Cooling device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device on a closed housing of an electronic component or a circuit. In order to provide a cooling device for an electronic component or a circuit in a closed housing, according to the invention a heat sink is disposed on a back side of the electronic component or circuit with good thermal coupling, the heat sink comprising at least one first metal plate (11) having a three-dimensional structure, heat being input via a flat base (13) of the first metal plate (11), and the heat being dissipated toward peaks (14) of the three-dimensional structure; at least one second metal plate (15) is disposed adjacent to the first metal plate (11) or the peaks (14) thereof, with contact, and thus dissipates heat further.

Description

[0001] Heat dissipation device

[0002] The present invention relates to a heat dissipation device on a closed housing of an electronic component or circuit.

[0003] Various approaches to dissipating heat that occurs as thermal power loss in electrical components are known from the state of the art. In closed housings in particular, this can lead to the formation of hot spots on electronic components which, due to the rapid increase in the probability of failure that comes with the temperature, can have a very negative impact on reliable long-term operation. State-of-the-art measures to prevent premature failure of electronic components include the provision of redundant units. Alternatively, the electrical components used are deliberately oversized to take account of the higher temperatures in the event of high loads and to achieve an adequate service life overall. However, the design solutions mentioned require more space and entail additional costs, unless the components are usually designed with the same dimensions.Given the tight spatial conditions in a closed housing, this is even feasible. A shortened service life of electronic components also leads to increased costs and reduced reliability and therefore cannot seriously be considered as a solution.

[0004] DE 10 2019 120 031 A1 discloses an integrated cooling system that uses free and / or forced convection in a high-voltage circuit box of a battery storage system to equalize the thermal conditions across an entire circuit with various electronic components. Such a cooling system has proven effective.

[0005] 1

[0006] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) is, however, in principle only applicable in closed enclosures in which a convective flow can be built up.

[0007] Active cooling systems are known for flat circuits in a closed housing, such as for solar modules. In these systems, a liquid, a gas, or a gas mixture, such as air, must be pumped through the housing to cool the solar module. However, such active cooling systems are expensive, require additional installation space, and consume electrical energy. In addition, such cooling systems are subject to wear and tear, and as actively driven subsystems, they can fail either directly due to internal defects or indirectly due to a disruption in the power supply.

[0008] It is the object of the present invention to provide a heat dissipation device for an electronic component or a circuit in a closed housing, wherein the heat dissipation device can also be part of the closed housing.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 by means of a heat dissipation device on a closed housing of an electronic component or a circuit, which heat dissipation device has a heat sink arranged on a rear side of the electronic component or circuit with good thermal coupling in order to conduct heat away from the component or circuit in order to increase a service life and / or efficiency. The heat sink comprises at least a first metal plate with a three-dimensional structure. Heat is introduced via a flat base, and the heat is dissipated to the peaks of the three-dimensional structure, where at least one second metal plate is arranged adjacent to the first metal plate or its peak with thermal contact and thus further dissipates absorbed heat.

[0010] 2

[0011] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. Accordingly, the metal plate is designed as an aluminum sheet with an embossed three-dimensional structure as a profiling. Aluminum is an inexpensive, corrosion-resistant and good heat conductor. A three-dimensional structure can be easily produced in the comparatively soft aluminum by embossing, in particular by a rolling and punching process using aluminum strip material, in which not only is the aluminum sheet profiled but it is also cut to size into a metal plate with the exact final contour in a continuous manufacturing process.

[0012] Preferably, the three-dimensional structure of the metal plate is optimized to support higher static and dynamic mechanical loads. This will be discussed in detail using an example.

[0013] In a further development of the invention, the three-dimensional structure is constructed in a regular manner. Preferably, a beaded or nubbed structure is provided, with elevations protruding from a flat base.

[0014] In an advantageous development of the invention, the second metal plate is also three-dimensionally profiled. In particular, the second metal plate is provided with the same three-dimensional structure as the first metal plate.

[0015] Preferably, a heat dissipation device according to the invention is constructed and shaped such that the base of the first metal plate and that of the second metal plate are each oriented opposite to one another.

[0016] 3

[0017] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mirror-image arrangement of the first and second metal plates relative to one another is provided, with a similar profile. With the same three-dimensional structure on said metal plates and a mirror-image arrangement, the respective peaks are adjacent to one another, so that the heat is dissipated from peak to peak.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one first and at least one second metal plate are arranged one on top of the other. Fixing the sheets together is not necessary for heat transfer if there is sufficient contact between the components. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, a stack of several metal plates stacked in a mirror-image orientation is obtained, which are free from mutual fixation.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beads are provided on the edge of the metal plates in order to fix the heat dissipation device in an external frame; in particular, these beads are provided only on one bottom and one top sheet metal plate.

[0020] In a further development of the invention, a stack of three packages is provided as paired arrangements of first metal plates and second metal plates, which preferably has a heat dissipation device in the form of a rod, opposite the closed housing of the electronic component or circuit on the stack of metal plates, into a substrate. For thermal coupling of the heat dissipation device constructed from metal plates, a flat contact of the bottom metal sheet against the rod is sufficient.

[0021] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments based on the drawings. These show, schematically:

[0022] Figure 1: a perspective view of two solar modules that are mechanically fixed to each other at an adjacent edge area;

[0023] Figure 2 : a perspective view of two progressively cut-out solar modules in the view of Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 3: a perspective view of a first metal plate of a heat dissipation device;

[0025] Figures 4a - 4c : partially sectioned views of the metal plate of Figure 3 ;

[0026] Figure 5 : a perspective view of a stack of metal plates with successive mirror-image orientation;

[0027] Figure 6 : a side view of the arrangement of Figure 5 and

[0028] Figure 7: a perspective view of a fixing of stacks of metal plates according to Figure 5 in corresponding recesses of a chassis of a solar module according to Figure 1.

[0029] Throughout the various figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements. Without limiting the invention, only the use of

[0030] 5

[0031] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Heat dissipation devices in flat and mechanically highly resilient solar modules with a uniform hexagonal edge shape are shown and described, which serve as a replacement for a road surface and are therefore also suitable for heavy trucks. These solar modules are arranged adjacent to one another on a subsurface that is generally not completely flat. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that adaptation to any three-dimensionally shaped subsurfaces is possible in the same way, even using triangular bodies in the manner of a finite element mesh, with appropriate adaptation of the heat dissipation devices in order to achieve coverage with a predetermined surface shape. The bodies or modules themselves can also have a non-flat surface with appropriate adaptation of the heat dissipation devices contained therein.

[0032] Solar modules, as electronic components housed in a closed housing and used as road surfaces, pose a particular technical challenge from a thermal perspective, especially since active cooling across the entire length of a road surface would be too costly and unreliable. This type of solar module can also only be arranged at a static angle and generally does not allow for rear ventilation for heat dissipation. However, effective heat dissipation increases the efficiency of solar cells and also extends the average service life of electronic components. The heat dissipation devices described below perform this important task.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of two solar modules 1 with an approximately hexagonal basic structure, which are arranged on a substrate 2 and are mechanically fixed to one another at an adjacent edge region 3 by various connecting devices which can be opened and closed by a tool W. The connecting devices are

[0034] 6

[0035] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) covered by cover strips 4 as protection against environmental influences. Arranged beneath a mechanically highly resilient surface 5 made of glass as a covering layer are solar cells (not shown in detail) with electronics, heat pads for electrically heating the modules 1 against snow and ice, as well as sensors for pressure and temperature, etc., as well as LED modules, all of which are supplied with electrical current by the solar cells and connected via cables to adjacent solar modules 1 for the exchange of electrical energy and information.

[0036] A chassis 6 with a frame structure is connected to the surface 5 facing the sun. The chassis 6 is made of an elastomer or rubber-elastic plastic to compensate for unevenness in the substrate 2. In order to be able to divert a large force from the surface 5 through the solar module 1 into the substrate 2, heat dissipation devices 7 are arranged directly behind the solar modules (not shown in detail) and thus on a side of the surface 5 facing away from the sun in thermal contact with the solar cells. In this exemplary embodiment, six heat dissipation devices 7 are provided for each solar module 1 and are arranged as segments separated from one another by the frame structure of the chassis 6. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of two progressively cut-out solar modules 1 in the view from Figure 1.

[0037] In addition to the surface 5 with the solar cells as a cover layer, cover lips 4 made of an elastomer material have been removed in two edge regions 3, which fill and close a channel 8 between the cover layers 5 of adjacent modules 1 with these cover layers 5. The left module 1 in Figure 2 has been reduced to the chassis 6, at the edge regions 3 of which connecting devices for mechanical coupling

[0038] 7

[0039] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) with adjacent modules 1. In the frame-like structure of the chassis 6, a central receptacle 9 is provided for, among other things, data processing electronics, which in a real application are connected to adjacent modules 1 via a channel 10 for power and data lines.

[0040] From the right-hand module 1 in Figure 2, all other components have been removed, except for the fixing bodies of the respective connecting devices, only the thermally optimized heat dissipation devices 7 coupled with the heat dissipation devices and four of the six cover lips 10 inserted as dirt protection for the underlying connecting devices 1. The heat dissipation devices 7, in the form of six segments, cover a substantial portion of the area above the substrate 2 and thus support the cover layer 5 of the solar module 1, dissipating mechanical loads into the substrate 2.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first metal plate 11 of a heat dissipation device 7. The metal plate 11 is made of aluminum sheet and has an embossed three-dimensional structure. This three-dimensional structure features regularly distributed ridges or knobs 12 extending from a flat or level base 13 to elevations or peaks 14 with flattened plateau surfaces.

[0042] The illustrations in Figures 4a - 4c show partially sectioned views of the metal plate 11 of Figure 3. Here, by stamping from an aluminum sheet of approximately 400 cm 2 Area approx. 120 cm 2 Area of ​​the flat base 13 and approx . 65 cm 2Area of ​​all plateau peaks 14 was created. The three-dimensional structure shown is optimized to support higher static and dynamic mechanical loads and is designed as a regular three-dimensional structure. In the present embodiment, the aluminum sheet measures a height h of the metal plate 11 provided with studs 12 of approximately.

[0043] 8

[0044] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) 8.47 mm at each point approx. t=3.175 mm. This results in knobs 12 with linear flanks rising by a maximum of approx. 5.29 mm from the flat base 13 when connected by transition radii at an angle of approx. 40°. Figure 4b shows the positioning of a first metal plate 11 of a heat dissipation device 7 with a first metal plate 11 in contact with the surface 5 containing solar cells, and a second metal plate 15 adjacent to this first metal plate 11, which is designed with mirror symmetry.

[0045] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a stack of metal plates, wherein a first metal plate 11 and a second metal plate 15 oriented in a mirror image thereof are stacked on top of one another as a package 16. Advantageously, the metal plate 15 in this exemplary embodiment is completely symmetrical, so that only a single geometry needs to be provided using only one mold to produce the metal plates 11, 15. The first metal plate 11 and the second metal plate 15 therefore only differ in terms of their orientation during assembly. Following the indicated diagram, three packages 16 are provided in Figure 5 for constructing a heat dissipation device 7. It can be seen that the second metal plate 15 is also 3D-profiled and has the same three-dimensional structure as the first metal plate 11.Each package 16 thus comprises two metal plates 11, 15 placed on top of one another free from mutual fixation and arranged in a contour-conforming manner.

[0046] Figure 6 shows a side view of the arrangement of Figure 5, comprising three packages 16, each comprising a first metal plate 11 and a second metal plate 15 oriented in a mirror image thereto. With a high heat dissipation performance, this arrangement, with a total height of approximately 5.1 cm, is significantly lighter than a solid block of aluminum.

[0047] 9

[0048] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a fixing of heat dissipation device 7 as respective stacks of loosely stacked metal plates according to Figure 5 in corresponding recesses of the chassis 6 of a solar module 1 according to Figures 1 and 2. Here, beads 17 are provided on the edges of the metal plates 11, 15 in order to fix the heat dissipation device 7 to the chassis 6 by means of plastic holding arms 18 of two different designs screwed to both surfaces of the chassis 6. These beads 17 are only provided on a respective bottom and top sheet metal plate 11, 15 for fixing in this external frame, which here is formed by the chassis 6 and otherwise by a housing part of a module 1.

[0049] The heat dissipation devices 7, constructed from stacked aluminum corrugated sheets, serve on the one hand to dissipate heat from electronics arranged flat above them, thereby increasing the efficiency of solar cells in particular. The heat dissipation devices 7 also reduce the tendency for hot spots to form by dissipating heat from highly heated components or regions of the electronics. This increases the average service life of electronic components due to the rapid increase in the probability of failure that comes with increasing temperature, without the electrical components used having to be deliberately oversized to accommodate the higher temperatures in the event of high loads. There is also no need to provide for component redundancy, which means that not only costs but also installation space is saved.A further function of the described heat dissipation devices 7 is that they are very pressure-stable and thus highly resilient due to static forces. The mechanically highly resilient protective layer with underlying functional elements rests mechanically on the heat dissipation devices 7 when subjected to loads, e.g., by a vehicle rolling over the solar modules, instead of the respective chassis 12 for dissipation into the.

[0050] 10

[0051] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Subsurface 2 towards . For an area of ​​the mechanically highly resilient surface 5 of approximately 0 . 24 m2, an acting

[0052] The weight of a heavy vehicle, for example, is dissipated into the subsoil 2 via six heat dissipation devices 7 with a total area of ​​almost the same size.

[0053] In an embodiment not further illustrated in the drawing, a stack of three packages 16 is provided as paired arrangements of first metal plates 11 and second metal plates 15, which has a dissipation of heat into the substrate 2 in the form of a heat-conducting rod, for example also made of aluminum, opposite the closed housing of the electronic component or circuit of the solar module 2 on the stack of metal plates.

[0054] 11

[0055] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Reference list

[0056] solar module

[0057] Underground

[0058] peripheral area

[0059] Cover strip / cover lips mechanically highly resilient surface

[0060] chassis

[0061] Heat dissipation device

[0062] Channel between cover layers 5 of adjacent modules 1

[0063] Mount for electronics 0 Channel for power and data lines from electronics to adjacent modules 1 1 first metal plate 2 bead / knob 3 flat / level base 4 plateau peak 5 second metal plate 6 package of a first metal plate 11 and a mirror-image oriented second metal plate 15 7 bead 8 holding arms, screwed to both surfaces in the chassis 6 for holding the heat dissipation devices 7 . h height of a profiled metal plate 11, 15 t thickness of the metal plate 11, 15 itself

[0064] W Tool with at least one button for connection in an opening like a bayonet lock

[0065] 12

[0066] SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Connection system and procedure

[0067] The present invention relates to a connection system for the mechanical fixing of adjacently arranged bodies in a plane, in particular of flat solar modules which are arranged above a substrate, and to a method for the mechanical fixing of adjacently arranged bodies in a plane.

[0068] Various approaches to mechanically securing solar modules arranged above a substrate are known from the state of the art. These modules are even designed as road surfaces and are therefore passable by heavy trucks. For such high loads, securing each individual element to a substrate formed as a concrete foundation is known. A less complex approach is securing adjacent bodies arranged in a plane at their adjacent edge areas.

[0069] These solar modules are also designed for the road to withstand the load from heavy vehicles such as trucks. They are laid on gravel, which is not a perfectly flat surface. To still create a smooth, level road surface, the modules are connected to each other up and down perpendicular to the road surface. To do this, these connections must be able to transfer the load from one module to the next. A standard solution is to create an overlap between adjacent solar modules. However, this approach has the disadvantage that the solar modules must be installed in a specific order and orientation relative to adjacent modules.

[0070] This also has the disadvantage that the solar modules have to be removed in a specific order. If it is a large street and only one solar module in a middle area is removed, for example due to a defect

[0071] SUBMITTED IN FALSE WAY (Rule 20.5bis) is to be replaced, all solar modules located in front of it must be removed to gain access to the defective module for replacement.

[0072] It is the object of the present invention to provide a connection system for the mechanical fixing of adjacently arranged bodies in a plane with free accessibility of any module for installation and / or removal as well as a corresponding method.

[0073] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 by a connection system for the mechanical fixing of bodies or modules arranged adjacent to one another or adjacent to one another at edge regions, in particular of flat solar modules which are arranged in a plane above a substrate, in that recesses consisting of two half-spaces arranged in alignment with one another are provided at the edge regions of adjacent modules, so that in one of the recesses a fixing body with an elongated cross-sectional area can be rotated by approximately 90° about an axis perpendicular to a surface normal of the modules, engaging in the half-spaces.

[0074] The present invention is based on the finding that for an effective fixation against up and down movement between two adjacent modules on a not completely flat surface, it is sufficient to have a fixation body protrude from a recess in the edge area of ​​a module into a corresponding recess in the edge area of ​​the adjacent module. Since the implementation of a plug connection is ruled out, at least when releasing a module from a fixed planar assembly, the fixation bodies are rotatably mounted between the recesses and are accessible from one side for a tool in order to be rotated into a position in which the fixation bodies

[0075] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) are positioned so as to engage the adjacent half-spaces. Both half-spaces are then coupled together by a fixing body in such a way that they can only move with each other and no longer against each other. The modules are thus connected in an upward and downward direction perpendicular to a roadway plane.

[0076] Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. Accordingly, the fixing body can be inserted into the recess formed from two half-spaces of adjacent modules from the outside through an opening. The half-spaces are essentially mirror-symmetrical or point-symmetrical to one another, so that the recess is formed from two halves, and one half-space, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, has end stops for limiting rotation of a fixing body to approximately 90° and / or a locking lug.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixing body is cuboidal or prismatic. It is thus characterized in a plan view by a short and a long side. The short side enables easy installation between two panels. The long side, after being rotated by approximately 90° in the recess, ensures a secure connection between the two panels or modules, in that the long side of the fixing body is positioned so that it engages in both half spaces in the fixing position.

[0078] The fixing body has, in particular, two lateral surfaces that represent lateral surface sections of a cylinder. An opening associated with the respective fixing body leading to the space between the adjacent modules has a surface shape that corresponds to that of the fixing body. This type of guidance facilitates the insertion of the fixing body through the opening into the recess.

[0079] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) In a preferred development of the invention, the fixing body of a connecting system according to the invention is designed to be accessible via a channel on a freely accessible surface of the adjacent edge regions of the adjacent modules for exerting a torque.

[0080] In an advantageous development of the invention, the fixing body has a recess designed for the engagement of a tool. After the fixing body has been inserted into the recess, the tool exerts a torque on the fixing body. In one embodiment, the recess in the fixing body has a keyhole-shaped contour for a secure and captive temporary connection between the tool and the fixing body.

[0081] Advantageously, the recess in the fixing body is shaped to form a bayonet connection with the tool. This allows the fixing body to be securely fixed to the tool and, like a plug, can not only be inserted into the recess between two modules through the opening and rotated, but can also be pulled out of the recess after releasing the fastening of both adjacent module parts.

[0082] Preferably, a connection system according to the invention is constructed and shaped such that the fixing body has a guide opposite a recess for engaging a tool. This guide is designed in one embodiment in the form of a pivot pin; alternatively or additionally, an external guide is provided on the fixing body, which can be designed as a projection. Recesses adapted to the above-mentioned types of guides are provided in the half-spaces of the modules.

[0083] SUBMITTED IN ERRORS (Rule 20.5bis) The fixing element is thus better secured against tilting in the recess at the edge areas of the modules. This also makes it easier to rotate the fixing element in the recess using the tool. Furthermore, when inserting the fixing element into the recess, a limit or stop is formed, up to which the fixing element must be pushed in to ensure secure and permanently reliable fixing.

[0084] In a preferred development of the invention, a securing piece is provided that can be inserted over the fixing body rotated into a fixing position and, in particular, inserted through the opening into the recess. In an advantageous embodiment, a clamping fixation of the securing piece on or above the fixing body is provided. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the individual securing pieces, with their functionality for securing the position of the respective fixing bodies arranged in predetermined fixing positions, are to be integrated in one piece by protrusions on a cover lip covering the channel between the adjacent modules.

[0085] As a further solution to the above-mentioned problem, a method for fixing adjacently arranged bodies or modules in a surface using a device according to the invention according to one or more of the above-mentioned features is proposed, in which two modules are laid loosely over a substrate directly adjacent to one another, wherein the method is advantageously characterized in that a fixing body with an elongated cross-sectional area is inserted or plugged through an opening into an adapted recess which is arranged mirror-symmetrically or point-symmetrically at the edge regions of the adjacent modules, and then a fixing body in each case in the

[0086] ERRORS SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) Recess is rotated approximately 90° about an axis parallel to a surface normal of the modules.

[0087] The features listed above create a robust connection system consisting of just a few individual parts that can be operated quickly and safely with minimal tooling. Visual checks are possible to ensure that the adjacent modules are properly secured, as are functional checks using securing elements that can only be mechanically placed and sufficiently secured on or over securing bodies in a position with properly secured fixings. Examples of this are also described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0088] Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments based on the drawings. In these, a schematic representation shows:

[0089] Figure 1: a perspective view of two solar modules which are mechanically fixed to one another at an adjacent edge area by several connection systems;

[0090] Figure 2 : a perspective view of two progressively cut-out solar modules in the view of Figure 1 ;

[0091] Figure 3 : a partially sectioned perspective enlarged view III of edge regions of the two solar modules of Figure 2 ;

[0092] Figures 4a - 4c : perspective and partially sectioned

[0093] ERRONEOUSLY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) Illustrations of a fixing body and an associated recess of the connecting system embodiment A;

[0094] Figures 5a - 5d: perspective and partially sectioned representations of a recess of the embodiment A of a connecting system;

[0095] Figures 6a and 6b: perspective and partially sectioned representations of a fixing body of embodiment B of a connecting system;

[0096] Figures 7a to 7c :

[0097] Partial steps for producing a connection system 1 according to embodiment B in perspective and partially sectioned representation;

[0098] Figures 8a to 8d: perspective and partially sectioned representations of a recess of the embodiment B of a connecting system;

[0099] Figures 9a and 9b: a sketched process of disassembly of a connection system according to embodiment B;

[0100] Figures 10a and 10b: enlarged sections from Figure 3 to illustrate a progressive assembly of an embodiment of a connection system according to embodiment B at an edge region;

[0101] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) Figure 11 : a partially sectioned and enlarged perspective view XI of edge regions of the two solar modules of Figure 2 and

[0102] Figures 12a - 12e: perspective and partially sectioned representations of a further embodiment of a cover lip.

[0103] The same reference numerals are used for the same elements or method steps throughout the various illustrations. Without limiting the invention, only one use of a device for the mechanically highly resilient fixing of flat solar modules with a uniform hexagonal edge shape is shown and described below. The solar modules are arranged adjacent to one another on a base that is generally not completely flat. However, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that adaptation to any three-dimensionally shaped bases is possible in the same way, even using triangular bodies in the manner of a finite element mesh, in order to achieve coverage with a predetermined surface shape. The bodies or modules themselves can also have a non-flat surface, as long as edge regions are formed towards adjacent bodies, at which edge regions these bodies are in contact with one another.

[0104] Figure 1 shows two exemplary embodiments of a connection system 1 for the mechanical fixing of adjacent or mutually adjoining bodies, a perspective view of two solar modules 2. The solar modules 2 are arranged in a plane on a base 3 and are mechanically fixed to one another at an adjacent edge region 4. For this purpose, at the edge regions 4 of the two adjacent

[0105] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) Openings 5 ​​are provided on the modules 2 at regular intervals. Each of these openings 5 ​​merges into a recess formed from two half-spaces 6 which are arranged in alignment with one another at the adjacent edge regions 4 of the modules 2. Furthermore, the half-spaces 6 are essentially mirror-symmetrical or, in this case, point-symmetrical, as will be shown and described in detailed illustrations. A fixing body 7, each provided with an elongated cross-sectional area Q, is arranged through the opening 5 and can be rotated by approximately 90° to form a connecting system 1 in the recess formed from two half-spaces 6.

[0106] Figure 1 shows a mixture of exemplary embodiments A, B of a connecting system 1 for fixing two modules 2, which will be described separately. In both cases, the fixing bodies 7 can be rotated by approximately 90° about an axis M parallel to a surface normal N of the modules 2 in the respective recess formed from two half-spaces 6, as indicated in Figure 1 using a tool W. For this purpose, the fixing bodies 7 are cuboid-shaped or prismatic and have two outer surfaces which represent outer surface sections of a cylinder. The fixing bodies 7 are therefore easily rotatably mounted in the respective recesses with maximum space utilization.

[0107] In both illustrated embodiments A, B of the connection system 1, the fixing bodies can each be inserted from a free outer space through the opening 5 into the recess in the manner of a plug. Each of the openings 5 ​​corresponds to a cross-sectional area Q of an associated fixing body 7. The fixing body 7, via its outer contour, carries out a relative positioning of the adjacent solar modules 2 to one another and thus allows an easier positioning of the solar modules 2 to one another. In both embodiments A, B, the respective recess is made of

[0108] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) two essentially point-symmetrically shaped half-spaces 6 of adjacent modules 2 are formed, and the half-spaces 6 have end stops 8, shown in more detail below on an enlarged scale, for limiting rotation of a fixing body to approximately 90° in the cavity, as well as locking lugs (not shown in detail here), which serve to fix the fixing body 7 in a locked position. The fixing body 7 now engages with its longer side in the half-spaces 6 of the directly adjacent solar modules 2, coupling the force and position.

[0109] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a sequence of the two embodiments of connection systems 1 is used in a pattern ABA. Of course, only one of the embodiments A or B of the connection system can be used.

[0110] 1 at all edge areas 4 of the adjacent modules

[0111] 2 can be used to ensure secure fixation.

[0112] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of two progressively cut-out solar modules 2 with an approximately hexagonal basic structure in the view of Figure 1. In addition to a cover layer 9, which in the case of the solar modules 2 shown here, in addition to a mechanically highly resilient protective layer, includes underlying functional elements in the form of, for example, solar cells and LED elements, heat pads for electrically heating the modules 2 against snow and ice, as well as sensors for pressure and temperature, etc., cover lips 10 made of an elastomer material have been removed in two edge regions 4, which fill and close a channel 11 between the cover layers 9 of adjacent modules 2 flush with these cover layers 9. The module 2 arranged on the left has been reduced to a solid chassis 12, on the edge regions 4 of which the half-spaces 6 are formed, depending on the embodiment A or B of the respective connection systems 1. The

[0113] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) Chassis 12 can be made of plastic or aluminum; however, to compensate for unevenness of the substrate 3, it is preferred to manufacture chassis 12 from an elastomer or rubber-elastic plastic. Furthermore, this chassis contains a central receptacle 13 for electronics, which, in actual use, is connected to adjacent modules 2 via a channel 14 for power and data lines.

[0114] From the right-hand module 2, apart from the fixing body 7 corresponding to the exemplary embodiments A or B of the respective connection systems 1, only the heat sink 15 made of mirror-inverted stacked aluminum corrugated sheets for dissipating heat from the solar cells arranged above it and four of the six cover lips 10 inserted as dirt protection for the connection systems 1 below it have been removed. The stacked aluminum corrugated sheets serve, on the one hand, to dissipate heat from the electronics arranged flat above it and thus, in particular, increase the efficiency of solar cells. The heat sinks 15 also reduce the tendency for hot spots to form by dissipating heat from highly heated components or regions of the electronics.This increases the average service life of electronic components due to the rapid increase in the probability of failure that comes with temperature, without the electrical components used having to be deliberately oversized to take account of the higher temperatures in the event of high loads. There is also no need to provide component redundancy, so that not only costs but also installation space are saved. A further function of the heat sinks 15 is that they are very pressure-stable and can therefore withstand high loads due to contact forces. The mechanically highly resilient protective layer with underlying functional elements is supported under load, e.g. by a support via the solar modules.

[0115] WRONGLY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) rolling vehicle mechanically rests on the heat sinks 15 instead of the respective chassis 12.

[0116] Figure 3 shows a partially sectioned perspective view III of edge regions 4 of the two solar modules 2 of Figure 1 with the cover lip 10 and the cover layer 9 of the module 2 removed. Here, the arrangement of the embodiments A, B of the connection systems 1 with their corresponding half-spaces 6 in the edge regions 4 is more clearly visible.

[0117] 4a - 4c show perspective and partially sectioned views of a fixing body 7 of embodiment A of the connecting system 1 with an associated recess. Fig. 4a shows that the fixing body 7 is prismatic, has a shorter and a longer side and two outer surfaces 16 which represent outer surface sections of a cylinder. An opening designed as a bayonet recess 17 or base in the fixing body 7 and shaped approximately like a keyhole on a free outer surface represents a counterpart to the tool W in order to be able to form a simple, quickly produced and also quickly released mechanical plug-and-turn fixing under the keyhole in two quarter-circle recesses for transmitting linear forces and a torque.This allows for secure insertion and fixing, as well as release and withdrawal of a respective fixing body 7 through the interaction of the bayonet recess 17 and tool W. The longitudinal section of Figure 4b shows a specific internal structure of the fixing body 7, which can be manufactured as an injection-molded part from a plastic or metal.

[0118] An assembly and locking process is indicated by the sub-steps connected by arrows in Figure 4c: The fixing body 7 with elongated cross-sectional area Q is

[0119] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) inserted or inserted through the opening 5 into the recess which is made up of half-spaces 6 arranged point-symmetrically to one another at the edge regions 4 of the chassis 12 of two adjacent modules 2. The tool W is then inserted into the recess 17 of the fixing body 7 and pressed in until it is fully inserted and an end position is reached and then rotated in the recess of the half-spaces 6 by the tool W by approximately 90° about the axis M parallel to a surface normal N of the modules 2. The tool W can also have been inserted beforehand as an aid when inserting the fixing body 7 into the bayonet opening 17. In any case, the tool W is rotated by approximately - 90 ° in the recess 17 of the fixing body 7 and can be pulled out of the fixing body 7 .This connection system 1 thus creates a mechanically sufficiently strong fixation of two modules to one another, which is mechanically reinforced by adjacent connection systems 1.

[0120] A guide 18 in the form of a pin or ring is formed on the fixing body 7 opposite the bayonet recess 17, as can be seen in Figures 4a, 4b. The sequence of Figures 5a - 5d represents perspective and partially sectioned views of a half-space 6 of a recess of exemplary embodiment A of the connecting system 1. Here, the shoulder 8 can be seen as an end stop for the fixing body 7 in the half-space 6 of the recess in Figures 5b - 5c. Furthermore, the half-space 6 of the recess of exemplary embodiment A has a recess 19 into which the guide 18 of the fixing body 7 in the form of a pin or ring rotatably engages. This recess also acts as an end stop when the fixing body 7 is inserted into the recess of the half-spaces 6. The fixing body 7 is thus in this simple design by the outer surfaces 16 and the guide 18 in

[0121] ERRONEOUSLY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) the recess is guided to rotate until it reaches a predetermined position.

[0122] Figures 6a and 6b show a perspective and a sectional view of a fixing body 7 of exemplary embodiment B of the connecting system 1. This fixing body 7 is significantly larger than the fixing body 7 previously described for exemplary embodiment A and of comparatively simpler design. In addition, this fixing body 7 is characterized in that it is mirror-symmetrical about two axes, the second axis being perpendicular to the central axis M. Instead of a guide 18 of the fixing body 7 in the form of a pin or ring, projections 20 are provided here as external guides of the fixing body 7. Due to the symmetry shown above, four external guides are provided on the fixing body 7 of the exemplary embodiment B.

[0123] Figures 7a to 7c show partial steps for producing the connection system 1 according to embodiment B in a perspective and partially sectioned view. According to Figure 7a, the insertion of the fixing body through the opening 6 into the half-spaces 6 takes place as described above for Figure 4c. After the removal of the tool W, a securing piece 21 is now inserted into the opening 5, as indicated in Figure 7b. The securing piece 21 has a clamping groove 22 which encompasses the fixing body 7 in its locked position. At the same time, the securing piece 21 fills the opening 5 flat, so that no twisting of the securing piece 21 in the opening 5 and thus also no twisting of the fixing body 7 in the recess is possible.

[0124] Figures 8a to 8d are perspective and partially sectioned representations of a recess at edge regions 4 of two chassis 12 of the connection system 1 according to the exemplary embodiment

[0125] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) B . The illustrations have been chosen analogously to the sequence of figures 4a to 4d . A direct comparison of the dimensions of the half-spaces 6 of the two exemplary embodiments A, B shows that in exemplary embodiment B the half-space 6 is appropriately enlarged corresponding to a wider fixing body 7 . As a recess 19 in the half-space 6 for the guide 18 in the recess, a type of rotating ring is provided on the recess 6, in which the projections 20 on the fixing body 7 are displaceably or rotatably engaged. Again, a shoulder 8 serves as an end stop for the rotary movement of the fixing body 7.

[0126] Figures 9a and 9b show a sketch of the disassembly process for a type B connection system. As shown in a sectional view in Figure 7c, the securing piece 21 above the clamping groove 22 also includes a bayonet receptacle 17, which makes it easier to insert the securing piece 21 using the tool W, even when the clamping is established between the clamping groove 22 and the fixing body 7, which has already been rotated into the locked position. In any case, the bayonet receptacle 17 in the securing piece 21 and the fixing body 7 makes it easy and safe to release the connection system 1 according to embodiment B. Fixing and releasing the tool in the bayonet receptacle 17 for all of the elements described above always follows the same simple pattern: fixing by turning by approx. 90° and releasing by turning by approx. 90 ° in the opposite direction .No other tools are required other than this robust and simply constructed tool W.

[0127] Figures 10a and 10b show enlarged sections from Figure 3 to illustrate a progressive assembly of an embodiment B of a connection system 1 at an edge region 4. In the illustration of Figure 10a, in addition to half-spaces 6,

[0128] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) two connection systems 1 of embodiment A can be seen in their locking positions. In addition, a half-space 6 and a connection system 1 of embodiment B are also shown in a locking position. In Figure 10b, the locking body 7 is additionally secured in its locked position by a locking piece 21 attached thereto, preventing it from being released by twisting.

[0129] Figure 11 shows, in a partially sectioned perspective view XI of edge regions 4 of the two solar modules 2 from Figure 2, the very simple and robustly designed tool W for assembling and disassembling the connection system 1, as described above and only indicated here by a 90° arrow. The openings 5 ​​provided at the bottom of the channel 11 between cover layers 9 of adjacent modules 2, see Figure 10a, are protected from environmental influences by a cover lip 10, which, as an element made of a rubber-elastic elastomer, also serves to provide longitudinal and transverse compensation between the solar modules 2. For this purpose, these cover lips 10, consisting of an elastomer, are inserted into the respective channels 11 and fastened by fixing elements, only indicated here, in the bayonet recesses 17 of the fixing bodies 7 of the first exemplary embodiment A to prevent them from shifting, slipping out or falling out.For this purpose, screws can be used, as well as fixing elements with a bayonet mount comparable to that of the fixing bodies 7 and the locking pieces 21 for actuation by the tool W .

[0130] The illustrations in Figures 12a - 12c show a perspective view and views of a further embodiment of a cover lip 10 which, in an installed position, covers the channel 11 between cover layers 9 of adjacent modules 2 and the channel 14 for power and data lines running between the modules 2. The cover lip 10 has a grooved free surface 0, see also Figure 12b. In

[0131] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) Deviating from the representation of the cover lip 10, which is T-shaped in cross section, etc. in Figure 2, not only are recesses provided for securing the position of the cover lip 10 by screwing it to fixing bodies 7 in modified bayonet receptacles 17 of the connecting system 1 according to embodiment A through recesses in the cover lip 10. Rather, securing pieces 21 of embodiment B and corresponding securing pieces 23 for connecting systems 1 of embodiment A are also provided with a clamping groove 22. Both types of securing pieces 21, 23 are formed in one piece as protuberances 24 on the rubber-elastomer cover lip 10 as anti-twist devices for the respective fixing bodies 7. This reduces the number of individual parts that have to be handled separately and inserted into the respective locations, which also saves time when installing or removing a module 2.

[0132] The front view of Figure 12c shows a cover lip 10 which is now essentially Y-shaped. The protuberances 24 have different depths to form the securing pieces 21, 23, as Figure 12d also shows in a side view with an indication of recesses 25 for fixing by screwing. Figure 12e supplements the illustration with a view from below. This once again makes it clear that in this exemplary embodiment recesses 25 for fixing the cover lip 10 by screwing are only provided between the comparatively small and narrow securing pieces 23. Clamping by the securing pieces 21 is considered sufficient, so that additional screw connections are not required at these locations.

[0133] FALSELY FILED (Rule 20.5bis) Reference list

[0134] Connection system Body / module Subsurface Edge area of ​​the adjacent modules 2 Opening to a recess consisting of two similarly designed and point-symmetrically arranged half-spaces 6 Half-space

[0135] Fixing body

[0136] End stop / shoulder in the half-space 6 of the recess to prevent further twisting of a fixing body 7 Upper cover layer of the module 2 with functional elements 0 Cover lip 1 Channel between cover layers 9 of adjacent modules 2 2 Chassis of a module 2 3 Central receptacle for electronics 4 Channel for power and data lines to adjacent modules 2 5 Heat sink 6 Shell surface of the fixing body 7 7 Bayonet receptacle 8 Guide of the fixing body 7 in the form of a pin or ring 9 Recess in the half-space 6 for the guide 18 in the recess (hole or rotating ring on the recess 6) 0 Projection on the fixing body 7 for engagement in a recess 19 in the half-space 6 1 Securing piece of the embodiment B 2 Clamping groove 3 Securing piece of the embodiment A 4 Protrusion on the rubber-elastomer cover lip 10 5 recess for fixing by screwing

[0137] A first embodiment example of a connection system 1 B second embodiment example of a connection system 1 M axis perpendicular to the surface normal N of the modules 2 N surface normal of a module 2 0 grooved free surface of the cover lip 10 Q fixing body cross-sectional area / shape of the opening 5 W tool with at least one button for connection in an opening in the manner of a bayonet lock

[0138] FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis)

Claims

Claims Heat dissipation device on a closed housing of an electronic component or a circuit, characterized in that a heat sink is arranged on a rear side of the electronic component or circuit with good thermal coupling, the heat sink comprising at least one first metal plate (11) with a three-dimensional structure, heat is introduced via a flat base (13) of the first metal plate (11), and the heat is dissipated to peaks (14) of the three-dimensional structure, where at least one second metal plate (15) is arranged on the first metal plate (11) or its peaks (14) with thermal contact adjacent to the dissipation of the heat. Heat dissipation device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the metal plate (11, 15) is made as an aluminum sheet with an embossed three-dimensional structure with beads or knobs (12).Heat dissipation device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure is optimized for supporting higher static and dynamic mechanical loads. Heat dissipation device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure has a regular construction. Heat dissipation device according to one of the three preceding claims. 13 SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Claims, characterized in that the second metal plate (15) is also 3D-profiled and is preferably provided with the same three-dimensional structure as the first metal plate (11). Heat dissipation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat dissipation device (7) is constructed and shaped such that a base of the first metal plate (11) and the second metal plate (15) are oriented opposite to one another. Heat dissipation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mirror-image arrangement of the first metal plate (11) and the second metal plate (15) to one another is provided with identical profiling.Heat dissipation device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one first metal plate (11) and the at least one second metal plate (15) are arranged as a stack (16) free of mutual fixation on top of one another. Heat dissipation device according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that beads (17) are provided on the edges of the metal plates (11, 15) in order to fix the heat dissipation device (7), wherein these beads (17) are provided in particular only on a respective bottommost and topmost metal plate (11, 15) for fixing in an external frame formed by a chassis (6) or housing part of a module (1). Heat dissipation device according to one of the three preceding claims. 14 SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Claims, characterized in that a stack of three packages (16) is provided as paired arrangements of first metal plates (11) and second metal plates (15), which preferably has a dissipation of heat into a substrate in the form of a rod opposite the closed housing of the electronic component or circuit on the stack of metal plates. 15 SHEET INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) Claims Connection system (1) for the mechanical fixing of bodies or modules (2) arranged adjacent to one another or adjacent to one another at edge regions (4) in a plane, in particular of flat solar modules which are arranged above a substrate (3), characterized in that a recess consisting of two half-spaces (6) arranged in alignment with one another is provided at the edge regions (4) of adjacent modules (2), so that in the recess a fixing body (7) with an elongated cross-sectional area (Q) can be rotated by approximately 90° about an axis (M) perpendicular to a surface normal (N) of the modules (2), engaging in the half-spaces (6).Connection system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing body (7) can be inserted from the outside through an opening (5) into the recess in the manner of a plug, wherein the recess is formed from two substantially point-symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically shaped half-spaces (6) of adjacent modules (2), and one half-space (6) in particular has an end stop (8) for limiting rotation of a fixing body to approximately 90° and / or a locking lug. Connection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing body (7) is cuboid-shaped or prismatic, has a shorter and a longer side, and preferably has two lateral surfaces (16) that represent lateral surface sections of a cylinder. FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) Connecting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing body (7) is designed to be accessible via a channel (11) on a freely accessible surface of the adjoining edge regions (4) of the neighboring modules (2) for exerting a torque. Connecting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing body (7) has a recess (17) designed for the engagement of a tool (W). Connecting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the recess (17) in the fixing body (7) has a keyhole-shaped contour. Connecting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the recess (17) in the fixing body (7) is shaped to form a bayonet connection with the tool (W).Connecting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing body (7) has a recess (17) for engaging a tool (W) and a guide (18) opposite it. Connecting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the guide (18) is designed in the form of a pivot pin. Connecting system according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixing body (7) has an external guide, which is formed in particular by a projection (20). FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) Connecting system according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that correspondingly shaped recesses (19) are provided in the half-spaces (6) of the modules (2) of the guide (18). Connecting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing body (7) is mirror-symmetrical about two axes. Connecting system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a securing piece (21, 23) is provided that can be inserted over the fixing body (7) rotated into a fixing position in the recess of the two half-spaces (6) between the two modules (2). Connecting system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the securing piece (21, 23) can be inserted into the recess and / or is designed to form a clamping fixation on or above the fixing body (7), in particular by means of a clamping groove (22).Method for the mechanical fixing of adjacently arranged bodies or modules in a surface, in which two modules are directly adjacent to each other above a substrate. (3) are laid loosely, characterized in that a fixing body (7) with an elongated cross-sectional area (Q) is inserted or inserted through an opening (5) into a recess consisting of two half-spaces (6) arranged in alignment with one another, which at edge areas (4) the adjacent modules (2) are arranged mirror-symmetrically or point-symmetrically, and FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis) then each fixing body (7) is rotated in the recess by approximately 90° about an axis (M) parallel to a surface normal (N) of the modules (2). FALSELY SUBMITTED (Rule 20.5bis)

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