Cooling device

Abstract

This cooling device comprises: a refrigerant circuit (10) in which a compressor (12), a condenser (13), an expansion mechanism (14), and an evaporator (15) are connected; an accommodation part (11) that accommodates the compressor (12), the condenser (13), and the expansion mechanism (14); and capture parts (22, 112) that capture sludge in a liquid (E). The evaporator (15) includes a coil part (15a) disposed below the accommodation part (11). The capture parts (22, 112) are disposed below the accommodation part (11).

Description

cooling device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling device.

[0002] The immersion-type liquid cooling device described in Patent Document 1 includes a refrigerant circuit connected to a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, and cools the liquid by immersing the evaporator in the liquid. The evaporator includes a coil portion. The coil portion has an inner refrigerant pipe wound spirally in the vertical direction and an outer refrigerant pipe surrounding the inner refrigerant pipe and also wound spirally in the vertical direction. The inner refrigerant pipe and the outer refrigerant pipe are coated with a fluororesin paint to prevent sludge such as grinding chips contained in the machining fluid from adhering to them.

[0003] JP 2015-068606 A

[0004] Even if the coil is coated with fluororesin paint, it is not possible to completely prevent sludge from adhering to the coil, and a small amount of sludge will still adhere to the coil, requiring maintenance work on the coil.

[0005] However, since it is difficult to reach the inside of the coil during maintenance work, it is difficult to remove the sludge that has adhered to the inside of the coil.Furthermore, since the fluororesin paint is weak against friction, there is a possibility that the fluororesin paint will come off when the surface of the coil is wiped to remove the sludge during maintenance work.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cooling device that can improve maintainability.

[0007] The cooling device of the first aspect includes a refrigerant circuit (10) connecting a compressor (12), a condenser (13), an expansion mechanism (14), and an evaporator (15); an accommodation section (11) accommodating the compressor (12), the condenser (13), and the expansion mechanism (14); a coil section (15a) included in the evaporator (15), arranged below the accommodation section (11), and immersed in a liquid (E) to cool the liquid (E); and a capture section (22, 112) that captures sludge in the liquid (E), and the capture section (22, 112) is arranged below the accommodation section (11).

[0008] In the first aspect, the sludge is captured by the capture portion (22, 112), and thus adhesion of sludge to the coil portion (15a) can be suppressed, thereby improving maintainability.

[0009] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the trapping portion (22) includes a magnet (22b), and traps the sludge by the magnetic force of the magnet (22b).

[0010] In the second embodiment, the sludge adhering to the surface of the trapping part (22) can be wiped off by the magnetic force of the magnet (22b), thereby making it possible to reuse the trapping part (22).

[0011] In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the capture portion (22, 112) is arranged inside the coil portion (15a).

[0012] In the third aspect, it is possible to effectively prevent sludge from adhering to the coil portion (15a).

[0013] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the cooling device includes an agitator (17) that is arranged inside the coil portion (15a) and agitates the liquid (E) to generate an agitated flow in the liquid (E), and the capture portion (22) is arranged within a region where the agitated flow is generated.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment, the sludge can be effectively captured by the capture section (22) by utilizing the agitation flow.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the capture portion (22) has a rod-like shape extending in the vertical direction.

[0016] In the fifth aspect, the sludge present in a region having a width in the vertical direction in the liquid (E) can be captured by the capture portion (22).

[0017] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the capture portion (22) has a circular outer shape in a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0018] In the sixth embodiment, the sludge can be effectively attached to the outer surface of the trapping portion (22).

[0019] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the capture portion (22) is detachably attached to the storage portion (11) or to a leg portion (18) provided on the underside (11a) of the storage portion (11).

[0020] In the seventh aspect, the capture portion (22) can be removed from the storage portion (11) or the leg portion (18) to allow maintenance of the capture portion (22) independent of the storage portion (11) or the leg portion (18).

[0021] In an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the storage portion (11) or the leg portion (18) is provided with a plurality of locations where the capture portion (22) can be attached.

[0022] In the eighth aspect, the attachment location of the capture portion (22) can be selected.

[0023] In a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the lower end of the capture portion (22) is located lower than the lower end of the coil portion (15a).

[0024] In the ninth aspect, adhesion of sludge to the coil portion (15a) can be effectively suppressed.

[0025] A tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the capture portion (22) is disposed inside the coil portion (15a) and is detachably attached to the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11), and a gap (C) is provided between the coil portion (15a) and the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11).

[0026] In the tenth aspect, maintenance of the capture portion (22) can be easily performed.

[0027] In an eleventh aspect, in the first aspect, the cooling device includes a non-magnetic cylindrical portion (110), a magnet (120) provided in the cylindrical portion (110) and causing the sludge to adhere to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion (110) by magnetic force, a moving portion (130) for moving the magnet (120) within the cylindrical portion (110), the magnet (120) moved by the moving portion (130), and a separating portion (140) for separating the magnet (120) from the sludge adhering to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion (110), wherein the moving portion (130) includes a string-like member connected to the magnet (120) and extending to the outside of the cylindrical portion (110) through an opening (111) at one end (110a) of the cylindrical portion (110), and the cylindrical portion (110) includes the capture portion (112) immersed in the liquid (E).

[0028] In the eleventh aspect, by moving the magnet (120) using the moving section (130), the magnetic force of the magnet (120) moves the sludge in the liquid (E) adhering to the outer surface of the tubular section (110) to the outside of the liquid (E), and further, by separating the magnet (120) from the sludge using the separating section (140), the magnetic force of the magnet (120) acting on the sludge is suppressed, and the sludge can be separated from the outer surface of the tubular section (110) and collected.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cooling device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerant circuit. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a coil portion. FIG. 4 is a view of the cooling device viewed from below. FIG. 5 is a view showing a region where a capture unit is preferably installed. FIG. 6 is a view showing the position of the capture unit relative to the flow of liquid in a tank. FIGS. 7(a) to 7(c) are plan views showing the agitation flow generated in the liquid by an agitator. FIG. 8 is a view showing a procedure for cleaning the capture unit. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sludge recovery device. FIG. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view of the bottom surface of the storage unit viewed from below. FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view of the side surface of the storage unit viewed from the horizontal direction. FIG. 11(a) is a cross-sectional view of the separation unit viewed from the horizontal direction. FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view of the flange viewed from the bottom. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a sludge recovery device. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sludge recovery device.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding. In each embodiment, modified example, and drawing, the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference symbols, and detailed descriptions and descriptions of the accompanying effects will not be repeated.

[0031] - Chiller Unit - As shown in Figure 1, the chiller unit (U) is provided with a machine tool (M) and a tank (T), and is applied to a system in which a liquid (E) circulates between the machine tool (M) and the tank (T). The chiller unit (U) cools the liquid (E) in the tank (T). The machine tool (M) in this embodiment is a machine that performs cutting work, such as a grinding machine or a machining center. The liquid (E) is, for example, a machining fluid such as a grinding fluid or a spindle lubricant for the machine tool.

[0032] A liquid (E) is stored in the tank (T). During operation of the machine tool (M), the amount of liquid (E) stored in the tank (T) is maintained approximately constant. The tank (T) is provided with an inlet (P1) and an outlet (P2). A pipe (5) leading to the machine tool (M) is connected to the inlet (P1) and the outlet (P2). A pump (not shown) is connected to the pipe (5). The pump adjusts the flow direction and amount of the liquid (E) flowing through the pipe (5). When the pump is operated, the liquid (E) flowing out of the machine tool (M) flows into the tank (T) through the inlet (P1). The liquid (E) in the tank (T) flows out towards the machine tool (M) through the outlet (P2).

[0033] The cooling device unit (U) includes a cooling device (1). The cooling device (1) is installed in the tank (T). The cooling device (1) is placed on a plate-shaped member (T2) (see Figure 3) that forms the upper surface of the tank (T). The liquid (E) flowing out of the tank (T) is heated by the machine tool (M). The heated liquid (E) flows into the tank (T) and is cooled by the cooling device (1). As a result, the rise in the temperature of the liquid (E) in the tank (T) is suppressed. In the following, the up-down direction refers to the vertical direction when the cooling device (1) is installed in the tank (T) and is in a position to cool the liquid (E) in the tank (T).

[0034] —Configuration of the Cooling Device— As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the cooling device (1) includes a housing (11), a compressor (12), a condenser (13), an expansion mechanism (14), an evaporator (15), a blower fan (16), an agitator (17), and an operation panel (21). The compressor (12), the condenser (13), the expansion mechanism (14), and the evaporator (15) are connected to a refrigerant circuit (10) in this order. The refrigerant circuit (10) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (10) performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The compressor (12), the condenser (13), and the expansion mechanism (14) are housed in the housing (11).

[0035] - Storage Unit - As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the storage unit (11) is formed in a box shape extending in the vertical direction. The storage unit (11) is disposed above the liquid (E) in the tank (T). Legs (18) are attached to the lower surface (11a) of the storage unit (11). The legs (18) are provided on the lower surface (11a) of the storage unit (11) and protrude downward from the lower surface (11a) of the storage unit (11). The lower ends of the legs (18) are immersed in the liquid (E) in the tank (T). The lower ends of the legs (18) may be floating above the bottom surface (T1) of the tank (T) or may be placed on the bottom surface (T1) of the tank (T). Four legs (18) are provided on the lower surface (11a) of the storage unit (11). The lower surface (11a) of the storage section (11) is placed on a plate-like member (T2) that forms the upper surface of the tank (T). The storage section (11) of the cooling device (1) is fixed to the plate-like member (T2) with, for example, bolts. Holes are formed in the plate-like member (T2), and the legs (18), coil section (15a), stirring section (17b), and capture section (22) are immersed in the liquid (E) in the tank (T) through the holes (see FIG. 3 ).

[0036] - Compressor - As shown in Fig. 2, the compressor (12) draws in and compresses low-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor (12) discharges the compressed refrigerant. The compressor (12) is of a variable displacement type in which power is supplied to the electric motor from an inverter circuit. In other words, the compressor (12) is configured so that the operating frequency (number of rotations) of the electric motor can be adjusted. The compressor (12) does not necessarily have to include an inverter circuit.

[0037] - Condenser - The condenser (13) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air delivered by the blower fan (16). Specifically, in the condenser (13), the refrigerant condenses by dissipating heat into the air. The blower fan (16) is disposed near the condenser (13) and delivers the air passing through the condenser (13). The condenser (13) may be a water-cooled condenser that exchanges heat between water and the refrigerant.

[0038] —Expansion Mechanism— The expansion mechanism (14) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion mechanism (14) includes, for example, an electrically operated expansion valve whose opening is adjustable. The expansion mechanism (14) may include a temperature-sensitive expansion valve, a capillary tube, or the like.

[0039] - Evaporator - The evaporator (15) exchanges heat between the liquid (E) in the tank (T) and the refrigerant. Specifically, in the evaporator (15), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the liquid (E) and evaporates. The evaporator (15) includes a coil portion (15a) formed in a coil shape along the vertical direction. The coil portion (15a) is disposed below the storage portion (11) and is disposed so as to be immersed in the liquid (E) in the tank (T). Leg portions (18) are disposed on the outer sides of the coil portion (15a).

[0040] The refrigerant flows through the coil portion (15a), and heat exchange between the liquid (E) and the refrigerant occurs through the coil portion (15a), thereby cooling the liquid (E).

[0041] A gap (C) is provided between the coil portion (15a) and the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11). For example, the cooling device (1) is installed in the tank (T) so that the liquid level (E1) of the liquid (E) is located in the gap (C).

[0042] The coil portion (15a) includes an inner refrigerant pipe (15a1) spirally wound in the vertical direction and an outer refrigerant pipe (15a2) disposed outside the inner refrigerant pipe (15a1) and spirally wound in the vertical direction. As a result, the surface area of ​​the refrigerant pipes (15a1, 15a2) is increased, improving heat exchange efficiency, while preventing the vertical length of the coil portion (15a) from increasing. Note that the refrigerant pipes (15a1, 15a2) are formed by branching one refrigerant pipe into two refrigerant pipes upstream of the compressor (12) and downstream of the expansion mechanism (14) (see FIG. 2 ). Refrigerant in each refrigerant pipe (15a1, 15a2) flows from the expansion mechanism (14) toward the compressor (12). In addition, in this embodiment, the coil portion (15a) has the refrigerant piping (15a1, 15a2) spirally wound twice, but the refrigerant piping may be spirally wound once, and there is no particular limitation on the number of times the refrigerant piping is wound.

[0043] 3, 6, and 8, the refrigerant pipes (15a1, 15a2) of the coil portion (15a) are shown in cross-sectional views of a portion (the front portion of the drawing) cut in the vertical direction. In reality, the refrigerant pipes (15a1, 15a2) of the coil portion (15a) extend in a spiral shape, as shown in FIG.

[0044] - Agitator - The agitator (17) is disposed so as to be immersed in the liquid (E) in the tank (T). The agitator (17) generates a flow (agitated flow) in the liquid (E) in the tank (T) by agitating the liquid (E) in the tank (T). The agitator (17) is disposed inside the coil portion (15a). By disposing the agitator (17) near the coil portion (15a), heat exchange between the refrigerant and the liquid (E) is promoted. The agitator (17) has a shaft portion (17a) extending downward from the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11) and an agitating portion (17b) fixed to the shaft portion (17a). The agitating portion (17b) is a blade-shaped member. The agitator (17) (the shaft portion (17a) and the agitating portion (17b)) rotates by the power of an agitation motor provided in the storage portion (11). The agitator (17) is rotated to agitate the liquid (E) in the tank (T).

[0045] -Operation Panel- As shown in Fig. 1, the cooling device unit (U) has an operation panel (21). The operation panel (21) receives predetermined operation instructions through user operation. The operation panel (21) has a display (not shown) that displays the liquid temperature, etc. The operation panel (21) is disposed, for example, in front of the storage section (11).

[0046] —Operating Operation— As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (12) flows through the condenser (13). In the condenser (13), the refrigerant condenses by dissipating heat to the air. If the condenser (13) is a water-cooled condenser, the refrigerant condenses by dissipating heat to water. The refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the condenser (13) is reduced in pressure by the expansion mechanism (14) and then flows through the evaporator (15). In the evaporator (15) (coil portion (15a)), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the liquid (E) and evaporates. The liquid (E) cooled by the evaporator (15) is agitated by the agitator (17), thereby suppressing an increase in the liquid temperature in the tank (T). The refrigerant that has evaporated in the evaporator (15) is sucked into the compressor (12) and compressed again.

[0047] - Capture Unit - As shown in Fig. 3, the cooling device (1) includes a capture unit (22). The capture unit (22) captures sludge in the liquid (E). The sludge is, for example, metal powder, grinding chips (swarf), or abrasives. In this embodiment, the sludge is a magnetic substance.

[0048] The capture unit (22) includes a pipe (22a) and a magnet (22b). The pipe (22a) is a hollow member. The pipe (22a) is made of, for example, a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel (e.g., SUS304). The pipe (22a) has a rod-like shape extending in the vertical direction. The pipe (22a) has a circular outer shape in a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction. The magnet (22b) is a permanent magnet. The magnet (22b) is a rod-like member extending in the vertical direction and is disposed inside the pipe (22a). Disposing the magnet (22b) inside the corrosion-resistant pipe (22a) prevents rust from forming on the surface of the magnet (22b). The magnetic force of the magnet (22b) causes sludge in the liquid (E) to adhere to the outer surface of the pipe (22a).

[0049] By making the outer shape of the cross section of the pipe portion (22a) perpendicular to the up-down direction circular, it is possible to suppress variation in the distance from the center of the magnet (22b) to the outer surface of the pipe portion (22a), and to effectively prevent the magnetic force of the magnet (22b) from being biased relative to the outer surface of the pipe portion (22a). As a result, it is possible to effectively attach sludge to the outer surface of the capture portion (22). Furthermore, by making the outer shape of the cross section of the pipe portion (22a) perpendicular to the up-down direction circular, it is possible to easily wipe off sludge attached to the outer surface of the pipe portion (22a).

[0050] The capture portion (22) is separate from the coil portion (15a) and is disposed below the storage portion (11). The capture portion (22) is located at a position separated from the coil portion (15a). The capture portion (22) protrudes downward from the storage portion (11). The capture portion (22) is disposed within a region where an agitation flow is generated by the agitator (17). The agitation flow refers to a flow of the liquid (E) generated by the rotation of the agitator (17).

[0051] The capture portion (22) is detachably attached to the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11). A thread (22a1) is formed at the upper end of the pipe portion (22a). The thread (22a1) of the pipe portion (22a) is formed, for example, by tapping. A thread (11a1) is formed at the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11). The thread (11a1) of the storage portion (11) is, for example, a thread formed on a bolt embedded in the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11). The capture portion (22) is attached to the storage portion (11) by fastening the thread (22a1) of the pipe portion (22a) to the thread (11a1) of the storage portion (11).

[0052] The trapping portion (22) is disposed inside the coil portion (15a). The lower end of the trapping portion (22) (magnet (22b)) is located below the lower end of the coil portion (15a) and above the bottom surface (T1) of the tank (T).

[0053] The magnetic flux density on the outer surface of the trap portion (22) is preferably 0.8 T or more from the viewpoint of effectively attaching sludge such as fine iron powder to the outer surface of the trap portion (22). Furthermore, if the magnetic flux density on the outer surface of the trap portion (22) is too high, it becomes difficult to peel and remove the sludge attached to the outer surface of the trap portion (22) from the outer surface of the trap portion (22) during maintenance of the trap portion (22). Therefore, the magnetic flux density on the outer surface of the trap portion (22) is preferably 1.2 T or less from the viewpoint of easily removing the sludge attached to the outer surface of the trap portion (22) from the outer surface of the trap portion (22) during maintenance of the trap portion (22). Furthermore, in order to effectively ensure a magnetic flux density of 0.8 T or more and 1.2 T or less on the outer surface of the trap portion (22), the diameter of the trap portion (22) (the diameter of the pipe portion (22a)) is preferably 15 mm or more and 35 mm or less.

[0054] - Heater - Figure 4 is a view of the cooling device (1) as seen from below. As shown in Figure 4, the cooling device (1) may include a heater (23). The heater (23) is attached to the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11) and protrudes downward so as to be immersed in the liquid (E) in the tank (T). The heater (23) is disposed inside the coil portion (15a). The heater (23) is used to raise the temperature of the liquid (E) to a predetermined temperature when the liquid (E) in the tank (T) becomes too cold, for example, in the middle of winter.

[0055] First Example of Capture Portion Position: The horizontal distance from the center of the capture portion (22) to the protrusion (D) is greater than R1 mm. R1 is the radius of the capture portion (22) and is, for example, 7.5 mm or greater and 17.5 mm or less (7.5 mm≦R1≦17.5 mm). The protrusion (D) is a portion that protrudes from the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11), such as a screw or other member fastened to the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11) or a convex portion formed by burring or the like. If multiple protrusions (D) are present on the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11), the horizontal distance from the center of the capture portion (22) to each of the multiple protrusions (D) is greater than R1 mm. This configuration allows the capture portion (22) to be installed without interference from the protrusions (D).

[0056] -Second example of the position of the capture part- In the following, components other than the capture part (22) that are installed below the storage part (11), such as the coil part (15a), the agitator (17), and the heater (23), may be collectively referred to as peripheral components.

[0057] It is preferable that the horizontal distance from the center of the trapping portion (22) to the surrounding member is greater than the sum of R1 mm and R2 mm. R2 is a value set in consideration of the thickness of sludge adhering to the outer surface of the trapping portion (22), and is set, for example, to a value slightly greater than the maximum thickness of sludge expected to adhere to the outer surface of the trapping portion (22). R2 is, for example, a value between 20 mm and 30 mm (20 mm≦R2≦30 mm). In this case, the sum of R1 mm and R2 mm is between 27.5 mm and 47.5 mm (27.5 mm≦R1 + R2 ≦47.5 mm).

[0058] This configuration can prevent sludge from adhering to the surrounding components, thereby preventing problems such as an increase in the temperature of the liquid (E) due to sludge adhering to the coil portion (15a) impeding heat exchange between the refrigerant and the liquid (E), an increase in power consumption of the cooling device (1), and malfunction of the compressor (12) due to refrigerant liquid returning from the coil portion (15a).

[0059] In this embodiment, for example, taking into consideration the first example of the position of the capture portion and the second example of the position of the capture portion, the capture portion (22) may be installed within the region (α) shown in Fig. 5. The region (α) is a region that satisfies the condition shown in the first example of the position of the capture portion (the horizontal distance from the center of the capture portion (22) to the protrusion (D) is greater than R1 mm) and the condition shown in the second example of the position of the capture portion (the horizontal distance from the center of the capture portion (22) to the surrounding member is greater than the sum of R1 mm and R2 mm).

[0060] —Third Example of the Position of the Capture Unit— As shown in FIG. 6 , the capture unit (22) may be disposed below the storage unit (11) and upstream of the main flow direction (Y). The main flow direction (Y) is the direction from the inlet (P1) side of the tank (T) toward the outlet (P2) side, and indicates the main flow of the liquid (E) generated in the tank (T). This allows the capture unit (22) to adsorb sludge in the liquid (E) as early as possible when the liquid (E) flows along the main flow direction (Y) in the tank (T) and is sent downward in the storage unit (11). As a result, adhesion of sludge to the outer surface of the coil portion (15a) can be effectively suppressed.

[0061] 7( a), when the agitated flow (branch flow) generated in the liquid (E) by the agitator (17) is a swirling flow, the liquid (E) flows in a direction around the axis of the shaft (17a), and the liquid level (E1) of the liquid (E) around the shaft (17a) drops around the agitator (17). In this case, the capture part (22) is preferably disposed at a location separated from the agitator (17).

[0062] 7(b), when the agitated flow generated in the liquid (E) by the agitator (17) is a circulating flow, the liquid (E) flows around the agitator (17) in a direction parallel to the shaft (17a) (vertical direction). In this case, the capture part (22) is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the agitator (17).

[0063] 7(c), when the agitation flow generated in the liquid (E) by the agitator (17) is a radial flow, the liquid (E) flows in a direction perpendicular to the shaft (17a) of the agitator (17) (horizontal direction) and away from the shaft (17a). In this case, the capture part (22) is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the agitator (17).

[0064] - Procedure for cleaning the trap part - As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the cooling device (1) is placed on the bottom surface (T1) of the tank (T), and the coil part (15a) and the trap part (22) are immersed in the liquid (E). The magnetic force of the magnet (22b) causes sludge in the liquid (E) to adhere to the outer surface of the trap part (22). As a result, the sludge is captured by the trap part (22).

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8 , the cooling device (1) is then lifted out of the tank (T), and the coil portion (15a) and the capture portion (22) are removed from the liquid (E). The cooling device (1) lifted out of the tank (T) is placed on the floor (V). Next, a worker inserts his / her hand into the gap (C) between the coil portion (15a) and the underside (11a) of the storage portion (11), grasps the capture portion (22) with the hand, and rotates the capture portion (22) to loosen the screw (22a1), thereby removing the capture portion (22) from the storage portion (11) (see arrow H1 in FIG. 8 ). Next, the worker removes the capture portion (22) from inside the coil portion (15a) through the gap (C) (see arrows H2 and H3 in FIG. 8 ). Next, the worker cleans the trapping portion (22) by, for example, wiping the outer surface of the trapping portion (22) to remove sludge from the outer surface of the trapping portion (22).

[0066] Thereafter, the worker returns the capture portion (22) to the inside of the coil portion (15a) through the gap (C). Next, the worker butts the screw (22a1) of the capture portion (22) against the screw (11a1) of the storage portion (11) and rotates the capture portion (22). As a result, the screw (22a1) of the capture portion (22) is tightened onto the screw (11a1) of the storage portion (11), and the capture portion (22) is attached to the storage portion (11).

[0067] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the cooling device (1) is then returned to its original position, and the coil portion (15a) and the capture portion (22) are immersed in the liquid (E), thereby restarting the recovery of sludge from the liquid (E).

[0068] Effect As described above, the cooling device (1) includes a refrigerant circuit (10) connecting the compressor (12), the condenser (13), the expansion mechanism (14), and the evaporator (15), a storage section (11) that stores the compressor (12), the condenser (13), and the expansion mechanism (14), and a trap section (22, 112) that traps sludge in the liquid (E). The evaporator (15) includes a coil section (15a) that is disposed below the storage section (11). The trap section (22, 112) is disposed below the storage section (11). In this manner, by disposing both the trap section (22, 112) and the coil section (15a) below the storage section (11), the trap section (22, 112) is disposed around the coil section (15a). As a result, the sludge is captured by the capture portion (22, 112) around the coil portion (15a), thereby effectively preventing the sludge from adhering to the coil portion (15a). As a result, it is possible to reduce the need for complicated work such as removing sludge that has adhered to hard-to-reach places, such as the inner periphery of the coil portion (15a), thereby improving the ease of maintenance of the cooling device (1).

[0069] The trapping portion (22) can be reused by wiping off the sludge adhering to the surface of the trapping portion (22), and further, by using a magnet (22b) (permanent magnet) as the trapping portion (22), deterioration of the trapping portion (22) over time can be suppressed, thereby effectively extending the service life of the trapping portion (22).

[0070] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims (for example, (1) to (5) below). Furthermore, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the subject matter of the present disclosure is not impaired.

[0071] (1) A configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of attachment positions for the capture portion (22) are provided on the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11), and the attachment position for the capture portion (22) can be selected from the plurality of attachment positions. That is, a plurality of screws (11a1) are formed on the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11), and the screw (11a1) for fastening the capture portion (22) can be selected from the plurality of screws (11a1). This allows the attachment position for the capture portion (22) to be selected so that the capture portion (22) is installed in a desired location. Examples of the desired location include a location where the horizontal distance from the center of the capture portion (22) to the protrusion (D) is greater than R1 mm (see FIG. 4), a location where the horizontal distance from the center of the capture portion (22) to a peripheral member is greater than the sum of R1 mm and R2 mm (see FIG. 4), a location located below the storage portion (11) and upstream in the main flow direction (Y) (see FIG. 6), etc.

[0072] (2) In this embodiment, the capture part (22) is detachably attached to the lower surface (11a) of the storage part (11) by screws (11a1, 22a1) (see FIG. 3 ). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a magnet may be provided at the attachment point of the capture part (22) to the storage part (11) and / or on the lower surface (11a) of the storage part (11), and the capture part (22) may be detachably attached to the lower surface (11a) of the storage part (11) by the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0073] (3) In this embodiment, the catch (22) is detachably attached to the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11) (see FIG. 3). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The catch (22) may be detachably attached to the leg portion (18) by, for example, a screw or a magnet.

[0074] (4) A first modified example of the capture section (22) will be described. In this embodiment, the capture section (22) includes a magnet (22b) and captures sludge by adhering the sludge to the outer surface of the capture section (22) using the magnetic force of the magnet (22b) (see FIG. 3 ). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The capture section (22) may also be configured to include a filter and capture sludge in the liquid (E) by filtering the liquid (E) in the tank (T) through the filter. In this case, the sludge may be particles having a predetermined size that can be captured by the filter, and does not need to be magnetic.

[0075] (5) A capture section (112) which is a second modification of the capture section (22) will be described.

[0076] The cooling device (1) includes a sludge collection device (100). As shown in Fig. 9, the sludge collection device (100) includes a cylindrical portion (110), a magnet (120), a moving portion (130), a separating portion (140), an outer cylindrical portion (150), and a flange portion (160). In Figs. 9, 12, and 13, the coil portion (15a) and the agitator (17) provided below the storage portion (11) are not shown.

[0077] The tubular portion (110) is a hollow member. The tubular portion (110) is made of a non-magnetic material. An opening (111) that communicates with the inside and outside of the tubular portion (110) is formed at one end (110a) of the tubular portion (110). The other end (110b) of the tubular portion (110) may be open so as to communicate with the inside and outside of the tubular portion (110), or may be closed. The other end (110b) side of the tubular portion (110) is disposed in the liquid (E) in the tank (T), and the one end (110a) side of the tubular portion (110) is disposed outside the liquid (E).

[0078] Hereinafter, the direction (X) in which the tubular portion (110) extends may be referred to as the tubular direction (X). In the tubular direction (X), the direction toward one end (110a) may be referred to as one side (X1), and the direction toward the other end (110b) may be referred to as the other side (X2).

[0079] 9, 10(a), and 10(b), holes (11a2, 11b1) that communicate between the inside and outside of the storage portion (11) are formed in the lower surface (11a) and the side surface (11b) of the storage portion (11). The tubular portion (110) is inserted into the storage portion (11) through the holes (11a2, 11b1).

[0080] The tubular portion (110) includes a capture portion (112), an outer liquid portion (113), and an insertion portion (114). The tubular portion (110) has a shape in which the insertion portion (114) is disposed inside the storage portion (11), and the capture portion (112) and the outer liquid portion (113) protrude outward from the storage portion (11).

[0081] The capture portion (112) is a portion of the tubular portion (110) closer to the other end portion (110b), and is immersed in the liquid (E) in the tank (T). The capture portion (112) is separate from the coil portion (15a), and is disposed below the storage portion (11). The capture portion (112) is located at a distance from the coil portion (15a). The capture portion (112) is disposed inside the coil portion (15a) (see FIG. 3 ).

[0082] The liquid outer portion (113) is a portion of the tubular portion (110) closer to the one end portion (110a), and is present outside the liquid (E) (in the atmosphere). The liquid outer portion (113) is disposed outside the container portion (11) and protrudes from the container portion (11).

[0083] The insertion portion (114) is a portion of the tubular portion (110) that is located between the capture portion (112) and the outer liquid portion (113) and that is disposed within the storage portion (11). The insertion portion (114) has a shape that is bent or curved at an approximately right angle.

[0084] The liquid outer portion (113) includes a horizontal portion (113a). The horizontal portion (113a) is a portion of the liquid outer portion (113) that extends in the horizontal direction.

[0085] The magnet (120) is a permanent magnet. The magnet (120) has a spherical shape. A plurality of magnets (120) are arranged in the cylindrical portion (110) along the cylindrical direction (X). The shape of the magnet (120) is not particularly limited. The number of magnets (120) arranged in the cylindrical portion (110) is not particularly limited, and may be multiple or single.

[0086] The moving part (130) is a member for moving the magnet (120) along the cylindrical direction (X) within the cylindrical part (110). The moving part (130) is a string-like member. The moving part (130) is formed, for example, from nylon. The material of the moving part (130) is not particularly limited. One end (131) of the moving part (130) is connected to the magnet (120) within the cylindrical part (110). The other end (132) of the moving part (130) extends to the outside of the cylindrical part (110) through the opening (111) of the cylindrical part (110). An operator or the like can grasp the other end (132) of the moving part (130) and pull the moving part (130).

[0087] 9 and 11(a), the detachment portion (140) is provided on the outer surface of the horizontal portion (113a) and has a shape that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the horizontal portion (113a). The detachment portion (140) is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the horizontal portion (113a), and is a plate-like member that protrudes radially from the outer surface of the horizontal portion (113a) in a direction perpendicular to the tubular direction (X).

[0088] As shown in Figures 9, 10(a), 10(b), and 11(b), the outer cylinder portion (150) is a cylindrical member having openings (151, 152) at both ends. The cylinder portion (110) is inserted into the outer cylinder portion (150) through the openings (151, 152). The outer cylinder portion (150) and the cylinder portion (110) form a double pipe. The opening (151) at one end of the outer cylinder portion (150) is located below the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11). The opening (152) at the other end of the outer cylinder portion (150) communicates with a hole (11b1) in the side surface (11b) of the storage portion (11).

[0089] Hereinafter, the space between the outer tubular portion (150) and the tubular portion (110) may be referred to as a passage (170).

[0090] The outer tubular portion (150) is inserted into the storage portion (11) through a hole (11a2) in the lower surface (11a) of the storage portion (11). The outer tubular portion (150) includes a first outer tubular portion (153) and a second outer tubular portion (154). The first outer tubular portion (153) is located inside the storage portion (11) and covers the insertion portion (114) of the tubular portion (110). The second outer tubular portion (154) is located outside the storage portion (11) and covers the portion of the tubular portion (110) that extends from the insertion portion (114) toward the capture portion (112).

[0091] 9 and 11(b), the flange (160) is provided on the outer surface of the second outer cylinder portion (154) and has a shape that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the second outer cylinder portion (154). The flange (160) is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the second outer cylinder portion (154), and is a plate-like member that protrudes radially from the outer surface of the second outer cylinder portion (154) in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical direction (X).

[0092] The procedure for recovering sludge from the liquid (E) using the sludge recovery device (100) will be described.

[0093] As shown in Figure 9, when the capture portion (112) of the tubular portion (110) is immersed in the liquid (E) and is disposed inside the coil portion (15a), the liquid outer portion (113) is disposed in the atmosphere outside the liquid (E), and a magnet (120) is disposed inside the capture portion (112) of the tubular portion (110), sludge (G) in the liquid (E) adheres to the outer surface of the capture portion (112) due to the magnetic force of the magnet (120). The sludge (G) adheres to a portion of the outer surface of the capture portion (112) that is located around the magnet (120). As a result, the sludge (G) is captured by the capture portion (112).

[0094] When the other end (132) of the moving part (130) is gripped and the moving part (130) is pulled, the magnet (120) in the tubular part (110) moves in one direction (X1) in the tubular direction (X), and accordingly, the sludge (G) adhering to the outer surface of the tubular part (110) due to the magnetic force of the magnet (120) also moves in the one direction (X1) in the tubular direction (X).

[0095] As shown in Figure 12, the moving part (130) is further pulled, and the magnet moves to a location within the tubular part (110) where the tubular part (110) and the outer tubular part (150) form a double pipe. As a result, the magnetic force of the magnet (120) causes the sludge (G) adhering to the outer surface of the capture part (112) to enter the passage (170) through the opening (151) of the outer tubular part (150) and move within the passage (170). At this time, the sludge (G) that does not enter the passage (170) is blocked by the flange part (160), thereby preventing it from moving toward the storage part (11) and adhering to the lower surface (11a) of the storage part (11). Furthermore, the sludge (G) moves through the passage (170) covered by the outer tubular portion (150) within the storage portion (11), thereby preventing the sludge (G) from leaking into the storage portion (11) and remaining therein.

[0096] The moving part (130) is further pulled, and the magnet (120) moves to a position in the tubular part (110) where the outer liquid part (113) is located. As a result, the sludge (G) that had been moving in the passage (170) also comes out of the passage (170) through the opening (152) of the outer tubular part (150) and adheres to the outer surface of the outer liquid part (113).

[0097] As shown in Figure 13, when the moving part (130) is further pulled, the sludge (G) that has been moving together with the tubular part (110) in the tubular direction (X) due to the magnetic force of the magnet (120) is attracted to the separation part (140) and stops, while the magnet (120) passes through the separation part (140). This causes the magnet (120) that is moved by the moving part (130) to be disengaged from the sludge (G) adhering to the outer surface of the tubular part (110). As a result, the magnet (120) moves away from the sludge (G), and the magnetic force of the magnet (120) acting on the sludge (G) is reduced.

[0098] The magnetic force of the magnet (120) acting on the sludge (G) is suppressed, so that the sludge (G) falls from the separation part (140) by its own weight and is collected in the container (Z). As a result, the sludge (G) in the liquid (E) can be collected, and an increase in the sludge (G) in the liquid (E) can be suppressed.

[0099] The above-mentioned descriptions such as "first," "second," "third," etc. are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

[0100] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for cooling devices.

[0101] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cooling device 10 Refrigerant circuit 11 Storage section 12 Compressor 13 Condenser 14 Expansion mechanism 15 Evaporator 15a Coil section 22 Capture section 112 Capture section E Liquid

Claims

1. A cooling device comprising: a refrigerant circuit (10) connecting a compressor (12), a condenser (13), an expansion mechanism (14), and an evaporator (15); an accommodation section (11) accommodating the compressor (12), the condenser (13), and the expansion mechanism (14); a coil section (15a) included in the evaporator (15), arranged below the accommodation section (11), and immersed in a liquid (E) to cool the liquid (E); and a capture section (22, 112) that captures sludge in the liquid (E), wherein the capture section (22, 112) is arranged below the accommodation section (11).

2. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the trapping portion (22) includes a magnet (22b) and traps the sludge by the magnetic force of the magnet (22b).

3. A cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capture portion (22, 112) is arranged inside the coil portion (15a).

4. The cooling device as described in claim 3, further comprising an agitator (17) disposed inside the coil portion (15a) and agitating the liquid (E) to generate an agitated flow in the liquid (E), and the capture portion (22) is disposed within a region in which the agitated flow is generated.

5. A cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capture portion (22) has a rod-like shape extending in the vertical direction.

6. The cooling device according to claim 5, wherein the capture portion (22) has a circular outer shape in a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction.

7. A cooling device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the capture portion (22) is removably attached to the storage portion (11) or to a leg portion (18) provided on the underside (11a) of the storage portion (11).

8. The cooling device according to claim 7, wherein the storage portion (11) or the leg portion (18) is provided with a plurality of locations where the capture portion (22) can be attached.

9. A cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower end of the capture portion (22) is located lower than the lower end of the coil portion (15a).

10. A cooling device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the capture portion (22) is arranged inside the coil portion (15a) and is detachably attached to the lower surface (11a) of the accommodating portion (11), and a gap (C) is provided between the coil portion (15a) and the lower surface (11a) of the accommodating portion (11).

11. A cooling device as described in claim 1, comprising: a cylindrical portion (110) made of a non-magnetic material; a magnet (120) provided within the cylindrical portion (110) and using magnetic force to cause the sludge to adhere to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion (110); a moving portion (130) for moving the magnet (120) within the cylindrical portion (110); and a separating portion (140) for separating the magnet (120) from the sludge adhered to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion (110), the moving portion (130) including a string-like member connected to the magnet (120) and extending to the outside of the cylindrical portion (110) through an opening (111) at one end (110a) of the cylindrical portion (110), and the cylindrical portion (110) including the capture portion (112) immersed in the liquid (E).

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