JP2001236145A - Battery and cooling system to be used as battery charger - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery and a cooling system used as a battery charger which can be operated for a longer time without lowering an operation frequency of a battery-driven information processor. SOLUTION: A cell 12 for storage and a heat storage material pack 15 are packaged together inside a battery pack 2. Heat from a heat generation source inside the information processor is absorbed and stored via a heat pipe by the heat storage material pack 15. The heat storage material pack 15 is taken to the outside and cooled after completion of thermal storage. Making of a fanless information processor and reduction of power consumption are realized by an effect of a heat storage material by the heat storage material pack 15, the information processor is constantly operated at full speed and time of a battery operation is lengthened.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery and a battery charger / cooling apparatus, and more particularly to a battery processing apparatus such as a portable information processing apparatus capable of accumulating heat generated during operation. And a battery charger and cooling device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent portable information processing apparatuses, power consumption has increased due to a remarkable increase in the speed of a CPU, and the amount of heat generated has also increased rapidly. In particular, portable information processing devices
Due to space saving, miniaturization is progressing, so the surface area is small and thin, and as a result, the heat radiation efficiency of the heat generated inside the portable information processing device is adversely affected, and the internal temperature is increased. . Therefore, the portable information processing apparatus according to the related art needs to discharge heat or take in outside air to mitigate a rise in temperature, and a fan for exhausting or sucking air is provided as a means for that. Was. In recent portable information processing devices, the gap between components has become smaller, and the convection of generated heat has worsened, heat has accumulated only around the heat-generating part, and only the ambient temperature of the heat-generating part is abnormal. And the temperature exceeds the operation guarantee temperature of the parts, and there is a risk of causing thermal runaway or malfunction.

For example, as a means for assisting the heat radiation of the CPU, a heat sink may be provided for the CPU.
When the danger of thermal runaway cannot be prevented, measures have been taken against the danger of thermal runaway by using the cooling means together with the CPU fan and the heat sink.

[0004] As a prior art relating to heat dissipation means for the CPU, for example, The technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-268980 is disclosed. This conventional technology uses a cooling pack (cooling fan) that is detachable from a portable information processing device.
Is prepared and the presence / absence of attachment is detected. When the cooling pack is attached, it is connected to a cooling pack (cooling fan) that can be attached to and detached from the heat radiating unit by using a heat pipe provided in the portable information processing device. Then, the heat of the CPU is radiated, and the CPU is operated at a frequency higher than the operating frequency of the main body when the cooling pack is not mounted. That is,
This conventional technology uses a detachable cooling pack (cooling fan).
When the CPU is not attached, the CPU is operated at a reduced operating speed to suppress heat generation of the CPU.

[0005] In the above-described prior art, no matter what kind of fan is used, when a cooling fan is used, the power consumption is correspondingly increased, so that the load on the battery increases, and the battery of the portable information processing apparatus is increased. Driving time is shortened.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
In the prior art described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 268980, the portable information processing device can be operated at the maximum operating frequency by attaching the cooling pack, and the processing performance is not impaired. The portable information processing device is not operating at the maximum operating frequency,
Therefore, there is a problem that the operation cannot always be performed at the maximum operation frequency.

Further, in the above-mentioned prior art, since a cooling fan is used as a cooling pack, a CPU fan and
Since the load of driving the battery of the exhaust / intake fan is added, the load on the battery is further increased, and the driving time of the portable information processing device is further reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to attach a detachable cooling pack having a heat storage / radiation function together with a battery to an information processing apparatus in a detachable manner so that information processing is always performed. The operation frequency of the device is operated at the maximum frequency, the power consumption is reduced by eliminating the fan, and the driving time of the battery of a small information processing device such as a portable information processing device can be extended. An object of the present invention is to provide a battery having a heat storage / radiation function and a battery charger / cooling device.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a battery for supplying power to an information processing device, wherein the battery absorbs and stores heat generated from a heat source inside the information processing device. A battery pack provided with a power storage cell so that one or more of the heat storage material packs filled with materials can be taken out, and when the battery is mounted on an information processing apparatus, the heat source and at least one heat storage material pack Is achieved by being connected by a heat pipe.

[0010] The object is to provide a heat transfer member for equalizing heat storage inside the heat storage material pack, and to increase the heat storage capacity of the heat storage material pack by the power storage pack. It is achieved by determining according to the storage capacity.

Further, the object is to provide a battery charger and cooling device for charging the power storage cells or cooling the heat storage material pack, comprising a Peltier element for cooling the heat storage material pack, wherein the battery pack or the heat storage material is cooled. This is achieved by the configuration in which the Peltier element is configured to contact both sides of the heat storage material pack when the material pack is mounted.

By mounting the battery configured as described above on an information processing apparatus, particularly a portable information processing apparatus, it becomes possible to drive the information processing apparatus and absorb and store heat generated from the information processing apparatus. In addition, the heat storage function can maintain a stable operating temperature of the information processing device, making it possible to always set the operating frequency of the information processing device to the maximum frequency, and further reduce the power consumption of the battery by eliminating the fan. Can be

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a battery and a battery charger / cooling device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an information processing apparatus with a battery mounted thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the mounting of a battery and the appearance of the battery. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes an information processing device (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer), 1 'denotes a display unit, 2 denotes a battery pack having a heat storage / radiation function (hereinafter, simply referred to as a battery pack), 3 denotes a heat pipe, Is a power receiving connector, 5 is a power supply connector, 6 is a PCM / CIA socket, 7 is a CD-ROM drive, 8 is a pointing device, 9 is a CPU module, 10 is a heat pipe condenser insertion hole, and 18 is a main body AC power supply. An input unit, 23 is a keyboard, and 24 is inside the personal computer.

The example shown in FIG. 1 shows a state in which a cover having a display unit 1 ′ made of liquid crystal or the like of the personal computer 1 is opened, and a part of the keyboard 23 and a part of the inside 24 of the personal computer 1 are drawn so as to be seen. ing. As is well known, the personal computer 1 has a display unit 1 ', a keyboard 23, a PCM
/ CIA socket 6, CD-ROM drive 7, pointing device 8, etc. The personal computer shown in the figure is equipped with the battery pack 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Although the inside 24 of the personal computer 1 shows only a part related to the present invention and other parts are omitted, the internal structure of the personal computer 1 is a CPU module 9 and a heat pipe 3 attached to the CPU module 9 here. 2 shows a side view of the battery pack 2. The details of the battery pack 2 will be described later,
It is composed of a battery pack serving as a power supply and a heat storage material pack made of a heat storage material that stores heat.

The CPU module 9 is a large heat source in the personal computer 1. In the illustrated example, the CPU module 9
The evaporator of the heat pipe 3 is inserted into the heat pipe. The other end of the heat pipe 3 is a condenser, and the condenser is inserted into the heat storage material of the heat storage material pack in the battery pack 2. The heat pipe 3 absorbs the heat of the CPU module 9, conveys the heat to the condensing portion at the other end of the heat pipe 3, and causes the heat storage material of the heat storage material pack in the battery pack 2 to absorb and store the heat. FIG. 1 shows a power supply connector 5 provided in the area pack 2 as a buffer. In actual use, the power supply connector 5 is connected to a connector on the personal computer 1 side. Are also inserted deeper into the heat storage material pack of the battery pack 2.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a state in which the battery pack 2 is about to be mounted on the personal computer 1. FIG. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the display unit 1 ′ and the keyboard 23 of the personal computer 1 are turned upside down with the battery pack 2 and the like turned upside down, and the cover is closed.
This shows a state in which the battery pack 2 is about to be mounted with the back side facing forward. FIG. 2 (b) is a view similar to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a view of the state of FIG.

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b),
When the battery pack 2 is about to be mounted on the personal computer 1, the power supply connector 5 of the battery pack 2 is connected to the power receiving connector 4 of the personal computer 1, and the evaporator of the heat pipe 3 of the personal computer 1 is connected to the heat storage battery pack 2. Of the heat pipe 3 in the condensing portion insertion hole 10. In addition, FIG.
The figure shows that the main body of the personal computer 1 is provided with a main body AC power input unit 18. The battery pack 2 has a power supply connector 5 as shown in FIG.
And a condensing portion insertion hole 10 of the heat pipe 3 are provided on the side surface.

When the battery pack 2 is mounted on the personal computer 1, the power supply connector 5 of the battery pack 2 is inserted into the power receiving connector 4 of the personal computer 1, and the personal computer 1
Supply power to operate the. In addition, a condensing portion of the heat pipe 3 for radiating heat from a heat source (for example, a CPU or the like) inside the personal computer 1 protrudes from the inside of the personal computer 1, and when the battery pack 2 is mounted, the heat pipe 3 3 is inserted into the battery pack 2 through the heat pipe condenser insertion hole 10.

As will be described later, the battery pack 2
It is configured to include a power storage cell and a heat storage material pack filled with a heat storage material. PC 1 is battery pack 2
Is attached, the battery can be operated, and at the same time, heat generated from a heat source in the personal computer 1 can be stored in the heat storage material pack without using a CPU fan, an intake fan or an exhaust fan. . When the battery runs out after operation with the battery pack 2, (1) the heat in the heat storage material pack is naturally radiated with the heat storage battery pack 2 attached to the personal computer 1, (2) the battery pack 2 is connected to the personal computer 1. (3) Remove the battery pack 2 from the personal computer, charge it rapidly with a battery charger and a quenching device (to be described later), and quench the heat storage material in the heat storage material pack. Will be performed. In the above cases (1) and (2), the operation of the personal computer 1 cannot be continued as it is, but the operation is continued by using a commercial AC power supply or by replacing with a spare battery pack. Can be done. Further, in the case of the above (3), the battery pack 2 can be immediately mounted on the personal computer 1 after the treatment is completed, and the operation of the personal computer 1 can be started.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a state in which a battery is charged from a commercial AC power supply with a battery pack attached to a personal computer body, and FIG. 4 is a state in which the personal computer is operated using an AC adapter instead of the battery pack. FIG. 3 and 4, reference numeral 19 denotes a fan, reference numeral 20 denotes an AC cable, reference numeral 21 denotes an AC adapter, and other reference numerals are the same as those in FIGS.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the battery pack 2 is mounted on the personal computer 1 as viewed from directly above the rear surface. The battery pack 2 is mounted on the personal computer 1, and the AC cable 20 is The commercial AC power is input through the power supply. The power storage cells in the battery pack 2 are charged by a charging circuit inside the personal computer 1 in a state where the personal computer 1 is not operated. The example of FIG.
Is shown upside down, charging is generally performed with the display unit 1 ′ side of the personal computer 1 facing up. When charging of the power storage cells in the battery pack 2 is performed as described above, generally, the power storage cells 12
Rapid charging is performed, and the power storage cells in the battery pack generate heat. The heat generated at the time of charging lowers the charging efficiency of the power storage cell and causes a reduction in the amount of charge with respect to full charge. Therefore, it is desirable to remove this heat.

In the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention, this heat generation can also be removed by storing heat in the heat storage material pack provided inside. In this case, the heat is not transferred by the heat pipe 3 or the like during the heat storage operation, but the battery pack 2 is configured such that the power storage cell and the heat storage material pack are adjacent to each other. It is transported by heat conduction to the heat storage pack. The heat storage material 11 inside the heat storage material pack absorbs and stores heat from the power storage cells, thereby preventing a reduction in charging efficiency of the power storage cells and a reduction in the amount of charge in the cells.

In this example, it is also possible to operate the information processing device while charging the power storage cell. However, in this case, the heat storage material pack must simultaneously perform heat absorption and storage of heat from the power storage cell and heat absorption and storage of heat generated from inside the information processing device. Since no more heat can be stored, it is necessary to perform a process such as exchanging the heat storage material pack before the charging of the power storage cell is completed.

When the spare battery pack 2 is not provided, the personal computer 1 is operated by the AC input from the main body AC input unit 18 while the battery pack 2 having no storage capacity is dissipated and the battery pack 2 is not mounted. When,
The heat storage operation of the heat generated inside the PC is not performed naturally,
The heat of the heat source of the personal computer 1 can be radiated to the outside from the condensing portion of the heat pipe 3 protruding from the personal computer 1. However, when the battery pack 2 is not mounted on the personal computer, the effect is reduced as compared with the removal of heat by the heat storage effect on the heat source of the personal computer 1 when the battery pack 2 is mounted.

When the heat storage capacity of the heat storage material of the heat storage pack provided in the battery pack 2 is small, the heat in the heat storage material pack is radiated in a state where the output of the battery cell is sufficiently left. 1 must be stopped and the battery pack 2 needs to be replaced, which lowers the working efficiency. To avoid this, the battery pack 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a heat storage capacity of the heat storage material pack,
It is designed to be able to reliably store the amount of heat stored in the personal computer 1 excluding the portion of the total heat generated by the battery drive that is dissipated by natural heat radiation or the like.

The total amount of heat generated by the personal computer 1 depends on the battery capacity. When the battery pack 2 is mounted on the personal computer 1, it is required that the battery pack 2 be kept as compact as possible. Therefore, the heat storage material pack contained therein and the heat storage material therein also have a compact size. Required. Therefore, as the heat storage material, a material and a filling amount without waste are selected so as to satisfy the reliable heat storage of the amount of heat stored in the personal computer 1 depending on the battery capacity and a size as compact as possible. In order to select a reliable heat storage of the amount of heat stored in the personal computer 1 and a filling amount of the heat storage material without waste, the heat storage time of the heat storage material pack is slightly longer than the maximum operation time possible in the battery pack 2. For example, it may be designed to be about 110% of the maximum possible operation time.

When the personal computer 1 operates by driving the battery with the battery pack 2 mounted, the personal computer 1 can cause the heat generated by the operation to be stored in the heat storage material in the heat storage pack of the battery pack 2. Commercial A when there is no capacity and there is no battery pack
It can operate with C power supply. In the above description, when the personal computer 1 is operated with the commercial AC power supply, the method in which the battery pack 2 is not attached and the heat pipe 3 is used only for the heat radiation capability has been described. There is difficulty. For this reason, it is desirable that the personal computer 1 use the battery pack 2 as a heat storage device even when operating with a commercial AC power supply. However, when the personal computer 1 is used continuously for a longer time than the maximum operation time of the battery pack, the heat storage material pack of the heat storage material pack is used. Since the capacity is maximized, it is necessary to replace the battery pack 2 each time, which is troublesome.

Therefore, when the personal computer 1 is operated with a commercial AC power supply, an AC adapter having a fan inside can be used instead of the battery pack. FIG.
The state in this case is shown as viewed from directly above the rear surface of the personal computer.
A C adapter 21 is attached, and commercial AC power is input from an AC power input unit 18 of the main body via an AC cable 20. In the example of FIG. 4, the personal computer 1 is shown upside down, but actually, the personal computer 1 is used with the display unit 1 ′ side up.

The external shape and dimensions of the AC adapter 21 are the same as those of the battery pack 2 which has been mounted so far, and the mounting location is also the same, so that the AC adapter 21 can be used with the same feeling as when the battery pack 2 is mounted. it can. Also, A
When the personal computer 1 is operated with the C power source, commercial AC power is input to the AC adapter 21 without using the main body AC power input unit 18 provided in the main body of the personal computer 1. A
The C adapter 21 internally converts the DC to DC,
At the same time, the operating power is supplied from the power supply connector 5 to the personal computer 1. The heat generated by the operation of the personal computer 1 is transferred into the AC adapter 21 by the heat pipe 3. Then, a heat radiation and cooling operation of cooling by the fan 19 is performed.

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the configuration of a battery having a heat storage / radiation function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 5, 10a is an internal hole, 11 is a heat storage material, 12 is a power storage cell, 15 is a heat storage material pack, 16 is a heat storage amount notification window, and other reference numerals are the same as those in FIGS. .

The battery with a heat storage / radiation function according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a power supply connector 5 and a condensed heat pipe 3 as shown in FIG. The battery pack 2 is provided with a condensing portion insertion hole 10 into which a portion is inserted, and an external portion. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when viewed from the front with the power supply connector 5 facing upward, a plurality of power storage cells 12 are provided on the near side, and on the back side. A heat storage material pack 15 filled with the heat storage material 11 is arranged, and the heat storage material pack 15 and the power storage cell 12 are in contact with each other over a wide area. The surface opposite to the surface on which the power supply connector 5 of the outer case of the battery pack 2 and the hole 10 for the condensing portion of the heat pipe 3 are provided is replaced with the power storage cell 12 and the heat storage material pack 15. Back cover 2a that can be opened and closed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the heat storage material pack 1 is provided on the side of the outer case of the battery pack 2.
A heat storage amount notification window 16 through which the heat storage state of the heat storage material 11 in 5 can be viewed is provided. This heat storage amount notification window 16
Is a circular window in the example shown in the figure, but it is also possible to use a window having a shape such as a slit shape or an oval window that can be easily confirmed, and the location where the window is provided can be appropriately changed.
In addition, the inner hole 1 of the condensing portion insertion hole 10 of the heat pipe 3
0a is formed in a concave shape and has a depth that reaches from the condensing portion insertion hole 10 to the inside of the heat storage material 11 in the heat storage material pack 15. The heat from the heat pipe 3 is
0a, the heat storage material 11 in the heat storage material pack 15
Is stored.

As described above, the heat storage material pack 15
When the personal computer 1 is stopped and the storage cell 12 is charged when the personal computer 1 is stopped, the heat of the storage cell 12 that generates heat during charging is increased because the battery and the storage cell 12 are in contact with each other over a large area. Is transferred to the heat storage material pack 15 to store heat, thereby cooling the power storage cell. Heat storage material 11
The heat storage material 11 absorbs heat by the heat of fusion when the heat storage material 11 itself changes phase from solid to liquid, and is cooled and solidified before use. For this reason, when viewing the inside from the heat storage amount notification window 16, when the heat storage amount of the heat storage material 11 in the heat storage material pack 15 is maximized, the user is notified that the heat storage material 11 is entirely in a liquid state. Recognizable, heat storage material 1
It can be confirmed whether or not the heat storage amount of No. 1 has become maximum.

Although the relation between the heat storage capacity of the heat storage material 11 and the storage power capacity of the power storage cell cannot be unconditionally described, usually, the heat storage material 11 may be changed depending on one battery drive of the personal computer 1.
Is not always the maximum, and the maximum heat storage amount of the heat storage material 11 may not be confirmed from the heat storage amount notification window 16. However, in the case where the act of continuously operating the personal computer with the AC input from the main body AC input unit 18 without radiating (cooling) the heat storage pack 15 is performed, the maximum heat storage amount of the heat storage material 11 in the heat storage material pack 15 is reduced. It can be confirmed from the heat storage amount notification window 16.

Here, the setting of the heat storage capacity of the heat storage material 11 of the heat storage material pack 15 based on the power capacity of the power storage cells 12 of the battery pack 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Now, the power consumption of the personal computer 1 is 40 watts,
Assuming that the battery drive time is 2 hours, the power capacity of the power storage cell 12 is 40 W × 2 h = 80 w · h,
The total heat generation when all of this power is discharged is 40
W × 2h = 80w · h = 80 × 860 cal. On the other hand, the design value differs depending on the ratio of the natural heat radiation amount of the personal computer 1 and the heat amount stored in the personal computer 1, but here,
A description will be given of a heat storage design in a case where 50% of the total heat generation is radiated by natural heat radiation or the like and the amount of heat stored in the personal computer is 50%.

In the case described above, it is only necessary that 50% of the total heat generation can be stored in the heat storage material. When phenol having a melting point of 40.9 ° C. is used as the heat storage material for storing 50% of the heat, 30 g of heat of fusion is consumed by 1 g of phenol, which is necessary for storing 50% of the above-described total heat generation. The weight of the phenol is 80 × 860 × 0.5 ÷ 30 = 1147 g.

Since the specific gravity of phenol is about 10% lighter than that of water, the volume of phenol is 1 volume when water is used.
A volume of 147 cubic centimeters plus a margin of about 10% is required. Actually, in the case of an A4 notebook computer, width 31 cm × length 12 cm × thickness 3.4 cm = 12
65 cubic centimeters, B5 laptop,
The size and volume of the heat storage material according to the size of a notebook personal computer measuring 26 cm wide × 12 cm long × 4.0 cm = 1248 cubic centimeters are adopted. The size of the battery cell 2 is obtained by adding 1.7 cm including the thickness of the case where the heat storage material is wrapped to form the heat storage material pack 15 and the thickness of the power storage cell 12 to the thickness of the heat storage material. Becomes That is, in the case of an A4 notebook computer, the size of the battery cell 2 is 31 cm in width × 12 in height.
cm x 5.1 cm = 1898 cubic centimeters,
In the case of a B5 notebook computer, 26 cm wide x 12 cm long
It has an outer dimension and volume of 5.7 cm = 2121 cubic centimeters. The above-described external dimensions vary depending on the capacity of the battery and the amount of heat stored in the personal computer 1.

In addition, as a heat storage material other than the above-mentioned phenol, ice that is generally considered can be selected. If ice is used as the heat storage material that stores 50% of the total heat value of the personal computer 1 described above, 80 g of heat of fusion is consumed by 1 g of ice, so that it is necessary to store 50% of the above heat value. The weight of ice is 80 × 860 × 0.5 / 8
0 = 430 g. Its volume is 430 cubic centimeters in the case of water, but in the case of ice, it is necessary to add a margin of about 10% in consideration of its volume expansion. Actually, in the case of A4 notebook computer, 31cm in width
X height 10cm x thickness 1.6cm = 496 cubic centimeters, B5 notebook computer, width 26cm x height 1
The size and volume of the heat storage material according to the size of a notebook computer having a size of 0 cm × 1.8 cm = 468 cubic centimeters are adopted. The size of the battery cell is obtained by adding 1.5 cm including the thickness of the case where the heat storage material is wrapped to form the heat storage material pack 15 and the thickness of the power storage cell 12 to the thickness of the heat storage material. Become. That is, in the case of an A4 notebook computer, the size of the battery cell 2 is 31 cm in width × 10 cm in height × 3.1 cm in thickness.
= 961 cubic centimeters, 26cm wide x 10cm long x 3.3cm thick = 858 for B5 laptop
It has an outer dimension and volume of cubic centimeters.

As described above, when ice is used as the heat storage material 11, the outer dimensions can be made smaller than when phenol is used as the heat storage material. However, since the melting point of ice is 0 ° C., it is necessary to freeze the water storage material before using the battery pack 2, and it is necessary to manage the battery pack 2 in a freezer or the like. Becomes Further, the battery pack in this case has a structure in which the heat storage material is made of ice, and does not absorb heat until the heat storage material is attached to the personal computer 1 and started to be used. A heat storage material pack has a valve-like structure that opens only when inserted into the pack 15 and a thermos-like structure that prevents heat from being transmitted to the heat storage material inside the heat storage material pack 15 when the valve is closed. It is necessary to devise a method in which heat does not flow in and out of 15. For this reason, ice as a heat storage material has the advantage of being very inexpensive, easily available, and having a compact size and shape, but it is quite difficult to manage, so phenol is used as a heat storage material. Use is recommended.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the configuration of a battery having a heat storage / radiation function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
6, reference numerals 13 and 14 denote heat storage material packs, and other reference numerals are the same as those in FIG.

As shown in the plan view of FIG. 6A, the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the heat storage material pack 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. It is divided into two heat storage material packs A13 and B14. Then, as can be seen from the side view of FIG. 6B and FIG.
On both sides of the heat storage material pack 15, heat storage amount notification windows 16 similar to those described with reference to FIG. 5 are provided. As a result,
The heat storage state of both the heat storage material pack A13 and the heat storage material pack B14 can be independently observed.

The two heat storage material packs 13 and 14 change the material of the heat storage material to be filled into each of the heat storage material packs 13 and 14, and change the heat storage temperature (high temperature (60 ° C.), low temperature (40 ° C., etc.)) and the like. Combinations can be used so that the heat storage response can be made faster and more efficiently depending on the properties and the heat storage target. The heat storage material pack A13 and the heat storage material pack B
There is also a method in which the same heat storage material is used as the heat storage material 14 and connected in parallel. When used in parallel connection, the condensing portion of the heat pipe 3 can be branched and inserted into the heat storage material pack A13 and the heat storage material pack B14 to equalize the heat stored in each heat storage material. Also,
It is possible to use the heat storage material packs 13 and 14 in such a manner that an object to be stored with priority is assigned to each of the two heat storage material packs 13 and 14.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the heat storage material pack 15 is divided at the center in the left-right direction, and the two heat storage material packs are arranged on the left and right. You may make it use a pack repeatedly. In this case, the heat storage material pack in the heat storage battery pack 2 closer to the power storage cell 12 preferentially stores the heat generated from the power storage cell 12 during rapid charging while the personal computer 1 is operating or the personal computer 1 is stopped. In addition, heat generated from an internal heat source, for example, a CPU can be stored in the heat storage material pack on the opposite side during the operation of the personal computer 1.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the configuration of a battery having a heat storage / radiation function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
7, 15a and 15b are heat storage material packs, 22 is a battery pack cover, and other reference numerals are the same as those in FIG. The figure showing this example illustrates a state in which the heat storage material pack is being removed while the battery pack is attached to the personal computer, and the personal computer 1 is viewed from the back side, and is drawn upside down. .

In the battery pack according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the heat storage material pack 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG.
And a heat storage material pack 15b, which can be incorporated into the battery pack 2 independently. 7 shows a state in which the battery pack 2 is mounted on the personal computer 1 and the rotary back cover 2 provided on the back of the heat storage battery pack cover 22.
a is opened and the heat storage material pack 15a is about to be removed.

As described above, the third embodiment of the present invention comprises two heat storage material packs 15a and a heat storage material pack 15b.
However, since the personal computer 1 is configured to be incorporated into the battery pack 2 independently, the rear cover of the heat storage battery pack cover 22 is closed when the personal computer 1 is normally used, and the liquid crystal display side is facing up. It is possible to open and remove the heat storage material packs 15a and 15b. The third embodiment of the present invention is configured so that two heat storage material packs can store the amount of heat generated by the personal computer 1 by one battery drive (50% of the total amount of heat). . The condenser of the heat pipe 3 is inserted into one heat storage material pack, in the illustrated example, the heat storage material pack 15a. The heat storage material pack 15a stores heat, and the heat storage material pack 15b does not store heat.

During the operation of the personal computer 1, the heat storage material pack 15a and the heat storage material pack 15b reach the maximum heat storage amount in approximately half the time when the battery runs out. Confirmation can be performed. At this time, the user removes the heat storage material pack having the maximum heat storage capacity, in the case of the illustrated example, removes the heat storage material pack 15a to individually radiate heat without stopping the personal computer 1, and instead releases unused heat. The heat storage material pack, in this case, the heat storage material pack 15b can be detached, re-mounted on the condensing portion side of the heat pipe 3, and the operation can be continued. PC 1
The heat storage material pack 15b is attached to the heat storage material pack 15a, and the heat storage material pack 15a removed during the operation of the personal computer 1 is left unattended or mounted on a quenching device to be described later to release the heat.

In the above-described third embodiment of the present invention, since only one heat storage material pack can be removed from the battery pack 2 to dissipate heat, the heat inside the heat storage material pack can be more reliably and reliably. The heat can be quickly dissipated.

In the second and third embodiments of the present invention described above, the heat storage pack stored in the battery
Although it was an example in which it was divided into two and used, the present invention
The heat storage pack may be divided into two or more, and at this time, the heat storage material to be filled in each heat storage pack may be the same or different.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a connection state between the heat pipe and the heat storage pack, and shows a cross section taken along the line ZZ in FIG. 2 (a). The reference numerals in the figures are the same as those in the figures described so far.

As can be seen from FIG. 8, the condensing portion of the heat pipe 3 protruding from the personal computer 1 is fitted into the condensing portion insertion hole 10 of the battery pack 2 into the recessed internal hole 10 a of the heat storage material pack 15. It is inserted and brought into contact with the heat storage material pack 15. The heat storage material pack 15 wraps the heat storage material 11 in a thin sheet-shaped member, and heat from the condensing portion of the heat pipe 3 is easily transferred to the heat storage material 11. The heat from the heat source inside the personal computer 1 is conveyed from the evaporator of the heat pipe 3 and is stored in the heat storage material 11 by the heat transfer of the heat storage material pack 15 in the battery pack 2. The stored heat is consumed as heat of fusion when the heat storage material 11 changes from a solid to a liquid.

The heat pipe 3 is squeezed just before protruding from the personal computer 1 and becomes thin by condensation.
Thereby, the case of the personal computer 1 and the battery pack 2
The heat storage material pack 1
The heat storage material 11 which has become liquid in the heat storage material pack 15 depends on how the inner hole 10a of the heat pipe 5 and the condensing portion of the heat pipe 3 fit together.
Can be prevented from leaking.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the configuration of a battery having a heat storage / radiation function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 17 denotes a fin, and other reference numerals are the same as those in the other drawings.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 is a heat transfer member having a uniform material and excellent heat conductivity, such as copper, inside the heat storage material pack 15 in the battery pack 2 described with reference to FIG. Fins 17 made of aluminum, aluminum or the like
Is provided. Fin 17 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the plan view of (a), a large number of fins are connected by a rod-shaped or thick plate-shaped member to promote the effect of equalizing the state of heat storage inside the heat storage material pack 15 when storing heat. At the same time, it has a role of dissipating the heat in the heat storage material pack 15 uniformly and at high speed. The ends A and B of the fins 17 are exposed on the side surfaces of the heat storage material pack 15 as shown in the side view of FIG. As a result, when radiating the heat in the heat storage material pack 15, the fins A of the heat storage material pack 15 exposed to the Peltier element which is a part of a cooling mechanism of the battery charger and the quenching device described later will be described. , B
By contacting and cooling the parts, the heat storage material 11 in the heat storage material pack 15 is cooled more quickly, the heat storage material 11 is changed from liquid to solid, and mounted on the battery pack 2 and then mounted on the personal computer 1. Becomes

The dimensions of the fins 17 are made as small as possible so as not to affect the filling capacity of the heat storage material 11 in the heat storage material pack 15 and in consideration of thermal conductivity.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the battery charger and cooling device. 10 and 11, 25 is a cooling fan, 26 is a Peltier device, 27
Is a battery charger / cooling device, 28 is a power supply connector, and other symbols are the same as those in other figures.

FIGS. 10 (a), 10 (b), 10
10C is a plan view, an overall view, and a side view showing the configuration of the battery charger / cooling device 27. FIG. 10A shows a state where the battery pack 2 is about to be mounted on the battery charger / cooling device 27. ing. The battery charger / cooling device 27 includes a power supply circuit for charging the power storage cells 12 and a drive circuit of a Peltier element for cooling the heat storage material pack 15 therein. 15 above-mentioned fins A and B
The Peltier device 26 includes a Peltier element 26 that cools the heat storage material by contacting the Peltier element, a fan 25 that cools the heat generation side of the Peltier element 26, and a power supply connector 28 that supplies power to the power storage cell 12.

The battery charger and cooling device 27 is
A device for rapidly charging the battery of the battery pack 2 and rapidly cooling the battery pack 2 by the Peltier element 26 and the cooling fan 25 of the cooling mechanism, that is, a charger and cooling device for rapidly cooling and radiating the heat storage material pack 15. To mount the heat storage battery pack 2 on the battery charger / cooling device 27, move the battery pack 2 in the direction of the arrow and insert the power supply connector 5 of the battery pack 2 into the power supply connector 28 of the battery charger / cooling device 27. It is performed by Battery pack 2 is a battery charger and cooling device 27
When the battery pack 2 is mounted on the Peltier device 26 of the cooling mechanism of the battery charger and cooling device 27,
It comes into contact with. As a result, commercial AC power is supplied to the battery charger / cooling device 27, and charging and cooling of the battery pack 2 are started by the internal circuit.

To cool the heat storage material pack 15, a DC voltage of 5 V is applied to the Peltier element 26 in contact with the battery pack 2 so that heat is absorbed from the contact surface with the battery pack 2 and the cooling fan 25 is cooled. This is done by transferring heat to the heat generating part on the side surface. This Peltier device 2
The heat of the heat generating portion 6 is wasted by the cooling fan 25, and as a result, the battery pack 2 and the internal heat storage material pack 15 and the heat storage material 11 are rapidly cooled. This Peltier element 26
A commercially available product having a thickness of 4 mm, a cooling capacity of −60 ° C. and a size of 40 mm × 40 mm can be used.
Two such Peltier elements 26 are used on each side of the battery pack 2.

This battery charger and cooling device 27
Can charge the power storage cell 12 in about 1 hour, and the cooling of the heat storage material 11 is actually completed in 30 minutes when the heat storage material 11 returns from a liquid to a solid and drops below room temperature. Done to be done. Then, for the remaining 30 minutes until the charging of the battery is completed, cooling of the heat generated by charging the battery and cooling for maintaining the temperature at or below room temperature are continued.

This battery charger and cooling device 27
The battery pack 2 after the completion of the charging and cooling in the above can be immediately mounted on the personal computer 1 to perform the operation of the personal computer 1 and the heat storage operation.

The battery charger and cooling device 27 described above can cool only the heat storage material pack 15 by mounting the heat storage material pack 15 inside the battery pack 2. 11 (a), 11 (b), 11
(C) shows the situation in this case, and the meaning of each drawing is the same as in FIG.

The attachment of the heat storage material pack 15 to the battery charger / cooling device 27 is almost the same as that of the battery pack 2 described with reference to FIG.
As shown in (a), the heat storage material pack 15 is moved in the direction of the arrow, but since the heat storage material pack 15 does not have a power supply connector for the battery pack 2, the heat storage material pack 15 is transferred to the battery charger / cooling device 27. This is done by inserting until it hits.

When the heat storage material pack 15 is mounted on the battery charger / cooling device 27, the heat storage material pack 15
Since the size is slightly smaller than that of the heat storage battery pack 2, it is difficult to contact the Peltier device 26 of the cooling mechanism of the battery charger / cooling device 27. Slide it into contact.
Then, the commercial A is supplied to the battery charger / cooling device 27.
When the C power is input, the internal circuit operates. The internal charging circuit does not operate because there is no load.
Only the cooling of is started. Cooling of the heat storage material pack 15
This is performed in the same manner as in the case of the battery pack 2.

Unlike the case of cooling the battery pack 2, the cooling of the heat storage material pack 15 directly cools the heat storage material pack 15 as described above. Although it depends, it is about 5 minutes to 10 minutes. Although two Peltier elements 26 are used on both sides of the heat storage material pack 15, when the heat storage material pack 15 is mounted, the fins 17 described with reference to FIG.
Since the two Peltier elements 26 can evenly contact the portions A and B, the good heat conductivity of the fins 17 can be effectively used, and the heat storage material pack 15 can be rapidly cooled. Becomes

This battery charger and cooling device 27
The heat storage material pack 15 after the completion of the cooling in the battery pack 2 is immediately attached to the battery pack 2,
And the heat storage operation can be performed.

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining another configuration example of the battery charger and cooling device, and the reference numerals in FIG. 12 are the same as those in FIG. This example is an example in which the heat storage material pack 15a and the heat storage material pack 15b, which are configured so as to be able to be divided into two and taken out inside the battery pack 2 described with reference to FIG. In this case, since the battery is not charged, it does not actually have a charging function. 12 (a), 12 (b) and 12
The meaning of each figure in (c) is the same as in the case of FIGS. 10 and 11.

The mounting of the heat storage material pack 15a or 15b on the battery charger / cooling device 27 is the same as that of the heat storage material pack 15 described with reference to FIG.
When the heat storage material pack 15a or 15b is mounted on the battery charger and cooling device 27, the heat storage material pack 15a
Or 15b is a battery charger / cooler 27
Is in contact with the Peltier element 26 of the cooling mechanism.
Then, the commercial A is supplied to the battery charger / cooling device 27.
When the C power is input, the internal circuit operates and the heat storage material pack 1
Cooling of 5a or 15b is started. The cooling of the heat storage material pack 15a or 15b is performed in the same manner as in the case of the heat storage material pack 15.

The cooling of the heat storage material pack 15a or 15b as described above is different from the case of cooling the heat storage material pack 15, and since the capacity thereof is 1/2, the cooling time is shorter than that of the heat storage material pack 1.
Depending on the capacity of 5a, it is completed in about 5 minutes. As in the case described above, two Peltier elements 26 are used on both sides of the heat storage material pack 15a or 15b.

This battery charger and cooling device 27
Heat storage material pack 15a or 15b after completion of cooling at
It can be immediately mounted on the battery pack 2 and mounted on the personal computer 1 to perform the heat storage operation during the operation of the personal computer 1.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a state where two Peltier elements 26 of the battery charger and cooling device shown in FIG. 13 are the same as those in FIG.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, the two Peltier elements 26 are the exposed portions of the fins of the heat storage material
It is arranged so as to contact at almost the center of the part. With such an arrangement, the heat storage material pack 15 is cooled much more rapidly than when the Peltier element 26 is arranged at a position other than the portion A.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining the internal structure of the battery pack 2. FIGS. 14A and 14B show a case where the internal heat storage material pack of the battery pack 2 is one and a case where it is divided into two. The state where the power supply connector 5 and the surface of the heat pipe condensing portion insertion hole 10 of the battery pack cover 22 are removed is shown.

In both FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b), the upper side of the power storage cell 12, the lower side of the heat storage material pack 15,
Alternatively, heat storage material packs 15a and 15b are arranged. The power storage cell 12 is integrated with the battery pack 2, and the removable heat storage material pack 15 or the heat storage material packs 15 a and 15 b are inserted into the battery pack 2. The positioning of the heat storage material pack at the time of insertion is performed in the insertion direction by the fixed portion shown in FIG. 14, and the thickness direction is determined by the inner wall of the battery pack cover 22 on the lower surface of the power storage cell 12 and the lower surface of the battery pack 2. But also the heat storage material pack 15 or 15a, 15b
Of the battery pack 2 or the inner wall of the battery pack cover 22 in the longitudinal direction is determined and fitted.

From the power storage cell 12, four cable terminals, that is, a + power terminal, a data D terminal,
The C terminal for clock and the -power terminal are led out and connected to the connector of the power supply connector 5 on the battery pack 2 or the battery pack cover 22.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a fixing method when the rotary back cover of the battery pack cover is closed.

As shown in FIG. 15A, a rotary back portion 2 provided on a back portion of the battery pack cover 22 is provided.
On the side surface of a, a positioning concave portion C for closing the back surface of the battery pack cover 22 is provided. On the battery pack 2 side, when the rear cover 2a of the battery pack cover 22 is closed, a position corresponding to the concave portion C of the rear cover 2a of the battery pack cover 22 is fitted to the concave portion C. Protrusions are provided so that they do not close unless a certain amount of force is applied, and conversely, do not open unless a certain amount of force is applied.

For example, the force required to open the back cover 2a of the battery pack cover 22 is such that when the battery pack 2 is mounted on the personal computer 1 with the back cover 2a of the battery pack cover 22 closed, The force applied by fitting the condensing portion of the pipe 3 to the insertion hole of the heat storage material pack 15 causes the heat storage material pack 15 to be pushed toward the rear cover 2a of the battery pack cover 22 and pushed out. It never opens. The back cover 2a in the illustrated example is provided with a handle for opening and closing the cover so that the back cover 2a can be easily opened.

FIG. 15 (b) shows an enlarged view of the concave portion C provided in the back cover 2a described above. The concave portion has an elliptical shape and is configured to be deeper toward the center. Have been.

According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the operating frequency of the information processing apparatus is always maximized by detachably mounting the detachable cooling pack having the heat storage / radiation function together with the battery in the information processing apparatus. It has a heat storage and heat dissipation function that operates at a frequency, reduces power consumption by eliminating the fan, and can extend the driving time of a small information processing device such as a portable information processing device with a battery. A battery and a battery charger and cooling device can be provided.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, since a cooling pack having a detachable heat storage / radiation function is provided in a battery pack, this battery pack is used for driving an information processing apparatus. Thus, the operation frequency of the information processing apparatus can be operated at the maximum frequency, the power consumption can be reduced by eliminating the fan, and the operation time of the battery can be further extended.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an information processing apparatus with a battery mounted according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating mounting of a battery and an external appearance of the battery.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a battery is charged from a commercial AC power supply with a battery pack attached to a personal computer main body.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a personal computer is operated using an AC adapter instead of a battery pack.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery with a heat storage / radiation function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery with a heat storage / radiation function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery with a heat storage / radiation function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a connection state between a heat pipe and a heat storage pack.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery with a heat storage / radiation function according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a battery charger and cooling device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery charger and cooling device.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the battery charger / cooling device.

13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which two Peltier elements of the battery charger / cooling device shown in FIG. 11 are in contact with each other centering on part A of the heat storage material pack.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a battery pack.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a fixing method when the rotary back cover of the battery pack cover is closed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus (personal computer) 1 'Display part 2 Battery pack with a heat storage / radiation function 3 Heat pipe 4 Power receiving connector 5 Power supply connector 6 PCM / CIA socket 7 CD-ROM drive 8 Pointing device 9 CPU module 10 Heat pipe Condensing part insertion hole 10a Internal hole 11 Heat storage material 12 Power storage cell 13-15, 15a, 15b Heat storage material pack 16 Heat storage amount notification window 17 Fin 18 Main body AC power input unit 19 Fan 20 AC cable 21 AC adapter 22 Battery pack cover 23 Keyboard 24 Inside of PC 25 Cooling fan 26 Peltier device 27 Battery charger and cooling device 28 Power supply connector

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hideo Sawada 810 Shimo-Imaizumi, Ebina-shi, Kanagawa PC Co., Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. F term (reference) 5B011 DA06 DA13 DB16 EA04 JA24 5E322 BB10 DB09 DC01 EA11 FA03 5H031 AA09 KK01 KK03

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A battery for supplying power to an information processing device, wherein the battery includes one or more heat storage material packs filled with a heat storage material that absorbs and stores heat generated from a heat source inside the information processing device. It is configured as a battery pack removably provided with a power storage cell, and the heat source and at least one heat storage material pack are connected by a heat pipe when the battery is mounted on the information processing device. And battery. 2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein a heat transfer member for equalizing heat storage is provided inside the heat storage material pack. 3. The heat storage capacity of the heat storage material pack is as follows:
The battery according to claim 1, wherein the battery is determined according to a storage capacity of the storage pack. 4. A battery charger and cooling device for charging the power storage cell of the battery or cooling the heat storage material pack according to claim 1, further comprising a Peltier element for cooling the heat storage material pack. A battery charger and cooling device, wherein when the battery pack or the heat storage material pack is mounted, the Peltier device is in contact with both surfaces of the heat storage material pack.