JP5415365B2 - Computer room air conditioning system and installation / replacement method of local air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a computer room air conditioning system.

For example, there is a conventional technique described in Patent Document 1.
This conventional technology relates to an air conditioner that stores an indoor unit in a bay window top, and can be used for simple installation work such as inserting the indoor unit into the top sack, fixing work, or connecting refrigerant pipes. It is intended to be able to do it.

  In this prior art, a pair of parallel support rails on the ceiling side are laid along the left and right horizontal direction, and hook metal fittings that can be attached to the support rails are provided on the front and back of the indoor unit, so that the ceiling support rail A configuration is proposed in which the indoor unit can be hung and moved horizontally while being suspended.

  Here, in recent years, in a computer room such as a server room, in addition to a large air conditioning system that cools the entire computer room (or instead of such an air conditioning system), a plurality of relatively small air conditioners. There has been proposed a computer room air-conditioning system of a type in which is installed in various places in the computer room. Each small air conditioner of such a system is sometimes called a “local air conditioner” or the like, and performs local cooling. For example, the small air conditioner is provided corresponding to an arbitrary rack and cools the periphery of the rack. Is. Here, the rack is an electronic device mounting rack on which electronic devices such as server devices are mounted. In a computer room, a plurality of racks are regularly arranged to form one row, and there are generally a plurality of such rack rows.

  In general, a plurality of the local air conditioners are installed in each rack row. In addition, one refrigerant supply device is provided for such a plurality of local air conditioners (corresponding to each rack row). That is, the refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerant supply device to each local air conditioner via a common refrigerant pipe for a plurality of local air conditioners corresponding to one rack row.

JP-A-8-61771

  Here, as a configuration for installing a plurality of local air conditioners on a rack row, for example, it is conceivable to use a support rail as in Patent Document 1 described above. That is, for each rack row, a pair of parallel support rails are provided above the rack row (in parallel) along the row. “Parallel” means that the two rails are parallel to each other and do not cross each other.

  A hook fitting that can be hooked on the support rail is provided at the top of the local air conditioner. At the time of installation, hook the bracket of the local air conditioner on the support rail from one end of the rack row, move the local air conditioner horizontally while hanging, and move the local air conditioner to the desired position. Move to the rack position and fix. “Horizontal” means a direction orthogonal to the direction of gravity. Of course, it can only move along the support rail.

  In addition, when the structure which provides a notch etc. in a support rail like the said patent document 1 and inserts an indoor unit from the notch etc. is applied, since a support rail exists above a rack, it is a local air conditioner during work. May fall and destroy or break down server devices in the rack. This is the worst situation, and especially the loss of important data is extremely worst. For this reason, in order to prevent the worst situation of destruction or failure of the server device etc. even if the local air conditioner falls, as described above, from the end of the support rail (that is, from the place where there is no rack) ) Local air conditioners are installed.

However, this method causes a problem when a local air conditioner later fails or needs to be added.
That is, for example, when any local air conditioner breaks down or reaches the end of its life, the local air conditioner is removed and a new local air conditioner is replaced (local air conditioner replacement work). It will be. In some cases, the parts may be replaced, but in some cases, the parts may not be replaced. Furthermore, even if the parts are replaced, the parts replacement work is performed above the rack, so that there is a risk that the server device or the like in the rack may be destroyed or failed due to the falling parts. For this reason, as described above, the replacement work of the local air conditioner is performed.

  This replacement work may not be a problem if the failed local air conditioner is at or near the end of the support rail, but may otherwise be very time consuming. That is, first, all local air conditioners that exist between the failed local air conditioner and the end of the support rail are sequentially moved to the end of the support rail, and then removed from the support rail, and then the failed air conditioner. It is necessary to move the machine to the end of the support rail and then remove it from the support rail. For example, if 11 local air conditioners are installed on the support rails corresponding to a certain rack row, and if the local air conditioner in the middle fails, it will be necessary to remove 5 local air conditioners from either end. Remove the air conditioner after removing the machine in sequence.

  In this manner, not only the failed air conditioner but also other normal local air conditioners need to be removed from the support rail. Furthermore, as described above, each local air conditioner is connected to a common refrigerant pipe, and even if a configuration in which the refrigerant pipe can be attached / detached is provided, a work for attaching / detaching the refrigerant pipe is further required. In addition, it is necessary to prevent the refrigerant from leaking from the refrigerant pipe or to prevent the refrigerant remaining in the local air conditioner from leaking. Some measures, such as closing the valve, are necessary, and accordingly, an extra configuration is required, and work such as opening and closing of the on-off valve increases, resulting in an increase in the amount of work.

In this way, replacement work for a failed air conditioner is very time consuming.
The same applies to the expansion. That is, for example, a server device may be newly accommodated in an empty rack. It is assumed that there was no local air conditioner corresponding to the rack because it was empty until then. In this case, a local air conditioner may need to be newly installed (added) at the position of the rack.

In this case, for example, when the rack is in the middle of the 11 units, it is necessary to perform almost the same operation as described above (the operation of removing the failed local air conditioner is not necessary).
As described above, conventionally, it takes much time and effort to replace the local air conditioner according to the failure / lifetime, etc. and to expand the local air conditioner while ensuring the safety of the rack. It was.

  An object of the present invention is a computer room air conditioning system having a plurality of local air conditioners corresponding to a rack row composed of a plurality of racks mounted with electronic devices, and in particular, replacement work of local air conditioners according to failure, life, etc. The purpose is to provide a computer room air conditioning system, local air conditioner installation / replacement method, etc. that can easily and easily carry out the expansion work of the air conditioner while ensuring the safety of the rack and reduce the work load. .

  The computer room air conditioning system of the present invention is a computer in which a plurality of local air conditioners are installed above the rack row in a computer room in which racks on which electronic devices are mounted are aligned to form a rack row. In the room air conditioning system, a first support rail which is a pair of rails provided in a parallel direction along the rack row above the rack row, and a vertical which is a direction orthogonal to the parallel direction above the rack row A second support rail that is a pair of rails provided in a direction, and the first support rail is connected to one or a plurality of the second support rails; A movable holding jig that is movable on the support rail and the second support rail, and that is capable of attaching and detaching the local air conditioner.

  In the computer room air conditioning system having the above configuration, basically, the second support rail is provided in addition to the first support rail, thereby reducing the work load of the expansion / replacement work of the local air conditioner. Is possible. This needs to be performed while ensuring the safety of the rack. For example, the operation of attaching / detaching the local air conditioner to / from the movable holding jig needs to be performed in a place where there is no rack, for example, the second support rail. Near the edge.

  The local air conditioner installation method in the computer room air conditioning system having the above configuration includes, for example, connecting the local air conditioner to the movable holding jig on the rail near the end of the second support rail, Move the local air conditioner to a position above the desired rack by moving the movable holding jig connected to the local air conditioner on at least the second support rail, and install the local air conditioner at this position. To do.

  In addition, the method for replacing a local air conditioner in the computer room air conditioning system having the above-described configuration is, for example, a local air conditioner to be replaced among existing local air conditioners connected to the movable holding jig, A movable holding jig in which the new local air conditioner is connected by moving the second supporting rail to the vicinity of the end of the second support rail and removing it from the movable holding jig, connecting the new local air conditioner to the movable holding jig Is moved at least on the second support rail to the position where the local air conditioner to be replaced is installed, and the new local air conditioner is installed at the position.

  According to the computer room air conditioning system, the local air conditioner installation / replacement method and the like of the present invention, in the computer room air conditioning system having a plurality of local air conditioners corresponding to a rack row composed of a plurality of racks equipped with electronic devices, The replacement work of the local air conditioner according to the failure / lifetime and the expansion work of the local air conditioner can be easily and easily performed while ensuring the safety of the rack, and the work load can be reduced.

(A) is a structural example of the computer room air conditioning system of this example, (b) is the one part enlarged view. It is sectional drawing which shows the detailed structure of the computer room air conditioning system of this example. (A) is a partially enlarged view of the computer room air conditioning system of this example, and (b) is a further enlarged view of a part thereof. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the configuration shown in FIG. 3 (b), where (a) shows the support rail 3, and (b) shows the support rail 2. It is a perspective view of the movable holding jig 6.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As already mentioned above, in this description, “parallel” means that the two rails are parallel to each other and do not cross each other, and the “horizontal” direction means gravity. In addition, the direction of gravity is referred to as the direction of gravity, and thus the “vertical direction” described later does not mean the direction of gravity (to “vertical direction” / “parallel direction” described later). Movement is a kind of horizontal movement).

Fig.1 (a) is an example of the whole structure concerning the computer room air conditioning system of this example, and FIG.1 (b) is the one part enlarged view.
As described above, the computer room air conditioning system according to the present invention has a plurality of relatively small air conditioners (local air conditioners described above; indoor unit 4 in FIG. 1) installed in various places in the computer room. In particular, it is installed above the rack row. In FIG. 1, one rack row is formed by nine racks 1. The rack 1 is an electronic device mounting rack on which various electronic devices such as server devices are mounted.

  A plurality of indoor units 4 are installed along the rack row on the rack row. There are refrigerant supply devices that supply / recover the refrigerant to the indoor units 4 via the refrigerant pipes. However, the refrigerant supply devices and the refrigerant pipes are not particularly illustrated or described.

  And as a structure for indoor unit 4 installation, the support rail 2 and the support rail 3 which are shown to Fig.1 (a), (b) are provided previously. A movable holding jig 6 is also provided. The movable holding jig 6 may be installed on the rail 2 / rail 3 in advance, or inserted from the end of the rail 2 / rail 3 onto the rail every time the indoor unit 4 is newly installed. May be.

  The support rail 2 is a rail that is provided along the rack row, in other words, a rail that is provided in parallel to the row direction of the rack row (the direction indicated by the dotted arrow in the figure) (the rack row The same direction as the column direction; hereinafter referred to as the parallel direction).

The support rail 3 is a rail provided in a direction orthogonal to the support rail 2 (a direction orthogonal to the row direction of the rack row; hereinafter referred to as a vertical direction).
The support rail 2 and the support rail 3 are connected to each other at an intersection (intersection). A configuration in which one or a plurality of support rails 3 are connected to the support rail 2 may be referred to as a support rail portion. The movable holding jig 6 is movable in the vertical direction and the parallel direction on the support rail portion. Accordingly, the indoor unit 4 mounted on the movable holding jig 6 is also in the vertical direction and the parallel direction. To move to. Details will be described later.
Further, the support rails 2 and 3 are moved from an upper member (not shown) (such as a suspended steel (or slag) 11 shown later in FIG. 2) to a suspension member (not shown) (a common channel suspension bar 10 shown later in FIG. 2). It is installed in a suspended form.

  The movable holding jig 6 is installed on the support rail 2 or the support rail 3 and is movable along these support rails 2 and 3. This is because both the support rails 2 and 3 can be moved, and the movement on the support rail 2 is switched from the movement on the support rail 2, and vice versa. You can switch to moving. This switching is performed at the “intersection”. In other words, the movable holding jig 6 can freely move in both the parallel direction and the vertical direction.

  Further, since a ball bearing caster 7b of a caster portion 7 shown in FIG. 2 described later provided in the movable holding jig 6 can move on the rails 2 and 3 and move on the rails 2 and 3, the movable holding jig The whole 6 is movable along the rails 2 and 3.

  The detailed structure of the movable holding jig 6 will be described later. Basically, the movable holding jig 6 can move 360 ° C. (in all directions) in the substantially horizontal direction by including a caster portion 7 described later. Since the movement direction is restricted by the support rail 2 or the support rail 3, the movement direction is parallel / perpendicular to the row direction of the rack row. As described above, the horizontal direction is a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

  Further, the movable holding jig 6 also includes a fixing bracket (not shown), and an arbitrary indoor unit 4 can be connected / separated (removable) by the fixing bracket. The indoor unit 4 is mounted on a movable holding jig 6 as shown in FIG. 1B, for example. The indoor unit 4 is placed on the movable holding jig 6 and the above-described fixing (not shown) is performed. The movable holding jig 6 and the indoor unit 4 are connected by metal fittings (in addition, since the indoor unit 4 is placed on the movable holding jig 6 in this way, it is possible to have no fixed metal fittings. , Not very realistic).

  When the movable holding jig 6 and the indoor unit 4 are connected (the indoor unit 4 is mounted on the movable holding jig 6), the movable holding jig 6 is supported by the support rail 2 / support as described above. By moving along the rail 3 (that is, by moving in the parallel direction / vertical direction), the indoor unit 4 is also moved together in the parallel direction / vertical direction.

  Here, the support rails 2 are a pair of parallel rails provided above and parallel to the rack row as described above. The support rail 3 is a pair of parallel rails (this is a set) provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support rail 2, and basically the support rail 3 with respect to the pair of support rails 2. A plurality of sets are provided.

  In FIG. 1, three sets of support rails 3 are provided. That is, as shown in the figure, there are provided three sets of support rails 3, that is, a support rail 3 a provided at the position of the rack D, a support rail 3 b provided at the position of the rack F, and a support rail 3 c provided at the position of the rack H. Yes.

  However, as a matter of course, the configuration (3 sets) in FIG. 1 is an example and is not limited to this example. For example, the support rails 3 may be provided on the rack B adjacent to the illustrated equipment storage rack row end 5 so that the support rails 3 are provided for every other rack (in this case, four sets). Become). Or you may make it provide the support rail 3 for every rack 1 corresponding to all the racks 1 (in this case, it will be 9 sets in FIG. 1). However, the description is based on the configuration example shown in FIG.

  Here, in the configuration example (three sets) shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the indoor units 4 are provided corresponding to all the racks 1. That is, indoor units 4 are installed above all racks 1, and nine indoor units 4 are installed in total. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the nine racks 1 is provided with symbols A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I. There is a case where it is explained (for example, the rack 1 with the symbol A is called the rack A). As shown in the drawing, the rack A is a rack 1 corresponding to the equipment storage rack row end 5.

  In the case of the above assumption, in the configuration of FIG. 1, as an installation operation for installing the indoor units 4 on all the racks 1, for example, with respect to the indoor units 4 installed on the rack A and the rack B, An example of mounting from one end (rack A side), the indoor unit 4 installed on the rack I from the other end (rack I side) of the support rail 2 and the other indoor units 4 from the support rail 3 is considered. It is done. Of course, this is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the indoor units 4 corresponding to all nine racks 1 from rack A to rack I are connected to the movable holding jig 6 from one end or the other end of the support rail 2 as described above and moved to the corresponding location. May be installed. However, even in this case, as described later, when the indoor unit 4 is replaced due to a failure or the like, the support rail 3 is basically used.

  In any method, when the indoor unit 4 is installed, first, the movable holding jig on the support rail 2 or the support rail 3 near the end of the support rail 2 or the end of the support rail 3 is used. The indoor unit 4 is connected to 6. This is connected in such a manner that the indoor unit 4 is mounted on the movable holding jig 6 as described above. The method of connecting the indoor unit 4 to the movable holding jig 6 is, for example, using the above-mentioned fixing bracket, but is not limited to this example.

The position is not limited to the “near end”, and any position where the rack 1 is not present may be used.
Then, the movable holding jig 6 to which the indoor unit 4 is connected is moved to the desired position along the support rail 2 or / and the support rail 3 to install the indoor unit 4 at the desired position. is there. The indoor unit 4 remains mounted on the movable holding jig 6 even after installation. When the indoor unit 4 is replaced, the indoor unit 4 is moved again along the support rail 2 and / or the support rail 3 while being mounted on the movable holding jig 6.

  The movable holding jig 6 may be installed on the support rail 2 / support rail 3 in advance, but here it is supported from one end of the support rail 2 / support rail 3 each time the indoor unit 4 is installed. The movable holding jig 6 is inserted on the rail 2 / support rail 3, and this will not be described in detail.

Hereinafter, an example in which the indoor units 4 are installed from the end of the support rail 2 for the racks A, B, and I, and from the end of the support rail 3 for the other cases will be described.
In this example, first, the indoor unit 4 to be newly installed is connected to the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 2 at one end (the rack A side) of the support rail 2 as illustrated. When the connection of the indoor unit 4 is completed, the movable holding jig 6 is moved along the support rail 2 to above the rack B, thereby moving the connected indoor unit 4 above the rack B. Thereafter, the movable holding jig 6 is fixed to a position above the rack B by connecting the movable holding jig 6 to the support rail 2 or the support rail 3 with a fastener (not shown).

  Subsequently, another new indoor unit 4 is connected to the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 2 at one end of the support rail 2. Then, the movable holding jig 6 to which the indoor unit 4 is connected is moved to the upper side of the rack A and fixed. Thus, the indoor unit 4 can be installed above the rack A. In this way, the indoor units 4 corresponding to the rack A and the rack B can be installed.

  The indoor unit 4 installed on the rack I is connected to the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 2 at the other end (rack I side) of the support rail 2 in the same manner. Then, the movable holding jig 6 connected to the indoor unit 4 is moved to the upper side of the rack I and fixed.

The indoor units 4 other than the indoor units 4 corresponding to the racks A, B, and I are installed from the end of the support rail 3.
First, for the indoor unit 4 corresponding to the rack C and the rack D, the support rail 3a provided at the position of the rack D is used. That is, the indoor unit 4 is connected to the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 3a near the end of the support rail 3a. Then, the movable holding jig 6 to which the indoor unit 4 is connected is moved to the upper side of the rack C along the rail and fixed. In this case, first, the support rail 3a is moved to the position of the rack D (vertical movement), and then the support rail 2 is moved to the position of the rack C (parallel movement).

  Subsequently, near the end of the support rail 3a, another indoor unit 4 is connected to the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 3a, and this is moved to above the rack D and fixed. This is only vertical movement.

  For the rack E and the rack F, the support rail 3b provided at the position of the rack F is used. For the rack G and rack H, the support rail 3c provided at the position of the rack H is used. Since these can be installed by substantially the same work as in the case of the racks C and D, they are not particularly described here. In this example, basically, the indoor unit 4 can be installed / replaced with respect to the rack 1 at the installation position of the support rail 3 and the racks 1 adjacent to the rack 1. Therefore, for example, when the support rail 3a is used, the indoor unit 4 can be installed / replaced with respect to the three racks 1 of the racks C, D, and E at the maximum. Similarly, for example, when the support rail 3b is used, the indoor unit 4 can be installed / replaced with respect to the three racks 1 of the racks E, F, and G at the maximum. Similarly, for example, when the support rail 3c is used, the indoor unit 4 can be installed / replaced with respect to the three racks 1 of the racks G, H, and I at the maximum.

  In particular, if all the indoor units 4 are sequentially installed at a time as in the case of initial installation, even if the indoor unit 4 is installed using only the support rail 2 without using the support rail 3, it takes time and effort. It can be installed without hanging. However, as described above, when the indoor unit 4 is replaced or added later, the support rail 2 alone is very laborious. In this method, such a problem can be solved by using the support rail 3.

  In addition, when it is set as the structure only of the support rail 2 without the support rail 3, it corresponds to the said conventional structure. However, since there is no movable holding jig 6 in the prior art, in the conventional configuration, for example, the indoor unit 4 is provided with a hook fitting that can be hooked on the support rail 2, and the hook fitting is hooked on the support rail 2. Thus, the indoor unit 4 is inserted on the support rail 2, and the indoor unit 4 can move along the support rail 2.

  Although not specifically shown / explained, as described in the prior art, a common refrigerant pipe is provided for the plurality of indoor units 4, and the operation of connecting the refrigerant pipe to each indoor unit 4 is also performed. In addition, it is necessary. By using a flexible / stretchable member as the refrigerant pipe (specific examples are not shown, but existing and commercially available products are available), the refrigerant pipe is connected in a short distance. The indoor unit 4 can be moved.

  Thus, for example, at the time of the operation of connecting the indoor unit 4 to the movable holding jig 6 at one end of the support rail 3, the operation of connecting the refrigerant pipe to the indoor unit 4 can also be performed (because the moving distance is Because it is short). This means that these operations can be performed in a place where the rack 1 is not present (for example, on a path between rack rows). When these operations are performed above the rack 1, the indoor unit 4 itself, its components, tools, or the like fall on the rack 1 or the refrigerant leaks, damaging the electronic equipment stored in the rack 1.・ There is a possibility of failure, but with this method, there is no such concern and work can be performed safely.

  Then, after the initial installation work, the electronic device and the indoor unit 4 are started to operate (operation of the server room and the like is started). After that, if any indoor unit 4 fails or has a life at any time, it may be necessary to replace the indoor unit 4 as described above. That is, it is necessary to take out the indoor unit 4 to be replaced that has failed and install a new indoor unit 4 instead.

  As already explained, in the conventional equivalent configuration, when any indoor unit 4 needs to be replaced due to a failure or the like, the failed indoor unit 4 is moved to the end of the support rail 2 and removed from the support rail 2. It is necessary to remove the other indoor unit 4 once. This is very troublesome especially when the failed indoor unit 4 is installed near the center of the support rail 2 (rack D, E, F, etc.).

  If the indoor unit 4 on the illustrated rack E fails, the failed indoor unit 4 is moved from the support rail 2 to the end of the support rail 2 (the end on the rack A side or the end on the rack I side). For this purpose, all the indoor units 4 existing between the failed indoor unit 4 and the end of the support rail 2 are temporarily moved to the end of the support rail 2 and removed from the support rail 2. Is required. For the sake of explanation, for example, the indoor unit 4 provided on the rack A is referred to as an indoor unit 4a. Therefore, in the above example, the indoor unit 4e has failed.

  For example, when removing from the end on the rack A side, first the indoor units 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are sequentially moved to the end of the support rail 2 and removed from the support rail 2, and then the failed indoor unit is removed. 4e is moved to the end of the support rail 2 and removed from the support rail 2. Moreover, the operation of releasing the connection of the refrigerant pipe is performed on the rack 1, and it cannot be said that the operation can be performed while ensuring the safety of the rack 1 (the mounted electronic device).

  Further, after that, a new indoor unit 4 (referred to as indoor unit 4e ') to be replaced with the failed indoor unit 4e is inserted from the end of the support rail 2 and moved onto the rack E. The other indoor units 4d, 4c, 4b, and 4a are also sequentially inserted from the end of the support rail 2 and moved to their corresponding positions. Furthermore, after moving to a corresponding position, the operation | work which connects refrigerant | coolant piping is performed.

  In contrast to such a conventional technique, in this method, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the failed indoor unit 4e can be replaced from the support rail 3a or 3b. In this case, regardless of which of the support rails 3a and 3b is used, the movement of the indoor units 4 other than the failed indoor unit 4e is only one.

  If the support rail 3a is used, first, the indoor unit 4d is moved on the support rail 3a to the vicinity of the end thereof (to a position where the rack 1 is not present) and then removed. Subsequently, the failed indoor unit 4e is first moved on the support rail 2 to the position of the rack D, then moved on the support rail 3 to the vicinity of the end thereof, and then removed. Note that removing the indoor unit 4e means removing from the movable holding jig 6 as described above. Therefore, since the indoor unit 4e can be removed without completely moving to the end of the rail as in the conventional case, it is described as “near end” as described above.

  In addition, even after removing the indoor unit 4e, the movable holding jig 6 remains on the support rail 3a. However, in some cases, the movable holding jig 6 left in this way may be attached to the support rail 3a. You may make it remove from the edge of. Conversely, the movable holding jig 6 may be inserted onto the support rail 3a from the end of the support rail 3a.

  Thereafter, the new indoor unit 4e 'is connected to the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 3a. After the connection, the indoor unit 4e 'is moved together by moving the movable holding jig 6 on the rail. The indoor unit 4e 'is first moved along the support rail 3a to the position of the rack D, and then moved along the support rail 2 to the position of the rack E, where it is fixed. For example, it is fixed by a fastener (not shown) or the like.

  Subsequently, the indoor unit 4d once removed as described above is connected to the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 3a, moved to the position of the rack D along the support rail 3a, and fixed there. Each of the indoor units 4e ′ and 4d also performs an operation of connecting the refrigerant pipe at the time of the operation of connecting to the movable holding jig 6 (in contrast, at the time of the operation of removing from the movable holding jig 6, Also, remove the refrigerant piping).

  In the above example, the indoor unit 4 other than the failed outdoor unit 4 needs to be moved and removed even if only one unit is used. For example, the support rails 3 are installed on all the racks 1. In this case, it is only necessary to move and remove / replace the failed outdoor unit 4 on the support rail 3, and it is possible to eliminate the need to move / remove other outdoor units 4.

  In this way, according to the present method, when the indoor unit 4 needs to be replaced due to a failure or the like, the effect of greatly reducing the labor of the replacement work can be obtained. This has a remarkable effect particularly when the indoor unit 4 near the center on the support rail 2 has failed and needs to be replaced. Further, it is possible to minimize the possibility of occurrence of an impact on an electronic device or the like accommodated in the rack, and to perform installation / replacement work safely. This effect is obtained in substantially the same manner not only in the case of replacement but also in the case of expansion of the indoor unit 4. In addition, the operation of the computer room may be stopped when a large replacement work is performed, but this method can reduce such operation risk.

  For example, in the initial state, indoor units 4 corresponding to all racks 1 (rack A to D, F to I) other than the rack E are installed, and the indoor unit 4 corresponding to the rack E is added later. In addition, substantially the same effect as in the case of replacing the indoor unit 4e described above can be obtained.

The replacement operation of the indoor unit 4 will be described with reference to a cross-sectional view shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration example of the computer room air conditioning system of this example. However, this does not necessarily mean a cross-sectional view of the configuration of FIG.

  First, in the example shown in FIG. 2, two rack rows are shown. That is, the rack row 1a and the rack row 1b are shown. Each rack row 1a, 1b consists of nine racks 1 as in the example of FIG.

  Usually, between these two rack rows 1a-1b, for example, a worker or the like moves, performs a maintenance work for rack-mounted equipment (server device, etc.), and a space necessary for moving for that purpose (illustrated) Space S) exists. Therefore, such a space S has a space that allows the indoor unit 4 to be attached and detached. On the other hand, in reality, in the space at the end of the support rail 2, some other device may be installed after the initial installation work of the indoor unit 4, and when the indoor unit 4 is replaced or expanded later, There may be no space for work. Therefore, in practice, the installation / replacement operation of the air conditioners 4a, 4b, 4i, etc. cannot be performed from the end of the support rail 2 and may be performed using the support rail 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the illustrated support rails 2a and 2b (in parallel with the rack rows) are provided above the rack rows 1a and 1b. In the illustrated example, the support rail 3 (in the vertical direction) is common to the two rack rows 1a and 1b. That is, the illustrated support rail 3 is connected to both the support rails 2a and 2b, and both the air conditioner 4 on the rack row 1a and the air conditioner 4 on the rack row 1b are not only on the support rail 2. The support rail 3 can also be moved, whereby the air conditioner 4 can be moved above the space S. Therefore, FIG. 2 shows an image of moving and removing the air conditioners 4 on the rack row 1a onto the space S, but the same can be done for the air conditioners 4 on the rack row 1b.

Here, the sectional view of FIG. 2 will be described again.
First, the support rails 2a and 2b and the support rail 3 are installed in such a manner that they are suspended from the ceiling by the common channel suspension bar 10. That is, the suspended steel material 11 exists above the illustrated ceiling board 9, and one end (upper side) of the common channel suspension rod 10 is fixed to the suspended steel material 11. The other end (lower side) of the common channel suspension bar 10 is connected to the support rails 2 a and 2 b and the support rail 3. Since the parts for connection are general, they are not specifically described.

  For example, a movable holding jig 6 is disposed on the support rail in advance. As described above, the movable holding jig 6 can be moved on the support rails 2 and 3 along the support rails 2 and 3, and the air conditioner 4 can be attached to and detached from the movable holding jig 6 by a fixing bracket (not shown). is there. The fixing bracket is general and will not be described in particular.

  The movable holding jig 6 is provided with a caster portion 7 shown in the figure. The caster part 7 includes a connection part 7a (hexagon nut or the like), a ball bearing caster 7b, or the like. The caster portion 7 is fixed to the movable holding jig 6 main body (for example, a rectangular frame described later) by a connection portion 7a (hexagon nut or the like). The ball bearing caster 7b is on the support rail 2 / support rail 3 as shown in the figure. The caster unit 7 itself can move in all directions (360 degrees) in a substantially horizontal direction, but the moving direction is limited by the support rails 2 and 3, so that the movable holding jig 6 moves along the support rails 2 and 3. It is possible to move in the parallel direction / vertical direction.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, it is assumed that there is an air conditioner 4 connected (mounted) to an arbitrary movable holding jig 6 at an arbitrary position on the rack row 1a. The movable holding jig 6 is fixed at a predetermined position on the support rail 2a by a fastener (not shown). The fastener is, for example, one that is fitted into a hole provided at a predetermined position on the support rails 2 and 3 and is a general one and is not particularly described.

  When the air conditioner 4 needs to be replaced due to failure or the like, first, the movable holding jig 6 is made movable by removing the clasp. As the movable holding jig 6 moves, the connected air conditioner 4 also moves together. The movable holding jig 6 is moved on the support rail 2 or the support rail 3, and finally the air conditioner 4 is moved above the space S on the support rail 3 as shown in the figure (in the figure, by dotted lines) Shown in configuration). In this state, an operator operates a fixing bracket (not shown) to release the connection between the movable holding jig 6 and the air conditioner 4, and the air conditioner 4 is moved as indicated by an arrow in the figure. Lower it down.

At this time, the movable holding jig 6 remains above the space S and on the support rail 3.
Thereafter, the new air conditioner 4 is connected to the movable holding jig 6 in a state where the movable holding jig 6 is above the space S in this manner (further, a refrigerant pipe is connected to the air conditioner 4). When the connection is completed, the movable holding jig 6 is moved on the support rail 3 (in some cases, further moved on the support rail 2a), so that the air conditioner 4 is supported along the support rail 3 (in some cases, further supported). Move along the rail 2a). When the air conditioner 4 is moved to a predetermined position in this way, the replacement work at the time of failure of the air conditioner 4 is completed by fixing the air conditioner 4 with a fastener (not shown).

In the configuration example of FIG. 2, the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 2 a can be moved onto the support rail 2 b via the support rail 3.
In addition, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, for example, by applying the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, the movable holding jig 6 can be placed on the support rail 3 in the space S or from the support rail 3. It can also be possible to unload.

  As described above, according to the computer room air conditioning system of this example, in the computer room air conditioning system having a plurality of local air conditioners corresponding to a rack row composed of a plurality of racks mounted with electronic devices, in particular, failure, life, etc. It is possible to easily and easily replace the local air conditioner according to the conditions, and to reduce the work load.

The effect of reducing the work load can be obtained not only for replacement work but also for expansion work.
That is, for example, it is assumed that the indoor unit 4 is initially installed in every other rack. For example, it is assumed that the indoor unit 4 is installed only for the racks A, C, E, G, and I. This is, for example, a case in which two racks 1 can be cooled by one indoor unit 4 or a case in which electronic devices are not yet mounted (empty) in racks B, D, F, and H. However, in any case, it may be necessary to add the indoor unit 4 later for some reason (for example, addition of an electronic device).

  Here, it is assumed that it is necessary to add the indoor unit 4 on the rack D due to an increase in the number of electronic devices mounted on the rack D. In this case, conventionally, for example, the indoor unit 4 on the rack C is moved onto the rack D, the indoor unit 4 on the rack A is moved onto the rack C, and then one end of the support rail 2 (rack A side). Then, a new indoor unit 4 is inserted and moved onto the rack A.

  In contrast, in this method, a new indoor unit 4 is connected to the movable holding jig 6 on the support rail 3a (further, a refrigerant pipe is connected to the air conditioner 4), and this is racked on the support rail 3a. Just move it up to D.

As described above, the expansion of the air conditioner 4 can be easily performed as compared with the conventional case, and the work load can be reduced.
In this method, it is a major premise to ensure the safety of the rack (safety of the electronic devices in the rack) in both the replacement and expansion of the air conditioner 4. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid working on the rack as much as possible.

  Here, with respect to the configuration in which the movable holding jig 6 can be moved in the parallel direction / vertical direction along the support rail 2 and the support rail 3 as described above, refer to the examples shown in FIGS. Will be described in detail.

  First, FIG. 3 (a) shows the same drawing as FIG. 1 (b), and further shows an enlarged portion surrounded by an ellipse. FIG. 3 (b) shows an enlarged view of this portion. ing. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the common channel suspension bar 10 and the like shown in FIG. 2 are omitted as in FIG. 1 (b).

In FIG. 3B, the indoor unit 4 and the movable holding jig 6 shown in FIGS. 1B and 3A are omitted. That is, only the support rail 2 and the support rail 3 are shown.
FIG. 3B is a drawing for showing the configuration of a portion (intersection) where the support rail 2 and the support rail 3 cross each other. In FIG. 3A and the like, there is a movable holding jig 6 at this intersection. Of course, the movable holding jig 6 can be moved to any position on the support rail 2 / support rail 3, and this position It is not fixed to.

Here, in connection with the description of FIG. 3B, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5 are also described together.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams in which the components shown in FIG. 3B are shown separately. FIG. 5 shows only the movable holding jig 6.

4A is a configuration example of the support rail 3 at the intersection portion, and FIG. 4B is a configuration example of the support rail 2 at the intersection portion.
As illustrated, the support rails 2 and 3 are both a pair of “L-shaped” rails (a pair of “L-shaped” rails).

  That is, first, the support rail 3 shown in FIG. 4A is a pair of “L” shaped rails composed of two parts, a lower part 31 and a side face 32. As shown in the figure, a rectangular cutout 34 is formed in a part of the side surface 32 of each rail. The width of the notch 34 is longer than the width of the movable holding jig 6. That is, the movable holding jig 6 can pass through the notch 34. The height of the notch 34 is naturally the same as the height of the side surface 32.

  Similarly, the support rail 2 shown in FIG. 4B is a pair of “L-shaped” rails composed of two parts, a lower portion 21 and a side surface 22. As shown in the drawing, for example, a rectangular cutout 24 is formed in a part of the side surface 22 of each rail. The width of the notch 24 is made longer than the width of the movable holding jig 6. That is, the movable holding jig 6 can pass through the notch 24. The height of the notch 24 is naturally the same as the height of the side surface 22.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the support rail 3 (rail pair) is passed through the notch portion 24 of the support rail 2 (inserted), and the support rail 2 (rail pair) is similarly inserted into the support rail 3 above. The pair of the support rails 2 and the pair of the support rails 3 are connected in such a manner that the notches 34 are passed (inserted). In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the support rail 3 is placed on the support rail 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the support rail 2 is placed on the support rail 3. It is good. Of course, it is necessary to weld the support rail 2 and the support rail 3 in addition to simply putting them on, but this is not particularly described.

  In addition, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 3B, since the support rail 3 is on the support rail 2 as described above, for example, the movable holding jig 6 is supported on the support rail 3. When moving along the rail 3 (moving in the above vertical direction) and passing through the intersection with the support rail 2 (when moving in the vertical direction as it is), even at the intersection, on the support rail 3 You will pass in the state of riding.

  On the other hand, for example, when the movable holding jig 6 is moved on the support rail 2 and moves along the support rail 2 (moves in the parallel direction) and passes through the intersection with the support rail 3 (When moving in the parallel direction as it is), at the intersection, the movable holding jig 6 first rides on the lower part 31 of one rail of the pair of support rails 3 and then returns to the support rail 2 again. Then, after riding on the lower part 31 of the other rail of the support rail 3, it returns to the support rail 2 again. Here, when riding on the lower part 31 of the support rail 3, the level difference caused by the thickness of the lower part 31 of the support rail 3 is exceeded, but this can be overcome without any problem (with such a thickness). Suppose it is).

  Further, when the movable holding jig 6 is at the “intersection” position, all of the caster portions 7 are on the lower portion 31 of the support rail 3. When the direction is changed at the “intersection” (vertical direction → parallel direction or parallel direction → vertical direction), for example, when the direction is changed in the vertical direction → parallel direction, the movable holding jig 6 is supported by the support rail. 3, when moving to the “intersection”, all the caster portions 7 are transferred to the support rail 2 so as to descend from the lower portion 31 of the support rail 3, and thereafter move on the support rail 2. .

  Further, when the direction is changed from the parallel direction to the vertical direction, the movable holding jig 6 moves on the support rail 2 and reaches the “intersection” (in this case, the vehicle crosses the step), the “intersection” "Because all the caster portions 7 of the movable holding jig 6 are on the support rail 3 as described above, the direction can be changed by moving the support rail 3 in one direction as it is. become.

  Thus, the movable holding jig 6 can move freely in the vertical direction / parallel direction along the support rail 2 / support rail 3 while changing the direction as necessary. Can be moved together (the indoor unit 4 can be moved freely in the vertical direction / parallel direction).

Finally, FIG. 5 shows an example of the shape of the movable holding jig 6.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of the movable holding jig 6 as viewed obliquely from the upper side, and shows components arranged on the upper surface side of the movable holding jig 6.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the movable holding jig 6 has a rectangular frame as a main body, and a caster portion 7 is connected thereto. The caster part 7 is provided at the four corners of a rectangular frame, for example, and only a part thereof is shown in the figure. That is, only the connection part 7a (hexagon nut etc.) visible from the upper surface side of the movable holding jig 6 is shown.

  Although not shown, a ball bearing caster 7b exists below the frame at the position of the four connecting portions 7a shown. These four ball bearing casters 7b are on the lower portion 21 of the support rail 2 or the lower portion 31 of the support rail 3, and the movable holding jig 6 can move on the support rail 2 or the support rail 3. .

Naturally, the size (width and height of each side) of the movable holding jig 6 is a size that can be moved without falling on the support rails 2 and 3.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the main body of the movable holding jig 6 has a rectangular frame shape. Of course, the main body of the movable holding jig 6 is not limited to this example. Anything can be used as long as it can be freely moved in the vertical direction / parallel direction while changing the direction as necessary.

  In addition, in FIG. 3A and the like, the air conditioner 4 is shown as being smaller than the movable holding jig 6, but is not limited to this example. The air conditioner 4 may be larger than the movable holding jig 6. In this case, the case where the width of the air conditioner 4 is larger than the width of the notch 24 (≈the width of the support rail 3) or / and the width of the air conditioner 4 is the width of the notch 34 (≈the width of the support rail 2). However, there is no problem if the height of the movable holding jig 6 is made larger than the height of the support rails 2 and 3 (the lengths of the side surfaces 22 and 32) (the air conditioner 4 is connected to the rail). There is no such thing as getting stuck in 2 or 3).

  As described above, the computer room air conditioning system of this example is used in a computer room where a plurality of racks on which various electronic devices (information processing devices such as server devices, communication devices, storage devices, etc.) are mounted are installed. , A plurality of local air conditioners (such as the indoor unit 4) for cooling a relatively narrow area (for example, an area around one or a few racks, etc.) are installed. Assuming a computer room air conditioning system with a configuration in which local air conditioners are installed. Each local air conditioner is installed, for example, above a rack to be cooled (such as a rack having a large number of information processing devices or a large amount of heat generated).

  In such a computer room air conditioning system (also referred to as a local cooling system), as a configuration for installing a plurality of local air conditioners above the rack row, a pair of (parallel direction) along the rack row A parallel support rail (referred to as a first support rail) is provided above the rack row, and one or more (basically a plurality) pairs in a direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to the parallel direction. A parallel support rail (referred to as a second support rail) is provided in the vicinity of the upper portion corresponding to an arbitrary rack, and all the second support rails are connected to the first support rail. Presenting.

  And the movable holding jig which can move freely on these 1st support rails and 2nd support rails, and can attach or detach a local air conditioner is provided. The movable holding jig includes, for example, a ball bearing caster that can move to 360 ° C. (all directions) in the horizontal direction.

  When installing a local air conditioner on the rack row, the local air conditioner is connected to the movable holding jig in the vicinity of the end of the first support rail or in the vicinity of the end of any second support rail. Then, the movable holding jig is moved along the first support rail / second support rail (in other words, in the parallel direction / vertical direction) while the local air conditioner is connected. Is moved above the desired rack.

  After that, for example, when adding a local air conditioner in response to an increase in information processing equipment mounted on the rack, for example, if the configuration is such that only the first support rail is installed, after moving the existing local air conditioner first Even if it is necessary to install a new local air conditioner, this configuration eliminates the need to move the existing local air conditioner by using the second support rail (or reduces the number of local air conditioners to be moved). Can be reduced.

  Alternatively, when a local air conditioner that needs to be replaced due to failure, life, or the like is generated among a plurality of existing local air conditioners, for example, if only the first support rail is installed, the local air conditioner to be replaced In addition to the machine, other existing local air conditioners (in some cases, a large number of local air conditioners) had to be temporarily removed from the first support rail. In order to remove it from the first support rail, it was necessary to move the local air conditioner to the end of the first support rail.

  On the other hand, in this configuration, since the replacement work can be performed using the second support rail, only the local air conditioner to be replaced needs to be moved, or other existing local air conditioners are also moved. Even if it is necessary to reduce the number, the number can be reduced, and in any case, the work load of the replacement work can be greatly reduced as compared with the conventional case.

  Further, in this configuration, the local air conditioner is connected to the movable holding jig, so that it can be moved to a place where there is no rack without moving to the end of the first support rail or the end of the second support rail. By doing so, the local air conditioner can be removed. Since the second support rail is a rail perpendicular to the rack row, the distance to the place where there is no rack is relatively short.

  In addition, according to this structure, although a local air conditioner can be removed (reversely connected) without having to move, in that case, the local air conditioner will be removed (or connected) on a rack, The safety of the rack cannot be ensured.

  If the safety of the rack cannot be ensured, for example, a local air conditioner may fall on the rack, causing information processing equipment such as server devices housed in the rack to be destroyed / failed. In addition, the worst situation such as loss of important data may occur.

  According to the present configuration and method, it is possible to easily perform installation / expansion / replacement of a local air conditioner while ensuring the safety of the rack.

1 rack (equipment storage rack)
2 Support rail 3 Support rail 4 Indoor unit 5 Equipment storage rack row end 6 Movable holding jig 7 Caster part 7a Connection part 7b Ball bearing caster 10 Common channel suspension rod 11 Suspension steel material 21 Lower part 22 Side face 24 Notch part 31 Lower part 32 Side 34 Notch

Claims (5)

In the computer room where the racks in which the electronic devices are mounted are aligned to form a rack row, in the computer room air conditioning system in which a plurality of local air conditioners are installed above the rack row,
A first support rail which is a pair of rails provided in a parallel direction along the rack row above the rack row, and a pair provided in a vertical direction which is a direction orthogonal to the parallel direction above the rack row. A second support rail that is a rail of the first support rail, and one or a plurality of the second support rails connected to the first support rail;
A movable holding jig that is movable on the first support rail and the second support rail, and that can attach and detach the local air conditioner;
A computer room air conditioning system characterized by comprising:   The first support rail and the second support rail are arranged at the intersection at the intersection so that the movable holding jig can switch the movement direction at the intersection between the first support rail and the second support rail. 2. The computer room air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein a notch is provided in a part. A method of installing / changing a local air conditioner in the computer room air conditioning system according to claim 1,
Near the end of the second support rail, connect the local air conditioner to the movable holding jig on the rail,
By moving the movable holding jig to which the local air conditioner is connected at least on the second support rail, the local air conditioner is moved to a position above the desired rack, and the local air conditioner is moved to this position. Installation / replacement method of local air conditioner characterized by installing. A method of installing / changing a local air conditioner in the computer room air conditioning system according to claim 1,
Of the existing local air conditioners connected to the movable holding jig, move the local air conditioner to be replaced to the vicinity of the end of the second support rail and remove it from the movable holding jig.
A new local air conditioner is connected to the movable holding jig, and the movable holding jig connected to the new local air conditioner is moved at least on the second support rail, so that the replacement object is This local air conditioner is moved to the position where the local air conditioner is installed, and the new local air conditioner is installed at the position. If there is another existing local air conditioner and the local air conditioner to be replaced cannot be moved to the vicinity of the end of the second support rail, the other existing local air conditioner is supported by the second support. After moving to the vicinity of the end of the rail and removing from the movable holding jig, the local air conditioner to be replaced is moved to the vicinity of the end of the second support rail and removed from the movable holding jig. The installation / replacement method of the local air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein