1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable projector, and more particularly to a portable projector with a heat dissipation system.
2. Description of Related Art
Since projectors have become increasingly popular, the requirements of potable projectors have grown too. Projectors are high precision opto-mechatronics products; their components are highly temperature sensitive, and have a very complicated layout. Consequently, the cooling capabilities of the projector are very important. In particular, improving cooling capabilities without increasing the size of the projector is of interest.
Generally, the related art projector requires a very high brightness to obtain good quality images, and so needs a high power light source. Therefore, after a long period of operation, the light source generates large amounts of heat within the projector. In addition to the heat generated by the light source, the power supply and imaging system of the projector also generate heat during the operation. Furthermore, the heat generated by the light source, the imaging system, and the power supply are all collected in the projector, which leads to high temperatures that affect the operations of the projector and reduces the life times of the other elements.
What is needed therefore is to proved a portable projector with a heat dissipation system to ensure perfectly operation of the projector.
A portable projector with a heat dissipation system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing, a first light source and a second light source located in the housing. A board thermally contacts the first light source for absorbing heat from the first light source. A heat pipe connects the board and a first heat sink for transferring the heat generated by the first light source from the board to the first heat sink. A second heat sink thermally contacts the second light source for dissipating heat from the second light source.
Many aspects of the present portable projector with a heat dissipation system can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present portable projector using a heat dissipation system. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Referring to
As shown in
The heat dissipation system 30 comprises a fan 40 (shown in
Referring also to
The first heat sink 50 is made from one-piece metal member, and comprises a first base 510 and a plurality of spaced first fins 530 integrally extending from the first base 510. The first base 510 defines a groove 513 in a face 511 thereof, the grooves 513 goes along a length direction of the first fins 530. The face 511 of the first base 510 has an end thereof defining a recess (not labeled) for accommodating the second fixing legs 446 of the fixing member 440.
The second heat sink 60 comprises a second base 610 and a plurality second fins 630 arranged on the base 610. Each second fin 630 is made from one-piece metal sheet, and comprises a contacting portion (not labeled) thermally contacting the second base 610 and a dissipating portion (not labeled) perpendicular to the second base 610.
The heat pipe 80 has a phase-changeable working fluid sealed therein. The heat pipe 80 is substantially L-shaped, and comprises a first transfer section 810 and a second transfer section 830 substantially perpendicular to the first transfer section 810. The heat pipe 80 has a flat face (not labeled) extending from the first transfer section 810 to the second transfer section 830. The first transfer section 810 and the second transfer section 830 each have a semi-circular cross section. The heat pipe 80 is positioned at a corner of the housing 10.
The board 70 is a substantially rectangular plate and defines a groove 713 in a face 711 thereof. The face 711 defines a recess (not labeled) at an end portion thereof for accommodating the first fixing legs 444 of the fixing member 440.
Particularly referring to
Referring back to
In use, the first and second light sources 20 emit light and generate heat. The heat generated by the first light source 20 reaches the board 70 and is absorbed by the first transfer section 810 of the heat pipe 80. The heat in the heat pipe 80 is transferred to the first heat sink 50 via the second transfer section 830, then is dissipated to ambient by the first heat sink 50 by virtue of airflow from the fan 40. The heat generated by the second light source 20 is absorbed by the second heat sink 60 and is dissipated to ambient air by virtue of airflow from the fan 40.
In the embodiment, the heat generated by the light sources 20 is directly removed via the heat pipe 80 and the second heat sink 60, heat dissipation efficiency is improved. Additionally, the fan 40 provides airflow not only to the first and second heat sinks 50, 60 and the light sources 20, but also to other members in the housing 10 of the projector. Therefore, heat generated by multi-members in the housing 10 can be removed duly. Furthermore, the heat dissipation assembly 30 is positioned at the side of the housing 10, the heat pipe 80 is L-shaped according to the corner of the housing 10, therefore, the heat dissipation system 30 occupies a small space in the housing, layout of the members in the housing 10 is optimized, and space of housing 10 is saved.
It is believed that the present invention and its advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the examples hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary embodiments of the invention.