ELECTRICAL DEVICE

Abstract

Providing an electrical device that includes a heat dissipation hole in an upper plate to enable efficient heat dissipation and to drain water entering through the heat dissipation hole of the upper plate to the outside of a housing. The electrical device (1) includes: a heating element (71), a housing (2) in which the heating element (71) is installed and which is provided with a top plate (40) with a heat dissipation hole (2a) and a side plate (42) with a water drainage hole (2b), a heat sink (9) which in one piece includes a heat dissipation part (90) which is in contact with the heating element (71) and dissipates the heat, and a water collection part (100) which is positioned below the heat dissipation hole (2a) and has an end part on the opposite side which is continuous with the heat dissipation part (90), which projects outside the water drain hole (2b) and collects the water entering through the heat dissipation hole (2a) and directs it to the water drain hole (2b) and a blower (110) that blows air from an upper surface (91) of the heat dissipation part (90) over an upper surface (101) of the water collection part (100) to the heat dissipation hole (2a) and water drainage hole (2b).

Description

[FIELD OF THE INVENTION]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical device. [STATE OF THE ART]

[0002] Conventionally, electrical devices are known to have measures to prevent water from hitting electrical and electronic components from above. For example, Document 1 describes the vehicle interior as an electrical device. This vehicle interior prevents the entry of water and dust through an air intake and an air outlet by arranging the air intake for intake of air for cooling and the outlet for exhausting the air after cooling in a bottom plate of a case in which electrical and electronic components are stored. [State of the art documents]

[0003] Document 1: JP2022110640 A [SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION][PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION]

[0004] Warm air tends to rise. Therefore, for efficient heat dissipation of the electrical device, heat dissipation holes are preferably provided in the top panel of a case. However, if the heat dissipation hole is provided in the top panel, water dripping from above can penetrate the case through the heat dissipation hole and touch the electronic components inside the case.

[0005] In light of the circumstances described above, an object of the present invention is to enable the provision of the heat dissipation hole in the top plate to enable efficient heat dissipation while preventing water penetrating through the heat dissipation hole of the top plate from contacting the electronic components and discharging the water to the outside of the case. [METHODS FOR SOLVING THE TASK]

[0006] To achieve the object, an electrical device of the present invention is an electrical device that performs heat dissipation using cooling air, comprising: a heating element; a housing in which the heating element is installed, which has a top plate provided with a heat dissipation hole, and a side plate, which is provided with a water drainage hole; a heat sink that includes: a heat dissipation part in contact with the heating element, which dissipates the heat of the heating element, and a water collecting part formed continuously with the heat dissipation part and having an end part positioned below the heat dissipation hole on a side opposite to the side continuous with the heat dissipation part and projecting outside the water drain hole, collecting water penetrating through the heat dissipation hole and directing the water to the water drain hole; and a fan that vents from an upper surface of the heat dissipation part through an upper surface of the water collecting part toward the heat dissipation hole and the water drain hole. [EFFECT OF THE INVENTION]

[0007] With the present invention, efficient heat dissipation can be achieved because hot air can be quickly discharged to the outside of the case through the heat dissipation hole on the top plate by utilizing the property that hot air rises. Even if water penetrates into the top plate through the heat dissipation hole, it is caught by the water collecting tank of the heat sink and directed to the water drainage hole. Furthermore, water drainage can be facilitated by sloping the water collecting part or sufficiently increasing the airflow of the fan. Therefore, with the present invention, while a heat dissipation hole is provided in a top plate to enable efficient heat dissipation, water that penetrates through the heat dissipation hole of the top plate can be discharged to the outside of a case. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle interior according to Embodiment 1, taken obliquely from above. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle interior according to Embodiment 1, taken obliquely from below. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle interior according to Embodiment 1 in a state where the upper case and the front cover are removed. Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a side panel on the rear side of the vehicle interior according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line VV of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view around the area of ​​the water collecting part of the heat sink according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view around the area of ​​the water collecting part of the heat sink according to Embodiment 2. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view around the area of ​​the water collecting part of the heat sink according to Embodiment 3. [EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION] [1. Configuration of the electrical device according to Embodiment 1]

[0008] Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the vehicle interior 1 according to Embodiment 1, taken obliquely from above. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the same vehicle interior 1 from below.

[0010] The present embodiment describes an electrical device as an example of the vehicle interior 1. In the present embodiment, the vehicle interior 1 is described as being installed on a generally flat surface. In the present embodiment, the terms "from front to back" and "from left to right" with respect to the vehicle interior 1 are used with reference to the vehicle interior 1 of Fig. 1. In other words, the front of the vehicle interior 1 corresponds to the lower left side of Fig. 1 and the back of the vehicle interior 1 corresponds to the upper right side of Fig. 1. The left side of the vehicle interior 1 corresponds to the upper left side of Fig. 1 and the right side of the vehicle interior 1 corresponds to the lower right side of Fig. 1.

[0011] The vehicle interior equipment 1 is equipment installed in a vehicle, such as infotainment equipment, audio equipment, or navigation equipment. The vehicle interior equipment 1 includes a housing 2 that forms the external shape. The housing 2 has a shape and dimensions that fit into the installation space of the vehicle (cuboid in the illustrated example) and is formed of a suitable material such as metal or resin. An example of an installation space is a storage recess provided in a vehicle dashboard; however, if there is no display part or control panel, the housing may be embedded in an inconspicuous location within the vehicle dashboard. A size standard such as 1DIN or 2DIN of the German Industrial Standard can be used as the size of this installation space.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle interior 1 according to Embodiment 1 in a state where an upper case 4 and the front cover 5 are removed.

[0013] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the vehicle interior device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a lower case 3 arranged at the bottom, printed circuit boards 6 and 7 stored in the lower case 3, heat sinks 8 and 9 installed on the printed circuit boards 6 and 7, a blower unit 10 arranged on the heat sink 8, the upper case 4 closing the lower case 3 from above and covering the printed circuit boards 6 and 7, the heat sinks 8 and 9, the blower unit 10, and the front cover 5 covering the front surface of the lower case 3 and the upper case 4.

[0014] The lower housing (first element) 3 has a box shape with a flat bottom that is open at the top. In the present embodiment, the lower housing 3 has a lower plate part (lower plate) 30 (see Fig. 2) and a front plate part 31, a rear plate part 32, a left plate part 33 and a right plate part 34 which correspond to the side plate parts provided on the front, the rear, the left and the right of the lower plate part 30.

[0015] The upper housing (second element) 4 has a box shape with a flat bottom that is open at the bottom. As shown in Fig. 1, the upper case 4 of the present embodiment includes a rectangular, flat-shaped upper plate member (top plate) 40 and side plates provided at the front, rear, left, and right of the upper plate member 40. The side plates consist of a front plate member 41 (see Fig. 5), a rear plate part (side plate) 42, a left plate part 43 and a right plate part 44.

[0016] The front cover (third member) 5 covers the front plate part 31 of the lower case 3 and the front plate part 41 of the upper case 4. The front cover 5 of the present embodiment includes an outer front plate part 51 constituting the front plate part 41 of the upper case 4, a side plate on the front side, and an upper plate connecting part 50 bent rearward from an upper end of the front plate part 51.

[0017] The housing 2 of the present embodiment includes the lower housing 3, the upper housing 4, the front cover 5 and a rear cover 52 (see Fig. 4). In other words, the front plate part 31, the rear plate part 32, the left plate part 33, and the right plate part 34 of the lower case 3 are respectively connected to the front plate part 41, the rear plate part 42, the left plate part 43, and the right plate part 44 of the upper case 4, while the front plate part 51 and the upper plate connecting part 50 of the front cover 5 are respectively connected to the front plate part 31 of the lower case 3 and the front plate part 41 of the upper case 4, and to the upper plate part 40 of the upper case 4, thereby forming the hollow case 2.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the side plates on the front side of the housing 2 consist of the front plate part 31, the front plate part 41, and the front plate part 51. The side plate on the rear side of the housing 2 consists of the rear plate part 32, the rear plate part 42, and the rear cover 52. The side plate of the left side of the housing 2 is formed by the left plate part 33 and the left plate part 43. The side plate of the right side of the housing 2 is formed by the right plate part 34 and the right plate part 44. The upper plate of the housing 2 consists of the upper plate part 40 and the upper plate connecting part 50. The lower plate of the housing 2 consists of the lower plate part 30.

[0019] In the lower plate of the housing 2, i.e. the lower plate part 30 of the lower housing 3 (see Fig. 2), an air inlet opening 35 is formed. The air inlet opening 35 consists of a plurality of round holes. The air inlet opening 35 of the present embodiment is formed at a position corresponding to a heating element 61 (see Fig. 5) faces the lower circuit board 6.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a side panel on the rear side of the vehicle interior 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0021] A plurality of heat dissipation holes 2a are formed in a top plate of the casing 2, that is, in the top plate part 40 of the upper casing 4. The heat dissipation holes 2a are formed on the outer periphery of the top plate part 40. The heat dissipation holes 2a of the present embodiment are formed in a rear end part. The heat dissipation holes 2a are in the shape of a long hole and extend in a front-to-rear direction. In the left-to-right direction, a plurality of heat dissipation holes 2a are provided, which together form a heat dissipation opening. In the present embodiment, the heat dissipation holes 2a are formed from the top plate part 40 to the rear plate part 42 of the upper casing 4. In other words, in the present embodiment, the heat dissipation holes 2a are formed in the top plate part 40 and the rear plate part 42 of the upper casing 4.

[0022] A water drainage hole 2b is formed corresponding to a lower part of the heat dissipation holes 2a on the side surface of the case 2. In the present embodiment, the water drainage hole 2b is formed on a side plate on the rear side of the case 2. The water drainage hole 2b is open and extends in the horizontal direction. The water drainage hole 2b is formed longer in the left-to-right direction than the formation area of ​​the heat dissipation holes 2a. In the present embodiment, a lower edge part 42a that is concave upward is formed in the rear plate part 42 of the upper case 4. The water drainage hole 2b is composed of an enclosing shape of the lower edge part 42a of the rear plate part 42 and a tip end 102 in an extended direction of a water collecting part 100, which will be described below.

[0023] A communication hole 2c is formed in a side surface of the housing 2, which is deeper than the heat dissipation holes 2a. In the present embodiment, a plurality of communication holes 2c are formed as needed on a side plate on the back of the housing 2. The communication holes 2c are formed deeper than the water drainage hole 2b. In the present embodiment, a part of the communication holes 2c and the water drainage hole 2b form a single opening shape.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line VV of Fig. 1.

[0025] Printed circuit boards 6 and 7 are arranged inside the housing 2. The printed circuit boards 6 and 7 are, for example, printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards 6 and 7 are vertically spaced. The printed circuit boards 6 and 7 are attached to the lower housing 3 and the upper housing 4, respectively. The lower printed circuit board 6 has a circuit board 60 arranged over almost the entire surface of the lower plate part 30, as shown in Fig. 3. The upper circuit board 7 includes a circuit board 70 formed in a shape that bypasses the blower unit 10. As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 5, electrical and electronic components 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 71, 72, 73, 74, and the like required for the vehicle interior 1 are mounted on the circuit boards 60 and 70. Numerous components for implementing various functions of the vehicle interior 1 are arranged on the mounting surfaces of the circuit boards 60 and 70.

[0026] These components include heating elements 61 and 71, which generate more heat than other components and are components that require heat dissipation for stable operation. Heating elements 61 and 71 include, for example, processors such as a microprocessing unit (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), and integrated circuits such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and a peripheral interface controller (PIC). In the present embodiment, heating element 61 is an SoC. Heating element 71 is a PIC.

[0027] The upper circuit board 60 and the lower circuit board 70 are electrically connected by a wiring harness 62.

[0028] At the rear end parts of the boards 60 and 70 there are connectors 63, 64, 65, 66, 73 and 74 (see Fig. 4). External terminals from external devices are detachably connected to connectors 63, 64, 65, 66, 73, and 74. Connectors 63, 64, 65, 66, 73, and 74 protrude from the housing 2 through connector holes 2c.

[0029] Heat sinks 8 and 9 are bonded to the heating elements 61 and 71, respectively. The bottom surfaces of the heat sinks 8 and 9 are bonded to the top surfaces of the heating elements 61 and 71 via thermally conductive grease or a thermally conductive film. Therefore, the heat sinks 8 and 9 absorb heat from the heating elements 61 and 71. Note that the thermally conductive grease or film may be omitted. The heat sinks 8 and 9 absorb heat from the heating elements 61 and 71 and dissipate this heat to the surrounding air. In this way, the heat sinks 8 and 9 dissipate the heat generated by the heating elements 61 and 71 using air cooling. The heat sinks 8 and 9 are made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, an aluminum alloy, or the like. The heat sink 8 of the present embodiment is an aluminum plate, while the heat sink 9 is die-cast aluminum.

[0030] The lower heat sink 8 has an L-shaped cross section, as shown in Fig. 5. The heat sink 8 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 80 with a certain thickness in the vertical direction, extending from front to back, and a plate-shaped bent portion 81 bent upward from a front end of the main body portion 80. The lower surface of the main body portion 80 of the heat sink 8 is bonded to the upper surface of the heating element 61.

[0031] The fan unit 10 is arranged above the lower heat sink 8. The fan unit 10 includes a fan 110 and an air duct 120 that supports the fan 110.

[0032] The air duct 120 is attached to an inner surface of the upper plate part 40. The fan 110 is attached to a lower surface of the air duct 120.

[0033] In the present embodiment, an axial-flow fan is used in the fan 110. The fan 110 includes a rectangular-circular fan casing 110a, a fan motor 110b peripherally supported inside the fan casing 110a, and blades (not shown) rotatably supported on the fan motor 110b. The fan casing 110a is fixed to a lower surface of the air duct 120 by a bracket such as a bolt. The fan 110 rotates centered around a motor axis extending in the vertical direction of the fan motor 110b. The fan 110 sucks air from below and blows the air upward. Note that the fan 110 may be a sirocco fan or the like.

[0034] The air duct 120 guides the air blown by the fan 110 to the heat sink 9. The air duct 120 includes a plate-shaped main body part 121 with a certain thickness in the vertical direction. The main body part 121 is flat and inclined to the rear left (see Fig. 3). The front end portion of the main body portion 121 has a vent opening 121a extending vertically. The fan 110 is mounted on the lower surface of the main body portion 121 corresponding to the vent opening 121a. The fan 110 is arranged to cover the vent opening 121a. The fan 110 faces the main body portion 80 of the heat sink 8.

[0035] Here, the lower surface of the fan housing 110a is positioned below an upper end of the bent portion 81 of the heat sink 8. The lower surface of the fan housing 110a is located below the upper circuit board 70. Thus, air flowing over the main body portion 80 of the heat sink 8 is more easily blown through the vent hole 121a and into the air duct 120 by the fan 110.

[0036] On the upper surface of the main body part 121 there is a channel wall 122 (see Fig. 3) formed in an upright shape relative to the upper surface. The duct wall 122 includes a front wall 123 extending in a semicircular arc in plan view along the left front side of the vent opening 121a, a left side wall 124 extending from the left end of the front wall 123 to the rear left, and a right side wall 125 extending from the right end of the front wall 123 to the rear left. The front, left, and right sides of the vent opening 121a surround the front wall 123, the left wall 124, and the right wall 125 of the duct wall 122 on the upper surface of the main body part 121. The left side wall 124 and the right side wall 125 extend rearward at a prescribed interval.The rearwardly open, approximately U-shaped upper opening 122a is formed by the surrounding shape of the upper end of the front wall 123, the upper end of the left wall 124, and the upper end of the right wall 125. The upper end of the channel wall 122 is configured to contact or be located near the upper plate part 40. An upwardly open, approximately U-shaped rear opening 122b is formed by the surrounding shape of the rear end of the main body part 121, the rear end of the left wall 124, and the rear end of the right wall 125.

[0037] A plurality of fastening parts 126 are formed on the circumference of the upper part of the channel wall 122 (see Fig. 3). The fixing part 126 is fixed to the upper plate part 40 of the upper case 4. Here, the upper opening 122a is closed by the upper plate part 40 and the rear opening 122b is closed from above. In other words, an air flow path 120S (see Fig. 5) is formed by the space surrounded by the duct wall 122 and the upper plate part 40. In the air duct 120, the air flowing in from the vent opening 121a flows to the flow path 120S and flows out through the rear opening 122b.

[0038] The front wall 123 includes a lower portion 123a extending upward and an upper portion 123b inclined rearward and leftward, extending upward from an upper end of the lower portion 123a. The inclined shape of the upper portion 123b facilitates air flowing upward from the vent opening 121a toward the rear left without losing velocity.

[0039] The heat sink 9 is arranged behind a rear opening 120b of the air duct 120. The heat sink 9 extends from the air duct 120 toward the heat dissipation holes 2a. The heat sink 9 integrally includes a heat dissipation part 90 positioned above the heating element 71 and the water collecting part 100 positioned below the heat dissipation holes 2a, which are connected to the heat dissipation part 90.

[0040] A pair of exterior walls 111 and 112 (see Fig. 3) is formed on the upper surface of the heat sink 9, in other words, on an upper surface 91 of the heat dissipation part 90 and an upper surface 101 of the water collecting part 100. The outer walls 111 and 112 extend from the air duct 120 toward the heat dissipation holes 2a. The outer walls 111 and 112, together with the upper surfaces 91 and 101 of the heat dissipation part 90 and the water collecting part 100, form an upwardly open concave shape.

[0041] The outer walls 111 and 112 of the water collecting part 100 are formed on the left and right outside the heat dissipation holes 2a. The outer walls 111 and 112 are formed at a height such that they come into contact with or are located near the upper plate part 40. An air flow path 9S is formed from the space surrounded by the upper surfaces 91 and 101 of the heat dissipation part 90 and the water collecting part 100, the outer walls 111 and 112, and the upper plate part 40. With the heat sink 9, air flowing out of the rear opening 120b of the air duct 120 flows through the flow path 9S and is discharged from the heat dissipation holes 2a and the water drain hole 2b to the outside of the case 2.

[0042] Hereinafter, references to the upstream side of the heat sink 9 refer to the side of the air duct 12 of the heat sink 9. Hereinafter, references to the upstream side of the heat sink 9 refer to the side of the heat dissipation holes 2a of the heat sink 9.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the heat dissipation member 90 includes a block-shaped base member 92. The base member 92 extends from the air duct 120 toward the heat dissipation holes 2a. A heat receiving member 93 in a square column shape is formed on the bottom surface of the base member 92. The bottom surface of the heat receiving member 93 is bonded to the top surface of the heating element 71.

[0044] A duct connecting part 94 is formed at the upstream end of the base part 92. After projecting downward from the base part 92, the duct connecting part 94 projects forward. The duct connecting part 94 continues into the lower part of the air duct 120.

[0045] The upper surface of the base part 92, in other words, the upper surface 91 of the heat dissipation part 90, includes an upstream upper surface 91a that slopes upward toward the downstream. In other words, the interval between the upstream upper surface 91a and the upper plate part 40 decreases as it moves downstream. The upstream end of the upstream upper surface 91a is formed at the same height as the upper surface of the main body part 121 of the air duct 120. The upstream end of the upstream upper surface 91a may be located below the upper surface of the main body part 121. Thus, the air discharged from the air duct 120 more easily reaches the upper surface 91 of the heat dissipation part 90.

[0046] A downstream upper surface 91b extending along the upper plate portion 40 is formed on the downstream side of the upstream upper surface 91a. The midstream upper surface 91b is positioned above the heat receiving portion 93. On the downstream side of the midstream upper surface 91b, a downstream upper surface 91c is formed, which slopes upward in the downstream direction.

[0047] On the downstream side of the base part 92, a connector-avoiding part 95 is formed. The connector-avoiding part 95 is an L-shaped notch. The connectors 73 and 74 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) are stored in the connector avoidance part 95.

[0048] On the upper surface 91, a plurality of heat dissipation fins 96 are formed, projecting upright from the upper surface 91. The heat dissipation fins 96 are formed between the outer walls 111 and 112. The heat dissipation fins 96 are arranged at prescribed intervals from left to right. The heat dissipation fins 96 have a shortened trapezoidal shape with an upwardly tapered cross section. The heat dissipation fins 96 extend obliquely to the left as they move backward. It should be noted that in Fig. 5, a cross section is shown intersecting the sloped heat dissipation fins 96 such that the heat dissipation fins 96 are illustrated spaced from front to back.

[0049] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view around the area of ​​the water collecting part 100 of the heat sink 9 according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the main part of Fig. 5.

[0050] The water collection part 100, positioned below the heat dissipation holes 2a connected to the heat dissipation part 90, is formed on the downstream side of the heat dissipation part 90. The water collection part 100 has a thin plate shape compared to the heat dissipation part 90. The water collection part 100 extends rearward. The water collection part 100 is formed with a wider formation area than the heat dissipation holes 2a in plan view. The tip end 102 in the extension direction of the water collection part 100 penetrates through the water drainage hole 2b to the rear of the housing 2. A projection L1 with which the tip end 102 of the water collecting part 100 projects from the outer surface of the housing 2 is smaller than the projection L2 of the nearby connectors 73 and 74. In the present embodiment, the projection L1 of the water collecting part 100 is formed smaller than the projections of the connectors 63 to 66, 73 and 74.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the upper surface 101 of the water collecting part 100 is a flat surface that is inclined toward the rear (water drainage hole 2b side) when moving downward. The upper surface 101 of the water collecting part 100 and an upper edge of the water drainage hole 2b, in other words, the distance to the lower edge part 42a of the rear plate part 42 (see Fig. 4), is formed in such a size that water flowing onto the upper surface 101 of the water collecting part 100 does not contact the lower edge part 42a.

[0052] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, among the portions other than the heat dissipation fins 96 and the outer walls 111 and 112, in other words, among the upper surface shapes constituting the upper surface 91 of the heat dissipation part 90 and the upper surface 101 of the water collecting part 100, the heat dissipation part 90 and the water collecting part 100 for the heat sink 9 can be defined based on the highest portion (in other words, the portion where the interval between the upper plate part 40 and the upper surfaces 91 and 101 is the narrowest). In other words, in the heat sink 9, the highest portion is formed to intersect the flow path 9S. The highest portion connects the outer wall 111 and the outer wall 112. The water collecting part 100 constitutes the portion of the heat sink 9 on the heat dissipation hole 2a side of this highest portion.In addition, the portion of the heat sink 9 other than the water collecting part 100 forms the heat dissipation part 90.

[0053] In the present embodiment, this highest portion is a dam part 113. The dam part 113 is formed on the upstream side of the heat dissipation holes 2a. The dam part 113 more easily prevents water received in the water collecting part 100 from invading the air duct 120 side. The dam part 113 of the present embodiment includes an upper part 113a, which is the highest portion, a dam wall surface 113b having a steep shape and formed on the water collecting part 100 side of the upper part 113a approximately orthogonal to the upper surface 101 of the water collecting part 100, and a dam slope 113c, which is formed on the heat dissipation part 90 side of the upper part 113a and slopes upward as it moves from upstream to downstream.

[0054] The dam wall surface 113b more easily prevents water from entering the water collecting part 100 and entering the side of the air duct 120 even when the vehicle body tilts and the vehicle interior 1 tilts.

[0055] The dam slope 113c extends from the downstream upper surface 91c in a plane. The dam slope 113c allows the air to more easily maintain its momentum undisturbed through the dam portion 113 while flowing downstream. Therefore, water drainage is facilitated by the air blown by the fan 110. [2. Effect of the electrical device]

[0056] Next, the effect of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0057] The operation of the blower 110 when the vehicle interior equipment 1 is in operation results in the air flow A (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) moves from the intake holes in the lower case 3 to the heat dissipation holes 2a and the water drainage hole 2b of the upper case 4. In other words, air drawn through the air intake port 35 moves along a lower surface of the lower circuit board 6 and bypasses the periphery of the lower circuit board 6 toward the fan unit 10. The air flowing to the fan unit 10 cools the lower heat sink 8.

[0058] Air cooling the heat sink 8 is captured by the fan 110 of the fan unit 10 and sent into the flow path 120S of the air duct 120. Air sent to the flow path 120S, which is guided to the upper surface 91 of the upper heat sink 9 and flows along the heat dissipation fins 96, is heated by the heat dissipation part 90 and becomes hot. This hot air is discharged from the heat dissipation holes 2a and the water drain hole 2b. In the present embodiment, heat dissipation holes 2a are formed in the upper plate part 40, utilizing the hot air rising property, enabling rapid hot air discharge and efficient heat dissipation.

[0059] Here, in the present embodiment, there are cases where water penetrates into the casing 2 through the heat dissipation holes 2a. In particular, when the vehicle interior 1 is arranged below piping for the air conditioner or defrosting system, there is a possibility that condensate therefrom penetrates through the heat dissipation holes 2a. In the present embodiment, if water penetrates into the casing 2 through the heat dissipation holes 2a, the incoming water is collected by the water collecting part 100 of the heat sink 9, which is positioned below the heat dissipation holes 2a. In other words, water falling through the heat dissipation holes 2a is collected on the upper surface 101 of the water collecting part 100, as indicated by arrow B1 in Fig. 6 is given.

[0060] As indicated by arrow B2 (see Fig. 6), the water collected in the water collecting part 100 is moved toward the water drainage hole 2b by the inclined shape of the upper surface 101 and by the air flow A from the fan 110, when the air blown by the fan 110 is strong enough, and is discharged to the outside of the casing 2 through the water drainage hole 2b. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the flow path 120S of the air duct 120 after the fan 110 and the flow path 9S of the heat sink have a closed or nearly closed shape, so that the blown air is not dispersed but is blown with high force toward the water collecting part 100. Therefore, the air blown by the fan 110 causes water to drain out of the casing 2 through the water drainage hole 2b. Therefore, water penetrating into the housing 2 is drained through the heat sink 9 and does not touch the electrical or electronic components 61 to 66 and 71 to 74 of the circuit boards 6 and 7.Even if the blowing force of the blower is insufficient, the water that has entered is drained from the water drain hole 2b outside the housing 2 due to the inclined shape of the upper surface 101. [3. Effect]

[0061] As described above, the vehicle interior equipment 1 in the present embodiment is a vehicle interior equipment 1 that performs heat dissipation using cooling air and includes: a heating element 71; a housing 2 in which the heating element 71 is installed, which has an upper plate part 40 provided with the heat dissipation holes 2a, and a rear plate part 42 provided with a water drainage hole 2b; a heat sink 9, which includes in one piece: a heat dissipation part 90 in contact with the heating element 71, which dissipates the heat of the heating element 71, and a water collecting part 100 formed continuously with the heat dissipation part 90 and having an end part positioned below the heat dissipation holes 2a on a side opposite to the side continuous with the heat dissipation part 90 and projecting outside the water drain hole 2b, collecting water penetrating through the heat dissipation holes 2a and guiding the water to the water drain hole 2b; and a fan 110 that vents from the upper surfaces 90 and 101 of the heat dissipation part 90 via the upper surfaces 91 and 101 of the water collecting part 100 toward the heat dissipation holes 2a and the water drain hole 2b.

[0062] With this configuration, efficient heat dissipation can be achieved by utilizing the property of hot air rising through the heat dissipation holes 2a in the upper plate part 40 and quickly discharging the hot air to the outside of the housing 2. In addition, even if water penetrates through the heat dissipation holes 2a of the upper plate part 40, the water is collected by the water collecting part 100 of the heat sink 9 and guided to the water drain hole 2b, and discharged to the outside of the housing 2 by sloping the water collecting part or by using an airflow generated by making the airflow of the fan 110 sufficiently strong.Therefore, with the present invention, in a vehicle interior device 1 in which, although heat dissipation holes 2a are provided in the upper plate part 40 to enable efficient heat dissipation, water penetrating through the heat dissipation holes 2a of the upper plate part 40 can be discharged to the outside of the case 2.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the water collecting part 100 is provided with a slope from the side of the heat dissipation part 90 to the side of the water drain hole 2b.

[0064] According to this configuration, the water collected in the water collecting part 100 can be efficiently drained.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the heat sink 9 includes a dam part 113 between the heat dissipation part 90 and the water collecting part 100 to prevent water collected in the water collecting part 100 from entering the heat dissipation part 90.

[0066] According to this configuration, water can be prevented from entering the heat dissipation part 90, and it is easy to prevent water from coming into contact with the heating element 71.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the heat dissipation part 90 side of the dam part 113 has a flat shape extending from the upper surfaces 91 and 101 of the heat dissipation part 90, or a shape gradually rising toward the water collecting part 100 relative to the upper surface 91 of the heat dissipation part 90, and the side of the water collecting part 100 of the dam part 113 has a steep shape with respect to the upper surface 101 of the water collecting part 100.

[0068] According to this configuration, the shape of the water collecting part 100 of the dam part 113 makes it easier to prevent water collected by the water collecting part 100 from entering the heat dissipation part 90, even if the vehicle interior 1 is tilted so that the heat dissipation part 90 is lower than the water collecting part 100. In addition, the shape of the heat dissipation part 90 of the dam part 113 makes it easier to ensure the momentum of the air from the heat dissipation part 90 to the water collecting part 100. Therefore, by having a sufficiently high blowing force of the blower 110, the water discharge using the air blown by the blower 110 is facilitated.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the dam part 113 is provided on a side of the heat dissipation part 90 which is farther from the water drain hole 2b than directly below the heat dissipation holes 2a.

[0070] According to this configuration, the water collecting part 100 is larger than the heat dissipation holes 2a, making it easier to collect water falling from the heat dissipation holes 2a with the water collecting part 100, and more difficult for water to overflow the dam part 113 even if the water splashes onto the water collecting part 100.

[0071] In the present embodiment, a connector 74 is arranged on the rear plate parts 42 and 32, and a projection L1 from an outer surface of the rear plate parts 42 and 32 to a tip end 102 of the water collecting part 100 is smaller than a projection L2 from the outer surface of the rear plate parts 42 and 32 to a tip end of the connector 74.

[0072] According to this configuration, interference between the heat sink 9 protruding from the housing 2 and other elements can be more easily suppressed; therefore, the vehicle interior equipment 1 can be installed more easily. In other words, the vehicle interior equipment 1 in the present embodiment can be installed using the same installation space as has been conventionally used. [4. Heat sink configuration according to embodiment 2]

[0073] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description according to Embodiment 2, the configurations having the same functions as those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same codes, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0074] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view around the area of ​​the water collecting part 100 of the heat sink 209 according to Embodiment 2.

[0075] The heat sink 209 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the heat sink 9 according to Embodiment 1 in that a downstream upper surface 291c and a dam part 213 are used instead of the downstream upper surface 91c and the dam part 113 according to Embodiment 1.

[0076] In the heat sink 209 according to Embodiment 2, the downstream upper surface 291c is located at the downstream end and extends along the upper plate part 40.

[0077] The dam part 213 according to Embodiment 2 is formed in a rib shape that protrudes upward with respect to the downstream upper surface 291c of the heat dissipation part 90 and the upper surface 91 of the water collection part 100. In other words, the dam part 213 of the present embodiment has a dam wall surface 213c with a steep shape that is roughly orthogonal to the downstream upper surface 291c of the heat dissipation part 90 on the heat dissipation part 90 side of the upper part 113a. [5. Effect of Embodiment 2]

[0078] Therefore, the present embodiment, which is similar to Embodiment 1, is a vehicle interior device 1 in which, although heat dissipation holes 2a are provided in the upper plate part 40 to enable efficient heat dissipation, water penetrating through the heat dissipation holes 2a of the upper plate part 40 is drained to the outside of the case 2.

[0079] Here, with the present embodiment, water can be prevented from intruding onto the heat dissipation part 90 side by the dam part 213, and water can be prevented from contacting the heating element 71, similarly to Embodiment 1. [6. Heat sink configuration according to embodiment 3]

[0080] Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description according to Embodiment 3, the configurations having the same functions as those of Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same codes, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0081] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view around the area of ​​the water collecting part 100 of the heat sink 309 according to Embodiment 3.

[0082] The heat sink 309 according to Embodiment 3 differs from the heat sink 209 according to Embodiment 2 in that a downstream upper surface 391c and a dam part 313 are used instead of the downstream upper surface 291c and the dam part 213 according to Embodiment 2.

[0083] In the heat sink 309 according to Embodiment 3, the downstream upper surface 391c is located at the downstream end and extends along the upper plate part 40.

[0084] A dam part 313 according to Embodiment 3 is formed in a stepped shape with respect to the upper surface 101 of the water collection part 100. The dam part 313 of the present embodiment includes an upper extension wall surface 313c having the same height as the upper part 113a on the heat dissipation part 90 side of the upper part 113a. The upper extension wall surface 313c is connected to and flush with the downstream upper surface 391c. [7. Effect of Embodiment 3]

[0085] Therefore, the present embodiment, which is similar to Embodiments 1 and 2, is a vehicle interior device 1 in which, although heat dissipation holes 2a are provided in the upper plate part 40 to enable efficient heat dissipation, water penetrating through the heat dissipation holes 2a of the upper plate part 40 is drained to the outside of the case 2.

[0086] Here, with the present embodiment, water can be prevented from intruding onto the heat dissipation part 90 side by the dam part 313 and water can be prevented from contacting the heating element 71, similarly to Embodiments 1 and 2. [8. Other embodiments]

[0087] The embodiments described above merely illustrate aspects of the present invention and can be freely modified and adapted within the scope of the present invention.

[0088] In the embodiments described above, a configuration for providing a guide slope at the water drainage hole 2b of the upper surface 101 of the water collection part 100 was described. This configuration is desirable; however, no guide slope may be provided for the water drainage hole 2b on the upper surface 101 of the water collection part 100. In other words, a configuration is possible in which the blowing force of the fan is sufficiently amplified and water is guided to the water drainage hole 2b using only the airflow A generated by the fan 110.

[0089] In the embodiments described above, a configuration with the heat dissipation holes 2a formed on the back side of the upper plate part 40 and the water drainage hole 2b formed on the rear plate part 42 was specified, but the position of the heat dissipation holes 2a and the water drainage hole 2b is not limited to the back side. In other words, the water drainage hole 2b may be provided in any of the front plate part 41, the left plate part 43, or the right plate part 44, instead of the rear plate part 42, depending on the position where the heat dissipation holes 2a are formed. The housing 2 is configured in a cuboid shape as desired; however, the housing need not be cuboid. If the housing is not cuboid, the water drainage hole may be provided at any position on the side plate connecting the outer periphery of the upper plate part and the outer periphery of the lower plate part. [9. Summary of the invention]

[0090] (Aspect 1) An electrical device that performs heat dissipation by means of cooling air, comprising: a heating element; a housing in which the heating element is installed, having a top plate provided with a heat dissipation hole and a side plate provided with a water drainage hole; a heat sink that includes: a heat dissipation part in contact with the heating element, which dissipates the heat of the heating element, and a water collecting part formed continuously with the heat dissipation part and having an end part positioned below the heat dissipation hole on a side opposite to the side continuous with the heat dissipation part and projecting outside the water drain hole, collecting water penetrating through the heat dissipation hole and directing the water to the water drain hole; and a fan that vents from an upper surface of the heat dissipation part through an upper surface of the water collecting part toward the heat dissipation hole and the water drain hole.

[0091] With this configuration, efficient heat dissipation can be achieved by utilizing the property of hot air rising through the heat dissipation holes in the top plate and quickly dissipating the hot air to the outside of the case. Furthermore, even if water penetrates through the heat dissipation holes of the top plate, the water is collected by the water collecting part of the heat sink and directed to the water drain hole, and discharged to the outside of the case by tilting the water collecting part or by using an airflow from the fan. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, an electrical device in which, although heat dissipation holes are provided in the top plate part to enable efficient heat dissipation, water that penetrates through the heat dissipation holes of the top plate part can be discharged to the outside of the case.

[0092] (Aspect 2) The electric device according to aspect 1, wherein the water collecting part is provided with a slope from the heat dissipation part side to the water drain hole side.

[0093] According to this configuration, the water collected in the water collecting part can be drained efficiently.

[0094] (Aspect 3) The electric device according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the heat sink has a dam part between the heat dissipation part and the water collecting part for preventing water collected in the water collecting part from entering the heat dissipation part.

[0095] According to this configuration, water can be prevented from entering the heat dissipation part, and it is easy to prevent water from coming into contact with the heating element side.

[0096] (Aspect 4) The electrical device according to aspect 3, wherein the heat dissipation part side of the dam part has a flat shape extending from an upper surface of the heat dissipation part, or a shape gradually rising toward the water collecting part relative to the upper surface of the heat dissipation part, and the side of the water collecting part of the dam part has a steep shape with respect to an upper surface of the water collecting part.

[0097] According to this configuration, the shape of the water collection part of the dam part makes it easier to prevent water collected by the water collection part from entering the heat dissipation part, even if the electrical device is tilted so that the heat dissipation part is lower than the water collection part. In addition, the shape of the heat dissipation part of the dam part makes it easier to ensure the air momentum from the heat dissipation part to the water collection part. Thus, drainage can be more easily achieved by utilizing the slope of the water collection part or the airflow from the fan.

[0098] (Aspect 5) The electrical device according to aspect 3 or 4, wherein the dam part is provided on a side of the heat dissipation part that is farther from the water drain hole than directly below the heat dissipation hole.

[0099] According to this configuration, the water collecting part is larger than the heat dissipation holes, which makes it easier to collect water falling from the heat dissipation holes and more difficult for water to overflow the dam part even if the water splashes on the water collecting part.

[0100] (Aspect 6) The electrical device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein a connector is arranged in the side plate, and a projection from an outer surface of the side plate to a tip end of the water collecting part is smaller than a projection from the outer surface of the side plate to a tip end of the connector.

[0101] According to this configuration, interference between the heat sink protruding from the housing and other elements can be more easily suppressed; therefore, the electrical device can be installed more easily. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle interior equipment (electrical device) 2 housings 2a Heat dissipation hole 2b Water drainage hole 9 heat sinks 40 upper plate part (upper plate) 42 rear plate part (side plate) 63 to 66, 73, 74 connectors 71 Heating element 90 Heat dissipation part 91 upper surface 100 water collection part 101 upper surface 102 top end 110 blowers 113, 213, 313 Dam section L1 projection of the water collecting part L2 connector projection QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022110640 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] An electrical device which dissipates heat by means of cooling air, comprising: a heating element; a housing in which the heating element is installed, having a top plate provided with a heat dissipation hole and a side plate provided with a water drainage hole; a heat sink that includes: a heat dissipation part in contact with the heating element, which dissipates the heat of the heating element, and a water collecting part formed continuously with the heat dissipation part and having an end part positioned below the heat dissipation hole on a side opposite to the side continuous with the heat dissipation part and projecting outside the water drain hole, collecting water penetrating through the heat dissipation hole and guiding the water to the water drain hole; and a fan that vents from an upper surface of the heat dissipation part through an upper surface of the water collecting part toward the heat dissipation hole and the water drain hole. [2] The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the water collecting part is provided with a slope from the side of the heat dissipation part to the side of the water drain hole. [3] The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein the heat sink has a dam part between the heat dissipation part and the water collecting part to prevent water collected in the water collecting part from entering the heat dissipation part. [4] Electrical device according to claim 3, wherein the heat dissipation part side of the dam part has a flat shape extending from an upper surface of the heat dissipation part, or a shape gradually rising toward the water collecting part relative to the upper surface of the heat dissipation part, and the side of the water collecting part of the dam part has a steep shape with respect to an upper surface of the water collecting part. [5] The electrical device according to claim 3, wherein the dam member is provided on a side of the heat dissipation member which is farther from the water drain hole than directly below the heat dissipation hole. [6] Electrical device according to claim 1, wherein a connector is arranged in the side plate and a projection from an outer surface of the side plate to a tip end of the water collecting part is smaller than a projection from the outer surface of the side plate to a tip end of the connector.

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