 3. Thereafter, the secondary coolant passes through the secondary flow path 5 located between the heat exchanger 2 and the side surface of the housing 3 on the left side, and enters the interior of the heat exchanger 2 from the inflow portion 53 located on the left side of the heat exchanger 2.

The secondary coolant is cooled by the primary coolant flowing inside the heat exchanger 2 in the process of flowing inside the heat exchanger 2, and flows out from the outflow portion 54 located on the right side of the heat exchanger 2 and enters the distribution manifold 81.

The secondary coolant is then distributed by the distribution manifold 81 to the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c. The secondary coolant is then pumped by the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c to the collection manifold 82 and collected by the collection manifold 82.

The collected secondary coolant passes through the secondary flow path 5 located between the heat exchanger 2 and the side surface of the housing 3 on the left side, and flows out of the housing 3 from the outlet 52 located on the left side in the upper section of the back surface of the housing 3 to enter the cold plate. Note that the coolant distribution unit 10 may be configured to pressure-feed the secondary coolant to each of the plurality of cold plates via a distribution manifold (not illustrated) provided outside the housing 3.

The secondary coolant that has entered the cold plate absorbs heat from the cooling target device in the cold plate, and flows into the interior of the housing 3 again from the inlet 51 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3. In this way, the coolant distribution unit 10 cools the cooling target device by circulating the secondary coolant, which is cooled in the process of passing through the heat exchanger 2, between the cold plate and the coolant distribution unit 10.

In the coolant distribution unit 10 described above, each of the side surfaces of the heat exchanger 2 on the positive side in the X direction and the negative side in the X direction has at least one of the inflow portion 43 for the primary coolant, the outflow portion 44 for the primary coolant, the inflow portion 53 for the secondary coolant, or the outflow portion 54 for the secondary coolant.

Thus, in the coolant distribution unit 10, the primary flow path 4 for the primary coolant and the secondary flow path 5 for the secondary coolant can be disposed separately on one side and the other side with the heat exchanger 2 interposed therebetween, and thus the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 are less likely to interfere with each other. That is, a portion of the primary flow path 4 excluding the inside of the heat exchanger 2 and a portion of the secondary flow path 5 excluding the inside of the heat exchanger 2 are less likely to interfere with each other.

Thus, in the coolant distribution unit 10, the complexity of routing of the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 inside the housing 3 is suppressed, and thus the pressure loss of the coolant flowing through the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 can be reduced.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inlet 41 and the outlet 42 for the primary coolant are located on the right side, which is the positive side in the X direction, with respect to the heat exchanger 2. Thus, in the coolant distribution unit 10, the primary flow path 4 can be integrated on the right side, which is the positive side in the X direction, with respect to the heat exchanger 2.

Accordingly, in the coolant distribution unit 10, the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 are less likely to interfere with each other except for the interior of the heat exchanger 2, and the complexity of routing of the primary flow path 4 is suppressed, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the coolant flowing through the primary flow path 4.

Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the inlet 51 and the outlet 52 for the secondary coolant are located on the negative side in the X direction with respect to the heat exchanger 2. Thus, in the coolant distribution unit 10, the secondary flow path 5 can be integrated on the negative side of the heat exchanger 2 in the X direction.

Thus, in the coolant distribution unit 10, the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 are less likely to interfere with each other except for the interior of the heat exchanger 2, and the complexity of routing of the secondary flow path 5 is suppressed, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the coolant flowing through the secondary flow path 5.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the coolant distribution unit 10, the solenoid valve 6 is disposed in a downstream flow path of the inlet 41 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 and an upstream flow path of the inflow portion 43 for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger 2, that is, a flow path between the inlet 41 and the inflow portion 43. This enables the coolant distribution unit 10 to adjust the flow rate of the primary coolant flowing into the heat exchanger 2.

Further, a pipe connecting the outflow portion 44 for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 and the outlet 42 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 is located on the back side, which is the positive side in the Y direction, with respect to the solenoid valve 6. Thus, the coolant distribution unit 10 can suppress interference between the solenoid valve 6 and the pipe connecting the heat exchanger 2 and the outlet 42 for the primary coolant of the housing 3.

In addition, the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c are connected to the secondary flow path 5 and are aligned in the X direction. The distribution manifold 81 extends in the X direction and distributes the secondary coolant from the secondary flow path 5 to the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c. The collection manifold 82 extends in the X direction, overlaps the distribution manifold 81 in the Z direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction, and collects the secondary coolant from the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c and directs the secondary coolant to the secondary flow path 5.

Then, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the tank 15 is connected to the secondary flow path 5, and at least a part of the tank 15 overlaps the distribution manifold 81 and the collection manifold 82 in the Z direction. In the coolant distribution unit 10, this improves space efficiency in the housing 3 compared to a case where the tank 15 is provided at a position not overlapping the distribution manifold 81 and the collection manifold 82 in a plan view.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the distribution manifold 81 and the collection manifold 82 has a length in the X direction longer than the sum of lengths of the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c in the X direction. Accordingly, the distribution manifold 81 can be connected to the heat exchanger 2 at a position not overlapping the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c in the X direction, and thus a connection structure with the heat exchanger 2 is easily fabricated. Further, the collection manifold 82 can be connected to the tank 15 at a position not overlapping the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c in the X direction, and thus, a connection structure with the tank 15 is easily fabricated.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a pipe connecting the collection manifold 82 and the outlet 52 for the secondary coolant is located on the left side, which is the negative side in the X direction, with respect to the heat exchanger 2. That is, the pipe connecting the collection manifold 82 and the outlet 52 for the secondary coolant is located in a wide space between the heat exchanger 2 and the side surface of the housing 3 on the left side. Thus, in the coolant distribution unit 10, even when a diameter of the pipe connecting the collection manifold 82 and the outlet 52 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3 is increased, it is less likely to interfere with the heat exchanger 2.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the outflow portion 44 for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 is located on the back side, which is the positive side in the Y direction, with respect to the solenoid valve 6. Thus, the coolant distribution unit 10 can suppress interference between the solenoid valve 6 and the pipe connecting the heat exchanger 2 and the outlet 42 for the primary coolant.

Note that the configuration of the coolant distribution unit 10 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. Next, coolant distribution units 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E according to first to fifth modifications will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit 10A according to the first modification of the example embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit 10A according to the first modification of the example embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit 10A according to the first modification of the example embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the coolant distribution unit 10A according to the first modification differs from the coolant distribution unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 in terms of positions of the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, the third pump 7c, and the tank 15 and a position of a flow path for the secondary coolant connecting the heat exchanger 2 and the distribution manifold 81.

In the coolant distribution unit 10A, the positions of the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, the third pump 7c, and the tank 15 are bilaterally symmetrical to the positions of the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, the third pump 7c, and the tank 15 of the coolant distribution unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. In addition, in the coolant distribution unit 10A, a position of the flow path for the secondary coolant connecting the heat exchanger 2 and the distribution manifold 81 is bilaterally symmetrical to the position of the flow path for the secondary coolant connecting the heat exchanger 2 and the distribution manifold 81 of the coolant distribution unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

Also in the coolant distribution unit 10A according to the first modification, with the heat exchanger 2 interposed therebetween, the primary flow path 4 is disposed on the right side of the heat exchanger 2 and the secondary flow path 5 is disposed on the left side of the heat exchanger 2. Thus, in the coolant distribution unit 10A, the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 are less likely to interfere with each other except for the interior of the heat exchanger 2, and thus, the complexity of routing of the coolant flow path inside the housing 3 is suppressed, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit 10B according to the second modification of the example embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit 10B according to the second modification of the example embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit 10B according to the second modification of the example embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, the coolant distribution unit 10B according to the second modification is different from the coolant distribution unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 in terms of the position of the outlet 42 for the primary coolant in the housing 3 and the position of the tank 15.

In the coolant distribution unit 10B, a position of the outflow portion 44 for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 is bilaterally symmetrical to the position of the outflow portion 44 for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger 2 of the coolant distribution unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. In addition, in the coolant distribution unit 10B, the tank 15 is located above the heat exchanger 2. This allows the coolant distribution unit 10B to increase the volume of the tank 15.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit 10C according to the third modification of the example embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit 10C according to the third modification of the example embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit 10C according to the third modification of the example embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the coolant distribution unit 10C according to the third modification differs from the coolant distribution unit 10B illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 in terms of the position of the flow path for the secondary coolant connecting the heat exchanger 2 and the distribution manifold 81.

In the coolant distribution unit 10C, a position of the flow path for the secondary coolant connecting the heat exchanger 2 and the distribution manifold 81 is bilaterally symmetrical to the position of the flow path for the secondary coolant connecting the heat exchanger 2 and the distribution manifold 81 in the coolant distribution unit 10B illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9. In addition, in the coolant distribution unit 10C, the tank 15 is located above the heat exchanger 2. This allows the coolant distribution unit 10C to increase the volume of the tank 15.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a lower section of a coolant distribution unit 10D according to the fourth modification of the example embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of a middle section of the coolant distribution unit 10D according to the fourth modification of the example embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a configuration of an upper section of the coolant distribution unit 10D according to the fourth modification of the example embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, in the coolant distribution unit 10D according to the fourth modification, the heat exchanger 2 is disposed close to the right side and the back side in the housing 3. Then, in the coolant distribution unit 10D, the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 are located in a relatively wide region formed on the left side of the heat exchanger 2 in the housing 3.

As described above, in the coolant distribution unit 10D, the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 are located in a relatively wide region formed between the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the left side and the side surface of the housing 3 on the left side, and thus the portions of the primary flow path 4 and the secondary flow path 5 excluding the interior of the heat exchanger 2 are less likely to interfere with each other. This suppresses the complexity of routing of the coolant flow path inside the housing 3, and thus, the coolant distribution unit 10D can reduce the pressure loss of the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view of a coolant distribution unit 10E according to the fifth modification of the example embodiment in a top view. FIG. 17 is an explanatory view of the display operation unit 14 in the coolant distribution unit 10E according to the fifth modification of the example embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the coolant distribution unit 10E according to the fifth modification differs from the coolant distribution unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 in that the collection manifold 82 is not provided, and instead, a discharge flow path pipe 55 for the secondary coolant and connection flow path pipes 56 are provided.

The discharge flow path pipe 55 connects the first pump 7a and the outlet 52 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3. The connection flow path pipes 56 connect the second pump 7b and the third pump 7c to the discharge flow path pipe 55. As described above, the discharge flow path pipe 55 is a flow path connected to the outlet 52, but positions at which the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c are connected to the discharge flow path pipe 55 are different from each other in the Y direction.

To be specific, the discharge flow path pipe 55 extends parallel to the Y direction from a discharge port of the first pump 7a toward the outlet 52 for the secondary coolant in the housing 3. Further, the connection flow path pipes 56 are connected to discharge ports of the second pump 7b and the third pump 7c by connection portions 57. Each connection portion 57 is connected to the connection flow path pipe 56 by brazing, for example. Note that each connection portion 57 may be connected to the connection flow path pipe 56 by thermal diffusion bonding, gas welding, or the like. Further, the discharge flow path pipe 55 and the discharge port of the first pump 7a may be connected by the connection portion 57.

Each connection portion 57 includes, therein, a flow path extending in the Y direction and a flow path extending along a direction in which the connection flow path pipe 56 extends. The direction in which the connection flow path pipe 56 extends is a direction inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to the Y direction. That is, the connection flow path pipes 56 extend from the discharge ports of the second pump 7b and the third pump 7c toward the discharge flow path pipe 55 at an angle of 30 degrees to 60 degrees with respect to the Y direction.

Accordingly, in the coolant distribution unit 10E, bending of the flow path for the secondary coolant is reduced as compared with other coolant distribution units in which the flow path for the secondary coolant pressure-fed from the second pump 7b and the third pump 7c is bent at a right angle inside the collection manifold 82, and thus the pressure loss of the secondary coolant flowing through the flow path can be reduced. Additionally, the positions of the connection portions 57 in the Y direction are the same. Thus, common pumps (of the same type) can be used for the second pump 7b and the third pump 7c. Note that in the example illustrated in FIG. 16, the connection portion 57 has a trapezoidal shape in a plan view, but the shape of the connection portion 57 in a plan view may be any shape such as a triangular shape or a quadrangular shape as long as the shape can reduce the flow path loss.

In addition, a diameter of the connection flow path pipe 56 is smaller than a diameter of the discharge flow path pipe 55. Thus, an amount of the secondary coolant that can flow through the connection flow path pipe 56 is smaller than an amount of the secondary coolant that can flow through the discharge flow path pipe 55, but a flow rate of the secondary coolant that flows through the connection flow path pipe 56 is smaller than a flow rate of the secondary coolant that flows through the discharge flow path pipe 55 after merging, and thus the pressure loss of the secondary coolant can be reduced.

In addition, at least a part of the connection flow path pipe 56 overlaps the heat exchanger 2 in the Z direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction. Since the diameter of the connection flow path pipe 56 is smaller than the diameter of the discharge flow path pipe 55, the connection flow path pipe 56 can be disposed in a wide empty space above the heat exchanger 2, and thus the connection flow path pipe 56 can be easily routed.

Additionally, the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, the third pump 7c, and the discharge flow path pipe 55 are disposed close to the negative side in the X direction in the housing 3. This enables the coolant distribution unit 10E to reduce the sum of the lengths of the discharge flow path pipe 55 and the connection flow path pipe 56.

Further, the distribution manifold 81 includes an inflow portion (that has a configuration similar to the configuration in FIG. 1) into which the secondary coolant flows from the heat exchanger 2 on the positive side in the X direction. Thus, the coolant distribution unit 10E can equalize lengths of the flow paths from the inflow portion for the secondary coolant in the distribution manifold 81 to the discharge flow path pipe 55 through the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c.

To be specific, a flow path length from the outlet of the secondary coolant in the distribution manifold 81 to the third pump 7c is shorter than a flow path length from the outlet of the secondary coolant in the distribution manifold 81 to the first pump 7a on the negative side in the X direction.

On the other hand, a flow path length from the third pump 7c to the discharge flow path pipe 55 is longer than a flow path length from the second pump 7b to the discharge flow path pipe 55. Furthermore, when the inflow portion for the secondary coolant in the distribution manifold 81 is located on the positive side in the X direction of the distribution manifold 81, the coolant distribution unit 10E can equalize the lengths of the respective flow paths from the inflow portion for the secondary coolant in the distribution manifold 81 to the discharge flow path pipe 55 through the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c.

In addition, in the discharge flow path pipe 55, a length L1 from an end portion of the discharge flow path pipe 55 on the negative side in the Y direction to a position to which the shorter connection flow path pipe 56 is connected is smaller than a length L2 from a position to which the longer connection flow path pipe 56 is connected to the outlet 52. Here, when the discharge flow path pipe 55 and the discharge port of the first pump 7a are connected by the connection portion 57, the end portion of the discharge flow path pipe 55 on the negative side in the Y direction means a position where the discharge flow path pipe 55 and the connection portion 57 are connected.

Since the length L1 is small, the secondary coolant flowing through the connection flow path pipe 56 can be quickly merged with the discharge flow path pipe 55. Further, since the length L2 is large, a stable flow of the secondary coolant is fed out from the outlet 52.

In addition, in the coolant distribution unit 10E, a circuit board 16 is disposed in a space where the tank 15 is disposed in the coolant distribution unit 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The circuit board 16 is electrically connected to the flow rate sensors 11 and 12, the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, the third pump 7c, the solenoid valve 6, and the like, in one example. The circuit board 16 adjusts rotational speeds of the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, and the third pump 7c and an opening degree of the solenoid valve 6 according to measurement values of the flow rate sensors 11 and 12.

Further, the tank 15 of the coolant distribution unit 10E is disposed above the heat exchanger 2. In this case, the tank 15 is fluidly connected to the distribution manifold 81 by a flow path pipe passing between the side surface of the heat exchanger 2 on the negative side in the X direction and the housing 3 from the side in the X direction.

Note that the tank 15 of the coolant distribution unit 10E may be disposed to overlap the distribution manifold 81 in a vertical direction. In this case, a connection port provided at a lower surface of the tank 15 and a connection port provided at an upper surface of the distribution manifold 81 are fluidly connected to each other.

Further, the display operation unit 14 of the coolant distribution unit 10E may be disposed so as to partially overlap the third pump 7c in the Y direction. In this case, an end portion of the display operation unit 14 on the positive side in the X direction is rotatably fixed to the housing 3.

Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the coolant distribution unit 10E enables the third pump 7c to be inserted and removed by opening the display operation unit 14. In addition, in the coolant distribution unit 10E, the maintenance of the circuit board 16 is facilitated by opening the display operation unit 14.

Further, in the coolant distribution unit 10E, when the tank 15 is disposed above the heat exchanger 2 and on the back side inside the housing 3, a water supply port of the tank 15 and a window through which a liquid surface can be visually observed may be provided on the back surface of the housing 3. This enables the maintenance of the tank 15 in the coolant distribution unit 10E without removing the tank 15 from the housing 3.

In addition, the coolant distribution unit 10E may be provided with a liquid reception tray that receives a leaking secondary coolant and a flow path that returns the secondary coolant from the liquid reception tray to the tank 15 below the discharge flow path pipe 55 and the connection flow path pipe 56.

Next, a movable structure of the display operation unit 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating a movable structure of the display operation unit 14 in the coolant distribution unit according to the example embodiment. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view illustrating a modification of the movable structure of the display operation unit 14 in the coolant distribution unit according to the example embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the display operation unit 14 includes an opening/closing portion 21 and a swing portion 22. The opening/closing portion 21 is fixed to the housing 3 by using opening/closing hinges 24 and 25 such that an end portion thereof on the positive side in the X direction is rotatable with respect to the housing 3. The opening/closing portion 21 is opened and closed with an axis AX1 parallel to the Z direction as a rotation axis.

The swing portion 22 is disposed with a touch panel 23. The touch panel 23 displays information such as flow rates and pressures of the primary coolant and the secondary coolant, operation buttons for controlling the first pump 7a, the second pump 7b, the third pump 7c, the solenoid valve 6, and the like.

The swing portion 22 is rotatably fixed to the opening/closing portion 21 by using a swing hinge 26. The swing portion 22 rotates about an axis AX2 parallel to the X direction as a rotation axis. Thus, the opening/closing portion 21 of the display operation unit 14 is released together with the swing portion 22, and thus, the third pump 7c can be inserted into and removed from the coolant distribution unit.

Further, the coolant distribution unit may be installed, for example, in a lower portion of a server rack. In this case, in the coolant distribution unit, after the opening/closing portion 21 of the display operation unit 14 is released together with the swing portion 22, the swing portion 22 is rotated such that a display surface of the touch panel 23 faces upward, and thus an operator can check the display of the touch panel 23 without bending down.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 19, a display operation unit 14A according to the modification includes an opening/closing portion 21A and a swing portion 22A. The opening/closing portion 21A is fixed to the housing 3 by using opening/closing hinges 24A and 25A such that an end portion thereof on the positive side in the X direction is rotatable with respect to the housing 3. The opening/closing portion 21A is opened and closed with the axis AX1 parallel to the Z direction as a rotation axis.

Additionally, the opening/closing portion 21A includes a vertically long portion that extends in the X direction in a closed state and to which the opening/closing hinges 24A and 25A are attached, and a horizontally long portion that extends from an end portion of the vertically long portion on the positive side in the Z direction toward the positive side in the Y direction.

The swing portion 22A is disposed with a touch panel 23A. Then, the swing portion 22A is rotatably fixed to the horizontally long portion of the opening/closing portion 21A by using a swing hinge 26A. The swing portion 22A rotates about the axis AX2 parallel to the X direction as a rotation axis. In other words, the swing portion 22A is opened and closed with the axis AX2 as a rotation axis.

Thus, even in a state where the opening/closing portion 21A is closed, in the display operation unit 14A, an operator can check the display of the touch panel 23A without bending down because a lower end of the swing portion 22A is pulled up.

In addition, when the operator releases the display operation unit 14A, the operator holds the horizontally long portion of the opening/closing portion 21A, and malfunction of the swing hinge 26A against the intention can be suppressed. Further, the operator can turn the touch panel 23A upward with a small force by swinging the swing portion 22A while holding a portion of the swing portion 22A far from the swing hinge 26A.

Note that the present technology can have configurations such as the following.

• • (1) A coolant distribution unit including a heat exchanger, a housing to accommodate the heat exchanger, a primary flow path through which a primary coolant flows from an inlet of the primary coolant in the housing to an outlet of the primary coolant in the housing via the heat exchanger, and a secondary flow path through which a secondary coolant flows from an inlet of the secondary coolant in the housing to an outlet of the secondary coolant in the housing via the heat exchanger, in which a side surface of the heat exchanger on one side in a first direction and a side surface of the heat exchanger on another side in the first direction respectively include at least one of an inflow portion of the primary coolant, an outflow portion of the primary coolant, an inflow portion of the secondary coolant, or an outflow portion of the secondary coolant.
  • (2) The coolant distribution unit according to (1), in which the inlet and the outlet of the primary coolant are located on the one side in the first direction with respect to the heat exchanger.
  • (3) The coolant distribution unit according to (2), in which the inlet and the outlet of the secondary coolant are located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the heat exchanger.
  • (4) The coolant distribution unit according to any one of (1) to (3), further including a solenoid valve located between the inlet of the primary coolant in the primary flow path and the heat exchanger.
  • (5) The coolant distribution unit according to (4), in which a pipe connecting the outflow portion for the primary coolant in the heat exchanger and the outlet of the primary coolant in the housing is located on one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with respect to the solenoid valve.
  • (6) The coolant distribution unit according to (5), including a plurality of pumps connected to the secondary flow path, the plurality of pumps being aligned in the first direction, a distribution manifold extending in the first direction, the distribution manifold to distribute the secondary coolant from the secondary flow path to the plurality of pumps, a collection manifold extending in the first direction, the collection manifold overlapping the distribution manifold in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, the collection manifold to collect the secondary coolant from the plurality of pumps and to direct the secondary coolant to the secondary flow path, and a tank connected to the secondary flow path, at least a portion of the tank overlapping the distribution manifold and the collection manifold in the third direction.
  • (7) The coolant distribution unit according to (6), in which each of the distribution manifold and the collection manifold has a length in the first direction longer than a sum of lengths of the plurality of pumps in the first direction.
  • (8) The coolant distribution unit according to (6) or (7), in which a pipe connecting the collection manifold and the outlet of the secondary coolant is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the heat exchanger.
  • (9) The coolant distribution unit according to (4), in which the outflow portion of the primary coolant in the heat exchanger is located on one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with respect to the solenoid valve.
  • (10) The coolant distribution unit according to (5) or (9), further including a plurality of pumps connected to the secondary flow path, the plurality of pumps being aligned in the first direction, a discharge flow path pipe of the secondary coolant connecting a pump located at an end on the other side in the first direction among the plurality of pumps and the outlet of the secondary coolant in the housing, and a connection flow path pipe connecting the discharge flow path pipe and a different pump other than the pump located at the end on the other side in the first direction among the plurality of pumps.
  • (11) The coolant distribution unit according to (10), in which the connection flow path pipe has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the discharge flow path pipe, and at least a portion of the connection flow path pipe overlaps the heat exchanger in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.
  • (12) The coolant distribution unit according to (10) or (11), in which the plurality of pumps and the discharge flow path pipe are adjacent to the end on the other side in the first direction in the housing.
  • (13) The coolant distribution unit according to any one of (10) to (12), including a distribution manifold extending in the first direction to distribute the secondary coolant from the secondary flow path to the plurality of pumps, in which the distribution manifold includes an inflow portion into which the secondary coolant flows from the heat exchanger on the one side in the first direction.

Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details and representative example embodiments illustrated and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Features of the above-described preferred 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.