U.S. patent application number 12/865891 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for heat exchanging device, and device adapted for housing heat generating element and using the heat exchanging device.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Naoyuki Funada, Mutsuhiko Matsumoto, Yuuji Nakano, Hiroshi Shibata, Keisuke Tsuji.
Application Number | 20100326635 12/865891 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40956808 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20100326635/US20100326635A1-20101230-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20100326635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsuji; Keisuke ; et
al. |
December 30, 2010 |
HEAT EXCHANGING DEVICE, AND DEVICE ADAPTED FOR HOUSING HEAT
GENERATING ELEMENT AND USING THE HEAT EXCHANGING DEVICE
Abstract
A heat-exchanging device employed in a heat generator casing
with a small installation area. The heat-exchanging device includes
a heat exchanger, a first air blower, and a second air blower in a
first case. The first case includes a first inlet, a first outlet,
a second inlet, and a second outlet. The first outlet is disposed
in a direction different from a direction facing the first inlet.
The second outlet is disposed in a direction different from a
direction facing the second inlet. A first path where a first fluid
flows and a second path where a second fluid flows cross in the
heat exchanger. Heat is exchanged between the first fluid and the
second fluid. The first air blower establishes a first passage
where the first fluid flows from the first inlet to the first
outlet via the first path. The second air blower establishes a
second passage where the second fluid flows from the second inlet
to the second outlet via the second path.
Inventors: |
Tsuji; Keisuke; (Aichi,
JP) ; Matsumoto; Mutsuhiko; (Kanagawa, JP) ;
Funada; Naoyuki; (Aichi, JP) ; Nakano; Yuuji;
(Aichi, JP) ; Shibata; Hiroshi; (Aichi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANASONIC PATENT CENTER
1130 CONNECTICUT AVENUE NW, SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC CORPORATION
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
40956808 |
Appl. No.: |
12/865891 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
February 5, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/000437 |
371 Date: |
August 3, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/206 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/104.31 |
International
Class: |
F28D 15/00 20060101
F28D015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 12, 2008 |
JP |
2008-030262 |
Feb 12, 2008 |
JP |
2008-030263 |
Mar 31, 2008 |
JP |
2008-091135 |
Claims
1. A heat-exchanging device comprising: a first case including a
first inlet for drawing in a first fluid, a first outlet for
blowing out the first fluid in a direction different from a
direction of drawing in the first fluid through the first inlet, a
second inlet for drawing in a second fluid, and a second outlet for
blowing out the second fluid in a direction different from a
direction of drawing in the second fluid through the second inlet;
a first air blower housed in the first case, the first air blower
forming a first passage where the first fluid flows from the first
inlet to the first outlet via a first path; a second air blower
housed in the first case, the second air blower forming a second
passage where the second fluid flows from the second inlet to the
second outlet via a second path; and a heat exchanger housed in the
first case, the heat exchanger including the first path and the
second path, and exchanging heat between the first fluid and the
second fluid.
2. The heat-exchanging device of claim 1, wherein the first case
further comprising: a third inlet at a position facing the second
inlet; and a third outlet at a position facing the second outlet;
wherein the second air blower is a centrifugal air blower that
changes a flow of the second fluid coming via the second path to a
direction perpendicular to the flow.
3. The heat-exchanging device of claim 2, wherein the first case
further comprising: a first cover for covering one of the second
inlet and the third inlet; and a second cover for covering one of
the second outlet and the third outlet; wherein the first cover and
the second cover form the second passage.
4. A heat generator casing comprising: a housing including a first
wall having a first opening for drawing in a first fluid, and a
second wall having a second opening for blowing out the first
fluid; a first heat-exchanging device housed in the housing, the
first heat-exchanging device comprising; a first case including a
first inlet for drawing in the first fluid that is drawn in from
the first opening; a first outlet for blowing out the first fluid
to the second opening, the first outlet being provided in a
direction different from a direction that the first inlet draws in
the first fluid; a second inlet for drawing in a second fluid; and
a second outlet for blowing out the second fluid in a direction
different from a direction that the second inlet draws in the
second fluid; a first air blower housed in the first case, the
first air blower forming a first passage where the first fluid
flows from the first inlet to the first outlet via a first path; a
second air blower housed in the first case, the second air blower
forming a second passage where the second fluid flows from the
second inlet to the second outlet via a second path; and a first
heat exchanger housed in the first case, the first heat exchanger
including the first air path and the second path, and exchanging
heat between the first fluid and the second fluid; a second case;
and a heat generator housed in the second case.
5. The heat generator casing of claim 4, wherein the housing
further comprising a third wall having a third opening for drawing
in the first fluid; and the heat generator casing further
comprising a second heat-exchanging device housed in the housing,
the second heat-exchanging device comprising: a third case
including a third inlet for drawing in the first fluid that is
drawn in from the third opening; a third outlet for blowing out the
first fluid to the second opening, the third outlet being provided
in a direction different from a direction that the third inlet
draws in the first fluid; a fourth inlet for drawing in the second
fluid; and a fourth outlet for blowing out the second fluid in a
direction different from a direction that the fourth inlet draws in
the second fluid; a third air blower housed in the third case, the
third air blower forming a third passage where the first fluid
flows from the third inlet to the third outlet via a third path; a
fourth air blower housed in the third case, the fourth air blower
forming a fourth passage where the second fluid flows from the
fourth inlet to the fourth outlet via a fourth path; and a second
heat exchanger housed in the third case, the second heat exchanger
including the third path and the fourth path, and exchanging heat
between the first fluid and the second fluid.
6. The heat generator casing of claim 5, wherein the first air
blower, the second air blower, the third air blower, and the fourth
air blower are centrifugal air blowers.
7. The heat generator casing of claim 5, wherein the first case
further comprising: a fifth inlet at a position facing the second
inlet; a fifth outlet at a position facing the second outlet; a
first cover covering one of the second inlet and the fifth inlet;
and a second cover covering one of the second outlet and the fifth
outlet; wherein the second air blower is a centrifugal air blower
that changes a flow of the second fluid coming via the second path
to a direction perpendicular to the flow; and the first cover and
the second cover form the second passage.
8. The heat generator casing of claim 5, wherein the third case
further comprising: a sixth inlet at a position facing the fourth
inlet; a sixth outlet at a position facing the fourth outlet; a
third cover covering one of the fourth inlet and the sixth inlet;
and a fourth cover covering one of the fourth outlet and the sixth
outlet; wherein the fourth air blower is a centrifugal air blower
that changes a flow of the second fluid coming via the fourth path
to a direction perpendicular to the flow; and the third cover and
the fourth cover form the fourth passage.
9. The heat generator casing of claim 4, wherein the housing
further comprising: a fourth wall having a fourth opening on an
inner side of the first wall, the fourth opening being created at a
position different from a position facing the first opening and at
a position facing the first inlet; and a fifth wall having a fifth
opening on an inner side of the second wall, the fifth opening
being created at a position different from a position facing the
second opening and at a position facing the first outlet.
10. The heat generator casing of claim 5, wherein the housing
further comprising: a fourth wall having a fourth opening on an
inner side of the first wall, the fourth opening being created at a
position different from a position facing the first opening and at
a position facing the first inlet; a fifth wall having a fifth
opening on an inner side of the second wall, the fifth opening
being created at a position different from a position facing the
second opening and at a position facing the first outlet; and a
sixth wall having a sixth opening on an inner side of the third
wall, the sixth opening being created at a position different from
a position facing the third opening and at a position facing the
third outlet.
11. The heat generator casing of claim 4, further comprising a duct
including a duct inlet and a duct outlet, the duct being provided
in the housing; wherein the duct inlet is disposed at a position
facing the second outlet, and the duct outlet is disposed at a
position lower than the duct inlet.
12. The heat generator casing of claim 11, wherein the duct
comprises a plurality of duct outlets including the duct outlet,
the plurality of duct outlets being disposed at different
heights.
13. The heat generator casing of claim 11, wherein the housing
further comprising a door for opening and closing the housing, the
duct being disposed on the door.
14. The heat generator casing of claim 4, wherein the first case
further comprising a first guide on a bottom face of the first
case, the first guide protruding downward; and the second case
comprising: a second guide on a top face of the second case, the
second guide protruding upward; a seventh outlet for blowing out
the second fluid; and a first guide fitting portion provided
between the second guide and the seventh outlet, the first guide
being fitted into the first guide fitting portion.
15. The heat generator casing of claim 14, wherein the first guide
has a corner facing the second guide and the top face of the second
case, the corner being slanted.
16. The heat generator casing of claim 14, wherein the second guide
has a corner facing the first guide and the bottom face of the
first case, the corner being slanted.
17. The heat generator casing of claim 14, wherein the second case
further comprising: a fitting portion around the seventh outlet,
the fitting portion protruding toward the first case; and a packing
provided around the fitting portion.
18. The heat generator casing of claim 17, wherein the first case
further comprising an auxiliary portion at the second inlet, the
auxiliary portion protruding toward inside the first case.
19. The heat generator casing of claim 14, wherein the first guide
of the first case moves on the second guide of the second case in a
predetermined direction; the first case further includes a first
attachment portion protruding along a direction perpendicular to
the predetermined direction; the second case further includes a
second attachment portion on an outer surface of the second case,
the second attachment portion fixing the first attachment portion;
and the housing further includes a third attachment portion on an
inner surface of the housing, the third attachment portion fixing
the first attachment portion.
20. The heat generator casing of claim 19, wherein the guide is
fitted into the first guide fitting portion by moving the first
guide on the second guide.
21. The heat generator casing of claim 19, wherein the bottom face
of the first case is tilted downward from the second outlet to the
second inlet.
22. The heat generator casing of claim 19, wherein the second
attachment portion protrudes from an end of the outer surface of
the second case in a direction opposite to the seventh outlet.
23. The heat generator casing of claim 5, further comprising a duct
including a duct inlet and a duct outlet, the duct being provided
in the housing; wherein the duct inlet is disposed at a position
facing the second outlet, and the duct outlet is disposed at a
position lower than the duct inlet.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to heat-exchanging devices and
heat generator casings using the heat-exchanging device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] If a current of several tens of amperes travels through an
electric device, such as a receiver and transmitter used in a base
station of mobile phones, the electric device generates heat by
electricity. Therefore, electric devices are sometimes called heat
generators. To reliably use this kind of electric device (hereafter
referred to as "heat generator"), cooling of the heat generator
becomes extremely important. Conventionally, a base station
(hereafter referred to as "heat generator casing") for mobile
phones that contain the heat generator is configured as
follows.
[0003] A conventional heat-exchanging device is described below
with reference to drawings.
[0004] As shown in FIG. 22, a heat-exchanging device is housed in
the heat generator casing. More specifically, heat generator casing
100 includes heat-exchanging device 102 and heat generator 103
inside housing 101. Internal air fan 105 and external air fan 106
are provided in case 104 of heat-exchanging device 102.
[0005] Heat generated by heat generator 103 is transferred to
heat-exchanging device 102 via internal airflow 107, which is
generated by internal air fan 105, in the housing. In other words,
internal air near heat generator 103 is drawn into internal air
inlet 108 by operating internal air fan 105. The heat of internal
air drawn in is released to external air, which is described later,
while the internal air passes through heat exchanger 109. The
internal air after releasing heat is blown out to heat generator
103 through internal air outlet 110.
[0006] If external air fan 106 is operated, a flow of external air
drawn 112 in from outside the housing is established. In other
words, the external air passing through external air inlet 111
absorbs heat from aforementioned internal air while the external
air passes through heat exchanger 109. External air absorbing heat
is blown outside the housing through external air outlet 113.
[0007] As illustrated in the drawing, internal air fan 105 and
external air 106 are disposed at positions facing each other
relative to heat exchanger 109 installed on a wall of housing 101.
This structure slims heat generator casing 100, and reduces the
space needed for installing heat generator casing 100.
[0008] However, further downsizing of the area for installing heat
generator casing 100 is demanded.
[0009] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication
No. 2000-161875
[0010] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication
No. 2001-99531
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A heat-exchanging device of the present invention includes a
first air blower and a second air blower inside a first case.
[0012] The first case includes a first inlet, first outlet, second
inlet, and second outlet. The first inlet draws in a first fluid.
The first outlet is provided in a direction different from that
facing the first inlet. The first outlet blows out the first fluid.
The second inlet draws in a second fluid. The second outlet is
provided in a direction different from that facing the second
inlet. The second outlet blows out the second fluid. The first air
blower makes the first fluid flow from the first inlet to the first
outlet via a first path. This forms a first passage. The second air
blower makes the second fluid flow from the second inlet to the
second outlet via a second path. This forms a second passage. The
first passage where the first fluid flows and the second passage
where the second fluid flows exchange heat between the first fluid
and the second fluid inside the heat exchanger.
[0013] If this heat-exchanging device is used in a heat generator
casing, two flows are formed: The first fluid passing inside and
outside of the heat generator casing, and the second fluid
circulating in the heat generator casing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat-exchanging device in
accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a heat exchanger in accordance
with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heat-exchanging device
in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the heat-exchanging device
in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat-exchanging device
in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heat generator casing in
accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an internal layout of the heat generator casing in
accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an internal layout of the heat generator casing in
accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a heat generator casing in
accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 is an internal layout of the heat generator casing
in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 is an internal layout of the heat generator casing
in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 is an internal layout of the heat generator casing
in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the heat generator casing
in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view of a key part of a heat
generator casing in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a vertical sectional view of a key part of the
heat generator casing in accordance with the fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a magnified view of a key part of the heat
generator casing in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a magnified view of a key part of the heat
generator casing in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 18A is a magnified view of a key part of the heat
generator casing in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 18B is a magnified view of a key part of the heat
generator casing in accordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a vertical sectional view of a key part of the
heat generator casing in accordance with the fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a vertical sectional view of a key part of the
heat generator casing in accordance with the fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a vertical sectional view of a key part of the
heat generator casing in accordance with the fourth exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional heat
generator casing.
REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS
[0037] 1, 1a Heat-exchanging device [0038] 2, 2a Case (first case)
[0039] 2b Case (third case) [0040] 3, 42 Heat exchanger [0041] 4,
38a Fan (first air blower) [0042] 5, 44a Fan (second air blower)
[0043] 6, 39a Inlet (first inlet) [0044] 7, 40a Outlet (first
outlet) [0045] 8, 48, 48a Inlet (second inlet) [0046] 9, 46, 46a
Outlet (second outlet) [0047] 12, 12a Path (first path) [0048] 12b
Path (second path) [0049] 15, 41a, 58a Passage (first passage)
[0050] 16, 45a, 59a Passage (second passage) [0051] 18 Inlet (third
inlet) [0052] 19 Outlet (third outlet) [0053] 20 Cover (first
cover) [0054] 21 Cover (second cover) [0055] 30, 50 Heat generator
casing [0056] 31, 51 Housing [0057] 32 Case (second case) [0058] 33
Heat-exchanging device [0059] 33a Heat-exchanging device (first
heat-exchanging device) [0060] 33b Heat-exchanging device (second
heat-exchanging device) [0061] 34, 34a Side face (first side face)
[0062] 34b Side face (third wall) [0063] 35 Rear face (second wall)
[0064] 36, 36a Opening (first opening) [0065] 36b Opening (third
wall) [0066] 37 Opening (second opening) [0067] 38b Fan (third air
blower) [0068] 39b Inlet (third inlet) [0069] 49b Outlet (third
outlet) [0070] 41b, 58b Passage (third passage) [0071] 42a Heat
exchanger (first heat exchanger) [0072] 42b Heat exchanger (second
heat exchanger) [0073] 44 Fan [0074] 44b Fan (fourth air blower)
[0075] 45, 45d, 45e, 59 Passage [0076] 45b, 59b Passage (fourth
passage) [0077] 46b Outlet (fourth outlet) [0078] 47, 60, 60a, 60b,
60c Duct [0079] 48b Inlet (fourth inlet) [0080] 52, 52a Inner side
face (fourth wall) [0081] 52b Inner side face (sixth wall) [0082]
53 Inner rear face (fifth wall) [0083] 54, 54a Opening (fourth
opening) [0084] 54b Opening (sixth opening) [0085] 55 Opening
(fifth opening) [0086] 61 Inlet (duct inlet) [0087] 62, 62a, 62b,
62c Outlet (duct outlet) [0088] 64 Door [0089] 70 Outlet (seventh
outlet) [0090] 71 Guide (first guide) [0091] 72 Guide (second
guide) [0092] 73 Case bottom (bottom face of the first case) [0093]
74 Case top (top face of the second case) [0094] 75 Protrusion
(second attachment portion) [0095] 76 Guide fitting portion (first
guide fitting portion) [0096] 77 Fitting portion [0097] 78 Packing
[0098] 79 Auxiliary portion [0099] 80, 81 Slant [0100] 90
Attachment portion (first attachment portion) [0101] 91 Attachment
portion (third attachment portion) [0102] 92 Attachment portion
(second attachment portion) [0103] 103 Heat generator
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0104] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described
below with reference to drawings. However, the exemplary
embodiments herein are illustrative, and thus the present invention
is not limited to these exemplary embodiments.
First Exemplary Embodiment
[0105] A heat-exchanging device in the first exemplary embodiment
of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS.
1 to 5. Heat-exchanging device 1 includes heat exchanger 3, fan 4
that is the first air blower, and fan 5 that is the second air
blower in case 2 that is the first case.
[0106] Case 2 includes inlet 6 that is the first inlet for drawing
in external air as the first fluid, and outlet 7 that is the first
outlet for blowing out external air that has passed through heat
exchanger 3. Case 2 also includes inlet 8 that is the second inlet
drawing in internal air as the second fluid, and outlet 9 that is
the second outlet for blowing out internal air that has passed
through heat exchanger 3. In the first exemplary embodiment, inlet
6 and outlet 7 for external air are provided on
horizontally-adjacent side faces of case 2. Inlet 8 and outlet 9
for internal air are provided on a bottom face of case 2.
[0107] Heat exchanger 3 is described with reference to FIG. 2.
Multiple ribs 11 are provided on the surface of heat exchanger
plate 10. Path 12 is formed between these ribs 11. Blocking plate
13 is provided on the surface ends of heat exchanger plate 10 in
the same direction as that of ribs 11. Multiple heat exchanger
plates 10 as configured above are stacked in a 90-degree shifted
manner alternately. As a result, the external air flows along path
12a that is the first path formed on heat exchanger plate 10a. The
internal air flows along path 12b that is the second path formed on
heat exchanger plate 10b. Blocking plates 13a provided on the ends
of heat exchanger plate 10a prevent the internal air from flowing
into path 12a on heat exchanger plate 10a. In the same way,
blocking plates 13b provided on the ends of heat exchanger plate
10b prevent the external air from flowing into path 12b on heat
exchanger plate 10b. With this structure, paths 12a and 12b are
configured in directions crossing each other. External air and
internal air flow along these paths 12a and 12b, respectively. As a
result, the external air and the internal air exchange heat via
heat exchanger plate 10a.
[0108] Heat exchanger plate 10 is made of a thermoplastic resin
film, such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Other
than these materials, heat exchanger plate 10 may be typically made
of a metal plate, such as aluminum, paper with heat conductivity
and moisture permeability, a microporous resin film, or paper in
which resin is mixed.
[0109] Heat exchanger plate 10 is typically formed by vacuum
forming, pressured forming, extreme-pressure forming, or press
forming.
[0110] A centrifugal air blower is used for fan 4 and fan 5. In the
first exemplary embodiment, fan 4 is provided between heat
exchanger 3 and outlet 7. Fan 5 is provided between heat exchanger
3 and outlet 9. With this structure, fan 4 makes the external air
passing through paths 12a in heat exchanger 3 flow in a direction
perpendicular to path 12a. Accordingly, the external air drawn in
from inlet 6 for external air passes along paths 12a, and flows to
outlet 7. This flow of external air is passage 15 that is the first
passage.
[0111] In the same way, fan 5 makes the internal air passing
through paths 12b in heat exchanger 3 flow in a direction
perpendicular to paths 12b. Accordingly, the internal air drawn in
from inlet 8 for internal air passes through path 12b, and flows to
outlet 9. This flow of internal air is passage 16 that is the
second passage.
[0112] More specifically, in heat exchanging device 1 in the first
exemplary embodiment, fan 4 is provided between heat exchanger 3
and outlet 7, and fan 5 is provided between heat exchanger 3 and
outlet 9. This structure makes directions of paths 12a and 12b in
heat exchanger 3 the same directions as those of rotating axes of
fans 4 and 5 respectively. By reducing the number of bends in heat
exchanging device 1, a pressure loss due to bends in passages 15
and 16 can be suppressed. As a result, an installation area of heat
exchanging device 1 can be reduced. In addition, since fans 4 and 5
act to draw out the external air and internal air passing through
paths 12a and 12b, reduction in a flow rate of external air and
internal air in passages 15 and 16 is suppressed. Furthermore,
inlets 6 and 8 and outlets 7 and 9 are provided at predetermined
positions. Accordingly, passage 15 is formed horizontally, and
passage 16 is formed vertically. As a result, heat exchanging
device 1 builds a three-dimensional passage in horizontal and
vertical directions.
[0113] Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, inlet 18 for internal air
that is the third inlet, and outlet 19 that is the third outlet are
provided on heat exchanging device 1a. Inlet 18 is disposed at a
position facing inlet 8. Outlet 19 is disposed at a position facing
outlet 9. Covers 20 and 21 that are the first cover and the second
cover are provided on inlets 8 and 18 and outlets 9 and 19
respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, covers 20 and 21 are provided on
unused inlet 18 and unused outlet 19 respectively so as to form
predetermined passage 16. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, to
form predetermined passage 16, covers 20 and 21 are provided on
unused inlet 8 and unused outlet 9 respectively. This structure
establishes passage 16 of upward- or downward-stream relative to
heat exchanging device 1a. In other words, directions of passages
15 and 16 can be changed with a single configuration of
heat-exchanging device 1a.
[0114] Covers 20 and 21 are made of airtight elastic body formed of
closed cell foam, such as ethylene propylene diene rubber foam
(hereafter referred to as EPDM rubber foam), or the same material
as steel plate configuring case 2. Air-tightness of inlets 8 and 18
or outlets 9 and 19 improve if they are covered with elastic body
such as EPDM rubber foam.
[0115] With the above structure, heat-exchanging device 1a offers
two installation directions by the single configuration.
Heat-exchanging device 1a is disposed at symmetric positions in a
heat generator casing. More specifically, heat-exchanging device 1a
enables installation of symmetrical heat-exchanging devices at an
upper part of the housing. The second fluid in the housing flows to
the second passage, and exchanges the heat with the first fluid
passing through the first passage. In this way, inside the housing
is cooled down. As a result, an installation area of the heat
generator casing can be reduced.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
[0116] A heat generator casing using heat-exchanging device 1,
which is described in the first exemplary embodiment, is described
with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.
[0117] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the heat generator casing
seen from the rear oblique direction. FIG. 7 is an internal layout
of the heat generator casing seen from the top. FIG. 8 is an
internal layout of the heat generator casing seen from the
side.
[0118] Heat generator casing 30 includes case 32 that is the second
case inside housing 31. Heat-exchanging device 33a that is the
first heat-exchanging device, and heat-exchanging device 33b that
is the second heat-exchanging device are disposed on case 32.
Heat-exchanging device 33a uses first case 2a. Heat-exchanging
device 33b uses third case 2b.
[0119] Housing 31 includes side face 34a that is the first wall,
side face 34b that is the third wall, and rear face 35 that is the
second wall. Opening 36a that is the first opening and opening 36b
that is the third opening for drawing in external air are provided
on side faces 34a and 34b. Opening 37 that is the second opening
for blowing out the external air passing through heat-exchanging
devices 33a and 33b, which is described later, is provided on rear
face 35.
[0120] Heat generator 103, such as a receiver or transmitter of
mobile phone, is housed in case 32.
[0121] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, fan 38a that is the first air
blower and fan 38b that is the third air blower for blowing out
external air are provided in heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b on
case 32 such that fan 38a and fan 38b face each other. Inlet 39a
that is the first inlet of heat-exchanging device 33a and inlet 39b
that is the third inlet of heat-exchanging device 33b are provided
in a direction facing openings 36a and 36b, respectively. Outlet
40a that is the first outlet of heat-exchanging device 33a and
outlet 40b that is the third outlet of heat-exchanging device 33b
are provided in a direction facing opening 37. By disposing
heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b this way, passage 41a indicated
by an arrow in the drawing is established as the first passage. As
the third passage, passage 41b indicated by an arrow in the drawing
is established. In other words, external air drawn in from openings
36 and 36b created in both side faces 34a and 34b of housing 31
flows to heat exchanger 42a that is the first heat exchanger and
heat exchanger 42b that is the second heat exchanger. This external
air passes through paths provided inside heat exchangers 42a and
42b in a rotating axis direction of fans 38a and 38b. Meanwhile,
the external air exchanges heat with internal air, which is
described later. The external air reaching fans 38a and 38b changes
its direction for almost 90 degrees by fans 38a and 38b, and is
blown out of housing 31 from opening 37 via outlets 40a and 40b. In
this way, passages 41a and 41b are established as horizontal air
passages.
[0122] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, fan 44 (hereafter
equivalent to fan 44a that is the second air blower and fan 44b
that is the fourth air blower) is provided in housing 31 at the
side of front face 43 in heat-exchanging device 33 (hereafter
equivalent to heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b). This fan 44
establishes passage 45 that is the second or fourth passage
(hereafter equivalent to passage 45a that is the second passage and
passage 45b that is the fourth passage) vertically circulating in
housing 31 or passage 45b that is the fourth passage.
[0123] The internal air exchanges heat with external air while the
internal air passes through paths provided in heat exchanger 42
(hereafter equivalent to heat exchangers 42a and 42b). Fan 44
changes the flow direction of the internal air passing through heat
exchanger 42 to a vertically downward direction. The internal air
blown out from outlet 46 that is the second outlet (hereafter
equivalent to second outlet 46a and fourth outlet 46b) via duct 47
to a lower part of housing 31 is led into case 32 that is the
second case where heat generator 103 is housed. When the internal
air passes inside case 32, the internal air takes away heat
generated by heat generator 103. The internal air absorbing the
heat is drawn into heat-exchanging device 33 from case 32 via inlet
48 that is the second inlet (hereafter equivalent to second inlet
48a and fourth inlet 48b).
[0124] As described above, heat generator casing 30 in the second
exemplary embodiment has a structure described below.
Heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b establish passages 41a, 41b,
45a, and 45b in two directions, i.e. horizontal and vertical
directions. These heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b are disposed
on case 32 housing the heat generator.
[0125] In heat generator casing 30 as configured above, heat
generated by heat generator 103, such as a transmitter or receiver,
increases the temperature of air inside case 32. This warmed air is
drawn into heat-exchanging device 33 through inlet 48 by fan 44. On
the other hand, fans 38a and 38b draw in external air, which is
cold air outside housing 31, to heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b
through openings 36a and 36b and inlets 39a and 39b. Heat
exchangers 42a and 42b installed in heat-exchanging devices 33a and
33b are configured by stacking up heat exchanger plates on which
paths for passing air are provided. These heat exchangers 42a and
42b lead in air with temperature difference from two directions, so
as to exchange heat between these streams of air. After exchanging
the heat by drawing in the internal air and external air to these
heat exchangers 42a and 42b, cooled internal air is blown out from
outlet 46 into case 32 via duct 47. On the other hand, the external
air warmed by heat exchange is blown out from outlets 40a and 40b
to outside heat generator casing 30 via opening 37.
[0126] As described above, heat-exchanging device 33 in the first
exemplary embodiment can reduce the installation area. Since the
installation area is small, this heat-exchanging device 33 enables
placement of two fans 39a and 38b facing each other on case 32. If
centrifugal air blowers are used for fans 38a and 38b, external air
is drawn in at a high flow rate from the entire paths of heat
exchangers 42a and 42b configuring passages 41a and 41b to fans 38a
and 38b. If the external air is drawn in at a high flow rate by
fans 38a and 38b, the heat exchange efficiency of heat-exchanging
devices 33a and 33b improves. In the same way, if two fans 44a and
44b are used, the internal air vertically circulating in housing 31
also flows fast. The fast flow of the internal air enables removal
of more heat generated from the heat generator. Cooling performance
of the heat generator thus improves.
[0127] As a result, heat generator casing 30 in the second
exemplary embodiment can reduce its installation area.
[0128] FIG. 8 is an internal layout seen from side face 34a that is
the first wall. Components related to first heat-exchanging device
33a illustrated in the drawing correspond to components of second
heat-exchanging device 33b seen from side face 34b that is the
third wall.
Third Exemplary Embodiment
[0129] A heat generator casing in the third exemplary embodiment of
the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13.
Components that have the same functions as those already described
are given the same reference marks. Aforementioned description
applies to components given the same reference marks.
[0130] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the heat generator casing
seen from the rear oblique direction. FIG. 10 is an internal layout
of the heat generator casing seen from the top. FIGS. 11 and 12 are
internal layouts of the heat generator casing seen from the side.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the heat generator casing seen
from the front oblique direction.
[0131] In heat generator casing 50, inner side face 52a that is the
fourth side wall, inner side face 52b that is the six side wall,
and inner rear face 53 that is the fifth wall are provided inside
housing 51 configured with side face 34a that is the first wall,
side face 34b that is the third wall, and rear face 35 that is the
second wall. As shown in the drawings, opening 36a that is the
first opening and opening 36b that is the third opening for drawing
in external air are created near the center of side faces 34a and
34b. On inner side face 52a, opening 54a that is the fourth opening
is provided at a position facing inlet 39a that is the first inlet
of heat-exchanging device 33a. On inner side face 52b, opening 54b
that is the sixth opening is created at a position facing inlet 39a
that is the third inlet of heat-exchanging device 33b. Opening 36
and opening 54a, and opening 36b and opening 54b are created such
that their open areas do not overlap.
[0132] Similarly, opening 37 that is the second opening for blowing
out external air is provided near the center of rear face 35. On
inner rear face 53, opening 55 that is the fifth opening is created
at a position facing outlet 40a that is the first outlet of
heat-exchanging device 33a and outlet 40b that is the third outlet
of heat-exchanging device 33b. Opening 37 and opening 55 are
created such that their open areas do not overlap.
[0133] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, side face 34a and inner side
face 52a form path 56a, and side face 34b and inner side face 52b
form path 56b. Rear face 35 and inner rear face 53 form path
57.
[0134] In the above structure, passage 58a that is the first
passage and passage 58b that is the third passage are established
through the following routes by driving fans 38a and 38b. External
air drawn in from openings 36a and 36b passes through paths 56a and
56b, and is led to openings 54a and 54b. The external air further
passes through openings 54a and 54b and inlets 39a and 39b, and is
drawn into heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b. After the external
air exchanges its heat with internal air in heat exchangers 42a and
42b in heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b, fans 38a and 38b change
a flow direction, and the external air is led to outlets 40a and
40b. The external air further passes through opening 55 and path
57, and is blown out through opening 37 to outside housing 51.
[0135] This heat generator casing 50 achieves the following effect.
Passages 58a and 58b are bent only once in heat-exchanging devices
33a and 33b in the third exemplary embodiment. By reducing the
number of bends in heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b, pressure
losses caused by bending of passages 58a and 58b can be suppressed.
Since pressure losses are suppressed in heat-exchanging devices 33a
and 33b, a predetermined cooling performance of heat generator
casing 50 can be secured, even if a pressure loss occurs by
providing openings 36a and 54a and openings 36b and 54b at
different heights.
[0136] Accordingly, openings 54a, 54b, and 55 facing
heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b can be created at positions
higher than those of openings 36a, 36b, and 37 that are directly
open to outside housing 51. Therefore, even if heat generator
casing 50 is installed outside, rainwater blowing in from openings
36a, 36b, and 37 is not drawn into heat-exchanging devices 33a and
33b. The cooling performance of heat generator housing 50 will thus
last long.
[0137] Next is described passage 59 that is the fourth passage
(hereafter equivalent to passage 59a that is the second passage and
passage 59b that is the fourth passage) vertically formed inside
housing 51 of heat generator casing 50.
[0138] As shown in FIG. 11, duct 60 is disposed between front face
43 of housing 51 and case 32. Inlet 61 that is a duct inlet is
provided at a position facing outlet 46 that is the second outlet
of heat-exchanging device 33. Outlets 62a, 62b, and 62c that are
duct outlets are provided at a lower part in housing 51. Outlet 62c
of duct 60 is provided near bottom face 63 of housing 51 so that
passage 59 includes an internal air flow near bottom face 63 of the
housing. As a result, heat inside housing 51 is efficiently
released.
[0139] In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, multiple outlets 62a, 62b,
and 62c of multiple ducts 60a, 60b, and 60c are provided at
positions with different vertical heights. This structure enables
to blow out the internal air in case 32 from different heights. As
a result, the internal air spreads in housing 51, and heat
generated in case 32 is led to inlet 48 along passage 59 without
being retained. Fan 44 draws in the internal air, which is led to
outlet 48, to heat exchanger 42. The heat generated in case 32 and
carried to heat exchanger 42 through passage 59 is exchanged with
passages 58a and 58b for external air by passing through heat
exchanger 42. The heat transferred to passages 58a and 58b is
released outside housing 51, as described above.
[0140] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, duct 60 is configured in line
with its purpose.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 13, duct 60 is installed on door 64 of
housing 51. This structure enables quick checking at checking
inside heat generator casing 50 because duct 60 moves together with
door 64.
[0142] As a result, the side wall can be thinned, compared with a
conventional heat generator casing in which the heat-exchanging
device is installed on the side wall, such as a door. A heat
generator casing with small installation area and a predetermined
cooling performance can be achieved.
[0143] The second fluid in housing 51 circulates between inlet 48
and outlet 46 without causing short-circuit by installing
heat-exchanging devices 33a and 33b at an upper part in housing 51.
As a result, an installation area of heat generator casing 50 can
be reduced. Still more, heat generator casing 50 achieves a
predetermined freezing performance.
[0144] Furthermore, housing 51 has door 64 where duct 60 is
provided. As a result, duct 60 is removed by opening door 64 at
checking inside heat generator casing 50. Accordingly, inside the
casing can be checked efficiently.
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
[0145] A heat generator casing in the fourth exemplary embodiment
of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 14 to
21. Components with functions similar to those already described
are given the same reference marks. Aforementioned description is
applied to components given the same reference marks.
[0146] FIGS. 14, 15, and 19 to 21 are vertical sectional views of a
key part of the heat generator casing. FIGS. 16 to 18A and 18B are
magnified views of a key part of the heat generator casing.
[0147] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, case 32 that is the second case
where a heat generator is housed is provided inside heat generator
casing 50. Heat-exchanging device 33 including case 2 that is the
first case is disposed on this case 32.
[0148] As described in the first to third exemplary embodiments,
outlet 46 that is the second outlet is provided to the side of
front face 43 of housing 51, and inlet 48 that is the second inlet
is provided to the side of rear face 35 of housing 51 in
heat-exchanging device 33. Internal air blown out from outlet 46 is
drawn into case 32 from a wall to the side of outlet 46 of case 2
via duct 60. The internal air drawn into case 32 rises along a wall
to the side of inlet 48 of case 2, and is drawn into inlet 48 of
heat-exchanging device 33 from outlet 70 that is the seventh outlet
provided on case top 74, which is the top face of the second case.
Accordingly, passages 45d and 45e that vertically circulate in
housing 51 are formed by driving fan 44.
[0149] Guide 71 that is the first guide is provided on case bottom
73, which is the bottom face of the first case. Guide 71 slides on
guide 72, which is described later, when case 2 is installed on
case 32.
[0150] Outlet 70 is provided on case top 74 to circulate internal
air from case 32 to inlet 48 of heat-exchanging device 33. As
described in the first to third exemplary embodiments, passages 45d
and 45e, which are circulating internal air streams, flow downward
at the side of front face 43 of housing 51, and flows upward at the
side of rear face 35 of housing 51. Accordingly, outlet 70 of case
32 is provided on case top 74 at the side of rear face 35 of
housing 51. Guide 72 that is the second guide on which
aforementioned guide 71 moves is provided on case top 74. Guide 71
and guide 72 are provided in a direction of helping the movement of
case 2. In the fourth exemplary embodiment, this direction is a
direction from front face 43 to rear face 35 of housing 51.
[0151] As shown in FIG. 15, protrusion 75 that is the second
attachment portion is provided at a tip of guide 72. Protrusion 75
protrudes toward the direction of placing case 2 on case 32. With
this structure, guide 71 can be easily positioned on guide 72 at
placing case 2 on case 32.
[0152] Guide fitting portion 76 that is the first guide fitting
portion is provided on case top 74 between guide 72 and outlet 70.
As indicated in the drawing, length L1 of this guide fitting
portion 76 is longer than length L2 of guide 71. This structure
makes guide 71 and guide fitting portion 76 act as a positioner for
attaching case 2 at a predetermined position on case 32.
[0153] Procedures for attaching case 2 on cast top 74 are further
detailed next. As shown in FIG. 15, case 2 moves on case top 74
from the side of front face 43 to the side of rear face 35 of
housing 51. As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18A and 18B, when inlet 48
provided on case bottom 73 reaches the position facing outlet 70
provided on guide 32, guide 71 is fitted into guide fitting portion
76. Fitting portion 77 protruding toward a heat-exchanging device
is provided around outlet 70. Packing 78 is provided around this
fitting portion 77. Auxiliary portion 79 protruding inward case 2
is provided at inlet 48 of case 2. Diameter .PHI.2 of inlet 48 of
case 2 is larger than diameter .PHI.1 of fitting portion 77
provided at outlet 70 of case 32. Therefore, this fitting portion
77 is inserted into auxiliary portion 79. When fitting portion 77
is inserted into auxiliary portion 79, packing 8 fills around this
insert portion. This increases air-tightness of the insert portion.
If these fitting portion 77 and auxiliary portion 79 are provided,
the next effect can be expected at installing heat generator casing
50 outside. Even if rainwater blows into housing 51, entry of
rainwater into case 2 or case 32 can be suppressed.
[0154] As described above, heat-exchanging device 50 is attached by
placing guide 71 provided on case bottom 73 on guide 72 provided on
case top 74, and moving heat-exchanging device 50 on guide 72. With
this structure, heavy heat-exchanging device 50 can be easily
attached to case 32. Since the attachment position of case 2 is
determined by fitting guide 71 into guide fitting portion 76, case
2 can be fixed without fine adjustment. In addition, since inlet 48
provided on case 2 and outlet 70 provided on case 32 are also
fitted at the same time, a man-hour spent for attachment work can
be reduced.
[0155] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18A and 18B, at least one of guide
71 and guide 72 is slanted. If a corner of guide 71 is slanted,
slant 80 is created at a corner where guide 71 faces guide 72 and
case top 74 when case 2 is placed on case 32. If a corner of guide
72 is slanted, slant 81 is created at a corner where guide 72 faces
guide 71 and case bottom 73 when case 2 is placed on case 32. If
slant 80 or 81 is created at a corner of at least guide 71 or 72,
case 2 can be gradually lowered as guide 71 moves on guide 72, and
is fitted into guide fitting portion 76. Accordingly, case 2 can be
smoothly placed on case top 74.
[0156] Catch 82 is provided on guide 71 and guide 72 to engage each
other. This structure enables accurate placement of case 2 on case
top 74.
[0157] The heat generator casing is further described with
reference to FIGS. 19 to 21. Attachment portion 90 that is the
first attachment portion is provided at a predetermined position
around case 2. Attachment portion 91 that is the third attachment
portion is provided on the inner top face of housing 51. Attachment
portion 92 that is the second attachment portion is provided at a
predetermined position of case 32. Case 2 is attached to a
predetermined position on case 32 by using these attachment
portions 90, 91, and 92. Attachment portion 91 and attachment
portion 92 have the following structure so as to place tilted case
2 on case top 74.
[0158] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, attachment portion 91 and
attachment portion 92 are vertically angled with predetermined
angle a relative to housing 51. Alternatively, attachment positions
of attachment portion 91 and attachment portion 92 are horizontally
shifted for dimension L3.
[0159] As shown in FIG. 19, thickness t1 of guide 71 may be thinner
than thickness t2 of guide 72.
[0160] With the above structures, case 2 is placed on case top 74
in a state that the side of inlet 48 is tilted downward. As a
result, attachment pressure of outlet 70 and inlet 48 increases by
its own weight of case 2. Air-tightness also improves.
[0161] This attachment method facilitates attachment on case 32
even if heat-exchanging device 33 is heavy.
[0162] As described above, the heat-exchanging device in the
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is used in a heat
generator casing. Two flows, i.e., the first fluid passing inside
and outside the heat generator casing and the second flow
circulating inside the heat generator casing, are formed. The first
fluid drawn in from the first inlet passes through the heat
exchanger, and then the first air blower blows out this first fluid
from the first outlet that is horizontally disposed.
[0163] The second fluid drawn in from the second inlet passes
through the heat exchanger, and then the second air blower blows
out this second fluid from the second outlet that is vertically
disposed.
[0164] If the first air blower and the second air blower form
approximately orthogonal flows of a horizontal flow of the first
fluid and a vertical flow of the second fluid, the same effects as
those described in the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention can be achieved.
[0165] The second fluid carries heat generated inside the heat
generator casing to the heat exchanger. The heat of the second
fluid is released to the first fluid in the heat exchanger, and
then the second fluid circulates inside the heat generator casing.
The first fluid absorbing the heat in the heat exchanger is blown
out of the heat generator casing. Accordingly, the heat generated
in the heat generator casing is released outside the heat generator
casing.
[0166] The first fluid drawn in by the first air blower via the
heat exchanger is blown out from the first outlet. The second fluid
that exchanges the heat with the first fluid via this heat
exchanger is drawn into the heat exchanger by the second air
blower. The second air blower then blows out the second fluid that
has exchanged the heat in the heat exchanger from the second
outlet. With this structure, fluids blown out from the first outlet
and the second outlet are blown out far away. As a result,
occurrence of short-circuiting is prevented, improving cooling
performance. In particular, since the second fluid vertically
circulates, the heat-exchanging device is not necessarily installed
on a door, as in the prior art. The heat-exchanging device can be
placed on an upper part in the heat generator casing. Accordingly,
an installation area of the heat generator casing can be reduced.
In addition, predetermined cooling performance can be achieved.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0167] The heat-exchanging device and the heat generator casing of
the present invention is effectively applicable to base stations of
communications equipment installed in places with restricted
installation area, such as a rooftop of city building, and cooling
devices in other pieces of equipment installed outside.
* * * * *