JP2016026965A - Cooling structure for water server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cooling structure for a water server which effectively supplies cooling air to a heat sink by using a cooling fan and efficiently cools a heating element.SOLUTION: A cooling structure for a water server includes: a heat sink 10 having fins 12 and attached to a heating element (a cooling element) 211; a cover part (a second storage container) 220 which covers tip parts of the fins 12 and forms cavity parts 230 having two opening parts between the adjacent fins 12; a cooling fan 40 which flows a cooling fluid to the cavity parts 230; and a confluence space part which allows the one opening part of each cavity part 230 and the cooling fan 40 to communicate with each other. The cooling structure for the water server is disposed between a warming tank (a warming tank) 220 and a cooling tank (a cooling tank) 210.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a cooling structure for a water server that can efficiently cool a heating element by effectively supplying a cooling fluid to a heat sink by a cooling fan.

  As a cooling structure that cools the heat generating element with a heat sink and a cooling fan, there is one as disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the cooling structure of Patent Document 1, a cooling fan is directly fixed to the upper surface of a heat sink attached to the heat generator, and cooling air is blown onto the heat sink by the cooling fan, thereby cooling the heat generator through the heat sink. .

  However, since the cooling fan blows air by rotating blades, it is known that the air flow is disturbed or biased in the vicinity of the cooling fan. Therefore, when the cooling fan is directly fixed to the upper surface of the heat sink as in Patent Document 1, the cooling air is not uniformly supplied to the heat sink, and there is a possibility that about half of the surface area becomes dead.

  In addition, the cooling means using this type of heat sink and cooling fan is often used by being incorporated in an electromechanical device provided with a heating element inside, and punching metal or the like provided in the casing of the electromechanical device. A cooling fan is disposed in an opening having a louver or a slit, outside air is taken into the electric machine device from a separately provided vent hole, and the inflowing outside air flows in a wide space in the electric machine device Some are configured to cool while removing heat generated from the heating element. In such a cooling structure, there is a possibility that dust accumulates because outside air containing dust flows through the apparatus. In particular, if dust accumulates on or in the vicinity of the electric circuit, there is a possibility of causing a fire due to a short circuit or sparking of the electric circuit due to entanglement with moisture or humidity.

JP 2010-226144 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and in a cooling structure for a water server that cools a heat sink by supplying a cooling flow to a heat sink by effectively using the entire surface of the fins of the heat sink. In addition to making it possible to efficiently cool the heating element, circuit damage or ignition caused by dust accumulated by the flow of cooling on the electric circuit or the like incorporated in the target device incorporating the cooling structure for the water server It aims at providing the cooling structure for water servers which can prevent that an accident etc. arise.

  The cooling structure for a water server according to the present invention includes a heat sink that has fins and is attached to a heating element, a cover that covers the tip of the fin, and that provides a cavity having two openings between the fins. A cooling fan that allows cooling fluid to flow through the cavity, and a merge space that communicates one opening of the cavity with the cooling fan, and is disposed between the hot tank and the cold tank. The

  Further, the hollow portion may be provided with a flow path regulating portion that controls the flow of the cooling fluid flowing through the hollow portion.

  Furthermore, the cover may constitute another component in the apparatus having the heating element or the heat sink.

  Furthermore, the merge space may be another component in the water server having the heating element.

  Further, the heating element may be a cooling element.

  Furthermore, the cover may be a tank that stores the liquid in the water server or an exterior material cover that covers the tank.

  The present invention covers the tip of the fin of the heat sink attached to the heating element with a cover, provides a cavity between the fins, and the cooling fan communicated with the cavity via the merge space to the cavity. Cooling fluid flows through.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, since the cooling fan is separated from the merging space and communicated with the cavity, the cooling flow supplied to the heat sink is disturbed or biased as in the vicinity of the cooling fan. The flow is laminar and the cooling flow is supplied almost uniformly to the entire heat sink. Further, according to the present invention, since the cooling flow flows along the fins between the fins from the opening of the hollow portion arranged on the side of the heat sink, the cooling flow is supplied to the entire fins.

  Further, according to the present invention, the region where the cooling fluid flows is only in the cavity closed by the heat sink and the cover, and the cooling fluid is closed from the inlet to the outlet of the cavity. Since it only flows through the space, there is no contact with electrical circuits.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the cooling fan can effectively supply the cooling flow to the entire surface of the fins of the heat sink, and the entire surface of the fins of the heat sink can be effectively used to efficiently cool the heating element. In addition, it is possible to prevent dust or the like from touching or accumulating on the electric circuit or the like, and to prevent a short circuit or ignition of the electric circuit.

It is the plane sectional view showing the cooling structure for water servers built in the water server. It is side surface sectional drawing which showed the cooling structure for water servers built in the water server.

  Hereinafter, a water server cooling structure to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following examples, It can change arbitrarily in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the water server cooling structure 101 according to the embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water server 200 is for cold water (low temperature) that stores water supplied from a fluid container (not shown) removably attached to the apparatus main body 201 in the apparatus main body 201. The first storage container (cold tank) 210 is accommodated.

  The cold water first storage container (cold tank) 210 is composed of a variable capacity container formed of a synthetic resin material or the like, a hard container having a variable capacity formed of a synthetic resin material or a metal material, or the like. ing.

  The first storage container (cold tank) 210 is attached with a cooling element 211 such as a Peltier element for cooling a fluid to be supplied such as stored water. Furthermore, the heat sink 10 is attached to the cooling element 211. The heat sink 10 is attached to the cooling element 211 with its length direction, that is, the flow direction of the cooling fluid directed in the height direction of the apparatus main body 201. In the water server cooling structure 101 according to the embodiment, the cooling element 211 corresponds to a “heating element” in the present invention.

  Moreover, the 1st storage container (cold tank) 210 is accommodated in the box-shaped 1st heat insulator 212 formed with the material excellent in heat insulation. Further, the first storage container (cold tank) 210 is attached to the front surface 201 a of the apparatus main body 201. The first storage container (cold tank) 210 is operated by a cock (not shown) dedicated to cold water or used for both cold water and hot water (high temperature), so that cold water is discharged only for cold water or used for both cold water and hot water. Cold water is discharged from (not shown).

  Further, a second storage container (warm tank) 220 for hot water (high temperature) that stores water supplied from the fluid container is housed in the apparatus main body 201.

  The second storage container (warm tank) 220 for warm water is composed of a variable capacity container molded from a synthetic resin material or the like, a hard container whose capacity is molded from a synthetic resin material or a metal material or the like, and the like. Yes. Furthermore, a heating element 221 such as a heater for heating the stored water is attached to the second storage container (warm tank) 220. Furthermore, the second storage container (warm tank) 220 is accommodated in a box-shaped second heat insulator 222 formed of a material having excellent heat insulation properties.

  Further, the second storage container (warm tank) 220 is attached to the back surface 201b of the apparatus main body 201 so as to cover the front end portions of the fins 12 of the heat sink 10. In the water server cooling structure 101 according to the embodiment, the second storage container 220 is a “warm tank” in the present invention and also corresponds to a “cover portion”. Accordingly, a cavity 230 surrounded by a pair of fins 12 and 12 adjacent to the base portion 11 of the heat sink 10 and the second storage container (warm tank) 220 between the heat sink 10 and the second storage container 220. Is provided.

  A plurality of the hollow portions 230 are provided in the width direction of the heat sink 10. Further, the cavity 230 has a first opening 230a on one end side in the length direction of the heat sink 10, that is, a flow direction of the cooling fluid, and a second opening 230b on the other end side. .

  The second storage container (warm tank) 220 is operated by a hot water dedicated or cold water and hot water combined cock (not shown), whereby hot water is discharged exclusively for hot water or a cold water and hot water combined outlet (not shown). ) To discharge hot water.

  Further, in the apparatus main body 201, the upper region 202 above the heat sink 10 and the lower region 203 below are blocked by the blocking member 240. For example, the blocking member 240 is formed of a heat insulator formed of a material having excellent heat insulation. Furthermore, the blocking member 240 is provided, for example, in a communication portion 240a that allows the upper region 202 and the lower region 203 to communicate with each other, and closes the communication portion 240a. Here, the blocking member 240 is provided, for example, in a communication part 240a including the first storage container (cold tank) 210, the second storage container (warm tank) 220, the heat sink 10, and the apparatus main body 201. As a result, the upper region 202 and the lower region 203 in the apparatus main body 201 are blocked except for the cavity 230, and only the cavity 230 is communicated.

  In addition, when the blocking member 240 has the communication part 240a between the 1st storage container (cold tank) 210 and the apparatus main body 201, you may make it provide the communication part 240a, and you may make it close | close, for example. Further, when the blocking member 240 has a communication part 240a between the second storage container (warm tank) 220 and the apparatus main body 201, the blocking member 240 may be provided at the communication part 240a and closed.

  A cooling fan 40 that allows air to flow through the cavity 230 is disposed in the lower region 203 of the apparatus main body 201. The cooling fan 40 is separated by a predetermined distance from a side surface on one end side (lower end side) in the length direction of the heat sink 10, that is, the cooling fluid flow direction, for example, a back surface 201b and a bottom surface 201c of the apparatus main body 201 It is inclined and arranged so as to cover the opening 204 of the back surface 201b. By disposing the cooling fan 40 in an inclined manner, the apparatus main body 201 can be downsized in the height direction.

  Here, in the apparatus main body 201, the upper region 202 and the lower region 203 are blocked, and the cooling fan 40 is provided so as to cover the opening 204 of the back surface 201b. The portion 230a and the cooling fan 40 are communicated with each other.

  In addition, vibration absorption is performed between the cooling fan 40, the first storage container (cold tank) 210, the second storage container (warm tank) 220, the back surface 201b of the apparatus main body 201, and the bottom surface 201c of the apparatus main body 201. By providing a blocking portion made of a material, a cushioning material, a silent material, etc., more reliably between the first opening 230a of the heat sink 10 and the cooling fan 40 and between the cooling fan 40 and the opening 204 of the apparatus main body 201. You may make it communicate.

  Furthermore, a cylindrical duct (not shown) that communicates the first opening 230 a of the heat sink 10 and the cooling fan 40 may be provided in the lower region 203 of the apparatus main body 201. At this time, the duct 50 may be made of metal or synthetic resin, or may be made of a material having excellent heat insulation.

  Furthermore, the lower region 203 of the apparatus main body 201 communicates the first series passage section that communicates the first opening 230 a of the heat sink 10 and the cooling fan 40, and the cooling fan 40 and the opening 204 of the apparatus main body 201. A duct member (not shown) having a second communication path portion and having a blocking portion made of a heat insulator or the like may be provided in a region other than these.

  As described above, the water server cooling structure 101 causes the cooling fan 40 to flow cooling air from the upper region 202 to the inside of each cavity 230 through the second opening 230b, along the fins 12. To the lower region 203 from the first opening 230a, and to the outside through the opening 204 on the back surface 201b from the lower region 203, thereby generating a heating element (cooling element 211) via the heat sink 10. Can be cooled.

  Further, since the hollow portion 230 is provided by being surrounded by the pair of fins 12 and 12 adjacent to the base portion 11 of the heat sink 10 and the second storage container (warm tank) 220, the flow from the second opening portion 230b. The passed cooling air flows along the fins 12 toward the first opening 230 a, and the cooling air contacts the entire fins 12. Therefore, the water server cooling structure 101 can efficiently cool the heating element (cooling element 211) via the heat sink 10. Furthermore, the water server cooling structure 101 can reduce the number of parts because the cover portion 20 of the water server cooling structure 1 is constituted by the components in the apparatus main body 201 of the water server 200.

  Further, the lower region 230 and the duct member (not shown) communicate the first opening 230a of the heat sink 10 and the cooling fan 40, so that the cooling air supplied from the upper region 202 to the lower region 203 by the cooling fan 40 is supplied. The air can be reliably discharged to the outside through the opening 204 of the back surface 201b through the cooling fan 40. Therefore, the water server cooling structure 101 can efficiently cool the heating element (cooling element 211) via the heat sink 10. Furthermore, the water server cooling structure 101 can reduce the number of parts because the duct (not shown) of the water server cooling structure 1 is composed of the components in the apparatus main body 201 of the water server 200.

  Furthermore, since the cooling fan 40 is disposed in the lower region 203 so as to be separated from the heat sink 10, the flow is not disturbed or biased as in the vicinity of the cooling fan 40, and is a laminar flow. The cooling air can be uniformly supplied into the interior of the cavity 30. Therefore, the water server cooling structure 101 can efficiently cool the heating element (cooling element 211) via the heat sink 10.

  The blocking member 240 is not limited to being formed of a heat insulator, and any material such as metal or synthetic resin can be used as long as it can block the upper region 202 and the lower region 203. May be provided.

  Further, the water server cooling structure 101 causes the cooling fan 40 to flow cooling air from the first opening 230a to the cavity 230 through a duct or duct member (not shown) and to flow along the fins 12. Thus, the heating element (cooling element 211) may be cooled via the heat sink 10 by discharging the second opening 230b to the outside of the cavity 230. Even in such a case, the cooling fan 40 is disposed away from the heat sink 10 via a duct or duct member (not shown), so that the cooling air supplied from the cooling fan 40 to the heat sink 10 is It is not turbulent or biased as in the vicinity of the cooling fan 40, is laminar, can supply cooling air uniformly to all of the cavities 230, and generates heat (cooling) via the heat sink 10. The element 211) can be efficiently cooled.

10 heat sink, 11 base, 40 cooling fan, 40a frame, 40b blade, 101 water server cooling structure, 200 water server, 201 device main body, 201a front surface, 201b back surface, 201c bottom surface, 202 upper region, 203 lower region, 204 Opening, 210 first storage container (cold tank), 211 cooling element (heating element), 212 first heat insulator, 220 second storage container (warm tank, cover), 221 heating element, 222 second heat insulator, 230 cavity part, 230a 1st opening part, 230b 2nd opening part, 240 interruption | blocking member, 240a communication part

Claims (6)

A heat sink attached to the heating element with fins;
A cover that covers the tip of the fin and provides a cavity having two openings between the fins;
A cooling fan for allowing a cooling fluid to flow through the cavity,
A merging space for communicating one opening of the cavity with the cooling fan;
A cooling structure for a water server, which is disposed between a hot tank and a cold tank.   2. The water server cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein the hollow portion is provided with a flow path restricting portion that controls a flow of the cooling fluid flowing through the hollow portion.   The water server cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein the cover is another component in the water server having the heating element.   4. The water server cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein the merging space portion is another component in the water server having the heating element. 5.   The water server cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is a cooling element.   6. The water server cooling structure according to claim 1, wherein the cover is a tank for storing liquid in the water server or an exterior material for covering the tank.