JP2008306001A - Refrigerator and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator, which can make air smoothly pass through the passage of a fin even if it is used for a long period of time, and can maintain an original cooling performance. <P>SOLUTION: The refrigerator comprises a heat exchanging fin 16 forming a plurality of passages 17, and a brush 22 removing dust deposited on the fin 16. The dust adhering to the fin 16 can be removed by moving the brush 22, as needed. The refrigerator can cause air smoothly to pass through the passage 17 of the fin 16 even if it is used for a long period of time, and can maintain the original cooling performance for a long time of period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cooling device provided with fins for heat exchange, and an electronic device such as a notebook computer equipped with the cooling device.

The cooling device mounted on this type of notebook computer carries heat from heat-generating components such as a CPU and a video chip to the fins by a heat pipe, as proposed by the present applicant in Patent Document 1, for example. Therefore, heat is exchanged with the air sent from the fan, and the heated air is discharged out of the housing of the personal computer to effectively cool the heat generating components.
JP 2005-243925 A

  However, in the above-described cooling device, since the fan sucks in air containing dust, there is a problem that dust easily adheres to the suction side of the fin through which the air from the fan passes.

  As an example, FIG. 16 shows a state after long-term use of the cooling device 100 actually mounted on a notebook computer, but here, on the inlet side 102A of the fin 102 formed with a plurality of flow paths 101, A large amount of dust H contained in the air adheres and accumulates, and most of the flow path 101 is blocked by the dust H. In this case, the heat that has reached the fins 102 is not heat exchanged with air there, and the cooling performance inherent to the cooling device 100 is significantly reduced. Further, the heat generating component (not shown) cannot be sufficiently cooled, and there is a concern that the normal function as a notebook personal computer cannot be exhibited.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device that can smoothly pass air through a fin channel even when used for a long period of time and maintain the original cooling performance.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can exhibit a normal function for a long time.

  A cooling device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a heat exchange fin having a plurality of flow paths and a brush for removing dust adhering to the fin. Therefore, by moving the brush as necessary, dust attached to the fin can be removed, so that air can be smoothly passed through the fin flow path even with long-term use, and the original cooling performance as a cooling device can be achieved. Can be maintained.

  In the cooling device according to the second aspect of the present invention, by supplying necessary electric power to the motor from the outside, the brush can be moved by the transmission mechanism to effectively remove the dust adhering to the fin.

  The cooling device according to claim 3 of the present invention is formed in such a shape that the protruding portion provided on the brush can be inserted into the fin flow path, so that dust that has adhered to and accumulated in the flow path through which air passes can be removed. It can be reliably removed by the protruding part.

  In the cooling device according to claim 4 of the present invention, the brush is disposed on the suction side of the fin, which is particularly susceptible to dust, so that dust deposited on the suction side of the fin can be reliably removed by the brush. .

  The cooling device according to claim 5 of the present invention can remove dust deposited and accumulated on the fins with a brush with a simple configuration in which the brush is rotated around the shaft portion.

  In the cooling device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the operating body is operated, the movement is transmitted to the shaft portion by the transmission mechanism, and the brush rotates so as to remove the dust adhering to the fins. In this way, the brush can be moved by using an external force applied to the operating body, and dust attached and accumulated on the fins can be reliably removed by the brush with a simple configuration.

  In the cooling device according to claim 7 of the present invention, unless an external force is applied to the operating body, the brush is urged by the elastic body in the direction of opening the flow path, and the air toward the fin is not blocked by the brush as it is. It is sent out to the flow path. Therefore, in a normal time when the brush is not moved, the brush does not block the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  In the cooling device according to claim 8 of the present invention, the dust removed from the fins by the wind sent from the blower passes through another flow path formed larger than each flow path of the fin, and It is discharged outside. For this reason, the dust removed by the brush is not caught by the fin flow path and reattached, and the dust can be reliably discharged to the outside of the cooling device.

  An electronic apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes the cooling device according to the first aspect. In this case, since the cooling device can maintain the original cooling performance for a long time, the heat-generating component incorporated in the electronic device can be sufficiently cooled by any time, and a normal function as an electronic device can be exhibited for a long time.

  In the electronic device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the lid is opened, the brush moves in the direction of opening the flow path, so that the air toward the fin is sent out to the flow path as it is without being blocked by the brush. Therefore, when using the electronic device that opens the lid, the brush does not interfere with the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  In the electronic device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the brush attached to the suction side of the fin, which is particularly susceptible to dust adhesion, can reliably remove dust deposited and deposited on the suction side of the fin. .

  In the electronic device according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the brush is moved in a direction to remove the dust adhering to the fin. Therefore, each time the lid is closed, the brush is moved to remove the dust adhering to the fin. Can be excluded. Therefore, the user can unintentionally remove the dust adhering to the fin.

  In the electronic device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the operating body is pushed in each time the lid is closed, and the movement of the operating body is transmitted to the transmission mechanism, thereby moving the brush to remove dust adhering to the fins. be able to. Therefore, the user can unintentionally remove the dust adhering to the fin. In addition, the brush can be moved by using the force that pushes the operating body with the lid, and dust attached to the fins can be reliably removed with a simple structure.

  In the electronic device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when the user pushes the operating body from the original position, the movement of the operating body is transmitted to the transmission mechanism, thereby moving the brush and removing dust adhering to the fins. Can be excluded. Therefore, the dust adhering to the fin can be removed by the user's consciousness. On the contrary, as long as the operating body is at the original position, the brush moves in the direction of opening the flow path, so the air toward the fin is sent out to the flow path as it is without being blocked by the brush. Therefore, at normal times, the brush does not obstruct the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  In the electronic device according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the dust removed from the fin by the wind sent from the blower passes through another flow path formed larger than each flow path of the fin, and It is discharged outside. For this reason, the dust removed by the brush is not caught by the fin flow path and attached again, and the dust can be reliably discharged to the outside of the electronic device.

  In the electronic device according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to remove the dust adhering to the fins by moving the brush when the control means is required according to the use state of the electronic device.

  In the electronic device according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, since the brush repeats the reciprocating motion for a certain period of time by the drive signal from the control means, dust that is difficult to remove from the fins only with a single rotation of the brush is surely obtained. Can be removed.

  In the electronic device according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the brush repeats the reciprocating motion for a certain period of time, and at the same time, the dust removed from the fins is blown away by the wind from the blower. Therefore, the dust removed from the fin can be immediately discharged to the outside of the electronic device, and the dust can be prevented from staying inside the electronic device.

  In the cooling device according to the first aspect, air can be smoothly passed through the fin flow path even when used for a long time, and the original cooling performance can be maintained.

  In the cooling device according to the second aspect, it is possible to effectively remove dust accumulated on the fins by supplying necessary electric power to the motor from the outside.

  In the cooling device according to the third aspect, it is possible to surely remove dust that has adhered and accumulated in the flow path of the fin through which air passes.

  In the cooling device according to the fourth aspect, the dust adhered and accumulated on the intake side of the fin can be surely removed.

  In the cooling device according to the fifth aspect, the dust adhered and accumulated on the fins can be reliably removed with a simple configuration in which the brush is rotated around the shaft portion.

  In the cooling device according to the sixth aspect, the dust attached and accumulated on the fins can be surely removed with a simple configuration in which the brush is moved using an external force applied to the operating body.

  In the cooling device according to the seventh aspect, in a normal time when the brush is not moved, the brush does not disturb the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  In the cooling device according to the eighth aspect, the dust removed by the brush is caught on the flow path of the fin and is prevented from adhering again, so that the dust can be reliably discharged to the outside of the cooling device.

  In the electronic device according to the ninth aspect, the electronic device can exhibit a normal function for a long time.

  In the electronic device according to the tenth aspect, when the electronic device is used to open the lid, the brush does not interfere with the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  In the electronic device according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to reliably remove dust adhering to the suction side of the fin.

  In the electronic device according to the twelfth aspect, the user can unintentionally remove dust adhering to the fin.

  In the electronic device according to the thirteenth aspect, the user can unintentionally remove dust adhering to the fin. Further, the brush can be moved by using the force for pushing the operating body by the lid, and the dust deposited and deposited on the fin can be surely removed with a simple configuration.

  In the electronic device according to the fourteenth aspect, the user can consciously remove dust adhering to the fin. Further, at the normal time when the operating body is not operated, the brush does not block the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  In the electronic device according to the fifteenth aspect, the dust removed by the brush is caught on the flow path of the fin and is prevented from adhering again, so that the dust can be reliably discharged to the outside of the electronic device.

  In the electronic device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to remove dust adhering to the fins when necessary according to the use state of the electronic device.

  In the electronic device according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to reliably remove dust that is difficult to remove from the fins only by rotating the brush once.

  In the electronic device according to the eighteenth aspect, dust can be prevented from staying inside the electronic device.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a cooling device according to the present invention and a notebook personal computer as an electronic device equipped with the cooling device will be described in order with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the location which is common in each Example, and description of a common part is abbreviate | omitted as much as possible in order to avoid duplication.

  1 to 11 show a first embodiment of the present invention. First, the overall configuration of the cooling device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. With the heat sink provided in the exhaust port 5 of the blower unit 3, the cooling device 1 constituted by the blower unit 2 and the heat sink 4 is formed in a flat outer shape as a whole.

  The blower unit 2 includes a bottomed casing 6 and a cover 7 that covers the upper opening of the casing 6 as outer members that surround the fan 3, and these are all formed of members having excellent heat conductivity. The The fan 3 is configured by extending a plurality of fan blades 9 radially from the outer peripheral side surface of the cylindrical cup-shaped rotor 8, and a magnet (not shown) attached to the inner peripheral surface of the rotor 8; The fan 3 rotates around the rotor 8 by an electromagnetic action with a stator (not shown) opposed to the stator. Reference numeral 10 denotes a lead wire for electrical connection with the stator.

  Each of the casing 6 and the cover 7 is provided with an intake hole 11 for sending air into the blower 2 so as to face each other. Further, the exhaust hole 5 for exhausting air to the outside of the air blowing unit 2 is provided on one side of the air blowing unit 2 orthogonal to each intake hole 11.

  The number of fan blades 9 is not limited as long as it is plural. Moreover, the exhaust hole 5 of the air blower 2 is not limited to one direction, and may be provided, for example, on the entire circumference of the fan 3 in the radial direction. The rotor 8 and the fan blade 9 may be separate members, but may be formed as an integral member in consideration of manufacturability and the like.

  On the other hand, the heat sink 4 has heat exchange fins 16 in which a plurality of plate-like pieces 15 are arranged side by side, and is discharged from the exhaust hole 5 of the blower unit 2 between the adjacent plate-like pieces 15 and 15. A plurality of flow paths 17 serving as the air passages are formed. The flow path 17 is provided along the discharge direction of the air from the exhaust hole 5. Moreover, the upper frame 18 and the lower frame 19 are attached so that the outer periphery of the fin 16 may be surrounded. The upper frame 18 and the lower frame 19 form an outer member 20 of the heat sink 4, and the other end of a heat pipe (not shown) is thermally connected thereto. As is well known, this heat pipe encloses a working fluid such as pure water inside, and a heat receiving portion that is thermally connected to the heat-generating component is provided at one end thereof. Thereby, the heat conducted from the heat generating component to the heat receiving portion is quickly transmitted from the heat pipe to the heat sink 4. In the heat sink 4, in order to efficiently exchange heat with the air flowing through the flow path 17, the fins 16, the upper frame 18, and the lower frame 19 are all metallic members such as copper having excellent thermal conductivity. It is formed.

  The heat sink 4 in the present embodiment includes a cleaning unit 21 that removes dust deposited on the fins 16. Here, the detailed configuration of the cleaning unit 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11. The cleaning unit 21 is disposed on the intake side of the fin 16 and has, for example, a brush 22 capable of reciprocating up and down. A brush rotation shaft 23 and a brush drive shaft 24 as shaft portions for rotatably supporting the brush 22 on the outer member 20, and a rod-like support shaft 26 fixed to the lower frame 19 in an upright state. Further, a push button 27 as an operation body provided so as to be movable by being loosely inserted into the support shaft 26, a compression coil spring 28 as an elastic body provided between the support shaft 26 and the push button 27, and the push button 27 are added. A gear mechanism 29 that transmits operating force from the brush drive shaft 24 that is a shaft portion to the brush 22 is a main component.

  The brush 22 has a horizontally long plate-like piece 31 arranged orthogonal to the air flow passing through the flow path 17 between the fins 16, and a pair of connecting pieces 32 formed at both longitudinal ends of the plate-like piece 31. And a comb-like projecting portion 33 that protrudes from one side of the plate-shaped piece 31 and that can be inserted into each flow path 17 of the fin 16. The pieces 32 are attached and fixed to the brush rotation shaft 23 and the brush drive shaft 24, respectively. Both the brush rotation shaft 23 and the brush drive shaft 24 are rotatably supported by the outer member 20 of the heat sink 4, whereby the brush 22 rotates about the brush rotation shaft 23 and the brush drive shaft 24. The protrusion 33 can scrape the dust deposited and deposited on the sixteen flow paths 17.

  The push button 27 has a cylindrical shape that closes the upper side and opens the lower side, and a button portion 35 that protrudes from the outer member 20 of the heat sink 4 is formed on the push button 27. A linear rack 36 is integrally formed on the side of the push button 27 along the moving direction of the push button 27. The rack 36 meshes with a pinion spur gear 37 provided on the outer periphery of the brush drive shaft 24, and thereby converts a linear force applied to the push button 27 into a rotational motion to the brush drive shaft 24. . That is, the rack 36 and the spur gear 37 described here constitute the gear mechanism 29 described above, but another transmission mechanism may be employed. In this case, the push button 27 is always urged in one direction, that is, upward, and the brush 22 is always urged upward from the flow path 17 through the gear mechanism 29 to the intake side of the fin 16. A compression coil spring 28 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 11, the cooling device 1 including the heat sink 4 in this embodiment is mounted between an upper wall portion 52 and a lower wall portion 53 in a casing 51 of a notebook personal computer that is an electronic device. The As is well known, the casing 51 is thin and flat, and a keyboard and a mouse pad (not shown) are arranged on the upper wall portion 52 which is the upper surface portion thereof. A flat panel 54 incorporating a liquid crystal monitor 55 and the like is provided so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the upper wall portion 52 of the casing 51.

  An exhaust port 56 is formed in one side surface of the casing 51 so as to face the exhaust side of the fin 16. Further, a button hole 57 into which the button part 35 of the push button 27 can be inserted is formed in the upper wall part 52 of the casing 51. By the button hole 57, the button part 35 is provided in a state of projecting from the upper surface of the upper wall part 52, and when the panel 54 is closed as shown in FIG. The push button 27 can be pushed in against the urging force of the compression coil spring 28.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the push button 27 can be moved in and out in conjunction with the opening and closing of the panel 54 as a lid, but the push button 27 is arranged at a position where it does not contact the panel 54. Also good. However, even in that case, it is preferable to provide the push button 27 exposed from the housing 51 so that the push button 27 can be pushed by a finger. Further, the push button 27 does not need to protrude from, for example, the upper wall portion 52 that is an outer member of the casing 51, and it is sufficient that the button portion 35 of the push button 27 can be pushed in by the panel 54 or a finger.

  Next, the effect | action is demonstrated about the said structure. When the operation as a notebook personal computer is started, electric power is supplied to the stator of the blower unit 2 through the lead wire 10, and rotational force is applied to the rotor 8 and the fan blade 9 integrated therewith. Then, with the rotation of the fan blade 9, air is sucked into the blower section 2 from the intake holes 11 provided in the casing 6 and the cover 7, and the heat sink 4 is discharged from the exhaust holes 5 in a direction perpendicular to the intake holes 11. The air F (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9) is forcibly sent out toward the intake side of the fins 16 constituting the.

  On the other hand, in the casing 51, a CPU of a notebook personal computer and a video chip are incorporated as heat generating components. The heat from such a heat generating component is transferred to the fins 16 of the heat sink 4 by quickly moving the heat pipe from a heat receiving portion (not shown). Here, since the panel 54 is opened as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 when the notebook computer is used, the compression coil spring 28 is used unless an external force is applied to the button portion 35 of the push button 27. The push button 27 is biased in the direction in which the button portion 35 protrudes from the upper wall portion 52 of the casing 51 by the elastic force of the casing 51, and the elastic force of the compression coil spring 28 is applied from the brush drive shaft 24 to the brush by the gear mechanism 29. The brush 22 is rotated and moved to the upper end of the fin 16 until it reaches the position where it hits the upper frame 18 of the heat sink 4. At this time, the brush 22 is located on the intake side of the fin 16 so as to open the flow paths 17 defined by the fin 16, and the air F from the blower unit 2 is not blocked by the brush 22 and is not blocked by the fin 16. It flows into the intake side. Therefore, the air F passes through the respective flow paths 17 as it is with almost no decrease in the air volume from the blower section 2, and the air F ′ that efficiently takes away the heat reaching the fins 16 from the exhaust side of the fins 16. By passing through the exhaust port 56 of the housing 51 and being discharged to the outside of the notebook personal computer, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the temperature rise of the heat generating components such as the CPU and the video chip.

  On the other hand, when the notebook computer is not used, when the panel 54 is closed so as to cover the upper wall portion 52 of the casing 51, the button portion 35 of the push button 27 comes into contact with the surface of the panel 54, and FIG. 11, the push button 27 is pushed against the urging force of the compression coil spring 28. Such a downward movement of the push button 27 is transmitted from the brush drive shaft 24 to the brush 22 by the gear mechanism 29, and the brush 22 is centered on the brush rotation shaft 23 and the brush drive shaft 24 from the upper end of the intake side of the fin 16. Rotate and move downward. Then, along with the rotational movement of the brush 22, the protruding protrusion 33 inserted into the flow path 17 moves so that the dust 33 attached to and accumulated on the flow path 17 of the fin 16 is scraped out. The dust removed from the fins 16 by the projecting portion 33 falls to the lower wall portion 53 of the casing 51 through the discharge hole 58 formed in the lower frame 19 of the heat sink 4 and located below the brush 22, where the blower portion 2, the air F is discharged outside from the exhaust port 56 of the housing 51 without passing through the fins 16.

  Although the panel 54 may be closed even during the operation of the notebook computer, the brush 22 does not completely block the flow path 17 of the fin 16 in the state of FIG. Although the air F that is sent out is less than when the panel 54 is opened, the heat F that has passed through the flow path 17 and reaches the fins 16 can be efficiently taken away to some extent. Therefore, in this case as well, the temperature rise of the heat generating components such as the CPU and the video chip can be suppressed. Moreover, since a part of the air F sent out from the blower 2 hits the brush 22 and passes through the discharge hole 58, the dust that has fallen on the lower wall portion 53 of the casing 51 is immediately retained without being retained there. It becomes possible to discharge to the outside from the exhaust port 56.

  Thus, in this embodiment, each time the panel 54 is closed, the brush 22 moves on the suction side of the fin 16 where dust is likely to adhere and accumulate, so that the user can unintentionally remove the dust adhering and accumulating on the fin 16. become. Further, since the button portion 35 of the push button 27 is exposed and provided at a position where the user of the housing 51 can easily push and operate, the push button 27 is pushed against the urging force of the compression coil spring 28. By consciously repeating the pushing operation, the brush 22 is reciprocated at a higher speed than opening and closing the panel 54, and dust that is difficult to remove simply by opening and closing the normal panel 54 is reliably removed by the high speed operation of the brush 22. It becomes possible to do.

  As described above, paying attention to the cooling device 1 in this embodiment, the cooling device 1 here removes heat exchange fins 16 having a plurality of flow paths 17 and dust accumulated on the fins 16. A brush 22 is provided. With such a cooling device 1, dust attached to the fins 16 can be removed by moving the brush 22 as necessary, so that air can be smoothly passed through the flow path 17 of the fins 16 even after long-term use. Therefore, the original cooling performance of the cooling device 1 can be maintained for a long time.

  In this embodiment, the brush 22 is provided with a moving projection 33 that can be inserted into each flow path 17. In this way, the protrusion 33 provided on the brush 22 is formed in a shape that can be inserted into the flow path 17 of the fin 16, so that dust that has particularly adhered to and accumulated on the flow path 17 through which air passes can be removed. The protrusion 33 can be reliably removed.

  Here, the brush 22 is preferably arranged on the intake side of the fin 16. That is, by arranging the brush 22 on the suction side of the fins 16 where dust is particularly likely to adhere, dust that has adhered and accumulated on the suction side of the fins 16 can be reliably removed by the brushes 22.

  In this embodiment, the brush 22 is rotated about the brush rotation shaft 23 and the brush drive shaft 24 by providing the brush rotation shaft 23 and the brush drive shaft 24 as shaft portions that rotatably support the brush 22. The dust deposited on and accumulated on the fins 16 can be reliably removed by the brush 22 with a simple configuration that is simply performed.

  In this case, as in the present embodiment, a push button 27 as an operation body provided movably, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the movement of the push button 27 to the brush drive shaft 24 and generating a rotational motion on the brush 22. The gear mechanism 29 is preferably provided. That is, when the push button 27 is operated, the movement is transmitted to the brush drive shaft 24 by the gear mechanism 29, and the brush 22 rotates so as to remove the dust accumulated on the fins 16. In this way, the brush 22 can be moved using an external force applied to the push button 27, and dust attached to and accumulated on the fins 16 can be reliably removed by the brush 22 with a simple configuration.

  Further, the push button 27 is provided with a compression coil spring 28 as an elastic body, and if the compression coil spring 28 urges the brush 22 in the direction of opening the flow path 17, unless an external force is applied to the push button 27, The brush 22 is urged by the compression coil spring 28 in the direction to open the flow path 17, and the air toward the intake side of the fin 16 is sent out to the flow path 17 as it is without being blocked by the brush 22. Therefore, in a normal time when the brush 22 is not moved, the brush 22 does not obstruct the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  Next, focusing on a notebook personal computer as an electronic device, in the present embodiment, the cooling device 1 having the above characteristics is mounted on a casing 51 of the notebook personal computer. In this case, since the cooling device 1 can maintain the original cooling performance for a long period of time, the heat-generating component incorporated in the notebook computer can be sufficiently cooled at any time, and can function normally as a notebook computer for a long period of time. .

  Further, the brush 22 is preferably disposed on the intake side of the fins 16, and in particular, by arranging the brush 22 on the intake side of the fins 16 to which dust easily adheres, the dust deposited and accumulated on the intake side of the fins 16 is reduced. The brush 22 can be surely removed.

  Further, here, a housing 51 and a panel 54 as a lid body that can be opened and closed on the housing 51 are provided, and when the panel 54 is opened, the brush 22 is moved in a direction to open the flow path 17. It has become. In this way, when the panel 54 is opened, the brush 22 moves in a direction to open the flow path 17, so that air toward the intake side of the fin 16 is sent out to the flow path 17 as it is without being blocked by the brush 22. Therefore, when using a notebook computer that opens the panel 54, the brush 22 does not interfere with the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  Further, when the panel 54 is closed, the brush 22 is moved in a direction to remove dust adhering to the fins 16. Therefore, the brush 22 is moved each time the panel 54 is closed, so that the dust adhering to the fins 16 is removed. Can be removed. Therefore, the dust adhering to the fin 16 can be removed unconsciously by the user.

  In particular, in this embodiment, a push button 27 as an operation body provided movably, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the movement of the push button 27 to the brush drive shaft 24 which is a shaft portion and generating a rotational motion in the brush 22. The gear mechanism 29 is provided, and the push button 27 is pushed in when the panel 54 is closed, and the brush 22 is moved in a direction to remove dust adhering to the fin 16. In this way, each time the panel 54 is closed, the push button 27 is pushed in, and the movement of the push button 27 is transmitted to the gear mechanism 29, so that the brush 22 can be moved to remove dust adhering to the fins 16. . Therefore, the dust adhering to the fin 16 can be removed unconsciously by the user. Further, the brush 22 can be moved by using the force for pushing the push button 27 by the panel 54, and dust attached and accumulated on the fin 16 can be surely removed by the brush 22 with a simple configuration.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a push button 27 that is movably provided in an exposed state, and a gear mechanism 29 as a transmission mechanism that transmits the movement of the push button 27 to the brush drive shaft 24 to generate a rotational motion in the brush 22. When the push button 27 is pushed in from the original position, the brush 22 is moved in a direction to remove dust adhering to the fin 16, and when the push button 27 returns to the original position, the flow path 17 is opened. The brush 22 is moved.

  In this way, if the user pushes the push button 27 from the original position, the movement of the push button 27 is transmitted to the gear mechanism 29, so that the brush 22 can be moved to remove dust adhering to the fins 16. it can. Therefore, the dust adhering to the fin 16 can be removed with the user's awareness. On the contrary, as long as the push button 27 is at the original position, the brush 22 moves in the direction of opening the flow path 17, so that the air toward the intake side of the fins 16 is not blocked by the brush 22 and remains in the flow path. 17 is sent out. Therefore, at normal times, the brush 22 does not obstruct the air flow, and sufficient cooling performance can be obtained.

  12 to 15 show a second embodiment of the present invention. The cooling device 1 in this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the cleaning unit 21 although the configuration of the blower unit 2 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in place of the support shaft 26, the push button 27, and the compression coil spring 28, a motor 61 serving as a drive source of the brush 22 is provided, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotational force of the motor 61 to the brush is as follows. Instead of the gear mechanism 29 in the first embodiment, a first worm 63 attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 61, a second worm 64 as a shaft portion attached to one connecting piece 32 of the brush 22, and these A gear mechanism 66 that also serves as a speed reduction mechanism including a worm gear 65 that meshes with each of the worms 63 and 64 is employed. In this embodiment, the other connecting piece 32 of the brush 22 is pivotally supported on the lower frame 19 as a shaft portion that rotatably supports the brush together with the second worm 64. Such a brush rotation shaft 23 may be attached. Conversely, in the first embodiment, the other connecting piece 32 of the brush 22 may be pivotally supported on the lower frame 19 without using the brush rotating shaft 23. Other configurations of the cleaning unit 21 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the cooling device 1 in the present embodiment is also mounted between the upper wall portion 52 and the lower wall portion 53 in the casing 51 of the notebook personal computer that is an electronic device. In particular, in the present embodiment, the dust that has fallen on the lower wall portion 53 of the casing 51 through the discharge holes 58 formed in the lower frame 19 of the heat sink 4 is prevented from being scattered to other parts in the casing 51. Also, a partition wall 68 is provided between the lower frame 19 and the lower wall portion 53, located upstream of the flow of the air F, whereby the communication from the discharge hole 58 of the heat sink 4 to the exhaust port 56 of the housing 51. A passage 69 is formed inside the housing 51. Of course, such a configuration may be applied to the first embodiment. In addition, the configuration as a notebook personal computer is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Next, an electrical configuration related to the cleaning unit 21 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 71 denotes a control means for controlling the driving of the motor 61 and the blower unit 2 based on the monitoring result from the monitoring means 72, which is actually stored in a storage means (not shown) of the notebook personal computer. It functions by executing various embedded applications. As described above, the motor 61 is mechanically connected to the brush 22 via the gear mechanism 66 and receives the drive signal from the control means 71 to drive the brush 22 to rotate. The blower unit 2 receives the drive signal from the control means 71 and operates the fan 3 that is a movable unit.

  The monitoring unit 72 monitors the usage status of the notebook computer and outputs the monitoring result as a monitoring signal to the control unit 71. For example, the monitoring unit 72 monitors the operating status (shutdown etc.) of the CPU incorporated in the housing 51. The monitor unit 75, the temperature sensor 76 for monitoring the temperature rise of the heat generating component such as the CPU, and the timer 77 for counting the usage time of the notebook personal computer correspond to this. The control means 71 determines that the CPU has shut down based on the monitoring signal from the monitor unit 75, determines that the CPU temperature has risen to a constant value based on the monitoring signal from the temperature sensor 76, or timer 77. When it is determined from the monitoring signal from the notebook computer that the usage time of the notebook computer has reached a certain value, a driving signal is repeatedly given to the motor 61 so that the brush 22 repeatedly rises and falls on the suction side of the fin 16. While outputting time (for example, several seconds), it is the structure which outputs to the ventilation part 2 the drive signal which the fan 3 continues rotating preferably for the fixed time preferably.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When the operation as a notebook personal computer is started, the control means 71 supplies power to the stator of the blower unit 2 through the lead wire 10, and the rotor 8 and the fan blade integrated therewith are supplied. A rotational force is given to 9. Therefore, the fan blade 9 rotates and air is sucked into the blower portion 2 from the intake holes 11 provided in the casing 6 and the cover 7, and the heat sink 4 is removed from the exhaust holes 5 in a direction perpendicular to the intake holes 11. Air F (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 14) is forcibly sent out toward the intake side of the fins 16 constituting the structure.

  On the other hand, in the casing 51, a CPU of a notebook personal computer and a video chip are incorporated as heat generating components. The heat from such a heat generating component is transferred to the fins 16 of the heat sink 4 by quickly moving the heat pipe from a heat receiving portion (not shown). During normal use of the notebook computer, as shown in FIG. 13, the brush 22 is at the upper end on the intake side of the fin 16, and is raised to a position that opens each flow path 17 defined by the fin 16. The air F from the blower 2 flows into the intake side of the fin 16 without being blocked by the brush 22. Therefore, in this case, the air F passes through each flow path 17 as it is without causing a decrease in the air volume from the air blowing unit 2, and the air F ′ that efficiently takes away the heat reaching the fins 16 there By passing through the exhaust port 56 of the housing 51 from the exhaust side and being discharged to the outside of the notebook computer, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the temperature rise of the heat generating components such as the CPU and the video chip.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 71 determines that the CPU has shut down based on the monitoring signal from the monitor unit 75, the control unit 71 outputs a driving signal for repeatedly rotating the motor 61 in one direction and the opposite direction to the motor 61 for a certain period of time. As a result, the brush 22 rotates around the second worm 64 as the center of rotation by reciprocating between the intake side upper end of the fin 16 shown in FIG. 13 and the intake side lower end of the fin 16 shown in FIG. The projecting protrusion 33 inserted into the flow path 17 of the fin 16 reciprocates to scrape off dust deposited on the flow path 17. The dust removed from the fins 16 by the protrusions 33 falls through the discharge holes 58 into the communication passages 69 that are partitioned from other parts in the housing 51. Here, the control means 71 sends a drive signal to the motor 3. If the drive signal for rotating the fan 3 is also supplied to the blower unit 2 at the same time, the air F is sent from the discharge hole 58 to the communication passage 69 and the dust removed from the fins 16 is moved to the communication passage 69 side. The dust can be forcedly discharged from the exhaust port 56 of the housing 51 to the outside without being blown away and passing through the fins 16. After that, the control means 71 outputs a drive signal to the motor 61 and reduces or stops the rotation of the fan 3 so that the brush 22 remains at the upper end of the intake side of the fin 16 after the predetermined time has elapsed. The signal to be supplied is supplied to the blower unit 2.

  A series of operations for removing dust is performed when the control unit 71 determines that the CPU temperature has risen to a certain value or when the control unit 71 determines that the usage time of the notebook computer has reached a certain value. Is done in the same way. However, if the CPU operating rate exceeds a predetermined value when the CPU temperature rises to a certain value, the brush 22 is left at the upper end of the intake side of the fin 16 in order to lower the CPU temperature. The fan 3 is rotated to allow a large amount of air F to pass through the gaps 17 of the fins 16. After that, when the operation rate of the CPU becomes a predetermined value or less and the load on the CPU is alleviated, if the series of operations for removing the dust is performed there, the temperature of the CPU is reliably prevented while the fin 16 is The attached dust can be removed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the cooling device 1 including the heat exchange fins 16 in which the plurality of flow paths 17 are formed and the brushes 22 for removing dust adhering to the fins 16 includes the motor 61 and A gear mechanism 66 is provided as a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the motor 61 to the brush 22. In this way, even if it does not rely on external force, by supplying necessary electric power to the motor 61 from the outside, the brush 22 is reciprocated at a high speed, for example, in a short time by the gear mechanism 66, and dust adhering to the fin 16 is effective. Can be removed automatically.

  In the present embodiment, the cooling device 1 having such a configuration is mounted in a casing 51 of a notebook personal computer, for example, an electronic device. The notebook personal computer monitors the usage status of the notebook personal computer. Control means 71 for controlling the driving of the motor 61 based on the result is provided. In this case, the control means 71 can remove the dust adhering to the fins 16 by moving the brush 22 when necessary according to the use state of the notebook computer.

  The control means 71 is preferably configured to supply a drive signal to the motor 61 for a certain period of time so that the brush 22 repeats reciprocating motion. That is, the brush 22 repeats the reciprocating motion for a certain period of time by the drive signal from the control means 71, so that dust that is difficult to remove from the fins 16 only by rotating the brush 22 once can be surely removed. it can.

  Further, in this embodiment, the control unit 71 includes a driving signal for operating the blowing unit 2 when supplying the driving signal such that the brush 22 repeats reciprocating motion. It supplies to the said ventilation part 2. In this way, the brush 22 repeats the reciprocating motion for a certain period of time, and at the same time, the dust removed from the fins 16 is blown off by the wind from the blower unit 2. Therefore, the dust removed from the fins 16 can be immediately discharged to the outside of the casing 51 of the notebook computer that is an electronic device, and dust can be prevented from staying inside the casing 51.

  Furthermore, the cooling device 1 and the notebook personal computer according to the present embodiment operate the air blowing unit 2 so that the fan 3 rotates when the brush moves in a direction to remove dust attached to the fins 16 as shown in FIG. Thus, the wind of the air blower 2 is sent from the communication path 69 which is provided separately from the flow path 17 of the fin 16 and is larger than each flow path 17 of the fin 16.

  In this way, the dust removed from the fins 16 by the wind sent from the air blower 2 passes through the communication passages 69 formed larger than the flow paths 17 of the fins 16, and the cooling device 1 and thus the notebook type personal computer. It is discharged outside the casing 51. Therefore, the dust removed by the brush 22 is not caught by the flow path 17 of the fin 16 and attached again, and the dust can be reliably discharged outside the cooling device 1 or the casing 51 of the notebook computer.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said each Example, It can change in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, the shape of each part such as the fin 16 and the brush 22 is not limited to that shown in the embodiment. In the embodiment, the cooling device 1 is mounted in the case 51 of the notebook personal computer. However, the cooling device 1 may be mounted in a part other than the case 51 (for example, the panel 54). The cooling device 1 may be mounted on various electronic devices such as servers, game machines, and car navigation systems.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the cooling device which shows 1st Example of this invention. It is a top view of a heat sink same as the above. It is a front view of a heat sink same as the above. Same as above, the side of the heat sink. It is a plane sectional view of a heat sink same as the above. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the push button is raised in the electronic device in which the cooling device is incorporated in the housing. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the push button is lowered in the electronic device in which the cooling device is incorporated in the housing. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the brush is raised in the electronic device in which the cooling device is incorporated in the housing. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the brush is lowered in the electronic device in which the cooling device is incorporated in the housing. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a state in which the panel of the notebook computer is opened. FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a state in which the panel of the notebook computer is closed. It is a plane sectional view of a heat sink which shows the 2nd example of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the heat sink which shows the state which the brush rose as same as the above. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state where the brush is lowered in the electronic device in which the cooling device is incorporated in the housing. It is a block diagram which shows an electrical structure same as the above. It is a perspective view which shows the state which dust adhered and accumulated on the fin which shows a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cooling device 16 Fin 17 Flow path 22 Brush 23 Brush rotating shaft (shaft part)
24 Brush drive shaft (shaft)
27 Push button (operation body)
28 Compression coil spring (elastic body)
29 Gear mechanism (transmission mechanism)
33 Projection 51 Casing 54 Panel (Cover)
61 Motor 66 Gear mechanism (transmission mechanism)
69 Communication path (large flow path)
71 Control means

Claims (18)

  A cooling apparatus comprising a heat exchange fin having a plurality of flow paths and a brush for removing dust adhering to the fin.   The cooling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a motor and a transmission mechanism that transmits a rotational force of the motor to the brush.   The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion that can be inserted into the flow path is provided on the brush.   The cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the brush is disposed on an intake side of the fin.   The cooling device according to claim 1, further comprising a shaft portion that rotatably supports the brush.   The cooling device according to claim 5, further comprising: an operating body that is movably provided; and a transmission mechanism that transmits the movement of the operating body to the shaft portion to generate a rotational motion of the brush.   The cooling device according to claim 6, wherein the operation body includes an elastic body, and the elastic body biases the brush in a direction to open the flow path. While having a blower for blowing air to the fin,
When the brush moves in a direction to remove dust adhering to the fin, the air blowing unit is operated, and is provided separately from the fin flow path. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the cooling device is configured to send air from the blower.   An electronic apparatus comprising the cooling device according to claim 1. A housing and a lid that can be opened and closed on the housing;
The electronic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein when the lid is opened, the brush is moved in a direction to open the flow path.   The electronic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the brush is disposed on an intake side of the fin. A housing and a lid that can be opened and closed on the housing;
The electronic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the brush is moved in a direction to remove dust attached to the fin when the lid is closed.   A housing, a lid provided on the housing so as to be openable and closable, an operating body provided movably, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the movement of the operating body to the shaft portion and generating a rotational motion on the brush. The electronic apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a pusher configured to push the operating body when the lid is closed and to move the brush in a direction to remove dust attached to the fin.   An operating body that is movably provided in an exposed state, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the movement of the operating body to the shaft portion to generate a rotational movement of the brush, and when the operating body is pushed in from an original position. The brush is moved in a direction to remove dust adhering to the fin, and when the operating body returns to the original position, the brush is moved in a direction to open the flow path. The electronic device according to claim 9. While having a blower for blowing air to the fin,
When the brush moves in a direction to remove dust adhering to the fin, the air blowing unit is operated, and is provided separately from the fin channel, and from the channel larger than the fin channel, The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the electronic device is configured to send wind from the air blowing unit. While mounting the cooling device according to claim 2,
An electronic apparatus comprising: a control unit that monitors a use state and controls driving of the motor based on a monitoring result.   17. The electronic apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured to supply a driving signal to the motor for a predetermined time so that the brush repeats reciprocating motion. While having a blower for blowing air to the fin,
The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the air blowing unit when the driving signal is supplied.

Images