Compact Control Panel Cooling with Patent-Based Airflow Design
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Summary
Problems
Existing control panel units for machine tools are oversized due to the need for a cooling space that entirely covers the control panel box from above, which increases the vertical size and cost of the unit.
Innovation solutions
The control panel unit incorporates a duct with a fan that directs air from the internal space through a groove and ventilation opening, allowing for efficient heat radiation to the outside air without the need for a large cooling space, thus downsizing the unit.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If a cooling space member is provided entirely over the control panel box to form a cooling space, then heat dissipation is improved, but the vertical size of the control panel unit increases
Why choose this principle:
The invention transitions from a vertical cooling space arrangement to a horizontal air passage configuration. The air passage is formed between the side plate and the air cooling fin, extending in the horizontal direction rather than vertically. This dimensional change allows efficient heat dissipation without increasing the vertical height of the control panel unit, effectively resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation performance and compact vertical size.
Principle concept:
If an oil filter is used to catch oil mist in the internal space, then lubricant contamination is prevented, but the filter requires frequent exchange and increases maintenance complexity
Why choose this principle:
The invention extracts and removes the oil filter component from the system by implementing a sealed internal space configuration. The air cooling fin is provided with an air inlet that draws air from outside the case, eliminating the need for air intake through the internal space where oil mist would contaminate filters. This extraction of the filtration function resolves the contradiction by preventing oil mist contamination at the source, thereby eliminating frequent filter maintenance.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
The control panel unit incorporates a duct with a fan that directs air from the internal space through a groove and ventilation opening, allowing for efficient heat radiation to the outside air without the need for a large cooling space, thus downsizing the unit.
Abstract
The invention provides a technology downsizing the control panel unit. The control panel unit 2 for use in machine tool 1 comprises a casing 10, a duct 100, and a fan 200. The casing 10 has an openable door 14. A control device 30 is arranged in an internal space 40, which is closed when the door 14 is closed. The duct 100 has a groove 120 and a ventilation opening 130. The groove 120 is closed at a closed end 121 and open to the internal space 40 at an open end 122. The ventilation opening 130 connects the groove 120 with the internal space 40 in a position nearer the closed end 121 than the open end 122. The duct 100 is fixed to an inner wall 20 of the casing 10 in such manner as the groove 120 faces the inner wall 20. The fan 200 is mounted on the ventilation opening 130. The air in the internal space 40 is taken into the groove 120 enclosed by the inner wall 20 and the duct 100 by the operation of the fan 200.