Structure for Cooling Heat Generator and Power Conversion Equipment

Abstract

The disclosed invention provides power conversion equipment in which the thermal resistance of thermal connections is reduced. A structure for cooling a heat generator includes a heat generator having at least one cooled surface having protruding convex portions formed thereon, a heat receiving spacer in which hollow portions into which the convex portions are inserted are formed, clamping members which press and clamp the heat receiving space and the heat generator sandwiched therebetween, and a cooler which cools the heat receiving spacer. In an engagement state in which the heat generator and the heat receiving spacer are engaged by the clamping members, a distance between the cooled surface and the end faces of the convex portions is smaller than a distance between the cooled surface and a face, facing either of the clamping members, of the heat receiving spacer.

1 . A structure for cooling a heat generator comprising:
 a heat generator having at least one cooled surface having protruding convex portions formed thereon;   a heat receiving spacer in which hollow portions into which the convex portions are inserted are formed;   clamping members which press and clamp the heat receiving spacer and the heat generator sandwiched therebetween; and   a cooler which cools the heat receiving spacer,   wherein, in an engagement state in which the heat generator and the heat receiving spacer are engaged by the clamping members, a distance between the cooled surface and the end faces of the convex portions is smaller than a distance between the cooled surface and a face, facing either of the clamping members, of the heat receiving spacer.   
     
     
         2 . The structure for cooling a heat generator according to  claim 1 , wherein, in an engagement state in which the convex portions of the heat generator have been engaged in the hollow portions of the heat receiving spacer, gaps formed between the convex portions and the hollow portions are filled with a first heat conductive material. 
     
     
         3 . The structure for cooling a heat generator according to  claim 1 , wherein gaps formed between one of the clamping members and a face, facing the one of the clamping members, of the heat receiving spacer are filled with a second heat conductive material. 
     
     
         4 . The structure for cooling a heat generator according to  claim 3 , wherein, when viewing the heat generator from a direction parallel to a direction in which the convex portions protrude, a filler area where the second heat conductive material is filled is larger than a filler area where the first heat conductive material is filled. 
     
     
         5 . The structure for cooling a heat generator according to  claim 1 , wherein the hollow portions are through holes. 
     
     
         6 . The structure for cooling a heat generator according to  claim 2 , wherein the heat conductive material is heat conductive grease. 
     
     
         7 . The structure for cooling a heat generator according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the clamping members clamp a pair of heat receiving spacers, each facing either of dual opposite sides of the heat generator, sandwiched therebetween and cools the heat generator by contacting heat pipes, and   wherein the heat pipes are provided with heat radiation fins.   
     
     
         8 . Power conversion equipment comprising:
 a heat generator having at least one cooled surface having protruding convex portions formed thereon;   a heat receiving spacer in which hollow portions into which the convex portions are inserted are formed;   clamping members which press and clamp the heat receiving spacer and the heat generator sandwiched therebetween;   a cooler which cools the heat receiving spacer;   heat pipes brought in contact with the camping members; and   heat radiation fins provided on the heat pipes,   
       wherein, in an engagement state in which the heat generator and the heat receiving spacer are engaged by the clamping members, a distance between the cooled surface and the end faces of the convex portions is smaller than a distance between the cooled surface and a face, facing either of the clamping members, of the heat receiving spacer.