cold store

Abstract

The cold storage of the present application has: a cabinet having a cold storage room, a sliding door that opens and closes the cold storage room, and a mechanical room; a compressor disposed in the mechanical room that constitutes a refrigeration circuit that cools the cold storage room; a fan that generates an air current that passes around the compressor and is blown to the sliding door through an air supply opening in the mechanical room; a heater disposed in the cold storage room; and a control device that operates the heater when the set temperature of the cold storage room is below a specified temperature and the compressor is in an operating state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to cold storage facilities. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a cooling storage tank that can effectively eliminate condensation at the glass door using air from a condenser fan.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-88438 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] Cold storage rooms store pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies at low temperatures. Due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the cold storage room, condensation occurs at the sliding doors that open and close the cold storage room. As the temperature inside the cold storage room decreases, the amount of condensation at the sliding doors may increase. Furthermore, in recent years, the temperature in cold storage rooms has continued to drop. Therefore, even more condensation may occur at the sliding doors.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to suppress condensation in cold storage.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the cold storage disclosed herein comprises: a housing having a cold storage chamber, a sliding door for opening and closing the cold storage chamber, and a machine room; a compressor disposed in the machine room, forming a refrigeration circuit for cooling the cold storage chamber; a fan generating airflow that passes around the compressor and is blown to the sliding door via an air outlet in the machine room; a heater disposed in the cold storage chamber; and a control device that operates the heater when the set temperature of the cold storage chamber is below a specified temperature and the compressor is in operation.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] The cold storage facility disclosed herein can suppress the formation of condensation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cold storage facility according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure inside the machine room.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a vertical sectional view of the cold storage.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the cooling area inside the cold insulation chamber.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a cold storage facility.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of the program executed by the control device.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of the program executed by the control device.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of the program executed by the control device.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a timing diagram showing the operation of the drain pan. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The implementation of the cold storage of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, as follows... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrows, the side where the sliding door 30 is located is designated as the front of the cold storage 1, and the opposite side is designated as the rear of the cold storage 1. Furthermore, the left and right sides when viewed from the front of the cold storage 1 are designated as the left and right sides of the cold storage 1. Additionally, the side furthest from the surface on which the cold storage 1 is located is designated as the upper part of the cold storage 1, and the opposite side is designated as the lower part of the cold storage 1.

[0023] Cold storage room 1 is a pharmaceutical cold storage facility used to preserve medicines at low temperatures. Additionally, cold storage room 1 can also be a blood cold storage facility or a thermostat. For example... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, cold storage 1 includes: a box body 10, a frame body 20, and a sliding door 30.

[0024] The housing 10 has an opening H1 on its front surface that opens due to the movement of the sliding door 30. Insulating material is filled between the outer and inner surfaces of the housing 10. The space enclosed by the inner surfaces of the housing 10 is a cold storage compartment R1, which is the space for containing the medicine. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0025] The frame body 20 is disposed within the housing 10 such that it surrounds the opening H1. In the frame body 20, outer guide rails 21 and inner guide rails 22 extend laterally along the bottom surface of the frame body 20. The inner guide rail 22 is positioned further rearward than the outer guide rails 21 (on the side of the cold insulation compartment R1). Figure 3 Additionally, a sliding door 30 is installed within the frame 20.

[0026] The sliding door 30 has a first sliding door 31 and a second sliding door 32. The first sliding door 31 is installed so as to be movable along the outer guide rail 21. When closed, the first sliding door 31 is located on the right side of the frame 20. The second sliding door 32 is installed so as to be movable along the inner guide rail 22. When closed, the second sliding door 32 is located on the left side of the frame 20. By moving the first sliding door 31 and the second sliding door 32 respectively, the opening H1 is opened and closed, thereby opening and closing the cold insulation chamber R1.

[0027] Since the first sliding door 31 is located on the outer guide rail 21 and the second sliding door 32 is located on the inner guide rail 22, the second sliding door 32 is closer to the cold storage compartment R1 than the first sliding door 31. Therefore, more condensation occurs on the second sliding door 32 than on the first sliding door 31.

[0028] Additionally, within the housing 10, below the cold storage compartment R1, there is a mechanical compartment R2. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0029] The machine room R2 has an air outlet H2. The air outlet H2 is opened at a position further forward than the frame body 20, and is formed in such a way that the airflow described later blows onto the sliding door 30.

[0030] Additionally, a compressor 41 and a condenser 42, constituting a refrigeration circuit for cooling the interior of the cold storage chamber R1, are disposed in the machine compartment R2, and a fan 43 is also provided. The compressor 41 is disposed on the left side of the machine compartment R2. That is, the compressor 41 is disposed closer to the second sliding door 32 when the cold storage chamber R1 is closed than to the first sliding door 31 when the cold storage chamber R1 is closed. The condenser 42 is disposed approximately in the center of the machine compartment R2.

[0031] Fan 43 generates airflow. The airflow is... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The image is indicated by a thick arrow. Fan 43 generates airflow by drawing outside air into the machine compartment R2 through rotation. The airflow passes around compressor 41 and condenser 42. When compressor 41 and condenser 42 are running, the airflow passing around compressor 41 and condenser 42 is heated by the temperature of compressor 41 and condenser 42.

[0032] Furthermore, the airflow is blown out from the air outlet H2 and onto the sliding door 30. The heated airflow heats the sliding door 30, thereby suppressing condensation on the sliding door 30.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the cold storage chamber R1 is divided into a storage area R1a and a cooling area R1b by the side wall 51. The storage area R1a is the area for storing medicines, etc. The cooling area R1b is the area where the air inside the cold storage chamber R1 is cooled.

[0034] The following components are arranged at the upper rear end of the cold insulation chamber R1: a second fan 52, an evaporator 53 constituting the refrigeration circuit, a sensor 54, a defrost heater 55, a second sensor 56, a drain pan 57, and a drain pan heater 58. The area surrounding the evaporator 53 forms the cooling zone R1b. In other words, the following components are arranged in the cooling zone R1b: a second fan 52, an evaporator 53 constituting the refrigeration circuit, a sensor 54, a defrost heater 55, a second sensor 56, a drain pan 57, and a drain pan heater 58.

[0035] The second fan 52 draws air from the storage area R1a into the cooling area R1b by rotating. The second fan 52 is positioned at the upper end of the cooling area R1b. Thus, the second fan 52 draws in air present above the storage area R1a. The air drawn into the cooling area R1b is blown out from an opening formed at the bottom of the cooling area R1b back into the storage area R1a. That is, the air drawn into the cooling area R1b... Figure 4 As shown by the arrow, the flow originates from the upper end of the cooling zone R1b and flows downwards.

[0036] Evaporator 53 cools the air drawn into cooling zone R1b. Evaporator 53 is positioned below the second fan 52. Evaporator 53 has piping 53a for the flow of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration circuit and fins 53b mounted in contact with piping 53a.

[0037] Sensor 54 detects the temperature inside the cold storage compartment R1. Sensor 54 is positioned above the evaporator 53 within the cooling zone R1b. That is, sensor 54 detects the temperature of the air drawn into the cooling zone R1b before it is cooled by the evaporator 53. In other words, the temperature detected by sensor 54 is equal to the temperature of the air in the storage zone R1a.

[0038] The defrost heater 55 is a heater that melts the frost adhering to the piping 53a and fins 53b through its operation. The defrost heater 55 is, for example, a sheathed heater or a linear heater. The defrost heater 55 is installed spaced apart from the piping 53a of the evaporator 53 and in contact with the fins 53b. The operation that powers the defrost heater 55 is specifically referred to as "defrost operation." Defrost operation occurs during periods when the compressor 41 is stopped.

[0039] The second sensor 56 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the fin 53b, which is arranged in a manner that is spaced apart from the pipe 53a and in contact with the fin 53b.

[0040] Drain tray 57 receives water generated during defrosting operation. Drain tray 57 is located below evaporator 53. During defrosting operation, frost adhering to pipes 53a and fins 53b melts, generating water. This water falls onto drain tray 57 and is discharged to machine compartment R2 through pipes not shown.

[0041] The drain pan heater 58 is a heater that heats the drain pan 57. The drain pan heater 58 can be, for example, a sheathed heater or a linear heater. The heat output of the drain pan heater 58 is less than that of the defrost heater 55. The drain pan heater 58 is installed in contact with the back of the drain pan 57. Water collected in the drain pan 57 may be cooled and frozen by the evaporator 53. Through the operation of the drain pan heater 58, even if the water collected in the drain pan 57 freezes and ice forms, the ice can be melted.

[0042] As described above, the defrost heater 55 and the drain pan heater 58 are disposed in the cooling zone R1b. That is, the defrost heater 55 and the drain pan heater 58 are disposed in the cold insulation chamber R1.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cold storage 1 includes an input unit 61 and a control device 62. The input unit 61 is used to input the set temperature of the cold storage compartment R1. The input unit 61 is, for example, a touch panel.

[0044] The control device 62 is a computer that performs unified control of the cold storage 1. The control device 62 includes a storage device for storing computer programs (hereinafter referred to as "programs") and a processor for executing the computer programs.

[0045] The control device 62 is electrically connected to the input unit 61, sensor 54, second sensor 56, compressor 41, defrost heater 55, drain pan heater 58, fan 43, and second fan 52. The control device 62 acquires the set temperature input to the input unit 61, the temperature detected by sensor 54, and the temperature detected by second sensor 56. Based on the set temperature, the temperature detected by sensor 54, and the temperature detected by second sensor 56, the control device 62 controls the compressor 41, defrost heater 55, drain pan heater 58, fan 43, and second fan 52.

[0046] The control device 62 controls the compressor 41 by executing a program, thereby adjusting the temperature inside the cold insulation chamber R1 to the set temperature. Specifically, the control device 62 repeatedly starts and stops the compressor 41 based on the set temperature and the temperature detected by the sensor 54. Figure 9 During the execution of the program, fan 43 and second fan 52 are controlled to rotate continuously.

[0047] Next, use Figures 6 to 8The flowchart illustrates the operation of the drain pan heater 58, which is implemented by the control device 62 through the execution of a program. At the start of the program, the drain pan heater 58 is not operating. Furthermore, during the execution of the program, the compressor 41 is repeatedly started and stopped.

[0048] exist Figure 6 In step S10, the control device 62 determines whether the set temperature obtained from the input unit 61 is below a specified temperature. The specified temperature is the temperature of the cold storage compartment R1 at which condensation will occur more on the sliding door 30; for example, the specified temperature is 3°C. The specified temperature is preset into the program executed by the control device 62 during the manufacture of the cold storage 1. If the set temperature is below the specified temperature (S10: "Yes"), in step S11, the control device 62 performs the synchronization control described later.

[0049] On the other hand, if the set temperature is higher than the specified temperature (S10: "No"), in S12, the control device 62 performs asynchronous control as described later.

[0050] Next, the execution Figure 7 The synchronous control shown will be explained. Synchronous control is the control that enables the drain pan heater 58 to operate while the compressor 41 is running.

[0051] In S20, the control device 62 determines whether the compressor 41 is in an operating state. If the compressor 41 is in a stopped state (S20: "No"), the control device 62 repeatedly executes S20.

[0052] On the other hand, when the compressor 41 is running (S20: "Yes"), in S21, the control device 62 determines whether the temperature detected by the sensor 54 is below the set temperature plus a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the "additive calculation temperature"). The predetermined value is a value that ensures the additive calculation temperature satisfies the condition that if the temperature of the cold storage compartment R1 becomes the additive calculation temperature, the condensation generated at the sliding door 30 will be less. The predetermined value is a constant value independent of the set temperature and is preset in the program executed by the control device 62 during the manufacture of the cold storage 1. The predetermined value is, for example, 5.

[0053] If the temperature detected by sensor 54 is higher than the calculated temperature due to the higher temperature in the cold storage chamber R1 compared to the set temperature (S21: "No"), the control device 62 keeps the drain pan heater 58 inactive and returns the program to S20.

[0054] On the other hand, when the compressor 41 is running and the temperature in the cold storage chamber R1 decreases, causing the temperature detected by the sensor 54 to fall below the additive calculation temperature (S21: "Yes"), in S22, the control device 62 activates the drain pan heater 58.

[0055] Next, in S23, the control device 62 determines whether the compressor 41 has stopped. If the compressor 41 is running because the temperature in the cold insulation chamber R1 has not reached the set temperature (S23: "No"), the control device 62 repeatedly executes S23.

[0056] On the other hand, if the compressor 41 has stopped because the temperature in the cold storage chamber R1 has reached the set temperature (S23: "Yes"), in S24, the control device 62 stops the drain pan heater 58 and returns the program to S20.

[0057] Next, the execution Figure 8 The asynchronous control situation shown will be explained. Asynchronous control is a control that makes the operation of compressor 41 asynchronous with the operation of drain pan heater 58.

[0058] In S30, the control device 62 determines whether the compressor 41 has stopped operating. If the compressor 41 continues to operate (S30: "No"), the control device 62 repeatedly executes S30.

[0059] On the other hand, when the compressor 41 stops operating because the temperature inside the cold storage 1 has reached the set temperature (S30: "Yes"), in S31, the control device 62 activates the drain pan heater 58 and begins defrosting operation. Specifically, starting defrosting operation means activating the defrost heater 55. Furthermore, defrosting operation continues until the temperature detected by the second sensor 56 reaches the second predetermined temperature.

[0060] Next, in S32, the control device 62 determines whether the temperature detected by the second sensor 56 is above a third predetermined temperature. The third predetermined temperature is a threshold temperature used to stop the operation of the drain pan heater 58. The third predetermined temperature is a temperature higher than the second predetermined temperature. The second and third predetermined temperatures are preset in the program executed by the control device 62 during the manufacture of the cold storage 1.

[0061] If the temperature detected by the second sensor 56 is less than the third specified temperature (S32: "No"), the control device 62 repeatedly executes S32.

[0062] If the temperature detected by the second sensor 56 is above the third specified temperature (S32: "Yes"), in S33, the control device 62 stops the drain pan heater 58 and returns the program to S30.

[0063] Furthermore, the temperature inside the cold storage chamber R1 when the temperature detected by the second sensor 56 becomes the third specified temperature is a temperature that is sufficiently low compared to a temperature that could adversely affect medicines or other items stored in the cold storage chamber R1.

[0064] Next, use Figure 9 The timing diagram illustrates the operation of the cold storage 1 under the condition of synchronous control of the drain pan heater 58. As described above, during the execution of the program, the fan 43 rotates continuously, thus airflow blows onto the sliding door 30.

[0065] When the set temperature is below the specified temperature (S10: "Yes") and the compressor 41 starts working (S20: "Yes") (at time t1), if the temperature detected by the sensor 54 is below the additive calculation temperature (S21: "Yes"), the drain pan heater 58 is activated (S22).

[0066] Because the compressor 41 is operating, the evaporator 53 cools the air in the cold storage chamber R1. On the other hand, the drain pan heater 58 is located inside the cold storage chamber R1, and therefore heats the air cooled by the evaporator 53. That is, the drain pan heater 58 operates in a manner that suppresses cooling caused by the refrigeration circuit. Therefore, when the drain pan heater 58 is operating, the time until the temperature in the cold storage chamber R1 reaches the set temperature is longer than the time when the drain pan heater 58 is not operating. In other words, the operating time of the compressor 41 when the drain pan heater 58 is operating is longer than the operating time of the compressor 41 when the drain pan heater 58 is stopped.

[0067] As the compressor 41 operates for an extended period, its temperature rises. Consequently, the temperature of the airflow passing around the compressor 41 also increases. That is, the airflow temperature is higher when the drain pan heater 58 is operating compared to the airflow temperature when it is off. Therefore, by increasing the airflow temperature below a predetermined temperature where condensation at the door 30 would be more prevalent, condensation formation can be suppressed.

[0068] As described above, the compressor 41 is positioned closer to the second door 32 when the cold compartment R1 is closed, compared to the vicinity of the first door 31. Therefore, the temperature of the airflow blowing onto the second door 32 is higher than the temperature of the airflow blowing onto the first door 31. Furthermore, as mentioned above, more condensation occurs at the second door 32 than at the first door 31. That is, according to this compressor 41 configuration, condensation at the second door 32 can be effectively suppressed.

[0069] When the temperature in the cold insulation chamber R1 decreases and reaches the set temperature, causing the compressor 41 to stop (S23: "Yes", time t2), the drain pan heater 58 is stopped (S24).

[0070] Next, even when the set temperature is below the specified temperature (S10: "Yes") and the compressor 41 has started operating (S20: "Yes") (at time t4), if the temperature detected by sensor 54 is higher than the calculated temperature (S21: "No"), the drain pan heater 58 will not be deactivated. When the temperature detected by sensor 54 is higher than the calculated temperature, the temperature difference between the cold insulation chamber R1 and the set temperature is relatively large. Therefore, control is implemented to prioritize cooling based on the refrigeration circuit, thereby deactivating the drain pan heater 58.

[0071] The situation where the temperature detected by sensor 54 is higher than the calculated temperature is, for example, when a user opens the sliding door 30, allowing outside air to flow into the cooling chamber R1, causing the temperature inside R1 to rise. Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the temperature detected by sensor 54 is higher than the calculated temperature, less condensation occurs at the sliding door 30. Therefore, even when the drain pan heater 58 is not operating, the temperature of the airflow can sufficiently suppress condensation.

[0072] Next, when the temperature inside the cold storage chamber R1 decreases due to the operation of the compressor 41, and the temperature detected by the sensor 54 falls below the additive calculation temperature (S21: "Yes"), the drain pan heater 58 is activated (S22, time t5). Furthermore, when the temperature inside the cold storage chamber R1 further decreases and reaches the set temperature, causing the compressor 41 to stop (S23: "Yes", time t6), the drain pan heater 58 is deactivated (S24).

[0073] Next, use Figure 9 The timing diagram illustrates the operation of the cold storage 1 under asynchronous control of the drain pan heater 58. Under asynchronous control, as described above, the fan 43 rotates continuously, causing airflow to reach the sliding door 30.

[0074] When the set temperature is higher than the specified temperature (S10: "No") and the compressor 41 starts working (S30: "No") (at time t1), the drain pan heater 58 is not activated. Therefore, the temperature of the airflow blowing onto the sliding door 30 is lower than the temperature of the airflow when the drain pan heater 58 is activated. However, the condensation generated on the sliding door 30 when the set temperature is higher than the specified temperature is less than the condensation generated on the sliding door 30 when the set temperature is lower than the specified temperature; therefore, the condensation generated on the sliding door 30 is sufficiently suppressed.

[0075] When the temperature in the cold storage compartment R1 decreases and reaches the set temperature, causing the compressor 41 to stop operating (S30: "Yes", time t2), the drain pan heater 58 is activated (S31). Additionally, at this time (time t2), the defrost heater 55 is also activated.

[0076] Since compressor 41 has stopped, the temperature of compressor 41 does not rise even if drain pan heater 58 is working. Consequently, the temperature of the airflow does not rise.

[0077] When the frost attached to the fin 53b melts and the temperature of the fin 53b rises, causing the detection temperature of the second sensor 56 to become above the third specified temperature (S32: "Yes", time t3), the operation of the drain pan heater 58 is stopped (S33).

[0078] Next, the drain pan heater 58 repeatedly performs the following actions: it starts working when the compressor 41 stops (time t6), and stops working when the temperature detected by the second sensor 56 is above the third specified temperature (time t7).

[0079] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments are also included within the scope of this disclosure as long as they do not depart from its spirit.

[0080] For example, in synchronous control, with compressor 41 running, the drain pan heater 58 can be activated regardless of the calculated temperature. In this case, Figure 7 In the flowchart shown, S21 is not executed. That is, the control device 62 activates the drain pan heater 58 when the set temperature of the cold storage chamber R1 is below the specified temperature and the compressor 41 is in operation.

[0081] Alternatively, the compressor 41 may be positioned in the center of the mechanical compartment R2 or in a position that is closer to the first sliding door 31 when the cold compartment R1 is closed than to the second sliding door 32 when the cold compartment R1 is closed.

[0082] Alternatively, in synchronous control, when the compressor 41 is running, the defrost heater 55 can be operated instead of the drain pan heater 58.

[0083] The entire contents of the description, claims, drawings and abstract of the description contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-043838, filed on March 17, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0084] Industrial applicability

[0085] This invention can be widely used in cold storage facilities such as pharmaceutical cold storage, blood cold storage, and thermostats.

[0086] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0087] 1. Cold storage

[0088] 10 enclosures

[0089] 20 Frame

[0090] 30 Sliding Doors

[0091] 41 Compressor

[0092] 42 Condenser

[0093] 43 Fans

[0094] 52 Second Fan

[0095] 54 sensors

[0096] 56 Second Sensor

[0097] 57 Drainage tray

[0098] 58 Drainage tray heater

[0099] H1 opening

[0100] H2 air outlet

[0101] R1 cold storage room

[0102] R2 Machine Room

Claims

1. A cold storage facility, comprising: The enclosure includes a cold storage compartment, a sliding door for opening and closing the cold storage compartment, and a mechanical compartment; A compressor, located in the machine room, forms a refrigeration circuit for cooling the interior of the cold insulation chamber; A fan generates airflow that passes around the compressor and blows onto the sliding door via an air outlet in the opening of the machine room; A heater is disposed in the cold insulation chamber; Sensors detect the temperature inside the cold storage chamber; as well as The control device activates the heater when the following conditions are met: the set temperature of the cold storage chamber is below a specified temperature; the compressor is in operation; and the temperature detected by the sensor is below the set temperature plus a specified value. This causes the compressor to run for a longer period, raising its temperature. Consequently, the temperature of the airflow passing around the compressor also rises. The fan then blows the heated airflow onto the sliding door to suppress condensation.

2. The cold storage facility as described in claim 1, wherein, The sliding door has a first sliding door for opening and closing the cold storage compartment, and a second sliding door located between the cold storage compartment and the first sliding door for opening and closing the cold storage compartment. The compressor is positioned closer to the second sliding door when the cold storage compartment is closed than to the first sliding door when the cold storage compartment is closed.

3. The cold storage facility as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also has a drain pan that receives water generated during defrosting operation. The heater is a drain pan heater that heats the drain pan.

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