EP4617592A1

EP4617592A1 - Refrigeration device

Info

Publication number: EP4617592A1
Application number: EP23917699.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jun Yoshioka; Hidekazu Okada; Naoki Yanagihara
Original assignee: PHC Holdings Corp
Current assignee: PHC Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2023-01-19
Filing date: 2023-12-13
Publication date: 2025-09-17
Also published as: WO2024154488A1; US20250305725A1; CN120344807A; JPWO2024154488A1; EP4617592A4

Abstract

This refrigeration device comprises: a first cooling device that detects the temperature of a first region of a storage chamber and cools the first region; a second cooling device that detects the temperature of a second region of the storage chamber and cools the second region; and a control unit that controls the cooling operations of the first cooling device and the second cooling device in conjunction with each other on the basis of the temperature detected by one cooling device among the first cooling device and the second cooling device.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus.

Background Art

A refrigeration apparatus that includes a box body having a storage chamber as disclosed in Patent Literature (Hereinafter, referred to as PTL) 1 has been known. Such a refrigeration apparatus includes a first cooling device and a second cooling device for cooling the storage chamber.

Citation List

Patent Literature

PTL 1
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-190917

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

A refrigeration apparatus having high cooling performance is desired for the above-described refrigeration apparatus.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration apparatus having high cooling performance.

Solution to Problem

One aspect of a refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first cooling device that detects a temperature of a first area of a storage chamber and cools the first area; a second cooling device that detects a temperature of a second area of the storage chamber and cools the second area; and a controller that controls a cooling operation of the first cooling device and a cooling operation of the second cooling device in a coordinated manner based on a detected temperature of one cooling device of the first cooling device and the second cooling device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigeration apparatus having high cooling performance.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the refrigeration apparatus in a state where a door is omitted;
FIG. 3 is another front view of the refrigeration apparatus in the state where the door is omitted;
FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a cooling device;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first control performed by a controller; and
FIG. 6 is a timing chart related to the operation of a compressor.

Description of Embodiments

Hereinafter, a refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The matters described below together with the accompanying drawings are provided for describing an exemplary embodiment and not for indicating a sole embodiment.

[Embodiment]

Refrigeration apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of refrigeration apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of refrigeration apparatus 1 in a state where the door is omitted. FIG. 3 is a front view of refrigeration apparatus 1 in a state where left-side cover 213a and right-side cover 213b are omitted from refrigeration apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a cooling device.
Refrigeration apparatus 1 is, for example, an ultra-low temperature freezer. An ultra-low temperature freezer refers to a freezer that cools the interior to an ultra-low temperature (e.g., approximately -80°C). Note that, refrigeration apparatus 1 may be a pharmaceutical refrigerator, a blood bank refrigerator, or a thermostat.
Note that, in the following descriptions of the structures of refrigeration apparatus 1 and each member constituting refrigeration apparatus 1, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) illustrated in each drawing is sometimes used. The X direction corresponds to the front-rear direction of refrigeration apparatus 1. The positive (+) side in the X direction corresponds to the front side of refrigeration apparatus 1. The negative (-) side in the X direction corresponds to the rear side of refrigeration apparatus 1.
Furthermore, the Y direction corresponds to the left-right direction and the width direction of refrigeration apparatus 1. The positive (+) side in the Y direction corresponds to the left side when refrigeration apparatus 1 is viewed from the front thereof. The negative (-) side in the Y direction corresponds to the right side when refrigeration apparatus 1 is viewed from the front thereof. The Z direction corresponds to the upper-lower direction of refrigeration apparatus 1. The positive (+) side in the Z direction corresponds to the upper side of refrigeration apparatus 1. The negative (-) side in the Z-direction corresponds to the lower side of refrigeration apparatus 1.
In the following, the basic configuration of refrigeration apparatus 1 will be briefly described. Refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes main body 2 and machine storage section 3 provided under main body 2.
Main body 2 includes box body 21 and door 22.
Box body 21 is formed of, for example, metal plates and/or synthetic resin plates. Box body 21 is composed of a box-shaped member with an open front side. In the central portion of opening portion 210 of box body 21 in the left-right direction, pole portion 211 extending in the upper-lower direction is provided. Box body 21 may have a dual structure including an inner box and an outer box covering the inner box.
The upper end portion of pole portion 211 is fixed to the front end portion of top plate portion 212 (described later) of box body 21. The lower end portion of pole portion 211 is fixed to the front end portion of bottom plate portion 216 (described later) of box body 21.
Box body 21 includes top plate portion 212, rear plate portion 213, left plate portion 214, right plate portion 215, and bottom plate portion 216. Box body 21 further includes storage chamber 217, which is a space surrounded by top plate portion 212, rear plate portion 213, left plate portion 214, right plate portion 215, and bottom plate portion 216.
In the present embodiment, storage chamber 217 is composed of a single space. However, for convenience of description, a space in storage chamber 217 to the left of pole portion 211 (that is, a space of left half portion of storage chamber 217) is referred to as left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217. Left-side area 217a corresponds to an exemplary first area.
Furthermore, a space in storage chamber 217 to the right of pole portion 211 (that is, a space of right half portion of storage chamber 217) is referred to as right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217. Right-side area 217b corresponds to an exemplary second area.
Note that a heat insulating material (not shown) is disposed in a space between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of box body 21.
Door 22 is a so-called sliding-type door, and is provided in opening portion 210 of storage chamber 217. Door 22 closes storage chamber 217 from the front.
Door 22 includes left-side door 220 and right-side door 221. Left-side door 220 corresponds to an exemplary first door. Left-side door 220 is provided between a first inner rail (not shown) provided on top plate portion 212 and a second inner rail (not shown) provided on bottom plate portion 216. Left-side door 220 can be moved left and right while being guided by the first inner rail and the second inner rail.
Right-side door 221 corresponds to an exemplary second door, and is provided between a first outer rail (not shown) provided on top plate portion 212 and a second outer rail (not shown) provided on bottom plate portion 216. Right-side door 221 is provided outside (in other words, on the front side of) left-side door 220. Right-side door 221 can be moved left and right while being guided by the first outer rail and the second outer rail.
A state in which left-side door 220 is positioned on the leftmost side is a closed state of left-side door 220. In the closed state, left-side door 220 faces left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217 in the front-rear direction. In other words, in the closed state, left-side door 220 closes left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217 from the front.
Note that the state in which left-side door 220 is moved to the right side relative to the position in the closed state is an open state of left-side door 220. Furthermore, a state in which left-side door 220 is positioned on the rightmost side is referred to as a fully open state of left-side door 220.
A state in which right-side door 221 is positioned on the rightmost side is a closed state of right-side door 221. In the closed state, right-side door 221 faces right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217 in the front-rear direction. In other words, in the closed state, right-side door 221 closes right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217 from the front.
Note that the state in which right-side door 221 is moved to the left side relative to the position in the closed state is an open state of right-side door 221. Furthermore, a state in which right-side door 221 is positioned on the leftmost side is referred to as a fully open state of right-side door 221.
When left-side door 220 is in the closed state and right-side door 221 is in the closed state, door 22 is in a closed state. On the other hand, when left-side door 220 or right-side door 221 is in the open state, door 22 is in an open state.
Note that the structure of the door is not limited to the above-described structure of door 22. The door may be, for example, a so-called double door composed of a pair of doors provided to be rotatable.
Machine storage section 3 is disposed directly under main body 2. Some of devices constituting cooling device 4 (see FIG. 4) are disposed in machine storage section 3. The devices disposed in machine storage section 3 are, for example, left-side compressor 500, left-side pressure reducer 502, right-side compressor 600, and right-side pressure reducer 602, which will be described later. Cooling device 4 is configured to be capable of cooling storage chamber 217 to a predetermined temperature or lower (e.g.,-80°C or lower).
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, cooling device 4 includes left-side cooling device 5, right-side cooling device 6, and controller 7. Left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 are cooling devices independent of each other.
Left-side cooling device 5 corresponds to an exemplary first cooling device, and cools storage chamber 217. Specifically, left-side cooling device 5 cools left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217.
Left-side cooling device 5 includes left-side refrigeration circuit 50, left-side first temperature detector 51, left-side second temperature detector 52, and left-side blower 53.
Left-side refrigeration circuit 50 includes left-side compressor 500, left-side condenser 501, left-side pressure reducer 502, and left-side evaporator 503.
Elements constituting left-side refrigeration circuit 50 are connected to each other through a pipe (also referred to as a left pipe or a first pipe). A refrigerant in the pipe circulates, while changing its state, through left-side refrigeration circuit 50 in the direction indicated by arrow As in FIG. 4, thereby cooling storage chamber 217.
Left-side compressor 500 corresponds to an exemplary first compressor, and operates under the control of controller 7 (described later) to move the refrigerant in the pipe. The refrigerant discharged from left-side compressor 500 (also referred to as a first refrigerant) passes through each of the elements constituting left-side refrigeration circuit 50 and returns to left-side compressor 500. The first refrigerant flows in left-side refrigeration circuit 50 in the direction indicated by arrow As in FIG. 4. Detailed operation of left-side compressor 500 will be described later.
The configurations of left-side condenser 501 and left-side pressure reducer 502 are the same as the configurations of the condenser and the pressure reducer of the conventionally-known refrigeration apparatus, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.
Left-side evaporator 503 corresponds to an exemplary first cooling unit, and is, for example, a pipe made of copper or aluminum. Left-side evaporator 503 is provided to rear plate portion 213 of box body 21. Specifically, left-side evaporator 503 is provided to the left half portion of rear plate portion 213.
In other words, left-side evaporator 503 is provided to rear plate portion 213 at a position facing left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217 in the front-rear direction.
Left-side evaporator 503 extends downward from above while meandering in the left-right direction. Left-side evaporator 503 is covered from the front by left-side cover 213a that is fixed to the front surface of rear plate portion 213.
Left-side cooling space 218a is present between rear plate portion 213 and left-side cover 213a. The refrigerant evaporates inside left-side evaporator 503, which causes the air in left-side cooling space 218a in contact with left-side evaporator 503 to be cooled.
The air (cool air) cooled in left-side cooling space 218a is blown to left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217 by left-side blower 53 to be described later. As a result, left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217 is cooled.
Left-side first temperature detector 51 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is provided at left-side evaporator 503. Left-side first temperature detector 51 detects the temperature of left-side evaporator 503. Left-side first temperature detector 51 transmits the detected information (detection value) to controller 7 to be described later.
Such a detection value from left-side first temperature detector 51 is used for controlling left-side heater 54 (see FIG. 4) to remove frost generated on left-side evaporator 503 (also referred to as defrosting control).
Left-side second temperature detector 52 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is provided in left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217. Specifically, left-side second temperature detector 52 is provided at an upper end portion of left-side cooling space 218a.
Left-side second temperature detector 52 detects the temperature of the cool air blown by left-side blower 53 to be described later. The cool air blown by left-side blower 53 is cool air blown from left-side cooling space 218a to left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217 by left-side blower 53. Left-side second temperature detector 52 transmits the detected information (detection value) to controller 7 to be described later.
Such a detection value from left-side second temperature detector 52 is used for controlling the operation of left-side compressor 500 (also referred to as compressor control).
Left-side blower 53 blows the cool air in left-side cooling space 218a to storage chamber 217 (specifically, left-side area 217a) under the control of controller 7 to be described later. In other words, refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called forced-convection type refrigeration apparatus that circulates cool air in storage chamber 217 by a blower.
Left-side blower 53 is a blower such as a fan. Left-side blower 53 is provided on left-side cover 213a. Specifically, left-side blower 53 is provided on an upper end portion in the central portion of left-side cover 213a in the left-right direction.
Left-side blower 53 faces left-side area 217a in the front-rear direction. Further, left-side blower 53 faces left-side door 220 in the front-rear direction in the closed state of left-side door 220. That is, the cool air blown by left-side blower 53 flows toward left-side door 220 in the closed state of left door 220.
Note that the position of the left-side blower is not limited to the above-described position. The left-side blower may be provided at various positions at which the left-side blower can blow the cool air to left-side area 217a.
Right-side cooling device 6 corresponds to an exemplary second cooling device, and cools storage chamber 217. Specifically, right-side cooling device 6 cools right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217.
Right-side cooling device 6 includes right-side refrigeration circuit 60, right-side first temperature detector 61, right-side second temperature detector 62, and right-side blower 63.
Right-side refrigeration circuit 60 includes right-side compressor 600, right-side condenser 601, right-side pressure reducer 602, and right-side evaporator 603. Such right-side refrigeration circuit 60 is a refrigeration circuit having the same configuration (in other words, having the same cooling performance) as left-side refrigeration circuit 50. Right-side refrigeration circuit 60 is a refrigeration circuit separate from left-side refrigeration circuit 50.
Elements constituting right-side refrigeration circuit 60 are connected to each other through a pipe (also referred to as a left-side pipe or a second pipe). A refrigerant in the pipe circulates, while changing its state, through right-side refrigeration circuit 60 in the direction indicated by arrow A₆ in FIG. 4, thereby cooling storage chamber 217.
Right-side compressor 600 corresponds to an exemplary second compressor, and operates under the control of controller 7 (described later) to move the refrigerant in the pipe. The refrigerant discharged from right-side compressor 600 (also referred to as a second refrigerant) passes through each of the elements constituting right-side refrigeration circuit 60 and returns to right-side compressor 600. The second refrigerant flows in right-side refrigeration circuit 60 in the direction indicated by arrow A₆ in FIG. 4. Detailed operation of right-side compressor 600 will be described later.
The configurations of right-side condenser 601 and right-side pressure reducer 602 are the same as the configurations of the condenser and the pressure reducer of the conventionally-known refrigeration apparatus, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.
Right-side evaporator 603 corresponds to an exemplary second cooling unit, and is, for example, a pipe made of copper or aluminum. Right-side evaporator 603 is provided to rear plate portion 213 of box body 21. Specifically, right-side evaporator 603 is provided to the right half portion of rear plate portion 213. In other words, right-side evaporator 603 is provided to rear plate portion 213 at a position facing right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217 in the front-rear direction.
Right-side evaporator 603 extends downward from above while meandering in the left-right direction. Right-side evaporator 603 is covered from the front by right-side cover 213b that is fixed to the front surface of rear plate portion 213.
Right-side cooling space 218b is present between rear plate portion 213 and right-side cover 213b. The refrigerant evaporates inside right-side evaporator 603, which causes the air in right-side cooling space 218b in contact with right-side evaporator 603 to be cooled.
The air (cool air) cooled in right-side cooling space 218b is blown to right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217 by right-side blower 63 to be described later. As a result, right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217 is cooled.
Right-side first temperature detector 61 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is provided at right-side evaporator 603. Right-side first temperature detector 61 detects the temperature of right-side evaporator 603. Right-side first temperature detector 61 transmits the detected information (detection value) to controller 7 to be described later.
Such a detection value from right-side first temperature detector 61 is used for controlling right-side heater 64 (see FIG. 4) to remove frost generated on right-side evaporator 603 (also referred to as defrosting control).
Right-side second temperature detector 62 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is provided in right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217. Specifically, right-side second temperature detector 62 is provided at an upper end portion of right-side cooling space 218b.
Right-side second temperature detector 62 detects the temperature of the cool air blown by right-side blower 63 to be described later. The cool air blown by right-side blower 63 is cool air blown from right-side cooling space 218b to right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217. Right-side second temperature detector 62 transmits the detected information (detection value) to controller 7 to be described later.
Such a detection value from right-side second temperature detector 62 is used for controlling the operation of right-side compressor 600 (also referred to as compressor control).
Right-side blower 63 blows the cool air in right-side cooling space 218b to storage chamber 217 (specifically, right-side area 217b) under the control of controller 7 to be described later.
Right-side blower 63 is a blower such as a fan. Right-side blower 63 is provided on right-side cover 213b. Specifically, right-side blower 63 is provided on an upper end portion in a central portion of right-side cover 213b in the left-right direction.
Right-side blower 63 faces right-side area 217b in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, right-side blower 63 faces right-side door 221 in the front-rear direction in the closed state of right-side door 221. In other words, the cool air blown by right-side blower 63 flows toward right-side door 221 in the closed state of right-side door 221.
Note that the position of the right-side blower is not limited to the above-described position. The right-side blower may be provided at various positions at which the right-side blower can blow the cool air to right-side area 217b.
The operation of cooling device 4 having the above-described configuration is controlled by controller 7. Controller 7 may be a general-purpose (micro) computer including an input port, an output port, an arithmetic device, and the like.
In substance, controller 7 may have a configuration in which a CPU, ROM, RAM, an HDD, and the like are connected by a bus, or a configuration composed of a one-chip LSI or the like. Controller 7 is disposed in machine storage section 3, for example.
In the following, the control executed by controller 7 will be described. Controller 7 controls the operations of left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 according to the state of refrigeration apparatus 1.
First, a first control executed by controller 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first control. FIG. 6 is a timing chart related to the operations of left-side compressor 500 and right-side compressor 600 in the first control.
The first control is a control for improving the cooling performance of cooling device 4. In the first control, controller 7 controls the cooling operations of left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 in coordination based on the detected temperature of one of left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6.
Specifically, in the first control, controller 7 controls left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 in coordination based on the detected temperature of the cooling device of which the detected temperature is higher between left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6.
Note that the control in coordination means that controller 7 controls the operations of left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 in association with each other based on common information (detected temperature of one of the cooling devices).
In step S1 in FIG. 5, controller 7 acquires temperature information. Specifically, controller 7 acquires information that has been detected by left-side second temperature detector 52 (hereinafter, also referred to as first temperature information), from left-side second temperature detector 52 of left-side cooling device 5 at a predetermined timing (time interval).
The first temperature information is information on the temperature of the cool air blown by left-side blower 53. Specifically, the first temperature information is information on the temperature of the cool air blown from left-side cooling space 218a to left-side area 217a of storage chamber 217. The first temperature information may be regarded as information detected by left-side cooling device 5.
Furthermore, controller 7 acquires information (hereinafter, also referred to as second temperature information) that has been detected by right-side second temperature detector 62, from right-side second temperature detector 62 of right-side cooling device 6 at a predetermined timing (time interval).
The second temperature information is information on the temperature of the cool air blown by right-side blower 63. Specifically, the second temperature information is information on the temperature of the cool air blown from right-side cooling space 218b to right-side area 217b of storage chamber 217. The second temperature information may be regarded as information detected by right-side cooling device 6.
The timing at which controller 7 acquires the first temperature information and the timing at which controller 7 acquires the second temperature information may be the same.
Next, controller 7 compares the temperature information in step S2 in FIG. 5. Specifically, controller 7 compares the acquired first temperature information and the second temperature information together.
Next, in step S3 in FIG. 5, controller 7 identifies a cooling device to be driven first. Specifically, controller 7 identifies the cooling device that has detected temperature information indicating a higher temperature between left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6, as a specific cooling device to start a cooling operation first.
Note that, in Step S3 in FIG. 5, a cooling device that is not identified as a specific cooling device is referred to as a non-specific cooling device. The non-specific cooling device is a cooling device that starts a cooling operation after the specific cooling device.
For example, in a case where the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is higher than the temperature indicated by the second temperature information, left-side cooling device 5 is a specific cooling device. On the other hand, in a case where the temperature indicated by the second temperature information is higher than the temperature indicated by the first temperature information, right-side cooling device 6 is a specific cooling device.
Note that there may be a case where controller 7 identifies no specific cooling device in Step S3 in FIG. 5. Specifically, controller 7 need not identify a specific cooling device in a case where the temperatures indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature information are both equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.
In the case where no specific cooling device is identified in Step S3 in FIG. 5, the differential control of compressors to be described later need not be performed. This is because storage chamber 217 is sufficiently cooled when the temperatures indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature information are both equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature corresponds to an exemplary second threshold.
The processing of steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 5 as described above may be performed while left-side compressor 500 of left-side cooling device 5 and right-side compressor 600 of right-side cooling device 6 are stopped (also referred to as an OFF state of the compressors).
However, the processing of steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 5 as described above may be performed while left-side compressor 500 of left-side cooling device 5 and right-side compressor 600 of right-side cooling device 6 are driven (also referred to as an ON state of the compressors).
The processing of steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 5 may be regarded as processing performed as pre-processing of each cycle operation in differential control of compressors to be described later.
Next, in step S4 in FIG. 5, controller 7 controls the operation of the cooling device. The control performed by controller 7 in step S4 in FIG. 5 is referred to as differential control of compressors.
The differential control of compressors corresponds to exemplary compressor control, and may be performed in a case where controller 7 identifies a specific cooling device in the above-described step S3.
The differential control of compressors is a control of shifting, by a specified time, the timing at which the compressor of the specific cooling device is set to an OFF state and the timing at which the compressor of the non-specific cooling device is set to an OFF state.
Note that, setting the compressor of the specific cooling device to an OFF state corresponds to turning OFF the cooling operation of the specific cooling device. In addition, setting the compressor of the specific cooling device to an ON state corresponds to turning ON the cooling operation of the specific cooling device.
Furthermore, setting the compressor of the non-specific cooling device to an OFF state corresponds to turning OFF the cooling operation of the non-specific cooling device. In addition, setting the compressor of the non-specific cooling device to an ON state corresponds to turning ON the cooling operation of the non-specific cooling device. Hereinafter, specific processing of differential control of compressors will be described.
In step S4, controller 7 sets a cooling device identified as a specific cooling device to an ON state first. At this time, a non-specific cooling device that is not identified as a specific cooling device is in an OFF state.
With reference to FIG. 6, exemplary differential control of compressors in a case where the specific cooling device is left-side cooling device 5 and the non-specific cooling device is right-side cooling device 6 will be described. Thus, in the following description, left-side cooling device 5 may be appropriately read as a specific cooling device. Furthermore, in the following description, right-side cooling device 6 may be appropriately read as a non-specific cooling device.
In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents time. At the time of time T₁ in FIG. 6, the processing of the above-described steps S1 to S3 is completed. The specific cooling device is left-side cooling device 5. In other words, a cooling device having a higher detected temperature between left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 is left-side cooling device 5.
In the case where the specific cooling device is left-side cooling device 5, controller 7 controls the operations of left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 in coordination based on the first temperature information in the differential control of compressors.
For convenience of description, it is assumed that left-side compressor 500 of left-side cooling device 5 and right-side compressor 600 of right-side cooling device 6 are in a stopped state (OFF state) before time T₁ in FIG. 6.
Controller 7 drives left-side compressor 500 of left-side cooling device 5 at time T₁. In other words, controller 7 sets left-side compressor 500 to a driving state (ON state). At time T₁, right-side compressor 600 is in a stopped state (OFF state).
Then, controller 7 sets left-side compressor 500 to an OFF state at time T₂. Controller 7 determines the timing at which left-side compressor 500 is set to an OFF state (that is, time T₂) based on the first temperature information. The first temperature information is information acquired by controller 7 from left-side second temperature detector 52 after time T₁ (that is, in an ON state of left-side compressor 500).
Specifically, controller 7 sets left-side compressor 500 to an OFF state in a case where the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is equal to a higher than a predetermined temperature in an ON state of left-side compressor 500. The predetermined temperature is a threshold for determining the timing of switching the compressor of the specific cooling device from an ON state to an OFF state. The threshold corresponds to an exemplary first threshold.
Note that controller 7 may adjust the output (in other words, rotational speed) of left-side compressor 500 according to the temperature indicated by the first temperature information. In this case, left-side compressor 500 may be a compressor with adjustable output (rotational speed) (e.g., inverter compressor). However, left-side compressor 500 may be a compressor with a constant output (rotational speed).
As described above, time T₂ is determined based on the first temperature information acquired by controller 7 from left-side second temperature detector 52 in an ON state of left-side compressor 500. That is, the operation time of left-side compressor 500 is not a predetermined time, but a time determined according to the first temperature information. Therefore, the operation time of the specific cooling device in one cycle operation of compressor control to be described later is determined for each cycle operation.
Furthermore, controller 7 sets right-side compressor 600 to an ON state at time T₂. In other words, in the present example, controller 7 sets right-side compressor 600 to an ON state at the same time as setting left-side compressor 500 to an OFF state. Thus, in one cycle operation of the compressor control to be described later, there is no time when both left-side compressor 500 and right-side compressor 600 are not being driven.
The time from time T₁ to time T₂ is referred to as a compressor differential time. The compressor differential time is a time from driving left-side compressor 500 to driving right-side compressor 600.
Note that, in the present example, the time from time T₁ to time T₂ is also a time from when left-side compressor 500 is set to an ON state to when left-side compressor 500 is set to an OFF state (that is, the operation time of left-side compressor 500). Thus, the compressor differential time is equal to the operation time of left-side compressor 500.
However, the compressor differential time may be different from the operation time of left-side compressor 500. In other words, controller 7 may set right-side compressor 600 to an ON state while left-side compressor 500 is in an ON state.
As described above, the compressor differential time is not a predetermined time, but is a time determined by controller 7 according to the first temperature information.
Controller 7 maintains the OFF state of left-side compressor 500 until time T₃. Furthermore, controller 7 maintains the ON state of right-side compressor 600 until time T₃. Then, controller 7 sets right-side compressor 600 to an OFF state at time T₃.
The time from time T₂ to time T₃ is referred to as a compressor stop time. The compressor stop time may be a preset value. Alternatively, the compressor stop time may be determined based on the above-described compressor differential time.
Note that the compressor stop time can also be regarded as a time provided for safely using the compressor. It is preferred that the compressor stop time is within a time predetermined by the manufacturer as the specification of the compressor.
Although detailed description is omitted, controller 7 drives left-side heater 54 while left-side compressor 500 is in an OFF state to perform defrosting control for removing frost from left-side evaporator 503 (also referred to as left-side defrosting control). Left-side heater 54 corresponds to an example of a first heater and is provided around left-side evaporator 503.
In addition, controller 7 drives right-side heater 64 in an OFF state of right-side compressor 600 to perform defrosting control for removing frost from right-side evaporator 603 (also referred to as right-side defrosting control). Right-side heater 64 corresponds to an example of a second heater, and is provided around right-side evaporator 603.
Controller 7 performs the above-described processing of steps S1 to S3 at time T₃ or prior to time T₃. Controller 7 then performs the process of step S4 again after time T₃.
Note that the operation from time T₁ to time T₃ is referred to as one cycle operation of compressor control. The one cycle operation of the compressor control may be regarded as an operation including the ON state of the compressor of the specific cooling device and the OFF state of the compressor of the specific cooling device one by one.
The time of the one cycle operation (cycle time) is the sum of the operation time (i.e., the time of ON state) and the stop time (i.e., the time of OFF state) of the compressor of the specific cooling device. Because the operation time of the compressor of the specific cooling device is determined based on the detected temperature of the specific cooling device (that is, the first temperature information), the time of the one cycle operation of the compressor control may be different for each cycle operation.
The time of the one cycle operation of left-side compressor 500 corresponds to an example of a first cycle time. The time of the one cycle operation of right-side compressor 600 corresponds to an example of a second cycle time.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the one cycle operation of left-side compressor 500 is an operation of left-side compressor 500 from time T₁ to time T₃. The one cycle operation of right-side compressor 600 corresponding to this one cycle operation of left-side compressor 500 is an operation of right-side compressor 600 from time T₁ to time T₃. Thus, the first cycle time and the second cycle time are equal.
After time T₃ in FIG. 6, the processing corresponding to the above-described step S4 is repeated based on the result of the processing corresponding to the above-described steps S1 to S3 performed by controller 7 before time T₃.
FIG. 6 also illustrates the states of left-side compressor 500 and right-side compressor 600 after time T₃. Specifically, controller 7 sets left-side compressor 500 to an ON state at time T₃. Furthermore, in the timing chart illustrated in FIG. 6, controller 7 sets right-side compressor 600 to an OFF state at time T₃.
This is because left-side cooling device 5 is identified as a specific cooling device again according to the processing corresponding to the above-described steps S1 to S3 performed by controller 7 before time T₃.
In a case where right-side cooling device 6 is identified as a specific cooling device according to the above-described steps S1 to S3 performed by controller 7 before time T₃, controller 7 sets right-side compressor 600 to an ON state at time T₃.
In the case where right-side cooling device 6 is identified as a specific cooling device according to the above-described steps S1 to S3 performed by controller 7 before time T₃, controller 7 sets left-side compressor 500 to an OFF state at time T₃.
As described above, controller 7 shifts the timing at which left-side compressor 500 is set to an OFF state (specifically, time T₂) and the timing at which right-side compressor 600 is set to an OFF state (specifically, time T₃) by a specified time in one cycle operation of the compressor control.
In addition, in the one cycle operation of the compressor control, controller 7 determines the timing at which left-side compressor 500 is set to an ON state and the timing at which right-side compressor 600 is set to an ON state, based on the first temperature information acquired from left-side cooling device 5 (that is, specific cooling device).
In other words, in the one cycle operation of the compressor control, controller 7 controls left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 in coordination based on the first temperature information acquired from left-side cooling device 5 (that is, specific cooling device).
More specifically, in the one cycle operation of the compressor control, controller 7 controls left-side compressor 500 and right-side compressor 600 based on the first temperature information acquired from left-side cooling device 5 (that is, specific cooling device) without using the second temperature information detected by right-side cooling device 6 (that is, non-specific cooling device).
Next, the second control performed by controller 7 will be described.
The second control is a control performed by controller 7 independently of the first control described above. However, the second control may be performed by controller 7 while the above-described first control is performed.
In the second control, controller 7 controls left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 according to the open/closed state of door 22.
Specifically, in the open state of left-side door 220 or right-side door 221, controller 7 controls cooling device 4 (specifically, left-side cooling device 5 or right-side cooling device 6) to stop the blowing of the cool air to an area facing the door that is in an open state.
More specifically, in the open state of left-side door 220, controller 7 controls left-side cooling device 5 to stop blowing the cool air to left-side area 217a. In other words, controller 7 stops left-side blower 53 in the open state of left-side door 220. Such a configuration contributes to suppressing the outflow of the cool air in left-side area 217a to the outside. Note that left-side compressor 500 may be in an ON state or an OFF state while left-side blower 53 is stopped.
Furthermore, in the open state of right-side door 221, controller 7 controls right-side cooling device 6 to stop the blowing of the cool air to right-side area 217b. In other words, controller 7 stops right-side blower 63 in the open state of right-side door 221. Such a configuration contributes to suppressing the outflow of the cool air in right-side area 217b to the outside. Note that right-side compressor 600 may be in an ON state or an OFF state while right-side blower 63 is stopped.
Refrigeration apparatus 1 includes an opening/closing detector (not shown) for detecting the state of door 22. Specifically, refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a left-side opening/closing detector (not shown) for detecting the state of left-side door 220.
The left-side opening/closing detector detects the open/closed state of left-side door 220. The left-side opening/closing detector is provided on main body 2, for example. The left-side opening/closing detector may be, for example, a pressure-type sensor or an optical sensor.
Furthermore, refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a right-side opening/closing detector (not shown) for detecting the state of right-side door 221. The right-side opening/closing detector detects the open/closed state of right-side door 221. The right-side opening/closing detector is provided on main body 2, for example. The right-side opening/closing detector may be, for example, a pressure-type sensor or an optical sensor.
Furthermore, in the second control, when one of left-side door 220 and right-side door 221 is in an open state and the other is in a closed state, controller 7 stops the blowing of cooling device 4 to the area facing the door in an closed state, according to the state of cooling device 4.
Specifically, in the second control, controller 7 controls, in the closed state of left-side door 220 and the open state of right-side door 221, the blowing operation of left-side cooling device 5 (specifically, left-side blower 53) depending on the operation state of left-side cooling device 5.
Furthermore, in the second control, controller 7 controls, in the closed state of right-side door 221 and the open state of left-side door 220, the blowing operation of right-side cooling device 6 (specifically, right-side blower 63) depending on the operation state of right-side cooling device 6.
More specifically, in the closed state of left-side door 220 and the open state of right-side door 221, controller 7 continues (i.e., does not stop) the blowing operation of left-side blower 53 when left-side compressor 500 of left-side cooling device 5 is in an ON state.
On the other hand, in the closed state of left-side door 220 and the open state of right-side door 221, controller 7 stops the blowing operation of left-side blower 53 when left-side compressor 500 of left-side cooling device 5 is in an OFF state. Such a configuration contributes to suppressing the outflow of the cool air present in left-side area 217a from the opening of right-side area 217b to the outside.
Furthermore, in the closed state of right-side door 221 and the open state of left-side door 220, controller 7 continues (i.e., does not stop) the blowing operation of right-side blower 63 when right-side compressor 600 of right-side cooling device 6 is in an ON state.
On the other hand, in the closed state of right-side door 221 and the open state of left-side door 220, controller 7 stops the blowing operation of right-side blower 63 when right-side compressor 600 of right-side cooling device 6 is in an OFF state. Such a configuration contributes to suppressing the outflow of the cool air present in right-side area 217b from the opening of left-side area 217a to the outside.

(Operation and Effect of Present Embodiment)

According to refrigeration apparatus 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide a refrigeration apparatus having high cooling performance. The reason for this will be described below.
First, refrigeration apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes controller 7 that performs the first control as described above. In the first control, controller 7 controls left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 in coordination based on the detected temperature of the cooling device having a higher detected temperature between left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6. Such a configuration can improve cooling performance and suppress variations in temperature distribution in storage chamber 217 as compared with a case where left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 are independently controlled based on the detected temperatures detected by the respective cooling devices.
Furthermore, in the first control, controller 7 performs the differential control of compressors described above. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in the differential control of compressors, controller 7 shifts, by a specified time, the timing of setting left-side compressor 500 of left-side cooling device 5, which is a specific cooling device, to an OFF state, and the timing of setting right-side compressor 600 of right-side cooling device 6, which is a non-specific cooling device, to an OFF state. Such a configuration can reduce a situation in which left-side compressor 500 and right-side compressor 600 are in an OFF state at the same time, thereby improving cooling performance. Furthermore, controller 7 performs defrosting control of a compressor while the compressor is stopped. Such a configuration can efficiently remove frost from the compressor while maintaining cooling performance.
Furthermore, refrigeration apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes controller 7 that performs the second control as described above. In the second control, controller 7 controls left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 according to the open/closed state of door 22. Specifically, in the second control, in the open state of left-side door 220 or right-side door 221, controller 7 stops the blowing of the cool air to an area facing the door that is in an open state. In other words, controller 7 stops the blowing operation of the blower of the cooling device corresponding to the door that is in an open state. As a result, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the cool air from the area in storage chamber 217 facing the door that is in an open state. Consequently, the increase in temperature in storage chamber 217 is suppressed. In other words, the cooling performance of the refrigeration apparatus is improved. Other operations and effects obtained from refrigeration apparatus 1 of the present embodiment are as described above.

[Additional Note]

In the case where the refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention is implemented, the position of the door is not limited to the front side of the refrigeration apparatus. For example, the door may be provided on the upper surface side of the refrigeration apparatus.
In the above-described embodiment, in the first control, controller 7 controls left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 in coordination based on the detected temperature of the cooling device having a higher detected temperature between left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6. However, depending on the situation, controller 7 may control left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6 in coordination based on the detected temperature of the cooling device having a lower temperature between left-side cooling device 5 and right-side cooling device 6.
In other words, in a refrigeration apparatus including a pair of cooling devices each having a function of detecting a temperature in a storage chamber, the controller may control the operation of the pair of cooling devices in coordination based only on the detected temperature of one of the cooling devices.
Furthermore, the number of storage chambers of the refrigeration apparatus is not limited to the number in the above-described embodiment. For example, the refrigeration apparatus may include a storage chamber divided into two stages of upper and lower stages. For the refrigeration apparatus having such a configuration, it is preferred to perform the above-described first control and the second control for each storage chamber.
Moreover, the refrigeration apparatus does not need to include all of the above-described configurations when the refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention is implemented. The configurations with which the refrigeration apparatus is equipped may be appropriately selected within the scope where no technical contradictions arise.
The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-6722, filed on January 19, 2023 , including the specification, drawings and abstract, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention is applicable to various refrigeration apparatuses.

Reference Signs List

1 Refrigeration apparatus
2 Main body
21 Box body
210 Opening portion
211 Pole portion
212 Top plate portion
213 Rear plate portion
213a Left-side cover
213b Right-side Cover
214 Left plate portion
215 Right plate portion
216 Bottom plate portion
217 Storage chamber
217a Left-side area
217b Right-side area
218a Left-side cooling space
218b Right-side cooling space
22 Door
220 Left-side door
221 Right-side door
3 Machine storage section
4 Cooling device
5 Left-side cooling device
50 Left-side refrigeration circuit
500 Left-side compressor
501 Left-side condenser
502 Left-side pressure reducer
503 Left-side evaporator
51 Left-side first temperature detector
52 Left-side second temperature detector
53 Left-side blower
54 Left-side heater
6 Right-side cooling device
60 Right-side refrigeration circuit
600 Right-side compressor
601 Right-side condenser
602 Right-side pressure reducer
603 Right-side evaporator
61 Right-side first temperature detector
62 Right-side second temperature detector
63 Right-side blower
64 Right-side heater
7 Controller

Claims

A refrigeration apparatus, comprising:
a first cooling device that detects a temperature of a first area of a storage chamber and cools the first area;

a second cooling device that detects a temperature of a second area of the storage chamber and cools the second area; and

a controller that controls a cooling operation of the first cooling device and a cooling operation of the second cooling device in a coordinated manner based on a detected temperature of one cooling device of the first cooling device and the second cooling device.
The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the one cooling device is a cooling device having a higher detected temperature between the first cooling device and the second cooling device.
The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the controller sets, after setting the cooling operation of the one cooling device to an ON state, the cooling operation of the other cooling device of the first cooling device and the second cooling device to the ON state.
The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
the controller sets, after setting the one cooling device to the ON state, the cooling operation of the one cooling device to an OFF state based on the detected temperature of the one cooling device, and

the controller sets, at a time when setting the cooling operation of the one cooling device to the OFF state, the cooling operation of the other cooling device to the ON state.
The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the first cooling device includes a first compressor for circulating a first refrigerant, the second cooling device includes a second compressor for circulating a second refrigerant,

the first compressor repeats a first cycle operation including an ON state and an OFF state, under control of the controller,

the second compressor repeats a second cycle operation including the ON state and the OFF state, under the control of the controller, and

a second cycle time of the second cycle operation is equal to a first cycle time of the first cycle operation.
The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the first cooling device includes: a first compressor for circulating a first refrigerant;
a first cooling unit for cooling the storage chamber by the first refrigerant; and a first heater disposed around the first cooling unit,
the second cooling device includes: a second compressor for circulating a second refrigerant; a second cooling unit for cooling the storage chamber by the second refrigerant;

and a second heater disposed around the second cooling unit, and

the controller drives the first heater in an OFF state of the first compressor, and drives the second heater in the OFF state of the second compressor.
The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the first area is an area of a right half portion of the storage chamber, and

the second area is an area of a left half portion of the storage chamber.