JP2001289550A - Thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an increased life for a thermoelectric member by decreasing a coefficient of thermal expansion and a coefficient of heat shrinkage of the thermoelectric member before and after defrosting, regarding a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator. SOLUTION: In the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator constituted that a heat transfer route is formed between a cooler to heat-exchange with chamber air and the heat absorbing surface of a Peltier element 25, when a cooler temperature detected by a cooler temperature sensor 41 exceeds a given temperature 0 deg.C, a reference voltage, at which a computing control part 42a performs ordinary chamber cooling, is fed to the Peltier element 25. Since constitution is such that when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is below the given temperature 0 deg.C, the computing control part 42a feeds a voltage for defrosting lower than a reference voltage to the Peltier element 25, an increased life is provided for the Peltier element 25.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator for cooling the inside of a refrigerator using a thermoelectric member such as a Peltier element.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-31454. In this conventional thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator, a heat exchange portion is thermally coupled to each of a heat dissipation surface and a heat absorption surface of a thermoelectric member composed of a Peltier element to form a thermoelectric exchange block.

When the object is cooled, the object is cooled by cooling in a heat exchange part thermally coupled to the heat-absorbing surface of the thermoelectric member, and when the object is heated, the heat radiation surface of the thermoelectric member is heated. The target object is warmed by heat radiation in the combined heat exchange unit. Then, when defrosting the heat exchange unit thermally coupled to the heat absorbing surface of the thermoelectric member, power supply to the thermoelectric member is stopped.

[0004]

However, in the conventional thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator, the power supply to the thermoelectric member composed of the Peltier element is turned on and off every time the defrosting operation is performed.
Therefore, there is a disadvantage that the thermoelectric member repeatedly undergoes thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes before and after defrosting, thereby shortening the service life.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems of the related art, and has as its object to extend the life of a thermoelectric member including a Peltier element or the like.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator, comprising: a thermoelectric member having a temperature difference between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied; A cooler for transferring heat obtained by heat exchange with air to a heat-absorbing surface of the two planes of the thermoelectric member, the temperature of which is relatively low; and a relative cooler of the two planes of the thermoelectric member. The heat of the heat radiating surface whose temperature rises is transmitted to the radiator for radiating the heat to the outside air, the cooler temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the cooler, and the cooler temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the cooler. When the cooler temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, a reference voltage for performing normal cooling in the refrigerator is supplied to the thermoelectric member, and when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature detecting means is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature. The defrosting voltage lower than the reference voltage to the thermoelectric unit. A defrosting voltage lower than a reference voltage for performing normal internal cooling when the cooler temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature that requires defrosting, to the thermoelectric member. Therefore, the width of the temperature change of the thermoelectric member before and after defrosting is smaller than in the conventional method of defrosting by stopping power supply to the thermoelectric member, and the expansion rate and shrinkage rate of the thermoelectric member due to the temperature change Has the effect that the life of the thermoelectric member can be extended.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric module-type electric refrigerator, in which heat exchange occurs between a thermoelectric member having a temperature difference between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied, and air in the refrigerator. A cooler for transmitting the obtained heat to a heat absorbing surface of the thermoelectric member where the temperature is relatively low among the two planes, and a heat radiator having a relatively high temperature of the two planes of the thermoelectric member A radiator to which the heat of the surface is transmitted and radiates the heat to the outside air, a radiating fan for blowing the outside air to the radiator, and a cooler temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the cooler, When the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature detecting means exceeds a predetermined temperature, a reference voltage for performing normal internal cooling is supplied to the thermoelectric member, and the radiating fan is rotated at a reference speed. And the cooling detected by the cooler temperature detecting means. An arithmetic control unit that supplies a defrosting voltage lower than the reference voltage to the thermoelectric member when the container temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature and that stops the heat radiation fan or rotates at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed. In order to supply a defrosting voltage to the thermoelectric member that is lower than a reference voltage for performing normal internal cooling when the cooler temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature that requires defrosting, before and after defrosting. The width of the temperature change of the thermoelectric member is smaller than the conventional method of defrosting by stopping the power supply to the thermoelectric member, and the expansion rate and the contraction rate of the thermoelectric member due to the temperature change can be reduced, This has the effect of extending the life of the thermoelectric member.

In addition, when the defrosting voltage is supplied to the thermoelectric member (during defrosting), the radiator fan is stopped or rotated at a lower rotational speed than the reference rotational speed, so that the radiator has a reduced heat radiating capability. As a result, the temperature of the heat-dissipating surface side of the electric heating member rises, and as a result, the temperature of the heat-absorbing surface side of the electric heating member also rises relatively to the temperature of the heat-dissipating surface side, and uses the amount of heat on the heat-absorbing surface side of the electric heating member. To finish the defrost of the cooler in a short time,
It has the effect of shortening the defrosting time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermoelectric module-type electric refrigerator which exchanges heat with a thermoelectric member having a temperature difference between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied, and with air in the refrigerator. A cooler for transmitting the obtained heat to a heat absorbing surface of the thermoelectric member where the temperature is relatively low among the two planes, and a heat radiator having a relatively high temperature of the two planes of the thermoelectric member A heat exchange part thermally coupled to the surface, a radiator for exchanging heat with the outside air, and the heat exchange part, together with the radiator, form a circulation path of an annular heat radiation system, and are filled in the circulation path. A rotary circulating pump that circulates the liquid, a radiating fan that blows air outside the refrigerator to the radiator, a cooler temperature detector that detects the temperature of the cooler, and a cooler temperature detector that detects the temperature of the cooler. When the cooler temperature exceeds the specified temperature, A reference voltage for cooling is supplied to the thermoelectric member, the radiating fan is rotated at a reference rotation speed, the circulating pump is driven at a reference rotation speed, and the cooler detected by the cooler temperature detecting means is provided. Supplying a defrosting voltage lower than the reference voltage to the thermoelectric member when the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature and stopping the heat dissipation fan or rotating the fan at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed,
And an arithmetic control unit that stops the circulation pump or drives the circulation pump at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed, and performs normal internal cooling when the cooler temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature that requires defrosting. To supply a defrosting voltage lower than the reference voltage for performing the defrosting to the thermoelectric member, the width of the temperature change of the thermoelectric member before and after defrosting, the power supply to the thermoelectric member is stopped and the conventional method of defrosting As a result, the expansion rate and the contraction rate of the thermoelectric member due to the temperature change can be reduced, so that the service life of the thermoelectric member can be extended.

When the defrosting voltage is being supplied to the thermoelectric member (during defrosting), the radiating fan is stopped or rotated at a lower rotational speed than the reference rotational speed, and the radiating surface of the thermoelectric member is rotated. To stop the circulating pump that circulates the liquid flowing through the heat-coupled heat exchange unit and the radiator, or to drive at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed, only the heat dissipation fan was stopped or the rotation speed of only the heat dissipation fan was reduced. As compared with the case, the heat radiation capability of the radiator is further reduced, and the temperature of the heat radiating surface side of the electric heating member further increases. As a result, the temperature of the heat absorbing surface side of the electric heating member is relatively relative to the temperature of the heat radiating surface side. Rise,
The defrosting of the cooler can be completed in a shorter time than the case where only the heat radiation fan is stopped or the rotation speed of only the heat radiation fan is reduced by using the heat amount on the heat absorbing surface side of the electric heating member, and the defrosting time Is further reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the defrosting voltage is supplied to the thermoelectric member. When the arithmetic and control unit detects that the cooler temperature has exceeded a predetermined temperature by the cooler temperature detecting means, the arithmetic and control unit cancels the defrosting operation of the cooler and returns to the normal inside cooling operation. In addition, in addition to the effects of the inventions of claims 1 to 3, when the cooler temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature serving as a reference for starting defrosting during the defrosting operation, the defrosting operation of the cooler is released and the normal operation is performed. Since the operation returns to the in-compartment cooling operation, there is an effect that the operation returns to the normal in-compartment cooling operation as soon as the defrost of the cooler is completed.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an embodiment of a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a refrigeration cycle of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a heat radiation system of a refrigeration cycle of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a heat absorption system of a refrigeration cycle of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing control of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the housing of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment is configured such that a refrigerator main body 1 having an opening at the back and a front opening 2 of the refrigerator main body 1 are opened and closed. And a front door 4 pivotally supported by a shaft 3.

Inside the back plate 5 for closing the opening at the back of the refrigerator body 1, a partition wall 6 attached to the refrigerator body 1 at a distance from the back plate 5, and attached to the inside of the refrigerator body 1 A heat insulating material is filled between the formed inside-wall forming body 7 and the heat insulating wall 8. The front door 4 is also filled with a heat insulating material to form a heat insulating wall, and the heat insulating wall 8 is formed so as to be able to open and close the interior chamber 17 that covers the outer periphery of the interior of the warehouse.

A modularized Peltier device 25 is provided in the outside chamber 9 formed between the back plate 5 and the partition 6.
A first heat exchange portion 26a on the heat dissipation surface side of the thermoelectric member made of
A heat radiation system A connected to the first heat exchange portion 26a of the thermoelectric heat exchange block 11 in which the second heat exchange portions 26b are thermally coupled to the heat absorption surface side is provided to radiate heat to the outside of the housing, and
7 has a second heat exchange portion 26b of the thermoelectric heat exchange block 11.
A heat absorbing system B connected to the inside is arranged to absorb heat from the inside of the storage chamber 17 and cool it. The heat dissipating system A and the heat absorbing system B are connected to the heat insulating wall 8.
And do not affect each other.

The first heat exchange section 26a and the second heat exchange section 26b have a so-called manifold structure in which a number of known labyrinth heat exchange passages are formed in parallel. It is suitable in terms of thermal efficiency.

Peltier element 2 of thermoelectric heat exchange block 11
In 5, when a predetermined voltage is applied, a temperature difference occurs between two opposing planes (a heat radiating surface and a heat absorbing surface), and heat is absorbed by the heat absorbing surface while radiating heat on the heat radiating surface, and the heat absorbing characteristics depend on the heat radiating characteristics.

The heat radiating system A includes a first circulating pump 14a, a radiator 10, and a first heat exchange section 2 of a thermoelectric heat exchange block 11.
6a are connected to conduits 32a, 32 as shown in FIGS.
b and 32c to form a first circulation path, which is formed by filling a liquid therein.

The liquid circulated in the first circulation path by the first circulation pump 14a receives the heat radiated on the heat radiating surface of the Peltier element 25 in the first heat exchange section 26a, and transfers it to the radiator 10 Then, the heat is transferred to the external air A1 and is used as the radiated air A2, so that the radiating efficiency of the radiating surface of the Peltier element 25 is improved.

The heat absorption system B is connected to the second circulation pump 14
b, the cooler 20, and the second heat exchange part 26b of the thermoelectric heat exchange block 11, as shown in FIGS.
A second circulation path is formed by being connected by 32e and 32f, and is formed by filling a liquid therein.

The liquid circulated in the second circulating path by the second circulating pump 14b is deprived of heat by the heat absorption surface of the Peltier element 25 in the second heat exchange section 26b, and is cooled. The heat of the inside air B1 is taken out by the vessel 20 and cooled to obtain cooling air B2.

In the heat radiation system A, a heat radiator 10 is installed in a lower portion of the outside room 9 to radiate heat to the outside of the housing of the refrigerator, and a bottom of the outside room 9 is radiated by a radiating fan 13a provided thereon. After the external air A1 is sucked through the suction port 15a of the lower grill plate 15 forming the above, the heat is exchanged by contacting the external air A1 with the radiator 10, and then the discharge port 16a of the grill plate 16 forming the top surface of the outside chamber 9 is formed. From the outside of the refrigerator as radiated air A2.

In order to cool the inside of the refrigerator, the heat absorption system B is partitioned by a refrigeration region of the refrigerator compartment 17 and a partition wall 18. A cooler 20 is provided in a lower part of a partition chamber 19 formed by the partition. Cooling fan 13 installed in the upper part of the chamber 19
b, the inside air B1 sucked from the suction port 21 provided at the lower part of the partition wall 18 is brought into contact with the cooler 20 to exchange heat, and then, as cooling air B2 from the discharge port 22 provided at the upper part of the partition wall 18 into the chamber. It discharges, and this is configured to cool the refrigerated material while moving down the interior chamber 17 to the lower part.

In this embodiment, in particular, the thermoelectric heat exchange block 11 is provided in a refrigerator compartment 1 and a refrigerator compartment 17 separated from the refrigerator compartment 9 by a heat insulating wall 8 as shown in FIG. As a result, the thermoelectric heat exchange block 11 is in the refrigerator compartment 1 of the refrigerator main body 1, and all of the heat absorbing system B is in the refrigerator compartment 17.
Since it is located on the side and does not come into contact with the warm air in the outside chamber 9, the dew condensation water generated in the heat absorbing system B can be reduced, and the heat efficiency increases accordingly.

Also, such a thermoelectric heat exchange block 11
In relation to the arrangement of the thermoelectric heat exchange block 11, the piping of the inlet 27 a and the outlet 27 b of the first circulation path in the first heat exchange section 26 a of the thermoelectric heat exchange block 11 It is drawn out from the facing part 11a to the outside room 9 of the refrigerator main body 1 through the heat insulating wall 8.

Thus, even if the thermoelectric heat exchange block 11 is provided in the interior chamber 17, the first heat exchange portion 26a on the heat radiation side thereof is covered with the heat insulating wall 8 and is in contact with the interior air. The first circulation path is drawn out from the facing part 11a to the outside chamber 9 through the heat insulating wall 8, so that the entrance / exit pipe 27a from the first heat exchange part 26a is not drawn. , 27b do not come into contact with the air in the refrigerator, and the mutual heat exchange is also prevented, so that the heat influence on the air in the refrigerator by the first heat exchange part 26a and the piping of the heat radiation system A drawn therefrom is reduced. Can increase the heat efficiency.

Further, the first heat exchanging portion 26a of the thermoelectric heat exchanging block 11 is fitted into the concave portion 8a formed in the heat insulating wall 8, and the side circumference is also covered with the heat insulating wall 8.
Thereby, the periphery of the first heat exchanging portion 26a is prevented from coming into contact with the air inside the refrigerator and exchanging heat, and the thermal effect of the heat radiation system A on the air inside the refrigerator is further reduced. This is preferable because the thermal efficiency is further improved.

An evaporating dish 28 for guiding and evaporating drain water 24 from the cooler 20 is provided in the vicinity of the radiator 10 and in an intake path 23 for taking external air for heat exchange with the radiator 10 toward the radiator 10. Have been. Thereby, the external air A1 taken in for heat exchange with the radiator 10
Is accompanied by the fact that the drain water 24 from the cooler 20 guided to the evaporating dish 28 located in the intake path 23 is exposed to a high ambient temperature near the radiator 10 and evaporates. In addition, since the non-evaporated drain water 24 evaporates and accompanies heat exchange with the radiator 10, the heat radiation efficiency of the radiator 10 is increased by the amount of vaporized heat of the associated drain water, thereby improving the thermal efficiency. can do.

The evaporating dish 28 is provided with the drain water 2 from the cooler 20.
4 is a drain port 29 extending downward from the bottom of the partition chamber 19.
Is preferably provided in the lower part of the refrigerator main body 1 without affecting the volumetric efficiency of the refrigerator main body 1,
In order to perform maintenance such as cleaning, it is preferable that the evaporating dish is located outside the housing, which is easily detachable.
Is provided at the rear part below the bottom of the refrigerator main body 1.

Correspondingly, the radiator 10 is located at the lowermost part of the outside chamber 9 and is located immediately above the evaporating dish 28, and gives heat to the drain water 24 guided to the evaporating dish 28. Easy to evaporate. Thereby, heat exchange with the radiator 10 accompanying the evaporation of the drain water 24 can be further promoted, and the heat efficiency is improved accordingly.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the evaporating tray 28 is provided at a position facing between the radiating fans 13a, 13a. The outside air A1 sucked from the suction ports 15a on both sides thereof flows from both sides of the evaporating dish 28 toward the radiator 10, thereby making it easy to efficiently evaporate the drain water 24 in the evaporating dish 28 from both sides. I have.

Incidentally, the first circulating pump 14a is the same as that shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first circulation path of the heat radiation system A is located at the uppermost position, and the air reservoir 37a is connected thereon. The second circulating pump 14b is located at the uppermost position of the second circulating path of the heat absorbing system B as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, and the air reservoir 37b is connected thereto. I have.

Thus, even if air is mixed into the liquid in the first and second circulation paths of the heat radiation system A and the heat absorption system B, it is transmitted through the first and second circulation pumps 14a and 14b. , And rises to the air reservoirs 37a and 37b at the uppermost position.

Therefore, the mixed air circulates in the first circulation path and the second circulation path or the first circulation pump 14a
Alternatively, the heat exchange between the first heat exchange unit 26a, the second heat exchange unit 26b, the radiator 10, and the cooler 20 is performed by accumulating in the second circulation pump 14b to reduce the function thereof. It is possible to prevent the rate from decreasing, which also improves the thermal efficiency.

The T-shaped pipes 33a, 3a are located at intermediate positions of the first circulation path lower than the first circulation pump 14a and intermediate positions of the second circulation path lower than the second circulation pump 14b.
3b are connected at their two connections and each T-tube 3
The remaining connection ports of 3a and 33b are used as liquid filling ports, and are closed with caps 34a and 34b after filling. At the time of liquid injection, the air reservoir 37 at the top of each of the first and second circulation paths
Preferably, a and 37b are opened to serve as air outlets, so that air can be expelled from the first and second circulation paths simultaneously with the injection of liquid.

The thermoelectric heat exchange block 11 according to the present embodiment is provided with a cover made of a synthetic resin, thereby preventing the surroundings from being affected by heat or being affected by heat. Contributes to improvement of thermal efficiency.

1 and 5, reference numeral 41 denotes a cooler temperature sensor as a cooler temperature detecting means, which is attached to the cooler 20 and detects the temperature of the cooler 20. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 42a denotes an arithmetic control unit, which is a cooler temperature sensor 41.
And the output of the timer 43 to control the voltage of the power supply to the Peltier element 25.

The operation of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present embodiment configured as described above will now be described with reference to FIG.
It is explained based on. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

When the cooling operation is started, the arithmetic and control unit 42
a supplies a reference voltage (Vo) to the Peltier element 25,
The heat radiating fan 13a is rotated at the reference rotation speed, and the first circulation pump 14a is driven at the reference rotation speed (STEP).
1). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the cooling operation (STEP
2 is branched to the Yes side), and the arithmetic control unit 42a detects the temperature of the cooler 20 by the cooler temperature sensor 41 (STEP 3).

At this time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 exceeds 0 ° C.,
Branch to the No side and proceed to STEP5. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous temperature detection after proceeding to STEP 5, ST
Returning to EP3, the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 again. At that time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is 0 ° C. or less (branch to YES in STEP 4), it is estimated that the cooler 20 has frost. , Arithmetic control unit 42
a supplies a defrosting voltage (V1) lower than the reference voltage (Vo), for example, 1 V, to the Peltier element 25 (STEP).
6).

When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the defrosting operation (STEP 7 is branched to Yes), the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 (STE).
P8). At that time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is 0 ° C. or less, the determination in STEP 9 is No.
Branch to and go to STEP10. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous temperature detection after proceeding to STEP 10, the STE
Returning to P8, the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected again by the cooler temperature sensor 41. At that time, the cooler temperature sensor 4
If the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by 1 exceeds 0 ° C (STEP 9 branches to Yes side and returns to STEP 1), the arithmetic control unit 42a supplies the reference voltage (Vo) to the Peltier element 25. Return to normal internal cooling operation.

The rate at which the voltage of the power supply supplied to the Peltier element 25 is reduced is in the range of 2% to 60% of the reference voltage, and when the voltage drops from 2% to 10% with respect to the reference voltage. In addition, the defrosting completion time of the cooler 20 can be further reduced.

As described above, the thermoelectric module-type electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment has a Peltier element 25 as a thermoelectric member in which a temperature difference is generated between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied, the inside air and the heat inside the refrigerator. The liquid obtained by exchanging the heat obtained by the exchange with the liquid circulating in the second circulation path of the endothermic system B and the second heat exchange section 26b
Cooler 20 for transmitting to the heat absorbing surface of the two planes of the Peltier element 25 whose temperature is relatively low via the
And the heat of the heat radiation surface of the two planes of the Peltier element 25 whose temperature becomes relatively high is transmitted through the first heat exchange part 26a and the liquid circulating in the first circulation path of the heat radiation system A. A radiator 10 for dissipating the heat to the outside air;
A cooler temperature sensor 41 as cooler temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of 0, and a normal internal cooling when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 exceeds a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.). A reference voltage (Vo) is supplied to the Peltier element 25, and when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.), the reference voltage (Vo) is used.
And an arithmetic control unit 42a for supplying a lower defrosting voltage (V1) to the Peltier element 25. When the cooler temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.) at which defrosting is required. The defrosting voltage (V1) lower than the reference voltage (Vo) for cooling the inside of the refrigerator is applied to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 2.
5, the width of the temperature change of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 before and after defrosting is determined by the Peltier element (thermoelectric member).
Peltier element (thermoelectric member) due to temperature change, compared to the conventional method of defrosting by stopping power supply to 25
Since the expansion rate and the contraction rate of 25 can be reduced,
The life of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 can be extended.

Further, the arithmetic and control unit 42a supplies the defrosting voltage (V
When the operation control unit 42a detects that the cooler temperature has exceeded a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.) by the cooler temperature sensor 41 while supplying 1) to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25, the operation control unit 42a releases the defrosting operation of the cooler 20 and returns to the normal cooling operation inside the refrigerator, so that when the defrosting of the cooler 20 is completed, the operation returns to the normal cooling operation in the refrigerator immediately, and the rise in the refrigerator refrigerator temperature is reduced. Can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A detailed description of the lever is omitted.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing control of the second embodiment of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the present invention.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 42b denotes an arithmetic control unit which controls the voltage of the power supply to the Peltier element 25 based on the outputs from the cooler temperature sensor 41 and the timer 43, and rotates the radiation fan 13a. Control the number.

The thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment is obtained by replacing the arithmetic control unit 42a in the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the first embodiment with an arithmetic control unit 42b. The configuration is the same as the configuration of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The operation of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present embodiment configured as described above will now be described with reference to FIG.
It is explained based on. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

When the cooling operation is started, the arithmetic and control unit 42
b supplies a reference voltage (Vo) to the Peltier element 25,
The heat radiating fan 13a is rotated at the reference rotation speed, and the first circulation pump 14a is driven at the reference rotation speed (STEP).
1). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the cooling operation (STEP
2 is branched to the Yes side), and the arithmetic control unit 42b detects the temperature of the cooler 20 by the cooler temperature sensor 41 (STEP 3).

At this time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 exceeds 0 ° C.,
Branch to the No side and proceed to STEP5. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous temperature detection after proceeding to STEP 5, ST
Returning to EP3, the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 again. At that time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is 0 ° C. or less (branch to YES in STEP 4), it is estimated that the cooler 20 has frost. , Arithmetic control unit 42
b supplies a defrosting voltage (V1) lower than the reference voltage (Vo), for example, 1 V, to the Peltier element 25, and rotates or stops the heat radiation fan 13a at a lower rotation speed than the reference rotation speed (STEP 6). .

When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the defrosting operation (step 7 is branched to Yes), the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 (STE).
P8). At that time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is 0 ° C. or less, the determination in STEP 9 is No.
Branch to and go to STEP10. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous temperature detection after proceeding to STEP 10, the STE
Returning to P8, the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected again by the cooler temperature sensor 41. At that time, the cooler temperature sensor 4
If the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by 1 exceeds 0 ° C (STEP 9 branches to Yes side and returns to STEP 1), the arithmetic control unit 42b supplies the reference voltage (Vo) to the Peltier element 25 and Then, the heat radiating fan 13a is rotated at the reference rotation speed to return to the normal internal cooling operation.

The rate at which the voltage of the power supply supplied to the Peltier element 25 is reduced is in the range of 2% to 60% of the reference voltage, and when the voltage drops from 2% to 10% of the reference voltage. In addition, the defrosting completion time of the cooler 20 can be further reduced.

As described above, the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment has a Peltier element 25 as a thermoelectric member in which a temperature difference is generated between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied; The liquid obtained by exchanging the heat obtained by the exchange with the liquid circulating in the second circulation path of the endothermic system B and the second heat exchange section 26b
Cooler 20 for transmitting to the heat absorbing surface of the two planes of the Peltier element 25 whose temperature is relatively low via the
And the heat of the heat radiation surface of the two planes of the Peltier element 25 whose temperature becomes relatively high is transmitted through the first heat exchange part 26a and the liquid circulating in the first circulation path of the heat radiation system A. A radiator 10 for dissipating the heat to the outside air;
0, a radiating fan 13a for blowing air outside the refrigerator, a cooler temperature sensor 41 as a cooler temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the cooler 20, and a cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is a predetermined temperature. When the temperature exceeds (0 ° C.), a reference voltage (Vo) for performing normal internal cooling is supplied to the Peltier element 25, and the radiating fan 13a is rotated at the reference rotation speed. When the detected cooler temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.), the reference voltage (Vo)
An operation control unit 42b for supplying a lower defrosting voltage (V1) to the Peltier device 25 and stopping or rotating the heat radiation fan 13a at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed. When the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.) at which defrosting is required, a defrosting voltage (V1) lower than a reference voltage (Vo) for performing normal internal cooling is applied to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25. Therefore, the width of the temperature change of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 before and after defrosting is smaller than that of the conventional method in which the power supply to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 is stopped to perform defrosting. Since the expansion rate and the contraction rate of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 due to the change can be reduced, the life of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 can be extended.

When the defrosting voltage (V1) is being supplied to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 (during defrosting), the heat radiation fan 13a is stopped or rotated at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed. Therefore, the heat radiation capability of the radiator 10 decreases, and the temperature on the heat radiation surface side of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 rises. As a result, the temperature on the heat absorption surface side of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 also decreases. Rises relatively to temperature,
The amount of heat on the heat absorbing surface side of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 can be used to end the defrosting of the cooler 20 in a short time, and the defrosting time can be shortened to reduce the refrigerator internal temperature during the defrosting of the cooler. Can be suppressed.

Further, the arithmetic and control unit 42b outputs the defrosting voltage (V
1) is supplied to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25, and when the radiating fan 13a is rotated or stopped at a lower rotational speed than the reference rotational speed, the cooler temperature sensor 41 reduces the cooler temperature to a predetermined temperature ( 0 ° C.), the operation control unit 42b detects
In order to release the defrosting operation of and return to normal cooling operation in the refrigerator,
When the defrosting of the cooler 20 is completed, the operation immediately returns to the normal cooling operation in the refrigerator, and the rise in the refrigerator refrigerator temperature can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing control of the second embodiment of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the present invention.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 42c denotes an arithmetic control unit which controls the voltage of the power supply to the Peltier element 25 based on the outputs from the cooler temperature sensor 41 and the timer 43, and rotates the heat radiation fan 13a. And the number of revolutions of the first circulation pump 14a.

The thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment is obtained by replacing the arithmetic control unit 42a in the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the first embodiment with an arithmetic control unit 42c. The configuration is the same as the configuration of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The operation of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present embodiment configured as described above will now be described with reference to FIG.
Explanation will be made based on 0. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

When the cooling operation is started, the arithmetic and control unit 42
c supplies a reference voltage (Vo) to the Peltier element 25,
The heat radiating fan 13a is rotated at the reference rotation speed, and the first circulation pump 14a is driven at the reference rotation speed (STEP).
1). When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the cooling operation (STEP
2 is branched to the Yes side), and the arithmetic control unit 42c detects the temperature of the cooler 20 by the cooler temperature sensor 41 (STEP 3).

At that time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 exceeds 0 ° C.,
Branch to the No side and proceed to STEP5. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous temperature detection after proceeding to STEP 5, ST
Returning to EP3, the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 again. At that time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is 0 ° C. or less (branch to YES in STEP 4), it is estimated that the cooler 20 has frost. , Arithmetic control unit 42
c supplies a defrosting voltage (V1) lower than the reference voltage (Vo), for example, 1 V, to the Peltier element 25, and rotates or stops the heat radiation fan 13a at a lower rotation speed than the reference rotation speed. The first circulation pump 14a is driven or stopped at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed (STEP
6).

When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the defrosting operation (step 7 is branched to Yes), the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 (STE).
P8). At that time, if the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 is 0 ° C. or less, the determination in STEP 9 is No.
Branch to and go to STEP10. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous temperature detection after proceeding to STEP 10, the STE
Returning to P8, the temperature of the cooler 20 is detected again by the cooler temperature sensor 41. At that time, the cooler temperature sensor 4
If the temperature of the cooler 20 detected by 1 exceeds 0 ° C. (step 9 branches to Yes and returns to step 1), the arithmetic control unit 42c supplies the reference voltage (Vo) to the Peltier element 25 and The heat radiating fan 13a is rotated at the reference rotational speed, and the first circulating pump 14a is further rotated.
Is driven at the reference rotation speed to return to the normal cooling operation in the refrigerator.

FIG. 11 shows the defrosting time of the cooler 20 and the temperature change of the cooler 20 according to the present embodiment. As is clear from FIG. 11, the power supply to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 is performed while maintaining the rotation speed of the heat dissipation fan 13a and the first circulation pump 14a at the normal rotation speed during cooling in the refrigerator. Compared to the conventional method of stopping and defrosting, the voltage of the power supply to the Peltier element 25 is reduced to a defrosting voltage (V1) lower than the reference voltage (Vo), and the heat dissipation fan 13a and the first circulation pump 14a By reducing or stopping the number of rotations, the defrosting completion time of the cooler 20 can be reduced (from tb1 to ta1).

The rate at which the voltage of the power supply supplied to the Peltier element 25 is reduced is in the range of 2% to 60% of the reference voltage, and when the voltage drops from 2% to 10% of the reference voltage. In addition, the defrosting completion time of the cooler 20 can be further reduced.

As described above, the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the present embodiment has a Peltier element 25 as a thermoelectric member in which a temperature difference is generated between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied, the inside air and the heat inside the refrigerator. The liquid obtained by exchanging the heat obtained by the exchange with the liquid circulating in the second circulation path of the endothermic system B and the second heat exchange section 26b
Cooler 20 for transmitting to the heat absorbing surface of the two planes of the Peltier element 25 whose temperature is relatively low via the
And a first heat exchange portion 26 thermally coupled to a heat radiation surface of the two planes of the Peltier element 25 whose temperature is relatively high.
a, the radiator 10 for exchanging heat with the outside air, the first heat exchange section 26a, and the radiator 10 together with the first radiator A of the annular radiator system A.
A first circulation pump 14a that circulates the liquid filled in the first circulation path, a radiator fan 13a that blows outside air to the radiator 10, and a cooler 20. A cooler temperature sensor 41 serving as a cooler temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the cooler, and normal internal cooling is performed when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature sensor 41 exceeds a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.). Voltage (Vo) is supplied to the Peltier element 25, the radiating fan 13a is rotated at the reference rotation speed, and the first circulation pump 14a is driven at the reference rotation speed. When the cooler temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.), the reference voltage (V
o) Supplying a lower defrosting voltage (V1) to the Peltier device 25, stopping the heat radiation fan 13a or rotating the fan at a lower rotation speed than the reference rotation speed, and further stopping or rotating the first circulation pump 14a at the reference rotation speed. And a calculation control unit 42c driven at a lower rotation speed than the number of rotations, and the cooler temperature is a predetermined temperature (0 ° C.) at which defrosting is required.
In the following cases, the reference voltage (V
o) Since a lower defrosting voltage (V1) is supplied to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25, the range of the temperature change of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 before and after defrosting is limited to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25. The power supply to the Peltier device (thermoelectric member) 25 is reduced as compared with the conventional method in which power supply to the Peltier device (thermoelectric member) 25 is reduced because the expansion rate and the contraction rate of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 due to a temperature change can be reduced. Can extend the life of the device.

When the defrosting voltage (V1) is being supplied to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 (during defrosting), the heat radiation fan 13a is stopped or rotated at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed. With Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 2
The first circulating pump 1 for circulating the liquid flowing between the first heat exchange section 26a and the radiator 10, which is thermally coupled to the heat radiating surface of the first radiator 5
4a is stopped or driven at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed, so that the heat dissipation capability of the radiator 10 is higher than when only the heat dissipation fan 13a is stopped or the rotation speed of only the heat dissipation fan 13a is lower than the reference rotation speed. The temperature further decreases and the temperature on the heat dissipation surface side of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 further increases. As a result, the temperature on the heat absorption surface side of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25 also becomes relatively to the temperature on the heat dissipation surface side. Rise,
The defrosting of the cooler 20 is performed as compared with the case where only the heat dissipation fan 13a is stopped or the rotation speed of only the heat dissipation fan 13a is lower than the reference rotation speed by using the heat amount on the heat absorption surface side of the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25. It can be completed in a shorter time, and the defrosting time can be shortened to suppress the rise in the temperature in the refrigerator when the cooler is defrosted.

Further, the arithmetic and control unit 42c outputs the defrosting voltage (V
1) is supplied to the Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 25, and the radiating fan 13a is rotated or stopped at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed, and the first circulation pump 14a is driven at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed. Or when stopped, the cooler temperature sensor 41 sets the cooler temperature to a predetermined temperature (0
° C) is exceeded, the arithmetic control unit 42c cancels the defrosting operation of the cooler 20 and returns to the normal internal cooling operation, so that when the defrosting of the cooler 20 is completed. The operation immediately returns to the normal cooling operation in the refrigerator, and the rise in the refrigerator refrigerator temperature can be suppressed.

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the temperature of the cooler is lower than the predetermined temperature at which defrosting is required, the defrosting voltage lower than the reference voltage for performing normal internal cooling is set. Therefore, there is an effect that the life of the thermoelectric member can be extended as compared with the conventional method in which power supply to the thermoelectric member is stopped and defrosting is performed.

Further, when the radiating fan is stopped or rotated at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed at the time of defrosting, the defrosting of the cooler can be completed in a short time, and the defrosting time can be shortened. There is an effect that it is possible to suppress a rise in the temperature in the refrigerator when the cooler is defrosted.

At the time of defrosting, the heat radiation fan is stopped or rotated at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed.
When the circulation pump that circulates the liquid flowing through the heat exchange part and the radiator that is thermally coupled to the heat radiation surface of the thermoelectric member is stopped or driven at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed, only the heat radiation fan stops or the heat radiation fan The defrosting of the cooler can be completed in a shorter time than when only the rotation speed is lowered, and the defrosting time is further shortened to further suppress the rise in the temperature of the refrigerator compartment during the defrosting of the cooler. There is an effect that can be.

When the temperature of the cooler exceeds a predetermined temperature serving as a reference for starting defrosting during the defrosting operation, the cooling operation is released by returning the cooling operation to the normal cooling operation in the refrigerator. When the defrosting of the container is completed, the operation immediately returns to the normal cooling operation in the refrigerator, and there is an effect that the rise in the refrigerator refrigerator temperature can be suppressed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an overall configuration of a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a refrigeration cycle of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a heat radiation system of a refrigeration cycle of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a heat absorption system of a refrigeration cycle of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing control of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing control of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing control of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing control of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control of the thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a characteristic diagram showing a defrosting time of the cooler and a temperature change of the cooler according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 radiator 13a radiating fan 14a first circulating pump 20 cooler 25 Peltier element (thermoelectric member) 26a first heat exchange unit 41 cooler temperature sensor (cooler temperature detecting means) 42a, 42b, 42c arithmetic control unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3L045 AA02 BA01 CA02 DA04 EA01 GA07 HA01 LA10 LA12 MA01 MA04 MA20 NA16 NA19 PA02 PA03 PA04 PA05

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A thermoelectric member having a temperature difference between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied, and a heat obtained by exchanging heat with air in a refrigerator, relative to the two planes of the thermoelectric member. A cooler for transmitting the heat to the heat absorbing surface having a lower temperature, and the heat of the heat radiating surface having a relatively higher temperature among the two planes of the thermoelectric member is transmitted to radiate the heat to the outside air. A radiator; a cooler temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the cooler; and a reference for performing normal internal cooling when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature detecting means exceeds a predetermined temperature. An arithmetic control unit that supplies a voltage to the thermoelectric member, and supplies a defrosting voltage lower than the reference voltage to the thermoelectric member when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature detection unit is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature. A thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator. 2. A thermoelectric member in which a temperature difference occurs between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied, and a heat obtained by exchanging heat with air in a refrigerator, a relative temperature of the thermoelectric member between the two planes. A cooler for transmitting the heat to the heat absorbing surface having a lower temperature, and the heat of the heat radiating surface having a relatively higher temperature among the two planes of the thermoelectric member is transmitted to radiate the heat to the outside air. A radiator; a radiator fan for blowing outside air to the radiator; a cooler temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the cooler; and a cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature detecting means at a predetermined temperature. Supplying a reference voltage for performing normal internal cooling to the thermoelectric member while exceeding the temperature and rotating the radiating fan at a reference rotation speed, the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature detecting means is set to the When the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, Thermoelectric module electric refrigerator comprising a calculation control unit which rotates at a lower rotational speed than the stop or reference rotational speed of said radiating fan with the use voltage supplied to the thermoelectric element. 3. A thermoelectric member in which a temperature difference occurs between two opposing planes when a predetermined voltage is applied, and a heat obtained by exchanging heat with air in the refrigerator, relative to the two planes of the thermoelectric member. A cooler for transmitting the heat to the heat absorbing surface having a lower temperature, a heat exchanging portion thermally coupled to a heat radiating surface having a relatively higher temperature among the two planes of the thermoelectric member; A radiator to be exchanged, a rotary circulating pump that forms a circulation path of an annular radiating system together with the heat exchange section and the radiator, and circulates a liquid filled in the circulation path; A radiating fan for blowing outside air; a cooler temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the cooler; and a normal inside of the refrigerator when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature detecting means exceeds a predetermined temperature. When a reference voltage for cooling is supplied to the thermoelectric member, Rotating the radiating fan at a reference speed, further driving the circulating pump at the reference speed, and defrosting lower than the reference voltage when the cooler temperature detected by the cooler temperature detecting means is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. A control unit for supplying a supply voltage to the thermoelectric member and stopping or rotating the radiating fan at a rotation speed lower than a reference rotation speed, and further stopping or driving the circulation pump at a rotation speed lower than the reference rotation speed. And a thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator. 4. The defroster of the cooler, when the cooler temperature detecting means detects that the cooler temperature has exceeded a predetermined temperature while supplying the defrosting voltage to the thermoelectric member. The thermoelectric module-type electric refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation is canceled to return to a normal inside-room cooling operation.