Title of Invention

COOLER FOR HEATER-CONTAINING BOX

Abstract There is provided a cooler for heater-containing box in which an outside air fan for carrying air on an outside air path and an inside air fan for carrying air on an inside air path are arranged such that a rotating shaft of each fan is in parallel with an air intake direction, and a heat exchanger for exchanging sensible heat of outside air and inside air is arranged between the outside air path and the inside air path such that a suction port at a longitudinal air-path side of the heat exchanger is aligned with a blowout port of the fan. The cooler for heater-containing box capable of making the depth thinner can be provided.
Full Text DESCRIPTION
COOLER FOR HEATER- CONTAINING BOX
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a box-like structure which is
installed outdoor, the box having precision equipment which has a heating
element such as an electronic component therein and requires cooling even
in winter because of high heat generation, and whose performance and life
are greatly affected by temperature. In particular, the present invention
relates to a cooling device for the box.
BACKGROUND ART
Recently, high performance of electronic components and
densification of the electronic components with respect to a control board
have been advanced, and an amount of heat generated from the control
board is being dramatically increased. With this increase, the temperature
within the box is likely to increase so that guarantee of operation of the
electronic components provided on the control board and the product life are
greatly affected by temperature within the box. Therefore, reliability is
becoming difficult to be assured unless the temperature within the box is
cooled down to a certain temperature or lower.
As described in, for example, Unexamined Japanese Patent
Publication No. 2001-156478, a cooler for heater-containing box which cools
down such type of box by air heat exchanging has been conventionally
known to be installed on an outer surface of the box.
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Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 23, the conventional cooler for heater-
containing box will be described.
As shown in FIG. 23, the cooler for heater-containing box has, within
box 301 inside air path 305 that takes the air of the cooler for heater-
containing box via inside air suction port 302 and returns it to the box!
outside air path 309 that takes the outside air via outside air suction port
306 and exhausts it via outside air blowout port 308; and diaphragm 310
placed to separate these two air paths 305 and 309. Moreover, outside air
fan 303B for conveying air in outside air path 309 is arranged such that the
rotating shaft of the fan is perpendicular to the air intake direction via
outside air suction port 306, and inside air fan 303A for conveying air in
inside air path 305 is arranged such that the rotating shaft of the fan is
perpendicular to the air intake direction via inside air suction port 302.
Heat exchanger 304, which is arranged at the intersection of the air paths
and exchanges sensible heat of the outside air and the inside air, is further
included. Box 301 is installed outside of a panel of the box containing
heating element, and cools down the box containing heating element.
In such conventional cooler for heater-containing box, since the
rotating shaft of the fan is perpendicular to the air inlet direction, the
dimension (hereinafter referred to as depth) of the cooler for heater-
containing box, which is in the perpendicular direction to the panel of the
box containing heating element, is restricted by the fan diameter. Thus,
the conventional cooler for heater-containing box has a problem of larger
size, and is required to be thinner.
In addition, since one inside air fan and one outside air fan are
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provided, the cooling device cannot function at all when the inside air fan or
the outside air fan is broken. Therefore, it is required that the cooling
device work even at the breakage of the fan.
Furthermore, due to the complicated configuration, there are
problems of complicated manufacturing, maintenance and construction.
Therefore, it is required that the configuration be simple and the
manufacturing, maintenance and construction be easily achieved.
Moreover, as described in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication
No. 2004-286419, the conventional counter-current heat exchanger used in
the conventional cooler for heater-containing box is a heat exchanger in
which first heat transfer plate 101 and second heat transfer plate 102,
which are machined by vacuum-molding of polystyrene sheet, are
alternately stacked.
Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 22, the heat exchanger will be
described.
First heat transfer plate 101 and second heat transfer plate 102
have a rectangular plane shape, and are obtained by being formed by the
vacuum-molding of polystyrene sheet and thereafter cutting extra sheet by a
Thomson die or the like. First heat transfer plate 101 has substantially L-
shaped air path ribs 103, which are formed to be in a hollow convex shape,
in substantially parallel with and at substantially equal spaces to one
another. Air path ribs 103 define substantially L-shaped first air path 104
and heat transfer plane 105.
An outlet/inlet portion of first air path 104 is provided with air path
end face 106, where the edge of first heat transfer plate 101 is bent to the
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opposite direction to the protrusion direction of air path ribs 103. Both
ends of air path rib 103 are provided with a plurality of hollow convex-
shaped first protrusions 107 protruded to the same direction as the
protrusion direction of air path ribs 103.
Peripheral rib A (not shown), which is formed to have a hollow
convex shape protruded to the same direction as the protrusion direction of
air path ribs 103, is provided at the peripheral edge portion other than the
inlet and outlet of first air path 104 of first heat transfer plate 101, the
peripheral edge portion being sandwiched between the inlet and outlet of
first air path 104 and being in substantially parallel with an air path
portion serving as the counter current. Peripheral rib A108b having the
same shape is provided diagonally to peripheral rib A.
The outer side surfaces of peripheral rib Al08b are structured to be
bent to the same position as air path end face 106.
Peripheral rib B109 having the same shape is provided at the
peripheral edge portion other than the inlet/outlet of first air path 104 of
first heat transfer plate 101 and peripheral rib A108b. Peripheral rib
B109a of peripheral rib B109 is substantially parallel with peripheral rib
A108, and peripheral rib Bl09b is substantially perpendicular to peripheral
rib A108.
Note that an alphabetic lower letter at the end of reference numeral
is applied for distinguishing from the similar reference numeral because the
reference numerals denote the portions having the same function but
different arrangements. It should be also noted that the reference numeral
having no additional character includes a plurality of reference numerals
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with additional character.
Peripheral rib B109 has a hollow convex shape protruded to the
same direction as the protrusion direction of air path ribs 103. The center
portion of the outer side surface of peripheral rib B109b is bent to the same
position as heat transfer plane 105 and is provided with air path opening
110. The both end portions thereof are bent to the same position as air
path end face 106 and is provided with air path end face cover 111.
Hollow convex-shaped second protrusion 112a, which is protruded to
the same direction as the protrusion direction of air path ribs 103, is
provided at the portion closer to air path end face 106 of peripheral rib
B109a. Second protrusion 112a is substantially perpendicular to second
protrusion 112b provided on second heat transfer plate 102 located
thereabove. The upper surface of second protrusion 112a is abutted against
the lower surfaces of peripheral ribs B109a and 109b which are provided on
second heat transfer plate 102 located thereabove.
Second heat transfer plate 102 has a similarity relation to first heat
transfer plate 101, and is formed such that the height of peripheral ribs
A108c, 108d of second heat transfer plate 102 of the portions provided at
second heat transfer plate 102 is equal to the height of air path rib 103, and
moreover such that the width of peripheral ribs Al08c, 108d of second heat
transfer plate 102 is wider than the width of peripheral rib A108b of first
heat transfer plate 101.
Air path rib 103, which is being substantially parallel with first heat
transfer plate 101 and peripheral rib A108b of second heat transfer plate
102, is provided with a plurality of hollow convex-shaped protrusions C113
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protruded to the same direction to the protrusion direction of air path ribs
103, or air-path-rib stack portions 114 intermittently widening the width of
air path rib 103. Protrusions C113 and airpath-rib stack portions 114 at
first heat transfer plate 101 and second heat transfer plate 102 are not
aligned with respect to the stack direction such that the upper surface of
protrusion C113 is abutted against the lower surface of air path rib 103 of
second heat transfer plate 102 which is located thereabove, or the upper
surface of air-path-rib stack portion 114 is abutted against the lower surface
of first heat transfer plate 101 which is located thereabove.
First heat transfer plates 101 and second heat transfer plates 102
which are formed in the above manner are alternately stacked, first air
paths 104 and second air paths 115 are alternately provided, and peripheral
side surfaces are heat welded and the like, thereby constituting the heat
exchanger. Heat exchange is conducted between the fluid flowing in first
air path 104 and the fluid flowing in second air path 115.
Such conventional heat exchanger becomes easy to be flexible as the
area of the heat transfer plates increases. When the pressure subjected
from the fluid flowing in air paths increases, the adjacent air path ribs fit to
each other so that the air-path height may become lower and air-flow
resistance may increase. Therefore, it is required to maintain the air-path
height and suppress the increase in air-flow resistance.
In addition, since the air-path-rib stack portion is wider than the air
path rib, a portion of the airpath-rib stack portion has a narrow air-path
width and the air-flow resistance increases. Therefore, it is required to
suppress the increase in air-flow resistance without decreasing the air-path
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width.
Moreover, since the plurality of Lrshaped air paths formed at the
rectangular heat transfer plate has different air-path lengths, the air flow in
each air path is different, thereby generating the temperature difference, so-
called temperature distribution, of the heat-exchanged air in each air path
at the discharging portion. Therefore, the improvement of the temperature
distribution is required.
Particularly, when a blowout port of equipment on which the heat
exchanger is mounted is close to the outlet of the heat exchanger, low-
temperature air caused by the temperature distribution may be blown at
low outside temperature, low air flow or the like.
Moreover, when the peripheral side surfaces of the stacked heat
transfer plates are heat welded, the height of the opening and the air-path
height at the peripheral side may be reduced due to heat contraction.
Therefore, it is required to maintain the height of the opening and the air-
path height at the peripheral side, and to suppress the increase in air-flow
resistance.
Moreover, in order to prevent poor welding during the heat welding,
the welding process needs many steps. Therefore, it is required to reduce
the steps of the welding process and enhance the productivity.
Moreover, burr is left at the inlet or outlet portion of the air path in
cutting the extra sheet from the heat transfer plate, and the burr may cause
the height of the opening at the inlet or outlet portion to be lowered and the
air-flow resistance to be increased. Therefore, it is required to prevent the
decrease in the height of the opening due to the burr and to suppress the
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increase in the air-flow resistance.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A cooler for heater-containing box of the present invention has: an
inside air path which takes the air of the box containing heating element
and circulates the air by returning it into the box containing heating
element; and an outside air path which takes the outside air and exhausts it
to the outside, wherein an outside air fan for conveying the air on the
outside air path and an inside air fan for conveying the air on the inside air
path are arranged such that the rotating shaft of each fan is in parallel with
the air intake direction, a heat exchanger for exchanging sensible heat of
the outside air and the inside air is arranged between the outside air path
and the inside air path such that a suction port provided at a longitudinal
air-path side of the heat exchanger is aligned with a blowout port of the fan,
and a control unit for controlling the operation of the fans is included.
According to the present invention, since the depth dimension of the
cooler for heater-containing box is not restricted by the fan diameter, the
cooler for heater-containing box having thin depth can be provided.
Moreover, in the heat exchanger used in the cooler for heater-
containing box of the present invention, an air-path-retaining-member,
which is provided at the portion where the fluids flowing on the first air
path and the second air path form a counter current has a curved shape in
stacking the first heat transfer plate and the second heat transfer plate.
With this structure, the air-path height can be maintained and the
increase in the air-flow resistance can be suppressed, and thereby the heat
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exchanger capable of suppressing the increase in the air-flow resistance
without decreasing the air-path width can be obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an installation diagram of a cooler for heater-containing
box in Embodiment 1 of the present invention!
FIG. 2 is an outline view and a structural diagram at the inside of
the cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiments 1 and 8 of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is an outline view at the outside of the cooler for heater-
containing box in Embodiments 1 and 5 of the present invention!
FIG. 4 is a structural diagram relating to a temperature detector of
the cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 2 of the present
invention;
FIG. 5 is a structural diagram relating to a heat insulating material
of the cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 3 of the present
invention!
FIG. 6 is a structural diagram relating to a heat insulating material
of the cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 4 of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of a fan of the cooler for heater-
containing box in Embodiment 6 of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a reinforcing member of the cooler
for heater-containing box in Embodiment 7 of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is an assembly diagram of a control unit of the cooler for
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heater-containing box in Embodiment 9 of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of the control unit of the cooler for
heater-containing box in Embodiment 10 of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a structural diagram relating to a drain pan of the cooler
for heater-containing box in Embodiment 11 of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a structural diagram of a drain pan of the cooler for
heater-containing box in Embodiment 12 of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a heat exchanger
according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention!
FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchanger at the
stacking of heat transfer plates according to Embodiment 13 of the present
invention;
FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchanger at the
stacking of heat transfer plates from the stacking direction according to
Embodiment 13 of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a schematic cross sectional view in the stacking state of
peripheral rib A and peripheral rib B near an opening of the heat exchanger
according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view of an inlet of the heat
exchanger prior to heat welding according to Embodiment 13 of the present
invention;
FIG. 18 is a schematic cross sectional view of the inlet of the heat
exchanger after the heat welding according to Embodiment 13 of the present
invention;
FIG. 19 is a plan view of a first heat transfer plate according to
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Embodiment 14 of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a schematic arrangement plan showing a positional
relationship between the first heat transfer plate and the fan according to
Embodiment 15 of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a schematic arrangement plan showing the positional
relationship between the first heat transfer plate and the fan according to
Embodiment 15 of the present invention!
FIG. 22 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a
conventional heat exchanger; and
FIG. 23 is a structural diagram of a conventional cooler for heater-
containing box.
REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

1 first air path
1a first air path
1b first air path
1c first air path
1d first air path
1e first air path
1f first air path
1g first air path
1h first air path
1i first air path
1j first air path
2 second air path
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3 curved air path rib (air-path-retaining-member)
4 inlet (inlet portion)
4a inlet
5 outlet (outlet portion)
6 air path opening
6a air path opening (first opening)
6b air path opening (second opening)
7 peripheral rib A (first shielding member)
7a peripheral rib A
7b peripheral rib A
8 peripheral rib B (second shielding member)
8a peripheral rib B
8b peripheral rib B
8c peripheral rib B
8d peripheral rib B
8e peripheral rib B
8f peripheral rib B
9 side-surface cover (sealing member)
10 semicircular recessed portion (peripheral-air-path-retaining
member)
11 side-surface reinforcing member (side-surface-retaining-
member)
12 burr
13 fan
14 blowout port
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101 first heat transfer plate
102 second heat transfer plate
103 air path rib
104 first air path
105 heat transfer plane
106 air path end face (sealing member)
107 first protrusion (opening retaining member)
108 peripheral rib A
109 peripheral rib B
110 air path opening
111 air path end face cover
112 second protrusion
113 protrusion C
114 air-path-rib stack portion
115 second air path
210 cooler for heater-containing box
200 box for containing heating element
260 door
201 box
202 inside air suction port
203 inside air fan
204 heat exchanger
205 inside air blowout port
206 inside air path
207 outside air suction port
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208 outside air fan
209 outside air blowout port
211 inside-air-temperature-detector
212 outside-air-temperature-detector
213 control unit
214 outside air path
215 turbo fan
216 inside air blowout port
217 outside-air-via-hole
218 inside - air- via-hole
219 heat insulating material
220 guide
221 groove
222 intermediate wiring
223 operating window
224 connector
225 orifice
226 fan fixing plate
227 mounting portion
228 mounting hole
229 reinforcing member
230 panel
231 protrusion
232 slit
233 exhaust heat hole
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234 printed substrate
235 handle
236 rail
237 radiating plate
238 printed substrate
239 exhaust outlet
240 drain pan
241 drain pan groove
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT OF THE
INVENTION
A cooler for heater-containing box of the present invention has: an
inside air path which takes the air of the box containing heating element
and circulates the air by returning it into the box containing heating
element; and an outside air path which takes the outside air and exhausts it
to the outside, wherein an outside air fan for conveying the air on the
outside air path and an inside air fan for conveying the air on the inside air
path are arranged such that the rotating shaft of each fan is in parallel with
the air intake direction, a heat exchanger for exchanging sensible heat of
the outside air and the inside air is arranged between the outside air path
and the inside air path such that a suction port provided at a longitudinal
air-path side of the heat exchanger is aligned with a blowout port of the fan,
and a control unit for controlling the operation of the fans is included.
While the depth of a conventional cooler for heater-containing box has been
determined by air flow, that is, a fan diameter, the aforementioned structure
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have an effect of achieving the device structure having a constant depth
regardless of air flow, that is, the fan diameter.
In the cooler for heater-containing box of the present invention, a
plurality of cooling devices for box containing heating element may be
installed. Even when one of inside air fans or outside air fans is broken,
the cooling devices for box containing heating element other than the cooler
for heater-containing box having such fan work. Therefore, the cooler for
heater-containing box has an effect of preventing the loss of cooling function.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, the blowout port of the heat exchanger may be aligned with the
blowout port arranged in the box of the cooler for heater-containing box.
Since there is no need to provide any space between the blowout port of the
heat exchanger and the blowout port arranged in the box of the cooler for
heater-containing box, the cooler for heater-containing box has an effect of
having the arrangement that the depth of the cooler for heater-containing
box is equal to the depth of the heat exchanger.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, an outside-air-via-hole may be provided between the outside air
fans of each cooler for heater-containing box where an outside-air-
temperature-detector is arranged, and an inside-air-via-hole may be
provided between the inside air fans of each cooler for heater-containing box
where an inside-air-temperature-detector is arranged. The cooler for
heater-containing box has effects of enabling the temperature detection of
the adjacent two air paths to be shared with one temperature detector,
making the arrangement simple, facilitating the manufacturing, and
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enabling the temperature detection even when one fan is broken.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a heat insulating member may be arranged in the box of the
cooler for heater-containing box, the heat insulating member forming a
guide shape which determines the position of the heat exchanger. The
cooler for heater-containing box has effects of enabling the heat exchanger
to be easily and reliably installed to fit the guide shape, and preventing the
influence of the outside air temperature to the heat exchanger by the heat
insulating material.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a groove for wirings may be provided with the heat insulating
material. By fitting the wirings into the groove at the manufacturing, the
cooler for heater-containing box has an effect of ensuring the wirings which
are connected from the fans to the control unit to be fixed.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, an operating window may be provided at a plane with which the
heat exchanger of the heat insulating material is in contact. By blocking
the operating window in the assembly of the heat exchanger, the dust-proof
and water-proof of the connecting portion of the connector can be achieved
and the connecting operation of the wirings to the connector can be easily
achieved. Therefore, the cooler for heater-containing box has effects of
making the arrangement simple and facilitating the manufacturing and the
maintenance.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a peaked reinforcing member may be provided at the outside air
17

blowout port of the cooler for heater-containing box. The cooler for heater-
containing box has effects of preventing the invasion of water into the
outside air blowout port and enabling the opening of the outside air blowout
port to be reinforced and make it thinner.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a fan and an orifice for rectification may be fixed to the same fan
fixing plate. By fixing them to the single member, a rotating shaft of a
turbo fan and the center of the orifice are easily aligned and the orifice and
the fan can be easily aligned with each other at the assembling, as
compared with the installation using a plurality of members. Therefore,
the cooler for heater-containing box has effects of making the arrangement
simple and facilitating the manufacturing.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, the fan fixing plate can be shaped to be top-bottom and left-right
symmetric, and the inside air fan and the outside air fan can be formed with
the same structure using the common member. In addition, the mounting
portion is U-shaped so that the mounting portion is hooked to a fastening
screw or the like, and thereby the cooler for heater-containing box has an
effect of preventing the drop of the fans.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a reinforcing member, which also serves as a fastening member,
may be provided at the corner of the cooler for heater-containing box. The
reinforcing member enables a main body to be suspended using the top
surface and side surfaces thereof. Therefore, the cooler for heater-
containing box has effects of making the arrangement simple and
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facilitating the manufacturing.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a drop prevention member such as a protrusion is provided with a
removable panel which forms a plane of the box of the cooler for heater-
containing box. Therefore, the cooler for heater-containing box has effects
of preventing the drop of the panel when the panel is removed, making the
arrangement simple, and facilitating the manufacturing and the
maintenance.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, an exhaust heat hole may be provided at an inside wall surface of
the control unit. By generating the air flow exhausted from the exhaust
heat hole, the cooler for heater-containing box has effects of cooling down
the control unit, reducing the increase in temperature, and becoming
thinner.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a fixing member which also serves as a handle may be provided
at a printed substrate built in the control unit. Therefore, the cooler for
heater-containing box has effects of reducing the number of parts and
enhancing the productivity and the maintenance.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a fixing member which also serves as a radiating member may be
provided at the printed substrate built in the control unit. Therefore, the
cooler for heater-containing box has effects of reducing the radiating space
of the substrate and becoming thinner.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
19

invention, a mortar-like dram pan structure may be provided at the bottom
surface of the box of the cooler for heater-containing box so that water is
pumped up along the inclined surface of the mortar of the drain pan by air
blasting of the outside air fan. Therefore, the cooler for heater-containing
box has effects of exhausting the water via an exhaust outlet provided above
the bottom surface, making the arrangement simple, and facilitating the
construction.
Moreover, in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention, a groove shape for leading the exhausting water to the exhaust
outlet may be provided with the drain pan. Therefore, the cooler for
heater-containing box has effects of exhausting water via the exhaust outlet
provided at the position other than downwind, making the arrangement
simple, and facilitating the construction.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described
with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
FIG. 1 is an installation diagram of a cooler for heater-containing
box in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an outline view
and a structural diagram at the inside of the cooler for heater-containing
box in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an outline view at
the outside of the cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 1 of the
present invention, and shows the state where a plurality of cooling devices
for box containing heating element 100 are installed in the horizontal
20

direction (each figure shows that two cooling devices for box containing
heating element are installed).
Cooler for heater-containing box 210 is attached to door 260 of box
containing heating element 200, and is structured by "door integral-type"
mounting.
Note that cooler for heater-containing box 210 is attached to door
260 of box for containing heating element 200, but cooler for heater-
containing box 210 may be externally or internally attached to door 260 or a
wall surface of box for containing heating element 200.
Hereinafter, the internal structure of cooler for heater-containing
box 210 will be described.
The air within box for containing heating element 200 (hereinafter
referred to as internal air) is took into turbo fan 215 of inside air fan 203 via
inside air suction port 202, and then passes through heat exchanger 204 and
returns back into box for containing heating element 200 via inside air
blowout port 205 so as to form circulating inside air path 206.
On the other hand, it is took into turbo fan 215 of outside air fan 208
via outside air suction port 207, and then passes through heat exchanger
204 and is exhausted to the outside air via outside air blowout port 209 so
as to form outside air path 214.
Heat exchanger 204 has suction ports on the top surface and the
bottom surface in the longitudinal direction, as the suction ports of the
longitudinal path, and has blowout ports, which serve as inside air blowout
ports 216 and the outside air blowout ports, on parts of the side surfaces in
the short-side direction, respectively, so as to form countercurrent air path
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in the longitudinal direction of the inside of the heat exchanger. Heat
exchanger 204 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having
a substantially L-shaped air path communicating the suction ports and the
blowout ports, exchanges the sensible heat of the outside air and the inside
air, and is arranged between outside air path 214 and inside air path 206.
In addition, heat exchanger 204 is arranged such that the short-side
direction is consistent with the depth direction of cooler for heater-
containing box 210.
Inside air fan 203 and outside air fan 208 are arranged such that the
rotating shaft of turbo fan 215 is in parallel with the air intake direction
and each blowout direction of inside air fan 203 and outside air fan 208 is
aligned with the suction ports of the longitudinal air path, and control unit
213 is provided for controlling the operations of inside air fan 203 and
outside air fan 208.
Inside air blowout port 205 and outside air blowout port 209
provided at the planes of box 201 are arranged such that they are in directly
surface contact with and integrated with inside air blowout port 216 and
outside air blowout port (not shown) of heat exchanger 204.
With the above structure, cooler for heater-containing box 210 takes
the outside air when the internal air temperature is higher than the outside
air temperature, exchanges heat to warmer air within box containing
heating element 200 by heat exchanger 204. The warmed outside air is
exhausted and the cooled air is supplied into box containing heating element
200, and then the temperature within box containing heating element 200 is
reduced.
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Moreover, since the air-blasting resistance is high due to heat
exchanger 204 or the like in the air path, a centrifugal fan is used to blow
the air to the cooling device. The depth of cooler for heater-containing box
210 is determined by the air flow, that is, the diameter of turbo fan 215.
Therefore, when the diameter of turbo fan 215 is larger, the centrifugal fan
becomes thinner regardless of the increase and decrease in air flow since the
depth of the turbo fan is consistent.
Furthermore, even when inside air fan 203 or outside air fan 208 of
one cooler for heater-containing box A is broken, other cooling devices for
box containing heating element A hold the cooling function. All the cooling
devices for box containing heating element A are less likely to be
simultaneously broken, and the cooling function will not be completely
failed.
Furthermore, inside air blowout port 205 and outside air blowout
port 209 are in directly surface contact with the inside air blowout port and
the outside air blowout port of heat exchanger 204. Therefore, there is no
need to provide any space therebetween, and the depth of cooler for heater-
containing box A can be thinner.
Furthermore, heat exchanger 204 has the suction ports on the top
surface and the bottom surface in the longitudinal direction, as the suction
ports of the longitudinal path, and has blowout ports, which serve as inside
air blowout port 216 and the outside air blowout port, on parts of the side
surfaces in the short-side direction, respectively. In heat exchanger 204,
the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a substantially L-
shaped air path communicating the suction ports and the blowout ports is
23

arranged such that the short-side direction thereof is aligned with the depth
direction of cooler for heater-containing box A. Therefore, the depth of
cooler for heater-containing box A can be thinner and the heat exchange can
be effectively achieved at the air path portion of the counter current portion
in the longitudinal direction.
Note that the description has been given using turbo fan 215 for
inside air fan 203 and outside air fan 208, but any type of fan may be used.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 is a structural diagram relating to a temperature detector of
the cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 2 of the present
invention, and shows the state where a plurality of cooling devices for box
containing heating element are installed. In FIG. 4, the same reference
numerals are applied to the same structural elements as in FIGS. 2 and 3
and the descriptions thereof are omitted.
Inside-air-temperature-detector 211 for detecting the temperature of
the inside air is arranged in inside-air-via-hole 218 which is provided
between inside air fans 203 of the cooling devices for box containing heating
element A. Outside-air-temperature-detector 212 for detecting the
temperature of the outside air is arranged in outside-air-via-hole 217 which
is provided between outside air fans 208 of the cooling devices for box
containing heating element A.
With the above structure, each temperature detection of the adjacent
two air paths can be shared with one outside-air-temperature-detector 212
24

and inside-air-temperature-detector 211, and the arrangement structure
becomes simple and the manufacturing becomes easier. Moreover, even
when one of inside air fan 203 or outside air fan 208 is broken, the
temperature can be detected since the other fan operates to blow the air.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 5 shows a structural diagram relating to a heat insulating
material of the cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 3 of the
present invention. In FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are applied to
the same structural elements as in FIG. 2 and the descriptions thereof are
omitted.
Cooler for heater-containing box 210 is provided with heat
insulating material 219 made of foamed polystyrene or the like, which has
guide 220 having a convex wall at an edge portion against which, for
example, the lower end of heat exchanger 204 is abutted so as to position
heat exchanger 204.
With the above structure, heat exchanger 204 can be mounted and
positioned such that the lower end of heat exchanger 204 is abutted against
guide 220, and thus the attachment becomes easier, the arrangement
becomes simple, and the manufacturing and the maintenance become easier.
In addition, the effect of heat insulating allows the cooling performance to
be prevented from being affected by the temperature of the outside air and
the inside air.
(Embodiment 4)
25

Next, Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 shows a structural diagram relating to a heat insulating
material of the cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 4 of the
present invention. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are applied to
the same structural elements as in FIG. 5 and the descriptions thereof are
omitted.
Groove 221 is provided at the rear side of the plane abutting against
heat exchanger 204 of heat insulating material 219, and operating window
223 is provided in groove 221.
With the above structure, when intermediate wiring 222, which
connects outside air fan 208 and control unit 213, is fitted into groove 221
and heat insulating material 219 is mounted to the box, the wiring is
simultaneously achieved. In addition, the wiring is reliably fixed, the
arrangement becomes simple, and the manufacturing becomes easier.
Moreover, the connecting portion between outside air fan 208 and
connector 224 of intermediate wiring 222 can be housed within heat
insulating member 219, and the connecting portion of connector 224 can be
easily removed so that the arrangement becomes simple and the
manufacturing and the maintenance become easier. Moreover, operating
window 223 is blocked by incorporating heat exchanger, and thus the dust-
proof and the water-proof of the connecting portion of connector 224 can be
achieved.
(Embodiment 5)
Next, Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with
26

reference to FIG. 3.
In FIG. 3, peaked member 244 is provided at a plane of box 201 of
cooler for heater-containing box 210, which is located closer to the outside
air, and in outside air blowout port 209.
With the above structure, even when outside air blowout port 209 is
provided in box 201 of cooler for heater-containing box 210, the attachment
of peaked member 244 reinforces box 201 and achieves weather strip.
(Embodiment 6)
Next, Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 shows a structural diagram of a fan of the cooler for heater-
containing box in Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the
same reference numerals are applied to the same structural elements as in
FIG. 2 and the descriptions thereof are omitted.
In inside air fan 203 and outside air fan 208, a motor (not shown)
coupled to turbo fan 215 and orifice 225 for rectification are fixed to the
same fan fixing plate 226.
Moreover, fan fixing plate 226 may be in a top-bottom and left-right
symmetric shape, and mounting portion 227 may be U-shaped.
With the above structure, the rotating shaft of turbo fan 215 is likely
to be aligned with the center of orifice 225. As a result, the defective
assembly due to the accumulation of the tolerances of parts and the erection
tolerances can be reduced, and the arrangement becomes simple and the
manufacturing becomes easier.
In addition, as being in a top-bottom and left-right symmetric shape,
27

the fan fixing plate can be reversely attached. Even when inside air fan
203 and outside air fan 208 have to be oppositely attached, fan fixing plate
226 can serve as a common member and thus inside air fan 203 and outside
air fan 208 can have the same structure. Moreover, since mounting portion
227 is U-shaped, the mounting portion is hooked to a fastening screw or the
like at the mounting so as to achieve the prevention of the drop.
(Embodiment 7)
Next, Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 8.
Fig. 8 shows a structural diagram of a reinforcing member of the
cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are applied to the same structural
elements as in FIG. 2 and the descriptions thereof are omitted.
Reinforcing member 229 with mounting hole 228, to which an eye
bolt or the like can be attached, is provided at the corner of box 201 of cooler
for heater-containing box 210 and on the top surface and the side surfaces of
box 201.
With the above structure, when the eye bolt or the like is mounted in
mounting hole 228, cooler for heater-containing box 210 can be conveyed
with a machine and can be easily moved. For example, the direction of
cooler for heater-containing box A can be easily changed on the production
line at the manufacturing and can be easily suspended at the packaging,
thereby enhancing the productivity.
Note that FIG. 8 shows mounting hole 228 provided at the top
surface, but it may be provided at the side surfaces.
28

In addition, FIG. 8 shows one mounting hole 228, but a plurality of
mounting holes may be provided.
(Embodiment 8)
Next, Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a plane located closer to the
inside air of box 201 of cooler for heater-containing box 210. Removable
panel 230 is provided with protrusion 231, and slit 232 is provided at the
location into which protrusion 231 is fitted at the attachment of panel 230 of
box 201.
In addition, exhaust heat hole 233 is provided at a location of panel
230 where control unit 213 is blocked.
The drop prevention member composing of protrusion 231 and slit
232 prevents the drop of panel 230 after the fastening member such as a
screw for fixing panel 230 is removed. Therefore, the arrangement
becomes simple, and the manufacturing and the maintenance become easier.
In addition, the exhaust heat via exhaust heat hole 233 allows
control unit 213 to be cooled down.
Note that even when the inside wall surface of control unit 213 has a
wall-surface structure which is not removable, rather than the panel
structure, exhaust heat hole 233 can be provided.
(Embodiment 9)
Next, Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 9.
FIG. 9 shows an assembly diagram of a control unit of the cooler for
29

heater-containing box in Embodiment 9 of the present invention. In FIG. 9,
the same reference numerals are applied to the same structural elements as
in FIG. 2 and the descriptions thereof are omitted.
Printed substrate 234 is provided with handle 235 having a hole via
which a screw or the like is inserted, and control unit 213 is provided with
rail 236 for guiding the insertion of printed substrate 234. Printed
substrate 234 is fixed to control unit 213 with handle 235.
With the above structure, handle 235 functions to fix printed
substrate 234 and handle 235 also serves as a fixing member. The
structure eliminates the necessity of additional fixing member and allows
the number of parts to be decreased, and thus the arrangement becomes
simple and the manufacturing and the maintenance become easier.
(Embodiment 10)
Next, Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 10.
FIG. 10 shows a structural diagram of the control unit of the cooler
for heater-containing box in Embodiment 10 of the present invention. In
FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are applied to the same structural
elements as in FIG. 2 and the descriptions thereof are omitted.
Printed substrate 238 is provided with radiating plate 237, which is
attached to printed substrate 238 by inserting radiating plate 237 into a cut-
out provided at the outline of control unit 213.
Thereby, radiating plate 237 serves as a part of the outline of control
unit 213 and is in contact with inside air path 206. In other words, printed
substrate 238 serves as both a fixing member and a radiating member.
30

With the above structure, there is no need to provide any space for
radiation between radiating plate 237 and the outline of control unit 213
when printed substrate 238 is placed within control unit 213, and thereby
control unit 213 can be downsized.
(Embodiment 11)
Next, Embodiment 11 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 11.
FIG. 11 shows a structural diagram relating to a drain pan of the
cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 11 of the present invention.
In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are applied to the same structural
elements as in FIG. 3 and the descriptions thereof are omitted.
The bottom of box 201 of cooler for heaterxontaining box 210 is
provided with exhaust outlet 239 at a location higher than the bottom of the
outside-air side surface of box 201. The bottom of box is provided with
bowl-like drain pan 240 having an inclined surface whose lowest surface is
located below outside air fan 208 and which extends toward exhaust outlet
239.
With the above structure, the rain water invading from the outside
and collected in drain pan 240 is pumped up along the mortar-like inclined
surface of drain pan 240 by blowing the air with outside air fan 208 without
using any additional member such as a pump, so that the water can be
exhausted via exhaust outlet 239 which is located higher than the bottom of
drain pan 240. As a result, the installation position has more degree of
freedom, and the construction becomes easier.
(Embodiment 12)
31

Next, Embodiment 12 of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIG. 12.
FIG. 12 shows a structural diagram relating to a drain pan of the
cooler for heater-containing box in Embodiment 12 of the present invention.
In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are applied to the same structural
elements as in FIGS. 3 and 11 and the descriptions thereof are omitted.
Drain pan 240 is provided with drain pan groove 241 to extend
toward exhaust outlet 239 around the lower part of outside air fan 208.
With the structure, the rain water invading from the outside and
collected in drain pan 240 can be exhausted via exhaust outlet 239, which is
located at the position other than downwind, without using any additional
member such as a pump. As a result, the installation position has more
degree of freedom, and the construction becomes easier.
The present invention can provide the cooler for heater-containing
box having an effect of allowing the depth of the cooler for heater-containing
box to be thinner.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having an effect that even when the fan is broken, the fan of another cooler
for heater-containing box operates so as to prevent the loss of cooling
function.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the temperature detection of the adjacent two air paths
can be shared with one temperature detector, the arrangement is simple and
the manufacturing is easy to be made, and the temperature detection can be
achieved even when the fan is broken.
32

Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the heat exchanger can be easily and reliably installed,
the arrangement is simple, and the manufacturing and the maintenance are
easy to be made.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the wiring connected from the fan to the control unit is
reliably fixed, the arrangement is simple, and the manufacturing is easy to
be made.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the connector connecting operation can be easily
performed, the arrangement is simple, and the manufacturing and the
maintenance are easy to be made.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that water invading into the outside air blowout port is
prevented and the opening of the outside air blowout port can be reinforced.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the orifice and the fan can be easily aligned with each
other at the assembly, the arrangement is simple, and the manufacturing is
easy to be made.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the inside air fan and the outside air fan can have the
same structure using the common member, the arrangement is simple, the
manufacturing and the maintenance are easy to be made.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the main body can be suspended, the arrangement is
33

simple, and the manufacturing is easy to be made.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the panel is prevented from being dropped when the
panel is removed, the arrangement is simple, and the manufacturing and
the maintenance are easy to be made.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the rise in temperature within the control unit can be
decreased and the cooling device is thinner.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the number of parts can be decreased, the arrangement
is simple, the manufacturing and the maintenance are easy to be made.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the radiation space of the printed substrate can be
decreased and the cooling device is thinner.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the water is pumped up along the mortar-like inclined
surface of the drain pan by blasting the air with the outside air fan so as to
exhaust the water via the exhaust outlet which is located above the bottom,
the arrangement is simple, and the installation position has more degree of
freedom.
Moreover, there can be provided the cooler for heater-containing box
having effects that the water can be also exhausted via the exhaust outlet
which is provided in the direction different from the downwind of the
outside air fan, the arrangement is simple, and the installation position has
more degree of freedom.
34

Next, the heat exchanger of the present invention which can be
employed in the cooler for heater-containing box of the present invention
will be described in detail in the embodiments.
The heat exchanger of the present invention is made such that an
air-patlrretaining-member, which is provided at a portion where the fluid
flowing at the first air path and the second air path forms a counter current
in stacking the first heat transfer plate and the second heat transfer plate,
has a curved shape.
With this structure, the air-path height can be maintained and the
increase in air-flow resistance can be suppressed, and there can be provided
the heat exchanger in which the increase in air-flow resistance can be
suppressed without decreasing the air-path width. In addition, since the
air-path height can be maintained, the thinner heat exchanger can be
obtained by narrowing the air-path width and adjusting the air-flow
resistance.
In another structure, the airpath-retaining-member, which forms
the portion where the fluid flowing at the first air path and the second air
path forms the counter current, is arranged at irregular intervals.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
which the temperature distribution of the heat-exchanged air at the outlet
portion of the heat exchanger can be improved.
In another structure, the airpath-retaining-members are arranged
at irregular intervals such that among the plurality of substantially Lr
shaped air paths, the air path having a short air-path length at the side of
the first shielding member, which is far from the blowout port of the fan, has
35

a wide air-path width, and the air path having a long air-path length at the
side of the second shielding member, which is close to the blowout port of the
fan, has a narrow air-path width.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
which the air flow of the air path having a short air-flow length can be
reduced and that of the air path having a long air-flow length can be
increased, and the temperature distribution of the heat-exchanged air in the
outlet of the heat exchanger can be improved.
In another structure, the air-path-retaining-members are arranged
at irregular intervals so as to reduce an air flow difference of the plurality of
substantially Lrshaped air paths in accordance with the shape of the air
paths provided in front of and at the back of a carrying member blowing air
to the heat exchanger, or the heat exchanger.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
which the difference of the air flow in each air path can be reduced, and the
temperature distribution of the heat-exchanged air in the outlet of the heat
exchanger can be improved.
In another structure, the air-path-retaining-members are arranged
at irregular intervals such that among the plurality of substantially L-
shaped air paths, the air path having the central portion, which is close to
the blowout port of the fan, has a narrow air-path width, and the air path
having a short air-path length at the side of the first shielding member and
the air path having a long air-path length at the side of the second shielding
member have wide air-path widths.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
36

which the difference of the air flow in each air path can be reduced, and the
temperature distribution of the heat-exchanged air in the outlet of the heat
exchanger can be improved.
In another structure, the air-patlrretaining-members are arranged
at irregular intervals such that among the plurality of substantially L-
shaped air paths, the air path at the central portion has a narrow air-path
width, and the air path having a short air-path length at the side of the first
shielding member and the air path having a long air-path length at the side
of the second shielding member have wide air-path widths.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
which the difference of the air flow in each air path can be reduced, and the
temperature distribution of the heat-exchanged air in the outlet of the heat
exchanger can be improved.
In another structure, a side-surface-retaining-member is arranged
at the locations serving as both ends of the first shielding member and
corners in the longitudinal direction of the second shielding member, which
are formed at the second heat transfer plate, and as the edge portion of the
opening of the first heat transfer plate adjacent thereto. At the both ends
of the first shielding member and at the both ends of the second shielding
member, which is located opposite to the first shielding member, the upper
surface of the first shielding member of the first heat transfer plate is
abutted against the lower surface of the second shielding member of the
second heat transfer plate, the upper surface of the second shielding
member of the first heat transfer plate is abutted against the lower surface
of the first shielding member of the second heat transfer plate, and the
37

upper surface of the side-surface-retaining-member is abutted against the
lower surfaces of the first shielding member and the second shielding
member of the first heat transfer plate.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
which the deformation due to heat contraction can be prevented, the
opening height is maintained at the peripheral side, and the increase in air-
flow resistance can be suppressed. In addition, since the opening height
can be maintained at the peripheral side, the thinner heat exchanger can be
obtained by narrowing the air-path width and adjusting the air-flow
resistance while maintaining the air-path height.
In another structure, at least one peripheral air flow retaining
member is provided at the portions which do not face the side surfaces of the
first shielding member and the second shielding member formed at the first
heat transfer plate, and the peripheral-air-path-retaining-member is
abutted against the first shielding member and the second shielding
member formed at the second heat transfer plate located therebelow.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
which the air-path height can be maintained at the peripheral side and the
increase in air-flow resistance can be suppressed. In addition, since the
air-path height can be maintained, the thinner heat exchanger can be
obtained by narrowing the air-path width and adjusting the air-flow
resistance.
In another structure, a sealing member formed at the peripheral
edge portion is folded back to have a length longer than the air-path height
with respect to the heat transfer surface, and the sealing member provided
38

below the inlet portion and the outlet portion is provided with opening B.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
which the number of steps for welding can be reduced and the productivity
can be enhanced.
In another structure, opening A and opening B are formed such that
the height of the opening between the heat transfer surface and the edge
portion of the opening is greater than the air-path height in the inlet and
the outlet.
With this structure, there can be provided the heat exchanger in
which the decrease in the height of the opening due to burr can be prevented,
and the increase in air-flow resistance can be suppressed. In addition,
since the decrease in the height of the opening can be prevented, the thinner
heat exchanger can be obtained by maintaining the air-path height,
narrowing the air-path width and adjusting the air-flow resistance.
Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 13)
FIG. 13 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a heat exchanger
employed in this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of
the heat exchanger at the stacking of heat transfer plates. FIG. 15 is a
schematic perspective view of the heat exchanger at the stacking of heat
transfer plates from the stacking direction. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross
sectional view in the stacking state of shielding rib A and shielding rib B
near an opening. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross sectional view of an inlet
prior to heat welding. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross sectional view of the
39

inlet after the heat welding.
In FIGS. 13 and 14, in the heat exchanger constituted by alternately
stacking first heat transfer plates 101 and second heat transfer plates 102,
first air path 1 and second air path 2 are provided above and below each
heat transfer plate. The fluid flowing on first air path 1 and second air
path 2 exchanges heat via each heat transfer plate. At the outlet and inlet
portions of each air path, the air flowing into in the longitudinal direction
and the air flowing out in the short-side direction flow perpendicularly to
each other. At the central portion, the airs form a counter current, which
flows in the counter direction to each other in the longitudinal direction.
The heat transfer plates are integrated by heat welding on the peripheral
side surfaces.
In practice, multiple first heat transfer plates 101 and second heat
transfer plates 102 are alternately stacked, but four heat transfer plates are
shown for simplification.
First heat transfer plate 101 and second heat transfer plate 102 has
a rectangular plane shape, and is formed by vacuum molding high-impact
polystyrene sheet having a thickness of, for example, 0.2 mm.
First heat transfer plate 101 is formed to be in a hollow convex
shape and to have, for example, a convex height of 2.6 mm and a width of 2
mm with respect to the surface of heat transfer surface 105. First heat
transfer plate 101 has nine curved air path ribs 3 as substantially Lrshaped
air-path-retaining-members having a curved counter-current portion to be
arranged in substantially parallel and at substantially regular interval.
Curved air path ribs 3 form substantially L-shaped first air path 1 and heat
40

transfer surface 105.
Inlets 4 and outlets 5 of first air path 1 are provided with air flow
end face 106 as a sealing member in which the edge of first heat transfer
plate 101 is bent toward the direction opposite to the protrusion direction of
curved air path ribs 3, for example, to the position of 2.4 mm with respect to
the surface of heat transfer surface 105. Inlets 4 and outlets 5 are provided
with air flow end face cover Ilia as a sealing member in which both ends of
air path end face 106, e.g., the portion located 10 mm from the ends, are
bent to the position of 5.2 mm with respect to the surface which is longer
than air path end face 106, e.g., the surface of heat transfer surface 105.
Air path opening 6a is formed of air path end face 106 and air path end face
cover Ilia.
Note that an alphabetic lower letter at the end of reference numeral
is applied for distinguishing from the similar reference numeral because the
reference numerals denote the portions having the same function but
different arrangements. Hereinafter, the similar description will be
applied.
The both ends of curved air path rib 3 are provided with a plurality
of, for example, 18 first protrusions 107 which are in a hollow convex shape
in the same direction as the protrusion direction of curved air path ribs 3
and have the height greater than the height of curved air path ribs 3 such
that the height is, for example, 5.2 mm with respect to heat transfer surface
105.
At the peripheral edge portion other than the inlet and outlet of first
air path 1 of first heat transfer plate 101 and at the linear portion
41

sandwiched between inlet 4 and outlet 5 of first air path 1, peripheral rib
A7a is provided as the first shielding member which is in a hollow convex
shape in the same direction of the protrusion direction of curved air path
ribs 3 and is formed to have the equal height to first protrusion 107 such
that the width is, for example, 10 mm. The upper surface of peripheral rib
A7a is in parallel with heat transfer surface 105, and the outer side surfaces
thereof are bent to the same position as air path end face cover Ilia. Note
that peripheral rib A7 corresponding to the first shielding member is a
generic name of peripheral ribs A7a and 7b.
At the peripheral edge portion other than inlet 4, outlet 5, and
peripheral rib A7a of first air path 1 of first heat transfer plate 101,
peripheral rib B8 is formed as the Lrshaped second shielding member to
have the same width as peripheral rib A7a. Peripheral rib B8a of
peripheral rib B8, which is located opposite to peripheral rib A7a, is formed
to have the equal height to peripheral rib A7a, and the other peripheral ribs
B8b, 8c are formed to have the equal height to curved air path ribs 3. Note
that peripheral rib B8 corresponding to the second shielding member is a
generic name of peripheral ribs B8a to 8f.
The peripheral side surfaces of peripheral rib B8a are bent to the
same position as air path end face cover Ilia, and is provided with side
surface cover 9 as a sealing member. The portion from the corners of the
peripheral side surfaces of peripheral ribs B8b, 8c to the position having the
same dimension as peripheral rib A7 is bent to the same position as air path
end face cover 111a, and is provided with air path end face cover 111b. The
other portions are bent to the position of, for example, 2.2 mm from the
42

upper surface of peripheral ribs B8b, 8c, and are provided with air path
opening 6b.
The corners of peripheral ribs B8b, 8c which are adjacent to inlet 4
and outlet 5 are provided with second protrusions 112 which are in a
hollowconvex shape in the same direction as the protrusion direction of
curved air path ribs 3 and are formed to have the equal height to first
protrusion 107.
At the side of each of peripheral rib A7a and peripheral rib B8a,
which is located closer to the air path, four semicircular recessed portions 10
serving as the peripheral-airpath-retainingmember are provided to be
flush with heat transfer surface 105.
Second heat transfer plate 102 has a similarity relation to first heat
transfer plate 101, and is formed such that the heights of peripheral rib A7b
and peripheral ribs B8d, 8e, 8f of second heat transfer plate 102 are equal to
the height of curved air path ribs 3. Second heat transfer plate is formed to
have the same width as peripheral rib A7a of the first heat transfer plate.
On each of peripheral rib A7b and peripheral rib B8d of second heat
transfer plate 102, four side-surface reinforcing portions 11 are provided to
be adjacent to semicircular recessed portion 10 provided at first heat
transfer plate 101 at the stacking, the side-surface reinforcing portion 11
serving as a side-surface-retaining-member which is formed in the same
direction as the protrusion direction of curved air path ribs 3, for example at
the height of 7.8 mm, with respect to heat transfer surface 105. Side-
surface reinforcing portions 11 at both ends are aligned with the ends of
peripheral rib A7b and peripheral rib B8d.
43

In the above structure, when first heat transfer plates 101 and
second heat transfer plates 102 are alternately stacked, curved air path ribs
3 are not aligned with curved air path ribs 3 formed at the adjacent heat
transfer plate in the stacking direction, as shown in FIG. 15. Therefore,
adjacent curved air path ribs 3 are not fitted into one another, the upper
surfaces of curved air path ribs 3 are always abutted against the lower
surface of the heat transfer plate provided thereabove, and thus the air-path
height can be maintained.
This air-path height is designed in terms of the performance and the
fabrication of the heat exchanger such as air-flow resistance.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16, the upper surface of side-surface
reinforcing portion 11 is abutted against the lower surface of peripheral rib
A7a of first heat transfer plate 101, and the lower surface of semicircular
recessed portion 10 is abutted against the upper surface of peripheral rib
B8d of second heat transfer plate 102. Thereby, the decrease in the height
of the opening and the decrease in the air-path height at the peripheral side
due to the heat contraction at the heat welding can be suppressed.
Moreover, since the peripheral side surface of peripheral rib A7a and
the peripheral side surface of peripheral rib B8d of the adjacent heat
transfer plates can have a large welding area, the generation of non-welded
portion due to the heat contraction can be prevented at the heat welding,
and the productivity can be enhanced.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17, air path opening 6a and air path
opening 6b of inlet 4 are formed such that opening height h2 from the heat
transfer surface is higher than air-path height h1, for example h2=3 mm >
44

h1=2.6 mm. Even when burr 12 is left at the cutting portion of air path
opening 6a and air path opening 6b at the cutting and burr 12 falls to block
off the opening height of inlet 4 at the heat welding as shown in FIG. 18, air
path opening 6a and air path opening 6b are designed such that the opening
height can be maintained to be equal or more than the air-path height, that
is, h3 > hl=2.6 mm. Thereby, the decrease in the opening height due to
burr 12 can be suppressed.
In addition, since first heat transfer plate 101 and second heat
transfer plate 102 can leave burr 12 within an acceptable range, the
productivity is also enhanced.
Note that in this Embodiment 13, high-impact polystyrene sheet is
used as the material of heat transfer plates and the heat transfer plates are
integrally formed by vacuum molding. However, for the material, other
thermoplastic resin films such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyethylene terephthalate, or the like, thin metal plate such as aluminum,
or paper material, microporous resin film, resin-laced paper material having
heat transfer property and vapor permeability, or the like can be used. For
the molding method, even when the heat transfer plates are integrally
formed by other techniques such as air-pressure forming, air-pressure
vacuum forming, press molding, or the like, the similar operation and effect
can be obtained.
Moreover, the thickness of the sheet is set at 0.2 mm, but it is
preferable to use the sheet of sheet material having a thickness in the range
of 0.05 to 0.5mm.
The reason why is that when the thickness is 0.05 mm or less, the
45

sheet material is likely to be damaged such as broken at the formation of
roughness shapes and the handling of the molded heat transfer plate, and
the molded heat transfer plate has no body and the handling thereof
becomes worse. In addition, when the thickness is more than 0.5 mm, the
heat transfer property is reduced.
The thinner the sheet thickness is, the heat transfer property
increases, and the formability is likely to be decreased. In contrast, the
thicker the sheet thickness is, the heat transfer property is likely to be
decreased.
Therefore, in order to satisfy the formability and the heat transfer
property, it is preferable to use the sheet of sheet material having a
thickness in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, and more preferably in the range
of 0.15 to 0.25mm.
Moreover, curved air path rib 3 is shaped to have one curve, but
even when it is shaped to have a plurality of curves as long as curved air
path ribs 3 of the adjacent heat transfer plates are not fitted into one
another at the stacking, the similar operation and effect can be obtained.
Moreover, semicircular recessed portion 10 is employed as the
peripheral-airpath-retaining-member, but other shapes can achieve the
similar operation and effect as long as it is abutted against the upper
surface of peripheral rib B8 of second heat transfer plate 102 located below
at the stacking.
Moreover, the dimension and the number of each part are exemplary,
and are not particularly limited to the values. Even when each part is
appropriately designed in terms of the performance and the fabrication of
46

the heat exchanger, such as air-flow resistance and heat exchange rate, the
similar operation and effect can be obtained.
The heat exchanger described in the embodiment can be downsized
in the short-side direction by adjusting the air-path width. The depth of
the cooler for heater-containing box of the present invention can be further
thinner by being mounted on the cooler for heater-containing box described
in Embodiments 1 to 12 with inlet 4 aligning with the suction port of the
longitudinal air path and outlet 5 aligning with inside air blowout port 216
and the blowout port serving as the outside air blowout port at a portion of
the side surface in the short-side direction.
(Embodiment 14)
FIG. 19 is a plan view of a first heat transfer plate. Note that the
same portions as in Embodiment 13 are denoted by the same reference
numerals and exhibit the same operation and effect, and the descriptions
thereof are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 19, in substantially Lrshaped first air paths la to
lj which are formed at first heat transfer plate 101, first air path la
provided closer to peripheral rib A7a has the shortest air-path length and
first air path lj provided closer to peripheral rib B8 has the longest air-path
length.
The first air paths are arranged such that first air path la, which
has the shortest air-path length, has a narrow air-path width and first air
path lj has a wide width, and the width of each air path is designed to
satisfy the relationship of the width of first air path 1a air path 1b 47

the width of first air path 1e first air path 1g 1i appropriately designed depending on the dimension of the heat transfer
plate, the air flow, and the fabricating property.
Second heat transfer plate 102 is also designed in the same manner,
but only first heat transfer plate 101 is shown for simplification.
In the above structure, the fluid flowing from the direction indicated
by arrow A in the figure flows into each first air path la to lj, conducts heat
exchange, and flows out via outlet 5. Since the air path having the short
air-path length has a narrow width and the air path having the long air-
path length has a wide width, the difference of the air flow flowing on each
air path is decreased. Therefore, as compared with the equal air-path
width, the temperature difference of each air path at the outlet can be
decreased. In this manner, since the difference of the air flow flowing on
each air path is decreased by arranging the air-patlrretaining-members at
irregular intervals, the temperature difference of each air path at the outlet
can be decreased. Moreover, the efficiency of heat exchange of the heat
exchanger can be improved and the heat exchanger can be downsized.
Moreover, even when curved air path ribs 3 at inlet 4a of first air
path la and at the inlet portion of second air path 2 (not shown) are located
at the same line, curved air path ribs 3 on the adjacent heat transfer plates
at the counter current portion are not fitted into one another. Therefore,
each air-path width can be designed as appropriate.
Note that, in the present Embodiment 14, each air path has
48

different width dimensions, but some of airpath widths may be equal, e.g.,
the width of first air path 1d = the width of first air path 1e.
The depth of the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention can be further thinner by mounting the heat exchanger described
in the present embodiment on the cooler for heater-containing box described
in Embodiments 1 to 12.
(Embodiment 15)
The matters described above are useful for the case where the fluid
(air) flowing into the heat exchanger has uniform wind speed and static
pressure, and no structure preventing the blowing is provided near the
outlet of the heat exchanger. However, the air-path shape allowing such
ideal air to flow in the heat exchanger is less likely to be provided in design
of the devices. For example, since the size of the blowout port of the fan is
inconsistent with the size of the inlet of the heat exchanger, the uniform
inflow air cannot be achieved unless there is enough distance between the
blowout port of the fan and the inlet of the heat exchanger. However, such
air-path shape is less likely to be selected because the size of the device
becomes larger. The present invention is useful under such circumstances,
and will be described based on FIGS. 20 and 21.
FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic arrangement plans showing a
positional relationship between first heat transfer plate 101 and blowout
port 14 of fan 13.
Note that the same portions as in Embodiments 13 and 14 are
denoted by the same reference numerals and exhibit the same operation and
effect, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.
49

In FIG. 20, blowout port 14 of fan 13 for carrying the air to first air
paths la to 1j is arranged at the location closer to the air path having a long
air-path length of first air path 1. Curved air path ribs 3 are arranged such
that in the air-path width of first air paths la to lj, first air path lj, below
which outlet 14 of fan 13 is arranged and which has the longest air-path
length, has a narrow width and first air path la has a wide width. The
width of each air path is designed to satisfy the relationship of the width of
first air path la > the width of first air path lb > the width of first air path
1c > the width of first air path 1d > the width of first air path 1e > the width
of first air path 1f > the width of air path A1g > the width of first air path 1h
> the width of first air path 1i > the width of first air path 1j. The width
dimension of each air path is appropriately designed depending on the
dimension of the heat transfer plate, the air flow, and the fabricating
property.
Second heat transfer plate 102 is also designed in the same manner,
but only first heat transfer plate 101 is shown for simplification.
In the above structure, the fluid blowing out from blowout port 14 of
fan 13 flows into each first air path la to lj, conducts heat exchange, and
flows out via outlet 5. Since the air path, which is arranged directly above
blowout port 14 and has a long air-path length, has a narrow width, and the
air path, which is located far from blowout port 14 and has a short air-path
length, has a wide width, the difference of the air flow flowing in each air
path located closer to first air path lj having much inflow air flow is
decreased due to the relationship to blowout port 14 of fan 13. Therefore,
as compared with the case where air-path widths are equal, the
50

temperature difference of each air path at the outlet can be decreased. In
this manner, since the difference of the air flow flowing on each air path is
decreased by arranging the air-path-retaining-members at irregular
intervals, the temperature difference of each air path at the outlet can be
decreased. Moreover, the efficiency of heat exchange of the heat exchanger
can be improved and the heat exchanger can be downsized.
Moreover, even when curved air path ribs 3 at inlet 4a of first air
path la and at the inlet portion of second air path 2 (not shown) are located
at the same line, curved air path ribs 3 on the adjacent heat transfer plates
are not fitted into one another at the counter current portion. Therefore,
each air-path width can be designed as appropriate.
Note that, in the present Embodiment 15, each air path has
different width dimensions, but some of air-path widths may be equal, e.g.,
the width of first air path lh = the width of first air path li, at the portion
having the small difference of air flow among each air path due to the
arrangement relationship between the fan and the heat exchanger, or the
like.
Next, in FIG. 21, blowout port 14 of fan 13 for carrying the air to
first air paths la to lj are arranged at the central air-path portion of first
air path 1. Curved air path ribs 3 are arranged such that in the air-path
width of first air paths la to lj, first air path le located at the central air-
path portion below which blowout port 14 of fan 13 is arranged has a narrow
width and first air paths la and lj located at both ends have wide widths.
The width of each air path is designed to satisfy the relationship of the
width of first air path la > the width of first air path lb > the width of first
51

air path lc > the width of first air path Id > the width of first air path le the width of first air path If first air path lh lj. The width dimension of each air path is appropriately designed
depending on the dimension of the heat transfer plate, the air flow, and the
fabricating property.
Second heat transfer plate 102 is also designed in the same manner,
but only first heat transfer plate 101 is shown for simplification.
In the above structure, the fluid blowing out from blowout port 14 of
fan 13 flows into each first air path la to lj, conducts heat exchange, and
flows out via outlet 5. Since the air path at the central portion, which is
arranged directly above outlet 14, has a narrow air-path width, and the air
paths at the both ends, which are located far from blowout port 14, have
wide air-path widths, the difference of the air flow flowing on each air path
at the central portion having much inflow air flow is decreased due to the
relationship to blowout port 14 of fan 13. Therefore, as compared with the
case where the air-path widths are equal, the temperature difference of each
air path at the outlet can be decreased.
Moreover, even when curved air path ribs 3 at inlet 4a of first air
path la and at the inlet portion of second air path 2 (not shown) are located
at the same line, curved air path ribs 3 on the adjacent heat transfer plates
are not fitted into one another at the counter current portion. Therefore,
each air-path width can be designed as appropriate.
Note that in the present Embodiment 15, each air path has different
width dimensions, but some of air-path widths may be equal, e.g., the width
52

of first air path le = the width of first air path If, at the portion having the
small difference of air flow among each air path due to the arrangement
relationship between the fan and the heat exchanger, or the like.
It should be noted that in the description on the embodiments of the
heat exchanger, first opening 6a is referred to as inlet 4 or inlet 4a when the
air actually flows, and is referred to as suction port (with no reference
numeral) when it is incorporated into the body of the cooler for heater-
containing box.
Moreover, second opening 6b is referred to as outlet 5 when the air
flows, and is referred to as blowout port (with no reference numeral), inside
air blowout port 216, and outside air blowout port (with no reference
numeral) when it is incorporated into the body of the cooler for heater-
containing box.
According to the present invention, the air-patrrretaining-member
at the portion, where the fluid flowing at the first air path and the second
air path forms the counter current, is shaped to be curved, and thereby
there can be provided the heat exchanger having effects of maintaining the
air-path height and suppressing the increase in air-flow resistance.
Moreover, the air-path height is maintained without decreasing the
air-path width, and thereby there can be provided the heat exchanger
having an effect of suppressing the increase in air-flow resistance.
Moreover, the air-patrrretaining-members, which form the portion
where the fluid flowing at the first air path and the second air path forms
the counter current, are arranged at irregular intervals, and thereby there
can be provided the heat exchanger having an effect of improving the
53

temperature distribution.
Moreover, the air-path-retaining-members are arranged at irregular
intervals such that among a plurality of substantially Lrshaped air paths,
the air path having a short air-path length at the side of the first shielding
member has a narrow air-path width, and the air path having a long air-
path length at the side of the second shielding member has a wide air-path
width, and thereby there can be provided the heat exchanger having an
effect of improving the temperature distribution.
Moreover, the air-path-retaining-members are arranged at irregular
intervals such that among a plurality of substantially Lrshaped air paths,
the air path having a short air-path length at the side of the first shielding
member has a wide air-path width, and the air path having a long air-path
length at the side of the second shielding member has a narrow air-path
width, and thereby there can be provided the heat exchanger having an
effect of improving the temperature distribution.
Moreover, the air-path-retaining-members are arranged at irregular
intervals such that among a plurality of substantially L-shaped air paths,
the air path provided at the central portion has a narrow air-path width,
and the air path having a short air-path length at the side of the first
shielding member and the air path having a long air-path length at the side
of the second shielding member have wide air-path widths, and thereby
there can be provided the heat exchanger having an effect of improving the
temperature distribution.
Moreover, the side-surface-retaining-member is arranged at the
locations serving as both ends of the first shielding member and corners in
54

the longitudinal direction of the second shielding member, which are formed
at the second heat transfer plate, and as the edge portion of the opening of
the first heat transfer plate adjacent thereto. At the both ends of the first
shielding member and at the both ends of the second shielding member,
which is located opposite to the first shielding member, the upper surface of
the first shielding member of the first heat transfer plate is abutted against
the lower surface of the second shielding member of the second heat transfer
plate, the upper surface of the second shielding member of the first heat
transfer plate is abutted against the lower surface of the first shielding
member of the second heat transfer plate, and the upper surface of the side-
surface-retaining-member is abutted against the lower surfaces of the first
shielding member and the second shielding member of the first heat
transfer plate. Thereby, there can be provided the heat exchanger having
effects of maintaining the air-path height at the peripheral side and
suppressing the increase in air-flow resistance.
Moreover, at least one peripheral-air-path-retaining-member is
provided at the portions which do not face the side surfaces of the first
shielding member and the second shielding member formed at the first heat
transfer plate, and the peripheral-air-path-retaining-member is abutted
against the first shielding member and the second shielding member formed
at the second heat transfer plate which is located below the first heat
transfer plate. Thereby, the air-path height at the peripheral side is
maintained and the increase in air-flow resistance is suppressed.
Moreover, the sealing member formed at the peripheral edge portion
is folded back to the position having the length greater than the air-path
55

height with respect to the heat transfer surface, and the second opening is
formed at the sealing member provided below the inlet and the outlet.
Thereby, there can be provided the heat exchanger having effects of
decreasing the number of steps of the welding and improving the
productivity.
Moreover, the first opening and the second opening are formed such
that the height of the opening between the heat transfer surface and the
edge portion of the opening in the inlet and the outlet is greater than the
air-path height. Accordingly, the heat exchanger having effects of
preventing the decrease in the height of the opening due to burr and
suppressing the increase in air-flow resistance can be provided.
Therefore, the efficiency of heat exchange of the heat exchanger can
be improved, and the downsized heat exchanger can be provided.
The depth of the cooler for heater-containing box of the present
invention can be further thinner by mounting the heat exchanger described
in the present embodiment on the cooler for heater-containing box described
in Embodiments 1 to 12.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The present invention relates to a box-like structure which is
installed outdoor, such as heat-exchange ventilator, base station for cellular,
or simple radio station, the box having precision equipment which has a
heating element such as an electronic component therein and requires
cooling even in winter because of high heat generation, and whose
performance and life are greatly affected by temperature. The present
56

invention is applicable as a cooling device for the box.
57

CLAIMS
1. A cooler for heater-containing box comprising:
an inside air path taking air of the box containing heating element and
circulating the air by returning the air into the box containing heating
element;
an outside air path taking outside air and exhausting the outside
air!
an outside air fan for carrying the air of the outside air path;
an inside air fan for carrying the air of the inside air path;
a heat exchanger for exchanging sensible heat between the outside
air and the inside air; and
a control unit for controlling operation of the outside air fan and the
inside air fan,
wherein the outside air fan and the inside air fan are arranged such
that a rotating shaft of the outside air fan is in parallel with an air intake
direction and a rotating shaft of the inside air fan is in parallel with an air
intake direction, and
the heat exchanger is arranged between the outside air path and the
inside air path such that one of suction ports provided at a longitudinal air-
path side of the heat exchanger is aligned with a blowout direction of the
outside air fan, and the other of the suction ports is aligned with a blowout
direction of the inside air fan.
2. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 1,
wherein a plurality of the cooling devices for box containing heating
58

element are provided in accordance with heat generation of the heating
element contained in the box containing heating element.
3. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2,
wherein the cooler for heater-containing box has a box, and
a blowout port of the heat exchanger is aligned with an inside air
blowout port and an outside air blowout port which are arranged in the box.
4. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 2,
wherein a plurality of the cooling devices for box containing heating
element are provided,
an outside-air-via-hole is provided between the outside air fans of
the plurality of cooling devices for box containing heating element, in which
an outside-air-temperature-detector for detecting an outside air
temperature is arranged, and
an inside-air-via-hole is provided between the inside air fans of the
plurality of cooling devices for box containing heating element, in which an
inside-air-temperature-detector for detecting an inside air temperature is
arranged.
5. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2,
wherein a heat insulating material is arranged within the cooler for
heater-containing box, the heat insulating material forming a guide shape
59

which determines a position of the heat exchanger.
6. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2, further comprising-
a heat insulating material having a groove for wiring abutted against the
heat exchanger.
7. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 6,
wherein the heat insulating material has an operating window on a
surface which is in contact with the heat exchanger, and
a connector of a wiring is detachable through the operating window
without removing the heat insulating material.
8. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2,
wherein a peaked member is attached to the outside air blowout port.
9. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2, further comprising:
a fixing plate for fixing an orifice for rectification and the outside
air fan or the inside air fan,
wherein the outside air fan or the inside air fan, and the orifice are
fixed to the fixing plate.
10. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 9,
60

wherein the fixing plate is shaped to be top-bottom and left-right
symmetric, and an attaching portion of the fixing plate is U-shaped.
11. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2,
wherein a reinforcing member is provided at an edge portion of an
upper surface or a side surface of the box, and
the reinforcing member also serves as a fixing member.
12. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2,
wherein a removable panel forming a plane of the cooler for heater-
containing box has a drop prevention member.
13. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2,
wherein an exhaust heat hole is provided at an inside wall surface of
the control unit.
14. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2,
wherein the control unit has a built-in printed substrate, and
the printed substrate has a fixing member also serving as a handle.
15. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
61

claims 1 and 2,
wherein the control unit has a built-in printed substrate, and
the printed substrate has a fixing member also serving as a
radiating member.
16. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 1 and 2,
wherein an exhaust outlet is provided downwind of the outside air
fan,
a bowl-like drain pan having an inclined surface toward the exhaust
outlet is provided at a bottom surface of the box, and
water is pumped up along the inclined surface of the drain pan by
blasting air of the outside air fan so that the water can be exhausted via the
exhaust outlet which is located above a bottom of the drain pan.
17. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 16,
wherein the exhaust outlet is provided in a direction other than
downwind of the outside air fan, and
the drain pan has a drain pan groove leading the exhausting water
to the exhaust outlet so that the water can be exhausted also via the
exhaust outlet provided in the direction other than downwind.
18. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 1,
wherein the heat exchanger has a substantially rectangular first
heat transfer plate and a substantially rectangular second heat transfer
62

plate,
the first heat transfer plate includes
a plurality of substantially Lrshaped and hollow convex-
shaped airpath-retaining-members;
a linear first shielding member and substantially L-shaped
second shielding member which are formed at a peripheral portion!
a plurality of substantially L'shaped air paths, a heat
transfer surface, and an inlet and an outlet provided at both ends of the air
path, which are formed of the plurality of air-path-retaining-members, a
plurality of the first shielding members, and a plurality of the second
shielding members!
an opening retaining member provided at an edge portion of the air-
path-retainingmember located at the inlet and the outlet;
a sealing member folded back to be substantially perpendicular to
the heat transfer surface at an peripheral edge portion of the first heat
transfer plate! and
a first opening provided at a location of the sealing member where
the inlet and the outlet of the air path are symmetrical with respect to a
central point of the heat transfer plate,
wherein the second heat transfer plate has a similar shape to the
first heat transfer plate, and has a plurality of side-surface-retaining-
members in longitudinal directions of the first shielding member and the
second shielding member.
the first heat transfer plate and the second heat transfer plate are
integrally formed using a sheet,
63

the first transfer plate and the second transfer plate are alternately
stacked with rotating 180 degree such that the inlet and the outlet of the
first heat transfer plate has an opposite positional relationship to the inlet
and the outlet of the second heat transfer plate,
a first air path and a second air path are alternately formed by
stacking the first heat transfer plate and the second heat transfer plate, and
the air-path-retaining-members at a portion, where a fluid flowing
on the first air path and the second air path forms a counter current, have a
curved shape, and are arranged at substantially equal intervals.
19. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 18,
wherein the air-path-retaining-members at a portion, where the
fluid flowing at the first air path and the second air path forms a counter
current, are arranged at irregular intervals.
20. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 19,
wherein among the plurality of substantially L-shaped air paths, the
air-path-retaining-members are arranged at irregular intervals such that an
air path having a short air-path length at a side of the first shielding
member has a narrow air-path width, and an air path having a long air-path
length at a side of the second shielding member has a wide air-path width.
21. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 19 and 20,
wherein the air-pathretaining-members are arranged at irregular
64

intervals so as to reduce a air flow difference of the plurality of substantially
L-shaped air paths in accordance with a shape of the air paths provided in
front of and at the back of a carrying member blowing air to the heat
exchanger, or the heat exchanger.
22. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 21,
wherein the air-patlrretaining-members are arranged at irregular
intervals such that among the plurality of substantially Lrshaped air paths,
an air path having a short air-path length at the side of the first shielding
member has a wide air-path width, and an air path having a long air-path
length at the side of the second shielding member has a narrow air-path
width.
23. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 21,
wherein the air-path-retaining-members are arranged at irregular
intervals such that among the plurality of substantially Lrshaped air paths,
an air path at a central portion has a narrow air-path width, and the air
path having a short air-path length at the side of the first shielding member
and the air path having a long air-path length at the side of the second
shielding member have wide air-path widths.
24. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 18 and 19,
wherein the side-surface-retaining-member is arranged at locations
serving as both ends of the first shielding member and corners in a
65

longitudinal direction of the second shielding member, which are formed at
the second heat transfer plate, and as an edge portion of an opening of the
first heat transfer plate adjacent thereto, and
at the both ends of the first shielding member and at both ends of
the second shielding member which is located opposite to the first shielding
member, an upper surface of the first shielding member of the first heat
transfer plate is abutted against a lower surface of the second shielding
member of the second heat transfer plate, an upper surface of the second
shielding member of the first heat transfer plate is abutted against a lower
surface of the first shielding member of the second heat transfer plate, and
an upper surface of the side-surface-retaining member is abutted against
lower surfaces of the first shielding member and the second shielding
member of the first heat transfer plate.
25. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
claims 18 and 19,
wherein at least one peripheral-airpath-retaining-member is
provided at portions which do not face side surfaces of the first shielding
member and the second shielding member formed at the first heat transfer
plate, and
the peripheral-air-path-retaining-member is abutted against the first
shielding member and the second shielding member formed at the second
heat transfer plate located therebelow.
26. The cooler for heater-containing box according to any one of
66

claims 18 and 19,
wherein the sealing members formed at the peripheral edge portions
of the first heat transfer plate and the second heat transfer plate are folded
back to have a length longer than an air-path height with respect to the
heat transfer surface, and
the sealing members below the inlet and the outlet are provided with a
second opening.
67
27. The cooler for heater-containing box according to claim 26,
wherein the first opening and the second opening are formed such
that a height of the opening between the heat transfer surface and the edge
portion of the first opening or the second opening is greater than an air-path
height in the inlet and the outlet when the first heat transfer plates and the
second heat transfer plates are alternately stacked.

There is provided a cooler for heater-containing box in which an outside air fan for carrying air on an outside air path and an inside air fan
for carrying air on an inside air path are arranged such that a rotating shaft
of each fan is in parallel with an air intake direction, and a heat exchanger
for exchanging sensible heat of outside air and inside air is arranged between the outside air path and the inside air path such that a suction port at a longitudinal air-path side of the heat exchanger is aligned with a
blowout port of the fan. The cooler for heater-containing box capable of
making the depth thinner can be provided.

Documents:

00418-kolnp-2008-abstract.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-claims.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-correspondence others.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-description complete.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-drawings.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-form 1.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-form 2.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-form 3.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-form 5.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-international publication.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-international search report.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-others.pdf

00418-kolnp-2008-translated copy of priority document.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-ABSTRACT-1.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-ABSTRACT.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3-1.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-CLAIMS-1.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-CLAIMS.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE-1.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE)-1.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-DRAWINGS-1.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-DRAWINGS.pdf

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418-KOLNP-2008-(18-10-2012)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(28-09-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

418-KOLNP-2008-(28-09-2012)-DRAWINGS.pdf

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418-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

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418-KOLNP-2008-OTHERS 1.1.pdf

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418-KOLNP-2008-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

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Patent Number 257719
Indian Patent Application Number 418/KOLNP/2008
PG Journal Number 44/2013
Publication Date 01-Nov-2013
Grant Date 29-Oct-2013
Date of Filing 30-Jan-2008
Name of Patentee PANASONIC CORPORATION
Applicant Address 1006, OAZA KADOMA, KADOMA SHI, OSAKA 571 8501, JAPAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 YUUJI NAKANO C/O MATSUSHITA ECOLOGY SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 4017, AZA SHIMONAKATA, TAKAKI-CHO, KASUGAI-SHI, AICHI 486-8522
2 NAOYUKI FUNADA C/O MATSUSHITA ECOLOGY SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 4017, AZA SHIMONAKATA, TAKAKI-CHO, KASUGAI-SHI, AICHI 486-8522
3 TOSHIKAZU YAMAGUCHI C/O MATSUSHITA ECOLOGY SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 4017, AZA SHIMONAKATA, TAKAKI-CHO, KASUGAI-SHI, AICHI 486-8522
4 MUTSUHIKO MATSUMOTO C/O MATSUSHITA ECOLOGY SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 4017, AZA SHIMONAKATA, TAKAKI-CHO, KASUGAI-SHI, AICHI 486-8522
5 KAZUKI SAISHU C/O MATSUSHITA ECOLOGY SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 4017, AZA SHIMONAKATA, TAKAKI-CHO, KASUGAI-SHI, AICHI 486-8522
6 HIROSHI SHIBATA C/O MATSUSHITA ECOLOGY SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 4017, AZA SHIMONAKATA, TAKAKI-CHO, KASUGAI-SHI, AICHI 486-8522
7 KEISUKE HAGIMOTO C/O MATSUSHITA ECOLOGY SYSTEMS CO., LTD., 4017, AZA SHIMONAKATA, TAKAKI-CHO, KASUGAI-SHI, AICHI 486-8522
PCT International Classification Number H05K 7/20
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP2006/318564
PCT International Filing date 2006-09-20
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2005-271635 2005-09-20 Japan
2 2005-284349 2005-09-29 Japan