Sheet-type heat pipe

Abstract

The present invention provides a sheet-shaped heat pipe that can cool a heat source by making thermal contact with it while in a curved state. [Solution] The sheet-shaped heat pipe 1 of the present invention comprises a heat dissipation plate 2, a heat receiving plate 3, a capillary structure 4, and a flow channel forming body 5. The capillary structure 4 and the flow channel forming body 5 are enclosed in an internal space S1 formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3. The heat dissipation plate 2 has a plurality of retaining protrusions 9 that protrude toward the heat receiving plate 3, and the flow channel forming body 5 has a plurality of elongated holes 14. The heat receiving plate 3 and the capillary structure 4 are in contact, and the retaining protrusions 9 and the flow channel forming body 5 are in contact. In the internal space S1, a first flow space S2 is formed between adjacent retaining protrusions 9, and the first flow space S2 and a second flow space S3 in the elongated holes 14 intersect and communicate in three dimensions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet heat pipe that is mounted on a device having a heat source, receives heat from the heat source, and cools the heat source by heat transport.

Background Art

[0002] The applicant has proposed in Patent Document 1 a sheet heat pipe configured to include a heat dissipation plate, a heat receiving plate, and a capillary structure housed therein.

[0003] The sheet heat pipe (1) described in Patent Document 1 forms a plurality of support columns (11C) in the first sheet body (11) by press drawing, and sandwiches the capillary structure body (31) between the support columns (11C) and the sheet surface portion (12A) of the flat second sheet body (12) (see FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1).

[0004] The sheet heat pipe (1) described in Patent Document 1 cools by bringing a heat source into thermal contact with the surface portion of the flat second sheet body (12), but it is not assumed that the sheet heat pipe (1) is bent and used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, there are cases where the heat source has a curved shape such as a cylindrical shape. In order to bring the heat receiving portion into contact with such a heat source, a sheet heat pipe that can be bent and used is desired.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above problems and provide a sheet-shaped heat pipe that can cool a heat source by making thermal contact with the heat source in a curved state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The sheet-shaped heat pipe of the present invention comprises a first plate, a second plate, a capillary structure, and a flow channel forming body, wherein the capillary structure and the flow channel forming body are sealed in an internal space formed between the first plate and the second plate, the first plate has a plurality of retaining protrusions that project toward the second plate, and the flow channel forming body has a plurality of elongated holes, the second plate and the capillary structure are in contact, the retaining protrusions and the flow channel forming body are in contact, a first flow space is formed in the internal space between adjacent retaining protrusions, and the first flow space and the second flow space in the elongated holes intersect and communicate in three dimensions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to cool a heat source having a curved shape. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the heat dissipation plate side of the sheet-shaped heat pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the sheet-shaped heat pipe according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the sheet-shaped heat pipe of the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of CC. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the DD. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the sheet-shaped heat pipe of the same embodiment, in a curved state in contact with the equipment. [Figure 9] This is a plan view illustrating the flow of the gas phase working fluid in the sheet-shaped heat pipe of the same embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a plan view illustrating the flow of the gas phase working fluid in a modified example of the flow channel forming body of the sheet-shaped heat pipe of the same embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a plan view illustrating the flow of the gas phase working fluid in another modified example of the flow channel forming body of the sheet-shaped heat pipe of the same embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view of a sheet-shaped heat pipe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the sheet-shaped heat pipe according to the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, using a sheet-type heat pipe (hereinafter referred to as "SHP") mounted on various devices (not shown) as an example. Not all of the configurations described below are essential requirements of the present invention.

[0012] Figures 1 to 11 show an SHP1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The SHP1 is composed of a heat dissipation plate 2 as a first plate, a heat receiving plate 3 as a second plate, a capillary structure 4, and a flow channel forming body 5.

[0013] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 are made of austenitic stainless steel, and the capillary structure 4 and the flow channel forming body 5 are housed (sealed) in the internal space S1 formed by joining the outer periphery portions of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3. Note that the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3 may be made of an alloy mainly composed of titanium or copper, in addition to stainless steel.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the heat dissipation plate 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular thin plate shape, and has a heat dissipation portion 6, a joint portion 7 formed on the outer peripheral side of the heat dissipation portion 6, and an inclined portion 8 formed between the heat dissipation portion 6 and the joint portion 7. Further, a plurality of holding convex portions 9 are formed on the heat dissipation portion 5.

[0015] The heat dissipation portion 6, the inclined portion 8, and the holding convex portion 9 are formed by sheet metal drawing. The holding convex portion 9 is formed over the entire length in the short side direction of the heat dissipation portion 6, protrudes toward the heat receiving plate 3 side, and is provided in parallel at equal intervals. The width W1 (see FIG. 4) of the holding convex portion 9 in the short side direction is desirably 2 mm or less in order to sufficiently secure a first flow space S2 described later. The heat dissipation plate 2 is formed such that the heat dissipation portion 6 and the inclined portion 8 bulge, but since a plurality of holding convex portions 9 are formed on the heat dissipation portion 5, as described later, even when the inside of the internal space S1 is evacuated, the heat dissipation plate 2 is difficult to buckle.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the heat receiving plate 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular thin plate shape. The heat receiving plate 3 has a heat receiving portion 10 and a joint portion 11 formed on the outer peripheral portion of the heat receiving portion 10 and joined to the joint portion 6 of the heat dissipation plate 2.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness D1 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the thickness D2 of the heat receiving plate 3 are desirably 20% or less of the total thickness D3 of the SHP1 in order to sufficiently secure the first flow space S2 and a second flow space S3 described later.

[0018] As mainly shown in FIG. 1, a nozzle portion 13 for injecting a working fluid (not shown) into the internal space S1 and evacuating the internal space S1 is formed at the central portion of one short side portion 12 of the SHP1.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the capillary structure 4 has substantially the same external shape as the heat dissipation section 6 of the heat dissipation plate 2 in a plan view. The capillary structure 4 has a capillary structure with fine gaps evenly distributed throughout in order to generate a strong capillary force in the liquid phase working fluid, and can be made of metal fiber capillary structure, metal fiber felt, a flat mesh body woven by arranging metal wires vertically and horizontally, nonwoven fabric (not shown), etc. Note that the size of the gaps can be changed by changing the thickness and length of the metal fibers, so various types of metal fiber capillary structures can be used. The same applies to metal fiber felt, mesh body, and nonwoven fabric.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the flow channel forming body 5 has substantially the same external shape as the heat dissipation section 6 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the capillary structure 4 in a plan view. Multiple elongated holes 14 extending in the longitudinal direction are formed in the flow channel forming body 5. Each elongated hole 14 is a through hole and is formed parallel to each other at equal intervals. The width W2 of the elongated holes 14 (see Figure 3) is preferably 0.5 mm or more in order to ensure sufficient flow of the gas phase working fluid.

[0021] The material of the channel forming body 5 in this embodiment is the same as that of the capillary structure 4, and it has a capillary structure with fine gaps evenly distributed throughout in order to generate a strong capillary force in the liquid phase working fluid. Similar to the capillary structure 4, a metal fiber capillary structure, metal fiber felt, a flat mesh body woven by arranging metal wires vertically and horizontally, a nonwoven fabric (not shown), etc. can be used. The channel forming body 5 can also be formed from a material different from that of the capillary structure 4, and may be a metal plate or the like that does not have a capillary structure.

[0022] As in this embodiment, if the capillary structure 4 and the channel forming body 5 have a capillary structure, the capillary structure 4 and the channel forming body 5 may be formed integrally. Also, in this embodiment, the stacked capillary structure 4 and the channel forming body 5 are held between the holding protrusion 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving portion 10 of the heat receiving plate 3. However, if the channel forming body 5 has a capillary structure, a configuration may be used in which only the channel forming body 5 is held between the holding protrusion 9 and the heat receiving portion 10, without using a separate capillary structure 4. Therefore, even if the claims include a description of a "capillary structure" and a "channel forming body," the "capillary structure" and the "channel forming body" may be a single article.

[0023] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the capillary structure 4, and the flow channel forming body 5 are all made of the same type of metal material, austenitic stainless steel. Therefore, the changes that appear over time (temporal changes) in the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the capillary structure 4, and the flow channel forming body 5 can be made equivalent.

[0024] Here, we will briefly explain the assembly method (manufacturing method) of SHP1. A heat dissipation plate 2, which has a heat dissipation section 6, an inclined section 8, and a holding protrusion 9 formed by sheet metal drawing, is positioned with the interior facing upwards, and a flow channel forming body 5 is placed on the heat dissipation section 6. Next, a capillary tube structure 4 is placed on the flow channel forming body 5. Next, a heat receiving plate 3 is placed on top, and the joint 7 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the joint 11 of the heat receiving plate 3 are joined by welding. At this time, the capillary tube structure 4 and the flow channel forming body 5 are held between the holding protrusion 9 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving section 10 of the heat receiving plate 3, and are held so as not to move inside the SHP1 (see Figures 4 to 7). Next, a working fluid such as pure water is injected into the internal space S1 from the nozzle section 13 to degas the internal space S1. After that, the base end of the nozzle section 13 is sealed by welding, and the unnecessary part of the nozzle section 13 is cut off and removed. The position and number of nozzle sections 13 can be appropriately determined considering the size and shape of the SHP1. In this embodiment, the SHP1 is used by bringing the heat receiving plate 3 into contact with a cylindrical device P equipped with a heat source H (object to be cooled). Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, it is curved to match the shape of the device P. Specifically, the one short side 12 and the other short side 15 are curved so that they are closer together, with the heat receiving plate 3 side facing inward. In this embodiment, the entire SHP1 is curved in an arc shape, but only a part of the SHP1 may be curved to correspond to the shape of the device P to which it is in contact. In that case, the retaining protrusions 9 and elongated holes 14 may not be formed in the part that is not curved, and the gaseous working fluid may flow in the first fluid space S2 in that part. Furthermore, by curving the one short side 12 and the other short side 15 so that they are closer together, with the heat receiving plate 3 side facing outward, it is also possible to bring it into contact with a device P having an arc-shaped concave surface.

[0025] Next, the operation and effects of mounting the SHP1 with the above configuration on equipment P will be explained. When the heat receiving portion 10 of the heat receiving plate 3 of the SHP1 is brought into thermal contact with the heat source H of the equipment P on which it is mounted, the heat from the heat source is transferred to the heat receiving portion 10, the liquid phase working fluid held in the capillary structure 4 and flow channel forming body 5 in the internal space S1 evaporates, and the gas phase working fluid flows toward the cooler heat dissipation portion 6, thus carrying out heat transport inside the SHP1. The heat transported to the heat dissipation portion 6 is diffused to the outside of the SHP1 and dissipated from the SHP1. As a result, the heat source H is cooled and the temperature rise of equipment P can be mitigated.

[0026] As shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 9, the gaseous working fluid flows in the short-length direction of the SHP1 through the first flow space S2 formed between adjacent holding protrusions 9 (including the space between the inclined portion 8 and the holding protrusions 9). It also flows in the longitudinal direction of the SHP1 through the second flow space S3 within the elongated hole 14. The first flow space S2 and the second flow space S3 intersect and communicate with each other in three dimensions, forming a grid in plan view. Therefore, the gaseous working fluid flows within the internal space S1 in a manner that diffuses in both the short-length and longitudinal directions. The dashed arrows in Figure 9 illustrate a portion of the flow of the gaseous working fluid.

[0027] The working fluid, having transferred heat to the heat dissipation section 6 and whose temperature has decreased, condenses and becomes a liquid-phase working fluid. The liquid-phase working fluid flows towards the heat source H due to the strong capillary force of the capillary structure 4 and the flow path forming body 5. In this way, heat transport continues as the working fluid circulates within the internal space S1. Furthermore, even if there are multiple heat sources H, if those heat sources H are thermally connected to the heat receiving section 10 of the heat receiving plate 3, the multiple heat sources H can be cooled.

[0028] Figures 10 and 11 show modified examples of the flow channel forming body 5 in the SHP1 of the first embodiment. Figure 10 shows an example in which, in a plan view, only the elongated holes 14 that overlap with the heat source H are formed in the flow channel forming body 5, and the other elongated holes 14 are not formed. Even when the number of elongated holes 14 is reduced in this way, the gas phase working fluid flows through the first flow space S2 and the second flow space S3 as shown by the dashed arrows, and diffuses in the short and long directions of the internal space S1. As shown in this modified example, it is possible to change the number of elongated holes 14 or the length of the elongated holes 14 depending on the position and size of the heat source H and the external shape of the SHP1. Note that the dashed arrows in Figure 10 illustrate a part of the flow of the gas phase working fluid.

[0029] Figure 11 shows a configuration in which a portion of the elongated holes 14 is formed at an angle, causing a portion of the second fluid space S3 to intersect the first fluid space S2 at an angle. Even when a portion of the second fluid space S3 intersects the first fluid space S2 at an angle, the gaseous working fluid flows through the first fluid space S2 and the second fluid space S3, as indicated by the dashed arrows, and diffuses in the short and long directions of the internal space S1. As shown in this modified example, the first fluid space S2 and the second fluid space S3 do not necessarily need to intersect at an orthogonal angle; they may be formed to intersect at an angle. The dashed arrows in Figure 11 illustrate a portion of the flow of the gaseous working fluid.

[0030] As described above, the SHP1 of this embodiment comprises a heat dissipation plate 2, a heat receiving plate 3, a capillary structure 4, and a flow channel forming body 5. The capillary structure 4 and the flow channel forming body 5 are enclosed in an internal space S1 formed between the heat dissipation plate 2 and the heat receiving plate 3. The heat dissipation plate 2 has a plurality of retaining protrusions 9 that project toward the heat receiving plate 3, and the flow channel forming body 5 has a plurality of elongated holes 14. The heat receiving plate 3 and the capillary structure 4 are in contact, and the retaining protrusions 9 and the flow channel forming body 5 are in contact. In the internal space S1, a first flow space S2 is formed between adjacent retaining protrusions 9, and the first flow space S2 and the second flow space S3 in the elongated holes 14 intersect and communicate with each other. Therefore, even when the SHP1 is curved, the flow of the gas phase working fluid is not obstructed, and the gas phase working fluid flows inside the first flow space S2 and the second flow space S3, allowing heat to be transported by diffusing in the short and long directions of the SHP1.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SHP1 has multiple holding protrusions 9 that are parallel to each other, and the width W1 of the holding protrusions 9 in the short direction is 2 mm or less. Because the multiple holding protrusions 9 are formed parallel to each other, the multiple first fluid spaces S2 that are formed are also parallel, allowing the gaseous working fluid to flow in parallel. In addition, because the width W1 of the holding protrusions 9 in the short direction is short (2 mm or less), the width of the first fluid spaces S2 in the short direction can be made longer, and more first fluid spaces S2 can be formed, thus securing a large first fluid space S2. As a result, the total amount of gaseous working fluid that can flow inside the first fluid space S2 can be increased.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SHP1 is formed from the same type of metal material as the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the capillary structure 4, and the flow channel forming body 5. Therefore, the changes that appear over time (temporal changes) in the heat dissipation plate 2, the heat receiving plate 3, the capillary structure 4, and the flow channel forming body 5 can be made equivalent.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SHP1 has multiple elongated holes 14 that are parallel to each other, and the width W2 of the elongated holes 14 in the short direction is 0.5 mm or more. Therefore, the gaseous working fluid can be flowed in parallel through the second flow space S3. In addition, by increasing the width W2 of the elongated holes 14 in the short direction, the total amount of gaseous working fluid that can flow inside the second flow space S3 can be increased.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SHP1 has a thickness D1 of the heat dissipation plate 2 and a thickness D2 of the heat receiving plate 3, each being 20% ​​or less of the total thickness D3 of the sheet-shaped heat pipe 1. Therefore, the volumes of the first fluid space S2 and the second fluid space S3 can be increased, and the total amount of gaseous working fluid that can flow inside can be increased.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SHP1 has a capillary structure in the flow channel forming body 5. Therefore, the liquid phase working fluid can be made to flow by the capillary force generated by the flow channel forming body 5.

[0036] Figures 12 and 13 show an SHP21 in a second embodiment of the present invention. The SHP21 is composed of a heat dissipation plate 22 as a first plate, a heat receiving plate 23 as a second plate, a capillary structure 24 housed inside, a flow path forming body 25, a reinforcing member 26 on one side and a reinforcing member 27 on the other side.

[0037] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation plate 22 and the heat receiving plate 23 are made of austenitic stainless steel, and the capillary structure 24, the flow path forming body 25, the one-sided reinforcing member 26, and the other-sided reinforcing member 27 are housed (sealed) in the internal space S4 formed by joining the outer peripheral portions of the heat dissipation plate 22 and the heat receiving plate 23. In addition to stainless steel, the heat dissipation plate 22 and the heat receiving plate 23 may be made of an alloy mainly composed of titanium or copper.

[0038] As shown in Figure 12, the heat dissipation plate 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular thin plate shape and has a heat dissipation section 28, a joint section 29 formed on the outer circumference of the heat dissipation section 28, and an inclined section 30 formed between the heat dissipation section 28 and the joint section 29. In addition, the heat dissipation section 28 has a plurality of retaining protrusions 31 formed thereon.

[0039] The heat dissipation section 28, the inclined section 30, and the retaining protrusions 31 are formed by sheet metal drawing. The retaining protrusions 31 are formed along the entire length of the heat dissipation section 28, and each retaining protrusion 31 protrudes toward the heat receiving plate 23 and is provided parallel to each other at equal intervals. The width W3 of the retaining protrusions 31 in the short direction (see Figure 13) is preferably 2 mm or less in order to sufficiently secure the first fluid space S5, which will be described later. The heat dissipation plate 22 is formed so that the heat dissipation section 28 and the inclined section 30 bulge out, but because multiple retaining protrusions 31 are formed on the heat dissipation section 28, the heat dissipation plate 22 is less likely to buckle even when the internal space S4 is evacuated, as will be described later.

[0040] The heat receiving plate 23 is formed in a roughly rectangular thin plate shape. The heat receiving plate 23 has a heat receiving portion 32, a joint portion 33 formed on the outer circumference of the heat receiving portion 32 and joined to the joint portion 29 of the heat dissipation plate 22, and an inclined portion 34 formed between the heat receiving portion 32 and the joint portion 33. The heat receiving portion 32 and the inclined portion 34 are formed by sheet metal drawing so as to protrude in the direction opposite to that of the heat dissipation plate 22.

[0041] As shown in Figure 13, the thickness D4 of the heat dissipation plate 22 and the thickness D5 of the heat receiving plate 33 should preferably be 20% or less of the total thickness D6 of the SHP21 in order to sufficiently secure the first fluid space S5 and the second fluid space S6.

[0042] A nozzle portion 36 is formed in the central part of the short side portion 35 on one side of the SHP21 for injecting a working fluid (not shown) into the internal space S4 and for evacuating the internal space S4.

[0043] The capillary structure 24 is formed in the shape of a rectangular thin plate. The capillary structure 24 has a capillary structure with fine gaps evenly distributed throughout in order to generate a strong capillary force in the working fluid of the liquid phase. It can be made of metal fiber capillary structure, metal fiber felt, a flat mesh body woven by arranging metal wires vertically and horizontally, nonwoven fabric (not shown), etc. The size of the gaps can be changed by changing the thickness and length of the metal fibers, so various types of metal fiber capillary structures can be used. The same applies to metal fiber felt, mesh body, and nonwoven fabric.

[0044] The flow channel forming body 25 has a rectangular plate shape and has multiple elongated holes 37 extending in the longitudinal direction. Each elongated hole 37 is a through hole and is formed parallel to each other at equal intervals. The width W4 in the short direction of the elongated holes 37 (see Figure 12) is preferably 0.5 mm or more in order to ensure sufficient flow of the gas phase working fluid.

[0045] The material of the channel forming body 25 in this embodiment is the same as that of the capillary structure 24, and it has a capillary structure with fine gaps evenly distributed throughout in order to generate a strong capillary force in the liquid phase working fluid. Similar to the capillary structure 4, a metal fiber capillary structure, metal fiber felt, a flat mesh body woven by arranging metal wires vertically and horizontally, a nonwoven fabric (not shown), etc. can be used. The channel forming body 25 can also be formed from a material different from that of the capillary structure 24, and may be a metal plate or the like that does not have a capillary structure.

[0046] As in this embodiment, if the capillary structure 24 and the channel forming body 25 have a capillary structure, the capillary structure 24 and the channel forming body 25 may be formed integrally. Also, in this embodiment, the stacked capillary structure 24 and the channel forming body 25 are held between the holding projection 31 of the heat dissipation plate 22 and the heat receiving portion 32 of the heat receiving plate 23. However, if the channel forming body 25 has a capillary structure, a separate capillary structure 24 may not be used, and only the channel forming body 25 may be held between the holding projection 31 and the heat receiving portion 32. Therefore, even if the claims include a "capillary structure" and a "channel forming body," the "capillary structure" and the "channel forming body" may be a single article.

[0047] In this embodiment, the heat dissipation plate 22, the heat receiving plate 23, the capillary structure 24, and the flow channel forming body 25 are all made of the same type of metal material, austenitic stainless steel. Therefore, the changes that appear over time (changes over time) in the heat dissipation plate 22, the heat receiving plate 23, the capillary structure 24, and the flow channel forming body 25 can be made equivalent.

[0048] The one-sided reinforcing member 26 and the other-sided reinforcing member 27 are made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or a copper alloy, and have an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape. The one-sided reinforcing member 26 and the other-sided reinforcing member 27 have the same shape. Conventionally, sheet-type heat pipes (not shown) that do not have reinforcing members such as the one-sided reinforcing member 26 and the other-sided reinforcing member 27 would experience unintended warping of the heat dissipation plate and heat receiving plate during the manufacturing process, requiring a heat treatment process to correct the warping. However, in this embodiment, by providing the one-sided reinforcing member 26 and the other-sided reinforcing member 27 in the internal space S4, the occurrence of unintended warping of components such as the heat dissipation plate 22 and the heat receiving plate 23 is suppressed.

[0049] Here, we will briefly explain the assembly method (manufacturing method) of SHP21. A heat receiving plate 23, which has a heat receiving section 32 and an inclined section 34 formed by sheet metal drawing, is positioned with the inside facing upwards, and a one-sided reinforcing member 26 and a other-sided reinforcing member 27 are placed on the heat receiving section 32. The one-sided reinforcing member 26 is positioned along the inclined section 34 on the side that will become the one-sided long side 38 of SHP21, and the other-sided reinforcing member 27 is positioned along the inclined section 34 on the side that will become the other-sided long side 39 of SHP21. Next, a capillary structure 24 is placed on the heat receiving section 32. At this time, the capillary structure 24 is positioned between the one-sided reinforcing member 26 and the other-sided reinforcing member 27. Next, a flow path forming body 25 is placed on the capillary structure 24. The capillary structure 24 and the flow path forming body 25 are positioned so as not to overlap with the one-sided reinforcing member 26 and the other-sided reinforcing member 27. Next, the heat dissipation plates 22 are stacked on top of each other, and the joint portion 29 of the heat dissipation plates 22 and the joint portion 33 of the heat receiving plates 23 are joined by welding. At this time, the capillary structure 24 and the flow path forming body 25 are held between the holding protrusion 31 of the heat dissipation plates 22 and the heat receiving portion 32 of the heat receiving plates 23, and are held in place so as not to move inside the SHP21. Next, a working fluid such as pure water is injected into the internal space S4 from the nozzle portion 36 to degas the internal space S4. After that, the base end portion of the nozzle portion 36 is sealed by welding, and the unnecessary portion of the nozzle portion 36 is cut off and removed. The position and number of nozzle portions 36 can be appropriately determined considering the size and shape of the SHP21. In this embodiment, the SHP21 is used by bringing the heat receiving plates 23 into contact with a cylindrical device P equipped with a heat source H (object to be cooled), so it is curved to match the shape of the device P. Specifically, the long side portion 38 on one side and the long side portion 39 on the other side are curved so that they are closer together, with the heat receiving plate 23 facing inward. In this embodiment, the entire SHP21 is curved in an arc shape, but depending on the shape of the equipment P to be contacted, only a part of the SHP21 may be curved. In that case, the retaining protrusion 31 and the elongated hole 37 may not be formed in the part that is not curved, and the gaseous working fluid may flow in the first flow space S5 in that part. Alternatively, by curving the short side portion 38 on one side and the short side portion 39 on the other side so that the heat receiving plate 23 facing outward, it is also possible to contact equipment P having an arc-shaped concave surface.

[0050] Next, the operation and effects of the SHP21 with the above configuration when it is mounted on equipment will be explained. When the heat receiving section 32 of the heat receiving plate 23 of the SHP21 is brought into contact with the heat source H of the equipment P on which it is installed, the heat from the heat source is transferred to the heat receiving section 32, the liquid phase working fluid held in the capillary structure 24 and flow channel forming body 25 in the internal space S4 evaporates, and the gas phase working fluid flows toward the cooler heat dissipation section 28, and heat transport takes place inside the SHP21. The heat transported to the heat dissipation section 28 is diffused to the outside of the SHP21 and dissipated from the SHP21. As a result the heat source H is cooled and the temperature rise of the equipment P can be mitigated.

[0051] The gaseous working fluid flows in the longitudinal direction of the SHP21 through the flow space S5 formed between adjacent holding protrusions 31. It also flows in the short direction of the SHP21 through the flow space S6 within the pores 37. In other words, the flow spaces S5 and S6 of the gaseous working fluid are grid-like in plan view and bottom view. Therefore, the gaseous working fluid flows within the internal space S4 in a manner that diffuses in both the short and longitudinal directions.

[0052] The working fluid, having transferred heat to the heat dissipation section 28 and whose temperature has decreased, condenses and becomes a liquid-phase working fluid. The liquid-phase working fluid flows towards the heat source H due to the strong capillary force of the capillary structure 24 and the flow path forming body 25. In this way, heat transport continues as the working fluid circulates within the internal space S4. Furthermore, even if there are multiple heat sources H, if those heat sources H are thermally connected to the heat receiving section 32 of the heat receiving plate 23, multiple heat sources H can be cooled.

[0053] As described above, the SHP21 of this embodiment comprises a heat dissipation plate 22, a heat receiving plate 23, a capillary structure 24, and a flow channel forming body 25. The capillary structure 24 and the flow channel forming body 25 are enclosed in an internal space S4 formed between the heat dissipation plate 22 and the heat receiving plate 23. The heat dissipation plate 22 has a plurality of retaining protrusions 31 that protrude toward the heat receiving plate 23, and the flow channel forming body 25 has a plurality of elongated holes 37. The heat receiving plate 23 and the capillary structure 24 are in contact, and the retaining protrusions 31 and the flow channel forming body 25 are in contact. In the internal space S4, a first flow space S5 is formed between adjacent retaining protrusions 31, and the first flow space S5 and a second flow space S6 in the elongated holes 37 intersect and communicate with each other. Therefore, even when the SHP21 is curved, the flow of the gas phase working fluid is not obstructed, and the gas phase working fluid flows inside the first flow space S5 and the second flow space S6, allowing heat to be transported by diffusing in the short and long directions of the SHP21.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SHP21 has multiple holding protrusions 31 that are parallel to each other, and the width W3 of the holding protrusions 31 in the short direction is 2 mm or less. Because the multiple holding protrusions 31 are formed parallel to each other, the multiple first fluid spaces S5 that are formed are also parallel, allowing the gaseous working fluid to flow in parallel. In addition, because the width W3 of the holding protrusions 31 in the short direction is short (2 mm or less), the width of the first fluid spaces S5 in the short direction can be made longer, and more first fluid spaces S5 can be formed, thus securing a large first fluid space S5. As a result, the total amount of gaseous working fluid that can flow inside the first fluid space S5 can be increased.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SHP21 is formed from the same type of metal material as the heat dissipation plate 22, the heat receiving plate 23, the capillary structure 24, and the flow channel forming body 25. Therefore, the changes that appear over time (changes over time) in the heat dissipation plate 22, the heat receiving plate 23, the capillary structure 24, and the flow channel forming body 25 can be made equivalent.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the SHP21 has multiple elongated holes 37 that are parallel to each other, and the width W4 of the elongated holes 37 in the short direction is 0.5 mm or more. Therefore, the gaseous working fluid can be flowed in parallel through the second fluid space S6. In addition, by increasing the width W4 of the elongated holes 37 in the short direction, the total amount of gaseous working fluid that can flow inside the second fluid space S6 can be increased.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness D4 of the heat dissipation plate 22 and the thickness D5 of the heat receiving plate 23 of the SHP21 are each 20% or less of the total thickness D6 of the SHP21. Therefore, the volumes of the first fluid space S5 and the second fluid space S6 can be increased, and the total amount of gaseous working fluid that can flow inside can be increased.

[0058] Furthermore, the SHP21 of this embodiment has a capillary structure in the flow channel forming body 25. Therefore, the liquid phase working fluid can be made to flow by the capillary force generated by the flow channel forming body 25.

[0059] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the external shape of SHP1 and 21 can be changed to a different shape corresponding to the position of the heat source H of the equipment P on which SHP1 and 21 are mounted, and the arrangement of surrounding components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 SHP (Sheet Heat Pipe) 2. Heat dissipation plate (first plate) 3. Heat receiving plate (second plate) 4 Capillary structure 5. Flow channel forming body 9 Retaining protrusion 14 long hole 21 SHP (Sheet Heat Pipe) 22 Heat dissipation plate (first plate) 23 Heat receiving plate (second plate) 24 Capillary structure 25 Flow channel forming body 31 Retaining protrusion 37 long hole D1 Thickness of heat dissipation plate 2 (thickness of the first plate) D2 Thickness of heat receiving plate 3 (thickness of the second plate) Total thickness of D3 SHP1 (total thickness of sheet-type heat pipes) D4 Thickness of heat dissipation plate 22 (thickness of the first plate) D5 Thickness of heat receiving plate 23 (thickness of the second plate) Total thickness of D6 SHP21 (total thickness of sheet-type heat pipes) S1 interior space S2 First fluid space S3 Second fluid space S4 interior space S5 First fluid space S6 Second fluid space W1 Width of the retaining projection 9 in the short direction (width of the retaining projection in the short direction) W2 Width of the elongated hole 14 in the short direction (width of the elongated hole in the short direction) W3 Width of the retaining projection 31 in the short direction (width of the retaining projection in the short direction) W4 Width of the elongated hole 37 in the short direction (width of the elongated hole in the short direction)

Claims

1. The first plate and, The second plate and a capillary structure; A flow channel forming body is provided, The capillary structure and the channel forming body are sealed in the internal space formed between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate has a plurality of retaining protrusions that project toward the second plate. The channel forming body has a plurality of elongated holes formed therein. The second plate and the capillary structure come into contact with each other. The retaining protrusion and the flow channel forming body come into contact with each other. In the aforementioned internal space, a first fluid space is formed between adjacent holding protrusions. A sheet-like heat pipe characterized in that the first fluid space and the second fluid space within the elongated hole intersect and communicate in a three-dimensional manner.

2. The plurality of retaining protrusions are parallel to each other, The sheet-like heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the retaining protrusion in the short direction is 2 mm or less.

3. The sheet-like heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plate, the second plate, the capillary structure, and the flow channel forming body are made of the same type of metal material.

4. The aforementioned plurality of elongated holes are parallel to each other, The sheet-like heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the elongated hole in the short direction is 0.5 mm or more.

5. The sheet-like heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the first plate and the thickness of the second plate are each 20% or less of the total thickness of the sheet-like heat pipe.

6. The sheet-like heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow channel forming body has a capillary structure.

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