Meter device

Abstract

To efficiently cool down heat-generating components inside a case that configure a meter device.SOLUTION: A meter device comprises: a tightly sealed case 10; a display part 20 and a display control part 30 inside the case 10; a heat sink 40 that has a base part 41 in contact with electronic components 31 provided on the display control part so that heat can be transferred, and a heat radiation fin 42 that releases heat received by the base part to others; and an opening 17 provided on the case 10 and that makes the heat radiation fin 42 of the heat sink protrude from the inside of the case to the outside, the opening 17 being airtightly covered with the base part 41 of the heat sink.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a meter device such as a combination meter mounted on a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a vehicle is equipped with a meter device such as a combination meter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition to a speedometer and a tachometer, various instruments are incorporated in the meter device. In recent years, it has also become widespread for the meter device to include a display unit such as a liquid crystal display and display information on instruments as an image on the display unit. A passenger can grasp the state of the vehicle by visually observing the information displayed on the display unit.

[0003] This type of meter device has a configuration including a display unit that displays information in a state visible from the front of the case covered with a transparent cover, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display information. The display control unit is composed of an electric circuit, and electronic components are mounted on the circuit board that constitutes the electric circuit. Among the electronic components, there are components that tend to generate heat, such as a CPU and a SoC (System-on-a-Chip). For example, heat-generating electronic components such as a CPU and a SoC for driving a large display meter need to be cooled in order to operate normally, and it is widely practiced to attach a heat sink for cooling.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, while heat sinks can be used to cool heat-generating electronic components, if the amount of heat generated by the electronic components increases, heat will accumulate inside the meter device's case. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide vents in the case to create airflow inside the case, or even to install a blower to actively create airflow inside the case.

[0006] However, adding vents to the case makes it easier for dust and other debris to enter the case through the vents. For example, if dust that enters the case adheres to the inside of the transparent front cover, it can make it difficult for passengers to see the displayed information and also detract from the aesthetics. Furthermore, if a blower is placed inside the case, the air will be circulated in a limited, narrow space inside the case, which can lead to increased pressure loss and reduced cooling efficiency.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a meter device that can efficiently cool heat-generating components inside a case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the meter device according to the present invention is characterized by the following:

[0009] A case that defines a sealed internal space, A display unit provided inside the case, which displays information in a manner visible from the front outside the case, and a display control unit which causes the display unit to display information, A heating element provided in the display control unit and which generates heat when driven, The case includes a heat sink that is provided in the case and receives heat from the heat-generating part, The heat sink includes a base portion that is in contact with the heat-generating portion in a manner that allows heat to be transferred, and a heat dissipation portion that releases the heat from the base portion to the outside. The case has an opening that allows the heat dissipation portion to protrude from the inside of the case to the outside, and the base portion is fixed to the periphery of the opening, thereby sealing the opening airtightly. death , A blower is provided outside the case to circulate cooling air to the heat dissipation section of the heat sink. A recessed passage is provided on the outer surface of the case, which serves as a passage for the air-cooling air. The opening is provided at the bottom surface of the first location in the middle of the recessed passage. The heat dissipation section is located at the first location in the middle of the recessed passage and is arranged to extend along the direction of extension of the recessed passage. Meter device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, heat-generating components inside the case can be cooled efficiently. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide ventilation holes in the case, the entry of dust and other debris into the case can be suppressed.

[0011] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by referring to the attached drawings and reading through the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the principle configuration of a meter device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the back of the case of a meter device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view taken along arrow B in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the heat sink mounting portion in the meter device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the inside of the case. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion of the heatsink shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the principle configuration of a meter device of a comparative example to an embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the respective drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the principle configuration of a meter device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the meter device of the present embodiment includes a case 10 that defines a sealed internal space. Inside the case 10, a display unit 20 that displays information in a visible state from the front F outside the case 10, and a display control unit (control circuit board) 30 that causes the display unit 20 to display information are provided.

[0015] On the circuit board constituting the display control unit 30, heat-generating electronic components (heat-generating parts) 31 such as a CPU and an SoC are mounted, and the base part 41 of the heat sink 40 is effectively heat-conductively contacted with the electronic component 31 through a heat-transfer member (heat-transfer paste, etc.). The heat sink 40 is made of a good heat-conducting metal material such as aluminum or copper, and on the side opposite to the contact side with the electronic component 31 of the base part 41 (the back U side of the case 10), a heat-radiating part 42 for efficiently releasing the heat received by the base part 41 into the air is provided.

[0016] On the back U side of the case 10, an opening 17 is provided for protruding the heat-radiating part 42 of the heat sink 40 from the inside of the case 10 to the outside. This opening 17 is airtightly closed by the base part 41 of the heat sink 40 by fixing the heat sink 40 to the case 10.

[0017] Also, in the vicinity of the heat sink 40 on the back U side outside the case 10, a blower 50 for blowing air-cooling air against the heat-radiating part 42 of the heat sink 40 protruding outside the case 10 is attached.

[0018] Next, a more specific configuration and operation of the meter device of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the back of the case of the meter device according to this embodiment, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a view taken along arrow B in Figure 2.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the case 10 comprises a cylindrical first case (also called a facing plate) 11, a second case 12 that covers its rear U side, and a transparent cover 14 that covers the front opening of the first case 11.

[0020] Inside the case 10, a display unit (display board) 20 is positioned and fixed with its display surface facing forward F, and a display control unit (control board) 30 is positioned and fixed on the rear U side of the display unit 20. On the rear U side of the display control unit 30, heat-generating electronic components 31 such as a CPU and SoC are mounted, and a heat sink 40 for cooling these electronic components 31 is attached to the rear wall 13 of the second case 12.

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mounting portion of the heat sink 40 in the meter device of this embodiment, as seen from the inside of the case, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion of the heat sink 40 shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the heat sink 40 is an integral metal component comprising a flat base portion 41 and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (heat dissipation portion) 42 erected from the base portion 41, with mounting protrusions 43 on the outer edge of the base portion 41. A rectangular opening 17 is provided in the rear wall 13 of the second case 12, and a contact portion 17a is provided on the inner peripheral edge of the opening. The rectangular base portion 41 of the heat sink 40 is formed to be larger than the opening 17, and the contact portion 17a is the part that, when the rectangular base portion 41 of the heat sink 40 is in close contact with the opening 17, serves to seal the opening 17 airtightly. In addition, a mounting seat 18 is provided on the outside of the contact portion 17a for fixing the protrusions 43 with screws 19.

[0022] The heatsink 40 is fixed to the inner surface of the second case 12 by having its heat dissipation fins 42 protrude from the inside of the second case 12 through the opening 17 to the outside of the second case 12, and by having its base portion 41 in close contact with the contact portion 17a at the periphery of the opening 17, and then securing the projection 43 with a screw 19 in that state.

[0023] As a result, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heat dissipation fins 42 of the heat sink 40 protrude from the rear wall 13 of the second case 12 toward the rear U side. The heat dissipation fins 42 protruding toward the rear U side of the second case 12 are located in the middle of a straight recessed passage 16 provided on the outer surface of the rear wall 13 of the second case 12. Multiple heat dissipation fins 42 extend parallel to each other at equal intervals, and their direction of extension is aligned with the direction of extension of the recessed passage 16 on the outer surface of the rear wall 13 of the second case 12. This allows the heat dissipation fins 42 of the heat sink 40 to be efficiently cooled by the wind (airflow) passing through the recessed passage 16.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, a blower 50 is mounted close to the heat sink 40 on the outer surface of the rear wall 13 of the second case 12 to circulate cooling air to the heat sink 40's heat dissipation fins 42 that protrude to the outside of the second case 12. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the blower 50 is mounted in the middle of a recessed passage 16 that serves as a passage for cooling air, floating above the outer surface of the second case 12, and a sufficient gap 16a for air circulation is secured between the lower surface of the blower 50 casing and the outer surface of the second case 12.

[0025] As described above, the meter device has the heat dissipation section (heat dissipation fins) 42 of the heat sink 40 protruding to the outside of the second case 12, so that the heat from the heat-generating component (electronic component 31) can be efficiently released to the outside of the case 10. In addition, since there is no need to bring cooling air into or out of the case 10, there is no need to provide ventilation holes in the case 10, and therefore the inside of the case 10 can be secured as a sealed space, and the intrusion of dust and other particles from the outside of the case 10 can be reliably prevented.

[0026] Furthermore, an opening 17 is provided in the rear wall 13 of the second case 12 to allow the heat dissipation portion (heat dissipation fins) 42 of the heat sink 40 to protrude outside the case 10. However, this opening 17 is airtightly sealed by the base portion 41 of the heat sink 40, so there is no need to worry about dust or other debris entering the case 10 through the opening 17.

[0027] Furthermore, since the blower 50 is located outside the case 10 in close proximity to the heatsink 40, the heatsink 40 can be cooled efficiently. Moreover, the recessed passage 16 ensures a path for the cooling air, and a gap 16a is also secured below the blower 50, so the flow of the cooling air can be improved while significantly reducing pressure loss, thereby further increasing the cooling efficiency. In Figure 1, arrow K indicates the airflow.

[0028] Furthermore, since pressure loss can be significantly reduced, this not only improves cooling efficiency but also contributes to miniaturization of the heat sink 40 and blower 5, as well as the entire meter device. In addition to reducing the size of the blower 50, it is also possible to reduce noise from the blower 50 by lowering the rotation speed of the blower motor, even while the blower 50 is located outside the case 10.

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the principle configuration of a meter device of a comparative example to an embodiment of the present invention. In this comparative example meter device, a heat sink 40 and a blower 50 are placed inside the case 10, and ventilation openings 101 and 102 for airflow are provided on the wall of the case 10.

[0030] In this comparative example meter device, dust and other particles can easily enter the case 10 through the vents 101 and 102. Furthermore, since only air-cooling air from the blower 50 is circulated through the limited, narrow passage inside the case 10, there is a possibility of significant pressure loss and low cooling efficiency.

[0031] In contrast, in the meter device of this embodiment, although the base portion 41 of the heat sink 40 is provided inside the case 10, the heat dissipation fins 42 of the heat sink 40 protrude to the outside of the case 10. Therefore, the heat from the heat-generating electronic components 31 can be efficiently dissipated to the outside of the case 10. Furthermore, since there is no need to bring cooling air into or out of the case 10, there is no need to provide ventilation holes in the case 10, and therefore the inside of the case 10 can be secured as a sealed space, reliably preventing the intrusion of dust and other debris from the outside of the case 10. In addition, since the blower 50 for cooling the heat dissipation fins 42 can be provided outside the case 10, the cooling efficiency can be greatly increased. Other effects are as described above.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention.

[0033] Herein, the features of the meter device according to the embodiment of the present invention described above are briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [4]. [1] A case (10) that defines a sealed internal space, The case (10) is provided with a display unit (20) that displays information in a manner visible from the front (F) outside the case, and a display control unit (30) that causes the display unit (20) to display information. The display control unit (30) includes a heat-generating unit (31) that generates heat when driven, and a heat sink (40) that receives heat from the heat-generating unit (31). The heat sink (40) includes a base portion (41) that is in contact with the heat-generating portion (31) in a manner that allows heat to be transferred, and a heat dissipation portion (42) that releases the heat from the base portion (41) to the outside. The case (10) has an opening (17) that allows the heat dissipation portion (42) of the heat sink (40) to protrude from the inside of the case (10) to the outside, and is airtightly sealed by the base portion (41) of the heat sink (40). Meter device.

[0034] In the meter device with the configuration described in [1] above, the heat dissipation portion (heat dissipation fins) 42 of the heat sink 40 protrudes to the outside of the second case 12, so that the heat from the heat-generating electronic components 31 can be efficiently dissipated to the outside of the case 10. Also, since there is no need to bring cooling air into or out of the case 10, there is no need to provide ventilation holes in the case 10. Therefore, the inside of the case 10 can be secured as a sealed space, and the intrusion of dust and other debris from the outside of the case 10 can be reliably prevented. An opening 17 is provided in the rear wall 13 of the second case 12 to allow the heat dissipation portion (heat dissipation fins) 42 of the heat sink 40 to protrude to the outside of the case 10, but since this opening 17 is airtightly sealed by the base portion 41 of the heat sink 40, the intrusion of dust and other debris into the case 10 through the opening 17 can be suppressed.

[0035] [2] A blower (50) is provided outside the case (10) to circulate cooling air to the heat dissipation section (42) of the heat sink (40). The meter device described in [1] above.

[0036] In the meter device with the configuration described in [2] above, the blower 50 is located outside the case 10 in close proximity to the heat sink 40, allowing for efficient cooling of the heat sink 40. Furthermore, since the pressure loss to the blower 50 can be reduced, this not only improves cooling efficiency but also contributes to miniaturization of the heat sink 40 and blower 5, as well as the overall meter device. In addition to reducing the size of the blower 50, it is also possible to reduce noise from the blower 50 while still having the blower 50 located outside the case 10 by lowering the rotation speed of the blower motor.

[0037] [3] A recessed passage (16) is provided outside the case (10) to serve as a passage for the air-cooling air. The meter device described in [2] above.

[0038] According to the meter device with the configuration described in [3] above, the recessed passage 16 ensures a passage for cooling air, thereby significantly reducing pressure loss and improving the flow of cooling air, which further enhances cooling efficiency.

[0039] [4] The casing of the blower (50) is mounted in the middle of the recessed passage (16) so as to be raised above the outer surface of the case (10), and a gap (16a) for air to flow is secured between the lower surface of the casing of the blower (50) and the outer surface of the case (10). The meter device described in [3] above.

[0040] According to the meter device with the configuration described in [4] above, a gap 16a is secured below the blower 50, which improves the flow of cooling air and further enhances the cooling efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 10 cases 16 Concave road 16a Gap 17 Opening 20 Display section 30 Display Control Unit 31. Electronic components (heat-generating parts) 40 Heatsink 41 Base section 42 Heat dissipation fins (heat dissipation section) 50 Blower F forward

Claims

1. A case that defines a sealed internal space, A display unit provided inside the case, which displays information in a manner visible from the front outside the case, and a display control unit which causes the display unit to display information, A heating element provided in the display control unit and which generates heat when driven, The case includes a heat sink that is provided in the case and receives heat from the heat-generating part, The heat sink includes a base portion that is in contact with the heat-generating portion in a manner that allows heat to be transferred, and a heat dissipation portion that releases the heat from the base portion to the outside. The case has an opening that allows the heat dissipation portion to protrude from the inside of the case to the outside, and the base portion is fixed to the periphery of the opening so that the opening is airtightly sealed by the base portion. A blower is provided outside the case to circulate cooling air to the heat dissipation section of the heat sink. A recessed passage is provided on the outer surface of the case, which serves as a passage for the air-cooling air. The opening is provided at the bottom surface of the first location in the middle of the recessed passage. The heat dissipation section is located at the first location in the middle of the recessed passage and is arranged to extend along the direction of extension of the recessed passage. Meter device.

2. The casing of the blower is mounted in the middle of the recessed passage at a second location adjacent to the first location in the direction of extension of the recessed passage, with the casing raised above the outer surface of the case, and a gap for air circulation is ensured between the lower surface of the blower casing and the outer surface of the case. The meter device according to claim 1.

Images