Control device and cooling method for control device

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 heat generating elements and fins arranged in series, one at the front and one at the back, 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 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. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which each panel of a housing of a control device according to an embodiment is removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the external configuration of an air duct. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the 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] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the air duct with the exhaust member removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the air duct with the exhaust member attached. [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 make up the air passage. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing a servo unit from above. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing a servo unit from the front. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing a servo unit from the front. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[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 Fig. 1 to Fig. 3. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a control device according to an embodiment, and 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 motor-driven industrial machinery (such as a robot). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the control device 1 has a frame 3 and a plurality of panels 5. The plurality of panels 5 includes 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 Figure 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 generally U-shaped with an open bottom, and a front frame portion 3F and a rear frame portion 3B that are generally rod-shaped and connect the upper end of the left frame portion 3L with 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 portions 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 end portions of the rear frame portion 3B and 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 portions 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 bottom panel 5D is fixed to the lower end portions of the left and right frame portions 3L and 3R, for example, by screws. By attaching each panel 5 to the frame 3, a housing 2 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is formed. Each panel 5 is adjacent to an adjacent panel 5 at a substantially right angle.

[0010] As shown in Figure 3, a substantially rectangular opening 7 is formed in the left panel 5L. An intake member 51 (see Figure 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 Figure 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 approximate center of the front panel 5F. A cover 13 is attached to and detached from the opening 11, for example, by screws or the like. The opening 11 is closed when the cover 13 is attached, and is open 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, multiple openings 15 are formed in which various connectors (not shown) are disposed. For example, on the right side of the front panel 5F, a connector 17 is provided protruding forward. A cable for connecting a terminal device (also called a pendant) carried by a worker during maintenance or the like is connected to the connector 17, for example, from the bottom.

[0012] As shown in Figures 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 attached and detached. As shown in Figure 2, the front panel 5F can be rotated around the hinge 19 to open the front of the housing 2, or as shown in Figure 3, the front panel 5F can be removed to open the front of the housing 2. As shown in Figure 2, the connector 17 is connected to internal equipment inside the front panel 5F via a cable 21. When performing maintenance work with a terminal device connected to the connector 17, the front panel 5F can be rotated open like a door as shown in Figure 2, allowing the work to be performed while maintaining the connection of the cable 21.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3 , various electrical components are arranged in the internal space of the housing 2. For example, the circuit 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 therein. The internal space of the housing 2 is vertically divided into three layers. The circuit 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 layer. The air duct 43 through which air is ventilated by the cooling fan 41 is arranged in the middle layer (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The servo unit 35 and the like are arranged in the upper layer. 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.

[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 installed, but the number of circulation fans 39 may be other than two. The circulation fan 39 is disposed in the internal space of the housing 2 other than the air duct 43 and circulates air in the internal space other than the air duct 43. No opening is provided in the rear panel 5B at a position corresponding to the circulation fan 39, and the circulation fan 39 circulates air without taking in outside air. Specifically, air discharged from the circulation fan 39 passes around the servo unit 35, travels forward, and collides with the support plate 37. The air that collides with the support plate 37 travels 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, travels upward 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 way, the heat that accumulates in the upper part of the internal space due to heat generated by electrical components such as the first control unit 31 and the servo unit 35 can be dispersed and cooled.

[0015] The configuration of the control device 1 described above is an example and is not limited to the above. For example, the internal space of the housing 2 may be a single-layer structure rather than divided into multiple layers, or may be divided into a space of multiple layers other than three. 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 Figures 4 to 9. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of air duct 43, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of air duct 43, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view corresponding to the cross section VI-VI in Figure 5, Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of air duct 43 with exhaust member 63 removed, Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of air duct 43 with exhaust member 63 attached, and Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the relationship in size between the cross-sectional areas of the chambers and openings that make up 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 the thick arrow in FIG. 6).

[0018] The first chamber 45 accommodates a cooling fan 41 (an example of a first fan) that ventilates air into the second chamber 47, and external air 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 on 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 direction of air flow through the opening. 6, cooling fan 41 is disposed in first chamber 45 with rotation axis direction D1 facing first exhaust port 45B (second intake port 47A) and tilted at a predetermined angle θ with respect to a direction D2 perpendicular to left panel 5L (an example of a wall portion) on which first intake port 45A of housing 2 is provided. The angle θ is set, for example, so that rotation axis direction D1 passes within the range of opening cross-sectional area S5 of first exhaust port 45B (second intake port 47A).

[0019] The second chamber 47 is in communication with the first chamber 45 and accommodates components to be cooled. In this embodiment, "communication" refers to the two chambers being connected to allow free air flow between them. The two chambers may be directly connected or indirectly connected via 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 heat-generating electrical components such as power semiconductor elements and capacitors, and is cooled via the heat sink 53. In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , two regenerative resistors 55 each having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape are installed, but the number of regenerative resistors 55 may be other than two. Components to be cooled other than those described above may also be accommodated in the second chamber 47. As shown in FIG. 6 , the second chamber 47 has a second intake port 47A on its left side that draws air from the first chamber 45 and a second exhaust port 47B on its rear side that exhausts air to the third chamber 49. The second chamber 47 forms a generally L-shaped air passage in which the airflow direction changes from rightward to rearward. 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 without any space between the first exhaust port 45B and the second intake port 47A. However, they may be indirectly connected by interposing another space between the first exhaust port 45B and the second intake port 47A.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the heat sink 53, on which the servo unit 35 is mounted, is supported by a base member 57 (an example of a support member), and the regenerative resistor 55 is supported by base members 59 and 61 (an 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 box-shaped base member 61 so as to close an opening 61a at the bottom of the base member 61. 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 sheet metal. The second chamber 47 houses the fins 53a of the heat sink 53 and the regenerative resistor 55, which are arranged opposite each other. In the second chamber 47, an air passage is formed by a space sandwiched between a plurality of base members 57, 59, 61 that support 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 that are arranged opposite to each other. An opening cross-sectional area S2 of the air passage in the second chamber 47 that is perpendicular to the air flow direction is smaller than an opening cross-sectional area S1 of the first chamber 45 that is perpendicular to the air flow direction.

[0021] The third chamber 49 is in communication 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 air from the second chamber 47, and third exhaust ports 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 formed by 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 any 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] 9 conceptually illustrates the relationship in size between the cross-sectional areas of the chambers and openings that make up air passage 43. As shown in FIG. 9, the cross-sectional area S2 of the opening of second chamber 47 is smaller than the cross-sectional area S1 of first chamber 45, and the cross-sectional area S3 of the opening of third chamber 49 is smaller than the cross-sectional area S2 of second chamber 47. The cross-sectional area S5 of the opening of first exhaust port 45B (second intake port 47A) is smaller than the cross-sectional area S4 of first intake port 45A. The cross-sectional area S6 of the opening of second exhaust port 47B (third intake port 49A) is smaller than the cross-sectional area S5 of second intake port 47A (first exhaust port 45B). The cross-sectional area S7 of third exhaust port 49B is smaller than the cross-sectional area S6 of third intake port 49A (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 opening cross-sectional area S5 is 90% of opening cross-sectional area S4, opening cross-sectional area S6 is 70% of opening cross-sectional area S5, and opening cross-sectional area S7 is 80% of opening cross-sectional area S6, opening cross-sectional area S7 will be approximately 50% of opening cross-sectional area S4. In other words, the rate of decrease in the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the entire air passage 43 from first intake port 45A to third exhaust port 49B will be approximately 50%.

[0024] The configuration of the air duct 43 described above is one 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. However, the cooling fan 41 may be provided in the third chamber 49 and draws air into the second chamber 47. Furthermore, the cooling fan 41 may be provided in both the first chamber 45 and the third chamber 49. Furthermore, in the above, the air duct 43 is configured to be substantially L-shaped and draw air in from the left side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the rear side. However, the air duct 43 may be configured to draw air in from the right side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the rear side. Furthermore, the air duct 43 may be formed linearly and draw air in from the left side of the housing 2 and discharge it from the right side, or draw air in 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 Figures 10 to 12. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an example of replacing the servo unit 35 from above, and Figures 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 together with the heat sink 53 from the base member 57. The heat sink 53 is fixed to the top of the base member 57 with, for example, screws, and can be removed from above by releasing the fixation. As described above, 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 using the hinges 19. 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, which is fixed to the bottom panel 5D, for example, with screws or the like. By releasing the fixation, the first control unit 31 can be removed from the front. 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 top of the base member 61, for example, with screws or the like. By releasing the fixation, the base member 57 can slide back and forth relative to the base member 61 and be removed from the front. As a result, the servo unit 35 can be replaced from the front without removing the top panel 5U, rear panel 5B, left panel 5L, 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 Figures 3, 5, 6, etc. First, a base member 67 for fixing various components 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 components to be disposed in the lower space, such as the breaker 23, electromagnetic switch 25, hub 27, power supply unit 29, and second control unit 33, are installed on the bottom panel 5D. Next, various components constituting the air passage 43, such as base members 57, 59, and 61, the first chamber 45, and the cooling fan 41, 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. This completes the assembly of the internal components of the control device 1.

[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 front frame portion 3F and the rear frame portion 3B connect the upper end of the left frame portion 3L to the upper end of the right frame portion 3R. Next, a circulation fan 39 is installed between 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 using 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; for example, the rear panel 5B, left panel 5L, and 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 for assembling each component upward, 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. Air flowing in from the outside into the first chamber 45 is ventilated through the second chamber 47 and the third chamber 49 in that order. Because 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 drawn in from the outside into the first chamber 45 can be increased to ventilate the second chamber 47. Furthermore, because 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, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Furthermore, by varying the opening cross-sectional area of ​​each of the first chamber 45, the second chamber 47, and the third chamber 49, an air passage 43 can be configured in which the opening cross-sectional area decreases downstream in the air ventilation direction. This eliminates the need for a dedicated component for forming an air passage such as a duct with a narrower flow path toward the downstream side, thereby enabling the miniaturization of 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 this embodiment, air may be ventilated in the second chamber 47, which communicates 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, which communicates with the second chamber 47. Because 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 into the first chamber 45 can be increased to ventilate the second chamber 47. Furthermore, because 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 in the second chamber 47 can be increased and exhausted. The increased exhaust wind speed acts as a pulling force from the downstream side, further increasing the wind speed in the second chamber 47. This improves the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first chamber 45 may include a first intake port 45A and a first exhaust port 45B, and the second chamber 47 may include a second intake port 47A and a second exhaust port 47B. The cross-sectional opening area S5 of the second intake port 47A is smaller than the cross-sectional opening area S4 of the first intake port 45A, so that the wind speed of the air drawn in through the first intake port 45A can be increased and then drawn in through the second intake port 47A. The cross-sectional opening area S6 of the second exhaust port 47B is smaller than the cross-sectional opening area S5 of the second intake port 47A, so that the wind speed of the air drawn in through the second intake port 47A can be increased and then discharged through the second exhaust port 47B. This increases the wind speed within the second chamber 47, thereby improving the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third chamber 49 may include a third intake port 49A and a third exhaust port 49B. Because 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 drawn in through the third intake port 49A can be increased and exhausted to the outside through the third exhaust port 49B. The increased wind speed of the exhaust air in the third chamber 49 creates a pulling effect, which further increases the wind speed in the second chamber 47, thereby improving the cooling efficiency in the second chamber 47.

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

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first air intake 45A may be provided on the left panel 5L of the housing 2, and the third air exhaust 49B may be provided on the rear panel 5B. For example, if the first air intake 45A is provided on the left panel 5L of the housing 2, and the third air exhaust 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 one control device 1 will be taken in by the adjacent control device 1, resulting in reduced cooling efficiency. In this embodiment, the above configuration allows the control devices 1 to be arranged side by side in the left-right direction without reducing cooling efficiency. Furthermore, thermal interference with the device arranged adjacent to the right side of the control device 1 can be suppressed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first air intake 45A and the third air exhaust 49B may be provided on the panels 5L and 5B adjacent to each other at a substantially right angle on 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 devices arranged adjacent to the right side of the control device 1 can be suppressed.

[0038] Furthermore, 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 electrical components. In this case, the base members 57, 59, 61 that have the function of supporting the electrical 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, which are arranged opposite each other, and the space sandwiched 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 arranged 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, heat accumulated 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, dispersing the heat and cooling it. Furthermore, 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 of the air passage 43 may be arranged 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 of the air passage 43 can also be cooled.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing 2 may have a panel structure in which multiple panels 5 corresponding to each direction are attached to the frame 3. In this case, by removing only the panels 5 in the required 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 multiple parts. In this case, it is possible to save installation space during transportation, etc.

[0043] In the above description, when terms such as "vertical," "parallel," and "plane" are used, these terms are not used in their strict sense. These terms "vertical," "parallel," and "plane" mean "substantially vertical," "substantially parallel," and "substantially plane," allowing for tolerances and errors in design and manufacturing.

[0044] In the above description, when the external dimensions, size, shape, position, etc. are described as "same," "equal," "different," etc., these descriptions do not have the strict meaning. 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-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. Although not specifically illustrated, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented with various modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[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. Case 3 frames 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 (example of a second fan) 41 Cooling fan (example of the first fan) 43 Wind road 45 Room 1 45A First Intake 45B First exhaust port 47 Room 2 47A Second intake port 47B Second exhaust port 49 Room 3 49A 3rd intake 49B 3rd exhaust port 53 Heatsink 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 direction of air flow 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 direction of air flow from the second chamber that is smaller than that of the second chamber; and The second chamber is a cooling chamber communicating with the first chamber and accommodating a component to be cooled; A control device, wherein the air passage is formed by a plurality of support members that support the components to be cooled so that the opening cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the first chamber and larger than that of the third chamber.

2. 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 direction of air flow 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 direction of air flow from the second chamber that is smaller than that of the second chamber; and The control device The housing includes the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, and is configured as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing having a front surface, a rear surface, a left surface, a right surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface, an intake port for drawing the air into the first chamber is provided on the left surface or the right surface of the housing, and an exhaust port for discharging the air from the third chamber is provided on the rear surface of the housing, the left or right wall of the housing, on which the air intake port is provided, and the rear wall, on which the air exhaust port is provided, are adjacent to each other at a substantially right angle; The second chamber is The control device has a substantially L-shaped air passage formed therein, which changes the air flow direction from left and right to rearward.

3. 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 direction of air flow 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 direction of air flow from the second chamber that is smaller than that of the second chamber; and The control device The housing includes the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, a first fan disposed in the first chamber for ventilating 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 discharges 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 discharges 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 first fan is In the first chamber, the rotary shaft is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to a wall portion of the housing on which the first air intake port is provided so that the rotary shaft direction faces the second air intake port, The predetermined angle is set so that the rotation axis direction passes within a range of the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second air intake port. Control device.

4. 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 direction of air flow 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 direction of air flow from the second chamber that is smaller than that of the second chamber; and The control device The housing includes the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, a first fan disposed in the first chamber and configured to ventilate the air into the second chamber; a second fan disposed in an internal space other than the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber of the housing, and configured to circulate air in the internal space; and The internal space is The space is divided into an upper space above the second chamber and a lower space below the second chamber, The second fan circulates the air by discharging the air into the upper space and causing the air to flow into the lower space.

5. a first fan disposed in the first chamber for ventilating the air into the second chamber; The third chamber is The air inlet is in communication with the second chamber and discharges the air to the outside. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The first chamber is a first intake port that draws in the air from the outside and a first exhaust port that discharges 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 discharges 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 any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. 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 6.

8. The control device The housing includes the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, a first fan disposed in the first chamber for ventilating 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 discharges 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 discharges the air to the third chamber; The first fan is In the first chamber, the rotary shaft is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction perpendicular to a wall portion of the housing on which the first air intake port is provided so that the rotary shaft direction faces the second air intake port. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The first chamber is a first intake port that draws in the air from the outside and a first exhaust port that discharges 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 discharges 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 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. The control device according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 4.

10. The housing includes: It has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a wall portion of the housing in which the first air intake port is provided and a wall portion of the housing in which the third air exhaust port is provided are adjacent to each other at a substantially right angle; The control device according to claim 9.

11. In the second chamber, The air passage is formed by a plurality of support members that support the electrical components. The control device according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 4.

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

13. The control device The housing includes the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber, a first fan disposed in the first chamber and configured to ventilate the air into the second chamber; a second fan disposed in an internal space other than the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber of the housing, and configured to circulate air in the internal space; further comprising The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The internal space includes: Electrical components to be mounted are arranged in a chamber other than the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber. The control device according to claim 13.

15. 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 that is 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; and The second chamber is a cooling chamber communicating with the first chamber and accommodating a component to be cooled; A method for cooling a control device, wherein the air passage is formed by a plurality of support members that support the components to be cooled so that the opening cross-sectional area is smaller than that of the first chamber and larger than that of the third chamber.

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