Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device (10) includes a cooling fan (40) and a device body (20) housing the cooling fan (40). The apparatus main body (20) has an upper main body suction port (22e) formed in an upper surface (22a), a lower main body suction port (23e) formed in a lower surface (23a), and an auxiliary air flow path (Pc) extending through the apparatus main body (20) in the vertical direction and allowing air to flow from one of the upper side and the lower side of the apparatus main body (20) to the other side. With this configuration, even if there is a difference in air intake performance between the two main body air intake ports (22e, 23e), a sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the air intake port having a large air intake performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] PCT patent publication No. WO2021 / 193882 discloses an electronic device that can be used as a gaming device, a video reproduction device, and the like. The electronic device has an equipment body that houses a circuit board, a cooling fan, and the like, and two external panels mounted on the upper and lower surfaces of the equipment body, respectively. An air intake is formed in each of the upper and lower surfaces of the equipment body. The air intake is covered by the external panel. The cooling fan is driven to introduce air into the equipment body through the two air intakes, and air is supplied to cool the components arranged above the circuit board and the components arranged below the circuit board. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some cases, due to the structure of an impeller of a cooling fan or due to the arrangement of components in the device, the flow of air is blocked, so that, for example, a difference in air suction performance between two air intake ports may occur.

[0004] The electronic device disclosed herein includes a cooling fan and a device body accommodating the cooling fan. The device body has a first outer surface that is an outer surface on a first side in a first direction, a second outer surface that is an outer surface on a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction, a first body air intake port formed in the first outer surface and adapted to introduce air toward the cooling fan, a second body air intake port formed in the second outer surface and adapted to introduce air toward the cooling fan, and an auxiliary air flow path extending through the device body in the first direction and allowing air to flow from one of the first side and the second side of the device body to the other.

[0005] According to this electronic device, even if there is a difference in suction performance between the first and second main body air inlets, air in amounts corresponding to the suction performance can be supplied to the first and second main body air inlets via the auxiliary air flow path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one example of an electronic device proposed in the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a plan view of an electronic device.

[0008] Figure 3 is a front view of the electronic device.

[0009] Figure 4Ais an exploded perspective view of the electronic device, and depicts an upper side of a device body, an upper side of an upper exterior panel, and an upper side of a lower exterior panel.

[0010] Figure 4B is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device, and depicts the underside of the device body, the underside of the upper exterior panel, and the underside of the lower exterior panel.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A A perspective view of the device body depicted in FIG.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a plan view of the main body of the equipment.

[0013] Figure 7 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII.

[0014] Figure 8 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII.

[0015] Figure 9A yes Figure 7 , and depicting the air intake formed in the upper exterior panel.

[0016] Figure 9B yes Figure 7 and depicting the air intake formed in the lower exterior panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an electronic device proposed in the present disclosure will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. As an example, an electronic device 10 will be explained in the present disclosure.

[0018] In the following instructions, Figure 1 The Z1 direction and the Z2 direction in the drawings are referred to as the upper side and the lower side, respectively. In addition, the X1 direction and the X2 direction are referred to as the right side and the left side, respectively, and the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction are referred to as the front side and the rear side, respectively. These directions are defined to describe the shapes of the elements (components, members, and components) of the electronic device 10 and the relative positional relationships between them. Therefore, the directions in the drawings are not intended to limit the posture of the electronic device 10 during use.

[0019] [Electronic equipment]

[0020] For example, the electronic device 10 is an entertainment device used as a gaming device or an audio-visual device. The electronic device 10 outputs video image data generated by executing a game program, video / sound data obtained via a network, or video / sound data obtained from a recording medium such as an optical disc to a display device such as a television. Alternatively, the electronic device may be a personal computer or a server computer.

[0021] like Figure 4A As shown, the electronic device 10 includes a device body 20, an upper external panel 51 covering an upper surface 22a of the device body 20, and a lower surface 23a (see FIG. Figure 4B )'s lower outer panel 52.

[0022] like Figure 4A As shown, the device body 20 has a housing 21. The housing 21 houses, for example, a circuit board 31 (see Figure 7 ). The circuit board 31 is mounted with various electronic components including a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a memory. In addition, the housing 21 may include a power supply device 34 (see Figure 4A The power supply device 34 receives power from outside the electronic device 10 and supplies power for driving devices included in the device body 20 (for example, the circuit board 31 and the cooling fan 40 ).

[0023] Furthermore, a cooling fan 40 and heat radiators (eg, heat sinks 32A and 32B and heat pipes 33) are provided in the housing 21 (see FIG. Figure 7 The heat radiator is connected to an electronic component such as a CPU. The cooling fan 40 introduces external air into the housing 21 and forms an air flow passing through the heat radiator.

[0024] The housing 21 may include, for example, an upper housing 21U (see Figure 7 ) and the lower housing 21L (refer to Figure 7 The upper case 21U covers the upper side of the circuit board 31, the upper side of the cooling fan 40, etc. The upper case 21U has an upper surface 22a (see FIG. 22 ) constituting the device body 20. Figure 4A ) of the upper wall 22. The lower case 21L covers the lower side of the circuit board 31, the lower side of the cooling fan 40, etc. The lower case 21L has a lower surface 23a (see Figure 4B )'s lower wall 23.

[0025] like Figure 7 As shown, cooling fan 40 includes an impeller 41 and a drive unit 42. Drive unit 42 houses an electric motor. Cooling fan 40 is arranged so that impeller 41 rotates about an axis Ax1 extending in the vertical direction. Impeller 41 has a plurality of fins 41a arranged in the direction of rotation of impeller 41. Each fin 41a is connected to the outer peripheral surface of drive unit 42.

[0026] like Figure 7As shown, the circuit board 31 is arranged to intersect the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the circuit board 31 may be positioned between the upper end of the impeller 41 (the upper edge 41c of each fin 41a) and the lower end of the impeller 41 (the lower edge 41d of each fin 41a). When the cooling fan 40 is driven, air flows outward in the radial direction of the impeller 41. Airflows F3 and F4 are then formed above and below the circuit board 31, respectively, along the circuit board 31.

[0027] [Inhalation]

[0028] An air intake port 22e is formed on the upper surface 22a (ie, the upper wall 22) of the device body 20 (see Figure 4A and Figure 7 ). In addition, the air intake 23e (see Figure 4B and 7 ) are formed in the lower wall 23 of the housing 21 (hereinafter, the air intake ports 22e and 23e are referred to as the "upper body air intake port" and the "lower body air intake port," respectively). The upper body air intake port 22e is formed directly above the cooling fan 40. The lower body air intake port 23e is formed directly below the cooling fan 40. The cooling fan 40 is positioned between the upper body air intake port 22e and the lower body air intake port 23e.

[0029] like Figure 7 As shown, an upper air flow path Pa is formed between the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 and the upper outer panel 51. A space is ensured between the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 and the upper outer panel 51. This space serves as the upper air flow path Pa. Figure 3 As shown, air intakes Sa and Sb are formed between the outer peripheral edge of the upper exterior panel 51 and the apparatus body 20. External air is introduced into the upper air flow path Pa through the air intakes Sa and Sb and flows toward the upper body air intake 22e.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the air intake ports Sa and Sb are formed, for example, between the edge of the upper exterior panel 51 and the edge of the upper surface 22a of the device body 20. More specifically, the air intake ports Sa and Sb are formed between the front and right edges of the right panel 51R to be described later and the edge of the upper surface 22a of the device body 20.

[0031] The air intake ports Sa and Sb may be open in a direction intersecting the axis Ax1 of the cooling fan 40. For example, the air intake port Sa may be open to the front side of the electronic device 10, while the air intake port Sb may be open to the right side of the electronic device 10. The air intake ports Sa and Sb may be connected to each other at a corner of the electronic device 10.

[0032] The lower portion of the electronic device 10 also has a similar air intake structure as the upper portion. Figure 7As shown, a lower air flow path Pb is formed between the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 and the lower outer panel 52. A space is ensured between the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 and the lower outer panel 52. This space serves as the lower air flow path Pb. Figure 3 As shown, air intakes Sc and Sd are formed between the edge of the lower exterior panel 52 and the apparatus body 20. External air is introduced into the lower air flow path Pb through the air intakes Sc and Sd, and flows toward the lower body air intake 23e.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the air intake ports Sc and Sd are formed, for example, between the edge of the lower outer panel 52 and the edge of the lower surface 23a of the device body 20. More specifically, the air intake ports Sc and Sd are formed between the front and right edges of the right panel 52R to be described later and the edge of the lower surface 23a of the device body 20.

[0034] The air intake ports Sc and Sd may be open in a direction intersecting the axis Ax1 of the cooling fan 40. For example, the air intake port Sc may be open to the front side of the electronic device 10, while the air intake port Sd may be open to the right side of the electronic device 10. The air intake ports Sc and Sd may be connected to each other at a corner of the electronic device 10.

[0035] The structures of the upper and lower air flow paths Pa, Pb and the air intake ports Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd are not limited to Figure 3 For example, the external panels 51 and 52 may be arranged so as to allow air to be introduced from the rear side and / or left side of the electronic device 10 in addition to the front side and right side of the electronic device 10.

[0036] In another example, the upper portion of the electronic device 10 may have only one of the air inlet Sa opened to the front and the air inlet Sb opened to the right. In addition, the lower portion of the electronic device 10 may have only one of the air inlet Sc opened to the front and the air inlet Sd opened to the right.

[0037] In another example, the upper outer panel 51 may have an air inlet located directly above the main body air inlet 22e instead of the air inlets Sa and Sb. Furthermore, the lower outer panel 52 may have an air inlet located directly below the main body air inlet 23e instead of the air inlets Sc and Sb.

[0038] The outer panels 51 and 52 each have Figure 1etc., but may have a box-like shape with its upper or lower side open. That is, the peripheral portion of the external panel 51 may be bent downward so as to surround the peripheral surface (front surface and right and left side surfaces) of the device body 20. In this case, the air intake ports Sa and Sb may be formed along the peripheral surface of the device body 20. In addition, the peripheral portion of the external panel 52 may be bent upward so as to surround the peripheral surface (front surface and right and left side surfaces) of the device body 20. In this case, the air intake ports Sc and Sd may be formed along the peripheral surface of the device body 20.

[0039] [Assisted air flow path]

[0040] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the device body 20 has an auxiliary air flow path Pc. The auxiliary air flow path Pc extends through the device body 20 in the up-down direction. The housing 21 of the device body 20 has a tubular flow path wall 24. The auxiliary air flow path Pc is defined by the tubular flow path wall 24.

[0041] The air introduced from the outside can pass through the auxiliary air flow path Pc from one of the lower side and the upper side toward the other side in the device body 20. In the example explained in this disclosure, the air flows from the lower side toward the upper side in the device body 20 ( Figure 8 (Figure 5 shows air flow F5 passing through auxiliary air flow path Pc). Even if there is a difference in air intake performance between the upper main body air intake port 22e and the lower main body air intake port 23e, the auxiliary air flow path Pc can still supply air in amounts corresponding to the respective air intake performances to the main body air intake ports 22e and 23e. Specifically, the auxiliary air flow path Pc can supply a sufficient amount of air to the air intake port with greater air intake performance.

[0042] The auxiliary air flow path Pc can be formed within the outer surface of the electronic device 10 (more specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the device body 20). In other words, the auxiliary air flow path Pc may not be exposed to the outer surface of the electronic device 10. Accordingly, it is possible to form the air flow F5 from the lower side to the upper side in the device body 20 while suppressing the influence of the auxiliary air flow path Pc on the appearance of the electronic device 10.

[0043] like Figure 7 As shown, the impeller 41 of the cooling fan 40 has guide sections 41e and 41f between the upper end (the upper edge 41c of each fin 41a) and the lower end (the lower edge 41d of each fin 41a). The guide sections 41e and 41f extend in the direction of rotation of the impeller 41 and connect the plurality of fins 41a to each other. The guide sections 41e and 41f can each be formed into an annular shape and connect all the fins 41a to each other.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, when the cooling fan 40 is driven, air (airflow F12) introduced into the device body 20 through the upper body air intake port 22e is guided radially outward by the guide sections 41e and 41f. This air then forms airflow F3 above the circuit board 31. Furthermore, air (airflow F22) introduced into the device body 20 through the lower body air intake port 23e is guided radially outward by the guide sections 41e and 41f. This air then forms airflow F4 below the circuit board 31.

[0045] like Figure 7 As depicted in FIG, the position of the circuit board 31 in the vertical direction is lower than the horizontal plane Ph, which passes through the center between the upper end (upper edge 41c) and the lower end (lower edge 41d) of the impeller 41 (that is, the circuit board 31 is relatively close to the lower edge 41d of each fin 41a). In accordance with the position of the circuit board 31, the positions of the guide sections 41e and 41f are also lower than the horizontal plane Ph.

[0046] The air intake ports Sa and Sb are provided on the upper portion of the electronic device 10 (see Figure 3 ) and the air intakes Sc and Sd provided at the bottom (see Figure 3 ) have substantially the same size, and the amount of air passing through these ports is also substantially equal to each other. At the same time, due to the positions of the guide sections 41e and 41f, the air suction performance for the air from above the cooling fan 40 and the suction performance for the air from below the cooling fan 40 are unbalanced. Specifically, the positions of the guide sections 41e and 41f are quite close to the lower end side of the impeller 41, so that the suction performance for the air from above the cooling fan 40 (the suction performance of the upper main body suction port 22e) is greater than the suction performance for the air from below the cooling fan 40 (the suction performance of the lower main body suction port 23e). Therefore, the air introduced upward from the suction ports Sc and Sd provided in the lower portion of the electronic device 10 passes through the auxiliary air flow path Pc (see Figure 8 Then, the air is introduced into the housing 21 through the upper main body air inlet 22e. Accordingly, the suction performance of the air above the cooling fan 40 and the suction performance of the air below the cooling fan 40 can be fully exerted.

[0047] like Figure 7As shown, impeller 41 has two guide sections 41e and 41f. Guide section 41f is positioned radially outward of guide section 41e. A space is formed between the outer peripheral edge of inner guide section 41e and the inner peripheral edge of outer guide section 41f. Airflow is generated in this space. The two guide sections 41e and 41f facilitate achieving an appropriate balance between airflow F3 formed above circuit board 31 and airflow F4 formed below circuit board 31.

[0048] It should be noted that Figure 7 Unlike the example shown, the number of guide sections included in the impeller 41 may be one, or may be greater than two. Alternatively, the impeller 41 may not be provided with a guide section.

[0049] like Figure 8 As shown, the auxiliary air flow path Pc connects the upper air flow path Pa formed on the upper side of the device body 20 to the lower air flow path Pb formed on the lower side of the device body 20. As a result, part of the air flowing through one of the air flow paths Pa and Pb is added to the other of the air flow paths Pa and Pb via the auxiliary air flow path Pc. Figure 8 In the example depicted in FIG, a portion of the air flowing through the lower air flow path Pb ( Figure 8 F5 in ( ) is added to the upper air flow path Pa via the auxiliary air flow path Pc, as previously explained. This allows for full utilization of both the suction performance of air above the cooling fan 40 and the suction performance of air below the cooling fan 40.

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, the auxiliary air flow path Pc is open upward. The upward opening of the auxiliary air flow path Pc is covered by the upper outer panel 51. With this configuration, the air passing through the auxiliary air flow path Pc is guided by the upper outer panel 51 toward the upper body air intake 22e.

[0051] When the electronic device 10 is viewed in plan, the auxiliary air flow path Pc can be completely covered by the upper exterior panel 51. The front and right edges of the upper exterior panel 51, more specifically the front and right edges of the right panel 51R (described later), extend forward and to the right beyond the outer peripheral surface (front and right side surfaces) of the device body 20. This prevents the auxiliary air flow path Pc from being exposed. Unlike the example depicted in the accompanying drawings, the auxiliary air flow path Pc can be partially exposed from the upper exterior panel 51.

[0052] In addition, if Figure 8As shown, the auxiliary air flow path Pc is open downward. This opening is covered by the lower outer panel 52. With this configuration, a portion of the air that has been introduced from the air intake ports Sc and Sd after passing above the lower outer panel 52 flows into the auxiliary air flow path Pc.

[0053] When viewing the electronic device 10 from the bottom, the auxiliary air flow path Pc is entirely covered by the lower outer panel 52. The front and right edges of the lower outer panel 52, more specifically the front and right edges of the right panel 52R (described later), extend forward and to the right beyond the outer peripheral surface (front surface and right side surface) of the device body 20. Accordingly, when, for example, the electronic device 10 is held in an upright position, the auxiliary air flow path Pc is prevented from being exposed. Unlike the example depicted in the accompanying drawings, the auxiliary air flow path Pc may be partially exposed from the lower outer panel 52.

[0054] In contrast to the example depicted in the drawings, the cooling fan 40 may be provided so that the suction performance for air from below the cooling fan 40 becomes greater than the suction performance for air from above the cooling fan 40. In this case, a portion of the air introduced from the air intake ports Sa and Sb provided at the upper portion of the electronic device 10 flows into the auxiliary air flow path Pc. The air then passes through the auxiliary air flow path Pc and reaches the lower side of the device body 20.

[0055] [Location of auxiliary air flow path]

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, when viewing the electronic device 10 from above and below (the axis of the cooling fan 40), the auxiliary air flow path Pc is located outside the main body air intake ports 22e and 23e. Specifically, the auxiliary air flow path Pc is positioned between the main body air intake port 22e and the air intake ports Sa and Sb. Furthermore, the auxiliary air flow path Pc is positioned between the main body air intake port 23e and the air intake ports Sc and Sd. In other words, a straight line L1 passing through the centers of the main body air intake ports 22e, 23e and the air intake ports Sa, Sb, Sc, and Sd intersects the auxiliary air flow path Pc.

[0057] Since the auxiliary air flow path Pc is positioned between the main body air intake port 23e and the air intake ports Sc and Sd, air flow from the air intake ports Sc and Sd toward the auxiliary air flow path Pc can be smoothly formed. In addition, since the auxiliary air flow path Pc is positioned between the main body air intake port 22e and the air intake ports Sa and Sb, air flowing out of the auxiliary air flow path Pc is added to the air flow from the air intake ports Sa and Sb toward the upper main body air intake port 22e.

[0058] Figure 2The straight line L1 in the figure may be a straight line passing through the center of the main body air inlets 22e, 23e. In addition, the straight line L1 may be a straight line passing through the approximate center of the air inlets Sa, Sb, Sc, and Sd (the connection point between the air inlets Sa and Sc on the front side and the air inlets Sb and Sd on the right side). In addition, the auxiliary air flow path Pc may be a straight line with the width W1 of the auxiliary air flow path Pc (see Figure 6 ) are formed by intersecting the approximate centers of the two sides.

[0059] The position of the auxiliary air flow path Pc is not limited to Figure 6 As an example, the approximate center of the width W1 of the auxiliary air flow path Pc may be offset from the straight line L1.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, auxiliary air flow path Pc is located between corner 20c of device body 20 and upper and lower main body air intake ports 22e, 23e. More specifically, main body air intake ports 22e, 23e are formed in the front right portion of device body 20. This position of auxiliary air flow path Pc is between corner 20c on the front right side of device body 20 and main body air intake ports 22e, 23e. Consequently, areas of device body 20 that are prone to becoming dead zones (areas around corners) are effectively used to form auxiliary air flow path Pc.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper outer panel 51 can be curved in such a manner that the distance between the upper surface 22a and the upper outer panel 51 gradually increases toward the corner 20c of the device body 20. In addition, the lower outer panel 52 can be curved in such a manner that the distance between the lower surface 23a and the lower outer panel 52 gradually increases toward the corner 20c of the device body 20. With this configuration, the flow of air through the auxiliary air flow path Pc can be smoothed.

[0062] [Dimensions of auxiliary air flow path]

[0063] The cooling fan 40 is provided with an impeller 41, which is rotatable about an axis Ax1 extending in the vertical direction as described above. Figure 6 As shown, the angle range θ1 of the auxiliary air flow path Pc in the circumferential direction around the axis Ax1 may be 10 degrees or more. By configuring in this way, it is possible to easily form an air flow inside the auxiliary air flow path Pc.

[0064] The angle range θ1 of the auxiliary air flow path Pc is preferably 20 degrees or greater. The angle range θ1 is more preferably 30 degrees or greater. The angle range θ1 may be 40 degrees or greater. As the angle range θ1 increases, the amount of air passing through the auxiliary air flow path Pc can be increased.

[0065] The angle range θ1 may be equal to or smaller than 60 degrees. By limiting the angle range θ1 in this manner, it is possible to reduce the influence on the arrangement of components in the device body 20.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, the inner surface of the auxiliary air flow path Pc may include a surface 24c along the right side surface of the device body 20 and a surface 24a along the front surface of the device body 20. The inner surface of the auxiliary air flow path Pc may also include an inclined surface 24b that intersects the straight line L1. That is, the auxiliary air flow path Pc may also have a roughly triangular shape formed by three surfaces (24c, 24a, 24b). According to the auxiliary air flow path Pc of this shape, the size of the auxiliary air flow path Pc can be increased between the corner 20c of the device body 20 and the main body air intake 22e, 23e. The front surface of the device body 20 is the surface on which the power button, connector, etc. of the electronic device 10 are provided.

[0067] Note that the shape of the auxiliary air flow path Pc is not limited to a substantially triangular shape. The auxiliary air flow path Pc may be circular or elliptical.

[0068] The air flow path Pd (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) is contained in the device body 20 (inside the housing 21). Figure 6 The air flow F6 shown. The housing 21 has a flow path wall 24e (refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The flow path wall 24 e is curved so as to surround the impeller 41 , and an air flow path Pd is formed between the flow path wall 24 e and the impeller 41 .

[0069] The housing 21 has a tubular flow path wall 24 defining the auxiliary air flow path Pc, as previously described. The tubular flow path wall 24 includes a wall portion constituting an inclined surface 24b (see Figure 6 ). A portion of the flow path wall 24e surrounding the impeller 41 constitutes the inclined surface 24b of the tubular flow path wall 24. That is, an air flow path Pd is formed inside the flow path wall 24e surrounding the impeller 41 (refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 ), an auxiliary air flow path Pc is formed on the outer side of the flow path wall 24e.

[0070] The housing 21 includes an upper housing 21U and a lower housing 21L that are joined together in the vertical direction. Figure 8As shown, the upper housing 21U includes an upper portion of a tubular flow path wall 24 that defines the auxiliary air flow path Pc. The lower housing 21L includes a lower portion of the tubular flow path wall 24. The upper portion of the tubular flow path wall 24 may have a connecting section 24g. The lower portion of the tubular flow path wall 24 may have a connecting section 24h. The connecting sections 24g and 24h are secured to each other using a fixing means such as screws.

[0071] [Upper panel air intake]

[0072] like Figure 4A As shown, the upper outer panel 51 includes two outer panels arranged side by side in the left-right direction. That is, the upper outer panel 51 has a left panel 51L covering the left portion of the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 and a right panel 51R covering the right portion of the upper surface 22a.

[0073] like Figure 9A As shown, a space serving as an air intake port Se is secured between the left panel 51L and the right panel 51R. The left panel 51L and the right panel 51R respectively have a right edge 51a and a left edge 51b that are opposed to each other in the left-right direction. This space is secured between the edges 51a and 51b of the partial panels 51L and 51R, that is, between the right end surface of the left panel 51L and the left end surface of the right panel 51R, serving as the air intake port Se.

[0074] Since the space between the left panel 51L and the right panel 51R is also used as the air intake Se, the cooling performance can be further improved compared to, for example, using only the air intakes Sa and Sb.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper main body air intake 22e formed in the device body 20 is completely covered by the right panel 51R. In other words, the upper main body air intake 22e does not protrude from between the partial panels 51R and 51L. This configuration can prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the upper main body air intake 22e.

[0076] The upper main body air inlet 22e is formed with a cover 47U having a plurality of openings (see Figure 4A The cover 47U prevents foreign matter from entering the apparatus body 20 through the main body air inlet 22e. The right panel 51R may completely cover the cover 47U.

[0077] Inlet Sa and Sb (see Figure 3 ) is formed between the outer edge of the upper outer panel 51 and the outer peripheral edge of the device body 20, as described above. Therefore, the air introduced from the air inlets Sa, Sb and the air introduced from the upper panel air inlet Se are introduced from the upper body air inlet 22e (refer to Figure 7) is introduced. Therefore, the cooling performance in the electronic device 10 can be improved.

[0078] like Figure 3 As depicted, the air intake ports Sa and Sb open in a direction intersecting the axis Ax1 of the cooling fan 40. Specifically, the air intake port Sa opens toward the front of the electronic device 10, and the air intake port Sb opens toward the right side of the electronic device 10. Meanwhile, the upper panel air intake port Se opens upward. Thus, the air intake ports Sa, Sb, and the upper panel air intake port Se open in mutually orthogonal directions.

[0079] The right panel 51R and the left panel 51L can be removed independently from the device body 20. That is, only the right panel 51R can be removed from the device body 20, and only the left panel 51L can be removed from the device body 20. The engaging protrusions 51e and 51f (see FIG. 22 ) that engage with the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 are Figure 4B ) are formed on the lower surfaces of the corresponding partial panels 51R and 51L.

[0080] There is no structure connecting the right edge 51a (see FIG9A ) of the left panel 51L and the left edge 51b (see FIG9A ) of the right panel 51R. Therefore, air outside the electronic device 10 can smoothly pass through the upper panel air intake Se.

[0081] like Figure 1 As depicted in FIG, edges 51a and 51b of partial panels 51L and 51R are substantially parallel to each other. This prevents the width of the space between edges 51a and 51b from increasing excessively. Consequently, the extent to which upper surface 22a of device body 20 is exposed from this space can be reduced. The width of the space between partial panels 51L and 51R can be determined to minimize the impact on the appearance of electronic device 10.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, edges 51a and 51b of the partial panels 51L and 51R may extend diagonally with respect to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the electronic device 10. The edges 51a and 51b may extend linearly in a plan view of the electronic device 10.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the space between the edges 51a and 51b of the partial panels 51L and 51R extends from the rear edge to the front edge of the upper outer panel 51. With this structure, it is easy to ensure a sufficient length for the upper panel air intake port Se. Only a portion of the space in the length direction (for example, the center and front portion) can be used as the upper panel air intake port Se. In contrast, the entire space can also be used as the upper panel air intake port Se.

[0084] like Figure 9A As shown, the right edge 51a of the left panel 51L can be flush with the left edge 51b of the right panel 51R. That is, the surface of the partial panel 51L and the surface of the partial panel 51R can be positioned in the same plane H1 around the edges 51a and 51b. The structure of the partial panels 51L and 51R can prevent foreign matter from being caught on the edges 51a and 51b of the partial panels 51L and 51R, and can protect the edges 51a and 51b from being damaged. Figure 9A Unlike the example depicted in FIG. 5 , the positions of the right edge 51 a of the left panel 51L and the left edge 51 b of the right panel 51R in the up-down direction may be displaced from each other.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 has a first area 22m and a second area 22n. The upper body air inlet 22e is formed in the first area 22m. The first area 22m is covered by the right panel 51R of the upper outer panel 51. The upper air flow path Pa (refer to Figure 7 ) is formed between the first region 22m and the right panel 51R of the upper outer panel 51. The first region 22m is a region corresponding to the upper air flow path Pa.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the first region 22m of the upper surface 22a is recessed from the remaining region (the second region 22n). In other words, the second region 22n is recessed from the horizontal plane Ph (refer to Figure 7 ) to the upper wall 22 is greater than the distance from the horizontal plane Ph to the upper wall 22 in the first region 22m. The second region 22n may have a portion positioned on the left side of the first region 22m and a portion positioned on the rear side of the first region 22m, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The upper surface 22a of the device body 20 may be in contact with the upper exterior panel 51 at the second region 22n.

[0087] Since the distance from the horizontal plane Ph to the upper wall 22 is large in the second region 22n, the device body 20 is allowed to have a large volume in the second region 22n. In the second region 22n, for example, the heat sink 32A (see Figure 7 ) can be set below the upper wall 22.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer peripheral portion of the first area 22m of the upper surface 22a may have an inclined area 22p. The inclined area 22p may surround the upper body air intake 22e. In more detail, the inclined area 22p may be formed on the left and rear sides of the upper body air intake 22e. The radiator 32A may be partially positioned below the inclined area 22p, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the left-right dimension of the heat sink 32A can be increased.

[0089] like Figure 9A As shown, the position of the inclined area 22p corresponds to the space between the edges 51a and 51b of the partial panels 51L and 51R (the upper panel air intake port Se). In other words, the inclined area 22p is located below the upper panel air intake port Se. The air introduced from the upper panel air intake port Se is guided by the inclined area 22p toward the upper body air intake port 22e.

[0090] like Figure 9A As shown, the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 extends to the right edge 51a of the left panel 51L. The boundary 22u between the inclined area 22p and the second area 22n is located below the left panel 51L.

[0091] [Lower panel air intake]

[0092] The upper panel air intake port Se is formed in the above-described manner at the upper portion of the electronic device 10. The lower portion of the electronic device 10 has an air intake structure similar to that of the upper portion.

[0093] Specifically, if Figure 4B As shown, the lower outer panel 52 also includes two outer panels 52R and 52L arranged side by side in the left-right direction. That is, the lower outer panel 52 has a left panel 52L covering the left portion of the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 and a right panel 52R covering the right portion of the lower surface 23a.

[0094] like Figure 9B As shown, a space serving as an air intake port Sf is secured between the left panel 52L and the right panel 52R. The left panel 52L and the right panel 52R respectively include a right edge 52a and a left edge 52b that are opposed to each other in the left-right direction. This space is secured between the right edge 52a of the left panel 52L and the left edge 52b of the right panel 52R, that is, between the right end surface of the left panel 52L and the left end surface of the right panel 52R, serving as the air intake port Sf.

[0095] Since the space between the left panel 52L and the right panel 52R is also used as the air intake port Sf, it is easy to further improve the cooling performance compared to, for example, the case of using only the air intake ports Sc and Sd. Hereinafter, the air intake port Sf is referred to as the "lower panel air intake port".

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, the lower main body air inlet 23e is completely covered by the right panel 52R. Therefore, the lower main body air inlet 23e does not protrude from between the partial panels 52R and 52. This configuration can prevent foreign matter such as dust from directly entering the lower main body air inlet 23e.

[0097] The lower main body air inlet 23e is formed with a cover 47L having a plurality of openings (see Figure 4B The cover 47L prevents foreign matter from entering the apparatus body 20 through the main body air inlet 23e. The right panel 52R may completely cover the cover 47L.

[0098] As mentioned above, the suction ports Sc and Sd (see Figure 3 ) is formed between the outer edge of the lower outer panel 52 and the outer peripheral edge of the device body 20. The air introduced from the air inlets Sc, Sd and the air introduced from the lower panel air inlet Sf are passed through the lower air flow path Pb from the lower body air inlet 23e (refer to Figure 7 ) is introduced. Therefore, the cooling performance in the electronic device 10 can be improved.

[0099] like Figure 3 As depicted in FIG, the air intake ports Sc and Sd open in a direction intersecting the axis Ax1 of the cooling fan 40. Specifically, the air intake port Sc opens toward the front of the electronic device 10, and the air intake port Sd opens toward the right side of the electronic device 10. Meanwhile, the lower panel air intake port Sf opens downward. In this manner, the air intake ports Sc, Sd, and lower panel air intake port Sf open in mutually orthogonal directions.

[0100] Like the partial panels 51R and 51L of the upper exterior panel 51, the partial panels 52R and 52L can be removed independently from the device body 20. The engaging protrusions 52e and 52f (see FIG. 2 ) that engage with the upper surface 22a of the device body 20 are shown in FIG. Figure 4A ) are formed on the lower surfaces of the corresponding partial panels 52R and 52L.

[0101] There is no structure connecting the right edge 52a of the left panel 52L and the left edge 52b of the right panel 52R, so that the outside air can smoothly pass through the lower panel air intake port Sf.

[0102] The edges 52a and 52b of the partial panels 52L and 52R can be substantially parallel to each other. This can prevent the width of the space between the edges 52a and 52b from increasing excessively. As a result, the extent to which the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 is exposed from this space can be reduced. The width of the space between the edges 52a and 52b of the partial panels 52L and 52R can be determined to minimize the impact on the appearance of the electronic device 10.

[0103] The edges 52a and 52b of the partial panels 52L and 52R may extend diagonally with respect to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the electronic device 10. The edges 52a and 52b may extend linearly in a plan view of the electronic device 10.

[0104] like Figure 4BAs shown, the space between the edges 52a and 52b of the partial panels 52L and 52R extends from the rear edge to the front edge of the lower outer panel 52. This structure can easily ensure a sufficient length for the lower panel air intake Sf. Only a portion of the space in the length direction (for example, the center and front portions) can be used as the lower panel air intake Sf. In contrast, the entire space can also be used as the lower panel air intake Sf.

[0105] like Figure 9B As shown, the right edge 52a of the left panel 52L can be flush with the left edge 52b of the right panel 52R. That is, the surface of the partial panel 52L and the surface of the partial panel 52R can be positioned in the same plane H2 around the edges 52a and 52b. By such a structure of the partial panels 52L and 52R, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being caught on the edges 52a and 52b of the partial panels 52L and 52R, and to protect the edges 52a and 52b from being damaged. It should be noted that Figure 9B Unlike the example depicted in FIG. 5 , the positions of the right edge 52 a of the left panel 52L and the left edge 52 b of the right panel 52R in the up-down direction may be displaced from each other.

[0106] like Figure 7 As shown, the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 has a first area 23m and a second area 23n. The lower body air intake 23e is formed in the first area 23m. The first area 23m is covered by the right panel 51R of the upper outer panel 51. The lower air flow path Pb is formed between the first area 23m and the right panel 51R of the upper outer panel 51. The first area 23m corresponds to the lower air flow path Pb.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the first area 23m of the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 is recessed from the remaining area (second area 23n). In other words, the second area 23n is recessed from the horizontal plane Ph (refer to Figure 7 ) to the lower wall 23 is greater than the distance from the horizontal plane Ph to the lower wall 23 in the first region 23m. The lower surface 23a of the device body 20 can be in contact with the lower outer panel 52 in the second region 23n. Since the distance from the horizontal plane Ph to the lower wall 23 in the second region 23n is large as described above, the device body 20 is allowed to have a large volume in the second region 23n.

[0108] like Figure 9B As shown, the outer peripheral portion of the first area 23m of the lower surface 23a may have an inclined area 23p. The inclined area 23p may surround the lower body air inlet 23e. In more detail, the inclined area 23p may be formed on the left and rear sides of the lower body air inlet 23e.

[0109] like Figure 9BAs shown, the position of the inclined region 23p corresponds to the space between the edges 52a and 52b of the partial panels 52L and 52R (the lower panel air intake port Sf). In other words, the inclined region 23p is located above the lower panel air intake port Sf. The air introduced from the lower panel air intake port Sf is guided by the lower surface 23a in the inclined region 23p toward the lower body air intake port 23e.

[0110] like Figure 9B As shown, the lower surface 23a of the device body 20 extends to the right edge 52a of the left panel 52L. The boundary 23u between the inclined area 23p and the second area 23n is located above the left panel 51L.

[0111] [Overview of the structure related to the auxiliary air flow path]

[0112] (1) An electronic device includes a cooling fan and a device body that accommodates the cooling fan. The device body has a first outer surface that is an outer surface on a first side in a first direction, a second outer surface that is an outer surface on a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction, a first main body air intake port formed in the first outer surface and that introduces air toward the cooling fan, a second main body air intake port formed in the second outer surface and that introduces air toward the cooling fan, and an auxiliary air flow path that extends through the device body in the first direction and allows air to flow from one of the first side and the second side in the device body to the other. By configuring in this way, even if there is a difference in suction performance between the first main body air intake port and the second main body air intake port, an amount of air corresponding to the suction performance of each of the first and second main body air intake ports can be supplied to the first and second main body air intake ports via the auxiliary air flow path.

[0113] (2) In the electronic device according to (1), the cooling fan may include an impeller rotatable about an axis extending along the first direction. The cooling fan may be located between the first main body air intake port and the second main body air intake port. With this arrangement, air can be efficiently drawn in from the first main body air intake port and the second main body air intake port.

[0114] (3) In the electronic device according to (1) or (2), the impeller may have a plurality of fins. The impeller may have a first end in the first direction, a second end that is an end opposite to the first end, and a guide section positioned between the first end and the second end and coupling the plurality of fins to each other to guide air outward in the radial direction. With this configuration, air can be appropriately sent to the upper and lower surfaces of the electronic device housed in the device body.

[0115] (4) In the electronic device according to (3), the guide section may be located on the first side relative to the center of the impeller in the first direction, and air may flow from the first side to the second side in the device body via the auxiliary air flow path. With this configuration, a sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the first body air intake port.

[0116] (5) In the electronic device according to (1) to (4), the device body may have a housing. The housing may have a tubular flow path wall constituting the auxiliary air flow path.

[0117] (6) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (5) may include a first external panel covering the first external surface of the device body. A first air flow path may be formed between the first external surface of the device body and the first external panel, and air may flow through the first air flow path toward the first main body air intake port.

[0118] (7) The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (6) may include a first exterior panel that covers the first exterior surface of the device body. The first exterior panel may cover the auxiliary air flow path. With this configuration, the auxiliary air flow path can be suppressed from being conspicuous in the appearance of the electronic device.

[0119] (8) The electronic device according to (6) may include a second outer panel covering the second outer surface of the device body. A second air flow path may be formed between the second outer surface of the device body and the second outer panel, through which air flows toward the second main body air intake port.

[0120] (9) In the electronic device according to (8), the auxiliary air flow path may connect the first air flow path to the second air flow path. With this configuration, air passing through the auxiliary air flow path can be guided by the first and second exterior panels.

[0121] (10) In the electronic device according to (6), a first air intake port for introducing air into the first air flow path may be formed between an edge of the first exterior panel and the device body. The auxiliary air flow path may be positioned between the first air intake port and the first main body air intake port. With this configuration, a portion of the air flowing from the first air intake port toward the main body air intake port flows into the auxiliary air flow path.

[0122] (11) The electronic device according to (10) may have a second outer panel covering the second outer surface of the device body. A second air flow path may be formed between the second outer surface of the device body and the second outer panel, through which air passes toward the second main body air intake port. A second air intake port for introducing air into the second air flow path may be formed between an edge of the second outer panel and the device body. The auxiliary air flow path may be positioned between the second air intake port and the second main body air intake port.

[0123] (12) In the electronic device according to (1) to (11), the cooling fan may include an impeller, and the impeller may be arranged to rotate about an axis extending in the first direction. The auxiliary air flow path may have an angular range of 10 degrees or more in a circumferential direction centered on the axis.

[0124] (13) In the electronic device according to (1) to (12), the auxiliary air flow path may be located between a corner of the device body and the first and second main body air intake ports. With this configuration, the auxiliary air flow path can be formed by effectively utilizing an area (the area around the corner) that is likely to become a dead zone within the device body.

[0125] It should be noted that the electronic device proposed by the present disclosure is not limited to the electronic device 10 described so far, and various modifications may be made thereto.

[0126] The cooling fan 40 is disposed in the electronic device 10 such that the axis Ax1 thereof extends in the vertical direction, for example. However, the position of the cooling fan 40 is not limited thereto.

[0127] As an example, the cooling fan 40 may be provided in the device body 20, wherein the axis Ax1 of the cooling fan 40 is provided horizontally, or wherein the axis Ax1 extends along the circuit board 31. The position of the cooling fan 40 is not necessarily set between the main body air intake ports 22e, 23f. In addition, a plurality of cooling fans 40 may be provided in the device body 2. In this case, the plurality of cooling fans 40 may be configured in such a manner that the respective axes Ax1 extend in the up-down direction, or in such a manner that the respective axes Ax1 extend along the circuit board 31. In such a case as well, if there is a difference in the air intake performance of the two main body air intake ports 22e, 23f, an amount of air corresponding to the difference can be provided through the auxiliary air flow path Pc.

[0128] In addition to the auxiliary air flow path Pc (see Figure 8), the panel air intake ports Se and Sf formed in the external panels 51 and 52 are included in the electronic device 10. However, the panel air intake ports Se and Sf are not necessarily included in the electronic device 10. In this case, the external panels 51 and 52 may be integrally formed without the partial panels 51R, 51L, 52R, and 52L.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: cooling fan; and a device body accommodating the cooling fan, in, The device body has: a first outer surface, the first outer surface being an outer surface on a first side in a first direction, a second outer surface, the second outer surface being an outer surface on a second side opposite to the first side in the first direction, a first main body air intake port formed in the first outer surface and introducing air toward the cooling fan, a second main body air intake port formed in the second outer surface and introducing air toward the cooling fan, and An auxiliary air flow path extends through the device body in the first direction and allows air to flow from one of a first side and a second side of the device body to the other side.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The cooling fan includes an impeller rotatable about an axis extending along the first direction and positioned between the first main body air intake port and the second main body air intake port.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein The impeller has a plurality of fins, and The impeller has a first end in a first direction, a second end that is an end opposite to the first end, and a guide section positioned between the first and second ends and coupling the plurality of fins to each other to guide air outward in a radial direction.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein The guide section is positioned on the first side relative to the center of the impeller in the first direction, and Air flows from the first side to the second side within the device body via the auxiliary air flow path.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The device body has a housing, and The housing has a tubular flow path wall constituting the auxiliary air flow path.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, comprising: a first outer panel covering a first outer surface of the device body, wherein A first air flow path is formed between a first outer surface of the device body and the first outer panel, and air passes through the first air flow path toward the first body air intake.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, comprising: a first outer panel covering a first outer surface of the device body, wherein The first outer panel covers the secondary air flow path.

8. The electronic device according to claim 6, comprising: a second outer panel covering a second outer surface of the device body, wherein A second air flow path is formed between the second outer surface of the device body and the second outer panel, and air passes through the second air flow path toward the second body air intake port.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The auxiliary air flow path connects the first air flow path to the second air flow path.

10. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein A first air intake port for introducing air into the first air flow path is formed between an edge of the first exterior panel and the device body, and The auxiliary air flow path is positioned between the first air suction port and the first main body air suction port.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, comprising: a second outer panel covering a second outer surface of the device body, wherein A second air flow path is formed between the second outer surface of the device body and the second outer panel, and air passes through the second air flow path toward the second main body air intake port. A second air suction port for introducing air into the second air flow path is formed between an edge of the second outer panel and the device body, and The auxiliary air flow path is positioned between the second air suction port and the second main body air suction port.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The cooling fan includes an impeller, and is arranged so that the impeller can rotate around an axis extending along the first direction, and An angular range of the auxiliary air flow path in a circumferential direction centered on the axis is equal to or greater than 10 degrees.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The auxiliary air flow path is located between a corner of the device body and the first body air intake port and the second body air intake port.

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