Refrigerator

Abstract

The present application provides a refrigerator capable of achieving an improvement in cooling performance. The refrigerator of an embodiment has a duct member, a cooler, a structure, and a sealing member. The duct member defines at least a portion of a wall surface of a cooling chamber. The cooler is disposed in the cooling chamber and is supplied with refrigerant. The structure is disposed between the cooler and the duct member on a side of the cooler and is not supplied with the refrigerant. The sealing member seals at least a portion of a gap between the cooler and the duct member at a position higher or lower than the cooler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is known to have a sealing component disposed on the side of the cooler and sealing the gap between the cooler and the wall of the cooling chamber. However, when there are structures on the side of the cooler, it is sometimes impossible to install the sealing component, making it difficult to improve cooling performance.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-166788 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can improve cooling performance.

[0007] The refrigerator of this embodiment includes a piping component, a cooler, a structure, and a sealing component. The piping component defines at least a portion of the wall of a cooling chamber. The cooler is disposed in the cooling chamber and is supplied with refrigerant. The structure is disposed laterally between the cooler and the piping component and is not supplied with refrigerant. The sealing component seals at least a portion of the gap between the cooler and the piping component at a position above or below the cooler.

[0008] Invention Effects

[0009] The refrigerator according to this embodiment can achieve improved cooling performance. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator as shown in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along line F2-F2.

[0012] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along line F3-F3.

[0013] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The refrigerator shown is a cross-sectional view along line F4-F4.

[0014] Figure 5 It means Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the portion of the cooling chamber surrounded by line F5 is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the sealing component of the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the sealing component installed before the cooler in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the sealing component installed after the cooler in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the sealing component of the embodiment from a downward angle.

[0019] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the cooler and sealing components shown along line F10-F10.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing component in a first modified embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing component in a second variation of the embodiment.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1…Refrigerator, 42…Freezer compartment piping component (piping component), 54…Cooler, 71…Back cover (first piping component), 73…Front cover (second piping component), 81…Cooling pipe (pipe), 82…Heat sink, 83…First end plate, 84…Second end plate, 92…Liquid reservoir (structure), 93c…End of pipe heater (structure), 94…Wire bundle of pipe heater (electrical wiring, structure), 95…Fuse component (structure), 96…Fuse fixing device (structure), 97…First sealing component (sealing component), 110…Windproof part, 112…Inclined surface, 114…Gap, 120…Clamping part, 120s…Insertion space, 120i…Inclined part, 121…First part, 122…Second part, 123…Third part, 124…Fourth part, 130…Bulging part, 131…Top part. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The refrigerator of the following embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components with the same or similar functions will be labeled with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of these components will sometimes be omitted. In this specification, left and right are defined based on the direction from which a user standing in front of the refrigerator observes it. Additionally, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator when viewed from the refrigerator is defined as "front," and the side farther away is defined as "rear." In this specification, "the width direction of the refrigerator" means the left-right direction of the refrigerator. In this specification, "the depth direction of the refrigerator" means the front-back direction of the refrigerator.

[0025] (Implementation Method)

[0026] [1. Overall Components of a Refrigerator]

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 10 The refrigerator 1 of the embodiment will be described. First, the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a front view of refrigerator 1. Refrigerator 1, for example, has a frame 10 and multiple doors 20.

[0029] The frame 10 has an upper wall 10a, a lower wall 10b, left and right side walls 10c and 10d, and a rear wall 10e (see reference). Figure 2 The upper wall 10a and lower wall 10b extend generally horizontally. The left and right side walls 10c and 10d rise upwards from the left and right ends of the lower wall 10b and connect to the left and right ends of the upper wall 10a. The rear wall 10e rises upwards from the rear end of the lower wall 10b and connects to the rear end of the upper wall 10a. The frame 10 includes an inner box 10i forming the inner surface of the frame 10, an outer box 10j located outside the inner box 10i and forming the outer surface of the frame 10, and a foamed thermal insulation material 10k, such as foamed polyurethane, disposed between the inner box 10i and the outer box 10j, having thermal insulation properties (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0030] The frame 10 has multiple storage compartments 11 inside. These compartments 11 may include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 11A, a chilled food compartment 11Aa, a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment 11C, a small freezer compartment 11D, and a main freezer compartment 11E. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 11A is located at the top, the vegetable compartment 11B is located below the refrigerator compartment 11A, the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D are located below the vegetable compartment 11B, and the main freezer compartment 11E is located below the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 11 is not limited to the above example. The frame 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage compartment 11 for taking out and placing food items into each compartment.

[0031] The frame 10 has first and second partitions 15 and 16 (see reference). Figure 2 The first and second partitions 15 and 16 are, for example, partition walls that run approximately horizontally. The first partition 15 is located between the refrigerator compartment 11A and the vegetable compartment 11B, separating the refrigerator compartment 11A from the vegetable compartment 11B. On the other hand, the second partition 16 is located between the vegetable compartment 11B and the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D, separating the vegetable compartment 11B from the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D.

[0032] Multiple storage compartments 11 can be opened and closed via multiple doors 20. The multiple doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa and 20Ab that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 11A, vegetable compartment door 20B that closes the opening of vegetable compartment 11B, ice maker door 20C that closes the opening of ice maker compartment 11C, small freezer compartment door 20D that closes the opening of small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment door 20E that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 11E.

[0033] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The refrigerator 1 shown is a cross-sectional view along line F2-F2. The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, multiple shelves 31, multiple containers 35, a flow path forming component 40, a cooling unit 50, and a control device 60. Multiple shelves 31 are arranged in the refrigerator compartment 11A. Multiple containers 35 are separately arranged in the chilled food compartment 11Aa, the vegetable compartment 11B, the ice-making compartment 11C, the small freezer compartment 11D, and the main freezer compartment 11E.

[0034] The flow path forming component 40 includes a refrigerator compartment duct component 41 and a freezer compartment duct component 42. The refrigerator compartment duct component 41 is disposed along the rear wall 10e of the frame 10 and extends vertically. The refrigerator compartment duct component 41 forms a passage for cold air (air) flow, namely a refrigerator compartment duct space D1, near the rear wall 10e of the frame 10. The refrigerator compartment duct space D1 includes a cooling chamber D1a that is equipped with a cooler 52 (described later) to cool the air. The refrigerator compartment duct component 41 has a cold air outlet 41a opening to the refrigerator compartment 11A or the chilled compartment 11Aa and a cold air return outlet 41b opening to the vegetable compartment 11B.

[0035] Similarly, the freezer compartment duct component 42 is disposed along the rear wall 10e of the frame 10 and extends vertically. Near the rear wall 10e of the frame 10, the freezer compartment duct component 42 forms a passageway for cold air (air), namely the freezer compartment duct space D2. The freezer compartment duct space D2 includes a cooling chamber D2a that cools the air by accommodating the cooler 54 described later. The freezer compartment duct component 42 has a cold air outlet 42a opening to the upper part of the ice-making chamber 11C, the small freezer chamber 11D, or the main freezer chamber 11E, and a cold air return outlet 42b opening to the lower part of the main freezer chamber 11E.

[0036] Cooling unit 50 includes, for example, a compressor 51, a cooler 52, a fan 53, a cooler 54, and a fan 55. Cooler 52 is disposed in cooling chamber D1a of the refrigeration compartment duct space D1. Cooler 52 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by compressor 51 to cool the cold air flowing in cooling chamber D1a. Fan 53 is disposed in the refrigeration compartment duct space D1. If fan 53 is driven, the cold air cooled by cooler 52 is supplied from cold air outlet 41a to refrigeration compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa. The cold air supplied to refrigeration compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa flows through vegetable compartment 11B and returns to refrigeration compartment duct space D1 from cold air return outlet 41b.

[0037] A cooler 54 is disposed in cooling chamber D2a of the freezer duct space D2. The cooler 54 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by compressor 51 to cool the cold air flowing in cooling chamber D2a. A fan 55 is disposed in the freezer duct space D2. If the fan 55 is driven, the cold air cooled by the cooler 54 is supplied from cold air outlet 42a to ice-making chamber 11C, small freezer chamber 11D, and main freezer chamber 11E. The cold air supplied to ice-making chamber 11C, small freezer chamber 11D, and main freezer chamber 11E returns to the freezer duct space D2 via cold air return outlet 42b through the main freezer chamber 11E.

[0038] The control device 60 has a circuit board 61 and electronic components 62 mounted on the circuit board. The control device 60 uniformly controls the entire refrigerator 1. For example, the control device 60 controls the operation of the compressor 51, fan 53 and fan 55 mentioned above.

[0039] [2. Components related to the refrigeration cooling chamber]

[0040] [2.1 Piping Components]

[0041] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of refrigerator 1 along line F3-F3 shown. Figure 3 In the diagram, to facilitate understanding of the freezer compartment piping space D2, the parts that are not part of the freezer compartment piping space D2 are shaded. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, "freezer compartment piping component 42" will be referred to as "piping component 42", and "freezer compartment piping space D2" will be referred to as "piping space D2".

[0042] Pipe component 42 includes, for example, a back cover 71, a bottom cover 72, and a front cover 73 (see reference). Figure 4The back cover 71 is disposed behind the cooler 54, forming at least a portion of the back wall of the pipe space D2 (the back wall of the cooling chamber D2a). Alternatively, all or part of the back cover 71 may be formed from a portion of the inner casing 10i of the frame 10, instead of being formed from a component independent of the frame 10. In this embodiment, the left region R1 of the back cover 71 is formed by a cover component 71A mounted on the frame 10. On the other hand, the right region R2 of the back cover 71 is formed by the inner casing 10i of the frame 10.

[0043] In this embodiment, the back cover 71 has a recess 71r recessed towards the rear of the refrigerator 1. The back cover 71 and the front cover 73 are joined together, such that the space between the recess 71r formed in the back cover 71 and the front cover 73 becomes a pipe space D2. In this embodiment, the space surrounding the cooler 54 within the pipe space D2 is referred to as the "cooling chamber D2a". The pipe component 42 includes a first sidewall portion 71a located on a first side (left) of the cooler 54 and a second sidewall portion 71b located on a second side (right) of the cooler 54. The back cover 71 is an example of a "first pipe component".

[0044] The bottom cover 72 is disposed below the cooler 54 and forms at least a portion of the bottom wall surface of the pipe space D2 (the bottom wall surface of the cooling chamber D2a).

[0045] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of refrigerator 1 along line F4-F4 shown.

[0046] The front cover 73 is positioned in front of the cooler 54, forming at least a portion of the front wall of the duct space D2 (the front wall of the cooling chamber D2a). The front cover 73 has a first component 73a defining the front wall of the first duct space D2, a second component 73b defining the inner surface of the storage compartment 11 of the refrigerator 1 (ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment 11E), and a heat-insulating component 73c disposed between the first component 73a and the second component 73b. The front cover 73 has a cold air return port 42b at a height corresponding to the lower part of the cooler 54. Additionally, the front cover 73 has an internal vent 73d at a height above the cooler 54, allowing cold air flowing from the cooler 54 to the cold air outlet 42a. The front cover 73 is an example of a "second duct component".

[0047] In this embodiment, the fan 55 is positioned above the cooler 54 within the duct space D2. Air returning to the duct space D2 from the cold air return port 42b flows upward through the cooler 54, where it is cooled. The cooled air flowing through the cooler 54 is then delivered by the fan 55 from the internal vent 73d to the cold air outlet 42a, from which it is supplied to the storage compartment 11 (ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment 11E).

[0048] Furthermore, the term "duct component" as used in this specification is not limited to cylindrical components, but refers to components that define airflow paths. In this specification, "wall surface" is not limited to flat walls, but may also include walls with protrusions or through-holes, thus exhibiting irregularities.

[0049] [2.2 Cooler]

[0050] Cooler 54 is a component that, together with compressor 51, constitutes a refrigeration cycle device. Cooler 54 is an evaporator that cools the air flowing through cooling chamber D2a by the evaporation of at least a portion of the refrigerant supplied from compressor 51.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, a cooler 54 is disposed in a cooling chamber D2a. The cooler 54 includes, for example, a cooling pipe 81, multiple heat sinks 82, a first end plate 83, and a second end plate 84. The cooling pipe 81 extends horizontally and bends back at the left and right ends of the cooler 54, thus extending repeatedly between the left and right ends of the cooler 54. In other words, the cooling pipe 81 has multiple straight sections 81a extending horizontally, and multiple bends 81b connecting adjacent straight sections 81a at the left or right end of the cooler 54. Multiple heat sinks 82 are mounted on each straight section 81a. The multiple heat sinks 82 are plate-shaped along the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0052] The first end 81c (upstream end) of the cooling pipe 81 is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the compressor 51 via a capillary tube, a three-way valve, a dryer, and a condenser. On the other hand, the second end 81d (downstream end) of the cooling pipe 81 is connected to the refrigerant return port of the compressor 51 via a liquid receiver 92 (described later) and a suction pipe.

[0053] The first end plate 83 is located at the left end of the cooler 54 and is positioned on the first side (left) relative to the plurality of heat sinks 82. The second end plate 84 is located at the right end of the cooler 54 and is positioned on the second side (right) relative to the plurality of heat sinks 82. The first end plate 83 and the second end plate 84 each have a through hole 83a through which the straight portion 81a of the cooling pipe 81 passes (see reference). Figure 4 The cooling pipe 81 has a straight section 81a fixed thereon. That is, the folded-back section 81b of the cooling pipe 81 folds back at a position to the left of the first end plate 83 or to the right of the second end plate 84. The first end plate 83 and the second end plate 84 are plate-shaped along the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1, respectively. The first end plate 83 and the second end plate 84 have areas larger than the areas of each heat sink 82 and are thicker than each heat sink 82.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the multiple straight sections 81a of the cooling pipe 81 are arranged in multiple layers (e.g., 4 layers) in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the multiple straight sections 81a include two straight sections 81a arranged in the uppermost layer, three straight sections 81a arranged in the second layer from the top, three straight sections 81a arranged in the third layer from the top, and three straight sections 81a arranged in the lowermost layer.

[0055] Here, considering the two uppermost straight sections 81a as a set, the center C1 of these two straight sections 81a in the front-rear direction is offset rearward from the center C2 of the first end plate 83 in the front-rear direction. This is because the air flowing from the front side of the lower end of the cooler 54 to the cooler 54 flows obliquely upward and rearward inside the cooler 54. As a result, a relatively wide area RF is provided at the front end of the upper part of the cooler 54, where the sealing member 97 described later can be installed.

[0056] [2.3 Other components related to the cooler]

[0057] Next, return Figure 3 The following describes other components related to the cooler 54. In addition to the above-described components, the refrigerator 1 also includes a defrost water receiver 91, a liquid reservoir 92, a pipe heater 93, a wiring harness 94 for the pipe heater 93 (electrical wiring for the pipe heater 93), a fuse assembly 95, a fuse holder 96, a first sealing member 97, and a second sealing member 98. Here, the defrost water receiver 91, the pipe heater 93, and the second sealing member 98 will be described first, followed by a description of the remaining components.

[0058] A defrost water receiving section 91 is located below the cooler 54. The defrost water receiving section 91 is formed into a flat bowl shape to collect water dissolved in the cooler 54 during defrosting. The water collected by the defrost water receiving section 91 is sent to the evaporation dish via a drain pipe.

[0059] The tube heater 93 is a heating device fixed to the cooler 54 and heating the cooler 54 during defrosting. For example, the tube heater 93 has a tube fixed to a first end plate 83 and a second end plate 84, and heat-conducting wires disposed inside the tube. The tube heater 93 is an example of a "heater".

[0060] In this embodiment, the tube heater 93 extends horizontally and folds back at the left and right ends of the cooler 54, thus extending repeatedly between the left and right ends of the cooler 54. In other words, the tube heater 93 has a plurality of straight sections 93a extending horizontally, and a plurality of folded-back sections 93b connecting adjacent two straight sections 93a at the left or right end of the cooler 54. The plurality of straight sections 93a are separately arranged at the front, rear, and lower ends of the first end plate 83 (see reference). Figure 4 That is, the vertical center C3 of the tube heater 93 is located below the vertical center of the cooler 54 (e.g., the vertical center C4 of the first end plate 83) (see reference). Figure 4 The foldback portion 93b of the tube heater 93 folds back at a position to the left of the first end plate 83 or to the right of the second end plate 84.

[0061] The second sealing member 98 is disposed on the second side (right side) of the cooler 54, located between the cooler 54 and the second sidewall portion 71b of the pipe component 42. The second sealing member 98 is a block component with aluminum strip adhered to a foamed insulation component (e.g., expanded polystyrene, EPS). The second sealing member 98 is fixed in position, for example, by being sandwiched between multiple straight portions 81a (or multiple folded portions 81b) of the cooling pipe 81 of the cooler 54. The second sealing member 98 blocks at least a portion of the gap S2 between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42 on the second side (right side) of the cooler 54. However, the second sealing member 98 may also have the same configuration as the first sealing member 97 described later, instead of the above example.

[0062] Figure 5 It means Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the portion of cooling chamber D2a surrounded by line F5 shown.

[0063] The reservoir 92 is connected to the second end 81d of the cooling pipe 81 as described above. The reservoir 92 is disposed on the first side (left side) of the cooler 54 between the cooler 54 and the first sidewall portion 71a of the pipe component 42. The vertical center C5 of the reservoir 92 is located offset upwards from the vertical center of the cooler 54 (e.g., the vertical center C4 of the first end plate 83). A portion of the reservoir 92 is located above the upper end of the cooler 54 (e.g., the upper end of the first end plate 83 or the upper end of the uppermost heat sink 82).

[0064] The end 93c of the tube heater 93 protrudes more significantly toward the first side (left side) of the cooler 54 than the folded-back portion 93b of the tube heater 93. The end 93c of the tube heater 93 extends obliquely relative to the horizontal direction, for example. The end 93c of the tube heater 93 is disposed on the first side of the cooler 54 between the cooler 54 and the first sidewall portion 71a of the pipe component 42.

[0065] The bundle 94 of the tube heater 93 is connected to the end 93c of the tube heater 93 on the first side of the cooler 54. The bundle 94 of the tube heater 93 extends upward through the space between the cooler 54 and the first side wall portion 71a of the pipe component 42 on the first side of the cooler 54. The bundle 94 of the tube heater 93 is a bundle of power supply wiring that supplies current to the tube heater 93.

[0066] The fuse component 95 is a temperature-sensitive fuse that reacts to the temperature of the tube heater 93 (or cooler 54). The fuse component 95 actuates in the event of an abnormal temperature rise in the tube heater 93 (or cooler 54) (exceeding a threshold temperature rise), cutting off the current supply from the cable 94 to the tube heater 93. The fuse component 95 is disposed on the first side of the cooler 54 between the cooler 54 and the first sidewall portion 71a of the pipe component 42.

[0067] The fuse holder 96 is a fixture that secures the fuse component 95 within the cooling chamber D2a. In this embodiment, the fuse holder 96 secures the fuse component 95 to the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54. For example, the fuse holder 96 includes a holding portion 96a for holding the fuse component 95 and a fixing portion 96b fixed to the upper end of the first end plate 83 (see reference). Figure 7 The fixing part 96b is, for example, a clamping part that holds the upper end of the first end plate 83. The fixing part 96b has a plate-shaped protrusion (hand grip) 96ba for the assembler of the refrigerator 1 to pinch the fuse fixing device 96. The protrusion 96ba protrudes upward from the fixing part 96b. That is, the protrusion 96ba protrudes upward above the cooler 54 (above the first end plate 83).

[0068] In this embodiment, at least one of the above-described liquid reservoir 92, the end 93c of the tube heater 93, the wire bundle 94 of the tube heater 93, the fuse component 95, or the fuse fixing device 96 is disposed on the first side of the cooler 54, thereby making it difficult to install a sealing component between the cooler 54 and the first side wall portion 71a of the pipe component 42. The liquid reservoir 92, the end 93c of the tube heater 93, the wire bundle 94 of the tube heater 93, the fuse component 95, and the fuse fixing device 96 are each examples of a "construction". In addition, the end 93c of the tube heater 93, the wire bundle 94 of the tube heater 93, the fuse component 95, and the fuse fixing device 96 are each examples of a "construction in which refrigerant is not supplied".

[0069] [3. First sealing component]

[0070] Next, the first sealing component 97 will be described.

[0071] The first sealing member 97 is an evaporator-side seal that blocks at least a portion of the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42 at a position above the cooler 54. "Above the cooler 54" is an example of a position offset from the side region RS (the height range between the upper and lower ends of the cooler 54) of the cooler 54. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the "first sealing member 97" will sometimes be referred to as "sealing member 97".

[0072] [3.1 Windbreak portion of the first sealing component]

[0073] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the sealing member 97. The sealing member 97 has a windproof portion 110 and a clamping portion (fixing portion) 120. The windproof portion 110 is formed in the shape of a plate. The clamping portion 120 is provided at the lower end of the front side of the windproof portion 110 and protrudes downward from the windproof portion 110. The sealing member 97 is made of synthetic resin, for example, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] return Figure 5 The configuration of the sealing member 97 will be described. At least a portion of the windbreak portion 110 of the sealing member 97 (in Figure 5 In the example shown, the entire baffle 110 is positioned above the upper end of the cooler 54 (e.g., the upper end of the first end plate 83 or the upper end of the uppermost heat sink 82). At least a portion of the baffle 110, positioned above the upper end of the cooler 54 (i.e., offset from the side region RS of the cooler 54), blocks at least a portion of the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42. In this embodiment, the baffle 110 is sized to block most of the gap S1. The baffle 110 has a notch 111 through which the connecting pipe CP for connecting the reservoir 92 and the suction pipe passes (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0075] In this embodiment, the windbreak portion 110 of the sealing member 97 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. For example, the windbreak portion 110 is inclined such that it is located above as it moves from the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54 toward the first side (left). As a result, the upper surface of the windbreak portion 110 has an inclined surface 112. The inclined surface 112 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction at an angle of, for example, 45 degrees or more.

[0076] In this embodiment, the pipe component 42 has a bulge 130 above the cooler 54, bulging toward the center of the refrigerator 1 in the width direction. The bulge 130 bulges out in such a way that it covers a portion of the cooling chamber D2a (i.e., forms a partial canopy 131 relative to the cooling chamber D2a). For example, the canopy 131 extends at a relatively small angle relative to the horizontal direction (i.e., a smaller angle relative to the horizontal direction than relative to the vertical direction). The canopy 131 of the bulge 130 extends to a position on a second side (right side) above at least a portion of the liquid reservoir 92, at least a portion of the end 93c of the tube heater 93, and at least a portion of the wire 94 of the tube heater 93. For example, the canopy 131 of the bulge 130 covers above at least a portion of the liquid reservoir 92, at least a portion of the end 93c of the tube heater 93, and at least a portion of the wire 94 of the tube heater 93. By setting the bulge 130, the width of the pipe space D2 in the width direction of the refrigerator 1 becomes narrower at the height position where the bulge 130 exists.

[0077] The windbreak portion 110 of the sealing member 97 extends obliquely relative to the horizontal direction from the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54 toward the bulge 130 of the pipe member 42. In this embodiment, the upper end portion 113 of the windbreak portion 110 is positioned to the first side (left) of at least a portion of the canopy portion 131 of the bulge 130. The upper end portion 113 of the windbreak portion 110 is located below the canopy portion 131 of the bulge 130.

[0078] [3.2 Clamping part of the first sealing component]

[0079] The clamping portion 120 of the sealing member 97 is detachably mounted to the upper end of the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54. The clamping portion 120 is fixed to the upper end of the first end plate 83 by clamping the upper end of the first end plate 83. The aforementioned windbreak portion 110 is fixed to the first end plate 83 by the clamping portion 120 and is supported by the first end plate 83.

[0080] like Figure 6As shown, the clamping part 120 includes an insertion space 120s for inserting the upper end of the first end plate 83, and a first part 121, a second part 122, and a third part 123 surrounding the insertion space 120s from three directions in the width and vertical directions of the refrigerator 1. Specifically, the first part 121 faces the upper end of the first end plate 83 from the left. The first part 121 is formed as a plate along the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1, and is arranged substantially parallel to the first end plate 83. The second part 122 faces the upper end of the second end plate 84 from the right. The second part 122 has a plate portion 122a along the vertical direction and the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 1, and a bent portion 122b located below the plate portion 122a and bending towards the first end plate 83 from the plate portion 122a. By providing the plate portion 122a and the bent portion 122b, the clamping part 120 is elastic enough to clamp the first end plate 83 between the first part 121 and the second part 122. Alternatively, plate portion 122a and curved portion 122b may replace the second portion 122 or be provided on the basis of the first portion 121. The third portion 123 connects the upper end of the first portion 121 to the upper end of the second portion 122. The third portion 123 faces the first end plate 83 in the vertical direction.

[0081] In this embodiment, the end faces (rear ends of the clamping portion 120) of the first portion 121, the second portion 122, and the third portion 123 each have an inclined portion 120i that slopes inward toward the insertion space 120s relative to the width direction of the refrigerator 1 as it approaches the insertion space 120s. That is, the first portion 121 has an inclined portion 120i that slopes forward as it moves from left to right. Similarly, the second portion 122 has an inclined portion 120i that slopes forward as it moves from right to left. The third portion 123 has an inclined portion 120i that slopes forward as it moves from top to bottom. The inclined portion 120i is a chamfered portion (so-called C-surface) provided on the inner circumferential side of the end faces of the first portion 121, the second portion 122, and the third portion 123.

[0082] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the installation process of the sealing component 97 relative to the cooler 54. Figure 7 The sealing component 97 installed before the cooler 54 is shown. Figure 8 A sealing component 97 is shown, installed after the cooler 54. (As shown) Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the sealing member 97 is mounted on the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54 from the front. That is, by moving the sealing member 97 relative to the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54 from the front to the rear, the first end plate 83 is inserted into the clamping part 120 of the sealing member 97, thereby the sealing member 97 is mounted on the first end plate 83.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, the clamping part 120 is only provided at the front end of the windbreak part 110. In this embodiment, a gap 114 is provided between the portion of the windbreak part 110 without the clamping part 120 and the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54. By providing the gap 114, water droplets that melt after freezing on the inclined surface 112 of the windbreak part 110 fall through the outside of the cooler 54 to the defrost water receiving part 91. In addition, the protrusion 96ba of the fuse fixing device 96 passes through the gap 114. As a result, the sealing member 97 is installed on the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54 without interfering with the protrusion 96ba of the fuse fixing device 96.

[0084] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the sealing member 97 from a slightly downward angle. The clamping portion 120 of the sealing member 97 includes a fourth portion 124. The fourth portion 124 is disposed between the first portion 121, the second portion 122, and the third portion 123 such that it blocks at least a portion of the front end of the insertion space 120s in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1. The fourth portion 124 faces the insertion space 120s in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1. That is, the fourth portion 124 faces the first end plate 83 in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0085] Figure 10 It is along Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the cooler and sealing component along line F10-F10. The fourth portion 124 of the clamping part 120 abuts against the front of the first end plate 83 when the sealing component 97 is installed on the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54. Therefore, the sealing component 97 will not move further rearward, and the position of the sealing component 97 in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1 is restricted.

[0086] In this embodiment, after the sealing member 97 is installed on the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54, the front cover 73 and the back cover 71 of the pipe member 42 are combined. If the front cover 73 and the back cover 71 of the pipe member 42 are combined (e.g., fixed), the position of the sealing member 97 in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1 between the front cover 73 and the cooler 54 is restricted. The term "position restricted" in this specification is not limited to the case where the position is completely fixed, but may also include the case where there is some degree of sway (playback).

[0087] [4. Function]

[0088] Next, the function of the sealing component 97 will be explained.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, a second sealing member 98 is provided on the second side (right side) of the cooler 54. As a result, at least a portion of the right-side gap S2 between the cooler 54 and the pipe member 42 is sealed.

[0090] On the other hand, since the cooler 54 has a reservoir 92, the end 93c of the tube heater 93, the wire bundle 94 of the tube heater 93, a fuse component 95, or a fuse fixing device 96, etc., arranged on the first side (left) of the cooler 54, it is not easy to arrange a sealing component in the side region RS of the cooler 54. However, in this embodiment, a first sealing component 97 is provided to block at least a portion of the left-hand gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42 at a position higher than the cooler 54.

[0091] Therefore, the air flowing into the cooling chamber D2a from the cold air return port 42b does not easily flow into the right gap S2 between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42, or the left gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42. Consequently, a large amount of air flowing into the cooling chamber D2a from the cold air return port 42b flows between the first end plate 83 and the second end plate 84 of the cooler 54 (i.e., between the multiple heat sinks 82 of the cooler 54) and towards the upper internal vent 73d. Thus, the air flowing into the cooling chamber D2a from the cold air return port 42b is efficiently cooled by the cooler 54 and supplied to the storage chamber 11 as even colder air.

[0092] [5. Advantages]

[0093] As explained above, in this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 has a structure (e.g., the end of the tube heater 93, the wire 94 of the tube heater 93, or the fuse component 95) disposed between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42 and not supplied with refrigerant. If such a structure is provided, it is difficult to install a sealing component of the type that is sandwiched between the multiple straight portions 81a (or multiple folded portions 81b) of the cooling pipe 81 of the cooler 54, and it is difficult to seal the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42.

[0094] Therefore, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment has a sealing member 97 that seals at least a portion of the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe member 42 at a position higher than the cooler 54. With this configuration, even if a structure is provided on the side of the cooler 54, at least a portion of the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe member 42 can be sealed without being obstructed by the structure. This reduces the airflow passing through the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe member 42, improving the cooling efficiency of the cooler 54. Thus, improved cooling performance can be achieved.

[0095] In this embodiment, the aforementioned structure is part of the tube heater 93 of the heater 54, the wire bundle 94 of the tube heater 93, or the fuse component 95. With this configuration, in a configuration where the heater 54 is equipped with a defrosting heater, the sealing component 97 can be arranged to avoid these related components. For example, since the wire bundle 94 of the tube heater 93 extends relatively long to the side of the heater 54, it becomes particularly difficult to install a sealing component that is sandwiched between the multiple straight portions 81a (or multiple folded portions 81b) of the cooling pipe 81 of the heater 54. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, even when the wire bundle 94 of the tube heater 93 extends relatively long to the side of the heater 54, the gap S1 between the heater 54 and the pipe component 42 can be effectively sealed.

[0096] In this embodiment, the vertical center C3 of the tube heater 93 is located below the vertical center C4 of the cooler 54. The sealing member 97 seals at least a portion of the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe member 42 at a position above the cooler 54. With this configuration, considering the ease of heat transfer upwards, the tube heater 93 is positioned lower relative to the cooler 54, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency from the tube heater 93 to the cooler 54. In this configuration, considering both increasing the component installation density at a lower position relative to the cooler 54 and facilitating the creation of ample space at a higher position relative to the cooler 54, the sealing member 97 is positioned using this ample space. Therefore, the shape and size of the sealing member 97 are not easily limited, and the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe member 42 can be sealed more effectively.

[0097] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the sealing member 97 has an inclined surface 112. With this configuration, even if ice forms on the upper surface of the sealing member 97, the inclined surface 112 allows melted water droplets during defrosting to flow down the inclined surface. This suppresses ice growth on the upper surface of the sealing member 97. Here, in this embodiment, the sealing member 97 is located in a region with ample space, such as above the cooler 54, allowing it to be arranged at a significant angle (e.g., at an angle of 45 degrees or more relative to the horizontal). This configuration allows melted water droplets to flow down more smoothly during defrosting. On the other hand, if the sealing member is located in the side region RS of the cooler 54, the multiple bends 81b of the cooling pipe 81 become obstacles, making it difficult to arrange the sealing member 97 at a significant angle. In other words, it can be said that the ability to arrange the sealing member 97 at a significant angle is unique to a configuration where at least a portion of the sealing member 97 is located above the cooler 54.

[0098] In this embodiment, a gap 114 is provided between at least a portion of the sealing member 97 and the cooler 54, allowing water droplets that melt after freezing on the inclined surface 112 of the sealing member 97 to fall outwards towards the outside of the cooler 54. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent water droplets that melt during defrosting after freezing on the inclined surface 112 of the sealing member 97 from flowing into the interior of the cooler 54 and leaving water inside the cooler 54 (more specifically, preventing re-freezing inside the cooler 54). Therefore, it is easier to maintain the performance of the cooler 54 at a higher level.

[0099] In this embodiment, the pipe component 42 has a bulge 130 above the cooler 54, which bulges towards the center of the refrigerator 1 in the width direction. A sealing component 97 extends between the cooler 54 and the bulge 130. With this configuration, even the relatively small sealing component 97 can effectively seal the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe component 42 through the sealing component 97 and the bulge 130. This allows for cost reduction of the sealing component 97.

[0100] In this embodiment, the upper end portion 113 of the wind deflector 110 is located below the canopy portion 131 of the bulge 130. With this configuration, even if the mounting position of the sealing member 97 deviates in the width direction of the refrigerator 1 due to component tolerances, it is easy to maintain a small gap between the upper end portion 113 of the wind deflector 97 and the pipe member 42. Therefore, the gap S1 between the cooler 54 and the pipe member 42 can be effectively sealed.

[0101] In this embodiment, the sealing member 97 has a clamping portion 120 that clamps the upper end of the first end plate 83 of the cooler 54. This configuration improves the ease of installation of the sealing member 97, which contributes to the cost reduction of the refrigerator 1.

[0102] In this embodiment, the clamping portion 120 of the sealing member 97 has an insertion space 120s for inserting the first end plate 83, and a first portion 121, a second portion 122, and a third portion 123 surrounding the insertion space 120s from three directions in the width and vertical directions of the refrigerator 1. At least one of the end faces of the first portion 121, the second portion 122, and the third portion 123 in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1 has an inclined portion 120i that slopes inward toward the insertion space 120s relative to the width direction of the refrigerator 1 as it approaches the insertion space 120s. With this configuration, when the first sealing member 97 is installed on the first end plate 83, the inclined portion 120i provides guidance, making it easier to install the first sealing member 97 onto the first end plate 83. This improves the ease of installation of the sealing member 97. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the inclined portion 120i is provided in all of the first portion 121, the second portion 122 and the third portion 123, but the inclined portion 120i may also be provided in only one or two of the first portion 121, the second portion 122 and the third portion 123.

[0103] In this embodiment, the clamping part 120 has a fourth portion 124 that abuts against the first end plate 83 in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1. With this configuration, when the sealing member 97 is installed on the first end plate 83, the first end plate 83 is also inserted into the clamping part 120 until it contacts the fourth portion 124 of the clamping part 120, preventing the sealing member 97 from moving further rearward. This allows for precise positioning of the sealing member 97 relative to the insertion direction of the first end plate 83. Consequently, the ease of installation of the sealing member 97 is improved.

[0104] In this embodiment, the pipe component 42 includes a back cover 71 located behind the cooler 54 in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1 and a front cover 73 located in front of the cooler 54. The sealing component 97 is restricted in the depth direction of the refrigerator 1 by the cooler 54 and the front cover 73. For example, by positioning the front cover 73 in front of the sealing component 97, the sealing component 97 is prevented from moving further forward. This allows for positioning of the sealing component 97 relative to the insertion direction of the first end plate 83. This improves the ease of installation of the sealing component 97. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, even if the sealing component 97 is accidentally in a half-insertion state relative to the first end plate 83, the front cover 73 will push the sealing component 97 backward during installation, thus fixing the sealing component 97 in the correct position. From this perspective, the ease of installation of the sealing component 97 can also be improved.

[0105] Several variations will be described below. Furthermore, in each variation, the configuration is the same as that of the embodiment described above, except for the following description.

[0106] (First variation)

[0107] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing member 97A of the first modified example. In this modified example, the air-blocking portion 110 of the sealing member 97A includes a first portion 117 and a second portion 118. The first portion 117 and the second portion 118 are arranged overlapping each other in the direction of blocking the flow of air. The first portion 117 is the portion corresponding to the air-blocking portion 110 of the above-described embodiment and is made of synthetic resin. The second portion 118 is formed of a heat-insulating material such as EPS and has higher heat insulation properties than the first portion 117. The second portion 118 has more than half the area of ​​the first portion 117. With this configuration, the heat conduction between the air flowing before the cooler 54 and the air flowing after the cooler 54 can be suppressed by using the sealing member 97A. As a result, the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0108] (Second variation)

[0109] Figure 12This is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing member 97 in the second modified example. In this modified example, the sealing member 97 seals at least a portion of the gaps S1 and S2 between the cooler 54 and the pipe member 42 at a position lower than the cooler 54. For example, the sealing member 97 has a clamping part (fixing part) 120 that clamps the lower end of the first end plate 83 or the second end plate 84 of the cooler 54, and is fixed to the lower end of the first end plate 83 or the lower end of the second end plate 84 of the cooler 54. The clamping part 120 may also be fixed to the first end plate 83 or the second end plate 84 of the cooler 54 using a sealing member or an adhesive or other auxiliary fixing member. With this configuration, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be expected.

[0110] The above describes the embodiments and modifications, but the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the sealing member 97 may replace the position confined between the front cover 73 and the cooler 54, and may be clamped between the front cover 73 and the back cover 71, thereby confining the position between the front cover 73 and the back cover 71, or it may be clamped between the cooler 54 and the back cover 71, thereby confining the position between the cooler 54 and the back cover 71. Alternatively, the position may be confined using the three components of the cooler 54, the back cover 71, and the front cover 73. The structure disposed between the cooler and the pipe component is not limited to the examples described above, and may also be other components.

[0111] According to at least one embodiment described above, improved cooling performance can be achieved by having a sealing member that blocks at least a portion of the gap between the cooler and the pipe components at a position above or below the cooler.

[0112] While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example 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 included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: Piping components, specifying at least a portion of the wall surface of the cooling chamber; A cooler, disposed in the cooling chamber, is supplied with refrigerant; A structure, disposed sideways to the cooler between the cooler and the piping components, is not supplied with the refrigerant; and A sealing component that seals at least a portion of the gap between the cooler and the piping component at a position above or below the cooler. The cooler has a pipe for the refrigerant to flow through, a plurality of heat sinks, and an end plate disposed on the side of the plurality of heat sinks and extending in a vertical direction. The end plate has a through hole through which the tube passes. The sealing member has: a fixing portion, which is fixed in the end plate in the depth direction of the refrigerator to a region forward of the through hole; and a windproof portion, which extends from the fixing portion in the depth direction of the refrigerator to a position rearward of the through hole, and is fixed to the end plate by the fixing portion.

2. A refrigerator, comprising: Piping components, specifying at least a portion of the wall surface of the cooling chamber; A cooler, disposed in the cooling chamber, is supplied with refrigerant; A structure, disposed sideways to the cooler between the cooler and the piping components, is not supplied with the refrigerant; and A sealing component that seals at least a portion of the gap between the cooler and the piping component at a position above or below the cooler. The cooler has multiple heat sinks and an end plate disposed on the side of the multiple heat sinks and extending in a vertical direction. The structure is a fuse holder that secures the fuse components to the cooling chamber. The fuse holder has a fixing part that is fixed to the end plate. The sealing member has: a fixing portion, which is fixed in the end plate in the depth direction of the refrigerator to a region forward of the fixing portion on which the fuse fixing device is installed; and a windproof portion, which extends from the fixing portion of the sealing member in the depth direction of the refrigerator to a position rearward of the fixing portion of the fuse fixing device, and is fixed to the end plate by the fixing portion of the sealing member.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper surface of the sealing component has an inclined surface. The inclined surface is inclined at an angle of more than 45 degrees relative to the horizontal direction.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper surface of the sealing component has an inclined surface. A gap is provided between at least a portion of the sealing component and the cooler to allow water droplets that melt after freezing on the inclined surface to fall to the outside of the cooler.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pipe component has a bulge extending towards the center of the refrigerator in the width direction of the refrigerator, located above the cooler. The sealing component extends between the cooler and the bulge.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fixing part of the sealing component is a clamping part that clamps the upper end or the lower end of the end plate.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, The clamping portion has an insertion space for inserting the end plate, and a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that surround the insertion space from three directions in the width and vertical directions of the refrigerator. At least one of the first, second, and third portions of the refrigerator in the depth direction has an inclined portion at its end face, which is inclined toward the interior of the insertion space relative to the width direction of the refrigerator as it approaches the insertion space.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, The clamping portion includes an insertion space for inserting the end plate, a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion that surround the insertion space in three directions in the width and vertical directions of the refrigerator, and a fourth portion that abuts against the end plate in the depth direction of the refrigerator.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The piping components include a first piping component located behind the cooler in the depth direction of the refrigerator and a second piping component located in front of the cooler. The sealing component restricts the position of the refrigerator in the depth direction by two or more of the cooler, the first pipe component, or the second pipe component.

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