(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0052663 A1
`Laing et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`US 200400.52663A1
`
`(54) DEVICE FOR THE LOCAL COOLING OR
`HEATING OF AN OBJECT
`(75) Inventors: Oliver Laing, Stuttgart (DE); Karsten
`Laing, Althutte (DE); Birger Laing,
`Marbach (DE)
`Correspondence Address:
`FOLEY & LARDNER
`P.O. BOX 80278
`SAN DIEGO, CA 92138-0278 (US)
`(73) Assignee: Laing Thermotech, Inc.
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/434,307
`(22) Filed:
`May 7, 2003
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Sep. 13, 2002 (DE)..................................... 102 43 026.8
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ...................................................... F04B 39/06
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................................... 417/423.8
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A device for the local cooling or heating of an object by
`means of a fluid is disclosed. The device comprises a
`circulation pump for the fluid. Athermal contact element for
`making thermal contact with the object is integrated in the
`circulation pump.
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 18, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 2004/0052663 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 18, 2004 Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 2004/0052663 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 18, 2004 Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 2004/0052663 A1
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`IPR2022-01317
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 18, 2004 Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 2004/0052663 A1
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`FIG.6
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`IPR2022-01317
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`

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`US 2004/0052663 A1
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`DEVICE FOR THE LOCAL COOLING OR
`HEATING OF AN OBJECT
`
`RELATED APPLICATION
`0001. The present disclosure relates to the subject matter
`disclosed in German application No. 102 43 026.8 of Sep.
`13, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
`entirety and for all purposes.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0002 The invention relates to a device for the local
`cooling or heating of an object by means of a liquid,
`comprising a circulation pump for the liquid.
`0003) Devices of this type are used, for example, for the
`liquid cooling of microprocessors.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with the invention, a device for the
`0004.
`local cooling or heating of an object is provided which is of
`Simple design Since a thermal contact element for making
`thermal contact with the object is integrated in the circula
`tion pump.
`0005 Therefore, according to an embodiment of the
`invention, a thermal contact element Such as a heat Sink or
`heater which is brought into contact with the object is part
`of the circulation pump. In this way, it is possible to achieve
`a compact design of a liquid cooling device or heating
`device with effective cooling or heating of the object with
`which contact is made.
`0006 Furthermore, it is possible to achieve a high level
`of efficiency with regard to the cooling or heating, Since a
`fluid is accelerated before it is brought in contact with the
`thermal contact element, and the flow which is generated
`makes it possible to achieve good thermal contact with the
`thermal contact element. It is then possible for heat to be
`optimally dissipated or optimally Supplied. It is also possible
`to use the circulation pump to establish a flow pattern which
`is optimal for the removal (dissipation) of heat or Supply of
`heat.
`0007. By suitably shaping the thermal contact element, in
`particular Such that it is matched to a contact Surface of the
`object, it is possible to achieve a good cooling function or
`heating function in combination with minimized dimen
`SOS.
`0008. In particular, it is advantageous if the thermal
`contact element is part of a housing of the circulation pump.
`AS a result, the device can be produced in a simple way.
`Furthermore, with Suitable positioning of the circulation
`pump it is possible to achieve a cooling function or heating
`function with regard to the object: the circulation pump is
`positioned with the thermal contact element on the object
`and is fixed with respect thereto, for example by means of
`clipS or positively locking connections.
`0009. In particular, it is provided that the thermal contact
`element constitutes a housing cover of the circulation pump,
`So that the thermal contact element does not form an
`additional component and the circulation pump and there
`fore also the device can be produced in a simple way.
`
`0010. In particular, in this case the thermal contact ele
`ment is a boundary of a Swirl chamber of the circulation
`pump and confines the Swirl chamber at least at one end
`thereof. In the Swirl chamber, a Swirl is produced in the
`liquid, and at an outlet this Swirl is converted in a spiral
`pump housing into pressure for circulation of the liquid. If
`the thermal contact element confines the Swirl chamber, it is
`possible to achieve optimum thermal coupling between
`liquid and thermal contact element and therefore in turn to
`achieve an optimum dissipation of heat from or Supply of
`heat to the object.
`0011. In particular, an impeller (paddle wheel), which is
`driven, for example, as part of an electric motor and by
`means of which a Swirl can be generated in the liquid, is
`rotatably arranged in the Swirl chamber.
`0012. It is also possible for the circulation pump to have
`a cover plate, in particular in the form of a covering disk for
`the paddle wheel. A cover plate usually increases the pump
`output, while without a cover plate the flow velocity is
`higher. The use or omission of a cover plate makes it
`possible to establish the optimum conditions for the Specific
`application.
`0013. It is very particularly advantageous if a through
`flow which is generated by means of the impeller is guided
`past the thermal contact element. By guiding by this flow, it
`is possible to achieve optimum thermal coupling between
`circulation pump and the object, So that once again optimum
`cooling or heating can be achieved.
`0014.
`If the impeller is arranged facing the thermal
`contact element, it is possible to establish optimized flow
`guidance in order to dissipate heat from the thermal contact
`element or to Supply heat to the thermal contact element.
`0015. In a variant of an exemplary embodiment, the
`thermal contact element is made from a metallic material,
`Such as copper, in order to achieve a high thermal conduc
`tivity, in order, in turn, to allow optimum dissipation of heat
`from an object or optimum Supply of heat to an object.
`0016. If the thermal contact element is formed as a plate,
`which in particular has a constant height, it is possible to
`avoid heat peaks (hot spots) in the thermal contact element.
`0017. In principle, it is possible for the circulation pump
`to comprise an electric motor, Such as a cylinder motor, a
`disk motor or an external rotor motor, or for it to be driven
`by means of a permanent-magnetic coupling.
`0018. However, it is very particularly advantageous if the
`circulation pump is a centrifugal pump with a spherical
`electric motor. It is then possible to achieve a play-free
`bearing of a rotor, So that firstly a long Service life and
`therefore a high reliability of the circulation pump are
`ensured. Secondly, with a Substantially Spherical bearing,
`the noise produced is minimized, So that there is reduced
`operating noise. Furthermore, the overall height (parallel to
`the axis of rotation of the rotor) can be minimized in a
`centrifugal pump.
`0019. In particular, a substantially spherical bearing for a
`rotor of the circulation pump is provided, in order to obtain
`a play-free bearing while minimizing the overall height.
`0020) Furthermore, it is expedient if the circulation pump
`comprises an electric motor having a Stator and a rotor,
`
`
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`US 2004/0052663 A1
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`between which a Substantially spherical air gap is formed. A
`centrifugal pump having an electric motor of this type is
`disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,268 and DE 35 38504 C2,
`to which reference is hereby expressly made.
`0021
`Furthermore, it is expedient if there is coaxial flow
`through the circulation pump at least in the region between
`an inflow region and an outflow region, in order in this way
`to obtain optimum distribution of the cooling or heating
`liquid to the thermal contact element.
`0022. To minimize the dimensions of the device accord
`ing to the invention, a feed line for liquid medium is
`advantageously connected to a housing of the circulation
`pump transversely with respect to an axis of rotation of a
`rotor of the circulation pump, and/or a discharge line for
`liquid medium is advantageously connected to a housing of
`the circulation pump transversely with respect to an axis of
`rotation of a rotor of the circulation pump. In this context, in
`particular the feed line and/or discharge line is/are connected
`to the housing at right angles with respect to the axis of
`rotation. As a result, liquid medium can be Supplied or
`discharged laterally, So that the overall height of the device
`is not increased.
`0023) If a discharge line for discharging liquid medium
`from the circulation pump and a feed line for feeding liquid
`medium to the circulation pump are connected to the same
`Side of a housing of the circulation pump, it is also possible
`to minimize the lateral dimensions of the device and in
`particular the Space required to form a loop for the liquid
`medium.
`0024. The thermal contact element is advantageously
`arranged on the pressure side of the circulation pump (and
`not on the Suction side), in order in this way to obtain
`optimum flow guidance and in particular to be able to apply
`a flow with a high degree of turbulence to the thermal
`contact element, in order in turn to achieve optimum thermal
`coupling.
`0.025 To increase the thermal contact surface area of the
`liquid in the thermal contact element, it is possible for the
`thermal contact element to have fins on its inner Side. These
`may, for example, be circular or Spiral walls.
`0026. In a variant of an embodiment, the fins are formed
`in Such a way as to promote turbulence, in order in this way
`to further improve the thermal coupling.
`0027. In a variant of an embodiment, it is provided that
`in an air gap between a Stator and a rotor, blades are arranged
`on the rotor, in order in particular to generate additional
`Swirl in the liquid. The blades are disposed in Such a way
`that the Spherical geometry is Substantially retained.
`0028. It is advantageous for a swirl chamber of the
`circulation pump to have a variable Volume and in particular
`for a confining element of the Swirl chamber to be able to
`move relative to the remainder of the housing. In this way,
`it is possible to provide an expansion volume for the liquid
`without having to provide separate expansion means. (The
`liquid expands when heated.) Furthermore, in this way it is
`possible to exert an initial pressure in order in particular to
`prevent air from entering into the System.
`0029. In particular, it is provided that the circulation
`pump has a housing part which is formed flexibly and/or is
`movable, and in particular is disposed movably on the
`
`housing, in Such a manner that it is possible to exert a
`positive pressure on the System. In this way, it is possible to
`prevent air from entering into the System. By way of
`example, the housing part may be a flexible plate, a flexible
`diaphragm or a bellows.
`0030) Furthermore, it is expedient if the circulation pump
`has a housing part which is formed flexibly and/or is
`movable in Such a manner that it is possible to provide an
`expansion Volume for the liquid, So that there is no need to
`provide any Separate expansion vessels in a liquid circuit.
`0031. It is possible for the flexible and/or movable hous
`ing part to be arranged on the opposite Side of the housing
`from the contact element, and in particular to be arranged on
`a Suction side of the housing. The corresponding housing
`part is in this case arranged Substantially parallel to a Surface
`of the object which is to be cooled or heated and in particular
`is oriented parallel to the contact element. However, the
`flexible and/or movable housing part may also be formed by
`the contact element itself.
`0032. The thermal contact element is then of flexible
`form and/or is mounted movably on a housing of the
`circulation pump. Then, by way of example, the thermal
`contact element is formed as a flexible plate which, however,
`Still has Sufficient inherent rigidity. In this way, it is possible
`to provide an expansion Volume for the liquid after heating
`and also to exert a positive pressure on the System.
`0033. It is also possible for the thermal contact element to
`be a thin diaphragm which positions itself against the object
`or is surrounded by a bellows.
`0034.
`In particular, it is provided that a positive pressure
`can be exerted on the System by means of a fixing device for
`fixing the circulation pump to the object. A fixing device of
`this type can be used to fix the circulation pump with the
`contact element on or with respect to the object which is to
`be cooled or heated. This can be achieved by exerting a
`corresponding holding force. This holding force can also be
`used to exert the positive preSSure, it being possible for the
`force to act directly on the flexible and/or movable housing
`part or for this force to be imparted via the holding force.
`0035) In particular, it is provided that the circulation
`pump is held with respect to the object by means of one or
`more clips. In this way, it is possible to achieve Simple fixing
`of the circulation pump and therefore of the device for local
`cooling or heating with respect to the object.
`0036) The following description of preferred embodi
`ments, in combination with the drawing, Serves to provide a
`more detailed explanation of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0037 FIG. 1 shows a partially cutaway view of an
`exemplary embodiment of a device according to the inven
`tion for the local cooling or heating of an object;
`0038 FIG. 2 shows a plan view in the direction A of the
`device shown in FIG. 1;
`0039 FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of an exem
`plary embodiment of a thermal contact element;
`0040 FIG. 4 shows a further exemplary embodiment of
`a thermal contact element;
`
`
`
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`US 2004/0052663 A1
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`0041 FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of
`a thermal contact element;
`0.042
`FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a fixing device
`for fixing a circulation pump to the object; and
`0.043
`FIG. 7 shows a variant of the exemplary embodi
`ment illustrated in FIG. 6.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`0044 An exemplary embodiment of a device according
`to the invention for the local cooling or heating of an object,
`which is denoted overall by 10 in FIG. 1, comprises a
`circulation pump 12, by means of which a fluid, Such as
`water or other liquids, can be guided in a loop (FIG. 2) as
`a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium can be
`used as a cooling medium, in order to cool an object 14, Such
`as for example an electronic component, Such as a processor,
`which is positioned on a circuit board 16, for example. The
`heat transfer medium can also be used for heating an object.
`004.5 The circulation pump 12 comprises a housing 18.
`A feed line 20 is provided to allow a fluid to enter into the
`housing 18 by means of an opening 22 leading into a Suction
`Side of the circulation pump 12. A discharge line 26 leads
`away from the housing 18 via an opening 24 from a pressure
`Side (delivery Side) of the circulation pump 12.
`0046) The housing 18 may be pressed onto the object 14,
`for example by means of pressure-exerting clips (not
`shown).
`0047. If the device is used as a cooling device, a cooling
`fluid, Such as water, is Supplied via the feed line 20, and
`heated cooling liquid which has been heated as a result of the
`cooling of the object 14, is discharged via the discharge line
`26.
`If the device is used as a heating device, a heating
`0.048
`fluid is supplied via the feed line 20 and then heats the object
`14 and, in the process the heating fluid is cooled. The cooled
`heating liquid is discharged via the discharge line 26.
`0049. The discharge line 26 and the feed line 20 are
`connected to one another outside the housing 18 of the
`circulation pump 12, in order to form a loop 28 for the liquid.
`This loop 28 has a cooling section or heating section 30
`which is arranged outside the housing 18 and along which
`heated cooling liquid can be cooled, for example by means
`of air cooling, or cooled heating medium can be heated. The
`cooling Section or heating Section 30 for this purpose has a
`Suitable Surface area to allow effective cooling or heating.
`0050. The thermal contact between the fluid and the
`object 14 is provided by a thermal contact element 32 which
`is integrated into the circulation pump 12. The thermal
`contact element 32 preferably provides and, in particular,
`forms a housing cover for the housing 18. The thermal
`contact element 32 may be, for example, in the shape of a
`plate and made from a metallic material.
`0051) To form the thermal contact, the thermal contact
`element 32 touches the object 14 over the largest possible
`surface area. It is preferable for that surface of the thermal
`contact element 32 which faces the object 14 to be at least
`as large as a contact Surface of the object 14.
`
`0052 An interior space 36, in which an electric motor,
`denoted overall by 38, is accommodated, is formed in the
`housing 18 of the circulation pump 12. The electric motor
`comprises a rotor 42 which can rotate about an axis of
`rotation 40.
`0053) The opening 22 for the feed line 20 and the feed
`line 20 itself, at least in the region of the opening, and also
`the opening 24 and the discharge line 26, at least in the
`region of this opening 24, are oriented transversely, and in
`particular at right angles, with respect to the axis of rotation
`40, in order to be able to maintain a low height of the
`circulation pump 12 and, therefore, of the device 10 in the
`direction of the axis of rotation 40.
`0054 The opening 22 and the opening 24 are preferably
`arranged on the same (transverse) side 43 of the housing 18
`of the circulation pump 12.
`0055 ASwirl chamber 44, in which a Swirl is imparted to
`liquid which has been Supplied via the feed line 20, using an
`impeller 46 (paddle wheel) which is connected in a rota
`tionally fixed manner to the rotor 42, and in which Swirling
`liquid flows, is formed in the interior Space 36 of the housing
`18. PreSSure conversion takes place in a spiral housing of the
`circulation pump 12, in order for the liquid to be pumped
`through the circuit 28. The liquid is also guided past the
`thermal contact element 32 in order to transfer heat.
`0056. The swirl chamber 44 is formed in the interior
`space 36 between walls 48, the thermal contact element 32
`also being positioned on these walls, facing the object 14.
`One or more fluid seals 52, for example in the form of
`O-rings, is/are disposed between end faces 50 of these walls
`48 and the thermal contact element 32.
`0057 The electric motor 38 of the circulation pump 12
`may, for example, be formed as a cylinder motor, as a disk
`motor or as an external rotor motor, or alternatively the
`circulation pump may be driven by means of a permanent
`magnetic coupling.
`0.058. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
`circulation pump 12 is formed as a centrifugal pump with a
`corresponding electric motor 38 which comprises a Stator
`54, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the
`housing 18, and a rotatably mounted rotor 42.
`0059. The rotor 42 is mounted on a convex sliding
`partner 60 by means of a bearing cap 58.
`0060. The convex sliding partner 60, which is substan
`tially formed in particular as a sphere, is Seated on a bearing
`support 62 which extends in the direction of the axis of
`rotation 40 and in particular is formed concentrically with
`respect thereto.
`0061 The bearing cap 58 is connected in a rotationally
`fixed manner to the paddle wheel 46.
`0062) The bearing cap 58 on the sliding partner 60 forms
`a Substantially Spherical bearing. As a result, the dimensions
`of the circulation pump 12 for the bearing of the rotor 42 can
`be minimized in the direction of the axis of rotation 40.
`0063) The rotor 42 of the electric motor 38 has a sub
`stantially spherical contour facing the walls 48 of the
`housing 18 (i.e., a contour which matches a partial region of
`a spherical Surface). A wall 64, which is, for example, made
`
`
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`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`from stainless steel, Surrounds the rotor 42. The rotor 42
`forms a single unit with the paddle wheel 46.
`0064. A through-flow region 66, which in particular is
`arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation
`40 and is, for example, approximately annular in croSS
`Section (with ribs disposed in the annular space), is formed
`around the bearing Support 62 at the rotor 42. This through
`flow region 66 connects an inflow region 68 of the circula
`tion pump 12, which in turn is connected to the feed line 20,
`to the Swirl chamber 44. The paddle wheel 46 is disposed in
`the Swirl chamber 44, so that the pressure side of the
`circulation pump 12 is formed here, while the inflow region
`68 represents the Suction Side. Then, liquid is guided through
`the circulation pump 12 via the through-flow Space 66, and
`a Swirl is imparted to the liquid which is conducted through
`by the paddle wheel 46, the pressure required to pump the
`liquid through the loop 28 is then produced.
`0065. The bearing Support 62 is held on the housing 18 by
`means of radial ribs 67, it being ensured that the liquid can
`flow past. The bearing cap 58 is held in a rotationally fixed
`manner on the rotor 42 by means of radial ribs 69, it once
`again being ensured that the liquid can flow past in order to
`form the through-flow region 66.
`0.066. In a variant of an embodiment, a circuit board 70
`is positioned in the housing 18. Coils for the motor and
`electrical connectors for the coils may be mounted on the
`circuit board 70.
`0067. The stator 54 is formed by means of coil windings
`(not shown in the drawing) and magnetic return path ele
`ments 71 (yoke elements).
`0068. Between the rotor 42 and the stator 54 there is a
`Substantially Spherical wall 72 which is made, for example,
`from a plastics material. Between the rotor 42 and the
`spherical stator 54 an air gap 74 is defined, which is
`Substantially Spherical, i.e. is bounded with respect to the
`wall 72 by a part of a substantially spherical Surface and is
`likewise bounded with respect to the rotor 42 by part of a
`Substantially spherical Surface, the two spherical Surfaces
`lying essentially concentrically with respect to one another.
`The centers of the sphereslie on the axis of rotation 40 in the
`center of the Sliding partner 60, via which, once again by
`means of the bearing cap 58, the rotor 42 is mounted
`rotatably in the housing 18 of the circulation pump 12. The
`Spherical Surfaces may be slightly non-concentric with
`regard to the direction along the axis of rotation 40.
`0069. The paddle wheel 46 is positioned in the swirl
`chamber 44, facing the thermal contact element 32. It is
`possible for the paddle wheel 46 to be provided with a cover
`plate 76 facing the thermal contact element 32.
`0070 The device 10 according to the invention for cool
`ing or heating the object 14 functions in the following way:
`0071. The housing 18 of the circulation pump 12 is
`positioned with respect to the object 14 in Such a way that
`the thermal contact element 32 is Seated on the contact
`surface 34 of the object 14.
`0.072 By way of example, the object 14 is a micropro
`ceSSor which is to be cooled using water.
`0073. Then, cooling water is guided in the loop 28, by the
`circulation pump 12, past an inner side 78 of the thermal
`contact element 32, which is opposite to the contact Surface
`34 of the object 14.
`
`In this arrangement, it is possible for this inner side
`0074.
`to have fins in order to increase the Surface area, these fins
`being provided in particular with a structure which increases
`the turbulence. By way of example, circular or Spiral walls
`project toward the paddle wheel 46. In this way, the flow and
`in particular the flow of the cooling water past the thermal
`contact element 32 can be improved and the thermal contact
`can be improved, So that heat can be optimally dissipated
`and as a result the object 14 can be optimally cooled.
`0075 Cool cooling water is guided into the inflow region
`68 via the feed line 20. It then flows through the through
`flow region 66 coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation
`40. A swirl is imparted to this cooling water by the paddle
`wheel 46; this is then followed by pressure conversion in the
`Spiral housing, in order to pump the cooling water through
`the loop 28.
`0076. At the paddle wheel 46, the cooling water flows
`spirally outward with respect to the axis of rotation 40 and
`past the inner side 78 of the thermal contact element 32. As
`a result, heat can be dissipated from the thermal contact
`element 32 and therefore in turn from the object 14 through
`the cooling water, which correspondingly has taken up this
`heat.
`0077. The cooling section 30 has, by way of example, a
`heat-transfer Surface area which is three times to thirty times
`larger than the surface area of the inner side 78 of the
`thermal contact element 32 via which heat can be dissipated
`to the cooling water.
`0078. As an alternative or in addition to the paddle wheel
`46, it is possible for blades to be disposed on the rotor 42 in
`the air gap 74, with the Spherical Symmetry of the arrange
`ment being Substantially retained.
`0079 According to the invention, a centrifugal pump is
`provided as circulation pump 12, with Substantially Spheri
`cal bearing of the rotor 42. This spherical bearing via the
`bearing cap 58 and the sliding partner 60 results in a high
`freedom of play and therefore a long Service life of the
`circulation pump 12 combined, at the same time, with a low
`level of noise being produced during operation.
`0080 Furthermore, it is possible to produce low overall
`heights in the direction of the axis of rotation 40, so that it
`is possible to produce a compact device for example for
`cooling a microprocessor 14. The fact that the thermal
`contact element 32 is integrated in the circulation pump 12,
`and in particular the fact that it is designed as a housing
`cover, means that it is possible to achieve a simple and
`Space-Saving Structure of the device 10. In particular, there
`is no need for an external thermal contact element. The high
`flow velocities within the housing 18 of the circulation pump
`12 can be utilized directly to dissipate heat from the object
`14. The paddle wheel 46 directly faces the thermal contact
`element 32 and therefore the object 14.
`0081. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
`thermal contact element 32 is formed as a rigid plate which
`is made from a material with a good thermal conductivity,
`Such as copper.
`0082 It is also possible for the thermal contact element to
`be elastic. In an exemplary embodiment which is shown in
`FIG. 3, a flexible plate 80 is provided as thermal contact
`element 32, this flexible plate having sufficient inherent
`
`
`
`Shenzhen Apaltek Co., Ltd. Ex. 1015, Page 9 of 11
`Shenzhen Apaltek Co., Ltd. v. Asetek Danmark A/S
`IPR2022-01317
`
`

`

`US 2004/0052663 A1
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`rigidity. In particular, the flexible plate 80 comprises a
`thermal contact region 82 and a flexibility region 84, in order
`to effect optimum contact between the plate 80 and the
`object 14.
`0083) The flexibility of the thermal contact element 80
`means that the volume of the Swirl chamber 44 is variable.
`AS a result, it is possible to absorb expansion of the liquid
`without any load being imposed on the housing 18. More
`over, in this way it is possible to exert a pressure bias on the
`System.
`It is also possible for the thermal contact element to
`0084.
`comprise a membrane which rests against the object 14 or to
`comprise a flexible membrane.
`0085. In an exemplary embodiment which is shown in
`FIG. 4, the thermal contact element comprises bellows 86
`with a contact plate 88 for placing onto the object 14. The
`fact that the structure is formed as bellows 86 means that the
`contact plate 88 is moveable relative to the paddle wheel 46,
`with the result that, once again, the Volume of the Swirl
`chamber 44 can be varied.
`0.086. It is also possible to provide a thermal contact
`element 90 in conical form, as shown in FIG. 5, which may
`be a rigid arrangement or a flexible arrangement.
`0087. The device 10 according to the invention can also
`be used for local heating of the object 14 via the thermal
`contact element 32 and the contact surface 34 of the object
`14 if, in a corresponding way, in particular hot water is
`conducted past the inner side 78 of the thermal contact
`element 32 as heating liquid.
`0088 As shown in FIG. 6, the circulation pump 12 is
`fixed to the object 14 which is to be cooled or heated by
`means of a fixing device 92. By way of example, the fixing
`device 92 comprises one or more holding clips 94. If there
`is a plurality of holding clipS 94, these clips are spaced apart
`from one another.
`0089. A holding clip 94 is formed in the shape of a
`bracket and can be placed onto a side of the housing 18
`which is remote from the thermal contact element 32. Ends
`96a, 96b can be used to fix a holding clip 94 to the object
`14, which has corresponding holding recesses 98a, 98b.
`However, these holding recesses may also be arranged on
`the circuit board 16 or on a base which holds the circuit
`board 16.
`0090 The holding clip 94 is formed as a clamping
`bracket with a tensioning lever 100. When this tensioning
`lever 100 is open, the circulation pump 12 can be placed
`onto the object 14 or the circulation pump 12 can be pushed
`into the space between the holding clip 94 and the object 14.
`If the tensioning lever is then closed, which is the position
`illustrated in FIG. 6, a force is exerted in the direction of the
`object 14 via a bracket region 102, with the result that, in
`turn, the housing 18 of the circulation pump 12 is pressed
`onto the object 14 and as a result the circulation pump 12
`with the contact element 32 is fixed on the object 14 or is
`fixed with respect to this object 14.
`0091. With holding clips 94 of this type, it is possible to
`achieve rapid fixing of the circulation pump 12 to the object
`14 or to rapidly exchange the circulation pump 12.
`0092. If the thermal contact element 32 is not formed as
`a rigid plate, but rather as a flexible contact element or as a
`
`contact element which can move with respect to the housing
`18, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and outlined in this context, it
`is possible for a positive pressure to be exerted on the System
`via the fixing device 92 and the holding clips 94, in order to
`prevent the penetration of air. In this case, the thermal
`contact element forms a housing part which is flexible or is
`mounted movably on the housing 18 and with the aid of
`which it is possible to exert the positive pressure on the
`System.
`0093. It is also possible, as shown in FIG.