THERMAL DISSIPATOR ASSEMBLY FOR LIGHTING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat sink assembly (100), comprising a substrate (104) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and configured for mounting at least one light source (102); and a plurality of folded heat sinks (200, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) mounted on the substrate (104) on the opposite side of at least one light source (102), wherein each folded heat sink (200, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) comprises a base portion (202) fixed to the substrate (104) and a pair of fins (204a, 204b) extending from opposite edges of the base portion (202) in a direction opposite to the substrate (104), wherein the plurality of folded heat sinks (200) are spaced along the longitudinal direction (L) of the substrate (104) and are separated by a predetermined distance. Abstract figure: Figure 1A

Description

Title of the invention: HEAT DISSIPATOR ASSEMBLY FOR LIGHTING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat sink assembly for a lighting device, and more particularly to a heat sink assembly comprising several folded heat sinks for a vehicle lighting device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicle lighting devices, such as headlights, taillights, etc., comprise one or more light sources to achieve the desired lighting function. Light sources, particularly semiconductor light-emitting devices, generate heat during operation, which increases the temperature of the lighting device. This temperature increase reduces the efficiency of the semiconductor light-emitting device. Heat sinks are used to efficiently dissipate the heat generated by semiconductor light sources. The heat sinks are in thermal communication with the heat-generating light sources and generally include fins to dissipate heat by convection.

[0003] In a conventional heat sink, the base receives heat from a substrate such as a printed circuit board on which the light source(s) are mounted. A plurality of fins extend from the base in the direction opposite to the substrate. Due to design and packaging constraints, the base of the heat sink may have different orientations with respect to the X, Y, and Z axes, the Z axis being the axis aligned with the direction of gravity or the vertical direction, when the lighting device is installed in the desired location on the vehicle. In orientations where the base of the heat sink is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity, i.e., the Z axis, conventional fins whose free ends are parallel to the base result in a reduction of the convection flow, which reduces the cooling efficiency.Extending the fins to align the free ends with the direction of gravity has the disadvantage of increasing the weight and size of the fins and making the fin surfaces inefficient in the lower areas of the fins. In addition, die-cast or extruded heat sinks have design limitations.

[0004] Prior art and conventional heat sinks have various drawbacks as described above, and there is a need for a heat sink Improved thermal performance that can overcome the drawbacks of conventional heat sinks. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks described above of known heat sinks. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a heat sink assembly comprising a configuration of folded heat sinks to improve heat dissipation.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat sink assembly comprising a plurality of folded heat sinks mounted on a substrate / PCB in a longitudinally spaced manner.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat sink assembly comprising a plurality of folded heat sinks with various dimensions and / or various angular orientations of the fins.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is a heat sink assembly comprising a substrate extending along a longitudinal direction and adapted for mounting at least one light source. The heat sink assembly also comprises a plurality of heat sinks mounted on the substrate opposite at least one light source. Each heat sink comprises a base portion fixed to the substrate and a pair of fins extending from opposite edges of the base portion in a direction opposite to the substrate. The plurality of heat sinks is spaced along the longitudinal direction of the substrate and separated by a predetermined distance. The substrate has a first surface on which the light source(s) are located and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plurality of heat sinks is mounted on the second surface at intervals along the length of the substrate.Heat sinks can be folded heat sinks made by cutting and bending a sheet of a suitable material such as metal, particularly aluminum. The use of multiple heat sinks improves the overall heat dissipation or cooling efficiency of the heat sink assembly while optimizing its weight and size. Each heat sink can be tailored to local heat dissipation requirements, thus reducing ineffective fin areas.

[0009] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, at least one heat sink comprises a first fin parallel to a second fin. The first and second fins may be aligned with the Z-axis, i.e., the direction of gravity, or may have a predefined angular orientation with respect to the Z-axis. This parallel fin configuration can contribute to improving heat convection when the heat sinks are installed on the substrate in a predefined configuration.

[0010] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, at least one heat sink comprises a first fin having a predefined angular orientation relative to a second fin, or vice versa. These angular configurations of the heat sink fins can vary the surface area available for heat dissipation for each heat sink according to cooling requirements and / or can allow fresh air to enter the airflow or hot air to exit the airflow, thus improving overall heat dissipation.

[0011] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, at least one heat sink comprises a first fin whose extension length is equal to the extension length of the second fin.

[0012] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, at least one heat sink has the first fin whose extension length is greater than the extension length of the second fin, or vice versa. This difference in the fin extension lengths can help optimize the weight and the surface area available for heat dissipation, depending on space constraints.

[0013] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, at least one heat sink has fins whose extension length is greater than the extension length of the fins of the other heat sinks. This variation in extension lengths allows each heat sink to be optimized to obtain the desired surface area for heat dissipation according to the cooling requirements.

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, at least one heat sink has a fin spacing greater than that of the other heat sinks. This difference in fin spacing can help optimize the surface area of ​​each heat sink and / or can aid in the intake of fresh air into the airflow duct and / or the exhaust of hot air from the airflow duct to the outside. Consequently, the overall cooling efficiency of the heat sink assembly can be improved.

[0015] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of the substrate is oriented from top to bottom, and the extension length of the fins of the plurality of heat sinks increases from a lower heat sink to a higher heat sink. This difference in fin extension length can help optimize the surface area of ​​each heat sink. Since the air flowing upwards from the lower heat sink is warmer, increasing the surface area of ​​the upper heat sinks improves heat dissipation at these points. Heat sinks. Therefore, the overall cooling efficiency of the entire heat sink assembly can be improved.

[0016] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of the substrate is oriented from top to bottom, and the spacing between the fins of the plurality of heat sinks increases from a lower heat sink to a higher one. This difference in the fin spacing can help optimize the surface area of ​​each heat sink. Since the air flowing upwards from the lower heat sink is warmer, increasing the surface area of ​​the upper heat sinks improves heat dissipation at these heat sinks. Furthermore, because the fin spacings are different, the fins of adjacent heat sinks are not aligned with each other, creating space for the intake of fresh air from outside the heat sink assembly into the air circuit and / or for the exhaust of hot air from the air circuit to the outside of the heat sink assembly.Therefore, the overall cooling efficiency of the entire heat sink assembly can be improved.

[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the fins of the plurality of heat sinks is either identical or different.

[0018] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the fin width of at least one heat sink differs from that of the other heat sinks. This difference in fin width can help optimize the surface area of ​​each heat sink. The fin width of each heat sink can be determined based on the surface area required for its placement, which can be determined based on a thermal analysis of the heat sink assembly. Thus, by varying the fin width of the plurality of heat sinks, the overall cooling efficiency of the heat sink assembly can be improved.

[0019] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the base part is fixed to the substrate by means of an adhesive thermal interface, crimping, screwing, clipping, or any combination thereof. Since the base part of the heatsink is mounted directly onto the substrate, the weight and complexity of the heatsink assembly can be minimized.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a vehicle lighting device comprising at least one lighting module comprising at least one light source mounted on the substrate of the heat sink assembly as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] To complete the description and allow for a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. These drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate one embodiment of the invention, which shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but only as an example of how the invention may be implemented. The drawings include the following features.

[0022] Fig. 1A illustrates a schematic isometric view of a heat sink assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Fig. 1B illustrates a schematic front view of the heat sink assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 1C illustrates a schematic rear view of the heat sink assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a schematic isometric view, a rear view and a side view of a heat sink, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figs. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, and 3H illustrate a schematic rear view showing the angular variations of the fins of a heat sink, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B illustrate a schematic top view of a heat sink, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figures [Fig. 5A] and [Fig. 5B] illustrate a heat sink assembly with heat sinks having various fin spacings, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 6A illustrates a heat sink assembly with heat sinks having variable fin extension lengths, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig. 6B illustrates a heat sink assembly with heat sinks having variable fin thicknesses, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 6C illustrates a heat sink assembly with heat sinks having variable fin widths, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figures [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B] illustrate a heat sink assembly with a varied angular orientation of the fins, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise indicated, the technical features described in detail for a given embodiment may be combined with the technical features described in the context of other embodiments described by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0034] The elements shown in the drawings are not to scale and are simplified to increase clarity of disclosure.

[0035] In the following description, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to a direction aligned with the long axis of a body, i.e., a substrate. Furthermore, the "X" axis corresponds to the direction of light emission and the "Z" axis corresponds to the direction of gravity. Consequently, the "Y" axis is a lateral axis perpendicular to the "X" and "Z" axes. The term "hot spots" refers to hot spots whose temperature is relatively higher than that of other areas. Moreover, the "airflow path," represented by the dashed arrow 300 in the figures, designates a cooling airflow that enters the heat sink from the bottom and exits from the top. It should be understood that the airflow circulating in the airflow path removes heat from the base and fins of the heat sinks.

[0036] Figures [Fig. 1A], [Fig. 1B], and [Fig. 1C] show a heat sink assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in [Fig. 1A], the heat sink assembly 100 is inclined with respect to the Z-axis, illustrating the orientation of the heat sink assembly 100 when assembled in a vehicle lighting device (not shown) and when the vehicle lighting device is mounted on the vehicle in its final orientation. The heat sink assembly 100 comprises a substrate 104 such as a printed circuit board (PCB) for mounting one or more light sources 102. The substrate 104 comprises a first surface 104a and a second surface 104b opposite the first surface 104a. The light source(s) 102 can be mounted on the first surface 104a of the substrate 104. In addition, several heat sinks 200 can be mounted on the second surface 104b of the substrate 104.The substrate 104 may also include other electronic components depending on the functional requirements of the vehicle's lighting system. The plurality of heat sinks 200 is spaced along the longitudinal direction L of the substrate 104 with a predefined longitudinal distance 200d between adjacent heat sinks 200. The longitudinal distance 200d may be the same or different for the plurality of heat sinks 200. The location of each of the heat sinks 200 can be predetermined based on a thermal analysis of the substrate 104. Preferably, the heat sink 200 can be placed in the high-heat areas of the substrate 104. Preferably, the heat sink 200 can be mounted on the second surface 104b of the substrate 104, opposite each light source 102.During the dissipation of heat by natural convection in the heat sink assembly 100, there is a transfer of heat from bottom to top. Fresh air enters the lowest heat sink 200 and is heated. by transporting heat from the lowest heat sink 200. As a result, the hot air at the bottom loses its density and rises due to buoyancy, allowing more cool air to enter the heat sink assembly 100 from below. The air therefore flows upwards, i.e., along the Z-axis. The general path of the airflow within the heat sink assembly 100 is illustrated by a dashed arrow 300 in [Fig. 1C]. The spaced arrangement of the heat sinks 200 along the top-down longitudinal direction L provides design flexibility to ensure efficient heat dissipation regardless of the angular orientation of the substrate 104.

[0037] Figure 2A illustrates a heat sink 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink 200 comprises a base portion 202 and a pair of fins 204a, 204b extending from opposite edges of the base portion 202. Preferably, the heat sink 200 comprises a first fin 204a extending from one edge of the base portion 202 and a second fin 204b extending from an opposite edge of the base portion 202. The base portion 202 is adapted to be mounted directly on the second surface 104b of the substrate 104 such that the first and second fins 204a, 204b extend in a direction opposite to the substrate 104, as illustrated in Figure 1A.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the base part 202 of the heat sink 200 can be mounted on the substrate 104 by any known means of connection such as, but not limited to, an adhesive thermal interface, crimping, screwing, clipping or any combination thereof, or any other suitable means of attachment.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink 200 may be a folded heat sink 200 made by cutting and folding a sheet of a suitable material into a shape as described above and illustrated in [Fig. 2A]. Preferably, the heat sink 200 may be made of metal, preferably aluminum. However, any other suitable material having good heat dissipation properties may be used.

[0040] Figure 2B shows a rear view of the heat sink 200 in direction VI of Figure 2A. The heat sink 200 has the first fin 204a and the second fin 204b on opposite sides of an axis AA of the heat sink 200. The fins 204a and 204b can be spaced apart by a predefined gap 204g. In addition, the heat sink 200 can have a predefined thickness 204t. Preferably, the base portion 202, the first fin 204a, and the second fin 204b can have substantially the same thickness 204t.

[0041] Fig. 2C shows a side view of the heat sink 200 in the direction V2 of Fig. 2A. As shown, the base part 202 of the heat sink 200 can have a predefined angular configuration with respect to the Z-axis. Preferably, the angle formed by the base portion 202 and the base portion 202 of the heat sink 200 can be defined with respect to the Z-axis. Preferably, the angle formed by the base portion 202 with the Z-axis corresponds to the inclination of the substrate 104 with respect to the Z-axis, as shown in [Fig. 1A]. In [Fig. 2C], the side view of the first fin 204a is visible; the second fin 204b can be assumed to have the same shape as the first fin 204a. The first and second fins 204a, 204b have an extension length 204e and a width 204h as shown. The width 204h of the fins 204a, 204b can be defined as the length of the free ends 204f of the fins 204a, 204b measured along the Z axis. The free ends 204f of the fins 204a, 204b have an extension length 204e and a width 204h, as illustrated.The free ends 204f of the fins 204a, 204b may be parallel (not shown) to the base portion 202 or may be aligned with the Z-axis. When the free ends 204f of the fins 204a, 204b are not parallel to the base portion 202, the extension length 204e can be defined as the length of a straight line connecting the midpoint of the edge 202e of the base portion 202 and the midpoint of the free end 204f of the fin 204a, 204b. The extension length 204e and the width of the fin 204h can be defined similarly for both fins 204a, 204b.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first fin 204a and the second fin 204b may be parallel to each other, as illustrated in [Fig. 2B]. In this configuration, the fins 204a, 204b are oriented in the direction parallel to the Z-axis when the heat sink 200 is mounted on the substrate 104.

[0043] Figures 3A to 3H illustrate various embodiments of the heat sink 200 with the first fin 204a and / or the second fin 204b having a predefined angular orientation with respect to the Z-axis. Figures 3A and 3H illustrate the heat sink 200 with the first fin 204a and / or the second fin 204b having a predefined angular orientation with respect to the Z-axis. Figure 3A shows the heat sink 200 with the first fin 204a aligned in the direction parallel to the Z-axis and the second fin 204b forming an angle 0 with the Z-axis such that the second fin 204b is inclined outwards from the AA-axis of the heat sink 200 while moving in the upward direction. In other words, we can also say that the second fin 204b makes an angle of 0 with the first fin 204a or vice versa. Similarly, [Fig. 3B] shows the heat sink 200 with the second fin 204b aligned parallel to the Z-axis and the first fin 204a forming an angle 0 with the Z-axis, such that the first fin 204a tilts outwards from the AA-axis while moving in the upward direction. In other words, one can We can also say that the first fin 204a forms an angle of 0 with the second fin 204b, or vice versa. Furthermore, [Fig. 3C] shows the heat sink 200, in which the first fin 204a and the second fin 204b form an angle 01, 02 with the Z-axis, such that the first fin 204a and the second fin 204b are angled outwards / outwards from the AA axis while moving upwards. In other words, we can also say that the first fin 204a forms an angle of 0 = 01 + 02 with the second fin 204b, or vice versa. The values ​​of angles 01 and 02 can be the same or different. Thus, for the configurations of the heat sink 200 shown in figures 3A to 3C, the space between the fins 204g increases from bottom to top of the heat sink 200. The value of angle 0 or angles 01, 02 can be predetermined based on the thermal analysis of the heat sink assembly 100 according to the heat dissipation requirements..

[0044] Figure 3D shows a heat sink 200 with the first fin 204a aligned parallel to the Z-axis and the second fin 204b forming an angle 0° with the Z-axis, such that the second fin 204b is angled inwards, i.e., towards the AA-axis, while moving in the upward direction. In other words, it can also be said that the second fin 204b forms an angle 0° with the first fin 204a, or vice versa. Similarly, [Fig. 3E] shows the heat sink 200 with the second fin 204b aligned in the direction parallel to the Z-axis and the first fin 204a forming an angle 0 with the Z-axis such that the first fin 204a tilts inwards, i.e., towards the AA-axis, while moving in the upward direction. In other words, one can also say that the first fin 204a makes an angle 0 with the second fin 204b or vice versa. [Fig.Figure 3F shows the heat sink 200, whose first fin 204a and second fin 204b form an angle 01, 02 with the Z-axis, such that the first fin 204a and second fin 204b are angled inwards, i.e., towards the AA axis, while also angled upwards. In other words, we can also say that the first fin 204a forms an angle 0 = 01 + 02 with the second fin 204b, or vice versa. The values ​​of angles 01 and 02 can be the same or different. Thus, for the heat sink 200 configurations shown in Figures 3D to 3F, the space between the fins 204g decreases from bottom to top of the heat sink 200. The value of angle 0 or angles 01, 02 can be predetermined based on the thermal analysis of the heat sink assembly 100 according to the heat dissipation requirements.

[0045] The angular orientation of the first fin 204a and / or the second fin 204b, as illustrated in Figures 3A to 3F, improves the cooling efficiency of the heat sink assembly 100 by directing the cooling air in a desired direction. Thus, the heat sink 200 can be adapted to direct cooling air onto the fins of the adjacent heat sink 200 and / or to direct hot air from the airflow path 300 outwards from the airflow path 300 (the airflow path is represented by a dashed line in [Fig. IC]) and / or to direct fresh air from the outside towards the airflow path 300 of the heat sink assembly 100. In addition, the surface area of ​​the heat sink 200 also varies in the upward direction and the appropriate configuration of the heat sink 200 having an angular orientation of the fins can be selected to achieve the desired overall heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink assembly 100.

[0046] Figures [3G] and [3H] show the heat sinks 200 with a first fin 204a and a second fin 204b having a predefined angular orientation with respect to the Z-axis. As shown in [Fig. 3G], the fins 204a and 204b are oriented upwards. As shown in [Fig. 3G], the first fin 204a can form an angle 03 with the Z-axis such that the first fin 204a tilts outwards from the AA-axis while moving upwards, and the second fin 204b can form an angle 04 with the Z-axis such that the second fin 204b tilts inwards, i.e., towards the AA-axis, while moving upwards. Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig.[3H], the first fin 204a can form an angle θ3 with the Z-axis such that the first fin 204a tilts inwards, i.e., towards the AA axis, while moving upwards, and the second fin 204b can form an angle θ4 with the Z-axis such that the second fin 204b tilts outwards from the AA axis, while moving upwards. It is understood that the value of angle θ3 for the first fin 204a can be equal to the value of angle θ4 for the second fin 204b, thus obtaining a parallel configuration of fins 204a and 204b. Alternatively, the value of angle 03 for the first fin 204a can be different from the value of angle 04 for the second fin 204b, which allows for a non-parallel configuration of fins 204a, 204b.The angular orientation of the first fin 204a and / or the second fin 204b, as shown in Figures 3G and 3H, improves the cooling efficiency of the heat sink assembly 100 by directing the cooling air in a desired direction. Thus, the heat sink 200 can be adapted to direct cooling air from the airflow path 300 onto the fins of the adjacent heat sink 200 and / or to direct hot air from the airflow path 300 outwards from the airflow path 300 (the airflow path is represented by a dashed line in [Fig. 1C]) and / or to direct fresh air from the outside into the airflow path 300 of the heat sink assembly 100.

[0047] For the heat sink configurations 200 illustrated in Figures 3D to 3F, the cooling air velocity increases as it flows upwards. that the gap between the fins decreases, which causes the airflow path to converge 300. This increased speed of the cooling air further increases heat transfer by convection, thus improving heat dissipation.

[0048] One or more heat sinks 200 of the heat sink assembly 100 can be selected from the angular configurations of the fins 204a, 204b illustrated in Figures 3A to 3H. The configuration and location of the heat sinks 200 on the substrate can be predetermined based on a thermal analysis of the heat sink assembly 100.

[0049] Figures 4A and 4B show a variation in the extension length 204e for the heat sink 200. As shown in Figure 4A, the first fin 204a can have an extension length 204ea greater than the extension length 204eb of the second fin 204b. Alternatively, the first fin 204a can have an extension length 204ea less than the extension length 204eb of the second fin 204b. This difference in the extension lengths 204ea and 204eb can help optimize the weight and the surface area available for heat dissipation according to space constraints.

[0050] Figures 5A and 5B show the heat sink assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink assembly 100 comprises a lower heat sink 2001, an upper heat sink 2004, and several intermediate heat sinks 2002, 2003 mounted on the substrate 104 at intervals along the longitudinal direction L oriented from top to bottom of the substrate 104. The heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 have predefined spacing between the fins 2041g, 2042g, 2043g, 2044g. The spacing between the fins 2041g, 2042g, 2043g, 2044g of the heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 can increase from the lower heat sink 2001 to the upper heat sink 2004. [Fig. 5B] shows the airflow path 300 with additional airflow directions 301, 302.When air moves from the lower heat sink 2001 to the upper heat sink 2004, the air is heated due to the heat transported from the lower heat sink 2001. Consequently, the hot air from the lower heat sink 2001 reaches the intermediate heat sink 2002 and becomes hotter, further increasing the air temperature, which increases as it passes through other heat sinks. Thus, increasing the spacing between fins 2042g, 2043g, 2044g of the upper heat sinks 2002, 2003, 2004 increases the surface area of ​​the upper heat sinks 2002, 2003, 2004, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper heat sinks 2002, 2003, 2004. In addition, since the spacing between fins 2041g, 2042g, 2043g, 2044g are different, the fins of the adjacent heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 are not aligned with each other, which creates a space for air intake. fresh 301 from outside the heat sink assembly 100 into the air circulation path 300 and / or hot air outlet 302 from the air circulation path 300 to outside the heat sink assembly 100.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spacing between the fins 204g of the heat sink 200 can be predetermined as a function of the intensity of the heat generated at the location of the heat sink 200 on the substrate 104.

[0052] Figure [Fig. A] shows the heat sink assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink assembly 100 comprises a lower heat sink 2001, an upper heat sink 2004 and a plurality of intermediate heat sinks 2002, 2003 mounted on the substrate 104 at intervals along the longitudinal direction L of the substrate 104. The heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 have predefined extension lengths 2041e, 2042e, 2043e, 2044e. The extension lengths 2041e, 2042e, 2043e, 2044e of the heatsinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 can increase from the lower heatsink 2001 to the upper heatsink 2004. Therefore, the surface area available for heat dissipation also increases from the lower heatsink 2001 to the upper heatsink 2004, thus improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper heatsinks 2002, 2003, 2004.Thus, the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the entire 100 heat sink assembly can be improved.

[0053] Figure B illustrates the heat sink assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink assembly 100 comprises a lower heat sink 2001, an upper heat sink 2004, and a plurality of intermediate heat sinks 2002, 2003 mounted on the substrate 104 at intervals along the longitudinal direction L of the substrate 104. The heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 have predefined thicknesses 2041t, 2042t, 2043t, 2044t. The thicknesses 2041t, 2042t, 2043t, 2044t of the heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 may be identical or different. As indicated, the thickness 2043t of the intermediate heat sink 2003 is greater than the thicknesses 2041t, 2042t, 2044t of the other heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2004.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thicknesses 2041t, 2042t, 2043t, 2044t can increase from the lower heat sink 2001 to the upper heat sink 2004. Consequently, the surface area available for heat dissipation also increases from the lower heat sink 2001 to the upper heat sink 2004, thus improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper heat sinks 2002, 2003, 2004. Thus, the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink assembly 100 can be improved.

[0055] Figure [Fig. 1C] illustrates the heat sink assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink assembly 100 comprises A lower heat sink 2001, an upper heat sink 2004, and a plurality of intermediate heat sinks 2002, 2003 are mounted on the substrate 104 at intervals along the longitudinal direction L of the substrate 104. The heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 have predefined widths 2041h, 2042h, 2043h, and 2044h. The widths 2041h, 2042h, 2043h, and 2044h of the heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 may be the same or different.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the widths 2041h, 2042h, 2043h, 2044h can increase from the lower heat sink 2001 to the upper heat sink 2004. Consequently, the surface area available for heat dissipation also increases from the lower heat sink 2001 to the upper heat sink 2004, thus improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the upper heat sinks 2002, 2003, 2004. Thus, the overall heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink assembly 100 can be improved.

[0057] In another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to have one or more upper heat sinks 2002, 2003, 2004 whose dimensions, i.e., the space between the fins 2042g, 2043g, 2044g and / or the extension length 2042e, 2043e, 2044e and / or the thickness of the fins 2042t, 2043t, 2044t and / or the width of the fins 2042h, 2043h, 2044h, are smaller than those of the lower heat sink 2001. For example, it is possible that the light source 102 placed on the lower regions of the substrate 104, i.e., corresponding to the lower heat sinks, has a greater power than the other light sources 102, generating more heat than other light sources 102.In this scenario, the dimensions of the heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 are predetermined based on their location on the substrate 104 and / or the bottom-to-top sequence of the substrate 104 and / or the intensity of the heat generated at the corresponding locations on the substrate 104.

[0058] Figures 7A and 7B show the heat sink assembly 100, which includes at least one heat sink with a different fin orientation. The heat sink assembly 100 comprises a lower heat sink 2001, an upper heat sink 2004, and a plurality of intermediate heat sinks 2002, 2003 mounted on the substrate 104 at intervals along the longitudinal direction L of the substrate 104. As shown, the lower heat sink 2001 and the upper heat sink 2004 have a parallel fin configuration illustrated in Figure 2B and described in the corresponding paragraph above. The intermediate heat sinks 2002, 2003 have a fin configuration as illustrated in Figure 3A and described in the preceding paragraph. One of the fins of the intermediate heat sinks 2002 and 2003 forms angles 05 and 06 respectively. The values ​​of angles 05 and 06 may be identical or different depending on the requirements of desired airflow. Figure 7B shows the airflow path 300 with additional airflow directions 301, 302 for the heat sink assembly 100 shown in Figure 7A. As indicated, hot air 302 from the airflow path 300 of the heat sink assembly 100 can exit the airflow path 300 to the outside, and / or fresh air 301 from the outside can enter the airflow path 300 at intermediate locations on the substrate 104 due to the angular configurations of the fins of the heat sinks 2002, 2003. This improves the overall airflow and heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink assembly 100, particularly in the case of natural convection.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink assembly 100 may include heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 selected from the heat sinks 200 illustrated in Figures 2A to 4B. The selection and arrangement of the heat sinks 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 on the substrate 104 can be determined on the basis of a thermal analysis of the heat sink assembly 100. For example, heat sinks with a larger surface area can be placed in the high-heat areas of the substrate 104. Alternatively, heat sinks 200 with different fin angular orientations and / or different spacing between fins can be provided to allow fresh air 301 to enter the airflow path 300 and / or hot air 302 to exit the airflow path 300 in an intermediate manner, as illustrated in [Fig. 7B].

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle lighting device (not shown) may be provided with at least one lighting module comprising at least one light source 102 mounted on the substrate 104 of the heat sink assembly 100 in accordance with one of the embodiments described above.

[0061] It should be understood that the heat sink assemblies 100 illustrated in Figures 5A to 7B are only exemplary variations of the heat sink arrangements 200 and that other variations may be possible by selecting each heat sink 200 according to its location on the substrate 104 and / or the bottom-to-top sequence of the substrate 104 and / or the intensity of the heat generated at the corresponding location on the substrate 104.

[0062] In another embodiment, the heat sink assembly 100 may have identical heat sinks 200. In particular, the heat sinks 200 may be mounted on the substrate 104 such that the axis AA of adjacent heat sinks 200 may not be aligned or may be offset from each other, so that the fins 204a, 204b of adjacent heat sinks 200 may also not be aligned with each other. This allows fresh air 301 to enter the airway. air circulation 300 from outside and / or hot air outlet 302 of the air circulation path 300 to the outside of the heat sink assembly 100.

Claims

Demands

1. Heat sink assembly (100), comprising: a substrate (104) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and configured for mounting at least one light source (102); and a plurality of folded heat sinks (200, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) mounted on the substrate (104) on the opposite side of at least one light source (102), wherein each folded heat sink (200, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) comprises a base portion (202) fixed to the substrate (104) and a pair of fins (204a, 204b) extending from opposite edges of the base portion (202) in a direction opposite to the substrate (104), wherein the plurality of folded heat sinks (200) are spaced along the longitudinal direction (L) of the substrate (104) and are separated by a predefined distance.

2. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the heat sinks (200) has a first fin (204a) parallel to a second fin (204b).

3. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the heat sinks (200) has a first fin (204a) having a predefined angular orientation (0) relative to a second fin (204b) or vice versa.

4. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one heat sink (200) has the first fin (204a) having an extension length (204ea) equal to the extension length (204eb) of the second fin (204b).

5. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one heat sink (200) has the first fin (204a) having an extension length (204ea) greater than the extension length (204eb) of the second fin (204b) or vice versa.

6. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one heat sink (200, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) has fins (204a, 204b) having a greater extension length than the extension length of the fins of the other heat sinks (200).

7. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one heat sink (200, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) has a fin spacing (204a, 204b) greater than the fin spacing of the other heat sink(s).

8. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal direction (L) of the substrate (104) is oriented from top to bottom and wherein the extension length (2041e - 2044e) of the fins (204a, 204b) of the plurality of heat sinks (200, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) increases from a lower heat sink (2001) to an upper heat sink (2004).

9. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the longitudinal direction (L) of the substrate (104) is oriented from top to bottom and the spacing (2041g -2044g) of the fins of the plurality of heat sinks (200, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004) increases from a lower heat sink (2001) to an upper heat sink (2004).

10. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness (204t) of the fins of the plurality of heat sinks (200) is either identical or different.

11. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one heat sink (200) has a fin width (204h) different from the fin widths of the other heat sinks.

12. Assembly (100) heat sink, according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the base portion (202) is fixed to the substrate (104) by an adhesive thermal interface, crimping, screwing, clipping or any combination thereof.

13. Vehicle lighting device, comprising at least one lighting module comprising at least one light source (102) mounted on the substrate (104) of the heat sink assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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