CN102403443A - Heat sink - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat sink includes: a column element, where heat-generating equipment is to be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by the equipment. The heat sink also includes an annular retaining member having a plurality of grooves formed therein. A retaining member is mounted to the longitudinal end of the column member such that each fin is inserted into a corresponding one of the slots of the retaining member, thereby retaining the fin to the post member. Each fin has a detachment preventing portion that prevents the fin from detaching from the post member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the post member.

Description

heat sink

technical field

The present invention generally relates to heat sinks having cooling fins for dissipating heat generated by equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to heat sinks for dissipating heat generated by devices having a high heat generation density and having significantly reduced performance and lifetime at high temperatures, including for example LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

Background technique

Japanese Patent No. 4015146 discloses a heat sink comprising a columnar base on which a heat generating device is mounted, and a plurality of cooling fins provided on the radially outer periphery of the base.

Specifically, in a heat sink, the base has a plurality of grooves formed in its sides. Each cooling fin is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves of the base and joined to the base by caulking, more specifically, by using a presser to plastically deform those portions of the base surrounding the corresponding groove.

However, with the above configuration, it is necessary to form grooves in the sides of the base, thus complicating the manufacture of the heat sink.

Also, when the spaces between the fins are small and/or the outer diameter of the base is small, it may be difficult to fully insert the presser into the spaces between the fins. Therefore, it may become difficult to reliably perform a caulking process for the heat sink.

Also, the stress state around those fins already bonded to the base can be affected by the caulking process used for the latter fins. Therefore, the thermal conductivity between these fins and the base may be reduced.

In addition, when the shape of the cooling fins and/or the space between the cooling fins changes as design specifications change, it may be necessary to change the press tool for performing the caulking process accordingly.

Contents of the invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a first heat sink comprising: a column element on which heat generating equipment is to be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by said equipment. The first heat sink also includes an annular retaining member having a plurality of grooves formed therein. A retaining member is mounted to the longitudinal end of the column member such that each cooling fin is inserted into a corresponding one of the slots of the retaining member, thereby holding the cooling fin to the column member. Each fin has a detachment preventing portion that prevents the fin from detaching from the post member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the post member.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a second heat sink comprising: a column element where heat generating equipment is to be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by said equipment . The second type of heat sink also includes a plate-shaped holding member having an insertion hole formed at a center thereof and a plurality of grooves formed to extend outward from the insertion hole. The longitudinal ends of the column elements are inserted into the sockets of the retaining elements. The holding member is such that each cooling fin is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves of the holding member, thereby holding the cooling fin to the column member. Each fin has a detachment preventing portion that prevents the fin from detaching from the post member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the post member.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a third heat sink comprising: a column element on which heat generating equipment is to be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by said equipment . The third heat sink also includes a pair of plate-shaped holding members and a plurality of rod members. The retaining elements are respectively arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the column elements. Each rod element extends in the longitudinal direction of the column element and its longitudinal end is respectively engaged with the holding element. Each cooling fin is bent on one side of the column member and along the longitudinal direction of the column member to form a detachment preventing portion thereof. For each fin, the detachment-preventing portion of the fin is sandwiched between a side surface of the column member and a corresponding one of the bar members, thereby preventing the fin from detaching from the column member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the column member.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a fourth heat sink comprising: a column element on which heat generating equipment is to be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by said equipment . Each cooling fin is bent twice on the column member side and in the longitudinal direction of the column member to form its overlapping portion and detachment preventing portion. The overlapping portion extends along the side of the post element and has a hole formed therein. A detachment preventing portion is formed at a distal end of the overlapping portion so as to protrude from the detachment preventing portion in a direction away from the column member. For each pair of adjacent fins, overlapping portions of the pair of fins overlap each other and a detachment preventing portion of one of the pair of fins is inserted into a hole of the other fin, thereby preventing detachment of the fins from the column member.

With the configurations of the above first to fourth heat sinks, it is possible to temporarily assemble the heat sink to the column member first and then bond (for example, braze) the heat sink to the column member in the temporarily assembled state. Therefore, the heat sink can be fabricated without using any additional pressure or fixing equipment, thus facilitating the manufacture of the heat sink.

Also, with the above configuration, there is no need to form a groove in the column member. Therefore, the column member can be easily formed and the flexibility of arranging the cooling fins on the side surfaces of the column member is improved. In addition, it can improve the flexibility of changing the shape of the heat sink and enhance the strength and thermal conductivity of the heat sink.

Description of drawings

The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments of the invention, however, the preferred embodiments should not be used to limit the invention to specific embodiments, but only to purpose of interpretation and understanding.

In the attached picture:

1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a heat sink according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a perspective view of a heat sink according to a first embodiment;

3 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink according to a first embodiment;

4 is a top view of the heat sink according to the first embodiment;

5A-5D are schematic diagrams illustrating a manufacturing method of an annular retaining member of a radiator according to a first embodiment;

6A-6D are perspective views showing variations of annular retaining elements;

7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the heat sink according to the first embodiment;

8 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the heat sink according to the first embodiment;

9 is a top view showing still another modification of the heat sink according to the first embodiment;

10 is a top view showing still another modification of the heat sink according to the first embodiment;

11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a heat sink according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

12 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink according to a second embodiment;

13 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the heat sink according to the second embodiment;

14 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the heat sink according to the second embodiment;

15 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a heat sink according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

16 is a perspective view of a heat sink according to a third embodiment;

17 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink according to a third embodiment;

18 is an exploded perspective view showing a modification of the heat sink according to the third embodiment;

Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the same modification as shown in Figure 18;

20 is an exploded perspective view showing another modification of the heat sink according to the third embodiment;

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the same modification as shown in Figure 20;

22 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a heat sink according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

23 is a perspective view of a heat sink according to a fourth embodiment;

24 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a heat sink according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

25 is a perspective view of a heat sink according to a fifth embodiment;

26 is a cross-sectional view of a heat sink according to a fifth embodiment;

27 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the heat sink according to the fifth embodiment;

28 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a heat sink according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

29 is a perspective view of a heat sink according to a sixth embodiment;

30 is an exploded perspective view showing a modification of the heat sink according to the sixth embodiment; and

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the same modification as that shown in FIG. 30 .

Detailed ways

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1-31. It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, the same components having the same role in different embodiments of the invention are marked with the same reference numerals in each figure whenever possible and that for the sake of avoiding redundancy, the same components The description will not be repeated.

[first embodiment]

1-4 show the configuration of a heat sink according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink is designed to dissipate the heat generated by the device 1 , which may be, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) used in the headlights of a vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4 , the heat sink includes a column element 2 and a plurality of cooling fins 4 .

In the present embodiment, the column element 2 has a cylindrical shape and is made of aluminium, for example. The column element 2 has an upper end surface 2a on which the device 1 is mounted.

In addition, it should be explained that the column element 2 may also have other shapes, for example tubular.

The cooling fins 4 are provided on the radially outer periphery of the column element 2 . The heat sink 4 is plate-shaped and made of aluminum, for example. In this embodiment, the length of the cooling fins 4 in the vertical direction is substantially equal to the length of the column elements. In other words, the cooling fins 4 extend over substantially the entire axial length of the column element 2 .

In addition, it should be noted that the length of the cooling fin 4 can also be set to be different from that of the column element 2 .

Each cooling fin 4 is bent along the axial direction (or longitudinal direction) of the column member 2 on the side of the column member 2 to form a detachment preventing portion 6 . The detachment preventing portion 6 is substantially perpendicular to the rest of the heat sink 4 .

In the present embodiment, the width of the detachment preventing portion 6 of the fin 4 is set such that the detachment preventing portion 6 can be arranged on the side of the column member 2 along the circumferential direction of the column member 2 without a gap therebetween. Moreover, the width of the detachment preventing portion 6 is also set to be suitable for dissipating heat via the airflow passing between adjacent pairs of cooling fins 4 .

In addition, the detachment preventing portion 6 may be further bent into an arc according to the shape of the side of the column member 2 so as to come into close contact with the side of the column member 2 .

The heat sink according to the present embodiment also includes an annular (or ring-shaped) holding element 8 . The inner diameter of the retaining member 8 is set such that the retaining member 8 can be mounted on the radially outer side of the detachment preventing portion 6 when the detachment preventing portion 6 of the fin 4 is arranged on the side of the column member 2 . More specifically, in the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the retaining member 8 is set to be equal to the sum of the diameter of the column member 2 and twice the thickness of the detachment preventing portion 6 .

The holding member 8 has a plurality of grooves 10 each formed to extend upward a predetermined distance from the lower end of the holding member 8 . Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the retaining member 8 is mounted to the upper end of the column member 2 so that each cooling fin 4 is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves 10 of the retaining member 8 and the detachment preventing portion 6 is plastically deformed along the column member. 2 side extensions.

Also, the detachment preventing portion 6 is radially sandwiched between the side surfaces of the column member 2 and the inner surface of the holding member 8 , thereby preventing radial detachment of the cooling fins 4 from the column member 2 . In other words, each cooling fin 4 is restricted from moving in the radial direction of the column member 2 by the side surface of the column member 2 and the inner surface of the holding member 8 . Moreover, each cooling fin 4 is also restricted from moving upward by the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 10 and from moving in the circumferential direction of the column member 2 by the side surfaces of the corresponding groove 10 .

In the present embodiment, the holding element 8 is made in the following manner. First, a drawing process was performed on a circular aluminum plate as shown in FIG. 5A, thereby forming a cap-like member as shown in FIG. 5B. Then, a cutting process is performed on the cap-shaped element to remove those unwanted parts shown shaded in Fig. 5B, thereby obtaining the ring as shown in Fig. 5C. Afterwards, grooves 10 are formed in the ring, resulting in an annular retaining element 8 as shown in Figure 5D.

FIG. 6A shows a first variant of the holding element 8 . In this variant, the retaining element 8 is made by (1) forming a groove 10 in a flat aluminum strip; and (2) rolling the flat aluminum strip into a non-closed loop with an opening 8a.

FIG. 6B shows a second variant of the holding element 8 . In this variant, the retaining element 8 is formed by (1) forming a groove 10 in the flat aluminum strip; and (2) rolling the flat aluminum strip into a closed loop so that the longitudinal ends of the flat aluminum strip overlap each other to form The overlapping portion 8b is made. Furthermore, during the rolling step, the grooves 10 formed in the longitudinal ends of the flat aluminum strip are preferably brought into radial alignment with each other, thereby preventing the retaining element 8 from expanding radially.

FIG. 6C shows a third variant of the holding element 8 . In this variant, the retaining element 8 is formed by (1) forming the groove 10 in the flat aluminum strip; (2) bending the longitudinal ends of the flat aluminum strip to the same side, thereby forming the abutment portion 8c; and (3) placing A flat aluminum strip is rolled into a closed loop so that the abutment portions 8c are butted relative to each other on the radially inner side of the loop. In addition, a recess 2b is formed in the side of the column element 2 so that the abutment portion 8c of the retaining element 8 can fit into the recess 2b, thereby preventing the retaining element 8 from expanding radially.

FIG. 6D shows a fourth variant of the holding element 8 . In this variant, the retaining element 8 is formed by (1) forming a groove 10 in the flat aluminum strip; (2) bending the longitudinal ends of the flat aluminum strip to the same side, thereby forming the butt portion 8d; (4) rolling the flat aluminum strip into a closed ring so that the butt portions 8d butt against each other on the radially outer side of the ring with the through holes 8e aligned with each other, and (5) The bolts 12 are passed through the through holes 8e and the nuts 14 are fastened on the bolts 12, thereby fixing the abutment portions 8d together, preventing the holding member 8 from expanding radially.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-4 , the heat sink according to the present embodiment further includes a generally disc-shaped retaining member 18 . The holding element 18 has a socket 21 and a plurality of slots 20 . An insertion hole 21 is formed at the radial center of the holding member 18 to penetrate the holding member 18 in the thickness direction of the holding member 18 . Each slot 20 is formed in a radially inner surface of the retaining element 18 so as to radially extend from the receptacle 21 . Furthermore, the grooves 20 are positioned in the circumferential direction of the holding element 18 such that each groove 20 can be aligned with a corresponding one of the grooves 10 of the holding element 8 in the axial direction of the column element 2 . Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the depth of the groove 20 is set substantially equal to half the radial width of the holding element 18 .

Furthermore, the retaining element 18 is bent downwards at its radially inner end to form a guide portion 22 . The guide portions 22 together define the socket 21 such that the diameter of the socket 21 is equal to the inner diameter of the retaining element 8 . The guide parts 22 are separated from one another by grooves 20 in the circumferential direction of the holding element 18 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , the retaining element 18 is bent further upwards at a radial position corresponding to the bottom of the groove 20 . Therefore, the groove 20 is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the column member 2 , except for those portions where the groove 20 is formed between the guide portions 22 .

The cooling fins 4 are arranged on the sides of the column member 2 so as to extend radially from the sides under the abutment of the detachment preventing portion 6 with the sides. Also, the column member 2 and the lower end portion of the detachment preventing portion 6 are inserted together into the insertion hole 21 of the holding member 18 , and each fin 4 is partially inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves 20 of the holding member 18 . In addition, with the guide portion 22 of the retaining member 18 , it is possible to easily insert the lower end portion of the post member 2 and the disengagement preventing portion 6 into the insertion hole 21 .

After mounting the holding element 18 to the column element 2, the detachment preventing portion 6 of the cooling fin 4 is sandwiched between the side of the column element 2 and the inner surface of the guide portion 22 of the holding element 18, thereby restricting the radial movement of the cooling fin 4 . Furthermore, the downward movement of the heat sink 4 is also limited by the upper end surface of the holding member 18 .

Also, with the holding members 8 and 18 mounted to the column member 2 and the cooling fin 4 held by the holding members 8 and 18 , the cooling fin 4 is bonded to the column member 2 by brazing.

The process of brazing the fins 4 to the column elements 2 can be performed using either of the following two methods.

According to a first method, the column element 2 comprises a brazing filler metal as its cladding material. In the brazing process, the temporary assembly of the column element 2 , the heat sink 4 and the holding elements 8 and 18 is heated in a furnace, thereby melting the brazing filler metal provided at the surface of the column element 2 . Thus, the heat sink 4 is brazed to the post element 2 with the molten brazing filler metal. Furthermore, the molten brazing filler metal flows into the grooves 10 and 20 of the retaining elements 8 and 18 by capillary action, thereby brazing the heat sink 4 to the retaining elements 8 and 18 . Thus, the post element 2, the heat sink 4 and the retaining elements 8 and 18 are all brazed together to form a heat sink which is a good thermal conductor.

On the other hand, according to the second method, the column element does not comprise cladding material. Alternatively, a brazing filler metal in the form of a paste is applied to the upper end surface 2 a of the column element 2 . During the brazing process, the temporary assembly of the post element 2, the heat sink 4 and the retaining elements 8 and 18 is heated in a furnace to reduce the viscosity of the brazing filler metal. Thus, the braze filler metal flows down into all air gaps between the post elements 2, fins 4 and retaining elements 8 and 18, joining them together to form a heat sink that is a good thermal conductor.

After the brazing process, the brazing filler metal remaining on the upper end surface 2 a of the column element 2 is removed, for example by cutting, so that the upper end surface 2 a is flush with the upper end of the holding element 8 . Then, as shown in FIG. 2 , the device 1 is mounted on the upper end surface 2 a of the column member 2 .

The heat sink according to this embodiment has the following advantages.

As mentioned above, in the present embodiment, the heat sink includes retaining elements 8 and 18 which hold the fins 4 to the post elements 2 (ie, prevent the fins 4 from moving away from the post elements 2). Therefore, using the holding members 8 and 18, it is possible to temporarily assemble the heat sink 4 to the post member 2 first and then perform the process of bonding the heat sink 4 to the post member 2 in the temporarily assembled state (for example, copper in this embodiment). weld). Thus, it is made possible to manufacture the radiator without employing any additional pressure equipment or fixing equipment, thus facilitating the manufacture of the radiator. In addition, in operation, the retaining elements 8 and 18 can also act as heat sink elements to dissipate the heat generated by the device 1 .

Also, according to the present embodiment, there is no need to form a groove in the column member 2 . Therefore, it is possible to easily form the column member 2 and improve flexibility in arranging the cooling fins 4 on the sides of the column member 2 . Also, the flexibility to change the shape of the heat sink can be improved to enhance the strength and thermal conductivity of the heat sink.

It should be noted that although the heat sink according to the present embodiment includes the annular holding member 8 and the disk-shaped holding member 18 , it may also be modified to include only one of the holding members 8 and 18 .

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the heat sink can also be modified to include two annular retaining members 8 mounted to longitudinal ends (ie, upper and lower ends) of the column member 2 , respectively.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8 , the heat sink can also be modified to include two disc-shaped retaining elements 18 mounted to opposite longitudinal ends (ie upper and lower ends) of the column element 2 , respectively.

In this embodiment, the cooling fins 4 are continuously arranged on the entire outer circumference of the column element 2 (or within the entire angular range of 360°). However, as shown in FIG. 9 , it is possible to cut off part of the holding member 18 and arrange the cooling fins 4 only in part of the outer circumference of the column member 2 (or within an angular range of less than 360°).

In this embodiment, each slot 20 of the holding element 18 has a corresponding cooling fin 4 inserted therein. However, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , some slots 20 of the holding element 18 can also have no cooling fins 4 inserted therein.

Also, although not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , it is also possible to cut off a portion of the column member 2 on which no cooling fins 4 are arranged, thereby flattening part of the sides of the column member 2 . In this case, the device 1 may be mounted on a flat portion of the side of the column element 2 instead of the upper end surface 2 a of the column element 2 .

In the present embodiment, the column element 2 is configured to have a cylindrical shape. However, it is also possible to configure the column element 2 to have a polygonal (for example, square or hexagonal) prism shape and to arrange the cooling fins 4 on the flat sides of the column element 2 . Also, in this case, it is therefore necessary to modify the holding element 8 to have a polygonal ring shape and the receptacle 21 of the holding element 18 to be a polygonal hole.

[Second embodiment]

11 and 12 show the configuration of a heat sink according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink according to the present embodiment is similar to the heat sink according to the first embodiment; therefore, only differences therebetween will be described below.

In this embodiment, the heat sink comprises a plurality of cooling fins 24 instead of the cooling fins 4 of the first embodiment, and a washer element 30 and a bolt 32 instead of the retaining element 18 of the first embodiment.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, each fin 24 has a first detachment preventing portion 26 and a second detachment preventing portion 28 . The first detachment preventing portion 26 is the same as the detachment preventing portion 6 of the heat sink 4 of the first embodiment. The second disengagement preventing portion 28 extends radially inward from the lower end of the first disengagement preventing portion 26 . Also, the second detachment prevention portion 28 is tapered radially inward so as to have a trapezoidal shape.

When assembling the heat sink, the fins 24 are arranged such that the second detachment preventing portion 28 abuts the lower end surface of the column member 2 . Then, the washer member 30 is placed so as to sandwich the second detachment prevention portion 28 of the fin 24 between the lower end surface of the column member 2 and the washer member 30 . After that, the bolt 32 passes through the center hole of the washer member 30 and is fastened into the screw hole 33 formed in the lower end surface of the column member 2 . Therefore, the second disengagement preventing portion 28 of the fin 24 is held between the lower end surface of the column member 2 and the gasket member 30, thereby preventing the disengagement of the fin 24 from the column member 2 in the axial direction (or longitudinal direction) of the column member 2 .

The above-described heat sink according to the present embodiment has the same advantages as the heat sink according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a modification of the heat sink according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figures, in this variant a washer element 35 is used instead of washer element 30 . The washer element 35 has an outer diameter which is considerably larger than the outer diameter of the washer element 30 . Therefore, in operation, the washer element 35 can also act as a heat dissipation element, thereby improving the heat dissipation capability of the heat sink.

Fig. 14 shows yet another modification of the radiator. As shown in the figures, in this variant a washer element 37 is used instead of washer element 35 . The washer element 37 has a circular recess 40 formed in its upper end surface 42 . The second detachment-preventing portion 28 of the cooling fin 24 is inserted into the recess 40 of the gasket member 37 so as to bring the upper end surface 42 of the gasket member 37 into contact with the lower end of the cooling fin 24 . Furthermore, the upper end surface 42 of the washer element 37 is brazed to the lower end of the heat sink 24 . Therefore, the heat dissipation capability of the heat sink is further improved.

[Third embodiment]

15-17 show the construction of a heat sink according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink according to the present embodiment is similar to the heat sink according to the first embodiment, and only differences therebetween will be described below.

In this embodiment, the heat sink includes a plurality of cooling fins 34 instead of the cooling fins 4 in the first embodiment.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, each fin 34 has a detachment preventing portion 36 and a slit 38 . The detachment preventing portion 36 is the same as the detachment preventing portion 6 of the heat sink 4 in the first embodiment. The slit 38 is formed to extend downward from the upper end of the fin 34 and adjoins the detachment preventing portion 36 .

When assembling the heat sink, each cooling fin 34 is inserted into a corresponding one of the slots 10 of the holding element 8 . The circular movement of the fins 34 is thus limited by the retaining element 8 . Furthermore, a holding element 8 is inserted into each slot 38 of the cooling fin 34 . The radial movement of the fins 34 is thus also limited by the retaining element 8 .

In addition, as in the first embodiment, the detachment-preventing portion 36 of the cooling fin 34 is radially sandwiched between the side surface of the column member 2 and the inner surface of the holding member 8 . The radial movement of the cooling fins 34 is thus also limited by the sides of the column element 2 and the inner surface of the retaining element 8 . Moreover, each fin 4 is also restricted from moving upward by the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 10 .

Therefore, with the configuration of the heat sink 34 according to the present embodiment, the heat sink 34 can be more reliably held to the column member 2 .

Also, in the present embodiment, the depth of the slit 38 of the fin 34 is set such that the upper end of the holding member 8 is flush with the upper end surface 2 a of the column member 2 . Therefore, it becomes easier to mount the device 1 onto the upper end surface 2a of the column element 2 .

In addition, the heat sink according to the present embodiment also has the same advantages as the heat sink according to the first embodiment.

18 and 19 show a modification of the heat sink according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this variant, the cooling fins 34 are arranged only in part of the outer circumference of the column element 2 (or in an angular range smaller than 360°). Furthermore, a holding element 58 is used instead of the holding element 18 . The holding element 58 has an incomplete disc shape in order to occupy the same angular range as the cooling fins 34 . Also, the holding member 58 has a pair of fin portions 60 respectively formed at circumferential ends of the holding member 58 so as to extend upward from the respective circumferential ends. Each flap portion 60 has a slit 62 formed to extend downward from an upper end of the flap portion 60 so as to allow the holding member 8 to be inserted thereinto.

20 and 21 show another modification of the heat sink according to this embodiment. As shown in the figures, in this variant the retaining element 18 is omitted from the heat sink. Alternatively, the holding element 8 is elongated to have the same length as the fins 34 in the axial direction of the column element 2 . Furthermore, the depth of the groove 10 of the holding element 8 also increases with the axial length of the holding element 8 . Thus, it is possible to hold the heat sink 34 to the column element 2 by means of the holding element 8 only without using the holding element 18 . Therefore, the number of parts of the heat sink can be reduced.

[Fourth embodiment]

22 and 23 show the configuration of a heat sink according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The heat sink according to the present embodiment is similar to the heat sink according to the first embodiment; therefore, only differences therebetween will be described below.

In this embodiment, the radiator includes: a plurality of cooling fins 64 instead of the cooling fins 4 in the first embodiment; an annular holding element 68 instead of the holding element 8 in the first embodiment; The disc-shaped holding element 78 of the holding element 18.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, each fin 64 is flat and has a slit 65 , a first detachment preventing portion 66 , a step 70 and a second detachment preventing portion 72 . The slit 65 is formed to extend downward from the upper end of the fin 64 . The first disengagement prevention portion 66 abuts the slit 65 from the radially inner side (ie, from the column member 2 side). A step 70 is formed at the lower end of the fin 64 to form a second detachment preventing portion 72 protruding downward.

Similar to the retaining member 8 in the first embodiment, the retaining member 68 in this embodiment also has a plurality of grooves 10 formed therein. However, the outer diameter and inner diameter of the holding element 68 are set larger than the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the holding element 8, thereby allowing the holding element 68 to be inserted into each slit 65 of the cooling fins 64 and each cooling fin 64 to be inserted into a corresponding one of the holding elements 68. in slot 10.

Therefore, in the heat sink according to the present embodiment, the first detachment preventing portion 66 of the cooling fin 64 is sandwiched radially between the side surface of the column member 2 and the inner surface of the annular retaining member 68, thereby preventing the cooling fin 64 from dislodging from the column. Element 2 disengages radially. In other words, each fin 64 is restricted from moving in the radial direction of the column member 2 by the side surfaces of the column member 2 and the inner surface of the holding member 68 . Furthermore, each cooling fin 64 is also restricted from moving upward by the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 10 and from moving in the circumferential direction of the column member 2 by the side surfaces of the corresponding groove 10 .

Similar to the holding element 18 in the first embodiment, the holding element 78 in this embodiment also has a plurality of grooves 20 and a plurality of guide portions 22 . However, unlike the holding element 18 , the holding element 78 is formed flat and thus the groove 20 of the holding element 78 is not inclined relative to the axial direction of the column element 2 .

Each second detachment preventing portion 72 of the cooling fin 64 is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves 20 of the holding member 78 so as to be sandwiched radially between the side faces of the column member 2 and the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 20 of the holding member 78 . Therefore, each cooling fin 64 is restricted from moving in the radial direction of the column member 2 by the side surfaces of the column member 2 and the bottom surface of the corresponding groove 20 . Furthermore, each cooling fin 64 is also restricted from moving downward by the upper end surface of the holding member 78 and from moving in the circumferential direction of the column member 2 by the sides of the corresponding groove 20 .

The above-described heat sink according to the present embodiment has the same advantages as the heat sink according to the first embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment]

24-26 show the configuration of a heat sink according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the heat sink includes a cylindrical column member 2 , a plurality of fins 84 , a pair of disk-shaped holding members 88 , and a plurality of rod members 91 .

Each fin 84 is bent twice at right angles in the axial direction (or longitudinal direction) of the column member 2 on the side of the column member 2 to form the detachment preventing portion 86 . The disengagement preventing portion 86 has a groove formed therein; the groove extends in the axial direction of the column member 2 .

In this embodiment, the width of the detachment preventing portion 86 of the fin 84 is set such that the detachment preventing portion 86 can be arranged on the side of the column member 2 along the circumferential direction of the column member 2 without a gap therebetween. Also, the width of the detachment preventing portion 86 is also set to be suitable for dissipating heat via the airflow passing through the space between adjacent pairs of fins 84 .

Each holding element 88 in the shape of a disc has a plurality of circular recesses 90 formed in its end face facing the column element 2 . The recess 90 is arranged in an annular region on the end face; the annular region has a radial width substantially equal to the depth of the groove formed in the detachment preventing portion 86 of the fin 84 .

Each rod element 91 is circular and has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the circular recess 90 of the retaining element 88 . Furthermore, the length of the rod element 91 is substantially equal to the sum of the length of the column element 2 and twice the depth of the recess 90 of the retaining element 88 .

When the heat sink is assembled, the cooling fins 84 are arranged on the sides of the column element 2 so as to extend radially from the sides under the abutment of the anti-detachment portions 86 to the sides. Then, each bar member 91 is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves of the detachment preventing portion 86 of the heat sink 84 so that the longitudinal ends (ie, upper and lower ends) of the bar member 91 respectively protrude from the longitudinal ends of the corresponding grooves. Afterwards, the retaining elements 88 are respectively placed on the longitudinal end faces of the column elements 2 , each longitudinal end of the rod element 91 being inserted into a corresponding one of the recesses 90 of the retaining elements 88 . Thus, a temporary assembly of column element 2 , cooling fins 84 , holding element 88 and rod element 91 is obtained.

In the temporary assembly, the detachment-preventing portions 86 of the cooling fins 84 are sandwiched radially between the sides of the column elements 2 and the corresponding rod elements 91 , thereby preventing the cooling fins 84 from radially detaching from the column elements 2 . In other words, the movement of each cooling fin 84 in the radial direction of the column member 2 is restricted by the side faces of the column member 2 and the corresponding rod member 91 . Also, movement of each fin 84 in the circumferential direction of the column member 2 is restricted by the corresponding rod member 91 , and movement of each fin 84 in the longitudinal direction of the column member 2 is restricted by the holding member 88 .

The temporary assembly is then processed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment to braze the heat sink 84 to the post element 2 .

The above-described heat sink according to the present embodiment has the same advantages as the heat sink according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 27 shows a modification of the heat sink according to this embodiment. As shown in the figures, in this variant, the circular recesses 90 in one of the retaining elements 88 are replaced by screw holes 90a, and the rod elements 91 are configured as bolts and fastened into the screw holes 90a, respectively.

Also, in the present embodiment, the column member 2 is configured to have a cylindrical shape. However, it is also possible to configure the column element 2 to have a polygonal (for example, square or hexagonal) prism shape and arrange the cooling fins 84 on the flat sides of the column element 2 . In addition, in this case, the retaining element 88 can thus be modified to have a polygonal plate shape.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the recess 90 of the holding element 88 is designed as a circular recess and the rod element 91 is designed as a round rod. However, it is also possible to form the recess 90 of the holding element 88 as a polygonal recess and thus the rod element 91 as a polygonal rod.

[Sixth embodiment]

28 and 29 show the configuration of a heat sink according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the heat sink comprises a cylindrical column element 2 and a plurality of cooling fins 94, but without retaining elements as in the previous embodiments.

Each cooling fin 94 is bent twice at right angles in the axial direction (or longitudinal direction) of the column member 2 on the side of the column member 2 to form an overlapping portion 95 and a detachment preventing portion 96 .

In the present embodiment, the width of the overlapping portion 95 of the cooling fin 94 is set such that the overlapping portion 95 can be arranged on the side of the column member 2 and along the circumferential direction of the column member 2 so as to be partially separated from each other without a gap therebetween. overlapping.

For each fin 94 , a detachment preventing portion 96 is formed at the circumferential distal end of the overlapping portion 95 so as to protrude from the overlapping portion 95 in the radially outward direction (or in the radial direction away from the column member 2 ). Furthermore, the detachment preventing portion 96 extends only within a partial length of the overlapping portion 95 in the axial direction of the column element 2 . On the other hand, the overlapping portion 95 has a rectangular hole 98 formed such that the detachment prevention portion 96 of the other fin 94 can be inserted into the rectangular hole 98 .

When the heat sink is assembled, the first cooling fin 94 is arranged on the side of the column element 2 so as to extend radially from the side with its overlapping portion 95 adjoining the side. Then, the second cooling fin 94 is arranged on the side of the column member 2 so as to extend radially from the side, the overlapping portion 95 of the first and second cooling fins 94 overlaps each other and the anti-separation of the first cooling fin 94 Section 96 is inserted into rectangular hole 98 of second fin 94 . Afterwards, the third cooling fin 94 is arranged on the side of the column member 2 so as to extend radially from the side, the overlapping portion 95 of the second and third cooling fins 94 overlaps each other and the second cooling fin 94 is prevented from coming off. Section 96 is inserted into rectangular hole 98 of third fin 94 . The above process is repeated for the remaining fins 94 . Finally, the detachment preventing portion 96 of the last cooling fin 94 is inserted into the rectangular hole 98 of the first cooling fin 94 . Thus, a temporary assembly of column elements 2 and cooling fins 94 is obtained.

In the temporary assembly, for each adjacent pair of fins, the overlapping portions 95 of the pair of fins 94 partially overlap each other and the detachment preventing portion 96 of one of the pair of fins 94 is inserted into the rectangular hole of the other fin 94 98. Therefore, the fins 94 are prevented from coming off from the column member 2 in any of the radial direction, the circumferential direction, and the axial direction of the column member 2 . In other words, all radial, circumferential and axial movement of fins 94 is restricted.

The temporary assembly is then processed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment to braze the heat sink 94 to the post element 2 .

The above-described heat sink according to the present embodiment has the same advantages as the heat sink according to the first embodiment.

30 and 31 show modifications of the heat sink according to this embodiment. As shown in the figures, in this variant the cooling fins 94 are arranged in only part of the outer circumference of the column element 2 (or in an angular range of less than 360°). Furthermore, the arc-shaped holding member 100 is arranged to cover that part of the outer circumference of the column member 2 in which the cooling fins 94 are not arranged. The holding member 100 has a rectangular hole 102 and a disengagement preventing portion 104 formed therein. A rectangular hole 102 is formed near one circumferential end of the holding member 100 and is identical to the rectangular hole 98 of the heat sink 94 . The disengagement preventing portion 96 of the cooling fin 94 adjoining the holding member 100 from one circumferential end portion of the holding member 100 is inserted into the rectangular hole 102 . The detachment preventing portion 104 is formed at the other circumferential end portion of the holding member 100 and is identical to the detachment preventing portion 96 of the fin 94 . The disengagement preventing portion 104 is inserted into the rectangular hole 98 of the cooling fin 94 that adjoins the holding member 100 from the other circumferential end of the holding member 100 .

Also, in the present embodiment, the column member 2 is configured to have a cylindrical shape. However, it is also possible to configure the column member 2 to have a polygonal (for example, square or hexagonal) prism shape and arrange the cooling fins 94 on the flat sides of the column member 2 . In this case, therefore, the holding element 100 can be modified accordingly to have a flat shape when the holding element is used in the above-mentioned modification.

While the above specific embodiments and modifications have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various further modifications, changes and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (18)

1. A radiator comprising: a column element to which the heat-generating equipment will be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by the device, in The heat sink also includes an annular retaining element having a plurality of slots formed therein, a retaining member is mounted to the longitudinal end of the post member such that each fin is inserted into a corresponding one of the slots of the retaining member, thereby retaining the fin to the post member, and Each fin has a detachment preventing portion that prevents the fin from detaching from the column member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the column member. 2. The heat sink of claim 1, wherein the fins are bonded to the post elements by brazing. 3. The heat sink according to claim 1, wherein for each fin, the detachment preventing portion is formed by bending the fin along the longitudinal direction of the post member on the side of the post member, and The anti-disengagement portion is sandwiched between the side of the column member and the inner surface of the annular retaining member. 4. The heat sink according to claim 1, wherein each fin has a slit formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the post member from a longitudinal end portion of the fin, Keep components inserted into each gap of the heat sink, For each fin, the detachment preventing portion is constituted by a part of the fin adjoining the gap from the side of the column element, and The anti-disengagement portion is sandwiched between the side of the column member and the inner surface of the annular retaining member. 5. The heat sink of claim 1, wherein the annular retaining element is a first retaining element, and the longitudinal end of the column element is a first longitudinal end of the column element, The heat sink also includes a second annular retaining element having a plurality of grooves formed therein, the second retaining element is mounted to a second longitudinal end of the column element, the second longitudinal end being opposite in the longitudinal direction of the column element to the first longitudinal end, and The second retaining element allows each fin to be inserted into a corresponding one of the slots of the second retaining element, thereby retaining the fin to the post element. 6. A radiator comprising: a column element to which the heat-generating equipment will be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by the device, in The heat sink also includes a plate-shaped holding member having a socket formed at its center and a plurality of grooves formed to extend outward from the socket, the longitudinal ends of the column elements are inserted into the sockets of the retaining elements, a retaining element such that each fin is inserted into a corresponding one of the slots of the retaining element, thereby retaining the fin to the post element, and Each fin has a detachment preventing portion that prevents the fin from detaching from the post member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the post member. 7. The heat sink of claim 6, wherein the fins are bonded to the post elements by brazing. 8. The heat sink according to claim 6, wherein the holding member is bent on the side of the insertion hole such that the grooves of the holding member are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction of the column member, thereby allowing the fins to be respectively inserted into the grooves. 9. The heat sink according to claim 6, wherein for each fin, the detachment preventing portion is formed by bending the fin along the longitudinal direction of the post member on the side of the post member, and The anti-disengagement portion is sandwiched between the side of the post member and the inner surface of the retaining member defining the receptacle. 10. The heat sink according to claim 6, wherein each fin has a step at its longitudinal end to form a detachment preventing portion protruding in the longitudinal direction of the column member, and The anti-disengagement part is inserted into a corresponding groove of the retaining element. 11. The heat sink as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plate-like holding element is a first holding element, and the longitudinal end of the column element is a first longitudinal end of the column element, The heat sink also includes a second plate-shaped holding member having a socket formed at its center and a plurality of grooves formed to extend outward from the socket, a second longitudinal end of the column element is inserted into the receptacle of the second holding element, the second longitudinal end being opposite to the first longitudinal end in the longitudinal direction of the column element, and The second holding element is such that each cooling fin is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves of the second holding element, thereby holding the cooling fin to the post element. 12. The heat sink as claimed in claim 6, wherein the heat sink further comprises an annular retaining member having a plurality of grooves formed therein, the annular retaining element is mounted to the longitudinal end of the column element opposite in the longitudinal direction of the column element to the longitudinal end of the column element inserted into the receptacle of the plate-like retaining element, and The annular retaining element is such that each fin is inserted into a corresponding one of the grooves of the annular retaining element, thereby retaining the fin to the post element. 13. A radiator comprising: a column element to which the heat-generating equipment will be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by the device, in The heat sink also includes a pair of plate-like retaining elements and a plurality of rod elements, The retaining elements are respectively arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the column elements, Each rod element extends in the longitudinal direction of the column element and its longitudinal ends respectively engage with the retaining element, Each cooling fin is bent along the longitudinal direction of the column element on the side of the column element to form its detachment-preventing portion, For each fin, the detachment-preventing portion of the fin is sandwiched between a side surface of the column member and a corresponding one of the bar members, thereby preventing the detachment of the fin from the column member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the column member. 14. The heat sink of claim 13, wherein the fins are bonded to the post elements by brazing. 15. The heat sink as claimed in claim 13, wherein each retaining member has a plurality of recesses formed in its end face facing the column member, For each rod element, the longitudinal ends of the rod element are respectively inserted into a corresponding pair of recesses of the holding element so as to respectively engage with the holding element, and For each fin, a groove is formed in the detachment preventing portion of the fin, the groove extends in the longitudinal direction of the column member and the corresponding rod member is inserted into the groove. 16. A radiator comprising: a column element to which the heat-generating equipment will be mounted; and a plurality of cooling fins arranged on the sides of the column element to dissipate the heat generated by the device, in Each cooling fin is bent twice along the longitudinal direction of the column element on the side of the column element to form its overlapping portion extending along the side of the column element and having a hole formed therein, and the separation preventing portion forming at the distal end of the overlapping portion so as to protrude from the detachment preventing portion in a direction away from the post element, and For each adjacent pair of fins, overlapping portions of the pair of fins overlap each other and a detachment preventing portion of one of the pair of fins is inserted into a hole of the other fin, thereby preventing the fins from detaching from the column member. 17. The heat sink of claim 16, wherein the fins are bonded to the post elements by brazing. 18. A heat sink as claimed in claim 16, wherein the cooling fins are arranged within only part of the outer circumference of the post element, The heat sink also includes a retaining element arranged to cover a portion of the outer circumference of the column element where the cooling fins are not arranged, The holding member has a hole formed close to one circumferential end of the holding member and a disengagement preventing portion formed at the other circumferential end of the holding member, Inserted in the hole of the holding member is a detachment prevention portion of the cooling fin that adjoins the holding member from one circumferential end portion of the holding member, and The disengagement preventing portion of the holding member is inserted into the hole of the fin adjoining the holding member from the other circumferential end portion of the holding member.

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