GASKET AND REFRIGERATION APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a Continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP 2023/037900, filed on Oct. 19, 2023, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-189100, filed on Nov. 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which Applications are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present invention relates to a gasket and a refrigeration apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003]In the related art, as disclosed in PTL 1, a refrigeration apparatus including a box including a storage chamber is known. Such a refrigeration apparatus includes an openable door that closes the opening of the box.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

PTL 1

[0004]Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-7668

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

[0005]In the above-described refrigeration apparatus, condensation or frosting may occur between the door and the periphery of the opening of the box. Such frost tends to progress from the inside to the outside. It is desired to suppress the progress of such frost.

[0006]In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a gasket and a refrigeration apparatus that can suppress the progress of frost.

Solution to Problem

[0007]A gasket according to the present invention has an annular shape sandwiched between a box and a door that closes an opening of the box making up a refrigeration apparatus, the gasket including: a main body that is fixed to the box so as to surround the opening. The main body includes a plurality of seal portions each of which has an annular shape along the opening, the plurality of seal portions being disposed side by side to make contact with a door side receiver provided in the door in a state where the door is closed, and a height of an outer seal portion is greater than other seal portions among the plurality of seal portions, the outer seal portion being an outermost seal portion of the plurality of seal portions.

[0008]A refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention includes: a box including a storage chamber; a door closes an opening of the storage chamber in an openable and closable manner; and the gasket according to claim 1 fixed to the box.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0009]According to the present invention, a gasket and a refrigeration apparatus that can suppress the progress of frost can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigeration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a front view of a gasket;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view as viewed from arrow A1 of FIG. 2;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along C1-C1 of FIG. 2; and

[0014]FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a state of a gasket and a door breaker state with the door closed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0015]In the following, with reference to the drawings, a gasket and a refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention are described. Note that, the same components are denoted with the same reference numerals. The matters described below with reference to the attached drawings are intended to explain exemplary embodiments and are not intended to represent the sole embodiment.

Embodiment

[0016]With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the gasket and the refrigeration apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention are described below.

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Refrigeration apparatus 1 is, for example, an ultra-low-temperature freezer. An ultra-low-temperature freezer refers to a device that cools the interior to an ultra-low temperature (e.g., approximately −80° C.). Note that, refrigeration apparatus 1 may also be a medical refrigerator, a blood storage refrigerator, or an incubator.

[0018]Note that, in the following description, the orthogonal coordinate systems (X, Y, Z) illustrated in each drawing are used for describing structures of refrigeration apparatus 1 and each component of refrigeration apparatus 1. The X direction corresponds to the front-rear direction of refrigeration apparatus 1. The + side of the X direction corresponds to the front side of refrigeration apparatus 1. The − side of the X direction corresponds to the rear side of refrigeration apparatus 1.

[0019]In addition, the Y direction corresponds to the left-right direction of refrigeration apparatus 1 and the width direction of refrigeration apparatus 1. The + side of the Y direction corresponds to the left side when refrigeration apparatus 1 is viewed from the front side of refrigeration apparatus 1. The − side of the Y direction corresponds to the right side when refrigeration apparatus 1 is viewed from the front side of refrigeration apparatus 1. The Z direction corresponds to the up-down direction of refrigeration apparatus 1. The + side of the Z direction corresponds to the upper side of refrigeration apparatus 1. The − side of the Z direction corresponds to the lower side of refrigeration apparatus 1.

[0020]In the following, a basic configuration of refrigeration apparatus 1 is briefly described. Refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes main body 12, and machine part 20.

[0021]Main body 12 has a box shape. A heat insulation material (not illustrated in the drawing) is disposed in the wall making up main body 12. Main body 12 includes box 13, outer door 16, inner door 17, and handle 18.

[0022]Box 13 includes inner case 14, and outer case 15.

[0023]Inner case 14 is composed of a metal plate and/or a synthetic resin plate, for example. Inner case 14 is composed of a box-shaped member with the front surface open.

[0024]Inner case 14 includes storage chamber 140. Storage chamber 140 is partitioned by partition plate 141 into a plurality of (in the present embodiment, two) divided storage chambers 142A and 142B. In the present embodiment, storage chamber 140 is partitioned by partition plate 141 into divided storage chamber 142A on the upper side and divided storage chamber 142B on the lower side. Each of divided storage chambers 142A and 142B has an opening in the front surface.

[0025]Note that, the number of partition plates is not limited to the number of partition plates 141 of the present embodiment. That is, the number of divided storage chambers is not limited to the number of divided storage chambers 142A and 142B of the present embodiment. In addition, the partition plate may be omitted.

[0026]Outer case 15 is composed of a metal plate and/or a synthetic resin plate, for example. Outer case 15 is composed of a box-shaped member with the front surface open. Outer case 15 is composed of a box-shaped member larger than inner case 14. Outer case 15 houses inner case 14.

[0027]Outer door 16 is attached to box 13 through a hinge (not illustrated in the drawing), with outer case 15 in an openable and closable state. In the state where outer door 16 closes the opening of outer case 15 (hereinafter referred to as a closed state of outer door 16), outer case 15 is sealed. A heat insulation material (not illustrated in the drawing) is disposed inside outer door 16. Note that, in the following description, the state where outer door 16 is opened is referred to also as open state of outer door 16.

[0028]Inner door 17 is provided on the inside of outer door 16. Note that, unless otherwise noted, the inside means the side closer to inner case 14 and outer case 15 in the closed state of outer door 16 and inner door 17. In addition, unless otherwise noted, the outside means the side remote from inner case 14 and outer case 15 in the closed state of outer door 16 and inner door 17

[0029]Inner door 17 is attached to box 13 through hinge 19 in the state where openings 142a and 142b of divided storage chambers 142A and 142B of inner case 14 are openable and closeable. Each of openings 142a and 142b corresponds to an example of the opening of the box.

[0030]In the present embodiment, inner door 17 includes upper inner door 17a, and lower inner door 17b. Upper inner door 17a is configured to be able to open and close opening 142a of divided storage chamber 142A on the upper side.

[0031]Lower inner door 17b is configured to be able to open and close opening 142b of divided storage chamber 142B on the lower side. In the state where upper inner door 17a and lower inner door 17b are closed, the rear side surfaces of upper inner door 17a and lower inner door 17b face divided storage chambers 142A and 142B, respectively.

[0032]In the following description, the state where inner door 17 (more specifically, upper inner door 17a and lower inner door 17b) is closed is referred to as the closed state of inner door 17. In addition, the state where inner door 17 (more specifically, upper inner door 17a and lower inner door 17b) is opened is referred to as the open state of inner door 17.

[0033]Upper inner door 17a and lower inner door 17b include door side lid parts 170a and 170b that face openings 142a and 142b of divided storage chambers 142A and 142B, respectively, in the closed state. Door side lid parts 170a and 170b have a rectangular shape with substantially the same area as openings 142a and 142b of divided storage chambers 142A and 142B.

[0034]In addition, upper inner door 17a and lower inner door 17b include door side frame-shaped regions 171a and 171b around door side lid parts 170a and 170b, respectively. Door side frame-shaped regions 171a and 171b are rectangular frame-shaped regions surrounding door side lid parts 170a and 170b.

[0035]Door side frame-shaped regions 171a and 171b are regions that, in the closed state of inner door 17, face inner case side frame-shaped regions 143a and 143b described later in a predetermined direction (in the present embodiment, front-rear direction).

[0036]In addition, upper inner door 17a and lower inner door 17b include rectangular frame shaped door side breakers 173 and 174 extending along door side frame-shaped regions 171a and 171b in door side frame-shaped regions 171a and 171b, respectively. Door side breakers 173 and 174 correspond to an example of the door side receiver. Door side breakers 173 and 174 are portions that make contact with seal portion 300 of gasket 3 described later in the closed state of inner door 17.

[0037]Now, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, door side breaker 173 is described. The configuration of door side breaker 174 is the same as the configuration of door side breaker 173. In this manner, the description for door side breaker 173 may be read as necessary for door side breaker 174.

[0038]Door side breaker 173 has a rectangular frame shape and is fixed to door side frame-shaped region 171a of upper inner door 17a. Door side breaker 173 includes door side receiving surface 173a at the front side surface.

[0039]Door side receiving surface 173a is a rectangular frame shaped surface, and includes frame shaped flat surface 173b, and frame shaped recess 173c.

[0040]Frame shaped flat surface 173b is composed of a frame shaped flat surface provided in a region from the inner end portion to the intermediate part in the door side receiving surface 173a. Frame shaped flat surface 173b is a portion that makes contact with first seal portion 301 and second seal portion 302 of gasket 3 described later in the closed state of inner door 17 (see FIG. 5).

[0041]Frame shaped recess 173c is composed of a frame shaped curved recessed surface provided in the outer end portion of door side receiving surface 173a. In other words, frame shaped recess 173c is disposed rearward of frame shaped flat surface 173b. Frame shaped recess 173c surrounds frame shaped flat surface 173b over the whole circumference. Frame shaped recess 173c is a portion that makes contact with third seal portion 303 of gasket 3 described later in the closed state of inner door 17 (see FIG. 5).

[0042]Handle 18 is a member that is grabbed by the user to open and close outer door 16.

[0043]Machine part 20 is disposed immediately below main body 12. In machine part 20, a compressor (not illustrated in the drawing), a condenser (not illustrated in the drawing) and a decompressor (not illustrated in the drawing) making up a refrigeration circuit (not illustrated in the drawing) that can cool down storage chamber 140 (more specifically, divided storage chambers 142A and 142B) to −80° C. or below are housed.

[0044]An evaporator (not illustrated in the drawing) making up the refrigeration circuit is disposed in the side wall of main body 12. By the operation of the refrigeration circuit, the inside of storage chamber 140 (more specifically, divided storage chambers 142A and 142B) is cooled.

[0045]Refrigeration apparatus 1 of the present embodiment with the above-described configuration includes gasket 3 that is sandwiched between inner door 17 and inner case 14 of box 13.

[0046]A configuration and arrangement of gasket 3 are described below.

[0047]Gasket 3 is provided in a rectangular frame-shaped region (hereinafter referred to also as inner case side frame-shaped regions 143a and 143b) surrounding openings 142a and 142b of divided storage chambers 142A and 142B in inner case 14.

[0048]Each of inner case side frame-shaped regions 143a and 143b is composed of an annular (more specifically, rectangular frame-shaped) surface facing forward. The shapes of inner case side frame-shaped regions 143a and 143b need only to be shapes that follow the external shapes of openings 142a and 142b of divided storage chambers 142A and 142B in front view. Note that, the front view refers to viewing refrigeration apparatus 1 from the front side. FIG. 2 corresponds to a front view of gasket 3.

[0049]Inner case side frame-shaped region 143a is a region surrounding divided storage chamber 142A on the upper side. Inner case side frame-shaped region 143a is composed of the front surface of the upper half portion of inner case 14 and the front surface of partition plate 141. Note that, inner case side frame-shaped region 143a may be composed of a frame shaped member (not illustrated in the drawing) fixed to partition plate 141 and inner case 14.

[0050]Inner case side frame-shaped region 143b is a region surrounding divided storage chamber 142B on the lower side. Inner case side frame-shaped region 143b is composed of the front surface of the lower half portion of inner case 14 and the front surface of partition plate 141. Note that, inner case side frame-shaped region 143b may be composed of a frame shaped member (not illustrated in the drawing) fixed to partition plate 141 and inner case 14.

[0051]In the present embodiment, each of inner case side frame-shaped regions 143a and 143b is provided with gasket 3. A configuration of gasket 3 provided in inner case side frame-shaped region 143a is described below. The configuration of gasket 3 provided in inner case side frame-shaped region 143b is the same as the configuration of gasket 3 provided in inner case side frame-shaped region 143a.

[0052]As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, gasket 3 includes main body 30, and lock part 31. The entirety of gasket 3 is composed of an elastic material (for example, rubber or resin). It should be noted that, gasket 3 may be composed of a combination of a member made of metal and a member made of elastic material. In this case, it suffices that at least seal portion 300 described later is composed of an elastic material.

[0053]Main body 30 has a rectangular frame shape extending along inner case side frame-shaped region 143a. Main body 30 includes seal portion 300. Seal portion 300 is a portion that makes contact with door side breaker 173 provided in upper inner door 17a in the closed state of upper inner door 17a.

[0054]Seal portion 300 includes first seal portion 301, second seal portion 302, and third seal portion 303 in this order from the inside.

[0055]Note that, in the following description, unless otherwise noted, the inside refers to the side closer to center O1 of gasket 3 (see FIG. 2) in front view. On the other hand, unless otherwise noted, the outside refers to the side remote from center O1 of gasket 3 in front view.

[0056]Gasket 3 and the components of gasket 3 have a rectangular frame shape, and include upper side 33a, lower side 33b, left side 33c, and right side 33d.

[0057]In upper side 33a, the inside corresponds to the lower side. In upper side 33a, the outside corresponds to the upper side. In lower side 33b, the inside corresponds to the upper side. In lower side 33b, the outside corresponds to the lower side. In left side 33c, the inside corresponds to the right side. In left side 33c, the outside corresponds to the left side. In right side 33d, the inside corresponds to the left side. In right side 33d, the outside corresponds to the right side.

[0058]FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along C1-C1 of FIG. 2. As such, FIG. 4 is a sectional view of right side 33d of gasket 3. In FIG. 4, the left side corresponds to the inside. In FIG. 4, the right side corresponds to the outside.

[0059]FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a state of gasket 3 and door breaker 173 in the closed state of inner door 17 (more specifically, upper inner door 17a and lower inner door 17b).

[0060]First seal portion 301 is a seal portion provided on the innermost side in seal portion 300 and corresponds to an example of the other seal portion. First seal portion 301 has a rectangular frame shape extending along inner case side frame-shaped region 143a.

[0061]First seal portion 301 has a hollow shape over the entire length. First seal portion 301 is also a ridge member with a curved tip end portion (front end portion). The tip end surface of first seal portion 301 is a smooth curved surface. First seal portion 301 has a predetermined height dimension H₃₀₁.

[0062]In the closed state of inner door 17, first seal portion 301 makes contact with door side breaker 173 of upper inner door 17a (more specifically, frame shaped flat surface 173b) over the whole circumference. In the closed state of inner door 17, first seal portion 301 is crushed by a predetermined amount by frame shaped flat surface 173b of door side breaker 173.

[0063]Second seal portion 302 is a seal portion provided at an intermediate part (in the present embodiment, a center portion) in seal portion 300 and corresponds to an example of the other seal portion. Second seal portion 302 has a rectangular frame shape extending along inner case side frame-shaped region 143a.

[0064]Second seal portion 302 has a hollow shape over the entire length. Second seal portion 302 is also a ridge member with a curved tip end portion (front end portion). The tip end surface of second seal portion 302 is a smooth curved surface. Second seal portion 302 has a predetermined height dimension H₃₀₂.

[0065]Height dimension H₃₀₂ of second seal portion 302 is the same or almost the same as height dimension H₃₀₁ of first seal portion 301 (H₃₀₂=H₃₀₁, H₃₀₂≈H₃₀₁). This configuration stabilizes the sealing of first seal portion 301 and second seal portion 302. Note that, height dimension H₃₀₂ of second seal portion 302 may be greater than height dimension H₃₀₁ of first seal portion 301.

[0066]The external shape of second seal portion 302 in front view (the external shape of second seal portion 302 in FIG. 2) is greater than the external shape of first seal portion 301 in front view (the external shape of first seal portion 301 in FIG. 2).

[0067]In the plane that is parallel to the left-right direction and parallel to the up-down direction (YZ plane), second seal portion 302 surrounds first seal portion 301. In the closed state of inner door 17, second seal portion 302 makes contact with door side breaker 173 of upper inner door 17a (more specifically, frame shaped flat surface 173b) over the whole circumference. In the closed state of inner door 17, second seal portion 302 is crushed by a predetermined amount by frame shaped flat surface 173b of door side breaker 173.

[0068]Third seal portion 303 is a seal portion provided on the outermost side in seal portion 300 and corresponds to an example of the outer seal portion. Third seal portion 303 has a rectangular frame shape extending along inner case side frame-shaped region 143a.

[0069]Third seal portion 303 has a hollow shape over the entire length. Third seal portion 303 is also a ridge member with a curved tip end portion (front end portion). The tip end surface of third seal portion 303 is a smooth curved surface. Third seal portion 303 has a predetermined height dimension H₃₀₃.

[0070]Height dimension H₃₀₃ of third seal portion 303 is greater than height dimension H₃₀₁ of first seal portion 301 and height dimension H₃₀₂ of second seal portion 302 (H₃₀₃>H_302, H₃₀₃>H₃₀₁). The external shape of third seal portion 303 in front view (the external shape of third seal portion 303 in FIG. 2) is larger than the external shape of second seal portion 302 in front view (the external shape of second seal portion 302 in FIG. 2).

[0071]In the plane that is parallel to the left-right direction and parallel to the up-down direction (YZ plane), third seal portion 303 surrounds second seal portion 302. In the closed state of inner door 17, third seal portion 303 makes contact with door side breaker 173 of upper inner door 17a (more specifically, frame shaped recess 173c) over the whole circumference. In the state where third seal portion 303 and door side breaker 173 (more specifically, frame shaped recess 173c) are in contact with each other, third seal portion 303 slightly elastically deforms in a crushed manner.

[0072]Note that, in FIG. 5, third seal portion 303 is in contact with frame shaped recess 173c of door side breaker 173. In the present embodiment, frame shaped recess 173c is composed of a curved recessed surface disposed rearward of frame shaped flat surface 173b of door side breaker 173. This configuration contributes to improvement of the sealing effect of the contact between third seal portion 303 and frame shaped recess 173c.

[0073]Note that, in door side breaker 173 of upper inner door 17a (see FIG. 1), the portion that makes contact with first seal portion 301, second seal portion 302, and third seal portion 303 may be composed of a flat surface located on the same surface.

[0074]In this manner, in the present embodiment, in the closed state of inner door 17, each of first seal portion 301, second seal portion 302, and third seal portion 303 makes contact with door side breaker 173 of upper inner door 17a. This configuration contributes to improvement of the sealing of divided storage chamber 142A in the closed state of inner door 17.

[0075]In addition, third seal portion 303 includes frost suppressing wall 303a at the inner surface at the tip end portion. Frost suppressing wall 303a protrudes in a predetermined direction (in the present embodiment, the forward direction) than first seal portion 301 and second seal portion 302.

[0076]The predetermined direction is also the side closer to door side breaker 173 of upper inner door 17a in the closed state of inner door 17. This frost suppressing wall 303a functions as a barrier against frost that moves on the tip end surface of seal portion 300 in a direction from the inside to the outside (the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 4).

[0077]In other words, frost suppressing wall 303a serves as a resistance to frost that moves on the tip end surface of seal portion 300 in a direction from the inside to the outside. This configuration of third seal portion 303 contributes to suppressing the movement of frost.

[0078]In addition, in third seal portion 303, central axis L1 in the cross section taken along the plane orthogonal to the extending direction of third seal portion 303 (hereinafter referred to simply as “cross-sectional shape”) is curved outward in a direction from the base end portion (in the present embodiment, the rear end portion) toward the tip end portion (in the present embodiment, the front end portion). The cross-sectional shape of third seal portion 303 is tilted along central axis L1 (in other words, curved).

[0079]In addition, lock part 31 is a member for locking gasket 3 to inner case side frame-shaped region 143a. Lock part 31, with a rectangular frame shape, is provided at the surface (in the present embodiment, the rear surface) facing inner case side frame-shaped region 143a in main body 30. This lock part 31 engages with a locking part (not illustrated in the drawing) provided in inner case side frame-shaped region 143a.

[0080]In addition, refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes heater 4 that heats third seal portion 303 (see FIG. 4). Heater 4 is provided in inner case 14. Heater 4 has a rectangular frame shape extending along inner case side frame-shaped regions 143a and 143b of inner case 14. Heater 4 is provided at a position corresponding to inner case side frame-shaped regions 143a and 143b.

[0081]In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4, heater 4 is disposed on the outside of third seal portion 303. This installation of heater 4 can reduce the influence of the heat of heater 4 on first seal portion 301 and second seal portion 302. In this manner, the influence of the heat of heater 4 on divided storage chambers 142A and 142B can be reduced. As a result, the temperature rise inside divided storage chambers 142A and 142B due to the heat of heater 4 can be suppressed.

[0082]Heater 4 heats third seal portion 303 at all times. Note that, heater 4 may heat third seal portion 303 at an appropriate timing. The operation of heater 4 is controlled by the control part (not illustrated in the drawing).

Operations and Effects of Present Embodiment

[0083]As described above, refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes gasket 3 with the above-described configuration. Frost suppressing wall 303a of this third seal portion 303 functions as a barrier against frost that moves on the tip end surface of seal portion 300 in a direction from the inside to the outside (the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 4). As a result, refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can suppress the progress of frost.

[0084]In addition, refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes heater 4 that heats third seal portion 303. By being heated by heater 4, third seal portion 303 can maintain a high temperature. If frost makes contact with third seal portion 303, the frost is melted based on the temperature of third seal portion 303. As a result, third seal portion 303 can more effectively suppress the movement of frost.

[0085]In this manner, in the present embodiment, the synergistic effects of the frost suppressing effect of frost suppressing wall 303a of third seal portion 303 and the frost suppressing effect of heater 4 can more effectively suppress the movement of frost. Other operations and effects achieved by the configuration of refrigeration apparatus 1 and gasket 3 according to the present embodiment are as described above.

Supplementary Notes

[0086]In implementation of the present invention, the configuration of the gasket is not limited to the configuration of gasket 3 of the above-described embodiment. For example, the gasket needs only to include at least two seal portions. That is, the number of seal portions of the gasket may be two, or four or greater.

[0087]In addition, the configuration of the outer seal portion (in the above-described embodiment, third seal portion 303) on the outside of the gasket is not limited to the configuration of third seal portion 303 of the above-described embodiment. For example, the shape of the outer seal portion of the gasket may have various shapes higher than other seal portions (in the above-described embodiment, first seal portion 301 and second seal portion 302).

[0088]In addition, in the above-described embodiment, outer door 16 and inner door 17 are able to open and close the front opening of box 13. It should be noted that, the positions of outer door 16 and inner door 17 are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the outer door and the inner door may be able to open and close the upper opening of the box. In this case, the gasket is sandwiched between the box and the door that closes the upper opening of the box. For the configuration of this gasket, the description for gasket 3 of the embodiment may be read as necessary.

[0089]This application is entitled to and claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-189100 filed on Nov. 28, 2022, the disclosure each of which including the specification, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0090]The present invention is favorably applicable to various refrigeration apparatuses.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST