JPH10185389A - Thermoelectrical module type cooling system or method for charging liquid in electrical refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for charging liquid in a thermoelectrical module type cooling system capable of reducing mixture of air bubbles and charging cooling water. SOLUTION: This thermoelectrical module type cooling system is constructed such that a liquid suction port 34 between a thermal radiating heat exchanger 10 and a heat exchanging section 26a of a manifold is connected to a liquid tank 51. A pump 52 is connected in series to a suction port or a discharging port of a circulating pump 14b. The pump 52 is operated to suck up liquid from a liquid tank 51. Upon reaching of liquid to the discharging port of the pump 52, operation of the pump 52 is stopped and the liquid suction port 34 is closed and the pump 52 is removed so as to close a connecting port between the pump 52 and a circulating passage.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermoelectric modular cooling system for cooling the inside of a refrigerator using a Peltier device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A technique using a Peltier element in a refrigeration system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-504361. This technology uses a heat exchanger in which a cooling water path for forcibly circulating cooling water is thermally coupled to each of the radiating surface and the cooling surface of the Peltier element, and the cooling water path is thermally coupled to the cooling surface of the Peltier element. To cool the target object, or to warm the target object by radiating heat in a heat exchanger interposed in a cooling water path thermally coupled to the heat radiation surface of the Peltier element.

[0003]

However, in order to realize an electric refrigerator using the above-mentioned technology, it is necessary to further improve the thermal efficiency. The problem is whether to operate the system without cooling water.

Therefore, a method of filling the cooling water path by evacuating the cooling water path by evacuating the cooling water path with a part of the cooling water path being immersed in the cooling water and opening the immersion part in the cooling water is considered.

However, when this filling method is carried out, the impact of sucking the cooling water acts on the cooling water path, and the cooling water leaks unless the connecting points of the cooling water path have a strong structure. Occurs.

The present invention provides a liquid filling method in a thermoelectric module type cooling system capable of filling cooling water with less air bubbles without making the mechanical strength of the cooling water path higher than the mechanical strength required for normal operation of the refrigerator. The purpose is to provide.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A liquid filling method in a thermoelectric modular cooling system according to the present invention is a method of circulating a liquid by sucking up a cooling liquid by a self-priming pump, flowing down the cooling liquid, or pumping the cooling liquid. Is filled.

According to the present invention, the cooling water can be filled with less air bubbles even if the mechanical strength of the circulation path does not exceed the mechanical strength required for normal operation of the refrigerator.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for filling a liquid in a thermoelectric module type cooling system, comprising a manifold having a heat exchange portion thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module, wherein a circulation pump, a heat exchanger and heat of the manifold are provided. In the thermoelectric modular cooling system in which a circulation path is formed with the exchange section and the liquid is filled therein, the liquid suction port between the heat exchanger and the heat exchange section of the manifold is provided when the circulation path is filled with the liquid. Is connected to a liquid tank, a pump is connected in series to a suction port or a discharge port of a circulation pump, and a pump is operated to suck up liquid from the liquid tank through the circulation path, and to the discharge port of the pump. Stop the operation of the pump after the liquid reaches, then close the liquid suction port, and then remove the pump to connect the pump to the circulation path. It characterized in that for closing the.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for filling a liquid in a thermoelectric module type cooling system, comprising a manifold having a heat exchange unit thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module, wherein a circulation pump, a heat exchanger and a heat exchange unit of the manifold are connected. In a thermoelectric module type cooling system in which a circulation path is formed and a liquid is filled therein, when the circulation path is filled with the liquid, the circulation path is connected in series with the first and second liquids.
Are interposed in series, the communication between the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve is closed, and the first three-way valve is connected to the first three-way valve via the circulation path and the second three-way valve. The liquid is allowed to flow, and then the first and second three-way valves are switched to a closed state in which the liquid does not flow into and out of the circulation path from the first and second three-way valves to the second three-way valve from the first three-way valve Flowing liquid to the valve to fill the connection line between the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve with liquid;
Next, the first and second three-way valves are switched to form the above-described circulation circuit via the first and second three-way valves, thereby completing the filling.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for filling a liquid in a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator, comprising: a first heat exchange portion thermally coupled to a heat dissipation surface of the thermoelectric module; and a second heat exchange portion thermally coupled to a cooling surface of the thermoelectric module. A first circulation path including a first circulating pump, a heat-radiating heat exchanger, and a first heat-exchanging section of the manifold, and a liquid filled therein to radiate heat; Forming a second circulation path of a second circulation pump, a cooling heat exchanger, and a second heat exchange section of the manifold, and filling a liquid therein to form a heat absorption system. In a thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator that cools the interior of the refrigerator body by exchanging heat between the cooling heat exchanger and the air inside the refrigerator body, when filling the circulation path with liquid, the heat exchanger and the manifold are used. Liquid between heat exchange sections The inlet is connected to the liquid tank, a self-priming pump is connected in series to the suction port or the discharge port of the circulation pump, and the self-priming pump is operated to discharge the liquid from the liquid tank through the circulation path. After the liquid reaches the discharge port of the self-priming pump, the operation of the self-priming pump is stopped, and then the liquid suction port is closed. A connection port between the suction pump and the circulation path is closed.

[0012] According to this configuration, when the self-priming pump is operated, the liquid is prevented from being mixed with air bubbles via the path from the heat exchanger to the circulation pump and the path from the heat exchange part of the manifold to the circulation pump. Is sucked up. To remove the self-priming pump for filling the liquid, when the operation of the self-priming pump is stopped, the filled liquid does not flow down from the liquid suction port. The filling is completed by removing the pump and closing the connection port between the self-priming pump and the circulation path.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid filling method in the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator, wherein the first heat exchange portion thermally coupled to the heat dissipation surface of the thermoelectric module and the second heat exchange portion thermally coupled to the cooling surface of the thermoelectric module. A first circulation path including a first circulating pump, a heat-radiating heat exchanger, and a first heat-exchanging section of the manifold, and a liquid filled therein to radiate heat; Forming a second circulation path of a second circulation pump, a cooling heat exchanger, and a second heat exchange section of the manifold, and filling a liquid therein to form a heat absorption system. In a thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator that cools the interior of the refrigerator body by heat exchange between the cooling heat exchanger and the air in the refrigerator body, when filling the circulation path with liquid, the circulation path First and second series connected The three-way valve is interposed in series, the communication between the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve is closed, and the liquid is supplied from the first first three-way valve through the circulation path and the second three-way valve. And then switch the first and second three-way valves to switch the first and second
The liquid flows from the first three-way valve to the second three-way valve in a closed state in which liquid does not flow into and out of the circulation path from the three-way valve to the connection between the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve. The method is characterized in that the pipe is filled with liquid, and then the first and second three-way valves are switched to form the above-mentioned circulation circuit via the first and second three-way valves, thereby completing the filling.

According to this configuration, the liquid can be charged into the circulation path by pumping, sucking, or flowing down by the three-stage switching operation of the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid filling method for a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the state of the inner surface of the circulation path is improved before starting the filling of the liquid to be filled. It is characterized in that the pretreatment liquid is sucked up by operating a self-priming pump, and then the target liquid is sucked up and filled.

According to this configuration, by passing the pretreatment agent through the circulation path, the inner surface of the pipe in the circulation path is smoothed without unevenness, and when filling of a target liquid is started, the unevenness is smoothed without the unevenness. The filling of the liquid can be performed in a state where the adhesion of the air bubbles is very small via the pipe line which has been formed.

Specifically, an acrylic resin paint containing silica is used as a pretreatment liquid, or a surfactant is used. Hereinafter, a liquid filling method in the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present invention will be described based on specific embodiments.

(Embodiment 1) FIGS. 1 to 12 show (Embodiment 1). First, the configuration of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing of the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body 1 and a front door 4 pivotally supported by a shaft 3 to open and close a front opening 2 of the refrigerator body.
It is composed of A partition 6 attached to the refrigerator body 1 at an interval from the rear plate 5 inside a back plate 5 that closes an opening at the back of the refrigerator body 1, and a refrigerator body 1
A heat insulating material 8 is filled between the inside of the container and the in-compartment formed body 7 attached thereto.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, a heat-radiating heat exchanger 10 is provided below the outer chamber 9 in the outer chamber 9 formed between the back plate 5 and the partition 6. Main manifold 11 is disposed. FIG. 5 shows the upper part of the heat exchanger 10 for heat radiation.
The fan motor 13a,
13b is attached. Fan motor 13a, 1
3b, the first circulation pump 14
a is attached.

A lower grille 15 having a suction port 15a is attached to the bottom of the outside chamber 9, and an upper grill 16 having a discharge port 16a is attached to the upper opening of the outside chamber 9. I have. By operation of the fan motors 13a and 13b, the outside room 9
Is passed through the space between the fins of the heat-dissipating heat exchanger 10 and is discharged from the outlet 16a of the upper grill 16 to the outside.

The interior 17 formed inside the interior molding 7
A cooling heat exchanger 20 and a second circulating pump 14b are located above the cooling heat exchanger 20 in a mechanical chamber 19 between the partition and the partition 18 attached to the molded article 7 in the refrigerator. Is attached. A fan motor 13c is attached to an upper portion of the partition wall 18, and a suction port 21 is provided to a lower portion of the partition wall 18.
Are drilled. The air in the refrigerator 17 is the fan motor 1
By the operation of 3c, the fins 20 of the cooling heat exchanger 20 are sucked from the suction port 21 of the partition 18 into the mechanical chamber 19 in the refrigerator.
a and is discharged from the fan motor 13c to the inside 17 of the refrigerator and circulates.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an ice making chamber 22 is provided at a part of the upper part of the inside 17 of the refrigerator, and an auxiliary manifold 24 to be described later is attached to the back of the ice making plate 23.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main manifold 11 has a Peltier device 25 as a thermoelectric module, a first heat exchange portion 26a thermally coupled to a heat dissipation surface of the Peltier device 25, and a cooling surface of the Peltier device 25. And a second heat exchange portion 26b that is thermally coupled. First heat exchange section 26a
When cooling water is supplied from one end 27a of the Peltier device 25,
The cooling water whose temperature has risen by absorbing the heat of the heat radiation surface flows out from the other end 27b of the first heat exchange unit 26a. When cooling water is supplied from one end 28a of the second heat exchange unit 26b, heat of the cooling surface of the Peltier element 25 is radiated, and the cooling water whose temperature has decreased flows out from the other end 28b of the second heat exchange unit 26b. Have been.

The auxiliary manifold 24 is the same as the main manifold, and is a Peltier device 2 as a thermoelectric module.
9 and a third heat exchange part 30 thermally coupled to the heat dissipation surface of the Peltier element 29. The ice making plate 23 is in contact with the cooling surface of the Peltier element 29 and is thermally coupled.

The first circulation path of the heat radiation system for circulating the cooling water between the first circulation pump 14a, the heat radiation heat exchanger 10, and the first heat exchange part 26a of the main manifold 11 is shown in FIG.
It is configured as shown in FIG.

The discharge port 31 of the first circulation pump 14a and one end 27a of the first heat exchange section 26a of the main manifold 11
Is connected by a first connection pipe 32a, and between the other end 27b of the first heat exchange portion 26a of the main manifold 11 and one end of the heat exchanger 10 for heat radiation, a T-shaped joint 33a is provided in the middle. They are connected by interposed second and third connection pipes 32b and 32c. The remaining connection port 34 of the T-shaped joint 33a is finally closed with a cap.

A fourth connection pipe 32d is provided between the other end of the heat radiation heat exchanger 10 and the suction port 35 of the first circulation pump 14a.
And T-shaped joint 33b. T type joint 3
Finally, a first air reservoir 37a that can extend and contract over the solid line position and the imaginary line position is attached to the remaining connection port 36 of 3b as shown in FIG.

The second circulation path of the heat absorption system for circulating the cooling water between the second circulation pump 14b, the cooling heat exchanger 20, and the second heat exchange section 26b of the main manifold 11 is shown in FIG.
It is configured as shown in FIG.

The discharge port 38 of the second circulation pump 14b and one end 28a of the second heat exchange section 26b of the main manifold 11
Is connected by a fifth connection pipe 32e, and between the other end 28b of the second heat exchange portion 26b of the main manifold 11 and one end of the cooling heat exchanger 20, a T-shaped joint 33c is provided in the middle. They are connected by interposed sixth and seventh connection pipes 32f and 32g. The remaining connection port 39 of the T-shaped joint 33c is finally closed with a cap.

The other end of the cooling heat exchanger 20 and one end of the third heat exchange unit 30 of the auxiliary manifold 24 are connected by an eighth connection pipe 32h, and the third heat exchange unit of the auxiliary manifold 24 is connected. The other end of 30 and the suction port 40 of the second circulation pump 14b are connected via a ninth connection pipe 32i and a T-shaped joint 33d. Finally, a second air reservoir 37b similar to the first air reservoir 37a is attached to the remaining connection port 41 of the T-shaped joint 33d.

Although not shown, the main manifold 11 is actually covered with a heat insulating material. Since the first and second circulation paths are formed and filled with cooling water, specifically, a mixture of propylene glycol and water as the cooling water, the Peltier elements of the main manifold 11 and the auxiliary manifold 24 are filled. While energizing 25 and 29, the first and second circulation pumps 14a and 14b are operated,
When the fan motors 13a, 13b, and 13c are operated, the heat generated on the heat radiation surface of the Peltier element 25 causes the first heat exchange portion 26a of the main manifold 11 to move from the upper side to the lower side as indicated by the arrow A in FIGS. The cooling water flows toward the side, and the warmed cooling water radiates heat when passing through the heat radiating heat exchanger 10 to lower the temperature, and the first cooling unit 2 of the main manifold 11
A heat radiation cycle circulating in the lower grille 1 is formed.
The airflow B2 sucked from the airflow 5 and the heat generated on the heat radiation surface of the Peltier element 25 are heat-exchanged in the heat radiation heat exchanger 10, and the warmed airflow B2 is discharged from the upper grill 16 to the outside air.

The second heat exchange section 26 of the main manifold 11
The cooling water flows from the lower side to the upper side as shown by arrow C in FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, and the cooling water cooled by the cooling surface of the Peltier element 29 and having its temperature lowered passes through the cooling heat exchanger 20. When passing, the heat exchange with the circulating air flow D in the interior 17
When the cooling water further passes through the third heat exchange section 30 of the auxiliary manifold 24, the cooling water exchanges heat with the heat radiation surface of the Peltier element 29 and the temperature rises, so that the second heat exchange of the main manifold 11 is performed. An endothermic cycle circulating in section 26b is formed.

More specifically, when the inside temperature of the inside of the 60-liter chamber 17 is adjusted to 5 ° C. at an outside air temperature of 30 ° C., the inlet side (one end) of the first heat exchange section 26a of the main manifold 11 is operated. The temperature of the cooling water 27a) is 36 ° C., and the temperature of the cooling water on the outlet side (the other end 27b) of the first heat exchange section 26a is 3
9 ° C. Second heat exchange section 2 of main manifold 11
The temperature of the cooling water at the inlet side of the 6b (one end 28a) is -3 ° C,
The temperature of the cooling water on the outlet side (the other end 28b) of the second heat exchange section 26b was 0 ° C., and the temperature of the cooling water on the outlet side of the third heat exchange section 30 of the auxiliary manifold 24 was + 2 ° C. At this time, the surface of the ice making plate 23 became −10 ° C., and ice making was possible.

Further, in order to realize good efficiency as described above, in the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present invention,
The locations of the first and second circulating pumps 14a and 14b are properly selected, and the first and second air reservoirs 37a and 37
7b is provided to prevent air bubbles from circulating in the heat radiation cycle and the heat absorption cycle.

More specifically, the first circulating pump 14a provided in the heat radiation cycle is connected to the heat radiation heat exchanger 10 and the first heat exchange part 26a of the main manifold 11 as shown in FIGS. Is also located at the top. The air bubbles mixed in the heat release cycle are the first
Collected near the suction port 35 of the circulating pump 14a,
During the operation of the circulation pump 14a, the air is sucked from the suction port 35 and gathers at the center of the pump impeller inside the first circulation pump 14a, and the discharge port 31 of the first circulation pump 14a
As a result, the amount of bubbles circulated through the heat radiation cycle decreases. The first air reservoir 37a during operation of the first circulation pump 14a is in a contracted state as shown by a solid line in FIG.

When the first circulation pump 14a is stopped, the air bubbles collected at the center of the pump impeller inside the first circulation pump 14a are discharged from the suction port 35 to the first air reservoir 3.
It rises to 7a and is collected. 42 is the first air reservoir 3
7A shows the liquid level of the cooling water inside 7a.

Further, when the first circulation pump 14a is stopped, the first air reservoir 37a extends toward the position indicated by the imaginary line in FIG. It is positively collected in the first air reservoir 37a.

The second circulating pump 14b provided in the heat absorption cycle includes a cooling heat exchanger 20, a second heat exchange portion 26b of the main manifold 11, and a second heat exchange portion 26b of the auxiliary manifold 24, as shown in FIGS. 3 is provided above the heat exchange unit 30. As in the case of the heat radiation cycle, the bubbles mixed in the heat absorption cycle gather near the suction port 40 of the second circulation pump 14b disposed above, gather at the center of the pump impeller, and circulate in the heat absorption cycle. Decrease. When the second circulation pump 14b is stopped,
Like the first air reservoir 37a, the second air reservoir 37b extends toward the position indicated by the phantom line in FIG. Collected in the pool 37b.

The first and second air reservoirs 37a, 37
7b also serves to adjust the pressure in the tubes during the heat release cycle and the heat absorption cycle. When the pressure in the pipe is largely increased, liquid leakage is likely to occur at a connection point of the pipe in the circulation path, but in the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present invention, the operation of the first and second circulation pumps 14a and 14b is performed. Inside the first
The second air reservoirs 37a and 37b expand and contract according to the pressure in the pipe, and act so that the pressure in the pipe does not increase significantly.

In the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present invention, an auxiliary manifold 24 is provided in the interior 17 separately from the main manifold 11, and the heat radiating surface of the auxiliary manifold 24 exchanges heat with the cooling water of the heat absorption cycle. As a result, the ice making plate 23 was sufficiently cooled. FIG. 10 shows details in the vicinity of the auxiliary manifold 24 and the ice making plate 23. A concave portion 44 is formed on the upper surface of the aluminum ice making plate 23 so as to store an ice tray 43 or to accumulate wastewater generated when a defrosting operation is performed.
45 is a heat insulating material.

Further, the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator of the present invention is configured as follows in order to reduce dew water as much as possible. Endothermic cycle second circulation pump 14
Since cooling water of + 2 ° C. passes through b, dew condensation occurs when the second circulation pump 14b is arranged outside the refrigerator. Therefore, the second circulation pump 14b is disposed in the
The dew condensation generated on the surface of the circulation pump 14b is eliminated. Further, the discharge port 38 of the second circulation pump 14b and the second heat exchange section 2 of the main manifold 11 disposed outside the refrigerator
In practice, the fifth connection pipe 32e connecting the second manifold 6b with the main manifold 11 also extends downward through the side of the cooling heat exchanger 20 inside the mechanical chamber 19 inside the refrigerator. At the position, the heat insulating material 8 is pierced at the penetrating point 46 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, pulled out of the refrigerator, and connected to the second heat exchange portion 26b of the main manifold 11, and almost all of the fifth connection pipe 32e. Is disposed in a refrigerator at 5 ° C., and the occurrence of dew condensation is extremely small.

As described above, the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator removes the air bubbles mixed in the circulation path of the cooling water into the first and second air conditioners.
Although the air is collected in the air reservoirs 37a and 37b so that the air bubbles do not circulate together with the cooling water, the cooling water is filled into the heat radiation cycle and the heat absorption cycle as shown in FIG.
And the liquid filling method shown in FIG. 12 is carried out, and the cooling water is filled so that bubbles are not mixed as much as possible.

FIG. 11 shows a method of filling the cooling water into the heat radiation cycle. When filling, the heat exchanger 10 for heat radiation
A pipe 50a is connected to a connection port 34 of a T-shaped joint 33a interposed between the first heat exchange portion 26a of the main manifold 11 and
And one end of the pipe 50a is connected to the cooling water tank 51.
Soak in cooling water. The connection port 36 of the T-shaped joint 33c attached to the suction port 35 of the first circulation pump 14a.
Is connected to the suction port of the self-priming pump 52. 53 is a tank for receiving the cooling water discharged from the discharge port of the self-priming pump 52. Cooling water tank 51 without tank 53
It can also be configured to return to.

When the self-priming pump 52 is operated in this connection state, the air in the circulation path of the heat radiation cycle is sucked out and the pressure in the pipe gradually decreases, and the cooling water in the cooling water tank 51 is connected to the pipe 50a and the T-shaped joint. It is sucked up through 33a and flows into the circulation path of the heat dissipation cycle. At this time, the T-shaped joint 3
A pipe line extending from the heat exchanger 3a to the first circulating pump 14a through the heat-radiating heat exchanger 10 has a pipe resistance indicated by the cooling water, and a first heat exchange section 26a of the main manifold 11 from the T-shaped joint 33a.
Is substantially the same as the in-pipe resistance indicated by the cooling water in the pipe line leading to the first circulation pump 14a through the circulating pump 14a. Instead, the water is gradually drawn from both the path passing through the heat exchanger for heat radiation 10 and the path passing through the first heat exchange section 26a of the main manifold 11.

After the self-priming pump 52 is continuously operated for a specified time after the cooling water is discharged from the discharge port of the self-priming pump 52, the operation of the self-priming pump 52 is stopped. From the connection port 34 of the joint 33a to the pipe 5
Remove 0a. At this time, the connection port 3 of the T-shaped joint 33b
6 is closed by the self-priming pump 52,
Even if a is removed, the cooling water does not flow backward from the connection port 34 of the T-shaped joint 33a. The connection port 34 from which the conduit 50a has been removed is closed with a cap.

Next, the self-priming pump 52 is removed from the connection port 36 of the T-shaped joint 33b, and the first air reservoir 37a is attached, so that the connection port between the heat radiation cycle and the self-priming pump 52 is closed. The filling is completed.

As described above, since the self-priming pump 52 is connected, the cooling water can be gradually filled in the heat radiation cycle with less mixing of air bubbles, so that a large impact force does not act on the connection point of the pipeline. There is no leakage of cooling water, and stable refrigeration operation can be expected for a long period of time. In addition, it is easy to remove the pipe 50a and the self-priming pump 52,
Workability is also good.

FIG. 12 shows a method of filling the cooling water into the endothermic cycle. This case is also the same as the case of the heat radiation cycle. At the time of filling, the connection port of the T-shaped joint 33c interposed between the cooling heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchange part 26b of the main manifold 11 is used. One end of the pipe 50b is connected to 39, and the other end of the pipe 50b is immersed in the cooling water of the cooling water tank 51. Further, the suction port 4 of the second circulation pump 14b
The suction port of the self-priming pump 52 is connected to the connection port 41 of the T-shaped joint 33d attached to the zero. 53 is a tank for receiving the cooling water discharged from the discharge port of the self-priming pump 52. It may be configured to return to the cooling water tank 51 without providing the tank 53.

When the self-priming pump 52 is operated in this connection state, the air in the circulation path of the heat absorption cycle is sucked out, the pressure in the pipe gradually decreases, and the cooling water in the cooling water tank 51 is connected to the pipe 50b and the T-shaped joint. It is sucked up via 33c and flows into the circulation path of the endothermic cycle. At this time, the T-shaped joint 3
The pipe from the pipe 3c to the second circulating pump 14b via the second heat exchange section 26b of the main manifold 11 has an in-pipe resistance indicated by the cooling water, and the third heat of the heat radiation heat exchanger 20 and the auxiliary manifold 24. The second circulating pump 1 via the exchange unit 30
4b has substantially the same internal resistance as the cooling water, so that the cooling water flowing from the T-shaped joint 33c is not sucked up from only one of the paths, and the second manifold of the main manifold 11 Are gradually drawn from both the path passing through the heat exchange section 26b and the path passing through the cooling heat exchanger 20.

After the self-priming pump 52 is continuously operated for a specified time after the cooling water is discharged from the discharge port of the self-priming pump 52, the operation of the self-priming pump 52 is stopped. From the connection port 39 of the joint 33c to the pipe 5
Remove 0b. At this time, the connection port 4 of the T-shaped joint 33d
1 is closed by the self-priming pump 52,
Even if b is removed, the cooling water does not flow backward from the connection port 39 of the T-shaped joint 33c. The connection port 39 from which the pipe 50b has been removed is closed with a cap.

Next, the self-priming pump 52 is removed from the connection port 36 of the T-shaped joint 33d, and the second air reservoir 37b is attached, so that the connection port between the heat absorption cycle and the self-priming pump 52 is closed. The filling is completed.

As described above, since the self-priming pump 52 is connected to reduce the mixing of air bubbles and the cooling water can be gradually filled in the heat radiation cycle, a large impact force does not act on the connection point of the pipeline. There is no leakage of cooling water, and stable refrigeration operation can be expected for a long period of time. In addition, it is easy to remove the pipe 50b and the self-priming pump 52,
Workability is also good.

(Embodiment 2) FIGS. 13 to 15 show (Embodiment 2). It is to be noted that components having the same functions as those in (Embodiment 1) are described with the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 2) The first and second three-way valves connected in series to the circulation path are interposed in series, and the first and second three-way valves are connected in series.
Is different from the first embodiment in that the cooling water is filled from the three-way valve.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, in the heat radiation cycle, first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b are interposed in the middle of the first connection pipe 32a. In the heat absorption cycle, as shown in FIG. 15, first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b are interposed in series in the fifth connection pipe 32e.

The method of injecting cooling water using the first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b is the same in both the heat radiation cycle and the heat absorption cycle. Therefore, the case of the heat radiation cycle will be described here.

As shown in FIG. 13, the liquid reservoir 5 held at a position above the port P1 of the first three-way valve 54a of the first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b interposed in the heat radiation cycle.
5, the cooling water is supplied from the port P of the second three-way valve 54b.
1 is opened to the tank 53 via the conduit 56.

First, first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b
The valve bodies 57a and 57b are switched as shown in FIG. The valve body 57a is connected to the first three-way valve 54.
The switching state is established so as to connect the port P1 and the port P2 of FIG. The valve body 57b is in a switching state in which the port P1 and the port P3 of the second three-way valve 54b are communicated.

In this state, the cooling water naturally flowing down from the liquid reservoir 55 is supplied to the first heat exchange section 26 a of the main manifold 11, the heat radiation heat exchanger 10, and the first circulation pump 14.
a into the port P3 of the second three-way valve 54b through
The water naturally flows down to the tank 53 via the port P1 of the second three-way valve 54b and the pipeline 56. That is, the first three-way valve 54a
Except for the pipe 58 connecting the port P3 of the third three-way valve 54b and the port P2 of the second three-way valve 54b, the cooling water flows.

Next, the first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b
The valve bodies 57a and 57b are switched as shown in FIG. The valve body 57a is connected to the first three-way valve 54.
It is in a switching state in which the port P1 communicates with the port P3. The valve body 57b is in a switching state in which the port P1 and the port P2 of the second three-way valve 54b are communicated. Therefore, the cooling water naturally flowing down from the liquid reservoir 55 flows from the port P3 of the first three-way valve 54a to the line 58.
Flows into the port P2 of the second three-way valve 54b through the port, and naturally flows down to the tank 53 through the port P1 of the second three-way valve 54b and the pipeline 56. By switching the first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b from the state shown in FIG. 14A to the state shown in FIG. 14B, in the state shown in FIG. From the first three-way valve 54a to the second three-way valve 5 via the first heat exchange part 26a of the main manifold 11, the heat radiation heat exchanger 10, and the first circulation pump 14a.
The path leading to 4b is filled with cooling water.

Next, the first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b
The valve bodies 57a and 57b are switched as shown in FIG. The valve body 57a is connected to the first three-way valve 54.
The switching state is established in which the port P2 communicates with the port P3. The valve body 57b is in a switching state in which the port P2 and the port P3 of the second three-way valve 54b are communicated. Therefore, the space between the first heat exchange section 26a of the main manifold 11 and the first circulation pump 14a communicates via the first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b, and the filling is completed.
Finally, the liquid reservoir 55 and the pipe 56 and the tank 53
Is removed.

According to this filling method, the cooling water can be gradually filled in the radiation cycle by reducing the mixing of bubbles by only switching the valve bodies 57a and 57b of the first and second three-way valves 54a and 54b. A large impact force does not act on the connection point of the road, there is no leakage of cooling water, and stable refrigeration operation can be expected for a long period of time. Further, there is no need to perform an operation of closing the T-shaped joint 33a and the connection port 34 with the cap as in the case of (Embodiment 1).

In this (Embodiment 2), the liquid reservoir 55
The cooling water is filled while allowing the cooling water to flow naturally from the port P1 of the first three-way valve 54a.
The port P1 of the three-way valve 54a can be connected to the cooling water tank, and a self-priming pump can be connected to the port P1 of the second three-way valve 54b to suck up and fill the cooling water.

In each of the above embodiments, when the setting for filling the cooling water is completed, the cooling water to be filled immediately flows into the circulation path to start the filling operation. Before, the self-priming pump operates the self-priming pump to suck up the pretreatment liquid that improves the condition of the inner surface of the circulation path, and then sucks and fills the desired cooling water to mix air bubbles into the circulation path. Can be further reduced.

More specifically, an acrylic resin paint containing silica is used as a pretreatment liquid, and the pretreatment agent is used to eliminate irregularities on the inner surface of the circulation path and to smooth the surface to 10 μm. When the intended filling of the cooling water is started, the filling of the liquid can be carried out in a state where the adhesion of the air bubbles is very small through the smoothed pipe without unevenness.

Further, a surfactant can be used as the pretreatment liquid. In this case, the surfactant improves the wettability of the inner surface of the circulation path pipe, and when the intended cooling water is started, the cooling water is well deposited on the inner surface of the circulation path pipe. The liquid can be filled in a state where the liquid has moved and the adhesion of air bubbles has been extremely reduced.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, the liquid is filled into the circulation path by sucking up the cooling liquid by the self-priming pump, flowing down the cooling liquid, or pumping the cooling liquid. Even if the strength does not exceed the mechanical strength required for the normal operation of the cooling system, it is possible to fill the cooling water with less air bubbles and contribute to the realization of a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator with good thermal efficiency.

Further, before the filling of the liquid to be filled is started, the pretreatment liquid for improving the condition of the inner surface of the pipeline of the circulation path is sucked up by operating the self-priming pump, and thereafter, the liquid to be filled is discharged. By sucking and filling, air bubbles mixed into the circulation path can be further reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a partially cut-out according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the upper part of the refrigerator body of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a heat-radiating heat exchanger and a fan motor according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a heat radiation cycle and a heat absorption cycle of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a piping state of a heat radiation cycle according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a piping state of the endothermic cycle according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing an attached state of the air reservoir according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view of an ice making part according to the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a connection diagram when cooling water is injected into the heat radiation cycle of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a connection diagram when cooling water is injected into the endothermic cycle of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a connection diagram when cooling water is injected into the heat radiation cycle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a switching procedure of the three-way valve according to the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a connection diagram when cooling water is injected into the endothermic cycle of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator main body 8, 45 Insulation material 9 Outer compartment 10 Heat-dissipating heat exchanger 11 Main manifold 13a, 13b, 13c Fan motor 14a, 14b First and second circulating pumps 17 Inside 18 Partition wall 19 Inside mechanical room 20 Cooling heat exchanger 23 Ice making plate 24 Auxiliary manifold 25, 29 Peltier element 26a, 26b First and second heat exchanging part 30 Third heat exchanging part 37a, 37b First and second air reservoir 44 Ice making plate Recesses 54a, 54b on the upper surface of the first and second three-way valves

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Osamu Nakagawa 4-2-5 Takaida Hondori, Higashi Osaka City, Osaka Inside Matsushita Refrigeration Co., Ltd.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A thermoelectric module having a manifold having a heat exchange part thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module, forming a circulation path between a circulation pump, a heat exchanger, and a heat exchange part of the manifold, and filling a liquid therein. In the modular cooling system, the liquid suction port between the heat exchanger and the heat exchange section of the manifold is connected to the liquid tank when filling the circulation path with the liquid, and the liquid suction port is connected in series with the suction port or the discharge port of the circulation pump. Connect the pump, operate the pump, draw up the liquid from the liquid tank via the circulation path, and stop the operation of the self-priming pump after the liquid reaches the discharge port of the self-priming pump Then, the liquid suction port is closed, and then the pump is removed to close the connection port between the pump and the circulation path. . 2. A thermoelectric module having a manifold having a heat exchange part thermally coupled to a thermoelectric module, forming a circulation path between a circulation pump, a heat exchanger, and a heat exchange part of the manifold, and filling a liquid therein. In the modular cooling system, when the circulation path is filled with liquid, the circulation path is provided with first and second three-way valves connected in series, and the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are connected in series. With the communication of the three-way valve closed, the liquid flows from the first first three-way valve via the circulation path and the second three-way valve, and then the first and second three-way valves are switched to the first one. The liquid is allowed to flow from the first three-way valve to the second three-way valve in a closed state in which the liquid does not flow into and out of the circulation path from the second three-way valve to the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve. Fill the connection line between the two with liquid, then switch the first and second three-way valves First, liquid filling method in a thermoelectric module cooling system to terminate the filling to form a circulation circuit of the via second three-way valve Te. 3. A first thermoelectric module thermally coupled to a heat dissipation surface of a thermoelectric module.
A manifold having a heat exchange part and a second heat exchange part thermally coupled to the cooling surface of the thermoelectric module, a first circulation pump, a heat exchanger for heat radiation, and a first heat exchange part of the manifold To form a heat radiating system by filling a liquid therein, and a second circulating pump, a cooling heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanging part of the manifold. Thermoelectric module-type electricity that forms a circulation path and fills the inside with a liquid to form a heat absorption system, and heat exchange between the cooling heat exchanger and the air inside the refrigerator body to cool the inside of the refrigerator body In the refrigerator, when filling the circulation path with liquid, a liquid suction port between a heat exchanger and a heat exchange section of the manifold is connected to a liquid tank, and a self-priming type is connected in series to a suction port or a discharge port of a circulation pump. Connect the pump and run the self-priming pump The liquid is sucked up from the liquid tank through the circulation path described above, and after the liquid reaches the discharge port of the self-priming pump, the operation of the self-priming pump is stopped. And closing the connection between the self-priming pump and the circulation path, and then closing the connection port between the self-priming pump and the circulation path. 4. A first thermoelectric module thermally coupled to a heat radiation surface of a thermoelectric module.
A manifold having a heat exchange part and a second heat exchange part thermally coupled to the cooling surface of the thermoelectric module, a first circulation pump, a heat exchanger for heat radiation, and a first heat exchange part of the manifold To form a heat radiating system by filling a liquid therein, and a second circulating pump, a cooling heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanging part of the manifold. Thermoelectric module-type electricity that forms a circulation path and fills the inside with a liquid to form a heat absorption system, and heat exchange between the cooling heat exchanger and the air inside the refrigerator body to cool the inside of the refrigerator body In the refrigerator, when filling the circulation path with the liquid, the circulation path is provided with first and second three-way valves connected in series, and the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve are connected in series. The communication is closed and the circulation path from the first first three-way valve to the second The liquid flows through the three-way valve, and then the first and second three-way valves are switched to a closed state in which the liquid does not flow into and out of the circulation path from the first and second three-way valves. The liquid flows from the valve to the second three-way valve to fill the connection pipe line between the first three-way valve and the second three-way valve with the liquid, and then the first and second three-way valves are switched to switch the first and second three-way valves. 1, a liquid filling method in a thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator, in which the above-mentioned circulation circuit is formed via a second three-way valve to finish filling. 5. A self-priming pump for operating a self-priming pump to draw up a pretreatment liquid for improving the condition of the inner surface of the circulation path before starting the filling of the liquid to be filled. The liquid filling method in the thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the liquid is filled by suction. 6. The liquid filling method in a thermoelectric module type electric refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein an acrylic resin paint containing silica is used as the pretreatment liquid. 7. The method for filling a liquid in a thermoelectric modular electric refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein a surfactant is used as the pretreatment liquid.