MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR EXHAUSTING HEAT THEREFROM

Abstract

A mobile communication device includes a heat transfer path to transfer heat generated in the mobile communication device to a heat exhaust component, in which the heat exhaust component generates air flow to exhaust heat out of the mobile communication device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2012-0021383, filed on Feb. 29, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The following description relates to a heat exhaust apparatus in a mobile communication device and a method for exhausting heat generated in the mobile communication device.

2. Discussion of the Background

Generally, main components used in a mobile communication device, such as a Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM), a Mobile Station Modem (MSM), a Phase Modulator (PM), and a driver Integrated Circuit (IC) have been integrated and subminiaturized with the advancement in a semiconductor fabrication technique. In addition, since users may desire various multimedia operations in accordance with various environments, components mounted on a mobile communication device may cause a load such that a large amount of heat may be generated inside of the mobile communication device.

Accordingly, excess heat generated by heat radiating components may shorten lifetime of the mobile communication device, degrade the operation thereof, and produce a deformation of a case of the mobile communication device. Furthermore, since users may sense some discomfort while using the mobile communication device due to excess heat generated by the mobile communication device, the merchantability of the product may be degraded. In certain cases, the excess heat may burn the users.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams illustrating a general heat radiating structure of a mobile communication device in a related art.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a general mobile communication device of the related art, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a part of the cross-section taken along the line A-A′ of FIG. 1A.

In the mobile communication device 1, a heat transfer sheet 12 is disposed between a first case 11a and a second case 11b. The heat transfer sheet 12 is disposed adjacent to a heat radiating component 110.

The heat transfer sheet 12 may decrease the temperature of the mobile communication device 1 by widely spreading the heat transferred from the heat radiating component 110.

However, since the heat transfer sheet 12 may distribute heat but may not cool the mobile communication device such that the temperature of the mobile communication device 1 decreases by a small amount, such as 1 to 2° C. Accordingly, a decrease in temperature sensed by users may be small.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device including a fan of the related art.

Referring to FIG. 2, in a general electronic apparatus, such as a notebook, which may be larger than a mobile communication device, heat generated from a heat radiating component may be exhausted by adopting a fan 130. However, since the fan 13 occupies a considerable space or volume inside the case 11 of the electronic apparatus, a limit on a reduction in size of the respective electronic apparatus may be imposed. Accordingly, integrating a similar fan device in a smaller mobile communication device may not be suitable, since the mobile communication device may be limited in size and an addition of thickness and bulk of the mobile communication device may degrade the merchantability of the respective mobile communication device.

Furthermore, there has been an attempt to space apart the heat radiating component and the case to decrease the temperature transferred to the case from the heat radiating component. However, such a distance disposed between the heat radiating component and the case may limit how much the mobile communication device may be decreased in size.

Similarly, in the mobile communication device, there have been various attempts to exhaust the heat generated from the heat radiating component disposed inside the mobile communication device. However, in the related art, it may be difficult to exhaust heat to sufficiently cool the mobile communication device without compromising limitations in size.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a heat exhaust apparatus in a mobile communication device and a method for exhausting heat generated in the mobile communication device.

Additional features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method for removing heat in a mobile communication device including detecting a temperature above a reference threshold in the mobile communication device; determining whether a heat exhaust operation is to be performed based on the temperature; driving a heat exhaust motor in the mobile communication device according to a mode of operation; and exhausting heat generated in the terminal.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile communication device including a heat transfer path to transfer heat generated in the mobile communication device to a heat exhaust component, in which the heat exhaust component generates air flow to exhaust heat out of the mobile communication device.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a general mobile communication device in a related art.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the mobile communication device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device including a fan in a related art.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mobile communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a heat exhaust motor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view illustrating a heat exhaust motor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates cross-sectional views of a heat exhaust motor in a cooling-vibrating mode and a cooling mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates cross-sectional views of a heat exhaust motor in a cooling-vibrating mode and a cooling mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates cross-sectional views of a heat exhaust motor according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer path according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer path according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a surface of a mobile communication device with a protrusion pattern portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exhaust hole with a heat exhaust portion according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12A illustrates a heat exhaust portion of a mobile communication device in a vertical orientation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B illustrates a heat exhaust portion of a mobile communication device in a horizontal orientation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving a mobile communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, if an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element, no intervening elements are present. Further, it will be understood that for the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XZ, XYY, YZ, ZZ). Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals are understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative size and depiction of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. does not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotes the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The use of the terms “first”, “second”, and the like does not imply any particular order, but they are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Although some features may be described with respect to individual exemplary embodiments, aspects need not be limited thereto such that features from one or more exemplary embodiments may be combinable with other features from one or more exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a mobile communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a mobile communication device 10 includes a case 11 and a heat exhaust motor 20.

The case 11 may form the exterior of the mobile communication device 10 and include a heat exhaust portion 15, which may be an opening or an exhaust hole through which air flows in and the out of the mobile device.

The heat exhaust motor 20 is disposed inside the case 11, and the heat exhaust motor 20 includes a housing 211. The housing 211 includes a heat exhaust port 23 and a heat receiving port 21, which may be connected to the heat exhaust portion 15, a vibrator 230, which includes at least one blade installed inside the housing 211, and a vibration restraining portion 250, which may be coupled to the vibrator 230 to restrain the vibration movement of the vibrator 230. The heat exhaust port 23 may be disposed on the housing 211 of the heat exhaust motor 20. The heat exhaust portion 15 may be disposed on or included in the case 11. The heat exhaust portion 15 may include an exhaust hole disposed on or included on a surface of a mobile communication device.

The heat exhaust motor 20 may be operated in a particular mode, which may be selected from among a cooling-vibrating mode and a cooling mode. The cooling-vibrating mode may refer to a state where a flow of air is generated inside the mobile communication device 10 to exhaust heat generated or stored therein while the heat exhaust motor 20 generates a vibration and a flow of air. The cooling mode may refer to a state where flow of air is generated inside the mobile communication device 10 to exhaust heat therein while the heat exhaust motor 20 does not generate vibration. Further, in the cooling-vibrating mode, the heat exhaust motor 20 may generate a vibration to initiate or support exhaustion of heat inside of the mobile communication device 10 while the vibrator 230 and the vibration restraining portion 250 are separated from each other. In the cooling mode, the heat exhaust motor 20 may initiate or support exhaustion of heat while the vibration restraining portion 250 is coupled to or brought into contact with the vibrator 230 to suppress the generation of vibration.

The mobile communication device 10 includes a first heat transfer path P1, which may transfer heat from a heat generating component 100 to a heat receiving port 21 through the heat exhaust motor 20. The mobile communication device 10 also includes a second heat transfer path P2, which may exhaust heat through the heat exhaust port 23 of the heat exhaust motor 20. Accordingly, heat generated from the heat radiating component 100 may flow through the first heat transfer path P1 and the second heat transfer path P2 to be exhausted through the heat exhaust portion 15 of the heat exhaust motor 20.

The mobile communication device 10 further includes a temperature detecting sensor 13, which may sense a temperature of the mobile communication device 10 and/or at least one of the components disposed inside of the mobile communication device 10. The mobile communication device 10 further includes a rotation speed control unit 650 capable of controlling the rotation speed of at least one of the vibrator 230 in the cooling-vibrating mode and the cooling mode of the heat exhaust motor 20.

The temperature detecting sensor 13 may be disposed within a reference proximity to a heat generating component 100 to detect the temperature of the heat radiating component 100. More specifically, the temperature detecting sensor 13 may be disposed adjacent, above, or below the heat generating component 100. Further, the temperature detecting sensor 13 may also be disposed at a reference position(s) inside the mobile device to detect overall temperature inside the mobile device.

More particularly, when the heat exhaust motor 20 is driven in the cooling mode, the control unit may control the heat exhaust motor 20, such that a cooling operation is performed without generating a vibration when the vibration restraining portion 250 is brought in contact with and coupled to the vibrator 230, and may further control the control speed of the vibrator 230 of the heat exhaust motor 20 to suppress or reduce generation of noise associated with operating the heat exhaust motor 20.

Further, various motors may be used as the heat exhaust motor 20, such as a coin type motor or a cylinder type motor.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are diagrams illustrating various types of a heat exhaust motor according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the heat exhaust motor 20 will be more specifically described.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are exploded perspective views illustrating a heat exhaust motor according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates cross-sectional views of a heat exhaust motor in a cooling-vibrating mode and a cooling mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5, the coin type heat exhaust motor 20 includes a housing, such as the housing 211 in which a first housing 211a and a second housing 211b are coupled to each other. Furthermore, a rotary shaft 220 is disposed inside the housing 211 at the bottom surface of the housing 211, and the vibrator 230 may be coupled to the rotary shaft 220 of the housing 211 to rotate.

The center of gravity of the vibrator 230 may be eccentrically formed, and the vibrator 230 may be configured to transmit a vibration to the rotary shaft 220 and the housing 211 by generating a vibration and/or air flow with the rotation of the vibrator 230. More specifically, the vibrator 230 may rotate to generate a vibration in the mobile communication device 10, such that a user may sense a status concerned with sending and/or receiving a signal, a message, or an alarm.

Further, the heat exhaust motor 20 may dispose a vibration restraining portion 250 inside the coin type housing 211 to be coaxial with the rotary shaft 220. The heat receiving port 21 or the heat exhaust port 23 may be formed to be opened to at least one surface of the housing 211, such as the side surface, the bottom surface, or the top surface. The first housing 211a may be provided with the heat receiving port 21 and the heat exhaust port 23. The first housing 211a may also be provided with an opening portion 25 into which the vibration restraining portion 250 may be inserted. The second housing 211b may be provided with a rotary shaft 220, which may be connected to a motor unit.

Referring to FIG. 5, with respect to the coin type heat exhaust motor 20, a configuration in which a coil is formed therein, the vibrator 230 includes a magnet 213, and the vibrator 230 may be configured to be rotated by the magnetic force of the magnet 213. The magnet 213 may be an electromagnet and may be disposed at the lower portion of the vibrator 230. However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, such that the magnet 213 may be disposed at an upper portion of the vibrator 230, side portion of the vibrator 230, or middle portion of the vibrator 230. More specifically, the rotational force may be generated by the magnetic force using the vibrator 230 and the magnet 213 disposed at a portion of the housing 211.

However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto. For example, the vibrator 230 may be configured to transmit the rotational force of the rotary shaft 220 to the vibrator 230. The rotational force of the rotatory shaft 220 may be provided by a separate external force transmitted thereto.

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view illustrates a heat exhaust motor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view illustrating a heat exhaust motor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the streamlined blade 233 may be configured to rotate while being attached to a rotation center 231 of the vibrator 230. The streamlined blade 233 may be formed to have an inclined shape, and may be formed to provide air flow while generating a vibration with the rotation of the vibrator 230. The blade 233 may be generally planar and extend from the rotation center 231 about a portion of the rotation center 231, for example, the blade 233 may extend from the rotation center 231 about 160° around the rotation center 231. Aspects need not be limited thereto, however, such that the blade 233 may extend from the rotation center 231 for fewer than or more than 160°, for example, 75°, 90°, 115°, 135°, 175°, 190°, 210°, 250°, 275°, 300°, 330°, or the like. The blade 233 may have apertures disposed therein as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the vibrator 230′ includes a first blade 233′a, a second blade 233′b, and a third blade 233′c and a rotation center 231′ connecting the first blade 233′a, the second blade 233′b, and the third blade 233′c. Although illustrated as 3 blades, aspects are not limited thereto such that there may be more or fewer blades and such blades may extend from the rotation center 231′ about a number of degrees similar to the blade 233. Accordingly, the air flow may be generated with the rotation of the vibrator 230′. Further, the rotation of the vibrator 230′ may generate a vibration.

More particularly, the flow of air may be generated in a direction from the heat receiving port 21, which may be formed in the housing 211, toward the heat exhaust port 23 with the rotation of the vibrator 230 or vibrator 230′, but is not limited thereto. By controlling the rotational direction of the vibrator 230 or vibrator 230′, the flow of air may be generated in the direction from the heat exhaust port 23 to the heat receiving port 21. Accordingly, the vibrator 230 or vibrator 230′ may be operated to draw heat out of the mobile communication device 10 or draw air in from the environment to cool the mobile communication device 10. Further, if there are multiple ports, the rotational direction of the vibrator 230 or vibrator 230′ may be controlled to direct the air flow in a particular direction, such that air can be drawn in from the environment while heat is exhausted from the mobile communication device 10.

The vibration restraining portion 250 may be formed to be coaxial with the rotary shaft 220 and the rotation center 231. The vibration restraining portion 250 may be inserted into the housing 211 to fix the rotary shaft 220 while contacting the rotary shaft 220.

More specifically, in order to fix the rotary shaft 220, an end portion of the rotary shaft 220 and an end portion of the vibration restraining portion 250 may come into contact with each other. Further, an end portion of the rotary shaft 220 and an end portion of the vibration restraining portion 250 may be respectively provided with a protrusion portion and a groove portion, such that the vibration restraining portion 250 may be fitted into the rotary shaft 220 when the vibration restraining portion 250 moves downward. However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, such that the vibration restraining portion 250 may move in different directions. Further, a portion, which may not be an end portion, of the rotary shaft 220 may contact a portion of the vibration restraining portion 250 that is not an end portion.

Accordingly, when the vibration restraining portion 250 and the rotary shaft 220 are contacting or coupled to each other, the vibration movement of the rotary shaft 220 may be restrained by the vibration restraining portion 250. Therefore, when the vibration of the mobile communication device 10 is not to be generated or the user does not want the vibration, the flow of air may be generated inside the housing 211 without generating vibration even when the vibrator 230 rotates.

More specifically, in order to connect the vibration restraining portion 250 to the heat exhaust motor 20, an auxiliary housing 253 and a guide member 251 may be further used.

The guide member 251 may be formed so that a part of the vibration restraining portion 250 may penetrate the guide member 251, and may be guided toward the opening portion 25 of the housing 211. Further, the guide member 251 may be formed to reduce or prevent vibration by allowing the vibration restraining portion 250 to come into contact with the housing 211. The auxiliary housing 253 may be formed so that the vibration restraining portion 250 is attached to the housing 211.

More specifically, the vibration restraining portion 250 and the guide member 251 may use a magnetic force or an elastic force so that the vibration restraining portion 250 and the rotary shaft 220 may come into contact with each other or become separated from each other.

According to aspects of the invention, the vibration restraining portion 250 may be formed of metal and the guide member 251 may be formed as an electromagnet. Accordingly, in the cooling mode, power may be applied to the guide member 251 to generate a magnetic force, thereby coupling the vibration restraining portion to the rotary shaft in a contact state. The cooling mode may also be referred to as a vibration restraining mode, and the cooling-vibration mode may be referred to as a release mode, which allows vibration to be generated.

Further, in order to switch the cooling mode to the cooling-vibrating mode, a separate elastic member may be provided so that an elastic force may be applied between the vibration restraining portion 250 and the rotary shaft 220 to allow easier separation from each other. When the magnetic force applied to the guide member 251 disappears with the interruption of the power applied to the guide member 251, the vibration restraining portion 250 moves to the original position by the elastic force, such that the contact coupled state with the rotary shaft is canceled and the heat exhaust motor 20 may return to the release mode.

However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, such that the vibration restraining portion 250 may be formed as an electromagnet and the guide member 251 may be formed of metal.

The guide member 251 and the vibration restraining portion 250 may be coupled to each other in a contact state or the coupling state may be canceled by using the magnetic force between the cooling mode (i.e., vibrating restraining mode) and the cooling-vibrating mode (i.e., release mode).

More specifically, the vibration restraining portion 250 may be formed as a magnet, and the guide member 251 may be formed as an electromagnet. When an attraction force is provided between the vibration restraining portion 250 and the guide member 251, which may be provided by forming a magnetic force in which the guide member 251 has a polarity that is different from that of the vibration restraining portion 250 in the cooling mode (i.e., vibrating restraining mode), the vibration restraining portion 250 may be coupled to the rotary shaft 220 in a contact state.

Furthermore, when an opposing force is provided between the vibration restraining portion 250 and the guide member 251, which may be provided by forming a magnetic force in which the guide member 251 has the same polarity as that of the vibration restraining portion 250 when switching the cooling mode (i.e., vibrating restraining mode) to the cooling-vibrating mode (i.e., release mode), the contact coupled state with the rotary shaft 220 may be canceled.

However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto. For example, the vibration restraining portion 250 may be formed as an electromagnet or a magnet, the guide member 251 may be formed as a magnet or an electromagnet, and the vibration restraining portion and the guide member may be both formed as an electromagnet or a magnet.

Further, a separate stopper or a separate protrusion (not shown) may be provided to prevent or reduce likelihood of the vibration restraining portion 250 from being separated from the housing 211 due to the elastic force or the opposing force.

Aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, such that the motion of the vibration restraining portion may be controlled by another type that does not use magnetic force, such as a hydraulic motor or the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates cross-sectional views of a heat exhaust motor in a cooling-vibrating mode and a cooling mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to (a) of FIG. 5, when the vibration restraining portion 250 is separated from the rotary shaft 220, since the rotary shaft 220 may not be fixed, the vibration and the flow of air may be both generated with the rotation of the vibrator 230. Accordingly, in the cooling-vibrating mode, the heat exhaust motor 20 may be driven.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 5, when the vibration restraining portion 250 and the rotary shaft 220 are coupled to each other, since the rotary shaft 220 may be fixed, the flow of air may be generated without vibration with the rotation of the vibrator 230. Accordingly, the heat exhaust motor 20 may be driven in the cooling mode to perform the cooling operation without vibration.

Further, the heat exhaust motor 20 may be selectively driven in the cooling mode or the cooling-vibrating mode by controlling the motion of the vibration restraining portion 250.

FIG. 6 illustrates cross-sectional views of a heat exhaust motor in a cooling-vibrating mode and a cooling mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 6, and (b) of FIG. 6, a cylinder type heat exhaust motor 30 includes a cylinder type housing 311 including a heat receiving port 321 and a heat exhaust port 323, a cylinder type motor unit 310 provided with a rotary shaft 320, a vibrator 330 including one or more blades, and a vibration restraining portion 350, which may be disposed coaxially with the rotary shaft 320 to fix the rotary shaft 320. The heat exhaust port 323 may be included in the heat exhaust motor 30. More specifically, the heat exhaust port 323 may be disposed on the housing 311 of the heat exhaust motor 30.

Referring to the cylinder type heat exhaust motor 30, the vibrator 330 may include one or more blades, which may be eccentrically formed in a streamlined shape to provide flow of air. The vibrator 330, which may include one or more blades and may generate the flow of air inside the housing 311 with the rotation of the rotary shaft 320. Further, the vibrator 330 may transmit the vibration to the rotary shaft 320 and the housing 311.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 6, when the rotary shaft 320 and the vibration restraining portion 350 are separated from each other, the flow of air may be may be generated with the rotation of the heat exhaust motor 30, which may flow from the heat receiving port 321 toward the heat exhaust port 323. Further, the vibrator 330 may provide vibration along with the flow of air. However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto. For example, the flow of air from the heat exhaust port 323 toward the heat introducing port 321 may be provided by controlling the rotation direction of the vibrator 330. More specifically, in the cooling-vibrating mode, the heat exhaust motor 30 may be driven.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 6, when the rotary shaft 320 and the vibration restraining portion 350 are coupled to each other, even when the heat exhaust motor 30 rotates, the vibration may not be generated because the rotary shaft 320 is fixed. However, since the blade may rotate, the flow of air may be provided to carry out the cooling operation. Accordingly, in the cooling mode, the heat exhaust motor 30 may be driven.

The heat exhaust motor 30 may further include an auxiliary housing 353, which may attach the vibration restraining portion 350 to the cylinder type housing 311 and to protect the vibration restraining portion 350.

The heat exhaust motor 30 may further include a guide member 351, which disposes the vibration restraining portion 350 inside the cylinder type housing 311 to be coaxial with the rotary shaft 320. The guide member 351 may also fix the vibration restraining portion 350 to the housing 311. Similar to the coin type heat exhaust motor 20, in the cylinder type heat exhaust motor 30, the vibration restraining portion 350 and the guide member 350 that may be coupled to each other in a contact state or the coupled state to restrain the vibration operation.

FIG. 7 illustrates cross-sectional views of a heat exhaust motor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 7, in a coin type heat exhaust motor, the heat exhaust portion 15 may be provided with a first protective film 410. However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, such that the heat exhaust port 23 may be provided with a first protective film 410. The heat exhaust port 23 may be disposed on a housing of the heat exhaust motor. The heat exhaust portion 15 may be disposed on or included in a case of the mobile communication device 10.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 7, in a cylinder type heat exhaust motor, the heat exhaust port 323 may be provided with a second protective film 420. However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, such that a heat exhaust portion may also be provided with a second protective film 420.

The first protective film 410 and the second protective film 420 may be formed as a mesh or a felt, but aspects of the invention are not limited thereto. For example, various materials may be used to prevent or impede the intrusion of foreign matter or realize a waterproofing operation.

When the first protective film 410 and the second protective film 420 are disposed in the heat exhaust port of the heat exhaust motor or the heat exhaust portion connected to the exhaust hole of the case of the mobile communication device, the intrusion of the external foreign matter may be prevented or impeded.

FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 are diagrams illustrating a heat transfer path according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, the heat transfer path according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer path according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer path according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a third heat transfer path P3 and a third heat transfer path P3′, which may be a paths connecting the heat receiving port 21 of the heat exhaust motor 20 to one or more components 100 serving as a heat source, may be further provided. When the heat exhaust motor 20 is present within a reference proximity to the heat radiating component 100, the heat radiating component 100 may be cooled just by driving the heat exhaust motor 20 without a separate structure. However, when the heat radiating component 100 is disposed further than the reference proximity from the heat exhaust motor 20, a structure, which may more efficiently transfer heat between the heat radiating component 100 and the heat exhaust motor 20, may be provided.

Further, the third heat transfer path P3 and the third heat transfer path P3′ may be formed from at least one of a heat transfer sheet, a heat transfer pipe, a heat radiating plate, a duct structure, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 8, the third heat transfer path P3 includes a connection portion 501 and a connection portion 502, which may connect the heat radiating component 100 to the heat exhaust motor 20.

In the connection portion 501 and the connection portion 502, the passage type connection portion 501 may be formed so that one end portion or a first portion contacts the heat radiating component 100 and the other end portion or a second portion contacts the heat receiving port 21 of the heat exhaust motor 20. Further, the passage type connection portion 501 may be formed as a pipe or a duct structure inserted into the heat receiving port 21. The sheet type connection portion 502 may be formed as a heat transfer sheet of which one end portion is disposed adjacent to the heat radiating component 100 and the other end portion is disposed adjacent to the heat exhaust motor 20.

Furthermore, referring to FIG. 9, the third heat transfer path P3′ may connect the heat receiving port 21 of the heat exhaust motor 20 to the heat radiating component 100 by using the sheet type connection portion 502. One end portion may be disposed adjacent or within a reference proximity to the heat radiating component 100 and the other end portion may be disposed adjacent or within a reference proximity to the heat receiving port 21 of the heat exhaust motor 20, but is not limited thereto. For example, one end portion of the sheet type connection portion 502 may come into contact with the heat radiating component 100, and the other end portion may come into contact with the heat receiving port 21 or may be inserted into the heat receiving port 21.

The sheet type connection portion 502 may be formed as a thin plate, but is not limited thereto. For example, a heat radiating plate or the like may be used. Furthermore, the passage type connection portion 501 and the sheet type connection portion 502 may be formed of a material having thermal conductivity above a reference threshold value.

When the passage type connection portion 501 and the sheet type connection portion 502 are connected to or disposed within a reference proximity to the heat receiving port 21 of the heat exhaust motor 20, the heat generated in the heat radiating component 100 may be transferred to the third heat transfer path P3 and the third heat transfer path P3′ through the passage type connection portion 501 and the sheet type connection portion 502. The third heat transfer path P3 and the first heat transfer path P1 may be connected to each other, such that the heat transferred to the third heat transfer path P3 and the third heat transfer path P3′ is transferred into the heat exhaust motor 20 through the first heat transfer path P1 and is transferred to the second heat transfer path P2 with the operation of the heat exhaust motor 20 to be radiated through the heat exhaust port. More specifically, the heat generated in the heat radiating component 100 may sequentially move through the third heat transfer path P3, the first heat transfer path P1, and the second heat transfer path P2 by the suctioning force or air flow that may be generated by the rotational force of the vibrator of the heat exhaust motor 20.

The passage type connection portion 501 may be formed by inserting a duct structure inside the mobile communication device 10, but is not limited thereto. For example, the passage type connection portion 501 may be formed by using a case structure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a surface of a mobile communication device 10 with a protrusion pattern portion according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, left side of the drawing illustrates a state where the case 11c is attached to the mobile communication device 10 and the right side of the drawing illustrates a back surface of the separated case 11c.

Referring to FIG. 10, the case 11c may be an intermediate case, which may be attached to the back surface of the case. The case 11c may form a duct structure with a heat radiating component, and may come into contact with the inner substrate structure.

More specifically, one surface of the case 11c shown at the right side of FIG. 10 may be provided with a protrusion pattern portion 511, which may be formed in a protruding pattern to include a heat exhaust motor and come into contact with a substrate structure.

Accordingly, when the case 11c is assembled as shown at the left side of FIG. 10, the case 11c may guide heat generated in the heat radiating component 100, which may be coupled to the substrate structure and is disposed within a reference proximity of the heat exhaust motor 20 through the third heat transfer path P3. Further, the case 11c may guide the heat through the first heat transfer path P1 using the heat exhaust motor 20, and may radiate the heat to the outside through the second heat transfer path P2.

The heat exhaust motor 20 may be disposed within a reference proximity to the heat radiating component 100, or a connection portion may be formed between the heat radiating component 100 and the heat receiving port of the heat exhaust motor 20, such that a heat transfer path may be formed between the heat radiating component 100 and the heat exhaust motor 20. Furthermore, the heat exhaust port 23 of the heat exhaust motor 20 may be connected to the heat exhaust portion 15 connected to the outside of the mobile communication device 10 to form a heat exhaust path.

Since the protrusion pattern portion 511 may form the heat transfer path, which may surround or hermetically surround the substrate or the structure mounted into the case, the generated heat may flow through the heat transfer path without or with less leakage of the heat.

The protruding end portion of the protrusion pattern portion 511 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the substrate structure at the position where the protrusion pattern portion 511 may be attached. Accordingly, the protrusion pattern portion 511 may come into contact with the back case or the substrate structure. More particularly, a sealing member (not shown), such as silicon, may be provided to improve a seal with respect to the protruding end portion.

Referring to FIG. 10, the case 11c may be provided with the protrusion pattern portion 511, but is not limited thereto. For example, various cases, such as a back case and a front case may be used.

Accordingly, since the case may be provided with the protrusion pattern portion 511, the connection portion 501, which may connect the heat radiating component 100 to the heat exhaust motor 20, may be formed by changing the shape of the existing case without further providing a separate pipe or a separate tube.

According to aspects of the invention, electromagnetic wave shielding particles may be applied to the heat transfer path or the connection portion. An additional effect of improving an electrical performance may be provided by applying the electromagnetic wave shielding particles.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exhaust hole connected with a heat exhaust portion according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

When the heat exhaust motor is formed adjacent to or within a reference proximity of an exhaust hole, the heat exhaust path may be formed by circulating from the heat exhaust port 23 to an exhaust hole, which may be disposed adjacent to or within a reference proximity of the heat exhaust port 23.

In order to prevent or reduce the leakage of the heat circulated to be exhausted by the heat transfer motor and through the exhaust hole and to guide the heat in a target direction, the heat exhaust path may be formed with the heat exhaust port 23 having one end portion connected to or adjacent to the heat exhaust port 23 and the other end portion connected to or adjacent to the exhaust hole, which may provide outside exposure from the case.

The heat exhaust portion 15 may be separately connected to an exhaust hole or may be connected to a different hole opened for a reference purpose.

Specifically, referring to (a) of FIG. 11, (b) of FIG. 11, (c) of FIG. 11, and (d) of FIG. 11, in the mobile communication device 10, the heat exhaust portion 15 may be connected to at least one of an ear jack hole 601 shown in FIG. 11(a), an Universal Serial Bus (USB) terminal hole 602 shown in FIG. 11(b), a battery cover hole 603 shown in FIG. 11(c), and a dummy speaker hole 605 shown in FIG. 11(d) to assist a speaker 610. However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, such that an exhaust hole may be connected to other portions of the mobile communication device 10, such as a hole for a button, microphone, camera, or the like, or may be separately disposed on a surface of the mobile communication device 10 to exhaust heat without providing other operations.

The heat exhaust path may be formed by various types of mobile communication devices. Accordingly, the mobile communication device, which may have a cooling and/or heat exhaust structure may be flexible in design and may be incorporated in various designs.

FIG. 12A illustrates a heat exhaust portion of a mobile communication device in a vertical orientation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12B illustrates a heat exhaust portion of a mobile communication device in a horizontal orientation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, the case of the mobile communication device 10 includes a first side surface 14a and a second side surface 14b, which may be connected to the first side surface 14a. The case may provide a heat exhaust path, which may be connected to the heat exhaust port 23. The case may include a first heat exhaust portion 15a and a second heat exhaust portion 15b, which may respectively be connected to the first side surface 14a and the second side surface 14b.

Further, in the mobile communication device 10, a switch portion 520 may be formed in a branch portion 16 to which the heat exhaust port 23 may be joined to and from which the first heat exhaust portion 15a and the second heat exhaust portion 15b are branched. The switch portion 520 may be configured to selectively block or impede one of the first heat exhaust portion 15a and the second heat exhaust portion 15b.

The switch portion 520 may be configured to move or operate according to gravity or orientation of the mobile communication device 10. More specifically, referring to FIG. 12A, when the first side surface 14a is disposed in a direction indicated by the arrow ‘g’ along the direction of gravity in a vertical orientation, the switch portion 520 may be moved to open the first heat exhaust portion 15a and close the second heat exhaust portion 15b. Referring to FIG. 12B, when the second side surface 14b is disposed in the direction indicated by the arrow g along the direction of gravity in a horizontal orientation, the switch portion 520 may be moved to open the second heat exhaust portion 15b and close the first heat exhaust portion 15a. The switch portion 520 may be oriented to be parallel with the flow of air. Further, the switch portion 520 may be oriented in a direction that allows the flow of air to be less resistant to effects of gravity.

The size and the shape of the switch portion 520 may be formed to cover a portion or the entire heat transfer path, and may be formed to move while being coupled to the rotary shaft.

Furthermore, when the mobile communication device 10 rotates between the horizontal orientation and the vertical orientation, a stopper (not shown) may be formed in a region where the switch portion 520 may be positioned so that the switch portion 520 does not move backward in relation to its original position. The stopper may be formed as a step.

The user may use the mobile communication device in various orientations, such as a horizontal orientation or a vertical orientation, and thus the heat exhaust portion may be covered by the user's hand. When the heat exhaust portion is disposed in the direction of gravity, there may be a possibility that a gas may not flow smoothly because the gas may be moving in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

In general, a surface of the mobile communication device, which may be a top surface based on its orientation and on a surface opposite to the direction of gravity is formed, such that an exhaust portion may be opened when the user holds the mobile communication device by a hand. In addition, when the heat exhaust portion is formed in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, heat may be more smoothly flow along a heat exhaust path because the gas tends to move in an opposite direction to the direction of gravity or in a direction less resistant to effects of gravity.

Accordingly, the heat exhaust portion, which may normally be disposed in the direction opposite to or different from the direction of gravity among the first exhaust portion 15a and the second heat exhaust portion 15b, may be opened by using the switch portion 520 moving according to the gravity, and the other heat exhaust portion may be closed according to the gravity. Accordingly, a more efficient heat exhaust path may be provided.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, when a user rotates the mobile communication device oriented in a vertical direction in a counter-clockwise direction to hold the mobile communication device in a horizontal orientation, the heat exhaust portion may be disposed at a right upper end portion of the mobile communication terminal in the vertical orientation. Accordingly, the heat exhaust portion may be disposed so that the heat radiating portion may not be covered by the user's hand.

However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto, and the heat exhaust portion may be disposed at a left upper end portion of the mobile communication terminal. In addition, the heat exhaust portion may be disposed at various positions in accordance with whether the user is a left-handed person or a right-handed person or the habit of the user or the hand size of the user or the like.

More specifically, since the heat exhaust portion may be disposed so that the heat exhaust portion is less likely to be covered by the user, heat may be discharged through the heat exhaust portion. Accordingly, it may be possible to reduce some discomfort that may be incurred during use of the mobile communication device due to the heat radiated to the user's hand.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving a mobile communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, in operation S10, a heat radiating component included in a mobile communication device generates heat. In operation S20, the heat radiated from the heat radiating component is detected by a temperature sensor. In operation S30, the mobile communication device determines whether to perform the cooling operation. The determination to perform the cooling operation may be based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. More specifically, the mobile communication device may determine to perform the cooling operation if the temperature is determined to be greater than or equal to a reference threshold temperature. For example, when the temperature is greater than or equal to 45° C., which may be set as the reference temperature in the mobile communication device, it may be determined that the cooling operation is to be performed. Further, since the temperature of the surface of the mobile communication device may be regulated to be smaller than 48° C. in Europe, it may be determined that the cooling operation is to be performed when a measured or current temperature is greater than or equal to 48° C.

In operation S104, if the mobile communication device determines that the cooling operation is not to be performed, the mobile communication device may operate to be naturally cooled. In a sleep mode in which the mobile communication device is not used, the mobile communication device may be naturally cooled even when the internal temperature thereof increases to some extent. Accordingly, heat may be exhausted without separately driving the heat exhaust motor.

In operation S40, if the mobile communication device determines that the cooling operation is to be performed, it is determined whether the vibration operation is to be performed. In an example, the mobile communication device may determine to perform the vibration operation in response to a message, an alarm, or the like. Further, the mobile communication device may generate at least one of a message, and an alarm if the temperature of the mobile communication terminal is determined to be above another reference threshold temperature. Further, it may be determined whether the mobile communication device is set to a vibration mode.

In operation S101, if it is determined that the vibration operation is to be performed, the heat radiating component is cooled while a vibration is generated by driving the heat exhaust motor in the cooling-vibrating mode. More specifically, the heat may be exhausted by rotating the vibrator in a manner, such that the heat exhaust motor is driven while the vibration restraining portion and a rotary shaft are not coupled to each other.

In operation S102, if it is determined that the vibration operation is not to be performed, the heat exhaust motor may be driven in the cooling mode, and heat may be exhausted in operation S200. More specifically, the vibrator may be rotated by driving the heat exhaust motor while the vibration driving unit is coupled to the rotary shaft in a contact state.

However, in some situations, noise may be determined to be suppressed or reduced even when the vibration is not to be performed. For example, when the heat exhaust motor is driven for the cooling operation in a calling state or an automatic response setting state in a mute mode or in a state where ambient noise is detected to be equal to or smaller than a reference decibel level, noise generated by the heat exhaust motor may be considered.

Accordingly, in operation S50, if it's determined that noise is not to be suppressed or reduced, the heat exhaust motor may be driven in a normal cooling mode in operation S102. If it is determined that noise is to be suppressed or reduced, a control may be performed so that the rotation speed of the vibrator may be driven at a reference speed or less in order to enable the operation of the mobile communication device in the cooling mode and to reduce the noise. In operation S103, the heat exhaust motor may be driven so that the rotation speed of the vibrator is maintained at a reference speed or less by adjusting the number of rotations of the motor through the control of the voltage applied to the heat exhaust motor.

However, aspects of the invention are not limited thereto. For example, if the vibration operation is performed even when the mobile device is not at a reference temperature or more, heat may be exhausted with the rotation of the vibrator due to the performed vibration operation, which may be in response to receiving a call in a vibration mode or the like. More specifically, the heat exhaust motor may be driven when the vibration operation is to be performed regardless of the cooling operation. Even if the measured temperature of the mobile communication device is determined to be less than the reference temperature, the mobile device may be cooled with the vibration operation.

Furthermore, according to aspects of the invention, the heat exhaust motor may be, of course, driven in the vibration mode. More specifically, the heat exhaust motor may be driven to generate a vibration operation without performing the cooling operation.

In a mobile communication device, the temperature may reach a reference threshold temperature according to time of usage. For example, as the cooling performance becomes more efficient, the threshold temperature may decrease and the time reaching the threshold temperature may increase.

Further, when the time up to a reference threshold temperature is about 30 minutes for a general mobile communication device in the related art, it may take longer than 30 minutes, such as one hour, to reach the threshold temperature for the mobile communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the time to reach the threshold temperature may be delayed.

According aspects of the invention, it may be possible to provide a mobile communication device having a more efficient cooling and heat exhaust performance.

In addition, the cooling and heat radiating structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may occupy a small space, which may allow high degree of freedom in design, and hence the cooling and heat exhaust structure may be applied to a various product types. Accordingly, the safety or user comfort of the product may be improved.

Furthermore, the time that may be associated with having a temperature of a mobile communication device to reach a threshold temperature may be delayed twice or more than that of a mobile communication terminal of the related art. Accordingly, it may be possible to provide a mobile communication device with extended usage without discomfort with respect to a change in temperature.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for removing heat in a mobile communication device, comprising:

detecting a temperature above a reference threshold in the mobile communication device;

determining whether a heat exhaust operation is to be performed based on the temperature;

driving a heat exhaust motor in the mobile communication device according to a mode of operation; and

exhausting heat generated in the terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mode of operation is a cooling mode, the cooling mode generating only a flow of air among the flow of air and a vibration.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the mode of operation is a cooling-vibration mode, the cooling-vibration mode generating both a flow of air and a vibration.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining whether generation of noise is to be reduced; and

controlling a rotation speed of the heat exhaust motor for reducing noise.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining whether the mobile communication device is permitted to generate a vibration and selecting the mode of operation as one of a cooling mode and a cooling-vibrating mode according to the determining whether vibration is permitted.

6. A mobile communication device, comprising:

a heat transfer path to transfer heat generated in the mobile communication device to a heat exhaust component,

wherein the heat exhaust component generates air flow to exhaust heat out of the mobile communication device.

7. The mobile communication device of claim 6, wherein the heat exhaust component comprises:

a vibrator to rotate around a rotary shaft to generate at least one of air flow and vibration;

a housing unit with a heat receiving port and a heat exhaust port to house the vibrator, the housing unit comprising the rotary shaft; and

a vibration restraining portion to contact the rotary shaft to selectively restrain the vibrator from generating the vibration according to a mode of operation,

8. The mobile communication device of claim 7, wherein the mode of operation comprises at least one of a cooling mode and a cooling-vibration mode.

9. The mobile communication device of claim 8, wherein the vibration restraining portion contacts a portion of the rotary shaft to operate in the cooling mode.

10. The mobile communication device of claim 7, further comprising a magnet to rotate the vibrator.

11. The mobile communication device of claim 1, further comprising a protective film disposed over an exhaust hole disposed on a surface of the mobile communication device.

12. The mobile communication device of claim 7, wherein a direction of flow of air is directed according to a rotating direction of the vibrator.

13. The mobile communication device of claim 7, wherein the vibration restraining portion is aligned coaxially with the rotary shaft.

14. The mobile communication device of claim 7, wherein the housing unit further comprises an opening, through which a portion of the vibration restraining portion is extended therethrough to contact the rotary shaft.

15. The mobile communication device of claim 7, further comprising a guide member to allow the vibration restraining portion to contact the housing, wherein at least one of the guide member and the vibration restraining portion is an electromagnet.

16. The mobile communication device of claim 15, wherein at least one of the vibration portion and the guide member uses at least one of a magnetic force and an elastic force to control contact by the vibration restraining portion to the rotary shaft.

17. The mobile communication device of claim 7, further comprising a rotation speed control unit to control a rotation speed of the vibrator.

18. The mobile communication device of claim 6, further comprising an exhaust hole disposed on a surface of the mobile communication device.

19. The mobile communication device of claim 18, wherein the heat exhaust component includes at least one receiving port to receive heat into the heat exhaust component, and at least one exhaust port connected to the exhaust hole to transfer the heat out of the mobile communication device.

20. The mobile communication device of claim 6, wherein the heat exhaust component generates air flow to draw air into the mobile communication device from an outside environment.

21. The mobile communication device of claim 6, further comprising:

a temperature sensor to determine whether temperature inside of the mobile communication device is greater than a reference threshold.

22. The mobile communication device of claim 19, further comprising a switch portion to block a flow of air to the at least one heat exhaust port according to an orientation of the mobile communication device.

23. The mobile communication device of claim 22, wherein the switch portion blocks the at least one heat exhaust port to direct the flow of air in a direction less resistant to effects of gravity.

24. The mobile communication device of claim 22, wherein the switch portion is oriented to be parallel with the flow of air.