JP2021143809A - Vapor chamber and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a vapor chamber which can secure a sufficient space serving as a steam passage in a bending part when bent.SOLUTION: A vapor chamber includes: a housing 10 having a first area 13, a second area 14 which is located spaced apart from the first area 13, and a bending part 15 which may bend at a border between the first area 13 and the second area 14; a working fluid 30 enclosed in an internal space 20 of the housing 10; a wick 40 disposed at the internal space 20 of the housing 10; and a reinforcement member 50 disposed at the internal space 20 in the bending part 15 of the housing 10 and extending from the first area 13 to the second area 14. The reinforcement member 50 includes: a core material; and a wick for the reinforcement member disposed in at least part of an outer periphery of the core material. The wick for the reinforcement member contacts with the wick existing in the first area 13 and the wick existing in the second area 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

The present invention relates to a vapor chamber. The present invention also relates to an electronic device including the vapor chamber.

In recent years, in electronic devices, high integration and high performance of elements have been progressing. Along with this, the amount of heat generated from electronic devices is increasing. Therefore, heat dissipation measures have become important. This situation is particularly noticeable in the field of mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets. As the heat countermeasure member, a graphite sheet or the like is often used, but since the heat transport amount thereof is not sufficient, the use of various heat countermeasure members is being considered. Among them, a vapor chamber, which is a planar heat pipe, is used because it can diffuse heat very effectively.

The vapor chamber is a flat plate-shaped airtight container filled with an appropriate amount of a working liquid that easily volatilizes. The working liquid is vaporized by the heat from the heat source, moves in the internal space, and then releases heat to the outside to return to the liquid. The hydraulic fluid that has returned to liquid is carried to the vicinity of the heat source again by a capillary structure called a wick, and vaporizes again. By repeating this, the vapor chamber operates independently without having external power, and can diffuse heat two-dimensionally at high speed by utilizing the latent heat of vaporization and the latent heat of condensation of the working liquid.

Further, in recent years, the miniaturization of electronic devices has been progressing. As the miniaturization of electronic devices progresses, the space inside the housing of the electronic devices becomes narrower, and it becomes difficult to secure sufficient space for arranging the vapor chamber.
As a method of arranging the vapor chamber in such a narrow space, there are a method of thinning the vapor chamber and a method of deforming the vapor chamber according to the shape of the space.

In Patent Document 1, as a sheet-shaped heat pipe (that is, a vapor chamber) that is thin, has flexibility, and has stable cooling performance without narrowing the steam passage, the sheet-shaped members face each other and the peripheral portions are bonded together. The wick is formed on the inner wall surface of the container so that the cut surface of the sheet-like container formed on the inner wall surface of the container is perpendicular to the inner wall surface of the container. A sheet-shaped heat pipe is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of spacers fixedly arranged at predetermined positions on a layer and a working fluid sealed inside the container.

Further, in Patent Document 2, as a thin flexible heat pipe (that is, a vapor chamber) that secures a steam passage, is easy to bend, and has a high degree of freedom in design, two foil-like sheets having different thicknesses are used. A thin flexible heat pipe including a sealed container formed by joining peripheral portions, a wick movably housed in the container, and a working fluid sealed in the container is disclosed. There is.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-183021 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-12001

Although the vapor chambers described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can be bent to some extent, there is a problem that a sufficient space for a steam passage cannot be secured at the bent portion.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vapor chamber capable of securing a space that becomes a sufficient steam passage in a bent portion when bent. Is.

The vapor chamber of the present invention includes a housing having a first region, a second region located away from the first region, and a bent portion that can be bent at the boundary between the first region and the second region. , The working fluid sealed in the internal space of the housing, the wick arranged in the internal space of the housing, and the wick arranged in the bent portion of the housing, from the first region to the first. A reinforcing member extending toward two regions is provided, and the reinforcing member includes a core material and a reinforcing member wick arranged at least a part of the outer periphery of the core material, and the reinforcing member wick includes the reinforcing member wick. It is characterized in that it is in contact with the wick existing in the first region and the wick existing in the second region.

The electronic device of the present invention is characterized by comprising the vapor chamber of the present invention.

Even if the vapor chamber of the present invention is bent, it is possible to secure a sufficient space for a steam passage in the bent portion.

FIG. 1A is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing an example of a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a state in which the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention is bent. FIG. 3 is a process diagram schematically showing an example of a wick arrangement process of the method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a process diagram schematically showing an example of a reinforcing member arranging process of the method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 5A and 5B are process diagrams schematically showing an example of a housing joining step of the method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a process diagram schematically showing an example of a hydraulic fluid filling step of the method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing an example of the vapor chamber according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing an example of the vapor chamber according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 8A. 9A is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing an example of the vapor chamber according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a vapor chamber according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the vapor chamber of the present invention will be described.
However, the present invention is not limited to the following configurations, and can be appropriately modified and applied without changing the gist of the present invention. It should be noted that a combination of two or more individual desirable configurations of the present invention described below is also the present invention.

It goes without saying that each of the embodiments shown below is an example, and partial replacement or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. In the second and subsequent embodiments, the description of the matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. In particular, the same action and effect due to the same configuration will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment.

In the following description, when each embodiment is not particularly distinguished, it is simply referred to as "the vapor chamber of the present invention".

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1A is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing an example of a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1A.

The vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1A includes a housing 10 composed of facing first sheet 11 and second sheet 12 to which outer edges are joined, and having an internal space 20.
The housing 10 has a first region 13, a second region 14 located away from the first region 13, and a bent portion 15 that can be bent at the boundary between the first region 13 and the second region 14.

Further, the vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1A is formed in the hydraulic fluid 30 sealed in the internal space 20 of the housing 10, the wick 40 arranged in the internal space 20 of the housing 10, and the bent portion 15 of the housing 10. It is provided with a reinforcing member 50 arranged in a certain internal space 20 and extending from the first region 13 to the second region 14.
In the vapor chamber 1, the wick 40 and the reinforcing member 50 are arranged on the inner wall surface of the second sheet 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the vapor chamber 1, the wick 40 is separately configured from the first wick 41 present in the first region 13 and the second wick 42 present in the second region 14. Therefore, there is a gap between the first wick 41 and the second wick 42.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, in the vapor chamber 1, the reinforcing member 50 includes a core material 51 and a reinforcing member wick 52 arranged on the outer periphery of the core material 51. The reinforcing member wick 52 may be arranged at least a part of the outer circumference of the core material 51.
In the vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1B, the core material 51 extends from the first region 13 to the second region 14, and the reinforcing member wick 52 is arranged on the entire outer periphery of the core material 51. There is. Therefore, the reinforcing member wick 52 is in contact with the first wick 41 and the second wick 42.

As shown in FIG. 1C, in the vapor chamber 1, a plurality of reinforcing member groups 55 including two reinforcing members 50 adjacent to each other with a first interval a are arranged in the internal space 20 in the bent portion 15. There is.
Adjacent reinforcing member groups 55 are arranged with a second interval b larger than the first interval a.
The first interval a means the minimum distance between two adjacent reinforcing members 50 arranged in the same reinforcing member group 55 in a state where the vapor chamber 1 is not bent.
Further, regarding the starting position of the first interval a, when the core material 51 is exposed, the end portion of the core material 51 is the starting position, and when the core material 51 is covered with the wick 52 for the reinforcing member, The end of the reinforcing member wick 52 is the starting position.
Further, the second interval b is from the reinforcing member 50 arranged on the most side of the other reinforcing member group 55 in one reinforcing member group 55 in the adjacent reinforcing member group 55 in a state where the vapor chamber is not bent. It means the minimum distance to the reinforcing member 50 arranged on the onemost reinforcing member group 55 side in the other reinforcing member group 55.
Further, regarding the starting position of the second interval b, when the core material 51 is exposed, the end portion of the core material 51 is the starting position, and when the core material 51 is covered with the wick 52 for the reinforcing member, the starting position is The end of the reinforcing member wick 52 is the starting position.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the vapor chamber 1, the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 11 and the second sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are supported in the internal space 20 of the housing 10 from the inside so as to support the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 from the inside. It is preferable that a plurality of columns 16 are arranged between the two sheets 12.

In the vapor chamber 1 of the present invention, the housing 10 may be bent at the bent portion 15. The vapor chamber 1 in such a state will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a state in which the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention is bent.
The vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 2 is obtained by bending the housing 10 of the vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1A at a bent portion 15 so that the second sheet 12 side is convex.
When the vapor chamber does not have a reinforcing member, when the housing is bent, the housing is crushed by stress and the internal space at the bent portion is narrowed. As a result, it becomes difficult for the hydraulic fluid to move. Therefore, the vapor chamber cannot exhibit a sufficient heat dissipation function.
On the other hand, in the vapor chamber 1, when the housing 10 is bent by the bent portion 15, the reinforcing member 50 is provided, so that the housing 10 can be prevented from being crushed, and the internal space 20 in the bent portion 15 is operated. The vapor of the liquid 30 can move.
Further, in the vapor chamber 1, since the reinforcing member wick 52 is in contact with the first wick 41 and the second wick 42, the liquid hydraulic fluid 30 is passed through the reinforcing member wick 52 to the first wick 41 and the second wick 42. The second wick 42 can be moved.
Therefore, the heat soaking property is maintained, and the heat transport amount is less likely to decrease. That is, the heat dissipation function of the vapor chamber 1 can be maintained.

The area where the reinforcing member wick 52 contacts the first wick 41 and the area where the reinforcing member wick 52 contacts the second wick 42 ^{are preferably 1.0 mm 2} or more and 1000 mm ² or less.

The bending direction of the vapor chamber 1 may be opposite. That is, the vapor chamber 1 may be one in which the housing 10 is bent by the bent portion 15 so that the first sheet 11 side is convex.

In the vapor chamber 1, adjacent reinforcing members 50 arranged in one reinforcing member group 55 are arranged with a first interval a. That is, there is a gap between adjacent reinforcing members 50 arranged in one reinforcing member group 55.
When the first interval a is small, the gap between the adjacent reinforcing members 50 can be used as a passage for the liquid hydraulic fluid 30. Therefore, the heat dissipation function can be further improved.

In the vapor chamber 1, the first interval a is preferably 0.01 mm or more and 0.50 mm or less, and more preferably 0.02 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less.

Further, in the vapor chamber 1, a plurality of reinforcing member groups 55 are arranged.
By arranging the plurality of reinforcing member groups 55 in this way, the stress generated when the housing 10 is bent can be dispersed. Therefore, the housing 10 is less likely to be crushed.

Further, in the vapor chamber 1, the reinforcing member group 55 is arranged with a second interval b. By arranging the reinforcing member groups 55 at such intervals, it is possible to sufficiently secure a space that serves as a passage for the vapor of the hydraulic fluid 30.

In the vapor chamber 1, the second interval b is preferably 0.50 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.

In the vapor chamber 1, when the second interval b is smaller than the first interval a, the hydraulic fluid 30 of the liquid easily flows into the gap forming the second interval b, and a vapor path of the hydraulic fluid 30 is formed. It becomes difficult.
In the vapor chamber 1, the second interval b is preferably 1.5 times or more the first interval a.

In the vapor chamber 1, it is preferable that the relationship a <c ≦ b holds when the height of the internal space 20 in which the reinforcing member 50 is not arranged is c in the bent portion 15 of the housing 10.
Within such a range, the internal space 20 at the bent portion 15 becomes sufficiently large, and the vapor passage of the vapor hydraulic fluid 30 and the passage of the liquid hydraulic fluid 30 can be sufficiently secured. As a result, the heat soaking property can be maintained, the heat transport amount becomes large, and the heat dissipation function of the vapor chamber 1 becomes good.

The height c of the internal space 20 is preferably 0.02 mm or more and 1.00 mm or less.

In the vapor chamber 1, the first interval a, the second interval b, and the height c of the internal space 20 mean values in a state where the housing 10 is not bent.

Next, preferable materials, structures, and the like of each configuration of the vapor chamber 1 will be described.

In the vapor chamber 1, the material of the housing 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably copper, a copper alloy, stainless steel, titanium, a titanium alloy, or aluminum. Since these materials have excellent thermal conductivity and plasticity, they are suitable as materials for the housing of the vapor chamber.

When the vapor chamber 1 includes a support column, the material of the support column 16 is not particularly limited, but is preferably copper, a copper alloy, stainless steel, titanium, a titanium alloy, or aluminum.
The shape of the support column 16 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the first sheet 11 and the second sheet and form the internal space 20, and is not particularly limited, for example, a cylindrical shape, a prismatic shape, a truncated cone shape, a truncated cone shape, or the like. Can be mentioned.

The arrangement position of the columns 16 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the columns 16 are arranged evenly, for example, in a grid pattern so that the distance between the columns 16 is constant. By arranging the columns 16 evenly, uniform strength can be ensured over the entire vapor chamber 1.

In the vapor chamber 1, the first wick 41 and the second wick 42 may have any structure as long as they have a capillary structure capable of moving the liquid hydraulic fluid 30 by a capillary phenomenon. Examples of the capillary structure include fine structures having irregularities such as pores, grooves, and protrusions, such as a porous structure, a fiber structure, a groove structure, and a mesh structure.

The material of the first wick 41 and the second wick 42 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a metal porous film formed by etching or metal processing, a mesh, a non-woven fabric, a sintered body, a porous body, or the like. .. The mesh used as the material of the wick may be composed of, for example, a metal mesh, a resin mesh, or a surface-coated mesh thereof, and is preferably composed of a copper mesh, a stainless (SUS) mesh, or a polyester mesh. .. The sintered body used as the material of the wick may be composed of, for example, a metal porous sintered body and a ceramic porous sintered body, and is preferably composed of a copper or nickel porous sintered body. .. The porous body used as the material of the wick may be, for example, a porous body composed of a metal porous body, a ceramic porous body, a resin porous body, or the like.
Among these, a stainless steel (SUS) mesh having high heat resistance and being plastically deformable is preferable.
The first wick 41 and the second wick 42 may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials.

As described above, the housing 10 of the vapor chamber 1 can be bent at the bent portion 15. Along with this bending, the first wick 41 and the second wick 42 also bend.
When the first wick 41 and the second wick 42 have a mesh structure, a gradient occurs in the density of the wicks as the first wick 41 and the second wick 42 bend. That is, the inner and outer wicks have a higher density due to the difference between the inner and outer circumferences, and the outer wicks have a lower density.
Therefore, the densities of the first wick 41 and the second wick may be graded in advance so that the wick densities become uniform when the housing 10 is bent.

In the vapor chamber 1, the working liquid 30 is not particularly limited as long as it can cause a gas-liquid phase change in the environment inside the housing, and for example, water, alcohols, CFC substitutes, or the like can be used. The working liquid 30 is preferably an aqueous compound, more preferably water.

In the vapor chamber 1, the material of the core material 51 is not particularly limited, but is preferably copper, a copper alloy, stainless steel, titanium, a titanium alloy, or aluminum.

Further, the proof stress of the core material 51 is preferably larger than the proof stress of the housing 10.
As used herein, the term "proof stress" means 0.2% proof stress measured based on JIS Z 2241: 2011.
The 0.2% proof stress of the core material 51 is preferably 300 MPa or more.
Further, the proof stress of the core material 51 is preferably 1.5 times or more the proof stress of the housing 10.

The shape of the core material 51 is not particularly limited, but it may be a plate shape or a columnar shape such as a cylinder or a quadrangular prism.

In the vapor chamber 1, the preferred material of the reinforcing member wick 52 is the same as the preferred material of the first wick 41 and the second wick 42.

As described above, in the vapor chamber 1, in the reinforcing member 50, the reinforcing member wick 52 may be arranged on the entire outer circumference of the core material 51, or may be arranged only on a part of the core material 51. good. That is, the core material 51 may be partially exposed.

In the vapor chamber 1, in the extending direction of the reinforcing member 50 from the first region 13 toward the second region 14, (in FIG. 1B, the length indicated by L ₁₎ The length of the reinforcing member 50 is not particularly limited, It is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

Further, in the extending direction of the reinforcing member 50 from the first region to the second region, _{the length L 1} of the reinforcing member 50 is _{relative to the length of the internal space 20 (the length indicated by L s in FIG. 1B).} It is preferably 1/2 times or less.
Within this range, the heat dissipation function of the vapor chamber 1 is sufficiently maintained.
_{If the length L 1} of the reinforcing member 50 _{exceeds 1/2 times the length L s} of the internal space 20, the heat dissipation function of the vapor chamber 1 tends to deteriorate, and the housing 10 is less likely to bend.

In the vapor chamber 1, in a direction perpendicular to a running direction of the reinforcing member 50 from the first region 13 toward the second region 14, the length of the reinforcing member 50 (in FIG. 1C, the length indicated by L ₂₎ is, in particular, Although not limited, it is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

In vapor chamber 1, (in FIG. 1C, the length indicated by _{H 1)} height of the reinforcing member 50 is not particularly limited, it is preferably 0.1mm or more and 0.5m or less.

_{The total length of the height H 1} of the reinforcing member 50 and the thickness of the wick 40 is preferably higher than the height c of the internal space 20.

When manufacturing the vapor chamber 1, the reinforcing member 50 is arranged on the inner wall surface of the second sheet 12, and the first sheet 11 is pressed from above to be fixed to the vapor chamber 1, but the height of the reinforcing member 50 is high. It is when H ₁ and the total length of the thickness of the wick 40 is greater than the height c of the inner space 20, that the first sheet 11 to secure the reinforcing member 50 is plastically deformed according to the shape of the reinforcing member 50 Can be done. Therefore, the reinforcing member 50 is less likely to shift when the vapor chamber 1 is bent or used.

Next, a method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a wick placement step, a reinforcing member placement step, a housing joining step, and a hydraulic fluid filling step.
Each process will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Wick placement process)
FIG. 3 is a process diagram schematically showing an example of a wick arrangement process of the method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 3, in this step, the second sheet 12 is prepared. Then, the positions of the first region 13, the second region 14, and the bent portion 15 are determined, the first wick 41 is arranged on the inner wall surface of the second sheet 12 of the first region 13, and the second of the second region 14 is arranged. The second wick 42 is arranged on the inner wall surface of the seat.

(Reinforcing member placement process)
FIG. 4 is a process diagram schematically showing an example of a reinforcing member arranging process of the method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In this step, first, the reinforcing member 50 in which the wick 52 for the reinforcing member is wound around the core material 51 is prepared. After that, as shown in FIG. 4, the reinforcing member 50 is arranged at the bent portion 15 of the second sheet 12 on which the first wick 41 and the second wick 42 are arranged after the wick arrangement step. At this time, the reinforcing member wick 52 is brought into contact with the first wick 41 and the second wick 42.
The reinforcing member 50 may be adhered to the joint portion 15 of the second sheet 12 or may be adhered to the inner wall surface of the first sheet 11 described later in advance. When the reinforcing member 50 is adhered to the inner wall surface of the first sheet 11, the reinforcing member arranging step and the housing joining step described later are performed at the same time.
The bonding method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include laser welding, resistance welding, diffusion bonding, brazing, TIG welding (tungsten-inert gas welding), ultrasonic bonding, and resin sealing. Of these, laser welding, resistance welding or brazing is preferred.

(Case joining process)
5A and 5B are process diagrams schematically showing an example of a housing joining step of the method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 5A, in this step, first, the first sheet 11 is prepared. At this time, a support column 16 may be formed on the inner wall surface of the first sheet 11. Examples of the method for forming the support columns 16 include an etching method and the like. It is not necessary to form the support column 16 at the position where the reinforcing member 50 is arranged.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, the outer edges of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are opposed to each other so that the inner wall surface of the first sheet 11 and the inner wall surface of the second sheet 12 after the reinforcing member arranging step face each other. Join with. At this time, an encapsulation port 60 for encapsulating the hydraulic fluid 30 is formed. As a result, the housing 10 in which the internal space 20 is formed can be manufactured.

The bonding method of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 is not particularly limited, but laser welding, resistance welding, diffusion welding, brazing, TIG welding (tungsten-inert gas welding), ultrasonic bonding, resin sealing, etc. Can be mentioned. Of these, laser welding, resistance welding or brazing is preferred.
_{If the total length of the height H 1} of the reinforcing member 50 and the thickness of the wick 40 is longer than the height c of the internal space 20, the first sheet 11 is deformed by pressing to deform the reinforcing member 50. A recess may be formed to accommodate. Further, the first sheet 11 having a recess capable of accommodating the reinforcing member 50 may be prepared.
Moreover, than the height c of the internal space 20 may be short in length which is the sum of the thickness of the height H ₁ and the wick 40 of the reinforcing member 50.

(Hydramatic fluid filling process)
FIG. 6 is a process diagram schematically showing an example of a hydraulic fluid filling step of the method for manufacturing a vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 6, in this step, the hydraulic fluid 30 is injected from the sealing port 60 of the housing 10 to close the sealing port 60.

Through the above steps, the vapor chamber 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7A is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing an example of the vapor chamber according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 7A.
The vapor chamber 101 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B has the same structure as the vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1A, except that the inside of the core member 151 of the reinforcing member 150 is hollow.
If the inside of the core member 151 of the reinforcing member 150 is hollow, the weight of the reinforcing member 150 is reduced, so that the vapor chamber 101 can be reduced in weight.

The core material 151 of the reinforcing member 150 may have a structure in which the hollow portion inside is sealed, or may have a pipe-like structure in which the hollow portion is connected to the outside.

The ratio of the volume of the internal space of the core material 151 to the entire core material 151 is not particularly limited, but when the volume of the entire core material 151 is 1, the volume of the internal space of the core material 151 is 0.1 or more. Is preferable.
Further, the volume of the internal space of the core material 151 ^{is preferably 0.1 mm 3} or more and 100 mm ³ or less.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 8A is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing an example of the vapor chamber according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 8A.
In the vapor chamber 201 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member seen from the direction extending from the first region 13 to the second region 14 of the core member 251 of the reinforcing member 250 is elliptical. The structure is the same as that of the vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1A, except that there is a case.
Further, the cross-sectional shape of the core material 251 may be circular or oval.
When the core material 251 has such a structure, since the core material 251 has no corners, it becomes difficult for the pressure to concentrate on one point of the reinforcing member wick 252. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wick 252 for the reinforcing member from being damaged by applying pressure to one point.

[Fourth Embodiment]
9A is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing an example of the vapor chamber according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 9A.
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, in the vapor chamber 301, the internal space 20 of the housing 10 is provided so that the wick 340 integrally configured is present in the first region 13, the bent portion 15, and the second region 14. It has the same structure as the vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1A except that it is arranged in.

When the wick 340 is integrally configured in this way, the movement of the liquid hydraulic fluid 30 between the wick 340 existing in the first region 13 and the wick 340 existing in the second region 14 becomes easier. Therefore, the working fluid 30 is less likely to be biased.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a vapor chamber according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
The vapor chamber 401 shown in FIG. 10 is composed of a first sheet 411 and a second sheet 412 facing each other with outer edges joined, and includes a housing 410 having an internal space 420.
The housing 410 further includes a second region 414 located away from the first region 413 and a bending portion 415 that can be bent at the boundary between the first region 413 and the second region 414, and the housing 410 is bent. In the internal space 420 in the portion 415, a reinforcing member 450 extending from the first region 413 to the second region 414 is arranged. The reinforcing member 450 includes a core material 451 and a reinforcing member wick 452 arranged on the outer periphery of the core material 51.
Further, in the vapor chamber 401, the first wick 441 is arranged in the first area 413 of the internal space 420 of the housing 410, and the second wick 442 is arranged in the second area 414.
The reinforcing member wick 452 of the reinforcing member 450 is in contact with the first wick 441 and the second wick 442.
Further, the housing 410 further includes a third region 417 located away from the first region 413, and a bent portion 418 that can be bent at the boundary between the first region 413 and the third region 417, and the housing 410. In the internal space 420 in the bent portion 418 of the above, a reinforcing member 456 extending from the first region 413 to the third region 417 is arranged. The reinforcing member 456 includes a core material 457 and a reinforcing member wick 458 arranged on the outer periphery of the core material 457.
Further, in the vapor chamber 401, the third wick 443 is arranged in the third region 417 of the internal space 420 of the housing 410.
The reinforcing member wick 458 of the reinforcing member 456 is in contact with the first wick 441 and the third wick 443.
That is, the vapor chamber 401 shown in FIG. 10 has the same structure as the vapor chamber 1 shown in FIG. 1A except that it can be bent by two bending portions.

When the housing 410 is bent by the bent portion 418, the vapor chamber 401 having such a structure has a reinforcing member 456, so that the housing 410 can be prevented from being crushed, and the internal space 420 in the bent portion 418 can be prevented. , The vapor of the hydraulic fluid 430 can move.
Therefore, the heat soaking property is maintained, and the heat transport amount is less likely to decrease. That is, the heat dissipation function of the vapor chamber 401 can be maintained.

In the vapor chamber 401, the reinforcing member 450 and the reinforcing member 456 may have the same shape or different shapes. Further, the reinforcing member 450 and the reinforcing member 456 may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials.

In the vapor chamber 401, it is preferable that the positions of the bent portion 415 and the bent portion 418 are appropriately set according to the shape of the electronic device to be mounted.

Further, in the vapor chamber of the present invention, there may be still another region such as a fourth region via another bent portion, and a reinforcing member may be arranged in the other bent portion.

[Other Embodiments]
The vapor chamber of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various applications and modifications can be added within the scope of the present invention regarding the configuration of the vapor chamber, manufacturing conditions, and the like.

In the vapor chamber of the present invention, the shape of the housing is not particularly limited. For example, the planar shape of the housing (the shape seen from the upper side of the drawing in FIG. 1A) includes polygons such as triangles and rectangles, circles, ellipses, and combinations thereof.

In the vapor chamber of the present invention, when the housing is composed of the first sheet and the second sheet, the ends of the first sheet and the second sheet may be overlapped so as to coincide with each other, or the ends may be displaced. It may overlap.

In the vapor chamber of the present invention, the materials constituting the first sheet and the second sheet are not particularly limited as long as they have characteristics suitable for use as a vapor chamber, such as thermal conductivity, strength, and flexibility. .. The material constituting the first sheet and the second sheet is preferably a metal, and examples thereof include copper, nickel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, iron, and the like, or alloys containing them as main components. The material constituting the first sheet and the second sheet is particularly preferably copper or a copper alloy.

In the vapor chamber of the present invention, the material constituting the first sheet and the material constituting the second sheet may be different. For example, by using a high-strength material for the first sheet, the stress applied to the housing can be dispersed. Further, by using different materials, one sheet can obtain one function and the other sheet can obtain another function. The above functions are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a heat conduction function and an electromagnetic wave shielding function.

In the vapor chamber of the present invention, the thicknesses of the first sheet and the second sheet are not particularly limited, but if the first sheet and the second sheet are too thin, the strength of the housing is lowered and deformation is likely to occur. Therefore, the thickness of the first sheet and the second sheet is preferably 20 μm or more, and more preferably 30 μm or more. On the other hand, if the first sheet and the second sheet are too thick, it becomes difficult to reduce the thickness of the entire vapor chamber. Therefore, the thickness of the first sheet and the second sheet is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 150 μm or less, and further preferably 100 μm or less. The thicknesses of the first sheet and the second sheet may be the same or different.

In the vapor chamber of the present invention, the thickness of the first sheet may be constant, or a thick portion and a thin portion may be present. Similarly, the thickness of the second sheet may be constant, or there may be a thick portion and a thin portion.
In the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of reinforcing members are arranged at the bent portion, but in the vapor chamber of the present invention, one reinforcing member may be arranged at the bent portion.

In the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the shape of each reinforcing member is the same, but in the vapor chamber of the present invention, the shape of each reinforcing member may be different.

In the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing members are arranged so that the ends in the extending direction are aligned, but in the vapor chamber of the present invention, the ends in the extending direction are separated. Each reinforcing member may be arranged as described above.

In the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, two reinforcing members form a reinforcing member group, but in the vapor chamber of the present invention, three or more reinforcing members form a reinforcing member group. May be good.
When a plurality of reinforcing member groups are arranged, the number and shape of the reinforcing members included in each reinforcing member may be the same or different.

In the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of reinforcing member groups are arranged, but in the vapor chamber of the present invention, a plurality of reinforcing members are arranged at equal intervals, and the reinforcing member groups are arranged. It does not have to be formed.

In the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the extending direction of the reinforcing member and the straight line along the bent portion are orthogonal to each other, but in the vapor chamber of the present invention, the extending direction of the reinforcing member is the bent portion. It does not have to be orthogonal as long as it intersects the straight line along.

In the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the end portion of the wick for the reinforcing member is aligned with the end portion of the core material in the extending direction of the reinforcing member, but in the vapor chamber of the present invention, the reinforcing member is used. The end of the wick does not have to be aligned with the end of the core material. That is, in the vapor chamber of the present invention, the end portion of the reinforcing member wick may protrude from the end portion of the core material or may be inside the end portion of the core material in the extending direction of the reinforcing member. ..
Further, in the vapor chamber of the present invention, the reinforcing member wick may be arranged so as to cover the end portion of the core material in the extending direction of the reinforcing member.

In the vapor chamber according to the first embodiment of the present invention, columns are arranged between the first sheet and the second sheet, but in the vapor chamber of the present invention, the columns may not be arranged.

The vapor chamber of the present invention can be mounted on an electronic device for the purpose of heat dissipation. Therefore, the electronic device provided with the vapor chamber of the present invention is also one of the present inventions. Examples of the electronic device of the present invention include smartphones, tablet terminals, notebook computers, game devices, wearable devices, and the like. As described above, the vapor chamber of the present invention operates independently without requiring external power, and can diffuse heat two-dimensionally at high speed by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation and condensation of the working liquid. Therefore, the electronic device provided with the vapor chamber or the heat dissipation device of the present invention can effectively realize heat dissipation in the limited space inside the electronic device.

1, 101, 201, 301, 401 Vapor chamber 10, 410 Housing 11, 411 First sheet 12, 412 Second sheet 13, 413 First area 14, 414 Second area 15, 415, 418 Bent portion 16, 416 Supports 20, 420 Internal space 30, 430 Hydraulic fluid 40, 340 Wick 41, 441 First wick 42, 442 Second wick 50, 150, 250, 450, 456 Reinforcing member 51, 151, 251, 457 Core material 52, 252 , 452, 458 Reinforcing member wick 55 Reinforcing member group 60 Encapsulation port 417 Third area 443 Third wick

Claims (12)

A housing having a first region, a second region located away from the first region, and a bendable portion at the boundary between the first region and the second region.
The working fluid enclosed in the internal space of the housing and
The wick arranged in the internal space of the housing and
It is provided with a reinforcing member arranged in an internal space at the bent portion of the housing and extending from the first region toward the second region.
The reinforcing member includes a core material and a reinforcing member wick arranged on at least a part of the outer periphery of the core material.
A vapor chamber in which the reinforcing member wick is in contact with the wick existing in the first region and the wick existing in the second region. The vapor chamber according to claim 1, wherein the proof stress of the core material is larger than the proof stress of the housing. The vapor chamber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a group of reinforcing members including two or more of the reinforcing members adjacent to each other with a first interval a is arranged in an internal space in the bent portion of the housing. .. The vapor chamber according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the reinforcing member groups are arranged in an internal space in the bent portion of the housing with a second interval b larger than the first interval a. The vapor chamber according to claim 4, wherein the relationship of a <c ≦ b holds, where c is the height of the internal space in which the reinforcing member is not arranged in the bent portion of the housing. The vapor chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inside of the core material is hollow. The vapor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the core material as viewed from a direction extending from the first region to the second region is circular, elliptical or oval. Chamber. The vapor chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wick existing in the first region and the wick existing in the second region are separately configured. The wick is also arranged in the internal space in the bent portion of the housing.
The vapor chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wick existing in the first region and the wick existing in the second region are integrally formed. The housing further comprises a third region located away from the first region and another bend that is bendable at the boundary between the first region and the third region.
In the internal space in the other bent portion of the housing, another reinforcing member extending from the first region to the third region is arranged.
The vapor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reinforcing member wick of the other reinforcing member is in contact with the wick existing in the first region and the wick existing in the third region. Chamber. The vapor chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing is bent at the bent portion. An electronic device comprising the vapor chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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