Flexible heat pipe and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a flexible heat pipe and a preparation method of the flexible heat pipe. The flexible heat pipe comprises a first shell, a second shell and a nanometer layer, the first shell comprises a first welding face, and the second shell comprises a second welding face; the nano layer is arranged on at least part of the first welding surface and at least part of the second welding surface so as to be used for welding between the first shell and the second shell; the nanometer layers are arranged on the first welding surface and the second welding surface, so that the welding quality and the welding firmness between the first shell and the second shell can be better ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radiator technology, and more specifically, to a flexible heat pipe and a method for preparing a flexible heat pipe. Background Technology

[0002] As a highly efficient heat transfer device with phase change heat transfer, heat pipes have rapidly become a mainstream heat dissipation device with the development of consumer electronics products in recent years. Furthermore, with the rise of the foldable phone market, the demand for flexible heat pipes that require repeated bending is also increasing.

[0003] However, the welding temperature of the welding process used for heat pipes in the existing technology is above 500℃, which causes the flexible heat pipe to decompose or deform when welding, thus seriously affecting the welding quality and weld strength of the flexible heat pipe.

[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One objective of this invention is to provide a new technical solution for a flexible heat pipe and a method for preparing a flexible heat pipe.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a flexible heat pipe is provided, wherein the flexible heat pipe comprises:

[0007] A first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing includes a first welding surface and the second housing includes a second welding surface;

[0008] A nanolayer disposed on at least a portion of the first welding surface and at least a portion of the second welding surface for welding between the first housing and the second housing.

[0009] Optionally, the welding temperature between the first housing and the second housing is 240℃-320℃.

[0010] Optionally, the nanolayer is a silver nanolayer.

[0011] Optionally, the thickness of the nanolayer ranges from 100 nm to 10000 nm.

[0012] Optionally, a receiving cavity is formed between the first housing and the second housing, the receiving cavity including an evaporation region and a condensation region, the evaporation region and the condensation region being located at opposite ends of the receiving cavity.

[0013] Optionally, the first housing further includes a first corrugated structure, and the second housing further includes a second corrugated structure, with the first corrugated structure and the second corrugated structure forming a transition region of the receiving cavity, and the transition region being located between the evaporation region and the condensation region.

[0014] Optionally, the flexible heat pipe further includes a first capillary wick, which includes a first section, a corrugated section, and a second section. The first section is disposed in the evaporation region, the corrugated section is disposed in the transition region, and the second section is disposed in the condensation region.

[0015] Optionally, the first capillary core includes at least one of a metal wire braided tape capillary core and a metal mesh capillary core.

[0016] Optionally, the width of the first capillary core is smaller than the width of the receiving cavity;

[0017] The flexible heat pipe further includes a second capillary wick, the width of which is greater than the width of the first capillary wick. The second capillary wick is disposed in the evaporation region and the condensation region, and the second capillary wick is located between the first capillary wick and the first shell, and / or the second capillary wick is located between the first capillary wick and the second shell.

[0018] Optionally, the second capillary core includes at least one of an etched capillary core, a wire mesh capillary core, and a sintered metal powder capillary core.

[0019] Optionally, the flexible heat pipe further includes a first reinforcing shell and a second reinforcing shell;

[0020] The first reinforcing shell is disposed in the evaporation area, and the first reinforcing shell is fixed to the first shell and / or the second shell;

[0021] The second reinforcing housing is disposed in the condensation area, and the second reinforcing housing is fixed to the first housing and / or the second housing.

[0022] Optionally, the first reinforcing shell is a tubular structure with a first channel, and the first section is disposed in the first channel;

[0023] And / or, the second reinforcing housing is a tubular structure having a second channel, wherein the second segment is disposed in the second channel.

[0024] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the first channel includes at least one of a rectangle, an ellipse, and a circle;

[0025] And / or, the cross-sectional shape of the second channel includes at least one of rectangular, elliptical and circular shapes.

[0026] Optionally, the first housing further includes a first groove, and the second housing further includes a second groove, the first groove and the second groove being used to form an injection channel.

[0027] Optionally, the material of the first housing includes at least one of copper-clad laminate and copper foil;

[0028] The material of the second housing includes at least one of copper-clad laminate and copper foil.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing a flexible heat pipe is provided, wherein the preparation method includes:

[0030] A nanolayer is provided on at least a portion of the first welding surface of the first housing and at least a portion of the second welding surface of the second housing;

[0031] The first welding surface and the second welding surface are welded together through the nanolayer.

[0032] Optionally, after the nanolayer is formed on at least a portion of the first welding surface of the first housing and at least a portion of the second welding surface of the second housing, the process further includes welding the first welding surface and the second welding surface through the nanolayer:

[0033] A first reinforcing shell and a second reinforcing shell are provided on the first shell, and a first reinforcing shell and a second reinforcing shell are provided on the second shell.

[0034] Optionally, a first reinforcing shell and a second reinforcing shell are provided on the first shell, and after providing the first reinforcing shell and the second reinforcing shell on the second shell, before welding the first welding surface and the second welding surface through the nanolayer, the process further includes:

[0035] A second capillary wick is provided on the first reinforcing housing, and / or a second capillary wick is provided on the second reinforcing housing.

[0036] Optionally, after providing a second capillary core on the first reinforcing shell, and / or after providing a second capillary core on the second reinforcing shell, before welding the first welding surface and the second welding surface through the nanolayer, the method further includes:

[0037] The first capillary is disposed on the second capillary.

[0038] Optionally, after the nanolayer is formed on at least a portion of the first welding surface of the first housing and at least a portion of the second welding surface of the second housing, the process further includes welding the first welding surface and the second welding surface through the nanolayer:

[0039] An injection tube is provided on the first groove of the first housing, or on the second groove of the second housing.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a flexible heat pipe is provided, the flexible heat pipe comprising a first shell, a second shell, and a nanolayer, the first shell comprising a first welding surface, and the second shell comprising a second welding surface; the nanolayer is disposed on at least a portion of the first shell and at least a portion of the second shell for welding between the first shell and the second shell; by disposing the nanolayer on the first welding surface and the second welding surface, the welding quality and welding strength between the first shell and the second shell can be better guaranteed.

[0041] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0043] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a flexible heat pipe in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a flexible heat pipe in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a flexible heat pipe in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first reinforcing shell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second reinforcing shell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid injection channel of a flexible heat pipe in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid injection channel of a flexible heat pipe in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a flexible heat pipe fabrication method in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0052] 1. First housing; 101. First welding surface; 102. First corrugated structure; 103. First groove;

[0053] 2. Second housing; 201. Second welding surface; 202. Second corrugated structure; 203. Second groove;

[0054] 3. Receiving cavity; 301. Evaporation zone; 302. Transition zone; 303. Condensation zone;

[0055] 4. First capillary core; 401. First section; 402. Corrugated section; 403. Second section;

[0056] 5. Second capillary core;

[0057] 6. First reinforcing shell; 61. First channel;

[0058] 7. Second reinforcing shell; 71. Second channel;

[0059] 8. Injection tube; 81. First end; 82. Second end;

[0060] 9. Return liquid channel;

[0061] 10. Steam passage;

[0062] 11. Injection channel. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0064] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0065] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0066] According to one embodiment of this application, a flexible heat pipe is provided, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the flexible heat pipe includes a first housing 1, a second housing 2, and a nanolayer. The first housing 1 includes a first welding surface 101, and the second housing 2 includes a second welding surface 201. The nanolayer is disposed on at least a portion of the first welding surface 101 and at least a portion of the second welding surface 201 for welding between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0067] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of this application, the flexible heat pipe includes a first housing 1 and a second housing 2. The first housing 1 is a first plate-shaped structure with grooves, formed by stamping or cutting copper-clad laminate. The first plate-shaped structure includes a first flange disposed around the opening of the groove in the first plate-shaped structure. The second housing 2 is a second plate-shaped structure with grooves, formed by stamping or cutting copper-clad laminate. The second plate-shaped structure includes a second flange disposed around the opening of the groove in the second plate-shaped structure. The side of the first flange of the first housing 1 facing the opening of the groove in the first housing 1 is the first welding surface 101, and the side of the second flange of the second housing 2 facing the opening of the groove in the second housing 2 is the second welding surface 201.

[0068] Of course, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can also be other structures, such as tubular structures. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can also be without flanges, for example, the first welding surface 101 is the cross-section of the first housing 1 and the second welding surface 201 is the cross-section of the second housing 2.

[0069] Since the copper-clad laminate described in this application embodiment is composed of two layers of copper with an insulating base film material sandwiched between them, the two layers of copper include at least one of copper foil, aluminum foil, and copper-beryllium alloy foil, and the insulating base film material includes at least one of polyester, polyimide, polyesterimide, fluorocarbon ethylene, imide fiber, and polybutene para-phthalate, and the temperature resistance of the above materials is all below 500°C, the copper-clad laminate will decompose or deform under high temperature conditions when using traditional high-temperature welding processes, which will seriously affect the welding quality between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. If a low-temperature welding process is used directly for welding, the welding strength between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 will be poor.

[0070] Therefore, by providing a nanolayer on the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201, the nanolayer can effectively ensure the welding quality and welding strength between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are welded using a low-temperature welding process, thereby better meeting the packaging requirements and usage requirements of the flexible heat pipe.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first housing 1 can also be formed by stamping or cutting copper foil, and the second housing 2 can also be formed by stamping or cutting copper foil, so that the flexible heat pipe prepared from the copper foil can better meet the requirements of lightweighting and miniaturization of consumer electronics products. Moreover, after using copper foil to prepare the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, since this embodiment also provides a nanolayer on the first welding surface 101 of the first housing 1 and the second welding surface 201 of the second housing 2, the welding quality and welding strength between the two layers of copper foil can be effectively guaranteed.

[0072] Furthermore, in order to enable the flexible heat pipe to not only have superior thermal conductivity, excellent flexibility and bendability, but also to meet the repeated bending requirements of foldable mobile phones, it is preferable to use flexible copper-clad laminate or flexible copper foil to prepare the first housing 1, and to use flexible copper-clad laminate or flexible copper foil to prepare the second housing 2.

[0073] Optionally, the welding temperature between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is 240℃-320℃.

[0074] Specifically, since the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 in this embodiment are both made of the copper-clad laminate, when the insulating base film material of the copper-clad laminate is polyester, polyimide, or fluorocarbon ethylene, the heat resistance of the polyester, polyimide, or fluorocarbon ethylene is below 350°C. Therefore, when welding at higher temperatures, the polyester, polyimide, or fluorocarbon ethylene is prone to decomposition or deformation under high-temperature conditions. For this reason, the welding temperature between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is preferably 240°C-320°C.

[0075] The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be welded using a low-temperature hot-press diffusion welding process. Furthermore, to further ensure the welding effect between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the preferred hot-press welding temperature for the low-temperature hot-press diffusion welding process is 240℃-320℃, the hot-press welding pressure is 30-300 MPa, and the pressure holding time is 10-60 min.

[0076] Of course, in order to further improve the welding yield between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, low-temperature hot-press diffusion welding can also be performed under vacuum conditions.

[0077] Furthermore, since nanolayers are provided on the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are welded using a low-temperature hot-press diffusion welding process, the nanolayers on the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201 can also diffuse into each other as intermediate materials in the low-temperature hot-press diffusion welding process, thereby forming a new diffusion layer between the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201, thereby further improving the welding quality and welding strength between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0078] In addition, while meeting the welding requirements between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, other welding processes can also be used to weld the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions here.

[0079] Optionally, the nanolayer is a silver nanolayer.

[0080] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, by setting the nanolayer to a nano-silver layer, the nano-silver layer can better connect the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201 when welding the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and can make the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201 in close contact, thereby effectively ensuring the welding quality and welding firmness between the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201.

[0081] Optionally, the thickness of the nanolayer ranges from 100 nm to 10000 nm.

[0082] Specifically, since the thickness of the nanolayer is less than 100 nm, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are welded using low-temperature hot-press diffusion welding, the nanolayer cannot fill the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201, thus exposing the copper foil on the surface of the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201. Consequently, after welding, gaps are easily generated between the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201, and these gaps will seriously affect the welding quality and welding strength between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. On the other hand, when the thickness of the nanolayer is greater than 10000 nm, the thicker nanolayer will result in the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201 being too thick, which will seriously affect the bending performance of the flexible heat pipe. Therefore, in order to ensure the bending performance of the flexible heat pipe, the thickness range of the nanolayer is preferably 100 nm to 1000 nm.

[0083] Optionally, a receiving cavity 3 is formed between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. The receiving cavity 3 includes an evaporation region 301 and a condensation region 303, which are located at opposite ends of the receiving cavity 3.

[0084] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, since the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 in this embodiment are plate-like structures with grooves, after welding the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the grooves can form the receiving cavity 3 between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. The receiving cavity 3 is used to accommodate the capillary wick and the working fluid. The capillary wick can be made of metal, fiber, or cloth, etc., and its structure can be a woven mesh or woven thread, etc. The working fluid can be deionized water, anhydrous ethanol, or a fluorocarbon, etc.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, since the receiving cavity 3 includes the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303, when the flexible heat pipe is in use, the working fluid in the evaporation region 301 can absorb heat and evaporate into steam. The steam can quickly move from the steam channel 10 in the receiving cavity 3 to the condensation region 303 of the receiving cavity 3 for pre-cooling and condensation into liquid. Then, the liquid working fluid flows back to the evaporation region 301 through the return channel 9 formed by the capillary core. This cycle repeats continuously, effectively realizing the transfer of heat from the evaporation region 301 to the condensation region 303.

[0086] Optionally, the first housing 1 further includes a first corrugated structure 102, and the second housing 2 further includes a second corrugated structure 202. A transition region 302 of the receiving cavity 3 is formed between the first corrugated structure 102 and the second corrugated structure 202, and the transition region 302 is located between the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303.

[0087] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, to meet the repeated bending requirements of consumer electronics products, this embodiment of the application provides bending positions on the flexible heat pipe. The first housing 1 includes a first corrugated structure 102, and the second housing 2 includes a second corrugated structure 202. After the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are welded together, the first corrugated structure 102 and the second corrugated structure 202 can form the bending positions of the flexible heat pipe, thereby better meeting the repeated bending requirements of consumer electronics products.

[0088] Furthermore, after the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are welded, a transition region 302 of the receiving cavity 3 can be formed between the first corrugated structure 102 and the second corrugated structure 202, such that the transition region 302 is located between the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303.

[0089] The transition region 302 includes a liquid return channel 9 and a vapor channel 10, which facilitate the movement of the gaseous working fluid from the evaporation region 301 to the condensation region 303, and facilitate the movement of the liquid working fluid from the condensation region 303 to the evaporation region 301.

[0090] In addition, in order to further improve the bending performance of the flexible heat pipe, it is preferable that the crests and troughs of the first corrugated structure 102 of the first housing 1 correspond one-to-one with the crests and troughs of the second corrugated structure 202 of the second housing 2 and the vertical spacing is equal.

[0091] Optionally, the flexible heat pipe further includes a first capillary wick 4, which includes a first section 401, a corrugated section 402, and a second section 403. The first section 401 is disposed in the evaporation region 301, the corrugated section 402 is disposed in the transition region 302, and the second section 403 is disposed in the condensation region 303.

[0092] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first capillary wick 4 includes a first segment 401, a corrugated segment 402, and a second segment 403. The first segment 401 is disposed in the evaporation region 301, the corrugated segment 402 is disposed in the transition region 302, and the second segment 403 is disposed in the condensation region 303. Therefore, the first capillary wick 4 can not only serve as the return channel 9 of the flexible heat pipe, so that the liquid working fluid in the condensation region 303 can flow back from the return channel 9 formed by the first capillary wick 4 to the evaporation region 301, but also serve as the support structure of the transition region 302 of the flexible heat pipe. This effectively prevents the transition region 302 from collapsing under negative pressure conditions and blocking the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303, thereby significantly improving the reliability and stability of the flexible heat pipe.

[0093] Optionally, the first capillary core 4 includes at least one of a metal wire braided tape capillary core and a metal mesh capillary core.

[0094] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, by setting the first capillary core 4 as a metal wire braided tape capillary core or setting the first capillary core 4 as a metal wire mesh capillary core, on the one hand, the reflux rate of the liquid working fluid can be effectively improved, ensuring the heat dissipation efficiency of the flexible heat pipe. On the other hand, the transition region 302 can be supported by metal wires or metal wires, further improving the reliability and stability of the flexible heat pipe.

[0095] Of course, while meeting the requirements for the use of the flexible heat pipe, the first capillary 4 can also be of other structures. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions here.

[0096] Furthermore, when the first capillary 4 is a metal wire braided tape capillary 4, it is not necessary to pre-press a corrugated shape on the metal wire braided tape capillary 4 to form a corrugated segment 402. It is only necessary to reserve the length of the corrugated segment 402 when fixing the metal wire braided tape capillary 4, which can effectively improve the preparation efficiency of the first capillary 4. However, when the first capillary 4 is a metal mesh capillary 4, it is necessary to pre-press a corrugated shape on the metal mesh capillary 4 to form a corrugated segment 402, so as to avoid the metal mesh capillary 4 being unable to form the corrugated segment 402 when preparing the flexible heat pipe later.

[0097] Optionally, the width of the first capillary 4 is smaller than the width of the receiving cavity 3; the flexible heat pipe further includes a second capillary 5, the width of the second capillary 5 is greater than the width of the first capillary 4, the second capillary 5 is disposed in the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303, and the second capillary 5 is located between the first capillary 4 and the first housing 1, and / or between the first capillary 4 and the second housing 2.

[0098] Specifically, such as Figure 3As shown in the embodiment of this application, the first capillary wick 4 is disposed in the evaporation region 301, transition region 302, and condensation region 303 of the receiving cavity 3. On the one hand, it can form a return channel 9 for the liquid working fluid in the condensation region 303 to flow back to the evaporation region 301, thereby significantly improving the return speed of the liquid working fluid in the condensation region 303 to the evaporation region 301, and realizing the heat dissipation of consumer electronic products by the flexible heat pipe. On the other hand, since the width of the first capillary wick 4 is smaller than the width of the receiving cavity 3, gaps can also be formed between the first capillary wick 4 and the first shell 1 and between the first capillary wick 4 and the second shell 2. The gaps are used to form a steam channel 10 for transporting the steam in the evaporation region 301 to the condensation region 303, so that the steam can quickly move to the condensation region 303 for pre-cooling and condensation into liquid, thereby significantly enhancing the circulation efficiency of the flexible heat pipe and improving the heat dissipation effect of the flexible heat pipe.

[0099] Of course, the first capillary wick 4 can also be strip-shaped, with multiple first capillary wicks 4 spaced apart in the receiving cavity 3. The gaps between the multiple first capillary wicks 4 form a steam channel 10 that transports the steam from the evaporation zone 301 to the condensation zone 303. The steam channel 10 can also be disposed only between the first capillary wick 4 and the first housing 1, or only between the first capillary wick 4 and the second housing 2.

[0100] Furthermore, since the width of the first capillary wick 4 in this embodiment is smaller than the width of the receiving cavity 3, the capillary effect of the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303 is poor. Therefore, this embodiment also provides a second capillary wick 5 in the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303.

[0101] The width of the second capillary wick 5 is greater than the width of the first capillary wick 4, thereby enabling the second capillary wick 5 to enhance the capillary effect of the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303, and thus effectively improve the heat dissipation effect of the flexible heat pipe.

[0102] Of course, in the embodiments of this application, the second capillary wick 5 may be disposed only between the first capillary wick 4 and the first housing 1, or only between the first capillary wick 4 and the second housing 2, or the second capillary wick 5 may be disposed between the first capillary wick 4 and the first housing 1 and between the first capillary wick 4 and the second housing 2.

[0103] Furthermore, in order to maximize the capillary effect of the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303, the width of the second capillary wick 5 can be set to be equal to the width of the receiving cavity 3, so that the second capillary wick 5 can cover the evaporation region 301 or the condensation region 303.

[0104] In addition, in the embodiments of this application, the first capillary core 4 and the second capillary core 5 can be joined together by spot welding or sintering. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions here.

[0105] Optionally, the second capillary 5 includes at least one of an etched capillary wick, a wire mesh capillary wick, and a metal powder sintered capillary wick.

[0106] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, by setting the second capillary wick 5 to an etched capillary wick, a metal wire mesh capillary wick, or a metal powder sintered capillary wick, the capillary effect of the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303 can be significantly enhanced, thereby further improving the heat dissipation effect of the flexible heat pipe.

[0107] Of course, while meeting the heat dissipation requirements of the flexible heat pipe, the second capillary wick 5 can also be of other structures. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions here.

[0108] Optionally, the flexible heat pipe further includes a first reinforcing shell 6 and a second reinforcing shell 7; the first reinforcing shell 6 is disposed in the evaporation region 301 and is fixed to the first shell 1 and / or the second shell 2; the second reinforcing shell 7 is disposed in the condensation region 303 and is fixed to the first shell 1 and / or the second shell 2.

[0109] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, a first reinforcing shell 6 is provided in the evaporation region 301, and a second reinforcing shell 7 is provided in the condensation region 303. The first reinforcing shell 6 can be fixed to the first shell 1 or the second shell 2, and the second reinforcing shell 7 can be fixed to the first shell 1 or the second shell 2. This allows the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second reinforcing shell 7 to effectively prevent the evaporation region 301 and the condensation region 303 from collapsing under negative pressure conditions, further ensuring the reliability and stability of the flexible heat pipe.

[0110] The first reinforcing shell 6 and the second reinforcing shell 7 are plate-shaped structures made of metal tubes flattened to a predetermined thickness and hollowed out at the top. The first reinforcing shell 6 can fix the second capillary core 5 to the first shell 1 or the second shell 2 through the hollowed-out position, and the second reinforcing shell 7 can fix the second capillary core 5 to the first shell 1 or the second shell 2 through the hollowed-out position, thereby further improving the reliability and stability of the second capillary core 5.

[0111] Of course, the second capillary wick 5 can also be fixed to both the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions here.

[0112] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second capillary core 5, as well as the second reinforcing shell 7 and the second capillary core 5, can be joined together by spot welding or sintering to effectively ensure the installation reliability of the second capillary core 5.

[0113] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the first reinforcing shell 6 and the first shell 1, the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second shell 2, the second reinforcing shell 7 and the first shell 1, and the second reinforcing shell 7 and the second shell 2 can all be connected by welding, gluing or fastening, so as to effectively ensure the reliability and stability of the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second reinforcing shell 7.

[0114] Optionally, the first reinforcing housing 6 is a tubular structure with a first channel 61, and the first segment 401 is disposed in the first channel 61; and / or, the second reinforcing housing 7 is a tubular structure with a second channel 71, and the second segment 403 is disposed in the second channel 71.

[0115] Specifically, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, this embodiment of the application configures the first reinforcing shell 6 as a tubular structure with a first channel 61 and the second reinforcing shell 7 as a tubular structure with a second channel 71. The first reinforcing shell 6 is connected to the first shell 1 near its wall and to the first shell 1, and the side of the first reinforcing shell 6 near the second shell 2 is connected to the second shell 2. Similarly, the second reinforcing shell 7 is connected to the first shell 1 near its wall and to the first shell 1, and the side of the second reinforcing shell 7 near the second shell 2 is connected to the second shell 2. This effectively prevents the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 from collapsing under negative pressure, significantly improving the stability and reliability of the flexible heat pipe. Furthermore, since the first reinforcing shell 6 has the first channel 61 and the second reinforcing shell 7 has the second channel 71, the first capillary 4 and the second capillary 5 can also be disposed in the first channel 61 and the second channel 71, respectively. This allows the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second reinforcing shell 7 to support the first capillary 4 and the second capillary 5, further improving their stability and reliability.

[0116] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the first segment 401 of the first capillary 4 can be disposed in the first channel 61, and the second segment 403 of the first capillary 4 can be disposed in the second channel 71, so as to effectively improve the stability and reliability of the first capillary 4.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second reinforcing shell 7 can also form an integral structure to further improve the support for the first shell 1 and the second shell 2. The integral structure has a corrugated pipe structure at a position corresponding to the first corrugated structure 102 and the second corrugated structure 202. The corrugated pipe structure can effectively prevent the integral structure from affecting the bending performance of the flexible heat pipe.

[0118] Furthermore, in addition to meeting the support requirements of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the first reinforcing housing 6 can also be a mesh structure with a first channel 61, and the second reinforcing housing 7 can also be a mesh structure with a second channel 71, so as to further increase the accommodating space of the cavity and improve the heat dissipation effect of the flexible heat pipe.

[0119] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the first reinforcing shell 6 may be configured as a tubular structure with a first channel 61, such that the first segment 401 is disposed in the first channel 61; or, the second reinforcing shell 7 may be configured as a tubular structure with a second channel 71, such that the second segment 403 is disposed in the second channel 71. Those skilled in the art can make the selection according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific limitations here.

[0120] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the first channel 61 includes at least one of a rectangle, an ellipse, and a circle; and / or, the cross-sectional shape of the second channel 71 includes at least one of a rectangle, an ellipse, and a circle.

[0121] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, the cross-sectional shape of the first channel 61 can be set to an elliptical shape, so that the first channel 61 has a larger installation area, thereby enabling better installation of the first section 401 of the first capillary wick 4, and also significantly improving the flow efficiency of the working fluid in the evaporation region 301, resulting in better performance of the flexible heat pipe.

[0122] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, the cross-sectional shape of the second channel 71 can also be set as a tube array structure, so that the second reinforced shell 7 has a stronger load-bearing capacity, thereby further preventing the condensation region 303 from collapsing under negative pressure conditions. Furthermore, since the tube array structure has high uniformity, the working fluid flowing through the second channel 71 can be more evenly distributed, thereby effectively improving the performance of the flexible heat pipe.

[0123] In this embodiment, the pipe structure is made of multiple circular cross-section pipes through welding, fastening, or bonding.

[0124] Of course, the pipe structure can also be made by combining any number of pipes with rectangular, elliptical and circular cross-sectional shapes. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not make any specific restrictions.

[0125] In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the first channel 61 in this embodiment can also be rectangular or circular, or a pipe array structure made of any number of rectangular, elliptical and circular pipes; the cross-sectional shape of the second channel 71 can also be rectangular, elliptical or circular.

[0126] Optionally, the first housing 1 further includes a first groove 103, and the second housing 2 further includes a second groove 203, wherein the first groove 103 and the second groove 203 are used to form an injection channel 11.

[0127] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, the first groove 103 is disposed at one end of the first housing 1, and the second groove 203 is disposed at the end of the second housing 2 corresponding to the first groove 103, so that after the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are welded, a liquid injection channel 11 can be formed on the flexible heat pipe, and the liquid injection channel 11 is used to fill the receiving cavity 3 with working fluid.

[0128] The liquid injection channel 11 is located at one end of the receiving cavity 3 near the condensation region 303, so that after the working medium is filled into the receiving cavity 3, the working medium can flow back to the evaporation region 301 through the liquid return channel 9 formed by the first capillary wick 4.

[0129] Of course, the liquid injection channel 11 can also be located at one end of the receiving cavity 3 near the evaporation area 301. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions here.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment of the application, before welding the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, a liquid injection pipe 8 can be provided on the first groove 103 or the second groove 203, wherein the length of the liquid injection pipe 8 needs to be greater than or equal to the length of the first groove 103 or the second groove 203, so as to further improve the filling efficiency of the working fluid.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, after filling the receiving cavity 3 with the working medium, it is also necessary to remove the injection tube 8 and seal the injection channel 11.

[0132] Among them, such as Figure 7 As shown, the sealing cross-section of the injection channel 11 is preferably a flat arc structure to effectively ensure the sealing performance of the receiving cavity 3.

[0133] According to another embodiment of this application, a method for fabricating a flexible heat pipe is provided, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the steps include S101 to S102 as follows:

[0134] S101, a nanolayer is provided on at least a portion of the first welding surface 101 of the first housing 1 and at least a portion of the second welding surface 201 of the second housing 2;

[0135] S102, the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201 are welded together through the nanolayer.

[0136] Specifically, in step S101, by placing the processed first housing 1 and second housing 2 in a magnetron sputtering device to sputter a nanolayer, the nanolayer can effectively ensure the welding quality and welding strength between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 when the first welding surface 101 and the second welding surface 201 are subsequently welded.

[0137] The magnetron sputtering device can sputter nanolayers onto at least a portion of the first welding surface 101 and at least a portion of the second welding surface 201, or sputter nanolayers onto both the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0138] Of course, other methods can also be used in the embodiments of this application. For example, a nanolayer can be formed on at least a portion of the first welding surface 101 and at least a portion of the second welding surface 201 by spraying, or a nanolayer can be formed on all of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not make specific restrictions here.

[0139] Furthermore, to ensure the welding effect and fabrication yield of the flexible heat pipe, the preferred base vacuum of the magnetron sputtering equipment is 8.0E. -4 The magnetron sputtering equipment has the following parameters: 1.0 Pa starting pressure, 40 sccm gas flow rate, 0.5 Pa operating pressure, 200 W power supply, 60 s pre-sputtering time, 10 rpm sample rotation speed, 80 s sputtering time, and the sputtered nanolayer is a silver nanolayer with a thickness ranging from 100 nm to 1000 nm.

[0140] In step S102, the first shell 1 and the second shell 2, on which the nanolayer is disposed, are placed on a mold of a hot press and hot-pressed to achieve welding between the first shell 1 and the second shell 2.

[0141] Of course, while meeting the welding requirements between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, other welding methods can also be used to weld the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. Those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs, and this application does not impose specific restrictions here.

[0142] In addition, to ensure the welding effect and preparation yield of the flexible heat pipe, the hot pressing temperature range of the hot press is preferably 240℃-320℃, the hot pressing pressure is 30-300Mpa, and the holding time is 10-60min.

[0143] In addition, to further improve the welding effect and preparation yield of the flexible heat pipe, the first shell 1 and the second shell 2 can be welded by low-temperature hot-press diffusion welding under vacuum conditions.

[0144] Optionally, the method further includes the following steps before step S101:

[0145] A1, the copper-clad laminate or copper foil sheet is stamped into the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 using a stamping equipment, or the copper-clad laminate or copper foil sheet is cut into the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 using a die-cutting equipment.

[0146] Specifically, in step A1, the copper-clad laminate or the copper foil sheet can be stamped into the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 of a predetermined shape by using a stamping device, or the copper-clad laminate or the copper foil sheet can be cut into the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 of a predetermined shape by using a die-cutting device.

[0147] The predetermined shapes of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 include grooves, positioning holes, a first groove 103 and a second groove 203, etc.

[0148] In addition, to further improve the bending effect of the flexible heat pipe, a first corrugated structure 102 can be stamped or cut on the first housing 1, and a second corrugated structure 202 can be stamped or cut on the second housing 2.

[0149] Optionally, after step A1 and before step S101, the method further includes:

[0150] A2, perform surface cleaning on the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0151] Specifically, in step A2, by placing the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 in an acid solution with a concentration of 10%-20% and performing ultrasonic oscillation cleaning for 60 seconds, the resin protective film, oxide layer and other impurities on the surface of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be effectively removed, so as to facilitate the subsequent application of the nanolayer on the surface of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0152] The acid solution may be hydrochloric acid, citric acid, or oxalic acid, etc., and those skilled in the art can choose according to actual needs. This application does not impose specific restrictions here.

[0153] Optionally, after step A2 and before step S101, the method further includes:

[0154] A3, the first housing 1 is cleaned with deionized water, and the second housing 2 is cleaned with deionized water.

[0155] Specifically, in step A3, cleaning the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 with deionized water can further improve the cleanliness of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, thereby improving the quality of the subsequent application of the nanolayer on the surface of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.

[0156] Optionally, the method further includes the following steps after step S101 and before step S102:

[0157] B1, a first reinforcing shell 6 and a second reinforcing shell 7 are provided on the first shell 1, and a first reinforcing shell 6 and a second reinforcing shell 7 are provided on the second shell 2.

[0158] Specifically, in step B1, the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second reinforcing shell 7 are first flattened, then the side of the first reinforcing shell 6 away from the first shell 1 or the side of the first reinforcing shell 6 away from the second shell 2 is hollowed out, and the side of the second reinforcing shell 7 away from the first shell 1 or the side of the second reinforcing shell 7 away from the second shell 2 is hollowed out. Then, the side of the first reinforcing shell 6 that is not hollowed out is fixed to the first shell 1 or the second shell 2, and the side of the second reinforcing shell 7 that is not hollowed out is fixed to the first shell 1 or the second shell 2, so that the first capillary core 4 or the second capillary core 5 can be fixed through the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second reinforcing shell 7.

[0159] The first reinforcing shell 6 and the second capillary core 5, as well as the second reinforcing shell 7 and the second capillary core 5, can be joined together by spot welding or sintering. The first reinforcing shell 6 and the first shell 1, the first reinforcing shell 6 and the second shell 2, the second reinforcing shell 7 and the first shell 1, and the second reinforcing shell 7 and the second shell 2 can be connected by welding, gluing, or fastening.

[0160] Optionally, after step B1 and before step S102, the following steps are also included:

[0161] B2, a second capillary wick 5 is provided on the first reinforcing shell 6, and / or a second capillary wick 5 is provided on the second reinforcing shell 7.

[0162] Specifically, in step B2, the second capillary core 5 is overlapped with the hollowed-out position of the first reinforcing shell 6 by spot welding or sintering, or the second capillary core 5 is overlapped with the hollowed-out position of the second reinforcing shell 7, which can effectively ensure the reliability and stability of the second capillary core 5.

[0163] The second capillary 5 includes at least one of an etched capillary wick, a wire mesh capillary wick, and a sintered metal powder capillary wick.

[0164] Optionally, after step B2 and before step S102, the following steps are also included:

[0165] B3, a first capillary 4 is disposed on the second capillary 5.

[0166] Specifically, in step B3, the first capillary core 4 and the second capillary core 5 are joined by spot welding or sintering, which can effectively ensure the reliability and stability of the first capillary core 4.

[0167] The first capillary core 4 includes at least one of a metal wire braided tape capillary core and a metal wire mesh capillary core.

[0168] Optionally, the method further includes the following steps after step S101 and before step S102:

[0169] C1, an injection tube 8 is provided on the first groove 103 of the first housing 1, or an injection tube 8 is provided on the second groove 203 of the second housing 2.

[0170] Specifically, in step C1, by placing the injection tube 8 in the first groove 103 of the first housing 1 or in the second groove 203 of the second housing 2, an injection channel 11 can be formed after the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are welded. The injection channel 11 is used to fill the receiving cavity 3 formed between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 with working fluid.

[0171] Optionally, after step S102, the method further includes:

[0172] C2, inject a predetermined mass of working fluid into the receiving cavity 3 along the injection channel 11.

[0173] Specifically, in step C2, the working medium includes at least one of deionized water, anhydrous ethanol, and a fluorocarbon compound.

[0174] Optionally, the method further includes the following after step C2:

[0175] C3, remove the first end 81 of the injection tube 8.

[0176] Specifically, in step C3, the receiving cavity 3 is evacuated to 10e using a vacuum pump. -3 The pressure is reduced to below 1 Pa to remove the air from the receiving cavity 3, and then a sealing mold is used to seal one of the sealing positions of the injection channel 11.

[0177] The sealing position is the first end 81 of the injection tube 8.

[0178] It should be noted that the first end 81 of the injection tube 8 is the end of the injection tube 8 away from the flexible heat pipe, and the second end 82 of the injection tube 8 is the end of the injection tube 8 close to the flexible heat pipe, and at least part of the second end 82 is located between the first groove 103 of the first housing 1 and the second groove 203 of the second housing 2.

[0179] Optionally, the method further includes the following after step C3:

[0180] C4, remove the second end 82 of the injection tube 8.

[0181] Specifically, in step C4, the flexible heat pipe is heated so that, under the action of pressure difference, the impurities in the receiving cavity 3 are driven to the second end 82 of the injection pipe 8, and then the two sealing positions of the injection channel 11 are sealed using a sealing mold.

[0182] The second sealing position is the second end 82 of the injection tube 8.

[0183] In addition, to ensure the sealing performance of the flexible heat pipe, it is preferable to use a hot-press sealing mold to seal the two sealing positions.

[0184] The hot-pressing temperature of the hot-pressing sealing mold is 240℃-320℃, the hot-pressing pressure is 30-300Mpa, and the holding time is 10-60min.

[0185] Optionally, after step S102, the method further includes:

[0186] D1, the performance of the flexible heat pipe is tested.

[0187] Specifically, in step D1, the temperature difference of the heat pipe is tested using a water bath or a heat pipe heat transfer performance tester to screen out defective heat pipes.

[0188] Optionally, after step S102, the method further includes:

[0189] E1, an aging test is performed on the flexible heat pipe.

[0190] Specifically, the heat pipes are aged at high temperatures for a certain period of time using an aging chamber or aging furnace. After aging, the temperature difference of the heat pipes is tested using a water bath or a heat pipe heat transfer performance tester to screen out defective heat pipes.

[0191] The above embodiments mainly describe the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. For the sake of brevity, they will not be elaborated here.

[0192] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible heat pipe, characterized in that, include: A first housing and a second housing, wherein the first housing includes a first welding surface and the second housing includes a second welding surface; A nanolayer disposed on at least a portion of the first welding surface and at least a portion of the second welding surface for welding between the first housing and the second housing.

2. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The welding temperature between the first housing and the second housing is 240℃-320℃.

3. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nanolayer is a silver nanolayer.

4. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the nanolayer ranges from 100 nm to 10000 nm.

5. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, A receiving cavity is formed between the first housing and the second housing, the receiving cavity including an evaporation region and a condensation region, the evaporation region and the condensation region being located at opposite ends of the receiving cavity.

6. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first housing further includes a first corrugated structure, and the second housing further includes a second corrugated structure. A transition region of the receiving cavity is formed between the first corrugated structure and the second corrugated structure, and the transition region is located between the evaporation region and the condensation region.

7. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flexible heat pipe further includes a first capillary wick, which includes a first section, a corrugated section, and a second section. The first section is disposed in the evaporation region, the corrugated section is disposed in the transition region, and the second section is disposed in the condensation region.

8. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first capillary core includes at least one of a metal wire braided tape capillary core and a metal mesh capillary core.

9. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The width of the first capillary core is smaller than the width of the receiving cavity; The flexible heat pipe further includes a second capillary wick, the width of which is greater than the width of the first capillary wick. The second capillary wick is disposed in the evaporation region and the condensation region, and the second capillary wick is located between the first capillary wick and the first shell, and / or the second capillary wick is located between the first capillary wick and the second shell.

10. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second capillary core includes at least one of an etched capillary core, a wire mesh capillary core, and a sintered metal powder capillary core.

11. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 9, characterized in that, The flexible heat pipe also includes a first reinforcing shell and a second reinforcing shell; The first reinforcing shell is disposed in the evaporation area, and the first reinforcing shell is fixed to the first shell and / or the second shell; The second reinforcing housing is disposed in the condensation area, and the second reinforcing housing is fixed to the first housing and / or the second housing.

12. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first reinforcing shell is a tubular structure with a first channel, and the first section is disposed in the first channel; And / or, the second reinforcing housing is a tubular structure having a second channel, wherein the second segment is disposed in the second channel.

13. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the first channel includes at least one of rectangle, ellipse and circle; And / or, the cross-sectional shape of the second channel includes at least one of rectangular, elliptical and circular shapes.

14. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing further includes a first groove, and the second housing further includes a second groove, the first groove and the second groove being used to form a liquid injection channel.

15. The flexible heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the first housing includes at least one of copper-clad laminate and copper foil; The material of the second housing includes at least one of copper-clad laminate and copper foil.

16. A method for manufacturing a flexible heat pipe, characterized in that, The preparation method includes: A nanolayer is provided on at least a portion of the first welding surface of the first housing and at least a portion of the second welding surface of the second housing; The first welding surface and the second welding surface are welded together through the nanolayer.

17. The preparation method according to claim 16, characterized in that, After a nanolayer is applied to at least a portion of the first welding surface of the first housing and at least a portion of the second welding surface of the second housing, and before welding the first welding surface and the second welding surface through the nanolayer, the process further includes: A first reinforcing shell and a second reinforcing shell are provided on the first shell, and a first reinforcing shell and a second reinforcing shell are provided on the second shell.

18. The preparation method according to claim 17, characterized in that, A first reinforcing shell and a second reinforcing shell are disposed on the first shell. After the first reinforcing shell and the second reinforcing shell are disposed on the second shell, the process further includes welding the first welding surface and the second welding surface through the nanolayer: A second capillary wick is provided on the first reinforcing housing, and / or a second capillary wick is provided on the second reinforcing housing.

19. The preparation method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The process further includes, after providing a second capillary core on the first reinforcing shell and / or after providing a second capillary core on the second reinforcing shell, welding the first welding surface and the second welding surface through the nanolayer: The first capillary is disposed on the second capillary.

20. The preparation method according to claim 16, characterized in that, After a nanolayer is applied to at least a portion of the first welding surface of the first housing and at least a portion of the second welding surface of the second housing, and before welding the first welding surface and the second welding surface through the nanolayer, the process further includes: An injection tube is provided on the first groove of the first housing, or on the second groove of the second housing.

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