electronic machinery

Abstract

The present invention provides electronic equipment that can ensure sufficient air intake from the fan while suppressing water ingress into the enclosure. [Solution] The electronic device comprises a housing having ventilation holes on its bottom surface, a keyboard device provided facing the surface of the housing and having communication holes for circulating air in the thickness direction, a circuit board mounted on a heating element and provided inside the housing, a fan provided inside the housing having a first intake port on the upper surface facing the bottom surface of the keyboard device, a second intake port on the lower surface facing the bottom surface of the housing, and an outlet capable of discharging air toward the surface of the circuit board, and a water-repellent ventilation member provided to cover the communication holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device provided with a keyboard device.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic device such as a notebook PC mounts a heat-generating body such as a CPU. Such an electronic device often mounts a thermal module provided with a fan and a heat sink. The thermal module can absorb the heat generated by the heat-generating body and radiate it to the outside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An electronic device as described above may be used, for example, on the lap. In this case, there is a possibility that the ventilation holes provided on the bottom surface of the housing are blocked. When the ventilation holes are blocked, the intake air volume of the fan decreases and the discharge air volume decreases. Then, the cooling performance of the electronic device deteriorates, and there is a concern about a decrease in performance and an increase in the surface temperature of the housing. In this regard, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, in addition to the ventilation holes opened on the bottom surface of the housing, there are also ventilation holes (communication holes) of the keyboard device that open on the upper surface of the housing. Therefore, in this configuration, even when the ventilation holes on the bottom surface are blocked, outside air can be sucked in through the communication holes of the keyboard, and the occurrence of the above problems can be suppressed.

[0005] Incidentally, in order to further improve cooling performance, a configuration has been proposed that includes a fan with an outlet capable of discharging air toward the surface of the substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this configuration, the substrate and its mounted components can be directly cooled by the air discharged from the fan, resulting in high cooling performance.

[0006] Even with a fan-equipped configuration like this, the problem of the bottom vents being blocked by knees or other objects can still occur. Therefore, it is conceivable to use a keyboard device with communication holes in this configuration as well. However, the communication holes in the keyboard can become a pathway for water or other liquids spilled on the keyboard to enter the casing and be sucked in by the fan. In that case, the fan will blow the sucked-in liquid towards the circuit board, leading to water damage to the circuit board and its mounted components.

[0007] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the fan's exhaust port is located only at the rear, facing the heatsink. Therefore, even if the fan were to draw in liquid through the keyboard's communication holes, the liquid would be directly discharged outside the casing via the heatsink, thus preventing water from entering the circuit board.

[0008] This invention has been made in consideration of the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide an electronic device that can ensure sufficient air intake from a fan while suppressing water ingress into the enclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having a ventilation opening on its bottom surface, a keyboard device provided facing the surface of the housing and having a communication hole for circulating air in the thickness direction, a substrate mounted on a heating element and provided inside the housing, a fan provided inside the housing having a first intake port provided on the upper surface facing the bottom surface of the keyboard device, a second intake port provided on the lower surface facing the bottom surface of the housing, and an outlet capable of discharging air toward the surface of the substrate, and a water-repellent ventilation member provided to cover the communication hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to ensure the amount of air intake by the fan while suppressing water ingress into the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an electronic device according to one embodiment, viewed from above. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the internal structure of the enclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view showing the internal structure of the enclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the enclosure around the fan. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic bottom view of a keyboard device showing an example configuration in which multiple communication holes are covered together by a ventilation member. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic bottom view of a keyboard device showing an example configuration in which each communication hole is individually covered with a ventilation member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment, viewed from above. As shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 10 in this embodiment is a clamshell-type notebook PC. The electronic device 10 has a configuration in which a lid 11 and a housing 12 are connected by a hinge 14 so that they can rotate relative to each other. In this embodiment, a notebook PC electronic device 10 is used as an example, but the electronic device may be something other than a notebook PC, such as a tablet PC, smartphone, or portable game console.

[0014] The lid 11 is a thin, flat, box-shaped enclosure. The lid 11 houses a display 16. The display 16 can be made of, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display.

[0015] The enclosure 12 is a thin, flat box. The keyboard device 18 and touchpad 19 face the top surface (surface 12a) of the enclosure 12. Hereinafter, the enclosure 12 and each component mounted thereon will be described using the operator's posture when operating the keyboard device 18 as the reference point, with the width direction (left and right) of the enclosure 12 being referred to as the X1 and X2 directions, the depth direction (front and back) of the enclosure 12 being referred to as the Y1 and Y2 directions, and the thickness direction (up and down) of the enclosure 12 being referred to as the Z1 and Z2 directions. The X1 and X2 directions may also be collectively referred to as the X direction, and similarly, the Y1 and Y2 directions and the Z1 and Z2 directions may be referred to as the Y direction and Z direction. These directions are defined for the convenience of explanation and may naturally change depending on the usage state or installation posture of the electronic device 10.

[0016] The housing 12 may consist of a housing member 20 that forms the top surface and the four circumferential sides, and a lower cover material 21 that forms the bottom surface. The housing member 20 may have vertical walls 20B that form the outer walls on the four circumferential edges of the upper cover material 20A that forms the surface 12a of the housing 12. In this case, the housing member 20 has a roughly bathtub shape with an open bottom. The lower cover material 21 has a roughly flat shape and serves as a lid that closes the bottom opening of the housing member 20. The housing member 20 and the lower cover material 21 are overlapped in the thickness direction and detachably connected to each other. The vertical walls 20B may be formed on the lower cover material 21. In this case, the housing member 20 may consist only of the upper cover material 20A.

[0017] The hinge 14 is installed in a concave hinge arrangement groove 12b formed on the rear edge of the housing 12, connecting the housing 12 and the lid 11. The hinge 14 has a structure in which, for example, a hinge shaft that serves as the axis of rotation is supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing 14a. In this embodiment, the hinge 14 may be configured in a so-called single-bar shape in which the hinge housing 14a extends along the longitudinal direction of the hinge arrangement groove 12b.

[0018] The keyboard device 18 is configured to support a plurality of keys 18a so as to be vertically movable on the upper surface side of a plate-like member 18b (see FIG. 4). Each key 18a is configured to support a key cap so as to be vertically movable by, for example, a guide mechanism having a scissor structure and a dome-shaped rubber dome formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The plate-like member 18b can be configured by laminating a sheet metal member serving as a base for supporting each key 18a and a membrane sheet serving as a switch for detecting a pressing operation of each key 18a. The membrane sheet is laminated on, for example, the upper surface of the sheet metal member. The plate-like member 18b may further laminate a sheet-like light-emitting module on the lower surface of the sheet metal member. The periphery of each key 18a may be separated by a frame (isolation frame) 18e that forms a part of the surface 12a of the housing 12. The frame 18e may be formed in a mesh shape on a part of the upper cover material 20A. The frame 18e may have a separate structure from the upper cover material 20A and may be supported by the plate-like member 18b.

[0019] A part of the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18 faces the surface (first surface 25A) of the substrate 25 inside the housing 12 (see FIG. 4). Another part of the bottom surface 18d faces the upper surface 34a1 of the fan 30 inside the housing 12. The bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18 may be configured by, for example, a light-shielding sheet that prevents light leakage of the light-emitting module. In the case of a configuration without a light-emitting module, the bottom surface 18d may be configured by, for example, a waterproof sheet laminated on the lower surface of the sheet metal member. [[ID=?]] [[ID=?]]

[0020] [[ID=?]] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the housing 12. FIG. 3 is a bottom view schematically showing the internal structure of the housing 12. FIGS. 2 and 3 are views of the inside of the housing 12 as seen from above (Z1 side) and below (Z2 side), omitting the lid body 11, the hinge 14, the keyboard device 18, etc.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 12 houses a thermal module 24, a substrate 25, and a battery device 26. Various electronic components, mechanical components, etc. are further provided inside the housing 12.

[0022] It should be noted that there are some "?" in the ID numbers in the original text which seem to be incorrect or incomplete. I have translated the text as accurately as possible based on the provided content.The circuit board 25 is a circuit board that serves as the motherboard for the electronic device 10. The circuit board 25 is located near the Y2 side of the enclosure 12 and extends in the X direction. The battery device 26 is a rechargeable battery that powers the electronic device 10. The battery device 26 is located near the Y1 side of the circuit board 25 and extends in the X direction.

[0023] The circuit board 25 may have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 25a and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 25b mounted on it. The CPU 25a is a processing unit that performs calculations related to the main control and processing of the electronic device 10. The GPU 25b is a processing unit that performs calculations necessary for image rendering such as 3D graphics. The GPU 25b is not required to be mounted. Power supply components and memory for the CPU 25a and GPU 25b are also mounted around the CPU 25a and GPU 25b. The circuit board 25 may further have various electronic components mounted on it, such as a memory module 25c and a storage device 25d. The memory module 25c is, for example, a CAMM (Compression Attached Memory Module) or a DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module). The storage device 25d is, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive). Two storage devices 25d may be provided.

[0024] The substrate 25 can have its upper surface on the Z1 side (first surface 25A) as a mounting surface to the housing member 20. The first surface 25A may be screwed to, for example, the inner surface (Z2 side surface) of the upper cover material 20A or the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18 via cylindrical members (bosses). The substrate 25 can have its lower surface on the Z2 side (second surface 25B) as a mounting surface for the CPU 25a, GPU 25b, memory module 25c, storage device 25d, etc. Electronic components such as the CPU 25a may be mounted on the first surface 25A. The substrate 25 may have its second surface 25B as a mounting surface to the housing member 20.

[0025] The CPU 25a and GPU 25b are among the largest heat-generating components among the electronic components mounted in the enclosure 12. The thermal module 24 can absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the CPU 25a and GPU 25b and discharge it outside the enclosure 12. In this embodiment, the thermal module 24 can also cool the memory module 25c and the circuit board 25, etc.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the thermal module 24 of this embodiment may include a pair of heat pipes 27, a pair of heat sinks 28, 28, a pair of fans 30, 30, and a metal plate 32.

[0027] The heat pipe 27 is a pipe-shaped heat transport member. The heat pipe 27 is constructed by flattening a metal pipe to form an elliptical cross-section, and sealing a working fluid in the sealed space inside. Examples of working fluids include water, alternative refrigerants, acetone, or butane. The heat pipe 27 can be used in pairs, for example. The heat pipe 27 has a central heat receiving section that overlaps with the CPU 25a and GPU 25b in the Z direction, and is thermally connected to these CPU 25a and GPU 25b. The heat dissipation sections at both ends of the heat pipe 27 are connected to the left and right heat sinks 28, respectively. This allows the heat pipe 27 to efficiently transport the heat generated by the CPU 25a and GPU 25b to the left and right heat sinks 28. The heat pipe 27 can also be used as a single unit.

[0028] The metal plate 32 is a thin plate made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The metal plate 32 is positioned, for example, between the left and right fans 30, 30 and between the left and right heat sinks 28, 28 in the plan view shown in Figure 3. The metal plate 32 is interposed between the heat pipe 27 and the CPU 25a and GPU 25b, transferring heat to the heat pipe 27 of the CPU 25a, etc., and then diffusing it. The metal plate 32 is not shown in Figure 4. As a heat transfer member instead of the heat pipe 27 and the metal plate 32, for example, a vapor chamber in which the heat pipe is formed into a plate shape may be used.

[0029] Each heatsink 28 is positioned facing the inner wall surface of a vertical wall 20B that extends in the X direction on the Y2 side of the housing 12, and extends in the X direction. Hereafter, this vertical wall 20B on the Y2 side may also be referred to as the "rear wall 20B". The rear wall 20B forms the side surface of the housing 12 that extends in the X direction on the Y2 side (rear side). Each heatsink 28 is positioned facing the discharge port 42 of each fan 30. The heatsink 28 is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. The heatsink 28 has a structure in which multiple fins made of thin metal plates are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. Each fin stands upright in the Z direction and extends in the Y direction. A gap is formed between adjacent fins through which air discharged from the fan 30 passes.

[0030] The fans 30 are each positioned close to the Y1 side of the left and right heatsinks 28. Each fan 30 is positioned, for example, in a notched portion formed in the substrate 25. As a result, each fan 30 is positioned on the side of the substrate 25 and faces the left and right end faces 25C of the substrate 25 that extend in the Y direction.

[0031] The left and right fans 30 may be identical or different in shape, but the basic configuration can be symmetrical. Therefore, in the following explanation, the left and right fans 30 may not be distinguished and will be described together.

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the housing 12 around the fan 30. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the fan 30 has a fan housing 34 and fan blades 36 and a rotating shaft portion 38 housed within the fan housing 34.

[0033] The rotating shaft 38 is located at the axis of the fan blade 36 and rotates the fan blade 36. The rotating shaft 38 can be made up of an electric motor having a rotating shaft along the Z direction. The fan blade 36 is made up of multiple blades. Each blade is arranged in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the rotating shaft 38. The fan 30 is, for example, a centrifugal fan that rotates the fan blade 36 by the rotating shaft 38.

[0034] The fan housing 34 may consist of cover plates 34a, 34b and a side wall 34c. The cover plates 34a and 34b form the upper surface 34a1 and lower surface 34b1 of the fan housing 34, respectively. The cover plates 34a and 34b can be made of metal plates having a planar direction perpendicular to the axial direction (Z direction) of the rotating shaft portion 38. The side wall 34c forms the side surface of the fan housing 34. The side wall 34c is, for example, a vertical wall-like member that rises in the Z2 direction from the edge of the cover plate 34b on the Z1 side. As a result, the cover plate 34a and side wall 34c on the Z1 side have a box-shaped form with an open bottom. The cover plate 34b on the Z2 side acts as a lid that closes the bottom opening of the cover plate 34a and side wall 34c. Inside the fan housing 34, an air passage is formed around the fan blades 36. This air passage compresses the external air introduced from the intake ports 44 and 45 and circulates it to the discharge ports 42 and 43.

[0035] The fan housing 34 may have discharge ports 42, 43 for expelling air and intake ports 44, 45 for drawing in air.

[0036] The discharge port 42 is formed as an opening over almost the entire surface of the side wall 34c extending in the X direction on the Y2 side of the fan housing 34. The discharge port 42 can discharge air in the Y2 direction. The discharge port 42 faces the heat sink 28. The air discharged from the discharge port 42 passes through the heat sink 28. The air that has passed through the heat sink 28 is discharged to the outside of the housing 12 through the vent 60 formed in the rear wall 20B.

[0037] The discharge port 43 is formed as an opening in the side wall 34c of the fan housing 34, which extends in the Y direction on either the X1 or X2 side. The discharge port 43 can discharge air in the X1 direction or the X2 direction. The discharge port 43 faces the end face 25C of the substrate 25 and faces each of the surfaces 25A and 25B of the substrate 25. The left and right fans 30 are arranged to face each other with a portion of the substrate 25 in between, and their respective discharge ports 43 also face each other (see Figures 2 and 3). A portion of the air discharged from the discharge port 43 flows along the first surface 25A of the substrate 25 and passes through the space S1 between the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18 and the first surface 25A (see Figure 4). The other portion of the air discharged from the discharge port 43 flows along the second surface 25B of the substrate 25 and passes through the space S2 between the second surface 25B and the lower cover material 21. The air that has passed through spaces S1 and S2 is discharged to the outside of the housing 12 through a vent 61 formed in the rear wall 20B.

[0038] The intake port 44 draws air into the fan housing 34 from the top surface 34a1 of the fan 30. The intake port 44 is formed in the cover plate 34a on the Z1 side of the fan housing 34 and opens on the top surface 34a1. The intake port 44 is composed of, for example, three arch-shaped openings arranged in a ring. The intake port 45 draws air into the fan housing 34 from the bottom surface 34b1 of the fan 30. The intake port 45 is formed in the cover plate 34b on the Z2 side of the fan housing 34 and opens on the bottom surface 34b1. The intake port 45 is composed of, for example, a large circular opening carved out near the center of the cover plate 34b.

[0039] Next, we will describe an intake and exhaust structure in which air is introduced into the enclosure 12 by the fan 30 and the air discharged from the fan 30 is expelled outside the enclosure 12.

[0040] First, let me explain the intake structure.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the intake structure of the housing 12 may have a communication hole 50 that penetrates the keyboard device 18 vertically and a ventilation opening 52 that opens to the bottom surface 12c of the housing 12.

[0042] First, the vent 52 on the bottom surface 12c serves as an air intake for drawing air into the interior from the bottom surface 12c of the housing 12 (see Figure 4). The vent 52 primarily introduces outside air into the intake port 45 of the fan 30. The vent 52 can be formed, for example, by a plurality of slit-shaped holes formed in the lower cover material 21.

[0043] Next, the communication hole 50 penetrates the keyboard device 18 in the thickness direction (Z direction) and opens to the bottom surface 18d. The communication hole 50 can be made up of a through hole that penetrates the plate-shaped member 18c in the thickness direction. Through the communication hole 50, air that has passed through the gap between each key 18a and the frame 18e passes through the plate-shaped member 18c and flows into the housing 12. In this way, the communication hole 50 functions as a vent (keyboard vent) that takes in outside air from the top surface (surface 12a) side of the keyboard device 18 into the housing 12. The dashed arrows in Figures 2 to 4 schematically show the airflow. In Figure 4, the frame 18e is not shown.

[0044] The communication holes 50 may be formed, for example, at an appropriate position directly below the frame 18e. The communication holes 50 may be composed of, for example, a plurality of slit-shaped holes extending along the frame 18e. It is preferable that the communication holes 50 are formed at a position that overlaps vertically with the upper surfaces 34a1 of the left and right fans 30. It is preferable that the communication holes 50 are directly above the fans 30. This allows the communication holes 50 to efficiently draw outside air into the intake ports 44 of the fans 30. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a configuration in which seven slit-shaped communication holes 50 are formed above each fan 30. The shape, number, and size of the communication holes 50 can be changed as appropriate.

[0045] Thus, the communication hole 50 connects the surface 12a to the inside of the housing 12. For this reason, the communication hole 50 can become a water ingress path, allowing liquids such as water or beverages spilled on the keyboard device 18 to enter the housing 12. In this embodiment, the fan 30 has an outlet 43 for discharging air toward the surface (surfaces 25A, 25B) of the substrate 25. Therefore, if liquid that has passed through the communication hole 50 is sucked into the fan 30 from the intake port 44, there is a concern that it will be discharged toward the substrate 25 from the outlet 43. If the substrate 25 gets wet with liquid such as water, it may cause problems such as short circuits in mounted components such as the CPU 25a.

[0046] Therefore, it is preferable that the electronic device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a ventilation member 54 that allows air to pass through while preventing water from entering through the communication hole 50.

[0047] The ventilation member 54 is preferably made of a sheet-like material that is, for example, water-repellent and breathable. In other words, the ventilation member 54 is preferably made of a sheet-like material that does not allow liquids such as water to pass through, but allows air to pass through. The ventilation member 54 may be made of, for example, a water-repellent mesh sheet (water-repellent mesh). The mesh sheet may be made of a resin such as polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), or polyester (PET).

[0048] Such a ventilation member 54 may be attached, for example, to the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18 with an adhesive or the like, and provided to cover the communication holes 50. The ventilation member 54 may also be provided to cover together multiple communication holes 50 that open directly above the left and right fans 30. In this way, the ventilation member 54 can ensure the smooth passage of air through the communication holes 50 while preventing liquid from passing through the communication holes 50. Although the gap between the bottom surface 18d and the top surface 34a1 is narrow, the ventilation member 54 can be easily installed if it is a thin sheet-like material.

[0049] The ventilation member 54 may be made of a material other than a mesh sheet. The ventilation member 54 may be formed by applying a mesh shape or slit shape that provides water repellency and breathability to a material that constitutes the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18.

[0050] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a waterproofing method for the communication hole 50 using a ventilation member 54. Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged bottom views of the communication hole 50, ventilation member 54, and surrounding area on the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18.

[0051] The ventilation member 54 in the configuration examples shown in Figures 2 to 5 is installed in a way that covers two or more communication holes 50 together. The ventilation member 54 in the configuration example shown in Figure 6 is installed in a way that covers one communication hole 50 individually. Thus, the ventilation member 54 may cover each communication hole 50 individually (see Figure 6), or it may cover two or more communication holes 50 together (see Figure 5). For example, in the configuration examples in Figures 2 and 3, the seven communication holes 50 that open directly above one fan 30 may be covered by one ventilation member 54, by two or more ventilation members 54 as appropriate, or by seven ventilation members 54. However, it is preferable for the ventilation member 54 to cover each communication hole 50 together from the viewpoint of reducing the number of parts and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the airflow path from the communication hole 50 to the intake port 44 may be surrounded by an airtight material 56. The airtight material 56 is provided, for example, to stand upright between the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18 and the top surface 34a1 of the fan 30. The airtight material 56 is, for example, adhesively fixed to the top surface 34a1. This makes the airflow from the communication hole 50 to the intake port 44 smoother, and increases the amount of air intake by the fan 30.

[0053] The airtight material 56 can be made of, for example, a sponge or rubber formed into a rod shape. The airtight material 56 does not need to completely block the passage of air, but it needs to have a certain degree of airflow resistance to restrict the direction of airflow. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, it is preferable that the airtight material 56 be provided so as to surround the intake port 44 of the fan 30 and the communication hole 50 above it in a plan view of the housing 12.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, a sealing material 58 may also be provided between the lower surface 34b1 of the fan 30 and the lower cover material 21. The sealing material 58 can be made of the same material as the sealing material 56. The sealing material 58 is, for example, adhesively fixed to the lower surface 34b1. It is preferable that the sealing material 58 be provided so as to surround the air intake port 45 of the fan 30 and the vent port 52 located below it.

[0055] Next, I will explain the exhaust structure.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the exhaust structure of the housing 12 may have vents 60 and 61 that open into the rear wall 20B on the Y2 side of the housing 12.

[0057] The vents 60 and 61 are formed, for example, in the rear wall 20B and penetrate the rear wall 20B in the thickness direction (Y direction). A pair of vents 60 are provided on the left and right sides, each facing the heat sink 28. Vent 61 is provided between the left and right vents 60 in the longitudinal center of the rear wall 20B and faces the Y2 side end of the substrate 25. The vents 60 and 61 can be configured, for example, by arranging a plurality of small window-like openings along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the rear wall 20B. In Figure 2, the vents 60 and 61 are shown separately, but the vents 60 and 61 may be provided integrally and continuously along the longitudinal direction of the rear wall 20B.

[0058] Each vent 60 serves as an air outlet that discharges hot air, which has been expelled from the outlet 42 of each fan 30 and passed through the heat sink 28, to the outside of the enclosure 12. Each vent 61 serves as an air outlet that discharges hot air, which has been expelled from the outlet 43 of each fan 30 and passed through the surface (surfaces 25A, 25B) of the circuit board 25 located between the left and right fans 30, 30, to the outside of the enclosure 12.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the spaces S1 and S2 located between the discharge ports 43 of the left and right fans 30 are preferably separated from other areas within the housing 12 by airtight materials 64 and 65. The airtight materials 64 and 65 can be made of the same material as the airtight material 56. The airtight material 64 is provided, for example, to stand upright between the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18 and the first surface 25A of the circuit board 25, separating space S1 from other areas within the housing 12. The airtight material 65 is provided, for example, to stand upright between the second surface 25B of the circuit board 25 and the inner surface of the lower cover material 21, separating space S2 from other areas within the housing 12. The airtight materials 64 and 65 extend approximately along the X direction, for example, connecting the Y1 side ends of the left and right fans 30. This allows the high-temperature air discharged from the discharge port 43 of each fan 30 and passing over the surface of the circuit board 25 to flow more smoothly to the vent 61. The airtight seals 64 and 65 also serve to prevent the high-temperature air discharged from the fan 30's outlet 43 from flowing back into the fan 30's intake ports 44 and 45. Only one of the airtight seals 64 or 65 may be provided. In this case, the outlet 43 may be formed to face only one of the spaces S1 or S2 where the airtight seal is provided.

[0060] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, it is preferable to also provide airtight seals 66 and 67 on the surface of each heat sink 28. The airtight seal 66 is provided on both edges in the X direction of the Z1 side surface of each heat sink 28 and extends in the Y direction. The airtight seal 67 is provided on both edges in the X direction of the Z2 side surface of each heat sink 28 and extends in the Y direction. The airtight seals 66 and 67 separate the air discharged from the discharge port 42 and passing through the heat sink 28 from other areas within the housing 12. The airtight seals 66 and 67 also serve to prevent the high-temperature air discharged from the discharge port 42 of the fan 30 from flowing back into the intake ports 44 and 45 of the fan 30.

[0061] Next, the cooling operation and effects of the electronic device 10 will be described.

[0062] In the electronic device 10, heat generated by heat-generating elements such as the CPU 25a is efficiently transported to the heatsink 28 via the heat pipe 27. The fan 30 draws in outside air (cold air) from the communication holes 50 and vents 52 into the intake ports 44 and 45, and discharges it from the outlet ports 42 and 43. The air discharged from outlet port 42 passes through the heatsink 28 and cools it. This air (warm air) is discharged outside the casing 12 through the vent port 60. The air discharged from outlet port 43 flows along the surface of the circuit board 25, cooling the heat-generating elements such as the CPU 25a and the circuit board 25 that has absorbed this heat. This air (warm air) is discharged outside the casing 12 through the vent port 61.

[0063] As described above, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment comprises a housing 12 having a ventilation opening 52 on its bottom surface 12c, and a keyboard device 18 provided facing the surface 12a of the housing 12 and having a communication hole 50 for circulating air in the thickness direction. Inside the housing 12 are a circuit board 25 on which a heat-generating element such as a CPU 25a is mounted, and a fan 30. The fan 30 may have an intake port (first intake port) 44 provided on the upper surface 34a1 facing the bottom surface 18d of the keyboard device 18, an intake port (second intake port) 45 provided on the lower surface 34b1 facing the bottom surface 12c of the housing 12, and an outlet port 43 capable of discharging air toward the surface of the circuit board 25. The electronic device 10 may further be provided with a water-repellent ventilation member 54 provided to cover the communication hole 50.

[0064] In other words, the electronic device 10 may be used, for example, by a user placing it on their lap. In this case, there is a concern that the ventilation holes 52 on the bottom surface 12c may be blocked by the user's knees or clothing, significantly reducing the intake and discharge volume of the fan 30. This would lead to a decrease in the cooling performance of the electronic device 10, potentially resulting in a decrease in the performance of the CPU 25a and other components, as well as an increase in the surface temperature of the casing 12. In this regard, the electronic device 10 is also equipped with communication holes 50 that serve as ventilation holes on the top surface (surface 12a) of the casing 12. Therefore, even if the ventilation holes 52 are blocked, the electronic device 10 can still draw in outside air through the communication holes 50 in the thickness direction of the keyboard device 18. This ensures that the electronic device 10 can maintain the intake and discharge volume of the fan 30.

[0065] Furthermore, the electronic device 10 has an outlet 43 through which the fan 30 sends air toward the circuit board 25. As a result, the electronic device 10 can efficiently cool the heat-generating elements such as the CPU 25a and the circuit board 25 to which that heat is transferred with the air from the outlet 43, thereby achieving high cooling performance. On the other hand, the communication hole 50 can become a water ingress path, allowing liquids such as water or beverages to enter the casing 12 if they are spilled onto the keyboard device 18. If this liquid is sucked into the fan 30, it will be discharged from the outlet 43 toward the circuit board 25, raising concerns that it may damage the circuit board 25 and mounted components such as the CPU 25a. Even if the fan 30 does not have an intake port 44 on the top surface 34a1 and only has an intake port 45 on the bottom surface 34b1, there is still a concern that water entering through the communication hole 50 will be discharged from the outlet 43 via the intake port 45.

[0066] In this regard, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a water-repellent ventilation member 54 that covers the communication hole 50. Therefore, even if liquid were to enter the communication hole 50, it is possible to prevent this liquid from flowing into the housing 12 and being sucked into the fan 30. In this way, the electronic device 10 can ensure the intake and discharge volume of the fan 30 while suppressing water from entering the housing 12 from the communication hole 50.

[0067] The ventilation member 54 is preferably a mesh sheet. This ensures high breathability while guaranteeing sufficient watertightness. Since mesh sheets have low component costs, it also helps to suppress increases in product costs.

[0068] Here, we will explain the results of a cooling performance test conducted with the configuration of an embodiment in which a ventilation member 54 made of a water-repellent mesh sheet was installed, and the configuration of a comparative example in which the ventilation member 54 was not installed. When comparing the test results of the embodiment and the comparative example, there was no change in the temperature of the CPU 25a and GPU 25b. In addition, the temperature of each part of the surface 12a of the housing 12, including the keyboard device 18, and the temperature of the bottom surface 12c of the housing 12 were almost the same in both the embodiment and the comparative example. In other words, no decrease in cooling performance was observed due to the presence or absence of the ventilation member 54. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the ventilation member 54 made of a mesh sheet was effective in actually preventing water from entering.

[0069] Next, assuming a state where the vent 52 is blocked on the knee, we will describe the results of a cooling performance test conducted with the configuration of the embodiment having the communication hole 50 and ventilation member 54 and the configuration of the comparative example without the communication hole 50 and ventilation member 54. Comparing the test results of the embodiment and the comparative example, the temperature of the CPU 25a, the temperature of each part of the surface 12a of the housing 12 including the keyboard device 18, and the temperature of the bottom surface 12c of the housing 12 were all about 1.2 to 5°C lower in the embodiment than in the comparative example. In other words, the superiority of the cooling performance of the embodiment with the communication hole 50 was confirmed.

[0070] It is preferable that the communication hole 50 is positioned to overlap the fan 30 vertically. This allows the fan 30 to draw in outside air from the communication hole 50 with high intake efficiency. In particular, in order to ensure sufficient intake volume for the fan 30 when the ventilation opening 52 on the bottom surface 12c is blocked, it is preferable that the communication hole 50 be directly above the intake opening 44 of the fan 30. On the other hand, if the communication hole 50 is directly above the fan 30, the above-mentioned problem of water ingress may occur. However, the electronic device 10 can achieve both increased ventilation volume and prevention of water ingress by covering the communication hole 50 with a water-repellent ventilation member 54.

[0071] The fan 30 may have an outlet (second outlet) 42 provided on a different side from the outlet 43. This outlet 42 is provided facing the heat sink 28, which transports heat from a heat-generating element such as the CPU 25a by a heat transport member such as a heat pipe 27. The rear wall 20B of the housing 12 may also have a vent (second vent) 60 facing the heat sink 28. This further improves the cooling performance of the heat-generating element such as the CPU 25a in the electronic device 10. In particular, when the fan 30 has outlets 42 and 43 in two directions, it is important to ensure sufficient intake air volume in order to ensure the airflow volume of each outlet 42 and 43. In this regard, the electronic device 10 has a communication hole 50 in addition to the vent 52 on the bottom surface 12c. Therefore, the electronic device 10 can ensure a sufficient intake air volume whether the vent 52 is blocked or not, and maintain high cooling performance.

[0072] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be freely modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0073] In the above example, the communication hole 50 is provided only directly above the fan 30, but this does not prevent the communication hole 50 from being located in other positions.

[0074] In the above example, a configuration with a pair of fans 30 on the left and right (dual fan structure) was used, but a single fan 30 (single fan structure) is also acceptable. In the case of a single fan structure, the airtight materials 64 and 65 should be installed within a range that allows air from the discharge port 43 to flow smoothly to the vent port 61. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10 Electronic equipment 11 Lid 12 cabinets 14 Hinge 16 displays 18 Keyboard device 24 Thermal Modules 25 circuit boards 25a CPU 28 Heatsink 30 Fans 42,43 Discharge port 44,45 Air intake 50 Communication hole 52, 60, 61 Ventilation holes 54 Ventilation components 56, 58, 64~67 Airtight material

Claims

1. It is an electronic device, A housing having ventilation holes on the bottom, A keyboard device provided facing the surface of the aforementioned housing and having communication holes for circulating air in the thickness direction, A heating element is mounted on a circuit board provided inside the housing, The keyboard device has a first air intake port provided on the upper surface facing the bottom surface, a second air intake port provided on the lower surface facing the bottom surface of the housing, and an air outlet capable of discharging air toward the surface of the circuit board, and a fan provided inside the housing, A water-repellent ventilation member is provided to cover the aforementioned communication hole, Equipped with An electronic device characterized by the following features.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, The ventilation member is a mesh sheet. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, Multiple communication holes are provided, The ventilation member is fixed to the bottom surface of the keyboard device and covers two or more of the communication holes together. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

4. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned communication hole is located in a position that overlaps the fan vertically at least. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, The keyboard device is provided with an airtight material that stands upright between the bottom surface and the top surface of the fan, In a plan view of the housing, the airtight material surrounds the communication hole and the first air intake. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, The fan has a second discharge port provided on a different surface from the discharge port. moreover, A heat sink positioned within the housing facing the second discharge port, A heat transport member connecting the heating element and the heat sink, Equipped with, The housing has vertical walls that form the sides of the housing and are positioned facing the heat sink. The vertical wall is provided with a second vent for discharging air that has been discharged from the second outlet and passed through the heat sink. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

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