JPH11272341A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic equipment(EE), especially a portable electronic equipment, allowed to be compatibly applied to both of a heat radiation countermeasure in the EE and a thermal insulation countermeasure for devices which is required as a countermeasure at a low temperature by accumulating heat generated from loaded devices and utilizing the accumulated heat for temperature management in the EE itself. SOLUTION: A CPU 7 and a power supply unit 8 causing heat generation at the time of using them and a battery pack 2 of which function may be remarkably reduced at a low temperature are built in an EE body 13. A heat accumulation cell 1 for accumulating heat generated from heat generating devices such as the CPU 7 and insulating the battery pack 2 by the accumulated heat is also installed in the EE body 13. Since heat exhausted to the external in a conventional method can be recovered into the cell 1, the reduction of functions of devices which may be remarkably generated at a low temperature in the conventional method can be suppressed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic device having a heat radiating device, for example, a portable electronic device, and more particularly, to an electronic device that is designed to be used in a low-temperature environment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a notebook personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "notebook personal computer") consumes a large amount of current with an increase in the speed of a CPU, thereby increasing the amount of heat radiation from the CPU and a power supply IC. ing. Conventionally, as a heat dissipation measure of a semiconductor device (CPU, IC) that generates heat, a heat dissipation device is built in the device, and the heat generated in the semiconductor device is diffused into the device or radiated to the outside.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional example, heat is released to the outside of the machine as unnecessary, but depending on the semiconductor device or the like, it is weak to low temperatures.
Some require heat such as heat retention. In other words, when a device that needs to emit heat and a device that requires heat coexist in the same electronic device, conflicting measures are required. However, heretofore, no effective means has been found.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device capable of storing heat generated by a mounted device and utilizing the stored heat for temperature management in the electronic device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic apparatus which can achieve both a measure for radiating heat inside the apparatus and a measure for a device for which a measure for keeping heat at a low temperature is desirable.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus having a device which generates heat during use, wherein the device generates heat. An electronic apparatus includes: a heat storage device that stores heat as a heat source; and a temperature management unit that performs temperature management inside the device when the power is turned on or after the power is turned off using the heat stored in the heat storage device.

According to this configuration, heat generated by a heat source such as a CPU during use is stored in the heat storage device, and the stored heat is supplied to a device that requires heat inside the device. As a result, it is possible to restart in the same state as before the power was turned off.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a configuration in which a first device which is provided inside a machine and generates heat when used and a low temperature device which is provided inside or outside the machine are provided. A second device whose performance degrades significantly when
An electronic apparatus comprising: a heat storage unit that stores heat using the heat of the first device as a heat source and keeps the second device warm with the stored heat.

According to this configuration, the heat generated during operation of the first device is stored in the heat storage means, and the stored heat is kept at a low temperature for the second device which cannot exhibit its original performance. This alleviates the deterioration of the function of the second device due to the cold air after the power is turned off in a low-temperature environment. For example, the cooling of the first device by outside air after work is reduced, and the startability in the next morning is improved.

[0010] A specific configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application is characterized in that the second device is a battery for power supply or a liquid crystal display device. In electronic equipment.

[0011] According to this configuration, the battery whose voltage and capacity decrease significantly as the temperature decreases can be kept warm when the ambient temperature is low, and the battery can be used in a state that is not much different from that at normal temperature. , Can increase battery life. In addition, by keeping the temperature of the liquid crystal display device, the display capability of which decreases when the temperature is low, it is possible to display the display capability in a state comparable to that at the normal temperature.

[0012] A specific configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application is, as set forth in claim 4, a radiating means for releasing heat generated by the first device to the outside, and: Temperature detecting means for measuring a temperature, an inside temperature and an outside air temperature, respectively;
An electronic apparatus comprising: a control unit that selects whether to supply the heat of the device to the heat radiating unit or the heat storing unit, or that uses both.

According to this configuration, by referring to the results of the temperature measurement of each part, when the ambient temperature is high, it is not necessary to use the heat storage means, so that heat is radiated outside the apparatus, and when the ambient temperature is low, heat is not radiated outside the apparatus. To the heat storage means to store heat. When the ambient temperature is low and the temperature inside the machine is high, both the heat storage means and the heat radiation means are used. This makes it possible to operate the heat storage means while keeping the internal temperature of the apparatus at an appropriate level, and to prevent the functions of devices that are vulnerable to low temperatures from deteriorating.

A specific configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application is as follows.
An electronic device is provided with a heater for heating.

According to this configuration, even when sufficient heat storage cannot be performed by utilizing the heat generated by the first device, desired heat can be stored in the heat storage means by the heater.
Therefore, when heat retention is required, the heat storage means can be used to the maximum. Specifically, stable use is possible even when the use environment is an ultra-low temperature environment (for example, a freezer warehouse) or the like.

A specific configuration for realizing the object of the invention according to the present application is as described in claim 6, wherein the heat storage means comprises:
An electronic device is provided, which is provided inside the electronic device main body and divided into units detachable from the electronic device main body.

According to this configuration, the volume of the heat storage means may not be negligible for the electronic device. In such a case, a minimum necessary heat storage means is provided in the electronic device main body, and the shortage is secured by the heat storage means provided on the unit side. By supplying heat from the heat storage means on the unit side to the heat storage means on the main body side, the amount of heat required by the second device can be secured. With this configuration, it is possible to properly use the portable device for the electronic device and the countermeasure against the low temperature environment by the heat storage means according to the purpose.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention, particularly a portable electronic apparatus. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a heat storage tank for storing unnecessary heat in the device, 2 denotes a battery pack that cannot release energy of an original capacity at a low temperature, and 3 denotes a heat storage tank 1.
, A heat radiating device for radiating unnecessary heat in the device inside and outside the device, 5a to 5e heat passing through each part of the heat source and the heat radiating path, and 6 a unnecessary heat generated in the device. A heat conduction path changeover switch for distributing heat to the heat storage tank 1 or the heat radiating device 4, a CPU 7 as a heat source for generating heat during operation, a power supply unit 8 for supplying power to an electric circuit in the device, and a heat source 9 A heat source temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the CPU 7 as a reference, 10 is an AC 100 V line as an external power supply connected to the power supply unit 8 during AC driving, 11 is a device based on information from the heat source temperature sensor 7 and the heat source temperature sensor 9 and the like. A temperature control block for deciding on which path to process unnecessary heat generated in the apparatus, an internal temperature sensor 12 for measuring a temperature outside the apparatus and outputting the temperature to a temperature control block 11; 3 the electronic equipment main body which forms a laptop, 14 cold air for cooling taken into the electronic apparatus main body 13, 15 on the operation of the electronic device body 13 /
A power switch (power SW) 16 for turning off the temperature is a temperature sensor outside the device that measures the temperature outside the device and outputs it to the temperature control block 11.

The heat storage tank 1 has, for example, a structure in which a medium having a high heat storage property is sealed in a sealed container having a predetermined shape. The heat dissipating device 4 can use a motor fan, a heat dissipator in which a heat dissipating fin is provided on a metal material having excellent thermal conductivity such as an aluminum material to increase a heat dissipating area, or a combination of the heat dissipator and the motor fan. The battery pack 2 includes a dry battery (manganese battery or the like) or a rechargeable secondary battery (N
(i-Cd battery, lead battery, etc.), and can be replaced as needed.

Next, the operation of the electronic device of FIG. 1 will be described. The heat sources in the device are the power supply unit 8 and the CPU 7, and the heat (or hot air) 5a from the power supply unit 8 flows to the CPU 7, and the heat 5b combined with the heat of the CPU 7 is supplied to the heat conduction path changeover switch (heat conduction path switch). The heat is branched (or one of them) into heats 5c and 5d via a switching SW) 6. Heat 5c
Is led to the heat storage tank 1 and used for heat storage in the heat storage tank 1,
d is led to the heat dissipation device 4. Heat 5 guided to heat dissipation device 4
d is released as heat 5e to the outside of the device (outside the main body).

When the power switch 15 is turned on, the main power supply unit 8 starts supplying power to the CPU 7. C
When a current flows through the PU 7, heat generation of the CPU 7 starts. The CPU 7 generates the largest amount of heat in the main body, and the degree of the heat is periodically measured by the heat source temperature sensor 9, and the measurement result is taken into the temperature control block 11. The temperature control block 11 monitors the temperature inside the device with the temperature sensor 12 inside the device, and monitors the temperature outside the device with the temperature sensor 16 outside the device. The user always keeps track of how much heat is generated and how much the temperature rises in the electronic device body 13. Further, the temperature control block 11
It is determined whether the heat generated by the PU 7 or the like is stored in the heat storage tank 1 and reused, or the heat radiation device 4 releases the heat to the outside of the device.

The temperature control block 11 checks the temperature of the operating atmosphere by the external temperature sensor 16. When the temperature of the use atmosphere is low, the CPU 7 switches the heat conduction path changeover switch 6 so as to open a path to the heat storage tank 1 (for example, to open a duct), and stores heat in the heat storage tank 1. At this time, the temperature control block 11 uses the heat source
The temperature of U7 is checked and the temperature sensor 12 inside the device is checked.
The temperature in the device is checked, and if the heat radiation path of only the heat storage tank 1 is insufficient (that is, if the CPU 7 may be overheated), the internal discharge device 4 is operated to radiate heat in two paths. If the rise of the temperature of the CPU 7 or the temperature inside the apparatus stops while the heat is radiated through these two paths, the heat conduction switch 6 is switched so that the path of the heat radiator 4 stops (the heat radiating path is limited to the heat storage tank 1 only). Is performed), and heat is stored in the heat storage tank 1.

Since the above control is automatically performed by the temperature control block 11, the user (user) performs a normal operation without worrying about such internal switching, and then executes the electronic device. When the power switch 15 is turned off to end the operation of
The supply of power to U7 is cut off, and CPU 7 is gradually cooled naturally.

Immediately after the power is turned off, the temperature control block 11 shuts off the heat conduction path switch 6. This prevents the heat stored in the heat storage tank 1 from flowing back to the CPU 7 side. The heat stored in the heat storage tank 1 is used to maintain the temperature of devices that are weak to low temperatures, specifically, the battery pack 2 whose capacity is significantly degraded at low temperatures, and other devices whose characteristics or performance deteriorates at low temperatures. Use.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention.
In the present embodiment, when the electronic device is not used (that is, when the power is turned off), or when the heat storage in the heat storage tank 1 is exhausted, the heat source provided in the heat storage tank 1 is used. It is characterized by supplying low temperature and taking measures against low temperature environment by the heat. The other configuration is as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 denotes a heater (heat source) for heating the heat storage tank 1, and reference numeral 21 denotes a heater power supply serving as a power supply for the heater 20. Other components and connections
The description is omitted because it is the same as FIG.

Next, the operation of the configuration shown in FIG. 2 will be described. The temperature of the heat storage tank 1 is constantly monitored by the heat storage temperature sensor 3, and the result is taken in by the temperature control block 11. The temperature control block 11 repeats the operation of energizing the heater 21 when the temperature of the heat storage tank 1 is equal to or lower than the set temperature, and cutting off the energization when the temperature reaches the set temperature. By appropriately energizing / cutting off the heater 20, the heat storage body is always kept within a certain temperature range, and keeps the device (the battery pack 2 in this example) vulnerable to a low temperature environment.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention.
The present embodiment is characterized in that the heat storage device is divided into a sub heat storage tank on the electronic device main body 13 side and a main heat storage tank detachable from the electronic device main body 13. The configuration inside the other electronic device main body is almost the same as FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 30 denotes a main heat storage tank for storing heat on the electronic device side, 31 denotes a docking station incorporating the main heat storage tank 30, and 32 denotes a main heat storage tank.
A heat conductor provided on the docking station 31 side to efficiently transmit the heat of 0 to the electronic device body 13 side.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a sub heat storage tank on the side of the electronic device main body 13, reference numeral 34 denotes a heater for heating the main heat storage tank 30, reference numeral 34 is provided in the docking station 31 as an additional unit and supplies power to the heater 34. A power supply unit 36 is an AC for applying commercial power to the power supply unit 35.
It is a 100V line. The heat conductor 32 can be composed of, for example, a combination of a motor fan and a motor. The docking station 31 may be provided with a charging circuit for charging the battery pack 2.

Next, the operation of the configuration shown in FIG. 3 will be described. Before the electronic device main body 13 is operated, the docking station 31 is attached to the electronic device main body 13, and the docking station 31 is in use while the electronic device main body 13 is in use. The docking station 31 receives power supply from the power supply unit 35 and heats the main heat storage tank 30 with the heater 34. The heat 37 from the main heat storage tank 30 is sent as heat 38 to the battery pack 2 built in the electronic device main body 13 via the heat conductor 32, and keeps the temperature of the battery pack 2 and simultaneously stores heat in the sub heat storage tank 33.

On the other hand, the heat generated by the CPU 7 and the like is switched by the heat conduction path changeover switch 6 so that the path for guiding the heat 5c to the sub heat storage tank 33 is opened when the use atmosphere is low as described in FIG. Then, heat is stored in the sub heat storage tank 33. Further, when the heat radiation path of only the sub heat storage tank 33 is insufficient, a path is formed so as to guide the heat 5d to the in-device release device 4, and the heat is released by the two paths of the sub heat storage tank 33 and the in-device release device 4. Done. When the temperature of the CPU 7 or the internal temperature of the device stops increasing while the heat is radiated through the two paths, the heat conduction switch 6 is switched so that the path to the heat radiator 4 is closed.

As described above, since the heat is supplied from the docking station 31 to the electronic device body 13 at the time of its use, the heat is completely stored in the sub heat storage tank 33. Even if the docking station 31 is detached from the electronic device main body 13 in this state, the electronic device main body 13 does not generate heat while the electronic device main body 13 is operating and the heat applied to the sub-heat storage tank 33. Due to the heat generated, even in a low-temperature environment, devices that are weak to the low-temperature environment are kept warm,
The original ability can be demonstrated. Further, according to the third embodiment, the heat storage structure on the electronic device main body 13 side can be reduced in size, and the weight of the electronic device main body 13 itself can be reduced.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present invention.
The present embodiment is directed to a D-STN liquid crystal display device which is significantly affected by the surrounding environment as a device requiring heat retention, and is characterized in that a heat storage device is integrated with this liquid crystal display device. The display state of the liquid crystal display device is easily affected by the ambient temperature, and when the temperature is low, the display becomes dark, and there is an inconvenience that the contrast needs to be adjusted each time.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 40 denotes a D-STN type liquid crystal display device, and reference numeral 41 denotes a heat storage tank integrated with the liquid crystal display device 40. As in the first embodiment, the temperature control block 11 monitors the heat generated by the CPU 7 and the temperature of the use atmosphere, and stores the heat in the heat storage device 41 without releasing the heat from the heat radiation device 4 in a low temperature environment. By using the stored heat to warm the liquid crystal display device 40, it is possible to quickly reach the same display state as the normal state immediately after the display is started.

Further, even after the use of the electronic device main body 13 is started, the heat stored in the heat storage tank 41 is not changed by the liquid crystal display device 41.
Of the liquid crystal display device 4 at the time of reuse.
1 can reduce low-temperature damage.

In the above embodiment, a notebook personal computer is taken as an example of the electronic equipment. However, the present invention is not limited to a notebook personal computer. The present invention can be applied to all electronic devices having the same.

Further, it goes without saying that the heater 20 shown in FIG. 2 or the docking station 31 having the structure shown in FIG. 3 can be applied to the structure shown in FIG.

Further, in the above embodiment, the heat stored in the heat storage tank is kept at a specific device such as the battery pack 2 to keep the temperature. However, the heat can be used for controlling the temperature of the entire interior of the machine. For example, after the power is turned off, the area other than the heat source (or the heat source is included) is kept warm, and the heat conduction path switch 6 can be restarted from the same state as when the power is turned on or from the normal temperature state when reused. It is also possible to use the switching operation.

[Correspondence between the Invention and the Embodiment] In the above embodiment, the device that generates heat when the CPU 7 and the power supply unit 8 are used, the heat storage tank 1, the sub heat storage tank 33 and the main heat storage tank 30 are used as the heat storage device. The heat conduction path changeover switch 6 and the temperature control block 11 correspond to a temperature management unit.

The CPU 7 and the power supply unit 8 are the first
The battery pack 2 or the liquid crystal display device 40 corresponds to a second device, and the heat storage tank 1, the sub heat storage tank 33, and the main heat storage tank 30 correspond to heat storage means. In addition, the heat storage temperature sensor 3, the heat source temperature sensor 9, and the internal temperature sensor 1
2, and the external temperature sensor 16 corresponds to a temperature detecting means, and the heat radiating device 4 corresponds to a heat radiating means. Further, the heat conduction path switch 6 and the temperature control block 11 correspond to control means.

[0042]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, heat is stored in the heat storage device using the heat generated by the device as a heat source, and when the power is turned on using the heat stored in the heat storage device. Alternatively, since the temperature is controlled by the temperature management means for controlling the temperature inside the device after the power is turned off, the electronic device can be restarted in the same state as before the power was turned off.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, heat is stored by using the heat of the first device which is provided in the machine and generates heat during use, and is provided inside or outside the machine using the stored heat and has a low temperature. The heat storage means for keeping the temperature of the second device, which is significantly deteriorated during operation, provided, reduces the deterioration of the function of the second device due to the cold air after the power is turned off in a low-temperature environment, and enhances the startability at the start of reuse. Can be.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the object of use of the heat stored by the heat storage means is a battery for a power supply or a liquid crystal display device, it is possible to prevent the battery capacity from decreasing at a low temperature and extend the battery life. Will be possible. Also,
With a liquid crystal display device, it is possible to prevent a decrease in display capability at low temperatures,
The display capability can be displayed in a state comparable to that at normal temperature.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, with reference to the result of temperature measurement of each part, it is determined whether the heat of the first device is supplied to the heat radiating means or the heat storing means in accordance with the result. Since it is selected or used for both purposes, it becomes possible to operate the heat storage means while keeping the temperature inside the apparatus appropriate, and it is possible to prevent the function of a device weak at low temperatures from deteriorating.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the heat storage means is provided with a heater for heating, the heat storage means can be utilized to the maximum when the heat retention is required.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the heat storage means comprises:
Since the electronic device main body and the electronic device main body are divided and provided separately, the portability of the electronic device and the low-temperature environment countermeasures by the heat storage means can be properly used according to the purpose.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the electronic device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 41 Thermal storage tank 2 Battery pack 3 Thermal storage temperature sensor 4 Heat dissipation device 6 Heat conduction path changeover switch 7 CPU 8, 34 Power supply unit 9 Heat source temperature sensor 11 Temperature control block 12 In-device temperature sensor 13 Electronic device main body 16 External device temperature sensor 20, 34 Heater 22 Sub power supply unit 30 Main heat storage tank 31 Docking station 32 Heat conductor 33 Sub heat storage tank 40 Liquid crystal display

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An electronic apparatus equipped with a device that generates heat during use, a heat storage device that stores heat using heat generated by the device as a heat source, and power-on or power-off using heat stored in the heat storage device. An electronic device, comprising: a temperature management unit that manages the temperature inside the machine later. 2. A first device provided inside the machine and generating heat during use, a second device provided inside or outside the machine and having a remarkable performance degradation at a low temperature, and a heat generated by the first device. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a heat source that stores heat, and a heat storage unit that keeps the second device warm with the stored heat. 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second device is a battery for a power supply or a liquid crystal display device. 4. A heat radiating means for emitting heat of the first device to the outside, a temperature detecting means for measuring a temperature of the first device, an inside temperature and an outside air temperature, and a measured temperature of the temperature sensor. 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising control means for selecting whether to supply the heat of the first device to the heat radiating means or supplying the heat to the heat accumulating means, or controlling the heat of the first device. 5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said heat storage means includes a heater for heating. 6. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the heat storage means is provided inside the electronic device main body and divided into units detachable from the electronic device main body.