Dielectric heating module and refrigerator

Abstract

A dielectric heating module according to the present disclosure generates an electric field to heat the inside of a cooling space in which a load can be cooled. The dielectric heating module comprises: a heating module having an electrode in a cooling space; a heating control module for performing adjustment so that a load impedance and an output impedance match each other; and a high-frequency control module for outputting a high-frequency voltage. In the dielectric heating module, the heating module and the heating control module are assembled in the cooling space so as to be laterally adjacent to each other. The high-frequency control module is disposed outside the cooling space.

Description

Dielectric heating module and refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator capable of cooling and heating a load.

[0002] Patent Document 1 shows a conventional refrigerator capable of thawing frozen goods. This refrigerator has a freezer compartment and a high-frequency heating compartment capable of thawing frozen goods inside a refrigerator main body having a refrigeration unit and a magnetron for generating high-frequency waves. This refrigerator is configured so that cold air from the refrigeration unit is supplied to the high-frequency heating compartment through a cold air circulation duct, and high-frequency waves are irradiated from the magnetron to thaw the frozen goods.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-147919

[0004] The present disclosure provides a dielectric heating module and refrigerator that can be incorporated into a refrigerated space for cooling and heating.

[0005] A dielectric heating module according to one aspect of the present disclosure generates an electric field to heat a cooling space capable of cooling a load. This dielectric heating module is composed of a heating module having electrodes within the cooling space, a heating control module that adjusts the load impedance to match the output impedance, and a high-frequency control module that outputs a high-frequency voltage. This dielectric heating module incorporates the heating module and heating control module side-by-side within the cooling space. The high-frequency control module is also disposed outside the cooling space.

[0006] Furthermore, a refrigerator according to another aspect of the present disclosure is provided with the above-mentioned dielectric heating module, and the cooling chamber that cools the cooling space is located behind or to the side of the heating module, and if located to the side, is located opposite the heating control module across the heating module.

[0007] The present disclosure can provide a dielectric heating module and a refrigerator that can be incorporated into a cooling space to perform cooling and heating.

[0008] Schematic front view showing the configuration of the main body of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. Schematic front view showing the configuration of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. Block diagram showing the control configuration of the heating module of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main part of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. Cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the main part of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0009] (Knowledge, etc. that Forms the Basis of the Present Disclosure) At the time the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 was already known. This refrigerator is configured to heat frozen items in a high-frequency heating chamber by irradiating them with high-frequency waves from a magnetron via an antenna or the like, so the high-frequency waves tend to be unevenly distributed, making it difficult to uniformly heat the frozen items and defrost them to the desired state. Furthermore, because the refrigerator is configured to heat frozen items by irradiating them with high-frequency waves from a magnetron, it is necessary to provide a relatively large magnetron and a cooling mechanism for the magnetron, which makes it difficult to reduce the size of the refrigerator.

[0010] In view of these problems, the inventors have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve these problems.

[0011] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a dielectric heating module and a refrigerator that can be incorporated into a refrigerated space to cool and store a load (stored item) in a desired state, and heat and thaw the load.

[0012] Furthermore, the numerical values, shapes, configurations, steps, and step orders shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components. In the embodiments, the same elements may be assigned the same reference numerals even in modified examples, and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a refrigerator 1 according to embodiment 1 as an example of a refrigerator according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in describing the present disclosure, the description will be divided into sections for ease of understanding. Also, in this specification, as an example, the width direction of the refrigerator 1 may be described as the horizontal direction or left-right direction, and the height direction as the up-down direction. For convenience of description, directions in the refrigerator 1 will be specified based on FIG. 1 as viewed from the side (front side) where a user is located when using the refrigerator 1.

[0014] [1-1. Overall Configuration of Refrigerator] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the main body 2 of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment, with the door 3 open. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the configuration of the refrigerator 1, with the door 3 not shown. Hereinafter, the first storage chamber 7a, the second storage chamber 7b, and the third storage chamber 7c may be collectively referred to as "storage chambers 7" or "storage chambers 7." Hereinafter, the first high-frequency electric field forming chamber 30a, the second high-frequency electric field forming chamber 30b, and the third high-frequency electric field forming chamber 30c may be collectively referred to as "high-frequency electric field forming chambers 30." Hereinafter, the first operation unit 40a, the second operation unit 40b, and the third operation unit 40c may be collectively referred to as "operation unit 40," and the first display unit 41a, the second display unit 41b, and the third display unit 41c may be collectively referred to as "display unit 41." In the following, the first control chamber 39a, the second control chamber 39b, and the third control chamber 39c may be collectively referred to as the "control chamber 39." In the following, the first dielectric heating module 60a, the second dielectric heating module 60b, and the third dielectric heating module 60c may be collectively referred to as the "plurality of dielectric heating modules 60" or the "dielectric heating module 60." In the following, the first oscillation electrode 34a, the second oscillation electrode 34b, and the third oscillation electrode 34c may be collectively referred to as the "oscillation electrode 34," and the first counter electrode 35a, the second counter electrode 35b, and the third counter electrode 35c may be collectively referred to as the "counter electrode 35."

[0015] 1, the main body 2 (an example of a cooling space of the present disclosure) is configured as an insulated box body formed of an outer box 4 formed mainly of steel plate, an inner box 5 formed of metal such as SUS, and an insulating material (e.g., rigid foam urethane) 6 formed in the space between the outer box 4 and the inner box 5. The storage space formed within the insulated box body is provided with a plurality of storage compartments 7. Each storage compartment 7 can be set to a freezer temperature range of typically about -18°C or below, or a refrigerator temperature range of about 3°C, and is further configured as a thawing compartment that can perform a thawing process to thaw stored items (loads) in response to a user's thawing command.

[0016] The storage compartment 7 of the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment has the above-described configuration, but this configuration is merely an example, and the storage compartment may have the functions of a slight freezing compartment with a temperature of approximately −3 to −10° C. and a thawing compartment. In other words, the refrigerator of the present disclosure is capable of cooling and heating stored items.

[0017] Also provided is a sealing member 8 that seals the gap on the outer periphery between the inner box 5 and the storage chamber 7 .

[0018] In the refrigerator 1, the cooling compartment 10 that cools the main body 2 is located to the rear or side of the storage compartment 7. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the refrigerator 1 includes the cooling compartment 10 to the side (i.e., side) of the multiple storage compartments 7 of the main body 2. The refrigerator 1 also includes a cooler 11 that constitutes a refrigeration cycle in the cooling compartment 10 and a cooling fan 12 above the cooler 11. The refrigerator 1 also includes a cool air outlet 14 in a position facing the cooling fan 12 in a cooling partition wall 13 that separates the cooling compartment 10 from the storage compartment 7, and a cool air return port 15 at the bottom of the cooling partition wall 13 through which cool air returns to the cooler 11.

[0019] In addition, a machine room 20 is formed below the cooling chamber 10, and inside the machine room 20 are arranged a compressor 21 that constitutes a refrigeration cycle, a condenser (not shown), a dryer that removes moisture in the refrigeration cycle, and a pressure reducer.

[0020] The cold air generated by the cooler 11 is sent to each storage compartment 7 through the cold air outlet 14 by the cooling fan 12, cooling each storage compartment 7 to a freezing temperature of approximately -18°C. The cold air that has cooled the inside of the storage compartment 7 returns to the cooling compartment 10 through the cold air return port 15, and is heat exchanged in the cooler 11, and the generated cold air is circulated through the cold air outlet 14 into the storage compartment 7.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 has gaps between each storage compartment 7 and the inner box 5 covered with sealing members 8, which prevents cold air from leaking to the outside even when the door 3 is open, and also prevents outside air from entering through the gaps, allowing for efficient cooling.

[0022] 2, the refrigerator 1 has a high-frequency electric field forming chamber 30 for forming a high-frequency electric field in each storage compartment 7 disposed on the side of each storage compartment 7, opposite the cooling compartment 10. In other words, the cooling compartment 10 is located opposite the high-frequency electric field forming chamber (heating control module) 30 with the storage compartment (heating module) 7 in between.

[0023] In this way, the refrigerator 1 has the high frequency electric field forming chamber 30 disposed on the opposite side of the cooling chamber 10, thereby preventing the high frequency electric field forming chamber 30 from becoming cold and condensation from forming.

[0024] Refrigerator 1 has a storage compartment 7 with an outer surface formed as an electromagnetic wave shield and a high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30 installed within the space of main body 2. Storage compartment 7 and high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction and are connected to each other. In this way, storage compartment (heating module) 7 and high-frequency electric field generating chamber (heating control module) 30 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (i.e., side-by-side) within main body 2 of refrigerator 1, but the positions of storage compartment 7 and high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30 may of course be reversed.

[0025] The user can issue a defrosting command to the refrigerator 1, such as a command to start or stop the defrosting process, using the operation unit 40 of the high frequency electric field generating chamber 30. Since an operation unit 40 is provided for each high frequency electric field generating chamber 30, the user can operate or stop the defrosting process for each corresponding storage compartment 7. The refrigerator 1 also has a display unit 41 near the operation unit 40 that notifies users that the defrosting process is in progress, that the defrosting process is stopped, or that an abnormality has occurred. The refrigerator 1 may also be configured to include a wireless communication unit 50b (see FIG. 3) and connect to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) so that various commands can be input from the user's external terminal 70. The refrigerator 1 may also be configured to include a voice recognition unit so that the user can input commands by voice.

[0026] In addition, the storage chamber 7 can be switched between freezing and thawing, and serves as a freezer that keeps stored loads such as stored items (e.g., food) at freezing temperatures, and also serves as a thawing chamber that performs thawing processing by dielectric heating when a thawing command is input for the stored items.

[0027] [1-2. Dielectric Heating Device for Thawing Frozen Goods] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a dielectric heating module 60 provided in the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment for heating. The dielectric heating module 60 (dielectric heating device) according to the first embodiment generates an electric field to heat the cooling space (main body 2) capable of cooling a load. The dielectric heating module 60 comprises a heating module serving as the storage chamber 7, a heating control module serving as the high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30, and a high-frequency control module serving as the control chamber 39. Multiple dielectric heating modules 60 are incorporated into the main body 2 and outside the main body 2. The first dielectric heating module 60a comprises a first storage chamber 7a, a first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a, and a first control chamber 39a. The first control chamber 39a contains a first power supply unit 31a, a first oscillation circuit 32a, a first control unit 36a, and a first incident / reflected wave detector 37a. The first oscillation circuit 32a is a transmitter that receives power from the first power supply unit 31a and generates a predetermined high-frequency signal. The first control unit 36a controls the first oscillation circuit 32a and the first matching circuit 33a based on a signal from a first operation unit 40a, which is operated by a user for setting. The first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a is provided with the first matching circuit 33a, and the first storage chamber 7a is provided with a first oscillation electrode 34a and a first opposing electrode 35a.

[0028] The first incident / reflected wave detector 37a detects the incident wave output from the first oscillator circuit 32a to the first oscillator electrode 34a and the reflected wave returning from the first oscillator electrode 34a to the first oscillator circuit 32a. Therefore, the first oscillator circuit 32a is electrically connected to the first oscillator electrode 34a via the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a and the first matching circuit 33a. The first controller 36a calculates the ratio of the reflected wave output to the incident wave output (reflectance) based on the incident wave and reflected wave detected by the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a, and performs various controls based on the calculation results, as described below. Alternatively, the first controller 36a may calculate the ratio of the reflected wave output to the electromagnetic wave output (reflectance) based on the set value of the electromagnetic wave output from the first oscillator circuit 32a after impedance matching in the first matching circuit 33a and the reflected wave detected by the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a. Furthermore, the first control unit 36a may perform the various controls described below based only on the reflected wave output, regardless of the electromagnetic wave output setting value or the detected value of the incident wave.

[0029] Furthermore, the first matching circuit 33a configured using semiconductor elements is mounted on a first electrode holding substrate 38a (see FIG. 4), which is an example of a control substrate, located in the first high frequency electric field generating chamber 30a in the main body 2 of the refrigerator 1. The first matching circuit 33a forms a high frequency electric field to be applied between the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a.

[0030] In addition, the first incident / reflected wave detection unit 37a, the first power supply unit 31a, the first oscillator circuit 32a, and the first control unit 36a are configured as a high-frequency control module that forms the first control room 39a, and are not located within the main body 2, but within the machine room 20 or on the back of the main body 2 near the machine room 20.

[0031] The first control chamber 39a and the first electrode holding substrate 38a of the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a are electrically connected to each other by lead wires or electric wires (hereinafter referred to as coaxial cables). A coaxial cable is a type of flexible cable, with a conductor formed from a metal coating and an outer casing covered with a flexible insulating material. To perform impedance matching including the coaxial cable, the first oscillation circuit 32a and the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a are provided on a single substrate.

[0032] The first control chamber 39a and the first electrode holding substrate 38a are connected to each other by a coaxial cable at the front side of the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a, which facilitates the connection work after the first storage chamber 7a and the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a are installed inside the main body 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the first electrode holding substrate 38a on which the first matching circuit 33a is mounted is connected to the first control chamber 39a on which the first incident / reflected wave detection unit 37a, the first oscillation circuit 32a, and the first control unit 36a are mounted by a coaxial cable, thereby making it possible to improve the accuracy of impedance matching.

[0034] Within the refrigerator 1, a second dielectric heating module 60b is located below the first dielectric heating module 60a, and a third dielectric heating module 60c is located below that. The second dielectric heating module 60b comprises a second storage chamber 7b, a second high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30b, and a second control chamber 39b. The second storage chamber 7b is provided with a second oscillation electrode 34b and a second counter electrode 35b, and the second high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30b is provided with a second matching circuit 33b. The second control chamber 39b is also provided with a second power supply unit 31b, a second oscillation circuit 32b, a second control unit 36b, and a second incident / reflected wave detector 37b. The third dielectric heating module 60c comprises a third storage chamber 7c, a third high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30c, and a third control chamber 39c. The third storage chamber 7c is provided with a third oscillation electrode 34c and a third opposing electrode 35c, and the third high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30c is provided with a third matching circuit 33c. The third control chamber 39c is provided with a third power supply unit 31c, a third oscillation circuit 32c, a third control unit 36c, and a third incident / reflected wave detector 37c. Thus, in the first embodiment, the dielectric heating module 60 includes multiple storage chambers (heating modules) 7 and multiple high-frequency electric field generating chambers (heating control modules) 30. The dielectric heating module 60 incorporates multiple vertically arranged stages, each consisting of one storage chamber (heating module) and one high-frequency electric field generating chamber (heating control module), within the cooling space. Each stage may be independently controlled for thawing (heating). While the present embodiment describes an example in which multiple stages, each consisting of one storage chamber and one high-frequency electric field generating chamber, are formed, the dielectric heating module of the present disclosure may also include one storage chamber and one high-frequency electric field generating chamber. Furthermore, the number of storage chambers constituting one stage does not necessarily have to match the number of high-frequency electric field generating chambers. For example, one or more stages may be formed, each consisting of multiple storage chambers and one high-frequency electric field generating chamber. The specific configurations of the second dielectric heating module 60b and the third dielectric heating module 60c are similar to those of the first dielectric heating module 60a described above, and therefore detailed description will be omitted. The following description will also focus on the first dielectric heating module 60a.

[0035] Furthermore, the first control chamber 39a, second control chamber 39b, and third control chamber 39c of the first dielectric heating module 60a, second dielectric heating module 60b, and third dielectric heating module 60c are integrated by the integrated control unit 50 and are arranged in the machine room 20 or on the back of the main body 2. The control chamber (high frequency control module) 39 may be covered with a metallic outer surface.

[0036] Next, FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the configurations of the upper first storage chamber 7a and the first high frequency electric field generating chamber 30a.

[0037] The top surface 22a, back surface 22b, left side surface 22c, right side surface 22d, and bottom surface 22e that constitute the outer surface 22 of the first storage compartment 7a are made of metal, and the front surface 22f through which stored items are inserted and removed is also made of metal. Therefore, the outer surface 22 is formed as an electromagnetic wave shield. The electromagnetic wave shield is provided to surround the first storage compartment 7a to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the first storage compartment 7a. In the case of the first embodiment, the outer surface 22 is made of stainless steel (SUS).

[0038] The top, back, both side, and bottom surfaces of the storage space are formed by inner surface members 23 (top surface 23a, back surface 23b, left side surface 23c, right side surface 23d, and bottom surface 23e) made of an electrically insulating resin material. That is, the storage chamber (heating module) 7 has the inner surface member 23 disposed on the inner side of its outer surface. Furthermore, a drawer storage case 24 is configured to be able to be drawn in the front-to-rear direction through an opening formed in the front surface 22f within the first storage chamber 7a. That is, the storage chamber (heating module) 7 has an opening in the front, and the drawer storage case 24 is configured to be movable through the opening. Sliding portions 27 provided on the side surfaces of the drawer storage case 24 slide on rails 25 formed on the left side surface 23c and right side surface 23d of the inner surface member 23, allowing the drawer storage case 24 to be drawn in the front-to-rear direction.

[0039] The bottom 24a of the drawer storage case 24 is made of an electrically insulating material (resin in the case of embodiment 1), and the side 24b may be made of metal (SUS in the case of embodiment 1). This is because if the bottom 24a were made of a metal material, it would interfere with the electric field generated between the upper and lower electrodes, which could make thawing impossible. Note that it is sufficient for at least the bottom 24a of the drawer storage case 24 to be made of an electrically insulating material, and the side 24b may also be made of an electrically insulating material.

[0040] Furthermore, the front surface 24c of the drawer storage case 24, which forms the handle and the like, is also made of metal, and the front surface 22f and the front surface 24c of the drawer case form an electromagnetic wave shield.

[0041] The first oscillation electrode 34a is an upper electrode disposed above the top surface 23a of the inner surface member 23 of the first storage chamber 7a. The first opposing electrode 35a is a lower electrode disposed above the bottom surface 23e of the inner surface member 23 of the first storage chamber 7a. The first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a are disposed opposite each other across the storage space (thawing space) of the first storage chamber 7a. The first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a are connected to a first electrode holding substrate 38a provided in the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a disposed to the side of the first storage chamber 7a, and are spaced apart at a predetermined distance. As a result, in the first dielectric heating module 60a of the first embodiment, the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Note that in this disclosure, "substantially parallel" refers to an essentially parallel state, but also includes errors due to variations in processing accuracy, etc. In this way, the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a are formed to extend from the first storage chamber 7a (heating module) into the first high-frequency electric field forming chamber (heating control module) 30a, connecting the first storage chamber 7a and the first high-frequency electric field forming chamber 30a.

[0042] The first oscillation electrode 34a is provided on one side of the storage space of the first storage chamber 7a, and the first opposing electrode 35a is provided on the other side of the storage space of the first storage chamber 7a, with the storage space sandwiched between them. Below the first oscillation electrode 34a is a top surface 23a of the inner surface member 23, with the first oscillation electrode 34a placed on the top surface 23a. The top surface 23a covers the first oscillation electrode 34a to prevent it from being touched by a user when applying a load to the first storage chamber 7a. Below the first opposing electrode 35a is a bottom surface 23e of the inner surface member 23, with the first opposing electrode 35a placed on the bottom surface 23e. A cover member 26 is formed to cover the top and side surfaces of the first opposing electrode 35a, preventing the electrode from being exposed to the storage space of the first storage chamber 7a and preventing it from being touched by a user. A drawer storage case 24 that can move back and forth within the storage space of the first storage chamber 7a is disposed above the cover member 26. The cover member 26 is made of an electrically insulating resin. The cover member 26 may also constitute a part of the inner surface member 23.

[0043] A space 28 having a predetermined distance is formed between the first oscillation electrode 34a and the top surface 22a, which serves as an electromagnetic wave shield. By forming this space 28, the electric field generated between the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a through the outside of the first storage chamber 7a can be reduced, and the efficiency of the electric field generated inside the first storage chamber 7a, i.e., inside the storage space, can be improved.

[0044] In the configuration of the first embodiment, the first oscillation electrode 34a is provided on the top surface 23a that forms the storage space of the first storage chamber 7a, and the first opposing electrode 35a is provided on the bottom surface 23e of the storage space, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. That is, as long as the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a are configured to face each other across the storage space (thawing space), the same effect can be achieved even if they are arranged upside down or facing each other in the left-right direction.

[0045] The first oscillation circuit 32a outputs a high-frequency voltage in the VHF (Ultra High Frequency) band (40.68 MHz in the first embodiment). The high-frequency voltage output from the first oscillation circuit 32a generates an electric field between the first oscillation electrode 34a connected to the first oscillation circuit 32a and the first counter electrode 35a. This causes dielectric heating and thawing of the stored material placed in the storage space between the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a in the first storage chamber 7a.

[0046] The first matching circuit 33a adjusts the load impedance formed by the first oscillation electrode 34a, the first opposing electrode 35a, and the stored object accommodated in the first storage chamber 7a so that it matches the output impedance of the first oscillation circuit 32a. By matching the impedance, the first matching circuit 33a minimizes reflected waves of the output electromagnetic waves.

[0047] The first dielectric heating module 60a in the first embodiment is provided with a first incident / reflected wave detector 37a that detects the incident wave output from the first oscillator circuit 32a to the first oscillator electrode 34a and the reflected wave returning from the first oscillator electrode 34a to the first oscillator circuit 32a. Therefore, the first oscillator circuit 32a is electrically connected to the first oscillator electrode 34a via the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a and the first matching circuit 33a. The first controller 36a calculates the ratio of the reflected wave output to the incident wave output (reflectance) based on the incident wave and reflected wave detected by the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a, and performs various controls based on the calculation results, as described below. Alternatively, the first controller 36a may calculate the ratio of the reflected wave output to the electromagnetic wave output (reflectance) based on the set value of the electromagnetic wave output from the first oscillator circuit 32a after impedance matching in the first matching circuit 33a and the reflected wave detected by the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a. Furthermore, the first control unit 36a may perform the various controls described below based only on the reflected wave output, regardless of the electromagnetic wave output setting value or the detected value of the incident wave.

[0048] As shown in the control block diagram of FIG. 3 , in the first dielectric heating module 60a, the first control unit 36a controls the first oscillation circuit 32a and the first matching circuit 33a. This control is based on signals from the first operation unit 40a, which allows the user to perform setting operations, and a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature. The first control unit 36a has a central processing unit (CPU) and memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), and various controls are realized by the CPU executing control programs stored in the ROM or other memory. Note that the first control unit 36a may also be a dedicated hardware circuit for implementing various controls. Similarly, the second control unit 36b controls the second dielectric heating module 60b, and the third control unit 36c controls the third dielectric heating module 60c. Note that the number of control units (36a-36c) and dielectric heating modules 60 may be one set or four or more sets depending on the amount of food used.

[0049] The overall control unit 50 manages information from one or more control units. The overall control unit 50 also communicates with, for example, an external control unit 50a located outside the refrigerator or an external terminal 70 via a wireless communication unit 50b, and transmits operation instructions from the user to each of the control units 36a to 36c. The overall control unit 50 also stores operation history and operation abnormality information from each of the control units 36a to 36c in its internal memory, and then transmits the data to the user.

[0050] Specifically, wireless communication unit 50b is connected via wireless LAN or various other communication means to receive commands to start and stop thawing for a specific storage compartment (any of 7a to 7c) from user's external terminal 70. This allows, for example, the user to remotely control the start and stop of thawing for items stored in first storage compartment 7a. Note that refrigerator 1 is not limited to wireless communication and may, for example, be connected to a wired LAN for wired communication.

[0051] It is also possible to input a reservation command for the start time of thawing and the end time of thawing for an individual storage compartment (any of 7a to 7c).

[0052] In addition, data history such as reflectivity during operation, temperature sensor measurements, input / output measurements by the current sensor, door opening / closing, and abnormal status can be received from each control unit (any of 36a to 36c) corresponding to an individual storage compartment (any of 7a to 7c) via the overall operation unit 50a or the wireless communication unit 50b.

[0053] If the refrigerator 1 is made of a metal material, there is a possibility that radio wave communication between the overall control unit 50 and the overall operation unit 50a and the wireless communication unit 50b may be disrupted. Therefore, it is desirable to place the overall control unit 50 in a location that is not surrounded by metal materials (for example, outside the main body 2 of the refrigerator 1).

[0054] [1-3. Configuration of Circuit Board of Dielectric Heating Module] The first control chamber 39a, which houses the first oscillation circuit 32a, the first power supply unit 31a, and the first control unit 36a, is disposed in the machine chamber 20. The first electrode holding substrate 38a is directly connected to the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a. Specifically, the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a are both substantially flat metal plates, and in the first embodiment, they are formed of stainless steel. One end of each of the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a is bent into an L-shape so that it can be directly connected to the first electrode holding substrate 38a, and is fixed in a cantilevered manner to the first electrode holding substrate 38a with fastening screws 61. The first electrode holding substrate 38a includes, at a minimum, the first matching circuit 33a.

[0055] The first electrode holding substrate 38a is disposed upright so that the mounting surface of the substrate on which electronic components and the like are mounted faces in the left-right direction.

[0056] Therefore, the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a can be directly connected to the first electrode holding substrate 38a with a simple configuration. In addition, because the first electrode holding substrate 38a is arranged upright as shown in Figure 4, the left-right dimension of the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a can be reduced, and the left-right width of the entire refrigerator can be made compact.

[0057] Furthermore, in order to accurately determine whether the first matching circuit 33a has achieved sufficient impedance matching, it is desirable to form the first matching circuit 33a on the first electrode holding substrate 38a, forming it into a single substrate, which eliminates the need for lead wires or coaxial cables between the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a and the first matching circuit 33a, as well as connectors for connecting these, and thus simplifies the structure.

[0058] As described above, the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a and the first oscillator circuit 32a in the first control chamber 39a and the first matching circuit 33a in the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a are arranged separately and are electrically connected by lead wires or coaxial cables. The first oscillator circuit 32a is installed in the machine room 20.

[0059] [1-4. System Structure of Dielectric Heating Mechanism] In the dielectric heating mechanism of the first embodiment configured as described above, the oscillation electrode 34 and the counter electrode 35 are configured to face each other in a substantially parallel manner, thereby achieving a uniform electric field in the thawing space of the first storage chamber 7a. Because the oscillation electrode 34 and the counter electrode 35 are thus arranged in a substantially parallel manner with a predetermined gap therebetween, the dielectric heating mechanism of the first embodiment maintains an electrode gap as described below.

[0060] In the first embodiment, a first electrode holding substrate 38a is provided in the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a formed on the right side of the first storage chamber 7a. As shown in FIG. 4, a positive electrode terminal 34d is formed on the right side end of the first oscillation electrode 34a. The positive electrode terminal 34d is bent at a right angle upward (toward the top surface) or downward (toward the bottom surface) from the right side end of the first oscillation electrode 34a. In this embodiment, the positive electrode terminal 34d is bent at a right angle downward (toward the bottom surface). Similarly, a cathode terminal 35d is bent at a right angle from the right side end of the first opposing electrode 35a. The cathode terminal 35d is bent at a right angle upward (toward the top surface) or downward (toward the bottom surface) from the right side end of the first opposing electrode 35a. In this embodiment, the cathode terminal 35d is bent at a right angle upward (toward the top surface).

[0061] The first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a are fixed to the upper and lower parts of the first electrode holding substrate 38a, and the first matching circuit 33a is fixed on the first electrode holding substrate 38a, so that the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a are securely held by the first electrode holding substrate 38a. In this manner, the first electrode holding substrate 38a is configured to securely hold the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a at a predetermined distance. Since the first electrode holding substrate 38a includes the first matching circuit 33a and other components, the rigidity of the copper foil wiring pattern is increased, allowing the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a to be cantilevered and held at a predetermined distance. The first electrode holding substrate 38a may also be configured to include a first oscillation circuit 32a and other components.

[0062] The positive terminal 34d of the first oscillation electrode 34a and the cathode terminal 35d of the first opposing electrode 35a are connected to the positive and cathode connection terminals of the first matching circuit 33a, respectively. The connection between the positive terminal 34d and the cathode terminal 35d and the connection terminal of the first matching circuit 33a is a surface-contact connection having a predetermined contact area to ensure reliability even when a large current flows. In the first embodiment, to ensure a reliable surface-contact connection, the flat terminals are connected to each other by screws. Note that the connection between the terminals may be any connection means that provides a reliable surface-contact connection, and is not limited to a screw connection.

[0063] As described above, the first electrode holding substrate 38a is provided on the right side surface of the first storage chamber 7a, so that the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a face each other in a substantially parallel manner. In addition, in the configuration of Embodiment 1, the refrigerator 1 is configured as follows to further ensure that the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a face each other in a substantially parallel manner. That is, the refrigerator 1 includes the first oscillation electrode 34a, the first counter electrode 35a, and the first electrode holding substrate 38a, and is configured to be incorporated into the first storage chamber 7a as an integrated first dielectric heating module 60a in a state where the substantially parallel state is established.

[0064] With the above configuration, the cool air passage from the cooling chamber 10 to the first storage chamber 7a does not overlap with the location where the first electrode holding substrate 38a that holds the pair of electrodes is provided, thereby making it possible to lower the temperature of the first electrode holding substrate 38a in the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a and to prevent condensation. Furthermore, by arranging the first storage chamber 7a and the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a next to each other on the left and right, it is possible to improve the ease of connecting the pair of electrodes and the first electrode holding substrate 38a and the ease of maintenance.

[0065] [1-5. Structure of Storage Compartment] As described above, the insulated box body of the refrigerator 1 is composed of an outer box 4 and an inner box 5 made of steel plate or SUS, and a heat insulating material (for example, rigid urethane foam) 6 formed in the space between the outer box 4 and the inner box 5.

[0066] The outer surface 22 of the first storage compartment 7a that constitutes the first dielectric heating module 60a is made of metal and is configured as an electromagnetic wave shield 22 (22a to 22f). This electromagnetic wave shield 22 is provided to surround the first storage compartment 7a in order to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the refrigerator 1. Therefore, since the electromagnetic wave shield can be formed by the first dielectric heating module 60a incorporated into the main body 2, there is no need to form an electromagnetic wave shield on the main body 2 side, and the configuration can be simplified.

[0067] The first storage chamber 7a and the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a are also shielded by the outer surface (right side surface 22d). Therefore, by separating the inside of the first storage chamber 7a from the first electrode holding substrate 38a including the first matching circuit 33a, mutual influences regarding impedance and electric field can be prevented.

[0068] In the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment, the outer box 4 is made of a steel plate, and the steel plate itself functions as an electromagnetic wave shield. This prevents electromagnetic waves from leaking from the interior of the refrigerator 1 to the exterior. Thus, the high-frequency electric field generating chamber (heating control module) 30 can be considered to have a metal outer surface. As described above, the storage chamber (heating module) 7 has an outer surface 22. That is, the storage chamber (heating module) 7 and the high-frequency electric field generating chamber (heating control module) 30 both have metal outer surfaces and can be considered to be formed separately within the main body 2. While the example described here uses the outer box 4 as the outer surface of the high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30, the inner box 5, which is made of a metal such as stainless steel, can also be considered to be the outer surface of the high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30. The high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30 may also have a metal outer surface separate from the outer box 4 and the inner box 5.

[0069] In the configuration of the first embodiment, the sliding members of the rails 25 provided on both side surfaces are provided in the following positions so that the drawer storage case 24 can move smoothly inside the first storage chamber 7a: That is, the sliding members of the rails 25 provided on both side surfaces are provided in positions outside the dielectric heating region, which is the region where the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a face each other, so as to prevent dielectric heating.

[0070] [1-6. Thawing Process Operation] In refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment, when a user inputs a thawing command by operating first operation unit 40a, a thawing process is performed on the stored item (frozen item) between first oscillation electrode 34a and first counter electrode 35a in first storage compartment 7a. In the thawing process according to the first embodiment, first control unit 36a controls a dielectric heating mechanism including first oscillation circuit 32a, first incident / reflected wave detection unit 37a, and first matching circuit 33a. In addition, on the main body 2 side of refrigerator 1, a main body-side control unit controls a cooling mechanism including a refrigeration cycle such as compressor 21 and cooler 11, and a cold air introduction mechanism including cooling fan 12 and cold air amount adjustment means (hereinafter referred to as a damper) that adjusts the amount of cold air.

[0071] Cooling within the main body 2 is normally performed as follows. Specifically, cold air generated by a cooler 11 in the cooling chamber 10, located on the left side opposite the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a, is discharged by a cooling fan 12 from a cold air outlet 14. Cold air is introduced into the first storage chamber 7a through a cold air inlet 7d formed on the left side of the first storage chamber 7a opposite the cold air outlet 14. Cold air is discharged from cold air outlets 7e formed in front and behind the outer periphery of the first opposing electrode 35a at the bottom of the first storage chamber 7a and returns to the cooling chamber 10 through a cold air return port 15. Cold air generated by the cooler 11 is then introduced back into the first storage chamber 7a, maintaining the first storage chamber 7a in a freezing temperature range of approximately -18°C.

[0072] When thawing the stored items in the first storage compartment 7a, cold air is introduced into the first storage compartment 7a to cool it at a freezing temperature range, and a predetermined high-frequency voltage is applied between the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a, and the frozen items, which are dielectrics, are dielectrically heated by a high-frequency electric field between the electrodes. During this dielectric heating, the refrigerator 1 may control the opening and closing of the damper to intermittently introduce cold air into the first storage compartment 7a, and operate at a slightly freezing temperature range of approximately -3°C.

[0073] In this way, the cold air inlet 7d is formed in the wall surface of the first storage chamber 7a located on the opposite side from the first electrode holding substrate 38a to which the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first counter electrode 35a are connected, which simplifies the connection configuration between the electrodes and the control board and the cooling air path configuration. Furthermore, because the cold air inlet 7d is not formed on the same side as the first electrode holding substrate 38a, it is possible to relatively suppress the temperature of the first electrode holding substrate 38a and suppress the occurrence of condensation.

[0074] Furthermore, the main body 2 has multiple storage compartments 7a to 7c, each of which is cooled to the same temperature range. Therefore, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the compartment is placed near the cool air return port 15, and the operation of the compressor 21 is controlled based on a predetermined temperature threshold.

[0075] A configuration using VHF waves as a frequency characteristic for the thawing process is less likely to cause "partial cooking" than a configuration using microwaves. In addition, to further improve the uniformity of thawing, the refrigerator 1 of embodiment 1 is provided with a first electrode holding substrate 38a, which reliably holds the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a, which are essentially flat plate-like members, in approximately parallel relation with a predetermined gap between them.

[0076] The thawing process is complete when the stored item reaches the desired thawed state, and in order to detect the desired thawed state at which the thawing process is complete, reflectance is used in the thawing process of embodiment 1.

[0077] The opening and closing of the damper is controlled by the first control unit 36a based on the ratio (reflectivity) of reflected waves to incident waves detected by the first incident and reflected wave detection unit 37a.

[0078] Here, the incident wave refers to an electromagnetic wave that is matched by the first matching circuit 33a and supplied between the first oscillation electrode 34a and the first opposing electrode 35a. When the reflectance increases as thawing progresses and reaches a preset threshold, the first control unit 36a opens and closes the damper to cool the inside of the first storage chamber 7a with cold air from the cooler 11. In this way, by controlling the opening and closing of the damper, dielectric heating is performed while maintaining the inside of the storage chamber at a desired freezing temperature, and the desired thawed state can be maintained.

[0079] As the melting of the stored material progresses due to dielectric heating, the number of melted water molecules in the stored material increases. As the number of melted water molecules in the stored material increases, the dielectric constant changes, causing the impedance matching state to shift. As a result, the reflectance, which is the ratio of reflected waves to emitted electromagnetic waves, increases. During the thawing process, when the reflectance increases and reaches a preset threshold, the first matching circuit 33a performs impedance matching to reduce the reflectance.

[0080] In the thawing process of the first embodiment, the completion of thawing is detected when the reflectance after impedance matching by the first matching circuit 33a exceeds a threshold value for the completion of thawing. The threshold value for the completion of thawing is used to detect when the thawing of the stored material has reached a desired thawed state. Here, the desired thawed state of the stored material means that the stored material can be cut with one hand by a woman and drips only a small amount of liquid.

[0081] When the reflectance after the impedance matching by the first matching circuit 33a in the decompression process exceeds the threshold value for the completion of decompression, the control after the completion of the decompression process is performed.

[0082] [1-7. Control after Completion of Decompression Processing] When the decompression processing is completed, a completion notification is displayed on the display unit 41, a completion signal is output from the first control unit 36a to the overall control unit 50, and a completion notification is sent to the external terminal 70 via the wireless communication unit 50b.

[0083] In order to maintain the stored items in the desired thawed state, the room temperature of the first storage chamber 7a is set to the freezing temperature range of -18°C to -20°C, and a high-frequency electric field with reduced output is applied between the electrodes, or high-frequency electricity is applied intermittently to cool and heat the stored items, thereby maintaining them in the desired temperature range.

[0084] As described above, the configurations and related operations of the first storage chamber 7a and the first high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30a have been particularly described. Although detailed explanations are omitted, the second storage chamber 7b, the third storage chamber 7c, the second high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30b, and the third high-frequency electric field generating chamber 30c have similar configurations and operate in the same manner, as shown in FIG.

[0085] In the embodiment, the first incident / reflected wave detector 37a is disposed outside the chamber, but it may be mounted on the first electrode holding substrate 38a on which the first matching circuit 33a is mounted and disposed inside the chamber.

[0086] Although the embodiment has been described as using a pair of electrodes, it is also possible to use a single electrode connected to a matching circuit in a similar manner to heat stored items that act as a load using the radiated electric field emitted from the single electrode, i.e., radio wave leakage, although this reduces heating efficiency. In this case, the single electrode may be either the upper or lower electrode, and in this case, it is similarly structured to be covered with an electrically insulating material to prevent contact with the user. Furthermore, although a radiated electric field is generated inside the storage chamber, the outer surface is made of a metal member, which acts as an electromagnetic wave shield, thereby suppressing external influences.

[0087] [2-1. Effects, etc.] As described above, the dielectric heating module 60 according to the present disclosure is a dielectric heating module that generates an electric field to heat a cooling space (main body 2) capable of cooling a load. The dielectric heating module 60 is composed of a heating module 7 having electrodes (oscillating electrode 34, counter electrode 35) within the cooling space, a heating control module 30 that adjusts the load impedance and output impedance to match, and a high-frequency control module 39 that outputs high-frequency voltage. The dielectric heating module 60 incorporates the heating module 7 and heating control module 30 side-by-side within the cooling space. The high-frequency control module 39 is also disposed outside the cooling space.

[0088] This makes it possible to provide a dielectric heating module 60 that can be incorporated into a cooling space and can perform cooling and heating without significantly changing the cooling configuration of the existing cooling space.

[0089] Preferably, the heating module 7 and the heating control module 30 are both formed separately and have metallic outer surfaces, thereby preventing an electric field from being generated on the outside and improving heating efficiency.

[0090] Furthermore, the electrodes (oscillating electrode 34, counter electrode 35) are preferably made of substantially flat metal plates that extend into the heating control module 30 and connect the heating module 7 and the heating control module 30. This ensures reliability even when a large current flows.

[0091] Furthermore, it is preferable that the high frequency control module 39 is covered with a metallic outer surface, and that the high frequency control module 39 and the heating control module 30 are connected by a coaxial cable, thereby improving reliability and ease of connection.

[0092] Furthermore, the heating module 7 preferably has an inner surface member 23 made of an electrically insulating material disposed on the inner side of the outer surface 22. The heating module 7 also preferably has electrodes (oscillating electrode 34, counter electrode 35) disposed in the cooling space, and the electrodes (oscillating electrode 34, counter electrode 35) preferably covered with the top surface portion 23a and cover member 26 to prevent the user from touching them when applying a load. This prevents the user from touching them, ensuring safety.

[0093] Furthermore, the heating module 7 has an opening on the front and is provided with a drawer storage case 24 that can move through the opening, and at least the bottom surface 24a of the drawer storage case 24 is preferably made of an electrically insulating material, which allows heating to be performed without interfering with the electric field between the upper and lower electrodes (oscillating electrode 34, counter electrode 35).

[0094] Furthermore, it is preferable that there are multiple heating modules 7 and multiple heating control modules 30, and that the dielectric heating module 60 incorporates multiple heating modules 7 and heating control modules 30 in a vertically arranged manner within the cooling space, thereby enabling individual heating depending on the type and condition of the load.

[0095] Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a dielectric heating module 60, and the cooling chamber 10 that cools the cooling space is located behind or to the side of the heating module 7. When located to the side, the cooling chamber 10 is located opposite the heating control module 30 across the heating module 7. As a result, the refrigerator 1 can efficiently perform cooling and heating operations on the load because the heating module 7 and the cooling chamber 10 do not overlap.

[0096] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail in the embodiments, the disclosed contents of the embodiments may be varied in details of the configuration, i.e., substitution, combination, and change of the order of elements in the embodiments may be realized without departing from the scope and spirit of the claimed disclosure.

[0097] The present disclosure is applicable to a home or commercial refrigerator capable of cooling and defrosting a load, and a dielectric heating module used in such a refrigerator.

[0098] REFRIGERATED LIST 1 Refrigerator 2 Main body 3 Door 4 Outer box 5 Inner box 6 Insulation material 7 Storage compartment (heating module) 7a First storage compartment 7b Second storage compartment 7c Third storage compartment 7d Cold air inlet 7e Cold air outlet 8 Sealing member 10 Cooling compartment 11 Cooler 12 Cooling fan 13 Cooling partition wall 14 Cold air outlet 15 Cold air return port 20 Machine compartment 21 Compressor 22 Outer surface (electromagnetic wave shield) 22a Top surface 22b Back surface 22c Left side surface 22d Right side surface 22e Bottom surface 22f Front surface 23 Inner surface member 23a Top surface 23b Back surface 23c Left side surface 23d Right side surface 23e Bottom surface 24 Drawer storage case 24a Bottom surface portion 24b Side surface portion 24c Front surface portion 25 Rail 26 Cover member 27 Sliding portion 28 Space portion 30 High frequency electric field forming chamber (heating control module) 30a First high frequency electric field forming chamber 30b Second high frequency electric field forming chamber 30c Third high frequency electric field forming chamber 31a First power supply unit 31b Second power supply unit 31c Third power supply unit 32a First oscillation circuit 32b Second oscillation circuit 32c Third oscillation circuit 33a First matching circuit 33b Second matching circuit 33c Third matching circuit 34 Oscillation electrode 34a First oscillation electrode 34b Second oscillation electrode 34c Third oscillation electrode 34d Positive terminal 35 Counter electrode 35a First counter electrode 35b Second counter electrode 35c Third counter electrode 35d Cathode terminal 36a First control unit 36b Second control unit 36c Third control unit 37a First incident / reflected wave detection unit 37b Second incident / reflected wave detection unit 37c Third incident / reflected wave detection unit 38a First electrode holding substrate 39 Control room (high frequency control module) 39a First control room 39b Second control room 39c Third control room 40 Operation unit 40a First operation unit 40b Second operation unit 40c Third operation unit 41 Display unit 41a First display unit 41b Second display unit 41c Third display unit 50 Overall control unit 50a Overall operation unit 50b Wireless communication unit 60 Dielectric heating module 60a First dielectric heating module 60b Second dielectric heating module 60c Third dielectric heating module61 Fastening screw 70 External terminal

Claims

1. A dielectric heating module that generates an electric field to heat a cooling space capable of cooling a load, comprising: a heating module having electrodes within the cooling space; a heating control module that adjusts the load impedance and output impedance to match; and a high frequency control module that outputs high frequency voltage, wherein the heating module and the heating control module are installed side by side adjacent to each other within the cooling space, and the high frequency control module is positioned outside the cooling space.

2. The induction heating module according to claim 1, wherein the heating module and the heating control module both have metallic outer surfaces and are formed separately.

3. The dielectric heating module according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is a substantially flat metal plate that extends into the heating control module and connects the heating module and the heating control module.

4. The dielectric heating module according to claim 1, wherein the high frequency control module is covered with a metal outer casing, and the high frequency control module and the heating control module are connected by a coaxial cable.

5. The dielectric heating module according to claim 1, wherein the heating module has an inner surface member made of an electrically insulating material disposed on the inner side of the outer surface, the electrodes are disposed in the cooling space, and the electrodes are covered with the inner surface member to prevent them from being touched by a user's hands when applying the load.

6. The induction heating module according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating module has an opening on the front and is provided with a drawer storage case that can be moved through the opening, and at least the bottom portion of the drawer storage case is made of an electrically insulating material.

7. The dielectric heating module according to claim 1, characterized in that there are multiple heating modules and multiple heating control modules, and multiple stages consisting of the heating modules and the heating control modules are installed vertically within the cooling space.

8. A refrigerator comprising the dielectric heating module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a cooling chamber for cooling the cooling space is located to the rear or side of the heating module, and when located to the side, is located opposite the heating control module across the heating module.

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