Cooling structure and electrical equipment

Abstract

The cooling structure (50) comprises: a main body (10) which releases heat received from a heat source through a heat dissipation surface (12) and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (13); a cover member (20) having an air inlet (21H) and a fastening portion (22a to 22d) fastened to the main body (10); and a fan mechanism (30). The cover member (20) is configured so that the cover member (20) covers the plurality of heat dissipation fins (13) from the end (13b) side, thereby forming a flow path (18). The fan mechanism (30) comprises: a fan main body (31) which generates airflow; and a base (32) which holds the fan main body (31) and mounts the fan main body (31) on the cover member (20). The base (32) receives a force from the main body (10) relative to the base (32), or is fastened to the main body (10) by a fastener (29). The cooling structure (50) includes a structure capable of suppressing vibration generated in a cover member forming a flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to cooling structures and electrical devices. Background Art

[0002] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-145079 (Patent Document 1), in an electrical device, various components (heat sources) are housed within a housing. A cooling structure is provided within the housing to dissipate heat. The cooling structure includes a plurality of fins and a fan mechanism for promoting heat dissipation from the fins.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-145079

[0004] The cooling structure also includes a cover member. The cover member is arranged to cover the multiple fins, thereby forming a tunnel-shaped flow path between them. By driving the fan mechanism, a refrigerant such as air passes through the flow path, promoting heat dissipation by the fins. The fan mechanism may be fixed to the cover member forming the flow path rather than to the main body portion where the multiple fins are provided. In such cases, the rotation of the fan can easily cause the cover member to vibrate, potentially generating noise and the like. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present specification aims to disclose a cooling structure having a structure capable of suppressing vibration generated in a cover member forming a flow path, and an electric device having such a cooling structure.

[0006] 12. The heat dissipation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bridge has two opposite ends, and one of the ends is connected to the bridge having two opposite ends, and the other is connected to the bridge having two opposite ends, and the other is connected to the bridge having two opposite ends.

[0007] An electric device according to the present disclosure includes a housing and a heat source accommodated in the housing, and the housing is provided with the above-mentioned cooling structure according to the present disclosure.

[0008] According to the structure disclosed in this specification, it is possible to obtain a cooling structure having a structure capable of suppressing vibrations generated in a cover member forming a flow path, and an electric device having such a cooling structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an electric device 100 including the cooling structure 50 according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing main body 10 included in cooling structure 50 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the cooling structure 50 according to the first embodiment in an exploded state.

[0012] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 , which is a cross-sectional view taken along the IV-IV line in the direction of the arrows, shows the cross-sectional structure of the cooling structure 50 in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 A cross-sectional structure of a cooling structure 50Z according to a comparative example is shown.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing a cooling structure 50A according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a main body 10A included in a cooling structure according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a cooling structure 50B according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components, and the description thereof may not be repeated.

[0018] [Implementation Method 1]

[0019] (Electrical Device 100)

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electrical device 100 including a cooling structure 50. The electrical device 100 includes a housing 40 and a heat source 42 housed within the housing 40. The heat source 42 is composed of various components and generates heat during operation. The cooling structure 50 is provided in the housing 40 for heat dissipation.

[0021] (Cooling Structure 50)

[0022] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing the main body 10 included in the cooling structure 50 . Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the cooling structure 50 in an exploded state. Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view in the direction of the arrow of line IV-IV in FIG. 1 shows the cross-sectional structure of the cooling structure 50. Figures 1 to 4 (Mainly Figure 3 ), the cooling structure 50 includes a main body 10, a cover member 20 and a fan mechanism 30.

[0023] (Main body 10)

[0024] The main body 10 includes a flat base 11 and a plurality of heat sinks 13 provided on the base 11. The surface of the base 11 (the surface of the base 11 located at the end side in the thickness direction of the base 11) forms a heat dissipation surface 12 ( Figure 4 ). A plurality of heat sinks 13 protrude from the heat sink surface 12, and a base end 13a ( Figure 3 ) toward the end 13b and in the height direction H ( Figure 3 The height direction H of the present disclosure may also be referred to as the thickness direction of the base portion 11.

[0025] The base portion 11 is also provided with a relatively large portion extending in a substantially U-shape along three sides of the base portion 11 in a plan view. The U-shaped inner peripheral surface of this portion also forms the flow path 18 described below, so this portion can also function as the heat sink 13.

[0026] The heat dissipation surface 12 includes a flat area 12a on which the plurality of heat dissipation fins 13 are not provided. The plurality of heat dissipation fins 13 are arranged to surround the flat area 12a partially or entirely from all sides (see Figure 2 ). Furthermore, the "flat region 12a not provided with the plurality of heat sinks 13" referred to herein does not include the portion of the lower surface of the flow path defined by the plurality of elongated heat sinks 13. When viewed from above, the flat region 12a has a larger surface area than the lower surface of the flow path defined by the plurality of heat sinks 13 (the surface formed by the heat sink surface 12), and also has a larger surface area than the fan body 31 of the fan mechanism 30 described later.

[0027] Four screw holes 17a to 17d are provided on the upper surface 14 of the main body 10. The upper surface 14 is the surface on the opposite side of the base 11 in the above-mentioned U-shaped portion (heat sink 13) provided along the outer periphery of the base 11. The upper surface 14 is the surface of the heat sink 13 that constitutes the end 13b, which extends in a direction intersecting the direction from the base end 13a toward the end 13b. The screw holes 17a to 17d are not necessarily provided in the portion of the main body 10 that functions as a heat sink. The screw holes 17a to 17d can be provided at any position of the main body 10, and the screw holes 17a to 17d can also be provided in a portion that does not function as a heat sink.

[0028] The main body 10 further includes a protrusion 15 that protrudes from the heat dissipation surface 12 in the height direction H. Similar to the heat dissipation fin 13, the protrusion 15 protrudes from the heat dissipation surface 12 and extends from a base end 15s ( Figure 4 ) extends in the height direction H toward the distal end 15t. The protrusion 15 is a portion to which the base portion 32, described later, is fastened. The upper end surface 15a of the protrusion 15 (in more detail, the surface of the protrusion 15 extending in a direction intersecting the direction from the base end 15s toward the distal end 15t that constitutes the distal end 15t) is positioned one level lower than the upper surface 14 in the height direction H. A screw hole 15b is provided in the upper end surface 15a.

[0029] The heat source 42 ( Figure 1 ) is transferred to the base portion 11. The main body 10 dissipates heat received from the heat source 42 via the base portion 11 through the heat dissipation surface 12 and the plurality of heat sinks 13. Alternatively, the main body 10 and the housing 40 may be manufactured separately, with the main body 10 mounted on the housing 40. Alternatively, the main body 10 may be pre-formed integrally with the housing 40 as one of its components.

[0030] (Cover member 20)

[0031] The cover member 20 has a flat plate shape and has fastening portions 22a to 22d fastened to the main body 10. The cover member 20 is configured to cover the plurality of heat sinks 13 from the end 13b side, so that the cover member 20, the heat dissipation surface 12, and the plurality of heat sinks 13 together form a plurality of flow paths 18 ( Figure 1 ).

[0032] The fastening parts 22a to 22d are provided on the outer periphery of the cover member 20. The fastening parts 22a to 22d of the present embodiment are provided at the four corners of the cover member 20. Through holes 23a to 23d are formed at the four corners of the cover member 20, respectively. The cover member 20 is arranged on the main body 10 in such a manner that the through holes 23a to 23d are connected to the screw holes 17a to 17d of the main body 10, respectively. In addition, the number 4 (four corners) here is an example, and it can also be any number such as 3 or 5. The outer shape of the cover member 20 is not limited to a rectangle, and can be any shape such as a polygon, an ellipse, or a circle.

[0033] The fasteners 27a to 27d respectively inserted into the through holes 23a to 23d are screwed into the screw holes 17a to 17d of the main body 10, so that the cover member 20 is fastened to the main body 10 by the fasteners 27a to 27d. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the peripheral edges of the through holes 23a to 23d in the cover member 20 are fastened to the main body 10 by fasteners 27a to 27d, and the peripheral edges of the through holes 23a to 23d in the cover member 20 abut against the fastening portions 22a to 22d.

[0034] An air inlet 21H is formed through the substantially center of the cover member 20. Through holes 24a, 24b, and 25 are formed around the air inlet 21H in the cover member 20. Although details will be described later, fasteners 28a, 28b, and 29 are inserted through the through holes 24a, 24b, and 25, respectively. These fasteners 28a, 28b, and 29 secure the base 32 of the fan mechanism 30 to the cover member 20.

[0035] Reinforcing ribs 26a and 26b are formed on the cover member 20. The ribs 26a and 26b extend from a position closer to the base portion 32 (in other words, from the side of the cover member 20 where the base portion 32 is attached) toward a position closer to the fastening portions 22c and 22d. The ribs 26a and 26b are formed by, for example, stamping the cover member 20, and enhance the rigidity of the cover member 20.

[0036] (Fan mechanism 30)

[0037] The fan mechanism 30 includes a fan body 31 and a base 32, and is fastened to the cover member 20. When the cover member 20 is fastened to the main body 10, the fan body 31 is arranged to face the flat area 12a of the heat dissipation surface 12 (see FIG. Figure 3 In the height direction H( Figure 4 ), the fan body 31 is disposed between the cover member 20 and the heat dissipation surface 12. The fan body 31 (particularly, the blade portion 31b described below) is surrounded by a plurality of heat dissipation fins 13 from all sides.

[0038] The fan body 31 includes a driving portion 31a and a blade portion 31b. When the blade portion 31b is driven to rotate, the air inlet 21H ( Figure 1 ) This side becomes the upstream and the flow path 18 ( Figure 1 The fan body 31 can be composed of a centrifugal fan (e.g., a multi-blade fan, a turbofan) that draws air in along the direction of the rotation axis of the blade portion 31b through the air inlet 21H and efficiently ejects air toward the outer side in the rotation radial direction (the side where the plurality of heat sinks 13 are arranged).

[0039] The base portion 32 is formed of a thin plate-like member, holds the fan body 31, and mounts the fan body 31 to the cover member 20. The base portion 32 includes an annular outer peripheral portion 33a, a central portion 33b disposed inside the outer peripheral portion 33a, and three connecting portions 33c. The three connecting portions 33c extend radially from the central portion 33b in a radial direction, connecting the central portion 33b to the outer peripheral portion 33a. The number "3" here is for illustration only, and any number, such as two or four, may also be used. The drive portion 31a of the fan body 31 is fastened to the central portion 33b.

[0040] Screw holes 34a, 34b and a through-hole 35 are formed in the outer peripheral portion 33a of the base portion 32. Fasteners 28a, 28b are respectively inserted through the through-holes 24a, 24b of the cover member 20 and screwed into the screw holes 34a, 34b of the base portion 32. Fastener 29 is inserted through the through-hole 25 of the cover member 20 and the through-hole 35 of the base portion 32 and screwed into the screw hole 15b of the main body portion 10 (protrusion 15). The base portion 32 is fastened to the cover member 20 by fasteners 28a, 28b. The base portion 32 is also fastened to the protrusion 15 of the main body portion 10 by fastener 29. Fastener 29 fastens both the cover member 20 and the base portion 32 to the protrusion 15. The base portion 32 is sandwiched between the cover member 20 and the upper end surface 15a of the protrusion 15.

[0041] (Function and Effect)

[0042] In this embodiment, when forming the flow path 18 ( Figure 1 ) cover member 20 is fastened to the fan mechanism 30. Alternatively, the fan mechanism 30 may be fastened to the main body 10, for example. In this case, the fan body 31 is stably held by the main body 10. Therefore, even if the fan body 31 is driven to rotate, the effect is hardly transmitted to the cover member 20, and noise caused by vibration of the cover member 20 is hardly generated. On the other hand, if the fan mechanism 30 is fastened to the cover member 20, the rotation of the blade portion 31b tends to vibrate the cover member 20, and noise caused by the vibration of the cover member 20 tends to be generated.

[0043] Figure 5 The cross-sectional structure of the cooling structure 50Z in the comparative example is shown. In the cooling structure 50Z, the structure of the first embodiment (cooling structure 50) in which the base portion 32 of the fan body 31 is fastened to the main body 10 (protrusion 15) by the fastener 29 is not adopted. Therefore, the fastening portions 22a to 22d (see Figure 3 ) forms a fixed end and the position of the base portion 32 forms a free end, so that the fan mechanism 30 is maintained in a cantilever beam shape (in a state of floating relative to the main body 10), forming a situation where vibration is easily generated.

[0044] As described above, in the cooling structure 50 of the first embodiment, the base portion 32 of the fan body 31 is fastened to the main body 10 (protrusion 15) by the fastener 29. The fastening portions 22a to 22d (see Figure 3 ) forms a fixed end, and the portion of the base portion 32 connected to the protrusion 15 also forms a fixed end. The fan mechanism 30 is supported at nearly both ends. Therefore, even when the blade portion 31b is driven to rotate, the cover member 20 is unlikely to vibrate, and the generation of noise caused by the vibration of the cover member 20 is effectively suppressed.

[0045] In particular, in cooling structure 50 of Embodiment 1, fastening portions 22a to 22d are positioned outwardly away from base portion 32. Without any countermeasures, this creates a situation where vibration is more likely to occur. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the portion of base portion 32 connected to protrusion 15 also forms a fixed end, effectively suppressing noise and the like caused by vibration of cover member 20.

[0046] As described above, in the cooling structure 50, reinforcing ribs 26a and 26b are formed on the cover member 20. The reinforcing ribs 26a and 26b extend from the base portion 32 side (from the location on the cover member 20 where the base portion 32 is attached) toward the fastening portions 22c and 22d side. The presence of the reinforcing ribs 26a and 26b increases the rigidity of the cover member 20, making it less susceptible to vibration and effectively suppressing noise caused by the vibration of the cover member 20.

[0047] As described above, in cooling structure 50, fan body 31 is arranged to face flat region 12a of heat dissipation surface 12. While flat region 12a is not necessarily formed on base 11 (heat dissipation surface 12), this configuration allows air from fan body 31 to contact flat region 12a and move radially, allowing it to flow efficiently into flow path 18.

[0048] Furthermore, as described above, in the cooling structure 50, the fan body 31 is disposed between the cover member 20 and the heat dissipation surface 12 in the height direction. This configuration is not essential, but by adopting it, a configuration can be achieved in which the plurality of heat dissipation fins 13 surround the fan body 31 (blade portion 31b) from all sides, thereby achieving a reduction in weight, thickness, and size of the cooling structure 50.

[0049] As described above, in cooling structure 50, protrusion 15 is provided on main body 10, and base 32 of fan body 31 is fastened to protrusion 15 via fastener 29. While protrusion 15 is not necessarily provided on main body 10, its presence makes it easy and simple to secure base 32 to main body 10. Specifically, base 32 is sandwiched between cover member 20 and upper end surface 15a of protrusion 15, forming a fixed end. To secure base 32 to main body 10, a bracket or the like can be provided downwardly from base 32 and connected to any portion of base 11 or heat dissipation surface 12. This structure allows the portion of base 32 connected to protrusion 15 to form a fixed end, effectively suppressing noise and other noise caused by vibration of cover member 20.

[0050] As described above, in cooling structure 50, fastener 29 fastens both lid member 20 and pedestal 32 to protrusion 15. A single fastener 29 can fasten lid member 20 to protrusion 15 and pedestal 32 to protrusion 15.

[0051] [Implementation Method 2]

[0052] Figure 6 : is a cross-sectional view showing a cooling structure 50A according to Embodiment 2. In the cooling structure 50A, the position of the protrusion 15 is different from that in the case of Embodiment 1 (cooling structure 50). Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion 15 may be provided at a position closer to the center of the base 11. In the present embodiment, the fastener 28a functions as a fastener.

[0053] The distance between the fastening portions 22a to 22d (see Figure 3 ) The portion farther away can have a larger vibration amplitude. By arranging the protrusion 15 closer to the center of the base 11 (cover member 20), the portion of the pedestal 32 connected to the protrusion 15 forms a fixed end, effectively suppressing the generation of noise caused by the vibration of the cover member 20. Figure 4 The protrusion 15 shown and Figure 6 The protrusions 15 shown are also effective in both cases.

[0054] (Variation)

[0055] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a main body 10A of a cooling structure according to a modified example of Embodiment 2. The protrusion 15 may be formed integrally with at least one of the plurality of heat sinks 13. It is preferable to optimize the shape, size, and arrangement of the plurality of heat sinks 13, the fan body 31, and the protrusion 15 to ensure more efficient airflow and improved heat exchange efficiency. The structure of this modified example may also be effective from the perspective of miniaturization and thinness.

[0056] [Implementation Method 3]

[0057] Figure 8 : is a cross-sectional view showing a cooling structure 50B of embodiment 3. In each of the above embodiments, the base portion 32 of the fan body 31 is fastened to the main body 10 by the fastener 29 (fastener 28a). As the fastening portion, it can be realized by fastening with bolts, it can be realized by fastening formed by adhesive or welding, it can also be realized by riveting structure, etc. That is, the portion of the cover member that is fastened to the main body becomes the fastening portion. However, it is not necessary to use such a fastener 29 or the like as a structure of the fastening portion, for example Figure 8 As shown, the base portion 32 of the fan body 31 may be incorporated into the cooling structure in such a manner as to receive the force acting from the main body 10 on the base portion 32 .

[0058] The height of the protrusion 15 is made higher than that of the embodiment 2 ( Figure 6 ) is high. According to this structure, even if the fastener 28a ( Figure 6 ), the base portion 32 is also sandwiched between the cover member 20 and the upper end surface 15a of the protrusion 15, and the fan mechanism 30 is supported at both ends. Therefore, even when the blade portion 31b is driven to rotate, the cover member 20 is unlikely to vibrate, and the generation of noise caused by the vibration of the cover member 20 is effectively suppressed. Corresponding to the omission of the fastener 28a, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0059] While the embodiments have been described above, the above disclosure is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0060] Description of Reference Numerals

[0061] 10, 10A...Main body, 11...Base, 12...Heat dissipation surface, 12a...Flat area, 13...Heat dissipation fin, 13a, 15s...Base end, 13b, 15t...Tip end, 14...Upper surface, 15...Protrusion, 15a...Upper end surface, 15b, 17a, 17d, 34a, 34b...Screw holes, 18...Flow path, 20...Lid member, 21H...Air inlet, 22a, 22c, 22d...Fastening portion, 23a, 23d, 24a, 24b, 25 , 35...through hole, 26a, 26b...reinforcing ribs, 27a, 27d, 28a, 28b, 29...fasteners, 30...fan mechanism, 31...fan body, 31a...driving portion, 31b...blade portion, 32...base portion, 33a...peripheral portion, 33b...central portion, 33c...connecting portion, 40...housing, 42...heat source, 50, 50A, 50B, 50Z...cooling structure, 100...electrical device, AR...arrow, H...height direction.

Claims

1. A cooling structure, characterized in that: have: a main body having a heat dissipation surface and a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the heat dissipation surface and extending in a height direction from a base end toward a distal end on the heat dissipation surface side, and dissipating heat received from a heat source through the heat dissipation surface and the plurality of heat dissipation fins; a cover member having an air introduction port and a fastening portion fastened to the main body; as well as a fan mechanism fixed to the cover member, The cover member is configured so as to cover the plurality of radiating fins from the distal end side, thereby forming a flow path together with the radiating surface and the plurality of radiating fins. The fan mechanism has: a fan body that generates an airflow with the air inlet side being upstream and the flow path side being downstream by being rotationally driven; and a pedestal portion that holds the fan body and mounts the fan body to the cover member, The base portion is fastened to the main body portion by fasteners, The fastening portion is provided at a position away from the base portion toward the outside. The pedestal portion is fastened to the cover member at a position separated from the main body portion and the fastener by another fastener independent of the fastener.

2. The cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein: The heat dissipation surface includes a flat area where the plurality of heat dissipation fins are not provided. The plurality of heat sinks are configured to surround the flat area partially or entirely from all sides. The fan body is arranged to face the flat area.

3. The cooling structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main body further comprises: a protrusion protruding from the heat dissipation surface, The pedestal portion is fastened to the protrusion portion by the fastener.

4. The cooling structure according to claim 3, wherein: The fastener fastens both the cover member and the seat portion to the protrusion.

5. The cooling structure according to claim 3, wherein: The protrusion is formed integrally with at least one of the plurality of heat sinks.

6. The cooling structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In the height direction, the fan body is arranged between the cover member and the heat dissipation surface.

7. The cooling structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cover member is formed with a reinforcement rib extending from a position on the seat portion side toward a position on the fastening portion side.

8. An electrical device, characterized in that: have: housing; and a heat source housed in the housing, The cooling structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided in the housing.

9. A cooling structure, characterized in that: have: a main body having a heat dissipation surface and a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the heat dissipation surface and extending in a height direction from a base end toward a distal end on the heat dissipation surface side, and dissipating heat received from a heat source through the heat dissipation surface and the plurality of heat dissipation fins; a cover member having an air introduction port and a fastening portion fastened to the main body; as well as a fan mechanism fixed to the cover member, The cover member is configured so as to cover the plurality of radiating fins from the distal end side, thereby forming a flow path together with the radiating surface and the plurality of radiating fins. The fan mechanism has: a fan body that generates an airflow with the air inlet side being upstream and the flow path side being downstream by being rotationally driven; and a pedestal portion that holds the fan body and mounts the fan body to the cover member, The base portion receives a force acting from the main body portion on the base portion. The fastening portion is provided at a position away from the pedestal portion toward the outside.

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