JP4085649B2

JP4085649B2 - Electronic device dew condensation prevention structure and dew condensation prevention method

Info

Publication number: JP4085649B2
Application number: JP2002048287A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 剛服部
Original assignee: NEC Corp
Current assignee: NEC Corp
Priority date: 2002-02-25
Filing date: 2002-02-25
Publication date: 2008-05-14
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-25
Also published as: JP2003249786A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は電子装置の結露防止構造及び結露防止方法に関し、特に筐体に電子ユニットを収容し、冷却ファンによる空気の吸気・排気で放熱を行うような外気導入構造を有するラック型の電子装置の結露防止構造及び結露防止方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
冷却ファンによる空気の吸気・排気で放熱を行うような外気導入構造を有するラック型の電子装置は、装置内部温度と外気温度の差、及び湿度の関係により装置内で結露が発生し得る。水滴は、高集積回路チップのリードあるいは半田部に付いて短絡し、障害となる。また、水滴とそれに含まれた外気の不純物質により錆発生の原因ともなる。
【０００３】
従来、空調管理されている函内に設置されたラック型の電子装置において、筐体に電子ユニットを収容し、冷却ファンによる空気の吸気・排気で放熱を行う構成のものにおいては結露防止構造を有する配慮がなされていない。
【０００４】
図６は、従来のラック型電子装置及びその設置環境の一例を示す図で、（ａ）は電子装置全体の斜視図、（ｂ）は電子装置の内部を表す斜視図、（ｃ）はこの電子装置を空調機によって空調管理されている中継函の内部に設置した状態を示す断面図である。
【０００５】
図６に示すラック型の電子装置は、電子ユニット１５をサブラック１６に収容する構造で、サブラック１６は筐体１１に固定されている。また、この電子装置は冷却ファン部１７、筐体扉１２の下部の吸気部１３及び排気部１４の放熱構造を有する。風の流れは下部の風向板１８及び上部の風向板１９により制御され、図に矢印Ｊで示す流れとなる。
【０００６】
例えば、この電子装置が空調機５３により空調管理された中継函５１の内部に設置され、常時冷却されるような環境であるとき、保守などで急に中継函扉５２が開けられた場合、中継函５１外の暖かい外気が入り、更に装置内まで導入される。この場合、装置内外に結露が発生する可能性が有る。
従来の結露予知装置としては、例えば特開２０００−３１０６０７号公報に示されるように、電子機器において、結露予知を目的として提案されている。この公報では、電子機器に設けたテープ走行系ドラムの露点を検出する方法が記載され、ドラム温度を検出する手段と、電子機器の外気温取得手段と、外気温より電子機器の使用環境を考慮した湿度における露点温度算出手段とを有し、ドラムの温度が露点温度以下のときに、結露と判断し、結露を検出する装置である。
【０００７】
また従来の他の結露防止装置として、特開２０００−２６７５５０号公報に示される画像形成装置がある。この装置では、装置の外部温度ＴＯ、内部温度ＴＩをセンサで検知し、内外部の温度差ＴＯ−ＴＩが予め定めた許容範囲値以上の場合には内部に結露が発生すると判断し、画像定着用の定着熱を排出するための冷却ファンを逆向きに動作させて内部を暖めるように制御し、内外部の温度差を小さくして結露が発生するのを防止しようとするものである。
【０００８】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述したように、冷却ファンによる空気の吸気・排気で放熱を行うような外気導入構造を有する電子装置は、設置環境の温湿度の変化により、装置内で結露が発生し得る。水滴は高集積回路チップのリードあるいは半田部に付いて短絡し、障害となる。また、水滴とそれに含まれた外気の不純物質により錆発生の原因ともなる。
【０００９】
その理由は、装置内部温度と外気温度に差が生じるからである。装置内部温度と外気温度の差及び湿度の関係により装置内で結露が発生する。特に、空調管理された屋内に電子装置が設置されていて、部屋の扉の開閉等により、急に暖かく湿った空気が冷えた電子装置内に導入されると、装置内部が露点温度以下となり、結露が著しく発生しやすくなる。
【００１０】
上述した従来の特開２０００−３１０６０７号公報の内容では、結露を予知して結露を検出するのみであり、その後の処理についての言及がなく、また空調管理下での問題点の指摘や解決策が論じられていない。
【００１１】
また上述した従来の特開２０００−２６７５５０号公報の内容では、装置内外部の温度差を小さくして結露の発生を防止するようにはなっているが、装置が空調管理下に置かれた場合の問題点の指摘や解決策については全く論じられていない。
【００１２】
本発明の目的は、上記従来の問題点に鑑み、装置が空調管理下に設置されているという大前提のもとにおいて、冷却ファンによる空気の吸気・排気で放熱を行うような外気導入構造を有するラック型の電子装置の結露防止構造及び結露防止方法を提供することにある。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の電子装置の結露防止構造は、筐体に収納した電子ユニットに対し冷却ファンによる空気の吸気・排気によって前記電子ユニットからの発熱を放熱するごとき外気導入型の電子装置を有し、この電子装置を空調機によって空調管理されている中継函の内部に設置した構造において、前記中継函の外面にて外気の温湿度を検出する外気温湿度検出手段と、前記筐体内にて装置内の温度を検出する装置内温度検出手段と、前記外気温湿度検出手段と前記装置内温度検出手段との比較により前記筐体内における露点温度を算出する露点温度算出手段と、前記露点温度算出手段の結果により前記中継函外から外気が導入された場合に前記筐体内に結露が発生すると判断されたとき前記導入する外気を暖める手段とを備えている。
【００１４】
また本発明の電子装置の結露防止方法は、筐体に収納した電子ユニットに対し冷却ファンによる空気の吸気・排気によって前記電子ユニットからの発熱を放熱するごとき外気導入型の電子装置を有し、この電子装置を空調機によって空調管理されている中継函の内部に設置した構造において、前記中継函の外面に設けた外気温湿度検出手段により外気の温湿度を検出し、前記筐体内に設けた装置内温度検出手段により装置内の温度を検出し、前記外気の温湿度と前記装置内の温度との比較から露点温度算出手段により露点温度を算出し、この算出した露点温度に基づき前記中継函外から外気が導入された場合に前記筐体内に結露が発生すると判断されたとき前記導入する外気を暖めることで前記筐体内における結露の発生を防止するものである。
【００１５】
これら本発明の電子装置の結露防止構造及び結露防止方法において、前記導入する外気を暖める手段として前記電子ユニットの発熱による温風を利用し、この温風を前記筐体下部の吸気口に導くバイパス通路を有するのが好ましく、また前記露点温度算出手段に基づき前記温風の量を調節する調節手段を有することが好ましい。
【００１６】
さらに、前記温風の量を調節する調節手段として、開口量が調整自在な開閉機能付きの風向板を用いること、ならびに前記温風の量ならびに前記開口量を記憶し且つ最適化しうるメモリ手段を有することが好ましい。
【００１７】
即ち、より具体的には、電子装置を空調機によって空調管理されている中継函の内部に設置した構造において、電子装置の筐体に実装され発熱する電子ユニットを収容するサブラックと、冷却ファン部と、風向板とを筐体に実装し、ファンによる吸排気で発熱ユニットを放熱する手段と、中継函外に設けた外気温湿度センサーにて検出した外気の温湿度と、装置内に設けた装置内温度センサーにて検出した装置内温度とから、露点温度を検出し、結露が発生すると判断した場合に結露アラーム信号を出す手段、結露アラーム信号を受けた場合、開閉機能付風向板の開閉命令信号を出し、それに従い電動で開閉機能付風向板の風向板カバーを動かして開口する手段と、開閉機能付風向板の開口により、装置発熱で暖められた上方に流れる温風の一部が前面空間を通って吸気口に戻り、導入する外気を暖め、装置内部が露点温度以下とならないようにする手段とを有する。
【００１８】
このような構成によれば、空調管理された中継函外に設けた外気温湿度センサーにて検出した外気の温湿度と、装置内に設けた装置内温度センサーにて検出した装置内温度とから、中継函外の空気が装置に導入することを想定した露点温度を検出し、結露が発生すると判断した場合、結露アラーム信号を出すと共に開閉機能付風向板の開閉命令信号を出す。その信号に従って、電動で開閉機能付風向板を開口し、装置発熱で暖められた上方に流れる温風を前面空間に流す。この温風は、ファンの吸込みにより吸気口へと戻り、導入する空気を暖める。これにより、中継函外の暖かい外気が導入された場合でも、装置内部が露点温度以下とならず、結露を防止するという作用を発揮する。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明について図面を参照して説明する。
【００２０】
図１ないし図４は本発明の第１の実施の形態を示す図であり、図１は結露防止構造を有するラック型電子装置の全体構成を示す一部破断斜視図、図２は露点温度を検出するブロック図、図３（ａ）ないし（ｃ）は開閉機能付風向板の開口構造を示す斜視図、図４はこの結露防止構造での風の流れ動作状態を示す断面図である。
【００２１】
図１に示すように、この電子装置は、図６にて説明したと同様に、空調機５３により完全に空調管理された中継函５１の内部に設置され、常時冷却されるような環境下にあるものとする。
【００２２】
このような電子装置において、電子ユニット２５はサブラック２６に収容し、これら複数のサブラック２６は筐体２１に固定される。冷却ファン部２７はそれぞれサブラック２６間の位置に、また風向板２８及び開閉機能付風向板２９は装置の下部及び上部の位置でそれぞれ筐体２１に固定され、下部の吸気部２３から空気を吸い込んで、風を流すことにより電子ユニット２５の発熱を冷却し、吸い上げた空気を上部の排気部２４から放出する構造を有する。
【００２３】
また、中継函５１の外側に外気温湿度センサー３０を、また装置の筐体２１の内部に装置内温度センサー３１をそれぞれ設け、外気温湿度及び装置内温度を検出する手段を有する。なお装置内温度センサー３１は、温度が低い吸気部２３の吸気口付近に設けることが望ましい。
【００２４】
図２を参照すると、外気温湿度センサー３０と外気温湿度検出部３２にて外気の温湿度を検出し、また同時に、装置内温度センサー３１と装置内温度検出部３３にて装置内温度を検出し、各々の温湿度値は露点温度検出部３４へ送信され、そこで露点温度が計算される。露点温度検出部３４は、検出した露点温度と装置内部温度とから結露の発生を判断した場合、露点温度アラーム信号Ａを風向板開閉判定処理部３５へ送信する。風向板開閉判定処理部３５は露点温度アラーム信号Ａを受信すると、開閉機能付風向板２９を開口する命令を含む風向板開閉命令信号Ｂを送出する手段を有する。
【００２５】
装置内温度検出部３３は検出温度を温度アラーム検出部３６へも送付し、そこでは入力許容温度記憶メモリ３７に予め入力されている許容温度値と比較して装置内が許容温度を超えていないか判断し、高温の場合は、風向板開閉判定処理部３５へ高温アラーム信号Ｄを送信する。風向板開閉判定処理部３５は高温アラーム信号Ｄを受けると、開閉機能付風向板２９を閉口する命令を含む風向板開閉命令信号Ｂを送出する。ある時間内に露点温度アラームあるいは高温アラームが無くならない場合、外部にアラーム信号Ｃを通知する手段を有する。
【００２６】
図３に示す風向板の構造を参照すると、同図（ａ）、（ｂ）のように開閉機能付風向板２９の風向板本体２９ａに風向板カバー２９ｂが設けられ、開閉機能付風向板２９を開口する命令を含む風向板開閉命令信号Ｂがあった場合、風向板カバー２９ｂが電動で移動し、矢印Ｇ方向に開口する。このように、風向板開閉命令信号Ｂにより、開閉機能付風向板２９を開閉する手段を有する。
【００２７】
この開閉機能付風向板は特に形状を限定しない。例えば、図３（ｃ）に示すように、開閉機能付風向板２９ｃと風向板カバー２９ｄのような構造とし、同図（ａ）、（ｂ）の場合の矢印Ｇと直角な矢印Ｈ方向に開閉するようにしてもよい。
【００２８】
図４を参照すると、開閉機能付風向板２９を開口する命令信号に従って開閉機能付風向板２９を開口した場合、装置発熱で暖められた、上方に流れる温風の一部が矢印Ｆで示す前面空間のバイパスを通って吸気口に戻る。この温風が吸気部２３から導入する空気を暖め、装置内温度と中継函温度の差を小さくする手段を有する。
【００２９】
次に、上記のような構成の本実施の形態の動作について図面を参照して説明する。
【００３０】
図１及び図４を参照すると、筐体２１内のサブラック２６に収容された電子ユニット２５の発熱は、冷却ファン部２７が吸気部２３から吸込んだ空気を流すことにより放熱される。中継函５１内は空調機５３により空調管理される。
【００３１】
図２を参照すると、中継函５１外に設けた外気温湿度センサー３０と外気温湿度検出部３２にて、また装置内に設けた装置内温度センサー３１と装置内温度検出部３３にて、それぞれ常時、装置内外の温湿度を検出する。露点温度検出部３４は、これらの温湿度値から、中継函５１外の外気が装置内へ導入した場合を想定した露点温度を検出し、装置内部温度と比較して結露の発生を判断する。結露発生を判断した場合、露点温度アラーム信号Ａを送信し、この信号を受けた風向板開閉判定処理部３５は、開閉機能付風向板２９を開口する命令を含む風向板開閉命令信号Ｂを送信する。
【００３２】
逆に、結露が発生しないと判断した場合には、開閉機能付風向板２９を閉口する命令を出す。
【００３３】
図３を参照すると、開閉機能付風向板２９の構造が示され、風向板本体２９ａに設けた風向板カバー２９ｂは、風向板を開口する命令を含む風向板開閉命令信号Ｂがあった場合、風向板カバー２９ｂが電動で移動し、矢印Ｇで示すように開口する。逆に、閉口命令があれば、それに従い風向板を閉口する。この開閉機能付風向板は特に形状を限定しない。例えば、同図（ｃ）に示すように開閉機能付風向板２９ｃと風向板カバー２９ｄのような構造とし、矢印Ｈ方向に開口するようにしても良い。
【００３４】
図４を参照すると、開閉機能付風向板２９を開口する命令信号に従って風向板を開口した場合、図の様な風の流れとなる。装置発熱で暖められた温風が矢印Ｅのように上部に吹き上げられ、開閉機能付風向板２９の開口部を温風が通り、更に矢印Ｆのように筐体扉２２と前面空間とで作るバイパスを通って吸気部２３の吸気口に戻る流れとなる。この温風は吸気部２３から導入する空気を暖め、装置内が露点温度以下になることを防ぐ。
【００３５】
全温風を吸気口に戻すと、ループして装置内温度が上昇し続けるため、ある程度の排気風量は装置外に出す必要がある。開閉機能付風向板２９の開口面積及び温風の風量や流路は、このことを考慮し、熱解析等により適切に求められたものとする。
【００３６】
図２のブロックに設けられている温度アラーム機能について説明する。温度アラーム検出部３６は装置内温度を受信し、入力許容温度記憶メモリ３７に予め入力されている許容温度値との比較により高温か否かを判断する。高温の場合は、高温アラーム信号Ｄを送信し、この信号を受けた風向板開閉判定処理部３５は、開閉機能付風向板２９を閉口する命令を含む風向板開閉命令信号Ｂを送出する。ある時間内に、露点温度アラームあるいは高温アラームが発生し続ける場合、装置外部にアラーム信号Ｃを通知する。例えば、アラームは中継函５１の中継函扉５２付近に表示しても良い。
【００３７】
上述したような第１の実施の形態の動作により、中継函５１外の外気温度と装置内部温度の差を小さくし、空調管理された中継函５１内に急に暖かい外気が導入されても、装置内部が露点温度以下となること、すなわち結露が発生することを防止できる。
【００３８】
次に、本発明の第２の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明する。図５は、第２の実施の形態における露点温度検出と温風量調節機能を示すブロック図である。
【００３９】
図５を参照すると、風向板開閉判定処理部３５は、開閉機能付風向板２９の開口及び閉口の２パタンだけでなく、開口する面積を幾つかの段階レベルに別けた複数パタンを選択できるようになっている。露点温度検出部３４の結果により著しく露点温度を超えた場合は開閉機能付風向板２９を全開で開口し、また内外の温度差が少ない場合は開閉機能付風向板２９は小面積を開口し、温風の量を調節できる手段を有する。
【００４０】
更に、露点温度及び開口レベルを記録するブロックとして露点温度及び開口レベル記憶メモリ・最適化部４１を設ける。この露点温度及び開口レベル記憶メモリ・最適化部４１は、過去の運用実績から、頻度の多い開口レベルを優先的に記憶し、露点温度に対する最適な開口レベルを学習していく。これにより、装置の運転開始初期時ならびに運転中断後などの過度期の装置内温度変動がなくなり、短い時間で最適な装置内温度に調整することができ、結露の発生を防止できる。
【００４１】
【発明の効果】
第１の効果は、空調管理されている中継函の内部に設置され冷却ファンによる空気の吸気・排気で放熱を行うような外気導入型の電子装置において、急に暖かく湿った外気が装置内に導入されたり、或いは温度の急激な変化が生じた場合でも、装置内の結露発生を防止できることにある。
【００４２】
その理由は、装置内温度と外気の温湿度とから露点温度を算出し、装置内温度と外気温度の差を小さくするよう、導入する外気を装置の電子ユニットの発熱による温風を利用して暖めるためである。
【００４３】
第２の効果は、第１の効果で述べた導入する外気の温度を調整できることである。その理由は、装置の排気部上部に開口量が調整自在な開閉機能付きの風向板を用い、導入する外気に加える温風の量を調節するためである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態の結露防止構造を有するラック型電子装置の全体構成を示す一部破断斜視図である。
【図２】第１の実施の形態における露点温度を検出するブロック図である。
【図３】第１の実施の形態における開閉機能付風向板の開口構造を（ａ）ないし（ｃ）で示す斜視図である。
【図４】第１の実施の形態における結露防止構造での風の流れ動作状態を示す断面図である。
【図５】本発明の第２の実施の形態における露点温度検出と温風量調節機能を示すブロック図である。
【図６】従来のラック型電子装置及びその設置環境の一例を示す図で、（ａ）は電子装置全体の斜視図、（ｂ）は電子装置の内部を表す斜視図、（ｃ）はこの電子装置を空調機によって空調管理されている中継函の内部に設置した状態を示す断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１１筐体
１２筐体扉
１３吸気部
１４排気部
１５電子ユニット
１６サブラック
１７冷却ファン部
１８、１９風向板
２１筐体
２２筐体扉
２３吸気部
２４排気部
２５電子ユニット
２６サブラック
２７冷却ファン部
２８風向板
２９開閉機能付風向板
２９ａ風向板本体
２９ｂ風向板カバー
２９ｃ開閉機能付風向板
２９ｄ風向板カバー
３０外気温湿度センサー
３１装置内温度センサー
３２外気温湿度検出部
３３装置内温度検出部
３４露点温度検出部
３５風向板開閉判定処理部
３６温度アラーム検出部
３７入力許容温度記憶メモリ
４１露点温度及び開口レベル記憶メモリ・最適化部
５１中継函
５２中継函扉
５３空調機
Ａ露点温度アラーム信号
Ｂ風向板開閉命令信号
Ｃアラーム信号
Ｄ高温アラーム信号[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dew condensation prevention structure and a dew condensation prevention method for an electronic device, and more particularly to a rack type electronic device having an outside air introduction structure in which an electronic unit is housed in a housing and heat is radiated by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan. The present invention relates to a condensation prevention structure and a condensation prevention method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a rack-type electronic device having an outside air introduction structure in which heat is radiated by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan, dew condensation may occur in the device due to the difference between the inside temperature of the device and the outside air temperature and the humidity. The water droplets are attached to the lead or solder part of the highly integrated circuit chip, causing a short circuit, which becomes an obstacle. In addition, water droplets and the impurities of outside air contained in the water droplets may cause rust.
[0003]
Conventional rack-type electronic devices installed in a box that has been air-conditioned and managed have a dew condensation prevention structure in the case where an electronic unit is housed in a housing and heat is dissipated by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan. There is no consideration to have.
[0004]
6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating an example of a conventional rack-type electronic device and an installation environment thereof. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the entire electronic device, FIG. 6B is a perspective view illustrating the inside of the electronic device, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which installed the electronic apparatus inside the relay box currently air-conditioned by the air conditioner.
[0005]
The rack-type electronic device shown in FIG. 6 has a structure in which the electronic unit 15 is accommodated in the subrack 16, and the subrack 16 is fixed to the housing 11. In addition, the electronic device has a heat dissipation structure of the cooling fan unit 17, the intake unit 13 and the exhaust unit 14 below the housing door 12. The flow of the wind is controlled by the lower wind direction plate 18 and the upper wind direction plate 19, and becomes a flow indicated by an arrow J in the figure.
[0006]
For example, when this electronic device is installed in a relay box 51 that is air-conditioned and controlled by the air conditioner 53 and is always cooled, when the relay box door 52 is suddenly opened for maintenance, etc. Warm outside air outside the box 51 enters and is further introduced into the apparatus. In this case, condensation may occur inside and outside the apparatus.
As a conventional dew condensation prediction device, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-310607, an electronic device has been proposed for the purpose of dew condensation prediction. In this publication, a method for detecting the dew point of a tape running drum provided in an electronic device is described, the drum temperature detecting means, the outside air temperature acquiring means of the electronic device, and the use environment of the electronic device is considered from the outside air temperature. And a dew point temperature calculation means for the humidity determined, and when the temperature of the drum is equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, it is determined that condensation has occurred, and is a device that detects dew condensation.
[0007]
As another conventional condensation prevention apparatus, there is an image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-267550. In this apparatus, the external temperature TO and the internal temperature TI of the apparatus are detected by sensors, and if the internal / external temperature difference TO-TI is equal to or greater than a predetermined allowable range value, it is determined that condensation occurs inside, and image fixing is performed. It is intended to prevent the occurrence of condensation by reducing the temperature difference between the inside and outside by controlling the cooling fan for discharging the fixing heat to operate in the reverse direction to warm the inside.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in an electronic device having an outside air introduction structure in which heat is radiated by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan, dew condensation may occur in the device due to a change in temperature and humidity of the installation environment. Water droplets attach to the lead or solder part of the highly integrated circuit chip and cause a short circuit, which becomes an obstacle. In addition, water droplets and the impurities of outside air contained in the water droplets may cause rust.
[0009]
The reason is that there is a difference between the device internal temperature and the outside air temperature. Condensation occurs in the device due to the difference between the temperature inside the device and the outside air temperature and the humidity. In particular, when an electronic device is installed indoors that is air-conditioned, the inside of the device falls below the dew point temperature when warm and humid air is suddenly introduced into the cooled electronic device by opening and closing the door of the room, etc. Condensation is extremely likely to occur.
[0010]
In the contents of the above-mentioned conventional Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-310607, only dew condensation is detected and dew condensation is detected, there is no mention of subsequent processing, and problems and solutions under air conditioning management are pointed out. Is not discussed.
[0011]
Further, in the content of the above-mentioned conventional Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-267550, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the apparatus is reduced to prevent the occurrence of condensation, but the apparatus is placed under air conditioning management. There is no discussion of pointing out or solving the problem.
[0012]
In view of the above-described conventional problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an outside air introduction structure that performs heat dissipation by intake and exhaust of air by a cooling fan on the premise that the apparatus is installed under air conditioning management. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dew condensation prevention structure and a dew condensation prevention method for a rack-type electronic device.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The dew condensation prevention structure of the electronic device of the present invention has an outside air introduction type electronic device that radiates heat generated from the electronic unit by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan with respect to the electronic unit housed in the housing. In a structure in which an electronic device is installed inside a relay box that is air-conditioned and managed by an air conditioner, outside air temperature and humidity detecting means for detecting the temperature and humidity of the outside air on the outer surface of the relay box, Result of the dew point temperature calculating means for detecting the temperature, the dew point temperature calculating means for calculating the dew point temperature in the casing by comparing the outside temperature humidity detecting means and the temperature detecting means in the apparatus, and the result of the dew point temperature calculating means Means for warming the outside air to be introduced when it is determined that condensation occurs in the housing when outside air is introduced from outside the relay box.
[0014]
The dew condensation prevention method of the electronic device of the present invention has an outside air introduction type electronic device that radiates heat generated from the electronic unit by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan with respect to the electronic unit housed in the housing, In a structure in which this electronic device is installed inside a relay box that is air-conditioned and managed by an air conditioner, the temperature and humidity of the outside air is detected by an outside air temperature / humidity detection means provided on the outer surface of the relay box, and is provided in the casing. The temperature in the apparatus is detected by the apparatus temperature detecting means, the dew point temperature is calculated by the dew point temperature calculating means from the comparison between the temperature and humidity of the outside air and the temperature in the apparatus, and the relay box is based on the calculated dew point temperature. When it is determined that dew condensation occurs in the case when outside air is introduced from the outside, the outside air to be introduced is warmed to prevent dew condensation in the case. .
[0015]
In the dew condensation prevention structure and the dew condensation prevention method of the electronic device according to the present invention, a bypass that guides the warm air to the air intake at the lower part of the casing is used as a means for warming the introduced outside air. It is preferable to have a passage, and it is preferable to have adjusting means for adjusting the amount of the warm air based on the dew point temperature calculating means.
[0016]
Further, as the adjusting means for adjusting the amount of hot air, a wind direction plate with an opening / closing function whose opening amount can be adjusted is used, and memory means capable of storing and optimizing the amount of hot air and the opening amount. It is preferable to have.
[0017]
More specifically, in a structure in which an electronic device is installed inside a relay box that is air-conditioned and controlled by an air conditioner, a subrack that houses an electronic unit that is mounted on the housing of the electronic device and generates heat, and a cooling fan And a wind direction plate are mounted on the housing, and the heat generating unit is dissipated by intake and exhaust by the fan, the temperature and humidity of the outside air detected by the outside air temperature and humidity sensor provided outside the relay box, If the dew point temperature is detected from the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor and it is determined that dew condensation will occur, a dew condensation alarm signal will be issued. An open / close command signal is issued, and the wind direction plate cover with the opening / closing function is moved by electric operation in accordance with it, and the opening of the wind direction plate with the opening / closing function opens the warm air flowing upward due to the heat generated by the device. Part is returned to the intake port through the front space, warm the outside air to be introduced, and means for so device inside does not become below the dew point temperature.
[0018]
According to such a configuration, the temperature and humidity of the outside air detected by the outside air temperature / humidity sensor provided outside the relay box that is air-conditioned and the inside temperature detected by the inside temperature sensor provided in the device. Detecting the dew point temperature assuming that air outside the relay box is introduced into the device, and if it is determined that condensation occurs, a condensation alarm signal is issued and an opening / closing command signal for a wind direction plate with an opening / closing function is issued. According to the signal, the wind direction plate with an open / close function is opened electrically, and the warm air flowing upward heated by the device heat is sent to the front space. This warm air returns to the intake port by the suction of the fan, and warms the introduced air. Thereby, even when warm outside air outside the relay box is introduced, the inside of the apparatus does not become the dew point temperature or less, and the effect of preventing condensation is exhibited.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIGS. 1 to 4 are views showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view showing the entire configuration of a rack-type electronic apparatus having a dew condensation prevention structure, and FIG. FIGS. 3A to 3C are perspective views showing an opening structure of a wind direction plate with an opening / closing function, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a wind flow operation state in the dew condensation prevention structure.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic apparatus is installed in a relay box 51 that is completely air-conditioned by the air conditioner 53 and is constantly cooled, as described in FIG. It shall be.
[0022]
In such an electronic apparatus, the electronic unit 25 is accommodated in the subrack 26, and the plurality of subrack 26 is fixed to the housing 21. The cooling fan unit 27 is fixed to the housing 21 at the position between the sub-rack 26, and the wind direction plate 28 and the wind direction plate 29 with an opening / closing function are respectively fixed to the casing 21 at the lower and upper positions of the apparatus. The heat generated by the electronic unit 25 is cooled by sucking and flowing air, and the sucked air is discharged from the upper exhaust part 24.
[0023]
Further, an outside air temperature / humidity sensor 30 is provided outside the relay box 51, and an inside air temperature sensor 31 is provided inside the housing 21 of the device, respectively, and has means for detecting the outside air temperature humidity and the inside air temperature. The in-device temperature sensor 31 is desirably provided in the vicinity of the intake port of the intake portion 23 having a low temperature.
[0024]
Referring to FIG. 2, the outside air temperature / humidity sensor 30 and the outside air temperature / humidity detection unit 32 detect the outside air temperature / humidity, and at the same time, the inside temperature sensor 31 and the inside temperature detector 33 detect the inside temperature of the device. Each temperature / humidity value is transmitted to the dew point temperature detector 34, where the dew point temperature is calculated. The dew point temperature detection unit 34 transmits a dew point temperature alarm signal A to the wind direction plate open / close determination processing unit 35 when it is determined that dew condensation has occurred from the detected dew point temperature and the internal device temperature. When receiving the dew point temperature alarm signal A, the wind direction plate open / close determination processing unit 35 has means for sending a wind direction plate open / close command signal B including a command to open the wind direction plate 29 with an open / close function.
[0025]
The device internal temperature detection unit 33 also sends the detected temperature to the temperature alarm detection unit 36, where the internal temperature of the device does not exceed the allowable temperature compared to the allowable temperature value input in advance in the input allowable temperature storage memory 37. If the temperature is high, a high temperature alarm signal D is transmitted to the wind direction plate open / close determination processing unit 35. When receiving the high temperature alarm signal D, the wind direction plate open / close determination processing unit 35 sends a wind direction plate open / close command signal B including a command to close the wind direction plate 29 with an open / close function. If the dew point temperature alarm or the high temperature alarm does not disappear within a certain period of time, a means for notifying the alarm signal C to the outside is provided.
[0026]
Referring to the structure of the wind direction plate shown in FIG. 3, a wind direction plate cover 29b is provided on the wind direction plate body 29a of the wind direction plate 29 with an opening / closing function as shown in FIGS. When there is a wind direction plate opening / closing command signal B including a command to open the wind direction plate, the wind direction plate cover 29b moves electrically and opens in the direction of arrow G. As described above, it has means for opening / closing the wind direction plate 29 with an opening / closing function by the wind direction plate opening / closing command signal B.
[0027]
The wind direction plate with the opening / closing function is not particularly limited in shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), it has a structure such as a wind direction plate 29c with an opening / closing function and a wind direction plate cover 29d, and in the direction of the arrow H perpendicular to the arrow G in the cases (a) and (b) of FIG. You may make it open and close.
[0028]
Referring to FIG. 4, when the wind direction plate 29 with the opening / closing function is opened according to the command signal for opening the wind direction plate 29 with the opening / closing function, a part of the warm air flowing upward and heated by the apparatus heat is indicated by the arrow F. Return to the air intake through the space bypass. The warm air warms the air introduced from the intake section 23 and has means for reducing the difference between the apparatus internal temperature and the relay box temperature.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the heat generated by the electronic unit 25 accommodated in the sub-rack 26 in the housing 21 is dissipated by flowing air sucked from the air intake 23 by the cooling fan 27. The inside of the relay box 51 is air-conditioned by an air conditioner 53.
[0031]
Referring to FIG. 2, the outside air temperature / humidity sensor 30 and the outside air temperature / humidity detecting unit 32 provided outside the relay box 51, and the inside temperature sensor 31 and the inside temperature detecting unit 33 provided in the device respectively. Always detect the temperature and humidity inside and outside the device. The dew point temperature detection unit 34 detects the dew point temperature assuming that the outside air outside the relay box 51 is introduced into the apparatus from these temperature and humidity values, and compares the internal temperature with the apparatus internal temperature to determine the occurrence of condensation. When it is determined that dew condensation has occurred, a dew point temperature alarm signal A is transmitted, and the wind direction plate open / close determination processing unit 35 receiving this signal transmits a wind direction plate open / close command signal B including a command to open the wind direction plate 29 with an open / close function. To do.
[0032]
On the contrary, when it is determined that no condensation occurs, a command to close the wind direction plate 29 with an opening / closing function is issued.
[0033]
Referring to FIG. 3, the structure of the wind direction plate 29 with an opening / closing function is shown. When the wind direction plate cover 29b provided on the wind direction plate main body 29a has a wind direction plate opening / closing command signal B including a command to open the wind direction plate, The wind direction plate cover 29b moves electrically and opens as indicated by an arrow G. Conversely, if there is a closing instruction, the wind direction plate is closed accordingly. The wind direction plate with the opening / closing function is not particularly limited in shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the airflow direction plate 29c with an opening / closing function and the airflow direction plate cover 29d may be configured so as to open in the arrow H direction.
[0034]
Referring to FIG. 4, when the wind direction plate is opened in accordance with a command signal for opening the wind direction plate 29 with the opening / closing function, the flow of wind is as shown in the figure. Warm air warmed by the heat generated by the apparatus is blown upward as indicated by an arrow E, and the warm air passes through the opening of the wind direction plate 29 with an opening / closing function, and is further formed by the housing door 22 and the front space as indicated by an arrow F. The flow returns to the intake port of the intake unit 23 through the bypass. This warm air warms the air introduced from the intake section 23 and prevents the inside of the apparatus from becoming below the dew point temperature.
[0035]
When all the warm air is returned to the intake port, the temperature inside the device continues to rise due to a loop, so that a certain amount of exhaust air needs to be discharged outside the device. In consideration of this, the opening area of the wind direction plate 29 with the opening / closing function 29, the amount of warm air and the flow path are appropriately determined by thermal analysis or the like.
[0036]
The temperature alarm function provided in the block of FIG. 2 will be described. The temperature alarm detection unit 36 receives the temperature in the apparatus and determines whether or not the temperature is high by comparing with an allowable temperature value input in advance in the input allowable temperature storage memory 37. When the temperature is high, a high temperature alarm signal D is transmitted, and the wind direction plate open / close determination processing unit 35 receiving this signal sends a wind direction plate open / close command signal B including a command to close the wind direction plate 29 with an open / close function. If a dew point temperature alarm or a high temperature alarm continues to occur within a certain time, an alarm signal C is notified outside the apparatus. For example, the alarm may be displayed near the relay box door 52 of the relay box 51.
[0037]
By the operation of the first embodiment as described above, the difference between the outside air temperature outside the relay box 51 and the internal temperature of the apparatus is reduced, and even if warm outside air is suddenly introduced into the air-conditioned relay box 51, It is possible to prevent the inside of the apparatus from becoming the dew point temperature or lower, that is, the occurrence of condensation.
[0038]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing dew point temperature detection and hot air volume adjustment functions in the second embodiment.
[0039]
Referring to FIG. 5, the wind direction plate open / close determination processing unit 35 can select not only two patterns of opening and closing of the wind direction plate 29 with an opening / closing function, but also a plurality of patterns in which the opening area is divided into several levels. It has become. When the dew point temperature detector 34 significantly exceeds the dew point temperature, the wind direction plate 29 with the opening / closing function is opened fully open, and when the temperature difference between the inside and outside is small, the wind direction plate 29 with the opening / closing function opens a small area, A means for adjusting the amount of hot air is provided.
[0040]
Further, a dew point temperature and opening level storage memory / optimization unit 41 is provided as a block for recording the dew point temperature and the opening level. The dew point temperature / opening level storage memory / optimization unit 41 preferentially stores the frequently used opening level from the past operation results, and learns the optimum opening level for the dew point temperature. As a result, there are no excessive fluctuations in the temperature in the apparatus at the initial stage of operation of the apparatus and after the interruption of the operation, the temperature in the apparatus can be adjusted to an optimum temperature in a short time, and the occurrence of condensation can be prevented.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
The first effect is that, in an outside air introduction type electronic device installed inside a relay box that is air-conditioned and radiating heat by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan, suddenly warm and humid outside air is suddenly introduced into the device. Even if it is introduced or a sudden change in temperature occurs, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of condensation in the apparatus.
[0042]
The reason for this is that the dew point is calculated from the internal temperature of the device and the temperature and humidity of the outside air, and the outside air to be introduced is used by the hot air generated by the electronic unit of the device so as to reduce the difference between the internal temperature and the outside air temperature. This is to warm up.
[0043]
The second effect is that the temperature of the outside air introduced as described in the first effect can be adjusted. The reason for this is to adjust the amount of warm air applied to the outside air to be introduced by using a wind direction plate with an opening / closing function whose opening amount can be adjusted at the upper part of the exhaust part of the apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view showing an overall configuration of a rack-type electronic apparatus having a dew condensation prevention structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for detecting a dew point temperature in the first embodiment.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views showing an opening structure of a wind direction plate with an opening / closing function in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a wind flow operation state in the dew condensation prevention structure according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing dew point temperature detection and hot air volume adjustment functions in a second embodiment of the present invention.
6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a conventional rack-type electronic device and its installation environment, wherein FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the entire electronic device, FIG. 6B is a perspective view showing the inside of the electronic device, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which installed the electronic apparatus inside the relay box currently air-conditioned by the air conditioner.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Case 12 Case door 13 Intake part 14 Exhaust part 15 Electronic unit 16 Subrack 17 Cooling fan part 18, 19 Wind direction board 21 Case 22 Case door 23 Intake part 24 Exhaust part 25 Electronic unit 26 Subrack 27 Cooling fan Unit 28 Wind direction plate 29 Wind direction plate 29a with opening / closing function Wind direction plate main body 29b Wind direction plate cover 29c Wind direction plate 29d with opening / closing function Wind direction plate cover 30 Outside temperature / humidity sensor 31 Inside temperature sensor 32 Inside temperature / humidity detection unit 33 Inside temperature detection unit 34 Dew point temperature detection unit 35 Wind direction plate open / close determination processing unit 36 Temperature alarm detection unit 37 Input allowable temperature storage memory 41 Dew point temperature and opening level storage memory / optimization unit 51 Relay box 52 Relay box door 53 Air conditioner A Dew point temperature alarm signal B Wind direction plate open / close command signal C Alarm signal D High temperature alarm signal

Claims

The electronic unit housed in a housing has an outside air introduction type electronic device that radiates heat from the electronic unit by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan, and this electronic device is air-conditioned by an air conditioner In the structure installed inside the relay box, the outside air temperature and humidity detection means for detecting the temperature and humidity of the outside air on the outer surface of the relay box, the apparatus temperature detection means for detecting the temperature in the apparatus in the housing, Dew point temperature calculating means for calculating a dew point temperature in the housing by comparing the outside air temperature humidity detecting means and the in-device temperature detecting means, and outside air is introduced from the outside of the relay box according to the result of the dew point temperature calculating means. And a means for heating the outside air to be introduced when it is determined that condensation occurs in the housing.

The electronic unit housed in a housing has an outside air introduction type electronic device that radiates heat from the electronic unit by air intake / exhaust by a cooling fan, and this electronic device is air-conditioned by an air conditioner In the structure installed inside the relay box, the temperature and humidity of the outside air is detected by the outside air temperature / humidity detecting means provided on the outer surface of the relay box, and the temperature inside the apparatus is detected by the temperature detecting means inside the device. Then, a dew point temperature is calculated by a dew point temperature calculating means from a comparison between the temperature and humidity of the outside air and the temperature inside the device, and when the outside air is introduced from outside the relay box based on the calculated dew point temperature, A dew condensation prevention method for an electronic device, characterized in that when it is determined that dew condensation occurs, the outside air to be introduced is warmed to prevent dew condensation in the housing.

3. The electron according to claim 1, further comprising a bypass passage that uses hot air generated by heat generated by the electronic unit as means for warming the outside air to be introduced and guides the hot air to an intake port at a lower portion of the housing. Condensation prevention structure of apparatus and method for preventing condensation.

4. The dew condensation preventing structure and dew condensation preventing method for an electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising an adjusting unit that adjusts the amount of the hot air based on the dew point temperature calculating unit.

5. The dew condensation prevention structure and dew condensation prevention method for an electronic device according to claim 4, wherein a wind direction plate having an opening / closing function with an adjustable opening amount is used as the adjustment means for adjusting the amount of the warm air.

The dew condensation prevention structure and dew condensation prevention method for an electronic device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising memory means capable of storing and optimizing the amount of hot air and the opening amount.