Abstract:
A high efficiency two-part heat sink and air cooler apparatus or system for heat generating components, such as CPUs (central processing units) or the like electronic components. Moreover, there is also provided to a method of providing a high-efficiency heat sink and air cooling for the cooling of electronic components such as CPU units for processors, computers and diverse heat-generating devices.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a high efficiency heat sink and air cooler apparatus or system for heat generating components, such as CPUs (central processing units) or the like electronic components. Moreover, the invention is directed to a method of providing a high-efficiency heat sink and air cooler apparatus for the cooling of electronic components such as CPU units for processors, computers and diverse heat-generating devices. 
     During the operation of electronic components, such as CPUs which are employed in diverse electronic devices; for example, such as processors, computers and the like, intense amounts of heat are generated by the electronic components, whereby in order to avoid damaging the electronic components and adversely affecting the efficient operation thereof require that generated heat be withdrawn from the electronic components and thereafter dissipated preferably to the surroundings. 
     In order to achieve the desired heat removal and dissipation effect, the processors or CPUs are normally equipped with heat sink and/or heat removal or air cooling devices which are adapted to dissipate or withdraw any heat generated by the electronic components and to transfer or convey the heat to a location at which it may be dissipated, such as the surroundings. 
     In various instances of utilization, such heat sink devices may simply consist of heat pipes for conducting the generated heat away from the electronic components; in other cases, such devices may be constituted of structures possessing heat-conductive properties, possibly incorporating finned surfaces which will assist in heat dissipation, and which optionally may also be equipped with fans for the circulation of air so as to either remove heated air from the electronic components, or alternatively to convey flows of cooling air towards the electronic components. 
     2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
     Basically, a considerable diversity of structures and methods have been developed in the technology which is concerned with the removal of heat generated by the operation of electronic components for example, such as the CPUs, of processor or computers through the intermediary of either heat sink components which are constituted of thermally-conductive materials, and which may also be assisted in the removal of heat by means of auxiliary fan structures adapted to produce a flow of the heated air directed away from the electronic components. 
     Checchetti U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,300 B1 describes a heat sink which is constituted of a single body of a rectangularly-shaped structure including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced fins projecting upwardly from a planar base surface and directed radially outwardly. A conical heat dissipating element comprises a transformer which is positioned between a microchip and a heat sink surface. 
     Hwang et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,046 B1 disclose a unitary body of rectangular configuration forming a heat sink with a number of upwardly protruding fins extending radially from the center of a flat base surface. The fins are directed radially outwardly such that a flow of air is directed, by means of a cover portions superimposed thereon in two specific directions away from a heat-producing source, such as a CPU. 
     Hanzlik et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,299 B1 discloses a cooling apparatus for electronic devices including a number of fins encompassing a fan structure so as to enable air to be circulated radailly outwardly past the cooling fin arrangement. 
     Kodaira et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,341 describe a cooling apparatus for electronic components, including an elongated heat sink in which a single body of rectangular configuration includes upwardly protruding fins which are directed radially outwardly. A cover portion causes air to he directed in two separate orientations so as to cause a flow of air to direct heat away from operating electronic components. 
     Miyahara et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,268 disclose a single body forming a heat sink for an electronic device comprising fan-motor employed for the circulation of either heat-withdrawing or cooling air for the electronic device. A plurality of upstanding structural components direct the airflow in various operative cooling directions so as to constitute a heat sink. 
     Liu U.S. Pat. No. 5,943,209 discloses a base member mounting a plurality of radially outwardly extending fin members which support a fan. structure above electronic components. The fan structure is intended to draw heated air through the fins away from the heat-generating electronic components in order to cool the latter, and with the fins dissipating the heated air radially outwardly into the surroundings. 
     Hoshino et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,551 disclose a rectangular heat sink structure constituted of a single body with a flat base and a plurality of upwardly and radially outwardly directed fins with sloping base surfaces. An impeller blade structure is located in the center of the cavity in order to circulate air relative to an electronic component for cooling the latter. 
     Dean U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,685 discloses a heat sink structure having radially directed heat and air flow paths provided for by a number of radially extending fins. The air is circulated so as to be diverted along the heat dissipating fin structure of the heat sink in directions leading away from a heat-generating electronic component, such as an integrated circuit 
     Ogawara et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,292 disclose a heat sink for an electronic component cooling apparatus, wherein a plurality of radially extending, circumferentially distributed fins, which are mounted on a base plate are able to absorb heat generated by the electronic component for the dissipation of heat generated by the electronic component. 
     Kodama et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,998 disclose a cooling apparatus for electronic components, including a plurality of fins adapted to form constituents of a heat sink by absorbing and dispersing heat which is generated from the operation of the electronic components. 
     Finally, Barker III, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,034 disclose a heat sink for electronic components wherein a plurality of radially extending fins have a circulating fan structure superimposed thereon for creating a flow path of electronic component-generated heated air directing the generated heat away from the electronic components to as to cool the latter in a rapid manner. 
     Although the foregoing patent publications each describe individual types of heat sinks for electronic components which may comprise thermally-conductive fin structures of heat-absorbent materials and which may be employed in conjunction with an air circulating fan adapted to enhance the heat withdrawal and dissipating functions for the cooling of heat-producing electronic components, these are still subject to limitations in the capabilities of being able to remove heat in a rapid and efficient manner so as to in a highly efficiently provide a heat sink and air cooling structure for electronic components, such as CPUs, interpreted circuits, among other such applications. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, pursuant to the invention, in order to enhance the degree of efficiency in the cooling of heat-generating electronic components, such as CPUs or the like, the invention provides for a heat sink apparatus which is essentially constituted of two basic components of metallic extrusions which are press-fitted to each other, with one of the extrusions forming a central shaft member having radially outwardly extending fins arranged distributed about the shaft circumference, which is axially pressed into an outer ring-shaped member having a plurality of circumferentially distributed radially inwardly projecting fins, such that the fins of the inner and outer members are in a radially interspersed spaced relationship with each other. 
     The mutually inserted components comprising the two part extruded metallic heat sink member portions may be fixedly interconnected by the interposition an adhesive possessed of a high thermal conductivity, which is employed as a lubricant during the pressing together of the two inner and outer heat sink components. 
     These joined components, which form the basic structure for a high-efficiency thermal conductivity heat sink in the unique two-part arrangement, are adapted to be mounted on a substrate, such as a CPU (central processing unit) or any other heat-generating electronic components, for example, such as a processor, computer, integrated circuit or the like, by means of preferably a heat sink latch member mounting the interengaged heat sink finned components. Thus, the external wall of the heat sink structure which is comprised by the outer cylindrical member with the radially inwardly directed fins, forms a tubular air channel for a so called fin exchanger, and provides an concentric and equally distributed heat exchange surface for the entire CPU die surface. The central post or shaft of the heat sink apparatus, which is constituted from the internal member having the center shaft with the radially outwardly extending fins is employed for the rapid heat transfer out of the CPU, as well as constituting a support for a turbine, a fan or air-moving device mounted thereon, which turbine or device includes first and second turbine or air-moving blades which may be selectively rotated in either the same or counter-rotating directions. The turbine or air-moving device allows for an increased air compression above the heat sink entry, thus facilitating for an increased air speed in the flow through the heat exchanging fins to provide for either a cooling action by the heat sink through a flow of incoming cool air, or conversely by a flow of air removing heat from the electronic component; in effect, the CPU. 
     As the interleaved fins of the heat sink members have the air flow passing through therebetween, the rotation of the two turbine or fan blades in selectively the same or in counter-rotating direction, which are superimposed on each other will enhance the withdrawal of heat from the CPU, or electronic component, for effectuating the high-efficiency cooling thereof. 
     It is also within the scope of the invention that the foregoing heat sink structure is connected to an external wall outlet through the intermediary of a flanged opening, in that a bellows connects the end of the tubular outer finned section above the turbine blade or air-moving arrangement with the wall outlet, thereby facilitating the rapid flow of cooling air therethrough. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a high efficiency heat sink/air cooler arrangement for a heat-generating electronic component. 
     Another object of the invention resides in providing a novel heat sink arrangement comprising at least two heat sink members having interleaved thermally-conductive fins for the withdrawal of heat from an electronic component, such as a CPU. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a turbine blade, fan or air-moving structure which is operatively connected to the inventive heat sink arrangement for enhancing a flow of cooling air towards the electronic component or alternatively for drawing heat away from the electronic component. 
     Still another object of the invention resides in the provision of a method for cooling an electronic component, such as CPU, in a highly efficient and rapid manner employing the heat sink arrangement pursuant to the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
     Reference may now be made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; in which: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an end view of an internal member of a two-part heat sink structure; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of an external member of the two-part heat sink structure; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of the internal and external heat sink members in a mutually inserted assembled condition forming the two-part heat sink structure; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view, taken along line  4 — 4  in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view, similar to that in FIG. 4, showing a two-blade turbine, fan or air-moving device mounted on the two-part heat sink structure; and 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view, similar to that in FIG. 5, showing the connection of the structure to an external wall. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 1, illustrated is a plan view of a first heat sink portion  10  comprised of a central shaft member  12  having a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending fins. The shaft member  10  and fins  14  are integral or of unitary construction, and may be an extruded element. The construction thereof is preferably of a highly thermally-conductive metallic material, such as aluminum, copper or the like. The length of the fins  14  is designed to impart a specified diameter to the portion  10 . 
     A second heat sink portion  18  comprises a cylindrical member  20  having the internal wall surface  22  thereof equipped over a section of the height thereof with a plurality radially inwardly extending fins  24 , circumferentially spaced as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The number of fins  14  preferably conforms to the number of fins  24 , with the fins  14  each being of a length so as to contact internal wall surface  22  when the heat sink portion  10  is inserted into heat sink portion  18 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Similarly, the radially inward extending fins  24  are each of a length so as to contact the circumferential surface of shaft member  12 . As is heat-sink portion  10 , this particular component  18  is also constituted of a highly thermally-conductive metallic extrusion, such as aluminum, and whereby the two heat-sink portions  10 ,  18  which are respectively constituted of the inner and outer elements may be press-fitted into each other, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings, whereby the inner portion  10  over the greater extent of its axial length is pressed into the outer cylindrical portion  18 , such that the fins  14  of the inner portion are in a circumferentially interleaved or interspersed relationship with the radially inwardly directed fins  24  of the outer portion  18 , as shown. 
     During pressing-in assembly of heat sink portions  10  and  18 , a high thermal-conductivity adhesive  28  is provided, as shown in FIG. 4, to the members  12 ,  24  and  14 ,  22 , applied to the ends of the fins of the first and second heat sink members as a lubricant. The central shaft member  12  of the inner heat sink portion  10  is used for fast transfer of heat out of an electronic component such as a CPU, as well as providing a support for a bladed turbine, fan or air-moving device  30  which is inserted into a protruding part  32  of the outer cylindrical member  20 , the blades of which may be selectively rotated in either the same or counter-rotting directions, and which may have a turbine or fan shaft  34  suitably fastened or screwed at  36  into the central shaft member  12  of the inner sink portion  10 , as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. 
     Connected by means of the turbine or air-moving device shaft  34  which extends from the central shaft member  12  of the heat-sink inner portion  10 , are first and second tandem arranged or superimposed fan blades  40 , 42  which may be rotatable in either the same or counter-rotated directions in order to provide for a rapid air flow, as described hereinbelow. 
     The opposite end  44  of the high thermal conductivity adhesive-covered shaft member  12  may be connected by means of a suitable heat sink latch  46  to a substrate, comprising a heat-generating electronic component, such as a CPU  48  or the like. 
     As illustrated in the drawing FIG. 6, the end  50  of cylindrical wall  20  of the outer heat sink structure  18  may be connected to an outer wall output or outlet  60  in order to facilitate the egress of heated air out of the heat sink system. This is accomplished by a bellows  52  which is attached to the one end  50  of the cylindrical member  20  opposite that facing towards the electronic component, with the opposite end  54  of the bellows, in turn, being connected to an outlet flange  56  at the outer wall outlet  60  of the structure. This enables the entire heat-sink arrangement to provide a highly efficient thermal conduction system not at all encountered in the prior art, particularly inasmuch as the present concept utilizes two cooperative heat sink components constituted of an external heat conductive tubing or cylindrical extrusion  18  with radially inwardly directed fins  24 , which is pressed into an internal shaft member  12  having radially outwardly directed fins  14  which are in alternate overlapping circumferentially spaced relationship with the radially inwardly extending fins. 
     As previously indicated, the cooling fan blades  40 , 42  of the turbine or air-moving device  30  pursuant to the invention as encompassed by the external cylindrical surface form a “chimney-like” air duct constituted of a section of the outer cylindrical heat sink portion  18 , and whereby at least two or possibly more fan blades may form the turbine or air-moving device. During operation, heated air may be drawn outwardly away from the electronic component through the bellows, or the fan blades may facilitate the inlet of cooling air towards the electronic component depending upon the direction of rotation of each of the turbine blades relative to each other. 
     From the foregoing it becomes readily apparent that the invention is directed to a novel and highly efficient heat sink arrangement for electronic components, such as CPU&#39;s, integrated circuits and the like, which provides vastly enhanced cooling capabilities and efficiency in comparisons with the current state-of-the technology. The cylindrical construction of heat sink member  18  forms a tubular air channel, and facilitates a concentric and uniform heat exchange for the entire CPU surface. Furthermore, the central shaft  12  is adapted for a rapid heat transfer out of the CPU, as well as providing a support for the turbine or air-moving device  30 . The employment of the turbine or air-moving device concept allows for an increased air compression above the heat sink, resulting in a higher airspeed through the heat fins  14 , 24 . 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.