Storage box for electronic apparatus

A box-shaped enclosure of a storage box includes a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes. The storage space is open at the first and second planes. A deadening wall member extends along the first plane. An auxiliary box-shaped enclosure is connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure. The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defines an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with a deadening wall member. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening and the auxiliary space. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage box for an electronic apparatus such as a sever computer.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A rack-mount type server computer is well known. Semiconductor elements on a printed wiring board generate heat in the server computer, for example. Cooling fans are incorporated in the box-shaped enclosure of the server computer for cooling the semiconductor elements, for example.

A larger number of server computers are usually mounted on one rack. Such a group of server computers generates sound or noise during the operation. Accordingly, placement of the rack must be considered in view of noise from the server computers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a storage box for an electronic apparatus significantly contributing to reduction in noise generated during the operation of the electronic apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; a deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member extending along the first plane; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the deadening wall member; a through opening formed in the deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; and a ventilation opening formed on the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at a position opposed to the deadening wall member.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound also leaks out from the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the ventilation opening is opposed to the deadening wall member. In other words, the position of the ventilation opening is shifted from that of the through opening. The operating sound leaking through the through opening collides against the wall member of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the operating sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may removably be coupled to the box-shaped enclosure. The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure can be removed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner. The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure can be replaced in a facilitated manner.

The deadening wall member and the deadening wall of the box-shaped enclosure may be made of a sound insulating material, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. An acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure and the inner surface of the deadening wall member. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the ventilation opening is thus reduced.

The storage box may further comprise: a second deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the second deadening wall member extending along the second plane; a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the second deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; and a second ventilation opening formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at a position opposed to the second deadening wall member. The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure serves to close the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound also leaks out from the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks out from the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced with enhanced reliability. In particular, the second ventilation opening is opposed to the second deadening wall member. In other words, the position of the second ventilation opening is shifted from that of the second through opening. The operating sound leaking through the second through opening collides against the wall member of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the operating sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box also allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may removably be coupled to the box-shaped enclosure. The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure can be removed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner. The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure can be replaced in a facilitated manner.

The second deadening wall member may be made of a sound insulating material in the same manner as the aforementioned deadening wall member and the deadening wall, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. In addition, an acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the second deadening wall member. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the second ventilation opening is thus reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining an inner space between first and second planes, the inner space being open at the first plane; a wall member defining a storage space and a flow passage in the box-shaped enclosure, the storage space being defined between the first plane and a third plane, the storage space being open at the first and third planes, the flow passage extending outside the storage space from the third plane of the storage space to the first plane; a first deadening wall member coupled to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the storage space at the first plane; a second deadening wall member coupled to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the flow passage at the first plane; a first through opening formed in the first deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member; a first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the first deadening wall member, the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a first ventilation opening at a position opposed to the first deadening wall member; and a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the second deadening wall member, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a second ventilation opening at a position opposed to the second deadening wall member.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first plane. The first plane is closed with the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through a path including the first ventilation opening, the first auxiliary space and the first through opening and through a path including the second ventilation opening, the second auxiliary space, the second through opening and the flow passage. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the first and second deadening wall members serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound also leaks out through the first and second through openings at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the first and second auxiliary spaces, respectively. The operating sound then leaks out of the first and second ventilation openings. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the first and second ventilation openings are opposed to the first and second deadening wall members, respectively. In other words, the positions of the first and second ventilation openings are shifted from those of the first and second through openings, respectively. The operating sound leaking through the through opening collides against the wall members of the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures. The transmission of the operating sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the two paths for airflow are established within the storage box as described above. The introduced airflow can be separated from the discharging airflow. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus be effectively cooled. In addition, the first and second ventilation openings are collectively placed at the first plane. The storage box can thus flexibly be placed. Here, the deadening wall member may removably be attached to close the second plane. Alternatively, the deadening wall may be attached for relative swinging movement for opening and closing the second plane. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses may be inserted into or removed out of the storage box through the second plane.

The first and second deadening wall members and the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures may removably be coupled to the box-shaped enclosure. The first and second deadening wall members and the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures can be removed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner. The first and second deadening wall members and the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures can be replaced in a facilitated manner.

The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the first and second sound insulating members may be made of a sound insulating material, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. An acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure and the inner surfaces of the first and second deadening wall members. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the ventilation opening from the first and second ventilation openings is thus reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; a deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member extending along the first plane; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the deadening wall member; a through opening formed in the deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; and a ventilation opening formed on the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the through opening.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is open at the first and second planes. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound also leaks out from the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the ventilation opening is formed at the position farthest from the through opening. In other words, a distance is established between the ventilation opening and the through opening within the auxiliary space. The transmission of the operating sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may removably be coupled to the box-shaped enclosure. The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure can be removed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner. The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure can be replaced in a facilitated manner.

The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member may be made of a sound insulating material, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. An acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure and the inner surface of the deadening wall member. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the ventilation opening is thus reduced.

The storage box may further comprise: a second deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the second deadening wall member extending along the second plane; a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the second deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; and a second ventilation opening formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the second through opening. The second plane of the box-shaped enclosure is closed with the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path including the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path including the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound also leaks out of the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks out through the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of the sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced with enhanced reliability. In particular, the second ventilation opening is formed at the farthest position from the second through opening. In other words, a distance is established between the second ventilation opening and the second through opening within the second auxiliary space. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box also allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may removably be coupled to the box-shaped enclosure. The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure can be removed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner. The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure can be replaced in a facilitated manner.

The second deadening wall member may be made of a sound insulating material in the same manner as the aforementioned deadening wall member and deadening wall,for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. In addition, an acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the second deadening wall member. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the second ventilation opening is thus reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining an inner space between first and second planes, the inner space being open at the first and second planes; a wall member defining a storage space and a flow passage in the box-shaped enclosure, the storage space being defined between the first plane and a third plane, the storage space being open at the first and third planes, the storage space being open at the first and third planes, the flow passage extending outside the storage space from the third plane to the first plane; a first deadening wall member coupled to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the storage space at the first plane; a second deadening wall member coupled to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the flow passage at the first plane; a first through opening formed in the first deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member; a first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the first deadening wall member, the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a first ventilation opening at the position farthest from the first through opening; and a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the second deadening wall member, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a second ventilation opening at a position farthest from the second through opening.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first plane. The first plane is closed with the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through a path including the first ventilation opening, the first auxiliary space and the first through opening and through a path including the second ventilation opening, the second auxiliary space, the second through opening and the flow passage. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the first and second deadening wall members serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound also leaks through the first and second through openings at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the first and second auxiliary spaces, respectively. The operating sound then leaks out of the first and second ventilation openings. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the first and second ventilation openings are formed at the positions farthest from the first and second through openings, respectively. In other words, a distance is established between the first ventilation opening and the first through opening in the first auxiliary space. Likewise, a distance is established between the second ventilation opening and the second through opening in the second auxiliary space. The transmission of the operating sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the two paths for airflow are established within the storage box as described above. The paths for an introduced airflow and an exhausted airflow air can be separately established. The introduced airflow can be separated from the discharging airflow. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled. In addition, the first and second ventilation openings are collectively placed at the first plane. The storage box can be flexibly placed. Here, a deadening wall member may removably be attached to close the second plane. Alternatively, the deadening wall may be attached for relative swinging movement for opening and closing the second plane. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses may be inserted into or removed out of the storage box through the second plane.

The first and second deadening wall members and the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures may removably be coupled to the box-shaped enclosure. The first and second deadening wall members and the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures can be removed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner. The first and second deadening wall members and the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures can be replaced in a facilitated manner.

The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the first and second sound insulating members may be made of a sound insulating material, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. An acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure and the inner surfaces of the first and second deadening wall members. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the first and second ventilation openings is thus reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; a deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member extending along the first plane; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the deadening wall member; a through opening formed in the deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; and a ventilation opening formed on the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at a position opposed to the deadening wall member.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound also leaks through the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The deadening wall of the auxiliary space serves to prevent the leakage of the sound. The operating sound in the auxiliary space leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the ventilation opening is opposed to the deadening wall member. In other words, the position of the ventilation opening is shifted from that of the through opening. The operating sound leaking through the through opening collides against the wall member of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may be made of a sound insulating material, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. An acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure and the inner space of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the ventilation opening is thus reduced.

The storage box may further comprise a door including the deadening wall member and the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure, the door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the first plane. The deadening wall member and the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure are in this manner opened/closed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner.

The storage box may further comprise: a step formed on one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space; and a protrusion formed on the other of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space, the protrusion being engaged with the step. When the door is closed, the protrusion and the step are engaged with each other between the door and the box-shaped enclosure. The engagement of the protrusion and the step serves to eliminate a gap or gaps between the door and the box-shaped enclosure. No sound leaks out from the gap or gaps. The operating sound of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses during the operation is effectively locked within the storage space.

Alternatively, the storage box may further comprise: a groove formed on one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space; and a protrusion formed on the other of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space, the protrusion being received in the groove. When the door is closed, the protrusion is received in the groove between the door and the box-shaped enclosure. The engagement of the protrusion with the groove serves to eliminate a gap or gaps between the door and the box-shaped enclosure. No sound leaks out from the gap or gaps. The operating sound of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses during the operation is effectively locked within the storage space.

Otherwise, the storage box may further comprise: a first elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space; and a second elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space at a position outside the first elastic packing. When the door is closed, the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing are interposed between the door and the box-shaped enclosure so that the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing elastically deform. The first and second elastic packings serve to eliminate a gap or gaps between the door and the box-shaped enclosure around the storage space. The storage space is in this manner air-tightly isolated from a space outside the door. The transmission of the sound is suppressed. In particular, a predetermined interval is preferably established between the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing. The predetermined interval serves to prevent the leakage of sound with enhanced effectiveness.

The storage box may further comprise: a second deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the second deadening wall member extending along the second plane; a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the second deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; and a second ventilation opening formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at a position opposed to the second deadening wall member. The second plane of the box-shaped enclosure is closed with the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path including the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path including the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound also leaks out of the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks through the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The deadening wall or walls of the second auxiliary space serves to prevent the leakage of the sound. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced with enhanced reliability. In particular, the second ventilation opening is opposed to the second deadening wall member. In other words, the position of the second ventilation opening is shifted from that of the second through opening. The operating sound leaking out of the second through opening collides against the wall member of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the operating sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box likewise allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may be made of a sound insulating material, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. An acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure and the inner surface of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the second ventilation opening is thus reduced.

The storage box may further comprise a second door including the second deadening wall member and the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure, the second door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the second plane. The second deadening wall member and the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure are in this manner opened and closed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner.

The storage box may further comprise: a step formed on one of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space; and a protrusion formed on the other of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space, the protrusion being engaged with the step. When the second door is closed, the protrusion and the step are engaged with each other between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure. The engagement of the protrusion and the step serves to eliminate a gap or gaps between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure. No sound leaks out from the gap or gaps. The operating sound of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses during the operation is effectively locked within the storage space.

Alternatively, the storage box may further comprise: a groove formed on one of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space; and a protrusion formed on the other of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space, the protrusion being received in the groove. When the second door is closed, the protrusion is received in the groove between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure. The engagement of the protrusion with the groove serves to eliminate a gap or gaps between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure. No sound leaks out from the gap or gaps. The operating sound of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses during the operation is effectively locked within the storage space.

Otherwise, the storage box may further comprise: a first elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space; and a second elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space at a position outside the first elastic packing. When the second door is closed, the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing are interposed between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure so that the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing elastically deform. The first and second elastic packings serve to eliminate a gap or gaps between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure around the storage space. The storage space is in this manner air-tightly isolated from a space outside the second door. The transmission of the sound is suppressed. In particular, a predetermined interval is preferably established between the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing. The predetermined interval serves to prevent the leakage of sound with enhanced effectiveness.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; a deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member extending along the first plane; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the deadening wall member; a through opening formed in the deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; and a ventilation opening formed on the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the through opening.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound leaks out through the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The deadening wall or walls of the auxiliary space serves to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound in the auxiliary space thus leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the ventilation opening is formed at the position farthest from the through opening. In other words, a distance is established between the ventilation opening and the through opening within the auxiliary space. The transmission of sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member may be made of a sound insulating material, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. An acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure and the inner surface of the deadening wall member. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the ventilation opening is thus reduced.

The storage box may further comprise a door including the deadening wall member and the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure, the door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the first plane. The deadening wall member and the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure are in this manner opened/closed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner.

The storage box may further comprise: a step formed on one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space; and a protrusion formed on the other of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space, the protrusion being engaged with the step. When the door is closed, the protrusion and the step are engaged with each other between the door and the box-shaped enclosure. The engagement of the protrusion and the step serves to eliminate a gap or gaps between the door and the box-shaped enclosure. No sound leaks from the gap or gaps. The operating sound of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses during the operation is effectively locked within the storage space.

Alternatively, the storage box may further comprise: a groove formed on one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space; and a protrusion formed on the other of the box-shaped enclosure and the door, the protrusion being received in the groove. When the door is closed, the protrusion is received in the groove between the door and the box-shaped enclosure. The engagement of the protrusion with the groove serves to eliminate a gap or gaps between the door and the box-shaped enclosure. No sound leaks from the gap or gaps. The operating sound of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses during the operation is effectively locked within the storage space.

Otherwise, the storage box may further comprise: a first elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space; and a second elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door around the storage space at a position outside the first elastic packing. When the door is closed, the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing are interposed between the door and the box-shaped enclosure so that the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing elastically deform. The first and second elastic packings serve to eliminate a gap or gaps between the door and the box-shaped enclosure around the storage space. The storage space is in this manner air-tightly isolated from a space outside the door. The transmission of the sound is suppressed. In particular, a predetermined interval is preferably established between the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing. The predetermined interval serves to prevent the leakage of sound with enhanced effectiveness.

The storage box may further comprise: a second deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the second deadening wall member extending along the second plane; a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the second deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; and a second ventilation opening formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the second through opening. The second plane of the box-shaped enclosure is close with the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path including the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path including the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound also leaks out of the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks out through the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The deadening wall or walls of the second auxiliary space serves to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced with enhanced reliability. In particular, the second ventilation opening is formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the second through opening. In other words, a distance is established between the second ventilation opening and the second through opening within the second auxiliary space. The transmission of sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box likewise allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall or walls of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may be made of a sound insulating material, for example. The sound insulating material is capable of blocking sound transmission. The leakage of the sound is thus prevented. An acoustic material may be attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure and the inner surface of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The acoustic material is capable of absorbing sound. The leakage of the sound from the second ventilation opening is thus reduced.

The storage box may further comprise a second door including the second deadening wall member and the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure, the second door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the second plane. The second deadening wall member and the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure are in this manner opened and closed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure in a facilitated manner.

The storage box may further comprise: a step formed on one of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space; and a protrusion formed on the other of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space, the protrusion being engaged with the step. When the second door is closed, the protrusion and the step are engaged with each other between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure. The engagement of the protrusion and the step serves to eliminate a gap or gaps between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure. No sound leaks from the gap or gaps. The operating sound of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses during the operation is effectively locked within the storage space.

Alternatively, the storage box may further comprise: a groove formed on one of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space; and a protrusion formed on the other of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space, the protrusion being received in the groove. When the second door is closed, the protrusion is received in the groove between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure. The engagement of the protrusion with the groove serves to eliminate a gap or gaps between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure. No sound leaks out from the gap or gaps. The operating sound of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses during the operation is effectively locked within the storage space.

Otherwise, the storage box may further comprise: a first elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space; and a second elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the second door around the storage space at a position outside the first elastic packing. When the second door is closed, the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing are interposed between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure so that the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing elastically deform. The first and second elastic packings serve to eliminate a gap or gaps between the second door and the box-shaped enclosure around the storage space. The storage space is in this manner air-tightly isolated from a space outside the second door. The transmission of the sound is suppressed. In particular, a predetermined interval is preferably established between the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing. The predetermined interval serves to prevent the leakage of sound with enhanced effectiveness.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure defining a storage space; a door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the opening of the storage space; a first elastic packing extending around the opening of the storage space, the first elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door; and a second elastic packing extending around the opening of the storage space in parallel with the first elastic packing at a position spaced from the first elastic packing at a predetermined interval, the second elastic packing attached to either one of the box-shaped enclosure and the door.

When the door is closed, the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing are interposed between the door and the box-shaped enclosure so that the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing elastically deform. The first and second elastic packings serve to eliminate a gap or gaps between the door and the box-shaped enclosure around the storage space. The storage space is in this manner air-tightly isolated from a space outside the door. The transmission of the sound is suppressed. In particular, a predetermined interval is preferably established between the first elastic packing and the second elastic packing. The predetermined interval serves to prevent the leakage of sound with enhanced effectiveness.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; a deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member extending along the first plane; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the deadening wall member; a through opening formed in the deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; a ventilating unit mounted in the through opening; and a ventilation opening formed on the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at a position opposed to the deadening wall member.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the sound. The operating sound leaks through the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the ventilation opening is opposed to the deadening wall member. In other words, the position of the ventilation opening is shifted from that of the through opening. The operating sound leaking through the through opening collides against the wall member of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The ventilating unit is utilized to forcefully generate the airflow. The airflow is allowed to run through the storage space. Even if the opening area of the through opening and the ventilation opening is reduced, the fresh air of a sufficient amount can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The ventilating unit may include at least one ventilator fixed to the deadening wall member, the ventilator or ventilators being individually removable from the deadening wall member. The ventilating unit allows a separate or individual removal of the ventilator or ventilators from the deadening wall member. This leads to a separate or individual replacement of the ventilator or ventilators.

The storage box may further comprise: a second deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the second deadening wall member extending along the second plane; a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the second deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; a second ventilating unit mounted in the second through opening; and a second ventilation opening formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at a position opposed to the second deadening wall member. The second plane of the box-shaped enclosure is closed with the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path including the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path including the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound leaks out of the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks through the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of the sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced with enhanced reliability. In particular, the second ventilation opening is opposed to the second deadening wall member. In other words, the position of the second ventilation opening is shifted from that of the second through opening. The operating sound leaking through the second through opening collides against the wall member of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box likewise allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The second ventilating unit is utilized to forcefully generate airflow. The airflow is allowed to run through the storage space. Even if the opening area of the second through opening and the second ventilation opening is reduced, the fresh air of a sufficient amount can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The second ventilating unit of the storage box may include a group of ventilators identical to a group of ventilators incorporated in the ventilating unit. The opening area of the second through opening is set equal to the opening area of the through opening. This results in minimization of the opening area in each of the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member. The second ventilating unit may have a performance equivalent to the performance of the ventilating unit. Slack of airflow can be avoided in the storage space. No swirl is generated in the storage space.

The ventilating unit may include at least one ventilator fixed to the deadening wall member, the ventilator or ventilators being individually removable from the deadening wall member. The ventilating unit allows a separate removal of the ventilator or ventilators from the deadening wall member. This leads to a separate replacement of the ventilator or ventilators. Likewise, the second ventilating unit may include at least one ventilator fixed to the second deadening wall member, the ventilator or ventilators being individually removable from the second deadening wall member.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; a deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member extending along the first plane; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the deadening wall member; a through opening formed in the deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; a ventilating unit mounted in the through opening; and a ventilation opening formed in the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the through opening.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the sound. The operating sound leaks out through the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the ventilation opening is formed at the position farthest from the through opening. In other words, a distance is established between the ventilation opening and the through opening within the auxiliary space. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The ventilating unit is utilized to forcefully generate airflow. The airflow is allowed to run through the storage space. Even if the opening area of the through opening and the ventilation opening is reduced, the fresh air of a sufficient amount can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The ventilating unit may include at least one ventilator fixed to the deadening wall member, the ventilator or ventilators being individually removable from the deadening wall member. The ventilating unit allows a separate or individual removal of the ventilator or ventilators from the deadening wall member. This leads to a separate or individual replacement of the ventilator or ventilators.

The storage box may further comprise: a second deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the second deadening wall member extending along the second plane; a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the second deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; a second ventilating unit mounted in the second through opening; and a second ventilation opening formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the second through opening. The second plane of the box-shaped enclosure is closed with the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path including the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path including the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound leaks out of the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks through the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of the sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced with enhanced reliability. In particular, the second ventilation opening is formed at the farthest position from the second through opening. In other words, a distance is established between the second ventilation opening and the second through opening within the second auxiliary space. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box likewise allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The second ventilating unit is utilized to forcefully generate airflow. The airflow is allowed to run through the storage space. Even if the opening area of the second through opening and the second ventilation opening is reduced, the fresh air of a sufficient amount can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The second ventilating unit of the storage box may include a group of ventilators identical to a group of ventilators incorporated in the ventilating unit. The opening area of the second through opening is set equal to the opening area of the through opening. This results in minimization of the opening area in each of the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member. The second ventilating unit may have a performance equivalent to the performance of the ventilating unit. Slack of airflow can be avoided in the storage space. No swirl is generated in the storage space.

The ventilating unit may include at least one ventilator fixed to the deadening wall member, the ventilator or ventilators being individually removable from the deadening wall member. The ventilating unit allows a separate removal of the ventilator or ventilators from the deadening wall member. This leads to a separate replacement of the ventilator or ventilators. Likewise, the second ventilating unit may include at least one ventilator fixed to the second deadening wall member, the ventilator or ventilators being individually removable from the second deadening wall member.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; a rack placed within the storage space, the rack defining a rack space to enclose at least one electronic apparatus; a deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member extending along the first plane; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the deadening wall member; a through opening formed in the deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; a ventilating unit mounted in the through opening; a ventilation opening formed in the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at a position opposed to the deadening wall member; at least one thermal sensor placed in a space between the deadening wall member and the rack space; and a controller circuit connected to the thermal sensor, the controller circuit designed to control operation of the ventilating unit based on a temperature detected at the thermal sensor.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are mounted on the rack. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the sound. The operating sound leaks through the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the ventilation opening is opposed to the deadening wall member. In other words, the position of the ventilation opening is shifted from that of the through opening. The operating sound leaking through the through opening collides against the wall member of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the operating sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The ventilating unit is utilized to forcefully generate airflow. The airflow is allowed to run through the storage space. Even if the opening area of the through opening and the ventilation opening is reduced, the fresh air of a sufficient amount can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

In this case, the thermal sensor detects the temperature of the air in the storage space. The controller circuit is designed to control the operation of the ventilating unit based on the detected temperature of the air. The flow rate of the ventilating unit can be determined depending on the temperature of the air. The fresh air of an appropriate amount can thus always be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can effectively be cooled. The thermal sensor is preferably placed outside the rack space at a position distanced from the deadening wall member.

The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may include: a first outer wall extending in parallel with the deadening wall member; and second and third outer walls opposed to each other, the second and third walls connecting the deadening wall member to the first outer wall. In this case, the through opening may extend along the edge defined between the deadening wall member and the second outer wall. The thermal sensor or sensors may be arranged along the edge defined between the deadening wall member and the third outer wall. With this structure, the fresh air from the through opening hardly reaches the edge between the deadening wall member and the third outer wall. The temperature can thus easily rise at a position near the edge between the deadening wall member and the third outer wall. As long as the temperature is detected at such a position, it is possible to reliably prevent the electronic apparatus or apparatuses from an excessive rise in temperature.

The through opening may be a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. In general, the electronic apparatuses are arranged in the direction of gravity in the rack. As long as the through opening is elongated in the direction of gravity, all the electronic apparatuses are allowed to equally enjoy the fresh air. All the electronic apparatuses can thus reliably be cooled.

The storage box may further comprise: a door including the deadening wall member and the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure, the door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the first plane; and a door sensor connected to the controller circuit, the door sensor detecting the opened condition of the door. This structure allows the controller circuit to control the operation of the ventilating unit in response to the opened/closed status of the door. When the door is opened, the operation of the ventilating unit can be stopped.

The storage box may further comprise a display device connected to the controller circuit, the display device displaying the status of the ventilating unit. The display device serves to reliably show the user of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses the status of the ventilating unit. The user can thus reliably be informed of the status of the ventilating unit.

The storage box may further comprise: a second deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the second deadening wall member extending along the second plane; a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the second deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; a second ventilating unit mounted in the second through opening; a second ventilation opening formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at a position opposed to the second deadening wall member; and at least one second thermal sensor placed in a space between the second deadening wall member and the rack space. The second plane of the box-shaped enclosure is closed with the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path including the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path including the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound leaks out of the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks through the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of the sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced with enhanced reliability. In particular, the second ventilation opening is opposed to the second deadening wall member. In other words, the position of the second ventilation opening is shifted from that of the second through opening. The operating sound leaking through the second through opening collides against the wall member of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box likewise allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The second ventilating unit is utilized to forcefully generate airflow. The airflow is allowed to run through the storage space. Even if the opening area of the second through opening and the second ventilation opening is reduced, the fresh air of a sufficient amount can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled. Here, the second thermal sensor detects the temperature of the air in the storage space. The controller circuit is designed to control the operation of the second ventilating unit based on the detected temperature of the air. The flow rate of the second ventilating unit can be determined depending on the temperature of the air. The fresh air of an appropriate amount can thus always be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are in this manner effectively cooled. The second thermal sensor is preferably placed outside the rack space at a position distanced from the second deadening wall member.

The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may include: a first outer wall extending in parallel with the second deadening wall member; and second and third outer walls opposed to each other, the second and third walls connecting the second deadening wall member to the first outer wall. The second through opening may extend along the edge defined between the second deadening wall member and the second outer wall. The second thermal sensor or sensors may be arranged along the edge defined between the second deadening wall member and the third outer wall. With this structure, the air near the edge between the second deadening wall member and the third outer wall is hardly discharged through the second through opening. The temperature can thus easily rise at a position near the edge between the second deadening wall member and the third outer wall. As long as the temperature is detected at such a position, it is possible to reliably prevent the electronic apparatus or apparatuses from an excessive rise in temperature.

The second through opening may be a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. In general, the electronic apparatuses are arranged in the direction of gravity in the rack. As long as the second through opening is elongated in the direction of gravity, all the electronic apparatuses are allowed to equally enjoy the fresh air. All the electronic apparatuses can thus be reliably cooled.

The storage box may further comprise: a second door including the second deadening wall member and the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure, the second door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the second plane; and a second door sensor detecting the opened condition of the second door. This structure allows the controller circuit to control the operation of the second ventilating unit in response to the opened/closed condition of the second door. When the second door is opened, the operation of the second ventilating unit can be stopped.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; a rack placed within the storage space, the rack defining a rack space to enclose at least one electronic apparatus; a deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member extending along the first plane; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the deadening wall member; a through opening formed in the deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; a ventilating unit mounted in the through opening; a ventilation opening formed in the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the through opening; at least one thermal sensor placed in a space between the deadening wall member and the rack space; and a controller circuit connected to the thermal sensor, the controller circuit designed to control the operation of the ventilating unit based on a temperature detected by the thermal sensor.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are mounted on the rack. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure and the deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the sound. The operating sound leaks through the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the ventilation opening is formed at the position farthest from the through opening. In other words, a distance is established between the ventilation opening and the through opening within the auxiliary space. The transmission of sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The ventilating unit is utilized to forcefully generate airflow. The airflow is allowed to run through the storage space. Even if the opening area of the through opening and the ventilation opening is reduced, the fresh air of a sufficient amount can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

In this case, the thermal sensor detects the temperature of the air in the storage space. The controller circuit is designed to control the operation of the ventilating unit based on the detected temperature of the air. The flow rate of the ventilating unit can be determined depending on the temperature of the air. The fresh air of an appropriate amount can thus always be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can effectively be cooled. The thermal sensor is preferably placed outside the rack space at a position distanced from the deadening wall member.

The auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may include: a first outer wall extending in parallel with the deadening wall member; and second and third outer walls opposed to each other, the second and third walls connecting the deadening wall member to the first outer wall. In this case, the through opening may extend along the edge defined between the deadening wall member and the second outer wall. The thermal sensor or sensors may be arranged along the edge defined between the deadening wall member and the third outer wall. With this structure, the fresh air from the through opening hardly reaches the edge between the deadening wall member and the third outer wall. The temperature can thus easily rise at a position near the edge between the deadening wall member and the third outer wall. As long as the temperature is detected at such a position, it is possible to reliably prevent the electronic apparatus or apparatuses from an excessive rise in temperature.

The through opening may be a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. In general, the electronic apparatuses are arranged in the direction of gravity in the rack. As long as the through opening is elongated in the direction of gravity, all the electronic apparatuses are allowed to equally enjoy the fresh air. All the electronic apparatuses can thus reliably be cooled.

The storage box may further comprise: a door including the deadening wall member and the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure, the door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the first plane; and a door sensor connected to the controller circuit, the door sensor detecting the opened condition of the door. This structure allows the controller circuit to control the operation of the ventilating unit in response to the opened/closed status of the door. When the door is opened, the operation of the ventilating unit can be stopped.

The storage box may further comprise a display device connected to the controller circuit, the display device displaying the status of the ventilating unit. The display device serves to reliably show the user of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses the status of the ventilating unit. The user can thus reliably be informed of the status of the ventilating unit.

The storage box may further comprise: a second deadening wall member supported on the box-shaped enclosure, the second deadening wall member extending along the second plane; a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the second deadening wall member; a second through opening formed in the second deadening wall member so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; a second ventilating unit mounted in the second through opening; a second ventilation opening formed in the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure at the position farthest from the second through opening; and at least one second thermal sensor placed in a space between the second deadening wall member and the rack space. The second plane of the box-shaped enclosure is closed with the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path including the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path including the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure, the deadening wall member and the second deadening wall member serve to prevent the leakage of the sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound leaks out of the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks through the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of the sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced with enhanced reliability. In particular, the second ventilation opening is formed at the farthest position from the second through opening. In other words, a distance is established between the second ventilation opening and the second through opening within the second auxiliary space. The transmission of the sound is in this manner suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box likewise allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The second ventilating unit is utilized to forcefully generate airflow. The airflow is allowed to run through the storage space. Even if the opening area of the second through opening and the second ventilation opening is reduced, the fresh air of a sufficient amount can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled. Here, the second thermal sensor detects the temperature of the air in the storage space. The controller circuit is designed to control the operation of the second ventilating unit based on the detected temperature of the air. The flow rate of the second ventilating unit can be determined depending on the temperature of the air. The fresh air of an appropriate amount can thus always be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are in this manner effectively cooled. The second thermal sensor is preferably placed outside the rack space at a position distanced from the second deadening wall member.

The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may include: a first outer wall extending in parallel with the second deadening wall member; and second and third outer walls opposed to each other, the second and third walls connecting the second deadening wall member to the first outer wall. The second through opening may extend along the edge defined between the second deadening wall member and the second outer wall. The second thermal sensor or sensors may be arranged along the edge defined between the second deadening wall member and the third outer wall. With this structure, the air near the edge between the second deadening wall member and the third outer wall is hardly discharged through the second through opening. The temperature can thus easily rise at a position near the edge between the second deadening wall member and the third outer wall. As long as the temperature is detected at such a position, it is possible to reliably prevent the electronic apparatus or apparatuses from an excessive rise in temperature.

The second through opening may be a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. In general, the electronic apparatuses are arranged in the direction of gravity in the rack. As long as the second through opening is elongated in the direction of gravity, all the electronic apparatuses are allowed to equally enjoy the fresh air. All the electronic apparatuses can thus be reliably cooled.

The storage box may further comprise: a second door including the second deadening wall member and the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure, the second door coupled to the box-shaped enclosure for opening and closing the second plane; and a second door sensor detecting the opened condition of the second door. This structure allows the controller circuit to control the operation of the second ventilating unit in response to the opened/closed condition of the second door. When the second door is opened, the operation of the second ventilating unit can be stopped.

According to a twelve aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage box for an electronic apparatus, comprising: a box-shaped enclosure including a deadening wall or walls defining a storage space between first and second planes, the storage space being open at the first and second planes; an auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure including a wall member and an outer wall in cooperation defining an auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the wall member; a through opening formed in the wall member of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure so as to spatially connect the storage space to the auxiliary space; and a ventilation opening formed in the outer wall of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. Here, the auxiliary space extends from the through opening to the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space bending between the through opening and the ventilation opening.

The storage box allows an electronic apparatus or apparatuses to be enclosed in the box-shaped enclosure. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses are inserted into the storage space through the first or second plane. The first plane is closed with the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air through the ventilation opening, the auxiliary space and the through opening. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses generate operating sound or noise during the operation. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure serve to prevent the leakage of the operating sound. The operating sound also leaks out from the through opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the ventilation opening. Since the path of sound transmission is restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is thus reduced. In particular, the auxiliary space bends between the through opening and the ventilation opening. The operating sound leaking through the through opening collides against the wall member of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The ventilation opening may be opened at the side of the auxiliary space. Alternatively, the ventilation opening may be opened at the top of the auxiliary space. Otherwise, the ventilation opening may be opened at the bottom of the auxiliary space. The ventilation opening may be placed at a position appropriately determined depending on the placement of the storage box.

The outer wall of the auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may include: a first outer wall member extending in parallel with the wall member; and second and third outer wall members opposed to each other, the second and third wall members connecting the wall member to the first outer wall member. The through opening may extend along the edge defined between the wall member and the second outer wall member. The ventilation opening may extend along the edge defined between the first outer wall member and the third outer wall member. The ventilation opening is in this manner sufficiently distanced from the through opening. The sound transmission is further reduced.

The through opening may be a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. Likewise, the ventilation opening may be a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. In addition, the auxiliary space may be set to have the cross-section elongated in the direction of gravity. In general, the electronic apparatuses are arranged in the direction of gravity. As long as the through opening,the ventilation opening and the auxiliary space are elongated in the direction of gravity, all the electronic apparatuses are allowed to equally enjoy the fresh air. All the electronic apparatuses can thus be reliably cooled.

The storage box may further comprise: a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure connected to the box-shaped enclosure so as to close the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure including a wall member and an outer wall in cooperation defining a second auxiliary space isolated from the storage space with the wall member of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure; a second through opening formed in the wall member of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure so as to spatially connect the storage space to the second auxiliary space; and a second ventilation opening formed in the outer wall of the second auxiliary space. The second auxiliary space bends between the second through opening and the second ventilation opening. The second plane of the box-shaped enclosure is closed with the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The storage space is connected to the fresh air not only through the aforementioned path including the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening but also through a path including the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The deadening wall or walls of the box-shaped enclosure serve to prevent the leakage of the sound during the operation of the electronic apparatus or apparatuses. The operating sound also leaks out of the ventilation opening at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure as described above. Likewise, the operating sound leaks out through the second through opening at the second plane of the box-shaped enclosure into the second auxiliary space. The operating sound then leaks out of the second ventilation opening. Since the path of the sound transmission is significantly restricted, the leakage of the sound is reduced. Noise is further reduced. In particular, the second auxiliary space bends between the second through opening and the second ventilation opening. The operating sound leaking through the second through opening collides against the wall member of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure. The transmission of the sound is in this manner effectively suppressed. Noise is reliably reduced. Moreover, the storage box allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the first plane of the box-shaped enclosure based on the through opening, the auxiliary space and the ventilation opening. The storage box likewise allows establishment of a flow passage for airflow at the second plane based on the second through opening, the second auxiliary space and the second ventilation opening. The fresh air can reliably be introduced into the storage space. The electronic apparatus or apparatuses can thus effectively be cooled.

The second ventilation opening may be opened at the side of the second auxiliary space. Alternatively, the second ventilation opening may be opened at the top of the second auxiliary space. Otherwise, the second ventilation opening may be opened at the bottom of the second auxiliary space. The second ventilation opening may be placed at a position appropriately determined depending on the placement of the storage box.

The outer wall of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure may include: a first outer wall member extending in parallel with the wall member of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure; and second and third outer wall members opposed to each other, the second and third wall members connecting the wall member to the first outer wall member. The second through opening may extend along the edge defined between the wall member and the second outer wall member. The second ventilation opening may extend along the edge defined between the first outer wall member and the third outer wall member. The second ventilation opening is in this manner sufficiently distanced from the second through opening. The sound transmission is further reduced.

The second through opening may be a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. Likewise, the second ventilation opening may be a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. In addition, the second auxiliary space may be set to have the cross-section elongated in the direction of gravity. In general, the electronic apparatuses are arranged in the direction of gravity. As long as the second through opening, the second ventilation opening and the second auxiliary space are elongated in the direction of gravity, all the electronic apparatuses are allowed to equally enjoy the fresh air. All the electronic apparatuses can thus reliably be cooled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1schematically illustrates a storage box11, for an electronic apparatus, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The storage box11includes a box-shaped enclosure12. A first door14is designed to close a first plane, namely a front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. A second door16is designed to close a second plane, namely a back surface15of the box-shaped enclosure12. The first door14and the second door16are coupled to the box-shaped enclosure12for relative swinging movement, namely for opening and closing operations. Hinges17may be utilized to couple the first and second doors14,16, for example. The first door14and the second door16are respectively allowed to swing around hinge pins of the hinges17. The hinges17accept the attachment and detachment of the first door14and the second door16to and from the box-shaped enclosure12. Latches18in combination with the hinges17serve to make the first door14and the second door16tightly contact with the box-shaped enclosure12. The latches18prevent the first door14and the second door16from opening. Deadening walls are employed to form the box-shaped enclosure12, the first door14and the second door16.

The first door14includes a first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21. The first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21includes a first outer wall member21aextending in parallel with the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. Second and third outer wall members21b,21care connected to the side edges of the first outer wall member21a, respectively. The second and third outer wall members21b,21care opposed to each other. Fourth outer wall members21d,21dare connected to the upper and lower edges of the first outer wall member21a, respectively. The fourth outer wall members21d,21dare opposed to each other. As described later, the first outer wall member21a, the second outer wall member21b, the third outer wall member21cand the fourth outer wall members21d,21dare combined together to define an auxiliary space in the form of a parallelepiped. A first ventilation opening22is formed in the first outer wall member21a. The first ventilation opening22is a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. The first ventilation opening22extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member21aand the third outer wall member21c.

As shown inFIG. 2, the second door16includes a second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure23. The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure23includes a first outer wall member23aextending in parallel with the back surface15of the box-shaped enclosure12. Second and third outer wall members23b,23care connected to the side edges of the first outer wall member23a, respectively. The second and third outer wall members23b,23care opposed to each other. Fourth outer wall members23d,23dare connected to the upper and lower edges of the first outer wall member23a, respectively. The fourth outer wall members23d,23dare opposed to each other. As described later, the first outer wall member23a, the second outer wall member23b, the third outer wall member23cand the fourth outer wall members23d,23dare combined together to define an auxiliary space in the form of a parallelepiped. A second ventilation opening24is formed in the first outer wall member23a. The second ventilation opening24is a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. The second ventilation opening24extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member23aand the third outer wall member23c.

A power supply cord25is connected to the side surface of the box-shaped enclosure12. The power supply cord25is connected to an outlet, for example. Electric power is supplied to the box-shaped enclosure12through the power supply cord25.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first door14includes a first deadening wall member26. The first deadening wall member26closes the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. The outer periphery of the first deadening wall member26is connected to the second outer wall member21b, the third outer wall member21cand the fourth outer wall members21d. When the first door14is closed, the first deadening wall member26extends along the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. A packing member27is attached to the first deadening wall member26without a gap along the outer periphery of the first deadening wall member26. The packing member27may be made of rubber, for example. The packing member27will be described later in detail.

A first through opening28is formed in the first deadening wall member26. The first through opening28is a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. The first through opening28extends along the edge defined between the first deadening wall member26and the second outer wall member21b. A first ventilating unit29is mounted in the first through opening28. The first ventilating unit29includes eight first ventilators31, for example. The individual first ventilator31may be an axial flow fan unit, for example. The axial flow fan unit allows blades to rotate around a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction. The axial flow fan unit generates a horizontal airflow. The individual first ventilator31is fixed to the first deadening wall member26. The individual first ventilator31is separately removable from the first deadening wall member26. The first ventilating unit29has a performance to generate a predetermined amount of airflow. The first ventilators31may be arranged in the direction of gravity, for example.

A storage space32in the form of a parallelepiped is defined within the box-shaped enclosure12between the front surface13and the back surface15. The box-shaped enclosure12opens at the front surface13and the back surface15, for example. A rack33is placed within the storage space32. The rack33is constructed as a so-called 19-inch rack. The rack33is designed to define a rack space for enclosing an electronic apparatus. A controller box34is placed at a position adjacent to the rack33. A controller board is incorporated in the controller box34for controlling the operation of the first ventilators31, for example. The controller board will be described later in detail.

A first thermal sensor set35is incorporated in the storage space32. The first thermal sensor set35includes first thermal sensors37attached to a support post36, extending in the direction of gravity, at predetermined intervals, for example. The support post36is placed between the first deadening wall member26and the rack space of the rack33. Specifically, the support post36is placed outside the rack space at a position distanced from the first deadening wall member26. The first thermal sensors37are arranged along the edge defined between the first deadening wall member26and the third outer wall member21c. The first thermal sensors37are designed to detect the ambient temperature.

As shown inFIG. 4, the second door16includes a second deadening wall member38. The second deadening wall member38closes the back surface15of the box-shaped enclosure12. The outer periphery of the second deadening wall member38is connected to the second outer wall member23b, the third outer wall member23cand the fourth outer wall members23d. When the second door16is closed, the second deadening wall member38extends along the back surface15of the box-shaped enclosure12. A packing member39is attached to the second deadening wall member38without a gap along the outer periphery of the second deadening wall member38. The packing member39may be made of rubber, for example.

A second through opening41is formed in the second deadening wall member38. The second through opening41is a window opening elongated in the direction of gravity. The second through opening41extends along the edge defined between the second deadening wall member38and the second outer wall member23b. A second ventilating unit42is mounted in the second through opening41. The second ventilating unit42includes eight second ventilators43, for example. The individual second ventilators43may be an axial flow fan unit, for example. The axial flow fan unit allows blades to rotate around a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction. The axial flow fan unit generates a horizontal airflow. The individual second ventilators43are fixed to the second deadening wall member38. The individual second ventilator43is separately removable from the second deadening wall member38. The second ventilators43may be arranged in the direction of gravity, for example. The second ventilating unit42includes a set of ventilators identical to a set of ventilators incorporated in the first ventilating unit29. The second ventilating unit42thus has a performance equivalent to that of the first ventilating unit29.

A second thermal sensor set44is incorporated in the storage space32. The second thermal sensor set44includes second thermal sensors46attached to a support post45, extending in the direction of gravity, at predetermined intervals, for example. The support post45is placed between the second deadening wall member38and the rack space of the rack33. Specifically, the support post45is placed outside the rack space at a position distanced from the second deadening wall member38. The second thermal sensors46are arranged along the edge defined between the second deadening wall member38and the third outer wall member23c. The second thermal sensors46are designed to detect the ambient temperature.

As shown inFIG. 5, the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21of the first door14defines a first auxiliary space47in the form of a parallelepiped. The first deadening wall member26serves to isolate the first auxiliary space47from the storage space32. The first auxiliary space47has a cross-section elongated in the direction of gravity. The first auxiliary space47is spatially connected to the storage space32through the first through opening28. The first auxiliary space47is spatially connected to the outer space through the first ventilation opening22. The first ventilation opening22is formed on the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21at a position opposed to the first deadening wall member26off the first through opening28. Specifically, the position of the first ventilation opening22is shifted from the position of the first through opening28.

Likewise, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure23of the second door16defines a second auxiliary space48in the form of a parallelepiped. The second deadening wall member38serves to isolate the second auxiliary space48from the storage space32. The second auxiliary space48has a cross-section elongated in the direction of gravity. The second auxiliary space48is spatially connected to the storage space32through the second through opening41. The second auxiliary space48is spatially connected to the outer space through the second ventilation opening24. The second ventilation opening24is formed in the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure23at a position opposed to the second deadening wall member38off the second through opening41. Specifically, the position of the second ventilation opening24is shifted from the position of the second through opening41.

As shown inFIG. 6, the box-shaped enclosure12, the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21, the first deadening wall member26, the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure23and the second deadening wall member38are made of a deadening panel or panels or sound insulating material. The sound insulating material allows insulation of sound. A steel plate of a considerable thickness may be employed as the sound insulating material, for example. An increased thickness of the steel plate results in an enhanced rigidity of the steel plate. The enhanced rigidity enables a higher performance of insulation. An acoustic material51of a predetermined thickness is attached to the inner surface of the box-shaped enclosure12, the inner surface of the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21, the front and back surfaces of the first deadening wall member26, the inner surface of the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure23, and the front and back surfaces of the second deadening wall member38. The acoustic material51is capable of absorbing sound. An urethane resin, a glass wool, a rock wool, a nonwoven fabric, or the like, may be employed as the acoustic material51.

The first auxiliary space47extends from the first through opening28to the first ventilation opening22. The first auxiliary space47bends between the first through opening28and the first ventilation opening22. The first ventilation opening22is formed on the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21at a position farthest from the first through opening28. A distance between the first ventilation opening22and the first through opening28may be set at 0.25 [m] or larger. Likewise, the second auxiliary space48extends from the second through opening41to the second ventilation opening24. The second auxiliary space48bends between the second through opening41and the second ventilation opening24. The second ventilation opening24is formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure23at a position farthest from the second through opening41. A distance between the second ventilation opening24and the second through opening41may be set at 0.25 [m] or larger. A flow passage for airflow is established in the storage box11based on the first ventilation opening22, the first auxiliary space47, the first through opening28, the storage space32, the second through opening41and the second ventilation opening24.

As shown inFIG. 7, the packing member27includes a first elastic packing52and a second elastic packing53, both attached to the first door14to surround the storage space32. The second elastic packing53is attached to the first door14outside the first elastic packing52. Alternatively, both of the first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53may be attached to the box-shaped enclosure12. Likewise, one of the first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53may be attached to the first door14while the other of the first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53is attached to the box-shaped enclosure12. It should be noted that the packing member39has the structure identical to that of the packing member27.

When the first door14or the second door16is closed, the first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53are interposed between the box-shaped enclosure12and the first door14or the second door16. The first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53are tightly held to elastically deform between the box-shaped enclosure12and the first door14or the second door16. The first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53in this manner serve to eliminate a gap or gaps between the box-shaped enclosure12and the first door14or the second door16around the storage space32over the entire length.

FIG. 8illustrates a control system according to the present invention. The controller board61is incorporated in the controller box34as described above. A controller circuit, namely a microcomputer62, is mounted on the controller board61. The microcomputer62is designed to execute processing based on a program stored in an embedded memory. The microcomputer62reads out required data out of the embedded memory when the microcomputer62executes processing.

A first driver circuit63is mounted on the controller board61. The first driver circuit63is connected to the individual first ventilators31. The first driver circuit63is designed to control the on/off of the individual first ventilators31and the revolution speed of the individual first ventilators31in accordance with the instructions from the microcomputer62. Voltage is applied to the individual first ventilators31from the first driver circuit63to control the on/off and the revolution speed. The first ventilators31are allowed to perform to establish an equalized flow rate of the airflow based on the control, for example. The microcomputer62is capable of monitoring the status of the individual first ventilators31based on the operation of the first driver circuit63.

A second driver circuit64is likewise mounted on the controller board61. The second driver circuit64is connected to the individual second ventilators43. The second driver circuit64is designed to control the on/off of the individual second ventilators43and the revolution speed of the individual second ventilators43in accordance with the instructions from the microcomputer62. Voltage is applied to the individual second ventilators43from the second driver circuit64to control the on/off and the revolution speed. The second ventilators43are allowed to perform to establish an equalized flow rate of the airflow based on the control, for example. The microcomputer62is capable of monitoring the status of the individual second ventilators43based on the operation of the second driver circuit64.

The aforementioned first and second thermal sensors37,46are connected to the microcomputer62. The individual thermal sensors37,46are designed to output a sensor signal to the microcomputer62. The sensor signal serves to represent the temperature information specifying a temperature detected at the individual thermal sensor37,46. The microcomputer62in this manner obtains the temperature information for the individual thermal sensors37,46. An analog switch65is interposed between the microcomputer62and the first and second thermal sensors37,46for the collection of the temperature information. The analog switch65is utilized to connect the microcomputer62to the thermal sensors37,46in order. The sensor signals of the thermal sensors37,46are in this manner distinguished from each other. The microcomputer62calculates the average of the temperature information supplied from the first thermal sensor set35and the average of the temperature information supplied from the second thermal sensor set44. A difference is then calculated between the averages.

A first door switch66and a second door switch67are connected to the microcomputer62. The first door switch66is placed between the box-shaped enclosure12and the first door14, for example. The first door switch66is designed to detect the opening of the first door14. The first door switch66outputs a first detection signal to the microcomputer62. The first detection signal represents detection information specifying the opening of the first door14. The first door switch66may be a contact switch which allows electric connection when the first door14is closed. Likewise, the second door switch67is placed between the box-shaped enclosure12and the second door16, for example. The second door switch67is designed to detect the opening of the second door16. The second door switch67outputs a second detection signal to the microcomputer62. The second detection signal represents detection information specifying the opening of the second door16. The second door switch67may be a contact switch which allows electrical connection when the second door16is closed.

A first power source68is connected to the microcomputer62. Alternating voltage is supplied to the first power source68. The first power source68is designed to convert the alternating voltage to direct voltage. A regulator69is interposed between the microcomputer62and the first power source68. The regulator69may be mounted on the controller board61, for example. The regulator69is designed to convert the direct voltage from the first power source68to the voltage of a predetermined voltage level. The voltage of a desired voltage level is in this manner applied to the microcomputer. Likewise, a second power source71is connected to the first driver circuit63and the second driver circuit64. Alternating voltage is supplied to the second power source71. The second power source71is designed to convert the alternating voltage to direct voltage. Voltage of a desired voltage level is in this manner applied to the first driver circuit63and the second driver circuit64.

A power switch72is connected to the first and second power sources68,71. Electric power is supplied to the power switch72through the aforementioned power supply cord25. When the power switch72is opened, the first and second power sources68,71stop receiving the electric power. When the power switch72is closed, the electric power is supplied to the first and second power sources68,71.

An error monitoring circuit73is interposed between the microcomputer62and the regulator69. The error monitoring circuit73is designed to detect the voltage supplied from the regulator69to the microcomputer62. The error monitoring circuit73monitors the output signal from the microcomputer62for a predetermined period after the start of the supply of the voltage. If the error monitoring circuit73receives no output signal from the microcomputer62in the predetermined period, the error monitoring circuit73detects a malfunction of the microcomputer62. The microcomputer62is set to execute a predetermined initial operation. The initial operation forces the microcomputer62to output the aforementioned output signal to the error monitoring circuit73immediately after the microcomputer62starts receiving voltage.

A display device74is connected to the microcomputer62and the error monitoring circuit73. The display device74may be placed on the outer surface of the box-shaped enclosure12or the first door14, for example. The microcomputer62outputs a predetermined display signal based on the status of the aforementioned sensor signals, the status of the first and second driver circuits63,64, and the first and second detection signals. A predetermined display is displayed on the display device74based on such a display signal. Likewise, the error monitoring circuit73outputs a predetermined display signal to the display device74in response to the detection of a malfunction of the microcomputer62. Here, alphanumeric characters may be displayed on the display device74. A specific meaning may be assigned to an alphanumeric string beforehand. The display device74serves to reliably notify the user of the status of the first and second ventilating units29,42, for example. The user is allowed to reliably become aware of the status of the first and second ventilating units29,42.

Now, as shown inFIG. 9, assume that the server computers75of a rack mount type are mounted on the rack33within the storage box11, for example. The power cord of the individual server computer75is connected to the aforementioned power supply cord25, for example. Electric power is supplied to the server computers75through the power supply cord25. The first door14and the second door16are opened during the setting and connection of the server computers75. When the setting and connection have been completed, the first door14and second door16are closed. The latches18serve to urge the first door14and the second door16against the box-shaped enclosure12. The first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53serve to eliminate a gap or gaps between the box-shaped enclosure12and the first door14and between the box-shaped enclosure12and the second door16around the storage space32over the entire length.

As shown inFIG. 10, the individual server computers75are placed within a rack space76. In this case, a predetermined space is maintained between front panels of the server computers75and the first deadening wall member26. A front space77is thus formed between the rack space76and the first deadening wall member26. Likewise, a predetermined space is maintained between the rear panels of the server computers75and the second deadening wall member38. A rear space78is thus formed between the rack space76and the second deadening wall member38.

A cooling fan or fans operate within the individual server computer75depending on the inner temperature of the server computer75. As shown inFIG. 10, the cooling fan serves to generate airflow in the horizontal direction from the front space77toward the rear space78within the server computer75. In this case, the cooling fan or fans make sound or noise during the operation. The box-shaped enclosure12and the first and second deadening wall members26,38enables insulation of the sound. Simultaneously, the acoustic material51absorbs the sound within the box-shaped enclosure12and the first and second deadening wall members26,38. The sound leaks out only from the first through opening28and the second through opening41. The sound is then directed from the first and second auxiliary spaces47,48toward the first and second ventilation openings22,24. Since the acoustic material51surrounds the first and second auxiliary spaces47,48, the sound is sufficiently absorbed within the first and second auxiliary spaces47,48. In particular, the first and second auxiliary spaces47,48are respectively designed to bend between the first and second through openings28,41and the first and second ventilation openings22,24. The sound leaking from the first and second through openings28,41collides against the first outer wall members21a,23aof the first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures21,23, namely the acoustic material51. The transmission of the sound is effectively suppressed in this manner. The leakage of the sound is thus minimized. Noise is reliably reduced.

When the power switch72is turned on, electric power is supplied from the first power source68to the microcomputer62. The microcomputer62receives a sensor signal output from the individual thermal sensor47,46. The microcomputer62calculates the average of the temperature of the first thermal sensors37in the first thermal sensor set35based on the sensor signals. The microcomputer62likewise calculates the average of the temperature of the second thermal sensors46in the second thermal sensor set44based on the sensor signals. The microcomputer62operates to subtract the average of the temperature for the first thermal sensor set35from the average of the temperature for the second thermal sensor set44. The microcomputer62in this manner obtains a difference in temperature between the introduced air and the discharged air.

If the difference in temperature falls within a predetermined range (2 degrees, for example), the microcomputer62outputs a control signal to the first and second driver circuits63,64to stop the operation of the first and second ventilating units29,42. In this case, the microcomputer62decides to deny a rise in the temperature in the server computers75. If the difference in the temperature exceeds the predetermined range, the microcomputer62decides to determine a rise in the temperature in the server computers75. The microcomputer62outputs a control signal to the first and second driver circuits63,64to drive the first and second ventilating units29,42. The first and second driver circuits63,64supply electric power to the first and second ventilators31,43, respectively. The first and second ventilators31,43generate airflow in the horizontal direction. As shown inFIG. 10, fresh air is introduced into the first auxiliary space47through the first ventilation opening22. The air in the first auxiliary space47is then directed into the front space77through the first through opening28. The server computers75are thus always allowed to enjoy the fresh air.

The air is discharged from the server computers75into the rear space78. The operation of the second ventilating unit42makes the discharged air flow into the second auxiliary space48. The air is then discharged through the second ventilation opening24. The hot air is in this manner discharged. The operation of the first and second ventilating units29,42allows a sufficient replacement of air in the storage space32. This results in a reliable prevention of an excessive rise in the temperature of the server computers75. The server computers75can efficiently be cooled. In addition, the first and second through openings28,41are window openings elongated in the direction of gravity. The server computers75are arranged on the rack33in the direction of the gravity. All the server computers75are allowed to equally enjoy the fresh air. All the server computers75can reliably be cooled.

The microcomputer62operates to change the flow rate of the airflow from the first and second ventilating unit29,42depending on the difference in temperature. In this case, the microcomputer62operates to change the value of the voltage output from the first and second driver circuits63,64depending on the difference in temperature. An increased difference in temperature may induce an increase in the voltage supplied to the individual ventilators31,43. Here, the flow rate of the airflow of the first ventilating unit29is set equal to that of the second ventilating unit42. The first ventilators31may have a uniform flow rate of the airflow in the first ventilating unit29. Likewise, the second ventilating unit42may have a uniform flow rate of the airflow in the second ventilating unit42. The individual ventilators31,43may receive electric power of an equal voltage value. It should be noted that the flow rate of the first ventilating unit29may be different from that of the second ventilating unit42. Different flow rates may be set for the individual ventilators31,43. In any case, generation of swirl is preferably avoided in the storage space32. The generation of swirl leads to an increased noise.

The microcomputer62is designed to monitor the first door switch66and the second door switch67during the control on the operation of the first and second ventilating unit29,42. When the microcomputer62receives a first detection signal from the first door switch66, the microcomputer62outputs a control signal to the first driver circuit63to stop the operation of the first ventilating unit29. The operation of the first ventilating unit29is in this manner stopped when the first door14is opened. When the microcomputer62receives a second detection signal from the second door switch67, the microcomputer62outputs a control signal to the second driver circuit64to stop the operation of the second ventilating unit42. The operation of the second ventilating unit42is in this manner stopped when the second door16is opened. Alternatively, the microcomputer62may output a control signal to stop the operation of the first and second ventilating units29,42in response to the reception of one of the first and second detection signals.

The first door14and the second door16are removably coupled to the box-shaped enclosure12in the storage box11. The first door14and the second door16are removed in a facilitated manner. The maintenance of the server computers75can be realized within the box-shaped enclosure12in a facilitated manner. The first door14including the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21and the first deadening wall member26and the second door16including the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure23and the second deadening wall member38can be replaced in a facilitated manner.

The second ventilating unit42includes a ventilator set identical to a ventilator set incorporated in the first ventilating unit29. The opening area of the second through opening41is thus set equal to the opening area for the first through opening28. This results in minimization of the opening areas in the first and second deadening wall members26,38. In addition, the performance of the second ventilating unit42is set equal to the performance of the first ventilating unit29. Slack of airflow can be avoided in the storage space32. No swirl is generated in the storage space32.

The first and second thermal sensors37,46are designed to detect the temperature of the air within the storage space32. The microcomputer62is designed to control the operation of the first and second ventilating units29,42based on the detected temperature of the air. The flow rate of the first and second ventilating units29,42is determined depending on the detected temperature of the air. The fresh air of an appropriate amount can thus always be introduced into the storage space32. The server computers75are efficiently cooled.

The first through opening28is designed to extend along the edge defined between first deadening wall member26and the second outer wall member21b, for example. The first thermal sensors37are arranged along the edge defined between the first deadening wall member26and the third outer wall member21c.Fresh air from the first through opening28hardly reaches the edge between the first deadening wall member26and the third outer wall member21c. The temperature can thus easily rise at a position near the edge between the first deadening wall member26and the third outer wall member21c. As long as the temperature is detected at such a position, it is possible to reliably prevent the server computers75from an excessive rise in temperature. This advantage is also applicable to the combination of the second through opening41and the second thermal sensors.

The opening area of the first ventilation opening22may preferably be set at one twentieth or larger the area of the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12in the storage box11. The inventors have observed the relationship between the pressure loss and the ratio of the opening area of the first ventilation opening22to the entire area of the front surface13. A computer simulation was employed for the observation. The opening area was changed relative to the entire area of the front surface13in the computer simulation. Airflow of 0.5 [m/s] was uniformly set to flow within the front space77from the first deadening wall member26toward the rack space76. As shown inFIG. 11, it has been confirmed that increase in the ratio of the opening area leads to reduction in the pressure loss. When the ratio of the opening area is reduced below one twentieth, the airflow of 10 [m/s] or larger is generated at the first ventilation opening22. In general, when the speed of the airflow exceeds 10 [m/s], the sound of the airflow is significantly increased. This results in increase in noise. Accordingly, as long as the ratio of the opening area is set at one twentieth or larger, noise is significantly reduced. InFIG. 11, “Limit1” represents the limit of airflow for a square axial flow fan unit of approximately 120 [mm] to 140 [mm] square. “Limit2” represents the limit of airflow for a circular axial fan unit having the diameter of 200 [mm] approximately. Once the pressure loss exceeds the limit of airflow, no airflow is generated even during the operation of the axial fan unit. The opening area of the second ventilation opening24may be determined at a ratio to the entire area of the back surface15in a similar manner as the ratio of the opening area for the first ventilation opening22.

The distance is preferably set larger than 0.4 [m] between the first ventilation opening22and the rack space76in the storage box11. The inventors have observed the relationship between such a distance and reduction in noise. A computer simulation was employed for the observation. It has been confirmed that the acoustic material51is effective for reducing noise within the first auxiliary space47in the computer simulation. As shown inFIG. 12, noise was reduced by 10 [dB] per 1 [m]. Specifically, it has been confirmed that noise is reduced by 10 [dB] during transmission from the rack space76to the first ventilation opening22when the distance is set at 1 [m] between the rack space76and the first ventilation opening22, for example. In general, when noise is reduced by at least 4 [dB], human beings realize reduction in the noise. Accordingly, if the distance is set at 0.4 [m] between the first ventilation opening22and the rack space76, the user can realize reduction in the noise.

FIG. 13schematically illustrates a storage box11a, for an electronic apparatus, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The storage box11aincludes the first door14defining the first ventilation opening22comprising a window opening elongated in the horizontal direction. The first ventilation opening22extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member21aand the fourth outer wall member21dof the upper end. As shown inFIG. 14, the first through opening28comprises a window opening elongated in the horizontal direction. The first through opening28extends along the edge defined between the first deadening wall member26and the fourth outer wall member21dof the lower end. The first ventilators31are arranged in the horizontal direction.

As shown inFIG. 15, the second ventilation opening24extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member23aand the fourth outer wall member23dof the lower end. The second through opening41is extends along the edge defined between the second deadening wall member38and the fourth outer wall member23dof the upper end. The second ventilation opening24and the second through opening41are window openings elongated in the horizontal direction. Like reference numerals are attached to the structure or components equivalent to those of the aforementioned storage box11. The storage box11ais allowed to enjoy the advantages identical to those obtained in the aforementioned storage box11. In addition, the first and second auxiliary spaces47,48are set to have a cross-section elongated in the direction of gravity. This results in a further increase in the distance between the first ventilation opening22and the first through opening28and the distance between the second ventilation opening24and the second through opening41. The transmission of sound is further suppressed.

FIG. 16schematically illustrates a storage box11b, for an electronic apparatus, according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The storage box11bincludes the first door14defining the first ventilation opening22in the upper one of the fourth outer wall members21dof the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21. The first ventilation opening22is thus formed at the top of the first auxiliary space47. The first ventilation opening22extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member21aand the fourth outer wall member21dof the upper end. The first ventilation opening22is a window opening elongated in the horizontal direction in the same manner as described above.

The second ventilation opening24is defined at the top of the second auxiliary space48. The second ventilation opening24extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member23aand the fourth outer wall member23dof the upper end. The second through opening41extends along the edge defined between the second insulting wall member38and the fourth outer wall member23dof the lower end. The second ventilation opening24and the second through opening41are window openings elongated in the horizontal direction. Like reference numerals are attached to the structure or components equivalent to those of the aforementioned storage box11a. The storage box11bis allowed to enjoy the advantages identical to those obtained in the aforementioned storage box11. It should be noted that the positions of the first and second ventilation openings22,24are appropriately determined depending on where the storage box11bis placed.

FIG. 17schematically illustrates a storage box11c, for an electronic apparatus, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The storage box11cincludes the first door14defining the first ventilation opening22in the lower one of the fourth outer wall members21dof the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure21. The first ventilation opening22is defined at the bottom of the first auxiliary space47. The first ventilation opening22extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member21aand the fourth outer wall member21dof the lower end. The first ventilation opening22is a window opening elongated in the horizontal direction in the same manner as described above.

The second ventilation opening24is defined at the bottom of the second auxiliary space48. The second ventilation opening24extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member23aand the fourth outer wall member23dof the lower side. The second through opening41extends along the edge defined between the second deadening wall member38and the fourth outer wall member23dof the lower end. The second ventilation opening24and the second through opening41are window openings elongated in the horizontal direction. Like reference numerals are attached to the structure or components equivalent to those of the aforementioned storage box11b. The storage box11cis allowed to enjoy the advantages identical to those obtained in the aforementioned storage box11.

FIG. 18schematically illustrates a storage box lid, for an electronic apparatus, according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The storage box lid includes the front door14closes the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. The second door16is omitted. The first and second ventilation openings22,24are formed in the first door14. The first and second ventilation openings22,24are window openings elongated in the horizontal direction. The first ventilation opening22extends along the edge defined between the first outer wall member21aand the fourth outer wall member21dof the lower end. The second ventilation opening24extends in parallel with the first ventilation opening22at a position above the first ventilation opening22.

As shown inFIG. 19, the box-shaped enclosure12defines an inner space81between the front surface13and the back surface15. The inner space81is open at the front surface13. The inner space81is closed at the back surface15. A wall member82is attached to the box-shaped enclosure12. The wall member82extends along a horizontal plane. A third plane, namely a vertical plane83, is defined along the rear edge of the wall member82. A storage space84is defined in the inner space81between the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12and the vertical plane83. The storage space84is open at the front surface13and the vertical plane83. The rack33is placed within the storage space84. A flow passage85is defined in the inner space81at a position outside the storage space84. The flow passage85extends from the vertical space83to the front space13.

The first door14includes first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures86,87. The first and second auxiliary box-shaped enclosures86,87define first and second auxiliary spaces88,89, respectively. The first ventilation opening22is formed on the first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure86. The first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure86is connected to a first deadening wall member91extending along the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. The first deadening wall member91closes the storage space84at the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. The aforementioned first through opening28is formed in the first deadening wall member91. The first through opening28is a window opening elongated in the horizontal direction. The first ventilators31are mounted in the first through opening28. The first auxiliary box-shaped enclosure86allows placement of the first ventilation opening28at the position farthest from the first through opening28.

The second ventilation opening24is formed on the second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure87. The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure87is connected to a second deadening wall member92extending along the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. The second deadening wall member92closes the storage space84and the flow passage85at the front surface13of the box-shaped enclosure12. The aforementioned second through opening41is formed in the second deadening wall member92. The second through opening41is elongated in the horizontal direction. The second ventilators43are mounted in the second through opening41. The second auxiliary box-shaped enclosure87allows placement of the second ventilation opening24at the position farthest from the second through opening41. The second through opening41is connected to the flow passage85.

A flow passage is thus established based on the first ventilation opening22, the first auxiliary space88, the first through opening28, the storage space84, the flow passage85, the second through opening41, the second auxiliary space89and the second ventilation opening24. Like reference numerals are attached to the structure or components equivalent to those of the aforementioned storage boxes11-11c. The storage box lid is allowed to enjoy the advantages identical to those obtained in the aforementioned storage boxes11-11c. In addition, the first and second ventilators31,43are collectively placed on the first door14. The structure of the storage box11dcan thus be simplified. Likewise, the first and second ventilation openings22,24are collectively placed at the front surface of the first door14. The storage box11dcan thus be flexibly placed. The deadening wall member may removably be coupled to the box-shaped enclosure12for closing the back surface15of the box-shaped enclosure12. Alternatively, the deadening wall member may be coupled to the box-shaped enclosure12for opening and closing the back surface15of the box-shaped enclosure12. The server computers75may be mounted on or removed from the box-shaped enclosure12through the back surface15.

As shown inFIG. 20, a predetermined interval may be kept between the first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53. In the case where the width of the first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53is set at 10 [mm], for example, the interval may be set at approximately 10 [mm]. The leakage of the sound is thus suppressed with enhanced effectiveness as compared with the case where the first elastic packing52and the second elastic packing53are adjacent to each other without an interval. The sound insulation of the storage box11is improved.

As shown inFIG. 21, a step95may be formed to endlessly extend along the outer periphery of each of the first and second doors14,16. Protrusions96are correspondingly formed to endlessly extend along the outer periphery of the box-shaped enclosure12. The protrusions96are received on the steps95, respectively. Engagement of the protrusions96with the corresponding steps95eliminates a gap or gaps between the first door14and the box-shaped enclosure12and between the second door16and the box-shaped enclosure12around the storage space32over the entire length. No sound leaks from the gap or gaps. The sound of the server computers75during the operation is effectively locked in the storage space32. Alternatively, the step95may be formed on the box-shaped enclosure12. In this case, the protrusion96may be formed in each of the first and second doors14,16.

As shown inFIG. 22, a groove97may be formed to endlessly extend along the outer periphery of each of the first and second doors14,16. Protrusions98are correspondingly formed to endlessly extend along the outer periphery of the box-shaped enclosure12. The protrusions98are received in the grooves97, respectively. Engagement of the protrusions98with the corresponding grooves97eliminates a gap or gaps between the first door14and the box-shaped enclosure12and between the second door16and the box-shaped enclosure12around the storage space32over the entire length. No sound leaks from the gap or gaps. Sound of the server computers75during the operation is effectively locked in the storage space32.

As shown inFIG. 23, the grooves97may be formed on the box-shaped enclosure12. In this case, the protrusion98may correspondingly be formed in each of the first and second doors14,16. An elastic packing99may be attached to the outer periphery of each of the first and second doors14,16to endlessly extend along the outer periphery of the first or second door14,16. The elastic packing99may be placed outside the groove97or the protrusion98, for example. This structure enables elimination of a gap or gaps between the first door14and the box-shaped enclosure12and between the second door16and the box-shaped enclosure12around the storage space32over the entire length. No sound leaks from the gap or gaps. Sound of the server computers75during the operation is effectively locked in the storage space32.

As shown inFIG. 24, the first ventilators31are removed from the first through opening28for replacement, for example. The individual first ventilators31include a cover102to enclose a rotor101. The cover102includes a cover body102a. A pair of hooks102bis formed integral with the cover body102a. The hooks102bare placed on one of the side edges of the cover body102aat a predetermined interval, for example. The hooks102bare bent to protrude from the cover body102a. A flat plate102cis formed integral with the other edge of the cover body102a. A wiring and a connector are attached to the back surface of the flat plate102c. A pair of through bores103is formed in the flat plate102c, for example.

A pair of elongated bores104is formed in the first deadening wall member26at a position adjacent to one of the side edges of the first through opening28. The elongated bores104are spaced at a predetermined interval corresponding to the interval between the hooks102b. A pair of screw bores105is formed in the first deadening wall member26at a position adjacent to the other side edge of the first through opening28. The position of the screw bores105corresponds to that of the aforementioned through bores103. The acoustic material51is placed over a part of the first through opening28. The structure of the second ventilators43may be identical to that of the first ventilators31.

The hooks102bare inserted into the corresponding elongated bores104for the attachment of the individual ventilators31. The front surfaces of the hooks102bcontact the back surface of the first deadening wall member26. The cover body102ais received in the first through opening28. The through bores103of the flat plate102care aligned with the corresponding screw bores105of the first deadening wall member26, respectively. A screw, now shown, is screwed into the individual screw bore105through the through bore103. The first ventilator31is in this manner mounted in the first through opening28. The back surface of the flat plate102cis received on the acoustic material51. The acoustic material51serves to eliminate flutter of the wiring on the back surface of the flat plate102c.