Electric power supply

Abstract

To provide an electric power supply that can effectively cool a plurality of coils by means of a blower when these coils are arranged, for example, in close proximity to each other.SOLUTION: In an electric power supply having a first coil, a second coil, a substrate, a blower, and a housing for accommodating these, the first coil and the second coil are connected in series or parallel, and at least a portion of each of the first and second coils is included in the view from a viewpoint looking at the first and second coils in the same direction as an airflow direction in the blower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device.

Background Art

[0002] In a power supply device, a configuration for cooling a coil, which is a heat-generating component, is important. For example, in the DC-DC converter device described in Patent Document 1, two coils are continuously arranged on a substrate (see FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in a power supply device, for example, a configuration for cooling a coil using a fan is used. However, in the conventional technology as described above, since two coils are continuously arranged, for example, in a configuration where a fan is applied, a coil that is not directly hit by the wind of the fan may occur, and the coil may not be sufficiently cooled, and the winding temperature of the coil may rise. In particular, in a configuration with a large number of components or a configuration using a high-density component layout, the temperature of each component tends to rise, and the winding temperature of the coil also tends to rise.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and when a plurality of coils are arranged close to each other, for example, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply device that can effectively cool these coils by a blower.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect is a power supply device having a first coil, a second coil, a substrate, a blower, and a housing that houses these components, wherein the first coil and the second coil are connected in series or in parallel, and at least a part of each of the first coil and the second coil is included in a field of view when looking at the first coil and the second coil from a perspective in the same direction as the air flow direction in the blower.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in a power supply device, when a plurality of coils are arranged close to each other, for example, the blower can effectively cool these coils.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a power supply device according to an embodiment will be described. Note that the power supply device may be called, for example, a power conversion device or the like. Also, as a specific example, the power supply device may be a switching power supply device.

[0010] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0011] [Power Supply Device] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a power supply device 1 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes of a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system are shown. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, it will be described assuming that the direction from the positive side to the negative side of the Z axis is the gravitational direction. In this case, the positive side of the Z axis is upward, the negative side of the Z axis is downward, and the XY plane is a plane perpendicular to the gravitational direction.

[0012] The power supply device 1 includes a housing 11. In the present embodiment, the housing 11 has a cubic shape having six faces. These six faces are a lower face (bottom face) parallel to the XY plane, an upper face (top face) parallel to the XY plane, a face (one side face) parallel to the XZ plane and on the positive side of the Y axis, a face (one side face) parallel to the XZ plane and on the negative side of the Y axis, a face (one side face) parallel to the YZ plane and on the positive side of the X axis, and a face (one side face) parallel to the YZ plane and on the negative side of the X axis.

[0013] Here, in the example of FIG. 1, in order to show a configuration example inside the housing 11, the upper surface (top surface) parallel to the XY plane is not shown (that is, it is made transparent). In the example of FIG. 1, a configuration example inside the housing 11 is shown from the perspective of looking from above to below. In the example of FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the surface parallel to the XZ plane and on the positive side of the Y axis is shown as surface A1, the surface parallel to the XZ plane and on the negative side of the Y axis is shown as surface A2, and the lower surface (bottom surface) parallel to the XY plane is shown as surface A3. Note that the housing 11 may be composed of, for example, two or more parts (such as a lid and a main body), and these parts may be detachable.

[0014] The power supply device 1 includes, as components inside the housing 11, an input terminal 31, an output terminal 32, a fan F1, a fan F2, a transformer 41, a substrate 51, a pedestal 53, a coil C1, a coil C2, a substrate 61, a pedestal 63, a coil C11, and a coil C12. Note that a part of these components may be present outside the housing 11. As a specific example, a part of the input terminal 31, a part of the output terminal 32, a part of the fan F1, and a part of the fan F2 may be exposed outside the housing 11. Here, the configuration inside the housing 11 of the power supply device 1 shown in the example of FIG. 1 is an example for explanation and is not necessarily limited to this example.

[0015] The substrate 51 is a wiring substrate. The substrate 51 has a planar shape, and its planar surface is arranged parallel (or substantially parallel) to the bottom surface (surface A3) of the housing 11. The pedestal 53 includes a mounting portion E1 and a mounting portion E2. The coil C1 is mounted on the mounting portion E1, and the coil C2 is mounted on the mounting portion E2. The coil C1 includes a core J1 and a winding K1. The winding K1 is wound around the annular core J1. The coil C2 includes a core J2 and a winding K2. The winding K2 is wound around the annular core J2. In this embodiment, coil C1 and coil C2 have the same shape.

[0016] Here, in this embodiment, a toroidal coil is used as the coil (coil C1 and coil C2 in this embodiment). The toroidal coil is formed by winding a conductor wire (winding K1 and winding K2 in this embodiment) around an annular magnetic core (core J1 and core J2 in this embodiment).

[0017] The substrate 61 is a wiring substrate. The substrate 61 has a planar shape, and its planar surface is arranged parallel (or substantially parallel) to the bottom surface (surface A3) of the housing 11. The pedestal 63 includes a mounting portion E11 and a mounting portion E12. Coil C11 is mounted on the mounting portion E11, and coil C12 is mounted on the mounting portion E12. Coil C11 includes a core J11 and a winding K11. The winding K11 is wound around the annular core J11. Coil C12 includes a core J12 and a winding K12. The winding K12 is wound around the annular core J12. In this embodiment, coil C11 and coil C12 have the same shape.

[0018] Fans F1 and F2 are provided on the side of surface A1 of the housing 11. In this embodiment, fans F1 and F2 are provided at positions symmetric to each other with respect to the central portion of surface A1 in a direction parallel to the X-axis, but they may be provided at other positions.

[0019] In this embodiment, fans F1 and F2 suck the air inside the housing 11 and discharge the air to the outside from the side of surface A1, thereby generating wind (air flow) inside the housing 11. FIG. 1 shows, for convenience of explanation, the direction D1 of the wind formed by the fan F1 and the direction D2 of the wind formed by the fan F2. In the present embodiment, these wind directions (direction D1 and direction D2) are in the same direction, in a direction parallel to the Y-axis, from the negative side to the positive side of the Y-axis. Thus, in the present embodiment, the blowing directions (direction D1 and direction D2) of the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) are directions for discharging the air from the inside to the outside of the housing 11.

[0020] Here, a plurality of air vents (for example, a number of small holes) are provided on the surface A2 opposite to the surface A1 on which the fans F1 and F2 are arranged. Thereby, the fans F1 and F2 can suck the air inside the housing 11. Note that such air vents may be provided on other surfaces together with the surface A2, or may be provided on other surfaces instead of the surface A2.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the input terminal 31 and the output terminal 32 are arranged on the side of the surface A2 of the housing 11. Note that the input terminal 31 and the output terminal 32 may be arranged at other locations, respectively.

[0022] <Arrangement relationship regarding two coils> The arrangement relationship regarding the coil C1, the coil C2, and the pedestal 53 will be described in detail. Note that in the present embodiment, a case is shown in which an arrangement relationship similar to the arrangement relationship regarding the coil C1, the coil C2, and the pedestal 53 is also applied to the arrangement relationship regarding the coil C11, the coil C12, and the pedestal 63, but it is not necessarily applied.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship of two coils (coil C1 and coil C2), a pedestal 53, and a substrate 51 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows, for convenience of explanation, the same XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes as those in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 2, the illustration of components other than the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2), the pedestal 53, and the substrate 51, and the housing 11 is omitted.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the coils C1 and C2 are configured such that the coil is divided into two coils (that is, coil C1 and coil C2) so as to perform the same function as a single coil. In the present embodiment, a single coil is evenly divided into two coils, and the coil C1 and the coil C2 have the same size. For example, the cores J1 and J2 have the same size. Here, the single coil to be divided may be, for example, a resonance coil, or may be another coil. Further, the divided coils may be referred to as, for example, divided coils. Note that the coils C1 and C2 do not necessarily have to be regarded as being divided from a single coil, that is, they may be regarded as independent coils.

[0025] The coils C1 and C2 each have two terminals. In the present embodiment, the coils C1 and C2 are connected in series or in parallel. Here, in the present embodiment, the coils C1 and C2 are electrically connected by soldering via the substrate 51. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which other circuit components (for example, a resistor) are provided between the coils C1 and C2. In the present embodiment, the illustration and detailed description of the connection state (wiring state) between the coils C1 and C2 and the connection state (wiring state) of other circuit components are omitted.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the coils C1 and C2 are arranged at positions where they are arranged continuously side by side and are arranged close to each other. Note that the arrangement relationship between the coils C1 and C2 may be referred to as adjacent or the like.

[0027] In this embodiment, a pedestal 53 is disposed above a substrate 51. The pedestal 53 has a height in a direction parallel to the Z axis, and includes a placement portion E1 where the coil C1 is disposed above, and a placement portion E2 where the coil C2 is disposed above. Here, in this embodiment, regarding the arrangement relationship of the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2), the placement portion E1 and the coil C1 are disposed on the negative side (the upwind side) of the Y axis, and the placement portion E2 and the coil C2 are disposed on the positive side (the downwind side) of the Y axis. Also, in this embodiment, the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2) are disposed at different positions in the direction parallel to the Z axis (height direction) and the direction parallel to the Y axis, but are disposed at the same position in the direction parallel to the X axis. In this way, in the blowing directions (directions D1 and D2) of the fans (fan F1 and fan F2), the coil C2 is disposed closer to the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) than the coil C1.

[0028] The placement portion E1 is on the upper surface of the pedestal 53, and has a shape that accommodates a part of the side surface of the coil C1 (a part of the annular side surface of the core J1 around which the winding K1 is wound). The coil C1 is accommodated above the placement portion E1 such that the circular surface of the annular core J1 is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the XZ plane. The placement portion E2 is on the upper surface of the pedestal 53, and has a shape that accommodates a part of the side surface of the coil C2 (a part of the annular side surface of the core J2 around which the winding K2 is wound). The coil C2 is accommodated above the placement portion E2 such that the circular surface of the annular core J2 is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the XZ plane. Note that, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a portion other than the two circular surfaces of the annulus is referred to as the side surface.

[0029] In this embodiment, the position of the placement portion E2 in the height direction is higher than the position of the placement portion E1 in the height direction. That is, the distance from the substrate 51 of the mounting portion E2 is greater than the distance from the substrate 51 of the mounting portion E1. That is, the height of the mounting portion E2 from the surface of the substrate 51 (the distance separated from the surface) is greater than the height of the mounting portion E1 from the surface of the substrate 51 (the distance separated from the surface). Thus, in the present embodiment, the upper portion (upper part) of the coil C2 located at the uppermost position is at a higher position than the upper portion (upper part) of the coil C1 located at the uppermost position. In this way, the distance from the substrate 51 of the coil C2 disposed on the substrate 51 is greater than the distance from the substrate 51 of the coil C1 disposed on the substrate 51.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship of the directions D1 of the winds of two coils (coil C1 and coil C2) and the fan F1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the same XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes as in FIG. 1 are shown. In the example of FIG. 3, the illustration of components other than the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2) and the fan F1 and the housing 11 is omitted.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship of two coils (coil C1 and coil C2) when viewed from a viewpoint along the wind direction D1 of the fan F1 according to the first embodiment (the same applies to the wind direction D2 of the fan F2). In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, the same XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes as in FIG. 1 are shown. In the example of FIG. 4, the illustration of components other than the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2) and the housing 11 is omitted.

[0032] In the present embodiment, each of the coils (coil C1 and coil C2) obtained by dividing one coil into two is mounted on each of the two stepped mounting portions (mounting portion E1 and mounting portion E2) of the pedestal 53. The mounting part E1 and the mounting part E2 have a difference (step) in the height direction, and when viewed from the side of the surface A1 where the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) are provided, the mounting part E2 on the front side is located at a higher position than the other mounting part E1. Here, being on the front side when viewed from the side of the surface A1 means that the distance from the surface A1 (for example, the distance in the direction perpendicular to the surface A1) is small.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when viewed from the perspective along the wind direction D1 of the fan F1 (similarly for the wind direction D2 of the fan F2), all of the circular surface (the surface on the negative side of the Y-axis) of the coil C1 can be seen, and a part of the circular surface (the surface on the negative side of the Y-axis) of the coil C2 can be seen while the other parts cannot be seen. That is, in the present embodiment, the wind (the wind in the directions D1 and D2) formed by the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) directly hits at least a part of each of the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2). In the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, the wind directly hits all of the circular surface (the surface on the negative side of the Y-axis) of the coil C1, and the wind directly hits at least a part (the upper part) of the circular surface (the surface on the negative side of the Y-axis) of the coil C2. Thus, in the present embodiment, at least a part of each of the coils C1 and C2 is included in the field of view when viewing the coils C1 and C2 from the perspective in the same direction as the air blowing directions (directions D1 and D2) of the fans (fan F1 and fan F2).

[0034] In the example of FIG. 4, the region (approximate region) where the wind directly hits the coil C2 is shown as the region R1. Note that the region R1 is schematic and not necessarily an exact region. With such a configuration, due to the flow of the wind by the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) mounted on the power supply device 1 having the housing 11, each coil (coil C1, coil C2) is caused to dissipate heat, and each coil (coil C1, coil C2) is cooled.

[0035] Here, in the present embodiment, based on the wind directions (directions D1 and D2) at the positions where the fans F1 and F2 are located, the arrangements of the two coils (coils C1 and C2) are set. In practice, since there are other components around the two coils (coils C1 and C2), it is conceivable that the actual wind directions hitting each of the two coils (coils C1 and C2) may deviate somewhat from the wind directions (directions D1 and D2) at the positions where the fans F1 and F2 are located. However, in the present embodiment, compared with the conventional arrangement of the two coils (for example, the arrangement where the two coils completely overlap from the perspective of FIG. 4), it is considered that the effect of directly blowing wind on each coil (coils C1 and C2) is enhanced.

[0036] As described above, in the power supply device 1 according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of coils (coils C1 and C2) are arranged adjacent to each other, for example, the blowers (in this embodiment, the fans F1 and F2) can effectively cool these coils. In this way, in the present embodiment, an effective heat dissipation structure for the coils can be provided.

[0037] For example, it is conceivable to divide one coil into two coils to suppress the heat generation amount. However, there may still be cases where the degree of suppressing the heat generation amount is insufficient. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as an additional configuration, by devising the arrangements of the two divided coils (coils C1 and C2), it is possible to sufficiently dissipate the heat generated by these coils (coils C1 and C2).

[0038] Here, the shape of the housing 11 may be any shape. Also, in the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the case where the bottom surface (surface A3) of the housing 11 is arranged on a surface perpendicular to the gravitational direction (for example, the floor surface or the surface of a table) is shown. However, the housing 11 may be arranged in other orientations.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, as an example of the blower, the case where fans (fan F1 and fan F2) are used is shown, but other blowers may be used. Note that, as the blower, for example, a device that performs forced air cooling, such as a fan, is used.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, as the shape of the pedestal 53, the case where the respective coils (coil C1 and coil C2) placed on the pedestal 53 protrude from the pedestal 53 (in this embodiment, protrude upward) is shown, but as the shape of the pedestal 53, other shapes may be used. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where a common pedestal 53 (integral pedestal 53) is used for the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2) is shown, but as another example, different pedestals (that is, separated pedestals) may be used for each coil.

[0041] In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration example in which the pedestal 53 blocks the wind is shown, but for example, a configuration in which the pedestal 53 is not used may be adopted, and the respective coils (coil C1 and coil C2) may be held by any other mechanism. In the arrangement relationship of the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2) shown in FIG. 4, when it is assumed that the pedestal 53 does not exist, for example, even if the directions of the wind (directions D1 and D2) of the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) are other directions (for example, the reverse direction), there may be a configuration in which the wind directly hits at least a part of each of the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2).

[0042] <Modification Example of the First Embodiment> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship of two coils when viewed from a perspective along the directions of the wind (directions D1 and D2) of the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) according to a modification example of the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, for convenience of explanation, the same XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes as in FIG. 1 are shown.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 5, coil C1a having core J1a and winding K1a and coil C2a having core J2a and winding K2a are shown. The example of FIG. 5 corresponds to the example of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment and shows a modified example. Here, coil C1a corresponds to coil C1 shown in FIG. 4 and may have the same structure as coil C1. Also, coil C2a corresponds to coil C2 shown in FIG. 4 and may have the same structure as coil C2.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 5, the arrangement relationship of the two coils (coil C1a and coil C2a) is different from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the perspective along the direction D1 of the wind of fan F1 (similarly for the direction D2 of the wind of fan F2), there is no overlap between the two coils (coil C1a and coil C2a), and all of the circular surface (the surface on the negative side of the Y-axis) of coil C1a can be seen, and all of the circular surface (the surface on the negative side of the Y-axis) of coil C2a can be seen. That is, in the example of FIG. 5, the wind (the wind in directions D1 and D2) formed by the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) directly hits all of the circular surfaces of the two coils (coil C1a and coil C2a). With such a configuration, the coils (coil C1a, coil C2a) are radiated heat by the flow of the wind by the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) mounted on the power supply device 1 having the housing 11, and the cooling of each coil (coil C1a, coil C2a) is performed.

[0045] In the arrangement relationship of the two coils (coil C1a and coil C2a) shown in FIG. 5, when it is assumed that the pedestal 53 does not exist, for example, even if the direction of the wind of the fans (fan F1 and fan F2) (directions D1 and D2) is in other directions (for example, the reverse direction, etc.), there may be a configuration in which the wind directly hits at least a part of each of the two coils (coil C1a and coil C2a).

[0046] A configuration example related to the first embodiment is shown. The power supply device 1 includes a first coil (coil C1 in this embodiment), a second coil (coil C2 in this embodiment), a pedestal (pedestal 53 in this embodiment), a blower (fans F1 and F2 in this embodiment), a substrate (substrate 51 in this embodiment), and a housing (housing 11 in this embodiment). The first coil has a first core (core J1 in this embodiment) and a first winding (winding K1 in this embodiment) wound around the first core. The second coil has a second core (core J2 in this embodiment) and a second winding (winding K2 in this embodiment) wound around the second core. The pedestal mounts the first coil and the second coil. The distance (height in this embodiment) from the substrate of the first coil and the second coil mounted on the pedestal disposed on the substrate is greater for the second coil than for the first coil. The blower is arranged such that the second coil is on the front side (the first coil is on the back side). The blower discharges air from the inside to the outside of the housing. Here, the pedestal disposed on the substrate has a first mounting portion (mounting portion E1 in this embodiment) for mounting the first coil and a second mounting portion (mounting portion E2 in this embodiment) for mounting the second coil. The distance (height in this embodiment) from the substrate is greater for the second mounting portion than for the first mounting portion.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7. In the second embodiment, a configuration example is shown in which the arrangement relationship of the directions of the winds of two coils and the fans is different from that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a configuration different from the power supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail, and detailed description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0048] Also, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, instead of the power supply device 1, fan F1, the wind direction D1 of the fan F1, substrate 51, pedestal 53 having the placement portions E1 and E2, coil C1 having the core J1 and winding K1, and coil C2 having the core J2 and winding K2 shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device 101, fan F11, the wind direction D11 of the fan F11, substrate 151, pedestal 153 having the placement portions E21 and E22, coil C21 having the core J21 and winding K21, and coil C22 having the core J22 and winding K22 will be described. Also, in the present embodiment, instead of the fan F2 shown in FIG. 1, a fan (not shown) that forms wind in the same direction as the wind direction D11 of the fan F11 is provided. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, other components will be described with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1.

[0049] <Arrangement relationship regarding two coils> The arrangement relationship regarding the coil C21, coil C22, and pedestal 153 will be described in detail. Note that in the present embodiment, an arrangement relationship similar to the arrangement relationship regarding the coil C21, coil C22, and pedestal 153 may also be applied to the arrangement relationship regarding the coil C11, coil C12, and pedestal 63 shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the components of the coil C11, coil C12, and pedestal 63 shown in FIG. 1 are replaced. However, an arrangement relationship similar to the arrangement relationship regarding the coil C21, coil C22, and pedestal 153 may not be applied to the arrangement relationship regarding the coil C11, coil C12, and pedestal 63 shown in FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship of two coils (coil C21 and coil C22), pedestal 153, and substrate 151 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate axis similar to that in FIG. 1 is shown. Note that in the example of FIG. 6, the illustration of components and the housing 11 other than the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22), pedestal 153, and substrate 151 is omitted.

[0051] In this embodiment, the coil C21 and the coil C22 are configured such that they are divided into two coils (i.e., the coil C21 and the coil C22) so as to perform the same function as a single coil. In this embodiment, a single coil is evenly divided into two coils, the coil C21 and the coil C22 are of the same size, for example, the cores J21 and J22 are of the same size. Note that the single coil to be divided may be, for example, a resonant coil, or may be another coil.

[0052] The coil C21 and the coil C22 each have two terminals. In this embodiment, the coil C21 and the coil C22 are connected in series or in parallel. Here, in this embodiment, the coil C21 and the coil C22 are electrically connected by soldering via the substrate 151. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which other circuit components (for example, resistors, etc.) are provided between the coil C21 and the coil C22. In this embodiment, illustration and detailed description of the connection state (wiring state) between the coil C21 and the coil C22 and the connection state (wiring state) of other circuit components are omitted.

[0053] In this embodiment, the coil C21 and the coil C22 are arranged at positions where they are lined up continuously and are arranged close to each other. Note that the arrangement relationship between the coil C21 and the coil C22 may be referred to as adjacent or the like.

[0054] In this embodiment, a pedestal 153 is arranged above the substrate 151. The pedestal 153 has a height in a direction parallel to the Z-axis, and has a mounting portion E21 where the coil C21 is arranged above and a mounting portion E22 where the coil C22 is arranged above. Here, in the present embodiment, as the arrangement relationship of the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22), the mounting portion E21 and the coil C21 are arranged on the positive side of the Y-axis (the upwind side), and the mounting portion E22 and the coil C22 are arranged on the negative side of the Y-axis (the downwind side). Further, in the present embodiment, the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22) are arranged at different positions in the direction parallel to the Z-axis (height direction) and the direction parallel to the Y-axis, but are arranged at the same position in the direction parallel to the X-axis. In this way, in the blowing direction (direction D11) of the fan (fan F11 and the other fan), the coil C22 is arranged at a position farther from the fan (fan F11 and the other fan) than the coil C21.

[0055] The mounting portion E21 is on the upper surface of the pedestal 153 and has a shape that accommodates a part of the side surface of the coil C21 (a part of the annular side surface of the core J21 around which the winding K21 is wound). The coil C21 is accommodated above the mounting portion E21 such that the circular surface of the annular core J21 is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the XZ plane. The mounting portion E22 is on the upper surface of the pedestal 153 and has a shape that accommodates a part of the side surface of the coil C22 (a part of the annular side surface of the core J22 around which the winding K22 is wound). The coil C22 is accommodated above the mounting portion E22 such that the circular surface of the annular core J22 is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the XZ plane. Note that in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the portion other than the two circular surfaces of the annulus is referred to as the side surface.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the position of the mounting portion E22 in the height direction is higher than that of the mounting portion E21 in the height direction. That is, the distance of the mounting portion E22 from the substrate 151 is greater than the distance of the mounting portion E21 from the substrate 151. That is, the height of the mounting portion E22 from the surface of the substrate 151 (the distance separated from the surface) is greater than the height of the mounting portion E21 from the surface of the substrate 151 (the distance separated from the surface). Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the uppermost part (upper part) of the coil C22 is at a higher position than the uppermost part (upper part) of the coil C21. Thus, the distance from the substrate 151 of the coil C22 disposed on the substrate 151 is greater than the distance from the substrate 151 of the coil C21 disposed on the substrate 151.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship between two coils (coil C21 and coil C22) according to the second embodiment and the wind direction D11 of the fan F11. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate axis similar to that in FIG. 1 is shown. In the example of FIG. 7, parts other than the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22) and the fan F11 and the housing 11 are not shown.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the fans (fan F11 and the other fan) suck the air outside the housing 11 from the side of the surface A1 and discharge the air to the inside, thereby generating wind (air flow) inside the housing 11. FIG. 7 shows the wind direction D11 formed by the fan F11 for convenience of explanation. In the present embodiment, the wind direction (direction D11) is a direction parallel to the Y-axis and is a direction from the positive side to the negative side of the Y-axis. Thus, in the present embodiment, the blowing direction (direction D11) of the fans (fan F11 and the other fan) is a direction of discharging wind from the outside to the inside of the housing 11.

[0059] In the present embodiment, each of the coils (coil C21 and coil C22) obtained by dividing one coil into two is placed on each of the two mounting portions (mounting portion E21 and mounting portion E22) having a step of the pedestal 153. The mounting portion E21 and the mounting portion E22 have a difference (step) in the height direction, and when viewed from the side of the surface A1 where the fan (fan F11 and the other fan whose wind direction is opposite to that of the fan F2 shown in FIG. 1) is provided, the mounting portion E22 on the back side is at a higher position than the other mounting portion E21. Here, being on the back side when viewed from the side of surface A1 means that the distance from surface A1 (for example, the distance in the direction perpendicular to surface A1) is large.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7, when viewed from a viewpoint along the wind direction D11 of the fan F11 (the same applies to the wind direction of the other fan), all of the circular surface (the surface on the positive side of the Y-axis) of the coil C21 can be seen, and a part of the circular surface (the surface on the positive side of the Y-axis) of the coil C22 can be seen while the other part cannot be seen. That is, in the present embodiment, the wind (the wind in direction D11) coming from the fans (the fan F11 and the other fan) directly hits at least a part of each of the two coils (the coil C21 and the coil C22). In the example of FIG. 7, the wind directly hits all of the circular surface (the surface on the positive side of the Y-axis) of the coil C21, and the wind directly hits at least a part (the upper part) of the circular surface (the surface on the positive side of the Y-axis) of the coil C22. Thus, in the present embodiment, at least a part of each of the coils C21 and C22 is included in the field of view when viewing the coils C21 and C22 from a viewpoint in the same direction as the air blowing direction (direction D11) in the fans (the fan F11 and the other fan).

[0061] With such a configuration, due to the flow of the wind coming from the fans (the fan F11 and the other fan) mounted on the power supply device 101 having the housing 11, each of the coils (the coil C21, the coil C22) is caused to dissipate heat, and each of the coils (the coil C21, the coil C22) is cooled.

[0062] Here, in the present embodiment, the arrangement of the two coils (the coil C21 and the coil C22) is set with reference to the wind direction (direction D11) at the position where the fans (the fan F11 and the other fan) are present. In actuality, however, since there are other components around the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22), the actual wind direction hitting each of the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22) may deviate somewhat from the wind direction (direction D11) at the position where the fans (fan F11 and the other fan) are located. In this embodiment, compared with the conventional arrangement of two coils (for example, an arrangement in which the two coils completely overlap when viewed from a perspective parallel to the Y-axis), it is considered that the effect of directly blowing wind on each coil (coil C21 and coil C22) is enhanced.

[0063] As described above, in the power supply device 101 according to this embodiment, when a plurality of coils (coil C21 and coil C22) are arranged close to each other, for example, the blower (in this embodiment, fan F11 and the other fan) can effectively cool these coils. In this way, in this embodiment, an effective heat dissipation structure for the coils can be provided.

[0064] For example, it is conceivable to divide one coil into two coils to suppress the heat generation amount. However, there may still be cases where the degree of suppressing the heat generation amount is insufficient. Therefore, in this embodiment, as an additional configuration, by devising the arrangement of the two divided coils (coil C21 and coil C22), it is possible to sufficiently dissipate the heat generated by these coils (coil C21 and coil C22).

[0065] Here, also in this embodiment, similar to the case of the first embodiment, an arrangement relationship in which the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22) have no overlapping portion when viewed from a line of sight parallel to the Y-axis as shown in FIG. 5 may be used.

[0066] Also, in this embodiment, as the shape of the pedestal 153, a case where each coil (coil C21 and coil C22) placed on the pedestal 153 protrudes from the pedestal 153 (in this embodiment, protrudes upward) is shown. However, as the shape of the pedestal 153, other shapes may be used. In addition, in the present embodiment, although the case where a common pedestal 153 (integrated pedestal 153) is used for two coils (coil C21 and coil C22) has been shown, as another example, different pedestals (that is, separated pedestals) may be used for each coil.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the configuration example in which the pedestal 153 blocks the wind has been shown, for example, the configuration may be such that the pedestal 153 is not used, and each coil (coil C21 and coil C22) may be held by any other mechanism. In the arrangement relationship of the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when it is assumed that the pedestal 153 does not exist, for example, even if the direction of the wind (direction D11) of the fans (fan F11 and the other fan) is in another direction (for example, the opposite direction), there may be a configuration in which the wind directly hits at least a part of each of the two coils (coil C21 and coil C22).

[0068] A configuration example related to the second embodiment is shown. The power supply device 101 includes a first coil (coil C21 in the present embodiment), a second coil (coil C22 in the present embodiment), a pedestal (pedestal 153 in the present embodiment), a blower (fans F11 and the other fan in the present embodiment), a substrate (substrate 151 in the present embodiment), and a housing (housing 11 in the present embodiment). The first coil has a first core (core J21 in the present embodiment) and a first winding (winding K21 in the present embodiment) wound around the first core. The second coil has a second core (core J22 in the present embodiment) and a second winding (winding K22 in the present embodiment) wound around the second core. The pedestal mounts the first coil and the second coil. The distance (height in the present embodiment) from the substrate of the first coil and the second coil mounted on the pedestal disposed on the substrate is greater for the second coil than for the first coil. The blower is arranged such that the second coil is on the back side (the first coil is on the front side). The blower discharges air from outside the housing to the inside. Here, the pedestal disposed on the substrate has a first placement portion (in this embodiment, placement portion E21) for placing the first coil and a second placement portion (in this embodiment, placement portion E22) for placing the second coil. The distance (in this embodiment, height) from the substrate of the second placement portion is greater than that of the first placement portion.

[0069] (Third Embodiment) The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In the third embodiment, a configuration example in which the arrangement of the substrate with respect to the housing is different from that of the first embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, a configuration different from the power supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail, and detailed description of similar configurations will be omitted.

[0070] Also, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, instead of the power supply device 1, housing 11, surface A3 of the housing, substrate 51, pedestal 53 having placement portions E1 and E2, coil C1 having core J1 and winding K1, and coil C2 having core J2 and winding K2 shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device 201, housing 211, surface A13 of the housing, substrate 251, pedestal 253 having placement portions E31 and E32, coil C31 having core J31 and winding K31, and coil C32 having core J32 and winding K32 will be described. In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, other components will be described with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1.

[0071] <Arrangement Relationship of Substrate, Pedestal, and Two Coils> The arrangement relationship regarding the substrate 251, pedestal 253, and two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, an arrangement relationship similar to the arrangement relationship regarding the substrate 251, the pedestal 253, and the two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) may also be applied to the arrangement relationship regarding the substrate 61, the pedestal 63, and the two coils (coil C11 and coil C12) shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the constituent parts of the substrate 61, the pedestal 63, and the two coils (coil C11 and coil C12) shown in FIG. 1 are replaced. However, an arrangement relationship similar to the arrangement relationship regarding the substrate 251, the pedestal 253, and the two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) may not be applied to the arrangement relationship regarding the substrate 61, the pedestal 63, and the two coils (coil C11 and coil C12) shown in FIG. 1.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship of the substrate 251, the pedestal 253, and the two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 8, for convenience of explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate axis similar to that in FIG. 1 is shown. Note that in the example of FIG. 8, illustration of components other than the housing 211, the substrate 251, the pedestal 253, and the two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) in the power supply device 201 is omitted.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the substrate 251 has a planar shape, and its plane is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the YZ plane and is arranged to be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the bottom surface (surface A13) of the housing 211. In the example of FIG. 8, the relative arrangement relationship of the pedestal 253 and the two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) with respect to the substrate 251 is the same as the relative arrangement relationship of the pedestal 53 and the two coils (coil C1 and coil C2) with respect to the substrate 51 shown in FIG. 1.

[0074] In the example of FIG. 8, the pedestal 253 and the two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) protrude toward the negative side of the X-axis with respect to the planar surface of the substrate 251. However, as another example, a configuration in which the pedestal 253 and the two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) protrude toward the positive side of the X-axis with respect to the planar surface of the substrate 251 may be used.

[0075] Here, in the present embodiment, the case where the same arrangement relationship as that in the first embodiment is applied as the relative arrangement relationship between the pedestal 253 and the two coils (coil C31 and coil C32) with respect to the substrate 251 is shown. However, as another example, the same arrangement relationship as that in the second embodiment may be applied.

[0076] As described above, in the power supply device 201 according to the present embodiment, when a plurality of coils (coil C31 and coil C32) are arranged close to each other, for example, the blower (the fan in the present embodiment) can effectively cool these coils. In this way, in the present embodiment, an effective heat dissipation structure for the coil can be provided.

[0077] Here, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the planar surface of the substrate (substrate 51, substrate 151) is arranged parallel (or substantially parallel) to the bottom surface (surface A3) of the housing 11 is shown. In the third embodiment, the case where the planar surface of the substrate 251 is arranged perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the bottom surface (surface A13) of the housing 211 is shown. However, other aspects may be used as the arrangement relationship (the angle formed therebetween) between the planar surface of the substrate and the bottom surface of the housing. In the third embodiment, the case where the planar surface of the substrate 251 is arranged parallel (or substantially parallel) to the YZ plane is shown, but the arrangement is not necessarily limited to such a case.

[0078] [Other configuration examples] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another configuration example regarding the arrangement relationship of two coils. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 9 shows the same XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes as those in FIG. 1. FIG. 9 shows a coil C41 having a core J41 and a winding K41, and a coil C42 having a core J42 and a winding K42. In the example of FIG. 9, the coil C41 and the coil C42 are arranged such that the circular surface of the core J41 of the coil C41 and the circular surface of the core J42 of the coil C42 are perpendicular to each other.

[0079] The arrangement relationship of such two coils (coil C41 and coil C42) may be used instead of the arrangement relationship of the two coils (for example, coil C1 and coil C2) in the first embodiment, or may be used instead of the arrangement relationship of the two coils (for example, coil C21 and coil C22) in the second embodiment, or may be used instead of the arrangement relationship of the two coils (for example, coil C31 and coil C32) in the third embodiment.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example regarding the sizes of two coils. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 10 shows the same XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes as in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 shows a coil C51 having a core J51 and a winding K51, and a coil C52 having a core J52 and a winding K52. In the example of FIG. 10, the coil C51 and the coil C52 are different in size. For example, the core J51 and the core J52 are different in size. In the example of FIG. 10, the coil C51 and the coil C52 have similar shapes. However, as another example, the two coils may have non-similar shapes to each other. Here, the coil C51 and the coil C52 may be, for example, coils in which one coil is unevenly divided (that is, coil C51 and coil C52).

[0081] Two coils of different sizes (coils C51 and C52 in the example of FIG. 10), for example, may be used instead of the two coils (for example, coils C1 and C2) in the first embodiment, or instead of the two coils (for example, coils C21 and C22) in the second embodiment, or instead of the two coils (for example, coils C31 and C32) in the third embodiment.

[0082] Note that the arrangement relationship of the two coils of different sizes is not limited to the example of FIG. 10, and other arrangement relationships may be used. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, in the direction of the fan's wind, the two coils have an overlapping portion. However, as another example, an arrangement relationship in which the two coils do not have an overlapping portion, similar to the example of FIG. 5, may be used.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement relationship of three coils. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 11 shows an XYZ orthogonal coordinate axis similar to FIG. 1. FIG. 11 shows a coil C61 having a core J61 and a winding K61, a coil C62 having a core J62 and a winding K62, and a coil C63 having a core J63 and a winding K63. These three coils (coil C61, coil C62, and coil C63) are arranged in positions where they are lined up continuously and are arranged close to each other.

[0084] The arrangement relationship of these three coils (coil C61, coil C62, and coil C63) is set so that at least a part of each coil is directly hit by the fan's wind (wind in the same direction as the blowing direction at the position of the fan). These three coils (coil C61, coil C62, and coil C63) may be, for example, each coil obtained by dividing one coil into three.

[0085] Note that the arrangement relationship of the three coils is not limited to the example of FIG. 11, and other arrangement relationships may be used. In the example of FIG. 11, the case where the three coils have the same shape is shown. However, as another example, all the coils may have shapes different from those of the other coils, or two of the coils may have the same shape and the other one coil may have a different shape.

[0086] Here, in the example of FIG. 11, the arrangement relationship of the three coils is shown. However, for example, it may be applied to the arrangement relationship of four or more coils. That is, the arrangement relationship of the plurality of coils is set so that the wind of the fan (the wind in the same direction as the blowing direction at the position of the fan) directly hits at least a part of each coil. These plurality of coils are arranged, for example, at positions arranged continuously and are arranged close to each other. These plurality of coils may be, for example, each coil obtained by dividing one coil. These plurality of coils are connected to each other in series or in parallel. These plurality of coils are electrically connected, for example, by soldering via a substrate. Note that there may be a location where other circuit components (for example, resistors, etc.) are provided between the coils.

[0087] A configuration having three or more coils may be used, for example, instead of the configuration having two coils (for example, coil C1 and coil C2) in the first embodiment, or instead of the configuration having two coils (for example, coil C21 and coil C22) in the second embodiment, or instead of the configuration having two coils (for example, coil C31 and coil C32) in the third embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another configuration example regarding the fan. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 12 shows the same XYZ orthogonal coordinate axes as those in FIG. 1. FIG. 12 shows the housing 311 of the power supply device 301 from the same perspective as in the case of FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 12, surfaces A101, A102, and A103 are shown as the surfaces corresponding to surfaces A1, A2, and A3 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. Also, in the example of FIG. 12, a fan F101 provided in the power supply device 301 is shown. Note that, in the example of FIG. 12, illustration of other components included in the power supply device 301 is omitted.

[0089] Here, in the example of FIG. 12, it is different from the example of FIG. 1 in that the power supply device 301 includes only one fan F101. The fan F101 is provided on the side of the surface A101 of the housing 311. The direction of the air sucked and blown by the fan F101 is, for example, a direction parallel to the Y-axis, a direction from the negative side to the positive side of the Y-axis, or a direction from the positive side to the negative side of the Y-axis. The fan F101 is provided at the central portion of the surface A101 with respect to the direction parallel to the X-axis, but it may be provided at other positions.

[0090] A configuration in which the power supply device 301 includes one fan F101 may be used instead of the configuration including two fans (fan F1 and fan F2) shown in FIG. 1. Note that, as another example, a configuration in which the power supply device includes three or more fans may be used.

[0091] [When a plurality of coil units are provided in the power supply device] For example, in the example of FIG. 1, there are a coil unit composed of a pair of coils C1 and C2 and a coil unit composed of a pair of coils C11 and C12, and a configuration example is shown in which a predetermined arrangement relationship according to the present embodiment is applied to each of one or more of these plurality of coil units. Thus, when a plurality of coil units are provided in the power supply device, the predetermined arrangement relationship according to the present embodiment may be applied to one or more (or all) of these plurality of coil units. Here, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the coil unit represents a "set of two or more coils" that is the object of directly blowing air onto at least a part of each coil. Further, the predetermined arrangement relationship according to the present embodiment represents an arrangement relationship for directly blowing air onto at least a part of each coil. For example, various arrangement relationships such as the arrangement relationship shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement relationship shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 8, the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 9, the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 10, or the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 11 may be used.

[0092] As described above, the embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of this disclosure are also included.

[0093] [Appendix] (Configuration Example 1) to (Configuration Example 7) are shown.

[0094] (Configuration Example 1) A power supply device having a first coil, a second coil, a substrate, a blower, and a housing that houses these, The first coil and the second coil are connected in series or in parallel, At least a part of each of the first coil and the second coil is included in the field of view when viewing the first coil and the second coil from a perspective in the same direction as the blowing direction of the blower, Power supply device.

[0095] (Configuration Example 2) The second distance from the substrate of the second coil disposed on the substrate is greater than the first distance from the substrate of the first coil disposed on the substrate, The second coil is disposed closer to the blower than the first coil, The blowing direction of the blower is a direction in which air is discharged from the inside to the outside of the housing, The power supply device according to (Configuration Example 1).

[0096] (Configuration Example 3) The second distance from the substrate of the second coil disposed on the substrate is greater than the first distance from the substrate of the first coil disposed on the substrate, The second coil is disposed at a position farther from the blower than the first coil, The blowing direction in the blower is a direction in which air is discharged from the outside to the inside of the housing, The power supply device according to (Configuration Example 1).

[0097] (Configuration Example 4) It includes a pedestal disposed on the substrate and on which the first coil and the second coil are placed, The power supply device according to any one of (Configuration Example 1) to (Configuration Example 3).

[0098] (Configuration Example 5) The pedestal has a first placement portion for placing the first coil and a second placement portion for placing the second coil, The fourth distance from the substrate of the second placement portion is greater than the third distance from the substrate of the first placement portion, The power supply device according to (Configuration Example 4).

[0099] (Configuration Example 6) The first coil and the second coil are coils in which a resonance coil is divided, The power supply device according to any one of (Configuration Example 1) to (Configuration Example 5).

[0100] (Configuration Example 7) The first coil has a first core and a first winding wound around the first core, The second coil has a second core and a second winding wound around the second core, The power supply device according to any one of (Configuration Example 1) to (Configuration Example 6).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0101] 1, 101, 201, 301... power supply device, 11, 211, 311... housing, 31... input terminal, 32... output terminal, 41... transformer, 51, 61, 151, 251... substrate, 53, 63, 153, 253... pedestal, A1, A2, A3, A13, A101, A102, A103... surface, C1, C2, C1a, C2a, C11, C12, C21, C22, C31, C32, C41, C42, C51, C52, C61, C62, C63... coil, D1, D2, D11... direction, E1, E2, E11, E12, E21, E22, E31, E32... mounting portion, F1, F2, F11, F101... fan, J1, J1a, J2, J2a, J11, J12, J21, J22, J31, J32, J41, J42, J51, J52, J61, J62, J63... core, K1, K1a, K2, K2a, K11, K12, K21, K22, K31, K32, K41, K42, K51, K52, K61, K62, K63... winding, R1... region

Claims

1. A power supply device having a first coil, a second coil, a substrate, a blower, and a housing that houses these components, wherein the first coil and the second coil are connected in series or in parallel, at least a part of each of the first coil and the second coil is included in the field of view when viewing the first coil and the second coil from a perspective in the same direction as the air blowing direction of the blower, Power supply device.

2. The second distance from the substrate of the second coil disposed on the substrate is greater than the first distance from the substrate of the first coil disposed on the substrate, the second coil is disposed closer to the blower than the first coil, the air blowing direction of the blower is a direction in which air is discharged from the inside to the outside of the housing, The power supply device according to claim 1.

3. The second distance from the substrate of the second coil disposed on the substrate is greater than the first distance from the substrate of the first coil disposed on the substrate, the second coil is disposed farther from the blower than the first coil, the air blowing direction of the blower is a direction in which air is discharged from the outside to the inside of the housing, The power supply device according to claim 1.

4. Comprising a pedestal disposed on the substrate for mounting the first coil and the second coil, The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The pedestal has a first mounting portion for mounting the first coil and a second mounting portion for mounting the second coil, the fourth distance from the substrate of the second mounting portion is greater than the third distance from the substrate of the first mounting portion, The power supply device according to claim 4.

6. The first coil and the second coil are coils obtained by splitting a resonance coil, The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The first coil has a first core and a first winding wound around the first core, The second coil has a second core and a second winding wound around the second core, The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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