HK40004175A

HK40004175A - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: HK40004175A
Application number: HK19127631.0A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 冈部诚
Original assignee: 三菱电机株式会社
Priority date: 2017-09-01
Filing date: 2019-08-02
Publication date: 2020-04-24

Description

Refrigerator with a door

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a refrigerator in which a vacuum heat insulator is disposed on each wall portion partitioning a storage chamber.

Background

In the conventional refrigerator, a refrigerating chamber, an ice-making chamber, a freezing chamber, and a vegetable chamber are arranged in this order from the top. With this arrangement, the vegetable room is disposed at the lowest position of the refrigerator. Therefore, the user needs to bend his knees to squat or bend his waist in order to take out the vegetables from the vegetable room.

Here, when the number of times of opening and closing the door or the opening time of the door in the vegetable room and the freezing room are compared, although there is a personal difference, the number of times of opening and closing the door of the vegetable room is large and the opening time of the door is also long. Therefore, it is expected that the positions of the vegetable room and the freezing room are changed, and the convenience of the refrigerator as a whole is improved by disposing the vegetable room above the freezing room.

First, however, a conventional refrigerator has a structure in which a plurality of chambers of a freezing temperature zone are integrated at one location in order to improve thermal efficiency.

Secondly, the conventional refrigerator has the following structure: even if a cooler is disposed on the rear surface of the freezer compartment and no special heat insulating material is provided between the freezer compartment and the cooler, defects such as condensation and frost formation are unlikely to occur.

In this regard, in order to improve user convenience, it is considered that the refrigerator is arranged in the order of the refrigerating chamber, the ice making chamber, the vegetable chamber, and the freezing chamber from the top. The refrigerator is alternately replaced and configured from the top: a storage compartment with a refrigerated temperature zone, i.e. the upper-zero temperature zone, and a storage compartment with a frozen temperature zone, i.e. the lower-zero temperature zone. Therefore, first, the refrigerator thus arranged has a lower thermal efficiency than the conventional refrigerator. In addition, in order to ensure necessary heat insulation performance, the thickness of the wall portion of each chamber is increased, and if the thickness is compared when the outer shape of the refrigerator is the same, the space in which food can be stored is reduced.

Secondly, since the cooler of the refrigerator having such an arrangement is disposed on the rear surface of the vegetable compartment, it is necessary to provide a wall portion for partitioning the vegetable compartment from the cooler with higher heat insulating performance than in the conventional case. In order to improve the heat insulating performance, the thickness of the wall portion may be increased. However, as described above, the food storage space is sacrificed. Therefore, conventionally, a molded article of styrofoam, which is excellent in workability and is convenient to mount, dismount, or transport, has been used as a heat insulating member. However, the use of a vacuum heat insulator having higher heat insulating performance as the heat insulating member can achieve both heat insulating performance and securing of a food storage space. High thermal insulation performance means a low thermal conductivity.

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2012 and 242072

When the vacuum heat insulator is disposed between the vegetable compartment and the cooler, an air passage for sending the air cooled by the cooler into the vegetable compartment is required. Claim 10 of patent document 1 describes "the vacuum heat insulator is provided on the front surface of the partition wall constituting the inner wall surface except for the inflow port and the outflow port". In this way, there is a method of covering all of the inflow port and the outflow port with the vacuum heat insulator. However, in this case, it is necessary to form a hole in the vacuum heat insulator, provide a slit in the vacuum heat insulator, or use a plurality of vacuum heat insulators. Thus resulting in increased manufacturing costs.

In addition, the air passage must be formed in a limited space, and the air passage structure becomes complicated.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a simplified air passage structure.

The refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a first storage chamber of a freezing temperature zone, which is provided with a front surface part and a back surface part; a second storage chamber of a freezing temperature zone, which is provided with a front surface part and a back surface part; a third storage chamber having a front surface portion and a rear surface portion and being disposed between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber; a cooler provided on the back side of the second storage chamber; a vacuum heat insulator including the front surface portion and the rear surface portion and provided in each wall portion that partitions the third storage chamber; a first air passage formed behind the vacuum heat insulator provided on the rear surface of the third storage chamber, for introducing air from the cooler into the second storage chamber; a second air passage formed behind the vacuum heat insulator provided on the rear surface of the third storage chamber, for returning air used in the second storage chamber to the cooler; and a third air passage for returning air used in the third storage compartment to the cooler through a return port, wherein the first air passage and the second air passage are formed to overlap each other in front and rear directions and are branched into two in a width direction of the vacuum heat insulator, the air flowing through the first air passage is blown out from a position below a lower end of the vacuum heat insulator, the air flowing through the second air passage is introduced from a position below the lower end of the vacuum heat insulator, and the return port is formed below the vacuum heat insulator.

Preferably, the return port is formed between the first and second branched air passages on a rear surface of the third storage chamber in a front view.

Preferably, the vacuum insulation provided at the rear surface side of the third storage chamber has a width larger than a width of the cooler.

Preferably, the first air passage branches into two branches along the width direction of the vacuum heat insulator, and then further branches into two branches upward and downward.

Preferably, the first storage room is an ice making room, the second storage room is a freezing room, and the third storage room is a vegetable room, and the ice making room, the vegetable room and the freezing room are arranged in the order from the top.

According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the first air passage and the second air passage are formed to overlap each other in the front-rear direction and are branched into two along the width direction of the vacuum heat insulator, and therefore, the air passage structure can be simplified without complicating the air passage structure.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an external perspective view schematically showing an example of a refrigerator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic front view schematically showing the layout of storage compartments of the refrigerator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a refrigerant circuit configuration diagram schematically showing an example of the refrigerant circuit configuration of the refrigerator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a wall portion of a refrigerator casing according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air circulation path of the refrigerator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the Z-Z section of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing the air flow in the refrigerator according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a partially enlarged and schematically illustrated sectional view of a refrigerator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining an air circulation path of a refrigerator according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the Y-Y section of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is an explanatory view schematically showing return of air to a cooler of a refrigerator according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged and simplified cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Description of reference numerals: 1 … refrigerator; 1a … refrigerator; 1B … refrigerator; 1C … refrigerator; 11 … a refrigerating chamber; 11a … door section; 21 … ice making chamber; 21a … door section; 22 … temperature switching chamber; 22a … door section; 27 … cooler chamber; 31 … vegetable room; 31a … door section; 31B … floor surface; 41 … freezing chamber; 41A … door section; 50 … a box body; 50a … front surface portion; 50B … upper surface portion; 50C … bottom surface portion; 50D … right side face; 50E … left side face; a 50F … back portion; 51 … partition; 51A … partition; 51B … partition; 52 … are separated; 53 … partition; 53A … partition; 53B … partition; 54 … is cut off; 55 … wall portion; 56 … sheet metal; 57 … inner box; 70 … refrigerant circuit; 71 … compressor; 72 … air-cooled condenser; 73 … heat dissipation tubes; 74 … dewing prevention pipe; 75 … drier; 76 … pressure relief device; 80 … air circulation path; 101 … first windshield; 110 … outlet air duct; 111 … first outlet air duct; 121 … a first blowout port; 131 … first return port; 140 … return air path; 141 … first return air passage; 151 … air outlet; 201a … second damper; 201b … sixth damper; 202 … third damper; 211a … second outlet air duct; 211b … sixth outlet air duct; 212 … third outlet air duct; 221a … second outlet; 221b … sixth outlet; 222 … a third outlet; 231a … second return port; 232 … third return port; 241a … second return air passage; 242 … third return air duct; 251a … second engaging portion; 252 … a third engagement portion; 301 … fourth windshield; 311 … fourth outlet air duct; 312 … fourth return air path; 321 … a fourth air outlet; 331 … fourth return port; 351 … fourth engagement portion; 411 … fifth outlet air duct; 411a … left fifth outlet air passage; the fifth outlet air passage 411B … on the right side; 411C … fifth outlet air duct; 411C-1 …, a lower fifth outlet duct; 411C-2 …, the fifth outlet duct on the upper stage; 411a … fifth outlet air duct; 411a to 1 …, a lower fifth outlet duct; 411a to 2 …, a fifth outlet air passage on the upper stage; 412 … fifth return air path; 412a … left fifth return air path; 412B … right side fifth return air passage; 420a … first vegetable compartment storage box; 420B … second vegetable compartment storage box; 421 … fifth outlet; a 421a … fifth outlet; a 421B … fifth outlet; 430 … cover construction; 430a … fin portions; 431 … fifth return port; 431a … fifth return port; 431B … fifth return port; 440a … first freezer storage box; 440B … second freezer storage box; 451 … fifth joint; 451A … fifth joint; 451B … fifth joint; 500 … insulation; 500a … vacuum insulation; 500a1 … vacuum insulation; 500a2 … vacuum insulation; 500a3 … vacuum insulation; 500a4 … vacuum insulation; 551 … first engaging part; 600 … cooler; 700 … heater; 750 … drip water heater; 751 … drip tray; 800 … blower.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Note that, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components, and this is common throughout the specification.

Note that the form of the constituent elements shown throughout the specification is merely an example, and is not limited to the above description.

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 the arrangement of the storage compartments of the refrigerator 1. The structure of the refrigerator 1 is explained based on fig. 1 and 2. In the following description, refrigerating room 11, ice-making room 21, temperature switching room 22, vegetable room 31, and freezing room 41 may be collectively referred to as storage rooms.

As shown in fig. 2, the refrigerator 1 is arranged in the order of the refrigerating chamber 11, the ice making chamber 21, and the temperature switching chamber 22, the vegetable chamber 31, and the freezing chamber 41 from the top. The ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22 are disposed in an adjacent manner, the ice making compartment 21 being located on the left side of the sheet, and the temperature switching compartment 22 being located on the right side of the sheet.

The ice making chamber 21 and the temperature switching chamber 22 are storage chambers of a freezing temperature zone. The vegetable compartment 31 is a storage compartment of a refrigerated temperature zone. The freezing chamber 41 is a storage chamber of a freezing temperature zone.

The ice making chamber 21 corresponds to the first storage compartment of the present invention.

The freezing chamber 41 corresponds to a second storage chamber of the present invention.

The vegetable compartment 31 corresponds to a third storage compartment of the present invention.

The refrigerating compartment 11, the ice making compartment 21, the temperature switching compartment 22, the vegetable compartment 31, and the freezing compartment 41 are partitioned by partitions serving as wall portions. The wall portion is described with reference to fig. 4.

The refrigerating compartment 11 and the ice making compartment 21 are partitioned by a partition 51A. The refrigerating compartment 11 and the temperature switching compartment 22 are partitioned by a partition 51B. The ice making chamber 21 and the temperature switching chamber 22 are partitioned by a partition 52 formed of 1 plate-like member. The ice making compartment 21 and the vegetable compartment 31 are partitioned by a partition 53A. The temperature switching chamber 22 and the vegetable chamber 31 are partitioned by a partition 53B. The vegetable compartment 31 and the freezing compartment 41 are partitioned by a partition 54 formed by 1 plate-like member.

The partition 51A and the partition 51B are formed of 1 plate-like member, but for convenience, they will be separately described corresponding to the ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22. In the following description, when it is not necessary to describe the partition wall 51A and the partition wall 51B separately, they are collectively referred to as the partition wall 51.

Similarly, the partition 53A and the partition 53B are also formed of 1 plate-like member, but for convenience, they will be separately described in correspondence with the ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22. In the following description, when it is not necessary to describe the partition 53A and the partition 53B separately, they are collectively referred to as the partition 53.

The refrigerator 1 includes a cabinet 50 formed of a rectangular parallelepiped and long in the longitudinal direction. The case 50 has: front surface 50A, upper surface 50B, bottom surface 50C, right side surface 50D, left side surface 50E, and back surface 50F. The casing 50 has storage compartments each defined by a partition 51A, a partition 51B, a partition 52, a partition 53A, a partition 53B, and a partition 54, which partition the internal space of the casing 50. An openable/closable door portion is provided on the front surface portion 50A, which is the front surface of the case 50. As shown in fig. 1, the door of the refrigerating compartment 11 is a door 11A, the door of the ice-making compartment 21 is a door 21A, the door of the temperature switching compartment 22 is a door 22A, the door of the vegetable compartment 31 is a door 31A, and the door of the freezing compartment 41 is a door 41A.

The door 11A of the refrigerating compartment 11 is configured to: the box 50 is opened from the center portion to the left and right sides via hinges, not shown, provided on the left and right sides in the width direction. The number of the door portions 11A may be 1, and the door portions may be opened from the left and right sides in the width direction of the case 50. The door 21A of the ice making compartment 21 is configured as a sliding door that moves in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1. The door portion 22A of the temperature switching chamber 22 is configured as a sliding door that moves in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1. The door portion 31A of the vegetable compartment 31 is configured as a sliding door that moves in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1. The door portion 41A of the freezing chamber 41 is configured as a sliding door that moves in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1.

Fig. 3 is a refrigerant circuit configuration diagram schematically showing an example of the refrigerant circuit configuration of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerant circuit 70 and the air circulation path 80 of the refrigerator 1 will be briefly described with reference to fig. 3. In fig. 3, the flow of the refrigerant and the air is indicated by arrows. In fig. 3, each storage chamber is illustrated for explaining the air circulation path 80. The refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit 70 is not particularly limited.

The configuration of the refrigerant circuit 70 will be described.

The refrigerator 1 has a 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 radiation pipe 73, a pressure reducing device 76, and a cooler 600 by pipes. A condensation prevention pipe 74 and a dryer 75 are connected between the heat radiation pipe 73 and the pressure reducing device 76. Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a state in which a blower 800 for supplying air is provided in the cooler 600.

The operation of the refrigerant circuit 70 will be described.

The compressor 71 is driven, and thereby the refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 71. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 71 flows into an air-cooled condenser 72 provided in a machine room formed in the casing 50. The refrigerant flowing out of the air-cooled condenser 72 flows through a heat radiation pipe 73 provided in the interior of polyurethane of the cabinet 50 of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerant having passed through the heat pipe 73 flows through the dew condensation prevention pipe 74, and the dew condensation prevention pipe 74 extends around the front surface portion 50A of the storage chamber of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerant is condensed through a condensation process based on the air-cooled condenser 72, the radiating pipe 73, and the dewing prevention pipe 74.

The condensed refrigerant passes through the dryer 75 and is then supplied to the cooler 600 through the pressure reducer 76. The cooler 600 generates cold air by heat exchange with air forcibly circulated inside by the blower 800 by evaporation of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler 600. The generated cold air is supplied to each storage chamber to cool each storage chamber. Thereafter, the refrigerant passes through the suction pipe, undergoes heat exchange with the pressure reducing device 76, rises in temperature, and returns to the compressor 71.

As described above, the refrigerator 1 includes the refrigerant circuit 70, and generates cold air for cooling each storage chamber.

The structure of the air circulation path 80 will be described.

The refrigerator 1 has an air circulation path 80. Air circulation path 80 includes a blow-out air duct 110 and a return air duct 140. The outlet duct 110 is a duct for introducing cool air into each storage chamber. Return air duct 140 is an air duct for guiding cool air used for cooling in each storage room to cooler 600. That is, air circulation path 80 is a path through which the cold air circulates through outlet air duct 110 and return air duct 140 to cooler 600 and the respective storage compartments.

An air volume adjusting device is provided at the inlet of the outlet duct 110. The air volume adjusting device provided at the inlet of the refrigerating compartment 11 is a first damper 101. The air volume adjusting device provided at the inlet of the ice making chamber 21 is a second damper 201 a. The air volume adjusting device provided at the inlet of temperature switching chamber 22 is third damper 202. The air volume adjusting device provided at the inlet of the vegetable compartment 31 is a fourth damper 301.

The function of the air circulation path 80 will be described.

The blower 800 is driven to supply the air of the refrigerator 1 to the cooler 600. The air forcibly circulated by the blower 800 exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the cooler 600 to be cooled. The cold air generated by the heat exchange in cooler 600 flows through outlet air duct 110, and is blown out to each storage compartment in refrigerator 1 to cool each storage compartment.

The air circulating through each storage chamber and cooler 600 maintains each storage chamber at an appropriate temperature by operating each air volume adjusting device by a control device, not shown, based on the air temperature in the storage chamber or the temperature of the stored food detected by a temperature sensor, not shown, provided in each storage chamber. The air used for cooling in each storage compartment flows through return air duct 140 and returns to cooler 600.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view schematically showing a part of a wall portion 55 of the casing 50 of the refrigerator 1. A wall portion 55 of the cabinet 50 of the refrigerator 1 is explained based on fig. 4.

As shown in fig. 4, the wall portion 55 of the box 50 of the refrigerator 1 includes: the metal plate 56 constituting the outer contour, the inner box 57 constituting the inner wall of each storage chamber, and the heat insulator 500 provided between the metal plate 56 and the inner box 57 suppress the heat from the outside. Wall portion 55 constitutes partition 51A, partition 51B, partition 52, partition 53A, partition 53B, and partition 54.

It is preferable to use a member made of a multilayer structure of a vacuum heat insulator and a urethane foam material as the heat insulator 500 at least in the wall portion 55 constituting the right side surface portion 50D and the left side surface portion 50E of the refrigerator 1. By using a member having a multilayer structure of a vacuum heat insulator and a urethane foam material as the heat insulator 500, the heat insulating performance can be improved.

The vacuum heat insulator may be mounted not only on the wall portions 55 constituting the right side portion 50D and the left side portion 50E of the refrigerator 1 but also on at least one of the wall portions 55 constituting the upper surface portion 50B, the bottom surface portion 50C, and the back surface portion 50F of the refrigerator 1. The heat insulating performance can be further improved by mounting the vacuum heat insulator. Further, by mounting the vacuum heat insulator, the distance between the outer contour of the refrigerator 1 and the inner wall surface of the inner box 57, that is, the heat insulation thickness can be reduced, and the internal volume can be increased.

In the heat insulator 500, various internal components such as a reinforcing member for correcting deformation of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerant circuit component, and the electric wiring component are disposed in a space in which the urethane foam material is sealed, and these internal components are fixed by the urethane foam material.

The covering area of the vacuum heat insulator disposed in the heat insulator 500 is secured to 40% or more of the entire outer surface area including the door surface area of each storage chamber. The polyurethane foam material sealed around the vacuum heat insulation material ensures a foam density of 60kg/cm³The flexural modulus is secured to 15.0MPa or more. This ensures the strength of the cabinet 50 of the refrigerator 1.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining an air circulation path 80 of the refrigerator 1. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the Z-Z section of fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing the air flow of the refrigerator 1. The air circulation path 80 of the refrigerator 1 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 5 to 7. In fig. 5 to 7, the flow of air is indicated by arrows. Fig. 5 illustrates an example in which a fresh-ice compartment is provided in the refrigerating compartment 11.

First, the configuration of the cooler 600 is explained.

As shown in fig. 6, a cooler chamber 27 is formed on the rear surface 50F side of the ice making chamber 21, the temperature switching chamber 22, and the vegetable chamber 31 of the box 50 of the refrigerator 1. A cooler 600 is disposed in the cooler chamber 27.

Further, a heater 700 is provided below the cooler 600. The heater 700 is provided to prevent the fifth return air passage 412 from being clogged with frost, and the heater 700 is energized to generate heat as necessary.

The drip heater, not shown, may be provided on the drip tray, not shown. A drip tray for receiving the dissolved water during defrosting is provided below the cooler chamber 27. In order to prevent the dissolved water received by the drip tray from being frozen again, a drip heater may be provided to the drip tray and heat may be generated as necessary. The drip heater is not necessarily required, and the heater 700 may also be used as a drip heater.

Next, the vegetable compartment 31 and the periphery of the vegetable compartment 31 will be described.

As shown in fig. 6, the vegetable compartment 31 accommodates a first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and a second vegetable compartment storage box 420B. The second vegetable compartment storage box 420B is disposed above the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A, and has a smaller volume than the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A.

The number of storage boxes stored in vegetable compartment 31 is not particularly limited, but at least first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and second vegetable compartment storage box 420B may be stored therein.

As shown in fig. 6, a cover structure 430 covering substantially the entire upper open surface of second vegetable compartment storage box 420B is provided near the upper surface of vegetable compartment 31. Lid structure 430 includes fin 430A, and fin 430A is formed by bending downward a portion located on the back side of the rear end of second vegetable compartment storage box 420B. The fin 430A is formed by bending a part of the cover structure 430 at an acute angle.

As shown in fig. 6, vacuum heat insulators 500a1, 500a2, 500A3, and 500a4 are disposed in front of, rear of, and above and below vegetable compartment 31 so as to surround the front, rear, and above and below vegetable compartment 31 as a part of heat insulator 500. Hereinafter, the vacuum heat insulator 500A may be referred to as a vacuum heat insulator 500A without particularly distinguishing each vacuum heat insulator disposed so as to surround the vegetable compartment 31. Vacuum heat insulators 500A are also disposed on the left and right sides of vegetable compartment 31 as a part of heat insulator 500, but are omitted in fig. 6.

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

As described above, refrigerator 1 includes outlet air duct 110 and return air duct 140.

The outlet air passage 110 includes: the first outlet flow path 111, the second outlet flow path 211a, the third outlet flow path 212, the fourth outlet flow path 311, the fifth outlet flow path 411, and the sixth outlet flow path 211 b.

The return air passage 140 includes: the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth return air passages 141, 241a, 242, 312, and 412.

The outlet air passages and the return air passages described below are formed in the space on the back side of the storage compartments, that is, on the back surface portion 50F side, and the outlet ports and the return ports are formed in the back surface portion 50F of the storage compartments.

The first outlet duct 111 functions as a refrigerating compartment outlet air duct through which cold air to be blown into the refrigerating compartment 11 flows. A first damper 101 as one of the air volume adjusting devices is provided at a cold air inlet of the first blowing duct 111. In a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the first damper 101 is located below the refrigerating compartment 11. The operation of the first windshield 101 is controlled by the control device as described above. This adjusts the amount of cold air blown into the refrigerator compartment 11.

In addition, a first outlet 121 is formed in the first blowing duct 111. The cold air flowing through the first blowing duct 111 is introduced into the refrigerator compartment 11 through the first blowing port 121. The plurality of first blowout ports 121 are configured to: arranged in the height direction of the refrigerating chamber 11 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The number of the first blowout ports 121 is not particularly limited, but a plurality of the first blowout ports may be provided according to the volume of the refrigerating compartment 11.

The second outlet air passage 211a functions as an ice compartment outlet air passage through which the cold air blown out to the ice compartment 21 flows. A second damper 201a, which is one of the air volume adjusting devices, is provided at the cold air inlet of the second outlet air duct 211 a. The second damper 201a is located at a middle section of the ice making compartment 21 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The second damper 201a is controlled by the control device to operate as described above. This adjusts the amount of cold air blown into the ice making chamber 21.

In addition, a second outlet 221a is formed in the second outlet air passage 211 a. The cold air flowing through the second outlet air passage 211a is guided to the ice compartment 21 through the second outlet 221 a. The second air outlet 221a is located on the upper left side of the ice making chamber 21 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The number of the second air outlets 221a is not particularly limited.

The third outlet airflow passage 212 functions as a temperature switching chamber outlet airflow passage through which the cold air blown out into the temperature switching chamber 22 flows. A third damper 202, which is one of the air volume adjusting devices, is provided at the cold air inlet of the third outlet air duct 212. The third damper 202 is located in the middle of the temperature switching chamber 22 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. Third damper 202 is controlled by the control device to operate as described above. Thereby adjusting the amount of cold air blown into the temperature switching chamber 22.

Further, a third outlet 222 is formed in the third outlet air passage 212. The cold air flowing through third outlet airflow path 212 is introduced into temperature change room 22 through third outlet 222. The third air outlet 222 is located in the upper center portion of the temperature switching chamber 22 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The number of the third air outlets 222 is not particularly limited.

The fourth outlet airflow passage 311 functions as a vegetable compartment outlet airflow passage through which cold air blown into the vegetable compartment 31 flows. A fourth damper 301 as one of the air volume adjusting devices is provided at the cold air inlet of the fourth outlet air duct 311. The fourth damper 301 is located in the middle of the temperature switching chamber 22 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The fourth damper 301 is controlled by the control device to operate as described above. Thereby adjusting the amount of cold air blown into the vegetable compartment 31.

Further, a fourth outlet 321 is formed in the fourth outlet air passage 311. The cold air flowing through fourth outlet air duct 311 is introduced into vegetable compartment 31 through fourth outlet 321. The fourth air outlet 321 is located on the upper right side of the vegetable room 31 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The number of the fourth air outlets 321 is not particularly limited.

Fifth outlet duct 411 functions as a freezer compartment outlet duct through which cold air blown into freezer compartment 41 flows. The fifth outlet duct 411 and the fifth return duct 412 are formed so as to overlap each other in front and rear. In the state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the side, the fifth outlet air duct 411 is located on the front surface side, and the fifth return air duct 412 is located on the rear surface portion 50F side. As shown in fig. 5, the fifth outlet air duct 411 branches into two branches on the rear surface portion 50F side of the vegetable compartment 31 in the state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The branched fifth outlet duct 411 is referred to as a left fifth outlet duct 411A, and the branched fifth outlet duct 411 is referred to as a right fifth outlet duct 411B.

The fifth outlet air duct 411 corresponds to the first air duct of the present invention.

A fifth outlet 421A is formed in the left fifth outlet air passage 411A. The cold air flowing through fifth outlet air duct 411A on the left side is introduced into freezer compartment 41 through fifth outlet 421A. The fifth air outlet 421A is located on the left side of the upper stage of the freezing chamber 41 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The number of the fifth outlets 421A is not particularly limited.

A fifth outlet 421B is formed in the right fifth outlet air passage 411B. The cold air flowing through fifth right outlet air duct 411B is introduced into freezer compartment 41 through fifth outlet 421B. The fifth air outlet 421B is located on the upper right side of the freezing chamber 41 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The number of the fifth outlets 421B is not particularly limited.

The sixth outlet air flow path 211b functions as a fresh air compartment outlet air flow path through which cold air to be blown out to a fresh air compartment, not shown, flows. A sixth damper 201b, which is one of the air volume adjusting devices, is provided at the cold air inlet of the sixth outlet duct 211 b. The sixth damper 201b is located at the middle of the ice making compartment 21 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The sixth damper 201b is controlled by the control device to operate as described above. Thereby adjusting the amount of cold air blown out into the fresh air compartment.

In addition, a sixth outlet 221b is formed in the sixth outlet air passage 211 b. The cold air flowing through the sixth discharge air passage 211b is introduced into the fresh air compartment through the sixth discharge port 221 b. The sixth air outlet 221b is located in the lower center portion of the refrigerating compartment 11 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. In addition, when the fresh air compartment is not provided, the sixth outlet air duct 211b and the sixth damper 201b do not need to be provided. The number of sixth air outlets 221b is not particularly limited.

The first return air duct 141 functions as a refrigerating compartment return air duct through which air for cooling in the refrigerating compartment 11 flows. The first return passage 141 is provided with a first return port 131. The first return port 131 is located at the lower right side of the refrigerating chamber 11 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. Further, first return air path 141 is connected to vegetable compartment 31 via air outlet 151. Therefore, the air flowing through the first return air passage 141 is introduced into the vegetable compartment 31 through the first return port 131 and the air outlet 151. The cold air introduced into vegetable compartment 31 is used to cool vegetable compartment 31, and then returns to cooler 600 through fourth return air duct 312.

The second return air passage 241a functions as a fresh air compartment return air passage through which air for cooling in the ice making compartment 21 flows. A second return port 231a is formed in the second return air passage 241 a. The second return port 231a is located at the lower left side of the ice making chamber 21 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The second return air passage 241a is joined to the cooler compartment 27 via the second joint 251 a. Therefore, the air flowing through the second return air passage 241a returns to the cooler 600 through the second return port 231a and the second joint 251 a.

The third return air passage 242 functions as a temperature switching chamber return air passage through which air for cooling in the temperature switching chamber 22 flows. The third return passage 242 has a third return port 232 formed therein. The third return port 232 is located on the lower right side of the temperature switching chamber 22 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The third return air passage 242 is joined to the cooler compartment 27 via a third joint 252. Therefore, the air flowing through the third return air passage 242 returns to the cooler 600 through the third return port 232 and the third joint 252.

Fourth return air passage 312 functions as a vegetable compartment return air passage through which air for cooling vegetable compartment 31 flows. A fourth return port 331 is formed in the fourth return air passage 312. The fourth return port 331 is located at a lower center portion of the vegetable compartment 31 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. In addition, the fourth return air passage 312 is joined to the cooler chamber 27 via a fourth joint 351. Therefore, the air flowing through fourth return air passage 312 returns to cooler 600 through fourth return port 331 and fourth joint 351.

The fourth return air passage 312 corresponds to a third air passage of the present invention.

The fourth return port 331 corresponds to a return port of the present invention.

Fifth return air duct 412 functions as a freezer compartment return air duct through which air for cooling in freezer compartment 41 flows. The fifth return air passage 412 is configured to correspond to the number of branches of the fifth outlet air passage 411. The fifth return air passage 412 and the fifth outlet air passage 411 are formed so as to overlap each other in the front-rear direction. The branched one fifth return air passage 412 is referred to as a left fifth return air passage 412A, and the branched other fifth return air passage 412 is referred to as a right fifth return air passage 412B.

The fifth return air passage 412 corresponds to the second air passage of the present invention.

A fifth return port 431A is formed in the left fifth return air passage 412A. The fifth return port 431A is located on the upper left side of the freezing chamber 41 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The left fifth return air passage 412A is joined to the cooler compartment 27 via a fifth joint 451A. Therefore, the air flowing through the left fifth return air passage 412A is returned to the cooler 600 through the fifth return port 431A and the fifth joint 451A.

A fifth return port 431B is formed in the right fifth return air passage 412B. The fifth return port 431B is located on the upper right side of the freezing chamber 41 in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The right fifth return air passage 412B is joined to the cooler compartment 27 via a fifth joint 451B. Therefore, the air flowing through the right fifth return air passage 412B is returned to the cooler 600 through the fifth return port 431B and the fifth joint 451B.

The air flow around the cooler 600 will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 7.

The circulation of the air of the refrigerating chamber 11 is explained.

The cool air generated in cooler 600 has its air volume adjusted by first damper 101, flows from the lower side of the paper surface toward the upper side of the paper surface through first air blowing passage 111, and is introduced into refrigerating room 11 through first air outlet 121. The cold air used in the refrigerator compartment 11 flows from the upper side of the drawing to the lower side of the drawing in the first return air passage 141 through the first return port 131, and is introduced into the vegetable compartment 31 through the air outlet 151.

Circulation of air of the ice making chamber 21 will be described.

The cool air generated in the cooler 600 is adjusted in air volume by the second damper 201a, flows through the second outlet air duct 211a, and is guided to the ice making compartment 21 through the second outlet 221 a. The cold air used in the ice making compartment 21 flows from the upper side of the paper surface toward the lower side of the paper surface in the second return air passage 241a through the second return port 231a, and returns to the cooler 600 through the second joint 251 a.

The circulation of the air of the temperature switching chamber 22 is explained.

The cool air generated in cooler 600 has its air volume adjusted by third damper 202, flows through third outlet airflow path 212, and is introduced into temperature change chamber 22 through third outlet 222. The cold air used in temperature switching compartment 22 flows from the upper side of the paper surface toward the lower side of the paper surface in third return air passage 242 through third return port 232, and returns to cooler 600 through third joint 252.

The circulation of the air of the vegetable room 31 will be described.

The cool air generated in cooler 600 is adjusted in air volume by fourth damper 301, flows through fourth outlet air duct 311, and is introduced into vegetable compartment 31 through fourth outlet 321. The cold air used in vegetable compartment 31 flows from the lower side of the paper surface toward the upper side of the paper surface in fourth return air passage 312 through fourth return port 331, and returns to cooler 600 through fourth junction 351.

The cold air introduced into vegetable compartment 31 through refrigerator compartment 11 is also returned to cooler 600 through fourth return port 331 and fourth joining portion 351.

The fourth return port 331 is not superimposed on the front projection surface of the 1 rectangular plate-shaped vacuum heat insulator 500a1, but is positioned below and outside the front projection surface. The cold air blown out from the fourth air outlet 321 circulates in the following manner: is discharged from the fourth return port 331 located at the lower center portion of the vegetable compartment 31, is guided to the cooler 600, and is cooled again by the cooler 60.

The circulation of the air of the freezing chamber 41 is explained.

The cold air generated in cooler 600 flows through fifth outlet duct 411, and is branched into fifth left outlet duct 411A and fifth right outlet duct 411B. The cold air branched off to the left fifth outlet air duct 411A is introduced into the freezer compartment 41 through the fifth outlet 421A. The cold air branched off to the fifth right outlet air duct 411B is introduced into the freezer compartment 41 through the fifth outlet 421B. The cold air used in freezer compartment 41 flows from the lower side of the paper surface toward the upper side of the paper surface in left fifth return air passage 412A and right fifth return air passage 412B through fifth return port 431A and fifth return port 431B, and returns to cooler 600 through fifth joint 451A and fifth joint 451B.

Next, the vacuum heat insulator 500A will be explained.

As shown in fig. 2, the refrigerator 1 is arranged in the order of the refrigerating chamber 11, the ice making chamber 21, and the temperature switching chamber 22, the vegetable chamber 31, and the freezing chamber 41 from the top. That is, the refrigerator 1 alternately replaces the storage room in which the refrigerating temperature zone and the storage room in which the freezing temperature zone are arranged from above.

A bottom surface portion of the refrigerating compartment 11, in other words, upper surface portions of the ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22 become a partition 51 which is one of the wall portions 55. An upper surface portion of the vegetable compartment 31, in other words, a bottom surface portion of the ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22 serves as a partition 53 which is one of the wall portions 55. A bottom surface portion of vegetable compartment 31 and an upper surface portion of freezing compartment 41 form a partition 54 as one of wall portions 55. Further, a vacuum heat insulator 500A is provided inside each partition to suppress heat transfer.

The vacuum heat insulator 500A disposed around the vegetable compartment 31 will be described with reference to fig. 6. As described above, in the refrigerator 1, the vacuum heat insulator 500A is disposed so as to surround the front, rear, upper, and lower portions of the vegetable compartment 31. The vacuum heat insulator 500A disposed on the front surface side of the cooler 600, that is, on the back surface side of the vegetable compartment 31 is referred to as a vacuum heat insulator 500A 1. The vacuum heat insulator 500A disposed on the upper surface side of the vegetable compartment 31 is referred to as a vacuum heat insulator 500A 2. The vacuum heat insulator 500A disposed on the front surface side of the vegetable compartment 31 is referred to as a vacuum heat insulator 500A 3. The vacuum heat insulator 500A disposed on the bottom surface side of the vegetable compartment 31 is referred to as a vacuum heat insulator 500A 4.

The vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction thereof extends in the vertical direction in a side view, thereby suppressing heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and the rear surface portion 50F side of the box 50. The vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is configured to have a width larger than the width of the cooler 600.

The vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is provided inside the partition 53, and suppresses heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and the ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22. The rear end of the vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is located rearward of the rear end of the upper open end of the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B stored in the vegetable compartment 31. In this way, the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A is suppressed from becoming low in temperature due to heat absorption from the freezing compartment 41.

However, although the vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is provided, it is difficult to cover the entire vegetable compartment 31 by extending the vacuum heat insulator 500a2 over the width and depth of the vegetable compartment 31. Therefore, the amount of heat absorbed from the storage chamber in the freezing temperature zone increases around the front and rear end portions and the left and right end portions of the vegetable compartment 31. The vacuum heat insulator 500a2 has a structure in which a core material made of glass fiber or the like is wrapped with a resin bag vapor-deposited with a metal such as aluminum or a resin bag laminated with a metal foil. The vacuum insulation 500A leaves ears as the ends of the bag after vacuum packaging, which is typically arranged folded. Therefore, the vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is also affected by the heat transfer of the metal layer, that is, the heat bridge, and the heat insulating effect tends to be inferior to that of the center portion in the peripheries of the front and rear end portions and the left and right end portions of the vacuum heat insulator 500a 2.

Further, when the air path component is provided on the rear surface portion 50F side of the case 50, the partition 53 incorporating the vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is attached after the air path component is attached to the case 50, which facilitates assembly. However, in this case, the air path constituting member must be joined to the partition 53 and the partition 53 must be joined to the left and right side walls of the case 50, or the leakage of the cold air may not be completely blocked.

Therefore, even if the front, rear, left, and right ends of the partition 53 are at a low temperature, moisture evaporated from the vegetables stored in the vegetable compartment 31 may locally condense, or frost or ice may form depending on the degree of condensation.

Therefore, in the refrigerator 1, by providing the cover structure 430, moisture evaporated from vegetables stored in the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B can be sealed as much as possible. Further, in refrigerator 1, by providing cover structure 430, not only moisture can be sealed, but also the interiors of first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and second vegetable compartment storage box 420B can be kept at high humidity. Therefore, according to refrigerator 1, it is possible to further suppress evaporation of moisture from vegetables stored in first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and second vegetable compartment storage box 420B, and it is possible to suppress occurrence of a phenomenon that is disadvantageous to a user, such as condensation or frost formation on partition 53.

The duct constituting members include spare parts forming the outlet duct 110 and the return duct 140, and an air volume adjusting device.

The vacuum heat insulator 500a3 is provided inside the door portion 31A of the vegetable compartment 31, and suppresses heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and the outside of the refrigerator 1.

Vacuum heat insulator 500a4 is provided inside partition 54 to suppress heat transfer between vegetable compartment 31 and freezing compartment 41. The rear end of the vacuum heat insulator 500A4 is located at a position closer to the rear end D2 than the rear end of the bottom surface of the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A stored in the vegetable compartment 31. In this way, the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A is prevented from being cooled by heat absorbed from the ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22.

In this way, in the refrigerator 1, the vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is provided in the partition 53, and the vacuum heat insulator 500a4 is provided in the partition 54. In this way, the interior of the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B of the vegetable compartment 31 is suppressed from becoming low temperature due to heat absorption from the storage compartments located at the freezing temperature zones above and below the vegetable compartment 31.

Next, a relationship between the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 and a part of the air circulation path 80 will be described.

The vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is provided on the front surface side of the cooler 600. The vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is configured to have a width larger than the width of the cooler 600. Therefore, in the refrigerator 1, a high heat insulating effect can be obtained.

As shown in fig. 5, a first return air passage 141 is formed on the right side surface of the cooler 600 that is offset from the width direction of the vacuum heat insulator 500A. The lower surface of cooler 600 forms a wall portion with vegetable compartment 31, and a portion of the lower surface of cooler 600 functions as fourth return air passage 312.

That is, in the refrigerator 1, since the first return air passage 141 is formed outside the width of the vacuum heat insulator 500a1, the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 formed in a single rectangular plate shape can be used. When the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is used, it is not necessary to chamfer or open the corner of the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 or to form a plurality of vacuum heat insulators 500a 1. Therefore, according to the refrigerator 1, increase in processing and manufacturing costs can be suppressed. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 is easy to assemble and has good manufacturing efficiency.

As described above, the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is arranged vertically, and the cooler 600 is provided on the rear surface side of the vacuum heat insulator 500a 1. In addition, in the refrigerator 1, the fifth outlet air passage 411 and the fifth return air passage 412 are branched, and a fourth return port 331 is formed between the branches. That is, the fourth return opening 331 is located between the left fifth outlet flow path 411A and the left fifth return flow path 412A, and the right fifth outlet flow path 411B and the right fifth return flow path 412B in the state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. Therefore, according to the refrigerator 1, the space on the rear surface portion 50F side of the vegetable compartment 31 can be effectively used.

In a general refrigerator, when the vacuum heat insulator on the rear surface portion 50F side of the vegetable compartment is vertically disposed, the lower end position in the depth direction of the box body coincides with the upper end position. Therefore, the space above and below the rear surface portion 50F of the vegetable compartment cannot be enlarged, and an air passage must be formed in the space, and only a complicated air passage structure can be adopted.

In contrast, in the refrigerator 1, the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is disposed vertically, the fifth outlet air passage 411 and the fifth return air passage 412 are branched, and the fourth return port 331 is formed between the branches, whereby the space on the rear surface portion 50F side of the vegetable compartment 31 can be enlarged without complicating the air passage structure.

The fourth return air passage 312 and the fifth return air passage 412 are formed such that air flows in from the lower end of the cooler 600 and air flows in the front edge of the cooler 600, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the cooler 600.

< Effect obtained by refrigerator 1 >

As described above, the refrigerator 1 is provided with the fifth outlet air passage 411 and the fifth return air passage 412 behind the vacuum heat insulator 500a1, and the fifth outlet air passage 411 and the fifth return air passage 412 are formed so as to overlap each other in the front-rear direction and branch into two in the width direction of the vacuum heat insulator 500a 1.

Therefore, according to the refrigerator 1, the air passage structure can be simplified without complicating the air passage structure.

The fourth return opening 331 of the refrigerator 1 is formed in the rear surface portion 50F of the vegetable compartment 31 in a front view between the branched left fifth outlet air passage 411A and left fifth return air passage 412A, and right fifth outlet air passage 411B and right fifth return air passage 412B.

Therefore, according to the refrigerator 1, the space on the rear surface portion 50F side of the vegetable compartment 31 can be effectively used without complicating the air passage structure.

The vacuum insulation panel 500a1 of the refrigerator 1 has a width larger than that of the cooler 600, and thus a high insulation effect can be obtained.

The refrigerator 1 is arranged in the order of the ice making chamber 21, the vegetable chamber 31, and the freezing chamber 41 from above, and therefore, the heat insulation effect can be maintained, and improvement in user convenience can be achieved.

Embodiment 2.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a refrigerator 1A according to embodiment 2 of the present invention with a part of the cross-section enlarged. A refrigerator 1A according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram corresponding to fig. 6 shown in embodiment 1. The flow of air is indicated by arrows in fig. 8.

In embodiment 2, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and the same portions as those in embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

In embodiment 2, the fifth outlet air duct 411 is different in configuration from the fifth outlet air duct 411 described in embodiment 1. For convenience of distinction from the fifth outlet duct 411 of embodiment 1, embodiment 2 will be described as a fifth outlet duct 411C. The other configuration of embodiment 2 is as described in embodiment 1. However, as shown in fig. 8, the first freezing chamber storage box 440A and the second freezing chamber storage box 440B are housed in the freezing chamber 41.

The second freezing compartment storage box 440B is disposed above the first freezing compartment storage box 440A, and has a smaller volume than the first freezing compartment storage box 440A. The second freezer storage box 440B is housed in the first freezer storage box 440A, and in a state where the door 31A is closed, the rear upper open end of the second freezer storage box 440B is positioned forward of the rear upper open end of the first freezer storage box 440A. The number of storage boxes stored in freezing chamber 41 is not particularly limited, and at least first freezing chamber storage box 440A and second freezing chamber storage box 440B may be stored.

The fifth outlet duct 411C functions as a freezer outlet duct through which the cold air blown into the freezer compartment 41 flows, similarly to the fifth outlet duct 411 described in embodiment 1. The fifth outlet duct 411 is branched into a left fifth outlet duct 411A and a right fifth outlet duct 411B. In the refrigerator 1A, the left fifth outlet duct 411A and the right fifth outlet duct 411B are further branched. Here, the fifth outlet duct 411C is described as a left fifth outlet duct 411A.

As shown in fig. 8, the fifth outlet air passage 411C branches off in the freezer compartment 41. The branched fifth outlet duct 411C is referred to as a lower fifth outlet duct 411C-1, and the branched fifth outlet duct 411C is referred to as an upper fifth outlet duct 411C-2.

The lower fifth outlet duct 411C-1 functions as a freezer outlet duct through which the cold air blown into the first freezer storage box 440A of the freezer compartment 41 flows. An outlet, not shown, is formed in the lower fifth outlet air passage 411C-1. The cold air flowing through lower fifth outlet air duct 411C-1 is introduced into first freezer storage box 440A of freezer compartment 41 through the outlet. The outlet of the lower fifth outlet duct 411C-1 may be formed below the outlet of the upper fifth outlet duct 411C-2 in the front view of the refrigerator 1A. The number of outlets of the lower fifth outlet air passage 411C-1 is not particularly limited.

The upper fifth outlet duct 411C-2 functions as a freezer outlet duct through which the cold air blown into the second freezer storage box 440B of the freezer compartment 41 flows. An outlet not shown is formed in the upper fifth outlet air passage 411C-2. The cold air flowing in fifth outlet air duct 411C-2 in the upper stage is guided to second freezer storage box 440B of freezer compartment 41 through the outlet. The outlet of the upper fifth outlet duct 411C-2 may be formed above the outlet of the lower fifth outlet duct 411C-1 when the refrigerator 1A is viewed from the front. The number of outlets of the upper fifth outlet air passage 411C-2 is not particularly limited.

The circulation of the air of the freezing chamber 41 is explained.

The cold air generated in cooler 600 flows through fifth outlet duct 411C, and is split into lower fifth outlet duct 411C-1 and upper fifth outlet duct 411C-2.

The cold air flowing through lower fifth outlet duct 411C-1 is introduced into freezer compartment 41 through a discharge port formed in lower fifth outlet duct 411C-1. The cold air introduced into freezing chamber 41 is guided to first freezing chamber storage box 440A, and cools the food and the like stored in first freezing chamber storage box 440A. The cold air used in freezer compartment 41 flows through fifth return air duct 412 from the lower side of the drawing sheet toward the upper side of the drawing sheet as shown in fig. 8 via fifth return port 431A, and returns to cooler 600.

The cold air flowing in upper fifth outlet duct 411C-2 is introduced into freezer compartment 41 through a blow-out opening formed in upper fifth outlet duct 411C-2. The cold air introduced into freezing chamber 41 is guided to second freezing chamber storage box 440B, and cools the food and the like stored in second freezing chamber storage box 440B. The cold air used in freezer compartment 41 merges with the cold air used for cooling in first freezer storage box 440A, and flows from the lower side of the paper surface toward the upper side of the paper surface in fifth return air passage 412 via fifth return port 431A as shown in fig. 8, and returns to cooler 600.

< Effect obtained by refrigerator 1A >

As described above, since fifth outlet air duct 411 of refrigerator 1A branches into two branches in the width direction of vacuum heat insulator 500a1 and then further branches into two branches upward and downward, cool air can be efficiently introduced into freezer compartment 41, and the cooling effect of freezer compartment 41 can be improved.

Embodiment 3.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an 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 the Y-Y section of fig. 9. Fig. 11 is an explanatory view schematically showing the flow of air in the refrigerator 1B. The refrigerator 1B is explained based on fig. 9 to 11. In fig. 9 to 11, the flow of air is indicated by arrows. Fig. 9 illustrates an example in which a fresh-ice compartment is provided in the refrigerating compartment 11.

In embodiment 3, differences from embodiments 1 and 2 will be mainly described, and the same portions as those in embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

The lower end of the cooler 600 disposed in the cooler chamber 27 is located below the floor surface 31B of the vegetable chamber 31 in the cooler chamber 27.

By positioning the lower end of cooler 600 below floor surface 31B of vegetable compartment 31, a larger space can be secured above cooler 600. This increases the degree of freedom in the size of the blower 800 provided in a part of the cooler compartment 27. Further, an air volume adjusting device is provided above the blower 800, and the air volume adjusting device is held by a foam heat insulating material so that the air duct faces each storage room.

As shown in fig. 11, the drip heater 750 is provided on the drip tray 751. A drip tray 751 for receiving the dissolved water during defrosting is provided below the cooler chamber 27. The drip heater 750 is provided to prevent the dissolved water received through the drip tray 751 from being re-frozen, and the drip heater 750 is energized to generate heat as necessary. The drip heater 750 is not essential, and the heater 700 may also be used as a drip heater.

The second vegetable compartment storage box 420B is stored in the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A, and the rear upper open end of the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B is located behind the rear upper open end of the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A by a length D3 in a state where the door portion 31A is closed.

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

Similarly to the refrigerator 1 of embodiment 1, the refrigerator 1B includes a blow-out air passage 110 and a return air passage 140.

A fifth outlet 421 is formed in the fifth outlet air passage 411. The cold air flowing through fifth outlet air duct 411 is introduced into freezer compartment 41 through fifth outlet 421. The fifth air outlet 421 is located at the upper center portion of the freezing chamber 41 in a state where the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front. The number of the fifth outlets 421 is not particularly limited.

The first return air passage 141 is joined to the cooler compartment 27 via a first joint 551. Therefore, the air flowing through the first return air passage 141 returns to the cooler 600 through the first return port 131 and the first joint 551.

The third return port 232 is located in the lower center portion of the temperature switching chamber 22 in a state where the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front.

The fourth return port 331 is located on the left side of the lower layer of the vegetable compartment 31 in a state where the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front. Therefore, the air flowing through fourth return air passage 312 returns from the lower left of cooler 600 to cooler 600 through fourth return port 331 and fourth joint 351.

A fifth return port 431 is formed in the fifth return air passage 412. The fifth return port 431 is located at the upper center portion of the freezing chamber 41 in a state where the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front. The fifth return air passage 412 is joined to the cooler chamber 27 via a fifth joint 451. Therefore, the air flowing through the fifth return air passage 412 is returned to the cooler 600 from the lower right of the cooler 600 through the fifth return port 431 and the fifth joint 451.

The flow of air around the cooler 600 is explained with reference to fig. 9 and 11.

The circulation of the air of the refrigerating chamber 11 is explained.

The cool air generated in cooler 600 has its air volume adjusted by first damper 101, flows from the lower side of the paper surface toward the upper side of the paper surface through first air blowing passage 111, and is introduced into refrigerating room 11 through first air outlet 121. The cold air used in refrigerating compartment 11 flows from the upper side of the sheet to the lower side of the sheet in first return air passage 141 through first return port 131 as shown by arrow a1 in fig. 9 and 11, and returns to cooler 600 through first joint 551.

Circulation of air of the ice making chamber 21 will be described.

The cool air generated in the cooler 600 has its air volume adjusted by the second damper 201a, flows through the second outlet air duct 211a, and is introduced into the ice making compartment 21 through the second outlet 221 a. The cold air used in the ice making compartment 21 flows from the upper side of the paper surface toward the lower side of the paper surface in the second return air passage 241a through the second return port 231a as indicated by the arrow in fig. 9 and 11, and returns to the cooler 600 through the second joint 251 a.

The cool air generated in cooler 600 has its air volume adjusted by third damper 202, flows through third outlet airflow path 212, and is introduced into temperature change chamber 22 through third outlet 222. The cold air used in temperature switching compartment 22 flows through third return port 232 from the upper side of the sheet to the lower side of the sheet in third return air passage 242 as shown by arrow a3 in fig. 9 and 11, and returns to cooler 600 through third joint 252.

The circulation of the air of the vegetable room 31 will be described.

The cool air generated in cooler 600 has its air volume adjusted by fourth damper 301, flows through fourth outlet air duct 311, and is introduced into vegetable compartment 31 through fourth outlet 321. The cold air used in vegetable compartment 31 flows through fourth return port 331 from the left side of the sheet to the right side of the sheet in fourth return air passage 312 as indicated by arrow a4 in fig. 9 and 11, and returns to cooler 600 through fourth joint 351.

The fourth return port 331 from the vegetable compartment 31 is formed on the lower left side of the rear surface portion 50F of the vegetable compartment 31, which is diagonally opposite to the fourth discharge port 321. The fourth return port 331 is not superimposed on the front projection surface of the 1 rectangular plate-shaped vacuum heat insulator 500a1, but is positioned outside the front projection surface. The cold air blown out from the fourth air outlet 321 circulates in the following manner: is discharged from the fourth return port 331 located at the corner of the inner wall of the vegetable compartment 31 diagonal to the fourth discharge port 321, is guided to the cooler 600, and is cooled again by the cooler 600.

The circulation of the air of the freezing chamber 41 is explained.

The cold air generated in cooler 600 flows in fifth outlet air duct 411, and is introduced into freezing compartment 41 through fifth outlet 421. The cold air used in freezing compartment 41 flows from the lower side of the drawing sheet toward the upper side of the drawing sheet in fifth return air passage 412 as indicated by arrow a5 in fig. 9 and 11 through fifth return port 431, and returns to cooler 600 through fifth joint 451.

Next, the vacuum heat insulator 500A will be explained.

Like the refrigerator 1 of embodiment 1, the refrigerator 1B is arranged in the order of the refrigerating compartment 11, the ice making compartment 21, and the temperature switching compartment 22, the vegetable compartment 31, and the freezing compartment 41 from the top. That is, the refrigerator 1B alternately exchanges the storage room in which the refrigerating temperature zone and the freezing temperature zone are arranged from above.

The vacuum heat insulator 500A1 is disposed at an inclination such that, in a side view, the upper end is positioned on the rear surface portion 50F side of the box 50, that is, rearward, and the lower end is positioned on the front surface portion 50A side of the box 50, that is, forward, and the vacuum heat insulator 500A1 suppresses heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and the rear surface portion 50F side of the box 50. The vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is configured to have a width larger than the width of the cooler 600. The inclination angle theta of the vacuum insulation part 500A1 is not particularly limited, and may be adjusted within a range of 0 DEG < inclined angle theta < 15 deg. In addition, the inclined angle θ is the angle between the center line L1 of the vacuum insulation 500A and the vertical line L2.

The vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is provided inside the partition 53, and suppresses heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and the ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22. The rear end of the vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is located at a rear D1 length from the rear end of the upper open end of the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B stored in the vegetable compartment 31. In this way, the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B is suppressed from becoming low in temperature due to heat absorption from the ice making compartment 21 and the temperature switching compartment 22.

The vacuum heat insulator 500a3 is provided inside the door portion 31A of the vegetable compartment 31, and suppresses heat transfer between the vegetable compartment 31 and the outside of the refrigerator 1B.

Vacuum heat insulator 500a4 is provided inside partition 54 to suppress heat transfer between vegetable compartment 31 and freezing compartment 41. The rear end of the vacuum heat insulator 500A4 is located at a rear D2 length from the rear end of the bottom surface of the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A stored in the vegetable compartment 31. In this way, first vegetable compartment storage box 420A is suppressed from becoming low in temperature due to heat absorption from freezing compartment 41.

In this way, in refrigerator 1B, vacuum heat insulator 500a2 is provided on partition 53, and vacuum heat insulator 500a4 is provided on partition 54. In this way, the interior of the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B of the vegetable compartment 31 is suppressed from becoming low temperature due to heat absorption from the storage compartments located at the freezing temperature zones above and below the vegetable compartment 31.

The vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is provided on the front surface side of the cooler 600. The vacuum heat insulator 500A1 is fixed to be inclined so that the lower end is positioned on the front surface portion 50A side of the box 50 and the upper end is positioned on the rear surface portion 50F side of the box 50. The vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is configured to have a width larger than the width of the cooler 600.

As shown in fig. 9, a first return air passage 141 is formed on the right side surface of the cooler 600 that is offset from the width direction of the vacuum heat insulator 500A. The third and fourth return air passages 242 and 312 are formed in front of the first return air passage 141. The left side surface of cooler 600 forms a wall portion with vegetable compartment 31, and a part of the left side surface of cooler 600 functions as fourth return air passage 312.

Further, a fifth outlet air passage 411 is formed on the rear surface side of the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 so as to be inclined relative to the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 in the width direction projection range of the vacuum heat insulator 500a 1. Further, a fifth return air passage 412 is formed on the rear side of the fifth outlet air passage 411. The fifth outlet duct 411 and the fifth return duct 412 are formed to have the same width. In a state where the refrigerator 1B is viewed from the front, the fifth outlet air duct 411 and the fifth return air duct 412 are arranged to overlap each other. The fifth return air passage 412 is joined to the cooler compartment 27 so that air flows in from the lower end of the front surface of the cooler 600 toward the middle. The width of the fifth outlet air duct 411 and the width of the fifth return air duct 412 do not have to be exactly the same.

In the refrigerator 1B, the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 is disposed in an inclined manner, whereby the volume of the vegetable compartment 31 as the space above the vegetable compartment 31 can be increased. That is, according to the refrigerator 1B, the upper portion of the vegetable compartment 31 can be made deep.

The second vegetable compartment storage box 420B is movably stored in this portion. By arranging the vacuum heat insulator 500A1 in an inclined manner, the space above the vegetable compartment 31 can be enlarged, but the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A needs to have a shape corresponding to the inclined arrangement of the vacuum heat insulator 500A. That is, although the storage volume of the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A can be increased, there is a possibility that the shape may impair convenience for the user. In contrast, in refrigerator 1B, by arranging first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and second vegetable compartment storage box 420B to overlap each other, the volume ineffective for storage can be reduced, and the finish property according to the size of food can be improved.

Further, by disposing the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 obliquely, the space on the rear surface portion 50F side of the vegetable compartment 31 of the box 50 can be enlarged. Therefore, fifth outlet air passage 411 and fifth return air passage 412 located on rear surface portion 50F side of vegetable compartment 31 can be configured to be straight. Therefore, the bending of fifth outlet air duct 411 and fifth return air duct 412 toward freezing room 41 requiring the highest cooling capacity and the change in air duct area can be reduced, and pressure loss can be reduced. Further, fifth return air passage 412 may be formed to allow air to reach the middle section from the lower end of the front surface of cooler 600, and may allow air to flow in toward the front edge of cooler 600, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of cooler 600.

< Effect obtained by refrigerator 1B >

As described above, since vacuum heat insulator 500A1 of refrigerator 1B is disposed obliquely so that the lower end is located on front surface portion 50A side and the upper end is located on rear surface portion 50F side, the volume of vegetable compartment 31 can be increased.

The rear end of the vacuum heat insulator 500A4 of the refrigerator 1B is located on the rear backrest surface side with respect to the bottom surface of the first vegetable compartment storage box 420A, and the rear end of the vacuum heat insulator 500A2 is located on the rear backrest surface side with respect to the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B.

Therefore, according to refrigerator 1B, it is suppressed that first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and second vegetable compartment storage box 420B are at a low temperature due to heat absorption from ice making compartment 21, temperature switching compartment 22, and freezing compartment 41.

Fifth outlet air duct 411 of refrigerator 1B and fifth return air duct 412 are formed so as to overlap each other in the front-rear direction, and fifth return air duct 412 is configured to return air from the lower end of the front surface of cooler 600 to the middle stage.

Therefore, according to the refrigerator 1B, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooler 600 can be improved.

The refrigerator 1B is provided with a cover structure 430, and the cover structure 430 is formed with a fin 430A and covers an upper open surface of the second vegetable compartment storage box 420B.

Therefore, according to refrigerator 1B, not only moisture can be sealed in vegetable compartment 31, but also the interiors of first vegetable compartment storage box 420A and second vegetable compartment storage box 420B can be kept at high humidity.

The refrigerator 1B is arranged in the order of the ice making chamber 21, the vegetable chamber 31, and the freezing chamber 41 from above, and therefore, the heat insulation effect can be maintained, and improvement in convenience for the user can be achieved.

Embodiment 4.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a refrigerator 1C according to embodiment 4 of the present invention with a part of the cross-section enlarged. A refrigerator 1C according to embodiment 4 of the present invention is described with reference to fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram corresponding to fig. 10 shown in embodiment 3. The flow of air is indicated by arrows in fig. 12.

In embodiment 4, differences from embodiments 1 to 3 will be mainly described, and the same portions as those in embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In embodiment 4, the fifth outlet air duct 411 is different in configuration from the fifth outlet air duct 411 described in embodiment 3. For convenience of distinction from the fifth outlet air duct 411 of embodiment 3, embodiment 4 will be described as a fifth outlet air duct 411 a. The other configuration of embodiment 4 is as described in embodiment 1. However, as shown in fig. 12, the first freezing chamber storage box 440A and the second freezing chamber storage box 440B are housed in the freezing chamber 41.

The second freezing compartment storage box 440B is disposed above the first freezing compartment storage box 440A, and has a smaller volume than the first freezing compartment storage box 440A. Second freezer storage box 440B is housed in first freezer storage box 440A, and in a state where door 31A is closed, the rear upper open end of second freezer storage box 440B is positioned forward of the rear upper open end of first freezer storage box 440A. The number of storage boxes stored in the freezing chamber 41 is not particularly limited as long as at least the first freezing chamber storage box 440A and the second freezing chamber storage box 440B are stored.

Similar to fifth outlet air duct 411 described in embodiment 1, fifth outlet air duct 411a functions as a freezer outlet air duct through which cold air blown into freezer compartment 41 flows. The fifth outlet air passage 411a branches off in the freezing compartment 41. One branched fifth outlet air passage 411a is referred to as a lower fifth outlet air passage 411a-1, and the other branched fifth outlet air passage 411a is referred to as an upper fifth outlet air passage 411 a-2.

The lower fifth outlet duct 411a-1 functions as a freezer outlet duct through which cold air blown into the first freezer storage box 440A of the freezer compartment 41 flows. An outlet, not shown, is formed in the lower fifth outlet air passage 411 a-1. The cold air flowing through lower fifth outlet air duct 411a-1 is guided to first freezer storage box 440A of freezer compartment 41 through the outlet. The outlet of the lower fifth outlet air passage 411a-1 may be formed below the outlet of the upper fifth outlet air passage 411a-2 in the front view of the refrigerator 1C. The number of outlets of the lower fifth outlet air passage 411a-1 is not particularly limited.

The upper fifth outlet duct 411a-2 functions as a freezer outlet duct through which cold air blown into the second freezer storage box 440B of the freezer compartment 41 flows. An outlet, not shown, is formed in the upper fifth outlet air passage 411 a-2. The cold air flowing in fifth outlet air duct 411a-2 in the upper stage is guided to second freezer storage box 440B of freezer compartment 41 through the outlet. The outlet of the upper fifth outlet air passage 411a-2 may be formed above the outlet of the lower fifth outlet air passage 411a-1 when the refrigerator 1C is viewed from the front. The number of outlets of the upper fifth outlet air passage 411a-2 is not particularly limited.

The circulation of the air of the freezing chamber 41 is explained.

The cold air generated in cooler 600 flows through fifth outlet duct 411 and is split into lower fifth outlet duct 411a-1 and upper fifth outlet duct 411 a-2.

The cold air flowing through lower fifth outlet air duct 411a-1 is introduced into freezer compartment 41 through a blow-out opening formed in lower fifth outlet air duct 411 a-1. The cold air introduced into freezing chamber 41 is guided to first freezing chamber storage box 440A, and cools the food and the like stored in first freezing chamber storage box 440A. As shown in fig. 8, the cold air used in freezer compartment 41 flows through a return port, not shown, in fifth return air duct 412 from the lower side of the drawing sheet toward the upper side of the drawing sheet, and returns to cooler 600.

The cold air flowing in upper fifth outlet air duct 411a-2 is introduced into freezer compartment 41 through a blow-out opening formed in upper fifth outlet air duct 411 a-2. The cold air introduced into freezing chamber 41 is guided to second freezing chamber storage box 440B, and cools the food and the like stored in second freezing chamber storage box 440B. The cold air used in freezer compartment 41 merges with the cold air used for cooling in first freezer storage box 440A, and flows through return opening 431A, not shown, from the lower side of the paper surface toward the upper side of the paper surface in fifth return air passage 412 as shown in fig. 8, and returns to cooler 600.

< Effect obtained by refrigerator 1C >

As described above, since the fifth outlet air duct 411 of the refrigerator 1C branches into two branches in the width direction of the vacuum heat insulator 500a1 and then further branches into two branches upward and downward, the cold air can be efficiently introduced into the freezing chamber 41, and the cooling effect of the freezing chamber 41 can be improved.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being divided into four embodiments, the embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

Claims

1. A refrigerator is provided with:

a first storage chamber of a freezing temperature zone, which is provided with a front surface part and a back surface part;

a second storage chamber of a freezing temperature zone, which is provided with a front surface part and a back surface part;

a third storage chamber having a front surface portion and a rear surface portion and being disposed between the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber;

a cooler provided on the back side of the second storage chamber;

a vacuum heat insulator including the front surface portion and the rear surface portion and provided in each wall portion that partitions the third storage chamber;

a first air passage formed behind the vacuum heat insulator provided on the rear surface of the third storage chamber, for introducing air from the cooler into the second storage chamber;

a second air passage formed behind the vacuum heat insulator provided on the rear surface of the third storage chamber, for returning air used in the second storage chamber to the cooler; and a third air passage for returning the air used in the third storage chamber to the cooler through a return port,

the first air passage and the second air passage are formed so as to overlap each other in the front-rear direction and are branched into two along the width direction of the vacuum heat insulator,

the air flowing through the first duct is blown out from below the lower end of the vacuum heat insulator,

the air flowing through the second air passage is introduced from a position below the lower end of the vacuum heat insulator,

the return port is formed below the vacuum insulation member.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1,

the return port is formed between the branched first and second air passages on the rear surface of the third storage chamber in a front view.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2,

the vacuum heat insulator provided on the rear surface side of the third storage chamber has a width larger than that of the cooler.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the first air passage branches into two branches in the width direction of the vacuum heat insulating material, and then further branches into two branches upward and downward.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the first storage room is an ice-making room,

the second storage chamber is a freezing chamber,

the third storage room is a vegetable room,

the ice making chamber, the vegetable chamber, and the freezing chamber are arranged in this order from above.