Abstract:
A method for connecting heat pipes and a heat sink comprises the steps of drilling a set of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab, implanting heat pipes through the through holes, integrating the heat-dissipating base slab with the heat pipes by punching using a press machine, and bending and twisting the heat pipes according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected. The heat radiating device thereby produced is used on electronic elements.

Description:
[0001]    The present invention is a division application of the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/515,188 assigned to the inventor of the present invention. Contents of the invention U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/515,188 is incorporated into the present invention as a part of the present invention. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to methods for connecting heat pipes and heat sinks, more particularly to a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a sink wherein the heat pipes and the heat sink are integrated by punching, assuring the tight connection between the two. Thereby, the efficiency of thermal conduction is enhanced. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Heat-dissipating devices for electronic elements of the prior art require high efficiency of thermal dissipation, which combine a heat sink, heat pipes and radiation fins. Thereby, the heat generated within an electronic element can be conducted away through a large contact surface with the sink. The heat sink is in direct contact with the element for fast thermal conduction, In other words, the degree of integration of the sink and the pipes directly affects the efficiency of heat dissipation of the thermal radiator. Therefore, to achieve a better tightness between the sink and the pipes can enhance heat radiation significantly. 
         [0004]    Referring to  FIG. 16 . a thermal radiator of the prior art has a sink base  90  and a plurality of heat pipes  94 . One side of the sink base  90  is provided with a groove  91  that can be covered by a cover plate  92  (also having a groove  93 ). The sink base  90  and the cover plate  92  are combined to form a through hole for housing the heat pipes  94 . The cover plate  92  is retained on the sink base  90  by two projections  95  at two opposite ends of the sink base  90 . 
         [0005]    However, the above-mentioned prior devices will inevitably cause slits and gaps between the sink  90  and the pipes  94 , therefore influencing the heat dissipation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink comprising the steps of drilling a set of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab, implanting heat pipes through the through holes, integrating the heat-dissipating base slab with the heat pipes by punching using a press machine, and bending and twisting the heat pipes according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected. The heat radiating device thereby produced is easy to made and of high efficiency of thermal conduction. 
         [0007]    The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention before the press-casting. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention after the press-casting. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the step of bending and twisting the heat pipes. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the step of bending and twisting the heat pipes, wherein the pipes are bent in another configuration. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention after the press-casting. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention after the press-casting. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a side cross-sectional view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention after the press-casting. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a side cross-sectional view of the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention after the press-casting. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention after the press-casting. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention after the press-casting. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention after the step of bending and twisting the heat pipes, wherein the pipe holes are arranged differently. 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention after the press-casting.  FIG. 16  illustrates the combined structure of a heat sink and heat pipes of the prior art. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 6 , the first preferred embodiment of the present invention as a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink comprises the steps of:
   (1) drilling a set of through holes  11  through a heat dissipating base slab  1 : The through holes  11  are located closer to one surface of the heat dissipating base slab  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1 .   (2) implanting at least one heat pipe  2  through one of the through holes  11 : As shown in  FIG. 2 , to what extent the heat pipe  2  goes through the heat dissipating base slab  1  depends on the design necessity.   (3) applying a press machine  3  consisting of an upper part  31  and a lower casting part  32  perpendicular to the combination of the heat dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipe(s)  2 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Each of the upper part  31  and the lower casting part  32  has a side facing the other that is provided with an impression portion ( 33 ,  34 ).   (4) press-shaping the heat-dissipating base slab  1  inserted with the heat pipe(s)  2  by the press machine  3  so that the upper part  31  and the lower casting part  32  thereof will clip the heat-dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipe(s)  2 , which are then integrated by mutual deformation. It is achieved by the punching of the impression portions ( 33 ,  34 ) so as to form a local deformed region to assist the integration.   (5) bending and twisting the heat pipe(s)  2  according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins  4  will be connected. The step achieves an extension of the heat pipe(s)  2  toward one side of the heat dissipating base slab  1  for connecting a plurality of heat radiation fins  4 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . It can also be an extension of the heat pipe(s)  2  toward two opposite sides of the heat dissipating base slab  1 , as shown in  FIG. 6 .   
 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the second preferred embodiment of the present invention as a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink comprises the same steps  1 - 5  as those of the first preferred embodiment (as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ), except that one side of the heat dissipating base slab  1  is provided with a depressed portion  12 , which is substantially a flat groove. The depressed portion  12  is located above the through holes  11  and can be engaged with the upper part  31  and the lower casting part  32  when the heat dissipating base slab  1  is punched by the impression portions  35 ,  36  of the press machine  3 . Thereby, the heat dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipes  2  will be integrated by local deformation through punching by the press machine  3 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the third preferred embodiment of the present invention as a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink comprises the same steps  1 - 5  as those of the second preferred embodiment (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), except that one side of the heat dissipating base slab  1  is provided with a bulged portion  13  located above the through holes  11  and can be engaged with one of the impression portions  35 ,  36  on the upper part  31  and the lower casting part  32  when by the press machine  3 . Thereby, the heat dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipes  2  will be integrated by local deformation through punching by the press machine  3 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention as a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink comprises the same steps  1 - 5  as those of the second and third preferred embodiments (as shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ), except that one side of the heat dissipating base slab  1  is provided with parallel depressed portions  12  with a V-shaped cross section located above the through holes  11  and that each of the upper part  31  and the lower casting part  32  of the press machine  3  is provided with corresponding impression portions  37  each with a V-shaped end to the V-shaped depressed portions  12 . Thereby, the heat dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipes  2  will be integrated by local deformation caused by the engagement between the impression portions  37  and the depressed portions  12  through press machine  3  punching. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention as a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink comprises the same steps as those of the fourth preferred embodiment (as shown in  FIG. 9 ), except that the side of the heat dissipating base slab  1  with the V-shaped depressed portions  12  is further provided with transverse grooves  14  connecting adjacent depressed portions  12 . Thereby, the heat dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipes  2  will be integrated by local deformation caused by the engagement between the impression portions  37  and the depressed portions  12  through press machine  3  punching. At the same time, the spacing of the transverse grooves  14  will be changed, further enhancing the integration of the heat dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipes  2 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention as a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink comprises the same steps as the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, except either that upper and the lower rows of through holes are aligned so that each of the through holes in the upper row is located right above a corresponding one of the through holes in the lower row (as shown in  FIG. 12 ), or that the upper and the lower rows of through holes are aligned so that each of the through holes in the upper row is located above the midpoint between two adjacent through holes in said lower row (as shown in  FIG. 13 ). The heat pipes  2  are arranged within the heat dissipating base slab  1  as the arrangement of the through holes  11 . Thereby, the heat dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipes  2  will be integrated by local deformation caused by the depressed portions  12  or the bulged portions  13  through press machine  3  punching. The heat pipes  2  extended out of the heat dissipating base slab  1  are then bent and twisted according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins  4  will be connected. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention as a method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink comprises the same steps as the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, except that each of the through holes  11  within the heat dissipating base slab  1  are further provided with parallel-run contraction passages  15 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . The heat pipes  2  are arranged within the heat dissipating base slab  1  as the arrangement of the through holes  11 . Thereby, the heat dissipating base slab  1  and the heat pipes  2  will be integrated by local deformation caused by the depressed portions  12  or the bulged portions  13  through press machine  3  punching. 
         [0035]    In summary, the present invention may include the following methods.
   (A) A first method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink, comprises the steps of: (1) drilling a set of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab; (2) implanting at least one heat pipe through one of said through holes; (3) press-shaping said heat-dissipating base slab inserted with said heat pipe so that said heat-dissipating base slab and said heat pipe are integrated by mutual deformation; (4) bending and twisting said heat pipe according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected. The step further includes a step of applying a press machine in said step of press-shaping perpendicular to said combination of said heat dissipating base slab and said heat pipes so as to form a local deformed region to assist said integration of said heat dissipating base slab and said heat pipes. In the step, said press machine consists of an upper and lower casting parts each having a side facing the other casting part provided with an impression portion; said upper and lower casting parts pressing said heat dissipating base slab and said heat pipes to form an integral body. In the method, said step of bending and twisting is an extension of said heat pipes toward one side of said heat dissipating base slab for connecting a plurality of heat radiation fins. In the method said step of bending and twisting is an extension of said heat pipes by two opposite sides of said heat dissipating base slab for connecting a set of heat radiation fins.   (B) A second method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink, comprises the steps of: (1) drilling a set of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab and forming at least a depressed portion on at least one side of said heat dissipating base slab; (2) implanting at least one heat pipe through one of said through holes; (3) press-shaping said heat-dissipating base slab inserted with said heat pipe so that said heat-dissipating base slab and said heat pipe are integrated by mutual deformation; (4) bending and twisting said heat pipe according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected. The method further comprises the step of utilizing a press machine consisting of an upper and lower casting parts each having a side facing the other casting part, said oppositely facing sides each being provided with an impression portion corresponding to said depressed portions; said upper and lower casting parts pressing said heat dissipating base slab and said heat pipes to form an integral body. The depressed portion is a straight groove.   (C) A third method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink, comprises the steps of: (1) drilling a set of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab and forming at least a bulged portion on at least one side of said heat dissipating base slab; (2) implanting at least one heat pipe through one of said through holes; (3) press-shaping said heat-dissipating base slab inserted with said heat pipe so that said heat-dissipating base slab and said heat pipe are integrated by mutual deformation; (4) bending and twisting said heat pipe according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected. The method comprises the step of utilizing a press machine consisting of an upper and lower casting parts each having a side facing the other casting part, said oppositely facing sides each being provided with an impression portion corresponding to said bulged portions; said upper and lower casting parts pressing said heat dissipating base slab and said heat pipes to form an integral body.   (D) A fourth method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink, comprises the steps of: (1) drilling a set of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab and forming at least a V-shaped groove on at least one side of said heat dissipating base slab; (2) implanting at least one heat pipe through one of said through holes; (3) press-shaping said heat-dissipating base slab inserted with said heat pipe so that said heat-dissipating base slab and said heat pipe are integrated by mutual deformation; (4) bending and twisting said heat pipe according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected. The method further comprises the step of utilizing a press machine consisting of an upper and lower casting parts each having a side facing the other casting part, said oppositely facing sides each being provided with an impression portion corresponding to said V-shaped grooves; said upper and lower casting parts pressing said heat dissipating base slab and said heat pipes to form an integral body.   (E) A fifth method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink, comprises the steps of: (1) drilling a set of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab and forming at least a V-shaped groove on at least one side of said heat dissipating base slab, said heat dissipating base slab further including a passage connecting said through holes; (2) implanting at least one heat pipe through one of said through holes; (3) press-shaping said heat-dissipating base slab inserted with said heat pipe so that said heat-dissipating base slab and said heat pipe are integrated by mutual deformation; (4) bending and twisting said heat pipe according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected.   (F) A sixth method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink, comprises the steps of: (1) drilling an upper and a lower rows of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab; (2) implanting at least one heat pipe through one of said through holes; (3) press-shaping said heat-dissipating base slab inserted with said heat pipe so that said heat-dissipating base slab and said heat pipe are integrated by mutual deformation; (4) bending and twisting said heat pipe according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected. The upper and said lower rows of through holes are aligned so that each of said through holes of said upper row is located right above one of said through holes of said lower row. The upper and said lower rows of through holes are aligned so that each of said through holes of said upper row is located above the mid point between two adjacent through holes of said lower row. The heat dissipating base slab further has at least one surface provided with at least a surface portion selected from a depressed portion, a bulged portion and a mixture of a bulged portion and an internal passage. The depressed portions on said heat dissipating base slab takes a cross section selected from a flat groove and a V-shaped groove.   (G) A seventh method for connecting a plurality of heat pipes and a heat sink, comprises the steps of: (1) drilling a set of through holes through a heat dissipating base slab, each of said through holes having lateral passages for contraction; (2) implanting at least one heat pipe through one of said through holes; (3) press-shaping said heat-dissipating base slab inserted with said heat pipe so that said heat-dissipating base slab and said heat pipe are integrated by mutual deformation; (4) bending and twisting said heat pipe according to a predetermined angle and shape, whereby a set of radiation fins will be connected.   
 
         [0043]    The present invention is thus described, and it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.