JP2021006753A - Evaporator and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an evaporator that can seal a connection portion between a first housing and a second housing at low cost.SOLUTION: An evaporator 2 includes: a first housing 11 provided with an annular first opening surface 41a that is positioned around a periphery of an opening of a steam chest P1; a second housing 12 provided with an annular second opening surface 71 that is positioned around a periphery of an opening of a liquid chamber P2 and located opposed to the first opening surface 41a; and a wick 13 formed of an organic material to be porous, partitioning the steam chest P1 and the liquid chamber P2, and allowing working fluid in the liquid chamber P2 to move toward the steam chest P1 by capillary force and evaporate. The wick 13 forms a seal portion 82 between the outer side and the steam chest P1 and between the outer side and the liquid chamber P2 by being sandwiched between the first opening surface 41a and the second opening surface 71 in a state of being compressed over the entire circumference.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an evaporator and a method for producing the same.

Patent Document 1-3 describes an evaporator provided with a wick that evaporates the working fluid in the liquid chamber while moving it toward the vapor chamber side by utilizing the capillary force. The evaporator described in Patent Document 1 has a first housing (lower case) formed in a box shape having an opening and a second housing formed in a box shape having an opening and adhered to the peripheral end of the first housing. It includes a housing (upper case) and a wick that separates a steam chamber on the first housing side and a liquid chamber on the second housing side.

Further, the evaporator is projected from the heat insulating liner arranged inside the second housing (upper case), the rigid body liner arranged inside the heat insulating liner, and the bottom surface of the first housing (lower case). It is equipped with a heat dissipation pin. The wick is formed so as to accommodate the protruding portion of the heat dissipation pin. Further, the wick is sandwiched between the rigid liner and the second housing by being pressed by the peripheral end of the rigid liner.

JP-A-2017-83130 JP-A-2018-66510 JP-A-2018-109497

By the way, in order to prevent the working fluid from leaking to the outside, it is necessary to seal the contact portion between the first housing and the second housing. For example, it is necessary to weld the close contact portion between the first housing and the second housing over the entire circumference, or to attach an O-ring or the like between the first housing and the second housing. Become.

However, welding and mounting of O-rings lead to high cost of the evaporator. Further, in order to secure the sealing property of the contact portion between the first housing and the second housing, high shape accuracy of the first housing and the second housing is required. This also causes an increase in the cost of the evaporator.

In addition, in order for the liquid working fluid in the wick to evaporate, it is important to transfer the heat of the heat source to the wick. Therefore, it is necessary to transfer the heat of the heat source from the first housing (lower case) to the wick. Therefore, in the evaporator described in Patent Document 1, a heat radiating pin is provided in the first housing (lower case), and the wick is formed so as to accommodate the protruding portion of the heat radiating pin. That is, the evaporator is configured so that the heat of the heat source is transferred from the first housing to the wick via the heat dissipation pin.

However, in the evaporator, the wick is housed in the heat radiating pin so that the wick comes into contact with the heat radiating pin. That is, the wick is formed in a shape in which the heat dissipation pin is inverted. However, since the wick has a special shape that fits the heat dissipation pin, it is not easy to mold the wick. It causes an increase in the manufacturing cost of the wick.

If the wick is not in a special shape that fits the heat dissipation pin, but is formed in a flat plate shape, for example, the wick is in a state of contacting only the tip of the heat dissipation pin. However, if the wick bends and deforms even slightly, the wick will move away from the heat dissipation pin. In particular, the pressure of the working fluid in the vapor chamber is higher than the pressure of the working fluid in the liquid chamber. Therefore, the wick may bend and deform regardless of the material, that is, an organic material, a metal material, or the like, and may be separated from the heat radiating pin. If the wick and the heat dissipation pin are separated from each other, the liquid working fluid in the wick cannot be efficiently evaporated.

One of an object of the present invention is to provide an evaporator capable of sealing a joint portion between a first housing and a second housing at low cost. Further, the present invention provides a low-cost and highly reliable evaporator in which a wick that can be easily molded can be used and the wick and a portion for heat conduction can be kept in constant contact with each other, and a method for manufacturing the same. That is another purpose.

(1. First evaporator)
The first evaporator is a first housing having a concave first inner surface forming a steam chamber, a first outer surface exposed to the outside, and an annular first opening surface located on the periphery of the opening of the steam chamber. And the concave second inner surface forming the liquid chamber, the second outer surface exposed to the outside, and the annular second opening surface located on the peripheral edge of the opening of the liquid chamber and facing the first opening surface. A second housing provided, and a wick formed porously by an organic material, which separates the steam chamber and the liquid chamber, and evaporates the working fluid in the liquid chamber while moving it toward the steam chamber side by capillary force. To be equipped. The wick is sandwiched between the first opening surface and the second opening surface in a compressed state over the entire circumference, so that the wick is sandwiched between the outside and the steam chamber and between the outside and the liquid chamber. It constitutes a seal portion between and.

In the first evaporator, the wick is formed of an organic material and is compressed over the entire circumference between the first opening surface of the first housing and the second opening surface of the second housing. It is sandwiched between. According to this aspect, the wick constitutes a sealing portion for suppressing leakage of the working fluid to the outside. That is, the wick has a function as a sealing portion with the outside in addition to having a function of moving a working fluid using a capillary force. Therefore, a separate member such as welding or an O-ring is not required for the joint portion between the first housing and the second housing. As a result, the cost of the evaporator can be reduced.

Further, even if there is a variation in the shape accuracy of the first housing and the second housing, the compressed portion of the wick can absorb the variation, so that the working fluid can be suppressed from leaking to the outside. That is, the first housing and the second housing do not require high shape accuracy for the purpose of exerting the sealing function. From this point as well, the cost of the evaporator can be reduced.

(2. Second evaporator)
The second evaporator is formed in a porous manner with a first housing forming a vapor chamber, a second housing forming a liquid chamber, and separates the steam chamber and the liquid chamber, and the liquid chamber is divided into the liquid chamber. It is provided with a wick that evaporates the working fluid of the above while moving it to the steam chamber side by capillary force. The first housing is provided in the vapor chamber and includes a first protrusion formed of a material that projects toward the liquid chamber and is heat conductive. The second housing is provided in the liquid chamber and includes a second protrusion that projects toward the steam chamber and faces at least a part of the first protrusion. The wick maintains a state of being in contact with the first protrusion by being sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

According to the second evaporator, the wick remains in contact with the first protrusion by being sandwiched between the first protrusion of the first housing and the second protrusion of the second housing. Even if the pressure of the working fluid in the vapor chamber is higher than the pressure of the working fluid in the liquid chamber, the wick is supported by the second protrusion in the liquid chamber, so that the wick remains in contact with the first protrusion. To. Therefore, the liquid working fluid in the wick can be efficiently evaporated.

Further, the wick is sandwiched between the first protrusion of the first housing and the second protrusion of the second housing, so that the shape of the wick formed of the organic material is less restricted. Therefore, as the evaporator, a wick made of an organic material that is easy to mold can be used.

(3. Manufacturing method of the first evaporator)
In the method for manufacturing the first evaporator, at least a part of the first housing or at least a part of the second housing in the first evaporator described above is formed by pressing a plate-shaped material. .. Therefore, at least a part of the first housing and the second housing can be formed at low cost. However, the shape accuracy of the press working on the plate-shaped material is inferior to that of the cutting work. However, as described above, even if there is a variation in the shape accuracy of the first housing and the second housing, the compressed portion of the wick can absorb the variation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the working fluid from leaking to the outside.

(4. Manufacturing method of the second evaporator)
In the method for manufacturing the second evaporator, at least a part of the first housing or at least a part of the second housing in the above-mentioned second evaporator is formed by press working on a plate-shaped material. .. Therefore, at least a part of the first housing and the second housing can be formed at low cost.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the loop heat pipe. It is a vertical sectional view of the evaporator of the first example, and is the II-II sectional view of FIG. It is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of the first example, and is the cross-sectional view of III-III of FIG. It is a plan view of the evaporator of the first example, and is the view seen from the lower part of FIG. It is a bottom view of the evaporator of the first example, and is the view seen from the upper side of FIG. It is an exploded view in the process of manufacturing the component part of the evaporator of the first example. It is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of the second example.

(1. Configuration of loop heat pipe 1)
The configuration of the loop heat pipe 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, black arrows indicate the flow of working fluid and white arrows indicate heat transfer. The loop heat pipe 1 includes an evaporator 2 that absorbs heat from the heat source 6, a condenser 3 that exhausts heat to the outside, a steam pipe 4 and a liquid pipe 5 as transport pipes that connect the evaporator 2 and the condenser 3. A porous wick 2a is arranged in the evaporator 2. The wick 2a divides the inside of the evaporator 2 into a steam chamber and a liquid chamber, and evaporates the working fluid in the liquid chamber while moving it toward the steam chamber side by capillary force. That is, the wick 2a functions as a drive source for circulating the working fluid.

(2. Evaporator 2 of the first example)
(2-1. Configuration of evaporator 2 of the first example)
The configuration of the evaporator 2 of the first example will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. The evaporator 2 is formed in a flat shape. In the evaporator 2, one flat surface (lower surface of FIGS. 2 and 3) constitutes a surface in contact with the heat source 6 (shown in FIG. 1), and the other flat surface (upper surface of FIGS. 2 and 3). However, it constitutes a surface opposite to the heat source 6. For example, the evaporator 2 is positioned so that the surface directions coincide with the horizontal direction, and the heat source 6 is arranged on the lower surface of the evaporator 2 in the gravity direction.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the evaporator 2 is arranged on the heat source 6 side to form the first housing 11 for forming the vapor chamber P1, and is arranged on the side opposite to the heat source 6 to form the liquid chamber P2. It is provided with a second housing 12, a wick 13 that is arranged between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 and separates the vapor chamber P1 and the liquid chamber P2.

(2-1-1. Configuration of the first housing 11)
The first housing 11 is arranged in contact with the heat source 6. The first housing 11 is a member for conducting the heat of the heat source 6 to the steam chamber P1. Further, the first housing 11 has a function of conducting the heat of the heat source 6 to the wick 13 by partially contacting the wick 13.

Therefore, a material that can conduct heat, particularly a material having a high thermal conductivity, is preferably used for the first housing 11. In particular, the first housing 11 is preferably made of a material having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / m · K or more. For example, a metal having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / m · K or more is suitable for the first housing 11. Suitable metals include aluminum, duralmin, copper, magnesium, brass, carbon steel, chrome steel, aluminum bronze, manganese steel, beryllium steel, molybdenum, iron, tungsten steel and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first housing 11 includes a steam chamber forming portion 11a and a first flange portion 11b. In this example, the first housing 11 is formed by pressing a single plate-shaped material. Therefore, the steam chamber forming portion 11a and the first flange portion 11b constitute one integrally formed member.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the steam chamber forming portion 11a includes a concave first inner surface 20 that forms the steam chamber P1. The first inner surface 20 is open to the liquid chamber P2 side. The first inner surface 20 includes a first protrusion area 20a having a plurality of first protrusions 21 projecting toward the liquid chamber P2, and an exhaust area 20b communicating with the first protrusion area 20a and connected to the steam pipe 4. ..

As shown in FIG. 4, the first protrusion area 20a is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the normal direction of the flat plane (plan view). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the first protrusion area 20a, the plurality of first protrusions 21 are provided in the steam chamber P1. The tip surface of the first protrusion 21 comes into contact with the wick 13. That is, the first protrusion 21 functions as a portion for conducting the heat of the heat source 6 to the wick 13.

The plurality of first protrusions 21 are formed in a straight line or a wavy shape so as to extend continuously. FIG. 4 shows a case where the first protrusion 21 is formed in a straight line. Further, the plurality of first protrusions 21 are formed in parallel. When the plurality of first protrusions 21 are linear, the moldability is better than that of the wavy shape, so that the cost can be reduced.

Then, the space between the two adjacent first protrusions 21 forms a part of the steam chamber P1. Therefore, in the first protrusion area 20a, the plurality of first protrusions 21 can circulate steam along the extending direction of the plurality of first protrusions 21. When the first protrusion 21 is formed in a straight line, steam can be efficiently circulated. Further, when the first protrusion 21 is formed so as to extend continuously, the first protrusion 21 is in a state of continuously contacting the wick 13. That is, the portion of heat conduction to the wick 13 via the first protrusion 21 becomes a continuous linear portion. The first protrusions 21 are not limited to the case where they are formed so as to extend continuously, but can also be formed so as to be scattered.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, in the first housing 11, the portion where the first protrusion area 20a is formed constitutes the first wavy plate portion formed in a wavy shape. Therefore, the first protrusion area 20a on the first inner surface 20 is formed on a wavy surface.

Therefore, the first protrusion 21 corresponds to the convex portion on the inner surface side of the first wavy plate portion. The first protrusion 21 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal or substantially triangular cross-sectional shape so that the width becomes narrower toward the tip side (liquid chamber P2 side). The steam chamber P1 forming between the two adjacent first protrusions 21 forms a trapezoidal or triangular cross-sectional shape. By forming the shape of the first protrusion 21 as described above, it becomes easy to form the first protrusion 21 with a die for press working.

Further, the tip surface of the first protrusion 21 may be flat or slightly curved. Further, the corner portion of the tip surface of the first protrusion 21 may be formed in a curved convex shape. The width of the tip surface of the first protrusion 21 is smaller than the distance between the base ends of the two adjacent first protrusions 21. As a result, the steam chamber P1 can be largely secured. Further, the height of the first protrusion 21 is formed to be the same as the height of the outer peripheral frame of the first inner surface 20 or slightly higher than the height of the outer peripheral frame.

The exhaust area 20b on the first inner surface 20 forms one flat space as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. As described above, the exhaust area 20b communicates with the first protrusion area 20a. In particular, the exhaust area 20b communicates with the end of the first protrusion 21 in the first protrusion area 20a in the extending direction. Therefore, the steam existing between the two adjacent first protrusions 21 is guided to the exhaust area 20b along the first protrusions 21.

As shown in FIG. 3, the exhaust area 20b has an exhaust hole 22 to which the steam pipe 4 is connected. The exhaust hole 22 is formed on the bottom surface (lower surface in FIG. 3) of the first inner surface 20. Further, the exhaust hole 22 is formed in the exhaust area 20b at a position far from the first protrusion area 20a.

Here, in this example, as shown in FIG. 4, the exhaust area 20b is formed so as to narrow in width from the first protrusion area 20a side toward the position where the exhaust hole 22 is formed. There is. Therefore, the exhaust area 20b can guide steam from the first protrusion area 20a side toward the exhaust hole 22. That is, the steam induced from the first protrusion area 20a to the exhaust area 20b is discharged from the exhaust hole 22 to the steam pipe 4.

The steam chamber forming portion 11a includes a first outer surface 30 which is a back surface side of the first inner surface 20 and is exposed to the outside. Here, the steam chamber forming portion 11a is formed by press working on a plate-shaped material, and is formed to have the same thickness as a whole. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the first outer surface 30 is formed in a shape obtained by transferring the first inner surface 20. That is, the first outer surface 30 includes a plurality of first outer recesses 31 corresponding to the plurality of first protrusions 21 on the first inner surface 20.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, since the first protrusion 21 is formed so as to extend linearly, the first outer recess 31 on the first outer surface 30 also extends linearly. Is formed like this. On the first outer surface 30, the first outer convex surface 32 located between two adjacent first outer recesses 31 comes into contact with the heat source 6. In this example, the plurality of first outer convex surfaces 32 are in contact with the heat source 6.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first flange portion 11b is located on the peripheral edge of the opening of the steam chamber P1 and extends outward from the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the steam chamber forming portion 11a. Since the first flange portion 11b is formed by pressing the plate-shaped material, it has the same thickness as the steam chamber forming portion 11a. Further, the first flange portion 11b is made of the same material as the steam chamber forming portion 11a.

The first flange portion 11b is bent so that the outer peripheral side is folded back. That is, the first flange portion 11b includes a non-bent portion 41 connected to the steam chamber forming portion 11a and a bent portion 42 folded back from the outer peripheral end of the non-bent portion.

The non-bent portion 41 has an annular first opening surface 41a facing the opening side of the first inner surface 20. The bent portion 42 has a first facing surface 42a facing the first opening surface 41a of the non-bent portion 41. The first opening surface 41a and the first facing surface 42a have a predetermined distance. Here, the bent portion 42 is formed by bending the outer peripheral end of the first flange portion 11b, which is a flat surface in an unfolded state, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

Further, the first opening surface 41a in the non-bent portion 41 may be subjected to a surface treatment that exerts a non-slip function on the wick 13. For example, the first opening surface 41a has a thickness equal to or less than the thickness of the wick 13 in a compressed state between the first opening surface 41a and the second opening surface 71 of the second flange portion 12b of the second housing 12 described later. Fine irregularities with depth are formed. In addition to this, it is also possible to apply a coating or the like that exhibits a non-slip mechanism to the wick 13 on the first opening surface 41a.

Further, it is preferable that the first facing surface 42a of the bent portion 42 is also subjected to a surface treatment that exerts a non-slip function on the wick 13. For example, the first facing surface 42a has a depth equal to or less than the thickness of the wick 13 in a compressed state between the first facing surface 42a and the second back surface 72 of the second flange portion 12b of the second housing 12 described later. A minute unevenness having a ridge is formed. In addition to this, it is also possible to apply a coating or the like that exhibits a non-slip mechanism to the wick 13 on the first facing surface 42a.

(2-1-2. Configuration of the second housing 12)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second housing 12 is a member for forming the liquid chamber P2, and is arranged on the side opposite to the heat source 6. Since the second housing 12 forms the liquid chamber P2, it is preferable that the heat of the heat source 6 is not conducted to the fluid in the liquid chamber P2. Therefore, it is preferable that the second housing 12 is thermally disconnected from the heat source 6 and the first housing 11.

Therefore, the second housing 12 is arranged in a non-contact state with the first housing 11. Further, for the second housing 12, a material having a low thermal conductivity is preferably used. That is, the second housing 12 is preferably formed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first housing 11. In this case, the second housing 12 is made of a material different from that of the first housing 11. In particular, the second housing 12 is preferably made of a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 50 W / m · K.

For example, a metal as a material having a low thermal conductivity suitable for the second housing 12 is stainless steel, titanium, nickel steel, silicon steel, chrome nickel steel or the like having a thermal conductivity of less than 50 W / m · K. Further, various resins, glass, ceramics and the like can be applied as a material having a low thermal conductivity suitable for the second housing 12. However, the second housing 12 can be formed of the same material as the first housing 11 as long as it is thermally disconnected from the heat source 6 and the first housing 11.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the second housing 12 includes a liquid chamber forming portion 12a and a second flange portion 12b. In this example, the second housing 12 is formed by press working on one plate-shaped material like the first housing 11. Therefore, the liquid chamber forming portion 12a and the second flange portion 12b form one integrally formed member.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid chamber forming portion 12a includes a concave second inner surface 50 for forming the liquid chamber P2. The second inner surface 50 is open to the steam chamber P1 side. The second inner surface 50 includes a second protrusion area 50a having a plurality of second protrusions 51 protruding toward the vapor chamber P1, and an introduction area 50b communicating with the second protrusion area 50a and connected to the liquid pipe 5. ..

As shown in FIG. 5, the second protrusion area 50a is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the normal direction of the flat surface (plan view). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the second protrusion area 50a, the plurality of second protrusions 51 are provided in the liquid chamber P2. The tip surface of the second protrusion 51 comes into contact with the wick 13. The plurality of second protrusions 51 have a function of supporting the wick 13.

The plurality of second protrusions 51 are formed to be linear or wavy so as to extend continuously. FIG. 5 shows a case where the second protrusion 51 is formed in a straight line. Further, the plurality of second protrusions 51 are formed in parallel. When the plurality of second protrusions 51 are linear, the moldability is better than that of the wavy shape, so that the cost can be reduced.

Then, a part of the liquid chamber P2 is formed between the two adjacent second protrusions 51. Therefore, in the second protrusion area 50a, the plurality of second protrusions 51 can circulate the liquid along the extending direction of the plurality of second protrusions 51. When the second protrusion 51 is formed in a straight line, the liquid can be efficiently circulated. Further, when the second protrusion 51 is formed in a straight line, the second protrusion 51 is in a state of continuously contacting the wick 13. That is, the support portion of the wick 13 by the second protrusion 51 becomes a continuous linear shape. The second protrusion 51 is not limited to the case where it is formed so as to extend continuously, and the second protrusion 51 may be formed so as to be scattered.

Further, the plurality of second protrusions 51 are provided in the same number as the plurality of first protrusions 21. Further, each of the plurality of second protrusions 51 faces the corresponding first protrusion 21. That is, all the second protrusions 51 face the corresponding first protrusions 21. Further, in this example, each of the plurality of second protrusions 51 faces each other over most of the corresponding first protrusions 21. Therefore, the support portion of the wick 13 by the second protrusion 51 coincides with the portion where the first protrusion 21 exists. The plurality of second protrusions 51 are preferably positioned so as to face all of the first protrusions 21, but may face at least a part of the first protrusions 21.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, in the second housing 12, the portion where the second protrusion area 50a is formed constitutes the second wavy plate portion formed in a wavy shape. Therefore, the second protrusion area 50a on the second inner surface 50 is formed on a wavy surface.

Therefore, the second protrusion 51 corresponds to the convex portion on the inner surface side of the second wavy plate portion. The second protrusion 51 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal or substantially triangular cross-sectional shape so that the width becomes narrower toward the tip side (steam chamber P1 side). The liquid chamber P2 forming between the two adjacent second protrusions 51 forms a trapezoidal or triangular cross-sectional shape. By forming the shape of the second protrusion 51 as described above, it becomes easy to form the second protrusion 51 with a die for press working.

Further, the tip surface of the second protrusion 51 may be flat or slightly curved. Further, the corner portion of the tip surface of the second protrusion 51 may be formed in a curved convex shape. The width of the tip surface of the second protrusion 51 is smaller than the distance between the base ends of the two adjacent second protrusions 51. As a result, the liquid chamber P2 can be largely secured. Further, the height of the second protrusion 51 is formed to be the same as the height of the outer peripheral frame of the second inner surface 50, or slightly higher than the height of the outer peripheral frame.

The introduction area 50b on the second inner surface 50 forms one flat space as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. As described above, the introduction area 50b communicates with the second protrusion area 50a. In particular, the introduction area 50b communicates with the end of the second protrusion 51 in the second protrusion area 50a in the extending direction. Therefore, the liquid introduced into the introduction area 50b flows between the two adjacent second protrusions 51. Further, the introduction area 50b is arranged on the flat surface of the evaporator 2 on the opposite side of the exhaust area 20b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the introduction area 50b has an introduction hole 52 to which the liquid pipe 5 is connected. The introduction hole 52 is formed on the bottom surface (upper surface in FIG. 3) of the second inner surface 50. Further, the introduction hole 52 is formed in the introduction area 50b at a position far from the second protrusion area 50a and at a position far from the exhaust hole 22.

Here, in this example, as shown in FIG. 5, the introduction area 50b is formed so as to increase in width from the introduction hole 52 toward the second protrusion area 50a. Therefore, the introduction area 50b can guide the liquid from the introduction hole 52 toward the second protrusion area 50a. That is, the liquid introduced from the liquid pipe 5 through the introduction hole 52 is guided from the introduction area 50b to the second protrusion area 50a.

The liquid chamber forming portion 12a includes a second outer surface 60 which is a back surface side of the second inner surface 50 and is exposed to the outside. Here, the liquid chamber forming portion 12a is formed by pressing the plate-shaped material, and is formed to have the same thickness as a whole. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the second outer surface 60 is formed in a shape obtained by transferring the second inner surface 50. That is, the second outer surface 60 includes a plurality of second outer recesses 61 corresponding to the plurality of second protrusions 51 on the second inner surface 50. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, since the second protrusion 51 is formed so as to extend linearly, the second outer recess 61 on the second outer surface 60 also extends linearly. It is formed like this.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the second flange portion 12b is located on the peripheral edge of the opening of the liquid chamber P2 and extends outward from the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the liquid chamber forming portion 12a. Since the second flange portion 12b is formed by pressing the plate-shaped material, it has the same thickness as the liquid chamber forming portion 12a. Further, the second flange portion 12b is made of the same material as the liquid chamber forming portion 12a.

Unlike the first flange portion 11b, the second flange portion 12b is formed in a flat shape as a whole. The second flange portion 12b is sandwiched between the non-bent portion 41 and the bent portion 42 of the first flange portion 11b. That is, the second flange portion 12b has an annular second opening surface 71 facing the opening side of the second inner surface 50. The second opening surface 71 of the second flange portion 12b faces the first opening surface 41a of the non-bent portion 41 of the first flange portion 11b. Further, the second flange portion 12b has an annular second back surface 72 located on the back surface side with the second opening surface 71. The second back surface 72 of the second flange portion 12b faces the first facing surface 42a of the bent portion 42 of the first flange portion 11b. Therefore, the non-bent portion 41 and the bent portion 42 of the first flange portion 11b engage with the second flange portion 12b by caulking.

Further, the second opening surface 71 of the second flange portion 12b may be subjected to a surface treatment that exerts a non-slip function on the wick 13. For example, the second opening surface 71 has minute irregularities having a depth equal to or less than the thickness of the wick 13 in a compressed state between the first opening surface 41a of the first flange portion 11b and the second opening surface 71. It is formed. In addition to this, it is also possible to apply a coating or the like that exhibits a non-slip mechanism to the wick 13 on the second opening surface 71.

Further, the second back surface 72 of the second flange portion 12b may also be subjected to a surface treatment that exerts a non-slip function on the wick 13. For example, the second back surface 72 is formed with minute irregularities having a depth equal to or less than the thickness of the wick 13 in a compressed state between the first facing surface 42a of the first flange portion 11b and the second back surface 72. ing. In addition to this, it is also possible to apply a coating or the like that exhibits a non-slip mechanism to the wick 13 on the second back surface 72.

Both the first opening surface 41a and the second opening surface 71 may be subjected to a surface treatment that exerts a non-slip function, or only one of them may be subjected to the surface treatment. It may be. Further, the surface treatment method may be different for both the first opening surface 41a and the second opening surface 71. Further, both the first facing surface 42a and the second back surface 72 may be subjected to a surface treatment that exerts a non-slip function, or only one of them may be subjected to the surface treatment. You may. Further, the surface treatment method may be different for both the first facing surface 42a and the second back surface 72.

(2-1-3. Configuration of wick 13)
The wick 13 is formed in the form of a flat sheet and is formed in a porous manner. The wick 13 partitions the vapor chamber P1 and the liquid chamber P2. The wick 13 evaporates the working fluid in the liquid chamber P2 while moving it toward the vapor chamber P1 by the capillary force.

Further, the wick 13 is made of an organic material. In other words, the wick 13 is made of a compressibly deformable material. In addition, the wick 13 is flexible. In particular, since the wick 13 is formed in a sheet shape, it can be bent and deformed.

The organic material used for the wick 13 consists of at least one of rubber, resin and elastomer. The wick 13 may be formed of a single type of organic material or may be formed of a plurality of types of organic material. The wick 13 may have a multi-layer structure when it is formed of a plurality of types of organic materials.

The rubber preferably used for the wick 13 is, for example, natural rubber, SBR, CR, NBR, butyl rubber, EPDM, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber and the like. Resins preferably used for the wick 13 are, for example, PVC, polyvinyl alcohol, ABS, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polycarbonate, PET, polyamide, polyurethane, fluororesin and the like. Elastomers preferably used for the wick 13 are, for example, polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, and the like.

Further, the wick 13 is manufactured by a stretching method. The wick 13 is formed into a sheet by extrusion molding, for example, and then the sheet is stretched to form a porous structure. After stretching, the thickness of the wick 13 in the state of being present as a single body is 0.05 mm to 10 mm. The pore diameter is 20 μm or less.

The porosity of the wick 13 is 30% -95%. When the wick 13 is compressed in the thickness direction, if the compression ratio is equal to or higher than the porosity of the wick 13, the wick 13 in the compressed state has no pores. On the other hand, when the wick 13 is compressed in the thickness direction, if the compression ratio is less than the porosity of the wick 13, the wick 13 in the compressed state has pores remaining.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wick 13 includes a wick body 81 as a portion that exerts a capillary force. The wick body 81 is located in the central portion of the entire wick 13 and is formed in a flat sheet shape. The wick body 81 partitions the vapor chamber P1 and the liquid chamber P2. That is, the wick body 81 is a portion formed in the same area as the opening of the vapor chamber P1 and the opening of the liquid chamber P2.

In the wick body 81, the sheet-shaped central portion of the wick body 81 is sandwiched between the tip surface of the first protrusion 21 of the first housing 11 and the tip surface of the second protrusion 51 of the second housing 12. There is. In particular, the wick body 81 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 51 in a compressed state.

Therefore, the wick body 81 maintains a state of being in contact with the tip surface of the first protrusion 21 and the tip surface of the second protrusion 51. By maintaining the wick body 81 in contact with the first protrusion 21, the heat of the heat source 6 is conducted through the first protrusion 21. As a result, the liquid existing in the wick body 81 can be efficiently evaporated.

Further, the pressure of the working fluid (vapor) in the steam chamber P1 becomes higher than the pressure of the working fluid (liquid) in the liquid chamber P2. Therefore, the wick body 81 is deformed so as to bend toward the liquid chamber P2 side. However, the portion of the wick body 81 supported by the second protrusion 51 does not bend and deform. Further, in the wick main body 81, the portion supported by the second protrusion 51 corresponds to the portion in contact with the first protrusion 21. Therefore, the portion of the wick body 81 sandwiched between the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 51 is maintained in contact with the first protrusion 21. Therefore, even if the pressure of the working fluid (steam) in the steam chamber P1 becomes high, the liquid existing in the wick main body 81 can be efficiently evaporated.

Here, the wick body 81 is compressed so as to have a compressibility smaller than the porosity of the wick 13 in the uncompressed state. The compression rate (%) corresponds to the thickness of the wick body 81 in the compressed state when the thickness of the wick body 81 in the uncompressed state is 100.

In particular, the compression ratio in the wick body 81 is preferably less than 0.5, for example, when the void ratio of the wick 13 is 1. For example, when the void ratio of the wick 13 is 60%, the compression ratio of the wick body 81 is less than 30% (= 60% × 0.5). As a result, the wick body 81 is surely maintained in a state of having holes. Then, in the wick main body 81, the capillary force can be exerted even at a portion sandwiched between the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 51.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wick 13 further includes a seal portion 82 located over the entire outer circumference of the wick main body 81. The seal portion 82 is sandwiched between the first opening surface 41a of the non-bent portion 41 of the first flange portion 11b and the second opening surface 71 of the second flange portion 12b in a compressed state over the entire circumference. The main seal portion 82a is provided.

Here, the main seal portion 82a is compressed so as to have a compressibility equal to or higher than the porosity of the wick 13 in the uncompressed state. For example, when the porosity of the wick 13 is 80%, the compressibility of the main seal portion 82a is 80% or more. As a result, the main seal portion 82a is in a state where no holes exist. As a result, the main seal portion 82a suppresses the leakage of the working fluid to the outside between the outside and the steam chamber P1 and between the outside and the liquid chamber P2. That is, the main seal portion 82a seals between the existing region of the working fluid formed by the steam chamber P1 and the liquid chamber P2 and the outside.

Further, the wick 13 is made of an organic material as described above. Therefore, the main seal portion 82a can be compressed so as to have a compressibility larger than the porosity of the wick 13 in the uncompressed state. Therefore, by setting the compression ratio of the main seal portion 82a to be larger than the porosity of the wick 13, the main seal portion 82a can surely exert the sealing function.

Further, even if there is a variation in the shape accuracy of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12, the main seal portion 82a of the wick 13 can absorb the variation, so that the working fluid leaks to the outside. Can be suppressed. That is, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 do not require high shape accuracy for the purpose of exerting the sealing function. From this point, the cost of the evaporator 2 can be reduced.

Further, the seal portion 82 further includes an auxiliary seal portion 82b bent from the outer peripheral edge of the main seal portion 82a. The auxiliary seal portion 82b is sandwiched between the first facing surface 42a of the bent portion 42 of the first flange portion 11b and the second back surface 72 of the second flange portion 12b in a compressed state over the entire circumference. ..

Like the main seal portion 82a, the auxiliary seal portion 82b is compressed so as to have a compressibility equal to or higher than the porosity of the wick 13 in the uncompressed state. Further, the auxiliary seal portion 82b is compressed so as to have a compressibility larger than the porosity of the wick 13 in the uncompressed state. Therefore, since the auxiliary seal portion 82b further exerts a sealing function, it is possible to more reliably suppress the leakage of the working fluid to the outside.

Further, a main seal portion 82a and an auxiliary seal portion 82b in the seal portion 82 are interposed between the first flange portion 11b and the second flange portion 12b. That is, the first flange portion 11b and the second flange portion 12b are arranged in a non-contact state by interposing the main seal portion 82a and the auxiliary seal portion 82b.

Here, both the vapor chamber forming portion 11a and the liquid chamber forming portion 12a are arranged in a non-contact state by interposing the wick main body 81. That is, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are arranged in a non-contact state by interposing the wick 13. For this reason, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are thermally disconnected. That is, heat conduction from the first housing 11 to the second housing 12 is suppressed, and as a result, heat conduction from the second housing 12 to the liquid chamber P2 side is suppressed. As described above, the wick 13 has a heat disconnection function between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12.

(2-2. Manufacturing method of evaporator 2 of the first example)
The manufacturing method of the evaporator 2 of the first example will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6. First, as shown in FIG. 6, the first housing 11, the second housing 12, and the wick 13 are prepared (preparation step). The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are formed by press working on one flat plate-like material. However, the first flange portion 11b in the first housing 11 is formed in an unbent state. That is, in the first flange portion 11b, the bent portion 42 in the final shape is formed on the same plane as the non-bent portion 41. Further, the thickness of the wick 13 is the same throughout.

Subsequently, the wick 13 is sandwiched between the first flange portion 11b and the second flange portion 12b in the unbent state (sandwiching step). At this time, the outer peripheral end of the wick 13 is located outside the outer peripheral end of the second flange portion 12b. Further, the outer peripheral end of the wick 13 is located at the same position as or inward of the outer peripheral end of the first flange portion 11b in the unbent state.

Subsequently, the outer peripheral end portion of the first flange portion 11b in the unbent state is bent, and the outer peripheral end portion of the wick 13 is bent (bending step). Then, the bent portion 42 located at the outer peripheral end portion of the first flange portion 11b is set to face the second back surface 72 of the second flange portion 12b and is engaged with the second flange portion 12b.

At this time, the outer peripheral end portion of the bent wick 13 is interposed between the bent portion 42 of the first flange portion 11b and the second flange portion 12b. In this way, the evaporator 2 is manufactured.

(2-3. Effect of Wick 13)
As described above, the wick body 81 of the wick 13 has a function of moving the working fluid using the capillary force. Further, the sealing portion 82 of the wick 13 has a sealing function of suppressing leakage of the working fluid to the outside between the vapor chamber P1 and the liquid chamber P2 and the outside. As described above, the wick 13 also has a sealing function in addition to the function of exerting the capillary force. Therefore, a separate member such as welding or an O-ring is not required for the joint portion between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. As a result, the cost of the evaporator 2 can be reduced.

When minute irregularities are formed on at least one of the first opening surface 41a and the second opening surface 71, the following effects are obtained. Even if the wick 13 is thermally shrunk by the operation of the loop heat pipe 1, the main seal portion 82a of the wick 13 is provided with a non-slip function due to minute irregularities of at least one of the first opening surface 41a and the second opening surface 71. , Positional deviation can be suppressed. Therefore, the sealing function of the main sealing portion 82a can be reliably exerted. Then, the minute irregularities of the first opening surface 41a and the second opening surface 71 are made equal to or less than the thickness of the main seal portion 82a compressed between the first opening surface 41a and the second opening surface 71. Even if the main seal portion 82a enters the unevenness, the sealing function of the main seal portion 82a can be exerted.

Further, when minute irregularities are formed on at least one of the first facing surface 42a and the second back surface 72, the following effects are obtained. Even if the wick 13 is thermally shrunk, the auxiliary seal portion 82b of the wick 13 can suppress the misalignment due to the anti-slip function due to the minute unevenness of at least one of the first facing surface 42a and the second back surface 72. Therefore, the sealing function of the auxiliary sealing portion 82b can be reliably exerted. Then, the minute unevenness of the first facing surface 42a and the second back surface 72 is made equal to or less than the thickness of the auxiliary seal portion 82b compressed between the first facing surface 42a and the second back surface 72, thereby assisting. Even if the seal portion 82b gets into the unevenness, the sealing function of the auxiliary seal portion 82b can be exerted.

Further, although the wick body 81 is flexible, it is in contact with the first protrusion 21 by being sandwiched between the first protrusion 21 of the first housing 11 and the second protrusion 51 of the second housing 12. To maintain. In particular, even if the pressure of the working fluid in the vapor chamber P1 becomes higher than the pressure of the working fluid in the liquid chamber P2, the wick main body 81 is supported by the second protrusion 51 in the liquid chamber P2, so that the wick main body 81 is the first. The state of contact with the one protrusion 21 is maintained. Therefore, the liquid working fluid in the wick body 81 can be efficiently evaporated.

Further, the wick 13 can arrange the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 in a non-contact manner by interposing the wick 13 between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. Therefore, after the heat of the heat source 6 is conducted to the first housing 11, the wick 13 suppresses the heat of the first housing 11 being conducted to the second housing 12. As a result, heat conduction from the second housing 12 to the liquid chamber P2 can be suppressed.

If heat is conducted from the second housing 12 to the liquid chamber P2, the operating force of the working fluid by the wick 13 may decrease. However, by suppressing the heat of the heat source 6 from being conducted to the second housing 12, the operating force of the working fluid by the wick 13 is surely exhibited.

Further, since the wick 13 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 21 of the first housing 11 and the second protrusion 51 of the second housing 12, the shape of the wick 13 formed of the organic material is less restricted. Therefore, as the evaporator 2, a wick 13 made of an organic material that can be easily molded can be used.

(3. Evaporator of the second example)
The configuration of the evaporator 2 of the second example will be described with reference to FIG. The evaporator 2 of the second example includes a first housing 111, a second housing 112, and a wick 13. Here, the evaporator 2 of the second example has the same basic configuration as the evaporator 2 of the first example. The differences between the two will be described below. However, in the evaporator 2 of the second example, the same components as those of the evaporator 2 of the first example are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The first housing 111 includes a steam chamber forming portion 111a and a first flange portion 11b. The steam chamber forming portion 111a includes a steam chamber main body 120 and a first protrusion member 130. Here, the steam chamber main body 120 and the first flange portion 11b are formed by press working on one plate-shaped material.

Here, as the steam chamber forming portion 111a and the first flange portion 11b, a material capable of conducting heat, particularly a material having high thermal conductivity is preferably used. In particular, the steam chamber forming portion 111a and the first flange portion 11b are preferably made of a material having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / m · K or more. For example, a metal having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / m · K or more is suitable for the steam chamber forming portion 111a and the first flange portion 11b. Suitable metals include aluminum, duralmin, copper, magnesium, brass, carbon steel, chrome steel, aluminum bronze, manganese steel, beryllium steel, molybdenum, iron, tungsten steel and the like.

The steam chamber body 120 includes a first recess 121. The first recess 121 has a flat bottom surface. The first outer surface 122 of the steam chamber main body 120 includes a flat surface that contacts the heat source 6 in a planar manner. That is, the heat from the heat source 6 is effectively conducted to the first outer surface 122 of the steam chamber main body 120.

The first protrusion member 130 is separately provided on the bottom surface of the first recess 121 of the steam chamber main body 120. The first protrusion member 130 includes a surface 131 that contacts the bottom surface of the first recess 121, and also includes a first protrusion 132 that projects toward the liquid chamber P2. Therefore, the heat of the heat source 6 is surely conducted to the first protrusion 132 via the steam chamber main body 120. Here, the first protrusion 132 corresponds to the first protrusion 21 of the first example. The first protrusion member 130 may be joined to the bottom surface of the first recess 121 via an adhesive, or may be arranged without an adhesive.

The first protrusion member 130 is arranged in the steam chamber main body 120 in an area corresponding to the first protrusion area 20a in the first example. That is, a part of the steam chamber main body 120 and the first protrusion member 130 form the first protrusion area 20a in the first example. Further, the other part of the steam chamber main body 120 constitutes the exhaust area 20b in the first example.

Further, the first protrusion member 130 is formed by, for example, forging, cutting, electric discharge machining, or the like. The shape of the first protrusion 132 may be a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or may be a trapezoidal or triangular cross-sectional shape as in the first example. However, it is preferable that the tip surface of the first protrusion 132 is flat or slightly curved and convex. The first protrusion member 130 can be formed into an arbitrary shape by forming it by forging, cutting, electric discharge machining, or the like. Further, the first projection member 130 can appropriately design the shape and size of the steam chamber P1.

As the first protrusion member 130, similarly to the steam chamber main body 120, a material capable of conducting heat, particularly a material having high thermal conductivity is preferably used. The first protrusion member 130 may be formed of the same material as the steam chamber main body 120, or may be formed of a different material. As the first protrusion member 130, for example, a metal having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / m · K or more is suitable. Suitable metals include aluminum, duralmin, copper, magnesium, brass, carbon steel, chrome steel, aluminum bronze, manganese steel, beryllium steel, molybdenum, iron, tungsten steel and the like.

The second housing 112 includes a liquid chamber forming portion 112a and a second flange portion 12b. The liquid chamber forming portion 112a includes a liquid chamber main body 140 and a second protrusion member 150. Here, the liquid chamber main body 140 and the second flange portion 12b are formed by press working on one plate-shaped material.

For the liquid chamber forming portion 112a and the second flange portion 12b, a material having a lower thermal conductivity than that of the first housing 111 is preferably used. In this case, the liquid chamber forming portion 112a and the second flange portion 12b are formed of a material different from that of the first housing 111. In particular, the liquid chamber forming portion 112a and the second flange portion 12b are preferably made of a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 50 W / m · K. For example, the metal as a material having a low thermal conductivity suitable for the liquid chamber forming portion 112a and the second flange portion 12b is a metal having a thermal conductivity of less than 50 W / m · K, and is, for example, stainless steel, titanium, or nickel. Steel, silicon steel, chromium nickel steel, etc. Further, various resins, glass, ceramics and the like can be applied as materials having low thermal conductivity suitable for the liquid chamber forming portion 112a and the second flange portion 12b. However, the liquid chamber forming portion 112a and the second flange portion 12b can be formed of the same material as the first housing 111 as long as they are thermally disconnected from the heat source 6 and the first housing 11.

The liquid chamber main body 140 includes a second recess 141. The second recess 141 has a flat bottom surface. The second protrusion member 150 is separately provided on the bottom surface of the second recess 141 of the liquid chamber main body 140. The second protrusion member 150 includes a surface 151 that contacts the bottom surface of the second recess 141, and also includes a second protrusion 152 that projects toward the steam chamber P1 side. Here, the second protrusion 152 corresponds to the second protrusion 51 of the first example. The second protrusion member 150 may be joined to the bottom surface of the second recess 141 via an adhesive, or may be arranged without an adhesive.

The second protrusion member 150 is arranged in the liquid chamber main body 140 in an area corresponding to the second protrusion area 50a in the first example. That is, a part of the liquid chamber main body 140 and the second protrusion member 150 form the second protrusion area 50a in the first example. Further, the other part of the liquid chamber main body 140 constitutes the introduction area 50b in the first example.

Further, the second protrusion member 150 is formed by, for example, forging, cutting, electric discharge machining, or the like. The shape of the second protrusion 152 may be a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or may be a trapezoidal or triangular cross-sectional shape as in the first example. However, it is preferable that the tip surface of the second protrusion 152 is flat or slightly curved and convex. The second protrusion member 150 can be formed into an arbitrary shape by forming it by forging, cutting, electric discharge machining, or the like. Further, the second protrusion member 150 can appropriately design the shape and size of the liquid chamber P2.

As the second protrusion member 150, a material having a low thermal conductivity is preferably used as in the liquid chamber main body 140. The second protrusion member 150 may be formed of the same material as the liquid chamber main body 140, or may be formed of a different material. A material having a thermal conductivity of less than 50 W / m · K is suitable for the second protrusion member 150. For example, a metal having a thermal conductivity of less than 50 W / m · K, such as stainless steel, titanium, nickel steel, silicon steel, and chromium nickel steel, is suitable for the second protrusion member 150. Further, various resins, glass, ceramics and the like can be applied to the second protrusion agent 150.

According to the evaporator 2 of the second example, the effect of the wick 13 has the same effect as that of the first example. Further, since the first outer surface 122 of the steam chamber main body 120 in the steam chamber forming portion 111a has a flat surface in contact with the heat source 6, the heat conduction efficiency becomes very high.

(4. Others)
In addition to the above example, the evaporator 2 may include the first housing 111 of the second example and the second housing 12 of the first example. As a result, the effect of the first housing 111 of the second example, that is, high heat conduction efficiency can be obtained. Further, the effect of the second housing 12 of the first example, that is, the cost reduction can be achieved.

Further, in the above example, the first flange portion 11b of the first housing 11 is bent to engage with the second flange portion 12b of the second housing 12. The first flange portion 11b and the second flange portion 12b may be reversed.

1: Loop heat pipe, 2: Evaporator, 2a: Wick, 3: Condenser, 4: Steam pipe, 5: Liquid pipe, 6: Heat source, 11: First housing, 11a: Steam chamber forming part, 11b: 1st flange part, 12: 2nd housing, 12a: Liquid chamber forming part, 12b: 2nd flange part, 13: Wick, 20: 1st inner surface, 20a: 1st protrusion area, 20b: Exhaust area, 21: First protrusion, 22: Exhaust hole, 30: First outer surface, 31: First outer concave portion, 32: First outer convex surface, 41: Non-bent portion, 41a: First opening surface, 42: Bent portion, 42a: First facing surface, 50: Second inner surface, 50a: Second protrusion area, 50b: Introduction area, 51: Second protrusion, 52: Introduction hole, 60: Second outer surface, 61: Second outer recess, 71: Second opening surface, 72: second back surface, 81: wick body, 82: seal part, 82a: main seal part, 82b: auxiliary seal part, 111: first housing, 111a: steam chamber forming part, 112: first Two housings, 112a: Liquid chamber forming portion, 120: Steam chamber main body, 121: First recess, 122: First outer surface, 130: First protrusion member, 132: First protrusion, 140: Liquid chamber main body, 141 : Second recess, 150: Second protrusion member, 152: Second protrusion, P1: Steam chamber, P2: Liquid chamber

Claims (21)

A first housing having a concave first inner surface forming a steam chamber, a first outer surface exposed to the outside, and an annular first opening surface located on the periphery of the opening of the steam chamber.
A second inner surface having a concave shape forming a liquid chamber, a second outer surface exposed to the outside, and an annular second opening surface located on the periphery of the opening of the liquid chamber and facing the first opening surface. Two housings and
A wick that is formed porous by an organic material, separates the vapor chamber and the liquid chamber, and evaporates the working fluid in the liquid chamber while moving it toward the steam chamber side by capillary force.
With
The wick is sandwiched between the first opening surface and the second opening surface in a compressed state over the entire circumference, so that the wick is sandwiched between the outside and the steam chamber and between the outside and the liquid chamber. An evaporator that constitutes a seal between the two. The evaporation according to claim 1, wherein the wick is sandwiched between the first opening surface and the second opening surface in a compressed state so as to have a compressibility equal to or higher than the porosity of the wick. vessel. The wick is formed in a flat sheet shape, and the outer peripheral edge of the sheet shape is sandwiched between the first opening surface and the second opening surface in a compressed state, according to claim 1 or 2. The evaporator described. At least one of the first opening surface and the second opening surface is formed with irregularities equal to or less than the thickness of the wick in a compressed state between the first opening surface and the second opening surface. The evaporator according to any one of claims 1-3. The evaporator according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first housing and the second housing are arranged in a non-contact state by interposing the wick. The evaporator according to claim 5, wherein the first housing and the second housing are made of different types of materials. The evaporator according to claim 6, wherein the second housing is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first housing. The first housing includes a steam chamber forming portion having the first inner surface and a first flange portion having the first opening surface.
The second housing includes a liquid chamber forming portion having the second inner surface and a second flange portion having the second opening surface.
One end of the first flange portion and the second flange portion engages with the other of the first flange portion and the second flange portion in a bent state.
The wick
It is sandwiched between the non-bent portion of the first flange portion and the one of the second flange portions and the other of the first flange portion and the second flange portion in a compressed state.
1-7 of claim 1-7, wherein the bent portion of the first flange portion and the second flange portion is sandwiched between the first flange portion and the other of the second flange portions in a compressed state. The evaporator according to any one item. The first housing is
The vapor chamber is provided with a first protrusion that projects toward the liquid chamber and is formed of a heat conductive material.
The second housing is
The liquid chamber is provided with a second protrusion that projects toward the steam chamber and faces at least a part of the first protrusion.
The evaporator according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the wick maintains a state of being in contact with the first protrusion by being sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The first housing includes a plurality of the first protrusions.
The second housing includes the same number of the second protrusions as the first protrusions.
The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of the second protrusions faces the corresponding first protrusion. The evaporator according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the wick is sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a compressed state. The evaporator according to claim 11, wherein the wick is sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a compressed state so that the compressibility is smaller than the porosity of the wick. Any of claims 9-12, wherein the wick is formed in a flat sheet shape, and the central portion of the sheet shape is sandwiched between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a compressed state. The evaporator according to item 1. The first housing has a first wavy plate portion formed in a wavy shape, and the first protrusion corresponds to a convex portion on the inner surface side of the first wavy plate portion.
Or
The second housing has a second wavy plate portion formed in a wavy shape, and the second protrusion corresponds to a convex portion on the inner surface side of the second wavy plate portion, according to any one of claims 9-13. The evaporator according to claim 1. The first housing includes a steam chamber main body having a first recess and a first protrusion member provided separately on the bottom surface of the first recess of the steam chamber main body and constituting the first protrusion. With,
Or
The second housing includes a liquid chamber main body having a second recess and a second protrusion member that is separately provided on the bottom surface of the second recess of the liquid chamber main body and constitutes the second protrusion. The evaporator according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the evaporator comprises. The evaporator according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the wick is made of the organic material composed of at least one of rubber, resin and elastomer. The evaporator according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the porosity of the wick is 30% -95%. The evaporator according to any one of claims 1-17, which is an evaporator of a loop heat pipe. The method for manufacturing an evaporator according to any one of claims 1-18.
A method for manufacturing an evaporator, in which at least a part of the first housing or at least a part of the second housing is formed by press working on a plate-shaped material. The method for manufacturing an evaporator according to claim 8.
The wick is sandwiched between the first flange portion in the unfolded state and the second flange portion in the unfolded state.
By bending the first flange portion and the one end portion of the second flange portion and bending the wick, one end portion of the first flange portion and the second flange portion is formed into the first flange portion. And a method for manufacturing an evaporator, in which the second flange portion is engaged with the other. The method for manufacturing an evaporator according to claim 14.
A method for manufacturing an evaporator, in which the first wavy plate portion or the second wavy plate portion is formed by pressing a plate-like material.

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