Controller and method for cooling controller

Abstract

To provide a controller which can improve the efficiency of cooling components and can be downsized, and a method for cooling the controller.SOLUTION: A controller 1 for controlling a control target includes: a first room 45 in which air is flown from the outside; a second room 47, of which opening cross-sectional area S2 perpendicular to the direction of flow of air from the first room 45 is smaller than an opening cross-sectional area S1 of the first room 45; and a third room 49, of which opening cross-sectional area S3 perpendicular to the direction of flow of air from the second room 47 is smaller than an opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second room 47.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a control device and a method for cooling the control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a cooling device for electronic devices that has two stages of heating elements and fins arranged in series, one at the front and one at the rear, and a ventilation duct with different cross-sectional areas in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the cooling air, with the cross-sectional area decreasing toward the downstream side of the cooling air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-168697 [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which a front panel of the control device according to the embodiment is open. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which each panel of a housing of the control device according to the embodiment is removed. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an external configuration of an air duct. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an internal configuration of an air duct. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view corresponding to the cross section VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an external configuration of an air duct with an exhaust member removed. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of an air duct with an exhaust member attached; FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the relationship between the cross-sectional areas of the chambers and openings that configure the air passage. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing a servo unit from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing a servo unit from the front. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing a servo unit from the front. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, directions such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc. are appropriately used for convenience in describing the configuration of the control device, etc., but these directions do not limit the orientation or arrangement of each component of the control device, etc. In the embodiments, the directions such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc. correspond to the directions of the arrows shown in each figure.

[0006] <1. Overall configuration of the control device> An example of the overall configuration of a control device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which the front panel of the control device according to the embodiment is open, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which each panel of the housing of the control device according to the embodiment is removed.

[0007] The control device 1 controls a control target such as a motor or an industrial machine (e.g., a robot) driven by a motor. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the control device 1 has a frame 3 and a plurality of panels 5. The plurality of panels 5 has a front panel 5F, a rear panel 5B, a left panel 5L, a right panel 5R, a top panel 5U, and a bottom panel 5D.

[0008] As shown in Fig. 3, the frame 3 forms the skeleton of the housing. The frame 3 has a left frame portion 3L and a right frame portion 3R that are substantially U-shaped with an open bottom, and a front frame portion 3F and a rear frame portion 3B that are substantially 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.

[0009] The front panel 5F is fixed to the front end of the front frame portion 3F and the left and right frame portions 3L and 3R, for example, by screws. The rear panel 5B is fixed to the rear frame portion 3B and the rear end of the left and right frame portions 3L and 3R, for example, by screws. The left panel 5L is fixed to the left frame portion 3L, for example, by screws, and the right panel 5R is fixed to the right frame portion 3R, for example, by screws. The top panel 5U is fixed to the upper end of the front frame portion 3F and the rear frame portion 3B and the left and right frame portions 3L and 3R, for example, by screws. The lower end of the left and right frame portions 3L and 3R are fixed to the bottom panel 5D, for example, by screws. The approximately rectangular parallelepiped housing 2 is formed by attaching each panel 5 to the frame 3. Each panel 5 is adjacent to the adjacent panel 5 at approximately a right angle.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 3, a substantially rectangular opening 7 is formed in the left panel 5L. An intake member 51 (see Fig. 4), which will be described later, is disposed in the opening 7. A substantially rectangular opening 9 is formed in the rear panel 5B. An exhaust member 63 (see Fig. 8), which will be described later, is disposed in the opening 9. The left panel 5L (an example of a wall portion) and the rear panel 5B (an example of a wall portion) are adjacent to each other at a substantially right angle.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially rectangular opening 11 is formed in the substantially central portion of the front panel 5F. A cover 13 is attached to and detached from the opening 11 by, for example, screws or the like. The opening 11 is closed when the cover 13 is attached, and is opened when the cover 13 is removed. By removing the cover 13, it becomes possible to access the internal devices of the control device 1 from the front through the opening 11 without removing or opening the front panel 5F. For example, on the left side of the front panel 5F, a plurality of openings 15 in which various connectors (not shown) are disposed are formed. For example, on the right side of the front panel 5F, a connector 17 is provided so as to protrude forward. A cable for connecting a terminal device (also called a pendant) carried by an operator during maintenance or the like is connected to the connector 17 from, for example, the lower side.

[0012] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a hinge 19 is provided at the front end of the right frame portion 3R. The hinge 19 is configured to allow the front panel 5F to be detached. As shown in Fig. 2, the front panel 5F can be rotated around the hinge 19 to open the front of the housing 2, and as shown in Fig. 3, the front panel 5F can be removed to open the front of the housing 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the connector 17 is connected to the internal device via a cable 21 inside the front panel 5F. When a terminal device is connected to the connector 17 and maintenance work is performed, the front panel 5F can be rotated like a door to open it as shown in Fig. 2, so that the work can be performed while maintaining the connection of the cable 21.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, various electric components are arranged in the internal space of the housing 2. For example, the breaker 23, the electromagnetic switch 25, the hub 27, the power supply unit 29, the first control unit 31, the second control unit 33, the servo unit 35, and the like are arranged. The internal space of the housing 2 is divided into three spaces in the vertical direction. The above-mentioned breaker 23, the electromagnetic switch 25, the hub 27, the power supply unit 29, the second control unit 33, and the like are arranged in the lower space. The air passage 43 through which air is ventilated by the cooling fan 41 is arranged in the middle space (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6). The above-mentioned 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 above-mentioned air passage 43 and the servo unit 35, and the like are arranged in the space behind the support plate 37.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, a circulation fan 39 (an example of a second fan) is provided behind the servo unit 35. In the example shown in FIG. 3, two circulation fans 39 are provided, but the number of circulation fans 39 may be other than two. The circulation fan 39 is disposed in the internal space other than the air passage 43 of the housing 2, and circulates the air in the internal space other than the air passage 43. No opening is provided in the position corresponding to the circulation fan 39 on the rear panel 5B, and the circulation fan 39 circulates the air without taking in outside air. Specifically, the air discharged from the circulation fan 39 passes around the servo unit 35 and advances to the front side, and collides with the support plate 37. The air that collides with the support plate 37 advances to the right and flows into the lower space through the gap between the servo unit 35 and the right panel 5R. The air that flows into the lower space circulates within the lower space, advances to the upper side at the rear of the internal space, and is sucked into the circulation fan 39. By circulating the air inside the housing 2 in this manner, the heat that accumulates in the upper part of the internal space due to heat generation by electrical components such as the first control unit 31 and the servo unit 35 can be dispersed and cooled.

[0015] The above-described configuration of the control device 1 is an example, and is not limited to the above. For example, the internal space of the housing 2 may be a single-layer configuration rather than divided into multiple layers, or may be divided into a space of multiple layers other than three layers. Also, an opening may be formed in the rear panel 5B at a position corresponding to the circulation fan 39, and the circulation fan 39 may take in outside air for ventilation.

[0016] <2. Air duct configuration> An example of the configuration of air duct 43 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 9. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of air duct 43, Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of air duct 43, Fig. 6 is a sectional perspective view corresponding to the section VI-VI in Fig. 5, Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of air duct 43 with exhaust member 63 removed, Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of air duct 43 with exhaust member 63 attached, and Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the relationship in size between the cross-sectional areas of the chambers and openings that configure air duct 43.

[0017] 5 and 6, an air passage 43, which is a space through which outside air is ventilated by a cooling fan 41, is provided in a middle layer of the internal space of the housing 2. The air passage 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 in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the ventilation direction of the air passage 43 (indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 6).

[0018] The first chamber 45 houses a cooling fan 41 (an example of a first fan) that ventilates air into the second chamber 47, and air from the outside is introduced into the first chamber 45. In the example shown in Figs. 5 and 6, three cooling fans 41 are installed, but the number of cooling fans 41 may be other than three. The first chamber 45 has a first intake port 45A (see Figs. 4 and 5) on the left side that draws in air from the outside, and a first exhaust port 45B (see Fig. 6) on the right side that exhausts air to the second chamber 47. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the first intake port 45A is composed of a plurality of louvers 51a and a lower opening 51b provided in an intake member 51 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 intake port 45A. In this embodiment, the "opening cross-sectional area" refers to the area of ​​a cross section perpendicular to the ventilation direction of air at the opening. 6, cooling fan 41 is disposed in first chamber 45 at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a direction D2 perpendicular to left panel 5L (an example of a wall portion) in which first intake port 45A of housing 2 is provided, so that rotation axis direction D1 faces first exhaust port 45B (second intake port 47A). The angle θ is set, for example, so that rotation axis direction D1 passes within a range of opening cross-sectional area S5 of first exhaust port 45B (second intake port 47A).

[0019] The second chamber 47 communicates with the first chamber 45 and accommodates components to be cooled. In this embodiment, "communication" refers to two chambers being connected so that air can flow freely between them. The two chambers may be directly connected or indirectly connected through another space. As shown in FIG. 5, the components to be cooled by the second chamber 47 are the fins 53a of the heat sink 53 on which the servo unit 35 is disposed, and the regenerative resistor 55. The servo unit 35 includes electric components that generate heat, such as a power semiconductor element and a capacitor, and is cooled through the heat sink 53. In the example shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, two regenerative resistors 55 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape are installed, but the number of regenerative resistors 55 may be other than two. In addition, components to be cooled other than those described above may be accommodated in the second chamber 47. As shown in FIG. 6, the second chamber 47 has a second intake port 47A on the left side that draws in air from the first chamber 45, and a second exhaust port 47B on the rear side that exhausts air to the third chamber 49. The second chamber 47 forms a substantially L-shaped air passage in which the ventilation direction is changed from rightward to backward. The second intake port 47A of the second chamber 47 is common to the first 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 exhaust port 47B is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the second intake port 47A. The first chamber 45 and the second chamber 47 are directly connected to each other without interposing another space between the first exhaust port 45B and the second intake port 47A, but may be indirectly connected to each other by interposing another space between the first exhaust port 45B and the second intake port 47A.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, the heat sink 53 on which the servo unit 35 is mounted is supported by a base member 57 (one example of a support member), and the regenerative resistor 55 is supported by base members 59 and 61 (one example of a support member). The regenerative resistor 55 is placed on the top of the base member 59. As shown in FIG. 6, the base member 59 is fixed to the base member 61 so as to close an 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 top of the base member 61. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening 57a of the base member 57 is closed by the heat sink 53. The base members 57, 59, and 61 are formed, for example, by processing a metal plate. The second chamber 47 accommodates the fins 53a of the heat sink 53 and the regenerative resistor 55, which are arranged to face each other. In the second chamber 47, a space between the plurality of base members 57, 59, 61 supporting the servo unit 35 (an example of an electric component) and the regenerative resistor 55 (an example of an electric component) and the fins 53a and the regenerative resistor 55 arranged opposite to each other forms an air passage. An opening cross-sectional area S2 of the air passage in the second chamber 47 perpendicular to the air flow direction is smaller than an opening cross-sectional area S1 of the first chamber 45 perpendicular to the air flow direction.

[0021] The third chamber 49 communicates with the second chamber 47 and discharges air to the outside. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the third chamber 49 has a third intake port 49A on the front side that draws in air from the second chamber 47, and a third exhaust port 49B on the rear side and on both the left and right sides that discharge air to the outside. As shown in Fig. 8, the third exhaust port 49B is composed of a plurality of openings 63a provided in an exhaust member 63 provided at the outlet of the third chamber 49. The third intake port 49A of the third chamber 49 is common to 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 intake port 49A. The second chamber 47 and the third chamber 49 are directly connected without interposing another space between the second exhaust port 47B and the third intake port 49A, but may be indirectly connected by interposing another space between the second exhaust port 47B and the third intake port 49A. The opening cross-sectional area S3 of the third chamber 49 perpendicular to the air flow direction is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47 perpendicular to the air flow direction.

[0022] FIG. 9 conceptually illustrates the relationship in size between the cross-sectional areas of the chambers and the openings that configure the air passage 43. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the cross-sectional area S2 of the opening of the second chamber 47 is smaller than the cross-sectional area S1 of the first chamber 45, and the cross-sectional area S3 of the opening of the third chamber 49 is smaller than the cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47. The cross-sectional area S5 of the opening of the first exhaust port 45B (the second intake port 47A) is smaller than the cross-sectional area S4 of the first intake port 45A. The cross-sectional area S6 of the opening of the second exhaust port 47B (the third intake port 49A) is smaller than the cross-sectional area S5 of the second intake port 47A (the first exhaust port 45B). The cross-sectional area S7 of the opening of the third exhaust port 49B is smaller than the cross-sectional area S6 of the third intake port 49A (the second exhaust port 47B). In addition, the opening cross-sectional area S2 of the second chamber 47 and the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the first exhaust port 45B (second intake port 47A) are approximately equal, and the opening cross-sectional area S3 of the third chamber 49 and the opening cross-sectional area S6 of the second exhaust port 47B (third intake port 49A) are approximately equal.

[0023] For example, if the opening cross-sectional area S5 is 90% of the opening cross-sectional area S4, the opening cross-sectional area S6 is 70% of the opening cross-sectional area S5, and the opening cross-sectional area S7 is 80% of the opening cross-sectional area S6, the opening cross-sectional area S7 is about 50% of the opening cross-sectional area S4. That is, the reduction rate of the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the entire air passage 43 from the first intake port 45A to the third exhaust port 49B is about 50%.

[0024] The above-described configuration of the air passage 43 is an example, and is not limited to the above. For example, in the above, the cooling fan 41 is provided in the first chamber 45 and discharges air to ventilate the second chamber 47, but the cooling fan 41 may be provided in the third chamber 49 and draws in air to ventilate the second chamber 47. The cooling fan 41 may be provided in both the first chamber 45 and the third chamber 49. In the above, the air passage 43 is formed in a substantially L-shape and is configured to draw in air from the left side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the rear side, but it may be configured to draw in air from the right side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the rear side. In addition, the air passage 43 may be formed in a straight line and may be configured to draw in air from the left side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the right side, or to draw in air from the right side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the left side.

[0025] <3. How to replace the servo unit> A method for replacing the servo unit 35 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing the servo unit 35 from above, and Figs. 11 and 12 are perspective views showing an example of replacing the servo unit 35 from the front.

[0026] 10, first, the top panel 5U of the housing 2 is removed. Next, the servo unit 35 is removed from the base member 57 together with the heat sink 53. The heat sink 53 is fixed to the upper part of the base member 57 by, for example, screws, etc., and can be removed from above by releasing the fixation. As a result, the servo unit 35 can be replaced from above without removing the front panel 5F, rear panel 5B, left panel 5L, right panel 5R, etc. of the housing 2.

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 11, first, the front panel 5F of the housing 2 is removed. The front panel 5F may be opened by rotating it by 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 a base member 65 fixed to the bottom panel 5D by, for example, screws or the like, and can be removed from the front by releasing the fixation. Next, as shown in FIG. 12, 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, for example, screws or the like, and can be removed from the front by sliding the base member 61 in the front-rear direction by releasing the fixation. 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, the right panel 5R, etc. of the housing 2. If necessary, the top panel 5U may be removed when releasing the fixation of the base member 57 to the base member 61.

[0028] <4. Control device assembly process> The assembly process of the control device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, etc. First, a base member 67 for fixing various parts is installed on the bottom panel 5D. The base member 67 is formed, for example, in a gate shape, and is fixed to the bottom panel 5D with screws or the like. Next, various electrical parts to be arranged in the above-mentioned lower space, such as the breaker 23, the electromagnetic switch 25, the hub 27, the power supply unit 29, the second control unit 33, etc., are installed on the bottom panel 5D. Next, various parts constituting the air passage 43, such as the base members 57, 59, 61, the first chamber 45, and the cooling fan 41, etc., are installed on the base member 67. Next, the heat sink 53 mounting the servo unit 35 is installed on the base member 57. Next, the support plate 37 mounting the first control unit 31 is installed on the base member 67 via the base member 65. With the above, the assembly of the internal parts of the control device 1 is completed.

[0029] Next, the frame 3 is assembled. Specifically, the left frame portion 3L and the right frame portion 3R are installed at the four corners of the bottom panel 5D, and the upper end of the left frame portion 3L and the upper end of the right frame portion 3R are connected by the front frame portion 3F and the rear frame portion 3B. Next, a circulation fan 39 is installed 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, lead wires, etc. Next, each panel 5 is installed on the frame 3. The order in which the panels 5 are installed is not particularly limited, but for example, the rear panel 5B, the left panel 5L, and the right panel 5R may be installed first, then the front panel 5F, and finally the top panel 5U.

[0030] As described above, the bottom panel 5D is used as a base to assemble each component upwards, and the frame 3 and panel 5 are assembled after the internal components have been assembled, thereby facilitating automation of the assembly process. For example, in the above assembly process, the process up to the assembly of the internal components may be performed by an automated machine such as a robot, and the subsequent assembly of the frame 3 and panel 5 and wiring may be performed manually. Note that the assembly of the frame 3 and panel 5 excluding the wiring may also be automated, and even the wiring may be automated.

[0031] <5. Effects of the embodiment> As described above, the control device 1 of this embodiment has the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49. The air flowing in from the outside into the first chamber 45 is ventilated 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 in from the outside into the first chamber 45 can be increased to ventilate the second chamber 47. Furthermore, 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 that the cooling efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, by changing the opening cross-sectional area for each of the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49, it is possible to configure an air passage 43 in which the opening cross-sectional area becomes smaller toward the downstream side in the air ventilation direction. This eliminates the need to provide a dedicated member for forming an air passage such as a duct with a narrower flow path toward the downstream side, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the control device 1. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to realize a control device 1 that can improve cooling efficiency and also be miniaturized.

[0032] In the present embodiment, air may be ventilated in the second chamber 47 communicating with the first chamber 45 to cool the components to be cooled, and the air that has cooled the components may be discharged to the outside in the third chamber 49 communicating with 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 in from the outside in the first chamber 45 can be increased to ventilate the second chamber 47. Furthermore, 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 that has flowed in the second chamber 47 can be increased and exhausted. The wind speed in the second chamber 47 can be further increased by the pulling action from the downstream side due to the increase in the exhaust wind speed. This can improve the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47.

[0033] In addition, in this embodiment, the first chamber 45 may include the first intake port 45A and the first exhaust port 45B, and the second chamber 47 may include the second intake port 47A and the second exhaust port 47B. Since the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the second intake port 47A is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S4 of the first intake port 45A, the wind speed of the air sucked in from the first intake port 45A can be increased and sucked in from the second intake port 47A. Furthermore, since the opening cross-sectional area S6 of the second exhaust port 47B is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S5 of the second intake port 47A, the wind speed of the air sucked in from the second intake port 47A can be increased and exhausted from the second exhaust port 47B. This allows the wind speed in the second chamber 47 to be increased, and therefore the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47 can be improved.

[0034] In this embodiment, the third chamber 49 may include a third intake port 49A and a third exhaust port 49B. Since the opening cross-sectional area S7 of the third exhaust port 49B is smaller than the opening cross-sectional area S6 of the third intake port 49A, the wind speed of the air sucked in from the third intake port 49A can be increased and exhausted to the outside from the third exhaust port 49B. The wind speed in the second chamber 47 can be further increased by a pulling effect caused by the increase in the exhaust wind speed in the third chamber 49, so that the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47 can be improved.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cooling fan 41 may be installed in the first chamber 45 and tilted at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the direction D2 perpendicular to the left panel 5L so that the rotation axis direction D1 of the cooling fan 41 faces the second intake port 47A. In this case, the air discharged by the cooling fan 41 can be directed to the second intake port 47A having a smaller opening cross-sectional area than the first intake port 45A, thereby reducing the air resistance of the air passage 43 and allowing the air drawn in from the outside to be efficiently ventilated into the second chamber 47.

[0036] In addition, in this embodiment, the first intake port 45A may be provided on the left panel 5L of the housing 2, and the third exhaust port 49B may be provided on the rear panel 5B. For example, if the first intake port 45A is provided on the left panel 5L of the housing 2, and the third exhaust port 49B is provided on the right panel 5R, when the control devices 1 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the air discharged from the control device 1 is taken in by the adjacent control device 1, and the cooling efficiency decreases. In this embodiment, by adopting the above configuration, the control devices 1 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction without decreasing the cooling efficiency. In addition, thermal interference with the device arranged adjacent to the control device 1 on the right side can be suppressed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first intake port 45A and the third exhaust port 49B may be provided on the panels 5L and 5B adjacent to each other at a substantially right angle of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2. In other words, a substantially L-shaped air passage 43 may be formed inside the control device 1. This allows the control devices 1 to be arranged side by side without reducing cooling efficiency. Also, thermal interference with the device arranged adjacent to the right side of the control device 1 can be suppressed.

[0038] In this embodiment, the air passage 43 may be formed in the second chamber 47 by a plurality of base members 57, 59, 61 that support the electric components. In this case, the base members 57, 59, 61 having the function of supporting the electric components can be used to form the air passage 43. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated member such as a duct for forming the air passage, and the control device 1 can be made smaller.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second chamber 47 may house the fins 53a of the heat sink 53 and the regenerative resistor 55 arranged opposite to each other, and the space between the fins 53a and the regenerative resistor 55 may form the air passage 43. In this case, the components to be cooled housed in the second chamber 47 can be used to form the air passage 43. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated member such as a duct for forming the air passage, and the control device 1 can be made smaller.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 1 may have a circulation fan 39 that is disposed in the internal space of the housing 2 other than 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 other than the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49 can be circulated to disperse the heat and perform cooling. In addition, since the space that is cooled using outside air and the space that circulates inside air can be separated, the cooling efficiency in each space can be improved.

[0041] In this embodiment, electrical components mounted outside the air passage 43 may be disposed in the internal space of the housing 2 other than the air passage 43 (the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49). In this case, the electrical components mounted outside the air passage 43 can also be cooled.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 2 may have a panel structure in which a plurality of panels 5 corresponding to each direction are attached to the frame 3. In this case, by removing the panels 5 only in the necessary direction, it becomes possible to access the inside of the housing 2 from any direction without removing the entire housing 2. Furthermore, the frame 3 may have a divided structure made up of a plurality of parts. In this case, it is possible to save installation space during transportation, etc.

[0043] In the above description, when "vertical", "parallel", "plane" and the like are used, the meanings are not strict. The terms "vertical", "parallel" and "plane" mean "substantially vertical", "substantially parallel" and "substantially plane" with allowance for design and manufacturing tolerances and errors.

[0044] In the above description, when the external dimensions, size, shape, position, etc. are described as "same", "equal", "different", etc., these descriptions are not intended to be strict. The terms "same", "equal", and "different" mean "substantially the same", "substantially the same", "substantially equal", and "substantially different", allowing for design and manufacturing tolerances and errors.

[0045] In addition to the above, the methods according to the above-mentioned embodiments and each modified example may be appropriately combined and used. Although not illustrated individually, the above-mentioned embodiments and each modified example may be implemented with various modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

[0046] The problems and effects that the above-described embodiments and modifications are intended to solve are not limited to those described above. The embodiments and modifications may solve problems or achieve effects that are not described above, or may solve only some of the problems or achieve only some of the effects that are described. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 Control device 2. Chassis 3 Frame 5 Panel 5B Rear panel (example of wall) 5D Bottom Panel 5F Front Panel 5L Left panel (example of wall) 5R Right Panel 5U Top Panel 35 Servo unit (an example of an electrical component) 39 Circulation fan (an example of a second fan) 41 Cooling fan (example of the first fan) 43 Wind road 45 Room 1 45A First Intake Port 45B First exhaust port 47 Room 2 47A Second intake port 47B Second exhaust port 49 Room 3 49A 3rd air intake 49B 3rd exhaust port 53 Heat sink 53a Fin 55 Regenerative resistor (an example of an electrical component) 57 Base member (an example of a support member) 59 Base member (an example of a support member) 61 Base member (an example of a support member) D1 Rotation axis direction D2 Vertical direction S1 Opening cross-sectional area S2 Opening cross-sectional area S3 Opening cross-sectional area S4 Opening cross-sectional area S5 Opening cross-sectional area S6 Opening cross-sectional area S7 Opening cross-sectional area θ given angle

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a control target, a first chamber into which air from the outside flows; A second chamber having an opening cross-sectional area perpendicular to the ventilation direction of the air from the first chamber that is smaller than that of the first chamber; a third chamber having an opening cross-sectional area perpendicular to the ventilation direction of the air from the second chamber that is smaller than that of the second chamber; A control device having the above configuration.

2. a first fan disposed in at least one of the first chamber and the third chamber and configured to ventilate the air into the second chamber; The second chamber is a cooling chamber communicating with the first chamber and housing a component to be cooled; The third chamber is The second chamber is connected to the exhaust port and the air is exhausted to the outside. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The first chamber is a first intake port that draws in the air from the outside and a first exhaust port that exhausts the air to the second chamber, The second chamber is a second intake port that draws in the air from the first chamber and a second exhaust port that exhausts the air to the third chamber, The second intake port is The opening cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the first intake port, The second exhaust port is The opening cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the second intake port. The control device according to claim 2.

4. The third chamber is a third intake port that draws in the air from the second chamber and a third exhaust port that exhausts the air to the outside, The third exhaust port is The opening cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the third intake port. The control device according to claim 3.

5. The control device includes: The housing includes the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, a first fan disposed in at least one of the first chamber and the third chamber and configured to ventilate the air into the second chamber; The first chamber is a first intake port that draws in the air from the outside and a first exhaust port that exhausts the air to the second chamber, The second chamber is a second intake port that draws in the air from the first chamber and a second exhaust port that exhausts the air to the third chamber, The first fan is In the first chamber, the rotation axis direction is directed toward the second intake port, and the rotation axis direction is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to a wall portion of the housing on which the first intake port is provided. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first chamber is a first intake port that draws in the air from the outside and a first exhaust port that exhausts the air to the second chamber, The second chamber is a second intake port that draws in the air from the first chamber and a second exhaust port that exhausts the air to the third chamber, The third chamber is a third intake port that draws in the air from the second chamber and a third exhaust port that exhausts the air to the outside, The control device includes: The housing includes the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, The first intake port is provided on a side surface of the housing, and the third exhaust port is provided on a rear surface of the housing. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The housing includes: It has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a wall portion of the housing in which the first intake port is provided and a wall portion of the housing in which the third exhaust port is provided are adjacent to each other at a substantially right angle; The control device according to claim 6.

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

9. The second chamber is The heat sink fins and the electric components are accommodated in the heat sink, and a space between the fins and the electric components forms an air passage for the air. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The control device includes: The housing includes the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, a first fan disposed in at least one of the first chamber and the third chamber and configured to ventilate the air into the second chamber; a second fan that is disposed in an internal space other than the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber of the housing and circulates air in the internal space; Further comprising A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. The internal space includes: Electrical components to be mounted in a chamber other than the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are disposed. The control device according to claim 10.

12. A cooling method for a control device that controls a controlled object, comprising: Drawing air from the outside into the first chamber; Ventilate the air from the first chamber into a second chamber having an opening cross-sectional area perpendicular to a ventilation direction of the air smaller than that of the first chamber; Ventilate the air from the second chamber into a third chamber having an opening cross-sectional area smaller than that of the second chamber; A cooling method for a control device comprising the steps of:

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