JP2015005776A - Housing - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve problems relating to cooling of an information device.SOLUTION: An intake port selecting device 300 acquires temperature information from temperature sensors 51c to 53c, 61c to 63c, 71c to 73c, and 81c to 83c mounted in information devices 50 to 80. On the basis of each acquired temperature information, the intake port selecting device 300 then selects opening/closing of an intake port for each information device. The intake port selecting device 300 displays information on an intake port to be opened and information on an intake port to be closed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a housing.

  In recent years, a large number of server devices can be arranged in a small space by accommodating a plurality of server devices in a rack in a concentrated manner. In addition, the information equipment accommodated in the rack accommodates not only the server apparatus but also hubs that connect the server apparatuses to each other in the same rack. In the following description, the server device and the hub are referred to as information devices as appropriate.

  An information device may break down when the internal temperature becomes high. For this reason, the information device has an intake port and an exhaust port, and sucks outside air from the intake port and discharges internal air from the exhaust port so that the internal temperature does not reach a high temperature state. As described above, when a plurality of information devices are accommodated in the rack, the temperature of each device is likely to rise. Therefore, it is important to cool the information devices by appropriately taking in and exhausting air.

  In addition, the information device is provided with a maintenance surface for a maintenance person to check the state of the information device, an operator surface operated by the operator, and the like. For example, the maintenance person operates such a maintenance surface to check the state of the information device, and performs maintenance work such as discarding or exchanging parts or data, and updating software as necessary.

  Here, if the orientation of the maintenance surface is disjoint and the information equipment is accommodated in the rack, the maintenance person will go back and forth around the rack to perform maintenance work. The burden is large. For this reason, the orientation of the maintenance surface of each information device is unified and accommodated in the rack. In this way, by unifying the orientation of the maintenance surface of each information device, not only the burden on the maintenance personnel is reduced, but also the space for maintenance work by the maintenance personnel is fixed, and the direction of the rack that is not on the maintenance surface side is fixed. There is no need to consider the problem of space and door opening and closing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-297892

  However, the above-described prior art has a problem in cooling information equipment.

  For example, the maintenance and operator aspects of each information device are not unified in the arrangement relationship with the exhaust port depending on the manufacturer, product category, and the like. Also, the positional relationship between the intake port and the exhaust port is various. For this reason, when the maintenance aspects of the information devices are unified, the intake ports of other information devices are arranged near the exhaust port of a certain information device. As a result, the high-temperature air discharged from the exhaust port is sucked from the intake port of another information device, and the information device cannot be cooled.

  Even with a single information device that is not stored in a rack, depending on the installation environment, the ambient temperature around the inlet of the information device may increase. It can occur even if it exists.

  The disclosed technology has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a housing that can solve the problem related to cooling of information equipment.

  The disclosed housing includes a plurality of intake surfaces each having a plurality of openable and closable intake ports, an exhaust surface having an exhaust port, and an electronic device accommodated between the plurality of intake surfaces and the exhaust surface. . Among a plurality of electronic components arranged in the electronic device, an electronic component having a higher priority than other electronic components as a cooling target is arranged around the exhaust surface.

  According to the housing of the disclosure, there is an effect that a problem related to cooling of information equipment can be solved.

FIG. 1 is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of the information device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of the information device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the temperature information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the intake port selection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the temperature management table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the position correspondence information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display result of the display unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of a processing procedure in which the intake port selection device according to the first embodiment acquires temperature information. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example of a processing procedure in which the intake port selection device according to the first embodiment selects opening / closing of the intake port. FIG. 11 is a diagram (1) illustrating an example of a rack according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram (2) illustrating an example of a rack according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a maintenance surface of each information device when the back surface of the rack is opened. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the rack according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of temperature information output from the information device 60. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of temperature information output from the information device 70. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of temperature information output from the information device 80. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the intake port selection device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the temperature management table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the position correspondence information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display result of the display unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an example of a processing procedure in which the intake port selection device according to the second embodiment acquires temperature information. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an example of a processing procedure in which the intake port selection device according to the second embodiment selects opening / closing of the intake port. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of each information device in which a temperature sensor is arranged around the exhaust port. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of electronic components in the information device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the housing disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  An information device according to the first embodiment will be described. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating an example of an information device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the information device 50 as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 shows the information device 50 as viewed from the rear. The information device 50 corresponds to a server device, various network devices, and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information device 50 includes a front surface 51, a left side surface 52, a right side surface 53, and a back surface 54. In addition, intake ports 51a, 52a, and 53a that can be opened and closed by a maintenance person are provided on the front surface 51, the left side surface 52, and the right side surface 53. Covers 51b, 52b, and 53b are installed at the intake ports 51a, 52a, and 53a, respectively.

  For example, the maintenance person closes the intake port 51a by sliding the cover 51b to the right, and opens the intake port 51a by sliding the cover 51b to the left. The maintenance person closes the intake port 52a by sliding the cover 52b to the right, and opens the intake port 52a by sliding the cover 52b to the left. The maintenance person closes the intake port 53a by sliding the cover 53b to the right, and opens the intake port 53a by sliding the cover 53b to the left.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information device 50 is provided with an exhaust port 54 a on the back surface 54. In order to prevent the internal temperature from being excessively reported, the information device 50 takes outside air into the information device 50 from the intake port with the cover opened, and discharges the internal air from the exhaust port 54a. In the first embodiment, as an example, the front surface 51 of the information device 50 is an operator surface. Further, the back surface 54 of the information device 50 is used as a maintenance surface. The operator surface is a surface that is referred to when an operator or the like confirms the state of the information device 50, for example. The maintenance surface is a surface where, for example, a notebook personal computer or the like is connected when a maintenance person or the like performs maintenance work on the information device 50.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an insertion slot 1 </ b> A for inserting a storage medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or a CD (Compact Disc) into the information device 50 is disposed on the operator side. Further, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp 1B for notifying the abnormality of the information device 50 is disposed on the operator side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the exhaust port 54a, various ports 1C are arranged on the maintenance surface. The various ports 1C correspond to, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) port, a serial port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, and the like. A maintenance person connects a notebook computer or the like to various ports and performs various maintenance operations. In addition, an inlet selection device described later is also connected to the information device 50 through various ports 1C.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the information device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information device 50 includes temperature sensors 51 c, 52 c, 53 c, a fan 54 b, a temperature information storage unit 55, and an interface unit 56 in addition to those described with reference to FIGS. In addition, although various electronic components are mounted on the information device 50, description thereof is omitted here.

  The temperature sensors 51c, 52c, and 53c are sensors that measure temperature. For example, the temperature sensor 51 c is arranged around the intake port 51 a inside the information device 50. The temperature sensor 52c is disposed around the intake port 52a inside the information device 50. The temperature sensor 53 b is disposed around the air inlet 53 a inside the information device 50. The temperature sensors 51c, 52c, and 53c output temperature information to the temperature information storage unit 55.

  The fan 54b is a fan for discharging the air inside the information device 50 to the outside through the exhaust port 54a.

  The temperature information storage unit 55 is a storage device that receives temperature information from the temperature sensors 51c, 52c, and 53c and stores the temperature information. The temperature information storage unit 55 stores the position identification information, the temperature information, and the date and time when the temperature information is measured in association with each other. The position identification information is information for uniquely identifying whether the position of the temperature sensor is the front surface, the left side surface, or the right side surface. For example, the position identification information of the temperature sensor 51c is “a1”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 52c is “a2”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 53c is “a3”. “A1” corresponds to the front surface, “a2” corresponds to the left side surface, and “a3” corresponds to the right side surface.

  The interface unit 56 is a processing unit that performs data communication with the intake port selection device 100. For example, the interface unit 56 is connected to the intake port selection device 100 by inserting a communication cable connected to the intake port selection device 100 into the various ports 1C. When the interface unit 56 receives a request for temperature information from the intake port selection device 100, the interface unit 56 outputs temperature information for each position identification information stored in the temperature information storage unit 55 to the intake port selection device 100.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the temperature information according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature information stores the date and time, device identification information, position identification information, and temperature in association with each other. Among these, the device identification information is information for uniquely identifying the information device 50. The interface unit 56 outputs temperature information to the intake port selection device 100 every time a request for temperature information is received.

  An example of the configuration of the intake port selection device 100 shown in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the intake port selection device according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the intake port selection device 100 includes an interface unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a timer 135, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150. The intake port selection device 100 corresponds to, for example, a portable terminal, a personal computer, a notebook personal computer, or the like.

  The interface unit 110 is a processing unit that performs data communication with the information device 50. The interface unit 110 is connected to the information device 50 by a communication cable or the like. The interface unit 110 outputs various control commands from the control unit 150 described later to the information device 50. The control command includes a command for requesting temperature information. In addition, the interface unit 110 outputs information received from the information device 50 to the control unit 150. Information received from the information device 50 includes the temperature information shown in FIG.

  The input unit 120 is an input device for inputting various information to the intake port selection device 100. The input unit 120 corresponds to an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, for example.

  The display unit 130 is a display device that displays information output from the control unit 150. For example, the display unit 130 displays information related to opening and closing of the intake port. The display unit 130 corresponds to, for example, a display or a touch panel.

  The timer 135 is a timer that outputs date and time information to the control unit 150.

  The storage unit 140 is a storage device that stores the temperature management table 140a and the position correspondence information 140b. The storage unit 140 corresponds to, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

  The temperature management table 140 a is a table that holds the temperature inside the information device 50. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the temperature management table according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, this temperature management table 140a associates log identification information, date and time, device identification information, position identification information, and temperature.

  The log identification information is information that uniquely identifies a log. In the first embodiment, as an example, the log identification information is “LOG-TEMP”. The date and time is information indicating the date and time when the temperature was measured. The device identification information is information that uniquely identifies an information device. For example, the device identification information of the information device 50 shown in FIG. The position identification information is information that uniquely identifies the position of the temperature sensor. The temperature is information on the temperature detected by each temperature sensor.

  For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, in the information device 50 having the date and time “August 23, 2011, 8:00:00”, the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “a1” is “37.1 degrees”. That is remembered. Further, it is stored that the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “a2” is “35.2 degrees” and the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “a3” is “39.4 degrees”.

  The position correspondence information 140b is information for associating position identification information with an intake port. For example, the position identification information associates the intake port closest to the temperature sensor corresponding to the position identification information. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the position correspondence information according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the position correspondence information associates position identification information with intake port identification information. As shown in FIG. 7, the intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “a1” is “intake port 51a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “a2” is “intake port 52a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “a3” is “intake port 53a”.

  The control unit 150 includes a temperature acquisition unit 150a, a selection unit 150b, and a notification unit 150c. The control unit 150 corresponds to an integrated device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The control unit 150 corresponds to an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). It is assumed that the control unit 150 exchanges data with the information device 50 via the interface unit 110.

  The temperature acquisition unit 150a is a processing unit that acquires the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 51b, 52b, and 53b respectively disposed around the intake ports 51a, 52a, and 53b attached to the information device 50 of FIG.

  For example, the temperature acquisition unit 150 a outputs a control command requesting temperature information to the information device 50. Then, the temperature acquisition unit 150a acquires temperature information from the information device 50. The data structure of the temperature information is as shown in FIG. The temperature acquisition unit 150a associates log identification information, date and time, device identification information, position identification information, and temperature and registers them in the temperature management table 140a.

  The temperature acquisition unit 150 a acquires date and time information from the timer 135 and outputs a control command for requesting temperature information to the information device 50 every time a specified time specified in advance is reached. The temperature acquisition unit 150a stores temperature information in the temperature management table 140a every time temperature information is acquired from the information device 50.

  The selection unit 150b is a processing unit that selects opening / closing of the intake port based on the temperature management table 140a.

  For example, the selection unit 150b refers to the temperature management table 140a and detects the maximum temperature for each piece of position identification information. The selection unit 150b compares the highest temperatures for each position identification information, and determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the highest temperatures. Then, the selection unit 150b compares the determined position identification information with the position correspondence information 140b and selects opening / closing of the intake port. The selection unit 150b selects the intake opening corresponding to the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as an “open intake opening”, and sets the other intake openings as “closed intake openings”.

  For example, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “a1” is “37.1 degrees”, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “a2” is “35.3 degrees”, and the maximum temperature of the position identification information “a3” is “39.4”. "Degree". In this case, the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the maximum temperatures is the position identification information “a2”. For this reason, the selection unit 150b determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as the position identification information “a2”. The intake port corresponding to the position identification information “a2” is “intake port 52a”. For this reason, the selection unit 150b selects “the intake port 52a” as the intake port to be opened. Then, the selection unit 150b selects the other intake ports 51a and 53a as the intake ports to be closed.

  The selection unit 150b outputs information related to opening and closing of the intake port to the notification unit 150c. Specifically, the selection unit 150b outputs information on the intake ports to be opened, information on the intake ports to be closed, and position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature to the notification unit 150c.

  The notification unit 150c is a processing unit that causes the display unit 130 to display information related to opening and closing of the intake port. Further, the notification unit 150c may cause the display unit 130 to display the temperature at each position that changes over time based on the temperature management table 140a. Further, the notification unit 150c may specifically display the position corresponding to the position identification information on the display unit 130.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display result of the display unit according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 8, it is displayed that the position where the maximum temperature is the lowest is “a2”, the intake port to be opened is “intake port 52a”, and the intake ports to be closed are “intake ports 51a, 53a”. Yes. The notification unit 150c may display the intake port and the position identification information in association with each other so that the position of the intake port can be easily understood. Further, it may be displayed that “a1” is the front side, “a2” is the left side, and “a3” is the right side. Alternatively, a sticker “a1” may be attached to the front surface of the information device 50, a sticker “a2” may be attached to the left side surface, and a seal “a3” may be attached to the right side surface.

  The maintenance person who has seen the display result shown in FIG. 8 opens the intake port 52a and closes the intake port 51a and the intake port 53a. Thus, when the maintenance person opens and closes the intake port, the information device 50 can suck the outside air having the lowest temperature into the inside, and can cool the information device 50.

  Next, a processing procedure of the intake port selection device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of a processing procedure in which the intake port selection device according to the first embodiment acquires temperature information. The intake port selection device 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 9 at predetermined time intervals.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the intake port selection device 100 determines whether or not the designated time has come (step S101). If the designated time has not reached the designated time (step S102, No), the air intake selector 100 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the designated time has come (step S102, Yes), the intake port selection device 100 requests the information device 50 for temperature information (step S103). And the inlet selection apparatus 100 acquires temperature information from the information equipment 50 (step S104). The intake port selection device 100 registers temperature information in the temperature management table 140a (step S105).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an example of a processing procedure in which the intake port selection device according to the first embodiment selects opening / closing of the intake port. For example, when the request for selecting an intake port is received from the input unit 120 or the like, the intake port selection device 100 may execute the processing illustrated in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the intake port selection device 100 acquires a temperature corresponding to each position identification information from the temperature management table 140a (step S111). The intake port selection device 100 selects the intake port corresponding to the position where the temperature is the lowest as the intake port to be opened (step S112). Then, the air intake selector 100 displays information related to opening and closing of the air intake (step S113).

  Next, effects of the intake port selection device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The intake port selection device 100 acquires temperature information from the temperature sensors 51 c to 53 c around the intake ports 51 a to 53 a attached to the information device 50. The intake port selection device 100 selects opening / closing of the intake port based on the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 51c to 53c. For this reason, among the intake ports 51a to 53a that can be opened and closed of the information device 50, it is possible to notify the maintenance person of the intake port that can take in the outside air having the lowest temperature, so that the information device 50 is optimally cooled. Can do.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the intake port selection device 100 is connected to the outside of the information device 50 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the information device 50 itself may be configured by incorporating a function corresponding to the intake port selection device 100.

  Next, a rack according to the second embodiment will be described. 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating an example of a rack according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view of the rack 200 as viewed obliquely from the front front. FIG. 12 shows the rack 200 viewed from the rear.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rack 200 has a front surface 210, a right side surface 220, a left side surface 230, and a back surface 240. Note that a glass 240a may be installed on a part of the back surface 240 or the like in order to make it easy to understand the situation inside the rack.

  A plurality of information devices are stacked and stored inside the rack 200. The front surface 210, the right side surface 220, the left side surface 230, and the rear surface 240 of the rack 200 can be removed, and the maintenance person removes any of the front surface 210, the right side surface 220, the left side surface 230, and the rear surface 240 to perform maintenance work. Do. In the second embodiment, as an example, in the plurality of information devices stored in the rack 200, the maintenance surface of each information device is facing the back surface 240 side of the rack 200.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a maintenance surface of each information device when the back surface of the rack is opened. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the rack 200 stores information devices 50, 60, 70, and 80 in order from the top. Here, an example in which the information devices 50 to 80 are stored is shown, but other information devices may be stored.

  For example, regarding the information devices 50, 70, and 80, the back surface is a maintenance surface, and for the information device 60, the front surface is a maintenance surface. In addition, the information devices 50, 70, and 80 are provided with an exhaust port on the back surface. The information device 60 is provided with an exhaust port on the front surface. For example, the maintenance and operator aspects of each information device are not unified in the arrangement relationship with the exhaust port depending on the manufacturer and the manufacturing category. Also, the positional relationship between the intake port and the exhaust port is various. For this reason, when the maintenance aspects of the information devices are unified, the intake ports of other information devices are arranged near the exhaust port of a certain information device.

  The information device 50 corresponds to the information device 50 shown in the first embodiment. An exhaust port 54 a is installed on the back surface 54 of the information device 50. Various ports 1 </ b> C are installed on the back surface 54. The maintenance person connects a notebook computer or the like to the various ports 1C and executes various maintenance operations. In addition, an inlet selection device described later is also connected to the information device 50 through various ports 1C.

  An intake port 61 a is provided on the front surface 61 of the information device 60. For example, the maintenance person closes the intake port 61a by sliding the cover 61b to the right, and opens the intake port 61a by sliding the cover 61b to the left. Various ports 2 </ b> C are installed on the front surface 61. The maintenance person connects a notebook computer or the like to the various ports 2C and executes various maintenance operations. In addition, an inlet selection device described later is also connected to the information device 60 through various ports 2C.

  An exhaust port 74 a is provided on the back surface 74 of the information device 70. Various ports 3 </ b> C are installed on the back surface 74. A maintenance person connects a notebook computer or the like to the various ports 3C and executes various maintenance operations. In addition, an inlet selection device described later is also connected to the information device 70 through various ports 3C.

  An exhaust port 84 a is provided on the back surface 84 of the information device 80. Various ports 4 </ b> C are provided on the back surface 84. The maintenance person connects a notebook computer or the like to the various ports 4C and executes various maintenance operations. In addition, an inlet selection device described later is also connected to the information device 80 through various ports 4C.

  The various ports 1C to 4C illustrated in FIG. 13 correspond to, for example, a LAN port, a serial port, a USB port, and the like.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the rack according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the rack according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the rack 200 stores information devices 50, 60, 70, and 80.

  The information device 50 is provided with intake ports 51a, 52a, 53a that can be opened and closed by a cover. For example, by sliding the cover 52b to the right (front 51 side), the intake port 52a is closed, and by sliding to the left (rear surface 54 side), the intake port 52a is opened. Although not shown, covers are also installed at the other intake ports 51a and 53a. The intake port 51 a is installed on the front surface 51 of the information device 50. The intake port 52 a is installed on the left side surface 52 of the information device 50. The intake port 53 a is installed on the right side surface 53 of the information device 50.

  In the information device 50, temperature sensors 51c, 52c, and 53c are arranged. For example, the temperature sensor 51 c is arranged around the intake port 51 a inside the information device 50. The temperature sensor 52c is disposed around the intake port 52a inside the information device 50. The temperature sensor 53 c is disposed around the air inlet 53 a inside the information device 50. The temperature sensors 51c, 52c, and 53c output temperature information to the temperature information storage unit of the information device 50.

  The temperature information storage unit of the information device 50 is a storage device that receives temperature information from the temperature sensors 51c, 52c, and 53c and stores the temperature information. The temperature information storage unit of the information device 50 stores position identification information that uniquely identifies the position of the temperature sensor, temperature information, and the date and time when the temperature information was measured in association with each other. For example, the position identification information of the temperature sensor 51c is “a1”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 52c is “a2”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 53c is “a3”.

  The information device 50 performs data communication with the intake port selection device 300 via the interface unit. When the information device 50 receives a request for temperature information from the intake port selection device 300, the information device 50 outputs temperature information for each position identification information stored in the temperature information storage unit to the intake port selection device 300. The data structure of the temperature information output from the information device 50 corresponds to that shown in FIG.

  The information device 60 is provided with intake ports 61a, 62a, and 63a that can be opened and closed by a cover. For example, sliding the cover 63b to the left closes the intake port 63a, and sliding it to the right opens the intake port 63a. Although not shown, covers are also installed in the other intake ports 61a and 62a. The air inlet 61 a is installed on the front surface 61 of the information device 60. The air inlet 62 a is installed on the left side surface 62 of the information device 60. The intake port 63 a is installed on the right side surface 63 of the information device 60.

  In the information device 60, temperature sensors 61c, 62c, and 63c are arranged. For example, the temperature sensor 61c is arranged around the air inlet 61a inside the information device 60. The temperature sensor 62 c is disposed around the air inlet 62 a inside the information device 60. The temperature sensor 63c is disposed around the air inlet 63a inside the information device 60. The temperature sensors 61c, 62c, and 63c output temperature information to the temperature information storage unit of the information device 60.

  The temperature information storage unit of the information device 60 is a storage device that receives temperature information from the temperature sensors 61c, 62c, and 63c and stores the temperature information. The temperature information storage unit of the information device 60 stores position identification information that uniquely identifies the position of the temperature sensor, the temperature information, and the date and time when the temperature information was measured in association with each other. For example, the position identification information of the temperature sensor 61c is “b1”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 62c is “b2”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 63c is “b3”.

  The information device 60 performs data communication with the intake port selection device 300 via the interface unit. When the information device 60 receives a request for temperature information from the intake port selection device 300, the information device 60 outputs temperature information for each position identification information stored in the temperature information storage unit to the intake port selection device 300.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of temperature information output from the information device 60. As shown in FIG. 15, this temperature information stores the date and time, device identification information, position identification information, and temperature in association with each other. Among these, the device identification information is information for uniquely identifying the information device 60. The device identification information of the information device 60 is “f2”.

  The information device 70 is provided with intake ports 71a, 72a, 73a that can be opened and closed by a cover. For example, sliding the cover 72b to the right closes the air inlet 72a, and sliding it to the left opens the air inlet 72a. Although not shown, covers are also provided at the other intake ports 71a and 73a. The intake port 71 a is installed on the front surface 71 of the information device 70. The air inlet 72 a is installed on the left side surface 72 of the information device 70. The air inlet 73 a is installed on the right side surface 73 of the information device 70.

  In the information device 70, temperature sensors 71c, 72c, 73c are arranged. For example, the temperature sensor 71 c is arranged around the air inlet 71 a inside the information device 70. The temperature sensor 72 c is disposed around the air inlet 72 a inside the information device 70. The temperature sensor 73 c is disposed around the air inlet 73 a inside the information device 70. The temperature sensors 71 c, 72 c and 73 c output temperature information to the temperature information storage unit of the information device 70.

  The temperature information storage unit of the information device 70 is a storage device that receives temperature information from the temperature sensors 71c, 72c, and 73c and stores the temperature information. The temperature information storage unit of the information device 70 stores position identification information for uniquely identifying the position of the temperature sensor, the temperature information, and the date and time when the temperature information is measured in association with each other. For example, the position identification information of the temperature sensor 71c is “c1”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 72c is “c2”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 73c is “c3”.

  The information device 70 performs data communication with the intake port selection device 300 via the interface unit. When the information device 70 receives a request for temperature information from the intake port selection device 300, the information device 70 outputs temperature information for each position identification information stored in the temperature information storage unit to the intake port selection device 300.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of temperature information output from the information device 70. As shown in FIG. 16, this temperature information stores the date and time, device identification information, position identification information, and temperature in association with each other. Among these, the device identification information is information for uniquely identifying the information device 70. The device identification information of the information device 70 is “f3”.

  The information device 80 is provided with intake ports 81a, 82a, and 83a that can be opened and closed by a cover. For example, sliding the cover 82b to the right closes the intake port 82a, and sliding it to the left opens the intake port 82a. Although not shown, covers are also installed at the other intake ports 81a and 83a. The intake port 81 a is installed on the front surface 81 of the information device 80. The air inlet 82 a is installed on the left side surface 82 of the information device 80. The intake port 83 a is installed on the right side surface 83 of the information device 80.

  In the information device 80, temperature sensors 81c, 82c, and 83c are arranged. For example, the temperature sensor 81 c is arranged around the air inlet 81 a inside the information device 80. The temperature sensor 82 c is disposed around the air inlet 82 a inside the information device 80. The temperature sensor 83 c is disposed around the air inlet 83 a inside the information device 80. The temperature sensors 81c, 82c, and 83c output temperature information to the temperature information storage unit of the information device 80.

  The temperature information storage unit of the information device 80 is a storage device that receives temperature information from the temperature sensors 81c, 82c, and 83c and stores the temperature information. The temperature information storage unit of the information device 80 stores the position identification information for uniquely identifying the position of the temperature sensor, the temperature information, and the date and time when the temperature information was measured in association with each other. For example, the position identification information of the temperature sensor 81c is “d1”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 82c is “c2”. The position identification information of the temperature sensor 83c is “c3”.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of temperature information output from the information device 80. As shown in FIG. 17, this temperature information stores the date and time, device identification information, position identification information, and temperature in association with each other. Among these, the device identification information is information for uniquely identifying the information device 80. The device identification information of the information device 80 is “f4”.

  Next, an example of the configuration of the intake port selection device 300 shown in FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the intake port selection device according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the intake port selection device 300 includes an interface unit 310, an input unit 320, a display unit 330, a timer 335, a storage unit 340, and a control unit 350.

  The interface unit 310 is a processing unit that performs data communication with the information devices 50, 60, 70, and 80. The interface unit 310 is connected to the information devices 50, 60, 70, and 80 by a communication cable or the like. The interface unit 310 outputs various control commands from the control unit 350, which will be described later, to the information devices 50, 60, 70, and 80. The control command includes a command for requesting temperature information. The interface unit 310 outputs information received from the information devices 50, 60, 70, and 80 to the control unit 350. Information received from the information devices 50, 60, 70, 80 includes the temperature information shown in FIGS. 4 and 15 to 17.

  The input unit 320 is an input device for inputting various information to the intake port selection device 300. The input unit 320 corresponds to an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, for example.

  The display unit 330 is a display device that displays information output from the control unit 350. For example, the display unit 330 displays information related to opening and closing of the intake port. The display unit 330 corresponds to, for example, a display or a touch panel.

  The timer 335 is a timer that outputs date and time information to the control unit 350.

  The storage unit 340 is a storage device that stores a temperature management table 340a and position correspondence information 340b. The storage unit 340 corresponds to, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

  The temperature management table 340a is a table that holds the temperature inside the information devices 50-80. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the temperature management table according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the temperature management table 340a associates log identification information, date and time, device identification information, position identification information, and temperature.

  The log identification information is information that uniquely identifies a log. In the second embodiment, as an example, the log identification information is “LOG-TEMP”. The date and time is information indicating the date and time when the temperature was measured. The device identification information is information that uniquely identifies an information device. For example, the device identification information of the information device 50 shown in FIG. The device identification information of the information device 60 is “f2”. The device identification information of the information device 70 is “f3”. The device identification information of the information device 80 is “f4”. The position identification information is information that uniquely identifies the position of the temperature sensor. The temperature is information on the temperature detected by each temperature sensor.

  For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 19, in the information device 50 (device identification information f1) having the date and time “August 23, 2011, 8:00:00”, the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “a1” is “ “37.1 degrees” is stored. Further, it is stored that the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “a2” is “35.2 degrees” and the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “a3” is “38.3 degrees”.

  In addition, in the information device 60 (device identification information f2) dated “August 23, 2011 8:00:00”, the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “b1” is “38.1 degrees”. The fact is remembered. Further, it is stored that the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “b2” is “35.2 degrees” and the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “b3” is “39.4 degrees”.

  Further, in the information device 70 (device identification information f3) having the date and time “August 23, 2011, 8:00:00”, the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “c1” is “32.5 degrees”. The fact is remembered. Further, it is stored that the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “c2” is “34.7 degrees” and the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “c3” is “37.0 degrees”.

  Further, in the information device 80 (device identification information f4) dated “August 23, 2011 8:00:00”, the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “d1” is “33.3 degrees”. The fact is remembered. Further, it is stored that the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “d2” is “35.6 degrees” and the temperature of the position corresponding to the position identification information “d3” is “37.6 degrees”.

  The position correspondence information 340b is information that associates the position identification information with the intake port closest to the position of the position identification information. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the position correspondence information according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the position correspondence information 340b associates position identification information with intake port identification information. As shown in FIG. 20, the intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “a1” is “intake port 51a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “a2” is “intake port 52a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “a3” is “intake port 53a”.

  The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “b1” is “intake port 61a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “b2” is “intake port 62a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “b3” is “intake port 63a”. Further, the intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “c1” is “intake port 71a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “c2” is “intake port 72a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “c3” is “intake port 73a”. Further, the intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “d1” is “intake port 81a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “d2” is “intake port 82a”. The intake port identification information corresponding to the position identification information “d3” is “intake port 83a”.

  The control unit 350 includes a temperature acquisition unit 350a, a selection unit 350b, and a notification unit 350c. The control unit 350 corresponds to an integrated device such as an ASIC or FPGA, for example. The control unit 350 corresponds to an electronic circuit such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 350 exchanges data with the information devices 50 to 80 via the interface unit 310.

  The temperature acquisition unit 350a is a processing unit that acquires the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors respectively arranged around the intake ports attached to the information devices 50 to 80 in FIG.

  For example, the temperature acquisition unit 350a outputs a control command requesting temperature information to the information devices 50-80. And the temperature acquisition part 350a acquires temperature information from the information equipment 50-80. The data structure of the temperature information acquired from the information device 50 is as shown in FIG. The data structures of the temperature information acquired from the information devices 60 to 80 are as shown in FIGS. The temperature acquisition unit 350a registers log identification information, date / time, device identification information, position identification information, and temperature in association with each other in the temperature management table 340a.

  The temperature acquisition unit 350a acquires date and time information from the timer 335, and outputs a control command for requesting temperature information to the information devices 50 to 80 every time a designated time specified in advance is reached. The temperature acquisition unit 350a stores temperature information in the temperature management table 340a every time temperature information is acquired from the information devices 50-80.

  The selection unit 350b is a processing unit that selects opening / closing of the intake ports of the information devices 50 to 80 based on the temperature management table 340a.

  Processing in which the selection unit 350b selects opening / closing of the intake ports 51a, 52a, and 53a of the information device 50 will be described. The selection unit 350b compares the highest temperatures for each position identification information whose device identification information is “f1”, and determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the highest temperatures. Then, the selection unit 350b compares the determined position identification information with the position correspondence information 340b and selects opening / closing of the intake port. The selection unit 350b selects the intake opening corresponding to the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as an “open intake opening”, and sets the other intake openings as “closed intake openings”.

  For example, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “a1” is “37.1 degrees”, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “a2” is “35.2 degrees”, and the maximum temperature of the position identification information “a3” is “39.4”. "Degree". In this case, the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the maximum temperatures is the position identification information “a2”. Therefore, the selection unit 350b determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as the position identification information “a2”. The intake port corresponding to the position identification information “a2” is “intake port 52a”. Therefore, the selection unit 350b selects “the intake port 52a” as the intake port to be opened. Then, the selection unit 350b selects the other intake ports 51a and 53a as intake ports to be closed.

  Processing in which the selection unit 350b selects opening / closing of the intake ports 61a, 62a, and 63a of the information device 60 will be described. The selection unit 350b compares the highest temperatures for each piece of position identification information whose device identification information is “f2”, and determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the highest temperatures. Then, the selection unit 350b compares the determined position identification information with the position correspondence information 340b and selects opening / closing of the intake port. The selection unit 350b selects the intake opening corresponding to the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as an “open intake opening”, and sets the other intake openings as “closed intake openings”.

  For example, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “b1” is “38.1 degrees”, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “b2” is “35.2 degrees”, and the maximum temperature of the position identification information “b3” is “39.4”. "Degree". In this case, the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the maximum temperatures is the position identification information “b2”. Therefore, the selection unit 350b determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as the position identification information “b2”. Further, the intake port corresponding to the position identification information “b2” is “intake port 62a”. Therefore, the selection unit 350b selects “the intake port 62a” as the intake port to be opened. Then, the selection unit 350b selects the other intake ports 61a and 63a as the intake ports to be closed.

  Processing in which the selection unit 350b selects opening / closing of the intake ports 71a, 72a, 73a of the information device 70 will be described. The selection unit 350b compares the highest temperatures for each position identification information whose device identification information is “f3”, and determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the highest temperatures. Then, the selection unit 350b compares the determined position identification information with the position correspondence information 340b and selects opening / closing of the intake port. The selection unit 350b selects the intake opening corresponding to the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as an “open intake opening”, and sets the other intake openings as “closed intake openings”.

  For example, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “c1” is “32.5 degrees”, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “c2” is “34.7 degrees”, and the maximum temperature of the position identification information “c3” is “37.0”. "Degree". In this case, the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the maximum temperatures is the position identification information “c1”. Therefore, the selection unit 350b determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as the position identification information “c1”. The intake port corresponding to the position identification information “c1” is “intake port 71a”. For this reason, the selection unit 350b selects “the intake port 71a” as the intake port to be opened. Then, the selection unit 350b selects the other intake ports 72a and 73a as the intake ports to be closed.

  Processing in which the selection unit 350b selects opening / closing of the intake ports 81a, 82a, and 83a of the information device 80 will be described. The selection unit 350b compares the highest temperatures for each piece of position identification information whose device identification information is “f4”, and determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the highest temperatures. Then, the selection unit 350b compares the determined position identification information with the position correspondence information 340b and selects opening / closing of the intake port. The selection unit 350b selects the intake opening corresponding to the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as an “open intake opening”, and sets the other intake openings as “closed intake openings”.

  For example, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “d1” is “33.3 degrees”, the maximum temperature of the position identification information “d2” is “35.6 degrees”, and the maximum temperature of the position identification information “d3” is “37.6”. "Degree". In this case, the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the maximum temperatures is the position identification information “d1”. Therefore, the selection unit 350b determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature as the position identification information “d1”. The intake port corresponding to the position identification information “d1” is “intake port 81a”. For this reason, the selection unit 350b selects “the intake port 81a” as the intake port to be opened. Then, the selection unit 350b selects the other intake ports 82a and 83a as the intake ports to be closed.

  The selection unit 350b outputs information related to the opening / closing of the intake ports of the information devices 50 to 80 to the notification unit 350c. Specifically, the selection unit 350b outputs the information about the intake ports to be opened, the information about the intake ports to be closed, and the position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature in each information device 50 to 80 to the notification unit 350c.

  The notification unit 350c is a processing unit that causes the display unit 330 to display information related to opening / closing of the intake ports of the information devices 50 to 80. The notification unit 350c may cause the display unit 330 to display the temperature for each position that changes over time based on the temperature management table 340a. The notification unit 350c may specifically display the position corresponding to the position identification information on the display unit 330.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display result of the display unit according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 21, in the information device 50, the position where the maximum temperature is the lowest is “a2”, the intake port to be opened is “intake port 52a”, and the intake ports to be closed are “intake ports 51a, 53a”. Is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in the information device 60, the position where the maximum temperature is the lowest is “b2”, the intake port to be opened is “intake port 62a”, and the intake ports to be closed are “intake ports 61a, 63a”. Is displayed. In addition, in the information device 70, it is displayed that the position where the maximum temperature is the lowest is “c1”, the intake port to be opened is “intake port 71a”, and the intake ports to be closed are “intake ports 72a and 73a”. Yes. In addition, in the information device 80, it is displayed that the position where the maximum temperature is the lowest is “d1”, the intake port to be opened is “intake port 81a”, and the intake ports to be closed are “intake ports 82a and 83a”. Yes. The notification unit 350c may display the intake port and the position identification information in association with each other so that the position of the intake port can be easily understood.

  By the way, referring to FIG. 14, the exhaust port 74 a of the information device 70 is located below the intake port 61 a of the information device 60, and the exhaust port of the information device 50 is positioned above the intake port 61 a of the information device 60. 54a is located. Since high-temperature air is discharged from the exhaust port, the information device 60 cannot be cooled when the intake port of the information device 60 is opened.

  Here, for example, if the position of the information device 60 and the position of the information device 50 are interchanged, the intake port 61a of the information device 60 will not be sandwiched between the exhaust ports, so the intake port 61a rather than the positional relationship of FIG. The cooling effect when opening can be expected.

  The selection unit 350b may further execute processing for selecting an information device whose position should be changed as described above. For example, the selection unit 350b is an information device whose temperature distribution is different from the upper and lower information devices based on the temperature distribution of the temperature sensors 51c, 61c, 71c, 81c set around the exhaust ports of the information devices 50-60. Is selected as an information device whose position should be changed.

  The selection unit 350b outputs information on an information device whose position should be changed to the notification unit 350c. The notification unit 350c causes the display unit 330 to display information on an information device whose position should be changed.

  Next, a processing procedure of the intake port selection device 300 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an example of a processing procedure in which the intake port selection device according to the second embodiment acquires temperature information. The intake port selection device 300 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 22 at predetermined time intervals.

  As illustrated in FIG. 22, the intake port selection device 300 determines whether or not a designated time has come (step S201). If the designated time has not come (No in step S202), the air intake selector 300 ends the process.

  On the other hand, when the designated time comes (step S202, Yes), the intake port selection device 300 requests the information devices 50 to 80 for temperature information (step S203). And the inlet selection apparatus 300 acquires each temperature information from the information equipment 50-80 (step S204). The intake port selection device 300 registers the temperature information in the temperature management table 340a (step S205).

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an example of a processing procedure in which the intake port selection device according to the second embodiment selects opening / closing of the intake port. For example, when the request for selecting an intake port is received from the input unit 320 or the like, the intake port selection device 300 may execute the processing illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the intake port selection device 300 acquires the temperature corresponding to each position identification information from the temperature management table 340a (step S211). The intake port selection device 300 selects the intake port corresponding to the position having the lowest temperature as the intake port to be opened (step S212).

  The intake port selection device 300 selects an information device whose temperature distribution is different from the upper and lower information devices (step S213). Then, the intake port selection device 300 displays information devices that should be changed in information and position regarding the opening and closing of the intake ports (step S214).

  Next, effects of the intake port selection device 300 according to the second embodiment will be described. The intake port selection device 300 acquires temperature information from temperature sensors 51a to 53a, 61a to 63a, 71a to 73a, and 81a to 83a attached to the information crisis 50 to 80. And the inlet selection apparatus 300 selects opening / closing of an inlet for every information apparatus based on each acquired temperature information. Therefore, according to the air inlet selection device 300, even when a plurality of information devices of different manufacturers and manufacturing categories are stored in the rack 200, the air inlet most suitable for cooling is notified to the maintenance person for each information device. can do. In addition, by notifying the most suitable inlet for cooling, it is possible to prevent troubles caused by high temperatures of each information device.

  The configurations and processing contents of the information devices 50 to 80 and the inlet selection devices 100 and 300 shown in the first and second embodiments are examples. In the third embodiment, another embodiment of the information device and the intake port selection device will be described.

  Other processing in which the selection unit selects opening / closing of the intake port will be described. The temperature acquisition unit shown below corresponds to the temperature acquisition units 150a and 350a shown in the first and second embodiments. The selection unit shown below corresponds to the selection units 150b and 350b shown in the first and second embodiments. A notification unit 150c shown below corresponds to the notification units 150c and 350c described in the first and second embodiments. The temperature management table shown below corresponds to the temperature management tables 140a and 340a shown in the first and second embodiments.

(When selecting the inlet that corresponds to the position with the lowest average temperature as the inlet that opens)
The selection unit may select an intake port corresponding to a position having the lowest average temperature as an intake port to be opened. A selection part calculates the average temperature for every position identification information based on a temperature management table, and determines the position identification information corresponding to the lowest average temperature among each average temperature. The selection unit selects the intake port that opens the intake port corresponding to the determined position identification information, and selects the intake port that closes the other intake ports.

  In this way, by selecting the opening / closing of the intake port using the average temperature, it is possible to prevent the intake port from being selected as the target for opening the intake port at the position where the temperature has temporarily decreased. It is possible to select an intake port that can be stably cooled.

(When selecting the intake port corresponding to the position where the temperature at the predetermined time is the lowest as the intake port to be opened)
The selection unit may select an intake port corresponding to a position having the lowest temperature at a predetermined time as an intake port to be opened. For example, the predetermined time may be the current time or a preset time. The selection unit extracts the temperature at a predetermined time for each position identification information based on the temperature management table. The selection unit determines position identification information corresponding to the lowest temperature among the extracted temperatures at a predetermined time. The selection unit selects the intake port that opens the intake port corresponding to the determined position identification information, and selects the intake port that closes the other intake ports.

  In this way, by selecting the opening and closing of the intake port using the temperature at a predetermined time, for example, even when a bias occurs in a position where the temperature decreases with time, it is suitable for cooling corresponding to the bias. The air inlet can be selected.

(Regarding the case where the number of times the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature is counted in association with the position of the temperature sensor, and the intake port corresponding to the position where the counted number is minimized is selected as the intake port to be opened)
The selection unit may count the number of times that the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature in association with the position of the temperature sensor, and may select the intake port corresponding to the position where the counted number is the minimum as the intake port to be opened. A selection part counts the frequency | count that temperature becomes more than predetermined temperature for every position identification information based on a temperature management table. The selection unit determines position identification information that minimizes the number of times that the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. The selection unit selects the intake port that opens the intake port corresponding to the determined position identification information, and selects the intake port that closes the other intake ports.

  In this way, by selecting the opening / closing of the intake port using the number of times that the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the intake port is selected as the target for opening the intake port at the position where the temperature has temporarily decreased. This makes it possible to select an intake port that can be stably cooled.

(Other processing of the notification unit)
The notification unit displays information on opening / closing of the intake port on the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. The notification unit may notify the host device of information related to the opening / closing of the intake port via a network.

(When placing a temperature sensor around the exhaust port)
By the way, a temperature sensor may be provided around the exhaust port of the information devices 50 to 80, and the selection unit may select opening and closing of the intake port by further using this temperature sensor. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of each information device in which a temperature sensor is arranged around the exhaust port.

  As shown in FIG. 24, a temperature sensor is arranged around the exhaust port of the information devices 50 to 80. For example, in the information device 50, the temperature sensor 54c is disposed on the exhaust port 54a side. The information device 50 outputs the temperature information measured by the temperature sensors 51c to 54c to the intake port selection device 300.

  In the information device 50, the temperature acquisition unit stores, in the temperature management table, the temperature of the temperature sensor 54c in the state 5-1 in which the intake port 51a is opened and the intake ports 52b and 53b are closed. Further, the temperature acquisition unit records the temperature of the temperature sensor 54c in the state 5-2 in which the intake port 52a is opened and the intake ports 51a and 53a are closed in the temperature management table. Further, the temperature acquisition unit records the temperature of the temperature sensor 54c in a state 5-3 in which the intake port 53a is opened and the intake ports 51a and 52a are closed in the temperature management table.

  The selection unit compares the temperatures of the temperature sensors 54c in the states 5-1 to 5-3 and determines the state having the lowest temperature. In the selected state, the selection unit selects an intake port that has been opened as an intake port to be opened, and selects an intake port that closes the other intake ports. For example, if the temperature of the temperature sensor 54c in the state 5-1 is the lowest temperature, the selection unit selects the intake port that opens the intake port 51a. The selection unit selects the intake ports 52a and 53a as the intake ports to be closed.

  In the information device 60, a temperature sensor 64c is disposed on the exhaust port 64a side. The information device 60 outputs the temperature information measured by the temperature sensors 61c to 64c to the intake port selection device 300.

  In the information device 60, the temperature acquisition unit stores, in the temperature management table, the temperature of the temperature sensor 64c in the state 6-1 in which the intake port 61a is opened and the intake ports 62a and 63a are closed. Further, the temperature acquisition unit records the temperature of the temperature sensor 64c in the state 6-2 in which the intake port 62a is opened and the intake ports 61a and 63a are closed in the temperature management table. Further, the temperature acquisition unit records the temperature of the temperature sensor 64c in the state 6-3 in which the intake port 63a is opened and the intake ports 61a and 62a are closed in the temperature management table.

  The selection unit compares the temperatures of the temperature sensors 64c in the states 6-1 to 6-3, and determines the lowest temperature state. In the selected state, the selection unit selects an intake port that has been opened as an intake port to be opened, and selects an intake port that closes the other intake ports. For example, if the temperature of the temperature sensor 64c in the state 6-1 is the lowest temperature, the selection unit selects the intake port that opens the intake port 61a. The selection unit selects the intake ports 62a and 63a as intake ports to be closed.

  In the information device 70, a temperature sensor 74c is disposed on the intake port 74a side. The information device 70 outputs the temperature information measured by the temperature sensors 71c to 74c to the intake port selection device 300.

  In the information device 70, the temperature acquisition unit stores, in the temperature management table, the temperature of the temperature sensor 74c in the state 7-1 in which the intake port 71a is opened and the intake ports 72a and 73a are closed. Further, the temperature acquisition unit records the temperature of the temperature sensor 74c in the state 7-2 in which the intake port 72a is opened and the intake ports 71a and 73a are closed in the temperature management table. Further, the temperature acquisition unit records the temperature of the temperature sensor 74c in the state 7-3 in which the intake port 73a is opened and the intake ports 71a and 72a are closed in the temperature management table.

  The selection unit compares the temperatures of the temperature sensors 74c in the states 7-1 to 7-3, and determines the lowest temperature state. In the selected state, the selection unit selects an intake port that has been opened as an intake port to be opened, and selects an intake port that closes the other intake ports. For example, if the temperature of the temperature sensor 74c in the state 7-1 is the lowest temperature, the selection unit selects the intake port that opens the intake port 71a. The selection unit selects the intake ports 72a and 73a as the intake ports to be closed.

  In the information device 80, a temperature sensor 84c is disposed on the intake port 84a side. The information device 80 outputs the temperature information measured by the temperature sensors 81c to 84c to the intake port selection device 300.

  In the information device 80, the temperature acquisition unit stores the temperature of the temperature sensor 84c in the state 8-1 in which the intake port 81a is opened and the intake ports 82a and 83a are closed in the temperature management table. Further, the temperature acquisition unit records the temperature of the temperature sensor 84c in the state 8-2 in which the intake port 82a is opened and the intake ports 81a and 83a are closed in the temperature management table. Further, the temperature acquisition unit records the temperature of the temperature sensor 84c in the state 8-3 in which the intake port 83a is opened and the intake ports 81a and 82a are closed in the temperature management table.

  The selection unit compares the temperatures of the temperature sensors 84c in the states 8-1 to 8-3, and determines the lowest temperature state. In the selected state, the selection unit selects an intake port that has been opened as an intake port to be opened, and selects an intake port that closes the other intake ports. For example, if the temperature of the temperature sensor 84c in the state 8-1 is the lowest temperature, the selection unit selects the intake port that opens the intake port 81a. The selection unit selects the intake ports 82a and 83a as the intake ports to be closed.

(Regarding the arrangement of electronic components inside information equipment)
Next, an arrangement example of electronic components inside the information device will be described. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of electronic components in the information device. For example, among the plurality of electronic components arranged in the information device 50, an electronic component having a higher priority than other electronic components as a cooling target is arranged around the exhaust port 54a. An electronic component having a higher priority than other electronic components as a cooling target is the CPU 10A. The area around the exhaust port 54a is a passage for air. For this reason, it is possible to cool the electronic component more efficiently by arranging the electronic component having a high priority as the cooling target around the exhaust port 54a as compared with the case where the electronic component is arranged in another region.

  As for the information devices 60 to 80, similarly to the information device 50, an electronic component having a higher priority than other electronic components as a cooling target is arranged around the exhaust port.

(About an example of work contents that the maintenance person uses the air inlet selection device)
Next, an example of work contents in which the maintenance person uses the intake port selection device 300 will be described. For example, the maintenance person connects the intake port selection device 300 to the information devices 50 to 80 at the time of initial setting and maintenance work. The maintenance person opens all the intake port covers of the information devices 50 to 80 as preparation. After performing the preparations, the maintenance person causes the intake port selection device 300 to execute processing, refers to the display unit 330 of the intake port selection device 300, determines the intake port to be opened and the intake port to be closed, and determines the intake port to be closed. Close the cover.

  In addition, the maintenance person may check the temperature by connecting the intake port selection device 300 to the information devices 50 to 80 when the information devices 50 to 80 are operated. In addition to the above processing, the intake port selection device 300 may determine whether the temperature of each temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined temperature and display the determination result on the display unit 330. Note that the inlet selection device 300 and the information devices 50 to 80 are always connected via a LAN or the like, and the maintenance person may check the temperature state of the information devices 50 to 80.

(Install the drive unit on the cover)
By the way, a driving device or the like may be attached to the cover of the intake port of the information devices 50 to 80 so that the intake cover automatically opens and closes. In addition to the above processing, the intake port selection device 300 outputs a control command to the drive devices of the information devices 50 to 80, and opens and closes the cover according to the determination result. For example, the intake port selection device 300 outputs a control command to the drive device at the time of initial setting, and opens all the covers of the intake ports. Then, after selecting the opening and closing of the intake port as described above, a control command is output to each driving device so that the cover of the intake port determined to be opened is kept open and the cover of the other intake ports is closed.

50, 60, 70, 80 Information device 100, 300 Inlet selection device 200 Rack 110, 310 Interface unit 120, 320 Input unit 130, 330 Display unit 135, 335 Timer 140, 340 Storage unit 150, 350 Control unit

Claims (1)

A plurality of intake surfaces each having a plurality of intake ports that can be opened and closed;
An exhaust surface having an exhaust port;
An electronic device housed between the plurality of intake surfaces and the exhaust surface,
An electronic component having a higher priority than other electronic components as a cooling target among a plurality of electronic components arranged in the electronic device is arranged around the exhaust surface.

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