Sheet-like heat pipe

Abstract

To provide a sheet-like heat pipe in which a capillary structure can be held even if a housing part of a heat receiving plate comprises a multistage structure, and has a deep depth.SOLUTION: A sheet-like heat pipe 1 according to the present invention comprises a heat dissipating plate 2, a heat receiving plate 3, a wick 4 and a working fluid enclosed in an internal space S formed between the heat dissipating plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3, and a first strut part 6 and a second strut part 10 holding the wick 4. The heat dissipating plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are formed of a stainless material. The heat receiving plate 3 comprises a housing part 12 in which the wick 4 is arranged. The housing part 12 comprises a multistage structure comprising at least an upper stage part 13 and a lower stage part 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet-like heat pipe that is mounted on a device having a heat source and cools the heat source by receiving heat from the heat source and transporting the heat. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet-like heat pipe (1) having a total thickness of less than 0.4 mm, which is formed by pressing a first sheet (11) and a second sheet (12) made of metal foil less than 0.1 mm thick, stacking two or more sheets of the metal foil including this formed product, and joining the periphery to form a hollow container (15), which is provided with a concave vapor passage (21) inside and a sheet-like wick (31). This sheet-like heat pipe (1) is formed with supports (11C, 12C) that hold down the wick (31). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-030213 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, in order to increase the depth of the container 15, it is necessary to increase the length of the support columns 11C, 12C. However, when the support columns 11C, 12C are formed by drawing, there is a limit to the length of the support columns 11C, 12C that can be formed due to the plate thickness of the first sheet body 11 and the second sheet body 12.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above problems and provide a sheet-type heat pipe that can maintain a capillary structure even when the storage section of the heat receiving plate has a multi-stage structure and is deep. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sheet-type heat pipe of the present invention comprises a first plate, a second plate, a capillary structure and working fluid sealed in an internal space formed between the first plate and the second plate, and a holder that holds the capillary structure, wherein the first plate and the second plate are made of stainless steel, the second plate has a storage section in which the capillary structure is arranged, and the storage section has a multi-stage structure having at least an upper stage and a lower stage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the capillary structure enclosed in the internal space can be maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a heat dissipation plate side of a sheet-shaped heat pipe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a heat receiving plate side of a sheet-shaped heat pipe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sheet-type heat pipe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a sheet-shaped heat pipe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heat dissipation plate side of a sheet-shaped heat pipe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a sheet-type heat pipe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a sheet-type heat pipe according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a sheet-type heat pipe according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a sheet-shaped heat pipe according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a sheet-type heat pipe according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a sheet-type heat pipe according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a sheet-type heat pipe according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a sheet-type heat pipe according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described using a sheet heat pipe (hereinafter referred to as "SHP") mounted on various devices (not shown) as an example. Not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential requirements of the present invention.

[0010] 1 to 4 show an SHP 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The SHP 1 is configured to include a heat dissipation plate 2 as a first plate, a heat reception plate 3 as a second plate, and a wick 4 as a capillary structure housed therein.

[0011] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are made of austenitic stainless steel, and the wick 4 is housed (enclosed) in the internal space S1 formed by joining the outer peripheral portions of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3.

[0012] The applicant has proposed a sheet-shaped heat pipe (Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-014624) that includes a heat dissipation plate and a heat receiving plate made of austenitic stainless steel, and a capillary structure housed therein. The heat dissipation plate of the sheet-shaped heat pipe according to the reference has a support portion formed by drawing, and the heat receiving plate has a housing portion. The support portion of the heat dissipation plate maintains the capillary structure.

[0013] In a configuration like that described in the above reference, when the heat dissipation plate and the heat receiving plate are made of stainless steel, a heat receiving block made of copper or the like, which has high thermal conductivity, may be disposed between the plate and the object to be cooled (heat source). However, when the heat receiving block is used, the weight of the entire device increases, so in devices with weight restrictions, it is necessary to not use the heat receiving block, but to make the depth of the housing part of the heat receiving plate deeper by the thickness of the heat receiving block, so that the heat receiving plate comes into contact with the heat source.

[0014] Furthermore, depending on the internal layout of the equipment in which the sheet-shaped heat pipe is installed, it may be necessary to make the heat receiving plate deeper so that the heat receiving plate can come into contact with the heat source. As will be described later, the SHP1 of this embodiment also has a multi-stage structure with a deep receiving section 12.

[0015] 3, the heat dissipation plate 2 is formed in a thin plate shape and has a flat portion 5 formed flat and a plurality of first support portions 6 protruding toward the heat receiving plate 3. The heat dissipation plate 2 also has a nozzle portion 7 formed therein for injecting a working fluid (not shown) into the internal space S1 and evacuating the internal space S1. The thickness of the heat dissipation plate 2 is, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0016] The first support column 6 serving as a holder is formed by sheet metal drawing, and the outer surface 8 of the heat dissipation plate 2 has a concave shape where the first support column 6 is formed. In other words, the first support column 6 has a cylindrical shape that opens on the outer surface 8 side of the heat dissipation plate 2. The first support column 6 is disposed in a position opposite an upper stage portion 13 of the heat reception plate 3, which will be described later. The first support column 6 may be in the shape of a rectangular tube, or may be formed by etching into a cylindrical or rectangular column shape.

[0017] Cylindrical second support columns 10 are welded to the inner surface 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2. The second support columns 10 are made of austenitic stainless steel, just like the heat dissipation plate 2. The second support columns 10, which serve as holders, are disposed in positions facing the lower stage sections 14 of the heat reception plate 3, which will be described later. Note that FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram to make the structure of the SHP 1 easier to understand, and the number of first support columns 6 and second support columns 10 differs from those shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0018] 3, the heat receiving plate 3 is formed in a thin plate shape and has an outer peripheral joining portion 11 that joins to the outer peripheral portion of the flat portion 5 of the heat dissipation plate 2, and a housing portion 12 that protrudes in the opposite direction from the heat dissipation plate 2. The housing portion 12 has a multi-stage structure (a two-stage structure in this embodiment) and has an upper stage portion 13 that is shallow and a lower stage portion 14 that is deeper than the upper stage portion 13. The heat receiving plate 3 also has a nozzle portion 15 that injects a working fluid into the internal space S1 and evacuates the internal space S1. The thickness of the heat receiving plate 3 is, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0019] The accommodation portion 10 is formed by sheet metal drawing, and an upper inclined portion 16 is formed between the outer peripheral joint portion 11 and the upper step portion 13, and a lower inclined portion 17 is formed between the upper step portion 13 and the lower step portion 14. As shown in Fig. 4, the interior angle θ1 formed by the upper step portion 13 and the upper inclined portion 16 and the interior angle θ2 formed by the lower step portion 14 and the lower inclined portion 17 are both obtuse angles.

[0020] The wick 4 has a capillary structure with fine gaps evenly distributed throughout to generate a strong capillary force in the liquid-phase working fluid. Examples of the wick 4 include a flat mesh body formed by weaving metal wires aligned lengthwise and widthwise, a flat metal foil having fine intersecting grooves on its surface that generate capillary force and holes arranged at equal intervals in the grooves, and a nonwoven fabric. As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, a flat mesh body is used as the wick 4. In addition to the gaps between the vertical and horizontal metal wires, linear cuts 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed in the wick 4. The cuts 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed by cutting the wick 4. The cuts 18A and 18B are formed approximately parallel to each other, and the cut 18C is formed at a right angle to the cuts 18A and 18B, connecting the cuts 18A and 18B. By applying an external force to the wick 4, the incisions 18A, 18B, and 18C can be widened or narrowed. Therefore, by pressing the wick 4 with the first support 6 or the second support 10, the incisions 18A, 18B, and 18C widen, etc., and the wick 4 is deformed, making it easier to bring the wick 4 into close contact with the multi-stage storage section 12. Note that, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 7, the incisions 18A, 18B, and 18C may be formed in other shapes, and the number of incisions may be other than three. Furthermore, the incisions do not necessarily have to be linear.

[0021] Here, the assembly method (manufacturing method) of the SHP 1 will be outlined. The second support column 10 is laser-welded to the inner surface 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2, on which the first support column 6 is formed. Next, the wick 4 is accommodated in the accommodation section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3. Next, the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are overlapped, and the outer peripheral portion of the flat section 5 of the heat dissipation plate 2 is welded to the outer peripheral joint section 11 of the heat receiving plate 3. Next, the nozzle section 7 and the nozzle section 15 are aligned, and the ends in the short direction are welded together. At this time, the first support column 6 presses the wick 4 at the upper section 13, and the second support column 10 presses the wick 4 at the lower section 14. This prevents the wick 4 from floating above the heat receiving plate 3. When the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are joined, an internal space S1 is formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3. Furthermore, a flow path 19 that communicates with the internal space S1 is formed between the nozzle portion 7 and the nozzle portion 15. An opening 20 is formed at the tip end of the nozzle portions 7, 15, and a working fluid such as pure water is injected into the internal space S1 through this opening 20 to degas the internal space S1. Thereafter, the base ends of the nozzle portions 7, 15 are sealed by welding, and the nozzle portions 7, 15 are cut and removed. The positions and number of the nozzle portions 7, 15 can be determined appropriately taking into account the size and shape of the SHP1.

[0022] When the wick 4 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 12 of the heat receiving plate 3, the wick 4 may not fit closely along the shape of the accommodation portion 12, resulting in a gap between the heat receiving plate 3 and the wick 4. Gaps are particularly likely to form at the lower inclined portion 17 and at the boundary portion 21 between the lower inclined portion 14 and the lower inclined portion 17. However, when the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are joined, the wick 4 is pressed by the first support portion 6 and the second support portion 10, widening the cuts 18A, 18B, and 18C, deforming the wick 4 and bringing it into close contact along the boundary portion 21, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a gap between the heat receiving plate 3 and the wick 4.

[0023] In this embodiment, the notches 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed in the wick 4, but if the wick 4 is in close contact with the heat receiving plate 3 (accommodation section 12) without any gaps without forming the notches 18A, 18B, and 18C, the notches 18A, 18B, and 18C do not have to be formed. This also applies to the second to fifth embodiments described later.

[0024] Next, we will explain the operation and effect of the SHP1 configured as described above when it is installed in equipment. The lower section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3 of the SHP1 serves as the heat receiving section and comes into contact with the heat source of the installed equipment. On the other hand, the flat section 5 of the heat dissipation plate 2 serves as the main heat dissipation section. Heat from the heat source is transferred to the lower section 12 of the SHP1, causing the working fluid in the internal space S to evaporate, and the vapor flows toward the flat section 5, which has a lower temperature, and heat is transported within the SHP1. The heat transported to the flat section 5 is diffused and dissipated from the SHP1. This cools the heat source and reduces the temperature rise of the equipment.

[0025] In the internal space S1 on the flat portion 5 side of the SHP 1, the vapor condenses and the working fluid accumulates, but the strong capillary force of the wick 4 inside the SHP 1 causes the working fluid to return from the flat portion 5 side to the lower portion 12 side. In this way, heat transport continues as the working fluid circulates inside the internal space S1. Note that even if there are multiple heat sources, as long as these heat sources are thermally connected to the lower portion 12 of the heat receiving plate 3, multiple heat sources can be cooled.

[0026] As described above, the SHP1 of this embodiment includes the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the wick 4 and working fluid sealed in the internal space S formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3, and the first support column 6 and the second support column 10 that hold the wick 4. The heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are made of stainless steel, and the heat receiving plate 3 has a storage section 12 in which the wick 4 is disposed. The storage section 12 has a multi-stage structure having at least an upper stage 13 and a lower stage 14. Therefore, even if the storage section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3 has a multi-stage structure and is deep, the first support column 6 and the second support column 10 can hold the wick 4 and prevent the wick 4 from floating up or moving.

[0027] Furthermore, in the SHP1 of this embodiment, the first support section 6 and the second support section 10 are the first support section 6 that holds the wick 4 arranged in the upper section 13, and the second support section 10 that holds the wick 4 arranged in the lower section 14, and the first support section 6 and the second support section 10 are provided on the heat dissipation plate 2. Therefore, the SHP1 can hold the wicks 4 arranged in the upper section 13 and the lower section 14 of the storage section 12, which has a multi-stage structure.

[0028] Furthermore, in the SHP1 of this embodiment, slits 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed in the wick 4, and when an external force is applied to the wick 4, the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen and narrow. Therefore, when the wick 4 is pressed by the first support 6 and the second support 10, the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen, allowing the wick 4 to be disposed along the boundary 21 between the lower section 14 and the lower inclined section 17, where gaps are likely to form.

[0029] 5 and 6 show an SHP 31 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on components that differ from the first embodiment.

[0030] In the SHP 31, the heat dissipation plate 2 has a third support column 32 and a fourth support column 33 in addition to the first support column 6 and the second support column 10. The third support column 32 is formed by sheet metal drawing, and the outer surface 8 of the heat dissipation plate 2 is concave. That is, the third support column 32 has a cylindrical shape with an opening on the outer surface 8 side of the heat dissipation plate 2. The third support column 32 is formed longer than the first support column 6 and shorter than the second support column 10. The third support column 32 is disposed in a position facing the upper stage portion 13 of the heat receiving plate 3. The tip portion 34 of the third support column 32 abuts against the upper stage portion 13 and is joined to the heat receiving plate 3 by laser welding. The third support column 32 may be a rectangular tube, or may be formed by etching into a cylindrical or rectangular column shape.

[0031] The fourth support column 33 is made of austenitic stainless steel, similar to the heat dissipation plate 2. The fourth support column 33 has a cylindrical shape and is joined to the inner surface 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2 by laser welding. The fourth support column 33 is disposed in a position facing the lower section 14 of the heat receiving plate 3. In addition to the gaps between the vertical and horizontal metal wires, the wick 4 of this embodiment has multiple insertion holes 35 for inserting the fourth support column 33. The fourth support column 33 is inserted into the insertion holes 35, with its tip 36 abutting the lower section 14 and joined to the heat receiving plate 3 by laser welding. The fourth support column 33 may also have a rectangular column shape. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for easier understanding of the structure of the SHP 31, and the number of first support columns 6, second support columns 10, third support columns 32, and fourth support columns 33 is different from that shown in FIG. 5.

[0032] As described above, the SHP 31 of this embodiment includes the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the wick 4 and working fluid sealed in the internal space S formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3, and the first support column 6 and the second support column 10 that hold the wick 4. The heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are made of stainless steel, and the heat receiving plate 3 has a storage section 12 in which the wick 4 is disposed. The storage section 12 has a multi-stage structure with at least an upper stage 13 and a lower stage 14. Therefore, even if the storage section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3 has a multi-stage structure and is deep, the first support column 6 and the second support column 10 can hold the wick 4 and prevent the wick 4 from floating up or moving.

[0033] Furthermore, in the SHP 31 of this embodiment, the heat dissipation plate 2 is provided with a third support section 32 and a fourth support section 33, the wick 4 is formed with a plurality of insertion holes 35, the third support section 32 is joined to the upper stage section 13, and the fourth support section 33 is inserted into the insertion holes 35 and joined to the lower stage section 14. Therefore, because the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are joined by the third support section 32 and the fourth support section 33, expansion of the internal space S1 due to the influence of heat can be suppressed.

[0034] Furthermore, in the SHP 31 of this embodiment, slits 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed in the wick 4, and when an external force is applied to the wick 4, the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen and narrow. Therefore, when the wick 4 is pressed by the first support 6 and the second support 10, the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen, allowing the wick 4 to be disposed along the boundary 21 between the lower section 14 and the lower inclined section 17, where gaps are likely to form.

[0035] 7 and 8 show an SHP 41 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on components that differ from the first and second embodiments.

[0036] The SHP 41 has a pressing plate 42 that presses the wick 4. The pressing plate 42 as a holder has a thin plate shape that fits along the housing section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3, and brings the wick 4 into close contact with the housing section 12. In addition, the SHP 41 does not have the second support section 10, the third support section 32, or the fourth support section 33, but has a fifth support section 43.

[0037] The fifth support column 43 serving as a holder is made of austenitic stainless steel, similar to the heat dissipation plate 2. The fifth support column 43 has a cylindrical shape and is joined to the inner surface 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2 by laser welding. The fifth support column 43 is disposed in a position facing the lower stage portion 14 of the heat reception plate 3. The fifth support column 43 may also have a rectangular column shape. Note that FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram to make the structure of the SHP 41 easier to understand, and the number of first support columns 6 and fifth support columns 43 is different from that shown in FIG. 7.

[0038] In the SHP 41, the wick 4 is placed in the housing portion 12 of the heat receiving plate 3, a pressure plate 42 is placed on the wick 4, and the outer periphery joint portion 11 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are joined by welding. As a result, the first support portion 6 presses the wick 4 at the upper portion 13, and the fifth support portion 43 presses the pressure plate 42 at the lower portion 14, thereby preventing the wick 4 from floating above the heat receiving plate 3. In addition, the cuts 18A, 18B, and 18C allow the wick 4 to be tightly attached to the housing portion 12 of the heat receiving plate 3.

[0039] The presser plate 42 has a plurality of vent holes 44 formed therein, allowing the working fluid to pass through the vent holes 44 .

[0040] As described above, the SHP 41 of this embodiment includes the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the wick 4 and working fluid sealed in the internal space S formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3, and the first support column 6, the pressure plate 42, and the fifth support column 43 that hold the wick 4. The heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are made of stainless steel. The heat receiving plate 3 has a storage section 12 in which the wick 4 is disposed. The storage section 12 has a multi-stage structure with at least an upper stage 13 and a lower stage 14. Therefore, even if the storage section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3 has a multi-stage structure and is deep, the first support column 6, the pressure plate 42, and the fifth support column 43 can hold the wick 4 and prevent it from floating or moving.

[0041] In the SHP 41 of this embodiment, the housing 12 has a lower inclined portion 17 between the upper portion 13 and the lower portion 14, and the interior angle θ2 formed between the lower portion 14 and the lower inclined portion 17 is an obtuse angle. The first support 6, the presser plate 42, and the fifth support 43 are the first support 6 that holds the wick 4 disposed in the upper portion 13, the presser plate 42 that holds the wick 4 disposed in the lower portion 14 and the lower inclined portion 17, and the fifth support 43 that abuts against the presser plate 42. The first support 6 and the fifth support 43 are provided on the heat dissipation plate 2, and the presser plate 42 has multiple ventilation holes 44 formed therein. Therefore, the presser plate 42 can hold the wick 4 in close contact with the lower portion 14 and the lower inclined portion 17. The working fluid can also move through the ventilation holes 44.

[0042] Furthermore, in the SHP 41 of this embodiment, slits 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed in the wick 4, and the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen and narrow when an external force is applied to the wick 4. Therefore, when the wick 4 is pressed by the first support 6, the presser plate 42, and the fifth support 43, the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen, allowing the wick 4 to be disposed along the boundary 21 between the lower section 14 and the lower inclined section 17, where gaps are likely to form.

[0043] 9 shows an SHP 51 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on the components that differ from those in the first to third embodiments.

[0044] The SHP 51 includes a support block 52 as a holder that presses the wick 4. The support block 52 integrally includes a flat, rectangular base 53 and a plurality of sixth support portions 54 that stand upright from the base 53. The sixth support portions 54 are disposed opposite the lower stage 14 of the heat receiving plate 3. The sixth support portions 54 have a cylindrical shape, but may also have a rectangular shape. In the internal space S, the base 53 of the support block 52 abuts against the inner surface 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2, and the sixth support portions 54 abut against the wick 4. In this embodiment, the base 53 is formed in a rectangular shape, but the shape can be changed to match the shape of the lower stage 14.

[0045] When the outer peripheral joint 11 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are joined by welding, the first support 6 presses the wick 4 at the upper stage 13, and the sixth support 54 presses the wick 4 at the lower stage 14, thereby holding the wick 4 so that it does not float above the heat receiving plate 3. In addition, the cuts 18A, 18B, and 18C allow the wick 4 to be tightly attached to the housing section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3.

[0046] As described above, the SHP 51 of this embodiment includes the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the wick 4 and working fluid sealed in the internal space S formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3, and the first support column 6 and support block 52 that hold the wick 4. The heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are made of stainless steel, and the heat receiving plate 3 has a storage section 12 in which the wick 4 is disposed. The storage section 12 has a multi-stage structure with at least an upper stage 13 and a lower stage 14. Therefore, even if the storage section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3 has a multi-stage structure and is deep, the first support column 6 and support block 52 can hold the wick 4 and prevent the wick 4 from floating up or moving.

[0047] Furthermore, in the SHP 51 of this embodiment, the first support section 6 and the support block 52 are the first support section 6 that holds the wick 4 arranged in the upper section 13, and the support block 52 that holds the wick 4 arranged in the lower section 14. The support block 52 has a plate-shaped base 53 and multiple sixth support sections 54 that stand upright from the base 53. The base 53 abuts against the heat dissipation plate 2, and the sixth support sections 54 abut against the wick 4. Because the plate-shaped base 53 abuts against the flat inner surface 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2, the support block 52 can be stably abutted against the heat dissipation plate 2. Furthermore, because the wick 4 is held by the multiple sixth support sections 54, the wick 4 can be prevented from floating up or moving.

[0048] Furthermore, in the SHP 51 of this embodiment, slits 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed in the wick 4, and the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen and narrow when an external force is applied to the wick 4. Therefore, when the wick 4 is pressed by the first support 6 and the support block 52, the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen, allowing the wick 4 to be disposed along the boundary 21 between the lower section 14 and the lower inclined section 17, where gaps are likely to form.

[0049] 10 and 11 show an SHP 61 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on components that differ from the first to fourth embodiments.

[0050] The SHP 61 includes a support block 62 as a holder that presses the wick 4. The support block 62 integrally includes a flat, rectangular base 63 and a plurality of seventh support portions 64 that stand upright from the base 63. The base 63 is disposed in a position facing the lower stage 14 of the heat receiving plate 3. In the internal space S, the seventh support portion 64 abuts against the inner surface 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2, and the base 63 abuts against the wick 4. In this embodiment, the base 63 is formed in a rectangular shape, but the shape can be changed to match the shape of the lower stage 14.

[0051] The base 63 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and has a plurality of ventilation holes 65 formed therein. Furthermore, a plurality of through grooves 66 are formed in the four corners and four sides of the base 63. Because the through grooves 66 are formed in the base 63, when the base 63 is housed in the internal space S, the outer peripheral portion bends so as to fit along the lower inclined portion 17. In this embodiment, the through grooves 66 are formed in 16 locations, but the number of through grooves 66 can be increased or decreased depending on the size and shape of the base 63.

[0052] The seventh support column 64 has a cylindrical shape, but may also have a rectangular shape. The ventilation holes 65 allow the working fluid to pass through. In this embodiment, rows of multiple seventh support columns 64 and rows of multiple ventilation holes 65 are arranged alternately, but the positions at which the seventh support columns 64 and the ventilation holes 65 are formed may be arranged with other regularity or irregularity.

[0053] When the outer peripheral joint 11 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are joined by welding, the first support section 6 presses the wick 4 at the upper section 13, and the support block 62 presses the wick 4 at the lower section 14, thereby preventing the wick 4 from floating above the heat receiving plate 3. In addition, the cuts 18A, 18B, and 18C allow the wick 4 to be tightly attached to the housing section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3.

[0054] As described above, the SHP 61 of this embodiment includes the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the wick 4 and working fluid sealed in the internal space S formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3, and the first support column 6 and support block 62 that hold the wick 4. The heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are made of stainless steel, and the heat receiving plate 3 has a storage section 12 in which the wick 4 is disposed. The storage section 12 has a multi-stage structure with at least an upper stage 13 and a lower stage 14. Therefore, even if the storage section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3 has a multi-stage structure and is deep, the first support column 6 and support block 62 can hold the wick 4 and prevent the wick 4 from floating up or moving.

[0055] In addition, the SHP 61 of this embodiment has a first support member 6 and a support block 62, with the first support member 6 holding the wick 4 disposed in the upper section 13 and the support block 62 holding the wick 4 disposed in the lower section 14. The support block 62 has a plate-shaped base 63 and multiple seventh support members 64 standing upright from the base 63. Multiple ventilation holes 65 are formed in the base 63, and the base 63 abuts against the wick 4, while the seventh support members 64 abut against the heat dissipation plate 2. Therefore, because the plate-shaped base 63 abuts against the wick 4, the area pressing against the wick 4 is large, securely holding the wick 4 and preventing the wick 4 from floating or moving. In addition, the working fluid can move through the ventilation holes 65.

[0056] Furthermore, in the SHP 61 of this embodiment, slits 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed in the wick 4, and when an external force is applied to the wick 4, the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen and narrow. Therefore, when the wick 4 is pressed by the first support 6 and the support block 62, the slits 18A, 18B, and 18C widen, allowing the wick 4 to be disposed along the boundary 21 between the lower section 14 and the lower inclined section 17, where gaps are likely to form.

[0057] 12 and 13 show an SHP 71 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description will focus on components that differ from the first to fifth embodiments.

[0058] In the SHP 71, a plurality of eighth support columns 72 are formed by etching on the inner surface 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2. The eighth support columns 72 are disposed at positions facing the upper and lower stage sections 13 and 14 of the heat reception plate 3. The eighth support columns 72 serving as holders have a cylindrical shape, but may also have a rectangular column shape. The eighth support columns 72 may also be formed into a cylindrical or rectangular tube shape by sheet metal drawing.

[0059] The SHP 71 has a metal filter 73 as a mesh structure housed in the housing portion 12 of the heat receiving plate 3. The metal filter 73 is made of sintered metal fibers and has fine gaps evenly distributed throughout. This generates a strong capillary force in the liquid-phase working fluid. The metal filter 73 is disposed in the housing portion 12 so as to cover the lower portion 14 and the lower inclined portion 17. Therefore, the upper surface 74 of the metal filter 73 and the upper portion 13 are substantially flush with each other.

[0060] The wick 4 is placed on the upper stage 13 and the metal filter 73, and is pressed by the eighth support 72 when the outer peripheral joint 11 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat reception plate 3 is joined by welding. This prevents the wick 4 from floating above the upper stage 13 and the metal filter 73. Note that the wick 4 of this embodiment does not have the notches 18A, 18B, and 18C formed therein.

[0061] As described above, the SHP 71 of this embodiment includes the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the wick 4 and working fluid sealed in the internal space S formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3, and the eighth support column 72 that holds the wick 4. The heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are made of stainless steel, and the heat receiving plate 3 has a storage section 12 in which the wick 4 is disposed. The storage section 12 has a multi-stage structure having at least an upper stage section 13 and a lower stage section 14. Therefore, even if the storage section 12 of the heat receiving plate 3 has a multi-stage structure and is deep, the eighth support column 72 can hold the wick 4 and prevent the wick 4 from floating up or moving.

[0062] Furthermore, in the SHP 71 of this embodiment, the housing 12 has a lower inclined portion 17 between the upper portion 13 and the lower portion 14, and a metal filter 73 that covers the lower portion 14 and the lower inclined portion 17, and the wick 4 is placed on the upper portion 13 and the metal filter 73. Therefore, even if the housing 12 has a two-stage structure, the portion where the wick 4 is disposed can be made into a one-stage structure by the metal filter 73, and the wick 4 can be disposed without being bent. Furthermore, the working fluid can move through minute gaps formed in the metal filter 73.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the external shapes of the SHPs 1, 31, 41, 51, 61, and 71 may be other external shapes that correspond to the shape of the heat source of the equipment in which the SHPs 1, 31, 41, 51, 61, and 71 are installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1. Sheet-type heat pipe 2 Heat dissipation plate (first plate) 3 Heat receiving plate (second plate) 4. Wick (capillary structure) 6 First support section (holding body) 10 Second support section (holding body) 12 Storage section 13 Upper section 14 Lower section 17 Lower slope 18A notch 18B notch 18C cut 31 Sheet-type heat pipe 32 3rd pillar section 33 4th pillar section 35 Insertion hole 41 Sheet-type heat pipe 42 Pressing plate (holding body) 43 5th pillar part (holding body) 44 Ventilation holes 51 Sheet-type heat pipe 52 Support block (support body) 53 Base (holding body) 54 6th pillar part (holding body) 61 Sheet-type heat pipe 62 Support block (support body) 63 Base (holding body) 64 7th pillar part (holding body) 65 Ventilation holes 71 Sheet heat pipe 72 8th pillar section 73 Metal filter (mesh structure) S interior space θ2 interior angle

Claims

1. A first plate; A second plate; a capillary structure and a working fluid sealed in an internal space formed between the first plate and the second plate; a holder that holds the capillary structure, the first plate and the second plate are made of stainless steel, the second plate has a receiving portion in which the capillary structure is disposed, The sheet-shaped heat pipe is characterized in that the accommodation portion has a multi-stage structure having at least an upper stage portion and a lower stage portion.

2. the holder includes a first support portion disposed in the upper stage portion for supporting the capillary structure, and a second support portion disposed in the lower stage portion for supporting the capillary structure, The sheet-shaped heat pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the first support column and the second support column are provided on the first plate.

3. The first plate is provided with a third support column and a fourth support column, The capillary structure has a plurality of through holes formed therein, the third support column is joined to the upper stage portion, The sheet-shaped heat pipe according to claim 2 , wherein the fourth support portion is inserted into the insertion hole and joined to the lower portion.

4. the storage section has a lower inclined section between the upper section and the lower section, an interior angle formed between the lower step portion and the lower inclined portion is an obtuse angle; the holder includes a first support portion disposed in the upper stage portion and supporting the capillary structure, a presser plate disposed in the lower stage portion and the lower inclined stage portion and supporting the capillary structure, and a fifth support portion abutting against the presser plate, the first support column and the fifth support column are provided on the first plate, 2. The sheet-shaped heat pipe according to claim 1, wherein the pressure plate has a plurality of ventilation holes formed therein.

5. the holder includes a first support portion that is disposed in the upper stage portion and that supports the capillary structure, and a support block that is disposed in the lower stage portion and that supports the capillary structure, The support block has a plate-shaped base and a plurality of sixth support portions erected from the base, The sheet-type heat pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the base abuts against the first plate, and the sixth support abuts against the capillary structure.

6. the holder includes a first support portion that is disposed in the upper stage portion and that supports the capillary structure, and a support block that is disposed in the lower stage portion and that supports the capillary structure, The support block has a plate-shaped base and a plurality of seventh support portions erected from the base, A plurality of ventilation holes are formed in the base, The sheet-type heat pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the base abuts against the capillary structure, and the seventh support abuts against the first plate.

7. A notch is formed in the capillary structure, 7. The sheet-shaped heat pipe according to claim 1, wherein the slits are expanded or contracted when an external force is applied to the capillary structure.

8. the storage section has a lower inclined section between the upper section and the lower section, a mesh structure covering the lower portion and the lower inclined portion; 2. The sheet-shaped heat pipe according to claim 1, wherein the capillary structure is placed on the upper stage and the mesh structure.

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