Refrigerator

Abstract

The present application provides a refrigerator capable of realizing improvement of thermal efficiency. The refrigerator of the embodiment is provided with: a casing; a cooling chamber configured at the rear of a storage chamber formed in the casing, and accommodating a cooler; a supply fan fixed to a cool air discharge port of a front wall of the cooling chamber, and installed to be capable of supplying air from the cooling chamber toward the storage chamber; a supply guide plate configured to be opposed to the front wall with a space in front of the front wall, and formed with an opening of one or more supply ports, and forming a supply chamber between the supply guide plate and the front wall; and a guide wall formed to protrude from the back of the supply guide plate to approach the front wall, and forming a flow path of air between the cool air discharge port and the supply port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] People expect that the heat exchange efficiency of refrigerators can be further improved.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-204876 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that can improve thermal efficiency.

[0007] The refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a shell; a cooling chamber disposed behind a storage compartment formed within the shell and housing a cooler; a fan fixed to a cold air outlet penetrating the front wall of the cooling chamber and configured to deliver air from the cooling chamber toward the storage compartment; an air guide plate having an opening at intervals disposed opposite to the front wall, forming one or more air outlets, and forming an air chamber between the air guide plate and the front wall; and a guide wall formed to protrude from the back of the air guide plate in a manner close to the front wall, and forming an airflow path between the cold air outlet and the air outlet.

[0008] Based on the above configuration, thermal efficiency can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator involved in the implementation method.

[0010] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A sectional view at line II-II in the diagram.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the support plate, air supply fan, guide plate, and longitudinal wall of the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a front view of the support plate representing the implementation method.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the guide plate showing the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the guide plate representing the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the cooling chamber of the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the airflow in the air supply chamber of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a rear view of the guide plate, representing a modified example.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the guide plate representing a modified example.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 1…Refrigerator, 7…Air supply chamber, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75…Air outlet, 8…Air supply fan, 4…Guide plate (air supply guide plate), 41, 42, 43…Guide wall, 10…Shell, 16…Cooling chamber, 21…Cooler, 32…Fan mounting port (cold air exhaust port), 3…Support plate (front wall). Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following description of an embodiment of the refrigerator will be based on the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be given the same reference numerals. Sometimes, repeated descriptions of the components will be omitted. In this specification, left and right are defined based on the direction from which the refrigerator is viewed from the front of the user. When viewed from one side of the refrigerator, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator is defined as "front," and the side further away is defined as "rear." In this specification, "width direction" refers to the left-right direction as defined above. In this specification, "front-back direction" refers to a direction orthogonal to the width direction as defined above and connecting the front and back. The term "A or B" in this application is not limited to either A or B, but includes both A and B.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of refrigerator 1 at line II-II in the diagram. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the refrigerator 1 in the width direction. The refrigerator 1 includes a housing 10 and a cooling mechanism 2. The refrigerator 1 includes: refrigerator doors 111, 112, 113, a temperature sensor 9, and a control device (not shown).

[0025] The housing 10, for example, has an inner casing, an outer casing, and a heat insulation section. The inner casing forms the inner surface of the housing 10, and the outer casing forms the outer surface of the housing 10. A heat insulation section containing a foamed heat insulation material such as polyurethane is provided between the inner casing and the outer casing. The housing 10 has heat insulation properties.

[0026] Multiple storage compartments are provided inside the housing 10. Each storage compartment has an opening on its front surface for loading or unloading food items. The multiple storage compartments include, for example, […].

[0027] The refrigerator compartment 101, the second refrigerator compartment 102, and the freezer compartment 103 are configured as follows: In this embodiment, the first refrigerator compartment 101 is located at the top, the second refrigerator compartment 102 is located below the first refrigerator compartment 101, and the freezer compartment 103 is located below the second refrigerator compartment 102. The configuration of the storage compartments is not limited to this example; for instance, the configuration of the second refrigerator compartment 102 and the freezer compartment 103 may be reversed. The storage compartments are equipped with storage shelves or containers, ice-making water containers, etc.

[0028] The second refrigerator compartment 102 is used, for example, as a vegetable storage compartment. The second refrigerator compartment 102 is maintained in a refrigeration temperature range suitable for vegetable storage, for example, maintained at 1°C to 5°C. The freezer compartment 103 is in a freezing temperature range, for example, maintained at -10°C or below.

[0029] The second refrigerator compartment 102 is configured such that the refrigeration temperature can be switched arbitrarily between the freezing temperature zone and the refrigeration temperature zone. The second refrigerator compartment 102 can be used as a freezer compartment. Therefore, the second refrigerator compartment 102 is not limited to a storage room suitable for storing vegetables, but can also be a storage room that can be set at the same refrigeration temperature zone as the first refrigerator compartment 101 and has a refrigeration function.

[0030] Refrigerator 1 is provided with refrigerator doors 111, 112, and 113. Refrigerator doors 111, 112, and 113 are components that seal the opening of the storage compartment in a way that allows them to be opened and closed. Refrigerator doors 111, 112, and 113 are located at the front of the casing 10. Refrigerator doors, for example, are rotating doors 111 and sliding doors 112 and 113.

[0031] The housing 10 has a first partition 14 and a second partition 15. The first partition 14 and the second partition 15 are respectively arranged substantially horizontally. The first partition 14 and the second partition 15 have thermal insulation properties. The first partition 14 is disposed between the first refrigerator compartment 101 and the second refrigerator compartment 102, separating the two storage compartments 101 and 102. The first partition 14 is, for example, a plate-shaped component made of resin. The second partition 15 is located between the second refrigerator compartment 102 and the freezer compartment 103, separating the two storage compartments 102 and 102. The second partition 15 is, for example, a plate-shaped component internally filled with thermal insulation material.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, at the rear of the first partition 14, the upper vent 141 connecting the first refrigerator compartment 101 and the second refrigerator compartment 102 is open. At the rear of the second partition 15, the lower vent 151 connecting the second refrigerator compartment 102 and the freezer compartment 103 is open.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, longitudinal walls 18 are provided at intervals in front of the rear wall 19 of the housing 10. The longitudinal walls 18 are configured to, for example, expose themselves in each of the storage chambers 101, 102, and 103. The longitudinal walls 18 function as the rear wall surfaces of each of the storage chambers 101, 102, and 103. The longitudinal walls 18 are respectively provided in each of the storage chambers 101, 102, and 103.

[0034] The air supply chamber 7 and the cooling chamber 16 are located at the rear of the lower part of the housing 10. The air supply chamber 7 and the cooling chamber 16 are located behind the freezer chamber 103. The longitudinal wall 183 is located at the rear of the freezer chamber 103. The cooling chamber 16 and the air supply chamber 7 are connected through the freezer chamber 103 and a plurality of air outlets 71 to 75.

[0035] The cooling mechanism 2 includes a compressor 26, a cooler 21, a liquid receiver, and a suction pipe. Air in the cooling chamber 16, cooled by the cooling mechanism 2, flows to the duct 17 via a blower fan 8. A machine compartment 105 is located at the rear of the lower end of the housing 10. The compressor 26 is housed within the machine compartment 105. The cooler 21, the liquid receiver, and a heater are located within the cooling chamber 16.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, pipes 17 are installed behind each of the storage compartments 101, 102, and 103. Pipes 17 constitute part of a flow path that circulates cold air between the first refrigerator compartment 101, the second refrigerator compartment 102, and the cooling compartment 16. Figure 3As shown, the pipe 17 is located at the center of the housing 10 in the width direction and extends in the vertical direction Z between the upper end of the housing 10 and the freezer compartment 103. The pipe 17 is formed between the rear wall 19 and the longitudinal wall 18 of the first refrigerator compartment 101, between the longitudinal wall 182 and the cover 175 of the second refrigerator compartment 102, and in the upper part of the cooling compartment 16. The sidewalls constituting the pipe 17 have heat insulation properties. The cooling compartment 16 and the pipe 17 are connected to allow air circulation.

[0037] A cover 175 is positioned in front of the longitudinal wall 182, between the first partition member 14 and the second partition member 15. The cover 175 is a component with a generally U-shaped horizontal cross-section. The cover 175 is located in the portion of the second refrigerator compartment 102 including its approximate central portion in the width direction. The rear end of the cover 175 is in close contact with the longitudinal wall 182 by means of a seal (not shown). The upper opening of the cover 175 connects to the opening 143 at the rear end of the first partition member 14. The cover 175 communicates with the pipe 17 at the rear of the first refrigerator compartment 101 through the opening 143 of the first partition member 14.

[0038] The lower opening of the cover 175 is connected to a connecting passage 152 provided at the rear end of the second partition member 15 (see reference). Figure 2 A ventilation passage 162 is provided above the cooling chamber 16. The ventilation passage 162 is a passage that communicates with the ventilation port 31 of the support plate 3 and connects the cooling chamber 16 to the connecting passage 152. The cover 175 communicates with the cooling chamber 16 through the ventilation port 31, the ventilation passage 162, and the connecting passage 152. That is, the cover 175 connects the cooling chamber 16 to the pipe 17.

[0039] A circulation passage (not shown) is provided between the cooling chamber 16 and the side wall 11 of the housing 10. The circulation passage is a tubular component arranged in the vertical direction Z. The circulation passage connects the lower end of the second refrigeration chamber 102 and the lower end of the cooling chamber 16. The cooling chamber 16 is connected to the circulation passage so that air can circulate.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple air outlets 189 are openings in the longitudinal wall 181 of the first refrigerator compartment 101. Each air outlet 189 is an opening that extends through the longitudinal wall 181 in the front-rear direction Y and connects the pipe 17 to the first refrigerator compartment 101. The multiple air outlets 189 are spaced apart in the vertical direction Z.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, multiple air outlets 61-65 are openings in the longitudinal wall 183 of the freezer compartment 103. Each air outlet 61-65 is an opening for cold air to be discharged from the cooling compartment 16 toward the freezer compartment 103. In this example, there are five air outlets 61-65. The first air outlet 61 and the second air outlet 62 are separated in the width direction X at the upper part of the longitudinal wall 183. The third air outlet 63 and the fourth air outlet 64 are separated in the width direction X at the lower part of the longitudinal wall 183. The fifth air outlet 65 is open at approximately the center of the main body 40 in the width direction X and approximately the middle of the vertical direction Z.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the guide plate 4 and the support plate 3 are disposed behind the longitudinal wall 183. The guide plate 4 is disposed behind the longitudinal wall 183, and the support plate 3 is disposed behind the guide plate 4. The back surface of the longitudinal wall 183 is disposed close to the guide plate 4. Figure 5 As shown, the longitudinal wall 183 has ribs 184 at its outer periphery. The guide plate 4 is housed inside the ribs 184 of the longitudinal wall 183. Figure 4 As shown, the air supply chamber 7 is the space between the longitudinal wall 183 and the support plate 3. The cooling chamber 16 is the space between the support plate 3 and the rear wall 19 of the housing 10. The upper end 33 of the support plate 3 is fitted into the upper end of the longitudinal wall 183. The lower end 34 of the support plate 3 contacts the lower end of the longitudinal wall 183. The support plate 3 is an example of a front wall.

[0043] like Figure 4 And such as Figure 5 As shown, the guide plate 4 is disposed in front of the support plate 3 in a counter-position. The front surface of the guide plate 4 is covered by the longitudinal wall 183. That is, the guide plate 4 is disposed between the support plate 3 and the longitudinal wall 183. The guide plate 4 is an example of an air supply guide plate.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, a spaced gap is formed between the support plate 3 and the guide plate 4, forming an air supply chamber 7. The air supply chamber 7 has flow paths that allow the cold air blown out from the air supply fan 8 to flow upwards and forwards. The air supply chamber 7 is a space surrounded by the support plate 3, the guide plate 4, the first guide wall 41, and the second guide wall 42.

[0045] The blower fan 8 is, for example, an axial fan (propeller fan). The blower fan 8 has a rotating shaft 81, rotating blades 82, and a frame 84. Figure 2As shown, the blower fan 8 is fixed to the support plate 3. A fan mounting opening 32 for arranging the blower fan 8 is formed on the support plate 3. A frame 84 is fixed to the fan mounting opening 32. An opening 83 facing forward is formed on the frame 84. A rotating shaft 81 is fixed to the frame 84. The rotating shaft 81 is positioned at the center of the opening 83 along the front-rear direction Y. Rotating blades 82 are rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft 81. The blower fan 8 operates so that air flows from back to front due to the rotation of the rotating blades 82. That is, the blower fan 8 operates so that air is blown forward from the cooling chamber 16 towards the freezer compartment. The fan mounting opening 32 is an example of a cold air exhaust outlet. The blower fan 8 can simply be used to blow air from the cooling chamber 16 towards the freezer compartment; for example, a centrifugal fan can also be used.

[0046] like Figure 6 As shown, the air supply fan 8 is mounted on the upper part of the support plate 3. The air supply fan 8 is positioned slightly outward from the center in the width direction X of the support plate 3. For example, the air supply fan 8 is located behind the freezer compartment 103. The air supply fan 8 draws in air from the cooling compartment 16 and discharges the drawn-in air in a centrifugal direction. Since the air supply fan 8 is mounted in the fan mounting port 32, when the air supply fan 8 is driven, air flows from the cooling compartment 16 to the air supply chamber 7 through the opening of the fan mounting port 32. The air supply fan 8 can be, for example, a centrifugal turbine fan or a Sirocco fan.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, within the cooling chamber 16, the air supply fan 8 is positioned forward of the cooler 21. A portion of the air supply fan 8 is configured to overlap with the cooler 21. Specifically, when viewed from the front-rear direction Y, the air supply fan 8 is positioned where its lower end overlaps with the cooler 21. The lower end of the air supply fan 8 is positioned lower than the upper end of the cooler 21. The rotating shaft 81 is positioned higher than the upper end of the fins 211. In the vertical direction Z, the lower part of the air supply fan 8 is opposite to the cooler 21, and the upper part of the air supply fan 8 is positioned to protrude above the space above the cooler 21.

[0048] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the guide plate 4 as viewed from the rear side. (See diagram below.) Figures 4 to 7As shown, the guide plate 4 is a plate-shaped component disposed in front of the support plate 3, covering approximately the entire area. The guide plate 4 has a main body 40, a protrusion 44, and one or more guide walls 41-43. The main body 40 is a portion disposed opposite to the support plate 3. Multiple air outlets 71-75 are formed on the main body 40. The air outlets 71-75 are open at positions corresponding to the first air outlet 61-5 air outlet 65 of the longitudinal wall 183. The first air outlet 71-5 air outlet 75 are substantially the same shape as the first air outlet 61-5 air outlet 65. The first air outlet 71-5 air outlet 75 are respectively arranged to be in close contact with the opening edges of the first air outlet 61-5 air outlet 65 along the longitudinal wall 183. The protrusion 44 is a protrusion extending rearward from the main body 40 at a position corresponding to the rotation axis 81 of the fan 8. The protrusion 44 is opposite to the rotation axis 81 of the blower fan 8, and guides the air from the blower fan 8 toward the area around the protrusion 44.

[0049] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the guide plate 4 has three guide walls, for example, a first guide wall 41 to a third guide wall 43. Guide walls 41 to 43 are walls that guide the flow of cold air. Each guide wall 41 to 43 protrudes rearward from the back of the main body 40. Each guide wall 41 to 43 is positioned close to the main body 30 of the support plate 3. The term "close" here includes: a form where the guide walls 41 to 43 are in contact with the main body 30; a slightly spaced form that does not affect the airflow within the air supply chamber 7 described later; and a form where the gap is sealed with a sealant or the like.

[0050] A first guide wall 41 is formed between the first air outlet 71 and the third air outlet 73. The first guide wall 41 has a generally triangular shape that, when viewed in the front-rear direction Y, protrudes from the end of the guide plate 4 in the width direction X toward the center of the width direction X. Specifically, the upper wall surface 412 of the first guide wall 41 slopes from the protruding end 411 toward the outer end 712 of the first air outlet 71 in the width direction X. The lower wall surface 413 of the first guide wall 41 slopes from the protruding end 411 toward the outer end 732 of the third air outlet 73 in the width direction X. The protruding end 411 has a curved shape protruding toward the center. The first guide wall 41 is formed to block the space between the first air outlet 71 and the third air outlet 73. Specifically, in the vertical direction Z, the first guide wall 41 is provided between the first air outlet 71 and the third air outlet 73. The height of the protruding end 411 in the vertical direction Z is approximately the same as the height of the fifth air outlet 75. The opening size of the first air outlet 71 in the width direction X is shorter than the opening size of the third air outlet 73 in the width direction X. The central end 711 of the first air outlet 71 in the width direction X is located outwards than the central end 731 of the third air outlet 73. In the width direction X, the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41 protrudes to a position closer to the center than the central end 731 of the third air outlet 73.

[0051] The second guide wall 42 has a generally triangular shape that, when viewed in the front-rear direction Y, protrudes from the end of the guide plate 4 in the width direction X toward the center in the width direction X. The upper wall surface 422 of the second guide wall 42 slopes from the protruding end 421 toward the outer end 722 of the second air outlet 72 in the width direction X. The lower wall surface 423 of the second guide wall 42 slopes from the protruding end 421 toward the outer end 742 of the fourth air outlet 74 in the width direction X. The protruding end 421 has a curved shape that protrudes toward the center. The second guide wall 42 is formed to block the space between the second air outlet 72 and the fourth air outlet 74. Specifically, in the vertical direction Z, the second guide wall 42 is provided between the second air outlet 72 and the fourth air outlet 74. In the width direction X, the protruding end 421 of the second guide wall 42 protrudes to a position closer to the center than the end 741 of the fourth air outlet 74. In the vertical direction Z, the height of the protruding end 421 is higher than the height of the fifth air outlet 75. In the vertical direction Z, the height of the protruding end 421 is higher than the lower end of the blower fan 8.

[0052] The opening size of the second air outlet 72 in the width direction X is shorter than the opening size of the fourth air outlet 74 in the width direction X. The central end 721 of the second air outlet 72 in the width direction X is located outwards than the central end 741 of the fourth air outlet 74. In the width direction X, the protruding end 421 of the second guide wall 42 protrudes to a position closer to the center than the central end 721 of the second air outlet 72.

[0053] The third guide wall 43 is a wall that extends obliquely downward from the central end 711 of the first air outlet 71 toward the central portion of the main body 40. The third guide wall 43 is formed to extend approximately parallel to the upper wall surface 412 at a position away from the first guide wall 41 moving upwards. In the vertical direction Z, the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 is higher than the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41. The third guide wall 43 is a plate-shaped wall. The extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 is located at approximately the same height as the lower end of the air supply fan 8. The extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 is located at approximately the same height as the protruding end 421 of the second refrigerator compartment 102. In the width direction X, the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 is located closer to the center than the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41. In the width direction X, the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 is located further outwards than the fifth air outlet 75.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, when viewed in the front-back direction Y, the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 is positioned away from the line L connecting the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41 to the rotation axis 81 of the air supply fan 8, toward the first air outlet 71.

[0055] The protruding end 421 of the second guide wall 42 in the vertical Z direction is positioned higher than the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41. The rotation direction of the air supply fan 8 is as follows: Figure 7 As indicated by the middle arrow S. When viewed from behind along the front-to-back direction Y, a first guide wall 41 is provided on the left and a second guide wall 42 is provided on the right. (See image below.) Figure 7 As shown, the air supply fan 8 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear. When the air supply fan 8 rotates counterclockwise, the height of the protruding end of the guide wall on the right side is higher than the height of the protruding end of the guide wall on the left side. Although the illustration is omitted, when the air supply fan 8 rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear, the height of the protruding end on the left side is higher than the height of the protruding end of the guide wall on the right side.

[0056] In the vertical direction Z, the protruding end 421 of the second guide wall 42 and the extended end 431 of the third guide wall 43 are at the same height.

[0057] The fourth guide wall 45 is formed along the lower edge 753 of the fifth air outlet 75 and protrudes rearward. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the fourth guide wall 45 has an inclined surface 453 that slopes from the protruding end 452 of the upper surface 451 toward the lower part of the body 40, the upper surface 451 extending rearward from the lower edge 753 of the fifth air outlet 75. Figure 7 As shown, the upper end of the fourth guide wall 45 has a roughly U-shaped form when viewed in the front-rear direction Y. The fourth guide wall 45 is disposed around the lower edge 753 of the fifth air outlet 75 and around both ends in the width direction X.

[0058] The boundary between the back of the main body 40 and each wall surface of the first guide wall 41 to the fourth guide wall 45 has a curved shape. As a result, the air supply can be smoothly guided.

[0059] Figure 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view along the Y direction (front-back direction) of the support plate 3 and the guide plate 4. (Example) Figure 9 As shown, the first guide wall 41 abuts against the main body 30 of the support plate 3. Similarly, the second guide wall 42 and the third guide wall 43 also abut against the main body 30 of the support plate 3. Within the guide chamber, the portions containing the first guide wall 41, the second guide wall 42, and the third guide wall 43 are blocked, forming a windless area within the guide chamber. Through each guide wall 41, 42, and 43, a flow path is formed from the blower fan 8 to each air outlet 71-75. Cool air flows in the gap between the portion without the first guide wall 41-3 guide walls 43, i.e., the back of the main body 40, and the front surface of the main body 30 of the support plate 3. The fourth guide wall 45 protrudes rearward from the lower edge of the fifth air outlet 75, and the airflow is guided towards the fifth air outlet 75 upon encountering the upper surface 451.

[0060] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, a return flow path 5 is formed between the freezer compartment 103 and the cooling compartment 16. The return flow path 5 is a flow path that returns air flowing from the upper part to the lower part of the freezer compartment 103 back to the cooling compartment 16. The inlet 52 of the return flow path 5 is open below the longitudinal wall 183, and the outlet 51 is open in front of the lower part of the cooler 21. The return flow path 5 extends from below the lower end 34 of the support plate 3 to the outlet 51. Since the return flow path 5 is connected to the cooling compartment 16, a flow path is formed in which air circulates between the cooling compartment 16 and the freezer compartment 103 when air from the cooling compartment 16 is drawn to the longitudinal wall 183 by the blower fan 8. A filter is provided at the boundary between the return flow path 5 and the cooling compartment 16. The filter prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the cooling compartment 16 from the freezer compartment 103.

[0061] Temperature sensors are installed in each of the storage compartments 101, 102, and 103. Each storage compartment 101, 102, and 103 has at least one temperature sensor. Temperature sensors are also installed in the cooler 21 and the liquid receiver of the cooling mechanism 2. The operation of the cooling mechanism 2 is controlled according to the monitored temperature of each temperature sensor. For example, the compressor 26 starts operating when the monitored temperature of the storage compartment reaches or exceeds a specified temperature, or when specified conditions such as the number of times the door is opened and closed are met. When the monitored temperature of the storage compartment falls below the specified temperature, the compressor 26 stops.

[0062] The cooling system of cooling mechanism 2 is described below. High-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, compressed by compressor 26, passes through a suction pipe and then sequentially through a condenser, etc., where its temperature is lowered and its pressure is reduced. The depressurized and cooled refrigerant flows to cooler 21. As the low-temperature refrigerant passes through cooler 21, it vaporizes, and the air flowing between the fins of cooler 21 is cooled through heat exchange with the fins. As a result, the air in cooling chamber 16 is cooled. The refrigerant that has passed through cooler 21 flows into receiver 26 and returns to compressor 26 through suction pipe 28, thus circulating the refrigerant.

[0063] When the cooling chamber 16 is made into a negative pressure by the suction action of the blower fan 8, a portion of the air cooled by the cooler 21 flows from the cooling chamber 16 through the flow path of the blower fan 8 to each storage chamber 101, 102, 103.

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 10 This indicates the flow of cold air within the air supply chamber 7. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the airflow inside the air supply chamber 7 as viewed from the rear. The direction of the air supply fan 8 is... Figure 10 The rotation proceeds in the direction indicated by the middle arrow S. Air delivered from the cooling chamber 16 by the blower fan 8 rotates in the direction S, generating an airflow schematically represented by arrows A1 to A8. The air delivered from the blower fan 8 encounters the first guide wall 41, the second guide wall 42, and the third guide wall 43, and flows in the desired direction.

[0065] For example, the airflow A1 that collides with the upper wall surface 432 of the third guide wall 43 is guided obliquely upward along the upper wall surface 432. The vent 31 of the main body 30 of the support plate 3 is open above the upper end of the upper wall surface 432 of the third guide wall 43. The airflow guided by the upper wall surface 432 of the third guide wall 43 is guided to the vent 31.

[0066] For example, the airflow A2 flowing below the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 and colliding near the protruding end 411 of the upper wall surface 412 of the first guide wall 41 is guided along a first flow path formed between the upper wall surface 412 of the first guide wall 41 and the lower wall 433 of the third guide wall 43. The first air outlet 71 is open at the upper end of the first flow path between the upper wall surface 412 of the first guide wall 41 and the lower wall 433 of the third guide wall 43. The upper end of the first flow path has a lower surface 414 that protrudes rearward along the upper edge of the first air outlet 71. Therefore, the airflow flowing in the first flow path toward the upper end of the first flow path passes through the first air outlet 71 and the first blow-out outlet 61, and cold air is blown into the freezer compartment 103.

[0067] For example, the airflow A3 passing between the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41 and the fourth guide wall 45 flows toward the lower end wall 491 of the guide plate 4 and flows into the third air outlet 73. Additionally, the airflow A3 passing between the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41 and the fourth guide wall 45 collides with the lower end wall 491 and is guided to the third air outlet 73. Cold air is blown into the freezer compartment 103 through the third air outlet 73 and the third blow-out outlet 63.

[0068] The airflow A4, delivered from the blower fan 8 and flowing towards the fourth guide wall 45, collides with the upper surface 451 of the fourth guide wall 45 and is thus guided to the fifth air outlet 75. The cold air is then blown into the freezer compartment 103 through the fifth air outlet 75 and the fifth blow-out outlet 65.

[0069] Airflow A5, delivered from the fan 8 and flowing between the fourth guide wall 45 and the second guide wall 42, collides with the side wall 492 and lower end wall 491 below the second guide wall 42 and is guided to the fourth air outlet 74. Airflow A6, delivered from the fan 8 and flowing below the protruding end 421 of the second guide wall 42, collides with the lower wall surface 423, flows downward, and is guided to the fourth air outlet 74. Cold air is blown into the freezer compartment 103 through the fourth air outlet 74 and the fourth blow-out outlet 64.

[0070] Airflow A7, delivered from the blower fan 8 and flowing above the protruding end 421 of the second guide wall 42, collides with the upper wall surface 422 of the second guide wall 42, flows upward, and is guided to the second air outlet 72. Airflow A8, delivered from the blower fan 8 and flowing above the upper wall surface 422 of the second guide wall 42, flows directly into the second air outlet 72. Alternatively, airflow A8 collides with the upper end wall 493 of the guide plate 4 and is guided to the second air outlet 72. Cold air is blown into the freezer compartment 103 through the second air outlet 72 and the second blow-out outlet 62.

[0071] As described above, due to the presence of guide walls 41, 42, 43, and 45 that guide the airflow A1 to A8 delivered from the blower fan 8, cold air can be smoothly guided to each air outlet 71 to 75. That is, within the air supply chamber 7, a wide area close to the main body 30 of the support plate 3 is provided, similar to the first guide wall 41 and the second guide wall 42, and the space within the air supply chamber 7 takes into account the rotation direction of the blower fan 8 and the shape of the airflow. As a result, airflow can be guided to the air outlets 71 to 75 more efficiently. For example, compared to the case where a guide chamber is formed over the entire area of ​​the main body 30 of the support plate 3, turbulence is less likely to occur within the air supply chamber 7. Therefore, the air supply chamber 7 can efficiently guide the cold air delivered from the cooling chamber 16 by the blower fan 8 into the freezer compartment 103. As a result, heat loss when supplying cold air from the cooling chamber 16 to the storage compartments such as the freezer compartment 103 can be prevented, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 1.

[0072] Because a third guide wall 43 is provided between the vent 31 and the first air outlet 71, the cold air delivered from the air supply fan 8 can be smoothly distributed to the vent 31 and the first air outlet 71, thereby efficiently delivering the cold air.

[0073] The extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 is positioned such that it exits from the straight line L connecting the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41 and the rotation axis 81 of the blower fan 8 towards the first air outlet 71. As a result, the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 does not interfere with the airflow A2 flowing towards the first guide wall 41. Therefore, the cool air delivered from the blower fan 8 can be smoothly distributed to the vent 31 and the first air outlet 71, thereby efficiently delivering cool air.

[0074] A damper (not shown) is provided at the vent 31 of the support plate 3. The vent 31 is connected to the duct 17 when the damper is open. When the damper is open, cold air flowing from the air supply chamber 7 through the vent 31 of the support plate 3 flows into the duct 17 and flows upward within the duct 17. The low-temperature air is blown out from multiple outlets 189 into the storage chambers 101 and 102. The blown-out low-temperature air flows downward within the storage chambers 101 and 102, cooling them.

[0075] A portion of the air descending in the first refrigerator compartment 101 flows into the second refrigerator compartment 102 through the upper vent 141 of the first partition member 14. As a result, the interior of the second refrigerator compartment 102 is cooled. The second refrigerator compartment 102 is cooled at a higher temperature than the first refrigerator compartment 101. The air that has been heated by heat exchange with the stored items in the second refrigerator compartment 102 flows into the circulation passage 171 and into the lower part of the cooling chamber 16 through the lower opening 173.

[0076] Air flowing from the upper part to the lower part of the freezer compartment 103 returns to the cooling compartment 16 via the return flow path 5. Since the return flow path 5 is connected to the cooling compartment 16, the air in the cooling compartment 16 is drawn to the side of the longitudinal wall 183 by the blower fan 8, thus forming a flow path in which air circulates between the cooling compartment 16 and the freezer compartment 103.

[0077] In this way, the cold air circulates inside the refrigerator 1. The control unit controls the cooling mechanism 2 based on the monitored temperatures output by the temperature sensors installed inside the refrigerator 1. Specifically, the control unit controls the temperature of the air being cooled in the cooling chamber 16 and the flow rate of the cold air supplied from the cooling chamber 16, so that each storage compartment 101, 102, and 103 of the refrigerator 1 reaches a preset temperature range.

[0078] The configuration of the guide walls within the air supply chamber 7 is not limited to the examples described above. For instance, it is not necessary for the third guide wall 43 to extend substantially parallel to the upper wall surface 412 of the first guide wall 41. For example, an air supply chamber may be without the third guide wall 43. For example, an air supply chamber may be equipped with either the first guide wall 41 or the second guide wall 42. For example, the air supply chamber may also have two or more combinations of the first guide wall 41, the second guide wall 42, and the third guide wall 43. The shapes of the first guide wall 41 and the second guide wall 42 are not limited to the example of a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the front-rear direction Y. The first guide wall and the second guide wall can be shaped to smoothly guide the cold air to the air outlet. For example, the upper wall of the first guide wall may be formed using a downwardly concave curved surface.

[0079] The first guide wall 41 and the second guide wall 42 are not limited to examples where the generally triangular portion of the guide plate 4 from its end in the width direction X to each of the protruding ends 411 and 421 contacts the main body 30 of the support plate 3. For example, it is acceptable as long as the edge of the guide wall is in close contact with the main body 30 of the support plate 3 along the ridge lines of the upper and lower walls, preventing air from flowing into the gap between the guide wall and the support plate 3.

[0080] For example, it can also be like Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown in the modified example of guide plate 4A, a water-blocking wall is provided in guide plate 4A. When frost adheres to the guide chamber, water may flow within the guide chamber during defrosting. The water-blocking wall is used to block this water. The water-blocking wall is used to prevent water from flowing from the air outlets 71-75 into the freezer compartment 103. For example, in... Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 In the example shown, the guide plate 4A has multiple water-retaining walls 46, 47, and 48.

[0081] Compared to the first guide walls 41 to the third guide walls 43, the protrusion of the water-retaining walls 46-48 in the front-rear direction Y is smaller. For example... Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the air supply fan 8 is fixed to the support plate 3, and there is a gap between the air supply fan 8 and the guide plate 4. Therefore, the cold air is not blocked by the water baffles 46-68 and can flow in the air supply chamber 7.

[0082] The first water-blocking wall 46 is a wall that extends obliquely downward from the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43. The first water-blocking wall 46 is positioned above the fifth air outlet 75. In the width direction X, the extension end 461 of the first water-blocking wall 46 is located between the fifth air outlet 75 and the fourth air outlet 74. In the vertical direction Z, the extension end 461 of the first water-blocking wall 46 is positioned lower than the upper end of the fifth air outlet 75. In the vertical direction Z, the extension end 461 is lower than the end of the fourth guide wall 45 in the width direction X. Therefore, water flowing downward along the main body 40 will drip downward from the extension end 461 along the first water-blocking wall 46. Since the extension end 461 is positioned between the fifth air outlet 75 and the third air outlet 73, and is positioned lower than the fifth air outlet 75, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into the fifth air outlet 75.

[0083] The third water-retaining wall 47 is disposed adjacent to the end 731 of the third air outlet 73 at its central side in the width direction X. The third water-retaining wall 47 is a wall along the vertical direction Z. The vertical dimension Z of the third water-retaining wall 47 is approximately the same as the vertical dimension Z of the opening of the third air outlet 73. The third water-retaining wall 47 can prevent water flowing downward along the main body 40 from flowing into the third air outlet 73. Water flowing downward along the first guide wall 41 will drip downward from the protruding end 411. Since the protruding end 411 of the first guide wall 41 is located closer to the central side in the width direction X than the end 731 inside the third air outlet 73, it can prevent water dripping from the protruding end 411 from entering the third air outlet 73. That is, the first guide wall 41 functions as a water-retaining wall.

[0084] The fourth water-blocking wall 48 is a wall that prevents water from flowing into the fourth air outlet 74. The fourth water-blocking wall 48 has an inclined portion 481 and a side wall portion 482. The side wall portion 482 is a wall extending along the vertical direction Z. The side wall portion 482 is disposed adjacent to the end 741 of the fourth air outlet 74 at its central side in the width direction X. The vertical dimension Z of the side wall portion 482 is approximately the same as the vertical dimension Z of the opening of the fourth air outlet 74. The inclined portion 481 is a wall that extends obliquely downward from the lower end of the second guide wall 42 to the upper end of the side wall portion 482. The inclined portion 481 and the side wall portion 482 are continuously provided. Therefore, water flowing downward along the main body 40 will flow along the fourth water-blocking wall 48 to the lower part of the guide plate 4A, thereby preventing water from flowing into the fourth air outlet 74.

[0085] The composition of a water-retaining wall is not limited to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The example shown. The water barrier can be any structure that prevents water from flowing into the air outlets. For example, it can be configured such that it is positioned above each air outlet and has a rearward protrusion that guides the water to a location that avoids the air outlets.

[0086] It is not necessary for the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43 to be continuous with the first water-retaining wall 46. For example, the first water-retaining wall can also be set below the extension end 431 of the third guide wall 43.

[0087] In the examples above, such as Figure 10 As shown, an example is illustrated where the rotation direction S of the air supply fan 8 is counterclockwise when viewed from the rear in the front-rear direction Y. However, the rotation direction of the air supply fan 8 can also be clockwise. For example, when the rotation direction of the air supply fan 8 is clockwise, each guide wall can also be... Figure 10 The guide plate 4 shown is configured in a left-right opposite manner.

[0088] The fixed position of the air supply fan 8 relative to the support plate 3 is not limited to the example described above. Each guide wall can be configured according to the configuration of the air supply fan 8.

[0089] In the example above, although an example of the longitudinal wall 183 and the guide plate 4 being separate components is shown, the longitudinal wall 183 and the guide plate 4 can also be integral components.

[0090] The number and configuration of multiple air outlets 71-75 and air outlets 61-65 are not limited to the examples described above. For example, it could also be a refrigerator that does not have a fifth air outlet 75 and a fifth air outlet 65 and does not have a fourth guide wall 45.

[0091] In the above embodiment, although an example of a refrigerator 1 having one cooling chamber 16 and an air supply chamber 7 is shown, it is also applicable to refrigerators having multiple cooling chambers and air supply chambers. It is also possible to configure at least one of the multiple cooling chambers and air supply chambers to be equipped with an air supply guide plate having a guide wall.

[0092] According to the refrigerator 1 described above, a refrigerator 1 with high heat exchange efficiency can be obtained. In the refrigerator 1 described above, the cold air discharged from the cooling chamber 16 by the blower fan 8 is guided to each guide wall 41, 42, 43, 45, and flows smoothly to the air outlets 71 to 75.

[0093] According to the refrigerator 1 described above, since the first guide wall 41 or the second guide wall 42 is formed to protrude from the edge of the guide plate 4 toward the center, the airflow generated by the rotation of the blower fan 8 is smoothly guided to the air outlets 71 to 74. That is, the guide plate 4 has the first guide wall 41 or the second guide wall 42 at the part where turbulence is easily generated due to the collision between the airflow and the edge wall of the guide plate 4. As a result, turbulence can be prevented in the air supply chamber 7, thereby smoothly guiding cold air to each outlet.

[0094] According to the refrigerator 1 described above, since the guide plate 4 has a water-blocking wall, it is possible to prevent water generated during defrosting from flowing into the air outlets 73 and 75.

[0095] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are all included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: Possessing: a housing; a cooling chamber configured at a rear of a storage chamber formed in the housing, and housing a cooler; a supply fan fixed to a cool air discharge port of a front wall of the cooling chamber, and installed to be able to supply air from the cooling chamber toward the storage chamber; a supply guide plate configured to be opposed to the front wall with a space in front of the front wall, form an opening of one or more supply ports, and form a supply chamber between the supply guide plate and the front wall; a guide wall configured to be close to the front wall by protruding from a rear surface of the supply guide plate, and form a flow path of air between the cool air discharge port and the supply port; and a water blocking wall extending from an end portion of the guide wall to prevent water from flowing into the supply port. 2.The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the supply port forms an opening in a vicinity of a rim portion of the supply guide plate, and the guide wall is formed to extend from the rim portion toward a central portion of the supply guide plate in a front-rear direction. 3.The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide wall is formed to form the flow path of air between the cool air discharge port and the supply port along an air flow formed by the supply fan. 4.The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply fan is fixed to a central side in a width direction of an upper portion of the front wall, the guide wall is formed to protrude from the rim portion toward the central portion of the supply guide plate in the width direction in the front-rear direction, and a protruding end of the central portion side of the guide wall is disposed closer to the central portion than an opening rim of the supply port disposed above or below the guide wall. 5.The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing has a plurality of storage chambers, and the cooling chamber and the supply chamber communicate with a freezing chamber among the plurality of storage chambers through the supply port. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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