JP4661303B2 - Electronic equipment rack - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rack for mounting electronic devices, and more particularly to a rack for mounting computers such as servers in multiple stages.

  In recent years, basic operations in companies, financial backbones, and the like are becoming more complex, and there are cases where a single computer (server) cannot perform such operations. In such companies and financial institutions, a plurality of computers are arranged in one place to cope with enormous business processing. In this case, a rack for efficiently storing a plurality of servers is used.

  FIG. 3 is an external view of a conventional rack.

  A rack is a housing in which a plurality of computers can be mounted vertically in a space, and the specifications are defined by standards such as EIA and JIS.

  In the rack of FIG. 3, a space is formed inside by the side surfaces, the bottom surface, the top surface, and the back surface of the housing 31, and two electronic devices 32 are mounted in the space.

  The front surface of the rack is also shielded by the cover 33. This is in consideration of noise generated by the mounted electronic device.

  As described above, in a rack in which electronic devices are mounted, it is generally desirable to shield the space as a noise countermeasure.

  However, when the electronic device is sealed, there is no escape from the heat generated by the electronic device, which seriously affects the electronic device.

  In order to solve this heat problem, it is necessary to ventilate the rack case.

  Conventionally, a measure has been taken to release heat generated by electronic equipment inside the housing by providing slits or holes in the rack housing.

  The opening ratio for the rack to efficiently release the internal heat to the outside depends on the total area of the slits and holes provided in the housing, but these slits and holes are physically provided in the housing. It is fixed for each rack.

  In recent years, along with the complexity of core business, the performance of electronic devices such as computers has improved, and the heat and noise generated by the electronic devices have also increased. The heat and noise generated by the electronic device also vary depending on what processing calculation the electronic device performs, the degree of processing concentration in the time zone, the installation location of the electronic device, and the like.

  Conventionally, in order to solve such a problem, the rack is provided with slits and holes taking into consideration the maximum value of heat that can be assumed. This is a measure for which priority is given to avoiding electronic devices from being damaged by heat. In this way, the worst situation such as a failure can be avoided as long as the heat generated by the electronic device mounted on the rack does not exceed the assumed range.

  However, increasing the aperture ratio due to slits and holes naturally increases the level of noise emitted by the electronic equipment. Even in a state where the electronic device does not generate high heat, a lot of slits and holes are opened in a large area, so that people around the rack are bothered by noise unnecessarily.

  Furthermore, since the aperture ratio is increased, dust entering the rack also increases. Among electronic devices, hard disks, magnetic tape devices, etc. are extremely vulnerable to dust, and there is no denying the possibility that electronic devices may be damaged by dust.

  Therefore, it is not possible to realize optimum heat countermeasures and noise countermeasures according to individual installation environments simply by making slits and holes fixedly in the rack.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a rack for electronic equipment that can efficiently prevent heat generation and noise of the electronic equipment that change due to various factors.

In the fields other than the electronic equipment mounting rack targeted by the present invention, for example, in the field of air conditioners and ventilators, various technical ideas are disclosed in the following patent documents as dynamic measures for adjusting the temperature. ing.
JP 2000-88272 A JP2004-195998

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a rack in which at least one electronic device is mounted includes a cover member that shields a space in which the electronic device is mounted, a cover swing mechanism that swings the cover, and an electronic device. A temperature sensor that measures the temperature in the space in which the equipment is installed and a noise sensor that measures the noise in the space in which the electronic equipment is installed are provided. Further, the cover is shaken based on the output of the temperature sensor and the noise sensor. A control unit for controlling the space opening rate of the cover by controlling the moving mechanism is provided.

  In addition, as one form of specific control of the control unit, the swing range of the cover is calculated based on the output of the temperature sensor, and the cover is moved within the calculated swing range based on the output of the noise sensor. The cover swing mechanism is controlled to move the cover.

  In the present invention, a mechanism for variably swinging a cover for shielding the space in the rack is provided instead of fixedly providing slits and holes as in the conventional rack.

  Then, the aperture ratio is determined by swinging the cover based on temperature and noise.

  As a result, the aperture ratio can be set dynamically in consideration of temperature and noise, so optimal ventilation is performed according to the installation environment and the operating state of the electronic equipment, and various problems caused by heat generation and noise are preliminarily determined. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, since the rack is not opened to an unnecessary degree, the effect of dust-proof measures can be obtained as a result.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electronic equipment mounting rack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, reference numeral 11 denotes a rack housing, in which an electronic device such as a server is mounted in a space formed by upper and lower surfaces, both side surfaces, and a back plate.

  Reference numerals 12-1 to 12-N denote rotation covers, each of which is supported by a shaft and rotates around the shaft. In FIG. 2, each cover 12-1 to 12 -N is at an angle perpendicular to the opening surface of the rack 11 and opens a space in the rack 11 (large opening ratio). On the other hand, although not shown, when the covers 12-1 to 12-N are horizontal with respect to the opening surface of the rack 11, the space in the rack 11 is shielded (the opening ratio is minimum).

  In the present embodiment, the opening surface is covered with a plurality of cover members, but a single plate member may be used instead. Further, such a movable cover may be provided on a part of the opening surface instead of being provided over the entire opening surface. Furthermore, instead of the rotation method, a configuration in which the cover is movable by various methods such as a slide method may be adopted.

  A stepping motor 13 is connected to each of the rotating covers 12-1 to 12-N by a connection mechanism (not shown), and each rotating cover 12-1 to 12-N is moved to a desired position according to the number of input pulse signals. Rotate to an angle.

  In the present embodiment, all the rotating covers 12-1 to 12-N are rotated by one stepping motor 13, but a plurality of rotating covers 12-1 to 12-N are driven by a plurality of stepping motors. May be rotated.

  A temperature sensor 14 is provided in the rack 11 and measures the temperature in the rack 11.

  In this embodiment, one temperature sensor 14 is provided in the rack, but a plurality of temperature sensors 14 may be provided. In this case, since the temperatures are generally different between the front surface (intake side) and the back surface (exhaust side) in the rack 11, it is desirable to disperse the temperature sensors on the front surface and the back surface of the rack.

  A noise sensor 15 is provided in the rack 11 and measures the noise level in the rack 11.

  In the present embodiment, one noise sensor 15 is provided in the rack 11, but a plurality of noise sensors 15 may be provided. In this case, like the temperature sensor 14, the temperature sensor 15 generally has different noise levels on the front surface (intake side) and the back surface (exhaust side) in the rack 11. It is desirable to disperse the noise sensors 15.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a microprocessor unit, which controls each unit in the rack 11 based on a program in a memory (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a control flow of the microprocessor unit 16 during operation of the electronic device. The basic operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, during operation of the electronic device, the microprocessor unit 16 acquires the output from the temperature sensor 14 in a regular cycle (X minute cycle) and checks the temperature in the rack (S1).

  If the acquired temperature value is the same value as the previous measurement value or within an allowable range (± α ° C.), it is determined that the ventilation in the rack 11 has been executed without any problems by the previous adjustment control, and the next Adjustment control is not performed until the temperature measurement cycle (S2).

  If there is a change in the temperature value in step 2, the microprocessor unit 16 calculates the maximum value and the minimum value of the cover opening ratio according to this temperature value (S3).

  The maximum and minimum values here define the optimal range of the cover opening ratio at a certain temperature. When the cover opening ratio is within this range, the inside of the rack is ventilated and Electronic equipment will not be damaged. In this appropriate range, when the aperture ratio is the maximum value, the ventilation effect is the highest, but the soundproofing effect is the lowest. When the aperture ratio is the lowest value, the ventilation effect is the lowest, but the soundproofing effect is the highest.

  As a calculation method of the maximum value and the minimum value, an algorithm for calculation is implemented in a memory (not shown), and a temperature value is substituted into this algorithm.

  As another method, a table that associates the maximum aperture ratio and the minimum aperture ratio for each temperature value in a memory (not shown) is stored, and the maximum value of the acquired temperature values is referred to by referring to this table. The minimum value may be acquired.

  Next, the microprocessor unit 16 drives the stepping motor 13 to rotate the rotation covers 12-1 to 12-N to the position (angle) at which the calculated maximum aperture ratio is obtained (S4).

  Here, the target position is set to the position where the maximum aperture ratio is obtained, and it is necessary to prevent the adverse effect of heat on the electronic device with the highest priority, and in consideration of the most effective heat ventilation.

  As a result, the covers 12-1 to 12-N of the rack 11 are rotated according to heat by the control of S1 to S4, and effective ventilation according to the temperature is executed as needed.

  Next, the microprocessor unit 16 acquires the noise level in the rack 11 from the noise sensor 15 (S5).

  If the acquired noise level is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the microprocessor unit 16 operates without any problems (no noise problem) at the current opening ratio, that is, the maximum opening ratio corresponding to the current temperature. It is determined that it has been made, and no special adjustment control is performed until the next temperature measurement (S6).

  The threshold value of the noise level is stored in advance in a memory (not shown), and the microprocessor unit 16 compares the stored threshold value with the acquired noise level to determine the noise level. Determine if it is higher or lower than the threshold.

  If the acquired noise level exceeds the threshold value in step 6, the microprocessor unit 16 drives the stepping motor 13 to position the cover 12-1 to 12-N at the maximum aperture ratio (angle). Then, it is rotated in a direction to decrease the aperture ratio by a certain angle (S7).

  Here, the fixed angle is a predetermined angle, and the microprocessor unit 16 drives the stepping motor 13 by the number of pulses corresponding to this angle, and the rotation covers 12-1 to 12-N. Reduce the aperture ratio.

  Subsequently, the microprocessor unit 16 compares the aperture ratio of the covers 12-1 to 12-N rotated by a certain angle with the minimum aperture ratio calculated in step 3 (step 8).

  If the opening ratio of the rotated covers 12-1 to 12-N exceeds the minimum opening ratio, the microprocessor unit 16 returns to step 5 again to acquire the current noise level. Is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and if it is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the stepping motor 13 is driven again at a predetermined number of pulses in step 7 to turn the rotation covers 12-1 to 12-N Reduce the aperture ratio.

  When the aperture ratio of the covers 12-1 to 12N reaches the minimum aperture ratio in step 8, the microprocessor unit 16 ends the adjustment work and does not perform any special adjustment control until the next temperature measurement.

  As described above, the microprocessor unit 16 repeats the operations of Step 5 to Step 8 and gradually decreases the aperture ratio of the covers 12-1 to 12-N. The stepwise aperture ratio reduction control is terminated as soon as an event occurs in which either the noise level falls below the threshold value (S6) or the minimum aperture ratio derived from the measured temperature is reached (S8).

  In the present embodiment, first, the range of the aperture ratio of the covers 12-1 to 12-N corresponding to the measured temperature is derived from the output of the temperature sensor 14, and the cover 12-1 to 12-N has the maximum ventilation effect. After rotating to the obtained position, the covers 12-1 to 12-N are moved step by step based on the output of the noise sensor 15, and the aperture ratio is gradually lowered. Control is performed to position the covers 12-1 to 12-N to the optimum position that can be realized.

  Accordingly, it is possible to position the cover at an optimal position where both ventilation and sound insulation can be realized while preventing heat generation by the electronic device as much as possible.

  In addition, it replaces with control in the said embodiment, the output of the temperature sensor 14 and the output of the noise sensor 15 are acquired simultaneously, and the cover 12-1 to 12-N is positioned in the optimal position from both output results. A method is also conceivable.

  In this case, for example, a matrix table of temperature and noise level may be created, and optimum values corresponding to each combination of temperature and noise level may be implemented in advance. The microprocessor unit 16 refers to the matrix table and derives the optimum aperture ratio corresponding to the current combination of temperature and noise level.

  In the case of this control example, there is an effect that once the matrix table is completed, control during operation becomes easy.

  As another control example, the position control of the rotation covers 12-1 to 12-N by the output of the temperature sensor 14 and the position control by the output of the noise sensor 15 can be performed independently.

  For example, it is assumed that the microprocessor unit 16 positions the rotating covers 12-1 to 12-N at positions where ventilation can be effectively taken (a preset value 1) based on the output of the temperature sensor 14. After that, if the noise sensor 15 records a noise level equal to or higher than the threshold value, the microprocessor unit 16 can position the rotary covers 12-1 to 12-N at positions where the soundproofing can be effectively realized (a preset value). Position to 2). The value 2 is naturally smaller in aperture ratio than the value 1.

  If the temperature rises again, the microprocessor unit 16 again positions the rotating covers 12-1 to 12-N at positions where ventilation can be effectively performed according to the measured temperature.

  As described above, the microprocessor unit 16 switches the positions of the rotating covers 12-1 to 12-N as needed according to the output of the temperature sensor 14 and the output of the noise sensor 15 individually.

  In this control example, instead of performing positioning for realizing the ventilation effect and the soundproofing effect at a time, by appropriately performing the appropriate positioning for the ventilation and the soundproofing individually at any time, As a result, both ventilation and soundproofing are realized.

  As another control example, it is also conceivable to use only the noise sensor 15 without using the temperature sensor 14.

  In this case, it is preferable to presume the heat generation of the device to some extent based on the type of electronic device to be mounted and the operation mode. Then, the microprocessor unit 16 positions the rotation covers 12-1 to 12-N at a position where the maximum aperture ratio is within a possible range, as an initial operation setting. After that, the microprocessor unit 16 positions the rotating covers 12-1 to 12-N in the direction in which the noise is reduced, that is, the direction in which the aperture ratio decreases, based on the output of the noise sensor 15. The minimum aperture ratio in the range is set as the lower limit value, and it is not rotated to a position below this value.

If the rotation range assumed in advance is set as in this control example, it is possible to prevent both adverse effects due to heat generation and noise with one type of sensor.
Hereinafter, the means taught by the present invention will be listed as an example.

(Appendix 1)
A rack carrying at least one electronic device,
A cover member that shields a space in which the electronic device is mounted;
A cover swing mechanism for swinging the cover member;
A temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in a space in which the electronic device is mounted;
A noise sensor for measuring noise in a space in which the electronic device is mounted;
A control unit for controlling a space opening rate of the cover member by controlling the cover swinging mechanism based on outputs of the temperature sensor and the noise sensor;
A rack for mounting electronic equipment, comprising:

(Appendix 2)
The control unit calculates a swing range of the cover based on the output of the temperature sensor, and moves the cover swing to move the cover member within the calculated swing range based on the output of the noise sensor. The rack for mounting electric equipment according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism is controlled.

(Appendix 3)
The control unit swings the cover member to the first position based on the temperature sensor outputting a temperature value higher than a predetermined threshold value, and the noise sensor generates a noise higher than a predetermined value. Based on the output of the value, the cover member is swung from the first position to the second position,
The rack for mounting electronic equipment according to claim 1, wherein a cover opening rate at the first position is larger than a cover opening rate at the second position.
(Appendix 4)
A rack carrying at least one electronic device,
A cover member that shields a space in which the electronic device is mounted;
A cover swing mechanism for swinging the cover of the shielding member;
A noise sensor for measuring noise in a space in which the electronic device is mounted;
A control unit for controlling the space opening rate of the cover member by controlling the cover swing mechanism based on the output of the noise sensor;
A rack for mounting electronic equipment, comprising:
(Appendix 5)
A method for controlling a cover member provided in a rack on which at least one electronic device is mounted and shielding a space in which the electronic device is mounted,
Measure the temperature in the space with a temperature sensor provided in the electronic device,
Measure the noise level in the space with a noise sensor provided in the electronic device,
A method for controlling a rack cover for electronic equipment, comprising: controlling a space opening ratio of the cover member by controlling a cover swinging mechanism based on outputs of the temperature sensor and the noise sensor.

It is a block diagram of the electronic equipment mounting rack in one Example of this invention. It is a control flow of the microprocessor unit 16 during operation of electronic equipment. It is an external view of the conventional rack.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Rack housing | casing 12-1 to 12N Rotation cover 13 Stepping motor 14 Temperature sensor 15 Noise sensor 16 Microprocessor unit

Claims (4)

A rack carrying at least one electronic device,
A cover member that shields a space in which the electronic device is mounted;
A cover swing mechanism for swinging the cover member;
A temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in a space in which the electronic device is mounted;
A noise sensor for measuring noise in a space in which the electronic device is mounted;
A control unit for controlling a space opening rate of the cover member by controlling the cover swinging mechanism based on outputs of the temperature sensor and the noise sensor;
Have
When the temperature in the space is changed, the control unit rotates the cover member to the position of the maximum value of the opening ratio of the cover member according to the changed temperature,
When the noise in the space exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cover member is rotated so as to lower the cover member by a certain angle from the aperture ratio at that time,
Stepwise, the aperture ratio of the cover member is lowered until the aperture ratio of the cover member reaches a minimum value of the aperture ratio corresponding to the temperature after the change or until the noise in the space falls below the threshold value. A rack for mounting electronic equipment, characterized by being rotated.   The control unit calculates a maximum value and a minimum value of the aperture ratio of the cover member at the measured temperature based on the output of the temperature sensor, and based on the output of the noise sensor, the calculated maximum value and 2. The rack for mounting electrical equipment according to claim 1, wherein the cover swinging mechanism is controlled so as to move the cover member stepwise within a range of a minimum value. In a control method for controlling a cover member of a rack on which electronic equipment is mounted,
Measure the temperature in the rack space at any time interval,
When there is a change between the measured temperature and the temperature acquired last time, the cover member is rotated to the position of the maximum value of the opening ratio of the cover member according to the temperature after the change,
Obtain the noise level in the space of the rack,
When the acquired noise level is above a threshold, the cover member is rotated so as to lower the cover member by a certain angle from the aperture ratio at that time,
The opening ratio of the cover member is stepped until the opening ratio of the cover member reaches a minimum value of the opening ratio of the cover member corresponding to the temperature after the change or until the noise level in the space falls below the threshold value. The control method is characterized in that the cover member is rotated so as to be lowered. When there is a change between the temperature measured at an arbitrary time interval and the temperature acquired last time, calculate the maximum value and the minimum value of the opening ratio of the cover member according to the temperature after the change,
The control method according to claim 3, wherein the cover member is rotated according to the calculated maximum value and minimum value of the aperture ratio.

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