JP2004156830A - Freezer and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a freezer / refrigerator capable of reliably suppressing an accident such as a fire when starting operation after installation of a main body.
A refrigeration / refrigerator body (100) is provided with a refrigeration cycle unit (30) for cooling the inside of a refrigerator for storing an object to be cooled, and is enclosed and circulated therein to repeatedly compress and expand to absorb vaporization heat. It includes a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant for cooling, refrigerant leakage detection devices 24 and 26 for detecting leakage of the refrigerant, and a control unit 36 for controlling the operation of the main body. When the supply of electric power to the main body is started, the control unit 36 allows the refrigerant leakage detection devices 24 and 26 to detect refrigerant leakage for a predetermined time prior to the operation of the refrigeration cycle unit 30 and evaluates leakage. . If leakage of refrigerant is observed, cut off the power supply.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a refrigerator / refrigerator using a combustible refrigerant.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, reexamination of refrigerants in refrigerators and refrigerators has been strongly demanded in view of environmental problems such as ozone depletion and global warming. As a refrigerant for equipment, a chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerant conventionally used is replaced with a hydrochlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerant.
[0003]
However, the adoption of hydrochlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants is not a sufficient measure against the problem of global warming, and attention has been focused on hydrocarbon-based refrigerants that have very little impact on the environment, and some commercialization has begun. I have.
[0004]
However, since the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant has flammability, it is necessary to give due consideration to safety. Further, when the refrigerant is used as a refrigerant for a cycle in a refrigerator / refrigerator, it is necessary to prevent a disaster such as ignition from occurring even if the refrigerant leaks due to some accident or failure.
[0005]
Therefore, at present, various countermeasures are taken in members, systems, and the like that constitute the refrigerator / refrigerator.
[0006]
Here, as a first conventional example, the following method is known in a refrigerator using a combustible refrigerant (for example, see Patent Document 1). That is, since the operation start switch is installed in the storage room located at the bottom of the plurality of storage rooms, the door must be opened before the operation starts, so that the refrigerant stagnated in the bottom storage room by its own weight is externalized. It has the effect of spreading, and since no electrical contact is provided on the operation switch, the ignition of the refrigerator by some kind of electric spark etc. due to the leakage of the flammable refrigerant into the storage room during storage or transportation when the refrigerator is first energized. A method for preventing the danger of ignition is disclosed.
[0007]
On the other hand, in the second conventional example, the following method is known in a refrigerating apparatus using a combustible refrigerant (for example, see Patent Document 2). That is, the power switch of the refrigerating apparatus is provided in the lower chamber where the refrigerant gas easily leaks and accumulates under its own weight, and when the power switch is turned on after the installation of the refrigerating apparatus, the door of the lower chamber is opened so that the high-concentration leaked refrigerant gas is discharged outdoors A method is disclosed in which an accident is prevented beforehand because the exhaust gas is exhausted and the gas concentration in the storage is reduced, so that the contacts of the control relay are not sealed.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-121209
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-146429
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the refrigerator / refrigerator is newly purchased or moved due to moving or the like, the operation start operation after the installation of the main body is that power is supplied to the main body (for example, a power cord is plugged into an outlet). In this case, it is conceivable that the refrigerant gas sealed in the refrigeration cycle leaks due to an impact during transportation from the factory where it was produced or during transportation due to a user's moving, and stays in the refrigerator.
[0011]
Then, the refrigerant gas leaked by performing the above-mentioned operation without sufficient inspection may contact a heat source such as a relay switch or a heater inside the main body and cause an accident such as ignition.
[0012]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to surely suppress an accident such as a fire when starting operation after installing the main body. A refrigerator / freezer.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a refrigeration / refrigerator, which is a refrigeration cycle unit for cooling the inside of a refrigerator for storing an object to be cooled, and sealed and circulated inside the refrigeration cycle unit, repeatedly compressing and expanding. Control means comprising: a combustible refrigerant for absorbing heat of vaporization for cooling, a refrigerant leak detection unit for detecting leakage of the combustible refrigerant, and a control unit for controlling operation of the refrigerator / refrigerator. Means that when the supply of electric power to the refrigerator / refrigerator is started, the leakage of the combustible refrigerant is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection means for a predetermined time prior to the operation of the refrigeration cycle, and the leakage is evaluated to evaluate the leakage. Including means.
[0014]
Preferably, the control means cuts off the supply of the electric power when the leakage evaluation means detects the leakage of the flammable refrigerant.
[0015]
Preferably, the air conditioner further includes a first blower for generating a flow of air from the inside of the refrigerator to the refrigeration cycle section, and the refrigerant leak detection unit is provided on a downstream side of the flow of air generated by the first blower. The control means operates the first blower when evaluating the leakage of the flammable refrigerant.
[0016]
Preferably, the refrigeration / refrigerator has a refrigeration cycle unit including a condenser for liquefying the combustible refrigerant, further comprising a second blower for generating a flow of air between the condenser and the outside, The detection means includes a second refrigerant leak detection means provided downstream of the flow of air generated by the second blower, and the control means operates the second blower when evaluating the leakage of the flammable refrigerant. Let it.
[0017]
Preferably, the system further includes a notifying unit for notifying the leakage when the leakage of the combustible refrigerant is recognized by the leakage evaluation unit.
[0018]
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying the leakage when the leakage of the combustible refrigerant is recognized by the leakage evaluation unit.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a refrigerator / refrigerator of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator / refrigerator body 100 includes a door 2 attached to the body, a door 4, a heat insulating material 10 for minimizing heat leakage in the refrigerator / refrigerator body, a door 2, The refrigerator 4, a freezer compartment 8, a refrigeration cycle section 30 for cooling the interior of the refrigerator, and a refrigeration unit 30 for refrigeration from the interior of the refrigerator by dividing and arranging the interior of the refrigerator with the door 4 and the heat insulating material 10 according to the environmental condition of the object to be cooled Endothermic blower 20 for generating air flow to cycle part 30, heat dissipation blower 22 for generating air flow between refrigeration cycle part 30 and the outside, and refrigerant leakage provided inside refrigeration cycle part 30 The detection devices 24 and 26, the control unit 36 for controlling the operation of the refrigeration cycle unit 30 and the blowers 20 and 22, and the hydrocarbon-based refrigerant 32 (not shown) enclosed inside the refrigeration cycle unit 30. Prepare.
[0021]
The refrigeration cycle unit 30 includes a compressor 12, a condenser 14, an expansion mechanism 16 such as a capillary tube or an expansion valve, and an evaporator 18.
[0022]
The compressor 12 is provided at a lower rear portion of the refrigerator / refrigerator main body 100. The condenser 14 includes a plurality of components, some of which are provided at a lower rear portion of the main body, like the compressor 12. Other components of the condensing section 14 are provided in the heat insulating material 10 such as the front, side, and back of the main body. One end of the condenser 14 is connected to a discharge section of the compressor 12. The other end of the condenser 14 is connected to an inlet of an expansion mechanism 16 such as a capillary tube or an expansion valve via a dryer 34 (not shown). The outlet of the expansion mechanism 16 is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 18 in the cool air circulation path formed on the back of the refrigerator. The outlet of the evaporator 18 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 12.
[0023]
A hydrocarbon-based refrigerant 32 such as butane, isobutane, and propane is sealed in the piping of the refrigeration cycle unit 30.
[0024]
The refrigerant leak detection device 24 is provided downstream of the flow of air generated by the blower 20 and near the evaporator 18. On the other hand, the refrigerant leak detection device 26 is provided downstream of the flow of air generated by the blower 22 and near the condenser 14.
[0025]
The control unit 36 includes a timer, and starts counting when power is supplied to the main body, for example, at the same time when a power cord is plugged into an outlet. The blowers 20 and 22 are operated for a predetermined time by a timer, and during that time, the refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant leakage detection devices 24 and 26 to evaluate the leakage. When the leakage is detected, the control unit 36 cuts off the power supply without operating the refrigeration cycle unit 30. Further, by operating a notification device such as a sound or a buzzer or a display device such as a warning lamp or a liquid crystal display, the surroundings are notified of an abnormality.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart from installation to operation of the freezing / refrigerator main body 100 shown in FIG.
[0027]
Referring to FIG. 2, after installing freezing / refrigerator main body 100, the user inserts a power cord into an outlet to start operation (step S21).
[0028]
The freezing / refrigerator main body 100 is supplied with power via the power cord, and is turned on (step S22).
[0029]
The control unit 36 operates the timer at the start of the operation (Step S23).
After operating the timer, the control unit 36 checks and evaluates the leakage of the refrigerant gas using the refrigerant leakage detection device (step S24).
[0030]
At this time, by operating the blowers 20 and 22, the control unit 36 can reliably detect even a slight leak of the refrigerant gas from the pipe.
[0031]
When the leakage of the refrigerant gas is detected in step S24, the power supply is immediately cut off and the power is turned off (step S29).
[0032]
If the leakage of the refrigerant gas is not detected in step S24, it is determined whether the set time of the timer (about 3 to 5 minutes) has elapsed (step S25).
[0033]
If the elapsed time counted by the timer is equal to or shorter than the set time in step S25, the process returns to step S24, and the leak evaluation is performed again.
[0034]
On the other hand, if the elapsed time counted by the timer in step S25 is equal to or longer than the set time, the control unit 36 determines whether the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature using a thermometer or the like provided in the internal chamber. Confirmation is performed (step S26).
[0035]
If the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the set temperature in step S26, the control unit 36 starts the operation (step S27).
[0036]
On the other hand, if the internal temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature in step S26, the operation is stopped (step S30).
[0037]
The control unit 36 constantly performs the refrigerant gas leakage check evaluation by the refrigerant leakage detection devices 24 and 26 irrespective of whether the operation is in operation or at rest (step S28).
[0038]
When the leakage of the refrigerant gas is detected in step S28, the control unit 36 immediately shuts off the power supply without operating the refrigeration cycle unit 30 (step S29).
[0039]
On the other hand, if no leakage of the refrigerant gas is detected in step S28, the process proceeds to step S26.
[0040]
When the power is turned off in step S29, the control unit 36 uses a warning lamp, a display device such as a liquid crystal display, or a notification device such as a sound or a buzzer on the outer surface of the refrigerator / refrigerator body 100 to indicate that the abnormality has occurred. Let me know. Therefore, if the refrigerator / refrigerator is purchased or moved and installed, and the operation is started in a state where the refrigerant gas leaks into the main unit, the operation is stopped and an abnormality such as ignition is reported by reporting an abnormality to the surroundings. Can be prevented beforehand.
[0041]
The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the refrigeration / refrigerator using the flammable refrigerant of the present invention, when power is supplied after the main body is installed, it is possible to perform a leakage evaluation by the refrigerant leakage detection device for a predetermined time. it can. Further, when leakage of the refrigerant is detected, the power supply is shut off, and an abnormality can be reported to the surroundings by a display device or a notification device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a refrigerator / refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart from installation to operation of the freezing / refrigerator main body 100.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 freezer / refrigerator body, 2 and 4 doors, 6 refrigerator compartment, 8 freezer compartment, 10 heat insulator, 12 compressor, 14 condenser, 16 expansion mechanism, 18 evaporator, 20, 22 blower, 24 refrigerant leak detector, 26 refrigerant leak detection device, 30 refrigeration cycle unit, 32 hydrocarbon-based refrigerant, 34 dryer, 36 control unit.

Claims (6)

Freezer and refrigerator,
A refrigeration cycle unit for cooling the inside of the refrigerator storing the object to be cooled;
A flammable refrigerant that is sealed and circulated inside the refrigeration cycle unit, repeatedly compresses and expands, absorbs heat of vaporization, and performs cooling,
Refrigerant leak detection means for detecting the leakage of the flammable refrigerant,
Comprising control means for controlling the operation of the refrigerator / refrigerator,
When the supply of electric power to the refrigerator / refrigerator is started, the control unit causes the refrigerant leakage detection unit to detect the leakage of the flammable refrigerant for a predetermined time prior to the operation of the refrigeration cycle. Refrigerator / refrigerator, including leak assessment means for assessing refrigeration. 2. The refrigerator / refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the control unit cuts off the power supply when the leak evaluation unit detects a leak of the flammable refrigerant. 3. A first blower for generating a flow of air from the inside of the refrigerator to the refrigeration cycle unit,
The refrigerant leak detection unit includes a first refrigerant leak detection unit provided downstream of the flow of air generated by the first blower,
The refrigerator / refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the control means operates the first blower when evaluating the leakage of the combustible refrigerant. The refrigeration / refrigerator, wherein the refrigeration cycle unit includes a condenser for liquefying the combustible refrigerant, and further includes a second blower for generating a flow of air between the condenser and the outside,
The refrigerant leak detection unit includes a second refrigerant leak detection unit provided downstream of the flow of air generated by the second blower,
3. The refrigerator / refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the control unit operates the second blower when evaluating the leakage of the combustible refrigerant. 3. The refrigerator / refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the leakage when the leakage of the combustible refrigerant is recognized by the leakage evaluation unit. 3. The refrigerator / refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit for displaying the leakage when the leakage of the combustible refrigerant is recognized by the leakage evaluation unit.

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