JP7241395B2 - wine cellar - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wine cellar with temperature control function in the storage chamber.

Patent Literature 1 listed below describes a refrigerator equipped with a fan capable of adjusting the air volume, and specifically discloses a refrigerator that uses the fan to control the temperature inside the refrigerator. Specifically, the refrigerator described in Patent Literature 1 below operates the internal fan at a rotation speed determined by the temperature difference between the actual internal temperature (detected by the temperature sensor) and the set temperature. That is, the number of revolutions of the internal fan is controlled such that the air volume increases when the temperature difference between the internal temperature and the set temperature is large, and the air volume decreases when the temperature difference is small. As a result, the air inside the refrigerator can be efficiently circulated according to the temperature difference from the set temperature. It is possible to bring the temperature closer to the set temperature.

JP-A-9-138045

According to the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, as described above, the internal fan is operated at the number of revolutions determined by the temperature difference between the internal temperature and the set temperature, so the internal temperature is stable near the set temperature. In the case where the air flow rate changes to a constant value, the internal fan operates at a substantially constant number of revolutions and at a minimum air volume. Specifically, when the internal temperature is stable around the set temperature of 0°C, when it is stable around the set temperature of 10°C, and when it is stable around the set temperature of 20°C. Even so, the temperature difference between them is stable at approximately 0° C. (almost no temperature difference), so the internal fan operates at a substantially constant number of revolutions and with a minimum air volume.

On the other hand, if the settable temperature range is wide, such as 0°C to 20°C, the air weight per unit volume varies depending on the internal temperature, so the appropriate fan air volume required must be set. There is a large difference between the upper limit (20°C) and the lower limit (0°C) of the possible temperature range. That is, in order to eliminate the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the refrigerator (to maintain uniformity of the temperature inside the refrigerator), it is necessary to increase the air volume of the fan when the set temperature is 0°C rather than when the temperature is set at 20°C. In particular, wine cellars, which are intended for aging and long-term storage, should be designed so that the uniformity of the temperature inside the cellar can be maintained regardless of the set temperature, for example, between 0°C and 20°C. , it is necessary to finely control the air volume of the fan.

However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the internal fan is operated at a number of revolutions determined by the temperature difference between the internal temperature and the set temperature. When the internal temperature remains stable around the set temperature, regardless of the set temperature, the internal fan will always operate at a minimum and constant speed, and the air inside the chamber will be circulated. It cannot be said that they are circulating efficiently. That is, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, when the temperature difference between the inside temperature and the set temperature is large, the inside temperature can be brought close to the set temperature rapidly. When the temperature difference from the set temperature is small, the air volume is minimum and constant regardless of whether the set temperature is 0°C or 20°C, and the internal fan is operated at an appropriate fan air volume according to the set temperature. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of the uniformity of the internal temperature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a wine cellar capable of more finely controlling the temperature in the storage chamber from the viewpoint of the uniformity of the temperature in the storage chamber.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the wine cellar disclosed in the present application enables the temperature inside the storage chamber to be set within a predetermined temperature range, and allows the temperature in the storage chamber to approach the current set temperature. A wine cellar having a temperature control function, which is installed in a space separated from the storage room by a rear panel, and a variable air volume fan that circulates the air in the storage room by discharging a predetermined air volume toward the storage room; A storage unit in which air volume level information for specifying an appropriate air volume, which is an air volume for maintaining the uniformity of the temperature in the storage room, is stored for each set temperature zone having a predetermined temperature range, and a setting to which the current set temperature belongs. a control unit that reads air volume level information associated with a temperature zone from the storage unit and adjusts the air volume of the variable air volume fan based on the air volume level information, wherein the control unit turns ON/OFF a cooling cycle. When performing temperature control to bring the storage room temperature closer to the current set temperature, during cooling, the first air volume level corresponding to the appropriate air volume is maintained, and immediately after cooling is turned off, the ambient temperature of the cooler becomes a constant temperature. The period until it rises is a second air volume level that is one step lower than the appropriate air volume, and furthermore, the third air volume level that is one step smaller from when the temperature around the cooler rises to a constant temperature until the next cooling starts. level, the air volume variable fan is operated.

Further, the temperature control method for a wine cellar disclosed in the present application enables the temperature in the storage chamber to be set within a predetermined temperature range, and has a temperature control function for bringing the temperature in the storage chamber closer to the current set temperature. , wherein the wine cellar is installed in a space separated from the storage room by a rear panel, and a variable air volume fan that circulates the air in the storage room by discharging a predetermined air volume toward the storage room. a memory in which air volume level information for specifying an appropriate air volume, which is an air volume for maintaining the uniformity of the temperature in the storage room, is stored for each set temperature zone having a predetermined temperature range; and an air volume of the variable air volume fan. and a control unit for controlling, when receiving a control start signal, the control unit reads from the memory air volume level information associated with the set temperature zone to which the current set temperature belongs, an air volume control start step of operating the variable air volume fan with the air volume specified by the air volume level information; an air volume adjustment step of reading air volume level information associated with the set temperature zone to which the new set temperature belongs from the memory and adjusting the air volume of the variable air volume fan based on the air volume level information; and a control end signal. and an air volume control end step of stopping the operation of the variable air volume fan when the control unit receives the In the case of execution, during cooling, a first air volume level corresponding to the appropriate air volume is maintained, and during the period from immediately after cooling OFF until the temperature around the cooler rises to a constant temperature, the air volume is one step smaller than the appropriate air volume. The variable air volume fan is operated at an air volume level of 2 and further at a third air volume level that is one step smaller from when the temperature around the cooler rises to a constant temperature until the next cooling starts. do.

The wine cellar disclosed in the present application can circulate the air in the storage chamber at an appropriate air volume according to the current set temperature even if the settable temperature range is wide, so that the temperature in the storage chamber can be uniform. There is an effect that it becomes possible to maintain the sexuality.

FIG. 1-1 is a front view and cross-sectional view of a wine cellar. 1-2 are side and sectional views of a wine cellar. FIG. 2-1 is a front view and cross-sectional view of a wine cellar. FIG. 2-2 is a side view and cross-sectional view of a wine cellar. FIG. 3-1 is a diagram showing an example of an electric system diagram of a wine cellar. FIG. 3-2 is a diagram showing an example of an electric system diagram of a wine cellar. FIG. 4-1 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel. FIG. 4-2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel. FIG. 5-1 is a diagram showing an example of the cooling cycle of a wine cellar. FIG. 5-2 is a diagram showing an example of the cooling cycle of a wine cellar. FIG. 6-1 is a diagram showing an example of air circulation in the storage chamber. FIG. 6-2 is a schematic diagram showing circulation of air in the storage chamber in the wine cellar disclosed in the present application. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of air volume level information. FIG. 8-1 is a flow chart showing an example of a cooling function. FIG. 8-2 is a flow chart showing an example of the heating function. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the temperature inside the storage chamber and the temperature around the cooler in a steady state. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a defrosting control method. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of defrosting control. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of defrosting control. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of defrosting control. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of defrosting control. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the rapid cooling function.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the wine cellar and the temperature control method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail based on the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this Example.

<Overall composition>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the wine cellar. Specifically, FIG. 1-1 is a front view and cross-sectional view of the wine cellar of this embodiment, and FIG. 1 is a side view and a sectional view of the wine cellar of FIG.

In FIGS. 1-1 and 1-2, 1 is a wine cellar (main body), and this wine cellar 1 is provided with an upper storage chamber 2a and a lower storage chamber 2b capable of temperature control individually. . Each storage chamber is independent by a fixed partition plate 3, and the temperature can be set within the range of 0° C. to 20° C. in units of 1° C., for example. In this embodiment, as an example, the upper storage chamber 2a can store 20 wine bottles and the lower storage chamber 2b can store 26 wine bottles. By constructing two upper and lower chambers, more accurate temperature control is possible. For example, one is for short-term storage (about 7-8°C) and the other is for long-term storage (about 14°C). In addition, it is possible to use the upper and lower chambers properly according to the purpose.

The wine cellar 1 is also provided with a glass door 4 whose entire surface is made of, for example, full-flat glass with a three-layer structure that is excellent in heat insulation and interior design. In addition, a touch-type operation panel 5 is arranged on the upper part of the glass door 4, and operations such as ON/OFF of the light (LED lighting of each storage room) and adjustment of the temperature in the storage room can be performed. It is possible to keep the indoor environment in an optimal state.

In the wine cellar 1, for example, the shelf pitch is set at a height such that thick wine bottles (champagne diameter) can be smoothly taken in and out. A shelf that can store 5 wine bottles is provided vertically in 4 stages, and a total of 20 wine bottles can be stored. In addition, in the lower storage chamber 2b, for example, six wine bottles are placed sideways so as to avoid storage 6 containing a compressor and the like necessary for the cooling cycle, which will be described later. As in 2a, four shelves capable of storing five wine bottles when laid down toward the front are provided in a vertical configuration, and a total of 26 wine bottles can be stored. In addition, the shelf board 7 which partitions the shelf of each preservation room is the structure which can be removed and attached freely by sliding.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1-2, at the back of the lower storage chamber 2b, a storage 6 is provided so as to provide a stair-like step in the storage chamber. Equipment such as compressors and capillary tubes used in the cooling cycle is housed. Further, at the back of each storage room, there is provided a storage 8 which is a space separated from each storage room by a back panel 9. This storage 8 is used, for example, in the cooling cycle described later. An accumulator, a cooler, and the like are housed, and a heating heater, lighting such as LEDs, a fan for air circulation, a defrosting temperature sensor, and the like are also housed.

In the above description, the wine cellar 1 having the upper and lower two-tiered structure, in which the upper and lower storage chambers 2a and 2b are individually temperature-controlled, is described. Without limitation, for example, the preservation chamber as shown in FIG. 2 (FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2) may be one type of wine cellar, and although not shown, there may be three or more preservation chambers. It may have a chamber. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a wine cellar. Specifically, FIG. 2-1 is a front view and cross-sectional view of a wine cellar having one storage chamber, and FIG. 1 is a side view and a cross-sectional view of a wine cellar with one storage chamber; FIG. A wine cellar 1 having a single storage chamber is a wine cellar with two levels of upper and lower layers, except for the function of the upper storage chamber 2a, and is composed only of the storage chamber 2 having the function of the lower storage chamber 2b. become a thing.

<Detailed configuration>
Next, the configuration of the wine cellar 1 will be explained in more detail. Here, as an example, the structure and operation will be described in detail using the wine cellar 1 having a two-level structure shown in FIG. The present invention can be applied to all wine cellars such as the wine cellar 1 shown in Fig. 1, in which the temperature can be adjusted individually for each storage room.

First, the electrical circuit configuration of the wine cellar 1 configured as shown in FIG. 1 and its control will be described. FIG. 3-1 is a diagram showing an example of an electric system diagram of the wine cellar 1. As shown in FIG.

The wine cellar 1 of this embodiment receives, for example, AC 100 V, and the control circuit 11 controls the electronic devices in the wine cellar 1 as shown in FIG. 3-1. Specifically, the LEDs 21a and 21b, the indoor temperature sensors 22a and 22b, the defrosting temperature sensors 24a and 24b, the heaters 25a and 25b, and the fans 26a and 26b provided for the upper storage chamber 2a and the lower storage chamber 2b, respectively, are controlled. do. In addition, the control circuit 11 controls the compressor 31 and the electromagnetic valve (three-way valve) 32 used in the cooling cycle as common configurations for the upper storage chamber 2a and the lower storage chamber 2b. FIG. 3-2 shows, as an example, an electric system diagram of the wine cellar 1 having one storage chamber as shown in FIG. This wine cellar 1 receives, for example, AC 100 V, and the control circuit 11 controls the LED 21, the room temperature sensor 22, the defrosting temperature sensor 24, the heater 25, the fan 26, and the compressor 31 provided for the preservation chamber 2. do.

Further, the control circuit 11 performs ON/OFF control of lights (LED lighting of each storage room) and temperature adjustment of the storage room based on operation information obtained from the operation panel 5 provided on the glass door 4 . Here, FIG. 4-1 is a diagram showing an example of the touch-type operation panel 5. Specifically, an example of the operation panel 5 in a wine cellar having two types of storage chambers (see FIG. 1) is shown. ing. In FIG. 4-1, for example, the current temperatures of the upper storage chamber 2a and the lower storage chamber 2b are displayed in the display sections indicated by UPPER and LOWER, respectively. Further, by operating the SET button, the UP button and the DOWN button, predetermined temperature setting control is performed. Also, FIG. 4-2 is a diagram showing an example of a touch-type operation panel 5 in a wine cellar having one storage chamber. This type of wine cellar (see FIG. 2) is provided with, for example, a display unit for displaying the current temperature of the storage chamber 2, and similarly to the above, by operating the SET button, UP button and DOWN button, Predetermined temperature setting control is performed. Temperature setting control will be described later.

The control circuit 11 of the present embodiment that controls the above-mentioned various electronic devices includes, for example, a control unit composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random It consists of various memories such as Access Memory), an interface section for transmitting and receiving signals to and from various electronic devices shown in the figure, and so on.

3-1, LED 21a is lighting for the upper storage chamber 2a, and LED 21b is lighting for the lower storage chamber 2b. ON/OFF is controlled by .

The room temperature sensor 22a is, for example, a sensor installed at a predetermined position in the upper storage chamber 2a to detect the ambient temperature, and the room temperature sensor 22b is installed at a predetermined position in the lower storage chamber 2b to detect the ambient temperature. It is a sensor for detection. The room temperature sensors 22a and 22b each notify the control circuit 11 of the temperature inside the assigned storage room. Upon receiving this notification, the control circuit 11 sets the temperature set by operating the operation panel 5 (equivalent to 0° C. to 20° C.) and the temperature notified from the room temperature sensors (22a, 22b) for each storage room. and controls cooling and heating so that the set temperature of each storage room is maintained. That is, the current temperature displayed on the operation panel 5 (see FIGS. 4-1 and 4-2) corresponds to the temperature inside each storage chamber.

The defrost temperature sensor 24a is arranged near the cooler for the upper storage compartment 2a, and the defrost temperature sensor 24b is arranged near the cooler for the lower storage compartment 2b. For example, when the defrosting control operation is periodically started (compressor 31 is turned off) and then the defrosting control operation is ended (compressor 31 is turned on) under the control of the control circuit 11, the defrosting temperature sensors 24a and 24b always Measure the ambient temperature of a nearby cooler (evaporator). Then, the control circuit 11 checks the measurement results, and the control circuit 11 performs ON/OFF control of the heating heaters (heating heaters 25a and 25b, which will be described later) based on the measurement results. This control allows the frost on the coolers arranged for each storage compartment to melt.

The heating heater 25a is, for example, integrated with the cooler for the upper storage chamber 2a, and the heating heater 25b is installed, for example, integrated with the cooler for the lower storage chamber 2b. These heaters have the function of raising the ambient temperature under the control of the control circuit 11 . The fan 26a is installed in the storage 8 as a blower for the upper storage chamber 2a, and the fan 26b is installed in the storage 8 as a blower for the lower storage chamber 2b. These fans are controlled by the control circuit 11 to circulate the air in the assigned storage chamber. For example, the heater 25a and the fan 26a operate in conjunction with each other, and the fan 26a sends the air warmed by the heater 25a into the upper storage chamber 2a, thereby setting the temperature in the upper storage chamber 2a. can be raised to temperature. The same control as that of the upper storage chamber 2a can be performed in the lower storage chamber 2b. In addition, when the outside temperature is particularly low, such as in a room in the middle of winter, it is assumed that the temperature in each storage room of the wine cellar 1 may be significantly lower than the set temperature. , 25b allow a suitable temperature control.

Also, in FIG. 3-1, the control circuit 11 electrically controls the compressor 31 and the electromagnetic valve 32 to individually control the cooling cycle of the wine cellar 1 for each storage room. FIG. 5-1 is a diagram showing an example of the cooling cycle of the wine cellar 1. More specifically, the two coolers 36a and 36b are assigned to the upper and lower storage chambers one by one, and the control circuit 11 controls the upper and lower storage chambers. The cooling cycle of the storage chamber 2a and the cooling cycle of the lower storage chamber 2b are individually controlled.

In FIG. 3-1, a compressor (compressor) 31 compresses gaseous refrigerant to generate and output high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant sent from the compressor 31 changes into a normal-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant while radiating heat in a condenser (condenser) 33 . Here, for example, when controlling to lower the temperature in the upper storage chamber 2a, the control circuit 11 controls the electromagnetic valve 32 so that the liquid refrigerant released by the condenser 33 is sent to the capillary tube 35a. do. By passing through the capillary tube 35a with a small diameter, the liquid refrigerant is depressurized so that it can easily evaporate (vaporize). After that, the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the cooler 36a, where it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and evaporates (vaporizes). , the refrigerant gasified in the cooler 36 a returns to the compressor 31 . By repeating such a cycle, the surroundings of the cooler 36a are cooled.

On the other hand, when performing control to lower the temperature in the lower storage chamber 2b, the control circuit 11 controls the electromagnetic valve 32 so that the liquid refrigerant heat released by the condenser 33 is sent to the capillary tube 35b. Then, the pressure of this liquid refrigerant is lowered so as to facilitate evaporation (vaporization) by passing through the capillary tube 35b having a small diameter. After that, the low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the cooler 36b, where it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and evaporates (vaporizes). , the refrigerant gasified in the cooler 36 b returns to the compressor 31 . By repeating such a cycle, the surroundings of the cooler 36b are cooled.

In each storage room, the equipment used in the cooling cycle and the fans 26a and 26b operate in conjunction with each other, and the fans 26a and 26b circulate the air cooled by the coolers 36a and 36b, respectively. That is, by sending the cold air into each storage chamber, the temperature in each storage chamber can be lowered to the set temperature.

In the above cooling cycle, for convenience of explanation, the cooling control was performed while switching between the upper and lower sides, but the present invention is not limited to this. cycle) may be adjusted to be performed at the same time. Further, the wine cellar 1 shown in FIG. 1 has, as an example, a two-tiered storage chamber, so that the electromagnetic valve 32 is controlled to switch between the two cooling cycles. For one type of wine cellar 1 (see FIG. 2), the cooling cycle is one system (for example, a cooling cycle consisting of a compressor 31, a condenser 33, a capillary tube 35, a cooler 36a, and an accumulator 34), and switching between upper and lower is possible. Since it is not necessary, the electromagnetic valve 32 becomes unnecessary. FIG. 5-2 is a diagram showing an example of the cooling cycle of the wine cellar 1 having one storage chamber.

FIG. 6-1 is a diagram showing an example of air circulation in the storage chamber. Specifically, it shows the circulation of the air cooled by the cooling cycle and the air warmed by the heater. there is FIG. 6-2 is a schematic diagram showing circulation of air in the storage chamber in the wine cellar of this embodiment. 6-1 and 6-2, 41a is a fin-type cooler for the upper storage chamber 2a in which the heating heater 25a and the cooler 36a are integrated, and 41b is the heating A heater 25b and a cooler 36b are integrally arranged fin-type coolers for the lower storage chamber 2b. In this embodiment, the control circuit 11 circulates the air in the storage chamber by controlling the intake and exhaust by the fans 26a and 26b. Specifically, as indicated by the arrows in the drawing, the air in the storage chamber is taken into the storage chamber 8 through the suction vent provided at the bottom of each storage chamber, and is warmed by the fin-type coolers 41a and 41b. The cooled air or cooled air is discharged into each storage chamber through a slit-shaped discharge vent provided in the upper part of the back panel 9 . This enables temperature control to the temperature set by the operation panel 5 for each storage chamber.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fans 26a and 26b are installed at an angle so that the air taken in can be discharged upwards and downwards by about 10 degrees (see FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2). ). As a result, the air discharged obliquely upward from the discharge vent hits the upper surface of the storage chamber and is reflected and reaches the front surface of the storage chamber. Since the air in the storage chamber can be efficiently circulated, for example, the temperature can be set in units of 1° C. within the range of 0° C. to 20° C. and beyond. In addition, by efficiently circulating the air in the storage chamber as described above, it is possible to set low temperatures around 0°C, and it is also possible to handle a wide settable temperature range (0°C to 20°C, etc.). Therefore, it is suitable not only for wine, but also for long-term and short-term storage of sake, shochu, whiskey, etc., and beer and various other beverages. In this embodiment, the fans 26a and 26b are installed at an angle, but the angle of inclination is not limited to this. It is possible.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the fans 26a and 26b are, for example, fans with a PWM control function capable of adjusting the air volume, and the control circuit 11 controls the temperature uniformity in the storage chamber. (for example, the air volume of the fans 26a and 26b is controlled so that the temperature difference is within 1° C. at any position in the preservation chamber). For example, if the settable temperature range of each storage room in the wine cellar 1 is 0° C. to 20° C., in this embodiment, four temperature zones x1, x2, x3, x4 are set in advance in units of 5° C. (0° C.≦x1≦5° C., 5° C.<x2≦10° C., 10° C.<x3≦15° C., 15° C.<x4≦20° C.) Appropriate air volumes at x2, x3, and x4 are stored as air volume level information (duty cycle (%) of input pulse signal, etc.). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of air volume level information. Then, the control circuit 11 reads from the memory the air volume level information corresponding to the temperature zone to which the current set temperature belongs, and controls the air volumes of the fans 26a and 26b based on this information. As a result, it is possible to equalize the temperature in the storage chamber with an appropriate fan air volume according to the current set temperature. In particular, when ripening or long-term storage, even if the temperature in the storage chamber remains stable around the set temperature, it is possible to finely control the air volume according to the set temperature. Uniformity of temperature in the storage chamber can be maintained.

Further, in this embodiment, as a premise of controlling the air volume of the fans 26a and 26b as described above, the following processing is performed. In this embodiment, in order to create the above-described air volume level information, each set temperature is set in advance (for example, 0° C., 1° C., 2° C., . temperature), create a temperature distribution in the storage room while changing the air volume of the fan in stages, and create a database of these temperature distributions. Further, based on these temperature distributions, the air volume (optimal air volume) when the temperature inside the storage chamber is most uniform is searched for each of the temperature zones x1, x2, x3, and x4. Values (duty cycles of the input pulse signals) associated with the optimum air volume in each temperature zone obtained as search results are stored in the memory in the control circuit 11 as the air volume level information. Here, the temperature zones x1, x2, x3, and x4 have been explained in units of 5°C, respectively, but the temperature zones are not limited to this, and the units of the temperature zones are, for example, 1°C and 2°C. .

In addition, depending on the amount of wine bottles stored, the wine bottles themselves may become an obstacle and the air in the storage chamber may not be efficiently circulated. Therefore, the air volume level information shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, according to the ratio of the amount of storage in the storage room (storage ratio level: 100% (full tank), 75%, 50% (about half), 25% or less, etc.). It is also possible to create a plurality of In this case, the larger the amount of storage, the larger the air volume of the fan. Specifically, the processing for creating the air volume level information is repeatedly executed while changing the storage volume to create a plurality of pieces of air volume level information. The level should be selectable as appropriate. As a result, the control circuit 11 can adjust the air volume of the fan for each temperature zone using the air volume level information associated with the storage ratio level selected by the user, so that even finer air volume control is possible. Become.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6-1, for example, a plurality of outside air exchange holes 42 may be provided on the rear surface of the main body (the rear surface of the container 8). As a result, the moisture contained in the outside air can be introduced into the upper storage chamber 2a and the lower storage chamber 2b through the container 8 and the inner panel 9, and excess moisture can be discharged outside the storage chamber. Therefore, it becomes possible to keep the humidity in each storage room in an optimum state.

<Temperature control method>
Next, a method for controlling the temperature in the storage chamber in the wine cellar of this embodiment will be described. Here, as an example, the temperature control method in the storage room will be described using the wine cellar shown in FIG. Note that the temperature control method of this embodiment can be applied not only to the wine cellar 1 shown in FIG. 2, but also to all wine cellars such as the wine cellar 1 shown in FIG. applicable to That is, for a wine cellar having a plurality of preservation chambers, the following temperature control method is executed for each preservation chamber.

Moreover, in the wine cellar 1 of the present embodiment, the following operations are possible as a precondition for realizing the temperature control method in the storage chamber. For example, in a wine cellar 1 having a single storage compartment as shown in FIG. After the temperature setting control is activated, the set temperature of the storage chamber 2 can be changed by operating the UP button and DOWN button. Also, in the case of a wine cellar of the type in which the upper storage chamber 2a and the lower storage chamber 2b are independent as shown in FIG. When the SET button is touched once, the temperature setting control of the upper storage chamber 2a is activated (the display of UPPER changes from the current temperature to the set temperature display). The set temperature of the storage chamber 2a can be changed. Furthermore, when the SET button is touched again in this state (the same is true when the SET button is touched twice in succession), conversely, the temperature setting control of the lower storage chamber 2b is activated (the display of LOWER changes from the current temperature to the set temperature). ), and thereafter, by operating the UP button and DOWN button, the set temperature of the lower storage chamber 2b can be changed, and thereafter, the upper and lower temperature setting control is switched each time the SET button is touched. It is assumed that the set temperature changed by the above control is overwritten in the memory in the control circuit 11 at any time.

The method for controlling the temperature inside the storage chamber will be described in detail below according to the flowchart. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a method for controlling the temperature in the storage chamber. Specifically, FIG. 8-1 is a flow chart showing an example of the cooling function, which is a function for realizing the temperature control method of this embodiment. 8-2 is a flow chart showing an example of a heating function, which is a function for realizing the temperature control method of this embodiment. Hereinafter, the state in which temperature control (cooling function, heating function) is performed by the control of the control circuit 11 (corresponding to steps S2 to S19 in FIG. 8, which will be described later) will be referred to as normal mode. In the wine cellar 1, it is assumed that the initial value of the set temperature X of the storage chamber is set to 14° C., for example, and that value is stored in the memory in the control circuit 11 in advance. Further, in this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the air volume level information shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the memory in the control circuit 11 in advance.

<Normal Mode: Steps S1 to S19>
The control circuit 11 starts temperature control in the normal mode when the power is turned on (step S1). During operation in the normal mode, the control circuit 11 reads the set temperature X (X=14° C.) of the storage chamber and the air volume level information shown in FIG. 7 from the memory (step S2). 26 is not activated (step S3, Yes), an input pulse signal to the fan 26 is generated with a duty associated with the temperature zone x3 to which the set temperature X belongs, and the fan 26 is operated with this input pulse signal ( step S4). On the other hand, when the set temperature X is changed by operating the operation panel 5 while the fan 26 is operating in the normal mode, and the temperature range to which the set temperature X belongs shifts (step S3, No, step S5, Yes), Under the control of the control circuit 11, an input pulse signal is generated based on the temperature zone to which the new set temperature belongs, and at this point the air volume of the fan 26 is changed (step S4). Thereafter, in the normal mode, the control circuit 11 maintains the air volume of the fan 26 until the set temperature X is changed and the temperature range to which the set temperature X belongs shifts (step S5, No).

<Cooling function>
Next, the control circuit 11 confirms the temperature A in the storage chamber measured by the room temperature sensor 22 (step S6). Then, the control circuit 11 checks whether or not the temperature A has exceeded (X+1)° C., that is, whether or not "A>X+1". (Step S7, Yes, Step S8, Yes), the compressor 31 is activated to start the cooling cycle (Step S9) in order to lower the temperature in the storage chamber. After that, the control circuit 11 repeats the above steps S2 to S8, No, and Step S13, Yes (while energizing) until the temperature A becomes (X+1)° C. or less to continue the cooling cycle. , until the temperature A falls below X° C., that is, while the temperature A is "X+1≧A≧X", the above steps S2 to S7, No, step S10, No, and step S13, Yes are repeatedly executed. to continue the cooling cycle. Then, when the temperature A falls below X° C. during the cooling cycle, that is, when "A<X" (step S7, No, step S10, Yes, step S11, Yes), the control circuit 11 The operation of the compressor 31 is ended (step S12) to end the cooling cycle.

On the other hand, for example, in the operation immediately after the power is turned on, after executing the processing of steps S2 to S6, it is checked whether the temperature A has exceeded (X+1)° C. (step S7). ≧X” (step S7, No, step S10, No), the control circuit 11 does not start the cooling cycle until the temperature A exceeds (X+1)° C. in order to maintain the current temperature. After that, when the temperature A exceeds (X+1)° C. as a result of continuing the state in which the cooling cycle is not activated, that is, when "A>X+1" (step S7, Yes, step S8, Yes), the control circuit 11 activates the cooling cycle (step S9), and thereafter repeats the processing of steps S2 to S13, Yes, in the same manner as described above. As a result of continuing the state in which the cooling cycle is not activated as described above, when the temperature A falls below X° C. (step S7, No, step S10, Yes, step S11, No), the control circuit 11 activates the cooling cycle. continue the state of not allowing

Furthermore, in the operation immediately after the power is turned on, after the processing of steps S2 to S6 is executed, if the temperature A is below X° C. (step S7, No, step S10, Yes, step S11, No), control Circuit 11, as before, will not initiate the cooling cycle until temperature A exceeds (X+1)°C. The operation in the case of continuing the state in which the cooling cycle is not activated is the same as described above.

In the above description, the start point and end point of the cooling cycle are set to (X+1)° C. and X° C., respectively, but this is an example and is not limited to this. The starting point temperature for starting and ending the cooling cycle can be appropriately changed according to the performance required of the wine cellar 1 .

<Warming function>
Further, after executing the processing of steps S2 to S6, the control circuit 11 checks whether the temperature A is lower than (X-3)° C., that is, whether "A<X-3" holds. (FIG. 8-2(a), step S14), for example, when "A<X-3" and the heating control is OFF (step S14, Yes, step S15, Yes), the temperature in the storage chamber is required to be increased, the heater 25 is activated to start heating control (step S16). After that, the control circuit 11 repeats the processes of steps S2 to S6, step S14, Yes, step S15, No, (b), and step S13, Yes until the temperature A reaches (X-3)° C. or more. until the temperature A exceeds X° C., that is, while the temperature A is "X−3≦A≦X", steps S2 to S6, step S14, No , Step S17, No, (b), and Step S13, Yes are repeatedly executed to continue heating control. After that, when the temperature A exceeds X ° C. during the heating control, that is, when "A>X" (step S14, No, step S17, Yes, step S18, Yes), the control circuit 11 , the operation of the heater 25 is terminated (step S19), and the heating control is terminated.

On the other hand, in the operation immediately after the power is turned on, after executing the processing of steps S2 to S6, it is confirmed whether or not the temperature A has fallen below (X-3)° C. (FIG. 8-2(a), step S14). , when the temperature A is "X-3≤A≤X" (step S14, No, step S17, No), the control circuit 11 maintains the current temperature, so that the temperature A is (X-3)°C. Do not activate warming control until below. After that, as a result of continuing the state in which the heating control is not activated, if the temperature A falls below (X-3) ° C., that is, if "A<X-3" (step S14, Yes, step S15, Yes), the control circuit 11 activates the heating control (step S16), and after that, similarly to the above, steps S2 to S6, steps S14 to S19, (b), and step S13, Yes are repeatedly executed. . Further, as a result of continuing the state in which the heating control is not started as described above, when the temperature A exceeds X ° C. (step S14, No, step S17, Yes, step S18, No), the control circuit 11 performs the heating control continue to prevent the activation of

Furthermore, in the operation immediately after the power is turned on, after the processing of steps S2 to S6 is executed, if the temperature A exceeds X ° C. (step S14, No, step S17, Yes, step S18, No), control Circuit 11 does not activate heating control until temperature A falls below (X-3)° C., as described above. The operation when the state in which the heating control is not activated is continued is the same as described above.

In the above description, the start point and end point of the heating control are set to (X-3)° C. and X° C., respectively, but this is an example and is not limited to this. The temperature, which is the starting point for starting and ending heating control, can be appropriately changed according to the performance required of the wine cellar 1 .

<Power OFF>
After that, when the power supply is turned off during execution of the processes related to the cooling function and the heating function (step S13, No), the wine cellar 1 stops operating.

As described above, the wine cellar of this embodiment is installed in a space separated from the storage room 2 by the back panel 9, and the air in the storage room 2 is circulated by discharging a predetermined amount of air toward the storage room 2. The fan 26 with a variable air volume that allows the temperature to be maintained in the storage chamber 2 and the air volume level information for specifying the appropriate air volume that is the air volume for maintaining the uniformity of the temperature in the storage chamber 2 are set temperature ranges (x1, x2, x3, x4) and the air volume level information associated with the set temperature zone to which the current set temperature belongs are read out from the memory, and the air volume of the fan 26 is adjusted based on the air volume level information. And, it was configured to include. As a result, even if the settable temperature range is wide, the air in the storage chamber can be circulated with an appropriate amount of air according to the current set temperature. can keep. In particular, even in cases where the temperature in the preservation chamber 2 stably changes around the set temperature, such as when aging or long-term storage, it is possible to finely control the air volume according to the set temperature. , while maintaining the uniformity of the temperature in the preservation chamber 2, it is possible to expect an effect of improving power consumption, noise, heat generation, and the like.

In the wine cellar 1 of this embodiment, the air volume of the fan 26 can be changed according to the set temperature. or the temperature difference does not decrease within a certain period of time), the air volume of the fan 26 may be changed according to the magnitude of the temperature difference, as in the conventional art.

In the wine cellar 1 of this embodiment, the air volume of the fan 26 can be changed according to the set temperature, thereby realizing uniform temperature in the preservation chamber. On the other hand, due to its characteristics, cold air comes out from the back of the storage room toward the front, so a certain amount of cold air hits the door. Most of the doors of the wine cellar, including the wine cellar 1 of the present embodiment, are glass doors with lower insulation performance than the side and back of the main body into which the insulating foam material is injected. As a result, the cold air is transmitted to the outside of the storage room, resulting in a decrease in cooling efficiency. In addition, although it is possible to reduce the amount of cold air transmitted from the door by reducing the air volume of the fan, the decrease in air volume causes problems such as a decrease in cooling efficiency and an increase in frost.

Specifically, for example, during the period in which the compressor 31 is OFF (cooling cycle OFF), the greater the air volume, the greater the air volume hitting the glass door 4, and the more cold air is transmitted to the outside of the storage room 2. As a result, the higher the air flow rate, the lower the heat insulating performance (problem of the above-mentioned "decrease in cooling efficiency due to the transmission of cold air to the outside"). On the other hand, it is possible to improve the insulation performance by reducing the air volume during the cooling cycle OFF period, but immediately after the compressor 31 is turned off, dew and frost are generated. (problem of "increased frost" above). That is, a certain amount of air flow is required in order to suppress the increase of frost during the period from immediately after the compressor 31 is turned off until the temperature of the cooler 36 rises to a constant temperature. In addition, during the period when the compressor 31 is ON (during cooling), if the air volume is small, the cold air around the cooler 36 will stay, and the cold air cannot be sent into the storage chamber 2 efficiently. That is, the smaller the air flow during cooling, the longer it takes to lower the temperature in the storage chamber 2 to the set temperature (problem of "decrease in cooling efficiency due to reduced air flow"). That is, during cooling, in order to shorten the time until the set temperature is reached, it is desirable to increase the air flow rate to efficiently send cold air around the cooler 36 into the storage chamber 2 .

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following control may be performed in order to solve the above problem. For example, in the cooling control shown in FIG. 8-1, the air volume level (the duty of the input pulse signal) is stored for each specific temperature zone. An air volume level may be prepared. Specifically, when the compressor is ON (during cooling), the air volume is at the maximum air volume level (air volume level corresponding to the optimum air volume), and from immediately after the compressor is turned off until the temperature around the cooler rises to a certain temperature. The fan 26 is operated at an air volume level one step smaller than the optimum air volume for a period, and further at an air volume level one step smaller from when the peripheral temperature of the cooler rises to a constant temperature until the next compressor ON. As a result, it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency while suppressing the formation of frost on the cooler and the increase in frost. Further, by controlling the air volume of the fan 26 in three stages as described above, it is possible to reduce power consumption, reduce noise when the compressor is turned off, and reduce dew condensation on the glass door.

Further, in the temperature control of the wine cellar 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8-1, for example, the compressor is turned on with X+1° C. as the starting point and turned off with X° C. as the starting point. On the other hand, as a method of use unique to wine cellars, there is long-term storage of wine, and in the case of long-term storage, it is assumed that the door will not be opened and closed for several days, and the stored items will not be replaced. Under such circumstances, the temperature in the storage chamber and the temperature of the drink will be in a stable state. Therefore, in this embodiment, when long-term storage is detected, that is, when the temperature in the storage chamber remains stable for a certain period of time or longer, the ON/OFF range of the compressor is set wider than usual. bottom. Specifically, by performing ON/OFF control such that the compressor is turned on at X+2°C and turned off at X-1°C, the ON/OFF timing of the compressor becomes longer than usual. to Then, when the opening/closing of the door or the increase in the ON time of the compressor is detected, the ON/OFF timing of the compressor is returned to normal. As a result, even lower power consumption can be achieved.

<Defrosting control method>
Next, a defrosting control method in the wine cellar of this embodiment will be described. Here, defrosting control of the cooler 36 will be described using the wine cellar 1 shown in FIG. 2 as an example. In addition to the wine cellar 1 shown in FIG. 2, the defrosting control method of this embodiment can be applied to all wine cellars such as the wine cellar 1 shown in FIG. applicable to That is, for a wine cellar having a plurality of storage compartments, the following defrosting control method is executed for each cooler provided for each storage compartment.

<Assumption>
In this embodiment, the energization cumulative time Z1 is counted, which starts counting when the power is turned on, and the compressor 31 is stopped (or OFF) is performed. Further, in this embodiment, the time for which the compressor 31 can be continuously operated (counting is started when the compressor 31 is turned ON) C (=3h) is set in advance, and the time when the value Z2 of the counter in the control circuit 11 reaches C=3h. is controlled to stop (OFF) the compressor 31, and Z2 is reset at this time.

Further, in this embodiment, the state in which the storage chamber 2 is stably maintained at the set temperature (for example, the temperature can be set within the range of 0° C. to 20° C.) is called “steady state”. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the temperature inside the storage chamber 2 and the temperature around the cooler 36 in a steady state. In a steady state, the temperature in the storage chamber 2 is stably maintained at the set temperature by turning ON/OFF the compressor 31 every several minutes, ie, cooling/non-cooling of the cooler. Here, as an example, the set temperature of the storage chamber 2 is set to 0° C., and the start point of the cooling cycle is set to the time when the temperature in the storage chamber reaches 1° C. (corresponding to the compressor ON in the figure), and the starting point of the end of the cooling cycle. is the time when the storage room temperature reaches 0° C. (corresponding to comp OFF in the drawing). In FIG. 9, in order to maintain the set temperature of 0° C., the ON/OFF control of the compressor 31 is performed in about 10 minutes (for control of the compressor 31, see FIG. 8-1, for example). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is a rare case that the operation time of the compressor 31 reaches the continuous operation possible time C (=3 hours) during operation in a steady state. Examples of cases in which the operating time of the compressor 31 reaches the continuous operation possible time C include, for example, when the temperature in the storage chamber 2 is high immediately after the power is turned on, or when the temperature in the storage chamber 2 rises due to the work of putting wine in and out. , etc. are assumed.

<Specific example of defrosting control>
Hereinafter, the defrosting control method of this embodiment will be described in detail according to the flowchart. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the defrosting control method of this embodiment.

In the steady state (see FIG. 9) (FIG. 10, step S31, No), for example, when the energization cumulative time Z reaches a multiple of 6 hours (step S31, Yes), the control circuit 11 stops the compressor 31 (OFF ) (including the case where the compressor 31 is kept off when it is already off), an input pulse signal is generated with a duty that can increase the air volume more than the current state, and the fan 26 is operated with this input pulse signal. (Step S32). Then, the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 obtained from the defrosting temperature sensor 24 is checked (step S32). The wine cellar 1 of this embodiment shifts from the normal mode to the defrosting mode starting from the detection of Z1 (step S31, Yes), and then shifts from the defrosting mode to the normal mode at the same time when the operation of the compressor 31 is restarted (ON). shall be In the present embodiment, as an example, the mode is shifted to the defrosting mode when the cumulative energization time Z1 reaches a multiple of 6 hours, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is assumed that the defrosting mode is similarly entered when C=3h is reached. In this embodiment, as an example, the timing of Z1 is set to a multiple of 6 hours (every 6 hours), and the continuous operation possible time C of the compressor 31 is set to 3 hours (counter value Z2 in the control circuit 11). Any time can be set for each. Further, for example, an operation unit such as a defrosting switch may be provided at a predetermined location of the main body, and the switching to the defrosting mode may be started when the switch is operated in addition to the regular timing.

As a result of checking the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 in step S32, if E is 1° C. or less (step S33, Yes), the control circuit 11 activates (turns on) the heater 25 (step S34), and then , the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 is monitored (step S35, No, step S36, No). Defrosting of the cooler 36 is started by turning on the heater 25 . In this embodiment, the condition for starting the heating heater 25 is set to "E≤1°C", but it is not limited to this. It can be any value as long as it is defined as a value that can stick. Further, according to this condition, conditions such as "E=2° C." and "E=3° C." to be described later are also variable.

During monitoring of the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 in step S35, for example, if E reaches 2° C. (step S35, Yes), the control circuit 11 stops (OFF) the heater 25 (step S37 ), and further monitors the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 (step S38, No). For example, when E reaches 2° C., the control circuit 11 determines that the frost on the cooler 36 has melted and turned into dew.

Then, during monitoring of the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 in step S38, for example, when E reaches 3° C. (step S38, Yes), the control circuit 11 restarts (turns on) the compressor 31, The input pulse signal generated to increase the air volume in step S32 is returned to the previous input pulse signal in the normal mode (step S39), and the defrosting mode is shifted to the normal mode. In this embodiment, the time required for E to reach 2° C. to 3° C. is used as the time for removing water droplets remaining in the cooler 36 as dew. This reduces the amount of water droplets (dew) remaining on the cooler 36, and further avoids the build-up of frost when the cooler 36 is recooled (when the cooling cycle is restarted). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 rises from 2°C to 3°C. Assuming a case where it takes a long time to rise or a case where the temperature does not rise to 3°C, the operating time of the heating heater 25 is limited (for example, 30 minutes), and the temperature does not rise to 3°C within the limited time. Alternatively, the compressor 31 may be forcibly restarted (shifted to normal mode).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the defrosting control of this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of defrosting control in the case of FIG. In FIG. 11, as an example, the set temperature of the storage chamber 2 is 0° C., and when the temperature in the storage chamber rises and reaches 1° C., the cooling cycle is started (compressor 31 is turned on), and the temperature in the storage chamber drops to 0 By ending the cooling cycle (turning off the compressor 31) when the temperature reaches 0° C., the temperature is stably maintained at approximately 0° C. (steady state). In this state, when Z1 reaches a multiple of 6h, the control circuit 11 shifts to the defrosting mode, stops the compressor 31, increases the air volume of the fan 26, and checks the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36. . At this point, E is −8° C. (see FIG. 11), so the control circuit 11 activates the heater 25 and waits until E rises to 2° C. used as the time to dissolve the After that, when E=2° C. is detected, the control circuit 11 stops the heating heater 25, and the period until E rises to 3° C. is used as dew to remove water droplets remaining in the cooler 36. use as time. When E=3° C. is detected, the control circuit 11 restarts the compressor 31, restores the air volume, and shifts to the normal mode.

Also, during the monitoring of the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 in the process of step S35, for example, if the operating time of the heater 25 reaches 30 minutes without E reaching 2° C. (step S35, No, step S36, Yes), the control circuit 11 stops (OFF) the heating heater 25, restarts (ON) the compressor 31, and outputs the input pulse signal generated so as to increase the air volume in step S32 immediately before. (step S40), and the defrosting mode is shifted to the normal mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the defrosting control of this embodiment. 4 is a diagram showing an example of defrosting control; FIG. In FIG. 12, the control circuit 11 activates the heater 25 and monitors E after that because E is -8° C. when Z1 reaches a multiple of 6h (shifting to the defrost mode). Since E does not rise to 2° C. even after the operating time of the heater 25 reaches 30 minutes, the heater 25 is stopped, the compressor 31 is restarted, the air volume is restored, and the mode is shifted to the normal mode.

On the other hand, as a result of checking the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 in step S32, if E is higher than 1°C and lower than 3°C (step S33, No, step S41, Yes), that is, "1°C < E < 3° C.”, the control circuit 11 further monitors the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 without activating the heater 25 (step S38, No). Here, when E is within the range of “1° C.<E<3° C.” in step S 32 , the control circuit 11 turns off the compressor 36 only by turning off the compressor (stopping the cooling cycle) without activating the heater 25 . defrosting is possible.

Then, during monitoring of the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 in step S38, for example, if E reaches 3° C. (step S38, Yes), the control circuit 11 restarts (turns ON) the compressor 31 (step S39), the air volume is restored and the defrosting mode is shifted to the normal mode.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the defrosting control of this embodiment, and more specifically, a diagram showing an example of the defrosting control when "1° C.<E<3° C." is detected in the check in step S32. is. In FIG. 13, as an example, the set temperature of the storage chamber 2 is 5° C., and when the temperature in the storage chamber rises and reaches 6° C., the cooling cycle is started (compressor 31 is turned on), and the temperature in the storage chamber decreases to 5 By ending the cooling cycle (turning off the compressor 31) when the temperature reaches °C, the temperature is stably maintained at approximately 5 °C (steady state). In this state, when Z1 reaches a multiple of 6h, the control circuit 11 shifts to the defrosting mode, stops the compressor 31, increases the air volume of the fan 26, and checks the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36. . At this point, E is 2° C. (within the range of “1° C.<E<3° C.”) (see FIG. 13). The temperature E is further monitored, and when E=3° C. is detected, the compressor 31 is restarted, the air volume is restored, and the normal mode is entered.

On the other hand, as a result of checking the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 in step S32, if E is 3° C. or higher (step S33, No, step S41, No), the control circuit 11 determines that the cooler 36 has frost. When it is judged that there is no adhesion, the counter is monitored (step S42, No), and when 5 minutes have passed since the time when the cumulative energization time Z1 reached a multiple of 6 hours in step S31 (step S42, Yes), The compressor 31 is restarted (turned on), the air volume is restored (step S39), and the defrosting mode is shifted to the normal mode. In the above description, the compressor 31 is restarted when 5 minutes have passed since Z1 reached a multiple of 6h, but this is not limitative, and the time until restarting can be set, for example, in the cooling cycle. From the viewpoint of suppressing the temperature change in the storage chamber due to the stop (compressor 31 OFF), it is desirable to set the minimum time necessary for restarting based on the specifications of the compressor 31 .

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of defrosting control in this embodiment, and more specifically, a diagram showing an example of defrosting control when "E≧3° C." is detected in the check in step S32. In FIG. 14, as an example, the set temperature of the storage chamber 2 is 7° C., and when the temperature in the storage chamber rises and reaches 8° C., the cooling cycle is started (compressor 31 is turned on), and the temperature in the storage chamber drops to 7 By ending the cooling cycle (turning off the compressor 31) when the temperature reaches °C, the temperature is stably maintained at approximately 7 °C (steady state). In this state, when Z1 reaches a multiple of 6h, the control circuit 11 shifts to the defrosting mode, stops the compressor 31, increases the air volume of the fan 26, and checks the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36. . At this point, since E is 4° C. (“E≧3° C.”) (see FIG. 14), the control circuit 11 monitors the counter without activating the heater 25, and Z1 becomes a multiple of 6h. When 5 minutes have passed since the time of reaching, the compressor 31 is restarted regardless of the value of the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36, the air volume is restored, and the mode is shifted to the normal mode.

Thus, the wine cellar of this embodiment employs a compressor system as a cooling system. A heating heater 25 that raises the ambient temperature E in order to melt the frost adhering to the defrosting temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature detected by the defrosting temperature sensor 24 by stopping the compressor 31 and increasing the air volume of the fan 26 when a predetermined timing is reached. and a control circuit 11 that checks the ambient temperature E and determines whether or not to activate the heater 25 based on E. As a result, in a wine cellar that can operate at a storage room temperature setting that does not allow frost to adhere to the cooler, it is possible to determine whether or not frost adheres to the cooler, thereby avoiding unnecessary defrosting operations. It becomes possible. That is, it is possible to perform an optimum defrosting operation according to the usage environment. Further, by increasing the air volume of the fan 26 in the defrosting mode and increasing the airflow passing through the cooler 36, the frost can be removed more effectively than when the air volume is small, and the defrosting time can be shortened. . In addition, by shortening the defrosting time, it is possible to shorten the ON time of the heating heater 25, so that the power consumption can be greatly reduced, and furthermore, the stability of the temperature in the storage chamber 2 can be realized. can also

Further, in this embodiment, after the heater 25 is stopped in step S37, the time until the ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 reaches 2° C. to 3° C. It was decided to use it as a time to drop the As a result, water droplets (dew) remaining in the cooler 36 can be reduced, so frost growth can be suppressed when the cooler 36 is restarted, and frost growth can be minimized during long-term operation. can be suppressed to

Next, the temperature control method of the second embodiment will be explained. The configuration of the wine cellar 1, the temperature control in the normal mode (see FIGS. 8-1 and 8-2), and the defrosting control in the defrosting mode (see FIG. 10) are the same as those of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, operations different from those in the first embodiment will be described.

For example, if you want to quickly cool a drink at room temperature, it will take time to put it in the refrigerator, and if you put it in the freezer, there is a risk of breakage or the like. Therefore, the wine cellar 1 of this embodiment has, in addition to the functions of the first embodiment, a rapid cooling function capable of cooling drinks in a short time if necessary. In the wine cellar 1 of this embodiment, for example, the control circuit 11 that receives a rapid cooling ON signal by operating a button on the operation panel 5 activates rapid cooling control. Specifically, for example, the SET button and the LIGHT button shown in Fig. 4-2 are touched at the same time, and after confirming that the characters "qc" are flashing on the display showing the current temperature, the SET button is further pressed. By touching or operating a button (in the case of Fig. 4-1, it is necessary to further indicate the upper and lower storage chambers), rapid cooling control is activated. The starting point of rapid cooling control activation is not limited to this. , can be any operation.

<Rapid cooling control>
The rapid cooling function of the wine cellar of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flow chart. Here, the rapid cooling function of this embodiment will be described using the wine cellar shown in FIG. 2 as an example. In addition to the wine cellar 1 shown in FIG. 2, the rapid cooling function of this embodiment can be applied to all wine cellars such as the wine cellar 1 shown in FIG. applicable to That is, for a wine cellar having a plurality of preservation chambers, the rapid cooling function described below is executed for each preservation chamber.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the rapid cooling function. In FIG. 15, the control circuit 11 performs the temperature control shown in FIG. When the rapid cooling ON signal is received (step S51, Yes), the mode is shifted to the rapid cooling mode, and it is checked whether the cooling cycle was OFF in the normal mode (step S52). S52, Yes), the compressor 31 is activated to start the cooling cycle (step S53). Further, as a result of checking whether the cooling cycle is OFF in the process of step S52, for example, if the cooling cycle is ON (step S52, No), the control circuit 11 continues the cooling cycle.

Then, in the cooling cycle ON state, the control circuit 11 creates an input pulse signal to the fan 26 with a duty that maximizes the air volume, for example, and operates the fan 26 with this input pulse signal (step S54).

After that, the control circuit 11 keeps the temperature inside the storage chamber measured by the room temperature sensor 22 at -2° C. until the value Z2 of the counter reaches the continuous operation possible time C=3h of the compressor 31 (first time point). (second time point), or until a rapid cooling OFF signal is received by operating the button (third time point), the rapid cooling mode is continued (step S55, No), and any time point is reached. If so (step S55, Yes), the rapid cooling mode is shifted to the defrosting mode. Then, the control circuit 11 stops the compressor 31, changes the input pulse signal generated in the rapid cooling control to the input pulse signal in the defrosting mode described above (Embodiment 1), furthermore, the defrosting temperature sensor 24 The obtained ambient temperature E of the cooler 36 is checked (step S32), and then the defrosting control of FIG. 10 is executed.

When the control circuit 11 satisfies a predetermined condition in the defrosting mode and restarts (turns ON) the compressor 31 ( FIG. 10 , steps S39 and S40), the defrosting mode is shifted to the normal mode. The rapid cooling OFF signal can be generated by, for example, simultaneously touching the SET button and the LIGHT button on the operation panel 5 in the rapid cooling mode (or by pressing and holding (touching) the SET button on the operation panel 5 for 3 seconds). or the method of touching the rapid cooling button) is transmitted to the control circuit 11 . Further, in this embodiment, in the rapid cooling mode, control is performed so as to maximize the air volume of the fan 26 (the cooling speed is the fastest), but the invention is not limited to this, and the cooling speed required by the product (specification ), the air volume is controlled so that the air volume becomes larger than the current condition. For example, if the air volume is even slightly higher than in the normal mode, a corresponding effect can be obtained, but the cooling speed increases as the air volume increases.

Thus, in the wine cellar of this embodiment, when the control circuit 11 receives the rapid cooling ON signal in the normal mode, the cooling cycle is started or continued and the cooling speed of the fan 26 is maximized. Rapid cooling control is performed to change the air volume, and during rapid cooling control, the temperature in the storage room measured by the indoor temperature sensor 22 at the timing when the counter value Z2 reaches the continuous operation possible time C of the compressor 31 = 3h. When the temperature reaches −2° C. or when a rapid cooling OFF signal is received, defrosting control is started, and the air volume of the fan 26 is changed so that the air volume is larger than that in the normal mode, and during defrosting control When the end timing of the defrosting control is detected, the air volume of the fan 26 is changed so as to become the air volume in the normal mode. As a result, the wine cellar of this embodiment can carry the cold air around the cooler into the cabinet more efficiently than usual without changing the operating speed of the compressor 31, and furthermore, the air on the surface of the liquid can be removed. Since the liquid can be circulated more quickly than usual, it is possible to efficiently lower the temperature of the liquid.

1 wine cellar 2 storage room 2a upper storage room 2b lower storage room 3 middle partition plate 4 glass door 5 operation panel 6 storage 7 shelf board 8 storage 9 back panel 11 control circuit 21, 21a, 21b LED
22, 22a, 22b Indoor temperature sensor 24, 24a, 24b Defrosting temperature sensor 25, 25a, 25b Heater 26, 26a, 26b Fan 31 Compressor 32 Solenoid valve (three-way valve)
33 condenser
34 Accumulator 35, 35a, 35b Capillary tube 36, 36a, 36b Cooler 41a, 41b Fin type cooler 42 Outside air exchange hole

Claims (1)

A wine cellar having a temperature control function that enables the temperature in the storage chamber to be set within a predetermined temperature range and brings the temperature in the storage chamber closer to the current set temperature,
A variable air volume fan that is installed in a space separated from the storage room by a back panel and circulates the air in the storage room by discharging a predetermined air volume toward the storage room;
a storage unit storing air volume level information for specifying an appropriate air volume, which is an air volume for maintaining uniformity of temperature in the storage room, for each set temperature zone having a predetermined temperature range;
a control unit that reads air volume level information associated with a set temperature zone to which the current set temperature belongs from the storage unit and adjusts the air volume of the variable air volume fan based on the air volume level information;
a cooler for cooling the interior of the storage chamber, a compressor connected to the cooler, and a heater for heating the interior of the storage chamber;
with
The air volume level information stored in the storage unit is signal information associated with the proper air volume for each of the set temperature ranges, and
The control unit turns off the compressor based on the accumulated energization time, increases the air volume of the variable air volume fan, turns on the heater when the ambient temperature of the cooler is below a predetermined temperature, and turning off the heater when the temperature reaches the predetermined temperature, turning off the compressor until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature higher than the predetermined temperature;
Further, when a rapid cooling ON signal is received while the control for adjusting the air volume of the variable air volume fan based on the air volume level information is being continued (hereinafter referred to as normal mode), the cooling cycle is started or continued. , perform rapid cooling control by changing the air volume of the variable air volume fan so that the cooling speed becomes the fastest,
During the rapid cooling control, predetermined defrosting control is started at the timing when the compressor reaches the continuous operable time, at the timing when the temperature in the storage chamber reaches the specified temperature, or at the timing when the rapid cooling OFF signal is received. , changing the air volume of the variable air volume fan so that the air volume becomes larger than that in the normal mode,
When the end timing of the defrosting control is detected during the defrosting control, the air volume of the variable air volume fan is changed to the air volume in the normal mode.
A wine cellar characterized by

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