Vehicle storage device

Abstract

This suppresses the temperature rise of electronic devices caused by heat generated during wireless power transfer. [Solution] The housing 20 in which the electronic device 12 is housed comprises a cylindrical portion 30 extending vertically and having an opening 31 at its upper end, and a bottom wall portion 21 that closes the lower end of the cylindrical portion 30. Two directions extending along the bottom wall portion 21 in mutually perpendicular directions are designated as the first direction and the other as the second direction. The cylindrical portion 30 comprises a first wall portion 32 and a second wall portion 37 extending vertically while facing the first direction, and a pair of side wall portions 39 extending vertically while facing the second direction, each connected to the first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 37. Wireless power is supplied to the electronic device 12 via the first wall portion 32 by a wireless power supply 40 attached to the first wall portion 32 from the outside of the housing 20. The cylindrical portion 30 has an outside air intake hole 35 that connects the inside and outside of the housing portion 20 and guides the air A1 from the outside of the cylindrical portion 30 into the inside.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle housing device that houses an electronic device and wirelessly charges the electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless power supply case that is disposed in a vehicle interior and wirelessly charges an electronic device. The wireless power supply case includes a housing portion that houses the electronic device and a wireless power supply device that wirelessly charges the electronic device from the outside of the housing portion. The housing portion includes a cylindrical portion having an opening at the upper end and a bottom wall portion that closes the lower end portion of the cylindrical portion. The wireless power supply device is attached to the cylindrical portion from the outside of the housing portion.

[0003] Then, the electronic device is housed in the housing portion in a standing state. The electronic device is charged by wireless power supply performed between the power supply coil of the wireless power supply device and the power receiving coil of the electronic device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the heat generated due to wireless power supply accumulates inside the housing portion, the temperature of the electronic device rises. The larger the output of the wireless power supply device, the more heat is generated, so the above phenomenon is likely to occur. Also, as the size of the housing portion becomes smaller, heat is more likely to accumulate inside the housing portion, so the above phenomenon is likely to occur. And due to the temperature rise of the electronic device, there is a possibility that the charging performance (efficiency) of the electronic device may deteriorate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The following describes various embodiments of vehicle storage devices for solving the above problems. [Aspect 1] A housing is located inside a vehicle and houses electronic equipment, and a wireless power supply is located inside the vehicle and wirelessly supplies power to the electronic equipment from outside the housing, wherein the housing comprises a cylindrical portion extending vertically and having an opening at its upper end, and a bottom wall portion closing the lower end of the cylindrical portion, and when one of two directions extending along the bottom wall portion in mutually perpendicular directions is designated as the first direction and the other as the second direction, the cylindrical portion comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion extending vertically while facing each other in the first direction A vehicle housing device comprising: a pair of side wall portions extending vertically in a manner opposite to each other in the second direction and each connected to the first wall portion and the second wall portion, wherein the wireless power supply is attached to the first wall portion from the outside of the housing portion, and wireless power is supplied to the electronic equipment via the first wall portion by the wireless power supply, wherein the cylindrical portion has an outside air intake hole formed below the opening that connects the inside and outside of the housing portion and guides the air around the outside of the cylindrical portion into the inside.

[0007] When heat generated during wireless power transfer becomes trapped inside the housing, the temperature of the electronic equipment rises. However, with the above configuration, a portion of the air surrounding the cylindrical part flows into the housing through an outside air intake hole formed in the cylindrical part. This air absorbs the heat that would otherwise be trapped inside the housing, rises, and is discharged to the outside of the housing through the opening. This discharge releases the heat to the outside of the housing. Therefore, the temperature rise of the electronic equipment caused by heat trapped inside the housing is suppressed.

[0008] [Aspect 2] A housing is located inside the vehicle and houses electronic equipment, and a wireless power supply is located inside the vehicle and wirelessly supplies power to the electronic equipment from outside the housing, wherein the housing comprises a cylindrical portion extending vertically and having an opening at its upper end, and a bottom wall portion closing the lower end of the cylindrical portion, and when one of two directions extending along the bottom wall portion in mutually perpendicular directions is designated as the first direction and the other as the second direction, the cylindrical portion comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion extending vertically while facing each other in the first direction, and the A vehicle housing device comprising a pair of side walls extending vertically in a direction opposite to a second direction and each connected to the first wall and the second wall, wherein the wireless power supply is attached to the first wall from the outside of the housing, and wireless power is supplied to the electronic equipment via the first wall by the wireless power supply, wherein in the bottom wall, an outside air intake hole is formed in the region sandwiched by both ends in the second direction, which connects the inside and outside of the housing and guides air below the bottom wall into the interior.

[0009] When heat generated during wireless power transfer becomes trapped inside the housing, the temperature of the electronic equipment rises. However, with the above configuration, some of the air below the bottom wall flows into the housing through an outside air intake hole formed in the bottom wall. The outside air intake hole is located in the area of ​​the bottom wall sandwiched between both ends in the second direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the outside air intake holes are formed at both ends, air flows into the housing from the part of the bottom wall closer to the wireless power transfer device in the second direction. This air absorbs the heat that would otherwise be trapped inside the housing, rises, and is discharged to the outside of the housing through the opening. This discharge releases the heat to the outside of the housing. Consequently, the temperature rise of the electronic equipment caused by heat trapped inside the housing is suppressed.

[0010] [Aspect 3] The vehicle housing device according to [Aspect 1], wherein the outside air intake hole is formed in the area of ​​the first wall portion outside the area to which the wireless power supply is attached. According to the above configuration, a portion of the air near the outer region flows into the interior of the housing through an outside air intake hole formed in the outer region. The outside air intake hole is not covered by the wireless power supply. Therefore, compared to the case where the outside air intake hole is formed in the region where the wireless power supply is installed, the flow of air into the housing through the outside air intake hole is less likely to be obstructed by the wireless power supply.

[0011] [Aspect 4] The first wall portion is provided with a projection that protrudes from the inner surface of the first wall portion toward the second wall portion in the first direction, the vehicle housing device according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 3].

[0012] According to the above configuration, the surface of the electronic equipment housed in the housing that faces the first wall comes into contact with the protrusion, thereby restricting the electronic equipment's access to the first wall. Compared to a case where no protrusion is provided, the gap between the first wall and the electronic equipment increases in the first direction. As a result, air flowing into the housing from the outside air intake hole can more easily rise through this gap. This promotes the dissipation of heat that would otherwise accumulate between the first wall and the electronic equipment.

[0013] [Aspect 5] The vehicle housing device according to [Aspect 4], wherein the protruding portions are provided at multiple locations on the first wall portion that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. According to the above configuration, the surface of the electronic device housed in the housing facing the first wall is in contact with multiple protrusions, thereby restricting the electronic device's approach to the first wall at multiple points in the second direction. Contact with one protrusion reduces the variation in the size of the gap between the first wall and the electronic device in the second direction compared to when the electronic device is housed in the housing at an angle to the inner surface of the first wall. Consequently, the variation in the amount of air rising through the gap in the second direction is reduced. The variation in the effect of promoting heat dissipation in the second direction is also reduced.

[0014] [Aspect 6] The bottom wall portion is provided with a raised portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the bottom wall portion, as described in [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2]. According to the above configuration, when the electronic device is placed in the housing, if it comes into contact with the raised base from above, a gap is formed between the upper surface of the bottom wall and the bottom surface of the electronic device. This gap connects the gap between the first wall and the electronic device with the gap between the second wall and the electronic device.

[0015] Therefore, if air flows in from the outside air intake hole into the gap between the second wall and the electronic device, that air can be guided through the gap between the bottom wall and the electronic device to the gap between the first wall and the electronic device.

[0016] As the air rises through the gap between the first wall and the electronic device, it absorbs heat that would otherwise accumulate between the first wall and the electronic device. This air rises and is discharged to the outside of the housing through the opening of the cylindrical section. This discharge releases heat to the outside of the housing. Therefore, the temperature rise of the electronic device caused by heat trapped inside the housing is suppressed.

[0017] [Aspect 7] The vehicle housing device according to [Aspect 6], wherein the raised bottom portion is provided at multiple locations on the bottom wall portion that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and the outside air intake hole is formed on the second wall portion at a location facing the first direction with respect to the area between adjacent raised bottom portions.

[0018] According to the above configuration, when the electronic device is placed in the housing, it is supported by multiple raised sections spaced apart in the second direction, which lifts the entire electronic device. This lift causes the entire electronic device to move upward from the top surface of the bottom wall, creating a gap between the top surface of the bottom wall and the bottom surface of the electronic device. Contact with one raised section reduces the variation in the size of the gap between the bottom wall and the electronic device in the second direction compared to when the electronic device is housed in the housing with its bottom surface inclined relative to the horizontal plane.

[0019] The above gap connects the lower end of the gap between the first wall and the electronic device to the lower end of the gap between the second wall and the electronic device. On one hand, the air outside the housing part and near the outside air intake hole formed in the second wall part flows into the gap between the second wall part and the electronic device by passing through the outside air intake hole.

[0020] Here, the outside air intake hole faces the first direction with respect to the region between adjacent bottom raising parts in the second wall part. Therefore, the air that has passed through the outside air intake hole is between the bottom wall part and the electronic device and heads towards the region between adjacent bottom raising parts. By passing through this region, this air is guided to the gap between the first wall part and the electronic device and rises.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the electronic device due to the heat generated by wireless power supply.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle housing device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a view showing a vehicle housing device in the second embodiment and is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing a vehicle housing device in the third embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a vehicle housing device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The vehicle storage device 11 is incorporated into the interior components located within the passenger compartment 10, for example, into the center console (not shown) located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat. The vehicle storage device 11 comprises a storage section 20 in which the electronic equipment 12 is housed, and a wireless power supply 40 that wirelessly supplies power (contactless power supply) to the electronic equipment 12 from outside the storage section 20. Because the vehicle storage device 11 is incorporated into the interior components, both the storage section 20 and the wireless power supply 40 are located within the passenger compartment 10. Next, the electronic equipment 12 and the vehicle storage device 11 will be described in detail.

[0024] <Electronic equipment 12> The electronic device 12 to be wirelessly powered is a device having a power receiving device that includes a power receiving coil and the like, and a power storage unit that stores the power received by the power receiving device. The power storage unit is the power source for the electronic device 12. For example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery is used as the power storage unit. The electronic device 12 is, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, an audio player, a portable game console, etc. In the first embodiment, the electronic device 12 is a smartphone that has a rectangular plate shape. Here, in order to specify both sides in the thickness direction of the electronic device 12 which is a smartphone, the side on which the display screen (not shown) is provided is called the front surface 13, and the side on which the camera 17 and the like are arranged is called the back surface 14. The back surface 14 has an uneven surface. The power receiving coil is located inside the electronic device 12, closer to the back surface 14 than to the front surface 13.

[0025] The circumferential surface of the electronic device 12 comprises a pair of long sides 15 that face each other and extend in the longitudinal direction, and a pair of short sides 16 that face each other and extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (short direction).

[0026] <Storage section 20> The storage section 20 comprises a rectangular plate-shaped bottom wall section 21 and a cylindrical section 30 extending in the vertical direction. Here, "extending in the vertical direction" includes not only extending parallel to the vertical plane, but also extending in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical plane.

[0027] The cylindrical portion 30 has an opening 31 at its upper end for inserting and removing the electronic device 12. The bottom wall portion 21 closes the lower end of the cylindrical portion 30. In the housing portion 20, the depth from the opening 31 to the bottom wall portion 21 is set to a value smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the electronic device 12. This setting ensures that when the electronic device 12 is housed in the housing portion 20 in a vertical position, the upper part of the electronic device 12 is exposed from the housing portion 20. Note that "vertically positioned" means that one short side 16 of the electronic device 12 faces the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall portion 21.

[0028] Here, in order to identify each part of the cylindrical portion 30, one of the two directions extending perpendicularly to each other along the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall portion 21 is designated as the first direction, and the other as the second direction. The first direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (see Figure 2). The second direction extends along the horizontal plane. The direction along the horizontal plane includes not only the direction extending parallel to the horizontal plane, but also the direction that is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0029] The cylindrical portion 30 comprises a first wall portion 32, a second wall portion 37, and a pair of side wall portions 39. The first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 37 have similar shapes and sizes. The first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 37 face each other in a first direction, and in the first embodiment, they face each other parallel to each other and extend along the vertical direction. The spacing between the first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 37 is uniform in the direction along the vertical direction.

[0030] The pair of sidewalls 39 have similar shapes and sizes. The dimensions of each sidewall in the first direction are set to be smaller than the dimensions of each sidewall in the direction along the vertical direction, and larger than the thickness of the electronic device 12. The dimensions of each sidewall in the first direction are uniform along the vertical direction. The pair of sidewalls 39 extend along the vertical direction, facing each other in the second direction. In the first embodiment, each sidewall is inclined with respect to the vertical plane such that the distance between the pair of sidewalls 39 increases towards the top. Alternatively, each sidewall may be arranged parallel to the vertical plane such that the distance is uniform along the vertical direction.

[0031] Each side wall 39 and the first wall 32 are connected to each other at their adjacent side edges. Each side wall 39 and the second wall 37 are connected to each other at their adjacent side edges. The dimensions of the housing section 20 configured as described above, including the dimensions in the second direction and the dimensions along the vertical direction, are set to values ​​suitable for housing the electronic device 12 in a vertical position.

[0032] Furthermore, the housing section 20 is mounted on the vehicle in an inclined position such that when the electronic equipment 12 is housed inside, its back surface 14 approaches the inner surface 34 of the first wall section 32. An "inclined position" means that the housing section is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane such that the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall section 21 becomes higher as it approaches the second wall section 37 (see Figure 2).

[0033] <Wireless power supply 40> The wireless power supply unit 40 includes a power supply coil made of a planar coil or the like, a circuit board connected to the power supply coil, and a housing 41 that houses the circuit board. The circuit board has a circuit for supplying power to the power supply coil. In Figure 2, only the housing 41 of the components of the wireless power supply unit 40 is shown, and the other components of the wireless power supply unit 40 are not shown. This is also the case for Figures 3 and 4, which will be described later.

[0034] In the first embodiment, the power supply coil is located inside the housing 41, but it may also be located outside the housing 41 in order to reduce the distance between it and the power receiving coil of the electronic device 12 housed in the housing 20.

[0035] In the first embodiment, the dimensions of the wireless power supply 40 in the second direction are smaller than the dimensions of the housing 20 in the same direction. Also, the dimensions of the wireless power supply 40 in the vertical direction are smaller than the dimensions of the housing 20 in the same direction.

[0036] The wireless power supply unit 40 is attached to the first wall portion 32 by fastening members (not shown) such as screws, with the power supply coil facing the outer surface 33 of the first wall portion 32. When attached to the first wall portion 32, the wireless power supply unit 40 is in surface contact with the outer surface 33 of the first wall portion 32. Also, when attached to the first wall portion 32, the first wall portion 32 is exposed on both sides and the bottom side in the second direction of the wireless power supply unit 40. "Exposed state" means a state in which it is not covered by other components such as the wireless power supply unit 40.

[0037] <Outside air intake vent 35> The cylindrical portion 30 has an outside air intake hole 35 formed below the opening 31, which connects the inside and outside of the housing portion 20 and guides the air A1 from the outside of the cylindrical portion 30 into the inside of the housing portion 20. In the first embodiment, the outside air intake hole 35 is formed in the area of ​​the first wall portion 32 outside the area to which the wireless power supply 40 is attached. More specifically, the outside air intake hole 35 is formed in the area of ​​the first wall portion 32 below the area to which the wireless power supply 40 is attached, in an area adjacent to the wireless power supply 40, at multiple locations spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0038] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The electronic device 12 is housed inside the housing 20 with its back surface 14 facing the inner surface 34 of the first wall 32 and in close proximity to the first wall 32. When the electronic device 12 is housed in the housing 20, the bottom surface (lower short side surface 16) of the electronic device 12 is in contact with the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall 21. Also, the electronic device 12 is in contact with the inner surface 34 of the first wall 32 at the convex portion of its back surface 14. A gap G1 is created between the first wall 32 and the electronic device 12, and the upper part of the electronic device 12 is exposed upward from the housing 20.

[0039] In the vehicle housing device 11, wireless power is supplied to the electronic equipment 12 via the first wall section 32 by electromagnetic induction using the power supply coil of the wireless power supply unit 40 and the power receiving coil of the electronic equipment 12 housed in the housing section 20. In the electronic equipment 12, the power received by the power receiving device is stored in the power storage section.

[0040] The above wireless power transfer generates heat. The heat generated during wireless power transfer tends to accumulate inside the housing 20, particularly between the first wall 32 and the electronic equipment 12 in the first direction, in the area sandwiched between the power supply coil and the power receiving coil.

[0041] However, the air A1 on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 30, near the outside air intake hole 35 formed in the first wall portion 32, flows through the outside air intake hole 35 toward the second wall portion 37 in the first direction, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 2. The air A1 hits the electronic equipment 12 and changes its flow direction upward. As the air A1 rises after changing its flow direction, it absorbs the heat that would otherwise be trapped between the first wall portion 32 and the electronic equipment 12. The air A1 that has passed through the gap G1 is discharged to the outside of the housing portion 20 through the opening 31. This discharge releases the heat to the outside of the housing portion 20. Therefore, the temperature rise of the electronic equipment 12 due to the heat trapped between the first wall portion 32 and the electronic equipment 12 is suppressed.

[0042] Here, if the outside air intake hole 35 is formed in the area of ​​the first wall portion 32 where the wireless power supply unit 40 is attached, the outside air intake hole 35 will be covered by the wireless power supply unit 40. Therefore, there is a risk that the flow of air A1 from the outside air intake hole 35 into the gap G1 will be obstructed by the wireless power supply unit 40.

[0043] In this regard, in the first embodiment, a portion of the air A1 in the area of ​​the first wall 32 outside the area where the wireless power supply 40 is attached flows into the interior of the housing 20 (gap G1) through the outside air intake hole 35 formed in the outer area. The outside air intake hole 35 is not covered by the wireless power supply 40 or other components of the vehicle housing device 11. Therefore, compared to the case where the outside air intake hole 35 is formed in the area where the wireless power supply 40 is attached, the flow of air A1 from the outside air intake hole 35 into the gap G1 is less likely to be obstructed by the wireless power supply 40 or other components.

[0044] <Effects of the First Embodiment> (1-1) The first wall portion 32 of the cylindrical portion 30 has an outside air intake hole 35 formed below the opening 31 that connects the inside and outside of the housing portion 20 and guides the air A1 from the outside of the cylindrical portion 30 into the inside of the housing portion 20.

[0045] Therefore, by guiding the outside air A1 from the housing section 20 through the outside air intake hole 35 into the gap G1 between the first wall section 32 and the electronic device 12 and causing it to rise, the heat that would otherwise accumulate between the first wall section 32 and the electronic device 12 can be removed and released to the outside of the housing section 20. This suppresses the temperature rise of the electronic device 12 caused by the heat generated during wireless power transfer. It also suppresses the decrease in the charging performance (efficiency) of the electronic device 12 caused by the temperature rise of the electronic device 12.

[0046] Compared to vehicle storage devices that do not have any measures in place to dissipate heat, the time required to charge to approximately 80% can be reduced. Therefore, the usability (convenience) of the vehicle storage device 11 is improved.

[0047] (1-2) The outside air intake hole 35 is formed in the area of ​​the first wall portion 32 outside the area where the wireless power supply 40 is attached. Therefore, the inflow of air A1 from the outside air intake hole 35 into the interior of the housing portion 20 (gap G1) can be prevented from being obstructed by the wireless power supply 40. This makes it easier for air A1 to flow into the interior of the housing portion 20 from the outside air intake hole 35.

[0048] (1-3) The outside air intake hole 35 is formed in the area of ​​the first wall portion 32 that is outside the area where the wireless power supply 40 is attached, and is located below the wireless power supply 40. Since air A1 is introduced into the interior of the housing portion 20 (gap G1) from a point lower than the wireless power supply 40, heat can be discharged more efficiently than when air A1 is introduced into the interior of the housing portion 20 from a point higher than the bottom surface of the wireless power supply 40.

[0049] (1-4) It is also possible to suppress the temperature rise of the electronic equipment 12 housed in the housing 20 by using a blower fan to expel the heat that tends to accumulate inside the housing 20. However, the cost of the vehicle housing device 11 increases due to the blower fan, and the vehicle housing device 11 also becomes larger. In this regard, in the first embodiment, heat is expelled by forming an outside air intake hole 35 in the first wall portion 32 of the cylindrical portion 30. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the electronic equipment 12 associated with wireless power supply while suppressing the increase in cost and size of the vehicle housing device 11.

[0050] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle storage device will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. In the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the first wall portion 32 is provided with a projection 36 that protrudes from its inner surface 34 toward the second wall portion 37 in the first direction. The projection 36 may be formed integrally with the first wall portion 32, or it may be formed as a separate component from the first wall portion 32. The projection 36 is provided at multiple locations on the first wall portion 32 that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction; in the second embodiment, it is provided at two locations. Each projection 36 extends along the inner surface 34 of the first wall portion 32 in a direction that is aligned vertically. The projection length L1 of each projection 36 from the inner surface 34 of the first wall portion 32 is set to a value that enables wireless power supply by electromagnetic induction using a power supply coil and a power receiving coil. From the viewpoint of suppressing the temperature rise of the electronic device 12 without interfering with wireless power supply, it is preferable that the projection length L1 be set to the maximum or near-maximum value within the range that enables wireless power supply.

[0051] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the protruding lengths L1 of the multiple (two) protrusions 36 from the first wall 32 are set to the same value, but they may be different. If there are two protrusions 36 and the electronic device 12 is a smartphone, it is desirable that the distance D1 between the two protrusions 36 be set to be smaller than the width of the smallest commercially available smartphone (the distance between the pair of long sides 15). This is because the back surface 14 of the electronic device 12 is brought into contact with both protrusions 36, thereby separating the entire back surface 14 from the inner surface 34 of the first wall 32.

[0052] The configuration other than that described above is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, elements similar to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. <Operation of the second embodiment> When the electronic device 12 is placed in the housing 20, the back surface 14 of the vertically positioned electronic device 12 comes into contact with the protrusion 36, thereby restricting its approach to the first wall 32. This restriction increases the gap G1 between the first wall 32 and the electronic device 12 by the protrusion length L1 of the protrusion 36. As a result, the air A1 flowing into the housing 20 from the outside air intake hole 35 can easily rise through the gap G1, promoting the dissipation of heat that would otherwise accumulate between the first wall 32 and the electronic device 12.

[0053] In particular, in the second embodiment, the back surface 14 of the electronic device 12 housed in the housing 20 is in contact with a plurality (two) of protrusions 36, thereby restricting the approach of the electronic device 12 to the first wall 32 at multiple locations (two locations) in the second direction. Compared to the case where only one protrusion 36 is provided and the electronic device 12 is housed in the housing 20 at an inclination with respect to the inner surface 34 of the first wall 32 due to contact with the protrusion 36, the variation in the distance between the inner surface 34 and the electronic device 12 in the second direction is reduced. Consequently, the variation in the amount of air A1 rising through the gap G1 in the second direction is reduced, and the variation in the effect of promoting heat dissipation in the same direction is reduced.

[0054] <Effects of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment, a protruding portion 36 is added to the configuration of the first embodiment. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of (1-1) to (1-4) above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0055] (2-1) The first wall portion 32 is provided with a projection 36 that protrudes from its inner surface 34 toward the second wall portion 37 in the first direction. This allows the gap G1 between the first wall portion 32 and the electronic device 12 to be increased. By making it easier for air A1 to rise in the gap G1, the dissipation of heat that would otherwise accumulate between the first wall portion 32 and the electronic device 12 can be promoted. This helps to suppress the temperature rise of the electronic device 12.

[0056] (2-2) The protrusions 36 are provided at multiple locations on the first wall portion 32 that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. Therefore, by reducing the variation in the spacing between the first wall portion 32 and the electronic equipment 12 in the second direction, the variation in the effect of promoting heat dissipation in the second direction can be reduced.

[0057] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle storage device will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the third embodiment, the bottom wall portion 21 is provided with raised portions 23 that protrude upward from its upper surface 22. Each raised portion 23 has a shape that extends in a first direction. One end of each raised portion 23 in the first direction is connected to the first wall portion 32. In contrast, the other end of each raised portion 23 is spaced apart from the second wall portion 37, but may be connected. The raised portions 23 may be formed integrally with the bottom wall portion 21, or they may be formed as separate members from the bottom wall portion 21. The raised portions 23 are provided at multiple locations on the bottom wall portion 21 that are spaced apart from each other in a second direction; in the third embodiment, there are two such locations.

[0058] If the electronic device 12 is a smartphone, it is desirable that the distance D2 between the two bottom support sections 23 be set to be smaller than the width of the smallest commercially available smartphone. This is because the electronic device 12 is supported from below by the two bottom support sections 23, thereby lifting the electronic device 12 off the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall section 21.

[0059] The protruding length L2 (height) of each raised section 23 from the bottom wall section 21 is preferably set to the same value in order to accommodate the electronic equipment 12 parallel to the bottom wall section 21, but they may be different.

[0060] The outside air intake holes 38 are provided in place of the first wall portion 32, in the lower part of the second wall portion 37, at a location facing the region Z1 between adjacent raised bottom portions 23 in the first direction. In the third embodiment, the outside air intake holes 38 are provided at multiple locations on the second wall portion 37 that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction, but the number of these locations can be changed as appropriate.

[0061] <Operation of the Third Embodiment> When the electronic device 12 is placed in the housing section 20, if it is in an upright position, and its lower short side 16 comes into contact with the raised bottom section 23 from above, a gap G3 is formed between the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall section 21 and the short side 16. The gap G3 connects the lower end of the gap G1 between the first wall section 32 and the electronic device 12 in the first direction with the lower end of the gap G2 between the second wall section 37 and the electronic device 12 in the same direction. As a result, air A1 that flows into the gap G2 from the outside air intake hole 38 can easily flow back into the gap G1 via the gap G3.

[0062] In particular, in the third embodiment, when the electronic device 12 is placed in the housing 20, it is placed on two raised base portions 23 that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. As a result, the entire electronic device 12 is lifted by both raised base portions 23. This lifting causes the entire electronic device 12 to move upward away from the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall portion 21. Contact with one of the raised base portions 23 reduces the variation in the size of the gap G3 in the second direction compared to when the electronic device 12 is housed in the housing 20 with its short side 16 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0063] On the other hand, the air A1 that is on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 30 and near the outside air intake hole 38 flows into the gap G3 by passing through the outside air intake hole 38. Here, the outside air intake hole 38 is formed at the lower part of the second wall portion 37 and faces the region Z1 between adjacent raised bottom portions 23 in the first direction. Therefore, the air A1 passing through the outside air intake hole 38 is directed towards the region Z1. The air A1 passing through region Z1 strikes the inner surface 34 of the first wall portion 32 and changes its flow direction upward, causing it to rise through the gap G1. In the process of rising, the air A1 absorbs the heat that would otherwise be trapped between the first wall portion 32 and the electronic equipment 12. This air A1 is discharged to the outside of the housing portion 20 through the opening 31. This discharge releases the heat to the outside of the housing portion 20. Consequently, the temperature rise of the electronic equipment 12 due to the heat trapped inside the housing portion 20 is suppressed, as in the first embodiment.

[0064] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that an outside air intake hole is formed in the cylindrical portion 30, which connects the inside and outside of the housing portion 20. Therefore, the third embodiment provides the same effects as (1-1) and (1-4) in the first embodiment. In addition, the third embodiment provides the following effects.

[0065] (3-1) The bottom wall portion 21 is provided with a raised portion 23 that protrudes upward from its upper surface 22. Therefore, when housing the electronic device 12 in the storage portion 20, a gap G3 can be formed between the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall portion 21 and the lower short side surface 16 that constitutes the bottom surface of the electronic device 12 by bringing the electronic device 12 into contact with the raised portion 23.

[0066] Therefore, by allowing air A1 to flow into gap G2 from the outside air intake hole 38, the air A1 can be sequentially flowed into gap G3 and gap G1. This allows heat that would otherwise accumulate between the first wall portion 32 and the electronic device 12 to be discharged, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the electronic device 12.

[0067] (3-2) The raised bottom sections 23 are provided at multiple locations on the bottom wall section 21 that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The outside air intake holes 38 are formed on the second wall section 37 at locations facing the region Z1 between adjacent raised bottom sections 23 in the first direction. Therefore, air A1 that is on the outer circumference of the cylindrical section 30 and near the outside air intake holes 38 can be allowed to flow into the gap G2 from the outside air intake holes 38. Furthermore, the air A1 that has passed through the outside air intake holes 38 can be directed towards the region Z1 between the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall section 21 and the bottom surface (lower short side surface 16) of the electronic device 12, and between adjacent raised bottom sections 23. This air A1 can be guided to the gap G1 via region Z1. Thus, the effect of (3-1) above, which suppresses the temperature rise of the electronic device 12 due to heat trapped inside the housing section 20, can be suitably obtained.

[0068] <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0069] (Matters concerning the storage section 20) In each of the above embodiments in which the electronic device 12 is housed in the housing section 20 in an upright position, the depth from the opening 31 of the housing section 20 to the bottom wall section 21 may be set to a value equal to or greater than the longitudinal dimension of the electronic device 12. In this case, the entire electronic device 12 is housed in the housing section 20.

[0070] The dimensions of the housing section 20 in the second direction, the dimensions in the vertical direction, etc., may be changed to dimensions suitable for housing the electronic device 12 in a horizontal upright position. "Horizontal upright position" means a state in which one long side surface 15 of the electronic device 12 faces the upper surface 22 of the bottom wall section 21. In this case, the dimensions of the housing section 20 in the second direction will be larger than those of the above embodiments. The dimensions of the housing section 20 in the vertical direction will be smaller than those of the above embodiments.

[0071] Furthermore, in the housing section 20, the depth from the opening 31 to the bottom wall 21 may be set to a value smaller than the dimension of the electronic device 12 in the short side direction. In this case, the upper part of the electronic device 12 housed in the housing section 20 when placed horizontally will be exposed from the housing section 20. Alternatively, the depth may be set to a value equal to or greater than the dimension of the electronic device 12 in the short side direction. In this case, the entire electronic device 12 will be housed in the housing section 20.

[0072] The distance between the first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 37 may be set to be larger towards the top. The specifications of the housing section 20 may be changed so that the first wall section 32, the second wall section 37, and the pair of side wall sections 39 are attached to the interior components in the vehicle compartment 10 in a position parallel to the vertical plane. In this case, a mechanism may be added to the vehicle housing device to support the electronic equipment 12 housed in the housing section 20 in a position close to the first wall section 32, within a distance that allows for wireless power supply.

[0073] (Matters concerning the outside air intake vent) In the first embodiment, the multiple outside air intake holes 35 may be divided into multiple groups. The position of each outside air intake hole 35 in the direction along the vertical direction may differ for each group.

[0074] The outside air intake holes 35 and 38 may be formed in locations within the housing section 20 that differ from those in the above embodiments. For example, although not shown in the illustration, in Figure 1, the outside air intake hole 35 may be formed on the outer portion of the first wall portion 32 in the second direction of the wireless power supply 40.

[0075] Furthermore, the outside air intake hole may be formed in the bottom wall portion 21 in a region sandwiched between both ends 25 in the second direction (see Figures 3 and 5). This region does not include the ends 25. The outside air intake hole connects the inside and outside of the housing portion 20 and guides the air A1 below the bottom wall portion 21 into the interior.

[0076] According to this modified example, the heat generated by wireless power transfer tends to accumulate inside the housing 20. However, air A1 that is below the bottom wall 21 and near the outside air intake hole flows into the housing 20 through the outside air intake hole. The outside air intake hole is located in the region of the bottom wall 21 sandwiched between both ends 25 in the second direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the outside air intake holes are formed at both ends 25, air A1 flows into the housing 20 from the outside air intake hole in the bottom wall 21 that is closer to the wireless power transfer unit 40 in the second direction.

[0077] The air A1 that flows into the housing 20 from the outside air intake hole absorbs the heat that tends to accumulate inside and rises, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 20 through the opening 31. This discharge releases the heat to the outside of the housing 20. Therefore, the temperature rise of the electronic device 12 caused by the heat accumulated inside the housing 20 can be suppressed. This can also suppress the decrease in the charging performance (efficiency) of the electronic device 12 caused by the temperature rise of the electronic device 12.

[0078] For example, in a second embodiment in which a protrusion 36 is provided, an outside air intake hole 24 may be formed in the bottom wall portion 21, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3. In this case, it is preferable that the outside air intake hole 24 be formed in the bottom wall portion 21 in a location close to the first wall portion 32 in the first direction. In this way, air A1 that is below the bottom wall portion 21 and near the outside air intake hole 24 flows through the outside air intake hole 24 into the interior of the housing portion 20, more specifically into the gap G1 increased by the protrusion 36. The air A1 rises, taking away the heat that would otherwise be trapped between the first wall portion 32 and the electronic equipment 12, and is discharged to the outside of the housing portion 20 through the opening 31. This discharge allows the heat to escape to the outside of the housing portion 20.

[0079] If the protrusions 36 are provided at two locations spaced apart from each other in the second direction, the outside air intake holes 24 may be provided in the bottom wall portion 21 between a location below one protrusion 36 and a location below the other protrusion 36 in the same direction. Alternatively, multiple outside air intake holes 24 may be formed at locations spaced apart from each other in the second direction. In this case, air A1 flows through the outside air intake holes 24 into the space enclosed by the first wall portion 32, the electronic equipment 12, and the pair of protrusions 36. As the air A1 rises through this space, it releases heat to the outside of the housing portion 20.

[0080] The above modification example in which an outside air intake hole 24 is formed in the bottom wall portion 21 may also be applied to the third embodiment in which a raised bottom portion 23 is provided in the bottom wall portion 21. As in the first and second embodiments, an outside air intake hole 35 may be formed in the first wall portion 32, or as in the third embodiment, an outside air intake hole 38 may be formed in the second wall portion 37. In addition, although not shown, an outside air intake hole may be formed in the side wall portion 39. In this case as well, a portion of the air A1 that is around the outside of the cylindrical portion 30 and around the side wall portion 39 can be guided into the interior of the housing portion 20 by flowing into the outside air intake hole. Therefore, the temperature rise of the electronic equipment 12 due to heat trapped inside the housing portion 20 can be suppressed. In this case, it is desirable to add ribs or the like to guide the air A1 that has flowed in from the outside air intake hole of the side wall portion 39 into the gap G1.

[0081] The number, size, and shape of at least one of the outside air intake holes 24, 35, and 38 may be changed to one that differs from the above embodiments. For example, the outside air intake holes 24, 35, and 38 may be formed in the shape of elongated holes, slits, etc.

[0082] In the first and second embodiments, the outside air intake hole 35 may be formed in the first wall portion 32 in the area where the wireless power supply 40 is attached. (Other matters) The vehicle storage device 11 of each of the above embodiments may be incorporated into interior components such as a center console with the first direction aligned with the vehicle's longitudinal direction, or with the first direction aligned with the vehicle's width direction.

[0083] In the second embodiment, the number of protrusions 36 in the second direction may be changed to 1 or 3 or more. In the second embodiment, the projection 36 extending in the direction along the vertical direction at the same location in the second direction may be divided into a plurality of segments spaced apart from each other in that direction.

[0084] In the third embodiment, the number of raised base portions 23 may be changed to 1 or 3 or more. • A method other than electromagnetic induction may be used for wireless power transfer, such as an electric field coupling method.

[0085] The vehicle storage device may be incorporated into an interior component other than the center console, such as a door trim or instrument panel, provided that it is an interior component located within the vehicle compartment 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 10...Vehicle compartment 11... Vehicle storage device 12...Electronic equipment 20...Detention Unit 21...Bottom wall 22…Top surface 23... Raised base 24, 35, 38… outside air intake vents 25...end 30...Cylindrical part 31…Opening 32…First wall part 34…Inner self 36...Protrusion 37…Second wall part 39... Side wall section 40...Wireless power supply device A1...Air Z1…area

Claims

1. It comprises a housing located inside the vehicle and housing electronic equipment, and a wireless power supply located inside the vehicle and wirelessly supplying power to the electronic equipment from outside the housing, The housing portion comprises a cylindrical portion extending vertically and having an opening at its upper end, and a bottom wall portion that closes the lower end of the cylindrical portion. When one of the two directions extending along the bottom wall portion in mutually perpendicular directions is designated as the first direction and the other as the second direction, The cylindrical portion comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion extending vertically while facing each other in the first direction, and a pair of side wall portions extending vertically while facing each other in the second direction, each connected to the first wall portion and the second wall portion. A vehicle housing device is provided in which the wireless power supply is attached to the first wall from the outside of the housing section, and wireless power is supplied to the electronic equipment via the first wall by the wireless power supply. A vehicle housing device, wherein the cylindrical portion has an outside air intake hole formed below the opening that connects the inside and outside of the housing portion and guides the air around the outside of the cylindrical portion into the inside.

2. It comprises a housing located inside the vehicle and housing electronic equipment, and a wireless power supply located inside the vehicle and wirelessly supplying power to the electronic equipment from outside the housing, The housing portion comprises a cylindrical portion extending vertically and having an opening at its upper end, and a bottom wall portion that closes the lower end of the cylindrical portion. When one of the two directions extending along the bottom wall portion in mutually perpendicular directions is designated as the first direction and the other as the second direction, The cylindrical portion comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion extending vertically while facing each other in the first direction, and a pair of side wall portions extending vertically while facing each other in the second direction, each connected to the first wall portion and the second wall portion. A vehicle housing device is provided in which the wireless power supply is attached to the first wall from the outside of the housing section, and wireless power is supplied to the electronic equipment via the first wall by the wireless power supply. A vehicle housing device, wherein in the bottom wall portion, an outside air intake hole is formed in the region sandwiched by both ends in the second direction, which connects the inside and outside of the housing portion and guides air below the bottom wall portion into the interior.

3. The vehicle housing device according to claim 1, wherein the outside air intake hole is formed in the area of ​​the first wall portion outside the area to which the wireless power supply is attached.

4. The vehicle housing device according to claim 1, wherein the first wall portion is provided with a projection that protrudes from the inner surface of the first wall portion toward the second wall portion in the first direction.

5. The vehicle housing device according to claim 4, wherein the protrusions are provided at multiple locations on the first wall portion that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

6. The vehicle storage device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bottom wall portion is provided with a raised portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the bottom wall portion.

7. The raised base portion is provided at multiple locations on the bottom wall portion that are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The vehicle housing device according to claim 6, wherein the outside air intake hole is formed in the second wall portion at a location facing the first direction with respect to the region between adjacent raised bottom portions.

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