Refrigerating device

Abstract

The refrigeration device is provided with: a first cooling device for cooling a first region of the accommodation chamber; the second cooling device is used for cooling a second area of the accommodating chamber; and a control unit for controlling the cooling operation of the first cooling device and the second cooling device, the control unit shifting the timing at which the cooling operation of the first cooling device is turned off from the timing at which the second cooling device is turned off for a predetermined time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a refrigeration device having a box body with a storage chamber as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been known. Such a refrigeration device includes a first cooling device and a second cooling device that cool the storage chamber.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-190917 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Regarding the cooling device as described above, a refrigeration device with high cooling performance is required.

[0008] The present invention has been completed in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a refrigeration device with high cooling performance.

[0009] Solution to the Problem

[0010] One aspect of the refrigeration device of the present invention includes:

[0011] A first cooling device that cools a first region of the storage chamber;

[0012] A second cooling device that cools a second region of the storage chamber; and

[0013] A control unit that controls the cooling operations of the first cooling device and the second cooling device,

[0014] The control unit offsets the timing when the cooling operation of the first cooling device is turned off from the timing when the second cooling device is turned off by a predetermined time.

[0015] Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a refrigeration device with high cooling performance can be provided. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a front view of the refrigeration device with the door omitted.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a front view of the refrigeration device with the door omitted.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the cooling device.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the first control executed by the control unit.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a timing diagram regarding the operation of the compressor. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0023] Hereinafter, the refrigeration device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same constituent elements. The matters described below together with the accompanying Figure 1 drawings are for explaining exemplary embodiments and are not intended to show the only embodiment.

[0024] [Embodiment]

[0025] With reference to Figures 1 to 6 the refrigeration device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the refrigeration device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Figure 2 this is a front view of the refrigeration device 1 with the state of the door omitted. In addition, Figure 3 this is Figure 2 a front view of the refrigeration device 1 with the left cover 213a and the right cover 213b in the refrigeration device 1 shown omitted. In addition, Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the cooling device.

[0027] The refrigeration device 1 is, for example, an ultra-low temperature freezer. An ultra-low temperature freezer refers to a freezer that cools the interior of the cabinet to an ultra-low temperature (for example, about -80°C). It should be noted that the refrigeration device 1 may also be a drug refrigerator, a blood refrigerator, or a thermostat.

[0028] It should be noted that when describing the structure of the refrigeration device 1 and each component constituting the refrigeration device 1 hereinafter, the orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) shown in each figure may sometimes be used. The X direction is consistent with the front-rear direction of the refrigeration device 1. The + side of the X direction is consistent with the front side of the refrigeration device 1. The - side of the X direction is consistent with the rear side of the refrigeration device 1.

[0029] In addition, the Y direction is consistent with the left-right direction of the refrigeration device 1 and the width direction of the refrigeration device 1. The + side of the Y direction is consistent with the left side when observing the refrigeration device 1 from the front. The - side of the Y direction is consistent with the right side when observing the refrigeration device 1 from the front. The Z direction is consistent with the up-down direction of the refrigeration device 1. The + side of the Z direction is consistent with the upper side of the refrigeration device 1. The - side of the Z direction is consistent with the lower side of the refrigeration device 1.

[0030] Next, the basic structure of the refrigeration device 1 will be briefly described. The refrigeration device 1 of the present embodiment includes a main body portion 2 and a machine housing portion 3 provided below the main body portion 2.

[0031] The main body portion 2 has a box body 21 and a door portion 22.

[0032] The box body 21 is formed of, for example, a metal plate and / or a synthetic resin plate. The box body 21 is constituted by a box-shaped member having an opening at the front. A column portion 211 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the central portion in the left-right direction of the opening portion 210 of the box body 21. The box body 21 may be a double structure composed of an inner box and an outer box covering the inner box.

[0033] The upper end portion of the column portion 211 is fixed to the front end portion of the top plate portion 212 (described later) of the box body 21. The lower end portion of the column portion 211 is fixed to the front end portion of the bottom plate portion 216 (described later) of the box body 21.

[0034] The box body 21 has a top plate portion 212, a rear plate portion 213, a left plate portion 214, a right plate portion 215, and a bottom plate portion 216. In addition, the box body 21 has a space surrounded by the top plate portion 212, the rear plate portion 213, the left plate portion 214, the right plate portion 215, and the bottom plate portion 216, that is, a housing chamber 217.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the housing chamber 217 is constituted by one space. However, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the space in the housing chamber 217 that is more to the left than the column portion 211 (that is, the space in the left half of the housing chamber 217) is referred to as the left region 217a of the housing chamber 217. The left region 217a is an example of the first region.

[0036] In addition, the space in the housing chamber 217 that is more to the right than the column portion 211 (that is, the space in the right half of the housing chamber 217) is referred to as the right region 217b of the housing chamber 217. The right region 217b is an example of the second region.

[0037] It should be noted that a heat insulating material (not shown) is disposed in the space between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the box body 21.

[0038] The door portion 22 is a so-called sliding door type door and is provided at the opening portion 210 of the housing chamber 217. The door portion 22 closes the housing chamber 217 from the front.

[0039] The door portion 22 has a left door 220 and a right door 221. The left door 220 is an example of the first door. The left door 220 is provided between a first inner guide rail (not shown) provided on the top plate portion 212 and a second inner guide rail (not shown) provided on the bottom plate portion 216. The left door 220 can move in the left-right direction while being guided by the first inner guide rail and the second inner guide rail.

[0040] The right door 221 is an example of the second door and is disposed between a first outer guide rail (not shown) provided on the top plate portion 212 and a second outer guide rail (not shown) provided on the bottom plate portion 216. The right door 221 is disposed at a position more outward (in other words, the front side) than the left door 220. The right door 221 can move in the left-right direction while being guided by the first outer guide rail and the second outer guide rail.

[0041] The state in which the left door 220 is located at the leftmost position is the closed state of the left door 220. The left door 220 faces the left region 217a of the accommodation chamber 217 in the front-rear direction in the closed state. In other words, the left door 220 closes the left region 217a of the accommodation chamber 217 from the front in the closed state.

[0042] It should be noted that the state in which the left door 220 moves to a position more to the right than the position in the closed state is the open state of the left door 220. In addition, the state in which the left door 220 is located at the rightmost position is referred to as the fully open state of the left door 220.

[0043] The state in which the right door 221 is located at the rightmost position is the closed state of the right door 221. The right door 221 faces the right region 217b of the accommodation chamber 217 in the front-rear direction in the closed state. In other words, the right door 221 closes the right region 217b of the accommodation chamber 217 from the front in the closed state.

[0044] It should be noted that the state in which the right door 221 moves to a position more to the left than the position in the closed state is the open state of the right door 221. In addition, the state in which the right door 221 is located at the leftmost position is referred to as the fully open state of the right door 221.

[0045] When the left door 220 is in the closed state and the right door 221 is in the closed state, the door portion 22 becomes the closed state. On the other hand, when the left door 220 or the right door 221 is in the open state, the door portion 22 becomes the open state.

[0046] It should be noted that the structure of the door portion is not limited to the structure of the door portion 22 described above. The door portion may also be a so-called double-opening door formed by a pair of doors rotatably provided, for example.

[0047] The machine accommodation portion 3 is disposed directly below the main body portion 2. The machine accommodation portion 3 is provided with a part of the devices constituting the cooling device 4 (refer to Figure 4 )). The devices disposed in the machine accommodation portion 3 are, for example, the left compressor 500, the left decompressor 502, the right compressor 600, and the right decompressor 602 described later. The cooling device 4 is configured to be able to cool the accommodation chamber 217 to a temperature below a specified temperature (for example, -80°C or lower).

[0048] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the cooling device 4 includes a left cooling device 5, a right cooling device 6, and a control unit 7. The left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 are independent cooling devices from each other.

[0049] The left cooling device 5 corresponds to an example of the first cooling device and cools the accommodation chamber 217. Specifically, the left cooling device 5 cools the left region 217a of the accommodation chamber 217.

[0050] The left cooling device 5 includes a left refrigeration circuit 50, a left first temperature detection unit 51, a left second temperature detection unit 52, and a left blower 53.

[0051] The left refrigeration circuit 50 includes a left compressor 500, a left condenser 501, a left decompressor 502, and a left evaporator 503.

[0052] The components constituting the left refrigeration circuit 50 are connected to each other through pipes (also referred to as left pipes or first pipes). The refrigerant in the pipes changes its state while circulating in the left refrigeration circuit 50 along the Figure 4 direction shown by the arrow A5 therein, thereby cooling the accommodation chamber 217.

[0053] The left compressor 500 corresponds to an example of the first compressor and operates under the control of the control unit 7 described later to move the refrigerant in the pipes. The refrigerant discharged from the left compressor 500 (also referred to as the first refrigerant) returns to the left compressor 500 again after passing through the components constituting the left refrigeration circuit 50. The first refrigerant flows in the left refrigeration circuit 50 along the Figure 4 direction shown by the arrow A5 therein. Details of the operation of the left compressor 500 will be described later.

[0054] The structures of the left condenser 501 and the left decompressor 502 are the same as those of the condenser and decompressor in a conventionally known refrigeration device, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0055] The left evaporator 503 corresponds to an example of the first cooling unit and is, for example, a copper or aluminum pipe. The left evaporator 503 is provided on the rear plate portion 213 of the box body 21. Specifically, the left evaporator 503 is provided in the left half of the rear plate portion 213.

[0056] In other words, the left evaporator 503 is provided at a position on the rear plate portion 213 that is opposite to the left region 217a of the accommodation chamber 217 in the front-rear direction.

[0057] The left evaporator 503 meanders in the left-right direction and extends from above to below. The left evaporator 503 is covered from the front by a left cover 213a fixed to the front surface of the rear plate portion 213.

[0058] A left cooling space 218a exists between the rear plate portion 213 and the left cover 213a. Refrigerant evaporates inside the left evaporator 503, thereby cooling the air in the left cooling space 218a that comes into contact with the left evaporator 503.

[0059] A left blower 53, which will be described later, blows the air (cold air) cooled in the left cooling space 218a toward the left region 217a of the accommodation chamber 217. As a result, the left region 217a of the accommodation chamber 217 is cooled.

[0060] The left first temperature detection unit 51 is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, for example, and is provided on the left evaporator 503. The left first temperature detection unit 51 detects the temperature of the left evaporator 503. The left first temperature detection unit 51 sends the detected information (detection value) to a control unit 7, which will be described later.

[0061] The detection value of such a left first temperature detection unit 51 is used for the control (also referred to as defrost control) of a left heater 54 (refer to Figure 4 ) which is a heater for removing frost generated in the left evaporator 503.

[0062] The left second temperature detection unit 52 is a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, for example, and is provided in the left region 217a of the accommodation chamber 217. Specifically, the left second temperature detection unit 52 is provided at the upper end portion of the left cooling space 218a.

[0063] The left second temperature detection unit 52 detects the temperature of the cold air blown by a left blower 53, which will be described later. The cold air blown by the left blower 53 is the cold air blown from the left cooling space 218a to the left region 217a of the accommodation chamber 217 by the left blower 53. The left second temperature detection unit 52 sends the detected information (detection value) to a control unit 7, which will be described later.

[0064] The detection value of such a left second temperature detection unit 52 is used for the control of the operation of a left compressor 500 (also referred to as compressor control).

[0065] The left blower 53 blows the cold air in the left cooling space 218a toward the accommodation chamber 217 (specifically, the left region 217a) under the control of a control unit 7, which will be described later. That is to say, the refrigeration device 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called forced convection type refrigeration device that uses a blower to circulate the cold air in the accommodation chamber 217.

[0066] The left blower 53 is a blower such as a fan. The left blower 53 is provided on the left cover 213a. Specifically, the left blower 53 is provided at the upper end portion of the central part in the left - right direction of the left cover 213a.

[0067] The left blower 53 faces the left region 217a in the front-rear direction. Additionally, when the left door 220 is in the closed state, the left blower 53 faces the left door 220 in the front-rear direction. That is to say, when the left door 220 is in the closed state, the cold air blown by the left blower 53 flows towards the left door 220.

[0068] It should be noted that the position of the left blower is not limited to the above position. The left blower can be installed at various positions capable of blowing cold air to the left region 217a.

[0069] The right cooling device 6 is an example of the second cooling device and cools the accommodation chamber 217. Specifically, the right cooling device 6 cools the right region 217b of the accommodation chamber 217.

[0070] The right cooling device 6 includes a right refrigeration circuit 60, a right first temperature detection unit 61, a right second temperature detection unit 62, and a right blower 63.

[0071] The right refrigeration circuit 60 has a right compressor 600, a right condenser 601, a right decompressor 602, and a right evaporator 603. Such a right refrigeration circuit 60 is a refrigeration circuit having the same structure as the left refrigeration circuit 50 (in other words, having the same cooling performance). The right refrigeration circuit 60 is another refrigeration circuit in addition to the left refrigeration circuit 50.

[0072] Each component constituting the right refrigeration circuit 60 is connected to each other by a pipe (also referred to as the left pipe or the second pipe). The refrigerant in the pipe changes its state while circulating in the right refrigeration circuit 60 along Figure 4 the direction indicated by the arrow A6 in, thereby cooling the accommodation chamber 217.

[0073] The right compressor 600 is an example of the second compressor and operates under the control of the control unit 7 described later to move the refrigerant in the pipe. The refrigerant discharged from the right compressor 600 (also referred to as the second refrigerant) returns to the right compressor 600 again after passing through each component constituting the right refrigeration circuit 60. The second refrigerant flows in the right refrigeration circuit 60 along Figure 4 the direction indicated by the arrow A6 in. The details of the operation of the right compressor 600 will be described later.

[0074] The structures of the right condenser 601 and the right decompressor 602 are the same as those of the condenser and the decompressor in a conventionally known refrigeration device, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0075] The right evaporator 603 is an example of the second cooling section, and is, for example, a copper or aluminum pipe. The right evaporator 603 is provided in the rear plate section 213 of the cabinet 21. Specifically, the right evaporator 603 is provided in the right half of the rear plate section 213. In other words, the right evaporator 603 is provided at a position in the rear plate section 213 that faces the right region 217b of the accommodation chamber 217 in the front-rear direction.

[0076] The right evaporator 603 meanders in the left-right direction and extends from above downward. The right evaporator 603 is covered from the front by a right cover 213b fixed to the front surface of the rear plate section 213.

[0077] A right cooling space 218b exists between the rear plate section 213 and the right cover 213b. Refrigerant evaporates inside the right evaporator 603, whereby the air in contact with the right evaporator 603 in the right evaporator 603 is cooled.

[0078] The right blower 63 described later blows the air (cold air) cooled in the right cooling space 218b toward the right region 217b of the accommodation chamber 217. As a result, the right region 217b of the accommodation chamber 217 is cooled.

[0079] The right first temperature detection section 61 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is provided in the right evaporator 603. The right first temperature detection section 61 detects the temperature of the right evaporator 603. The right first temperature detection section 61 sends the detected information (detection value) to the control section 7 described later.

[0080] The detection value of such a right first temperature detection section 61 is used for the control (also referred to as defrost control) of the right heater 64 (refer to Figure 4 ) which is a heater for removing the frost generated in the right evaporator 603.

[0081] The right second temperature detection section 62 is, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and is provided in the right region 217b of the accommodation chamber 217. Specifically, the right second temperature detection section 62 is provided at the upper end of the right cooling space 218b.

[0082] The right second temperature detection section 62 detects the temperature of the cold air blown by the right blower 63 described later. The cold air blown by the right blower 63 is the cold air blown from the right cooling space 218b toward the right region 217b of the accommodation chamber 217. The right second temperature detection section 62 sends the detected information (detection value) to the control section 7 described later.

[0083] The detection value of such a right second temperature detection section 62 is used for the control (also referred to as compressor control) of the operation of the right compressor 600.

[0084] The right blower 63 blows the cold air in the right cooling space 218 b toward the storage room 217 (specifically, the right area 217 b ) under the control of the control unit 7 described later.

[0085] The right blower 63 is a blower such as a fan. The right blower 63 is provided on the right cover 213b. Specifically, the right blower 63 is provided on the upper end portion of the center portion in the left-right direction of the right cover 213b.

[0086] The right side air blower 63 is opposite to the right side area 217b in the front-to-back direction. In addition, when the right side door 221 is in the closed state, the right side air blower 63 is opposite to the right side door 221 in the front-to-back direction. That is, when the right side door 221 is in the closed state, the cold air blown by the right side air blower 63 flows toward the right side door 221.

[0087] It should be noted that the position of the right side blower is not limited to the above position. The right side blower can be installed at various positions that can blow cold air to the right side area 217b.

[0088] The operation of the cooling device 4 having the above-described structure is controlled by the control unit 7. The control unit 7 may be a general-purpose (micro) computer having an input port, an output port, a computing device, and the like.

[0089] The control unit 7 may be physically a structure in which a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), and a HDD (hard disk drive) are connected via a bus, or a structure composed of a single-chip LSI (large-scale integrated circuit), etc. The control unit 7 is, for example, arranged in the device housing portion 3.

[0090] Next, the control performed by the control unit 7 will be described. The control unit 7 controls the operation of the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 according to the situation of the refrigeration system 1.

[0091] First, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first control executed by the control unit 7 will be described. Figure 5 This is a flow chart of the first control. Figure 6 This is a timing chart regarding the operations of the left compressor 500 and the right compressor 600 in the first control.

[0092] The first control is for improving the cooling performance of the cooling device 4. In the first control, the control unit 7 controls the cooling operations of the left and right cooling devices 5 and 6 in conjunction with each other based on the detected temperature of one of the left and right cooling devices 5 and 6.

[0093] Specifically, in the first control, the control unit 7 controls the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 in a linked manner based on the detected temperature of the cooling device 5 or the right cooling device 6 having the higher detected temperature.

[0094] It should be noted that “control in linkage” means that the control unit 7 controls the operations of the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 in linkage based on common information (the detected temperature of one cooling device).

[0095] The control unit 7 Figure 5 Specifically, the control unit 7 acquires information detected by the left second temperature detection unit 52 (hereinafter also referred to as first temperature information) from the left second temperature detection unit 52 of the left cooling device 5 at a predetermined timing (time interval).

[0096] The first temperature information is information about the temperature of the cold air blown by the left blower 53. Specifically, the first temperature information is information about the temperature of the cold air blown from the left cooling space 218a to the left area 217a of the accommodation chamber 217. The first temperature information can be understood as information detected by the left cooling device 5.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit 7 acquires information detected by the right second temperature detection unit 62 (hereinafter also referred to as second temperature information) from the right second temperature detection unit 62 of the right cooling device 6 at a predetermined timing (time interval).

[0098] The second temperature information is information about the temperature of the cold air blown by the right blower 63. Specifically, the second temperature information is information about the temperature of the cold air blown from the right cooling space 218b to the right area 217b of the accommodation chamber 217. The second temperature information can be understood as information detected by the right cooling device 6.

[0099] The timing at which the control unit 7 acquires the first temperature information may be the same as the timing at which the control unit 7 acquires the second temperature information.

[0100] Next, the control unit 7 Figure 5 In step S2, the temperature information is compared. Specifically, the control unit 7 compares the acquired first temperature information with the second temperature information.

[0101] Next, the control unit 7 Figure 5 In step S3, the cooling device to be driven first is determined. Specifically, the control unit 7 determines the cooling device that detects temperature information indicating a higher temperature among the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 as the specific cooling device that starts the cooling operation first.

[0102] It should be noted that Figure 5In step S3 of [], the cooling device not determined as a specific cooling device is called a non-specific cooling device. The non-specific cooling device is a cooling device that starts the cooling operation later than the specific cooling device.

[0103] For example, when the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is higher than the temperature indicated by the second temperature information, the left cooling device 5 is the specific cooling device. On the other hand, when the temperature indicated by the second temperature information is higher than the temperature indicated by the first temperature information, the right cooling device 6 is the specific cooling device.

[0104] It should be noted that Figure 5 In step S3 of [], the control unit 7 may also not determine the specific cooling device. Specifically, when the temperatures indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature information are both below the specified temperature, the control unit 7 may not determine the specific cooling device.

[0105] In Figure 5 When the specific cooling device is not determined in step S3 of [], the differential control of the compressor described later may not be executed. This is because if the temperatures indicated by the first temperature information and the second temperature information are both below the specified temperature, the accommodation chamber 217 has been sufficiently cooled. This specified temperature corresponds to an example of the second threshold.

[0106] As described above Figure 5 The processes of steps S1 to S3 of [] can be executed in a state where the left compressor 500 of the left cooling device 5 and the right compressor 600 of the right cooling device 6 are stopped (also referred to as the closed state of the compressor).

[0107] However, Figure 5 The processes of steps S1 to S3 of [] can also be executed in a state where the left compressor 500 of the left cooling device 5 or the right compressor 600 of the right cooling device 6 is driven (also referred to as the open state of the compressor).

[0108] Figure 5 The processes of steps S1 to S3 of [] can be understood as processes executed as preprocessing for each cycle operation in the differential control of the compressor described later.

[0109] Next, in step S4 of [], the control unit 7 controls the operation of the cooling device. The control executed by the control unit 7 in step S4 of [] is called the differential control of the compressor. Figure 5 Figure 5 The differential control of the compressor is an example of compressor control and can be executed when the specific cooling device is determined by the control unit 7 in the above step S3.

[0110] The differential control of the compressor is an example of compressor control and can be executed when the specific cooling device is determined by the control unit 7 in the above step S3.

[0111] The differential control of the compressor is a control in which the timing of turning off the compressor of the specific cooling device and the timing of turning off the compressor of the non-specific cooling device are shifted by a predetermined time.

[0112] It should be noted that turning off the compressor of the specific cooling device is equivalent to turning off the cooling operation of the specific cooling device. In addition, turning on the compressor of the specific cooling device is equivalent to turning on the cooling operation of the specific cooling device.

[0113] In addition, turning off the compressor of the non-specific cooling device is equivalent to turning off the cooling action of the non-specific cooling device. In addition, turning on the compressor of the non-specific cooling device is equivalent to turning on the cooling action of the non-specific cooling device. The specific processing of the differential control of the compressor is described below.

[0114] In step S4, the control unit 7 turns on the cooling device identified as the specific cooling device first. At this time, the non-specific cooling device not identified as the specific cooling device is turned off.

[0115] Here, refer to Figure 6 An example of differential control of a compressor is described in which the specific cooling device is the left cooling device 5 and the non-specific cooling device is the right cooling device 6. Therefore, in the following description, the left cooling device 5 can be appropriately interpreted as a specific cooling device. In addition, in the following description, the right cooling device 6 can be appropriately interpreted as a non-specific cooling device.

[0116] exist Figure 6 In the example, the horizontal axis represents time. Figure 6 At the time point T1 in , the processing of the above steps S1 to S3 is completed. The specific cooling device is the left cooling device 5. In other words, the cooling device with the higher detected temperature of the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 is the left cooling device 5.

[0117] When the specific cooling device is the left cooling device 5 , the control unit 7 controls the operations of the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 in a linked manner based on the first temperature information during the differential control of the compressors.

[0118] For the sake of illustration, assume that Figure 6 Before time T1, the left compressor 500 of the left cooling device 5 and the right compressor 600 of the right cooling device 6 are in a stopped state (off state).

[0119] At time T1, the control unit 7 drives the left compressor 500 of the left cooling device 5. That is, the control unit 7 puts the left compressor 500 in a driving state (on state). At time T1, the right compressor 600 is in a stopped state (off state).

[0120] Then, at time T2, the control unit 7 puts the left compressor 500 in an off state. The control unit 7 determines the timing (i.e., time T2) to put the left compressor 500 in an off state based on the first temperature information. This first temperature information is the information obtained by the control unit 7 from the left second temperature detection unit 52 after time T1 (that is, when the left compressor 500 is in an on state).

[0121] Specifically, when the left compressor 500 is in an on state, the control unit 7 puts the left compressor 500 in an off state when the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is above a specified temperature. This specified temperature is a threshold value for determining the timing to switch the compressor of a specific cooling device from an on state to an off state. This threshold value is an example of the first threshold value.

[0122] It should be noted that the control unit 7 can also adjust the output (in other words, the rotational speed) of the left compressor 500 according to the temperature indicated by the first temperature information. At this time, the left compressor 500 can be a compressor whose output (rotational speed) can be adjusted (for example, a variable frequency compressor). However, the left compressor 500 can also be a compressor with a fixed output (rotational speed).

[0123] As described above, time T2 is determined based on the first temperature information obtained by the control unit 7 from the left second temperature detection unit 52 when the left compressor 500 is in an on state. That is, the driving time of the left compressor 500 is not a pre-determined time, but a time determined according to the first temperature information. Therefore, the driving time of a specific cooling device in one cycle operation of the compressor control described later is determined separately for each cycle operation.

[0124] In addition, at time T2, the control unit 7 puts the right compressor 600 in an on state. That is, in this example, the control unit 7 puts the right compressor 600 in an on state while putting the left compressor 500 in an off state. Therefore, in one cycle operation of the compressor control (described later), there is no time when neither the left compressor 500 nor the right compressor 600 is driven.

[0125] The time from time T1 to time T2 is called the compressor differential time. The compressor differential time is the time from driving the left compressor 500 until driving the right compressor 600.

[0126] It should be noted that in this example, the time from time T1 to time T2 is also the time from when the left compressor 500 becomes the on state to when it becomes the off state (i.e., the driving time of the left compressor 500). Therefore, the compressor differential time is equal to the driving time of the left compressor 500.

[0127] However, the compressor differential time can also be different from the driving time of the left compressor 500. That is to say, the control unit 7 can also make the right compressor 600 become the on state when the left compressor 500 is in the on state.

[0128] As described above, the compressor differential time is not a pre-determined time, but a time determined by the control unit 7 according to the first temperature information.

[0129] The control unit 7 keeps the left compressor 500 in the off state until time T3. In addition, the control unit 7 keeps the right compressor 600 in the on state until time T3. And the control unit 7 makes the right compressor 600 become the off state at time T3.

[0130] The time from time T2 to time T3 is called the compressor stop time. The compressor stop time can be a pre-set value. Or, the compressor stop time can also be determined based on the above-mentioned compressor differential time.

[0131] It should be noted that the compressor stop time can also be understood as the time set for the safe use of the compressor. Preferably, the compressor stop time is within the time range pre-specified by the manufacturer as the specification of the compressor.

[0132] Although detailed description is omitted, when the left compressor 500 is in the off state, the control unit 7 drives the left heater 54 to perform defrost control (also called left defrost control) for removing frost in the left evaporator 503. The left heater 54 is an example of the first heater and is provided around the left evaporator 503.

[0133] In addition, when the right compressor 600 is in the off state, the control unit 7 drives the right heater 64 to perform defrost control (also called right defrost control) for removing frost in the right evaporator 603. The right heater 64 is an example of the second heater and is provided around the right evaporator 603.

[0134] The control unit 7 pre-executes the processing of the above steps S1 to S3 at time T3 or an earlier state. And the control unit 7 executes the processing of step S4 again after time T3.

[0135] It should be noted that the operation from time T1 to time T3 is called one cycle operation of the compressor control. It can be understood that one cycle operation of the compressor control is an operation in which the on state of the compressor of a specific cooling device and the off state of the compressor of the specific cooling device each appear once.

[0136] The time of one cycle operation (cycle time) is the sum of the driving time (i.e., the on time) and the stop time (i.e., the off time) of the compressor in a specific cooling device. Since the driving time of the compressor in a specific cooling device is determined based on the detected temperature (i.e., the first temperature information) of the specific cooling device, in each cycle operation of the compressor control, the time of each one cycle operation can be different.

[0137] The time of one cycle operation of the left compressor 500 is an example of the first cycle time. The time of one cycle operation of the right compressor 600 is an example of the second cycle time.

[0138] In Figure 6 the example shown, one cycle operation of the left compressor 500 is the operation of the left compressor 500 from time T1 to time T3. Moreover, one cycle operation of the right compressor 600 corresponding to one cycle operation of the left compressor 500 is the operation of the right compressor 600 from time T1 to time T3. Therefore, the first cycle time and the second cycle time are equal.

[0139] In Figure 6 after time T3, the process equivalent to step S4 above is repeatedly performed based on the result of the process equivalent to steps S1 to S3 above executed by the control unit 7 before time T3.

[0140] Figure 6 also shows the states of the left compressor 500 and the right compressor 600 after time T3. Specifically, the control unit 7 makes the left compressor 500 in the on state at time T3. In addition, in Figure 6 the timing chart shown, the control unit 7 makes the right compressor 600 in the off state at time T3.

[0141] This is because through the process equivalent to steps S1 to S3 above executed by the control unit 7 before time T3, the left cooling device 5 is determined again as the specific cooling device.

[0142] In the case where the right cooling device 6 is determined as the specific cooling device by the control unit 7 through the above steps S1 to S3 before time T3, the control unit 7 makes the right compressor 600 in the on state at time T3.

[0143] Furthermore, when it is determined that the right cooling device 6 is the specific cooling device by the above-mentioned steps S1 to S3 executed by the control unit 7 before the time T3, the control unit 7 turns the left compressor 500 to the OFF state at the time T3.

[0144] As described above, the controller 7 shifts the timing (specifically, time T2) of turning off the left compressor 500 and the timing (specifically, time T3) of turning off the right compressor 600 by a predetermined time in one cycle of the compressor control operation.

[0145] Furthermore, in one cycle of compressor control, the control unit 7 determines the timing to turn on the left compressor 500 and the timing to turn on the right compressor 600 based on the first temperature information acquired from the left cooling device 5 (ie, the specific cooling device).

[0146] That is, the control unit 7 controls the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 in linkage based on the first temperature information acquired from the left cooling device 5 (ie, the specific cooling device) in one cycle of the compressor control.

[0147] More specifically, the control unit 7 does not use the second temperature information detected by the right cooling device 6 (that is, the non-specific cooling device) in a cycle action of the compressor control, but controls the left compressor 500 and the right compressor 600 based on the first temperature information obtained from the left cooling device 5 (that is, the specific cooling device).

[0148] Next, the second control executed by the control unit 7 will be described.

[0149] The second control is a control that is executed independently of the above-mentioned first control by the control unit 7. However, the second control may be executed by the control unit 7 while the above-mentioned first control is being executed.

[0150] In the second control, the control unit 7 controls the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 according to the open / closed state of the door 22 .

[0151] Specifically, when the left door 220 or the right door 221 is open, the control unit 7 controls the cooling device 4 (specifically, the left cooling device 5 or the right cooling device 6) to stop blowing cold air to the area opposite to the open door.

[0152] More specifically, when the left door 220 is in the open state, the control unit 7 controls the left cooling device 5 to stop blowing cold air into the left area 217a. That is to say, when the left door 220 is in the open state, the control unit 7 stops the left air blower 53. With such a configuration, it helps to suppress the outflow of cold air in the left area 217a to the outside. It should be noted that when the left air blower 53 is stopped, the left compressor 500 can be either in the on state or in the off state.

[0153] In addition, when the right door 221 is in the open state, the control unit 7 controls the right cooling device 6 to stop blowing cold air into the right area 217b. That is to say, when the right door 221 is in the open state, the control unit 7 stops the right air blower 63. With such a configuration, it helps to suppress the outflow of cold air in the right area 217b to the outside. It should be noted that when the right air blower 63 is stopped, the right compressor 600 can be either in the on state or in the off state.

[0154] The refrigeration device 1 has an opening / closing detection unit (not shown) for detecting the state of the door unit 22. Specifically, the refrigeration device 1 has a left opening / closing detection unit (not shown) for detecting the state of the left door 220.

[0155] The left opening / closing detection unit detects the open state / closed state of the left door 220. The left opening / closing detection unit is, for example, provided in the main body unit 2. The left opening / closing detection unit can be, for example, a pressure sensor or an optical sensor.

[0156] In addition, the refrigeration device 1 has a right opening / closing detection unit (not shown) for detecting the state of the right door 221. The right opening / closing detection unit detects the open state / closed state of the right door 221. The right opening / closing detection unit is, for example, provided in the main body unit 2. The right opening / closing detection unit can be, for example, a pressure sensor or an optical sensor.

[0157] In addition, in the second control, when one of the left door 220 and the right door 221 is in the open state and the other is in the closed state, the control unit 7 stops the air supply of the cooling device 4 to the area opposite to the closed door according to the state of the cooling device 4.

[0158] Specifically, in the second control, when the left door 220 is in the closed state and the right door 221 is in the open state, the control unit 7 controls the air supply operation of the left cooling device 5 (specifically, the left air blower 53) according to the operation condition of the left cooling device 5.

[0159] In addition, in the second control, when the right door 221 is in the closed state and the left door 220 is in the open state, the control unit 7 controls the air supply operation of the right cooling device 6 (specifically, the right blower 63) according to the operation of the right cooling device 6.

[0160] More specifically, when the left door 220 is in a closed state and the right door 221 is in an open state, the control unit 7 controls the left blower 53 to continue the air supply action (that is, without stopping) when the left compressor 500 of the left cooling device 5 is in an on state.

[0161] On the other hand, when the left door 220 is in the closed state and the right door 221 is in the open state, the control unit 7 stops the air supply operation of the left blower 53 when the left compressor 500 of the left cooling device 5 is in the closed state. This configuration helps to prevent the cold air in the left area 217a from flowing out from the opening of the right area 217b to the outside.

[0162] In addition, when the right door 221 is closed and the left door 220 is open, the control unit 7 controls the right blower 63 to continue the air supply action (that is, without stopping) when the right compressor 600 of the right cooling device 6 is turned on.

[0163] On the other hand, when the right door 221 is in the closed state and the left door 220 is in the open state, the control unit 7 stops the air supply operation of the right blower 63 when the right compressor 600 of the right cooling device 6 is in the closed state. This configuration helps to prevent the cold air in the right area 217b from flowing out from the opening of the left area 217a to the outside.

[0164] (Functions and Effects of the Present Embodiment)

[0165] According to the refrigeration system 1 of this embodiment having the above-described structure, it is possible to provide a refrigeration system having high cooling performance. The reason for this will be described below.

[0166] First, the refrigeration device 1 of the present embodiment includes a control unit 7 that performs the first control as described above. In the first control, the control unit 7 controls the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 in a linked manner based on the detected temperature of the cooling device with a higher detected temperature among the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6. By configuring in this way, compared with the case where the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 are independently controlled based on the detected temperatures detected by the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6, respectively, the cooling performance can be improved, and the uneven temperature distribution of the storage chamber 217 can be suppressed.

[0167] In addition, the control unit 7 performs the above-mentioned differential control of the compressor in the first control. Figure 6 As shown, in the differential control of the compressor, the control unit 7 staggers the timing of turning off the left compressor 500 of the left cooling device 5 as a specific cooling device and the timing of turning off the right compressor 600 of the right cooling device 6 as a non-specific cooling device by a predetermined time. By configuring in this way, it is possible to reduce the situation where the left compressor 500 and the right compressor 600 are in the off state at the same time, thereby improving the cooling performance. In addition, the control unit 7 performs defrost control of the compressor when the compressor is in a stopped state. By configuring in this way, it is possible to efficiently remove frost from the compressor while maintaining the cooling performance.

[0168] Moreover, the refrigeration device 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a control unit 7 for executing the second control as described above. In the second control, the control unit 7 controls the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 in accordance with the open and closed state of the door portion 22. Specifically, in the second control, when the left door 220 or the right door 221 is in an open state, the control unit 7 stops blowing cold air to the area opposite to the door that has become an open state. In other words, the air supply action of the blower of the cooling device corresponding to the door that has become an open state is stopped. As a result, it is possible to suppress the outflow of cold air from the area of the storage chamber 217 opposite to the door that has become an open state to the outside. As a result, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the storage chamber 217. In addition, the functions and effects that the refrigeration device 1 of the present embodiment can play are as described above.

[0169] [Note]

[0170] When the refrigeration device according to the present invention is implemented, the position of the door is not limited to the front surface side of the refrigeration device. For example, the door may be provided on the upper surface side of the refrigeration device.

[0171] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control unit 7 controls the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 in linkage in the first control based on the detected temperature of the cooling device with the higher detected temperature among the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6. However, the control unit 7 may control the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 in linkage based on the detected temperature of the cooling device with the lower detected temperature among the left cooling device 5 and the right cooling device 6 according to the situation.

[0172] That is, in a refrigeration device including a pair of cooling devices each having a function of detecting the temperature of the storage chamber, the control unit may control the operations of both cooling devices in the pair in a linked manner based on the detected temperature of only one of the cooling devices.

[0173] In addition, the number of accommodation chambers of the refrigeration device is not limited to the case of the above-described embodiment. For example, the refrigeration device may also have accommodation chambers divided into upper and lower two layers. In the refrigeration device having such a structure, it is preferable to perform the above-described first control and second control on each accommodation chamber respectively.

[0174] In addition, when implementing the refrigeration device according to the present invention, the refrigeration device does not need to have all of the above structures. The structures of the refrigeration device can be appropriately selected within a range where there is no technical contradiction.

[0175] The entire disclosure of the specification, the specification drawings, and the abstract included in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-6723 filed on January 19, 2023 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0176] Industrial Applicability

[0177] The present invention can be applied to various refrigeration devices.

[0178] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0179] 1: Refrigeration device;

[0180] 2: Main body portion;

[0181] 21: Box body;

[0182] 210: Opening portion;

[0183] 211: Column portion;

[0184] 212: Top plate portion;

[0185] 213: Rear plate portion;

[0186] 213a: Left side cover;

[0187] 213b: Right side cover;

[0188] 214: Left plate portion;

[0189] 215: Right plate portion;

[0190] 216: Bottom plate portion;

[0191] 217: Accommodation chamber;

[0192] 217a: Left side area;

[0193] 217b: Right side area;

[0194] 218a: Left side cooling space;

[0195] 218b: Right side cooling space;

[0196] 22: Door portion;

[0197] 220: Left door;

[0198] 221: Right door;

[0199] 3: Machine housing part;

[0200] 4: Cooling device;

[0201] 5: Left cooling device;

[0202] 50: Left refrigeration circuit;

[0203] 500: Left compressor;

[0204] 501: Left condenser;

[0205] 502: Left decompressor;

[0206] 503: Left evaporator;

[0207] 51: Left first temperature detection part;

[0208] 52: Left second temperature detection part;

[0209] 53: Left blower;

[0210] 54: Left heater;

[0211] 6: Right cooling device;

[0212] 60: Right refrigeration circuit;

[0213] 600: Right compressor;

[0214] 601: Right condenser;

[0215] 602: Right decompressor;

[0216] 603: Right evaporator;

[0217] 61: Right first temperature detection part;

[0218] 62: Right second temperature detection part;

[0219] 63: Right blower;

[0220] 64: Right heater;

[0221] 7: Control part.

Claims

1. A refrigeration device, comprising: a first cooling device for cooling a first area of the accommodation chamber; a second cooling device for cooling a second area of the accommodation chamber; and a control unit for controlling the cooling operations of the first cooling device and the second cooling device, wherein the control unit offsets a timing at which the cooling operation of the first cooling device is turned off from a timing at which the second cooling device is turned off by a predetermined time.

2. The refrigeration device according to claim 1, wherein the first cooling device has a first compressor for circulating a first refrigerant, the second cooling device has a second compressor for circulating a second refrigerant, and the control unit turns off the cooling operation of the first cooling device by turning off the first compressor, and turns off the cooling operation of the second cooling device by turning off the second compressor.

3. The refrigeration device according to claim 1, wherein the first cooling device detects the temperature of the first area, the second cooling device detects the temperature of the second area, and the control unit performs the following control: after turning on the cooling operation of one of the first cooling device and the second cooling device with a relatively higher detected temperature, turning on the cooling operation of the other of the first cooling device and the second cooling device with a relatively lower detected temperature; after turning off the cooling operation of one of the cooling devices, turning off the cooling operation of the other cooling device.

4. The refrigeration device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit turns off the cooling operation of one of the cooling devices when the detected temperature of the one cooling device reaches below a first threshold after turning on the cooling operation of the one cooling device.

5. The refrigeration device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit turns off the cooling operation of the other cooling device after a lapse of the predetermined time set in advance since turning off the cooling operation of one of the cooling devices.

6. The refrigeration device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit turns on the cooling operation of one of the cooling devices when the detected temperature of the one cooling device is equal to or higher than a second threshold.

7. The refrigeration device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit turns on the cooling operation of the second cooling device when the cooling operation of the first cooling device is turned off.

8. The refrigeration device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit turns on the cooling operation of the second cooling device at a timing when the cooling operation of the first cooling device is turned off, and turns off the cooling operation of the second cooling device at a timing when the cooling operation of the first cooling device is turned on.

9. The refrigeration device according to claim 2, wherein Under the control of the control unit, the first compressor repeatedly switches between an on state and an off state at a first cycle time. Under the control of the control unit, the second compressor repeatedly switches between an on state and an off state at a second cycle time equal to the first cycle time.

10. The refrigeration device according to claim 1, wherein The first cooling device includes: a first compressor that circulates a first refrigerant; a first cooling unit that cools the accommodation chamber with the first refrigerant; and a first heater disposed around the first cooling unit. The second cooling device includes: a second compressor that circulates a second refrigerant; a second cooling unit that cools the accommodation chamber with the second refrigerant; and a second heater disposed around the second cooling unit. When the first compressor is in the off state, the control unit drives the first heater, and when the second compressor is in the off state, the control unit drives the second heater.

11. The refrigeration device according to claim 1, wherein The first region is the region of the right half in the accommodation chamber. The second region is the region of the left half in the accommodation chamber.

Images