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US20120113332A1 - Television and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Television and electronic apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120113332A1
US20120113332A1 US13/175,496 US201113175496A US2012113332A1 US 20120113332 A1 US20120113332 A1 US 20120113332A1 US 201113175496 A US201113175496 A US 201113175496A US 2012113332 A1 US2012113332 A1 US 2012113332A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
heat
fan
heat pipe
heat sink
television
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/175,496
Inventor
Akifumi Yamaguchi
Tomohiro Hamada
Seiji Hashimoto
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Toshiba Corp
Original Assignee
Toshiba Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Toshiba Corp filed Critical Toshiba Corp
Assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA reassignment KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HAMADA, TOMOHIRO, HASHIMOTO, SEIJI, Yamaguchi, Akifumi
Publication of US20120113332A1 publication Critical patent/US20120113332A1/en
Priority to US14/458,775 priority Critical patent/US9282275B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/64Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers
    • H04N5/645Mounting of picture tube on chassis or in housing
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/20Cooling means
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/20Cooling means
    • G06F1/203Cooling means for portable computers, e.g. for laptops
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00Details of television systems
    • H04N5/64Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers

Definitions

  • Embodiments described herein relate generally to a television including a cooling module, and an electronic apparatus including a cooling module.
  • FIG. 1 is an exemplary front view of a television according to a first embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is an exemplary plan view showing a circuit board and a cooling module of the first embodiment
  • FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view of a fan shown in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is an exemplary side view of the fan shown in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary plan view of the fan shown in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary plan view of heat pipes and a heat sink shown in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 7 is an exemplary perspective view which shows the heat sink, a second heat pipe, and a bracket, and in which a first heat pipe is removed from the structure shown in the FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 8 is an exemplary plan view of the cooling module shown in FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the cooling module shown in FIG. 8 taken along a line F 9 -F 9 ;
  • FIG. 10 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the cooling module shown in FIG. 9 taken along a line F 10 -F 10 ;
  • FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view of a cover according to a second embodiment
  • FIG. 12 is an exemplary side view of a cooling module of the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is an exemplary perspective view of an electronic apparatus according to a third embodiment.
  • an electronic apparatus comprises a housing, a heat sink in the housing, a heat pipe comprising a curved portion toward the heat sink, and a fan comprising a cutout portion accommodating the curved portion.
  • FIGS. 1 to 10 show a television 1 according to a first embodiment.
  • the television 1 includes a housing 5 .
  • the housing 5 accommodates a circuit board 14 shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the circuit board 14 is, for example, a main circuit board.
  • the circuit board 14 has a first surface 14 a and a second surface (not shown) on the opposite side of the first surface 14 a.
  • First and second heat generating components 15 and 16 are mounted on, for example, the second surface of the circuit board 14 .
  • An example of the first heat generating component 15 is a graphic chip.
  • An example of the second heat generating component 16 is a central processing unit (CPU). The amount of heat generated by the second heat generating component 16 is larger than that generated by the first heat generating component 15 .
  • the first and second heat generating components 15 and 16 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and appropriately correspond to various electronic components expected to radiate heat.
  • the television 1 is provided with a cooling module 20 .
  • the cooling module 20 includes a fan 21 , a heat sink 22 , first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 , and a bracket 25 .
  • the bracket 25 is an example of a “holder.”
  • the circuit board 14 includes a cutout portion 14 c that is to avoid the fan 21 and the heat sink 22 .
  • the cutout portion 14 c is formed so as to substantially correspond to the outward appearance of the fan 21 and the heat sink 22 .
  • the fan 21 and the heat sink 22 are in the cutout portion 14 c of the circuit board 14 , and are arranged with the circuit board 14 .
  • the end surfaces of the fan 21 and the heat sink 22 are substantially flush with, for example, the first surface 14 a of the circuit board 14 .
  • the fan 21 includes a fan case 27 and an impeller 28 that rotates in the fan case 27 .
  • the fan case 27 includes suction ports 31 and a discharge port 33 . Air in the housing 5 is supplied into the fan case 27 through the suction ports 31 .
  • the discharge port 33 faces the heat sink 22 . Air is discharged to the heat sink 22 from the discharge port 33 .
  • the fan case 27 includes a first flat plate portion 35 , a second flat plate portion 36 , and a peripheral wall portion 37 .
  • the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 are formed of metal plates, respectively, and have the same shape.
  • the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 are divided above and below the impeller 28 , and face the impeller 28 in the axial direction of the impeller 28 , that is, in the axial direction of a rotating shaft of the impeller 28 .
  • upper and lower sides of the cooling module 20 are defined on the basis of a horizontal posture of the fan 21 .
  • the first flat plate portion 35 is above the impeller 28 , and forms a top plate of the fan case 27 .
  • the second flat plate portion 36 is below the impeller 28 , and forms a bottom plate of the fan case 27 .
  • the suction ports 31 are formed at the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 , respectively. As described below, the second flat plate portion 36 faces the bracket 25 .
  • the peripheral wall portion 37 is a wall portion standing between the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 , and is attached to the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 by, for example, welding or the like.
  • the peripheral wall portion 37 is made of a synthetic resin.
  • the peripheral wall portion 37 is formed along the periphery of the impeller 28 .
  • the peripheral wall portion 37 surrounds the impeller 28 in a U shape in the radial direction of the impeller 28 , that is, in the radial direction of the rotating shaft of the impeller 28 . That is, the peripheral wall portion 37 surrounds the impeller 28 in three directions except for the direction where the discharge port 33 is opened.
  • the peripheral wall portion 37 includes a first side wall portion 41 (first wall portion), a second side wall portion 42 (second wall portion), and a curved wall portion 43 (third wall portion).
  • the first and second side wall portions 41 and 42 are divided on both sides of the discharge port 33 .
  • the first and second side wall portions 41 and 42 extend substantially linearly toward the discharge port 33 from the sides of the impeller 28 , respectively.
  • the first and second side wall portions 41 and 42 are adjacent to the discharge port 33 . That is, the first and second side wall portions 41 and 42 define the discharge port 33 in cooperation with the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 .
  • the curved wall portion 43 is on the side opposite to the discharge port 33 , and connects the end portion of the first side wall portion 41 to the end portion of the second side wall portion 42 in a circular arc shape.
  • the first side wall portion 41 is more distant from the rotation center of the impeller 28 than the second side wall portion 42 is. That is, a gap between the first side wall portion 41 and the impeller 28 is larger than a gap between the second side wall portion 42 and the impeller 28 .
  • a cutout portion 45 is formed at the fan case 27 of this embodiment.
  • the cutout portion 45 is formed at the end portion (tip portion) of the first side wall portion 41 so as to be adjacent to the discharge port 33 . That is, the cutout portion 45 is connected to the discharge port 33 .
  • the cutout portion 45 is larger than the thickness of the first heat pipe 23 .
  • the cutout portion 45 and the discharge port 33 are arranged in the rotational direction of the impeller 28 .
  • the end portion (lower end portion) of the first side wall portion 41 facing the second flat plate portion 36 is cut out, so that the cutout portion 45 is formed between the first side wall portion 41 and the second flat plate portion 36 . That is, the cutout portion 45 is defined between the second flat plate portion 36 and the L-shaped end portion of the first side wall portion 41 .
  • a recessed portion 46 (e.g., slope) is formed at the first side wall portion 41 .
  • the cutout portion 45 is located between the recessed portion 46 and the discharge port 33 .
  • the first side wall portion 41 includes a flat portion 47 away from the recessed portion 46 .
  • the recessed portion 46 is recessed from the flat portion 47 toward the inside of the fan case 27 .
  • the surface of the recessed portion 46 is inclined so as to be recessed more greatly toward the inside of the fan case 27 as approaching the cutout portion 45 .
  • the inner surface of the recessed portion 46 that is, the surface of the recessed portion exposed to the inside of the fan case 27 is continuously connected to the inner surface of the flat portion 47 , and there is no difference in the level between the inner surface of the recessed portion and the inner surface of the flat portion.
  • the first heat pipe 23 extends along the recessed portion 46 . That is, the recessed portion 46 faces the first heat pipe 23 .
  • the heat sink 22 is a fin unit where a plurality of fins 51 is arranged.
  • the width of the heat sink 22 is substantially equal to that of the fan 21 . That is, the heat sink 22 is larger than the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 and covers substantially the entire discharge port 33 .
  • the heat sink 22 is disposed so that little or no gap is left between the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 and the heat sink.
  • Each of the fins 51 is formed in a U shape. Since the plurality of fins 51 is arranged, a recessed portion 52 facing the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 is formed at the heat sink 22 .
  • the recessed portion 52 is formed over substantially the entire length of the heat sink 22 , and is opened toward the discharge port 33 .
  • the depth of the recessed portion 52 in the direction from the fan 21 to the heat sink 22 is larger than the sum of the widths of the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 .
  • the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 are accommodated in the recessed portion 52 .
  • the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 are substantially parallel to each other.
  • Each of the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 is crushed in the thickness direction of the fan 21 and has a flat cross-section.
  • the first heat pipe 23 is between the first heat generating component 15 and the heat sink 22 .
  • the first heat pipe 23 extends so as to pass through the gap between the fan 21 and the second heat generating component 16 .
  • the first heat pipe 23 includes a heat receiving portion 23 a , a heat radiating portion 23 b , a first linear portion 23 c , a second linear portion 23 d , and a curved portion 23 e .
  • the heat receiving portion 23 a faces the first heat generating component 15 , and is thermally connected to the first heat generating component 15 by, for example, a heat receiving plate 54 or the like.
  • the heat receiving portion 23 a is configured to receive heat from the first heat generating component 15 .
  • the heat radiating portion 23 b is accommodated in the recessed portion 52 of the heat sink 22 , and is fixed to the heat sink 22 .
  • the heat radiating portion 23 b is thermally connected to the heat sink 22 , and is configured to radiate heat from the first heat generating component 15 to the heat sink 22 .
  • the surface of the heat radiating portion 23 b facing the fan 21 is substantially flush with the surface of the heat sink 22 facing the fan 21 .
  • the surface of the heat sink is a main surface portion 55 to be described below.
  • the first and second linear portions 23 c and 23 d extend along the fan 21 .
  • the first linear portion 23 c is adjacent to the heat receiving portion 23 a and extends from the heat receiving portion 23 a toward the side of the fan 21 .
  • the first linear portion 23 c extends while slightly inclined with respect to the fan 21 so as to be away from the fan 21 as approaching the heat sink 22 .
  • the second linear portion 23 d is connected to the first linear portion 23 c , and extends from the first linear portion 23 c to the side of the recessed portion 46 of the first side wall portion 41 .
  • the second linear portion 23 d is slightly bent from the first linear portion 23 c , and extends while slightly inclined with respect to the fan 21 so as to approach the fan 21 as approaching the heat sink 22 .
  • the curved portion 23 e is at a part of the portion between the heat receiving portion 23 a and the heat radiating portion 23 b , for example.
  • the curved portion 23 e is between the second linear portion 23 d and the heat radiating portion 23 b .
  • the curved portion 23 e is bent from the side of the fan 21 toward the heat sink 22 in a circular arc shape.
  • the curved portion 23 e is inserted into the cutout portion 45 of the fan case 27 in the bending direction thereof, that is, toward the inside of the circular arc.
  • At least a part of the curved portion 23 e of the heat pipe 23 extends in the fan case 27 . At least a part of the heat pipe 23 is inserted into the recessed portion 52 of the heat sink 22 and connected to the heat sink 22 at a position closer than the first side wall portion 41 to the center portion of the heat sink 22 .
  • the heat sink 22 includes a main surface portion 55 that faces the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 and an end portion 56 that is the end portion of the heat sink 22 in the longitudinal direction of the heat sink. At least a part of the first heat pipe 23 is not inserted into the heat sink 22 from the end portion 56 but is inserted into the heat sink 22 from the main surface portion 55 .
  • the second heat pipe 24 is on the side of the first heat pipe 23 opposite to the fan 21 .
  • the second heat pipe 24 is between the second heat generating component 16 and the heat sink 22 .
  • the second heat pipe 24 includes a heat receiving portion 24 a , a heat radiating portion 24 b , a first curved portion 24 c , and a second curved portion 24 d .
  • the heat receiving portion 24 a faces the second heat generating component 16 , and is thermally connected to the second heat generating component 16 by, for example, a heat receiving plate 57 or the like.
  • the heat receiving portion 24 a is configured to receive heat from the second heat generating component 16 .
  • the heat radiating portion 24 b is accommodated in the recessed portion 52 of the heat sink 22 , and is fixed to the heat sink 22 .
  • the heat radiating portion 24 b is thermally connected to the heat sink 22 , and is configured to radiate heat from the second heat generating component 16 to the heat sink 22 .
  • the first curved portion 24 c is adjacent to the heat receiving portion 24 a and is bent in a circular arc shape in a direction to avoid the fan 21 .
  • the second curved portion 24 d is between the first curved portion 24 c and the heat radiating portion 24 b , and is bent substantially parallel to the curved portion 23 e of the first heat pipe 23 . That is, the second curved portion 24 d is bent in a circular arc shape toward the heat sink 22 .
  • the second heat pipe 24 has a larger diameter than the first heat pipe 23 , and has a higher heat transport capacity than the first heat pipe. For this reason, the second heat pipe 24 cannot be bent at a small radius of curvature like the first heat pipe 23 , and is bent with a radius of curvature larger than that of the first heat pipe 23 .
  • the two heat pipes 23 and 24 are in parallel.
  • the first heat pipe 23 is between the second heat pipe 24 and the fan 21 , and is bent with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the second heat pipe 24 . That is, the heat pipe 23 corresponding to the inside (i.e., fan side) is bent with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the heat pipe 24 corresponding to the outside.
  • the bracket 25 is fixed to the heat sink 22 .
  • the fan 21 is mounted on the bracket by, for example, screwing or the like.
  • the bracket 25 integrally holds the heat sink 22 and the fan 21 .
  • the bracket 25 is made of metal.
  • the bracket 25 includes a mounting portion 61 and a cover portion 62 .
  • the mounting portion 61 is in the shape of a flat plate so as to be substantially parallel to the second flat plate portion 36 of the fan 21 .
  • the mounting portion 61 extends from the lower side of the bracket 25 to the lower side of the fan 21 , and the fan 21 is mounted on the mounting portion 61 .
  • FIG. 7 shows the heat sink 22 , the second heat pipe 24 , and the bracket 25 when the first heat pipe 23 is removed, for convenience of the description.
  • the cover portion 62 is at the side end portion of the mounting portion 61 .
  • the cover portion 62 stands from the mounting portion 61 .
  • the cover portion 62 stands beside the fan 21 and extends from the side of the heat sink 22 to the side of the fan 21 .
  • the cover portion 62 includes a first portion 62 a that faces the first side wall portion 41 of the fan 21 and a second portion 62 b that faces the end portion 56 of the heat sink 22 .
  • the cover portion 62 comes into contact with the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 from below.
  • the first portion 62 a of the cover portion 62 is below the first heat pipe 23 and supports the first heat pipe 23 .
  • the second portion 62 b of the cover portion 62 is below the second heat pipe 24 and supports the second heat pipe 24 .
  • the cover portion 62 covers at least a part of the cutout portion 45 from the outside of the fan 21 .
  • the first portion 62 a of the cover portion 62 covers a gap between the first heat pipe 23 and the second flat plate portion 36 .
  • the end portion of the first side wall portion 41 which is any one of the end portion (upper end portion) of the first side wall portion 41 facing the first flat plate portion 35 and the end portion (lower end portion) of the first side wall portion facing the second flat plate portion 36 and covered with the cover portion 62 , comprises the cutout portion 45 .
  • the end portion of the cover portion 62 extends over the cutout portion 45 and faces the recessed portion 46 of the first side wall portion 41 . That is, the cutout portion 45 is covered with the cover portion 62 beyond the entire length of the cutout portion in a direction from the fan 21 to the heat sink 22 .
  • the minimum radius of curvature of a heat pipe is generally determined depending on the diameter of the heat pipe. For this reason, even though the heat pipe is bent from a portion of the heat pipe extending in the outside of the heat sink, a gap is necessarily left between the heat pipe and the fan. This gap hinders high density mounting.
  • the cutout portion 45 into which the curved portion 23 e of the heat pipe 23 is inserted is formed at the fan 21 in this embodiment. Accordingly, it may be possible to bend the heat pipe 23 from the portion of the heat pipe that overlaps the fan 21 . Therefore, it may be possible to reduce the gap between the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21 . That is, it may be possible to dispose the heat pipe 23 at a position closer to the fan 21 , to reduce the size of the cooling module 20 , and to achieve high density mounting.
  • the bracket 25 which is attached to the heat sink 22 and holds the fan 21 , includes the cover portion 62 that covers at least a part of the cutout portion 45 of the fan case 27 . Accordingly, the leakage of air from the cutout portion 45 is suppressed. That is, the decrease in cooling efficiency, which is caused by the cutout portion 45 , is suppressed by the bracket 25 that holds the fan 21 .
  • the fan case 27 includes the recessed portion 46 at the first side wall portion 41 . If the recessed portion 46 is not formed, a large cutout portion 45 needs to be formed in consideration of component tolerance or the like in order to avoid the contact between the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21 . However, since the recessed portion 46 of this embodiment is formed, it may be possible to more reduce the size of the cutout portion 45 while reducing a possibility that the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21 come into contact with each other. If the size of the cutout portion 45 can be reduced, the leakage of air is reduced. As a result, it may be possible to improve cooling efficiency.
  • the surface of the recessed portion 46 is inclined so as to be recessed more greatly toward the inside of the fan case 27 as approaching the cutout portion 45 , it may be possible to further reduce the size of the cutout portion 45 while reducing the possibility that the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21 come into contact with each other.
  • the fan case 27 includes the flat plate portion 36 and the peripheral wall portion 37 attached to the flat plate portion 36 .
  • the end portion of the peripheral wall portion 37 facing the flat plate portion 36 is cut out, so that the cutout portion 45 is formed between the peripheral wall portion 37 and the flat plate portion 36 .
  • it is easy to secure the stiffness of the peripheral wall portion 37 of the fan case 27 and to further easily form the peripheral wall portion as compared to the case where the cutout portion 45 is formed in the middle of the peripheral wall portion 37 .
  • the cutout portion 45 and the discharge port 33 are arranged in the rotational direction of the impeller 28 in this order. According to this, since it may be possible to blow a large amount of air toward the heat pipe 23 inserted into the cutout portion 45 , cooling efficiency is improved. Further, in order to discharge a larger amount of air, a space between the first side wall portion 41 and the impeller 28 is larger than a space between the second side wall portion 42 and the impeller 28 . That is, it is relatively easy to secure a space, through which the heat pipe 23 passes, near the first side wall portion 41 in the fan case 27 .
  • the recessed portion 52 which faces the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 and into which the heat pipe 23 is inserted, is formed at the heat sink 22 . According to this, it is easy to connect the heat pipe 23 , which extends in the fan case 27 , to the heat sink 22 at the position closer to the center portion of the heat sink 22 than the first side wall portion 41 .
  • the cover portion 62 includes a portion (first portion 62 a ) facing the first side wall portion 41 of the fan 21 , and the portion comes into contact with the heat pipe 23 and supports the heat pipe 23 .
  • the heat pipe 23 is supported by the bracket 25 not only at the side of the heat sink 22 but also at the side of the fan 21 . Accordingly, the stiffness of the entire cooling module 20 is improved.
  • the first heat pipe 23 is between the second heat pipe 24 and the fan 21 and is bent with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the heat pipe 24 . According to this, it may be possible to put the plurality of heat pipes 23 and 24 in a smaller mounting area.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 structures having the functions, which are the same as or similar to the functions of the structures of the first embodiment, are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, other structures than the structures to be described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 shows a cover 71 of this embodiment.
  • the cover 71 is formed of, for example, sponge, rubber, a film member, or the like, and has elasticity or flexibility.
  • a slit 71 a is formed, for example, in the center portion of the cover 71 .
  • FIG. 12 shows the mounting structure of the cover 71 on a cooling module 20 .
  • the cover 71 is hatched in FIG. 12 .
  • the first heat pipe 23 is inserted into the slit 71 a as shown in FIG. 12 , so that the cover 71 is attached to the fan 21 or the bracket 25 . That is, the slit 71 a is opened so as to follow the outer shape of the first heat pipe 23 , so that the cover 71 comes into close contact with the first heat pipe 23 .
  • the cover 71 covers at least a part of the cutout portion 45 .
  • the cover 71 covers, for example, a gap between the first heat pipe 23 and the first side wall portion 41 , which is formed at an upper portion of the first heat pipe 23 , and a gap between the first heat pipe 23 and the recessed portion 46 .
  • a cutout portion 45 which is larger than the heat pipe 23 , is formed in consideration of component tolerance or the like in order to avoid the contact between the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21 . For this reason, there is a possibility that air leaks from the cutout portion 45 . However, if the cover 71 of this embodiment is provided, the leakage of air from the cutout portion 45 is reduced. As a result, it may be possible to improve cooling efficiency.
  • the electronic apparatus 81 is, for example, a notebook type personal computer. Meanwhile, an electronic apparatus to which this embodiment may be applied is not limited to the above-mentioned apparatus. This embodiment may be widely applied to various electronic apparatuses that include, for example, a recording/reproducing apparatus, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a game console.
  • a recording/reproducing apparatus for example, a recording/reproducing apparatus, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a game console.
  • PDA Personal Digital Assistant
  • the electronic apparatus 81 includes a main body unit 2 , a display unit 3 , and a hinge 4 .
  • the main body unit 2 is a main body of the electronic apparatus where a main board is mounted.
  • the main body unit 2 includes a housing 5 .
  • the housing 5 includes an upper wall 6 , a lower wall 7 , and a peripheral wall 8 , and is formed in the shape of a flat box.
  • the lower wall 7 faces the upper surface of the desk.
  • the lower wall 7 is substantially parallel to the upper surface.
  • the upper wall 6 extends so as to be substantially parallel to the lower wall 7 (that is, so as to be substantially horizontal) with a space therebetween.
  • a keyboard 9 is mounted on the upper wall 6 .
  • the peripheral wall 8 stands from the lower wall 7 , and connects the peripheral edge portion of the lower wall 7 to the peripheral edge portion of the upper wall 6 .
  • the display unit 3 is pivotally (openably and closably) connected to the rear end portion of the main body unit 2 by the hinge 4 .
  • the display unit 3 can pivot between a closed position where the display unit falls so as to cover the main body unit 2 from above and an open position where the display unit is raised from the main body unit 2 .
  • the display unit 3 includes a display housing 11 and a display panel 12 in the display housing 11 .
  • a display screen 12 a of the display panel 12 is exposed to the outside through an opening 11 a formed at the front wall of the display housing 11 .
  • the housing 5 of the main body unit 2 accommodates the circuit board 14 shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the circuit board 14 is, for example, a main circuit board.
  • the circuit board 14 has a first surface 14 a corresponding to, for example, an upper surface and a second surface (not shown) positioned on the side opposite to the first surface 14 a and corresponding to, for example, a lower surface.
  • the housing 5 of the electronic apparatus 81 further accommodates a cooling module 20 .
  • the cooling module 20 is the same as the cooling module of the first embodiment. That is, the cooling module 20 includes a fan 21 , a heat sink 22 , first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 , and a bracket 25 .
  • a fan case 27 of the fan 21 includes a cutout portion 45 into which a curved portion 23 e of the first heat pipe 23 is inserted.
  • cooling module 20 may be provided with the same cover 71 as the cover of the second embodiment.
  • the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be embodied with the modifications of components without departing from the scope of the invention when being embodied. Further, it may be possible to make various inventions by the appropriate combination of a plurality of components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, some components may be removed from all the components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments. Furthermore, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined with each other.
  • the heat pipe 23 does not necessarily need to be connected to the heat sink 22 at a position closer than the first side wall portion 41 to the center portion of the heat sink 22 . If the cutout portion 45 is only formed at the fan case 27 and the heat pipe 23 is only inserted into the cutout portion 45 , it may be possible to reduce the size of the cooling module 20 and to achieve high density mounting.
  • the bracket 25 is not an indispensable component and may be omitted.
  • the recessed portion 46 may not be formed at the first side wall portion 41 .
  • the cutout portion 45 may not be formed at the end portion of the first side wall portion facing the flat plate portion 36 and may be formed at the center portion of the first side wall portion 41 .
  • the cutout portion 45 may be formed at the second side wall portion 42 instead of the first side wall portion 41 .
  • the cover portion 62 of the bracket 25 may not support the heat pipes 23 and 24 .
  • the second heat pipe 24 is not an indispensable component and may be omitted.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Cooling Or The Like Of Electrical Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a heat sink in the housing, a heat pipe including a curved portion toward the heat sink, and a fan including a cutout portion accommodating the curved portion.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-249146, filed Nov. 5, 2010; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIELD
  • Embodiments described herein relate generally to a television including a cooling module, and an electronic apparatus including a cooling module.
  • BACKGROUND
  • There are many televisions and electronic apparatuses that include a cooling module.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • A general architecture that implements the various features of the embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate the embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is an exemplary front view of a television according to a first embodiment;
  • FIG. 2 is an exemplary plan view showing a circuit board and a cooling module of the first embodiment;
  • FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view of a fan shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is an exemplary side view of the fan shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary plan view of the fan shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary plan view of heat pipes and a heat sink shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 7 is an exemplary perspective view which shows the heat sink, a second heat pipe, and a bracket, and in which a first heat pipe is removed from the structure shown in the FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is an exemplary plan view of the cooling module shown in FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the cooling module shown in FIG. 8 taken along a line F9-F9;
  • FIG. 10 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the cooling module shown in FIG. 9 taken along a line F10-F10;
  • FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view of a cover according to a second embodiment;
  • FIG. 12 is an exemplary side view of a cooling module of the second embodiment; and
  • FIG. 13 is an exemplary perspective view of an electronic apparatus according to a third embodiment.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • In general, according to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus comprises a housing, a heat sink in the housing, a heat pipe comprising a curved portion toward the heat sink, and a fan comprising a cutout portion accommodating the curved portion.
  • Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
  • First Embodiment
  • FIGS. 1 to 10 show a television 1 according to a first embodiment. The television 1 includes a housing 5. The housing 5 accommodates a circuit board 14 shown in FIG. 2. The circuit board 14 is, for example, a main circuit board. The circuit board 14 has a first surface 14 a and a second surface (not shown) on the opposite side of the first surface 14 a.
  • First and second heat generating components 15 and 16 are mounted on, for example, the second surface of the circuit board 14. An example of the first heat generating component 15 is a graphic chip. An example of the second heat generating component 16 is a central processing unit (CPU). The amount of heat generated by the second heat generating component 16 is larger than that generated by the first heat generating component 15. Meanwhile, the first and second heat generating components 15 and 16 are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and appropriately correspond to various electronic components expected to radiate heat.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, the television 1 is provided with a cooling module 20. The cooling module 20 includes a fan 21, a heat sink 22, first and second heat pipes 23 and 24, and a bracket 25. The bracket 25 is an example of a “holder.”
  • The circuit board 14 includes a cutout portion 14 c that is to avoid the fan 21 and the heat sink 22. The cutout portion 14 c is formed so as to substantially correspond to the outward appearance of the fan 21 and the heat sink 22. The fan 21 and the heat sink 22 are in the cutout portion 14 c of the circuit board 14, and are arranged with the circuit board 14. The end surfaces of the fan 21 and the heat sink 22 are substantially flush with, for example, the first surface 14 a of the circuit board 14.
  • As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the fan 21 includes a fan case 27 and an impeller 28 that rotates in the fan case 27. The fan case 27 includes suction ports 31 and a discharge port 33. Air in the housing 5 is supplied into the fan case 27 through the suction ports 31. The discharge port 33 faces the heat sink 22. Air is discharged to the heat sink 22 from the discharge port 33.
  • The structure of the fan 21 will be described below. The fan case 27 includes a first flat plate portion 35, a second flat plate portion 36, and a peripheral wall portion 37. The first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 are formed of metal plates, respectively, and have the same shape. The first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 are divided above and below the impeller 28, and face the impeller 28 in the axial direction of the impeller 28, that is, in the axial direction of a rotating shaft of the impeller 28. Meanwhile, in this specification, upper and lower sides of the cooling module 20 are defined on the basis of a horizontal posture of the fan 21.
  • The first flat plate portion 35 is above the impeller 28, and forms a top plate of the fan case 27. The second flat plate portion 36 is below the impeller 28, and forms a bottom plate of the fan case 27. The suction ports 31 are formed at the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36, respectively. As described below, the second flat plate portion 36 faces the bracket 25.
  • The peripheral wall portion 37 is a wall portion standing between the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36, and is attached to the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36 by, for example, welding or the like. The peripheral wall portion 37 is made of a synthetic resin. The peripheral wall portion 37 is formed along the periphery of the impeller 28. The peripheral wall portion 37 surrounds the impeller 28 in a U shape in the radial direction of the impeller 28, that is, in the radial direction of the rotating shaft of the impeller 28. That is, the peripheral wall portion 37 surrounds the impeller 28 in three directions except for the direction where the discharge port 33 is opened.
  • In detail, the peripheral wall portion 37 includes a first side wall portion 41 (first wall portion), a second side wall portion 42 (second wall portion), and a curved wall portion 43 (third wall portion). The first and second side wall portions 41 and 42 are divided on both sides of the discharge port 33. The first and second side wall portions 41 and 42 extend substantially linearly toward the discharge port 33 from the sides of the impeller 28, respectively.
  • The first and second side wall portions 41 and 42 are adjacent to the discharge port 33. That is, the first and second side wall portions 41 and 42 define the discharge port 33 in cooperation with the first and second flat plate portions 35 and 36. The curved wall portion 43 is on the side opposite to the discharge port 33, and connects the end portion of the first side wall portion 41 to the end portion of the second side wall portion 42 in a circular arc shape.
  • The first side wall portion 41 is more distant from the rotation center of the impeller 28 than the second side wall portion 42 is. That is, a gap between the first side wall portion 41 and the impeller 28 is larger than a gap between the second side wall portion 42 and the impeller 28.
  • As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, a cutout portion 45 is formed at the fan case 27 of this embodiment. The cutout portion 45 is formed at the end portion (tip portion) of the first side wall portion 41 so as to be adjacent to the discharge port 33. That is, the cutout portion 45 is connected to the discharge port 33. The cutout portion 45 is larger than the thickness of the first heat pipe 23. The cutout portion 45 and the discharge port 33, in this order, are arranged in the rotational direction of the impeller 28.
  • The end portion (lower end portion) of the first side wall portion 41 facing the second flat plate portion 36 is cut out, so that the cutout portion 45 is formed between the first side wall portion 41 and the second flat plate portion 36. That is, the cutout portion 45 is defined between the second flat plate portion 36 and the L-shaped end portion of the first side wall portion 41.
  • As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, a recessed portion 46 (e.g., slope) is formed at the first side wall portion 41. The cutout portion 45 is located between the recessed portion 46 and the discharge port 33. The first side wall portion 41 includes a flat portion 47 away from the recessed portion 46. The recessed portion 46 is recessed from the flat portion 47 toward the inside of the fan case 27.
  • That is, there is a difference in the level between the surface of the flat portion 47 and the surface of the recessed portion 46. The surface of the recessed portion 46 is inclined so as to be recessed more greatly toward the inside of the fan case 27 as approaching the cutout portion 45. Meanwhile, the inner surface of the recessed portion 46, that is, the surface of the recessed portion exposed to the inside of the fan case 27 is continuously connected to the inner surface of the flat portion 47, and there is no difference in the level between the inner surface of the recessed portion and the inner surface of the flat portion. The first heat pipe 23 extends along the recessed portion 46. That is, the recessed portion 46 faces the first heat pipe 23.
  • As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heat sink 22 is a fin unit where a plurality of fins 51 is arranged. The width of the heat sink 22 is substantially equal to that of the fan 21. That is, the heat sink 22 is larger than the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 and covers substantially the entire discharge port 33. The heat sink 22 is disposed so that little or no gap is left between the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 and the heat sink.
  • Each of the fins 51 is formed in a U shape. Since the plurality of fins 51 is arranged, a recessed portion 52 facing the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 is formed at the heat sink 22. The recessed portion 52 is formed over substantially the entire length of the heat sink 22, and is opened toward the discharge port 33. The depth of the recessed portion 52 in the direction from the fan 21 to the heat sink 22 is larger than the sum of the widths of the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24. The first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 are accommodated in the recessed portion 52.
  • As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 is crushed in the thickness direction of the fan 21 and has a flat cross-section.
  • The first heat pipe 23 is between the first heat generating component 15 and the heat sink 22. The first heat pipe 23 extends so as to pass through the gap between the fan 21 and the second heat generating component 16. In detail, the first heat pipe 23 includes a heat receiving portion 23 a, a heat radiating portion 23 b, a first linear portion 23 c, a second linear portion 23 d, and a curved portion 23 e. The heat receiving portion 23 a faces the first heat generating component 15, and is thermally connected to the first heat generating component 15 by, for example, a heat receiving plate 54 or the like. The heat receiving portion 23 a is configured to receive heat from the first heat generating component 15.
  • The heat radiating portion 23 b is accommodated in the recessed portion 52 of the heat sink 22, and is fixed to the heat sink 22. The heat radiating portion 23 b is thermally connected to the heat sink 22, and is configured to radiate heat from the first heat generating component 15 to the heat sink 22. The surface of the heat radiating portion 23 b facing the fan 21 is substantially flush with the surface of the heat sink 22 facing the fan 21. The surface of the heat sink is a main surface portion 55 to be described below.
  • The first and second linear portions 23 c and 23 d extend along the fan 21. In detail, the first linear portion 23 c is adjacent to the heat receiving portion 23 a and extends from the heat receiving portion 23 a toward the side of the fan 21. The first linear portion 23 c extends while slightly inclined with respect to the fan 21 so as to be away from the fan 21 as approaching the heat sink 22.
  • The second linear portion 23 d is connected to the first linear portion 23 c, and extends from the first linear portion 23 c to the side of the recessed portion 46 of the first side wall portion 41. The second linear portion 23 d is slightly bent from the first linear portion 23 c, and extends while slightly inclined with respect to the fan 21 so as to approach the fan 21 as approaching the heat sink 22.
  • As shown in FIG. 8, the curved portion 23 e is at a part of the portion between the heat receiving portion 23 a and the heat radiating portion 23 b, for example. The curved portion 23 e is between the second linear portion 23 d and the heat radiating portion 23 b. The curved portion 23 e is bent from the side of the fan 21 toward the heat sink 22 in a circular arc shape. The curved portion 23 e is inserted into the cutout portion 45 of the fan case 27 in the bending direction thereof, that is, toward the inside of the circular arc.
  • Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, at least a part of the curved portion 23 e of the heat pipe 23 extends in the fan case 27. At least a part of the heat pipe 23 is inserted into the recessed portion 52 of the heat sink 22 and connected to the heat sink 22 at a position closer than the first side wall portion 41 to the center portion of the heat sink 22.
  • That is, the heat sink 22 includes a main surface portion 55 that faces the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 and an end portion 56 that is the end portion of the heat sink 22 in the longitudinal direction of the heat sink. At least a part of the first heat pipe 23 is not inserted into the heat sink 22 from the end portion 56 but is inserted into the heat sink 22 from the main surface portion 55.
  • The second heat pipe 24 is on the side of the first heat pipe 23 opposite to the fan 21. The second heat pipe 24 is between the second heat generating component 16 and the heat sink 22. In detail, the second heat pipe 24 includes a heat receiving portion 24 a, a heat radiating portion 24 b, a first curved portion 24 c, and a second curved portion 24 d. The heat receiving portion 24 a faces the second heat generating component 16, and is thermally connected to the second heat generating component 16 by, for example, a heat receiving plate 57 or the like. The heat receiving portion 24 a is configured to receive heat from the second heat generating component 16.
  • The heat radiating portion 24 b is accommodated in the recessed portion 52 of the heat sink 22, and is fixed to the heat sink 22. The heat radiating portion 24 b is thermally connected to the heat sink 22, and is configured to radiate heat from the second heat generating component 16 to the heat sink 22.
  • The first curved portion 24 c is adjacent to the heat receiving portion 24 a and is bent in a circular arc shape in a direction to avoid the fan 21. The second curved portion 24 d is between the first curved portion 24 c and the heat radiating portion 24 b, and is bent substantially parallel to the curved portion 23 e of the first heat pipe 23. That is, the second curved portion 24 d is bent in a circular arc shape toward the heat sink 22.
  • The second heat pipe 24 has a larger diameter than the first heat pipe 23, and has a higher heat transport capacity than the first heat pipe. For this reason, the second heat pipe 24 cannot be bent at a small radius of curvature like the first heat pipe 23, and is bent with a radius of curvature larger than that of the first heat pipe 23.
  • In other words, the two heat pipes 23 and 24 are in parallel. The first heat pipe 23 is between the second heat pipe 24 and the fan 21, and is bent with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the second heat pipe 24. That is, the heat pipe 23 corresponding to the inside (i.e., fan side) is bent with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the heat pipe 24 corresponding to the outside.
  • As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the bracket 25 is fixed to the heat sink 22. The fan 21 is mounted on the bracket by, for example, screwing or the like. The bracket 25 integrally holds the heat sink 22 and the fan 21. The bracket 25 is made of metal. The bracket 25 includes a mounting portion 61 and a cover portion 62. The mounting portion 61 is in the shape of a flat plate so as to be substantially parallel to the second flat plate portion 36 of the fan 21. The mounting portion 61 extends from the lower side of the bracket 25 to the lower side of the fan 21, and the fan 21 is mounted on the mounting portion 61.
  • FIG. 7 shows the heat sink 22, the second heat pipe 24, and the bracket 25 when the first heat pipe 23 is removed, for convenience of the description. As shown in FIG. 7, the cover portion 62 is at the side end portion of the mounting portion 61. The cover portion 62 stands from the mounting portion 61.
  • As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cover portion 62 stands beside the fan 21 and extends from the side of the heat sink 22 to the side of the fan 21. The cover portion 62 includes a first portion 62 a that faces the first side wall portion 41 of the fan 21 and a second portion 62 b that faces the end portion 56 of the heat sink 22.
  • As shown in FIG. 9, the cover portion 62 comes into contact with the first and second heat pipes 23 and 24 from below. The first portion 62 a of the cover portion 62 is below the first heat pipe 23 and supports the first heat pipe 23. The second portion 62 b of the cover portion 62 is below the second heat pipe 24 and supports the second heat pipe 24.
  • As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cover portion 62 covers at least a part of the cutout portion 45 from the outside of the fan 21. In detail, the first portion 62 a of the cover portion 62 covers a gap between the first heat pipe 23 and the second flat plate portion 36. In other words, the end portion of the first side wall portion 41, which is any one of the end portion (upper end portion) of the first side wall portion 41 facing the first flat plate portion 35 and the end portion (lower end portion) of the first side wall portion facing the second flat plate portion 36 and covered with the cover portion 62, comprises the cutout portion 45.
  • As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the end portion of the cover portion 62 extends over the cutout portion 45 and faces the recessed portion 46 of the first side wall portion 41. That is, the cutout portion 45 is covered with the cover portion 62 beyond the entire length of the cutout portion in a direction from the fan 21 to the heat sink 22.
  • According to this structure, it may be possible to achieve high density mounting. That is, the minimum radius of curvature of a heat pipe is generally determined depending on the diameter of the heat pipe. For this reason, even though the heat pipe is bent from a portion of the heat pipe extending in the outside of the heat sink, a gap is necessarily left between the heat pipe and the fan. This gap hinders high density mounting.
  • Meanwhile, the cutout portion 45 into which the curved portion 23 e of the heat pipe 23 is inserted is formed at the fan 21 in this embodiment. Accordingly, it may be possible to bend the heat pipe 23 from the portion of the heat pipe that overlaps the fan 21. Therefore, it may be possible to reduce the gap between the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21. That is, it may be possible to dispose the heat pipe 23 at a position closer to the fan 21, to reduce the size of the cooling module 20, and to achieve high density mounting.
  • In this embodiment, the bracket 25, which is attached to the heat sink 22 and holds the fan 21, includes the cover portion 62 that covers at least a part of the cutout portion 45 of the fan case 27. Accordingly, the leakage of air from the cutout portion 45 is suppressed. That is, the decrease in cooling efficiency, which is caused by the cutout portion 45, is suppressed by the bracket 25 that holds the fan 21.
  • In this embodiment, the fan case 27 includes the recessed portion 46 at the first side wall portion 41. If the recessed portion 46 is not formed, a large cutout portion 45 needs to be formed in consideration of component tolerance or the like in order to avoid the contact between the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21. However, since the recessed portion 46 of this embodiment is formed, it may be possible to more reduce the size of the cutout portion 45 while reducing a possibility that the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21 come into contact with each other. If the size of the cutout portion 45 can be reduced, the leakage of air is reduced. As a result, it may be possible to improve cooling efficiency.
  • Further, if the surface of the recessed portion 46 is inclined so as to be recessed more greatly toward the inside of the fan case 27 as approaching the cutout portion 45, it may be possible to further reduce the size of the cutout portion 45 while reducing the possibility that the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21 come into contact with each other.
  • In this embodiment, the fan case 27 includes the flat plate portion 36 and the peripheral wall portion 37 attached to the flat plate portion 36. The end portion of the peripheral wall portion 37 facing the flat plate portion 36 is cut out, so that the cutout portion 45 is formed between the peripheral wall portion 37 and the flat plate portion 36. According to this structure, it is easy to secure the stiffness of the peripheral wall portion 37 of the fan case 27 and to further easily form the peripheral wall portion as compared to the case where the cutout portion 45 is formed in the middle of the peripheral wall portion 37.
  • In this embodiment, the cutout portion 45 and the discharge port 33 are arranged in the rotational direction of the impeller 28 in this order. According to this, since it may be possible to blow a large amount of air toward the heat pipe 23 inserted into the cutout portion 45, cooling efficiency is improved. Further, in order to discharge a larger amount of air, a space between the first side wall portion 41 and the impeller 28 is larger than a space between the second side wall portion 42 and the impeller 28. That is, it is relatively easy to secure a space, through which the heat pipe 23 passes, near the first side wall portion 41 in the fan case 27.
  • In this embodiment, the recessed portion 52, which faces the discharge port 33 of the fan 21 and into which the heat pipe 23 is inserted, is formed at the heat sink 22. According to this, it is easy to connect the heat pipe 23, which extends in the fan case 27, to the heat sink 22 at the position closer to the center portion of the heat sink 22 than the first side wall portion 41.
  • In this embodiment, the cover portion 62 includes a portion (first portion 62 a) facing the first side wall portion 41 of the fan 21, and the portion comes into contact with the heat pipe 23 and supports the heat pipe 23. According to this, the heat pipe 23 is supported by the bracket 25 not only at the side of the heat sink 22 but also at the side of the fan 21. Accordingly, the stiffness of the entire cooling module 20 is improved.
  • In this embodiment, the first heat pipe 23 is between the second heat pipe 24 and the fan 21 and is bent with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the heat pipe 24. According to this, it may be possible to put the plurality of heat pipes 23 and 24 in a smaller mounting area.
  • Second Embodiment
  • Next, a television 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. Meanwhile, structures having the functions, which are the same as or similar to the functions of the structures of the first embodiment, are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, other structures than the structures to be described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 shows a cover 71 of this embodiment. The cover 71 is formed of, for example, sponge, rubber, a film member, or the like, and has elasticity or flexibility. A slit 71 a is formed, for example, in the center portion of the cover 71.
  • FIG. 12 shows the mounting structure of the cover 71 on a cooling module 20. Meanwhile, for convenience of the description, the cover 71 is hatched in FIG. 12. The first heat pipe 23 is inserted into the slit 71 a as shown in FIG. 12, so that the cover 71 is attached to the fan 21 or the bracket 25. That is, the slit 71 a is opened so as to follow the outer shape of the first heat pipe 23, so that the cover 71 comes into close contact with the first heat pipe 23.
  • The cover 71 covers at least a part of the cutout portion 45. The cover 71 covers, for example, a gap between the first heat pipe 23 and the first side wall portion 41, which is formed at an upper portion of the first heat pipe 23, and a gap between the first heat pipe 23 and the recessed portion 46.
  • According to this structure, it may be possible to achieve high density mounting as in the first embodiment. Further, it may be possible to improve cooling efficiency in this embodiment. That is, a cutout portion 45, which is larger than the heat pipe 23, is formed in consideration of component tolerance or the like in order to avoid the contact between the heat pipe 23 and the fan 21. For this reason, there is a possibility that air leaks from the cutout portion 45. However, if the cover 71 of this embodiment is provided, the leakage of air from the cutout portion 45 is reduced. As a result, it may be possible to improve cooling efficiency.
  • Third Embodiment
  • Next, an electronic apparatus 81 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. Meanwhile, structures having the functions, which are the same as or similar to the functions of the structures of the first embodiment, are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, other structures than the structures to be described below are the same as those of the first embodiment.
  • As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic apparatus 81 is, for example, a notebook type personal computer. Meanwhile, an electronic apparatus to which this embodiment may be applied is not limited to the above-mentioned apparatus. This embodiment may be widely applied to various electronic apparatuses that include, for example, a recording/reproducing apparatus, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a game console.
  • As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic apparatus 81 includes a main body unit 2, a display unit 3, and a hinge 4. The main body unit 2 is a main body of the electronic apparatus where a main board is mounted. The main body unit 2 includes a housing 5. The housing 5 includes an upper wall 6, a lower wall 7, and a peripheral wall 8, and is formed in the shape of a flat box.
  • When the electronic apparatus 81 is placed on a desk, the lower wall 7 faces the upper surface of the desk. The lower wall 7 is substantially parallel to the upper surface. The upper wall 6 extends so as to be substantially parallel to the lower wall 7 (that is, so as to be substantially horizontal) with a space therebetween. A keyboard 9 is mounted on the upper wall 6. The peripheral wall 8 stands from the lower wall 7, and connects the peripheral edge portion of the lower wall 7 to the peripheral edge portion of the upper wall 6.
  • The display unit 3 is pivotally (openably and closably) connected to the rear end portion of the main body unit 2 by the hinge 4. The display unit 3 can pivot between a closed position where the display unit falls so as to cover the main body unit 2 from above and an open position where the display unit is raised from the main body unit 2.
  • As shown in FIG. 13, the display unit 3 includes a display housing 11 and a display panel 12 in the display housing 11. A display screen 12 a of the display panel 12 is exposed to the outside through an opening 11 a formed at the front wall of the display housing 11.
  • The housing 5 of the main body unit 2 accommodates the circuit board 14 shown in FIG. 2. The circuit board 14 is, for example, a main circuit board. The circuit board 14 has a first surface 14 a corresponding to, for example, an upper surface and a second surface (not shown) positioned on the side opposite to the first surface 14 a and corresponding to, for example, a lower surface.
  • The housing 5 of the electronic apparatus 81 further accommodates a cooling module 20. The cooling module 20 is the same as the cooling module of the first embodiment. That is, the cooling module 20 includes a fan 21, a heat sink 22, first and second heat pipes 23 and 24, and a bracket 25. A fan case 27 of the fan 21 includes a cutout portion 45 into which a curved portion 23 e of the first heat pipe 23 is inserted.
  • According to this structure, it may be possible to achieve high density mounting as in the first embodiment. Further, the cooling module 20 according to this embodiment may be provided with the same cover 71 as the cover of the second embodiment.
  • Meanwhile, the embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be embodied with the modifications of components without departing from the scope of the invention when being embodied. Further, it may be possible to make various inventions by the appropriate combination of a plurality of components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, some components may be removed from all the components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments. Furthermore, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined with each other.
  • For example, the heat pipe 23 does not necessarily need to be connected to the heat sink 22 at a position closer than the first side wall portion 41 to the center portion of the heat sink 22. If the cutout portion 45 is only formed at the fan case 27 and the heat pipe 23 is only inserted into the cutout portion 45, it may be possible to reduce the size of the cooling module 20 and to achieve high density mounting. The bracket 25 is not an indispensable component and may be omitted.
  • The recessed portion 46 may not be formed at the first side wall portion 41. The cutout portion 45 may not be formed at the end portion of the first side wall portion facing the flat plate portion 36 and may be formed at the center portion of the first side wall portion 41. The cutout portion 45 may be formed at the second side wall portion 42 instead of the first side wall portion 41. The cover portion 62 of the bracket 25 may not support the heat pipes 23 and 24. The second heat pipe 24 is not an indispensable component and may be omitted.
  • While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Claims (11)

1. A television comprising:
a housing;
a heat generating component in the housing;
a heat sink;
a fan comprising a discharge port facing the heat sink and a cutout portion adjacent to the discharge port;
a first heat pipe comprising:
a heat receiving portion configured to receive heat from the heat generating component;
a heat radiating portion configured to radiate heat to the heat sink; and
a curved portion curved toward the heat sink, and positioned in the cutout portion and between the heat receiving portion and the heat radiating portion, wherein at least a part of the first heat pipe is in the fan; and
a holder comprising a mounting portion attached to the heat sink, and a cover portion covering at least a part of the cutout portion.
2. The television of claim 1,
wherein the fan comprises a wall portion, the wall portion comprising the cutout portion and a recessed portion on an outer surface of the wall portion, the cutout portion between the discharge port and the recessed portion, and the first heat pipe extends along the recessed portion.
3. The television of claim 2,
wherein the recessed portion is inclined so as to be recessed more greatly in the direction of the cutout portion.
4. The television of claim 1,
wherein the fan further comprises a fan case and an impeller,
the fan case comprises a flat portion facing the holder, and a peripheral wall portion surrounding the impeller in a radial direction of the impeller, and
the cutout portion is between the flat portion and an end portion of the peripheral wall portion facing the flat portion.
5. The television of claim 4,
wherein the cutout portion precedes the discharge port in a rotational direction of the impeller.
6. The television of claim 1,
wherein the heat sink comprises a recessed portion which faces the discharge port and accommodates the heat radiating portion of the first heat pipe.
7. The television of claim 1,
wherein the cover portion comprises a portion touching the first heat pipe in order to support the first heat pipe.
8. The television of claim 1, further comprising:
a second heat pipe attached to the heat sink,
wherein the first heat pipe is between the second heat pipe and the fan, and the first heat pipe is curved with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the second heat pipe.
9. The television of claim 1, further comprising:
a cover attached to the fan or the holder, the cover covering at least a part of the cutout portion.
10. An electronic apparatus comprising:
a housing;
a heat sink in the housing;
a heat pipe comprising a curved portion, the curved portion curved toward the heat sink; and
a fan comprising a cutout portion, the curved portion in the cutout portion.
11. The electronic apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:
a holder attached to the heat sink, the holder covering at least a part of the cutout portion.
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US20140347569A1 (en) 2014-11-27

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