Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator has a storage space having a refrigerating chamber, a freezing chamber, and a vegetable chamber disposed between the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber. A cooling chamber is provided on the back of the storage space, and the cooling chamber is provided with a cooler. Further, a cool air duct that sends cool air generated in the cooling chamber to the refrigerating chamber is provided on the back of the storage space. A cool air discharge port (inflow port) that supplies cool air from the refrigerating chamber to the vegetable chamber is provided between the refrigerating chamber and the vegetable chamber. The cool air flowing into the vegetable chamber returns to the cooling chamber through a cool air return duct from a cool air return port (discharge port). The discharge port and the return port are disposed on different sides from each other in a manner of sandwiching the cool air duct therebetween.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] One embodiment of the present application relates to a refrigerator provided with a vegetable compartment. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a refrigerator, a vegetable compartment is provided below a refrigerating compartment, and a freezing compartment is provided below the vegetable compartment.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-143604 discloses a refrigerator of the type in which a refrigerating compartment is provided at the uppermost portion of a refrigerator body, a vegetable compartment is provided at the lower portion thereof, and a freezing compartment is provided at the lowermost portion thereof. A cooling chamber that generates cool air is provided at the rear portion of the refrigerator body. The cooling chamber is formed from the back surface of the freezing compartment to the lower back surface of the vegetable compartment. SUMMARY

[0004] Further, a cool air duct is provided in the refrigerator, and the cool air duct is used to send cool air from the cooling chamber to the refrigerating compartment. The cool air duct is provided, for example, at the substantially central portion of the back surface of the refrigerating compartment. In a refrigerator in which a vegetable compartment is provided at the middle portion as described above, the cool air duct is provided at the back surface of the vegetable compartment. Then, cool air generated in the cooling chamber is sent from the back surface of the refrigerating compartment to the interior of the refrigerating compartment after passing through the back surface of the vegetable compartment.

[0005] The vegetable compartment has a tendency to have a higher temperature and a higher humidity than the refrigerating compartment. Therefore, when cool air is desired to flow to the cool air duct provided at the back surface of the vegetable compartment, dew is sometimes generated on the surface of the cool air duct in the vegetable compartment due to the temperature difference with the vegetable compartment.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present application, an object is to provide a refrigerator that can suppress dew at the boundary between a vegetable compartment and a cool air duct.

[0007] A refrigerator according to an aspect of the present application includes a storage space including a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, and a vegetable compartment provided between the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment; a cooling chamber provided at the back surface of the storage space and provided with a cooler; a cool air duct provided at the back surface of the storage space and used to send cool air generated in the cooling chamber to the refrigerating compartment; a cool air inlet provided between the refrigerating compartment and the vegetable compartment and used to supply cool air from the refrigerating compartment to the vegetable compartment; and a cool air return duct used to return cool air from a cool air outlet provided at the vegetable compartment to the cooling chamber. In the refrigerator, the inlet and the outlet sandwich the cool air duct and are provided at different sides from each other.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present application, a refrigerator that can suppress dew at the boundary between a vegetable compartment and a cool air duct can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the configuration of the storage space of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the refrigerator.

[0011] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows a front view of the circulation path of cold air in the refrigerator's cold storage compartment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the refrigerator insulation box according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a frontal schematic diagram showing the flow of cold air in the air conditioning ducts and vegetable compartment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of cold air inside the vegetable compartment when viewed from above.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the configuration of the airflow restriction component installed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the airflow limiting component installed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a side perspective view showing the configuration of the airflow limiting component installed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the vegetable box installed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of cold air inside the vegetable compartment when viewed from the side.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a front view schematic diagram showing the structure of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 This indicates that it is set in Figure 12 A perspective view of an example of a vegetable drawer in the vegetable compartment of a refrigerator.

[0021] Figure 14 It means in Figure 12 A perspective view of another example of a vegetable drawer located in the vegetable compartment of a refrigerator.

[0022] Figure 15 (a) and (b) indicate that in Figure 12 A perspective view of a modified example of a vegetable drawer installed in the vegetable compartment of a refrigerator.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a front view schematic diagram showing the structure of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment. Figure 17 This indicates that it is set in Figure 15 A perspective view of the airflow restriction component in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator shown.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a front view schematic diagram showing the structure of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the refrigerator according to the fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 20 This is a front view schematic diagram showing the structure of the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 22 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the refrigerator according to the sixth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 23 It means in Figure 22 A perspective view of an example of the configuration of the cover component installed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.

[0030] Figure 24 It means in Figure 22 A perspective view of an example of the configuration of the cover component installed in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0032] <First Implementation>

[0033] (The overall structure of a refrigerator)

[0034] First, the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This indicates the composition of the storage space 10 of refrigerator 1. Figure 2 This indicates the internal structure of refrigerator 1.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, the refrigerator 1 has a storage space 10. The storage space 10 is divided into a plurality of storage compartments by partition portions 59 (specifically, partition portions 59a, 59b, 59c, and the like). The storage space 10 mainly has a refrigerating compartment 11, a first freezing compartment 12, a vegetable compartment 13, an ice-making compartment 14, and a second freezing compartment 15.

[0036] The refrigerating compartment 11 is disposed at the uppermost stage. The first freezing compartment 12 is disposed at the lowermost stage. The vegetable compartment 13, the ice-making compartment 14, and the second freezing compartment 15 are disposed between the refrigerating compartment 11 and the first freezing compartment 12. The vegetable compartment 13 is disposed at the upper stage of the ice-making compartment 14 and the second freezing compartment 15. The ice-making compartment 14 and the second freezing compartment 15 are disposed laterally side by side. Although not shown, doors are respectively provided in the respective storage compartments.

[0037] The refrigerating compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 13 among the storage compartments are classified as refrigerating storage compartments, and the first freezing compartment 12, the ice-making compartment 14, and the second freezing compartment 15 are classified as freezing storage compartments. The refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the refrigerating storage compartments are disposed at the upper stage side and the freezing storage compartments are disposed at the lower stage side. However, in other embodiments, the freezing storage compartments can be disposed at the upper stage side and the refrigerating storage compartments can be disposed at the lower stage side.

[0038] In this way, the storage space 10 of the refrigerator 1 is roughly divided into the refrigerating storage compartments at the upper stage side and the freezing storage compartments at the lower stage side. Further, the partition portion 59b that separates the refrigerating storage compartments at the upper stage side (specifically, the refrigerating compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 13) from the freezing storage compartments at the lower stage side (specifically, the first freezing compartment 12, the ice-making compartment 14, and the second freezing compartment 15) is formed of a wall having high thermal insulation that has a heat insulating material inside.

[0039] Further, the partition portion 59a that separates the refrigerating compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 13, both of which are classified as refrigerating storage compartments, is formed of a plate-shaped resin member having low thermal insulation. Further, the partition portion 59c that separates the first freezing compartment 12, the ice-making compartment 14, and the second freezing compartment 15, all of which are classified as freezing storage compartments, is provided only at the inlet portion (see FIG. 2) of the ice-making compartment 14. Figure 4 ). That is, inside the thermal insulation cabinet 50, the freezing storage compartments are formed of one space. The freezing storage compartments can also be collectively referred to as a freezing compartment.

[0040] A zero-degree compartment 16 is provided in the refrigerating compartment 11. The zero-degree compartment 16 is provided on the partition portion 59a at the lower side in the refrigerating compartment 11. Further, a water supply tank 18 that supplies water to the ice-making compartment 14 is provided at one side of the zero-degree compartment 16. The water in the water supply tank 18 is supplied to the ice-making compartment 14 through a water supply pipe 19 disposed in the vegetable compartment 13. A vegetable box 17 is provided in the vegetable compartment 13.

[0041] In the present embodiment, a surface provided with a door is taken as a front surface of the refrigerator. Also, a surface facing the front surface is taken as a back surface. Further, in the present specification, when specified as "front surface side" or "back surface side", it means a side on which the front surface or the back surface is provided with respect to an arbitrary position or a direction toward the front surface or the back surface from an arbitrary position. Further, a direction from the front surface toward the back surface or from the back surface toward the front surface is taken as a front-back direction.

[0042] In the refrigerator 1, as a heat-insulating structure for insulating each storage space from the surroundings, a heat-insulating cabinet 50 is provided. The heat-insulating cabinet 50 is provided in a manner of covering the outer periphery of the refrigerator 1.

[0043] A refrigeration cycle is provided inside the refrigerator 1. The refrigeration cycle is configured to connect a compressor (not shown), a condenser (not shown), an expander (not shown), and the cooler 32, and the like via a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows.

[0044] The cooler 32 is arranged in a cooling chamber 31 provided on the back surface side of the refrigerator 1. In the cooling chamber 31, in addition to the cooler 32, a cooling fan 33, and the like are provided. The cooling fan 33 is provided in order to circulate air between the cooling chamber 31 and the storage space 10.

[0045] (Regarding the circulation path of the cool air)

[0046] Next, the circulation path of the cool air in the refrigerator 1 will be described. Here, the circulation path of the cool air that is generated in the cooling chamber 31 and is supplied to the refrigeration storage rooms such as the refrigeration chamber 11 and the vegetable chamber 13, and that returns to the cooling chamber 31 after passing through each storage room will be described.

[0047] In Figure 2 , the circulation path of the cool air in the refrigeration storage rooms is indicated by arrows. Further, in Figure 3 , the circulation path of the cool air in the refrigeration storage rooms in a state where the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front surface is indicated by arrows.

[0048] The cool air is generated in the cooling chamber 31 arranged on the back surface side of the storage space 10. In the present embodiment, the cooling chamber 31 is arranged on the back surface of the freezing chambers such as the first freezing chamber 12 and the vegetable chamber 13 (refer to Figure 2 ). The cool air cooled by the cooler 32 in the cooling chamber 31 is sent out to each storage room of the storage space 10 by the cooling fan 33.

[0049] The cool air supplied to the refrigeration storage rooms such as the refrigeration chamber 11 and the vegetable chamber 13 is first sent to the refrigeration chamber 11 through the cool air duct 41. The cool air duct 41 is arranged on the back surface of the refrigeration chamber 11 (refer to Figure 2(etc.). In this embodiment, a portion (lower part) of the cold air duct 41 is located at the rear of the vegetable compartment 13. The cold air duct 41 is located above the cooling chamber 31 and communicates with the cooling chamber 31.

[0050] Alternatively, in refrigerator 1, the cooling compartment 31 can be located further down. In this configuration, the cold air duct 41 is also located at the rear of the vegetable compartment 13.

[0051] A damper 34 is provided between the cooling chamber 31 and the cold air duct 41. By opening and closing the damper 34, the flow of cold air supplied to the cold storage chamber 11 can be connected or disconnected.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the cold air duct 41 is positioned approximately at the center of the insulated enclosure 50 in the left-right direction and extends vertically. A cold air outlet 42 is provided at the boundary between the cold air duct 41 and the refrigerator compartment 11. Figure 1 In the example shown, the outlet 42 is configured to extend vertically along the front surface of the air duct 41. Cold air from the cooling chamber 31 through the air duct 41 is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11 through the outlet 42. The outlet 42 is also provided in the zero-degree compartment 16, to which cold air from the air duct 41 is also supplied.

[0053] Cold air from the refrigerator compartment 11 and the zero-degree compartment 16 is discharged into the vegetable compartment 13 through an outlet (inlet) 43 located between the refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 13. The outlet 43 is provided through an opening 43a, etc. (see reference) Figure 4 The opening 43a is formed in the partition 59a that separates the refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 13. The opening 43a is located at the rear (back) corner of the left end of the refrigerator compartment 11 or the vegetable compartment 13 when viewed from the front.

[0054] Cold air flowing into the vegetable compartment 13 from the outlet 43 passes through the vegetable compartment 13 and flows into the cold air return pipe 45 from the return port (exhaust port) 44 located at the bottom of the vegetable compartment 13. The return port 44 is located at the rear corner of the right end of the vegetable compartment 13 when viewed from the front (see reference). Figure 8 The cold air return duct 45 is located at the rear of the insulated enclosure 50 and leads to the cooling chamber 31. Thus, the cold air flowing into the cold air return duct 45 from the return port 44 returns to the cooling chamber 31.

[0055] As described above, in the refrigerator 1, a cold air duct 41 is provided at approximately the center of the back of the refrigerator compartment 11. This cold air duct 41 is used to deliver cold air from the cooling compartment 31 to the refrigerator compartment 11. The cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11 from the cold air duct 41 is configured to return to the cooling compartment 31 through a return port 44 provided in the vegetable compartment 13 after passing through the vegetable compartment 13.

[0056] (Flow of cool air in vegetable compartment)

[0057] Next, how cool air flows in the vegetable compartment 13 in the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment is described in more detail. Figure 4 The configuration of the insulated cabinet 50 of the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment is shown. In Figure 4 , the specific configuration of the discharge port 43 (i.e., the opening portion 43a and the air supply hole 43b) that causes cool air in the refrigerating compartment 11 to flow into the vegetable compartment 13 is shown.

[0058] Figure 5 The flow of cool air in the vegetable compartment 13 and the cooling compartment 31 and the cool air duct 41 behind the vegetable compartment 13 is schematically shown. In Figure 5 , the cool air flowing in the cool air duct 41 is shown by a broken line arrow, and the cool air flowing in the vegetable compartment 13 is shown by a solid line arrow. Figure 6 The flow of cool air in the vegetable compartment 13 when the vegetable compartment 13 is viewed from above is schematically shown. Figure 11 The flow of cool air in the vegetable compartment 13 when the vegetable compartment 13 is viewed from the lateral direction is schematically shown. In Figure 11 , the cool air flowing in the cool air duct 41 is shown by a broken line arrow, and the cool air flowing in the vegetable compartment 13 is shown by a solid line arrow.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the discharge port 43 of cool air and the return port 44 of cool air provided in the vegetable compartment 13 are arranged on mutually different sides in a manner that sandwiches the cool air duct 41 (and a portion of the cooling compartment 31) therebetween. Then, as shown in Figure 5 , cool air flowing into the vegetable compartment 13 from the discharge port 43 is guided to the return port 44 provided on the opposite side in the left-right direction by the front side of the cool air duct 41. Further, as shown in Figure 6 , the configuration is such that, in the vegetable compartment 13, a large amount of cool air flowing in from the discharge port 43 is guided toward the back of the vegetable compartment 13 (i.e., the closer side of the cool air duct 41).

[0060] The refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of air direction restriction members to restrict the direction in which cool air flowing into the vegetable compartment 13 is discharged as described above. Figure 7 to Figure 10 The configuration of the plurality of air direction restriction members (specifically, the first air direction restriction member 61, the second air direction restriction member 62, the third air direction restriction member 63, and the fourth air direction restriction member 64) provided in the vegetable compartment 13 is shown in

[0061] Figure 7 is a front view showing the configuration in the vegetable compartment 13. Figure 8is a perspective view when the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 is viewed from the upper side. In Figure 8 , the illustration of a portion of the side wall on the right side of the heat-insulating box body 50 and the partition 59a is omitted, and the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 is shown. Figure 9 is a perspective view when the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 is viewed from the side. In Figure 9 , the illustration of a portion of the side wall on the right side of the heat-insulating box body 50 and the partition 59a is omitted, and the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 is shown. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the bottom surface side of the vegetable box 17 arranged in the vegetable compartment 13.

[0062] The first air direction restriction member 61 functions as a blow direction control portion that guides the cool air flowing into the vegetable compartment 13 from the discharge port 43 toward the return port 44 (i.e., obliquely downward) through the vicinity of the cool air duct 41. As Figure 7 shown, the first air direction restriction member 61 is provided below the discharge port 43 of the vegetable compartment 13. In the present embodiment, the first air direction restriction member 61 is formed by a support portion of the frame member 21 provided on the side wall on the left side of the inner box of the heat-insulating box body 50 for supporting the vegetable box 17. In addition, although not shown in Figure 7 , the frame member 21 is also provided on the side wall on the right side of the inner box.

[0063] The second air direction restriction member 62 functions as an inflow direction control portion that suppresses the inflow of cool air from the front of the vegetable compartment 13 toward the rear into the return port 44. As Figure 8 shown, the second air direction restriction member 62 is provided on the bottom surface of the vegetable compartment 13 in a manner of surrounding the periphery of the return port 44. Thereby, the inflow of cool air from the front of the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 into the return port 44 can be suppressed, and the inflow of cool air through the front side of the cool air duct 41 of the rear of the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 into the return port 44 is promoted.

[0064] The third air direction restriction member 63 functions as a blow direction control portion that guides the cool air flowing into the vegetable compartment 13 from the discharge port 43 toward the rear side of the vegetable compartment. As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the third air direction restriction member 63 is a wall-shaped member provided below the partition 59a and protruding toward the rear side. In addition, in other embodiments, the third air direction restriction member 63 can not be provided.

[0065] In the case where the discharge port 43 is provided on a further front side of the vegetable compartment 13, it is preferable that the third air direction restriction member 63 is provided. That is, as described later, in the case where the discharge port 43 is configured to have the air supply hole 43b provided on the side wall of the arrangement portion 53 of the water tank 18, the cool air flowing into the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 from the air supply hole 43b can be guided toward the rear side of the vegetable compartment 13 by the third air direction restriction member 63.

[0066] The fourth airflow limiting component 64 functions as an inflow direction control unit to suppress the inflow of cold air from the front of the vegetable compartment toward the rear into the return inlet 44. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the fourth airflow restrictor 64 is a wall-shaped component that is erected vertically from the bottom surface 17a of the vegetable box 17. When the vegetable box 17 is installed inside the vegetable compartment 13, the fourth airflow restrictor 64 is located in front of the return port 44. As a result, it is possible to suppress the flow of cold air from the front of the vegetable compartment 13 into the return port 44 and promote the flow of cold air from the front of the cold air duct 41 at the rear of the vegetable compartment 13 into the return port 44.

[0067] In addition, the vegetable box 17 also functions as a feed direction control unit and an inflow direction control unit. Specifically, when the vegetable box 17 is installed inside the vegetable compartment 13, as... Figure 6 As shown, the back portion 17b of the vegetable box 17 suppresses the inflow of cold air from the outlet 43 into the vegetable compartment 13, thus functioning as a delivery direction control unit that guides the air to the rear side of the vegetable compartment. Furthermore, with the vegetable box 17 installed inside the vegetable compartment 13, the bottom surface 17a of the vegetable box 17 narrows the path of the cold air flowing from the front of the vegetable compartment to the rearward return port 44, thus functioning as an inflow direction control unit that suppresses the inflow of cold air from the front of the vegetable compartment to the rearward return port 44.

[0068] As described above, a first wind direction limiting component 61 is provided inside the vegetable compartment 13. This allows for the formation of a wind direction limiting component 61 within the vegetable compartment 13. Figure 5 The solid arrow indicates the flow of wind.

[0069] Furthermore, a second wind direction limiting component 62, a third wind direction limiting component 63, and a fourth wind direction limiting component 64 are installed inside the vegetable storage room 13. Thus, as... Figure 6 As indicated by the arrow, a wind flow can be formed along the back of the vegetable chamber 13.

[0070] Compared to the refrigerator compartment 11, the vegetable compartment 13 tends to have higher temperature and humidity. Therefore, when cold air flows through the air duct 41 located at the back of the vegetable compartment 13, condensation sometimes occurs on the surface of the air duct 41 inside the vegetable compartment 13 due to the temperature difference between the air duct 41 and the vegetable compartment 13.

[0071] In this embodiment, by forming Figure 6The airflow along the back of the vegetable compartment 13, as shown, prevents air from stagnating near the surface of the air conditioning duct 41 within the vegetable compartment 13, thus preventing the air temperature near the surface of the air conditioning duct 41 from dropping. Therefore, condensation is unlikely to form on the surface of the air conditioning duct 41. Furthermore, even if condensation does form on the surface of the air conditioning duct 41, the air near the surface of the air conditioning duct 41 is replaced by air with lower humidity, allowing the moisture on the surface of the air conditioning duct 41 within the vegetable compartment 13 to evaporate. Thus, condensation at the boundary between the vegetable compartment 13 and the air conditioning duct 41 can be suppressed.

[0072] In this embodiment, a second airflow limiting member 62 and a fourth airflow limiting member 64 are provided to guide the cold air in the vegetable compartment 13 to the return port 44. However, in other embodiments, it is also possible to provide only one of the second airflow limiting member 62 and the fourth airflow limiting member 64.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the vegetable compartment 13, the lower portion of the cold air duct 41 becomes a protrusion 41a that protrudes forward. Thus, preferably, at least one of the cold air duct 41 and the cooling chamber 31 located on the back of the vegetable compartment 13, protrudes further forward (i.e., the vegetable compartment 13 side) than the side with the discharge port 43 (the upper side of the vegetable compartment 13 in this embodiment), while the side with the return port 44 (the lower side of the vegetable compartment 13 in this embodiment) protrudes further forward (i.e., the vegetable compartment 13 side).

[0074] like Figure 11 As shown, within the vegetable compartment 13, air flows from top (towards the outlet 43) to bottom (towards the return outlet 44). Because an extension 41a is provided at the bottom of the vegetable compartment 13, the downward-flowing air collides with the extension 41a, reducing its velocity. Furthermore, the reduced-velocity air diffuses laterally along the extension 41a. This allows the downward-flowing air to be widely diffused via the extension 41a, enabling it to flow extensively across the surface of the air duct 41. Consequently, the condensation suppression effect at the boundary between the vegetable compartment 13 and the air duct 41 is improved.

[0075] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the outlet 43 that allows cold air to flow from the refrigerator compartment 11 to the vegetable compartment 13 is composed of an opening 43a and an air vent 43b. Figure 4 As shown, the opening 43a, when viewed from the front, is located at the rear corner of the left end of the refrigerator compartment 11 or vegetable compartment 13. Furthermore, the air vent 43b is formed by a plurality of holes formed on the side wall of the mounting portion 53 of the water supply tank 18.

[0076] like Figure 4As shown, the mounting portion 53 of the water tank 18 is positioned one level higher than the bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment 11 (in this embodiment, the bottom surface 16a of the zero-degree compartment 16) to facilitate the installation and removal of the water tank 18. In this embodiment, an air vent 43b is formed on the side wall of the mounting portion 53 of the water tank 18, which forms the boundary between the zero-degree compartment 16 and the vegetable compartment 13. Thus, cold air from the zero-degree compartment 16 flows into the space below the water tank 18 in the vegetable compartment 13 via the air vent 43b. Alternatively, the outlet 43 may be either the opening 43a or the air vent 43b.

[0077] (Summary of the first implementation method)

[0078] As described above, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes a storage space 10. The storage space 10 has a refrigerator compartment 11, a first freezer compartment 12, and a vegetable compartment 13 disposed between the refrigerator compartment 11 and the first freezer compartment 12. A cooling chamber 31 is provided at the rear of the storage space 10, and a cooler 32 is disposed in the cooling chamber 31. In addition, a cold air duct 41 is provided at the rear of the storage space 10, which sends cold air generated in the cooling chamber 31 to the refrigerator compartment 11. A cold air outlet 43 is provided between the refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 13, and the cold air outlet 43 supplies cold air from the refrigerator compartment 11 to the vegetable compartment 13. The cold air flowing into the vegetable compartment 13 returns to the cooling chamber 31 through the cold air return outlet 44 and the cold air return duct 45.

[0079] In the refrigerator 1 described above, the discharge port 43 and the return port 44 are arranged on opposite sides (i.e., opposite sides in the left-right direction) such that the cold air duct 41 is sandwiched in the middle (see reference). Figure 3 Thus, within the vegetable compartment 13, airflow can be generated on the front surface of the air duct 41.

[0080] Therefore, the temperature drop of the front surface portion of the cold air duct 41 in the vegetable compartment 13 can be suppressed, and condensation at the boundary between the vegetable compartment 13 and the cold air duct 41 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the increase in humidity in the front portion of the cold air duct 41 can be suppressed, causing the condensed water to evaporate. Therefore, a heater for preventing the condensed water in the vegetable compartment 13 from freezing can be omitted, or the power consumption of the heater can be suppressed.

[0081] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, multiple airflow direction limiting components are provided to restrict the direction of cold air flowing through the vegetable compartment 13. By providing such airflow direction limiting components, it is easier to form... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The arrow in the solid line indicates the airflow. Therefore, more air can be blown towards the back of the vegetable compartment 13, which corresponds to the configuration area of ​​the air conditioning duct 41, thereby improving the suppression effect of condensation at the boundary between the vegetable compartment 13 and the air conditioning duct 41.

[0082] <Second Embodiment>

[0083] Next, a second embodiment of the present application will be described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the first air direction restriction member is different from that of the first embodiment. The configurations other than this can adopt the same configurations as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the description will be made focusing on the points different from those of the first embodiment.

[0084] Figure 12 A configuration in the vegetable compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment is shown. Figure 12 A state in which the vegetable box 17 is stored in the vegetable compartment 13 is shown. In the first embodiment, the first air direction restriction member 61 is formed by a part of the frame member 21 for supporting the vegetable box 17. In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, the first air direction restriction member 161 is provided in the vegetable box 17. The first air direction restriction member 161 functions as a delivery direction control portion that guides the cool air flowing into the vegetable compartment 13 from the discharge port 43 toward the return port 44 (i.e., obliquely downward) in the vicinity of the cool air duct 41.

[0085] Figure 13 An example of the vegetable box 17 installed in the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment is shown. In Figure 13 , a state in which the vegetable box 17 is viewed from the back side is shown. This vegetable box 17 has a first air direction restriction member 161A. As Figure 13 shown, the first air direction restriction member 161A is provided on the upper side of the back portion 17b of the vegetable box 17. In a state in which the vegetable box 17 is stored in the vegetable compartment 13, the first air direction restriction member 161A is located below the discharge port 43. The first air direction restriction member 161A is inclined downward from the side portion 17c side of the vegetable box 17 toward the center. By this, it is possible to guide the cool air flowing into the vegetable compartment 13 from the discharge port 43 obliquely downward (i.e., the return port 44).

[0086] Figure 14 Another example of the vegetable box 17 installed in the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment is shown. Figure 14 A state in which the vegetable box 17 is viewed from the back side is shown. This vegetable box 17 has a first air direction restriction member 161B. As Figure 14 shown, the first air direction restriction member 161B is provided on the back side of the side portion 17c of the vegetable box 17. As Figure 14 shown, even in a case where the back portion 17b of the vegetable box 17 is not provided to the upper portion of the case, it is possible to extend the first air direction restriction member 161B from the side portion 17c of the vegetable box 17 toward the back. As Figure 13The first air direction restriction member 161A shown is also positioned below the discharge port 43 in a state in which the vegetable box 17 is set in the vegetable chamber 13. The first air direction restriction member 161A is inclined downward from the side of the side portion 17c of the vegetable box 17 toward the center. Thereby, the cool air flowing into the vegetable chamber 13 from the discharge port 43 can be guided to the obliquely downward direction (i.e., the return port 44).

[0087] Figure 15 A modification of the present embodiment is shown. Figure 15 (a) of FIG. 17 shows the vegetable box 17 and the frame member 121 supporting the vegetable box, which are installed in the refrigerator 1 of the modification, in a disassembled state. Figure 15 (b) of FIG. 17 shows a state in which the vegetable box 17 is installed in the frame member 121. Figure 15 It is shown in a state in which the vegetable box 17 is viewed from the back side.

[0088] The frame member 121 mainly has a left side frame 122a, a right side frame 122b, a connecting portion 123, and a first air direction restriction member 161C, etc. The left side frame 122a is installed in the side wall on the left side in the vegetable chamber 13 when viewed from the front. The right side frame 122b is installed in the side wall on the right side in the vegetable chamber 13 when viewed from the front. The connecting portion 123 connects the rear end portion of the left side frame 122a and the rear end portion of the right side frame 122b on the back side of the vegetable box 17.

[0089] The first air direction restriction member 161C is installed in the end portion of the left side frame 122a side of the connecting portion 123, and is positioned below the discharge port 43. The first air direction restriction member 161C is inclined downward from the end portion side of the connecting portion 123 toward the center. Thereby, the cool air flowing into the vegetable chamber 13 from the discharge port 43 can be guided to the obliquely downward direction (i.e., the return port 44).

[0090] As in the above-described modification, the first air direction restriction member 161 can also be provided on the connecting portion 123 of the frame member 121 supporting the vegetable box 17.

[0091] <Third Embodiment>

[0092] Next, the third embodiment of the present application is described. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the first air direction restriction member is different from that of the first embodiment. The configurations other than this can adopt the same configurations as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the description is made focusing on the points different from those of the first embodiment.

[0093] Figure 16 The configuration in the vegetable chamber 13 of the refrigerator 1 of the third embodiment is shown. In the third embodiment, the first air direction restriction member 161 is installed in the connecting portion 123 of the frame member 121 supporting the vegetable box 17. Figure 16In the middle, a water supply pipe 19 for supplying water in the water supply tank 18 to the ice making chamber 14 is illustrated. The water supply pipe 19 extends from the water supply tank 18 to the ice making chamber 14 through the back side of the vegetable chamber 13. In the present embodiment, the water supply pipe 19 is arranged in such a manner as to follow the side wall on the left side in the vegetable chamber 13 when viewed from the front. The periphery of the water supply pipe 19 extending in the vegetable chamber 13 is provided with a water supply pipe cover 19a.

[0094] In the first embodiment, the first air direction restricting member 61 is formed by a portion of the frame member 21 for supporting the vegetable box 17. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the first air direction restricting member 261 is provided to the water supply pipe cover 19a.

[0095] Figure 17 The configuration of the periphery of the water supply pipe 19 is illustrated. As shown in Figure 17 , the first air direction restricting member 261 is attached to the outer periphery of the water supply pipe cover 19a. As shown in Figure 16 , the first air direction restricting member 261 is positioned below the discharge port 43. The first air direction restricting member 261 is a plate-shaped member inclined downward from the side wall side of the vegetable chamber 13 toward the center. By this, the cool air flowing into the vegetable chamber 13 from the discharge port 43 can be guided to the obliquely lower side (i.e., the return port 44).

[0096] Further, when the water supply pipe 19 extending to the ice making chamber 14 is cooled by the cool air in the ice making chamber 14, dew condensation can occur on the surface of the water supply pipe cover 19a. According to the configuration of the present embodiment, by providing the first air direction restricting member 261 to the water supply pipe cover 19a, the air from the discharge port 43 can be caused to contact the water supply pipe cover 19a, and dew condensation is less likely to occur on the surface of the water supply pipe cover 19a.

[0097] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0098] Next, the fourth embodiment of the present application will be described. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a fifth air direction restricting member 365 is provided to the front surface of the cool air duct 41. The configuration other than this can adopt the same configuration as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the description will be made focusing on the point different from the first embodiment.

[0099] Figure 18 The configuration in the vegetable chamber 13 of the refrigerator 1 of the fourth embodiment is illustrated. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the vegetable chamber 13 of the refrigerator 1 of the fourth embodiment when viewed from the obliquely front side. Figure 19 In the middle, a portion of the side wall on the right side of the heat-insulating case 50 and the partition 59a are omitted, and the inside of the vegetable chamber 13 is illustrated.

[0100] In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, a fifth airflow direction limiting member 365 is provided on the front surface of the cold air duct 41 that passes through the back of the vegetable compartment 13. The fifth airflow direction limiting member 365 functions as a delivery direction control unit that guides the cold air flowing from the outlet 43 into the vegetable compartment 13 toward the return outlet 44 (i.e., diagonally downward).

[0101] like Figure 18 As shown, the fifth airflow limiting component 365 is composed of multiple inclined plates 365a, 365b, and 365c located at the front of the cold air duct 41 within the vegetable compartment 13. The inclined angles of the multiple inclined plates 365a, 365b, and 365c constituting the fifth airflow limiting component 365 are different. Specifically, the inclined plate 365a located at the top has the largest inclined angle, while the inclined plates located at the bottom have smaller inclined angles.

[0102] By setting the fifth airflow restriction component 365, the cold air flowing from the outlet 43 into the vegetable compartment 13 can be guided diagonally downward (i.e., to the return outlet 44).

[0103] In addition, although Figure 18 Although not shown in the figures, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment may have a first wind direction limiting member 61 as described in the first embodiment, in addition to having a fifth wind direction limiting member 365. Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment may also have a first wind direction limiting member 161 or a first wind direction limiting member 261 instead of the first wind direction limiting member 61.

[0104] <Fifth Implementation>

[0105] Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that a fifth airflow limiting member 465 is provided on the front surface of the air conditioning duct 41. Otherwise, the configuration can be the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0106] Figure 20 The diagram shows the configuration of the vegetable compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the vegetable compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1 in the fifth embodiment, viewed from the oblique front side. Figure 21 The illustration omits a portion of the right side wall of the insulated box 50 and the partition 59a, showing the interior of the vegetable compartment 13.

[0107] In the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment, a fifth wind direction restriction member 465 is provided on the front surface of the cold air duct 41 on the back surface side of the vegetable compartment 13. The fifth wind direction restriction member 465 functions as a delivery direction control portion that guides the cold air flowing from the discharge port 43 to the return port 44 (i.e., obliquely downward) toward the vegetable compartment 13.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6, the fifth wind direction restriction member 465 is formed by the upper surface of the protruding portion 41a of the cold air duct 41. The fifth wind direction restriction member 465 is inclined toward the return port 44 side from the discharge port 43 side and downward. Figure 21

[0109] By providing the fifth wind direction restriction member 465, the cold air flowing from the discharge port 43 to the vegetable compartment 13 can be guided obliquely downward (i.e., toward the return port 44).

[0110] In addition, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment can have the first wind direction restriction member 61 described in the first embodiment in addition to the fifth wind direction restriction member 465, although not shown in FIG. 6. Further, in the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment, the first wind direction restriction member 161 or the first wind direction restriction member 261 can be provided instead of the first wind direction restriction member 61. Figure 20 <Sixth Embodiment>

[0111] Next, the sixth embodiment of the present application will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the configuration of a cover member 471 that covers the upper surface of the vegetable box 17 will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the description will be made focusing on a point different from the first embodiment.

[0112]

[0113] A perspective view of the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1 of the sixth embodiment, as viewed from the obliquely front side. Figure 22 As shown in FIG. 8, the vegetable compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the cover member 471 that covers the upper surface of the vegetable box 17. Figure 22 Figure 22 A perspective view of the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1 of the sixth embodiment, as viewed from the obliquely front side. Figure 23 Figure 24 A perspective view of the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1 of the sixth embodiment, as viewed from the obliquely front side.

[0114] The fifth wind direction restriction member 465 is provided on the front surface of the cold air duct 41 on the back surface side of the vegetable compartment 13. The fifth wind direction restriction member 465 functions as a delivery direction control portion that guides the cold air flowing from the discharge port 43 to the return port 44 (i.e., obliquely downward) toward the vegetable compartment 13.

[0115] ​​​Figure 23 The sixth airflow direction restriction member 466 shown is a wall member extending in a U shape that is open to the rear above the upper surface of the cover member 471. Preferably, Figure 23 The sixth airflow direction restriction member 466 shown is adapted to be disposed in the more forward side within the vegetable chamber 13, for example, as with the discharge port 43. Figure 4 The sixth airflow direction restriction member 466 shown is adapted to be disposed in the more forward side within the vegetable chamber 13, for example, as with the discharge port 43. Figure 24 The sixth airflow direction restriction member 566 shown is also a wall member extending in a U shape that is open to the rear above the upper surface of the cover member 471. Preferably, Figure 24 The sixth airflow direction restriction member 566 shown is adapted to be disposed in the more forward side within the vegetable chamber 13, for example, as with the discharge port 43. Figure 22 The sixth airflow direction restriction member 566 shown is adapted to be disposed in the more forward side within the vegetable chamber 13, for example, as with the discharge port 43.

[0116] The sixth airflow direction restriction member is located below the discharge port 43. For example, Figure 22 The sixth airflow direction restriction member 566 shown is located below the opening 43a. Thereby, the cold air flowing into the vegetable chamber 13 from the discharge port 43 can be guided mainly in the rear direction.

[0117] The larger the volume of the vegetable box 17, the more convenient it is, so if the rear portion 17b of the vegetable box 17 is extended rearward and the volume is increased, the rear portion 17b of the vegetable box 17 sometimes approaches or overlaps vertically below the front edge of the discharge port 43. Further, the cover member 471 is shaped to cover the upper surface of the vegetable box 17, so the rear edge of the cover member 471 is apt to overlap vertically below the front edge of the discharge port 43. In such a case, the cold air flowing into the vegetable chamber 13 from the discharge port 43 collides with the rear edge of the cover member 471 and is apt to flow along the upper surface of the cover member 471. Therefore, by providing the sixth airflow direction restriction member 466 or 566 on the upper surface of the cover member 471, the cold air can be guided mainly in the rear direction.

[0118] According to the above-described configuration, the cold air flowing into the vegetable chamber 13 from the discharge port 43 can be inhibited from flowing in the left and right directions and the front direction along the upper surface of the cover member 471, and can be guided mainly in the rear direction.

[0119] (SUMMARY)

[0120] The refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present application described above can further include a discharge direction control portion (e.g., first air direction restriction member 61, 161, 261, third air direction restriction member 63) that guides the cool air flowing into the vegetable compartment (e.g., vegetable compartment 13) from the flow inlet (e.g., discharge port 43) to the cool air duct, and a discharge direction control portion (e.g., fifth air direction restriction member 365, 465) that guides the cool air to the discharge port (e.g., return port 44).

[0121] The refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present application described above can further include a discharge direction control portion (e.g., first air direction restriction member 61, 161, 261, third air direction restriction member 63) that guides the cool air flowing into the vegetable compartment (e.g., vegetable compartment 13) from the flow inlet (e.g., discharge port 43) to the cool air duct, and a discharge direction control portion (e.g., fifth air direction restriction member 365, 465) that guides the cool air to the discharge port (e.g., return port 44).

[0122] The refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present application described above can further include a flow direction control portion (e.g., second air direction restriction member 62, fourth air direction restriction member 64) that suppresses the cool air (e.g., cool air near the bottom surface of the vegetable compartment 13) from the front of the vegetable compartment (e.g., vegetable compartment 13) from flowing into the discharge port (e.g., return port 44).

[0123] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present application described above, at least either one of the cool air duct (e.g., cool air duct 41) disposed at the back of the vegetable compartment (e.g., vegetable compartment 13) and the cooling chamber (e.g., cooling chamber 31), the side where the discharge port (e.g., discharge port 43) is provided protrudes more to the front side than the side where the flow inlet (e.g., return port 44) is provided.

[0124] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of the above-described aspect of the present application, the storage space (e.g., storage space 10) also has an ice making compartment (e.g., ice making compartment 14), and a water supply tank (e.g., water supply tank 18) is provided in the refrigerating compartment (e.g., refrigerating compartment 11) to supply water to the ice making compartment, and at least one of the flow inlets (e.g., discharge ports 43) is provided below the water supply tank.

[0125] The embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the present application is not represented by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications equivalent within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the constitution obtained by combining the constitutions of the different embodiments described in the present specification with each other is also included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, The refrigerator includes: A storage space having a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, and a vegetable compartment disposed between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment; A cooling chamber is located at the rear of the storage space and is equipped with a cooler; A cold air duct, located at the back of the storage space, delivers the cold air generated in the cooling chamber to the cold storage chamber; A cold air inlet is disposed between the refrigerator compartment and the vegetable compartment, and supplies cold air from the refrigerator compartment to the vegetable compartment; and A cold air return duct allows cold air to return from the cold air outlet located in the vegetable compartment to the cooling chamber. The lower portion of the air conditioning duct is located at the back of the vegetable compartment. In the vegetable compartment, the lower portion of the air conditioning duct becomes a protruding section extending forward. The inlet and outlet sandwich the air duct in the middle and are located on opposite sides. The refrigerator also includes a delivery direction control unit, which guides the cold air flowing into the vegetable compartment from the inlet to the cold air duct.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an inflow direction control unit, which inhibits the flow of cold air from the front of the vegetable compartment into the outlet.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the cold air duct and the cooling chamber located at the rear of the vegetable compartment, the side with the outlet protrudes further forward than the side with the inlet.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage space also includes an ice-making room. A water supply tank is installed in the cold storage compartment, which supplies water to the ice-making compartment. At least one of the inlet ports is located below the water supply tank.

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