Heat exchange – With retainer for removable article – Electrical component
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-17
2001-06-12
Flanigan, Allen (Department: 3743)
Heat exchange
With retainer for removable article
Electrical component
C361S710000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244332
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to a heat sink for an electronic apparatus. The heat sink comprises a base member and a finned member. The base and finned members can be separately fabricated, e.g. by stamping, from sheet metal.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventionally, a heat sink for an electronic apparatus is cast in one piece from aluminum so as to have a base and so as to have fins, which project from the base and which transfer to the ambient air, by radiation and convection, heat conducted to the fins, via the base, from heat-generating components of the electronic apparatus. Commonly, a fan is provided, which blows air along the fins so as to enhance the transfer of heat by the fins to the ambient air. Such a heat sink, which is cast in one piece, is expensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides a heat sink comprising a base member and a finned member. Each of the base and finned members can be separately fabricated, e.g. by stamping, from sheet metal, such as sheet steel or sheet aluminum, sheet aluminum being preferred. As contrasted with a heat sink cast in one piece, a heat sink according to this invention is expected to be less expensive to manufacture.
The base member has a contact surface. The finned member has fins spaced from one another by webs unitary with the fins. The finned member is secured to the base member so that each web covers an adjacent portion of the contact surface of the base member. Preferably, the finned member is secured mechanically to the base member. Alternatively, the finned member is secured adhesively to the base member.
Preferably, at least when the finned member is secured mechanically to the base member, a heat-conductive material is interposed between each web and the adjacent portion of the contact surface of the base member. The heat-conductive material bridges minute gaps between the webs and the adjacent portions of the contact surface of the base member.
Preferably, when the finned member is secured mechanically to the base member, one of the members has tabs securing the finned member mechanically to the base member. More preferably, one of the members has tabs projecting through slots in the other member and bent so as to secure the finned member mechanically to the base member. Most preferably, the finned member has tabs projecting through slots in the base member and bent so as to secure the finned member mechanically to the base member.
Additionally, if the base member has two lateral flanges and if the finned member has two lateral flanges, each of the lateral portions of one said member can be then crimped around one of the lateral flanges of the other member so as further to secure the finned member mechanically to the base member.
Alternatively, so as to secure the finned member mechanically to the base member, the finned member is riveted, welded, as by spot welds, or brazed to the base member.
Alternatively, so as to secure the finned member adhesively to the base member, an adhesive, such as an epoxy, or an adhesive tape, such as a double-faced tape having an adhesive on each face, is interposed between each web and the adjacent portion of the contact surface of the base member.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention can be further understood from the following description of several contemplated embodiments of this invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3180404 (1965-04-01), Nelson et al.
patent: 5038858 (1991-08-01), Jordan et al.
patent: 5706169 (1998-01-01), Yeh
patent: 5771966 (1998-06-01), Jacoby
patent: 5791406 (1998-08-01), Gonner et al.
patent: 6176304 (2001-01-01), Lee
Gesklin Julio
Krempels Alan C.
Kulp John H.
Flanigan Allen
FlexTek Components, Inc.
Rockey Milnamow & Katz Ltd.
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