AU2017430066A1

AU2017430066A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: AU2017430066A1
Application number: AU2017430066A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Makoto Okabe
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2017-09-01
Filing date: 2017-09-01
Publication date: 2020-02-06
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-01
Also published as: CN109425175B; CN109425175A; TW201913020A; JP6827546B2; AU2017430066B2; CN209027172U; SG11202000585YA; TWI727196B; JPWO2019043913A1; WO2019043913A1

Abstract

This refrigerator is equipped with a first storage chamber in the freezing temperature zone, a second storage chamber in the freezing temperature zone, a third storage chamber in the refrigerating temperature zone which is positioned between the first and second storage chambers and has a front surface section and a rear surface section, and a vacuum insulation material provided in each of the wall sections which demarcate the third storage chamber and include the front and rear surface sections. Therein, the vacuum insulation material provided in the rear surface section of the third storage chamber is angled in a manner such that the bottom end is positioned toward the front surface section side and the top end is positioned toward the rear surface section side.

Description

KPO-3516 DESCRIPTION Title of Invention

REFRIGERATOR

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator in which a vacuum thermal

insulator is located in each wall section partitioning off a storage compartment.

Background Art

[0002]

With some refrigerator, a refrigerator compartment, an ice-making compartment,

a freezer compartment, and a vegetable compartment are arranged in order from top.

In the case of such an arrangement, the vegetable compartment is located at the

lowest position of the refrigerator. Consequently, users have to bend their knees and

squat, or have to bend over to take out vegetables from the vegetable compartment.

[0003]

When a comparison is made between the vegetable compartment and the

freezer compartment regarding the number of times of opening and closing of a door

or an opening period of the door, usually, the number of times of opening and closing

of the door is greater and the opening period of the door is longer for the vegetable

compartment, albeit with variations from person to person. Consequently, convenience is expected to be increased with the refrigerator as a whole by switching

positions of the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment, and by locating

the vegetable compartment higher than the freezer compartment.

[0004]

However, firstly, some refrigerator is configured in such a manner that a

plurality of compartments each in a refrigeration temperature range are collected at

one position to increase a thermal efficiency.

Secondly, some refrigerator is configured by locating a cooler at a rear surface

of the freezer compartment so that inconveniences such as attachment of dew or

KPO-3516 frost are not easily caused even when a special thermal insulation component is not

provided between the freezer compartment and the cooler.

[0005] On the other hand, it is conceivable to arrange the refrigerator compartment,

the ice-making compartment, the vegetable compartment, and the freezer

compartment in order from the top of a refrigerator to increase convenience of users.

With such a refrigerator, storage compartments in a cooling temperature range, or in

other words, a plus temperature range, and storage compartments in a refrigeration

temperature range, or in other words, a minus temperature range, are alternately

arranged. Consequently, firstly, a refrigerator having such an arrangement is inferior

to some refrigerator in thermal efficiency. Furthermore, to secure necessary thermal

insulation properties, a thickness of a wall section of each compartment is increased,

and a space where food can be stored is reduced when a comparison is made

between refrigerators having the same outer shape.

[0006]

Furthermore, secondly, with a refrigerator having such an arrangement, the

cooler is located at a rear surface of the vegetable compartment, and thus, a wall

section separating the vegetable compartment and the cooler has to have higher

thermal insulation properties than those of some refrigerator. To increase the

thermal insulation properties, a thickness of the wall section is increased. However, a food storage space is sacrificed as described above. Consequently, a molded

product of expanded polystyrene foam, which is easily processed, easily attached

and removed, and easily carried is used as some thermal insulation component.

However, when a vacuum thermal insulator having higher thermal insulation

properties is used as the thermal insulation component, both the thermal insulation

properties and a food storage space may be secured. High thermal insulation

properties mean a small coefficient of heat transfer.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0007]

KPO-3516 Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.

2012-242072

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0008]

In a case where a vacuum thermal insulator is located between the vegetable

compartment and the cooler, an air passage for sending air that is cooled by the

cooler into the vegetable compartment is necessary. Claim 10 of Patent Literature 1

describes that "the vacuum thermal insulator is provided at a front surface, of the

partitioning wall forming an inner wall surface, other than the inlet port and the outlet

port". In this manner, there is a method of covering everything other than the inlet

port and the outlet port with a vacuum thermal insulator. However, in such a case, a

hole has to be opened in the vacuum thermal insulator, or a cut-out has to be

provided in the vacuum thermal insulator, or a plurality of vacuum thermal insulators

have to be used. Consequently, manufacturing costs are increased.

Furthermore, when convenience of users is taken into account, it is desirable to

secure a capacity of the vegetable compartment while increasing a thermal insulation

effect of the vacuum thermal insulator.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above,

and has its object to provide a refrigerator allowing a reduction in manufacturing costs

regarding a vacuum thermal insulator while securing a capacity of a vegetable

compartment.

Solution to Problem

[0010]

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a

first storage compartment in a refrigeration temperature range; a second storage

compartment in a refrigeration temperature range; a third storage compartment, in a

cooling temperature range, including wall sections that include a front surface section

and a rear surface section, and located between the first storage compartment and

KPO-3516 the second storage compartment; and a vacuum thermal insulator provided in each of

the wall sections partitioning off the third storage compartment. The vacuum thermal insulator provided in the rear surface section of the third storage compartment is tilted

and having a lower end positioned closer to the front surface section than is an upper

end positioned closer to the rear surface section than is the lower end.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0011]

With the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the

vacuum thermal insulator provided in the rear surface section of the third storage

compartment is tilted and has the lower end positioned closer to the front surface

section than is the upper end positioned closer to the rear surface section than is the

lower end, and thus, manufacturing costs regarding the vacuum thermal insulator

may be reduced.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0012]

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing an

example of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a schematic front view schematically showing an arrangement

of storage compartments of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present

invention.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a refrigerant circuit configuration diagram schematically

showing an example of a refrigerant circuit configuration of the refrigerator according

to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section

of a part of a wall section of a box body of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1

of the present invention.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for describing an air circulation path of

the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section

along Y-Y in Fig. 5.

KPO-3516

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing return of air to a

cooler of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a

cross-section of a part of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 2 of the present

invention.

[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for describing an air circulation path of a

refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross

section along Z-Z in Fig. 9.

[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing return of air

to a cooler of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a

cross-section of a part of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 4 of the present

invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with

reference to the drawings.

Additionally, in the drawings, those denoted by the same reference sign are

identical or correspond to each other, and this note is applied to the entire

specification.

Furthermore, modes of components described in the entire specification are

merely exemplary, and are not limited to the example.

[0014]

Embodiment 1

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing an example of a

refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a

schematic front view schematically showing an arrangement of storage compartments

of the refrigerator 1. A configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described with

reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Additionally, in the following description, a refrigerator

KPO-3516 compartment 11, an ice-making compartment 21, a versatile compartment 22, a

vegetable compartment 31, and a freezer compartment 41 may each be referred to

as a storage compartment.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, with the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator compartment 11, the

ice-making compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22, the vegetable

compartment 31, and the freezer compartment 41 are arranged in order from top.

The ice-making compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22 are arranged next

to each other, and the ice-making compartment 21 is positioned on a left side on the

drawing sheet, and the versatile compartment 22 is positioned on a right side on the

drawing sheet.

Additionally, the ice-making compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22

are storage compartments in a refrigeration temperature range. The vegetable

compartment 31 is a storage compartment in a cooling temperature range. The

freezer compartment 41 is a storage compartment in the refrigeration temperature

range.

The ice-making compartment 21 corresponds to a first storage compartment of

the present invention.

The freezer compartment 41 corresponds to a second storage compartment of

the present invention.

The vegetable compartment 31 corresponds to a third storage compartment of

the present invention.

[0016]

Partitions used as wall sections separate storage compartments including the

refrigerator compartment 11, the ice-making compartment 21, the versatile

compartment 22, the vegetable compartment 31, and the freezer compartment 41.

The wall sections will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

The refrigerator compartment 11 and the ice-making compartment 21 are

partitioned by a partition 51A. The refrigerator compartment 11 and the versatile

compartment 22 are partitioned by a partition 51B. The ice-making compartment 21

KPO-3516 and the versatile compartment 22 are partitioned by a partition 52 formed from one

plate-shaped part. The ice-making compartment 21 and the vegetable compartment

31 are partitioned by a partition 53A. The versatile compartment 22 and the

vegetable compartment 31 are partitioned by a partition 53B. The vegetable

compartment 31 and the freezer compartment 41 are partitioned by a partition 54

formed from one plate-shaped part.

[0017]

The partition 51A and the partition 51B are formed from one plate-shaped part,

but are separately described in correspondence with the ice-making compartment 21

and the versatile compartment 22 for the sake of convenience. In the following

description, the partition 51A and the partition 51B will be collectively referred to as

the partition 51 where it is not necessary to describe them separately.

In the same manner, the partition 53A and the partition 53B are formed from

one plate-shaped part, but are separately described in correspondence with the ice

making compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22 for the sake of

convenience. In the following description, the partition 53A and the partition 53B will

be collectively referred to as the partition 53 where it is not necessary to describe

them separately.

[0018]

The refrigerator 1 includes a box body 50 configured as a vertically long cuboid.

The box body 50 includes a front surface section 50A, a top surface section 50B, a

bottom surface section 50C, a right side surface section 50D, a left side surface

section 50E, and a rear surface section 50F. The box body 50 includes storage

compartments obtained by dividing an inner space of the box body 50 by the partition

51A, the partition 51B, the partition 52, the partition 53A, the partition 53B, and the

partition 54. Moreover, door sections that can be opened and closed are provided at

the front surface section 50A that is a front surface of the box body 50. As shown in

Fig. 1, door sections of the refrigerator compartment 11 are shown as door sections

11A, a door section of the ice-making compartment 21 as a door section 21A, a door

section of the versatile compartment 22 as a door section 22A, a door section of the

KPO-3516 vegetable compartment 31 as a door section 31A, and a door section of the freezer

compartment 41 as a door section 41A.

[0019] The door sections 11A of the refrigerator compartment 11 are configured to

open to left and right from a center portion by hinges, not shown, provided on left and

right sides of the box body 50 in a width direction. There may be provided one door

section 11A that opens from one of the left and right sides of the box body 50 in the

width direction. The door section 21A of the ice-making compartment 21 is

configured as a pull-out door that moves in a front-back direction of the refrigerator 1.

The door section 22A of the versatile compartment 22 is configured as a pull-out door

that moves in the front-back direction of the refrigerator 1. The door section 31A of

the vegetable compartment 31 is configured as a pull-out door that moves in the front

back direction of the refrigerator 1. The door section 41A of the freezer compartment

41 is configured as a pull-out door that moves in the front-back direction of the

refrigerator 1.

[0020]

Fig. 3 is a refrigerant circuit configuration diagram schematically showing an

example of a refrigerant circuit configuration of the refrigerator 1. A refrigerant circuit

70 and an air circulation path 80 of the refrigerator 1 will be schematically described

with reference to Fig. 3. Additionally, in Fig. 3, flows of refrigerant and air are

represented by arrows. Furthermore, in Fig. 3, the storage compartments are shown

for description of the air circulation path 80. Moreover, refrigerant to be used in the

refrigerant circuit 70 is not particularly limited.

[0021]

A configuration of the refrigerant circuit 70 will be described.

The refrigerator 1 includes the refrigerant circuit 70. As shown in Fig. 3, the

refrigerant circuit 70 is configured by connecting a compressor 71, an air-cooled

condenser 72, a heat dissipation pipe 73, a pressure reducing device 76, and a cooler

600 by pipes. A dew condensation preventing pipe 74 and a drier 75 are connected

between the heat dissipation pipe 73 and the pressure reducing device 76.

KPO-3516 Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows, as an example, a state where a fan 800 for sending air to

the cooler 600 is installed.

[0022] An effect of the refrigerant circuit 70 will be described.

When the compressor 71 is driven, refrigerant is discharged from the

compressor 71. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 71 flows into the air-cooled condenser 72 installed in a machine chamber formed in the box body 50.

The refrigerant flowing out of the air-cooled condenser 72 flows through the heat

dissipation pipe 73 installed inside urethane of the box body 50 of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerant flowing through the heat dissipation pipe 73 flows through the dew

condensation preventing pipe 74 extended around the front surface section 50A of the

storage compartments of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerant is condensed by a

condensation process through the air-cooled condenser 72, the heat dissipation pipe

73, and the dew condensation preventing pipe 74.

[0023]

After the condensed refrigerant passes through the drier 75, the condensed

refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 600 through the pressure reducing device 76. At

the cooler 600, the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 600 evaporates and exchanges

heat with air that is forced to circulate inside by the fan 800, and cool air is generated.

The generated cool air is supplied to each storage compartment, and cools each

storage compartment. Then, the refrigerant raises its temperature by passing

through a suction pipe and exchanging heat with the pressure reducing device 76,

and returns to the compressor 71.

As described above, the refrigerator 1 includes the refrigerant circuit 70, and

generates cool air for cooling each storage compartment.

[0024]

A configuration of the air circulation path 80 will be described.

The refrigerator 1 includes the air circulation path 80. The air circulation path

80 is configured by including an air outlet passage 110 and an air return passage 140.

The air outlet passage 110 introduces cool air into each storage compartment.

KPO-3516 Furthermore, the air return passage 140 guides cool air used to cool each storage

compartment to the cooler 600. That is, the air circulation path 80 is a path for circulating cool air through the cooler 600 and each storage compartment through the

air outlet passage 110 and the air return passage 140.

[0025]

Air volume adjustment devices are installed at inlets for the air outlet passage

110. The air volume adjustment device installed at an inlet port of the refrigerator

compartment 11 is a first damper 101. The air volume adjustment device installed at

an inlet port of the ice-making compartment 21 is a second damper 201a. The air volume adjustment device installed at an inlet port of the versatile compartment 22 is

a third damper 202. The air volume adjustment device installed at an inlet port of the

vegetable compartment 31 is a fourth damper 301.

[0026]

An effect of the air circulation path 80 will be described.

When the fan 800 is driven, air in the refrigerator 1 is supplied to the cooler

600. Then, air that is forced to circulate inside by the fan 800 exchanges heat with

refrigerant at the cooler 600, and is cooled. Cool air generated by heat exchange at

the cooler 600 flows through the air outlet passage 110 to be blown into each storage

compartment inside the refrigerator 1, and cools each storage compartment.

[0027]

Air circulating through each storage compartment and the cooler 600 maintains

each storage compartment at an appropriate temperature by use of each air volume

adjustment device operated by a controller, not shown, in response to an air

temperature inside each storage compartment measured by a temperature sensor,

not shown, installed in each storage compartment or a temperature of stored food.

Air used to cool each storage compartment flows through the air return passage 140

to return to the cooler 600.

[0028]

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section of a part

of a wall section 55 of the box body 50 of the refrigerator 1. The wall section 55 of

KPO-3516 the box body 50 of the refrigerator 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

As shown in Fig. 4, the wall section 55 of the box body 50 of the refrigerator 1

is configured from a sheet metal 56 forming an outer frame, an inner box 57 forming

an inner wall of each storage compartment, and a thermal insulator 500 installed

between the sheet metal 56 and the inner box 57, and reduces an amount of heat

entering from outside. The wall sections 55 form the partition 51A, the partition 51B, the partition 52, the partition 53A, the partition 53B, and the partition 54.

[0029]

A multi-layer structure of a vacuum thermal insulator and a urethane foam

material is desirably used as the thermal insulator 500 of the wall sections 55 forming

at least the right side surface section 50D and the left side surface section 50E of the

refrigerator 1. Using a multi-layer structure of a vacuum thermal insulator and a

urethane foam material as the thermal insulator 500 may increase thermal insulation

properties.

[0030]

The vacuum thermal insulators may be mounted not only on the wall sections

55 forming the right side surface section 50D and the left side surface section 50E of

the refrigerator 1, but also on at least one of the wall sections 55 forming the top

surface section 50B, the bottom surface section 50C, and the rear surface section

50F of the refrigerator 1. By mounting the vacuum thermal insulators, the thermal

insulation properties may be further increased. Furthermore, by mounting the

vacuum thermal insulators, a distance between the outer frame of the refrigerator 1

and an inner wall surface of the inner box 57, or in other words, a thermal insulation

thickness, may be reduced, and an internal capacity may be increased.

[0031]

Additionally, various inner parts such as a reinforcement part for correcting

deformation of the refrigerator 1, refrigerant circuit parts described above, electrical

wiring parts are located in a space, in the thermal insulator 500, where the urethane

foam material is encapsulated, and such inner parts are fixed by the urethane foam

material.

KPO-3516

[0032] A covering area of the vacuum thermal insulators of the thermal insulator 500

covers at least 40% of an entire outer surface area including a door surface area of

each storage compartment. A foam density of at least 60 kg/cm 3 and a flexural modulus of elasticity of at least 15.0 MPa are secured for the urethane foam material

encapsulated around the vacuum thermal insulator. This configuration guarantees strength of the box body 50 of the refrigerator 1.

[0033]

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for describing the air circulation path 80 of the

refrigerator 1. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section

along Y-Y in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing return of

air to the cooler 600 of the refrigerator 1. The air circulation path 80 of the

refrigerator 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. Additionally, in

Figs. 5 to 7, flows of air are represented by arrows. Additionally, Fig. 5 shows, as an

example, a case where a chilled compartment is installed in the refrigerator

compartment 11.

[0034]

First, the location of the cooler 600 will be described.

As shown in Fig. 6, a cooler compartment 27 is formed at a portion located

toward the rear surface section 50F from the ice-making compartment 21, the

versatile compartment 22, and the vegetable compartment 31 of the box body 50 of

the refrigerator 1. The cooler 600 is located in the cooler compartment 27.

Moreover, a lower end of the cooler 600 located in the cooler compartment 27 is at a

position, inside the cooler compartment 27, lower than a floor surface 31B of the

vegetable compartment 31.

[0035]

By positioning the lower end of the cooler 600 lower than the floor surface 31B

of the vegetable compartment 31, a larger space may be secured above the cooler

600. A degree of freedom regarding a size of the fan 800 installed at a part of the

cooler compartment 27 is thereby increased. Furthermore, an air volume adjustment

KPO-3516 device, held by a foam thermal insulator, for an air passage to each storage

compartment is installed above the fan 800.

[0036] Additionally, a heater 700 is located below the cooler 600. The heater 700 is provided to avoid blocking of a fifth air return passage 412 due to frosting, and is

energized to generate heat as necessary.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 7, a drip heater 750 is installed at a drip tray

751. The drip tray 751 for receiving water melted at the time of defrosting is

provided at a lower part in the cooler compartment 27. The drip heater 750 is

provided to prevent refreezing of melted water received by the drip tray 751, and is

energized to generate heat as necessary. Additionally, the drip heater 750 is not a

necessary component, and the heater 700 may also be used as the drip heater.

[0037]

Next, the vegetable compartment 31 and surroundings of the vegetable

compartment 31 will be described.

As shown in Fig. 6, a first vegetable compartment storage case 420A and a

second vegetable compartment storage case 420B are housed in the vegetable

compartment 31. The second vegetable compartment storage case 420B is located

higher than the first vegetable compartment storage case 420A, and has a smaller

capacity than does the first vegetable compartment storage case 420A. In a state

where the second vegetable compartment storage case 420B is housed in the first

vegetable compartment storage case 420A, and the door section 31A is closed, an

open top end at a rear of the second vegetable compartment storage case 420B is

positioned further rearward, by a length D3, than is an open top end at a rear of the

first vegetable compartment storage case 420A.

[0038]

Additionally, the number of storage cases housed in the vegetable

compartment 31 is not particularly limited so long as at least the first vegetable

compartment storage case 420A and the second vegetable compartment storage

case 420B are housed.

KPO-3516 The first vegetable compartment storage case 420A corresponds to a first

storage case of the present invention.

The second vegetable compartment storage case 420B corresponds to a

second storage case of the present invention.

[0039]

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, a lid structure 430 approximately entirely

covering an open top of the second vegetable compartment storage case 420B is

installed in the vicinity of a top surface portion of the vegetable compartment 31.

The lid structure 430 includes a fin portion 430A that is positioned closer to a rear

surface than is a rear surface side end portion of the second vegetable compartment

storage case 420B and that is bent downward. The fin portion 430A is formed by

bending a part of the lid structure 430 at an acute angle.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, vacuum thermal insulators 500A are located

as parts of the thermal insulator 500, and each of the vacuum thermal insulators 500A

is located at a front, at a back, at a top, and at a bottom of the vegetable compartment

31 in such a manner that the vegetable compartment 31 is surrounded from the front,

the back, the top, and the bottom. Additionally, although not shown in Fig. 6, each of

the vacuum thermal insulators 500A as a part of the thermal insulator 500 is also

located at the left and right of the vegetable compartment 31.

[0040]

Next, an air passage structure of the refrigerator 1 will be specifically described.

As described above, the refrigerator 1 includes the air outlet passage 110 and

the air return passage 140.

The air outlet passage 110 includes a first air outlet passage 111, a second air

outlet passage 211a, a third air outlet passage 212, a fourth air outlet passage 311, a

fifth air outlet passage 411, and a sixth air outlet passage 211b.

The air return passage 140 includes a first air return passage 141, a second air

return passage 241a, a third air return passage 242, a fourth air return passage 312,

and a fifth air return passage 412.

Additionally, an air outlet passage and an air return passage described below

KPO-3516 are formed rearward of a rear surface of each storage compartment, or in other words,

in a space located toward the rear surface section 50F, an air outlet port and a return

port are formed in the rear surface section 50F at each storage compartment.

[0041]

The first air outlet passage 111 is used as a refrigerator compartment air outlet

passage where cool air to be blown into the refrigerator compartment 11 flows. The

first damper 101, which is one of the air volume adjustment devices, is provided at a

cool air inlet port of the first air outlet passage 111. When the refrigerator 1 is viewed

from a front, the first damper 101 is positioned at a lower part of the refrigerator

compartment 11. As described above, operation of the first damper 101 is controlled

by the controller. A volume of cool air that is blown into the refrigerator compartment

11 is thus adjusted.

[0042]

First air outlet ports 121 are formed in the first air outlet passage 111. Cool air

flowing through the first air outlet passage 111 is introduced into the refrigerator

compartment 11 through the first air outlet ports 121. A plurality of first air outlet

ports 121 are located next to one another in a height direction of the refrigerator

compartment 11, when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. Additionally, the

number of first air outlet ports 121 is not particularly limited, and a plurality of first air

outlet ports 121 may be installed to correspond to a capacity of the refrigerator

compartment 11.

[0043]

The second air outlet passage 211a is used as an ice-making compartment air

outlet passage where cool air to be blown into the ice-making compartment 21 flows.

The second damper 201a, which is one of the air volume adjustment devices, is

provided at a cool air inlet port of the second air outlet passage 211a. Whenthe

refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the second damper 201a is positioned at a

middle level in the ice-making compartment 21. As described above, operation of

the second damper 201a is controlled by the controller. A volume of cool air that is

blown into the ice-making compartment 21 is thus adjusted.

KPO-3516

[0044] Moreover, a second air outlet port 221a is formed in the second air outlet

passage211a. Cool air flowing through the second air outlet passage 211a is introduced into the ice-making compartment 21 through the second air outlet port

221a. When the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the second air outlet port

221a is positioned at an upper left in the ice-making compartment 21. Additionally, the number of second air outlet ports 221a is not particularly limited.

[0045]

The third air outlet passage 212 is used as a versatile compartment air outlet

passage where cool air to be blown into the versatile compartment 22 flows. The

third damper 202, which is one of the air volume adjustment devices, is provided at a

cool air inlet port of the third air outlet passage 212. When the refrigerator 1 is

viewed from the front, the third damper 202 is positioned at a middle level in the

versatile compartment 22. As described above, operation of the third damper 202 is

controlled by the controller. A volume of cool air that is blown into the versatile

compartment 22 is thus adjusted.

[0046]

Moreover, a third air outlet port 222 is formed in the third air outlet passage

212. Cool air flowing through the third air outlet passage 212 is introduced into the

versatile compartment 22 through the third air outlet port 222. When the refrigerator

1 is viewed from the front, the third air outlet port 222 is positioned at an upper center

in the versatile compartment 22. Additionally, the number of third air outlet ports 222

is not particularly limited.

[0047]

The fourth air outlet passage 311 is used as a vegetable compartment air outlet

passage where cool air to be blown into the vegetable compartment 31 flows. The

fourth damper 301, which is one of the air volume adjustment devices, is provided at

a cool air inlet port of the fourth air outlet passage 311. When the refrigerator 1 is

viewed from the front, the fourth damper 301 is positioned at the middle level in the

versatile compartment 22. As described above, operation of the fourth damper 301

KPO-3516 is controlled by the controller. A volume of cool air that is blown into the vegetable

compartment 31 is thus adjusted.

[0048] Moreover, a fourth air outlet port 321 is formed in the fourth air outlet passage

311. Cool air flowing through the fourth air outlet passage 311 is introduced into the

vegetable compartment 31 through the fourth air outlet port 321. When the

refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the fourth air outlet port 321 is positioned at an

upper right in the vegetable compartment 31. Additionally, the number of fourth air

outlet ports 321 is not particularly limited.

[0049]

The fifth air outlet passage 411 is used as a freezer compartment air outlet

passage where cool air to be blown into the freezer compartment 41 flows.

Furthermore, the fifth air outlet passage 411 is formed overlapping the fifth air return

passage 412 in the front-back direction. When the refrigerator 1 is viewed from a

side, the fifth air outlet passage 411 is positioned closer to the front surface than is the

fifth air return passage 412 positioned closer to the rear surface section 50F. A fifth

air outlet port 421 is formed in the fifth air outlet passage 411. Cool air flowing

through the fifth air outlet passage 411 is introduced into the freezer compartment 41

through the fifth air outlet port 421. When the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the fifth air outlet port 421 is positioned at an upper center in the freezer compartment

41. Additionally, the number of fifth air outlet ports 421 is not particularly limited.

The fifth air outlet passage 411 corresponds to a first air passage of the present

invention.

[0050] The sixth air outlet passage 211b is used as a chilled compartment air outlet

passage where cool air to be blown into the chilled compartment, not shown, flows.

A sixth damper 201b, which is one of the air volume adjustment devices, is provided

at a cool air inlet port of the sixth air outlet passage 211b. When the refrigerator 1 is

viewed from the front, the sixth damper 201b is positioned at the middle level in the

ice-making compartment 21. As described above, operation of the sixth damper

KPO-3516 201b is controlled by the controller. A volume of cool air that is blown into the chilled

compartment is thus adjusted.

[0051] Moreover, a sixth air outlet port 221b is formed in the sixth air outlet passage

211b. Cool air flowing through the sixth air outlet passage 211b is introduced into

the chilled compartment through the sixth air outlet port 221b. When the refrigerator

1 is viewed from the front, the sixth air outlet port 221b is positioned at a lower center

in the refrigerator compartment 11. Additionally, the sixth air outlet passage 211b

and the sixth damper 201b do not have to be provided in a case where the chilled

compartment is not installed. Furthermore, the number of sixth air outlet ports 221b

is not particularly limited.

[0052] The first air return passage 141 is used as a refrigerator compartment air return

passage where air used to cool the refrigerator compartment 11 flows. A first return

port 131 is formed in the first air return passage 141. When the refrigerator 1 is

viewed from the front, the first return port 131 is positioned at a lower right in the

refrigerator compartment 11. Furthermore, the first air return passage 141 is joined

to the cooler compartment 27 through a first joining portion 151. Consequently, air

flowing through the first air return passage 141 is returned to the cooler 600 through

the first return port 131 and the first joining portion 151.

[0053] The second air return passage 241a is used as a cooler compartment air return

passage where air used to cool the ice-making compartment 21 flows. A second

return port 231a is formed in the second air return passage 241a. When the

refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the second return port 231a is positioned at a

lower left in the ice-making compartment 21. Moreover, the second air return

passage 241a is joined to the cooler compartment 27 through a second joining

portion 251a. Consequently, air flowing through the second air return passage 241a

is returned to the cooler 600 through the second return port 231a and the second

joining portion 251a.

KPO-3516

[0054] The third air return passage 242 is used as a versatile compartment air return

passage where air used to cool the versatile compartment 22 flows. A third return port 232 is formed in the third air return passage 242. When the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the third return port 232 is positioned at a lower center in the

versatile compartment 22. Moreover, the third air return passage 242 is joined to the

cooler compartment 27 through a third joining portion 252. Consequently, air flowing

through the third air return passage 242 is returned to the cooler 600 through the third

return port 232 and the third joining portion 252.

[0055] The fourth air return passage 312 is used as a vegetable compartment air

return passage where air used to cool the vegetable compartment 31 flows. A fourth

return port 331 is formed in the fourth air return passage 312. When the refrigerator

1 is viewed from the front, the fourth return port 331 is positioned at a lower left in the

vegetable compartment 31. Moreover, the fourth air return passage 312 is joined to

the cooler compartment 27 through a fourth joining portion 351. Consequently, air

flowing through the fourth air return passage 312 is returned to the cooler 600 from a

lower left of the cooler 600, through the fourth return port 331 and the fourth joining

portion 351.

[0056] The fifth air return passage 412 is used as a freezer compartment air return

passage where air used to cool the freezer compartment 41 flows. A fifth return port

431 is formed in the fifth air return passage 412. When the refrigerator 1 is viewed

from the front, the fifth return port 431 is formed at the upper center in the freezer

compartment 41. Moreover, the fifth air return passage 412 is joined to the cooler

compartment 27 through a fifth joining portion 451. Consequently, air flowing

through the fifth air return passage 412 is returned to the cooler 600 from a lower right

of the cooler 600, through the fifth return port 431 and the fifth joining portion 451.

The fifth air return passage 412 corresponds to a second air passage of the

present invention.

KPO-3516

[0057] Flows of air around the cooler 600 will be described with reference to Figs. 5

and 7. Circulation of air in the refrigerator compartment 11 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the first air outlet passage

111, from the lower side on the drawing sheet to the upper side on the drawing sheet,

after the volume of the cool air is adjusted by the first damper 101, and is introduced

into the refrigerator compartment 11 through the first air outlet ports 121. Cool air

used at the refrigerator compartment 11 flows through the first air return passage 141

through the first return port 131, from the upper side on the drawing sheet to the lower

side on the drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 5 and by an arrow Al in Fig. 7, and is

returned to the cooler 600 through the first joining portion 151.

[0058] Circulation of air in the ice-making compartment 21 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the second air outlet

passage 211a after the volume of the cool air is adjusted by the second damper 201a,

and is introduced into the ice-making compartment 21 through the second air outlet

port 221a. Cool air used at the ice-making compartment 21 flows through the

second air return passage 241a through the second return port 231a, from the upper

side on the drawing sheet to the lower side on the drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 5

and by an arrow A2 in Fig. 7, and is returned to the cooler 600 through the second

joining portion 251a.

[0059] Circulation of air in the versatile compartment 22 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the third air outlet passage

212 after the volume of the cool air is adjusted by the third damper 202, and is

introduced into the versatile compartment 22 through the third air outlet port 222.

Cool air used at the versatile compartment 22 flows through the third air return

passage 242 through the third return port 232, from the upper side on the drawing

sheet to the lower side on the drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 5 and by an arrow A3

KPO-3516 in Fig. 7, and is returned to the cooler 600 through the third joining portion 252.

[0060]

Circulation of air in the vegetable compartment 31 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the fourth air outlet passage

311 after the volume of the cool air is adjusted by the fourth damper 301, and is

introduced into the vegetable compartment 31 through the fourth air outlet port 321.

Cool air used at the vegetable compartment 31 flows through the fourth air return

passage 312 through the fourth return port 331, from a left side on the drawing sheet

to a right side on the drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 5 and by an arrow A4 in Fig. 7,

and is returned to the cooler 600 through the fourth joining portion 351.

[0061]

The fourth return port 331 from the vegetable compartment 31 is formed at a

lower left on a diagonal line to the fourth air outlet port 321 at a portion of the

vegetable compartment 31 that is close to the rear surface section 50F. The fourth

return port 331 is positioned outside the forward projection plane of a vacuum thermal

insulator 500A1 that is one rectangular plate-shaped part, without overlapping the

forward projection plane. Cool air that is blown out from the fourth air outlet port 321

is circulated to be ejected from the fourth return port 331 positioned at a corner, of an

inner wall of the vegetable compartment 31, that is diagonal to the fourth air outlet

port 321, to be guided to the cooler 600, and to be cooled by passing through the

cooler 600 again.

[0062]

Circulation of air in the freezer compartment 41 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the fifth air outlet passage

411, and is introduced into the freezer compartment 41 through the fifth air outlet port

421. Cool air used at the freezer compartment 41 flows through the fifth air return

passage 412 through the fifth return port 431, from the lower side on the drawing

sheet to the upper side on the drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 5 and by an arrow A5

in Fig. 7, and is returned to the cooler 600 through the fifth joining portion 451.

[0063]

KPO-3516 Next, a description will be given of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A.

As shown in Fig. 2, the refrigerator compartment 11, the ice-making

compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22, the vegetable compartment 31,

and the freezer compartment 41 of the refrigerator 1 are arranged in order from top.

That is, with the refrigerator 1, storage compartments in the cooling temperature

range and storage compartments in the refrigeration temperature range are

alternately arranged from the top.

[0064]

A bottom surface section of the refrigerator compartment 11, or in other words,

an upper surface section of the ice-making compartment 21 and the versatile

compartment 22, is the partition 51 that is one of the wall sections 55. An upper

surface section of the vegetable compartment 31, or in other words, a bottom surface

section of the ice-making compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22, is the

partition 53 that is one of the wall sections 55. A bottom surface section of the

vegetable compartment 31 and an upper surface section of the freezer compartment

41 are the partition 54 that is one of the wall sections 55. The vacuum thermal

insulator 500A is provided inside each partition to prevent heat transfer.

[0065]

The vacuum thermal insulators 500A arranged around the vegetable

compartment 31 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. As described above, with

the refrigerator 1, the vacuum thermal insulators 500A are arranged in such a manner

that the vegetable compartment 31 is surrounded from the front, the back, the top,

and the bottom. The vacuum thermal insulator 500A located frontward of a front

surface of the cooler 600, or in other words, close to a rear surface of the vegetable

compartment 31, will be referred to as the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1. The

vacuum thermal insulator 500A located close to an upper surface of the vegetable

compartment 31 will be referred to as a vacuum thermal insulator 500A2. The

vacuum thermal insulator 500A located close to a front surface of the vegetable

compartment 31 will be referred to as a vacuum thermal insulator 500A3. The

vacuum thermal insulator 500A located close to a bottom surface of the vegetable

KPO-3516 compartment 31 will be referred to as a vacuum thermal insulator 500A4.

[0066] When the vacuum insulator 500A1 is viewed from the side, the vacuum thermal

insulator 500A1 is tilted, has an upper end positioned closer to the rear surface

section 50F of the box body 50, or in other words, further rearward, than is a lower

end positioned closer to the front surface section 50A of the box body 50, or in other

words, further forward, than is the upper end, and prevents heat transfer between the

vegetable compartment 31 and a portion located toward the rear surface section 50F

of the box body 50. Furthermore, the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 has a width

greater than the width of the cooler 600. A tilt angle 0 of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is not particularly limited, but may be adjusted in a range of 0

degrees < tilt angle 0 < 15 degrees. Additionally, the tilt angle 0 is an angle formed by a center line L of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A and a vertical line L2.

[0067]

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A2 is provided inside the partition 53, and

prevents heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31, and the ice-making

compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22. The rear end of the vacuum

thermal insulator 500A2 is positioned further rearward, by a length D1, than is the

rear end of the open top end of the second vegetable compartment storage case

420B housed in the vegetable compartment 31. This configuration prevents the

temperature inside the second vegetable compartment storage case 420B from

reaching a low temperature because of heat absorption from the ice-making

compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22.

[0068]

However, although the vacuum thermal insulator 500A2 is provided, it is difficult

to entirely cover the vegetable compartment 31 in width and horizontal depth

directions by the vacuum thermal insulator 500A2. Consequently, an amount of heat

absorption from the storage compartments in the refrigeration temperature range is

great around front and rear end portions and left and right end portions of the

vegetable compartment 31. Moreover, the vacuum thermal insulator 500A2 is

KPO-3516 formed by covering a core of glass fiber or other material with a resin bag on which

metal such as aluminum is vapor-deposited or with a resin bag covered with a metal

foil. A selvage that is an end portion of the bag remains after vacuum packaging, and the vacuum thermal insulator 500A is typically installed with the selvage folded.

Consequently, with the vacuum thermal insulator 500A2, heat transport in a metal

layer, or in other words, a heat bridge, is caused, andthe thermal insulation effect

tends to be lower at around the front and rear end portions and the left and right end

portions of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A2 than that at a center portion partly

because of an influence of the heat transport.

[0069]

Furthermore, in a case where air passage structural parts are provided close to

the rear surface section 50F of the box body 50, assembly is easier when the partition

53 where the vacuum thermal insulator 500A2 is embedded is attached after the air

passage structural parts are attached to the box body 50. However, in such a case, as the air passage structural parts and the partition 53 have to be joined, and the

partition 53 and left and right side walls of the box body 50 have to be joined, leakage

of cool air is possibly not completely blocked.

Consequently, a temperature is conceivably reduced at front, rear, left, and

right edges of the partition 53, and it is possible that moisture evaporating from

vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment 31 is locally condensed, or becomes

frost or is frozen depending on the degree of reduction.

[0070]

Consequently, as the refrigerator 1 is provided with the lid structure 430, it is

possible to contain moisture evaporating from vegetables stored in the first vegetable

compartment storage case 420A and the second vegetable compartment storage

case 420B as much as possible. Furthermore, as the refrigerator 1 is provided with

the lid structure 430, it is possible to maintain high humidity inside the first vegetable

compartment storage case 420A and the second vegetable compartment storage

case 420B, in addition to containing moisture. Consequently, the refrigerator 1 may

further prevent evaporation from vegetables stored in the first vegetable compartment

KPO-3516 storage case 420A and the second vegetable compartment storage case 420B, and

may prevent occurrence of a phenomenon that is inconvenient for users, such as dew

condensation or frosting on the partition 53 and other component.

Additionally, the air passage structural parts include parts forming the air outlet

passage 110 and the air return passage 140, and the air volume adjustment devices.

[0071]

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A3 is provided inside the door section 31A of

the vegetable compartment 31, and prevents heat transfer between the vegetable

compartment 31 and the outside of the refrigerator 1.

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A4 is provided inside the partition 54, and

prevents heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and the freezer

compartment 41. A rear end of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A4 is positioned

further rearward, by a length D2, than is a rear end of a bottom surface of the first

vegetable compartment storage case 420A housed in the vegetable compartment 31.

This configuration prevents a temperature inside the first vegetable compartment

storage case 420A from reaching a low temperature because of heat absorption from

the freezer compartment 41.

[0072]

As described above, with the refrigerator 1, the vacuum thermal insulator

500A2 is installed in the partition 53, and the vacuum thermal insulator 500A4 is

installed in the partition 54. This configuration prevents temperatures inside the first

vegetable compartment storage case 420A and the second vegetable compartment

storage case 420B in the vegetable compartment 31 from reaching a low temperature

because of heat absorption from the storage compartments in the refrigeration

temperature range that are positioned above and below the vegetable compartment

31.

[0073]

Next, a relationship between the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 and a part of

the air circulation path 80 will be described.

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is installed frontward of the front surface

KPO-3516 of the cooler 600. Furthermore, the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is fixed in such a manner that the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is tilted and has the lower end

positioned closer to the front surface section 50A of the box body 50 than is the upper

end positioned closer to the rear surface section 50F of the box body 50 than is the lower end. Moreover, the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 has a width greater than

the width of the cooler 600.

[0074]

Then, as shown in Fig. 5, the first air return passage 141 is formed sideward of

a right side surface of the cooler 600 and outside the vacuum thermal insulator 500A

in the width direction. Moreover, the third air return passage 242 and the fourth air

return passage 312 are formed further forward than is the first air return passage 141.

A left side surface of the cooler 600 forms a wall section to the vegetable

compartment 31, and a part of the left side surface is used as the fourth air return

passage 312.

[0075]

That is, with the refrigerator 1, the first air return passage 141 is formed outside

the width of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1, and thus, the vacuum thermal

insulator 500A1 that is formed as one rectangular plate-shaped part may be used.

When such a vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is used, opening a hole in and

chamfering of corners of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 are not necessary, and

also, a large number of parts are not necessary for the vacuum thermal insulator

500A1. Consequently, with the refrigerator 1, processing and manufacturing costs

may be prevented from increasing. Consequently, the refrigerator 1 is easily

assembled, and a manufacturing efficiency is increased.

[0076]

Moreover, the fifth air outlet passage 411 is formed in substantially parallel to a

tilt of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1, rearward of a rear surface of the vacuum

thermal insulator 500A1 and within a projection range of the vacuum thermal insulator

500A1 in the width direction. Furthermore, the fifth air return passage 412 is formed

rearward of a rear surface of the fifth air outlet passage 411. The fifth air outlet

KPO-3516 passage 411 and the fifth air return passage 412 are formed to have the same width. When the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the fifth air outlet passage 411 and

the fifth air return passage 412 are arranged overlapping each other. The fifth air return passage 412 is joined to the cooler compartment 27 in such a manner that air

flows in from a lower end of a front surface of the cooler 600 to a middle level of the

front surface. Additionally, the width of the fifth air outlet passage 411 and the width

of the fifth air return passage 412 do not have to be exactly the same.

[0077]

When the vacuum thermal insulator in the rear surface section of the vegetable

compartment of a typical refrigerator is vertically located, a position of a lower end

and a position of an upper end coincide with each other in the horizontal depth

direction of the box body. Consequently, neither an upper space nor a lower space

close to the rear surface section of the vegetable compartment can be increased, and

also, air passages have to be formed in such spaces, and only a complex air passage

structure has to be adopted. In contrast, with the refrigerator 1, as the vacuum

thermal insulator 500A1 is tilted, an upper space in the vegetable compartment 31, or

in other words, a capacity of the vegetable compartment 31, may be increased. That

is, with the refrigerator 1, a horizontal depth of an upper part of the vegetable

compartment 31 may be increased.

[0078]

The second vegetable compartment storage case 420B that is movable is

housed in such a part. As the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is tilted, a space at

an upper part in the vegetable compartment 31 may be increased. However, the first

vegetable compartment storage case 420A has to be shaped along the tilted location

of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A. That is, a storage capacity of the first

vegetable compartment storage case 420A may be increased, but a resulting shape

possibly reduces convenience of users. On the other hand, with the refrigerator 1, the first vegetable compartment storage case 420A and the second vegetable

compartment storage case 420B are arranged overlapping each other, and thus, a

capacity not effective for storage may be reduced, and also, more orderly

KPO-3516 arrangement suitable to food product size is enabled.

[0079]

Furthermore, as the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is tilted, a space located

toward the rear surface section 50F from the vegetable compartment 31 in the box

body 50 may be increased. Consequently, the fifth air outlet passage 411 and the

fifth air return passage 412 positioned toward the rear surface section 50F from the

vegetable compartment 31 may be linearly formed. Curving, and a change in air

passage areas, of the fifth air outlet passage 411 and the fifth air return passage 412

to the freezer compartment 41 where highest cooling performance is required may

therefore be reduced, and pressure loss may be reduced. Furthermore, the fifth air

return passage 412 may be formed in such a manner that air flows through from the

lower end to the middle level at the front surface of the cooler 600, and air may be

caused to flow into the front-surface leading edge of the cooler 600, and a heat

exchange efficiency of the cooler 600 may be increased.

[0080]

As described above, with the refrigerator 1, the vacuum thermal insulator

500A1 is tilted and has the lower end positioned closer to the front surface section

50A than is the upper end positioned closer to the rear surface section 50F than is the

lower end, and thus, the capacity of the vegetable compartment 31 may be increased.

[0081]

With the refrigerator 1, the rear end of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A4 is

positioned closer to the rear surface section 50F than is the rear end of the bottom

surface of the first vegetable compartment storage case 420A, and the rear end of the

vacuum thermal insulator 500A2 is positioned closer to the rear surface section 50F

than is an upper rear end of the second vegetable compartment storage case 420B.

Consequently, the refrigerator 1 may prevent the temperatures inside the first

vegetable compartment storage case 420A and the second vegetable compartment

storage case 420B from reaching a low temperature because of heat absorption from

the ice-making compartment 21, the versatile compartment 22, and the freezer

KPO-3516 compartment 41.

[0082] With the refrigerator 1, the fifth air outlet passage 411 and the fifth air return

passage 412 are formed overlapping each other in the front-back direction, and the

fifth air return passage 412 is formed to return air from the lower end to the middle

level at the front surface of the cooler 600.

Consequently, the refrigerator 1 may increase the heat exchange efficiency of

the cooler 600.

[0083]

The refrigerator 1 is provided with the lid structure 430 where the fin portion

430A is formed, the lid structure 430 covering the open top of the second vegetable

compartment storage case 420B.

Consequently, the refrigerator 1 may maintain high humidity inside the first

vegetable compartment storage case 420A and the second vegetable compartment

storage case 420B, in addition to containing moisture inside the vegetable

compartment 31.

[0084]

The ice-making compartment 21, the vegetable compartment 31, and the

freezer compartment 41 of the refrigerator 1 are arranged in order from top, and thus,

convenience of users may be increased while the thermal insulation effect is

maintained.

[0085]

Embodiment 2

Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross

section of a part of a refrigerator 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present

invention. The refrigerator 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention

will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 corresponds to Fig. 6 described in

Embodiment 1. In Fig. 8, flows of air are represented by arrows.

Additionally, in Embodiment 2, differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly

described, and the same parts as those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted with the

KPO-3516 same reference signs, and a description of the parts will be omitted.

[0086] In Embodiment 2, a structure of the fifth air outlet passage 411 is different from

that of the fifth air outlet passage 411 described in Embodiment 1. To be

distinguished from the fifth air outlet passage 411 in Embodiment 1, the fifth air outlet

passage in Embodiment 2 will be described as a fifth air outlet passage 411a, for the

sake of convenience. Other structures in Embodiment 2 are as described in

Embodiment 1. However, as shown in Fig. 8, a first freezer compartment storage

case 440A and a second freezer compartment storage case 440B are housed in the

freezer compartment 41.

[0087]

The second freezer compartment storage case 440B is located higher than the

first freezer compartment storage case 440A, and has a smaller capacity than does

the first freezer compartment storage case 440A. In a state where the second

freezer compartment storage case 440B is housed in the first freezer compartment

storage case 440A, and the door section 31A is closed, an open top end at a rear of

the second freezer compartment storage case 440B is positioned further forward than

is an open top end at a rear of the first freezer compartment storage case 440A.

Additionally, the number of storage cases housed in the freezer compartment 41 is

not particularly limited so long as at least the first freezer compartment storage case

440A and the second freezer compartment storage case 440B are housed.

[0088]

Similarly to the fifth air outlet passage 411 described in Embodiment 1, the fifth

air outlet passage 411a is used as a freezer compartment air outlet passage where

cool air to be blown into the freezer compartment 41 flows. The fifth air outlet

passage 411a is branched in the freezer compartment 41. One of the branched fifth

air outlet passage 411a will be referred to as a lower fifth air outlet passage 411a-1,

and the other of the branched fifth air outlet passage 411a will be referred to as an

upper fifth air outlet passage 411a-2.

[0089]

KPO-3516 The lower fifth air outlet passage 411a-1 is used as a freezer compartment air outlet passage where cool air to be blown into the first freezer compartment storage

case 440A of the freezer compartment 41 flows. An air outlet port, not shown, is formed in the lower fifth air outlet passage 411a-1. Cool air flowing through the lower

fifth air outlet passage 411a-1 is introduced into the first freezer compartment storage

case 440A of the freezer compartment 41 through the air outlet port. Additionally, the air outlet port of the lower fifth air outlet passage 411a-1 is desirably formed at a

position lower than an air outlet port of the upper fifth air outlet passage 411a-2, when

the refrigerator 1A is viewed from the front. Additionally, the number of air outlet

ports of the lower fifth air outlet passage 411a-1 is not particularly limited.

[0090] The upper fifth air outlet passage 411a-2 is used as a freezer compartment air

outlet passage where cool air to be blown into the second freezer compartment

storage case 440B of the freezer compartment 41 flows. An air outlet port, not

shown, is formed in the upper fifth air outlet passage 411a-2. Cool air flowing

through the upper fifth air outlet passage 411a-2 is introduced into the second freezer

compartment storage case 440B of the freezer compartment 41 through the air outlet

port. Additionally, the air outlet port of the upper fifth air outlet passage 411a-2 is

desirably formed at a position higher than the air outlet port of the lower fifth air outlet

passage 411a-1, when the refrigerator lAis viewed from the front. Additionally, the

number of air outlet ports of the upper fifth air outlet passage 411a-2 is not particularly

limited.

[0091]

Circulation of air in the freezer compartment 41 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the fifth air outlet passage

411, and is branched into the lower fifth air outlet passage 411a-1 and the upper fifth

air outlet passage 411a-2.

Cool air flowing through the lower fifth air outlet passage 411a-1 is introduced

into the freezer compartment 41 through the air outlet port formed in the lower fifth air

outlet passage 411a-1. Cool air introduced into the freezer compartment 41 is

KPO-3516 guided to the first freezer compartment storage case 440A, and cools food or other

item stored in the first freezer compartment storage case 440A. Cool air used at the freezer compartment 41 flows through the fifth air return passage 412 through a

return port, not shown, from the lower side on the drawing sheet to the upper side on

the drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 8, and is returned to the cooler 600.

[0092]

Cool air flowing through the upper fifth air outlet passage 411a-2 is introduced

into the freezer compartment 41 through the air outlet port formed in the upper fifth air

outlet passage 411a-2. Cool air introduced into the freezer compartment 41 is

guided to the second freezer compartment storage case 440B, and cools food or

other item stored in the second freezer compartment storage case 440B. Cool air

used at the freezer compartment 41 merges with cool air used at the first freezer

compartment storage case 440A for cooling, flows through the fifth air return passage

412 through a return port, not shown, from the lower side on the drawing sheet to the

upper side on the drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 8, and is returned to the cooler

600.

[0093]

As described above, with the refrigerator 1A, the fifth air outlet passage 411 is

branched into two in the width direction of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1, and is

further branched into two in a vertical direction, and thus, cool air may be effectively

introduced into the freezer compartment 41, and a cooling effect of the freezer

compartment 41 may be increased.

[0094]

Embodiment 3

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for describing the air circulation path 80 of a

refrigerator 1B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a

cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section along Z-Z in Fig. 9. Fig.

11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a flow of air in the refrigerator 1B.

The refrigerator 1B will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Additionally,

KPO-3516 flows of air are represented by arrows in Figs. 9 to 11. Additionally, Fig. 9 shows, as an example, a case where a chilled compartment is installed in the refrigerator

compartment 11.

Additionally, in Embodiment 3, differences from Embodiment 1 and

Embodiment 2 will be mainly described, and the same parts as those in Embodiment

1 and Embodiment 2 will be denoted with the same reference signs, and a description

of the parts will be omitted.

[0095] An air passage structure of the refrigerator 1B will be specifically described.

Similarly to the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1, the refrigerator 1B

includes the air outlet passage 110 and the air return passage 140.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 9, when the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the fifth

air outlet passage 411 is branched into two at a portion located toward the rear

surface section 50F from the vegetable compartment 31. One of the branched fifth

air outlet passage 411 will be referred to as a left-side fifth air outlet passage 411A,

and the other of the branched fifth air outlet passage 411 will be referred to as a right

side fifth air outlet passage 411B.

[0097]

A fifth air outlet port 421A is formed in the left-side fifth air outlet passage 411A.

Cool air flowing through the left-side fifth air outlet passage 411A is introduced into

the freezer compartment 41 through the fifth air outlet port 421A. When the

refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the fifth air outlet port 421A is positioned at an

upper left in the freezer compartment 41. Additionally, the number of fifth air outlet

ports 421A is not particularly limited.

[0098]

A fifth air outlet port 421B is formed in the right-side fifth air outlet passage

411B. Cool air flowing through the right-side fifth air outlet passage 411B is

introduced into the freezer compartment 41 through the fifth air outlet port 421B.

When the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the fifth air outlet port 421B is

KPO-3516 positioned at an upper right in the freezer compartment 41. The number of fifth air

outlet ports 421B is not particularly limited.

[0099] The first air return passage 141 is joined to the vegetable compartment 31

through an air discharge port 551. Consequently, air flowing through the first air

return passage 141 is introduced into the vegetable compartment 31 through the first

return port 131 and the air discharge port 551. Cool air that is introduced into the

vegetable compartment 31 is used to cool the vegetable compartment 31, and is then,

returned to the cooler 600 through the fourth air return passage 312.

When the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the third return port 232 is

positioned at a lower right in the versatile compartment 22.

When the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the fourth return port 331 is

positioned at a lower center in the vegetable compartment 31.

[0100]

The fifth air return passage 412 is formed to correspond to the number of

branches of the fifth air outlet passage 411. Furthermore, the fifth air return passage

412 is formed overlapping the fifth air outlet passage 411 in the front-back direction.

One of the branched parts of the fifth air return passage 412 will be referred to as a

left-side fifth air return passage 412A, and the other of the branched parts of the fifth

air return passage 412 will be referred to as a right-side fifth air return passage 412B.

[0101]

A fifth return port 431A is formed in the left-side fifth air return passage 412A.

When the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the fifth return port 431A is

positioned at an upper left in the freezer compartment 41. Moreover, the left-side

fifth air return passage 412A is joined to the cooler compartment 27 through a fifth

joining portion 451A. Consequently, air flowing through the left-side fifth air return

passage 412A is returned to the cooler 600 through the fifth return port 431A and the

fifth joining portion 451A.

[0102]

A fifth return port 431B is formed in the right-side fifth air return passage 412B.

KPO-3516 When the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the fifth return port 431B is

positioned at an upper right in the freezer compartment 41. Moreover, the right-side fifth air return passage 412B is joined to the cooler compartment 27 through a fifth

joining portion 451B. Consequently, air flowing through the right-side fifth air return

passage 412B is returned to the cooler 600 through the fifth return port 431B and the

fifth joining portion 451B.

[0103]

Flows of air around the cooler 600 will be described with reference to Figs. 9

and 11.

Circulation of air in the refrigerator compartment 11 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the first air outlet passage

111, from a lower side on the drawing sheet to an upper side on the drawing sheet,

side on the drawing sheet, and is introduced into the vegetable compartment 31

through the air discharge port 551.

[0104]

Circulation of air in the ice-making compartment 21 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the second air outlet

port 221a. Cool air used at the ice-making compartment 21 flows through the

side on the drawing sheet to the lower side on the drawing sheet, and is returned to

the cooler 600 through the second joining portion 251a.

[0105] Circulation of air in the versatile compartment 22 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the third air outlet passage

KPO-3516 212 after the volume of the cool air is adjusted by the third damper 202, and is

sheet to the lower side on the drawing sheet, and is returned to the cooler 600

through the third joining portion 252.

[0106]

Circulation of air in the vegetable compartment 31 will be described.

passage 312 through the fourth return port 331, from the lower side on the drawing

sheet to the upper side on the drawing sheet, and is returned to the cooler 600

through the fourth joining portion 351.

Additionally, cool air that is introduced into the vegetable compartment 31

through the refrigerator compartment 11 is also returned to the cooler 600 through the

fourth return port 331 and the fourth joining portion 351.

[0107]

The fourth return port 331 is positioned outside and lower than a forward

projection plane of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 that is one rectangular plate

shaped part, without overlapping the forward projection plane. Cool air that is blown

out from the fourth air outlet port 321 is circulated to be ejected from the fourth return

port 331 positioned at a lower center in the vegetable compartment 31, to be guided

to the cooler 600, and to be cooled by passing through the cooler 600 again.

[0108]

Circulation of air in the freezer compartment 41 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the fifth air outlet passage

411, and is branched into the left-side fifth air outlet passage 411A and the right-side

fifth air outlet passage 411B. Cool air branched into the left-side fifth air outlet

KPO-3516 passage 411A is introduced into the freezer compartment 41 through the fifth air outlet port 421A. Cool air branched into the right-side fifth air outlet passage 411B is introduced into the freezer compartment 41 through the fifth air outlet port 421B.

Cool air used at the freezer compartment 41 flows through the left-side fifth air return

passage 412A and the right-side fifth air return passage 412B through the fifth return

port 431A and the fifth return port 431B, from the lower side on the drawing sheet to

the upper side on the drawing sheet, and is returned to the cooler 600 through the

fifth joining portion 451A and the fifth joining portion 451B.

[0109]

Next, a description will be given of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A.

As in the case of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1, the refrigerator

compartment 11, the ice-making compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22,

the vegetable compartment 31, and the freezer compartment 41 of the refrigerator 1B

are arranged in order from top. That is, with the refrigerator 1B, storage

compartments in a cooling temperature range and storage compartments in a

refrigeration temperature range are alternately arranged.

[0110]

When the vacuum insulator 500A1 is viewed from a side, the vacuum thermal

insulator 500A1 is located with a longitudinal direction extending in a vertical

direction, and prevents heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and a

portion located toward the rear surface section 50F of the box body 50.

Furthermore, the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 has a width greater than the width

of the cooler 600.

[0111]

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A2 is provided inside the partition 53, and

prevents heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31, and the ice-making

compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22. A rear end of the vacuum

thermal insulator 500A2 is positioned further rearward than is a rear end of an open

top end of the second vegetable compartment storage case 420B housed in the

vegetable compartment 31. This configuration prevents a temperature inside the

KPO-3516 first vegetable compartment storage case 420A from reaching a low temperature

because of heat absorption from the freezer compartment 41.

[0112]

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A3 is provided inside the door section 31A of

the vegetable compartment 31, and prevents heat transfer between the vegetable

compartment 31 and the outside of the refrigerator 1B.

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A4 is provided inside the partition 53, and

prevents heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and the freezer

compartment 41. A rear end of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A4 is positioned further rearward, by a length D2, than is a rear end of a bottom surface of the first

vegetable compartment storage case 420A housed in the vegetable compartment 31.

the ice-making compartment 21 and the versatile compartment 22.

[0113]

Next, a relationship between the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 and a part of

the air circulation path 80 will be described.

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is installed frontward of the front surface

of the cooler 600. Furthermore, the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 has a width

greater than the width of the cooler 600. The refrigerator 1B may thus achieve a

high thermal insulation effect.

[0114]

Moreover, as shown in Fig. 9, the first air return passage 141 is formed

sideward of a right side surface of the cooler 600 and outside the vacuum thermal

insulator 500A in the width direction. A lower surface of the cooler 600 forms a wall

section to the vegetable compartment 31, and a part of the lower surface is used as

the fourth air return passage 312.

[0115] That is, with the refrigerator 1B, the first air return passage 141 is formed

outside the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 in the width direction, and thus, the

KPO-3516 vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 that is formed as one rectangular plate-shaped part may be used.

[0116] As described above, the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is vertically located,

and the cooler 600 is installed rearward of a rear surface of the vacuum thermal

insulator 500A1. Furthermore, with the refrigerator 1B, the fifth air outlet passage

411 and the fifth air return passage 412 are each branched, and the fourth return port

331 is formed between the branches. That is, when the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the fourth return port 331 is positioned between a set of the left-side

fifth air outlet passage 411A and the left-side fifth air return passage 412A and a set of

the right-side fifth air outlet passage 411B and the right-side fifth air return passage

412B. Consequently, with the refrigerator 1B, a space located toward the rear

surface section 50F from the vegetable compartment 31 is effectively used.

[0117]

When the vacuum thermal insulator in the rear surface section of the vegetable

and a position of an upper end coincide with each other in the horizontal depth

close to the rear surface section 50F from the vegetable compartment can be

increased, and also, air passages have to be formed in such spaces, and only a

complex air passage structure has to be adopted.

In contrast, with the refrigerator 1B, the fifth air outlet passage 411 and the fifth

air return passage 412 are each branched and the fourth return port 331 is formed

between the branches, while the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 is vertically located,

and thus, the air passage structure is not complicated, and a space located toward

the rear surface section 50F from the vegetable compartment 31 may be increased.

[0118]

The fourth air return passage 312 and the fifth air return passage 412 may be

formed to allow air to flow in from a lower end of the cooler 600, and air may be

caused to flow into the front-surface leading edge of the cooler 600, and the heat

KPO-3516 exchange efficiency of the cooler 600 may be increased.

[0119]

As described above, with the refrigerator 1B, the fifth air outlet passage 411

and the fifth air return passage 412 are provided behind the vacuum thermal insulator

500A1, and the fifth air outlet passage 411 and the fifth air return passage 412 are

formed overlapping each other in the front-back direction and each branched into two

in the width direction of the vacuum thermal insulator 500A1.

Consequently, with the refrigerator 1B, the air passage structure is not

complicated, and a simple air passage structure may be achieved.

[0120]

With the refrigerator 1B, when the fourth return port 331 is viewed from the

front, the fourth return port 331 is formed in the rear surface section 50F of the

vegetable compartment 31, between the set of the left-side fifth air outlet passage

411A and the left-side fifth air return passage 412A that are each branched, and the

set of the right-side fifth air outlet passage 411B and the right-side fifth air return

passage 412B that are correspondingly branched.

Consequently, with the refrigerator 1B, the air passage structure is not

complicated, and the space located toward the rear surface section 50F from the

vegetable compartment 31 may be effectively used.

[0121]

The vacuum thermal insulator 500A1 of the refrigerator 1B has a width greater

than the width of the cooler 600, and thus, a high thermal insulation effect may be

achieved.

[0122]

Embodiment 4

Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross

section of a part of a refrigerator 1C according to Embodiment 4 of the present

invention. The refrigerator 1C according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention

will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 corresponds to Fig. 10 described

KPO-3516 in Embodiment 3. In Fig. 12, flows of air are represented by arrows. Additionally, in Embodiment 4, differences from Embodiment 1 to Embodiment

3 will be mainly described, and the same parts as those in Embodiment 1 to

Embodiment 3 will be denoted with the same reference signs, and a description of the

parts will be omitted.

[0123]

In Embodiment 4, a structure of the fifth air outlet passage 411 is different from

that of the fifth air outlet passage 411 described in Embodiment 3. To be

distinguished from the fifth air outlet passage 411 in Embodiment 3, the fifth air outlet

passage in Embodiment 4 will be described as a fifth air outlet passage 411C, for the

sake of convenience. Other structures in Embodiment 4 are as described in

Embodiment 3. However, as shown in Fig. 12, the first freezer compartment storage

case 440A and the second freezer compartment storage case 440B are housed in the

freezer compartment 41.

[0124]

The second freezer compartment storage case 440B is located higher than the

the first freezer compartment storage case 440A. In a state where the second

storage case 440A, and the door section 31A is closed, the open top end at a rear of

the open top end at a rear of the first freezer compartment storage case 440A.

440A and the second freezer compartment storage case 440B are housed.

[0125]

air outlet passage 411C is used as a freezer compartment air outlet passage where

passage 411 is branched into the left-side fifth air outlet passage 411A and the right

KPO-3516 side fifth air outlet passage 411B. Moreover, with the refrigerator 1C, the left-side

fifth air outlet passage 411A and the right-side fifth air outlet passage 411B are each

further branched. Here, a description is given of an example where the fifth air outlet

passage 411C is the left-side fifth air outlet passage 411A.

[0126]

As shown in Fig. 12, the fifth air outlet passage 411C is branched inside the

freezer compartment 41. One of the branched part of the fifth air outlet passage

411C will be referred to as a lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-1, and the other of the

branched part of the fifth air outlet passage 411C will be referred to as an upper fifth

air outlet passage 411C-2.

[0127]

The lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-1 is used as a freezer compartment air

outlet passage where cool air to be blown into the first freezer compartment storage

case 440A of the freezer compartment 41 flows. An air outlet port, not shown, is

formed in the lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-1. Cool air flowing through the

lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-1 is introduced into the first freezer compartment

storage case 440A of the freezer compartment 41 through the air outlet port.

Additionally, the air outlet port of the lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-1 is desirably

formed at a position lower than an air outlet port of the upper fifth air outlet passage

411C-2, when the refrigerator 1C is viewed from the front. The number of air outlet

ports of the lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-1 is not particularly limited.

[0128]

The upper fifth air outlet passage 411C-2 is used as a freezer compartment air

outlet passage where cool air to be blown into the second freezer compartment

storage case 440B of the freezer compartment 41 flows. An air outlet port, not

shown, is formed in the upper fifth air outlet passage 411C-2. Cool air flowing

through the upper fifth air outlet passage 411C-2 is introduced into the second freezer

port. Additionally, the air outlet port of the upper fifth air outlet passage 411C-2 is

KPO-3516 passage 411C-1, when the refrigerator 1C is viewed from the front. Additionally, the number of air outlet ports of the upper fifth air outlet passage 411C-2 is not

particularly limited.

[0129]

Circulation of air in the freezer compartment 41 will be described.

Cool air generated by the cooler 600 flows through the fifth air outlet passage

411C, and is branched into the lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-1 and the upper

fifth air outlet passage 411C-2.

Cool air flowing through the lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-1 is introduced

outlet passage 411C-1. Cool air introduced into the freezer compartment 41 is

guided to the first freezer compartment storage case 440A, and cools food or other

item stored in the first freezer compartment storage case 440A. Cool air used at the

freezer compartment 41 flows through the fifth air return passage 412 through the fifth

return port 431A, from the lower side on the drawing sheet to the upper side on the

drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 8, and is returned to the cooler 600.

[0130]

Cool air flowing through the upper fifth air outlet passage 411C-2 is introduced

outlet passage 411C-2. Cool air introduced into the freezer compartment 41 is

guided to the second freezer compartment storage case 440B, and cools food or

other item stored in the second freezer compartment storage case 440B. Cool air

412 through the fifth return port 431A, from the lower side on the drawing sheet to the

upper side on the drawing sheet, as shown in Fig. 8, and is returned to the cooler 600.

[0131]

As described above, with the refrigerator 1C, the fifth air outlet passage 411 is

KPO-3516 further branched into two in the vertical direction, and thus, cool air may be effectively introduced into the freezer compartment 41, and the cooling effect of the freezer

compartment 41 may be increased.

[0132]

Embodiments of the present invention have been described in four

embodiments, but the embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

Reference Signs List

[0133] 1 refrigerator 1A refrigerator 1B refrigerator 1C refrigerator 11

refrigerator compartment 11A doorsection 21 ice-making compartment 21A

door section 22 versatile compartment 22A door section 27 cooler

compartment 31 vegetable compartment 31A door section 31B floor

surface 41 freezer compartment 41a door section 50 box body 50A front surface section 50B top surface section 50C bottom surface

section 50D right side surface section 50E left side surface section 50F

rear surface section 51 partition 51A partition 51B partition 52

partition 53 partition 53A partition 53B partition 54 partition

55 wall section 56 sheet metal 57 inner box 70 refrigerant circuit

71 compressor 72 air-cooled condenser 73 heat dissipation pipe74

dew condensation preventing pipe 75 drier 76 pressure reducing device 80

air circulation path 101 firstdamper 110 air outlet passage 111 first air outlet

passage 121 first air outlet port 131 first return port 140 air return

passage 141 first air return passage 151 first joining portion 201a second damper 201b sixth damper 202 third damper 211a second air outlet

passage 211b sixth air outlet passage 212 third air outlet passage 221a second air outlet port 221b sixth air outlet port 222 third air outlet port

231a second return port 232 third return port 241a second air

return passage 242 third air return passage 251a second joining portion

252 third joining portion 301 fourth damper 311 fourth air outlet

passage 312 fourth air return passage 321 fourth air outlet port 331

KPO-3516 fourth return port 351 fourth joining portion 411 fifth air outlet passage 411A left-side fifth air outlet passage 411B right-side fifth air outlet passage 411C fifth air outlet passage 411C-1 lower fifth air outlet passage 411C-2 upper fifth air outlet passage 411a fifth air outlet passage 411a-1 lower fifth

air outlet passage 411a-2 upper fifth air outlet passage 412 fifth air return

passage 412A left-side fifth air return passage 412B right-side fifth air return passage 420A first vegetable compartment storage case 420B second

vegetable compartment storage case 421 fifth air outlet port 421A fifth air outlet

port 421B fifth air outlet port 430 lid structure 430A fin portion 431 fifth

return port 431A fifth return port 431B fifth return port 440A first freezer

compartment storage case 440B second freezer compartment storage case

451 fifth joining portion 451A fifth joining portion 451B fifth joining

portion 500 thermal insulator 500A vacuum thermal insulator 500A1

vacuum thermal insulator500A2 vacuum thermal insulator 500A3 vacuum

thermal insulator 500A4 vacuum thermal insulator 551 air discharge port

600 cooler 700 heater750 drip heater 751 drip tray 800 fan

Claims

KPO-3516 CLAIMS

[Claim 1] A refrigerator, comprising:

a first storage compartment in a refrigeration temperature range;

a second storage compartment in a refrigeration temperature range;

a third storage compartment in a cooling temperature range, the third storage

compartment including wall sections that include a front surface section and a rear

surface section, and being located between the first storage compartment and the

second storage compartment; and

a vacuum thermal insulator provided in each of the wall sections partitioning off

the third storage compartment,

the vacuum thermal insulator provided in the rear surface section of the third

storage compartment being tilted and having a lower end positioned closer to the

front surface section than is an upper end positioned closer to the rear surface

section than is the lower end.
[Claim 2]

The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

a first storage case, and a second storage case that is located higher than the

first storage case are housed in the third storage compartment, the second storage

case having a smaller capacity than does the first storage case, and

in a state where a door section of the third storage compartment is closed,

a rear end of the vacuum thermal insulator provided in a bottom surface section

of the third storage compartment is positioned closer to the rear surface section than

is a rear end of a bottom surface section of the first storage case housed in the third

storage compartment, and

a rear end of the vacuum thermal insulator provided in an upper surface of the

third storage compartment is positioned closer to the rear surface section than is an

upper rear end of a second storage case housed in the third storage compartment.
[Claim 3]

The refrigerator of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

KPO-3516 a cooler provided rearward of a rear surface of the second storage

compartment; and

a first air passage and a second air passage formed rearward of a rear surface

of the vacuum thermal insulator provided in the rear surface section of the third

storage compartment, the first air passage being configured to introduce air from the

cooler into the second storage compartment, the second air passage being

configured to return air used at the second storage compartment to the cooler,

wherein

the first air passage and the second air passage are formed overlapping each

other in a front-back direction, and

the second air passage is configured to return air from a lower end of a front

surface of the cooler to a middle level of the front surface.
[Claim 4]

The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein a lid structure configured to cover an open

top of the second storage case is provided in the third storage compartment.
[Claim 5]

The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the lid structure includes a fin portion that is

positioned closer to a rear surface than is a rear surface side end portion of the

second storage case and that is bent downward.
[Claim 6]

The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the first air passage is branched into two in

a width direction of the vacuum thermal insulator provided in the rear surface section

of the third storage compartment, and is further branched into two in a vertical

direction.
[Claim 7]

The refrigerator of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein

the first storage compartment is an ice-making compartment,

the second storage compartment is a freezer compartment,

the third storage compartment is a vegetable compartment, and

the ice-making compartment, the vegetable compartment, and the freezer

KPO-3516 compartment are arranged in order from top.