CN103062969A

CN103062969A - High performance refrigerator having dual evaporators

Info

Publication number: CN103062969A
Application number: CN2012103986352A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·赫格杜斯; R·布鲁克
Original assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Asheville LLC
Current assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Asheville LLC
Priority date: 2011-10-19
Filing date: 2012-10-19
Publication date: 2013-04-24
Also published as: GB201218364D0; DE102012020111A1; US20130098076A1; GB2496949A

Abstract

A high performance refrigerator (10) includes a cabinet (12) with a unitary refrigerated interior (18) and a refrigeration fluid circuit (20) having first and second evaporators (32, 34) located within the cabinet (12) and separated from the refrigerated interior (18) by respective first and second evaporator covers (76, 78). The refrigerator (10) also includes a first damper (66) controlling flow between the first evaporator (32) and the refrigerated interior (18), and a second damper (68) controlling flow between the second evaporator (34) and the refrigerated interior (18). A controller (50) directs the refrigerator (10) to operate a three-way valve (28) in the refrigeration fluid circuit (20) so as to direct refrigerant to only one of the evaporators when the other requires defrosting. Both evaporators (32, 34) may be used to remove heat from the unitary refrigerated interior (18) during an initial cooling or immediately after the cabinet (12) is opened.

Description

High-performance refrigerator with double evaporators

The cross reference of related application

The application advocates to enjoy the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/548 that submitted on October 19th, 2011, and 800(is undetermined) priority, being disclosed in this and being integrated into herein with the form of quoting of this patent application.

Invention field

Present invention relates in general to refrigerator or refrigerator and relate more specifically to refrigeration system for high-performance blood bank refrigerator or plasma freezing machine.

Background technology

The refrigeration system that is used for being called " high-performance refrigerator " such laboratory refrigerator and refrigerator is known, and it is used to for example its internal storage space is cooled to such as approximately-30 ° C or lower relatively low temperature.These high-performance refrigerators are used to storage of blood and/or blood plasma in one example.

Known such refrigeration system comprises the single loop that makes refrigerant circulation.This system is delivered to surrounding environment from cold-producing medium by condenser with energy (that is, heat), and this system is delivered to cold-producing medium from the space (for example cabinet inner space) that is cooled by evaporimeter with heat energy.Cold-producing medium is selected, with evaporation under close to the selected temperature of the desired temperature in the space that is cooled with condense, thereby, so that the space that refrigeration system can keep being cooled in running is near that selected temperature.

A common problem of known refrigeration system is, if any moisture is arranged in the space that is cooled, evaporimeter just trend towards producing and the accumulation frost along outer surface around pipe.If the accumulation of enough frosts occurs, the evaporimeter ability that removes heat from the space that is cooled is adversely affected so.Therefore, known refrigeration system needs defrost cycle, and wherein, thereby evaporimeter is heated around pipe frost is removed.This defrost cycle can be manually to defrost or automatic defrosting, but because a variety of causes, this defrost cycle of two types all is undesirable.

In manual defrost cycle, the storewide that is stored in the cabinet all is removed, and the space that is cooled is exposed in the external environment, with heating fumigators around pipe with melt frost.This circulation is undesirable, because the article that are stored in the cabinet needed to be stored in the alternative refrigerator in the time period of defrost cycle, and also because melting process can produce a large amount of water that need to remove from cabinet.In the automatic defrosting circulation, evaporimeter is promptly heated by local heating unit or thermal current around pipe, and to remove frost, this frost is collected and is transported to the outside in the space that is cooled by tank.The space that is cooled is inevitably bearing temperature fluctuation in this defrost cycle process, and this can damage the article that are stored in the cabinet.

Therefore, for refrigerator, the demand that fully temperature fluctuation in the space that is cooled is minimized or eliminates is arranged in the defrost cycle process.

Summary of the invention

In one embodiment, refrigerator comprises: have the cabinet of the single inner space that is cooled and be used for the cryogenic fluid loop of circulating refrigerant.Described cryogenic fluid loop comprises: compressor, condenser, expansion gear, be positioned at cabinet the first evaporimeter, be positioned at the second evaporimeter and the triple valve of cabinet, described triple valve can make cold-producing medium optionally by one in the first and second evaporimeters or both.The first evaporimeter comprise the first evaporimeter around pipe, produce by the first evaporimeter around the first evaporator fan of the air stream of pipe and the first evaporator shield that the first evaporator compartment and the inner space that is cooled are separated.The second evaporimeter comprise the second evaporimeter around pipe, produce by the second evaporimeter around the second evaporator fan of the air stream of pipe and the second evaporator shield that the second evaporator compartment and the inner space that is cooled are separated.Described refrigerator also comprises at least one first air door, and described at least one first air door can be opened, and cycles through first evaporimeter from the inner space that is cooled by the first evaporator shield to allow air.Described refrigerator also comprises at least one second air door, and described at least one second air door can be opened, and cycles through second evaporimeter from the inner space that is cooled by the second evaporator shield to allow air.Triple valve only is directed to cold-producing medium in another evaporimeter when an evaporimeter need to defrost.

Described refrigerator also comprises the controller that can order refrigerator to carry out the series of steps that limits defrost cycle when the first evaporimeter need to defrost.In this respect, the first evaporimeter comprises the first defroster heating.Series of steps comprises: utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium only is guided through the second evaporimeter; Utilize the second evaporimeter to remove heat from the inner space that is cooled; Shut-down operation the first evaporator fan; Close described at least one first air door, so that the first evaporimeter separates with the inner space that is cooled; And the operation that starts the first defroster heating.Described controller can also order refrigerator to carry out the second series step when the second evaporimeter need to defrost.This second series step comprises: utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium only is guided through the first evaporimeter; Utilize the first evaporimeter to remove heat from the inner space that is cooled; Shut-down operation the second evaporator fan; Close described at least one second air door, so that the second evaporimeter separates with the inner space that is cooled; And the operation that starts the second defroster heating.In the process of initial cooling or immediately following after cabinet is opened, controller can be ordered triple valve, cold-producing medium is guided through two evaporimeters, so that two evaporimeters can remove heat from the inner space that is cooled simultaneously.

In one aspect, described at least one first air door comprises two the first air door parts, one of them the first air door part allows air to flow into the first evaporimeter from the inner space that is cooled when opening, and another the first air door part allows air to flow into the inner space that is cooled from the first evaporimeter when opening.In addition, described at least one second air door comprises two the second air door parts, one of them the second air door part allows air to flow into the second evaporimeter from the inner space that is cooled when opening, and another the second air door part allows air to flow into the inner space that is cooled from the second evaporimeter when opening.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a kind of method that operates refrigerator is provided, described refrigerator comprises: cabinet and cryogenic fluid loop with single inner space that is cooled.Described cryogenic fluid loop comprises compressor, condenser, is positioned at cabinet and has the first evaporator fan and the first evaporimeter of the first defroster heating, be positioned at cabinet and have the second evaporator fan and the second evaporimeter and the triple valve of the second defroster heating, described triple valve can make cold-producing medium optionally compressor/condenser, with the first and second evaporimeters in one or transmit between the two.Described refrigerator also comprises the first and second air doors, and described the first and second air doors are configured to correspondingly the first and second evaporimeters and the inner space that is cooled be separated.When the first evaporimeter need to defrost, described method comprised: utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium only is guided through the second evaporimeter; Utilize the second evaporimeter to remove heat from the inner space that is cooled; Shut-down operation the first evaporator fan; Close described the first air door, so that the first evaporimeter separates with the inner space that is cooled; And the operation that starts the first defroster heating.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawing that is comprised and form the part of this specification by this specification shows embodiments of the invention, and with above general description of the present invention and the detailed description one to embodiment that hereinafter provides are used from explanation principle of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is the perspective view according to the refrigerator that comprises double evaporators of an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram in the employed cryogenic fluid of the refrigerator of Fig. 1 loop.

Fig. 3 is the perspective view of the employed evaporator shield of the refrigerator of Fig. 1 (showing with dotted line) and air door.

Fig. 4 is the perspective view of employed one of them evaporimeter of refrigerator of Fig. 1, and wherein, some side plates are shown as dotted line, to show inner member.

Fig. 5 is the top cutaway view of the refrigerator of Fig. 1 of doing along line 5-5, and wherein, air door is in the closed position.

Fig. 6 A is the sectional view of the refrigerator of Fig. 5 of doing along line 6A-6A, and wherein, air door is in the closed position.

Fig. 6 B is the sectional view of the refrigerator of Fig. 5 of doing along line 6A-6A, and wherein, air door is shown in an open position.

Fig. 7 A is the sectional view of the refrigerator of Fig. 5 of doing along line 7A-7A, and wherein, air door is in the closed position.

Fig. 7 B is the sectional view of the refrigerator of Fig. 5 of doing along line 7A-7A, and wherein, air door is shown in an open position.

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram of the employed controller of the refrigerator of Fig. 1 and air door driving element.

Fig. 9 is the indicative flowchart of showing the running process of the controller relevant with the refrigerator of Fig. 1.

The specific embodiment

As shown in drawings, particularly as shown in Figure 1, show exemplary high-performance refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.Although term " high-performance refrigerator " and " refrigerator " are used in entire description, should be understood that, the cooling device of any type is contained in the present invention, comprises the refrigerator with freezer unit.The refrigerator of Fig. 1 comprises the cabinet 12 that for example need to be cooled to approximately the article of-30 ° of C or lower temperature for storage.Cabinet 12 comprises the cabinet shell 14 that limits the essentially rectangular cross section and provides to the door 16 of the path of the inner space 18 of cabinet 12.Cabinet 12 supports and jointly limits single-stage cryogenic fluid loop 20(Fig. 2) one or more parts, this cryogenic fluid loop 20 interacts aspect thermodynamics with air in the cabinet 12, to cool off the inner space 18 of cabinet 12.In this respect, the cryogenic fluid loop 20 that the below is described in further detail and the air that warms in the inner space 18 interact and cool off this air, to keep the chilling temperature of expectation in cabinet 12.

With reference to figure 2, the details in exemplary cryogenic fluid loop 20 is illustrated.Cryogenic fluid loop 20 comprises successively: the first evaporimeter 32 and the second evaporimeter 34 and the suction/accumulation device 36 of compressor 22, condenser 24, filter/drying device 26, triple valve 28, expansion gear 30, parallel connection.In these elements in cryogenic fluid loop 20 each is by being configured to make pipeline or pipeline 38 through cold-producing medium 40 circulations in cryogenic fluid loop 20 to be connected.A plurality of sensor S ₁To S ₇Be provided in the different conditions of a plurality of location sensing fluid circuits 20 in the fluid circuit 20 and/or the characteristic of cold-producing medium (illustrating by arrow 40).These sensors S ₁To S ₇In each be operably connected to can be by the controller 50 of control interface 52 access, this controller 50 allows the operation of control fluid circuits 20.Should be understood that, also can provide than in the exemplary embodiment of fluid circuit 20, show more or sensor still less.

Cryogenic fluid loop 20 is configured to make cold-producing medium 40 to circulate between condenser 24 and the first and second evaporimeters 32,34.Generally speaking, the heat energy in the cold-producing medium 40 is passed in the outside air of cabinet 12 outsides at condenser 24 places.Heat energy is removed by the inner space 18 from cabinet 12 at the first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 places and is passed to cold-producing medium 40.Therefore, by cold-producing medium 40 is circulated constantly through fluid circuit 20, space 18 removes heat energy internally, to keep the internal temperature of expectation, for example-30 ° C.

Cold-producing medium 40 enters compressor 22 with evaporating state and be compressed into the gas of the temperature with higher pressure and Geng Gao in compressor 22.The fluid circuit 20 of this exemplary embodiment also comprises the lubricating oil loop 54 for lubricate compressors 22.Particularly, lubricating oil loop 54 comprises: the lubricating oil separation device 56 that is communicated with pipeline 38 fluids in compressor 22 downstreams and the lubricating oil return line 58 of lubricating oil being guided back compressor 22.Should be understood that, lubricating oil loop 54 can be omitted in some embodiment of fluid circuit 20.

When leaving compressor 22, the cold-producing medium 40 that is evaporated advances to condenser 24.Fan 60 guiding outside airs by control interface 52 controls pass condenser 24 and pass through filter 62, in order to promote the transmission of heat from cold-producing medium 40 to surrounding environment.Air Flow by condenser 24 is illustrated by arrow in Fig. 2.As the result that this heat transmits, cold-producing medium 40 is in condenser 24 interior condensations.Liquid phase refrigerant 40 by filter/drying device 26 and triple valve 28, then is delivered in the expansion gear 30 subsequently.In this embodiment, 30 one-tenth forms of leading to the first capillary 30a of the first evaporimeter 32 and leading to the second capillary 30b of the second evaporimeter 34 of expansion gear, yet what can expect is that it can alternatively take another kind of form, such as but not limited to corresponding expansion valve (not shown).In addition, among other embodiment within the scope of the invention, expansion gear 30 alternatively is positioned at the upstream of triple valve 28.Expansion gear 30 causes the pressure of cold-producing medium 40 soon to enter the first and second evaporimeters 32, descended at cold-producing medium 40 at 34 o'clock.

In in the first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 each, cold-producing medium 40 receives heat in space 18 by a plurality of evaporimeters internally around pipe (not shown in Fig. 2).When the first and

second air doors

66,68 were opened, the first evaporator fan 64 of being controlled by control interface 52 impelled air to flow through the evaporimeter of the first evaporimeter 32 around pipe from the inner space 18 of cabinet 12.Similarly, when the third and

fourth air door

72,74 was opened, the second evaporator fan 70 of being controlled by control interface 52 impelled air to flow through the evaporimeter of the second evaporimeter 34 around pipe from the inner space 18 of cabinet 12.The first, second, third and the

4th air door

66,68,72,74 is also by control interface 52 controls.This describes in further detail with reference to Fig. 9 below.By means of the pressure that is lowered with from the heat transmission of cabinet 12, cold-producing medium 40 is in the first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 interior evaporations.The cold-producing medium 40 that is evaporated is guided to suction/accumulation device 36 subsequently.Suction/accumulation device 36 is delivered to compressor 22 with the cold-producing medium 40 of gaseous form, also accumulate simultaneously liquid form cold-producing medium 40 excessive part and with controlled speed it is supplied with compressor 22.

The cold-producing medium 40 that is used for cryogenic fluid loop 20 can be selected based on a plurality of factors (comprising expection running temperature in the cabinet 12 and boiling point and other characteristic of cold-producing medium 40).For example, in the refrigerator of the expection cabinet temperature with about-30 ° of C, the exemplary cold-producing medium 40 that is suitable for the embodiment of current description comprises the cold-producing medium that is called R404A on the market.In addition, in certain embodiments, cold-producing medium 40 can make up with lubricating oil, so that compressor 22 is lubricated.For example but without limitation, cold-producing medium 40 can make up with Mobil EALArctic 32 lubricating oil.Should be understood that, the accurate layout of the parts of showing in the drawings only is illustrative rather than restrictive.

With reference to figure 3-7B, especially Fig. 3, refrigerator 10 comprises heat shield, this heat shield is limited by the first evaporator shield 76 and the second evaporator shield 78, and described the first evaporator shield 76 and the second evaporator shield 78 jointly are separated into the inner space 18 of cabinet 12 the first evaporator compartment 80, the second evaporator compartment 82 and are cooled inner 84.The first evaporator shield 76 and the second evaporator shield 78 are connected to the roof 86, the sidewall 88(that jointly limit cabinet shell 14 and comprise rear wall 88) and/or diapire 90 in one or more.More specifically, the first evaporator shield 76 is connected to roof 86 and the sidewall 88 of cabinet shell 14, thereby, with

evaporator compartment

80,82 and inner space 18 in heat energy heat isolation because heat energy can be in the 18 interior risings of the inner space of cabinet 12.The first evaporator shield 76 comprises: from the roof 86 of cabinet shell 14 to the vertical plate part 76a of downward-extension with the horizontal plate part 76b that extends between the sidewall 88 of vertical plate part 76a and cabinet shell 14.Similarly, the second evaporator shield 78 comprises: the vertical plate part 78a from roof 86 to downward-extension and the horizontal plate part 78b that extends between vertical plate part 78a and sidewall 88.

Vertical plate part

76a, 78a and

horizontal plate part

76b, 78b are by one or more thermal insulation boards, such as the vacuum insulation panel formation (as shown in Figure 4) of hollow.The thermal insulation board that should be appreciated that other type also can use in other embodiments of the invention, and the thermal insulation board of other type includes but not limited to the thermal insulation board based on foam.

As shown in Figure 3, the first evaporator compartment 80 is defined as the space of essentially rectangular shape by corresponding vertical plate part 76a, horizontal plate part 76b, sidewall 88, roof 86 and the heat insulation partition wall 92 between the first evaporator compartment 80 and the second evaporator compartment 82.The first evaporimeter 32 is installed in the first sub-demarcation strip 94, and this first sub-demarcation strip 94 roughly is centrally located in the first evaporator compartment 80, in order to the first evaporator compartment 80 is separated into entrance side 96 and outlet side 98.

In a similar fashion, the second evaporator compartment 82 is defined as the space of essentially rectangular shape by corresponding vertical plate part 78a, horizontal plate part 78b, sidewall 88, roof 86 and heat insulation partition wall 92.The second evaporimeter 34 is installed in the second sub-demarcation strip 100, and this second sub-demarcation strip 100 roughly is centrally located in the second evaporator compartment 82, in order to the second evaporator compartment 82 is separated into entrance side 102 and outlet side 104.In this embodiment, in partition wall 92 and the first and second sub-demarcation strips 94,100 each forms by vacuum insulation panel or based on the thermal insulation board of foam, yet should be understood that, the thermal insulation board of other type also can be used in other embodiments.

The horizontal plate part 76b of the first evaporator shield 76 comprises: be positioned at the ingate 106 on the entrance side 96 of the first sub-demarcation strip 94 and be positioned at outlet opening 108 on the outlet side 98 of the first demarcation strip 94.The first air door 66 comprises the thermal insulation board that can be rotated to open or close by the air-flow of the ingate 106 between the inner space that is cooled 18 of entrance side 96 and cabinet 12.Similarly, the second air door 68 comprises the thermal insulation board that can be rotated to open or close by the air-flow of the outlet opening 108 between the inner space that is cooled 18 of outlet side 98 and cabinet 12.Therefore, can operate the first and

second air doors

66,68 as the appropriate section of the first air door assembly, in order to can allow air-flow to pass through the first evaporimeter 32.

The horizontal plate part 78b of the second evaporator shield 78 also comprises: be positioned at the ingate 110 on the entrance side 102 of the second sub-demarcation strip 100 and be positioned at outlet opening 112 on the outlet side 104 of the second demarcation strip 100.The 3rd air door 72 comprises the thermal insulation board that can be rotated to open or close by the air-flow of the ingate 110 between the inner space that is cooled 18 of entrance side 102 and cabinet 12.Similarly, the 4th air door 74 comprises the thermal insulation board that can be rotated to open or close by the air-flow of the outlet opening 112 between the inner space that is cooled 18 of outlet side 104 and cabinet 12.Therefore, can operate the third and

fourth air door

72,74 as the appropriate section of the second air door assembly, in order to can allow air-flow to pass through the second evaporimeter 34.

Also as shown in Figure 3, the first and

second air doors

66,68 operationally are connected to the first air door driving mechanism 120, such as corresponding the first and second servomotors 122, the 124 and first and second driving shafts 126,128.The control of the first air door driving mechanism 120 and operation further are described in detail with reference to following Fig. 8.It will be appreciated that, the first and second driving shafts 126,128 can be connected by traditional drive link mechanism (not shown) in certain embodiments, thereby so that only need single servomotor just can open and close the first and second air doors 66,68.In this respect, the first and

second air doors

66,68 side by side are opened (perhaps closing) usually, thereby allow air-flow can pass through the first evaporator compartment 80 and the first evaporimeter 32.

Similarly, the third and

fourth air door

72,74 operationally is connected to the second air door driving mechanism 130, such as corresponding the third and fourth servomotor 132, the 134 and third and fourth driving shaft 136,138.The control of the second air door driving mechanism 130 and operation further are described in detail with reference to following Fig. 8.It will be appreciated that, the third and fourth driving shaft 136,138 can be connected by traditional drive link mechanism (not shown) in certain embodiments, thereby so that only needs single servomotor just can open and close the third and fourth air door 72,74.In this respect, the third and

fourth air door

72,74 side by side is opened (perhaps closing) usually, thereby allows air-flow can pass through the second evaporator compartment 82 and the second evaporimeter 34.

Forward Fig. 4 to, the first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 are further shown in detail.For this reason, the first evaporimeter 32 comprises encirclement the first evaporimeter around the first evaporator shell 140 of pipe 142, and this first evaporimeter extends with serpentine fashion on the width of the first evaporimeter 32 around pipe 142.The first evaporimeter operationally is connected to the pipeline 38 in cryogenic fluid loop 20 around pipe 142, this pipeline 38 is transported to the first evaporimeter with liquid phase refrigerant and removes remaining liquid phase refrigerant that be evaporated and any around pipe 142 and from the first evaporimeter around pipe 142.The first evaporator fan 64 is mounted along entrance side 96 places of the first evaporator shell 140 in the first evaporator compartment 80, in order to make air flow through the first evaporator shell 140 and flow through the first evaporimeter around pipe 142.Flowing through the first evaporimeter after pipe 142, cooled air leaves the first evaporator shell 140 and enters the outlet side 98 of the first evaporator compartment 80.

The first evaporimeter 32 also comprises the first defroster heating 144, and it is used for as required or will removes at the frost of the first evaporimeter around pipe 142 accumulation termly.The first defroster heating 144 is shown as being installed in Fig. 4 and 6A-7B near the first evaporimeter around pipe 142 places, but what will be appreciated that is that the first defroster heating 144 can be installed in the first evaporator shell 140 Anywhere.The first defroster heating 144 operates referring to the described controller 50 of Fig. 2 and control interface 52 by the front, to heat the first evaporimeter around pipe 142 and to melt any frost.The first evaporator shell 140 also comprises and is positioned at the first evaporimeter around pipe 142 belows and is configured to collect the frost that is melted and the frost that will melt is disposal to the first drippage dish 146 of the position of refrigerator 10 outsides.In this respect, thus the first drippage dish 146 is usually angled so that automatically flow to the delivery port (not shown) from the first evaporimeter around managing 142 water that drip with level orientation.

In a similar fashion, the second evaporimeter 34 comprises encirclement the second evaporimeter around the second evaporator shell 150 of pipe 152, and this second evaporimeter extends with serpentine fashion on the width of the second evaporimeter 34 around pipe 152.The second evaporimeter operationally is connected to the pipeline 38 in cryogenic fluid loop 20 around pipe 152, this pipeline 38 is transported to the second evaporimeter with liquid phase refrigerant and removes remaining liquid phase refrigerant that be evaporated and any around pipe 152 and from the second evaporimeter around pipe 152.The second evaporator fan 70 is installed along the second evaporator shell 150, and produces the air stream that arrives the outlet side 104 of the second evaporator compartment 82 from the entrance side 102 of the second evaporator compartment 82 by the second evaporimeter around pipe 152.The second evaporimeter 34 also comprises: the second defroster heating 154 is accumulated in the frost of the second evaporimeter on pipe 152 to remove as required or termly; And the second drippage dish 156, described the second drippage dish is positioned at the second evaporimeter around pipe 152 belows and is configured to collect and the frost that will melt is disposal to position outside the refrigerator 10.Basic identical with the first evaporimeter 32 on the second evaporimeter 34 structures, therefore do not need further to explain.

As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment of refrigerator, the first and

second evaporator compartment

80,82 and door 16 separate backwards.Fig. 5 clearly show that also how partition wall 92 and the first and second sub-demarcation strips 94,100 separate the first and second evaporator compartment 80,82.The first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 are shown on the Figure 4 and 5 with roughly the same orientation.Be appreciated that within the scope of the invention, in other embodiments, in the

evaporimeter

32,34 one or boths' orientation also can be reversed or otherwise change.

With reference to figure 6A-7B, refrigerator 10 also comprises the upper compartment 160 of roof 86 tops that are positioned at cabinet shell 14.Upper compartment 160 is held other element (for example, compressor 22, condenser 24 etc.) in the cryogenic fluid loop 20 except

evaporimeter

32,34, thereby, from the inner space 18 of cabinet 12, remove parts that major part takes up room or the generation heat.These other elements that are arranged in upper compartment 160 are not illustrated at Fig. 6 A-7B, yet they are schematically shown in Fig. 2.The pipeline 38 that is used for cold-producing medium 40 extends through roof 86, with refrigerant conveying 40 between the first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 in the parts in upper compartment 160 and the cabinet 12.

Fig. 6 A-7B also shows a plurality of running statuses of refrigerator 10.More particularly, in Fig. 6 A, the first and

second air doors

66,68 are closed, thereby with the first evaporator compartment 80 and the section's 84 heat isolation that are cooled.The first evaporator fan 64 leaves unused when the first and

second air doors

66,68 are closed usually, and 80 neutralizations circulate out from the first evaporator compartment 80 because air can't be recycled to the first evaporator compartment.The first defroster heating 144 only is operated in this running status of refrigerator 10, thereby, so that whole heat energy of producing of the first defroster heating 144 are retained in defrost cycle or defrost process in the first evaporator compartment 80 basically.For this reason, the temperature big ups and downs in the section that is cooled 84 of inner space 18 are lowered or eliminate in the defrost cycle process.On the contrary, the first and

second air doors

66,68 are opened in Fig. 6 B, thereby so that can flow through the first evaporimeter 32 and the first evaporimeter around pipe 142, to be used for cooling from the air of the section of being cooled 84.The air stream that is activated by the first evaporator fan 64 is schematically shown by arrow 162 in Fig. 6 B.Therefore, in this running status of refrigerator 10, relatively hot air enters the first evaporator compartment 80 by the first ingate 106, and relatively cold air leaves the first evaporator compartment 80 by the first outlet opening 108.

Similarly, in Fig. 7 A, the third and

fourth air door

72,74 is closed, thereby with the second evaporator compartment 82 and the section's 84 heat isolation that are cooled.The second evaporator fan 70 leaves unused when the third and

fourth air door

72,74 is closed usually, and 82 neutralizations circulate out from the second evaporator compartment 82 because air can't be recycled to the second evaporator compartment.The second defroster heating 154 only is operated in this running status of refrigerator 10, thereby, so that whole heat energy of producing of the second defroster heating 154 are retained in defrost cycle or defrost process in the second evaporator compartment 82 basically.For this reason, the temperature big ups and downs in the section that is cooled 84 of inner space 18 are lowered or eliminate in the defrost cycle process.On the contrary, the third and

fourth air door

72,74 is opened in Fig. 7 B, thereby so that can flow through the second evaporimeter 34 and the second evaporimeter around pipe 152, to be used for cooling from the air of the section of being cooled 84.The air stream that is activated by the second evaporator fan 70 is schematically shown by arrow 164 in Fig. 7 B.Therefore, in this running status of refrigerator 10, relatively hot air enters the second evaporator compartment 82 by the second ingate 110, and relatively cold air leaves the second evaporator compartment 82 by the second outlet opening 112.

Fig. 8 schematically shows for the first, second, third and the

4th air door

66,68,72,74 control and actuating mechanism.More specifically,

air door

66,68,72,74 is connected to corresponding the first and second air door driving mechanisms 120,130, and described air door driving mechanism 120,130 is connected to controller 50.That controller 50 can comprise that at least one is connected to the CPU of memory (" CPU ") as to understand in the art.Each CPU usually uses and is disposed in the circuit arrangement of one or more physical integrations or the circuit logic device on the chip and realizes with hardware.Each CPU can be one or more microprocessors, microcontroller, field programmable gate array or special IC (ASIC), and memory can comprise random-access memory (ram), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), flash memories and/or other stored digital medium, and also common the use is disposed in the circuit arrangement of one or more physical integrations or the realization of the circuit logic device on the chip.For this reason, memory can be believed to comprise: be physically located at the storage device of other position in the refrigerator 10, any buffer memory among at least one CPU for example; And anyly be used as the memory space of virtual memory, for example be stored in memory space on the mass storage device (such as hard disk drive, another computing system, network storage device (for example tape drive) or be connected to other network equipment of controller 50 by at least one network interface via at least one network).In a particular embodiment, computing system is computer, computer system, calculation element, server, disk array or programmable device such as multiple-access computer, single user computer, hand-held computing device, interconnection device (being included in the computer in the cluster configuration), device for mobile communication, video game machine (or other games systems) etc.Controller 50 comprises at least one serial line interface, so as with external device (ED) (such as air door driving mechanism 120,130) serial communication.Therefore, controller 50 plays be used to the effect of controlling air door driving mechanism 120,130 operation.

As previously described, air door driving mechanism 120,130 can be to be connected to

air door

66,68,72, one or more servomotors 122,124,132,134 of 74 by corresponding driving shaft 126,128,136,138.Yet in other embodiments, air door driving mechanism 120,130 also can comprise actuating mechanism and the device of other type.For example, air door driving mechanism 120,130 can be hydraulically powered, pneumatic or mechanically operated (such as by various types of motors).As shown in the embodiment that is demonstrated, air door driving mechanism 120,130 can be provided in open and the closed position between

rotary air valve

66,68,72,74, but will be appreciated that, air door driving mechanism 120,130 can alternatively slide or by irrotational mode

mobile air door

66,68,72,74 otherwise.

Be schematically shown in the flow chart of a kind of exemplary Fig. 9 of operating in of refrigerator 10.In this respect, controller 50 can be used for the step that order refrigerator 10 is carried out method 200 as shown in this figure.For this reason, controller 50 determines in step 202 whether the first evaporimeter 32 needs defrost cycle.For example, in time-based defrost cycle, controller 50 determines whether passed through predetermined time in step 202 since the nearest defrost cycle of the first evaporimeter 32.If pass through predetermined time, controller 50 is in the defrost cycle of step 204 beginning the first evaporimeter 32 so.If not yet pass through predetermined time, controller 50 is come step 218 so, whether needs defrost cycle to check the second evaporimeter 34, and this will be discussed in further detail below.In one example, refrigerator 10 can defrost once in per 6 hours, and predetermined time will be 6 hours in this case.Alternatively, controller 50 can be used for carrying out the defrosting of adaptive capacity, and this has the defrosting of adaptive capacity to be spaced apart by change the time according to the operation characteristic of measuring between defrost cycle, and this will be described in further detail hereinafter.

Get back to Fig. 9, when the frost that needs defrost cycle with the accumulation on pipe 142 of the first evaporimeter removed, controller 50 activated triple valve 28 in step 204, cold-producing medium 40 only is directed to the second evaporimeter 34.In this respect, controller 50 continues operation the second evaporimeter 34 in step 206, so that the inner space 18 of continuing cooling cabinet 12 when the first evaporimeter 32 is defrosted.Then, controller 50 stops the operation of the first evaporator fan 64 in step 208.Then, controller 50 cuts out the first and second air doors 66,68(namely in step 210, the first air door assembly), so that the first evaporator compartment 80 and the section that is cooled 84 heat of cabinet 12 are isolated.These steps make cold-producing medium stop to flow through the first evaporimeter 32 and also make air stop to flow through the first evaporimeter 32.In the situation that the first evaporator compartment 80 and the remainder heat of cabinet 12 are isolated, controller 50 starts the operation of the first defroster heating 144 in step 212.Thereby the first defroster heating 144 make the first evaporimeter 32 and the first evaporimeter around pipe 142 warm melt frost and so that water droplet to the first drippage dish 146 in order to remove from the first evaporimeter 32.Refrigerator 10 in the running status of this point as shown in Figure 6A.

Be connected to a sensor S of the first evaporimeter 32 ₃Can be configured to measure the temperature of the first evaporimeter 32.In case controller 50 determine the first evaporimeters 32 be heated to above water freezing point (0 ° of C) the sufficiently long time of first object temperature and can melt the frost that the first evaporimeter gathers on pipe 142, controller 50 stops the first defroster heating 144 in step 214, and allows " Drain time " of one section setting that extra water is dropped onto on the first drippage dish 146 around pipe 142 from the first evaporimeter.In one example, this first object temperature can be about 10 ° of C.In this section after " Drain time " occured, controller 50 step 216 again by triple valve 28 with cold-producing medium 40 be guided through the first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 the two, thereby, cool off the first evaporator compartment 80.The first evaporimeter 32 then can be by opening the first and

second air doors

66,68 and start the first evaporator fan 64 and normally use as shown in Fig. 6 B.As the result of the first heat shield 76, defrost cycle does not cause the significant temperature fluctuation in the inner space that is cooled 18 of cabinet 12, and therefore, it is favourable that refrigerator 10 is compared with the conventional refrigerator design.

Turn back to step 218, controller 50 determines whether the second evaporimeter 34 needs defrost cycle.For example, in time-based defrost cycle, controller 50 determines whether passed through predetermined time in step 218 since the nearest defrost cycle of the second evaporimeter 34.If pass through predetermined time, controller 50 is in the defrost cycle of step 220 beginning the second evaporimeter 34 so.If not yet pass through predetermined time, controller 50 turns back to step 202 so, and continues to wait for and make regular check on to know whether the first evaporimeter 32 or the second evaporimeter 34 pass through predetermined time.Refrigerator 10 can defrost once to each

evaporimeter

32,34 in per 6 hours in conjunction with as described in the time-based defrost cycle as top, and predetermined time will be 6 hours in this case.Alternatively, controller 50 can be used for carrying out the defrosting of adaptive capacity, and this has the defrosting of adaptive capacity to be spaced apart by change the time according to the operation characteristic of measuring between defrost cycle.

When the frost that needs defrost cycle with the accumulation on pipe 152 of the second evaporimeter removed, controller 50 activated triple valve 28 in step 220, cold-producing medium 40 only is directed to the first evaporimeter 32.In this respect, controller 50 continues operation the first evaporimeter 32 in step 222, so that the inner space 18 of continuing cooling cabinet 12 when the second evaporimeter 34 is defrosted.Then, controller 50 stops the operation of the second evaporator fan 70 in step 224.Then, controller 50 cuts out the third and fourth air door 72,74(namely in step 226, the second air door assembly), so that the second evaporator compartment 82 and the section that is cooled 84 heat of cabinet 12 are isolated.These steps make cold-producing medium stop to flow through the second evaporimeter 34 and also make air stop to flow through the second evaporimeter 34.In the situation that the second evaporator compartment 82 and the remainder heat of cabinet 12 are isolated, controller 50 starts the operation of the second defroster heating 154 in step 228.Thereby the second defroster heating 154 make the second evaporimeter 34 and the second evaporimeter around pipe 152 warm melt frost and so that water droplet to the second drippage dish 156 in order to remove from the second evaporimeter 34.Refrigerator 10 in the running status of this point shown in Fig. 7 A.

Be connected to a sensor S of the second evaporimeter 34 ₇Can be configured to measure the temperature of the second evaporimeter 34.Therefore, in case controller 50 determine the second evaporimeters 34 be heated to above water freezing point (0 ° of C) the sufficiently long time of first object temperature and can melt the frost that the second evaporimeter gathers on pipe 152, controller 50 stops the second defroster heating 154 in step 230, and allows " Drain time " of one section setting that extra water is dropped onto the second drippage dish 156 around pipe 152 from the second evaporimeter.In one example, this first object temperature can be about 10 ° of C.In this section after " Drain time " occured, controller 50 step 232 again by triple valve 28 with cold-producing medium 40 be guided through the first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 the two, thereby, cool off the second evaporator compartment 80.The second evaporimeter 34 then can be by opening the third and

fourth air door

72,74 and start the second evaporator fan 70 and normally use as shown in Fig. 7 B.As the result of the second heat shield 78, defrost cycle does not cause the significant temperature fluctuation in the inner space that is cooled 18 of cabinet 12.

And

double evaporators

32,34 configuration modes also are favourable after door 16 is opened initially cooling off cabinet 12 or closelying follow.In this, controller 50 also is used for ordering in these cases refrigerator 10 to carry out the cool cycles that increases.In the cool cycles of this growth, controller 50 is controlled triple valve 28, cold-producing medium 40 is guided through in the first and

second evaporimeters

32,34 both.Controller 50 also makes the first, second, third and the

4th air door

66,68,72,74 open, so that remove heat by two

evaporimeters

32,34 inner spaces that are cooled 18 from cabinet 12 simultaneously.When refrigerator 10 initial starts or immediately following after door 16 is opened, this process advantageously and promptly the inner space 18 that is cooled is turned back to the cooling storage temperature of expectation.

Briefly describe as mentioned, in an alternative embodiment, defrost cycle can be the defrost cycle that adaptive capacity is arranged, and this defrost cycle optionally is unlocked in the

step

202 and 218 of method 200.Have in the defrost cycle of adaptive capacity at this, the duration between the defrost cycle and the duration of defrost cycle are modified based on a plurality of operational factors that monitor by controller 50.For example, traditional time-based defrost cycle can make the first and second defroster heatings 144,154 operations 10 minutes in per 6 hours.Compare, the actual temperature and the door that have the defrost cycle of adaptive capacity to monitor to keep in the cabinet 12 are opened number of times and 16 total times that are opened of door.These and other factors are considered, with how long determine before next defrost cycle is activated, should to have and in next defrost cycle the first and second defroster heatings 144,154 how long should move.In this respect, if the door 16 of cabinet 12 often be not opened in the process in 6 hours and the first and/or

second evaporimeter

32,34 keeping being cooled preferred temperature in the section 84 aspect have no problem, so next defrost cycle can be delayed extra a few hours and/or the duration of being shortened.Therefore, have the defrost cycle of adaptive capacity to have higher energy efficiency because the first and second evaporimeters around pipe 142,152 only defrost cycle when being essential ability defrosted.In addition, there is the defrost cycle of adaptive capacity automatically to regulate refrigerator 10, thereby in various ambient conditions, correctly and efficiently moves.

Although the present invention is demonstrated by detailed description of illustrative embodiments, although and this embodiment quite explained, this is not restriction or by any mode claim is defined as this details.Additional benefit and improvement will be expected those of skill in the art.The present invention is not restricted to specific detail, representative device and method and the illustrative example that institute shows and illustrates aspect widely at it.Therefore, can in the situation of the spirit of the present general inventive concept that does not break away from the application or scope, make amendment to these details.

Claims

1. refrigerator comprises:

Cabinet with single inner space that is cooled;

The cryogenic fluid loop that is used for circulating refrigerant, described cryogenic fluid loop comprises compressor, condenser, expansion gear, be positioned at the first evaporimeter of cabinet, be positioned at the second evaporimeter and the triple valve of cabinet, and described triple valve can make cold-producing medium optionally by one in the first and second evaporimeters or both;

The first evaporimeter comprise the first evaporimeter around pipe, produce by the first evaporimeter around the first evaporator fan of the air stream of pipe and the first evaporator shield that the first evaporator compartment and the inner space that is cooled are separated;

The second evaporimeter comprise the second evaporimeter around pipe, produce by the second evaporimeter around the second evaporator fan of the air stream of pipe and the second evaporator shield that the second evaporator compartment and the inner space that is cooled are separated;

At least one first air door, described at least one first air door can be opened, and cycles through first evaporimeter from the inner space that is cooled by the first evaporator shield to allow air; And

At least one second air door, described at least one second air door can be opened, and cycles through second evaporimeter from the inner space that is cooled by the second evaporator shield to allow air;

When wherein, the evaporimeter of triple valve in the first and second evaporimeters need to defrost cold-producing medium only is directed in another evaporimeter.

2. refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the first evaporimeter comprises the first defroster heating, and refrigerator also comprises:

Can when the first evaporimeter need to defrost, order refrigerator to carry out the controller of following steps:

Utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium only is guided through the second evaporimeter;

Utilize the second evaporimeter to remove heat from the inner space that is cooled;

Shut-down operation the first evaporator fan;

Close described at least one first air door, so that the first evaporimeter separates with the inner space that is cooled; And

Start the operation of the first defroster heating.

3. refrigerator as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, the second evaporimeter comprises the second defroster heating, and described controller can also order refrigerator to carry out following steps when the second evaporimeter need to defrost:

Utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium only is guided through the first evaporimeter;

Utilize the first evaporimeter to remove heat from the inner space that is cooled;

Shut-down operation the second evaporator fan;

Close described at least one second air door, so that the second evaporimeter separates with the inner space that is cooled; And

Start the operation of the second defroster heating.

4. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim of front, it is characterized in that, controller can also or be closelyed follow in the process of the described inner space that is cooled of initial cooling and be ordered refrigerator to carry out following steps after cabinet is opened:

Utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium is guided through the first and second evaporimeters; And

Utilize simultaneously the first evaporimeter and the second evaporimeter to remove heat from the inner space that is cooled.

5. refrigerator as claimed in claim 4 as claimed in claim 3 or when right requires 4 to quote claim 3, it is characterized in that, described controller can be revised the duration that duration between defrost cycle and the first or second defroster heating operate based at least one measurable operating parameter in defrost cycle.

6. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim of front, it is characterized in that, described refrigerator also comprises:

Can or closely follow in the process of the described inner space that is cooled of initial cooling orders refrigerator to carry out the controller of following steps after cabinet is opened:

7. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim of front, it is characterized in that, described expansion gear comprises at least one in capillary or the valve.

8. refrigerator as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, expansion gear comprise be arranged on the first capillary between triple valve and the first evaporimeter and be arranged on triple valve and the second evaporimeter between the second capillary.

9. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim of front, it is characterized in that, the cryogenic fluid loop also comprises the accumulation device that is operably connected to the first and second evaporimeters and compressor.

10. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim of front, it is characterized in that, described cryogenic fluid loop also comprises the filter/drying device that is operably connected to described condenser and described expansion gear.

11. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim of front, it is characterized in that, described at least one first air door comprises two the first air door parts, one of them the first air door part allows air to flow into the first evaporimeter from the inner space that is cooled at open position, and another the first air door part allows air to flow into the inner space that is cooled from the first evaporimeter at open position.

12. refrigerator as claimed in claim 11, it is characterized in that, described at least one second air door comprises two the second air door parts, one of them the second air door part allows air to flow into the second evaporimeter from the inner space that is cooled at open position, and another the second air door part allows air to flow into the inner space that is cooled from the second evaporimeter at open position.

13. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim of front, it is characterized in that, the first and second evaporator compartment are close to and are separated by partition wall.

14. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim of front, it is characterized in that, each in the first and second evaporator shields includes a plurality of thermal insulation boards.

15. a method that operates refrigerator, described refrigerator comprises: the cabinet with single inner space that is cooled; The cryogenic fluid loop, described cryogenic fluid loop comprises compressor, condenser, is positioned at cabinet and has the first evaporator fan and the first evaporimeter of the first defroster heating, be positioned at cabinet and have the second evaporator fan and the second evaporimeter and the triple valve of the second defroster heating, described triple valve can make cold-producing medium optionally compressor/condenser, with the first and second evaporimeters in one or transmit between the two; At least one first air door, described at least one first air door are configured to the first evaporimeter and the inner space that is cooled are separated; And at least one second air door, described at least one second air door is configured to the second evaporimeter and the inner space that is cooled are separated, and described method comprises:

When the first evaporimeter need to defrost, utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium only is guided through the second evaporimeter;

Shut-down operation the first evaporator fan;

Start the operation of the first defroster heating.

16. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, described method also comprises:

When the second evaporimeter need to defrost, utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium only is guided through the first evaporimeter;

Shut-down operation the second evaporator fan;

Start the operation of the second defroster heating.

17. such as claim 15 or 16 described methods, it is characterized in that, described method also comprises:

In the process of the described inner space that is cooled of initial cooling or immediately following after cabinet is opened, utilize triple valve that cold-producing medium is guided through the first and second evaporimeters; And

18. such as arbitrary described method in the claim 15 to 17, it is characterized in that, described refrigerator is arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim 1 to 14.

19. such as arbitrary described refrigerator in the claim 1 to 14, it is characterized in that, described refrigerator can be according to claim 15 in 117 arbitrary described method operate.