Thermal diffusion device and electronic equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a heat diffusion device capable of simplifying the design of a shell and electronic equipment. A vapor chamber (1), which is an embodiment of a heat diffusion device, is provided with: a housing (10) having a first inner surface (11a) and a second inner surface (12a) facing each other in the thickness direction (Z), and having an internal space; a working medium (20) sealed in the internal space of the housing; a sheet-like core (30) disposed in the internal space of the case; a sheet member (35) disposed in the internal space of the housing, the sheet member being the same member as the core, or the sheet member being a member different from the core; a plurality of first support bodies (40) that are integrated with the core; and a plurality of second support bodies (50) integrated with the sheet member, the core being separated from the first inner surface via the first support body and separated from the second inner surface via the second support body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a heat diffusion device and electronic equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the increasing integration and performance of components have led to increased heat generation. Furthermore, the miniaturization of products has increased heat density, making heat dissipation strategies crucial. This is particularly evident in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. While graphite sheets are commonly used as heat dissipation components, their insufficient heat transfer necessitates research into various other heat dissipation components. Among these, research is underway into vapor chambers, which function as planar heat pipes, as heat dissipation devices capable of highly efficient heat diffusion.

[0003] The vapor chamber has the following structure: a working medium (also called working fluid) is sealed inside the shell, and a core that transports the working medium using capillary force. The working medium absorbs heat from the heating elements in the evaporation section, which absorbs heat from heating elements such as electronic components, and evaporates within the vapor chamber. Afterward, the working medium moves within the vapor chamber, is cooled, and returns to a liquid phase. The liquid-phase working medium then moves again towards the evaporation section on the heating element side using the capillary force of the core, cooling the heating element. By repeating this process, the vapor chamber can operate independently without external power, utilizing the latent heat of vaporization and condensation of the working medium to achieve high-speed, two-dimensional heat diffusion.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat spreader comprising: a shell including opposing upper and lower shell sheets joined at their outer edges, having an internal space; a working fluid sealed within the internal space; microchannels disposed in the internal space of the lower shell sheet, forming flow paths for the working fluid; and a sheet-like core disposed in the internal space of the shell, in contact with the microchannels, wherein the contact area between the core and the microchannels is 5% to 40% of the area of ​​the internal space when viewed from above.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 229961 Utility Model Content

[0008] Problems to be solved by utility models

[0009] In patent document 1 Figure 1In one embodiment of the heat spreader, a structure is shown in which the core is sandwiched between a protruding portion of a microchannel formed in the lower housing sheet and a support formed in the upper housing sheet. Moreover, Patent Document 1 describes that the protrusions and depressions of the microchannel are formed by etching the lower housing sheet and the support is formed by etching the upper housing sheet.

[0010] In the heat spreader described in Patent Document 1, if microchannels and supports with fine and complex structures are to be arranged in the internal space of the shell, the design of the lower shell plate and the upper shell plate becomes complicated, and the manufacturing cost of the shell may increase.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned problems are not limited to heat spreaders, but are the same problems for heat diffusion devices that can use the same structure as heat spreaders to diffuse heat.

[0012] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a heat diffusion device that simplifies the design of the housing. Another purpose of this invention is to provide an electronic device equipped with the aforementioned heat diffusion device.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The heat diffusion device of this utility model comprises: a housing having a first inner surface and a second inner surface opposite to each other in the thickness direction, and having an internal space in the housing; a working medium sealed in the internal space of the housing; a sheet-like core disposed in the internal space of the housing; a sheet member disposed in the internal space of the housing, the sheet member being the same member as the core, or the sheet member being a different member from the core; a plurality of first supports integrated with the core; and a plurality of second supports integrated with the sheet member, the core being separated from the first inner surface through the first supports and from the second inner surface through the second supports, wherein the height of the first support is smaller than the height of the second support in the thickness direction.

[0015] Preferably, the sheet component and the core are the same component.

[0016] Preferably, the sheet component is a component different from the core.

[0017] Preferably, the center-to-center distance between adjacent first supports is smaller than the center-to-center distance between adjacent second supports.

[0018] Preferably, the equivalent circle diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the first support near the core side is smaller than the equivalent circle diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the second support near the core side.

[0019] Preferably, the thickness of the first support is the same as or less than the thickness of the core.

[0020] Preferably, the thickness of the second support is the same as or less than the thickness of the sheet member.

[0021] Preferably, the core has a plurality of through holes extending along the thickness direction.

[0022] Preferably, a protrusion is provided around the periphery of the through hole in a direction close to the second inner surface.

[0023] Preferably, a protrusion is provided around the periphery of the through hole in a direction close to the first inner surface.

[0024] The electronic device of this invention includes the heat diffusion device of this invention.

[0025] Effects of the utility model

[0026] According to this invention, a heat diffusion device that simplifies housing design can be provided. Furthermore, according to this invention, an electronic device equipped with the aforementioned heat diffusion device can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a heat diffusion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a heat diffusion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view schematically showing an example of the core, first support, and second support of the heat diffusion device constituting the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An example of a cross-sectional view of the core along line AA is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An example of a cross-sectional view of the core and the first support along line BB.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 An example of a cross-sectional view of the core and the second support along the CC line.

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Another example of a cross-sectional view of the core along line AA is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a heat diffusion device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the core, sheet components, first support body, and second support body constituting the heat diffusion device of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the heat diffusion device constituting the second embodiment of the present invention, including the core, sheet components, first support body, and second support body.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a third variation of the heat diffusion device constituting the second embodiment of the present invention, including the core, sheet components, first support, and second support. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following describes the heat diffusion device of this utility model.

[0039] However, this invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be applied in appropriate variations without changing the spirit of this invention. Furthermore, this invention also includes embodiments that combine two or more preferred structures of this invention described below.

[0040] In the heat diffusion device of this invention, the first support is integrated with the core, and the second support is integrated with the sheet member. Since the structure differs from that described in Patent Document 1, it is no longer necessary to form the first and second supports on the inner surface of the shell through etching or other processes, thus simplifying the shell design. For example, in the case where the shell is composed of opposing upper and lower shell sheets joined at their outer edges, as in Patent Document 1, the supports with fine and complex structures are no longer present on the inner surfaces of the upper and lower shell sheets, allowing the upper and lower shell sheets to be formed into a simple bathtub shape. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the shell can be reduced.

[0041] The method for forming the first or second support is not particularly limited. For example, the metal foil constituting the core or sheet component can be partially bent and recessed by a process such as stamping, thereby forming the first or second support in the recessed portion. In this case, compared to forming the first and second supports on the inner surface of the housing by a process such as etching, the metal volume of the support portion is reduced, thus enabling a lightweight thermal diffusion device.

[0042] In the heat diffusion device of this invention, "the first support body and the core are integrated" means that there is no interface between the first support body and the core; specifically, it means that the boundary between the first support body and the core cannot be determined. For example, in a structure where the copper pillar serving as the first support body and the copper mesh serving as the core are fixed by diffusion bonding or spot welding, it is difficult to fully bond the first support body and the core, thus creating local gaps between them. In such a structure, since the boundary between the first support body and the core can be determined, it can be said that the first support body and the core are not integrally formed.

[0043] Similarly, in the heat diffusion device of this utility model, "the second support body and the sheet component are integrated" means that there is no interface between the second support body and the sheet component, specifically, that there is no indistinguishable boundary between the second support body and the sheet component.

[0044] In the heat diffusion device of this invention, the sheet component and the core can be the same component, or the sheet component can be a different component from the core. When the sheet component and the core are the same component, the first support body is integrated with the core and the second support body is also integrated with the core.

[0045] The embodiments shown below are illustrative, and of course, partial substitutions or combinations of the structures shown in different embodiments are possible. From the second embodiment onwards, descriptions of matters identical to those in the first embodiment are omitted, and only the differences are explained. In particular, the same effects produced by the same structures are not mentioned sequentially in each embodiment.

[0046] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, each embodiment will be referred to as "the thermal diffusion device of this utility model".

[0047] The following description uses a heat spreader as an example to illustrate one embodiment of the heat diffusion device of this invention. The heat diffusion device of this invention can also be applied to heat diffusion devices such as heat pipes.

[0048] The accompanying drawings are schematic, and their dimensions or aspect ratios may sometimes differ from the actual product. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts use the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0049] In this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements (such as "perpendicular", "parallel", "orthogonal") and terms indicating the shape of elements are not merely expressions in a strict sense, but also imply expressions that include substantially equivalent ranges, such as differences of several percentage degrees.

[0050] [First Implementation]

[0051] In the heat diffusion device of the first embodiment of this utility model, the sheet member and the core are the same member. That is, the core also serves as the sheet member. Therefore, there is no separate sheet member relative to the core.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a heat diffusion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a heat diffusion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An example of a cross-sectional view of the heat diffusion device shown along line II-II.

[0053] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vapor chamber (heat diffusion device) 1 shown includes a hollow shell 10 that is sealed in an airtight state. The shell 10 has a first inner surface 11a and a second inner surface 12a that are opposite each other in the thickness direction Z. An internal space is provided in the shell 10. The vapor chamber 1 also includes a working medium 20 sealed in the internal space of the shell 10, a sheet-like core 30 disposed in the internal space of the shell 10, a plurality of first supports 40 integrated with the core 30, and a plurality of second supports 50 integrated with the core 30.

[0054] An evaporation section is provided in the housing 10 for evaporating the sealed working medium 20. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a heat source HS, serving as a heating element, is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 10. Examples of heat sources HS include electronic components of electronic devices such as central processing units (CPUs). The portion of the interior space of the housing 10 located near the heat source HS and heated by it corresponds to an evaporation section.

[0055] The heat spreader 1 is preferably planar as a whole. That is, the shell 10 is preferably planar as a whole. Here, "planar" means a shape in which the dimensions in the width direction X (hereinafter referred to as width) and length direction Y (hereinafter referred to as length), including the plate-like and sheet-like shapes, are quite large relative to the dimensions in the thickness direction Z (hereinafter referred to as thickness or height), for example, a shape in which the width and length are 10 times or more, preferably 100 times or more, of the thickness.

[0056] There is no particular limitation on the size of the heat spreader 1, i.e., the size of the housing 10. The width and length of the heat spreader 1 can be appropriately set according to the application. For example, the width and length of the heat spreader 1 can be 5 mm or more and 500 mm or less, 20 mm or more and 300 mm or less, or 50 mm or more and 200 mm or less, respectively. The width and length of the heat spreader 1 can be the same or different.

[0057] The housing 10 is preferably composed of opposing first pieces 11 and second pieces 12 joined at their outer edges.

[0058] When the housing 10 is composed of a first piece 11 and a second piece 12, the materials constituting the first piece 11 and the second piece 12 are not particularly limited, as long as they possess properties suitable for use as a heat diffusion device such as a heat spreader, such as thermal conductivity, strength, flexibility, etc. The materials constituting the first piece 11 and the second piece 12 are preferably metals, such as copper, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, iron, or alloys with these as main components, with copper being particularly preferred. The materials constituting the first piece 11 and the second piece 12 may be the same or different, but they are preferably the same.

[0059] When the housing 10 is composed of a first piece 11 and a second piece 12, the first piece 11 and the second piece 12 are joined together at their outer edges. The method of joining is not particularly limited, and for example, laser welding, resistance welding, diffusion bonding, brazing, TIG welding (tungsten-inactive gas welding), ultrasonic bonding, or resin sealing can be used. Laser welding, resistance welding, or brazing is preferred.

[0060] The thickness of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and even more preferably 40 μm or more and 60 μm or less. The thickness of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 may be the same or different. In addition, the thickness of each sheet of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 may be the same throughout, or it may be thinner in some areas.

[0061] The shapes of the first piece 11 and the second piece 12 are not particularly limited. For example, the first piece 11 and the second piece 12 may each have a shape in which the outer edge is thicker than the portion other than the outer edge.

[0062] The thickness of the heat spreader 1 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0063] The planar shape of the housing 10 when viewed from the thickness direction Z is not particularly limited. Examples include polygons such as triangles or rectangles, circles, ellipses, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the planar shape of the housing 10 can also be L-shaped, C-shaped, stepped, etc. Additionally, the housing 10 may have a through-hole. The planar shape of the housing 10 can also correspond to the purpose of the heat diffusion device such as the heat spreader, the shape of the assembly part of the heat diffusion device such as the heat spreader, and other components present nearby.

[0064] The working medium 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance capable of producing a gas-liquid phase change within the environment of the housing 10. For example, water, alcohols, or Freon substitutes can be used. For example, if the working medium is an aqueous compound, water is preferred.

[0065] The core 30 has a capillary structure that enables the working medium 20 to move using capillary force.

[0066] The material constituting the core 30 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal, such as copper, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, iron, or alloys with these metals as the main components, with copper being particularly preferred. The material constituting the core 30 may be the same as or different from the material constituting the shell 10.

[0067] The size and shape of the core 30 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable, for example, that the core 30 is continuously arranged in the internal space of the housing 10. The core 30 can be arranged throughout the internal space of the housing 10 when viewed from the thickness direction Z, or it can be arranged locally in the internal space of the housing 10 when viewed from the thickness direction Z.

[0068] The thickness of core 30 is not particularly limited, for example, it is above 5μm and below 50μm.

[0069] The core 30 may also have multiple through holes 31 extending along the thickness direction Z.

[0070] The core 30 is separated from the first inner surface 11a via the first support 40, and from the second inner surface 12a via the second support 50.

[0071] The first support 40 may or may not contact the first inner surface 11a. When the first support 40 contacts the first inner surface 11a, the first support 40 may or may not engage with the first inner surface 11a.

[0072] The second support 50 may or may not contact the second inner surface 12a. When the second support 50 contacts the second inner surface 12a, the second support 50 may or may not engage with the second inner surface 12a.

[0073] The first support 40, for example, comprises multiple columnar members. Here, "columnar" refers to a shape in which the ratio of the length of the long side of the base to the length of the short side of the base is less than 5.

[0074] Alternatively, the first support 40 may also include multiple track-shaped members. Here, "track-shaped" refers to a shape in which the ratio of the length of the long side of the base to the length of the short side of the base is more than 5 times.

[0075] A liquid working medium 20 is maintained between the first support bodies 40. This improves the heat transfer performance of the heat exchange plate 1.

[0076] When the first support 40 includes multiple columnar members, the shape of the first support 40 is not particularly limited, for example, cylindrical shape, elliptical cylinder shape, prism shape, frustum shape, frustum shape, etc.

[0077] When the first support 40 includes multiple track-shaped members, the cross-sectional shape of the first support 40 perpendicular to the extension direction is not particularly limited. Examples include polygonal shapes such as quadrilaterals, semi-circular shapes, semi-elliptical shapes, and shapes formed by combining these shapes.

[0078] It can also be like Figure 2 As shown, the first support body 40 has a tapered shape whose width narrows from the core 30 toward the first inner surface 11a. This allows for a wider flow path between the first support bodies 40 on the housing 10 side.

[0079] The height of the first support 40 can be the same or different in a heat spreader.

[0080] The second support 50 may include, for example, multiple columnar members. Alternatively, the second support 50 may include multiple track-like members.

[0081] The housing 10 and the core 30 are supported by the second support body 50.

[0082] When the second support 50 includes multiple columnar members, the shape of the second support 50 is not particularly limited, for example, cylindrical shape, elliptical cylinder shape, prism shape, frustum shape, truncated cone shape, frustum shape, etc.

[0083] When the second support 50 includes multiple track-shaped members, the cross-sectional shape of the second support 50 perpendicular to the extension direction is not particularly limited. Examples include polygonal shapes such as quadrilaterals, semicircular shapes, semi-elliptical shapes, and shapes formed by combining these shapes.

[0084] It can also be like Figure 2 As shown, the second support 50 has a tapered shape whose width narrows from the core 30 toward the second inner surface 12a. This allows for a wider flow path between the second supports 50 on the housing 10 side.

[0085] The height of the second support 50 can be the same or different in a heat spreader.

[0086] The method for forming the first support 40 and the second support 50 is not particularly limited. For example, the metal foil constituting the core 30 can be partially bent and recessed by a process such as stamping, thereby forming the first support 40 and the second support 50 in the recessed portion. The processes for forming the first support 40 and the second support 50 can also be performed simultaneously. Since a vapor space is formed in the recessed portion of the first support 40, the thermal conductivity is improved. Furthermore, in the case of stamping the metal foil, a through hole can be formed in the recessed portion when the metal foil is partially bent, depending on the stamping process.

[0087] The thickness of the metal foil is preferably constant before processing such as stamping. However, the metal foil may sometimes become thinner in the bent sections. Therefore, it is preferable that, for example... Figure 2 As shown in the example, the thickness of the first support 40 is the same as or less than the thickness of the core 30. Preferably, the thickness of the second support 50 is the same as or less than the thickness of the core 30. More preferably, the thickness of the first support 40 is the same as or less than the thickness of the core 30, and the thickness of the second support 50 is the same as or less than the thickness of the core 30.

[0088] Figure 3 This is a top view schematically showing an example of the core, first support, and second support of the heat diffusion device constituting the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An example of a cross-sectional view of the core along line AA is shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An example of a cross-sectional view of the core and the first support along line BB. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 An example of a cross-sectional view of the core and the second support along the CC line.

[0089] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, the core 30 has a plurality of through holes 31 extending along the thickness direction Z.

[0090] Within the through-hole 31, the working medium 20 can move using capillary action. Preferably, when viewed from the thickness direction Z, the through-hole 31 is located in the portion where the first support 40 is not present. The shape of the through-hole 31 is not particularly limited, but preferably, the cross-section in the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction Z is circular or elliptical.

[0091] When the core 30 has a plurality of through holes 31 extending along the thickness direction Z, the arrangement of the through holes 31 is not particularly limited, but it is preferred to arrange them uniformly in a predetermined area, and more preferably uniformly over the entire area, for example, in a manner in which the center-to-center distance (spacing) of the through holes 31 is constant.

[0092] The center-to-center distance of the through holes 31 is, for example, 3 μm or more and 150 μm or less. The diameter of the through holes 31 is, for example, 100 μm or less. In addition, when the diameters of the through holes 31 are different in the thickness direction Z, the diameter of the smallest portion is defined as the diameter of the through hole 31.

[0093] The through hole 31 can be formed, for example, by punching the metal foil constituting the core 30 using a stamping process. The stamping process for forming the first support 40 and the stamping process for forming the through hole 31 can be performed simultaneously, as can the stamping process for forming the second support 50 and the stamping process for forming the through hole 31.

[0094] exist Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the example shown, the first support 40 comprises multiple columnar members. Figure 3 and Figure 5 In this case, the first support body 40 does not have a through hole 31, but for example, a through hole 31 may be provided at the bottom (recessed part) of the first support body 40.

[0095] The arrangement of the first support 40 is not particularly limited, but it is preferred to arrange them uniformly in a predetermined area, and more preferably uniformly over the entire area, for example, in a manner in which the center-to-center distance (spacing) of the first support 40 is constant.

[0096] The center-to-center distance between adjacent first support bodies 40 is, for example, 60 μm or more and 800 μm or less. The equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the first support body 40 on the side closest to the core 30 is, for example, 20 μm or more and 500 μm or less. The height of the first support body 40 is, for example, 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0097] exist Figure 3 and Figure 6 In the example shown, the second support 50 comprises multiple columnar members. Figure 3 and Figure 6 In this case, the second support body 50 does not have a through hole 31, but for example, a through hole 31 may be provided at the bottom (recessed part) of the second support body 50.

[0098] The arrangement of the second support 50 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to arrange them uniformly in a predetermined area, and more preferably uniformly over the entire area, for example, in a manner where the center-to-center distance (spacing) of the second support 50 is constant. By uniformly arranging the second support 50, uniform strength can be ensured over the entire area of ​​the heat diffusion device such as the heat spreader.

[0099] The center-to-center distance between adjacent second support bodies 50 is, for example, 100 μm or more and 5000 μm or less. The equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the second support body 50 on the side near the core 30 is, for example, 100 μm or more and 2000 μm or less, preferably 300 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. By increasing the equivalent circle diameter of the second support body 50, deformation of the housing 10 can be further suppressed. On the other hand, by decreasing the equivalent circle diameter of the second support body 50, a larger space can be ensured for the movement of vapor for the working medium 20. The height of the second support body 50 is, for example, 50 μm or more and 1000 μm or less.

[0100] Preferably, the height of the first support 40 is smaller than the height of the second support 50.

[0101] Preferably, the center-to-center distance between adjacent first support bodies 40 is smaller than the center-to-center distance between adjacent second support bodies 50.

[0102] Preferably, the equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the first support 40 on the side near the core 30 is smaller than the equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the second support 50 on the side near the core 30.

[0103] When the core 30 has multiple through holes 31 extending along the thickness direction Z, it can also be like this. Figure 4 As shown, around the periphery of the through hole 31, near the second inner surface 12a (refer to...) Figure 2 ) direction ( Figure 4 A protrusion 32 is provided on the upper side of the middle.

[0104] If a protrusion 32 is provided in the periphery of the through hole 31 in the direction close to the second inner surface 12a, the vapor of the working medium 20 flowing in the space between the core 30 and the second inner surface 12a flows around the outer periphery of the protrusion 32. Therefore, direct contact between the vapor flow of the working medium 20 and the liquid surface of the working medium 20 within the through hole 31 can be prevented. Consequently, the effect of backflow, where vapor flows in the direction opposite to the capillary force of the core 30, can be reduced. As a result, the maximum heat transfer capacity is improved.

[0105] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Another example of a cross-sectional view of the core along line AA is shown.

[0106] When the core 30 has multiple through holes 31 extending along the thickness direction Z, it can also be like this. Figure 7 As shown, around the periphery of the through hole 31, near the first inner surface 11a (refer to...) Figure 2 ) direction ( Figure 7 The lower side of the middle section has a protrusion 33.

[0107] If a protrusion 33 is provided in the periphery of the through hole 31 in the direction close to the first inner surface 11a, the working medium 20 in contact with the surface surrounded by the inner wall of the protrusion 33 will be drawn upward into the through hole 31 due to capillary force. Therefore, even when the liquid volume of the working medium 20 is small, specifically when the liquid level of the working medium 20 is located on the side closer to the first inner surface 11a than the core 30, the working medium 20 can still be drawn upward into the through hole 31. As a result, even when the liquid volume of the working medium 20 is small, the decrease in heat homogenization performance and heat transfer performance can be suppressed.

[0108] If a protrusion 33 is provided at the periphery of the through hole 31 in the direction close to the first inner surface 11a, the decrease in heat homogenization performance and heat transfer performance can be suppressed even when the liquid volume of the working medium 20 is small. Therefore, the impact of changes in the design value of the injection volume of the working medium 20 during the manufacturing process, deviations in the injection volume of the working medium 20 during the manufacturing process, and variations in the liquid volume of the working medium 20 during use on the heat homogenization performance or heat transfer performance is minimal. In other words, if a protrusion 33 is provided at the periphery of the through hole 31 in the direction close to the first inner surface 11a, it can be said that the robustness with respect to the liquid volume of the working medium 20 is improved.

[0109] The protrusion 32 or protrusion 33 may be provided only in a part of the periphery of the through hole 31, but it is preferred to be provided in the entire periphery of the through hole 31.

[0110] The protrusion 32 or 33 can be formed, for example, by punching the metal foil constituting the core 30 using a stamping process. In this case, the protrusion 32 or 33 can be formed simultaneously with the through hole 31, or it can be formed separately from the through hole 31. In the stamping process, the shape of the protrusion 32 or 33 can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the punching depth, etc. In addition, the punching depth refers, for example, to the extent to which the punch is pressed in the punching direction when punching with a punch.

[0111] The dimensions of the protrusion 32 or the protrusion 33 are not particularly limited. For example, the height of the protrusion 32 or the protrusion 33 can be larger than the diameter of the through hole 31, smaller than the diameter of the through hole 31, or the same as the diameter of the through hole 31.

[0112] The shape of the protrusion 32 is not particularly limited. For example, in a cross-section along the thickness direction Z, the distance between the outer walls of the protrusion 32 can be directed toward the direction approaching the second inner surface 12a. Figure 4 The tapered shape narrows towards the upper part, or the distance between the outer walls of the protrusion 32 is directed towards the direction approaching the second inner surface 12a. Figure 4 The convex portion 32 has a widening inverted conical shape (in the upward direction). In these cases, the convex portion 32, in the cross-section along the thickness direction Z, can be oriented towards the second inner surface 12a ( Figure 4 The shape protruding from the upper side of the middle surface can also be towards the first inner surface 11a. Figure 4 The protrusion 32 has a shape that protrudes from the lower side of the middle surface. In addition, the protrusion 32 may also have a cover at the end near the second inner surface 12a that narrows the opening of the protrusion 32.

[0113] Similarly, the shape of the protrusion 33 is not particularly limited. For example, in a cross-section along the thickness direction Z, the distance between the outer walls of the protrusion 33 can be directed toward the direction approaching the first inner surface 11a. Figure 7 The tapered shape narrows in the downward direction, or the distance between the outer walls of the protrusion 33 is directed towards the direction close to the first inner surface 11a. Figure 7 The convex portion 33 has a widening inverted conical shape (in the downward direction). In these cases, the convex portion 33, in the cross-section along the thickness direction Z, can be oriented towards the second inner surface 12a ( Figure 7 The shape protruding from the upper side of the middle surface can also be towards the first inner surface 11a. Figure 7 The protrusion 33 has a shape that protrudes from the lower side of the first inner surface 11a. In addition, the protrusion 33 may also have a cover at the end near the first inner surface 11a that narrows the opening of the protrusion 33.

[0114] When the core 30 has a plurality of through holes 31 extending along the thickness direction Z, protrusions 32 and 33 may be provided in combination around the periphery of the through holes 31, or protrusions 32 and 33 may not be provided.

[0115] [Second Implementation]

[0116] In the heat diffusion device of the second embodiment of this utility model, the sheet member is a different member from the core. Therefore, a sheet member exists separately from the core.

[0117] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a heat diffusion device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 8The vapor chamber (heat diffusion device) 2 shown includes a hollow shell 10 that is sealed in an airtight state. The shell 10 has a first inner surface 11a and a second inner surface 12a that are opposite each other in the thickness direction Z. An internal space is provided in the shell 10. The vapor chamber 2 also includes a working medium 20 sealed in the internal space of the shell 10, a sheet-like core 30 disposed in the internal space of the shell 10, a sheet member 35 disposed in the internal space of the shell 10, a plurality of first supports 40 integrated with the core 30, and a plurality of second supports 50 integrated with the sheet member 35.

[0119] Figure 8 The heat spreader 2 shown has the following characteristics, in addition to the following: Figure 2 The heat spreader 1 shown has the same structure: the sheet component 35 is a different component from the core 30, and the second support 50 is integrated with the sheet component 35.

[0120] The core 30 may also have multiple through holes 31 extending along the thickness direction Z.

[0121] The material constituting the sheet member 35 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a metal, such as copper, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, iron, or alloys thereof as main components, with copper being particularly preferred. The material constituting the sheet member 35 may be the same as or different from the material constituting the housing 10. Furthermore, the material constituting the sheet member 35 may be the same as or different from the material constituting the core 30.

[0122] The size and shape of the sheet member 35 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable, for example, that the sheet member 35 is continuously arranged in the internal space of the housing 10. The sheet member 35 can be arranged throughout the internal space of the housing 10 when viewed from the thickness direction Z, or it can be arranged partially in the internal space of the housing 10 when viewed from the thickness direction Z. The size and shape of the sheet member 35 can be the same as or different from the size and shape of the core 30.

[0123] The thickness of the sheet member 35 is not particularly limited, for example, it can be 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. The thickness of the sheet member 35 can be the same as the thickness of the core 30, or it can be greater or less than the thickness of the core 30.

[0124] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the sheet member 35 is disposed between the second inner surface 12a and the second support 50. Preferably, the second support 50 is in contact with the core 30.

[0125] The sheet member 35 may or may not contact the second inner surface 12a. When the sheet member 35 contacts the second inner surface 12a, the sheet member 35 may or may not engage with the second inner surface 12a.

[0126] Preferably, the sheet member 35 does not have a through hole 31 extending along the thickness direction Z.

[0127] It can also be like Figure 8 As shown, the second support 50 has a tapered shape whose width narrows from the second inner surface 12a toward the core 30. This allows for a wider flow path between the second support 50s on the core 30 side.

[0128] The method for forming the first support 40 and the second support 50 is not particularly limited. For example, the metal foil constituting the core 30 can be partially bent and recessed by a process such as stamping, thereby forming the first support 40 in the recessed portion. Similarly, the metal foil constituting the sheet member 35 can be partially bent and recessed by a process such as stamping, thereby forming the second support 50 in the recessed portion. Since a vapor space is formed in the recessed portion of the first support 40, the thermal conductivity is improved. Furthermore, when the metal foil is stamped, a through hole can be formed in the recessed portion when the metal foil is partially bent, depending on the stamping process.

[0129] Preferably, the thickness of the metal foil is constant before processing such as stamping. However, the metal foil sometimes becomes thinner in the bent portions. Therefore, it is preferable that, like... Figure 8 As shown in the example, the thickness of the first support 40 is the same as or less than the thickness of the core 30. Preferably, the thickness of the second support 50 is the same as or less than the thickness of the sheet member 35. More preferably, the thickness of the first support 40 is the same as or less than the thickness of the core 30, and the thickness of the second support 50 is the same as or less than the thickness of the sheet member 35.

[0130] When the core 30 has a plurality of through holes 31 extending along the thickness direction Z, the preferred configuration of the through holes 31 is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the preferred ranges for the center-to-center distance and the diameter of the through holes 31 are also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0131] The preferred configuration of the first support 40 is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the preferred ranges for the center-to-center distance between adjacent first support 40s, the equivalent circle diameter of the cross-section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the first support 40 on the side closest to the core 30, and the height of the first support 40 are also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0132] The preferred configuration of the second support 50 is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the preferred ranges for the center-to-center distance between adjacent second support 50s, the equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the second support 50 on the side near the core 30, and the height of the second support 50 are also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0133] Preferably, the height of the first support 40 is smaller than the height of the second support 50.

[0134] Preferably, the center-to-center distance between adjacent first support bodies 40 is smaller than the center-to-center distance between adjacent second support bodies 50.

[0135] Preferably, the equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the first support 40 on the side near the core 30 is smaller than the equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the second support 50 on the side near the core 30.

[0136] When the sheet component 35 is a different component from the core 30, the height, center-to-center distance, or equivalent circle diameter of the first support 40 and the second support 50 satisfy the above-mentioned relationship, so that the metal foil is not easy to break when a through hole 31 is formed in the metal foil constituting the core 30.

[0137] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the core, sheet components, first support body, and second support body constituting the heat diffusion device of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, core 30A is the same as core 30, but the first support 40A is not recessed.

[0139] The materials constituting the core 30A and the first support 40A are not particularly limited, and examples include resin, metal, ceramic, or mixtures thereof, laminates, etc. Preferably, the materials constituting the core 30A and the first support 40A are metal.

[0140] The core 30A and the first support 40A can be manufactured, for example, by etching technology, printing technology based on multilayer coating, other multilayer technology, etc.

[0141] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the heat diffusion device constituting the second embodiment of the present invention, including the core, sheet components, first support body, and second support body.

[0142] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the first support 40B is the same as the first support 40A, but the core 30B is made of a porous material. By making the core 30B a porous material, the capillary force of the core 30B can be improved.

[0143] Examples of porous materials constituting the core 30B include porous sintered materials such as metal porous sintered materials and ceramic porous sintered materials, or porous materials such as metal porous materials, ceramic porous materials, and resin porous materials.

[0144] Core 30B may or may not have a through hole extending through the thickness direction Z.

[0145] The core 30B and the first support 40B can be manufactured, for example, by methods such as printing techniques based on multi-layer coating using metal paste or ceramic paste.

[0146] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing a third variation of the heat diffusion device constituting the second embodiment of the present invention, including the core, sheet components, first support, and second support.

[0147] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, the core 30C and the first support 40C are composed of porous materials.

[0148] Porous bodies constituting the core 30C and the first support 40C include, for example, porous sintered bodies such as metal porous sintered bodies and ceramic porous sintered bodies, or porous bodies such as metal porous bodies, ceramic porous bodies, and resin porous bodies.

[0149] Core 30C may or may not have a through hole extending through the thickness direction Z.

[0150] The core 30C and the first support 40C can be manufactured, for example, by a printing technique based on multilayer coating using metal paste or ceramic paste. In this case, the metal or ceramic content in the paste used to form the first support 40C can be the same as, less than, or more than that in the paste used to form the core 30C. For example, by using a higher metal or ceramic content in the paste used to form the first support 40C than in the paste used to form the core 30C, the density of the first support 40C can be greater than that of the core 30C. As a result, the strength of the first support 40C can be improved.

[0151] In the heat diffusion device of the second embodiment of this utility model, the sheet member and the second support can also adopt the same structure as the modified example of the core and the first support described above. That is, it can also be as follows: Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, the second support body does not dent, similar to the first support body 40A. In this case, it can also be as follows: Figure 10 The core 30B shown is a sheet component made of a porous material. Alternatively, it can be like... Figure 11 The core 30C and the first support 40C shown are sheet components and the second support are made of porous material.

[0152] In the heat diffusion device of the second embodiment of this utility model, the sheet member preferably does not have a porous structure, but it may also have a porous structure similar to that of the core. In this case, the sheet member may have the same porous structure as the core, or it may have a different porous structure than the core. When the sheet member has a porous structure, the sheet member may be disposed between the second inner surface and the second support, or it may be disposed between the core and the second support.

[0153] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0154] The heat diffusion device of this utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various applications and modifications can be applied to the structure and manufacturing conditions of the heat diffusion device within the scope of this utility model.

[0155] In the heat diffusion device of this invention, the shell may have one evaporation section or multiple evaporation sections. That is, one heat source or multiple heat sources may be disposed on the outer wall surface of the shell.

[0156] In the heat diffusion device of this utility model, when the shell is composed of a first piece and a second piece, the first piece and the second piece can overlap in a manner where the ends are aligned or in a manner where the ends are staggered.

[0157] In the heat diffusion device of this invention, when the shell is composed of a first piece and a second piece, the materials constituting the first piece and the second piece can be different. For example, by using a material with higher strength for the first piece, the stress acting on the shell can be dispersed. Furthermore, by using different materials for the two pieces, one piece can achieve one function and the other piece can achieve other functions. The functions described are not particularly limited; examples include heat conduction and electromagnetic wave shielding.

[0158] The heat diffusion device of this invention can be installed in electronic devices for the purpose of heat dissipation. Therefore, electronic devices equipped with the heat diffusion device of this invention are also part of this invention. Examples of electronic devices that can be equipped with this invention include smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, gaming devices, and wearable devices. As described above, the heat diffusion device of this invention can operate independently without external power, utilizing the latent heat of vaporization and latent heat of condensation of the working medium to achieve high-speed, two-dimensional heat diffusion. Therefore, electronic devices equipped with the heat diffusion device of this invention can effectively dissipate heat within the limited space inside the electronic device.

[0159] The following information is disclosed in this specification.

[0160] <1>

[0161] A heat diffusion device, wherein the heat diffusion device comprises:

[0162] A housing having a first inner surface and a second inner surface opposite each other in the thickness direction, and having an internal space therein;

[0163] The working medium is sealed within the aforementioned internal space of the aforementioned housing;

[0164] A sheet-like core is disposed in the aforementioned internal space of the aforementioned housing;

[0165] A sheet member disposed in the aforementioned internal space of the aforementioned housing, the sheet member being the same member as the aforementioned core, or the sheet member being a different member from the aforementioned core;

[0166] A plurality of first supports, the plurality of first supports being integrated with the aforementioned core; and

[0167] Multiple second supports, which are integrated with the aforementioned sheet member,

[0168] The core is separated from the first inner surface via the first support and from the second inner surface via the second support.

[0169] <2>

[0170] According to the heat diffusion device described in <1>, the sheet component and the core are the same component.

[0171] <3>

[0172] According to the heat diffusion device described in <1>, the sheet component is a component different from the core.

[0173] <4>

[0174] The heat diffusion device according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the height of the first support is smaller than the height of the second support.

[0175] <5>

[0176] According to any one of <1> to <4>, the heat diffusion device wherein the center-to-center distance between adjacent first supports is smaller than the center-to-center distance between adjacent second supports.

[0177] <6>

[0178] According to any one of <1> to <5>, the equivalent circle diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the first support near the core side of the first support is smaller than the equivalent circle diameter of the cross section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the second support near the core side of the second support.

[0179] <7>

[0180] According to any one of <1> to <6>, the thickness of the first support body is the same as or less than the thickness of the core.

[0181] <8>

[0182] According to any one of <1> to <7>, the thickness of the second support is the same as or less than the thickness of the sheet member.

[0183] <9>

[0184] The heat diffusion device according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the core has a plurality of through holes extending along the thickness direction.

[0185] <10>

[0186] According to the heat diffusion device described in <9>, a protrusion is provided around the periphery of the through hole in a direction close to the second inner surface.

[0187] <11>

[0188] According to the heat diffusion device described in <9> or <10>, a protrusion is provided at the periphery of the through hole in a direction close to the first inner surface.

[0189] <12>

[0190] An electronic device comprising any one of <1> to <11>.

[0191] Industrial availability

[0192] The heat dissipation device of this invention has a wide range of applications in portable information terminals and other fields. For example, it can be used to lower the temperature of heat sources such as CPUs, thereby extending the usage time of electronic devices, and can be used in smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, etc.

[0193] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0194] 1, 2, Heat spreader (heat diffusion device); 10, Shell; 11, First piece; 11a, First inner surface; 12, Second piece; 12a, Second inner surface; 20, Working medium; 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, Core; 31, Through hole; 32, 33, Protrusion; 35, Sheet component; 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, First support body; 50, Second support body; HS, Heat source; X, Width direction; Y, Length direction; Z, Thickness direction.

Claims

1. A heat diffusion device, characterized in that, This heat diffusion device has the following features: A housing having a first inner surface and a second inner surface opposite each other in the thickness direction, and having an internal space therein; The working medium is sealed within the internal space of the housing; A sheet-like core disposed within the internal space of the housing; A sheet member disposed in the internal space of the housing, the sheet member being the same member as the core, or the sheet member being a different member from the core; A plurality of first supports, which are integrated with the core; as well as Multiple second supports, which are integrated with the sheet member, The core is separated from the first inner surface via the first support body, and from the second inner surface via the second support body. In the thickness direction, the height of the first support is smaller than the height of the second support.

2. The heat diffusion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet component and the core are the same component.

3. The heat diffusion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet component is a component different from the core.

4. The heat diffusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The center-to-center distance between adjacent first supports is smaller than the center-to-center distance between adjacent second supports.

5. The heat diffusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the first support near the core side is smaller than the equivalent circle diameter of the section perpendicular to the height direction at the end of the second support near the core side.

6. The heat diffusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the first support is the same as or less than the thickness of the core.

7. The heat diffusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The thickness of the second support is the same as or less than the thickness of the sheet member.

8. The heat diffusion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The core has a plurality of through holes extending along the thickness direction.

9. The heat diffusion device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A protrusion is provided around the periphery of the through hole in a direction close to the second inner surface.

10. The heat diffusion device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A protrusion is provided around the periphery of the through hole in a direction close to the first inner surface.

11. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes the heat diffusion device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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