Control device and control device cooling method

Abstract

The invention provides a control device and a cooling method of the control device, which can improve the cooling efficiency of components and can be miniaturized. A control device (1) for controlling an object to be controlled is provided with: a first chamber (45) into which air from the outside flows; a second chamber (47) having an opening cross-sectional area (S2) orthogonal to the direction of ventilation of air from the first chamber (45) smaller than an opening cross-sectional area (S1) of the first chamber (45); and a third chamber (49), wherein the opening cross-sectional area (S3) of the third chamber (49), which is orthogonal to the ventilation direction of the air from the second chamber (47), is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area (S2) of the second chamber (47).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a control device and a method for cooling the control device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a cooling device for an electronic device, which includes two stages of heating elements and fins arranged in series, and a ventilation path system formed by ventilation ducts having different cross-sectional areas in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of cooling air. The closer the ventilation path system is to the downstream side of the cooling air, the smaller its cross-sectional area.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-168697 Summary of the invention

[0006] According to the present invention, a control device is provided, which controls a control object, wherein the control device comprises: a first chamber, into which air from the outside flows; a second chamber, into which an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second chamber orthogonal to a ventilation direction of the air from the first chamber is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the first chamber; and a third chamber, into which an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the third chamber orthogonal to the ventilation direction of the air from the second chamber is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an example of the overall structure of the control device according to the embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the front panel of the control device according to the embodiment is opened.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which each plate of a casing is removed from the control device according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an example of the external structure of the air duct.

[0011] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the air duct.

[0012] Figure 6 is equivalent to Figure 5 A sectional perspective view of section VI-VI.

[0013] Figure 7It is a perspective view showing an example of the external structure of the air duct in a state where the exhaust component is removed.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing an example of the external structure of the air duct in a state where the exhaust component is mounted.

[0015] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the size relationship between each chamber constituting the air duct and the opening cross-sectional area of ​​each opening.

[0016] Fig.10 This is a perspective view showing an example of replacing the servo unit from above.

[0017] Fig.11 This is a perspective view showing an example of replacing the servo unit from the front.

[0018] Fig.12 This is a perspective view showing an example of replacing the servo unit from the front.

[0019] Description of symbols

[0020] 1: Control device

[0021] 2: Shell

[0022] 3: Framework

[0023] 5B: Back panel (an example of a wall)

[0024] 5D: Bottom panel

[0025] 5F: Front panel

[0026] 5L: Left panel (an example of a wall)

[0027] 5R: Right Panel

[0028] 5U: Top panel

[0029] 35: Servo unit (an example of an electrical component)

[0030] 39: Circulation fan (an example of a second fan)

[0031] 41: Cooling fan (an example of a first fan)

[0032] 43: Air duct

[0033] 45: Room 1

[0034] 45A: First air inlet

[0035] 45B: First exhaust port

[0036] 47: Second Room

[0037] 47A: Second air intake

[0038] 47B: Second exhaust port

[0039] 49: Room 3

[0040] 49A: Third air intake

[0041] 49B: Third exhaust port

[0042] 53: Radiator

[0043] 53a: Fin

[0044] 55: Regenerative resistor (an example of an electrical component)

[0045] 57: Base member (an example of a supporting member)

[0046] 59: Base member (an example of a supporting member)

[0047] 61: Base member (an example of a supporting member)

[0048] D1: Rotation axis direction

[0049] D2: vertical direction

[0050] S1: Opening cross-sectional area

[0051] S2: Opening cross-sectional area

[0052] S3: Opening cross-sectional area

[0053] S4: Opening cross-sectional area

[0054] S5: Opening cross-sectional area

[0055] S6: Opening cross-sectional area

[0056] S7: Opening cross-sectional area

[0057] θ: Specified angle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following describes the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments, directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used appropriately to facilitate the description of the structure of the control device, etc., but these directions do not limit the orientation and configuration of each structure of the control device, etc. In addition, in the embodiments, directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back correspond to the directions of the arrows shown in the various drawings.

[0059] <1. Overall structure of the control device>

[0060] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 3 , an example of the overall structure of the control device of the implementation method is described. Figure 1is a perspective view showing an example of the overall structure of the control device according to the embodiment, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the front panel of the control device according to the embodiment is opened, Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which each plate of a casing is removed from the control device according to the embodiment.

[0061] The control device 1 controls, for example, a motor, an industrial machine (robot, etc.) driven by the motor, or other control objects. Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the control device 1 includes a frame 3 and a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels include a front panel 5F, a back panel 5B, a left panel 5L, a right panel 5R, a top panel 5U, and a bottom panel 5D.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the frame 3 constitutes the skeleton of the housing. The frame 3 includes: a left frame portion 3L and a right frame portion 3R, which are approximately U-shaped and open at the bottom; and a front frame portion 3F and a rear frame portion 3B, which are approximately rod-shaped and connect the upper end of the left frame portion 3L and the upper end of the right frame portion 3R. The left frame portion 3L and the right frame portion 3R are erected at the four corners of the bottom panel 5D.

[0063] The front panel 5F is fixed to the front end of the front frame part 3F, the left frame part 3L and the right frame part 3R by screws, etc., for example. The back panel 5B is fixed to the rear end of the rear frame part 3B, the left frame part 3L and the right frame part 3R by screws, etc., for example. The left panel 5L is fixed to the left frame part 3L by screws, etc., for example, and the right panel 5R is fixed to the right frame part 3R by screws, etc., for example. The top panel 5U is fixed to the upper end of the front frame part 3F, the rear frame part 3B, the left frame part 3L and the right frame part 3R by screws, etc., for example. The lower end of the left frame part 3L and the right frame part 3R is fixed to the bottom panel 5D by screws, etc., for example. By installing each plate on the frame 3, a housing 2 having a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape is formed. Each plate is adjacent to an adjacent plate roughly vertically.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, a substantially quadrilateral opening 7 is formed in the left panel 5L. An air intake member 51 (see FIG. 1 ) to be described later is disposed in the opening 7. Figure 4 A substantially rectangular opening 9 is formed in the back panel 5B. An exhaust member 63 (see FIG. 1 ) to be described later is disposed in the opening 9. Figure 8 ). The left panel 5L (an example of a wall portion) and the back panel 5B (an example of a wall portion) are adjacent to each other substantially vertically.

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, a roughly rectangular opening 11 is formed in the approximate center of the front panel 5F. The cover 13 is installed and removed relative to the opening 11, for example, by screws. The opening 11 is closed when the cover 13 is installed, and is opened when the cover 13 is removed. By removing the cover 13, it is possible to enter the internal equipment of the control device 1 from the front through the opening 11 without removing or opening the front panel 5F. A plurality of openings 15 in which various connectors (not shown) are arranged are formed on, for example, the left side of the front panel 5F. A connector 17 is provided protruding forward on, for example, the right side of the front panel 5F. A cable for connecting a terminal device (also called a pendant) carried by an operator during maintenance, etc. is connected to the connector 17, for example, from the bottom.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a hinge 19 is provided at the front end of the right frame portion 3R. The hinge 19 is configured to enable the front panel 5F to be attached and detached. Figure 2 As shown, the front panel 5F is rotated around the hinge 19 to open the front of the housing 2, or Figure 3 As shown, the front panel 5F is removed and the front of the housing 2 is opened. Figure 2 As shown, the connector 17 is connected to the internal device via the cable 21 on the inner side of the front panel 5F. When the terminal device is connected to the connector 17 for maintenance work, the Figure 2 As shown, the front panel 5F is rotated and opened like a door, and the work can be performed while the cable 21 is maintained connected.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, various electrical components are arranged in the internal space of the housing 2. For example, a circuit breaker 23, an electromagnetic switch 25, a hub 27, a power supply unit 29, a first control unit 31, a second control unit 33, a servo unit 35, etc. are arranged. The internal space of the housing 2 is divided into three layers of space in the vertical direction. The above-mentioned circuit breaker 23, electromagnetic switch 25, hub 27, power supply unit 29, second control unit 33, etc. are arranged in the lower space. An air duct 43 (see FIG. 1 ) for circulating air through a cooling fan 41 is arranged in the middle space. Figure 5 and Figure 6 ). The servo unit 35 and the like are arranged in the upper space. The first control unit 31 is supported by a plate-shaped support plate 37. The support plate 37 divides the upper side of the internal space of the housing 2 into a front space and a rear space. The first control unit 31 is arranged in the space in front of the support plate 37, and the air duct 43 and the servo unit 35 and the like are arranged in the space behind the support plate 37.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a circulation fan 39 (an example of a second fan) is provided at the rear of the servo unit 35. Figure 3 In the example shown, two circulation fans 39 are provided, but the number of the circulation fans 39 may be other than two. The circulation fan 39 is arranged in the internal space outside the air duct 43 of the housing 2 to circulate the air in the internal space outside the air duct 43. No opening is provided at the position corresponding to the circulation fan 39 of the back panel 5B, and the circulation fan 39 circulates the air without sucking in external air. Specifically, the air ejected from the circulation fan 39 passes through the periphery of the servo unit 35 and moves forward to the front side, colliding with the support plate 37. The air after colliding with the support plate 37 moves toward the right side and flows into the space of the lower layer through the gap between the servo unit 35 and the right panel 5R. The air flowing into the space of the lower layer circulates in the space of the lower layer, moves upward at the rear of the internal space, and is sucked in by the circulation fan 39. By circulating the air inside the housing 2 in this way, the heat retained above the internal space due to the heat generated by the first control unit 31, the servo unit 35 and other electrical components can be dispersed and cooled.

[0069] The structure of the control device 1 described above is an example and is not limited to the above content. For example, the internal space of the housing 2 may be set to a single-layer structure instead of being divided into multiple layers, or the internal space of the housing 2 may be divided into multiple layers other than three layers. In addition, an opening may be formed at a position corresponding to the circulation fan 39 of the back panel 5B, and the circulation fan 39 may be used to suck in external air for ventilation.

[0070] <2. Structure of air duct>

[0071] Reference Figures 4 to 9 , an example of the structure of the air duct 43 is described. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an example of the external structure of the air duct 43. Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the air duct 43. Figure 6 is equivalent to Figure 5 A sectional perspective view of section VI-VI. Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing an example of the external structure of the air duct 43 in a state where the exhaust member 63 is removed. Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing an example of the external structure of the air duct 43 in a state where the exhaust member 63 is attached. Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the size relationship between each chamber and the opening cross-sectional area of ​​each opening constituting the air duct 43.

[0072] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, an air duct 43 is provided in the middle layer of the internal space of the housing 2, and the air duct 43 is a space for the external air to circulate through the cooling fan 41. The air duct 43 has a first chamber 45, a second chamber 47, and a third chamber 49. The first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49 are arranged from the ventilation direction ( Figure 6 The first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49 are arranged in this order from the upstream side (indicated by a thick arrow) toward the downstream side.

[0073] The first chamber 45 contains a cooling fan 41 (an example of a first fan) for circulating air to the second chamber 47, and allows air from the outside to flow in. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, three cooling fans 41 are provided, but the number of cooling fans 41 may be other than three. The first chamber 45 has a first air intake port 45A (see FIG. 4A ) on the left side for sucking air from the outside. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), and a first exhaust port 45B is provided on the right side to exhaust air to the second chamber 47 (see Figure 6 ).like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first air intake port 45A is composed of a plurality of louvers 51a and a lower opening 51b provided on an air intake member 51, and the air intake member 51 is provided at the entrance of the first chamber 45. The opening cross-sectional area S5 of the first exhaust port 45B is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S4 of the first air intake port 45A. In addition, in this embodiment, the "opening cross-sectional area" refers to the area of ​​the cross section of the opening that is orthogonal to the air flow direction. Figure 6 As shown, the cooling fan 41 is arranged in the first chamber 45 so that the rotation axis direction D1 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ relative to the direction D2 so as to face the first exhaust port 45B (the second air intake port 47A), and the direction D2 is perpendicular to the left panel 5L (an example of a wall portion) provided with the first air intake port 45A of the housing 2. The angle θ is set, for example, so that the rotation axis direction D1 passes through the range of the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the first exhaust port 45B (the second air intake port 47A).

[0074] The second chamber 47 is connected to the first chamber 45 and contains components to be cooled. In this embodiment, "connected" means that the two chambers are connected in a manner that allows air to flow freely. The two chambers can be connected directly or indirectly through other spaces. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the components to be cooled in the second chamber 47 are the fins 53a of the heat sink 53 and the regenerative resistor 55, on which the servo unit 35 is arranged. The servo unit 35 includes heat-generating electrical components such as power semiconductor elements and capacitors, and is cooled via the heat sink 53. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, two substantially rectangular parallelepiped regenerative resistors 55 are provided, but the number of regenerative resistors 55 may be other than two. In addition, components other than the above-mentioned cooling objects may also be accommodated in the second chamber 47. Figure 6As shown, the second chamber 47 has a second air intake port 47A on the left side for sucking air from the first chamber 45, and a second air exhaust port 47B on the rear side for exhausting air to the third chamber 49. The second chamber 47 forms a roughly L-shaped air duct whose ventilation direction changes from rightward to backward. The second air intake port 47A of the second chamber 47 is shared with the first air exhaust port 45B of the first chamber 45, and both have an opening cross-sectional area S5. The opening cross-sectional area S6 of the second air exhaust port 47B is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the second air intake port 47A. The first chamber 45 and the second chamber 47 are directly connected in a manner that there is no other space between the first air exhaust port 45B and the second air intake port 47A, but can also be indirectly connected in a manner that there is other space between the first air exhaust port 45B and the second air intake port 47A.

[0075] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the heat sink 53 with the servo unit 35 mounted on the upper portion is supported by a base member 57 (an example of a supporting member), and the regenerative resistor 55 is supported by base members 59 and 61 (an example of a supporting member). The regenerative resistor 55 is placed on the upper portion of the base member 59. Figure 6 As shown, the base member 59 is fixed to the base member 61 so as to close the opening 61a at the bottom of the base member 61 formed in a box shape. The base member 57 is placed so as to cover the upper part of the base member 61. Figure 5 As shown, the opening 57a of the base member 57 is closed by the heat sink 53. The base members 57, 59, and 61 are formed by processing a metal plate, for example. The second chamber 47 accommodates the fins 53a of the heat sink 53 and the regenerative resistor 55 arranged opposite to each other. In the second chamber 47, a space sandwiched by a plurality of base members 57, 59, and 61 supporting the servo unit 35 (an example of an electrical component) and the regenerative resistor 55 (an example of an electrical component) and the fins 53a and the regenerative resistor 55 arranged opposite to each other forms an air duct. The opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47 that is orthogonal to the ventilation direction of the air in the above-mentioned air duct is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S1 of the first chamber 45 that is orthogonal to the ventilation direction of the air.

[0076] The third chamber 49 is connected to the second chamber 47 to discharge air to the outside. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the third chamber 49 has a third air intake port 49A at the front side for sucking air from the second chamber 47, and has third air exhaust ports 49B at the rear side and on both sides for exhausting air to the outside. Figure 8As shown, the third exhaust port 49B is composed of a plurality of openings 63a provided in an exhaust component 63, and the exhaust component 63 is provided at the outlet of the third chamber 49. The third air intake port 49A of the third chamber 49 is shared with the second exhaust port 47B of the second chamber 47, and both have an opening cross-sectional area S6. The opening cross-sectional area S7 of the third exhaust port 49B is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S6 of the third air intake port 49A. The second chamber 47 and the third chamber 49 are directly connected in a manner that there is no other space between the second exhaust port 47B and the third air intake port 49A, but can also be indirectly connected in a manner that there is other space between the second exhaust port 47B and the third air intake port 49A. The opening cross-sectional area S3 of the third chamber 49 that is orthogonal to the ventilation direction of the air is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47 that is orthogonal to the ventilation direction of the air.

[0077] Fig. 9 The relationship between the size of the opening cross-sectional areas of each chamber and each opening constituting the air duct 43 is schematically shown. Fig. 9 As shown, the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47 is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S1 of the first chamber 45, and the opening cross-sectional area S3 of the third chamber 49 is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47. The opening cross-sectional area S5 of the first exhaust port 45B (second air intake port 47A) is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S4 of the first air intake port 45A. The opening cross-sectional area S6 of the second exhaust port 47B (third air intake port 49A) is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the second air intake port 47A (first exhaust port 45B). The opening cross-sectional area S7 of the third exhaust port 49B is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S6 of the third air intake port 49A (second exhaust port 47B). In addition, the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47 is substantially equal to the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the first exhaust port 45B (second air intake port 47A), and the opening cross-sectional area S3 of the third chamber 49 is substantially equal to the opening cross-sectional area S6 of the second exhaust port 47B (third air intake port 49A).

[0078] For example, when the opening cross-sectional area S5 is set to 90% of the opening cross-sectional area S4, the opening cross-sectional area S6 is set to 70% of the opening cross-sectional area S5, and the opening cross-sectional area S7 is set to 80% of the opening cross-sectional area S6, the opening cross-sectional area S7 becomes 50% of the opening cross-sectional area S4. That is, the reduction ratio of the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the entire air duct 43 from the first air intake port 45A to the third air exhaust port 49B becomes approximately 50%.

[0079] The structure of the air duct 43 described above is an example and is not limited to the above content. For example, in the above content, the first chamber 45 is provided with a cooling fan 41 to eject air so as to ventilate the second chamber 47, but it is also possible to configure the cooling fan 41 in the third chamber 49 to suck air so as to ventilate the second chamber 47. In addition, the cooling fan 41 may be provided in both the first chamber 45 and the third chamber 49. In addition, in the above content, the air duct 43 is formed into a substantially L-shaped shape, and is configured to suck air from the left side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the rear side, but it is also possible to be configured to suck air from the right side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the rear side. In addition, the air duct 43 may also be formed into a straight line, suck air from the left side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the right side, or suck air from the right side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the left side.

[0080] <3. How to replace the servo unit>

[0081] Reference Figure 10 to Figure 12 , explaining the replacement method of the servo unit 35. Fig.10 1 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing the servo unit 35 from above. Fig.11 and Fig.12 This is a perspective view showing an example of replacing the servo unit 35 from the front.

[0082] exist Fig.10 In the example shown, the top panel 5U of the housing 2 is first removed. Then, the servo unit 35 is removed from the base member 57 together with the radiator 53. The radiator 53 is fixed to the upper part of the base member 57 by screws, etc., and can be removed from the top by releasing the fixing. Thus, the servo unit 35 can be replaced from the top without removing the front panel 5F, the back panel 5B, the left panel 5L, and the right panel 5R of the housing 2.

[0083] exist Fig.11 In the example shown, the front panel 5F of the housing 2 is first removed. The front panel 5F can also be opened by rotating the hinge 19 described above. Next, the first control unit 31 is removed from the housing 2 together with the support plate 37. The support plate 37 is fixed to the base member 65 fixed to the bottom panel 5D by screws, etc., and can be removed from the front by releasing the fixing. Fig.12As shown, the servo unit 35 is removed from the base member 61 together with the heat sink 53 and the base member 57. The base member 57 is fixed to the upper part of the base member 61 by screws, etc., for example, and can be removed from the front by releasing the fixing and sliding relative to the base member 61 in the front-rear direction. As a result, the servo unit 35 can be replaced from the front without removing the top panel 5U, the back panel 5B, the left panel 5L, and the right panel 5R of the housing 2. In addition, when releasing the fixing of the base member 57 relative to the base member 61, the top panel 5U can also be removed if necessary.

[0084] <4. Assembly process of control device>

[0085] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 etc., the assembly process of the control device 1 is described. First, a base member 67 for fixing various components is set on the bottom panel 5D. The base member 67 is formed in a door shape, for example, and is fixed to the bottom panel 5D by screws or the like. Next, the various electrical components arranged in the space of the lower layer, such as the circuit breaker 23, the electromagnetic switch 25, the hub 27, the power supply unit 29, and the second control unit 33, are set on the bottom panel 5D. Next, various components constituting the air duct 43, such as the base members 57, 59, 61, the first chamber 45, and the cooling fan 41, are set on the base member 67. Next, the radiator 53 equipped with the servo unit 35 is set on the base member 57. Next, the support plate 37 equipped with the first control unit 31 is set on the base member 67 via the base member 65. Thus, the assembly of the internal components of the control device 1 is completed.

[0086] Next, assemble the frame 3. Specifically, the left frame portion 3L and the right frame portion 3R are set at the four corners of the bottom panel 5D, and the upper end of the left frame portion 3L is connected to the upper end of the right frame portion 3R through the front frame portion 3F and the rear frame portion 3B. Next, a circulation fan 39 is set at the rear ends of the left frame portion 3L and the right frame portion 3R and the rear frame portion 3B. Next, various electrical components are connected and wired by cables, leads, etc. Next, each board is set on the frame 3. The order of setting the boards is not particularly limited. For example, the back panel 5B, the left panel 5L and the right panel 5R may be set first, then the front panel 5F is set, and finally the top panel 5U is set.

[0087] As described above, by forming a structure such that the components are assembled upward with the bottom plate 5D as a reference, and the frame 3 and the plate are assembled after the assembly of the internal components is completed, the automation of the assembly process can be promoted. For example, in the above-mentioned assembly process, the assembly of the internal components may be performed by an automatic device such as a robot, and the subsequent assembly of the frame 3 and the plate and wiring may be performed manually. In addition, the assembly of the frame 3 and the plate other than the wiring may also be automated, and the wiring may also be automated.

[0088] <5. Effects of Implementation Methods>

[0089] As described above, the control device 1 of the present embodiment includes the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49. The air flowing in from the outside in the first chamber 45 flows in the order of the second chamber 47 and the third chamber 49. Since the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47 is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S1 of the first chamber 45, the wind speed of the air sucked from the outside in the first chamber 45 can be increased to ventilate the second chamber 47. In addition, since the opening cross-sectional area S3 of the third chamber 49 is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47, the wind speed of the air flowing through the second chamber 47 can be further increased to ventilate the third chamber 49. In this way, the wind speed can be increased in stages, so the cooling efficiency can be improved. In addition, by changing the opening cross-sectional area in units of the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49, the air duct 43 with a smaller opening cross-sectional area on the downstream side of the ventilation direction of the air can be formed. This eliminates the need for dedicated components such as ducts that taper the flow path toward the downstream side to form an air passage, thereby making it possible to downsize the control device 1. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to realize a downsized control device 1 that can improve cooling efficiency.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, the air may flow through the second chamber 47 connected to the first chamber 45 to cool the component to be cooled, and the air after cooling the component may be discharged to the outside in the third chamber 49 connected to the second chamber 47. Since the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47 is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S1 of the first chamber 45, the wind speed of the air flowing into the first chamber 45 from the outside can be increased to ventilate the second chamber 47. In addition, since the opening cross-sectional area S3 of the third chamber 49 is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47, the wind speed of the air flowing through the second chamber 47 can be increased to exhaust. The wind speed in the second chamber 47 can be further increased by the traction effect from the downstream side caused by the increase in the exhaust wind speed. As a result, the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47 can be improved.

[0091] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first chamber 45 may include a first air intake port 45A and a first air exhaust port 45B, and the second chamber 47 may include a second air intake port 47A and a second air exhaust port 47B. By making the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the second air intake port 47A smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S4 of the first air intake port 45A, the wind speed of the air sucked in from the first air intake port 45A can be increased and sucked in from the second air intake port 47A. In addition, the opening cross-sectional area S6 of the second air exhaust port 47B is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the second air intake port 47A, thereby increasing the wind speed of the air sucked in from the second air intake port 47A and exhausting from the second air exhaust port 47B. As a result, the wind speed in the second chamber 47 can be increased, and thus the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47 can be improved.

[0092] In addition, in the present embodiment, the third chamber 49 may also include a third air intake port 49A and a third air exhaust port 49B. By making the opening cross-sectional area S7 of the third air exhaust port 49B smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S6 of the third air intake port 49A, the wind speed of the air sucked from the third air intake port 49A can be increased and discharged to the outside from the third air exhaust port 49B. Under the traction effect caused by the increase in the exhaust wind speed in the third chamber 49, the wind speed in the second chamber 47 can be further increased, so the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47 can be improved.

[0093] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cooling fan 41 may be provided in the first chamber 45, and the rotation axis direction D1 of the cooling fan 41 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle θ relative to the direction D2 perpendicular to the left panel 5L in a manner toward the second air inlet 47A. In this case, the air ejected from the cooling fan 41 can be directed toward the second air inlet 47A having an opening cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first air inlet 45A, thereby reducing the air resistance of the air duct 43 and allowing the air sucked from the outside to flow efficiently to the second chamber 47.

[0094] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first air intake port 45A may be provided on the left panel 5L of the housing 2, and the third air exhaust port 49B may be provided on the back panel 5B. For example, when the first air intake port 45A is provided on the left panel 5L of the housing 2 and the third air exhaust port 49B is provided on the right panel 5R, when the control device 1 is arranged in a horizontal arrangement in the left-right direction, the air exhausted from the control device 1 is sucked into the adjacent control device 1, and the cooling efficiency is reduced. In the present embodiment, by setting the above-mentioned structure, the control device 1 can be arranged in a horizontal arrangement in the left-right direction without reducing the cooling efficiency. In addition, the thermal interference with the device arranged adjacent to the control device 1 on the right side of the control device 1 can be suppressed.

[0095] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first air intake port 45A and the third air exhaust port 49B may be provided on the plates 5L and 5B adjacent to each other in a substantially vertical manner of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2. That is, a substantially L-shaped air duct 43 may be formed inside the control device 1. Thus, the control device 1 may be arranged in a horizontal arrangement without reducing the cooling efficiency. In addition, thermal interference with the device arranged adjacent to the control device 1 on the right side of the control device 1 may be suppressed.

[0096] In addition, in the present embodiment, the air duct 43 may be formed by a plurality of base members 57, 59, 61 supporting the electric components in the second chamber 47. In this case, the base members 57, 59, 61 having the function of supporting the electric components can be used to form the air duct 43. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated member such as a duct for forming the air duct, so the control device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0097] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second chamber 47 may house the fins 53a and the regenerative resistor 55 of the heat sink 53 disposed opposite to each other, and the air passage 43 may be formed by the space sandwiched between the fins 53a and the regenerative resistor 55. In this case, the components to be cooled housed in the second chamber 47 may be used to form the air passage 43. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated component such as a duct for forming the air passage, and the control device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0098] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control device 1 may also include a circulation fan 39, which is disposed in the internal space of the housing 2 except the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49, and circulates the air in the internal space. In this case, the heat retained in the internal space of the housing 2 except the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49 can be circulated, and the heat can be dispersed for cooling. In addition, the space for cooling using external air can be separated from the space for circulating the internal air, so that the cooling efficiency in each space can be improved.

[0099] In this embodiment, electrical components other than those mounted in the air duct 43 may be arranged in the internal space of the housing 2 other than the air duct 43 (the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49). In this case, the electrical components other than those mounted in the air duct 43 can also be cooled.

[0100] In addition, in the present embodiment, the housing 2 may be configured as a plate structure in which a plurality of plates corresponding to each direction are assembled with respect to the frame 3. In this case, by removing the plates only in the necessary direction, the interior of the housing 2 can be accessed from any direction without removing the entire housing 2. In addition, the frame 3 may be configured as a split structure based on a plurality of components. In this case, it is possible to save installation space during transportation, etc.

[0101] In the above description, when there are words such as "perpendicular", "parallel", "plane", etc., these words do not have strict meanings. These words "perpendicular", "parallel", and "plane" allow for tolerances and errors in design and manufacturing, and mean "substantially perpendicular", "substantially parallel", and "substantially plane".

[0102] In the above description, when there are descriptions of "same", "identical", "equal", "different" and the like in terms of external dimensions, size, shape, position, etc., such descriptions are not strictly defined. These "same", "identical", "equal", "different" allow for tolerances and errors in design and manufacturing, and mean "substantially the same", "substantially the same", "substantially equal", "substantially different".

[0103] In addition to the above, the above-mentioned embodiments and the methods of each modified example may be used in combination as appropriate. In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the above-mentioned embodiments and each modified example may be implemented by adding various changes within the scope not departing from the gist thereof.

[0104] The problems and effects to be solved by the above-described embodiments, variants, etc. are not limited to the above-mentioned contents. Through the embodiments, variants, etc., it is also possible to solve problems not mentioned above, or to achieve effects not mentioned above, and sometimes only solve part of the recorded problems, or only achieve part of the recorded effects.

Claims

1. A control device, which controls a control object, wherein: The control device has: a first chamber into which air from the outside flows; a second chamber, wherein an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second chamber orthogonal to a ventilation direction of the air from the first chamber is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the first chamber; as well as A third chamber, wherein an opening cross-sectional area of ​​the third chamber orthogonal to a ventilation direction of the air from the second chamber is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second chamber.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control device further includes a first fan, which is disposed in at least one of the first chamber and the third chamber and allows the air to flow to the second chamber. The second chamber is communicated with the first chamber and contains components to be cooled. The third chamber communicates with the second chamber and discharges the air to the outside.

3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein: The first chamber includes a first air intake port for sucking the air from the outside and a first air exhaust port for exhausting the air to the second chamber. The second chamber includes a second air intake port for sucking the air from the first chamber and a second air exhaust port for exhausting the air to the third chamber. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second air intake port is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the first air intake port, The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second exhaust port is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second intake port.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein: The third chamber includes a third air intake port for sucking the air from the second chamber and a third air exhaust port for exhausting the air to the outside. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the third exhaust port is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the third intake port.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control device is composed of a housing including the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber. The control device further includes a first fan, which is disposed in at least one of the first chamber and the third chamber and allows the air to flow to the second chamber. The first chamber includes a first air intake port for sucking the air from the outside and a first air exhaust port for exhausting the air to the second chamber. The second chamber includes a second air intake port for sucking the air from the first chamber and a second air exhaust port for exhausting the air to the third chamber. When the first fan is arranged in the first chamber, the first fan is arranged such that the direction of the rotation axis is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to the wall portion of the housing on which the first air intake port is provided so as to face the second air intake port.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first chamber includes a first air intake port for sucking the air from the outside and a first air exhaust port for exhausting the air to the second chamber. The second chamber includes a second air intake port for sucking the air from the first chamber and a second air exhaust port for exhausting the air to the third chamber. The third chamber includes a third air intake port for sucking the air from the second chamber and a third air exhaust port for exhausting the air to the outside. The control device is composed of a housing including the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber. The first air intake port is arranged on a side surface of the shell, and the third air exhaust port is arranged on a back surface of the shell.

7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein: The housing is roughly in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The wall portion of the housing on which the first air intake port is provided is substantially vertically adjacent to the wall portion on which the third air exhaust port is provided.

8. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: In the second chamber, the air passage is formed by a plurality of support members that support the electrical components.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second chamber accommodates fins of a heat sink and electrical components that are arranged opposite to each other, and a space sandwiched between the fins and the electrical components forms a wind path for the air.

10. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control device is composed of a housing including the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber. The control device also has: a first fan disposed in at least one of the first chamber and the third chamber to circulate the air toward the second chamber; as well as The second fan is disposed in an internal space of the housing excluding the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, and circulates air in the internal space.

11. The control device according to claim 10, wherein: The internal space includes electrical components mounted in locations other than the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber.

12. A cooling method for a control device, wherein the control device controls a control object, wherein: The cooling method comprises: sucking air into the first chamber from the outside; allowing the air from the first chamber to flow to a second chamber having an opening cross-sectional area orthogonal to a ventilation direction of the air and smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the first chamber; as well as The air from the second chamber is caused to flow into a third chamber whose opening cross-sectional area is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second chamber.

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