U.S. patent application number 17/007487 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-24 for refrigeration device.
The applicant listed for this patent is PHC HOLDINGS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Susumu KOBAYASHI, Hiroyuki SATO.
Application Number | 20200400367 17/007487 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005074499 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200400367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOBAYASHI; Susumu ; et
al. |
December 24, 2020 |
REFRIGERATION DEVICE
Abstract
This refrigeration device is provided with an inner box which
surrounds a cooling compartment, a refrigerant liquefying device
which is disposed at a higher position than the inner box, and
refrigerant piping which is connected to the refrigerant liquefying
device and which has a sloped section disposed directly above the
inner box while being tilted relative to a horizontal plane.
Inventors: |
KOBAYASHI; Susumu; (Gunma,
JP) ; SATO; Hiroyuki; (Saitama, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PHC HOLDINGS CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005074499 |
Appl. No.: |
17/007487 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/JP2019/006997 |
Feb 25, 2019 |
|
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17007487 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 3/10 20130101; F25D
17/02 20130101; F25D 23/062 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 23/06 20060101
F25D023/06; F25D 17/02 20060101 F25D017/02; F25D 3/10 20060101
F25D003/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 6, 2018 |
JP |
2018-039701 |
Claims
1. A refrigeration apparatus comprising: an inner box surrounding a
cooling chamber; a refrigerant liquefier disposed at a position
higher than the inner box; and a refrigerant pipe connected to the
refrigerant liquefier, the refrigerant pipe comprising an inclined
portion disposed directly above the inner box in a state where the
inclined portion is inclined with respect to a horizontal
plane.
2. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a
ceiling of the inner box is inclined with respect to the horizontal
plane.
3. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
ceiling of the inner box and the inclined portion are parallel to
each other.
4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
inclined portion is in contact with the ceiling of the inner
box.
5. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a heat transfer member, wherein a ceiling of the inner
box is horizontal, and the inclined portion is supported at the
ceiling of the inner box through the heat transfer member.
6. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
inclined portion is meandering.
7. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a
plurality of the refrigerant pipes are provided.
8. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
refrigerant pipe comprises a vertical portion connected to the
inclined portion and disposed parallel to a vertical plane.
9. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the
vertical portion is arranged along two or more sides of the inner
box, and is bent at a predetermined angle in plan view.
10. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
refrigerant pipe comprises a lower inclined portion disposed
directly below the inner box in a state where the lower inclined
portion is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.
11. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
inclined portion causes a refrigerant of a liquid phase to flow
through the inclined portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration
apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the related art, a refrigeration apparatus including a
Stirling refrigerator and a thermosiphon has been proposed as
disclosed in PTL 1, for example.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0003] PTL 1 [0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6224676
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] In a refrigeration apparatus provided with a thermosyphon, a
refrigerant utilizes gravity to move inside the thermosyphon. As
such, the thermosiphon is disposed along a vertical side of an
inner box surrounding a cooling chamber. Thus, in the refrigeration
apparatus including the thermosiphon, the side surface of the inner
box is cooled by the refrigerant. In other words, in the interior
of the cooling chamber surrounded by the inner box, the portion
close to the side surface of the inner box is cooled more than the
other portions. That is, the interior of the cooling chamber is not
uniformly cooled.
[0006] Under such circumstances, an object of the present invention
is to provide a refrigeration apparatus capable of uniformly
cooling the interior of the cooling chamber.
Solution to Problem
[0007] A refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention includes an inner box surrounding a cooling
chamber; a refrigerant liquefier disposed at a position higher than
the inner box; and a refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant
liquefier, the refrigerant pipe including an inclined portion
disposed directly above the inner box in a state where the inclined
portion is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0008] According to the embodiment of the present invention, a
refrigeration apparatus capable of uniformly cooling the interior
of the cooling chamber can be provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigeration apparatus
according to an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a right side view of an inner box and a
refrigerant pipe which are provided in the refrigeration apparatus
according to the embodiment; and
[0011] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the inner box and the
refrigerant pipe which are provided in a refrigeration apparatus
according to another embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of refrigeration apparatus 1
according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from
an obliquely upper rear side. FIG. 2 is a right side view of inner
box 20, first refrigerant pipe 50, and second refrigerant pipe 60,
which are provided in refrigeration apparatus 1. Note that
refrigeration apparatus 1 is a cryogenic freezer, for example.
[0014] Refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a heat insulating box
body including outer box 10, inner box 20 and a heat insulating
material (not illustrated) disposed between outer box 10 and inner
box 20. On the front side of the heat insulating box body, door 30
is openably mounted. In addition, at a position higher than the
heat insulating box body, refrigerant liquefier 40 is disposed.
Note that FIG. 1 is a perspective view that is illustrated such
that, for convenience of explanation, other members disposed inside
outer box 10, door 30 and refrigerant liquefier 40 are seen
therethrough. Note that, below the heat insulating box body, legs
or pedestals (not illustrated) for supporting the heat insulating
box body are disposed.
[0015] Inner box 20 includes, in its interior, a cooling chamber
whose front side is open. In other words, the upper, right, left,
rear and lower sides of the cooling chamber are surrounded by inner
box 20. Note that, unless otherwise stated, in this specification,
the right means the right side as viewed from the front side of
refrigeration apparatus 1, and the left means the left side as
viewed from the front side of refrigeration apparatus 1.
[0016] Inner box 20 includes ceiling 21, right side wall 22, rear
side wall 23, a left side wall (not illustrated), and bottom
24.
[0017] Ceiling 21 is inclined with respect to the horizontal
plane.
[0018] Right side wall 22, rear side wall 23, and the left side
wall are vertical. Right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23 are
orthogonal to each other in plan view. The left side wall and rear
side wall 23 are orthogonal to each other in plan view.
[0019] Bottom 24 is horizontal.
[0020] Refrigerant liquefier 40 is a device capable of liquefying a
refrigerant whose boiling point is cryogenic such as helium.
Refrigerant liquefier 40 is, for example, a Stirling refrigerator.
Note that it is not limited to the Stirling refrigerator as long as
the refrigerant having a predetermined boiling point can be
liquefied.
[0021] Around inner box 20, first refrigerant pipe 50 and second
refrigerant pipe 60 are disposed. One end of first refrigerant pipe
50 and one end of second refrigerant pipe 60 at the highest
position of the respective refrigerant pipes are connected to
refrigerant liquefier 40. Each of first refrigerant pipe 50 and
second refrigerant pipe 60 makes up a thermosiphon.
[0022] First refrigerant pipe 50 includes first inclined portion
51, first side vertical portion 52, and first rear vertical portion
53.
[0023] First inclined portion 51 is disposed directly above inner
box 20, or more specifically, directly above ceiling 21. Ceiling 21
and first inclined portion 51 are parallel to each other. That is,
first inclined portion 51 is inclined with respect to the
horizontal plane.
[0024] First inclined portion 51 meanders so as to substantially
cover the right half of ceiling 21. First inclined portion 51 is
attached to ceiling 21 with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or
the like such that first inclined portion 51 is in direct contact
with the outer surface of ceiling 21.
[0025] First inclined portion 51 is connected to first side
vertical portion 52 via a bent portion. First side vertical portion
52 is disposed on a side of inner box 20, or more specifically, the
right side of right side wall 22. Right side wall 22 and first side
vertical portion 52 are parallel to each other.
[0026] First side vertical portion 52 is connected to first rear
vertical portion 53. First rear vertical portion 53 is disposed on
the rear side of inner box 20, or more specifically, the rear side
of rear side wall 23. Rear side wall 23 and first rear vertical
portion 53 are parallel to each other.
[0027] First refrigerant pipe 50 largely meanders between the right
side of right side wall 22 and the rear side of rear side wall 23
so as to alternately form first side vertical portion 52 and first
rear vertical portion 53, and gradually extends downward as it
meanders. That is, in plan view, first side vertical portion 52 and
first rear vertical portion 53 are substantially perpendicular
along right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23. In other words, the
vertical portion composed of first side vertical portion 52 and
first rear vertical portion 53 is bent substantially 90.degree. in
plan view. Naturally, this angle changes in accordance with the
changed angle between right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23 when
the angle between right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23 is
changed.
[0028] First side vertical portion 52 and first rear vertical
portion 53 are attached to right side wall 22 and rear side wall
23, respectively, with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or the
like so as to be in direct contact with right side wall 22 and rear
side wall 23.
[0029] Second refrigerant pipe 60 includes second inclined portion
61, a second side vertical portion (not illustrated), and second
rear vertical portion 63.
[0030] Second inclined portion 61 is disposed directly above inner
box 20, or more specifically, directly above ceiling 21. Ceiling 21
and second inclined portion 61 are parallel to each other. That is,
second inclined portion 61 is inclined with respect to the
horizontal plane.
[0031] Second inclined portion 61 meanders so as to substantially
cover the left half of ceiling 21. Second inclined portion 61 is
attached to ceiling 21 with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or
the like so as to be in direct contact with the outer surface of
ceiling 21.
[0032] Second inclined portion 61 is connected to the second side
vertical portion via a bent portion. The second side vertical
portion is disposed on a side of inner box 20, or more
specifically, the left side of the left side wall. The left side
wall and the second side vertical portion are parallel to each
other.
[0033] The second side vertical portion is connected to second rear
vertical portion 63. Second rear vertical portion 63 is disposed on
the rear side of inner box 20, or more specifically, the rear side
of rear side wall 23. Rear side wall 23 and second rear vertical
portion 63 are parallel to each other.
[0034] Second refrigerant pipe 60 largely meanders between the left
side of the left side wall and the rear side of rear side wall 23
so as to alternately form the second side vertical portion and
second rear vertical portion 63, and extends downward as it
meanders. That is, in plan view, the second side vertical portion
and second rear vertical portion 63 are substantially perpendicular
along the left side wall and rear side wall 23. In other words, the
vertical portion including the second side vertical portion and
second rear vertical portion 63 is bent substantially 90.degree. in
plan view. Naturally, this angle changes in accordance with the
angle between the left side wall and rear side wall 23 when the
angle between the left side wall and rear side wall 23 is
changed.
[0035] The second side vertical portion and second rear vertical
portion 63 are attached to the left side wall and rear side wall
23, respectively, with an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or the
like so as to be in direct contact with the left side wall and rear
side wall 23.
[0036] First refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60 are
connected at connecting portion 70 to prevent reduction in the
cooling action at portions in the vicinity of the other ends (the
ends that are not connected to refrigerant liquefier 40) thereof
due to stop of the flow of the refrigerant at the other ends. Thus,
the refrigerant can flow from one to the other, and a sufficient
cooling action can be obtained even at the other ends.
[0037] Refrigeration apparatus 1 configured as described above
operates as follows.
[0038] Refrigerant liquefier 40 liquefies the refrigerant and
supplies the liquefied refrigerant to first refrigerant pipe 50 and
second refrigerant pipe 60. Hereinafter, phenomena and their
actions that occur in and around first refrigerant pipe 50 will be
mainly described. The same phenomena occur also in and around
second refrigerant pipe 60, and the same effects can be
obtained.
[0039] The refrigerant supplied to first refrigerant pipe 50 flows
downward inside first refrigerant pipe 50 by the action of gravity.
At this time, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the interior of
the cooling chamber through first refrigerant pipe 50 and inner box
20. That is, the refrigerant of the liquid phase flows downward
while exchanging heat. Thus, the interior of the cooling chamber is
cooled, and the refrigerant is heated.
[0040] When the temperature of the refrigerant exceeds the boiling
point of the refrigerant, the refrigerant is vaporized. By the
latent heat at this time, the interior of the cooling chamber is
further cooled.
[0041] The vaporized refrigerant flows upward inside first
refrigerant pipe 50. Upon reaching one end of first refrigerant
pipe 50, the refrigerant is again cooled and liquefied by
refrigerant liquefier 40. The liquefied refrigerant again flows
downward inside first refrigerant pipe 50.
[0042] The above-mentioned flow and phase change of the refrigerant
are repeated, and the interior of the cooling chamber is cooled to
a target temperature.
[0043] In the present embodiment, first refrigerant pipe 50
includes first inclined portion 51. First inclined portion 51 is
inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Thus, the
refrigerant in the liquid phase state can flow from a high position
to a low position in first inclined portion 51, and the refrigerant
in the vapor phase state can flow from a low position to a high
position in first inclined portion 51.
[0044] Thus, the refrigerant flowing inside first inclined portion
51 can cool the interior of the cooling chamber from the upper side
of the cooling chamber through ceiling 21.
[0045] Moreover, the refrigerant of the liquid phase, i.e., the
refrigerant whose temperature is lower than the boiling point of
the refrigerant flows inside first inclined portion 51. Thus, the
interior of the cooling chamber can be more effectively cooled from
the upper side of the cooling chamber.
[0046] Further, first inclined portion 51 meanders so as to
substantially cover the right half of ceiling 21. Thus, the
interior of the cooling chamber can be uniformly cooled from the
upper side of the cooling chamber through a wide area of ceiling
21.
[0047] In addition, in the present embodiment, first inclined
portion 51 and first side vertical portion 52 are connected to each
other via a bent portion. The bending angle of the bent portion is
set to an angle at which the flow of the refrigerant of the liquid
phase and the gas phase is not prevented. In particular, the angle
is set such that the air bubbles formed by the refrigerant of the
gas phase does not stay. Thus, the refrigerant of the liquid phase
flowing inside first inclined portion 51 can flow into first side
vertical portion 52 without any trouble. In addition, the
refrigerant of the gas phase flowing inside first side vertical
portion 52 can flow into first inclined portion 51 without any
trouble. Thus, the refrigerant cooled by refrigerant liquefier 40
can be supplied from one end to the other end of first refrigerant
pipe 50. In addition, formation of a place where effective heat
exchange cannot be caused can be prevented.
[0048] Moreover, first side vertical portion 52 and first rear
vertical portion 53 meander so as to gradually extend downward such
that the refrigerant alternately goes back and forth the right side
of right side wall 22 and the rear side of rear side wall 23. Thus,
the refrigerant can uniformly cool the cooling chamber from the two
surfaces through right side wall 22 and rear side wall 23.
[0049] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the cooling
chamber is uniformly cooled from its upper, right, rear, and left
sides. Thus, occurrence of imbalances of the temperature
distribution inside the cooling chamber can be prevented.
[0050] In addition, in the present embodiment, ceiling 21 is
inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Specifically,
ceiling 21 is inclined such that the front side is higher. That is,
the interior of the cooling chamber is larger in its near side
(front side). Thus, the present embodiment has an advantage in that
the depth side can be seen without being obstructed by objects to
be cooled placed on the front side in the cooling chamber, and that
the hands can reach the objects to be cooled placed on the depth
side.
[0051] Next, other embodiments, mainly differences from the
above-described embodiment, will be described. FIG. 3 is a right
side view of inner box 20, first refrigerant pipe 50, and second
refrigerant pipe 60 which are provided in refrigeration apparatus 1
according to another embodiment.
[0052] Ceiling 21 is horizontal. First inclined portion 51 and
second inclined portion 61 are inclined with respect to the
horizontal plane as in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, a
gap is provided between ceiling 21 and first inclined portion 51
and second inclined portion 61.
[0053] In this embodiment, a plurality of support members 80 are
disposed on ceiling 21. Each support member 80 includes leg portion
81 for supporting first inclined portion 51 or second inclined
portion 61 from below, and base 82 for supporting leg portion 81
from below. That is, each support member 80 supports first inclined
portion 51 or second inclined portion 61 from below.
[0054] Each support member 80 is formed of a material having a high
thermal conductivity such as a metal. Each leg 81 is in close
contact with first inclined portion 51 or second inclined portion
61. Each base 82 is in close contact with ceiling 21. Thus, the
refrigerant flowing inside first inclined portion 51 and second
inclined portion 61 can cool the cooling chamber through the
support member 80.
[0055] Naturally, each support member 80 is not limited to the
above-described shape and material as long as first inclined
portion 51 and second inclined portion 61 can be supported in a
thermally conductive manner.
[0056] In addition, in the present embodiment, bottom 24 is
inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.
[0057] First refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60
include first downward inclined portion 54 and a second downward
inclined portion (not illustrated) connected to first rear vertical
portion 53 and second rear vertical portion 63, respectively (see
FIG. 1).
[0058] The first downward inclined portion 54 and the second
downward inclined portion are connected to first rear vertical
portion 53 and second rear vertical portion 63, respectively, via a
bent portion (see FIG. 1). Note that the angles of the bent
portions are set as with the bending angle between first inclined
portion 51 and first side vertical portion 52 and the bending angle
between second inclined portion 61 and the second side vertical
portion in the above-described embodiment, respectively. Thus, the
same effect can be obtained.
[0059] The first downward inclined portion 54 and the second
downward inclined portion is disposed directly below inner box 20,
or more specifically, directly below bottom 24. Bottom 24 and the
first downward inclined portion 54 are parallel to each other.
Bottom 24 and the second downward inclined portion are parallel to
each other. That is, the first downward inclined portion 54 and the
second downward inclined portion are inclined with respect to the
horizontal plane.
[0060] The first downward inclined portion 54 meanders so as to
substantially cover the right half of bottom 24. The second
downward inclined portion meanders so as to substantially cover the
left half of bottom 24. The first downward inclined portion 54 and
the second downward inclined portion are attached to bottom 24 with
an adhesive tape (not illustrated) or the like so as to be in
direct contact with the outer surface of bottom 24.
[0061] First refrigerant pipe 50 and second refrigerant pipe 60 are
connected at connecting portion 70 as in the above-described
embodiment.
[0062] In the present embodiment in which first refrigerant pipe 50
and second refrigerant pipe 60 are disposed as described above, the
refrigerant can cool the cooling chamber even through bottom 24. In
this manner, in the present embodiment, the cooling chamber is
uniformly cooled from above, right side, rear side, left side, and
below. Thus, occurrence of imbalances of the temperature
distribution inside the cooling chamber can be more effectively
prevented.
[0063] Note that, the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments described above, and various modifications and
applications are possible without departing from the gist.
[0064] For example, refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the
present invention is not limited to a refrigeration apparatus, and
may be a medical freezer, a showcase, a refrigerated warehouse, an
ice maker, or the like.
[0065] Both ceiling 21 and bottom 24 may be inclined. Both ceiling
21 and bottom 24 may be horizontal, and may be connected to first
inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61, and the first
downward inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined
portion, respectively, via the support member 80.
[0066] The number of refrigerant pipes is not limited to two, and
may be one, or three or more. In the case where one refrigerant
pipe is provided, the one refrigerant pipe includes an inclined
portion disposed above ceiling 21, and a vertical portion that
largely meanders along the outer surface of right side wall 22,
rear side wall 23 and the left side wall.
[0067] In the case where three refrigerant pipes are provided, one
refrigerant pipe includes an inclined portion disposed above
ceiling 21 and a vertical portion disposed along the outer surface
of right side wall 22. In addition, another refrigerant pipe
includes an inclined portion disposed above ceiling 21 and a
vertical portion disposed along the outer surface of rear side wall
23. In addition, yet another refrigerant pipe includes an inclined
portion disposed above ceiling 21 and a vertical portion disposed
along the outer surface of the left side wall.
[0068] First inclined portion 51 and second inclined portion 61 may
not be parallel to ceiling 21 that is inclined with respect to the
horizontal plane. In this case, although a gap is formed between
ceiling 21 and first inclined portion 51 and second inclined
portion 61, the cooling chamber can be cooled from above through
ceiling 21 by supporting first inclined portion 51 and second
inclined portion 61 by the support member 80.
[0069] The first downward inclined portion 54 and the second
downward inclined portion may not be parallel to bottom 24 that is
inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In this case,
although a gap is formed between bottom 24 and the first downward
inclined portion 54 and the second downward inclined portion, the
cooling chamber can be cooled from below through bottom 24 by
supporting the first downward inclined portion 54 and the second
downward inclined portion by the support member 80.
[0070] First side vertical portion 52, first rear vertical portion
53, the second side vertical portion, or second rear vertical
portion 63 may be supported at right side wall 22, rear side wall
23, or the left side wall through a member having a good thermal
conductivity such as support member 80.
[0071] The disclosure of the description, the scope of claims, the
drawings and the abstract contained in Japanese patent application
No. 2018-039701, filed Mar. 6, 2018, is all incorporated in this
application.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0072] The present invention is suitably utilized as a
refrigeration apparatus for on-off control of a compressor.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0073] 1 Refrigeration apparatus [0074] 10 Outer box [0075] 20
Inner box [0076] 21 Ceiling [0077] 22 Right side wall [0078] 23
Rear side wall [0079] 24 Bottom [0080] 30 Door [0081] 40
Refrigerant liquefier [0082] 50 First refrigerant pipe [0083] 51
First inclined portion [0084] 52 First side vertical portion [0085]
53 First rear vertical portion [0086] 54 First downward inclined
portion [0087] 60 Second refrigerant pipe [0088] 61 Second inclined
portion [0089] 63 Second rear vertical portion [0090] 70 Connecting
portion [0091] 80 Support member [0092] 81 Leg [0093] 82 Base
* * * * *