Cooling device

Abstract

To provide a cooling device capable of individually keeping an inner temperature each of a plurality of storages in each set temperature zone irrespective of an outside temperature of a storage part including the plurality of storages while achieving energy saving.SOLUTION: A specimen storage device 100 includes: a compressor 4; a condenser 5; a plurality of evaporators including a first evaporator 21 and a second evaporator 22; expansion valves 71a, 71b; expansion valves 72a, 72b; and a storage part 1 including a first storage 11 and a second storage 12. When an outside temperature TO of the storage part 1 is lower than a set temperature zone in the first storage 11, the specimen storage device 100 adjusts a temperature of a coolant condensed by the condenser 5 and flowing into the first evaporator 21 by the expansion valves 71a, 71b, and performs operation of heating air in the first storage 11 by heat exchange between the coolant flowing in the first evaporator 21 and air in the first storage 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device, and more particularly to a cooling device having multiple evaporators. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, cooling devices equipped with a plurality of evaporators are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling device including one compressor, multiple evaporators, and a storage unit including multiple storage compartments. This cooling device individually controls the evaporation temperature (refrigerant temperature) of each of the multiple evaporators, thereby individually adjusting the temperature of each air in each storage compartment provided corresponding to each of the multiple evaporators. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-106983 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not described in Patent Document 1, there is a demand for a cooling device that can individually set the temperature (set temperature range) inside each of multiple storage compartments to multiple temperature ranges, such as room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing, depending on the user's usage conditions.

[0006] However, when a cooling device is installed in a location such as outdoors where the temperature outside a storage unit including multiple storage compartments is lower than the set temperature range of any of the storage compartments, it is necessary to heat the interior of the storage unit, whose set temperature range is set higher than the temperature outside the storage compartment, so that the temperature inside the storage unit does not fall below the set temperature range. In such cases, conventional cooling devices maintain the temperature inside the storage unit, whose set temperature range is set higher than the temperature outside the storage compartment, by using a heater. Therefore, when the temperature outside the storage unit is lower than the set temperature range of any of the storage compartments, power must be consumed for heating by a heating device such as a heater. As a result, when the temperature outside the storage unit including multiple storage compartments is lower than the set temperature range of any of the storage compartments, it is difficult to individually maintain the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments at their respective set temperature ranges while saving energy. Therefore, there is a need for a cooling device that can individually maintain the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments at their respective set temperature ranges while saving energy.

[0007] This invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of this invention is to provide a cooling device that is capable of maintaining the temperature inside each of multiple storage compartments individually within each set temperature range, regardless of the temperature outside the storage section that includes multiple storage compartments, while achieving energy conservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a cooling device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that is provided downstream of the compressor and that condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, a plurality of evaporators including a first evaporator and a second evaporator that are provided downstream of the condenser and that evaporate the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, a first adjustment valve that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator, a second adjustment valve that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator, and a storage unit that includes a first storage compartment whose internal air temperature is adjusted by the first evaporator and a second storage compartment whose internal air temperature is adjusted by the second evaporator, and when adjusting the internal temperature of the first storage compartment, if the external temperature of the storage unit is lower than a set temperature zone within the first storage compartment, the first adjustment valve adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser and flowing into the first evaporator. To ensure that the temperature is higher than the air temperature inside the first storage facility The refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator is adjusted to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator and the air in the first storage compartment, thereby heating the air in the first storage compartment. and an outside temperature detection unit that detects the temperature outside the storage unit, and a control unit that, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit, performs first temperature control that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator using a first adjustment valve and second temperature control that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator using a second adjustment valve based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage unit and the second storage unit and the detection result of the outside temperature detection unit. .

[0009] In the cooling device according to the first aspect, as described above, when adjusting the temperature inside the first storage compartment, if the temperature outside the storage compartment is lower than the set temperature range for the first storage compartment, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser and flowing into the first evaporator is adjusted by the first adjustment valve, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator and the air inside the first storage compartment, thereby warming the air inside the first storage compartment. Thus, by adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser and flowing into the first evaporator by the first adjustment valve to a temperature equal to or higher than the set temperature range for the first storage compartment and allowing the refrigerant to flow into the first evaporator, when the temperature of the air inside the first storage compartment is lower than the set temperature range for the first storage compartment, heat from the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator is transferred to the air inside the first storage compartment, thereby warming the air inside the first storage compartment. As a result, the air inside the first storage compartment can be warmed by heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator and the air inside the first storage compartment, utilizing the heat dissipated by the condenser from the refrigerant compressed by the compressor. This reduces the power consumption required to generate new heat using a heating device such as a heater, thereby enabling the temperature inside the first storage compartment to be maintained within the set temperature range for the first storage compartment while saving energy. As a result, even when the temperature outside the storage unit, which includes multiple storage compartments (first storage compartment and second storage compartment), is lower than the set temperature range for the first storage compartment, the temperature inside the first storage compartment can be maintained within the set temperature range for the first storage compartment while saving energy. Furthermore, since the temperature inside the second storage compartment is adjusted by the second evaporator, the temperature inside the second storage compartment can be adjusted to a different temperature range from that of the first storage compartment, whose air temperature is adjusted by the first evaporator, by adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator using the second adjustment valve. As a result, even when the temperature outside the storage unit is lower than the set temperature range for the first storage compartment, the temperature inside the first storage compartment can be maintained within the set temperature range for the first storage compartment while saving energy, and the temperature inside the second storage compartment can be adjusted separately from the adjustment of the temperature inside the first storage compartment.As a result, when the temperature outside the storage unit including multiple storage compartments is lower than the set temperature range for the first storage compartment, the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments can be individually maintained at its respective set temperature range while saving energy. Furthermore, when the temperature outside the storage unit is higher than the set temperature range for the first storage compartment, the air inside the first storage compartment can be cooled by adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator using the first adjustment valve. Therefore, the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments can be individually maintained at its respective set temperature range while saving energy, regardless of the temperature outside the storage unit including multiple storage compartments.

[0010] The cooling device according to the above aspect preferably includes a flow path switching unit that switches the refrigerant flow path between a parallel state in which the first evaporator and the second evaporator are connected in parallel to the condenser and a series state in which the first evaporator and the second evaporator are connected in series to the condenser in that order from the upstream side, and is configured such that, when adjusting the temperatures inside the first and second storage compartments, if the temperature outside the storage compartments is lower than the set temperature range inside the first storage compartment and higher than the set temperature range inside the second storage compartment, the flow path switching unit switches the refrigerant flow path to the series state. With this configuration, when adjusting the temperatures inside the first and second storage compartments, if the temperature outside the storage compartments is lower than the set temperature range inside the first storage compartment and higher than the set temperature range inside the second storage compartment, the refrigerant that flows out of the first evaporator after exchanging heat with the air inside the first storage compartment flows into the second evaporator. As a result, the supercooled refrigerant that has lost heat through heat exchange with the air in the first storage compartment flows into the second evaporator, allowing the second evaporator to efficiently cool the air in the second storage compartment. This allows the second evaporator to efficiently cool the air in the second storage compartment while saving energy when adjusting the temperatures inside the first and second storage compartments if the temperature outside the storage compartments is lower than the set temperature range inside the first storage compartment and higher than the set temperature range inside the second storage compartment.

[0011] In this case, preferably, The control unit When adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the temperature is adjusted based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the outside temperature detection unit. , th 1 Temperature control and , th 2. Temperature control and switching control for switching the refrigerant flow path by the flow path switching unit. cormorant. With this configuration, when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the control unit performs first temperature control, second temperature control, and switching control for switching the refrigerant flow path by the flow path switching unit based on the set temperature ranges inside the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the external temperature detection unit. As a result, when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the control unit can automatically and accurately perform the first temperature control, second temperature control, and switching control in accordance with changes in the temperature outside the storage compartments detected by the external temperature detection unit.

[0012] In the configuration including the control unit, the flow path switching unit preferably includes a first flow path switching valve disposed downstream of the first evaporator and configured to switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator, and a second flow path switching valve disposed between the condenser and the second evaporator and configured to restrict the flow of refrigerant condensed by the condenser into the second evaporator and thereby switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser. With this configuration, the first flow path switching valve switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator. Therefore, in the serial configuration, the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator can be more efficiently transferred from the supercooled refrigerant (the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator) that has lost heat through heat exchange with the air in the first storage compartment to the second evaporator, compared to a configuration in which the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator flows into both the flow path upstream of the second evaporator and the flow path downstream of the evaporators where the refrigerants flowing out of the multiple evaporators converge. As a result, in the serial configuration, a decrease in the cooling capacity of the second evaporator for the air in the second storage compartment can be suppressed. Furthermore, by restricting the flow of refrigerant condensed by the condenser into the second evaporator, the second flow path switching valve can reliably allow the supercooled refrigerant (refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator) that has lost heat through heat exchange with the air in the first storage compartment to flow into the second evaporator. As a result, in the above-mentioned serial connection, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator, and therefore it is possible to suppress a decrease in cooling performance when the air in the second storage compartment is cooled by the second evaporator.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the first flow path switching valve is a three-way valve configured to switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where the refrigerant flowing out of each of the multiple evaporators joins. With this configuration, the three-way valve switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where the refrigerant flowing out of each of the multiple evaporators joins. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and a complicated device configuration compared to when multiple valves are used to switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where the refrigerant flowing out of each of the multiple evaporators joins.

[0014] In the above-described configuration in which the flow path switching unit includes a first flow path switching valve and a second flow path switching valve, the second adjustment valve preferably includes a downstream adjustment valve disposed downstream of the second evaporator and capable of adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator by adjusting its opening degree, and the control unit performs first temperature control, second temperature control using the downstream adjustment valve, and switching control when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first and second storage compartments based on the set temperature ranges inside each of the first and second storage compartments and the detection result of the external temperature detection unit. With this configuration, the second temperature control can be performed using the downstream adjustment valve, which can adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator by adjusting its opening degree. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator can be adjusted more precisely than when the refrigerant temperature is adjusted by maintaining a constant refrigerant pressure loss, and the second temperature control can be performed with better responsiveness to temperature changes.

[0015] In the configuration in which the control unit performs second temperature control using a downstream regulating valve, preferably, the second regulating valve is provided downstream of the second flow path switching valve and upstream of the second evaporator, and further includes an upstream regulating valve capable of adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator by adjusting its opening degree, and further includes a first inlet port provided between the second flow path switching valve and the upstream regulating valve, into which the refrigerant flows via the first flow path switching valve or the second flow path switching valve, and when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the control unit performs first temperature control, second temperature control using the upstream regulating valve and the downstream regulating valve, and switching control to switch the refrigerant flow path between a series state in which the refrigerant flows into the first inlet port via the first flow path switching valve and a parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the first inlet port via the second flow path switching valve based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the outside temperature detection unit. With this configuration, in both the parallel state and the series state, the refrigerant can be caused to flow into the second evaporator via the first inlet port provided between the second flow path switching valve and the upstream regulating valve. As a result, in both the parallel state and the series state, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator can be adjusted in two stages by adjusting the openings of the upstream regulating valve and the downstream regulating valve. As a result, in both the parallel state and the series state, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator can be adjusted more precisely than when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator is adjusted using only the downstream regulating valve, and the second temperature control can be performed with better responsiveness to temperature changes.

[0016] In the configuration in which the control unit performs the second temperature control using the downstream adjustment valve, the control unit preferably further includes a capillary provided between the second flow path switching valve and the second evaporator, and a second inlet provided between the second flow path switching valve and the capillary, into which the refrigerant flows via the first flow path switching valve or the second flow path switching valve. When adjusting the temperatures inside the first and second storage compartments, the control unit performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control using the capillary and the downstream adjustment valve, and switching control for switching the refrigerant flow path between a series state in which the refrigerant flows into the second inlet via the first flow path switching valve and a parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the second inlet via the second flow path switching valve, based on the set temperature ranges inside the first and second storage compartments and the detection result of the external temperature detection unit. With this configuration, the refrigerant can flow into the second evaporator via the second inlet provided between the second flow path switching valve and the capillary in both the parallel state and the series state. As a result, in both the parallel and serial configurations, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second evaporator can be adjusted by using the capillary to keep the pressure drop of the refrigerant constant. This allows the second temperature control to be performed more easily with a simpler configuration than when the second temperature control is performed without using the capillary, thereby preventing the control by the control unit from becoming complicated.

[0017] In the configuration in which the control unit performs the second temperature control using the downstream adjustment valve, preferably, the second flow path switching valve is an on-off valve provided between the condenser and the second evaporator and which fully opens or closes the refrigerant flow path inside the valve, and further includes a third inlet portion provided between the on-off valve and the second evaporator and into which the refrigerant flows via the first flow path switching valve or the on-off valve, and when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the control unit performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and switching control to switch the refrigerant flow path between a series state in which the refrigerant flows into the third inlet portion via the first flow path switching valve and a parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the third inlet portion via the on-off valve, based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the outside temperature detection unit, by switching the refrigerant flow path using the first flow path switching valve and the on-off valve. With this configuration, the switching control is performed by the on-off valve, which is provided between the condenser and the second evaporator and switches the refrigerant flow path by fully opening or closing the refrigerant flow path inside the valve, and the first flow path switching valve. As a result, in the series state, the on-off valve provided between the condenser and the second evaporator fully closes the refrigerant flow path inside the valve, thereby reliably preventing the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser from flowing into the third inlet via the on-off valve.

[0018] In the configuration including the control unit, preferably, a heating unit that heats the air inside the storage unit is further provided, and the control unit controls heating by the heating unit and switching control based on the detection result of the outside-compartment temperature detection unit. With this configuration, even when it is desired to raise the temperature of the air inside the storage unit to a temperature above that which can be adjusted by the multiple evaporators, the temperature of the air inside the storage unit can be raised to a temperature above that which can be adjusted by the multiple evaporators by heating with the heating unit.

[0019] In the cooling device according to the above aspect, preferably, the plurality of evaporators further include a third evaporator provided downstream of the condenser, the condenser evaporating the condensed refrigerant, and connected in parallel with the first and second evaporators relative to the condenser, and the storage unit further includes a third storage compartment in which the temperature of the air inside is adjusted by the third evaporator, and a third adjustment valve adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator. With this configuration, the temperature of the air inside the third storage compartment is adjusted by the third evaporator, and therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator using the third adjustment valve, it is possible to adjust the internal temperature of the third storage compartment to a temperature different from that of the first storage compartment in which the temperature of the air inside is adjusted by the first evaporator and that of the second storage compartment in which the temperature of the air inside is adjusted by the second evaporator. As a result, when the temperature outside the storage unit is lower than the set temperature range within the first storage unit, the temperature inside the first storage unit can be maintained at the set temperature range within the first storage unit while saving energy, and the temperature inside the third storage unit can be adjusted separately from the temperature inside the first storage unit and the temperature inside the second storage unit. This makes it possible to maintain the temperatures inside each of the first storage unit, the second storage unit, and the third storage unit individually at their respective set temperature ranges while saving energy, even when the temperature outside the storage unit including the first storage unit, the second storage unit, and the third storage unit is lower than the set temperature range within the first storage unit. As a result, it is possible to maintain the temperatures inside each of the first storage unit, the second storage unit, and the third storage unit individually at their respective set temperature ranges while saving energy, regardless of the temperature outside the storage unit including the first storage unit, the second storage unit, and the third storage unit.

[0020] In the cooling device according to the first aspect, preferably, the first storage container and the second storage container include a specimen storage container for storing specimens. With this configuration, even when the temperature outside the storage unit is lower than the set temperature range of the first storage unit, the temperature of the specimens stored in the first storage container can be maintained at the set temperature range of the first storage container while saving energy. Furthermore, even when the temperature outside the storage unit is lower than the set temperature range of the first storage container, the temperature of the specimens stored in the first storage container can be maintained at the set temperature range of the first storage container while saving energy, and the temperature of the specimens stored in the second storage container can be maintained separately from the temperature maintenance of the specimens stored in the first storage container. As a result, even when the temperature outside the storage unit including multiple storage containers is lower than the set temperature range of the first storage container, the temperature of the specimens stored in each of the first storage container and the second storage container can be individually maintained at the set temperature range of each storage container while saving energy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, as described above, a cooling device can be provided that is capable of maintaining the temperature inside each of multiple storage compartments individually at each set temperature range, regardless of the temperature outside the storage section that includes multiple storage compartments, while also achieving energy savings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a storage unit of a specimen storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side. FIG. [Figure 2] 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a first storage cabinet as seen from the side of the sample storage device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a table showing operation patterns of the sample storage device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing cooling circuits in a parallel state in the specimen storage device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cooling circuit in series in the specimen storage device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing cooling circuits in a parallel state in a specimen storage device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cooling circuit in series in a specimen storage device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing cooling circuits in a parallel state in a specimen storage device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cooling circuit in series in a specimen storage device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cooling circuit of a cooling device according to a first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a housing section of a cooling device according to a first modified example, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cooling circuit of a cooling device according to a second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a housing section of a cooling device according to a second modified example, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cooling circuit of a cooling device according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] [First embodiment] (Overall configuration of power conversion device) The overall configuration of a sample storage device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0025] The sample storage device 100 is a device capable of storing samples K in multiple temperature ranges. The sample storage device 100 is installed outdoors. The sample storage device 100 is an example of a "cooling device" in the claims. The sample storage device 100 has a storage unit 1 including a first storage container 11, a second evaporator 22, and a third storage container 13. The first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 are each a sample storage container that stores samples K. The first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 are each provided with openable and closable doors 14, 15, and 16, respectively.

[0026] The sample storage device 100 includes a first evaporator 21, a second evaporator 22, and a third evaporator 23. The first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23 are examples of the "plurality of evaporators" in the claims.

[0027] The first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23 are provided corresponding to the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12, and the third storage compartment 13, respectively. The first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23 adjust the temperature of the air inside the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12, and the third storage compartment 13, respectively.

[0028] The sample storage device 100 also includes an internal temperature detection unit 3 that detects the temperature inside the storage unit 1. The internal temperature detection unit 3 includes internal sensors 31, 32, and 33 that detect the internal temperatures of the first storage unit 11, the second storage unit 12, and the third storage unit 13, respectively. The internal sensors 31, 32, and 33 are disposed inside the first storage unit 11, the second storage unit 12, and the third storage unit 13, respectively.

[0029] 2, the sample storage device 100 includes a compressor 4 that compresses a refrigerant and a condenser 5 that condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 4. The compressor 4 and the condenser 5 are provided in common for the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23, respectively.

[0030] Inside the first storage compartment 11, there is provided a blower fan 24 that blows air cooled or heated by the first evaporator 21. The interior configurations of the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13 are similar to that of the first storage compartment 11, and like the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13 are respectively provided with blower fans 25 and 26, which will be described later. Inside the second storage compartment 12, the air cooled or heated by the second evaporator 22 is blown by the blower fan 25. Inside the third storage compartment 13, the air cooled or heated by the third evaporator 23 is blown by the blower fan 26.

[0031] The sample storage device 100 is configured to be able to operate according to a plurality of operating patterns. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the sample storage device 100 is configured to be able to adjust the air temperature inside each of the first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 to three levels: freezing, refrigeration, and room temperature, thereby enabling operation according to a plurality (nine) operating patterns. That is, the sample storage device 100 has three set temperature ranges: freezing, refrigeration, and room temperature. Note that room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing are each an example of a "set temperature range" in the claims. Refrigeration is a temperature range higher than the freezing temperature range, and room temperature is a temperature range higher than the refrigeration temperature range. That is, the set temperature ranges set in the sample storage device 100 are freezing, refrigeration, and room temperature, in order of decreasing temperature. For example, room temperature is a temperature range between 10°C and 35°C. Refrigeration is a temperature range of 0°C or higher and lower than room temperature, and freezing is a temperature range lower than 0°C. In the first embodiment, the sample storage device 100 adjusts the temperature of a storage cabinet set to room temperature to a temperature within the range of 20°C ± 4°C (16°C or higher and 24°C or lower). In the first embodiment, the sample storage device 100 adjusts the temperature of a storage cabinet set to refrigeration to a temperature within the range of 4°C ± 2°C (2°C or higher and 6°C or lower), and adjusts the temperature of a storage cabinet set to freezing to a temperature within the range of -20°C or lower. Note that the ranges of the freezing, refrigeration, and room temperature temperature zones (set temperature zones) set in each operation pattern are not limited to the above temperature zones (temperature zones shown in the first embodiment). For example, the ranges of the set temperature zones may partially overlap among multiple set temperature zones.

[0032] The specimen storage device 100 is configured to cool the air in the first storage container 11 by the first evaporator 21 in operation patterns A to D. Furthermore, in operation patterns E to I, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than room temperature, the specimen storage device 100 is configured to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 and flowing into the first evaporator 21, thereby performing heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 and the air in the first storage container 11, thereby warming the air in the first storage container 11. Furthermore, in operation patterns (operation patterns E and F) in which the temperatures inside the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12 are adjusted to the room temperature and freezing temperature ranges, respectively, the specimen storage device 100 is configured to switch the refrigerant flow path when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing. In operation patterns E and F, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the specimen storage device 100 switches the refrigerant flow path from a parallel state to a serial state, which will be described later, and adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 and flowing into the first evaporator 21, thereby performing heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 and the air in the first storage container 11, thereby warming the air in the first storage container 11. That is, in operation patterns E and F, the specimen storage device 100 is configured to be switchable between two modes, a mode in which the refrigerant flow paths are in a parallel state and a mode in which the refrigerant flow paths are in a serial state, depending on changes in the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 (outside air temperature).

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, the condenser 5 is provided downstream of the compressor 4. The first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23 are provided downstream of the condenser 5 and evaporate the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5. The sample storage device 100 can cool the air inside the first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 by utilizing the evaporation (heat of vaporization) of the refrigerant in the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23, respectively.

[0034] Furthermore, the first evaporator 21 is configured to perform heat exchange between the air inside the first storage compartment 11 and the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 in order to heat the air inside the first storage compartment 11. That is, the first evaporator 21 can also be used as a heat exchanger for heating the air inside the first storage compartment 11. Furthermore, the second evaporator 22 and the third evaporator 23 can also be used as heat exchangers for heating the air inside the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13, respectively.

[0035] The sample storage device 100 is equipped with blower fans 24, 25, and 26 corresponding to the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23, respectively. The sample storage device 100 also has a blower fan 51 provided corresponding to the condenser 5. The sample storage device 100 is also equipped with temperature sensors 34, 35, and 36 for detecting the temperatures of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23, respectively. The temperature sensor 34 detects the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21. The temperature sensor 35 detects the temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22. The temperature sensor 36 detects the temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23.

[0036] The sample storage device 200 also includes heaters 27, 28, and 29. The heaters 27, 28, and 29 are provided corresponding to the first storage container 11 (first evaporator 21), the second storage container 12 (second evaporator 22), and the third storage container 13 (third evaporator 23), respectively. The heaters 27, 28, and 29 are configured to heat the air inside the first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13, respectively. That is, the heaters 27, 28, and 29 heat the air inside the storage unit 1. The heaters 27, 28, and 29 are used to defrost the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23, respectively. The heaters 27, 28, and 29 are examples of the "heating unit" in the claims.

[0037] The sample storage device 100 includes flow control valves 61, 62, and 63 that adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23, respectively, by adjusting the opening and closing of the refrigerant flow path. The flow control valves 61, 62, and 63 are configured to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing downstream by adjusting the opening and closing times of the flow paths inside the valves. The flow control valves 61, 62, and 63 are, for example, electronic expansion valves that open and close.

[0038] The sample storage device 100 includes expansion valves 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, 73a, and 73b. The expansion valves 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, 73a, and 73b are configured to be adjustable in valve opening. The expansion valves 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, 73a, and 73b are, for example, needle-type (valve-type) electronic expansion valves.

[0039] The expansion valves 71a and 71b are provided corresponding to the first evaporator 21. The expansion valves 71a and 71b are an example of a "first adjusting valve" in the claims. The expansion valve 71a is provided downstream of the first evaporator 21 and is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 by adjusting its opening. The expansion valve 71b is provided downstream of the flow rate adjusting valve 61 and upstream of the first evaporator 21 and is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 by adjusting its opening.

[0040] Furthermore, when adjusting the temperature inside the first storage container 11, if the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than the set temperature zone inside the first storage container 11, the sample storage device 100 is configured to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 and flowing into the first evaporator 21 using the expansion valves 71a and 71b, and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 and the air inside the first storage container 11, thereby warming the air inside the first storage container 11. In the first embodiment, the sample storage device 100 adjusts the temperature inside the first storage container 11 to a room temperature zone, and when adjusting the temperatures inside each of the second storage container 12 and the third storage container 13 to one of a plurality of set temperature zones (room temperature, refrigeration, or freezing), if the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than room temperature, the sample storage device 100 condenses the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 and flowing into the first evaporator 21 using the expansion valves 71a and 71b. The sample storage device 100 is configured so that the temperature is adjusted by expansion valves 71a and 71b, and heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 and the air in the first storage compartment 11, thereby heating the air in the first storage compartment 11.

[0041] The expansion valve 72a and the expansion valve 72b are provided corresponding to the second evaporator 22. The expansion valve 72a and the expansion valve 72b are an example of the "second adjusting valve" in the claims.

[0042] The expansion valve 72a is provided downstream of the second evaporator 22, and is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 by adjusting its opening degree. The expansion valve 72a is an example of a "downstream adjustment valve" in the claims. The expansion valve 72b is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve 62 and upstream of the second evaporator 22, and is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 by adjusting its opening degree. The expansion valve 72b is an example of an "upstream adjustment valve" in the claims.

[0043] Further, the expansion valves 73a and 73b are provided corresponding to the third evaporator 23. The expansion valves 73a and 73b are an example of a "third adjustment valve" in the claims. The expansion valve 73a is provided downstream of the third evaporator 23 and is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23 by adjusting its opening degree. The expansion valve 73b is provided downstream of the flow rate adjustment valve 63 and upstream of the third evaporator 23 and is configured to be able to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23 by adjusting its opening degree.

[0044] The sample storage device 100 also includes a flow path switching unit 8. The flow path switching unit 8 is configured to switch the flow path of the refrigerant between a parallel state (see FIG. 4) in which the first evaporator 21 and the second evaporator 22 are connected in parallel to the condenser 5, and a series state (see FIG. 5) in which the first evaporator 21 and the second evaporator 22 are connected in series to the condenser 5 in this order from the upstream side.

[0045] The flow path switching unit 8 is provided downstream of the first evaporator 21 and includes a three-way valve 81 that switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21. The three-way valve 81 is configured to switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21 between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator 22 and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators (the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23) where the refrigerants flowing out from each of the multiple evaporators join together. The three-way valve 81 is an example of a "first flow path switching valve" in the claims.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the flow path switching unit 8 includes a flow rate adjustment valve 62. The flow rate adjustment valve 62 is provided between the condenser 5 and the second evaporator 22, and switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 5 by restricting the inflow of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 into the second evaporator 22. The flow rate adjustment valve 62 is an example of a "second flow path switching valve" in the claims.

[0047] The sample storage device 100 is provided with an inlet part P1 that is provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 62 and the expansion valve 72b and into which the refrigerant flows via the three-way valve 81 or the flow rate adjustment valve 62. The inlet part P1 is an example of the "first inlet part" in the claims.

[0048] The sample storage device 100 also includes an outside-compartment sensor 37 that detects the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1, and a control unit 9. The outside-compartment sensor 37 is a sensor (temperature sensor) that is provided outside the storage unit 1 in the sample storage device 100 that is installed outdoors, and detects the temperature outside the sample storage device 100 (outside air temperature). The outside-compartment sensor 37 is an example of an "outside-compartment temperature detection unit" in the claims.

[0049] The control unit 9 is configured to perform overall control of the sample storage device 100. The control unit 9 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, and a storage unit (not shown) having a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The storage unit stores a program for adjusting the temperature of the air in each storage unit (first storage unit 11, second storage unit 12, and third storage unit 13) of the storage unit 1 based on an operation pattern. The compressor 4 is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 4 under the control (operation control) of the control unit 9.

[0050] The control unit 9 adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into each of the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22 and the third evaporator 23 by controlling the opening and closing times (duty ratio) of the flow paths inside each of the flow control valves 61, 62 and 63.

[0051] In addition, the control unit 9 is configured to control the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22 and the third evaporator 23 to adjust the air temperature inside the corresponding storage compartments based on the detection results of each of the internal sensors 31, 32 and 33, so that the air temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13 becomes the temperature set in each operating pattern.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the control unit 9 adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 using expansion valves 71a and 71b based on the detection results of the in-compartment sensor 31 and the temperature sensor 34. The control unit 9 also adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second evaporator 22 using expansion valves 72a and 72b based on the detection results of the in-compartment sensor 32 and the temperature sensor 35. The control unit 9 also adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the third evaporator 23 using expansion valves 73a and 73b based on the detection results of the in-compartment sensor 33 and the temperature sensor 36. That is, the control unit 9 controls the temperatures of the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23 according to the operation pattern while checking temperatures T1, T2, and T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23, respectively, and the temperatures inside the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12, and the third storage compartment 13, respectively.

[0053] 5, when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12, if the external temperature TO of the storage unit 1 is lower than the set temperature range in the first storage container 11 and higher than the set temperature range in the second storage container 12, the sample storage device 100 is configured to switch the refrigerant flow path to a serial state by the flow path switching unit 8. In the first embodiment, when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12 to room temperature and freezing, respectively, if the external temperature TO of the storage unit 1 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the sample storage device 100 is configured to switch the refrigerant flow path to a serial state by the flow path switching unit 8.

[0054] When adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 using expansion valves 71a and 71b, second temperature control to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 using expansion valves 72a and 72b, and switching control to switch the flow path of the refrigerant using the flow path switching unit 8, based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection results of the external sensor 37. In addition, in the first embodiment, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control, second temperature control, switching control, and third temperature control that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23 using expansion valves 73a and 73b based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13 and the detection results of the outside storage compartment sensor 37.

[0055] In the first embodiment, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control, second temperature control using expansion valves 72a and 72b, and switching control for switching the refrigerant flow path between a parallel state (see FIG. 4) in which the refrigerant flows into inlet port P1 via flow rate adjustment valve 62 and a series state (see FIG. 5) in which the refrigerant flows into inlet port P1 via three-way valve 81, based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of external sensor 37. When adjusting the temperature inside each of storage compartments 1 (each of first storage compartment 11, second storage compartment 12, and third storage compartment 13), if the temperature TO outside storage compartment 1 detected by external sensor 37 is equal to or higher than the set temperature range inside first storage compartment 11, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow path to the parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into inlet port P1 via flow rate adjustment valve 62. Specifically, when adjusting the temperature inside the first storage compartment 11 to room temperature as in operation patterns E to I (see FIG. 3), if the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 detected by the external sensor 37 is room temperature or higher, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow paths to a parallel state (see FIG. 4) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P1 via the flow rate adjustment valve 62. Furthermore, when operating patterns A to D (see FIG. 3), the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow paths to a parallel state (see FIG. 4) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P1 via the flow rate adjustment valve 62. Then, when adjusting the temperatures inside the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 to room temperature and freezing, respectively, if the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 detected by the external sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, as in operation patterns E and F, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow paths to a serial state (see FIG. 5) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P1 via the three-way valve 81. In addition, in operating patterns G and H, when adjusting the temperature inside the storage section 1 (each of the first storage section 11, second storage section 12 and third storage section 13), if the temperature TO outside the storage section 1 is lower than room temperature and higher than refrigeration, the sample storage device 100 may be configured to switch the refrigerant flow path to a serial state by the flow path switching section 8.That is, the sample storage device 100 may be configured to switch the refrigerant flow path to a serial state by the flow path switching unit 8 when it is necessary to heat the first storage compartment 11 and cool the second storage compartment 12 because the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 is lower than the set temperature range in the first storage compartment 11 and higher than the set temperature range in the second storage compartment 12. Furthermore, when the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature (the set temperature range in the first storage compartment 11) and higher than freezing (the set temperature range in the second storage compartment 12), when the refrigerant flow path is switched to a serial state in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P1 via the three-way valve 81, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 is adjusted to above room temperature (the set temperature range in the first storage compartment 11) by the expansion valves 71a and 71b.

[0056] For example, in operation pattern E, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the sample storage device 100 causes refrigerant of approximately 25°C condensed by the condenser 5 to flow out from the condenser 5. Then, in operation pattern E, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the openings of the expansion valves 71a and 71b are increased to adjust the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 so that the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 is approximately 20°C. In addition, the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 21 is expanded by the expansion valves 72a and 72b, and the temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 is adjusted so that the temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 is approximately -35°C. The refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 5 is expanded by the expansion valves 73a and 73b to adjust the temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23 to about -5°C. In this way, by adjusting the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21, the temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22, and the temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23, the sample storage device 100 adjusts the interiors of the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12, and the third storage compartment 13 to the temperature ranges of room temperature, freezing, and refrigeration in operation pattern E when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing. As a result, the sample storage device 100 installed outdoors can maintain the temperatures inside each of the first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 individually in their respective set temperature ranges while saving energy, even in winter or other seasons when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 becomes lower than room temperature (the set temperature range inside the first storage container 11).As a result, the sample storage device 100 can maintain the temperatures inside each of the first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 individually in their respective set temperature ranges throughout the year, regardless of changes in the outside air temperature, while saving energy.

[0057] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0058] In the first embodiment, when adjusting the temperature inside the first storage chamber 11, if the temperature TO outside the storage section 1 is lower than the set temperature range (room temperature) inside the first storage chamber 11, the sample storage device 100 condenses the refrigerant by the condenser 5, adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 by the expansion valves 71a and 71b, and performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 and the air inside the first storage chamber 11, thereby warming the air inside the first storage chamber 11. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 and flowing into the first evaporator 21 is adjusted by the expansion valves 71a and 71b to a temperature equal to or higher than the set temperature range (room temperature) of the first storage compartment 11, and the refrigerant is allowed to flow into the first evaporator 21. When the temperature of the air in the first storage compartment 11 is lower than the set temperature range (room temperature) of the first storage compartment 11, the heat of the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 is transferred to the air in the first storage compartment 11, thereby warming the air in the first storage compartment 11. As a result, the air in the first storage compartment 11 can be warmed by heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 and the air in the first storage compartment 11, using the heat that was discharged by the condenser 5 from the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 4. This reduces the power consumption required to generate new heat using a heating device such as a heater, and therefore the temperature inside the first storage compartment 11 can be maintained within the set temperature range (room temperature) of the first storage compartment 11 while saving energy. As a result, even if the temperature TO outside the storage section 1 including the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12, and the third storage compartment 13 is lower than the set temperature range (room temperature) inside the first storage compartment 11, the temperature inside the first storage compartment 11 can be maintained at the set temperature range (room temperature) inside the first storage compartment 11 while saving energy. Furthermore, since the temperature of the air inside the second storage compartment 12 is adjusted by the second evaporator 22, by adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 using the expansion valves 72a and 72b, the temperature inside the second storage compartment 12 can be adjusted to a temperature range different from that of the first storage compartment 11, whose air temperature inside is adjusted by the first evaporator 21.As a result, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than the set temperature range (room temperature) in the first storage compartment 11, the temperature inside the first storage compartment 11 can be maintained at the set temperature range (room temperature) in the first storage compartment 11 while saving energy, and the temperature inside the second storage compartment 12 can be adjusted separately from the adjustment of the temperature inside the first storage compartment 11. As a result, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 including multiple storage compartments is lower than the set temperature range (room temperature) in the first storage compartment 11, the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments can be individually maintained at its respective set temperature range while saving energy. Furthermore, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is higher than the set temperature range (room temperature) in the first storage compartment 11, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 can be adjusted using the expansion valves 71a and 71b, thereby cooling the air inside the first storage compartment 11. Therefore, while achieving energy conservation, the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments can be individually maintained within the respective set temperature ranges, regardless of the temperature TO outside the storage section 1 that includes the multiple storage compartments.

[0059] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the sample storage device 100 is configured to switch the refrigerant flow path to a serial state by the flow path switching unit 8 when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12, if the external temperature TO of the storage unit 1 is lower than the set temperature zone (room temperature) in the first storage container 11 and higher than the set temperature zone (freezing) in the second storage container 12. As a result, when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12, if the external temperature TO of the storage unit 1 is lower than the set temperature zone (room temperature) in the first storage container 11 and higher than the set temperature zone (freezing) in the second storage container 12, the refrigerant that flows out of the first evaporator 21 after exchanging heat with the air in the first storage container 11 flows into the second evaporator 22. As a result, the supercooled refrigerant that has lost heat through heat exchange with the air in first storage compartment 11 flows into second evaporator 22, and the air in second storage compartment 12 can be cooled efficiently by second evaporator 22. As a result, when adjusting the temperatures inside each of first storage compartment 11 and second storage compartment 12, if the temperature TO outside storage section 1 is lower than the set temperature range (room temperature) in first storage compartment 11 and higher than the set temperature range (frozen) in second storage compartment 12, the air in second storage compartment 12 can be cooled efficiently by second evaporator 22 while saving energy.

[0060] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 using the expansion valves 71a and 71b, second temperature control to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 using the expansion valves 72a and 72b, and switching control to switch the flow path of the refrigerant using the flow path switching unit 8, based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of the external sensor 37. As a result, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and switching control to switch the flow path of the refrigerant using the flow path switching unit 8, based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of the external sensor 37. As a result, when adjusting the internal temperature of each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the first temperature control, the second temperature control and the switching control can be automatically and accurately performed by the control unit 9 in accordance with changes in the temperature TO outside the storage section 1 detected by the external sensor 37.

[0061] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the flow path switching unit 8 includes a three-way valve 81 that is provided downstream of the first evaporator 21 and switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21. As a result, the three-way valve 81 switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21. Therefore, in the serial state, the refrigerant in a supercooled state (refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21) that has lost heat through heat exchange with the air in the first storage compartment 11 can be efficiently flowed into the second evaporator 22, compared to when the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21 flows into both the flow path upstream of the second evaporator 22 and the flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where the refrigerants flowing out from each of the multiple evaporators (the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23) join. As a result, in the serial state, a decrease in the cooling capacity of the second evaporator 22 for cooling the air in the second storage compartment 12 can be suppressed. The flow path switching unit 8 also includes a flow control valve 62 that is provided between the condenser 5 and the second evaporator 22 and switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 5 by restricting the inflow of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 into the second evaporator 22. As a result, the flow control valve 62 restricts the inflow of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 into the second evaporator 22, thereby ensuring that the supercooled refrigerant (refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21) that has lost heat through heat exchange with the air in the first storage compartment 11 flows into the second evaporator 22. As a result, in the serial connection, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22, and therefore it is possible to suppress a decrease in cooling performance when the air in the second storage compartment 12 is cooled by the second evaporator 22.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the three-way valve 81 is configured to switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 21 between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator 22 and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where refrigerant flowing out of each of the multiple evaporators (the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23) joins. This allows the three-way valve 81 to switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 21 between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator 22 and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where refrigerant flowing out of each of the multiple evaporators joins. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and a complicated device configuration compared to a case in which multiple valves are used to switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 21 between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator 22 and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where refrigerant flowing out of each of the multiple evaporators joins.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when adjusting the internal temperatures of each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control using the expansion valve 72b, and the switching control based on the set temperature ranges of the internal temperatures of each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection results of the external sensor 37. This allows the second temperature control to be performed using a downstream adjustment valve that can adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 by adjusting its opening. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 can be adjusted more precisely than when the refrigerant temperature is adjusted by maintaining a constant refrigerant pressure loss, and therefore the second temperature control can be performed with better responsiveness to temperature changes.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when adjusting the internal temperatures of each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control, second temperature control using the expansion valves 72a and 72b, and switching control for switching the refrigerant flow path between a series state in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P1 via the three-way valve 81 and a parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the first inlet port P1 via the flow rate control valve 62, based on the set temperature ranges of the internal temperatures of each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of the external sensor 37. As a result, in both the parallel state and the series state, the refrigerant can be made to flow into the second evaporator 22 through the inlet port P1 provided between the flow rate control valve 62 and the expansion valve 72b. As a result, in both the parallel state and the series state, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 can be adjusted in two stages by adjusting the opening degrees of the expansion valves 72a and 72b. As a result, in both the parallel and serial states, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 can be adjusted more precisely than when the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 is adjusted using only the expansion valve 72a, and the second temperature control can be performed with better responsiveness to temperature changes.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the sample storage device 100 includes the third evaporator 23 connected in parallel to the first evaporator 21 and the second evaporator 22 with respect to the condenser 5, the third storage container 13 whose internal air temperature is adjusted by the third evaporator 23, and the expansion valves 73a and 73b that adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23. As a result, the internal air temperature of the third storage container 13 is adjusted by the third evaporator 23, and therefore, by adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23 using the expansion valves 73a and 73b, the internal temperature of the third storage container 13 can be adjusted to a temperature different from that of the first storage container 11 whose internal air temperature is adjusted by the first evaporator 21 and the second storage container 12 whose internal air temperature is adjusted by the second evaporator 22. As a result, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than the set temperature range (room temperature) in the first storage unit 11, the temperature inside the first storage unit 11 can be maintained at the set temperature range (room temperature) in the first storage unit while saving energy, and the temperature inside the third storage unit 13 can be adjusted separately from the adjustment of the temperature inside the first storage unit 11 and the adjustment of the temperature inside the second storage unit 12. This makes it possible to individually maintain the temperature inside each of the first storage unit 11, the second storage unit 12, and the third storage unit 13 at their respective set temperature ranges while saving energy, even when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 including the first storage unit 11, the second storage unit 12, and the third storage unit 13 is lower than the set temperature range (room temperature) in the first storage unit 11. As a result, while achieving energy savings, the internal temperatures of each of the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13 can be individually maintained within their respective set temperature ranges, regardless of the external temperature TO of the storage section 1 including the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12 and the third storage compartment 13.

[0066] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 are specimen storage containers that store specimens K. As a result, even when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than the set temperature range in the first storage container 11, the temperature of the specimens K stored in the first storage container 11 can be maintained within the set temperature range in the first storage container 11 while saving energy. Furthermore, even when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 is lower than the set temperature range in the first storage container 11, the temperature of the specimens K stored in the second storage container 12 can be maintained separately from the temperature maintenance of the specimens K stored in the first storage container 11 while maintaining the temperature of the specimens K stored in the first storage container 11 within the set temperature range in the first storage container 11 while saving energy. As a result, even if the temperature TO outside the storage section 1, which includes multiple storage compartments, is lower than the set temperature range inside the first storage compartment 11, the temperatures of the specimens K stored inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 can be individually maintained at the set temperature range inside each storage compartment while achieving energy savings.

[0067] [Second embodiment] The configuration of a sample storage device 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the figures, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0068] 6, the sample storage device 200 includes capillaries 272b and 273b instead of the expansion valves 72b and 73b of the first embodiment (sample storage device 100). The capillary 272b is provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 62 and the second evaporator 22. The capillary 273b is provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 63 and the third evaporator 23. In addition, in the sample storage device 200 according to the second embodiment, no expansion valve is provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 61 and the first evaporator 21.

[0069] Therefore, in the sample storage device 200, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 is adjusted by the expansion valve 71a provided downstream of the first evaporator 21. Also, in the sample storage device 200, the pressure loss (amount of reduced pressure) of the refrigerant upstream of each of the capillaries 272b and 273b is adjusted to a constant value by each of the capillaries 272b and 273b, regardless of the operation pattern.

[0070] The sample storage device 200 also includes an inlet part P2 that is provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 62 and the capillary 272b and into which the refrigerant flows via the three-way valve 81 or the flow rate adjustment valve 62. The inlet part P2 is an example of a "second inlet part" in the claims.

[0071] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when adjusting the internal temperatures of each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 to room temperature, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control and second temperature control using the expansion valve 72a and the capillary 272b based on the set temperature ranges inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of the external sensor 37. Furthermore, when adjusting the internal temperatures of each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 to room temperature, the control unit 9 performs, in addition to the first temperature control and the second temperature control, switching control for switching the refrigerant flow path between a parallel state (see FIG. 6) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P2 via the flow rate adjustment valve 62 and a series state (see FIG. 7) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P2 via the three-way valve 81 based on the set temperature ranges inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of the external sensor 37. Specifically, when adjusting the temperature inside the first storage compartment 11 to room temperature as in operation patterns E to I (see FIG. 3), if the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 detected by the external sensor 37 is room temperature or higher, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow paths to a parallel state (see FIG. 6) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P2 via the flow rate control valve 62. Furthermore, when operating patterns A to D (see FIG. 3), the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow paths to a parallel state (see FIG. 6) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P2 via the flow rate control valve 62. Then, when adjusting the temperatures inside the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 to room temperature and freezing, respectively, if the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 detected by the external sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, as in operation patterns E and F, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow paths to a serial state (see FIG. 7) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P2 via the three-way valve 81. In addition, when the temperature TO outside the storage section 1 detected by the external sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, when the refrigerant flow path is switched to a serial state in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet section P2 via the three-way valve 81, the expansion valve 71a adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 to above room temperature.

[0072] For example, in operation pattern E, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the sample storage device 100 causes refrigerant of approximately 25°C condensed by the condenser 5 to flow out from the condenser 5. Then, in operation pattern E, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the opening of the expansion valve 71a is increased to adjust the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 to approximately 20°C. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 21 is expanded by the expansion valve 72a after flowing through the capillary 272b, and the temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 is adjusted to approximately -35°C. The refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 5 flows through the capillary 273b and then expands by the expansion valve 73a, adjusting the temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23 to about −5° C. In this way, by adjusting the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21, the temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22, and the temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23, the sample storage device 200 adjusts the interiors of the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12, and the third storage compartment 13 to the temperature ranges of room temperature, freezing, and refrigeration in operation pattern E when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside-sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing.

[0073] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the control unit 9 is configured to control heating by the heater 27 based on the detection result of the outside-compartment sensor 37. Specifically, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside-compartment sensor 37 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 9 controls heating by the heater 27 in addition to the first temperature control. This makes it easier to maintain the temperature of the air in the first storage unit 11 than when the air inside the first storage unit 11 is heated only by adjusting the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21.

[0074] Furthermore, the sample storage device 200 can adjust the temperature of the air in the second evaporator 22 to a temperature higher than the temperature that can be adjusted by the second evaporator 22 by heating the air with the heater 28 while flowing the refrigerant through the second evaporator 22. For example, even if the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second evaporator 22 cannot be adjusted to a temperature higher than room temperature due to pressure loss caused by the capillary 272b, the air in the second storage compartment 12 can be heated to room temperature by heating the air with the heater 28.

[0075] Similarly, the sample storage device 200 can adjust the temperature of the air in the third evaporator 23 to a temperature higher than the temperature that can be adjusted by the third evaporator 23 by heating the air with the heater 28 while flowing refrigerant through the third evaporator 23. For example, even if the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the third evaporator 23 cannot be adjusted to a temperature higher than room temperature due to pressure loss caused by the capillary 273b, the air in the third storage compartment 13 can be heated to room temperature by heating the air with the heater 29.

[0076] The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0077] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0078] The sample storage device 200 of the second embodiment can maintain the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments individually within each set temperature range, regardless of the external temperature TO of the storage section 1 that includes the multiple storage compartments, while achieving energy conservation.

[0079] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as described above, the sample storage device 200 includes a capillary 272b provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 62 and the second evaporator 22, and an inlet port P2 provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 62 and the capillary 272b, into which the refrigerant flows via the three-way valve 81 or the flow rate adjustment valve 62. When adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control, second temperature control using the capillary 272b and the expansion valve 72a, and switching control for switching the refrigerant flow path between a series state in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P2 via the three-way valve 81 and a parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P2 via the flow rate adjustment valve 62, based on the set temperature ranges within the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12 and the detection results of the external sensor 37. This allows the refrigerant to flow into the second evaporator 22 via the inlet part P2 provided between the flow rate adjustment valve 62 and the capillary 272b in both the parallel state and the serial state. As a result, in both the parallel state and the serial state, the capillary 272b is used to keep the pressure loss of the refrigerant constant, thereby adjusting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22. This allows the second temperature control to be performed more easily with a simpler configuration than when the second temperature control is performed without using the capillary 272b, thereby preventing the control by the control unit 9 from becoming more complicated.

[0080] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as described above, the control unit 9 controls heating by the heater 27 and switching control based on the detection result of the outside-compartment sensor 37. As a result, even when it is desired to raise the temperature of the air in the first storage compartment 11 of the storage unit 1 to a temperature that is adjustable by the first evaporator 21 of the multiple evaporators or higher, the heating by the heater 27 can raise the temperature of the air in the first storage compartment 11 to a temperature that is adjustable by the first evaporator 21 or higher.

[0081] The other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0082] [Third embodiment] The configuration of a sample storage device 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the figures, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 8, unlike the sample storage devices 100 and 200, the sample storage device 300 does not include expansion valves 71b, 72b, and 73b, and instead includes an on-off valve 82 between the condenser 5 and the second evaporator 22 and between the condenser 5 and the flow rate control valve 62. Furthermore, unlike the sample storage devices 100 and 200, which include a flow rate switching unit 8 including a flow rate control valve 62 and a three-way valve 81, the sample storage device 300 includes a flow rate switching unit 308 including a three-way valve 81 and an on-off valve 82. The on-off valve 82 is configured to fully open or fully close the refrigerant flow path inside the valve. The on-off valve 82 is an example of a "second flow rate switching valve" in the claims.

[0084] The sample storage device 300 also includes an inflow section P3 that is provided between the on-off valve 82 and the second evaporator 22 and into which the refrigerant flows via the three-way valve 81 or the on-off valve 82. In the third embodiment, the inflow section P3 is provided between the on-off valve 82 and the second evaporator 22, and between the on-off valve 82 and the flow rate adjustment valve 62. The inflow section P3 is an example of a "third inflow section" in the claims.

[0085] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control, second temperature control, and switching control for switching the refrigerant flow path using the three-way valve 81 and the on-off valve 82 between a parallel state (see FIG. 8) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P3 via the on-off valve 82 and a series state (see FIG. 9) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P3 via the three-way valve 81, based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of the external sensor 37. Specifically, when adjusting the temperature inside the first storage compartment 11 to room temperature as in operation patterns E to I (see FIG. 3), if the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 detected by the external sensor 37 is room temperature or higher, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow path to the parallel state (see FIG. 8) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P3 via the on-off valve 82. Furthermore, in the case of operation patterns A to D (see FIG. 3), the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow path to a parallel state (see FIG. 8) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P3 via the on-off valve 82. Then, when adjusting the temperatures of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 to room temperature and freezing, respectively, as in operation patterns E and F, if the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 detected by the outside-compartment sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant flow path to a serial state (see FIG. 9) in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P3 via the three-way valve 81. Furthermore, when the temperature TO outside the storage compartment 1 detected by the outside-compartment sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, when the refrigerant flow path is switched to a serial state in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P3 via the three-way valve 81, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 is adjusted to be equal to or higher than room temperature by the expansion valve 71a.

[0086] For example, in operation pattern E, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the sample storage device 300 causes refrigerant of approximately 25°C condensed by the condenser 5 to flow out from the condenser 5. Then, in operation pattern E, when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing, the opening of the expansion valve 71a is increased to adjust the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21 to approximately 20°C. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 21 is expanded by the expansion valve 72a, and the temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22 is adjusted to approximately -35°C. The refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 5 is expanded by the expansion valve 73a, and the temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23 is adjusted to about −5° C. In this way, by adjusting the temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator 21, the temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22, and the temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator 23, the sample storage device 300 adjusts the interiors of the first storage compartment 11, the second storage compartment 12, and the third storage compartment 13 to the temperature ranges of room temperature, freezing, and refrigeration in operation pattern E when the temperature TO outside the storage unit 1 detected by the outside sensor 37 is lower than room temperature and higher than freezing.

[0087] The other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0088] (Effects of the third embodiment) In the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0089] The specimen storage device 300 of the third embodiment is capable of maintaining the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments individually within each set temperature range, regardless of the temperature TO outside the storage section 1 that includes the multiple storage compartments, while achieving energy conservation.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the flow path switching unit 308 includes a three-way valve 81 that is provided downstream of the first evaporator 21 and switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21. As a result, the three-way valve 81 switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21. Therefore, in the serial state, the supercooled refrigerant (refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21) that has lost heat through heat exchange with the air in the first storage compartment 11 can be efficiently flowed into the second evaporator 22, compared to when the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21 flows into both the flow path upstream of the second evaporator 22 and the flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where the refrigerants flowing out from each of the multiple evaporators (the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23) join. As a result, in the serial state, a decrease in the cooling capacity of the second evaporator 22 for cooling the air in the second storage compartment 12 can be suppressed. The flow path switching unit 308 is provided between the condenser 5 and the second evaporator 22 and includes an on-off valve 82 that switches the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 5 by restricting the inflow of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 into the second evaporator 22. As a result, the on-off valve 82 restricts the inflow of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 into the second evaporator 22, thereby ensuring that the supercooled refrigerant (refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator 21) that has lost heat through heat exchange with the air in the first storage compartment 11 flows into the second evaporator 22. As a result, in the serial connection, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the degree of supercooling of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator 22, and therefore it is possible to suppress a decrease in cooling performance when the air in the second storage compartment 12 is cooled by the second evaporator 22.

[0091] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, as described above, when adjusting the temperatures inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 performs first temperature control, second temperature control, and switching control, which switches the refrigerant flow path between a series state in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P3 via the three-way valve 81 and a parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the inlet port P3 via the on-off valve 82, by switching the refrigerant flow path using the three-way valve 81 and the on-off valve 82, based on the set temperature ranges inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of the external sensor 37. Thus, switching control is performed by the on-off valve 82, which is provided between the condenser 5 and the second evaporator 22 and switches the refrigerant flow path by fully opening or fully closing the refrigerant flow path inside the valve, and by switching the refrigerant flow path using the three-way valve 81. As a result, in the serial state, the on-off valve 82 provided between the condenser 5 and the second evaporator 22 completely closes the refrigerant flow path inside the valve, thereby reliably preventing the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 5 from flowing into the third inlet section via the on-off valve 82.

[0092] The other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0093] Furthermore, the configurations of the first to third embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0094] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0095] For example, in the first to third embodiments, the first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 are specimen storage containers that store specimens K, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the items stored in the storage section (first storage container, second storage container, or third storage container) of the cooling device do not have to be specimens. In other words, the present invention may be applied to cooling devices other than specimen storage devices. For example, the present invention may be applied to cooling devices in vending machines, showcases, delivery lockers, refrigerated freezer vehicles, warehouses, etc.

[0096] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, examples have been shown in which each of the sample storage devices 100, 200, and 300 (cooling devices) is installed outdoors, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cooling device may be installed indoors. In this case, when adjusting the temperature inside the first storage compartment, if the temperature outside the storage unit (indoor temperature) is lower than a set temperature range inside the first storage compartment, such as room temperature, the cooling device condenses the refrigerant using the condenser and adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator using the first adjustment valve, and performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator and the air inside the first storage compartment, thereby warming the air inside the first storage compartment.

[0097] Although the first to third embodiments have been described with examples in which one first evaporator 21 and one second evaporator 22 are provided for the condenser 5, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, a plurality of sets (two or more sets) of first and second evaporators, which can be switched between a serial connection and a parallel connection with the condenser, may be provided. For example, as in a cooling device 400 according to a first modification shown in FIG. 10 , the cooling device may include an evaporator 421, an evaporator 422, and a flow path switching unit 408 in addition to the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and a flow path switching unit 8 (flow path switching unit 308). The evaporators 421 and 422 are examples of the "first evaporator" and the "second evaporator," respectively. The cooling device 400 also includes a blower fan 424, a heater 427, a temperature sensor 434, a flow rate adjustment valve 461, an expansion valve 471a, and an expansion valve 471b, corresponding to the evaporator 421. The expansion valves 471a and 471b are an example of a "first adjustment valve" in the claims. The cooling device 400 also includes a blower fan 425, a heater 428, a temperature sensor 435, a flow rate adjustment valve 462, and expansion valves 472a and 472b corresponding to the evaporator 422. The flow path switching unit 408 includes a three-way valve 481 and a flow rate adjustment valve 462. The three-way valve 481 is an example of a "first flow path switching valve" in the claims, and the flow rate adjustment valve 462 is an example of a "second flow path switching valve" in the claims. The expansion valves 472a and 472b are an example of a "second adjustment valve" in the claims. The expansion valve 472a is an example of a "downstream adjustment valve" in the claims, and the expansion valve 472b is an example of an "upstream adjustment valve" in the claims. Moreover, heaters 427 and 428 are an example of a "heating unit" in the claims. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, evaporators 421 and 422 of cooling device 400 are provided corresponding to storage compartments 411 and 412, respectively. Cooling device 400 includes four storage compartments (first storage compartment 11, second storage compartment 12, storage compartment 411, and storage compartment 412) as storage compartment 401. Moreover, in-storage sensors 431 and 432 are provided inside storage compartments 411 and 412, respectively. Storage compartments 411 and 412 are an example of a "first storage compartment" and a "second storage compartment" in the claims, respectively.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above first to third embodiments, examples have been shown in which the sample storage devices 100, 200, and 300 (cooling devices) each include a first evaporator 21, a second evaporator 22, and a third evaporator 23 as multiple evaporators, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cooling device may include only a first evaporator 21 and a second evaporator 22 as multiple evaporators, as in a cooling device 500 according to a second modified example shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 13, the cooling device 500 includes two storage containers (a first storage container 11 and a second storage container 12) as a storage section 501.

[0099] In the first to third embodiments, as described above, when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, if the external temperature TO of the storage compartment 1 is lower than room temperature (the set temperature range for the first storage compartment 11) and higher than freezing (the set temperature range for the second storage compartment 12), the refrigerant flow path is switched to a serial state by the flow path switching unit 8 or 308. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 to room temperature, even if the external temperature TO of the storage compartment is lower than the set temperature range for the first storage compartment 11 and higher than the set temperature range for the second storage compartment 12, the cooling device may not switch the refrigerant flow path, but may instead adjust the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser and flowing into the first evaporator using the first adjustment valve, and perform heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator and the air in the first storage compartment, thereby warming the air in the first storage compartment. In other words, the cooling device does not need to include a flow path switching unit.

[0100] In the first to third embodiments, the control unit 9 performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and the switching control based on the set temperature ranges inside the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection results of the outside-storage sensor 37 (outside-storage temperature detection unit) when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may perform the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and the switching control based on the set temperature ranges inside the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment. For example, as in a cooling device 600 according to a third modification shown in FIG. 14 , a temperature sensor 652 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser 5 may be provided downstream of the condenser 5, and the control unit 9 may perform the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and the switching control when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 652. Furthermore, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the control unit 9 may perform the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and the switching control based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12, the detection result of the external sensor 37, and the detection result of the temperature sensor 652. Furthermore, the control unit may perform the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and the switching control based on the temperature outside the storage compartment detected by a temperature sensor provided separately from the cooling device. That is, the cooling device does not need to include an outside-compartment temperature detection unit.

[0101] In the first to third embodiments, the control unit 9 of each of the sample storage devices 100, 200, and 300 (cooling device) performs first temperature control, second temperature control, and switching control based on the set temperature ranges inside the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12 and the detection results of the external sensor 37 when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage container 11 and the second storage container 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when adjusting the internal temperatures of the first storage container 11 and the second storage container, a command to start or stop the first temperature control, second temperature control, and switching control, which are performed when the temperature outside the storage container is lower than the set temperature range inside the first storage container, may be sent to the control unit of the cooling device from outside the cooling device via a network. The control unit of the cooling device may then perform the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and switching control based on a command from outside the cooling device. In addition, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first and second storage compartments, the first temperature control, second temperature control, and switching control that are performed when the temperature outside the storage compartment is lower than the set temperature range inside the first storage compartment may be started and stopped by user operation.

[0102] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, as described above, an example has been shown in which the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 21 is configured to be switched by the three-way valve 81 between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator 22 and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where refrigerant flowing out from each of the multiple evaporators (the first evaporator 21, the second evaporator 22, and the third evaporator 23) joins, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator may be configured to be switched by multiple valves between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator and a flow path downstream of the multiple evaporators where refrigerant flowing out from each of the multiple evaporators joins.

[0103] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the sample storage devices 100, 200, and 300 each adjust the air temperature inside the first storage container 11, the second storage container 12, and the third storage container 13 to three levels: freezing, refrigeration, and room temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cooling device may adjust the temperature inside each of the multiple storage containers (first storage container, second storage container, and third storage container) included in the storage unit to two levels: refrigeration and freezing, room temperature and refrigeration, or room temperature and freezing. Furthermore, the cooling device may include temperature ranges other than freezing, refrigeration, and room temperature, such as chilled (a temperature range of approximately 0°C) and partial (a temperature range of approximately -3°C), in its adjustable (set) temperature ranges (set temperature ranges), and adjust the temperature inside the multiple storage containers (first storage container, second storage container, and third storage container) included in the storage unit to four or more levels. Furthermore, the temperature inside each of the multiple storage compartments (first storage compartment, second storage compartment, and third storage compartment) included in the storage unit may be fixed to one temperature zone that is different from each other.

[0104] In the first embodiment, as described above, the sample storage device 100 is configured such that, when adjusting the internal temperature of the first storage container 11 to room temperature, if the external temperature TO of the storage unit 1 is lower than room temperature, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser 5 and flowing into the first evaporator 21 is adjusted by the expansion valves 71a and 71b, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator 21 and the air in the first storage container 11, thereby warming the air in the first storage container 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cooling device may be configured such that, when adjusting the internal temperature of the first storage container to a refrigeration temperature range, if the external temperature TO of the storage unit is lower than the refrigeration temperature range, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser and flowing into the first evaporator is adjusted by the first adjustment valve, and heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator and the air in the first storage container, thereby warming the air in the first storage container. In addition, the cooling device may be configured so that when adjusting the temperature inside the first storage compartment to the freezing temperature range, if the temperature outside the storage compartment is lower than the freezing temperature range, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser and flowing into the first evaporator is adjusted by the first adjustment valve, and heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator and the air inside the first storage compartment, thereby warming the air inside the first storage compartment.

[0105] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, as described above, examples have been shown in which heaters 27, 28, and 29 (heating units) are provided corresponding to the first storage compartment 11 (first evaporator 21), the second storage compartment 12 (second evaporator 22), and the third storage compartment 13 (third evaporator 23), respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the cooling device may be configured to provide a heating unit such as a heater only for the evaporator that requires defrosting. Also, the cooling device may not be provided with a heating unit such as a heater. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1, 401, 501 storage unit 4 Compressor 5. Condenser 8, 308, 408 Flow path switching section 9 Control Unit 11 Detention Center No. 1 12 Second Detention Center 13 Detention Center No. 3 21 First evaporator 22 Second evaporator 23 Third evaporator 27, 28, 29, 427, 428 Heater (heating part) 37 Outside sensor (outside temperature detection unit) 62, 462 Flow control valve (second flow path switching valve) 71a, 71b, 471a, 471b Expansion valve (first adjustment valve) 72a, 472a Expansion valve (second regulating valve, downstream regulating valve) 72b, 472b Expansion valve (second adjustment valve, upstream adjustment valve) 73a, 73b Expansion valve (third adjustment valve) 81, 481 Three-way valve (first flow path switching valve) 82 On-off valve (second flow path switching valve) 100, 200, 300 Sample storage device (refrigeration device) 272b Capillary 400, 500, 600 chillers 411 Detention Center (Detention Center 1) 412 Detention Center (Second Detention Center) 421 Evaporator (First Evaporator) 422 Evaporator (second evaporator) K specimen P1 Inflow section (1st inflow section) P2 Inflow section (2nd inflow section) P3 Inflow section (3rd inflow section)

Claims

1. a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; a condenser provided downstream of the compressor and configured to condense the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a plurality of evaporators including a first evaporator and a second evaporator, the first evaporator and the second evaporator being disposed downstream of the condenser and evaporating the refrigerant condensed by the condenser; a first adjusting valve that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator; a second adjusting valve that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator; a storage unit including a first storage compartment in which the temperature of the air inside is adjusted by the first evaporator, and a second storage compartment in which the temperature of the air inside is adjusted by the second evaporator, When adjusting the temperature inside the first storage compartment, if the temperature outside the storage unit is lower than the set temperature zone inside the first storage compartment, the temperature of the refrigerant condensed by the condenser and flowing into the first evaporator is adjusted by the first adjustment valve to be higher than the temperature of the air inside the first storage compartment, and heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the first evaporator and the air inside the first storage compartment, thereby heating the air inside the first storage compartment, An outside temperature detection unit that detects the temperature outside the storage unit; The cooling device further includes a control unit that, when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, performs first temperature control to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the first evaporator using the first adjustment valve based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the outside-storage temperature detection unit, and second temperature control to adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator using the second adjustment valve.

2. a flow path switching unit that switches a flow path of the refrigerant between a parallel state in which the first evaporator and the second evaporator are connected in parallel to the condenser and a series state in which the first evaporator and the second evaporator are connected in series to the condenser in the order of the first evaporator and the second evaporator from the upstream side, The cooling device of claim 1, wherein when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, if the temperature outside the storage compartment is lower than the set temperature range inside the first storage compartment and higher than the set temperature range inside the second storage compartment, the flow path of the refrigerant is switched to the serial state by the flow path switching unit.

3. The cooling device described in claim 2, wherein when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage warehouse and the second storage warehouse, the control unit performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and switching control to switch the refrigerant flow path using the flow path switching unit based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage warehouse and the second storage warehouse and the detection result of the outside storage warehouse temperature detection unit.

4. 4. The cooling device of claim 3, wherein the flow path switching unit includes a first flow path switching valve provided downstream of the first evaporator and switching the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the first evaporator, and a second flow path switching valve provided between the condenser and the second evaporator and switching the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out from the condenser by restricting the flow of refrigerant condensed by the condenser into the second evaporator.

5. the first flow path switching valve is a three-way valve, 5. The cooling device according to claim 4, wherein the three-way valve is configured to switch the flow path of the refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator between a flow path upstream of the second evaporator and a flow path downstream of the plurality of evaporators where the refrigerant flowing out of each of the plurality of evaporators joins.

6. the second regulating valve includes a downstream regulating valve that is provided downstream of the second evaporator and that can adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator by adjusting an opening degree thereof, The cooling device described in claim 4 or 5, wherein when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the control unit performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control using the downstream adjustment valve, and the switching control based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the outside storage compartment temperature detection unit.

7. the second adjusting valve further includes an upstream adjusting valve that is provided downstream of the second flow path switching valve and upstream of the second evaporator and that can adjust the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator by adjusting an opening degree thereof; a first inlet portion provided between the second flow path switching valve and the upstream adjustment valve, into which the refrigerant flows via the first flow path switching valve or the second flow path switching valve; The cooling device described in claim 6, wherein when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the control unit performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control using the upstream regulating valve and the downstream regulating valve based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the outside-compartment temperature detection unit, and the switching control that switches the refrigerant flow path between the series state in which the refrigerant flows into the first inlet port via the first flow path switching valve and the parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the first inlet port via the second flow path switching valve.

8. a capillary provided between the second flow path switching valve and the second evaporator; a second inlet portion provided between the second flow path switching valve and the capillary, into which the refrigerant flows via the first flow path switching valve or the second flow path switching valve, The cooling device described in claim 6, wherein when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the control unit performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control using the capillary and the downstream adjustment valve, and the switching control to switch the refrigerant flow path between the series state in which the refrigerant flows into the second inlet port via the first flow path switching valve and the parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the second inlet port via the second flow path switching valve based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the outside temperature detection unit.

9. the second flow path switching valve is an on-off valve that is provided between the condenser and the second evaporator and that fully opens or fully closes a flow path of the refrigerant inside the valve, a third inlet portion provided between the on-off valve and the second evaporator, into which the refrigerant flows via the first flow path switching valve or the on-off valve; The cooling device described in claim 6, wherein when adjusting the temperature inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, the control unit performs the first temperature control, the second temperature control, and the switching control, which switches the refrigerant flow path using the first flow path switching valve and the on-off valve, based on the set temperature range inside each of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment and the detection result of the outside-compartment temperature detection unit, to switch the refrigerant flow path between the series state in which the refrigerant flows into the third inlet port via the first flow path switching valve and the parallel state in which the refrigerant flows into the third inlet port via the on-off valve.

10. Further, a heating unit that heats the air in the storage unit is provided, The cooling device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the control unit controls heating by the heating unit and the switching control based on a detection result of the outside-compartment temperature detection unit.

11. the plurality of evaporators further include a third evaporator that is provided downstream of the condenser, evaporates the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, and is connected to the condenser in parallel with the first evaporator and the second evaporator; The storage unit further includes a third storage compartment in which the temperature of the air inside is adjusted by the third evaporator, The cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a third adjustment valve that adjusts the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the third evaporator.

12. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first storage container and the second storage container include a specimen storage container that stores specimens.

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