Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided are: a first storage compartment of a freezing temperature zone; a second storage compartment of a temperature zone higher than the freezing temperature zone; a cooler (72) that has a cooling capacity that differs depending on the position and cools the surrounding air; a cooler compartment (7) that houses the cooler; a supply fan (71) disposed in the cooler compartment; a partition wall (6) that separates at least one of the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment from the front and back of the cooler compartment (7); a first air passage that transports air from the cooler compartment (7) to the first storage compartment; a second air passage that transports air from the cooler compartment (7) to the second storage compartment; a third air passage that returns air from the first storage compartment to the cooler compartment; and a fourth air passage (61D) that returns air from the second storage compartment to the cooler compartment, the third air passage having an air passage formed in the partition wall (6) that extends in the up-and-down direction in at least a portion, and the cooling capacity of the cooler to a second region lower than a first region supplies air drawn from the first storage compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator has storage compartments such as a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. These storage compartments are connected to the cooler compartment, which contains a condenser, via air ducts. Refrigerators typically use finned tube coolers, which have fins arranged on the refrigerant lines to enhance cooling capacity. Air cooled by the cooler is blown into the storage compartments by a fan through the air ducts, while air in the storage compartments is drawn back into the cooler compartment through other air ducts.

[0003] The air surrounding the cooler is cooled by the cooler. As the air temperature decreases, the humidity increases, and moisture in the air condenses and frosts onto the cooler surface. Thus, the moisture in the air is removed, and the air is dehumidified. In this way, cooling and dehumidification occur simultaneously within the cooler.

[0004] Finned tube coolers have refrigerant tubes for refrigerant flow, which exchange heat with the surrounding air. Fins are installed on the refrigerant tubes to increase the heat transfer area, thus improving cooling capacity. The refrigerant tubes have a zigzag shape, consisting of straight sections and U-shaped bends. In the straight sections, thin-walled tubes are used to improve cooling capacity, and fins are arranged at a certain density. Conversely, thick-walled tubes are used in the bends, ensuring the overall strength of the refrigerant tube. Side plates support the ends of the bends near the straight sections. The bends on the outer side of the refrigerant tube, further out than the side plates, lack fins and have lower cooling capacity.

[0005] The air inside the refrigerator compartment contains outside air and water vapor emitted from food. Therefore, when this air passes through the cooler without being adequately cooled and dehumidified, it is cooled below the dew point by the air flowing into the cooler compartment from the lower-temperature freezer near the blower. Condensation then forms around the blower, and the condensed water freezes at the blower's operating point. This results in a concern that the blower may malfunction. In the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1, to address this concern, an air baffle is installed above the gap beyond the side panel to prevent air returning from the refrigerator compartment from flowing into this gap.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4930721 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, a gap still exists between the baffle plate and the wall of the cooler chamber, and return air from the refrigeration compartment may still flow further outward than the side plate. Therefore, there is room for improvement in preventing icing in the blower.

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of suppressing ice formation in the blower.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] The refrigerator disclosed herein comprises: a first storage compartment in a freezing temperature zone; a second storage compartment in a second temperature zone above the freezing temperature zone; a cooler whose cooling capacity varies depending on its location, for cooling the surrounding air; a cooler compartment housing the cooler; a blower disposed within the cooler compartment; a partition wall separating at least one of the first and second storage compartments from the cooler compartment; a first air duct for transporting air from the cooler compartment to the first storage compartment; a second air duct for transporting air from the cooler compartment to the second storage compartment; a third air duct for returning air from the first storage compartment to the cooler compartment; and a fourth air duct for returning air from the second storage compartment to the cooler compartment. A circulation path is formed by a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber, a first air duct, a second air duct, a third air duct, a fourth air duct, and a cooler. A blower is positioned downstream of the cooler in the circulation path, delivering the cooled air to the first and second storage chambers via the first and second air ducts, respectively. Air is also drawn from the first and second storage chambers via the third and fourth air ducts. The fourth air duct supplies the air drawn from the second storage chamber to the first region of the cooler. The third air duct has at least a portion of a vertically extending air duct formed in the partition wall, supplying the air drawn from the first storage chamber to the second region of the cooler, where the cooling capacity is lower than that of the first region.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] The air returning to the cooler chamber from the first storage compartment in the freezing temperature zone has sufficiently low temperature and humidity. Even though it is supplied to the second zone, which has a lower cooling capacity and receives relatively weak cooling and dehumidification from the cooler, the air still reaches the blower with sufficiently low temperature and humidity. On the other hand, the air returning to the cooler chamber from the second storage compartment has higher temperature and humidity than the air returning from the first storage compartment. However, the air returning from the second storage compartment is repelled by the air flowing in the second zone from the first storage compartment, thus inhibiting its flow into the second zone. Instead, it flows through the first zone, which has a higher cooling capacity, and is sufficiently cooled and dehumidified in the first zone before reaching the blower. The low-temperature, low-humidity air flows to the blower, thereby preventing icing in the blower.

[0016] It can provide refrigerators that can suppress ice formation in the blower. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the return air path of the cooler compartment and refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the return airflow path of the cooler compartment and refrigerator compartment of the comparative example refrigerator, viewed from the back side.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1, Modified Example 7, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1, Modified Example 7, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a diagram of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1, Modified Example 7, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0026] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 The sectional view of the partition plate cut by section line XX.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the return air path of the cooler compartment and refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2, Modified Example 1, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a diagram of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2, Modified Example 1, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing the return air path of the cooler compartment and refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 2, Modified Example 1, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a front view of the refrigerator according to embodiment 3.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 3, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 3, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a diagram showing the return air path of the cooler compartment and refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 3, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0037] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 3, Modified Example 1, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator.

[0038] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the partition wall of the refrigerator in Embodiment 4, viewed from the back side of the refrigerator.

[0039] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 Sectional view along line III-III.

[0040] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the damper control section of the refrigerator according to embodiment 4.

[0041] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing the return air path of the cooler compartment and refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 4, viewed from the rear side of the refrigerator.

[0042] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing the return air path of the cooler compartment and refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator in Embodiment 5, viewed from the rear side of the refrigerator. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same components in each drawing. In the Cartesian coordinate system XYZ shown in the drawings, the left-right direction with the refrigerator door as the front side is defined as the X-axis, the up-down direction as the Z-axis, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis as the Y-axis. The following description will utilize this coordinate system appropriately. Furthermore, the side farther from the center of the refrigerator or cooler in the X-axis direction will be referred to as the outer side.

[0044] (Implementation Method 1)

[0045] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 6 The refrigerator 100 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator 100 has a refrigerator compartment 1. Below the refrigerator compartment 1, the refrigerator 100 has an ice-making compartment 2 and a switching compartment 3 arranged side by side on the left and right sides. Below the ice-making compartment 2 and the switching compartment 3, the refrigerator 100 has a freezer compartment 4, and below the freezer compartment 4, it has a vegetable storage compartment 5.

[0046] Refrigerator compartment 1 is one of the storage compartments 15, having space for storing food and other stored items. The temperature inside refrigerator compartment 1 is maintained in a temperature range of +3°C to +10°C. Hereinafter, this temperature range will be referred to as the refrigerator temperature range. Ice-making compartment 2 has the function of storing prepared ice and is one of the storage compartments 15. Ice-making compartment 2 is maintained in a temperature range of, for example, below -17°C. Hereinafter, this temperature range will be referred to as the freezing temperature range. Switching compartment 3 can switch the temperature inside the compartment to multiple temperatures. The initial temperature is the freezing temperature range, and although it is switched to multiple temperatures, this temperature is lower than the temperature of refrigerator compartment 1 and the temperature of vegetable storage compartment 5. In this embodiment, it will be described as the temperature set to the freezing temperature range. Furthermore, the temperature inside freezer compartment 4 is controlled in the freezing temperature range and is one of the storage compartments 15. Vegetable storage compartment 5 is a space for storing vegetables and is one of the storage compartments 15. Vegetable storage compartment 5 is maintained in a refrigerator temperature range of, for example, +3°C to +10°C.

[0047] Hereinafter, without distinguishing between storage compartments such as refrigerator compartment 1 and ice-making compartment 2, it will only be referred to as storage compartment 15. Furthermore, sometimes the storage compartment in the freezing temperature zone is called the freezing storage compartment or the first storage compartment, and the storage compartment in the freezing temperature zone, which is the second temperature zone above the freezing temperature zone, is called the freezing storage compartment or the second storage compartment. The opening through which air is blown out is called the outlet, and the opening in the air duct through which air returns is called the return outlet.

[0048] like Figure 2As shown, the refrigerator 100 has an insulated cabinet 101 in the shape of a box. The insulated cabinet 101 has multiple storage compartments 15. The insulated cabinet 101 and the doors 11, 31, 41, 51, etc. arranged on the front surface of each storage compartment 15 are used to prevent heat from the outside air from entering the storage compartment 15.

[0049] The insulated cabinet 101 includes a cooler chamber 7, a machine room 8, a partition wall 6, an air outlet 101A, and a return air outlet (not shown) to cool the inside of the refrigerator. The partition wall 6 separates the cooler chamber 7 from the ice maker 2, the switching chamber 3, the freezer 4, and the vegetable storage chamber 5. The air outlet 101A delivers cold air from the cooler chamber 7 to the refrigerator compartment 1.

[0050] In the cooler chamber 7, a blower 71, a cooler 72, and a defrost heater 73 are arranged from top to bottom. Additionally, a compressor 81 is arranged in the machine room 8. The blower 71 delivers the cold air generated in the cooler 72 to each storage chamber 15 through an air supply duct, and also draws air from each storage chamber 15 through a return air duct.

[0051] The refrigeration cycle that keeps the cooler 72 at a low temperature consists of four elements: compressor 81, condenser (not shown), expansion valve, and cooler 72. These elements are connected in a loop via piping, and the refrigerant circulates through these elements. The cooler 72 causes the low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant supplied via the expansion valve to vaporize by drawing heat from the surrounding air. Thus, the air surrounding the cooler 72 is cooled.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, cooler 72 is a finned tube type cooler, positioned below blower 71. Cooler 72 has a tortuous refrigerant tube 72B formed by combining straight tubes 72BA and U-shaped tubes 72BB. Multiple straight tubes 72BA of the refrigerant tube 72B are arranged horizontally, one above the other. (The text repeats itself here.) Figure 5 As shown in the enlarged view at the lower left, a pair of side plates 72AL and 72AR are vertically arranged at the boundary between the straight tube 72BA and the U-shaped tube 72BB. The cooler 72 is supported by the side plates 72AL and 72AR to maintain the shape of the cooler 72.

[0053] Hereinafter, when viewing the refrigerator 100 from the rear side, the left side of the left side panel 72AL and the right side of the right side panel 72AR will be referred to as the outer side of the side panel 72A, and the area between the left and right side panels 72A will be referred to as the inner side of the side panel 72A.

[0054] For the straight section 72BA of the refrigerant pipe 72B, i.e., the straight portion of the refrigerant pipe 72B, a thin-walled tube is used to improve cooling capacity, and fins 72C are arranged at a certain density to increase the heat conduction area, thus improving cooling capacity. This area with fins 72C is an example of the first area in the cooler 72 with relatively high cooling capacity. For the U-shaped section 72BB of the refrigerant pipe 72B, i.e., the bend of the refrigerant pipe 72B located outside the side plate 72A, a thick-walled tube is used to improve the strength of the cooler 72, and fins 72C are not provided, or are provided at a lower density than in the straight portion. In the bend of the refrigerant pipe 72B where the fin density of fins 72C is lower, i.e., outside the side plate 72A, the cooling capacity of the cooler 72 is lower than that of the cooler 72 inside the side plate 72A where fins 72C are provided. The outer region of the side plate 72A is an example of the second region in the cooler 72, which has relatively low cooling capacity.

[0055] Cooler 72 cools the surrounding air and removes moisture by frosting it off, thus dehumidifying the air. When the frost thickens and adheres to cooler 72, the cooling capacity decreases. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, a defrost heater 73 is positioned below the cooler 72. The defrost heater 73 has a glass tube heater or a carbon heater. The defrost heater 73 heats the cooler 72 to evaporate the frost adhering to its surface.

[0056] The air outlet 101A is located on the back of the insulated box 101, and blows the cold air supplied from the cooler chamber 7 through the air outlet 61A formed in the partition wall 6 out to the refrigerator chamber 1.

[0057] In addition, a return air passage (not shown) is provided at the rear of the insulated housing 101, so that the air in the refrigerator compartment 1 returns to the cooler compartment 7 through the return air passage formed in the partition wall 6.

[0058] The partition wall 6 separates the cooler chamber 7 from the refrigerator chamber 1, ice-making chamber 2, switching chamber 3, freezer chamber 4, and vegetable storage chamber 5, and has multiple air supply ducts and multiple return air ducts connecting the cooler chamber 7 to each storage chamber 15 to circulate cold air.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure of the air passage provided by partition wall 6 is explained.

[0060] The partition wall 6 is equipped with a blow outlet 61A and Figure 2 The air outlet 101A shown is connected to and supplies cold air to the refrigerator compartment 1. It is equipped with... Figure 4 The return air path 61D shown passes through... Figure 3The return port 61B shown is connected to the return air path returning from the refrigerator compartment 1, and the return port 6C opens into the cooler compartment 7. Cold air is delivered to the refrigerator compartment 1 through the outflow air path 101A, and returns to the cooler compartment 7 through the return air path 61D, circulating between the refrigerator compartment 1 and the cooler compartment 7.

[0061] The outflow air path 101A is an example of the second air path, and the return air path from the refrigerator compartment 1 is an example of the fourth air path.

[0062] An example of a circulation path formed by the first storage room, the second storage room, the first air passage, the second air passage, the third air passage, the fourth air passage, and the cooler room 7.

[0063] The partition wall 6 has an exhaust air path connecting an outlet 62A, which opens into the ice-making chamber 2 (one of the first storage chambers in the freezing temperature zone), to the cooler chamber 7. Furthermore, the partition wall 6 has a return air path connecting a return port 62B, which opens into the ice-making chamber 2, to a return port 62C, which opens into the cooler chamber 7. Air from the ice-making chamber 2 returns to the cooler chamber 7 through return ports 62B and 62C. Thus, cold air circulates between the ice-making chamber 2 and the cooler chamber 7. The exhaust air path connecting the outlet 62A, which opens into the ice-making chamber 2, to the cooler chamber 7 is an example of a first air path, while the return air path connecting the return port 62B, which is a second opening into the ice-making chamber 2, to the return port 62C, which is a first opening into the cooler chamber 7, is an example of a third air path.

[0064] Air is supplied by blower 71 from Figure 3 The air is blown out of the outlet 63A as shown into the switching chamber 3. Then, the air in the switching chamber 3 passes through the return outlet 63B and... Figure 4 The return port 63C shown returns to the cooler chamber 7.

[0065] air from Figure 3 The air is blown out of the outlet 64A as shown into the freezer compartment 4. Then, the air in the freezer compartment 4 passes through the return outlet 64B... Figure 4 The return port 64C shown returns to the cooler chamber 7.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, two air outlets 64A are arranged along the Z-axis and formed on the partition wall 6. The number of air outlets 64A corresponds to the number of shells provided in the freezer compartment 4. The width of each air outlet 64A and the direction of the air blown out are set according to the size and position of the corresponding shell.

[0067] Air is blown from the vent 65A located in the partition wall 6 into the vegetable storage compartment 5. The blown air passes through... Figure 3 and Figure 4The air returns to the partition wall 6 via the return port 65B shown. Then, the air returning from the vegetable storage chamber 5 merges with the air returning from the refrigerator chamber 1 within the return air path 61D in the partition wall 6, and then... Figure 4 The return port 61C shown returns to the cooler chamber 7. These return ports 62C, 63C, and 64C are located below the blower 71 and at the lower end of the cooler 72.

[0068] Next, the configuration relationship between the location of the return port of each return air path and the cooler 72 will be explained.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, a return air passage 61D is formed on the left side of the refrigerator 100 when viewed from the rear, within the partition wall 6, for the return of air 61F from the refrigerator compartment 1. Meanwhile, air returning from the vegetable storage compartment 5 merges with air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 in the return air passage 61D. Then, air at the refrigeration temperature returning from both the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 flows into the cooler compartment 7 through a return port 61C. The return port 61C for air from the refrigerator compartment 1 is located upstream of the cooler 72, to the left and below the cooler 72. The air flowing in from the return port 61C flows in an air passage whose orientation is altered by the wall 74 of the cooler compartment 7, which is formed obliquely at the bottom of the cooler compartment 7.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, formed in Figure 4 The return port 61C of the partition wall 6 shown is located lower than the lower end of the cooler 72, that is, lower than the lower end of the lowest fin 72C of the cooler 72. Return air 61F passing through the downward-extending return air path 61D is blown downward from the return port 61C. The return air 61F, after flowing into the cooler chamber 7, is redirected by the inclined surface 74A, which slopes downward towards the center of the cooler chamber 7, and then flows into the cooler 72 from the lower end and upward. Thus, the return air 61F from the refrigerator chamber 1 and the vegetable storage chamber 5 can pass between the lowest fin 72C, thereby enabling heat exchange along the entire length of the cooler 72 in the Z-axis direction.

[0071] On the other hand, the air returning from the ice-making compartment 2 flows into the cooler compartment 7 through the return port 62C. When viewed from the rear of the refrigerator 100, the return port 62C includes the area between the right side panel 72AR and the wall 74 of the cooler compartment 7, or opposite to that area, and is located upstream of the airflow relative to the cooler 72.

[0072] like Figure 4As shown, the return port 62C formed in the partition wall 6 is formed on the surface facing the -Y axis direction, that is, on the surface facing the rear side of the refrigerator 100. Figure 5 As shown, the return port 62C is configured such that its lower end is positioned higher than the lower end of the cooler 72, specifically the lower end of the fins 72C located at the bottom of the cooler 72. This configuration allows the return port 62C to overlap with the side plate 72AR in the Z-axis direction, facilitating the flow of return air 62F blown out of the return port 62C into the outer side of the side plate 72AR. This, in turn, prevents return air 61F from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 from flowing into the outer side of the side plate 72AR. In other words, the return air 62F flowing outside the side plate 72AR can function as an air curtain, as described later.

[0073] Air returning from the switching chamber 3 flows into the cooler chamber 7 through the return port 63C. When viewed from the rear of the refrigerator 100, the return port 63C includes the area between the left side panel 72AL and the wall of the return air passage 61D, or opposite to that area, and is located upstream of the airflow relative to the cooler 72.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the return port 63C, which serves as the first opening, is formed on the surface facing the -Y axis direction, i.e., the surface facing the rear side of the refrigerator 100. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the return port 63C is configured such that its lower end is positioned higher than the lower end of the cooler 72, specifically the lower end of the lowest fin 72C located on the cooler 72. This configuration allows the return port 63C to overlap with the side plate 72AL in the Z-axis direction, facilitating the flow of return air 63F blown from the return port 63C into the outer side of the side plate 72AL. This prevents return air 61F from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 from flowing into the outer side of the side plate 72AL. In other words, the return air 63F flowing on the outer side of the side plate 72AL can function as an air curtain, as described later.

[0075] Air 64F returning from freezer compartment 4 flows into cooler compartment 7 through return port 64C. Return port 64C is located upstream of the airflow relative to cooler 72, between return ports 63C and 62C.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the return port 64C formed in the partition wall 6 is formed on the surface facing the -Y axis direction, that is, on the surface facing the rear side of the refrigerator 100. Figure 5As shown, the return port 64C is configured such that its lower end is positioned higher than the lower end of the cooler 72, specifically the lower end of the lowest fin 72C located within the cooler 72. This configuration allows the return port 64C to be directly aligned with the cooler 72, enabling the return air 64F from the return port 64C to flow directly into the cooler 72 and upwards. This prevents the return air 64F from flowing downwards towards the fin 72C. Consequently, interference between the return air 61F flowing below the cooler 72 and the return air 64F is suppressed, thereby preventing pressure loss.

[0077] Next, the operation of the refrigerator 100 having the above structure will be explained.

[0078] Cooler 72 cools the air in cooler chamber 7, and blower 71 delivers the generated cold air to each storage chamber 15 through each air supply path. On the other hand, blower 71 draws air from each storage chamber 15 through return air path and supplies it to cooler 72. By repeating this action, cold air is distributed to each storage chamber 15, maintaining the temperature in each storage chamber 15 at a suitable temperature.

[0079] Next, the characteristic aspects of this embodiment, namely how the air drawn into the cooler chamber 7 flows in the cooler chamber 7, how it is cooled and dehumidified, and how it reaches the blower 71, will be explained.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, the air return ports 61C, 62C, 63C, and 64C, which are located on the partition wall 6, are all located at or near the lower end of the cooler 72, upstream of the airflow. The air flowing into the cooler chamber 7 rises within the cooler chamber 7, passes through the cooler 72, and reaches the blower 71.

[0081] Viewed from the rear of the refrigerator 100, the air return vent 62C from the ice-making compartment 2 includes, or is opposite to, the area between the right side panel 72AR and the wall 74 of the cooler compartment 7. Similarly, viewed from the rear of the refrigerator 100, the air return vent 63C from the switching compartment 3 includes, or is opposite to, the area between the left side panel 72AL and the wall of the return air passage 61D. Therefore, a portion of the air 62F returning from the ice-making compartment 2 and the air 63F returning from the switching compartment 3 passes outside the side panels 72AR or 72AL.

[0082] The air flowing outside the side panels 72AR or 72AL is the air returning from the ice-making chamber 2 and the switching chamber 3, and is colder and less humid than the air returning from the refrigerator chamber 1 and the vegetable storage chamber 5. Although the cooling capacity is lower in the area outside the side panels 72AR or 72AL due to the absence of fins 72C, the air is still cold and less humid by the time it reaches the blower 71, and will not freeze around the blower 71.

[0083] Furthermore, since the return port 64C is located near the center of the lower end of the cooler 72, the air 64F returning from the freezer 4 flows into the area where the fins 72C are provided and flows toward the blower 71.

[0084] Air 61F from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 exits from the return port 61C, changing direction towards the inclined surface 74A, which is part of the wall 74 forming the cooler compartment 7, and flows towards the blower 71 through the area of ​​the gap 60 between the air return ports 63C and 64C. The air pressure of air 61F is set lower than that of air 62F, 63F, and 64F. Therefore, the gap 60 corresponds to the area of ​​the air pressure trough, which is the area inside the side plate 72A and is arranged with fins 72C, and is an example of a first area with relatively high cooling capacity. The air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 or the vegetable storage compartment 5 passes between the fins 72C, thereby being cooled and dehumidified into low-temperature and low-humidity air before reaching the blower 71.

[0085] In this embodiment, the jet pressures of air 62F and air 63F are set to be greater than the jet pressure of air 61F. Therefore, air 62F and air 63F function like an air curtain, effectively removing air 61F. This suppresses the intrusion of air 61F into the areas where air 63F or 62F flows. Specifically, air 63F flows to the left of side plate 72AL, and air 62F flows to the right of side plate 72AR, thus suppressing the flow of air 61F. Furthermore, the jet pressures of air 61F, air 62F, air 63F, and air 64F can be appropriately adjusted by design, depending on the size and speed of the blower 71, the length, shape, size, and position of the first to fourth air passages, the size, shape, and position of the air outlet 63A, and the return port 63C. For example, by narrowing the return port 62C where air flows into the cooler chamber 7, the flow velocity is increased, thereby raising the pressure.

[0086] Furthermore, although the air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 or the vegetable storage compartment 5 merges with the air returning from the ice-making compartment 2, the switching compartment 3, and the freezer compartment 4 around the blower 71, it has already been cooled and dehumidified in the first area with relatively high cooling capacity. Therefore, even if it is cooled by the low-temperature air 64F returning from the freezer compartment 4, etc., condensation and icing around the blower 71 can be suppressed.

[0087] This concludes the explanation of the relationship between airflow and temperature / humidity regarding embodiments of this disclosure. Next, using... Figure 6 The comparative examples are explained focusing on airflow, temperature, and humidity. Figure 2 same, Figure 6 This is a view of the cooler chamber 7 from the rear side. In the comparative example, the return port 64C for air from the freezer chamber 4 is located near the center of the cooler 72 in the left-right direction along the X-axis, near the lower end of the cooler 72. Air with higher refrigeration temperature and humidity from the refrigerator chamber 1 and the vegetable storage chamber 5 flows into the cooler chamber 7 through the return port 61C, similar to the embodiment. The return port 61C is located, similar to the embodiment, further outward and below the cooler 72. On the other hand, air from the freezing temperature zone of the ice-making chamber 2, the switching chamber 3, and the freezer chamber 4 returns to the cooler chamber 7 through the return port 64C, at the center of the cooler 72 in the left-right direction along the X-axis.

[0088] The refrigerated temperature air 61F, flowing from the cold storage compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 through the air return port 61C, flows into the cooler compartment 7. A portion of this air flows in the area outside the side plate 72A, i.e., the area without fins 72C. Then, a portion of the refrigerated temperature air 61F remains uncooled by the fins 72C as it passes through the cooler 72. Next, the refrigerated temperature air 61F mixes with the frozen temperature air 64F returning from the freezer compartment around the blower 71 and is cooled, causing the humidity to rise below the dew point and condense on the surface of the blower 71. Furthermore, the condensed water freezes at movable parts of the blower 71, causing malfunctions in the blower 71.

[0089] As explained above, in the comparative example, hot and humid air flowed in the area of ​​the cooler 72 with low cooling capacity, causing the blower 71 to freeze and resulting in malfunctions. In this embodiment, cold and humid air flows in the area of ​​the cooler 72 with relatively low cooling capacity, while hot and humid air flows in the area of ​​the cooler 72 with relatively high cooling capacity. This suppresses icing of the blower 71 and prevents malfunctions.

[0090] In addition, Figure 5 In the attached diagram, the return air path 61D from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the wall 74 with inclined surface 74A in the lower left corner of the cooler compartment 7 are examples of the fourth air path that allows air to return from the second storage compartment to the cooler compartment 7.

[0091] This concludes the explanation of the relationship between airflow and cooling. Next, including optimal conditions, the location, size, shape, and orientation of the return ports 62C, 63C, and 64C, as well as the structure of the fins 72C installed on the refrigerant pipe 72B, will be explained.

[0092] The relative positions of return ports 62C and 63C and side plate 72A are explained.

[0093] Preferably, when viewed from the back of the refrigerator, the proportion of the area outside the side panel 72A in the air return vent 62C from the ice-making compartment 2 is set to 50% or more. Similarly, it is preferable that the proportion of the area outside the side panel 72A in the air return vent 63C from the switching compartment 3 is set to 50% or more when viewed from the back of the refrigerator.

[0094] By setting the proportion of the area located on the outer side of the side plate 72A to 50% or more, it is possible to facilitate the flow of low-temperature, low-humidity air into the area of ​​the cooler 72 where the cooling capacity is relatively low. This enhances the effect of suppressing the flow of refrigerated air 61F to the outer side of the side plate 72A. Furthermore, as described above, the return ports 62C and 63C are formed at their lower ends at a position higher than the lower end of the cooler 72, thereby facilitating the flow of return air 62F and 63F to the outer side of the side plate 72A. By possessing such features related to the position of the return ports 62C and 63C in the X-axis and Z-axis directions, it is possible to suppress the flow of refrigerated air 61F to the outer side of the side plate 72A.

[0095] Furthermore, when air 62F and air 63F flow into the cooler chamber 7 from a position lower than the side plate 72A, the space lower than the cooler 72 functions as an air curtain due to the higher jet pressure of air 62F and air 63F. In this case, not only is the effect of preventing the flow of refrigerated air 61F to the outside of the side plate 72A weakened, but the flow of air 61F between the fins 72C via the cooler 72 is also hindered. To address this, in the above-described configuration, the return ports 62C and 63C are positioned opposite the cooler 72 at the height of the side plate 72A, allowing air 62F and air 63F to flow in from the front relative to the cooler 72. This suppresses the flow of refrigerated air 61F to the outside of the side plate 72A and enhances the effect of allowing refrigerated air 61F to flow between the fins 72C.

[0096] Next, the configuration of return ports 62C, 63C, and 64C will be explained.

[0097] Return ports 63C and 62C are respectively configured to include the outer region of side plate 72A, or opposite to that region, and return port 64C is disposed between return ports 63C and 62C. A gap 60 forming part of the flow path of air 61F flowing in from return port 61C is disposed on the side near return port 61C, between return ports 63C and 64C.

[0098] Compared to setting the gap 60 between the return port 62C and the return port 64C, the path of the air 61F returning at the refrigeration temperature can be shortened, thereby reducing pressure loss and making it easier to guide the air 61F into the gap 60.

[0099] The length of the gap 60 in the X-axis direction between the return port 63C and the return port 64C of the air from the freezer compartment 4 is set to be more than 10% and less than 30% of the length in the X-axis direction between the left and right side plates 72A. As a result, pressure loss of the air returning from the refrigerated storage compartment can be suppressed, and the air 61F returning from the refrigerated storage compartment can pass through the cooler 72.

[0100] Regarding the length in the X-axis direction that should be ensured in the gap 60, it is preferable to ensure it by providing the length of only one gap 60, rather than by providing it by the sum of the lengths of multiple gaps 60 provided at various locations. For example, when the return port 64C is located exactly in the middle between the return ports 62C and 63C, the gap 60 is provided at both the point between the return ports 62C and 64C, and between the return ports 63C and 64C. In this case, compared to the case where only one gap 60 is provided, even if the sum of the lengths of the gaps 60 is set to the same length, air 61F has difficulty flowing through the gap 60, and the pressure loss increases. Therefore, it is preferable to form only one gap 60, thereby reducing the generation of pressure loss. Here, the gap 60 refers to the gap provided between the return ports 63C and 64C as described above. On the other hand, as Figure 4 As shown, there is a slightly open portion between return port 64C and return port 62C. However, the length of this open portion in the X-axis direction is so short that air 61F cannot flow through it, much shorter than the length of the gap 60 in the X-axis direction.

[0101] Next, the size of return ports 62C and 63C will be explained.

[0102] The size of the return vent 62C from the ice-making compartment 2 and the size of the return vent 63C from the switching compartment 3 affect the prevention of condensation and icing in the blower 71. If the opening area is too large, it is difficult to ensure a high enough air pressure to displace the air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1. If the opening area is too small, air cannot flow across the entire outer side of the side panel 72A, thus failing to prevent the air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 from flowing across the outer side of the side panel 72A. Furthermore, the optimal size depends on the dimensions and capacity of the refrigerator 100.

[0103] Next, the return port 64C from freezer compartment 4 will be explained. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the size of the return port 64C returning from the freezer compartment 4 is preferably larger than the size of the return port 62C returning from the ice-making compartment 2 and the size of the return port 63C returning from the switching compartment 3. Compared with return ports 62C and 63, this is achieved by lengthening... Figure 5 The length of the return port 64C in the X-axis direction forms a larger opening. By increasing the return port 64C, the flow velocity of the return air 64F from the freezer compartment 4 passing between the fins 72C can be reduced. This allows the air pressure of the return air 64F passing through the cooler 72 to be lower than the air pressure of the return air 62F passing outside the side plate 72A and the air pressure of the return air 63F. Furthermore, the return air 61F from the refrigerator compartment 1 tends to pass through areas of lower air pressure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the return air 61F from flowing to the outside of the side plate 72A where the return air 62F and 63F flow at relatively higher air pressures. Moreover, even if the return air 61F from the refrigerator compartment 1 passes through the area of ​​the return port 64C and is displaced by the air curtain effect of the return air 64F passing through the cooler 72, it is possible to prevent it from flowing to the outside of the side plate 72A where the return air 62F and 63F flow at a faster speed. In addition, although the case of increasing the length in the X-axis direction to increase the opening area of ​​the return port 64C has been explained, the length in the Z-axis direction can also be increased, that is, the height can be increased to further increase the opening area of ​​the return port 64C.

[0104] An example of applying the embodiments of this disclosure to a common household refrigerator will be described. Figure 1 The refrigerator 100 shown has five storage compartments. With a total capacity of 400 to 550 liters, its width is approximately 600 to 700 mm, with a deviation within ±10%. This is designed to accommodate the width of typical household refrigerator placement spaces. Corresponding to the width of the refrigerator 100, the width of the cooler 72 is designed to be approximately 300 to 500 mm.

[0105] The optimal size of the air return port 62C from the ice-making compartment 2 in this type of household refrigerator 100 is 30mm to 60mm in width and 20mm to 50mm in height. This can suppress the pressure loss of air from the ice-making compartment 2 at the return port 62C, and maintain the flow velocity of the air 62F returning from the ice-making compartment 2 at a certain level, thereby increasing the ventilation resistance of the outer area of ​​the side panel 72A.

[0106] Similarly, by setting the size of the return port 63C of the air from the switching chamber 3 to, for example, a width of 30 mm to 60 mm and a height of 20 mm to 50 mm, pressure loss of the air from the switching chamber 3 at the return port 63C can be suppressed, and the flow velocity of the air 63F returning from the switching chamber 3 can be maintained above a certain flow velocity, thereby increasing the ventilation resistance of the outer region of the side panel 72A. The area and width-to-height ratio of the return port 62C of the air from the ice-making chamber 2 and the return port 63C of the air from the switching chamber 3 do not need to be the same.

[0107] Next, the shapes of return ports 62C and 63C will be described.

[0108] Preferably, the return vent 62C of air from the ice-making chamber 2 and the return vent 63C of air from the switching chamber 3 are rectangular in shape. By making them rectangular, the air 62F returning from the ice-making chamber 2 can flow into the outer side of the side panel 72A in a uniform manner with equal air pressure, air velocity, and flow direction, ensuring that the air 62F returning from the ice-making chamber 2 flows throughout the entire outer area of ​​the side panel 72A. This is because the vertical width of the return vent remains constant regardless of the distance from the side panel 72A. Similarly, it is preferable that the return vent 63C of air from the switching chamber 3 be rectangular. This prevents the air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 from passing through the outer side of the side panel 72A.

[0109] connect Figure 3 The return port 62B shown is Figure 4 The return air path of the return port 62C shown is formed in the vertical direction on the partition wall 6. Figure 3 The return port 62B shown is in comparison Figure 4 The return port 62C shown is formed at a high position on the partition wall 6. Therefore, the air 62F returning from the ice-making chamber 2 is rectified through a vertical airflow path between the return ports 62B and 62C, reducing the lateral component of the flow velocity. Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the air 62F flowing into the cooler 72 from the return port 62C flows smoothly upward in the area on the right side of the side plate 72AR.

[0110] Similarly, connection Figure 3 The return port 63B shown is Figure 4 The return air path of the return port 63C shown is formed in the vertical direction on the partition wall 6. Figure 3 The return port 63B shown is in comparison Figure 4 The return port 63C shown is formed at a high position on the partition wall 6. Therefore, the air 63F returning from the switching chamber 3 is rectified through a vertical airflow path between the return ports 63B and 63C, reducing the lateral component of the flow velocity. Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the air 63F that flows into the cooler 72 from the return port 63C flows smoothly upward in the area outside the side plate 72AL.

[0111] (Variation Example 1)

[0112] In implementation method 1, although using Figures 1-5 The case where a return vent 61C from the refrigerator compartment 1 is present on the left side when viewed from the back of partition wall 6 has been described. However, regarding the case where an air return vent 61C from the refrigerator compartment 1 is formed on the right side when viewed from the back of partition wall 6, the same effect can be achieved by adjusting the positions, distances between them, heights, and widths of the air return vents 62C, 63C, and 64C from the ice-making compartment 2, switching compartment 3, and freezer compartment 4. Furthermore, although using... Figures 1-5 The structure of the refrigerator 100, which has an ice-making compartment 2 on the left side when viewed from the front and a switching compartment 3 on the right side when viewed from the front, has been described. However, regarding the case where the configuration of the ice-making compartment 2 and the switching compartment 3 is interchanged, the same effect can be obtained by interchanged the configuration of the air return port 62C from the ice-making compartment 2 and the air return port 63C from the switching compartment 3.

[0113] (Variation Example 2)

[0114] The air outlets 6A located on the partition wall 6 are preferably equipped with dampers to adjust the flow rate of the circulating air. By adjusting the flow rate using these dampers, the refrigerator compartment 1, the ice-making compartment 2, and the switching compartment 3 can be maintained at their respective set temperatures.

[0115] (Variation Example 3)

[0116] Alternatively, the air return path from the refrigerator compartment 1 can be connected to the vegetable storage compartment 5. In this case, the air blown into the refrigerator compartment 1 returns to the cooler compartment 7 via the vegetable storage compartment 5, the return port 65B of the air from the vegetable storage compartment 5, and the return port 61C of the air from the refrigerator compartment 1.

[0117] Furthermore, air can be circulated without passing through either the partition wall 6 or the air outlet 101A. Air circulation can be achieved by providing an air duct, outlet, or return port solely within the insulated housing 101 of the refrigerator 100, without using the partition wall 6.

[0118] (Variation Example 4)

[0119] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, to increase thermal conductivity by utilizing the boundary layer leading edge effect of fins 72C, the positions of fins 72C located on adjacent refrigerant pipes 72B are offset from each other in the X-axis direction by half the pitch of fins 72C. Alternatively, a structure that does not offset fins 72C in the X-axis direction can be configured to reduce pressure loss of air passing through the cooler 72, facilitating airflow in the cooler chamber 7. This facilitates airflow, reducing the load on the blower 71 and lowering power consumption. Although the cooling capacity decreases because the air flows more easily and does not linger near the cooler 72, the air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 and vegetable storage compartment 5 to the cooler chamber 7 passes through the first region of the refrigerant pipe 72B with higher cooling capacity equipped with fins 72C. Therefore, it is not necessary for the air to linger near the cooler 72 for an extended period, allowing this configuration to be used. In addition, in order to promote the upward heat conduction of the refrigerant tube 72B, a structure in which the fins 72C are joined with multiple tubes in the vertical direction can be adopted.

[0120] (Variation Example 5)

[0121] This concludes the explanation of an example where air at freezing temperature flows outside the side panel 72A. However, it is preferable that the location where air at freezing temperature, or air in a lower temperature range within the refrigerator 100, returns to the cooler compartment 7 is matched to a region of the cooler 72 with lower cooling capacity. Return air in a lower temperature range, such as return air from the freezing temperature zone, flows to a region of the cooler 72 with relatively lower cooling capacity, i.e., the second region, such as the region without fins 72C in a finned tube cooler. On the other hand, return air in a higher temperature range, such as return air from the refrigeration temperature zone, flows to a region of the cooler 72 with higher cooling capacity, i.e., the first region, such as the region with fins 72C in a finned tube cooler. Thus, all the air after passing through the cooler 72 becomes cold, thereby suppressing condensation and icing.

[0122] (Variation Example 6)

[0123] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The positions of return ports 61C, 62C, 63C and 64C in the vertical direction are described, but the positions forming these return ports can be appropriately changed.

[0124] Alternatively, the return port 61C, which was previously described as being located at a position lower than the lower end of the cooler 72, can be formed at the same height as the lower end of the cooler 72. This allows the return air 61F, after passing through the return port 61C, to flow into the cooler 72 directly below it without taking a detour. This helps to suppress pressure loss.

[0125] Alternatively, the return port 62C, which was previously described as being located at a position higher than the lower end of the cooler 72, can be formed such that its lower end is at the same height as the lower end of the cooler 72. By setting it to the same height, the return air 62F from the return port 62C can pass between the lowermost fins 72C. This prevents the return air 61F from flowing to the outside of the side plate 72AR, and allows heat exchange of the return air 62F throughout the entire length of the cooler 72 in the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the return port 63C can be formed such that its lower end is at the same height as the lower end of the cooler 72. This prevents the return air 61F from flowing to the outside of the side plate 72AL, and allows heat exchange of the return air 63F after passing through the return port 63C throughout the entire length of the cooler 72 in the Z-axis direction.

[0126] Furthermore, the lower end of the return port 63C can be made to be at the same height as the lower end of the return port 62C. This prevents deviations in the air curtain effect that suppresses the return air 61F from flowing to the outside of the side plate 72AL and the side plate 72AR.

[0127] Alternatively, the lower end of the return port 64C can be at the same height as the lower end of the cooler 72. This allows the return air 64F from the return port 64C to pass between the lowermost fins 72C, thereby enabling heat exchange along the entire length of the cooler 72 in the Z-axis direction.

[0128] (Variation Example 7)

[0129] In the above embodiment, each return port is described as an opening provided in the partition wall 6. However, the shape of each return port is not limited to the above shape, and various functions may be added. Next, refer to Figures 7 to 10 A modified example 7, in which the structure of the return port formed in the partition wall 6 is different, will be described.

[0130] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the return port 62B opening into the ice-making chamber 2 has a rectangular opening 66A as the second opening. A grid component 66B is provided in this opening 66A, extending longitudinally and arranged in multiple horizontal directions. Here, longitudinal refers to the vertical direction, and horizontal refers to the horizontal direction. By providing the grid component 66B in the return port 62B, it is possible to prevent food stored in the ice-making chamber 2, or small items used for storing food, from entering through the return port 62B and blocking the return air path 62D. Furthermore, by setting the direction in which the grid component 66B extends in the return port 62B to the longitudinal direction, the grid component 66B can be used to rectify the air passing through the return port 62B, reducing the lateral component of the air after passing through the grid component 66B. Alternatively, the directions of the grid components in the return port 62B can differ by 90°, resulting in multiple grid components extending horizontally and arranged vertically in the return port 62B.

[0131] like Figure 8 As shown, the return port 62B is located above and outside the return port 62C, which opens into the cooler chamber 7. Return port 62B and return port 62C are connected by a return air passage 62D formed within the partition wall 6. A portion of the return air passage 62D has an upper and lower air passage 62DA extending in the vertical direction. This upper and lower air passage 62DA rectifies the airflow passing through the return air passage 62D, thereby reducing the lateral component of the airflow velocity. Furthermore, although it has been stated that a portion of the return air passage 62D has an upper and lower air passage 62DA forming in the vertical direction, the return air passage 62D can also be an entire air passage forming in the vertical direction.

[0132] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the return port 63B opening into the switching chamber 3 has a rectangular opening 67A as the second opening. A grid component 67B is provided in this opening 67A. Multiple grid components 67B extend longitudinally and are arranged laterally. By providing the grid component 67B in the return port 63B, it is possible to prevent food stored in the switching chamber 3, or small items used for food storage, from entering through the return port 63B and blocking the return air path 63D. Furthermore, by setting the direction of the grid component 67B extending in the return port 63B to longitudinal, the grid component 67B can rectify the air passing through the return port 63B, reducing the lateral component of the air after passing through the grid component 67B. Alternatively, the directions of the grid components in the return port 63B can differ by 90°, resulting in multiple grid components extending laterally and arranged longitudinally in the return port 63B.

[0133] like Figure 8As shown, the return port 63B is located above and outside the return port 63C, which opens into the cooler chamber 7. Return port 63B and return port 63C are connected by a return air passage 63D formed within the partition wall 6. A portion of the return air passage 63D has an upper and lower air passage 63DA extending in the vertical direction. This upper and lower air passage 63DA rectifies the airflow passing through the return air passage 63D, thereby reducing the lateral component of the airflow velocity. Furthermore, although it has been stated that a portion of the return air passage 63D has an upper and lower air passage 63DA forming in the vertical direction, the return air passage 63D can also be an entire air passage forming in the vertical direction.

[0134] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the return port 64B, which opens into the freezer compartment 4, has a rectangular opening 12 serving as the second opening. The return port 64B has reinforcing members 13 and multiple guide members 14 arranged in a grid pattern within this opening 12. The reinforcing members 13 extend longitudinally and are arranged in multiple lateral directions, while the multiple guide members 14 extend laterally and are spaced apart vertically. The guide members 14, which guide the air passing through the return port 64B, are plate-shaped components, such as… Figure 10 As shown, the portion in the -Y direction, where the cooler chamber 7 is located, is positioned at an angle higher than the portion in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 13 can be omitted as long as the multiple guides 14 provided at the return port 64B can ensure sufficient rigidity.

[0135] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the return port 64C, which opens into the cooler chamber 7, has a rectangular opening 16. (As indicated...) Figure 10 As shown, the width of the return air path 17 connecting return port 64B and return port 64C in the Z-axis direction increases as it moves backward, i.e., in the -Y-axis direction. In other words, the return air path 17 becomes taller as it moves from the freezer compartment 4 toward the cooler compartment 7.

[0136] like Figure 10 As indicated by arrow 19, the return air from the freezer compartment 4 is guided obliquely upward by guide 14. Then, the return air guided by guide 14 flows directly obliquely upward in the return air path 17 and passes through the return port 64C. In this way, by guiding the return air obliquely upward, the return air after passing through the return port 64C can be... Figure 5 As shown, the water flows into the cooler 72 and upwards smoothly. This reduces pressure loss when flowing into the cooler 72, thus improving the refrigerator's cooling performance.

[0137] In addition, such as Figure 10As shown, the opening 12 of the return port 64B is defined by an upper protrusion 20 extending forward from the front surface 6B of the partition wall 6, i.e., in the +Y axis direction. Here, "forward" refers to the direction in which the freezer compartment 4 is located. Furthermore, the opening 12 of the return port 64B is defined by a lower protrusion 21 extending forward from the front surface 6B. The upper protrusion 20 slopes downward towards the front. On the other hand, the lower protrusion 21 slopes upward towards the front. Moreover, the leading edge 21a of the lower protrusion 21 is located forward of both the leading edge 14a of the guide 14 and the leading edge 20a of the upper protrusion 20. That is, the extension amount of the lower protrusion 21 is greater than that of the upper protrusion 20.

[0138] Defrosting water, generated during defrosting, forms droplets that flow from the front surface 6B of the partition wall 6, through the upper protrusion 20 and guide 14, to the upper surface of the lower protrusion 21, whose leading edge 21a protrudes forward. The upper surface of the lower protrusion 21 slopes backward, i.e., from the freezer compartment 4 towards the cooler compartment 7. Therefore, the droplets reaching the upper surface of the lower protrusion 21 flow towards the cooler compartment 7. This prevents the floor of the freezer compartment 4 from being wetted by the defrosting water droplets.

[0139] (Implementation Method 2)

[0140] In embodiment 1, the air from the ice-making chamber 2 is returned to the cooler chamber 7 via the partition wall 6. However, a structure can also be adopted in which the air from the ice-making chamber 2 passes through other storage chambers, such as the freezer chamber 4, before returning to the cooler chamber 7. By adopting such a structure, there are advantages such as: it is not necessary to form a return port for the ice-making chamber 2, the structure of the partition wall 6 can be simplified, and the air returning from the refrigerator chamber 1 is not cooled in the partition wall 6.

[0141] use Figures 11-13 This section explains the structure and operation. (The explanation will be provided in the original text.) Figure 5 In the embodiment 1 shown, the air return port 62C, which opens to the outside of the side panel 72A and originates from the ice-making chamber 2, is as follows: Figure 12 Replacing it with a portion of the air return port 64C from the freezer compartment 4, as shown, can achieve the same effect as in embodiment 1.

[0142] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the partition wall 6 of the refrigerator 100A according to Embodiment 2, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 100A. Figure 11As shown, an air outlet 61A for blowing air into the refrigerator compartment 1 and an air return outlet 61B from the refrigerator compartment 1 are formed on the upper surface of the partition wall 6. Furthermore, an air outlet 62A for blowing air into the ice-making compartment 2, an air outlet 63A for blowing air into the switching compartment 3, an air return outlet 63B from the switching compartment 3, an air outlet 64A for blowing air into the freezer compartment 4, and an air return outlet 64B from the freezer compartment 4 are formed on the front surface of the partition wall 6. Additionally, an air damper (not shown) is provided at the air outlet 61A to adjust the airflow rate circulating in the refrigerator compartment 1, at the air outlet 62A to adjust the airflow rate circulating in the ice-making compartment 2, and at the air outlet 63A to adjust the airflow rate circulating in the switching compartment 3. By adjusting the airflow using these air dampers, the refrigerator compartment 1, the ice-making compartment 2, and the switching compartment 3 can be maintained at their respective set temperatures.

[0143] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the partition wall 6 of the refrigerator 100A according to Embodiment 2, viewed from the rear side of the refrigerator 100A. Figure 12 As shown, on the back of the partition wall 6, there are return ports 63C for air from the switching chamber 3 and 64C for air from the freezer compartment 4. The return ports 64C for air from the freezer compartment 4 are located in two places. Air supplied to the switching chamber 3 and the freezer compartment 4 flows into the cooler compartment 7 through these return ports. Furthermore, when viewed from the back of the partition wall 6, the return port 61C for air from the refrigerator compartment 1 is located in the lower left corner; air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 flows into the cooler compartment 7.

[0144] Figure 13 This is a view of the cooler compartment 7 and partition wall 6 of the refrigerator 100A according to Embodiment 2, viewed from the rear side. The difference from the first embodiment is that, located in... Figure 13 The air flowing outside the right-side side panel 72AR is from the freezer compartment 4. One of the return ports 64C for the air from the freezer compartment 4 is opposite the outer area of ​​the side panel 72AR, and a portion of the air in the freezing temperature zone flows further outward than the side panel 72AR. The air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 is sufficiently cooled and dehumidified by passing through the first area of ​​the fins 72C, which has a higher arrangement density and cooling capacity. As a result, all the air after passing through the cooler 72 becomes low-temperature and low-humidity, thereby suppressing condensation and icing in the blower 71.

[0145] (Variation Example 1)

[0146] In the above-described embodiment 2, although the return ports 64B and 64C, located at two different locations and returning from the freezer compartment 4, are of different sizes, their sizes can also be set to be the same. Furthermore, it is also possible to... Figure 10The same structure as the guide 14 shown is provided at each return port 64C.

[0147] like Figure 14 As shown, in the partition wall 6 of Modified Example 1, two return ports 64B opening into the freezer compartment 4 are arranged in the X-axis direction. Each return port 64B has a rectangular opening and a guide 22. The rectangular openings are of the same size, and the guide 22 extends in the X-axis direction, with multiple guides arranged in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). The guide 22 is similar to the reference... Figure 10 The guide 14, as described above, is also a plate-shaped component, arranged at an angle such that the portion in the direction where the cooler chamber 7 is located, i.e., the -Y direction portion, is positioned higher than the portion in the +Y direction portion. Therefore, the return air entering the return port 64B from the freezer chamber 4 is guided obliquely upwards by the guide 22. Then, the return air guided by the guide 22 can directly pass through the opening into the cooler chamber 7. Figure 15 The return port 64C is shown. Therefore, the return air after passing through return port 64C can be... Figure 16 As shown, the fluid flows into the cooler 72 and upwards smoothly. This reduces pressure loss as it flows into the cooler 72, thus improving cooling performance.

[0148] Furthermore, by providing multiple return ports 64B for the freezer compartments and setting each return port 64B to the same size, the length of the return port 64B in the X-axis direction can be shortened compared to the case of a single return port 64B or return ports 64B of different sizes. Consequently, the length of the guide member 22 provided at the return port 64B in the X-axis direction can be shortened, thus improving the rigidity of the guide member 22. Therefore, the guide member 22 is less prone to bending, preventing foreign objects from entering through the enlarged gap of the guide member 22, or fingers from entering the gap of the guide member 22.

[0149] Furthermore, the air cooled in the ice-making chamber 2 and the freezing chamber 4 passes through return port 64C. Therefore, more air passes through return port 64C compared to return port 63C, which only passes through air cooled in the switching chamber 3. This can easily lead to pressure loss at return port 64C. To suppress such pressure loss, measures can be taken as follows... Figure 16 As shown, the width of the return port 64C in the Z-axis direction is larger than the width of the return port 63C used to return air from the switching chamber 3 in the Z-axis direction, thereby making the opening area of ​​the return port 64C larger.

[0150] (Implementation Method 3)

[0151] In Embodiments 1 and 2, a refrigerator compartment 1, an ice-making compartment 2, a switching compartment 3, a freezer compartment 4, and a vegetable storage compartment 5 are arranged from top to bottom. Figures 17-20 A refrigerator 100B with a structure in which the positions of the freezer compartment 4 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 are interchanged will be described. This structure is preferred in households where vegetables are frequently used in cooking, while frozen ingredients are used relatively infrequently. An embodiment of this disclosure is adopted for such a structure.

[0152] like Figure 17 As shown, refrigerator 100B has a refrigerator compartment 1, an ice-making compartment 2, and a switching compartment 3 in the same locations as in embodiment 1. Unlike embodiment 1, a vegetable storage compartment 5 is located below the ice-making compartment 2 and the switching compartment 3, and a freezer compartment 4 is located below the vegetable storage compartment 5.

[0153] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of the partition wall 6 of the refrigerator 100B according to Embodiment 3, viewed from the front side. The partition wall 6 has air outlets 61A and 61B for blowing air into the refrigerator compartment 1, air outlets 62A and 62B for blowing air into the ice-making compartment 2, air outlets 63A and 63B for blowing air into the switching compartment 3, air outlets 65A and 65B for blowing air into the vegetable storage compartment 5, and air outlets 64A and 64B for blowing air into the freezer compartment 4. Since the vegetable storage compartment 5 is located higher than the freezer compartment 4, the air outlets 65A and 65B for blowing air into the vegetable storage compartment 5 are positioned higher than the air outlets 64A and 64B for blowing air into the freezer compartment 4. Because the vegetable storage compartment 5 is maintained at a refrigeration temperature, the amount of air supplied to it can be less than that to the freezer compartment 4. Therefore, the outlet 65A that blows air into the vegetable storage compartment 5 is smaller than the outlet 64A that blows air into the freezer compartment 4.

[0154] In addition, each air outlet blowing into the refrigerator compartment 1, ice-making compartment 2, switching compartment 3, and vegetable storage compartment 5 is equipped with a damper (not shown) for adjusting the airflow. By adjusting the airflow using the dampers, the refrigerator compartment 1, ice-making compartment 2, switching compartment 3, and vegetable storage compartment 5 can be maintained at their respective set temperatures.

[0155] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the partition wall 6 as seen from the rear side of the refrigerator 100B. On the rear side of the partition wall 6, there are return vents 61C for air from the refrigerator compartment 1, 62C for air from the ice maker compartment 2, 63C for air from the switching compartment 3, and 64C for air from the freezer compartment 4. Air returning from the vegetable storage compartment 5 flows into the partition wall 6 through return vent 65B and is transported to the return air path 61D. After merging with the air returning from the refrigerator compartment 1, it flows into the cooler compartment 7 through return vent 61C.

[0156] Figure 20This is a view of the cooler compartment 7 and partition wall 6 of the refrigerator 100B according to Embodiment 3, viewed from the rear side. The partition wall 6 is the same as that shown in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 Similarly, it has return vents for air from each storage compartment. Although the vertical relationship between the freezer compartment 4 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 is reversed compared to the refrigerator 100B of Embodiment 1, the air returning from each storage compartment flows into the same location as in Embodiment 1. (See reference...) Figure 18 and Figure 19 As explained, although the positions of the air outlets 64A and 65A that blow air out of the partition wall 6 and the return outlets 64B and 65B that return air to the partition wall 6 are changed, the same inflow position is achieved by changing the air path within the partition wall 6. Similar to Embodiment 1, all the air after passing through the cooler 72 becomes cold, thereby suppressing condensation and icing in the blower 71.

[0157] (Variation Example 1)

[0158] In the above-described embodiment 3, such as Figure 18 As shown, although both the air outlet 65A blowing air into the vegetable storage compartment 5 and the air return outlet 65B face forward, i.e., along the Y-axis, whether they face the same direction is arbitrary. For example, as... Figure 21 As shown, a recess 23 can also be provided at the end of the partition wall 6 in the X-axis direction, and an air return port 65B facing the X-axis direction, i.e., the outside, can be formed in this recess 23. In this way, the air outlet 65A facing the Y-axis direction and the air return port 65B facing the X-axis direction can be oriented in different directions. As a result, the air blown out from the air outlet 65A can be distributed throughout the entire vegetable storage chamber 5 before flowing into the return port 65B.

[0159] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, the air outlet 65A, which blows air into the vegetable storage chamber 5, is formed at the end of the partition wall 6 on the -X-axis side, and the return outlet 65B is formed at the end of the partition wall 6 on the +X-axis side. In this way, by forming the air outlet 65A and the return outlet 65B separately at the left and right ends of the partition wall 6, the air blown from the air outlet 65A can be distributed throughout the entire vegetable storage chamber 5 before flowing into the return outlet 65B. Furthermore, it is preferable that the air outlet 65A and the return outlet 65B formed in the partition wall 6 are formed in the upper part of the vegetable storage chamber 5. This allows for efficient cooling of the relatively warm air above the vegetable storage chamber 5.

[0160] Furthermore, the orientations of the blow-out port 65A and the return port 65B are not limited to the case where they differ by 90 degrees as described above. For example, the blow-out port 65A and the return port 65B may also be configured to differ by 180 degrees from each other in that they are oriented toward the outside of the partition wall 6.

[0161] (Implementation Method 4)

[0162] In embodiments 1 to 3, the flow of air between the cold storage compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 was described. When the temperature and humidity in these cold-temperature zones of the storage compartment 15 are sufficiently low, further cooling is not required, and it is not necessary to flow air from the cooler compartment 7 to the cold-temperature zone storage compartment. Figures 22-26 Implementation 4 of this disclosure will be described in relation to such a situation.

[0163] Since air is not allowed to flow into the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5, there is no air returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 to the cooler compartment 7. Therefore, the hot and humid air will not flow outside the side panel 72A and condense at the blower 71, and there is no need to allow the air 63F returning to the cooler compartment 7 from the freezing temperature zone to flow to the area outside the side panel 72A with lower cooling capacity. In this case, by allowing the air 63F from the freezing temperature zone to flow in the area of ​​the cooler 72 with higher cooling capacity, i.e., inside the side panel 72A, the cooling capacity of the cooler 72 can be used more effectively.

[0164] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the partition wall 6 as seen from the rear side of the refrigerator 100C. The partition wall 6 is provided with an air outlet 61A for blowing air into the refrigerator compartment 1, an air outlet 65A for blowing air into the vegetable storage compartment 5, an air return outlet 65B from the vegetable storage compartment 5, an air return outlet 61C from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5, an air return outlet 62C from the ice maker compartment 2, an air return outlet 63C from the switching compartment 3, and an air return outlet 64C from the freezer compartment 4.

[0165] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A sectional view taken at face III-III, as shown. Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, a swashplate 62H is provided at the air return port 62C from the ice-making chamber 2, and a swashplate 63H is provided at the air return port 63C from the switching chamber 3. Figure 24 As shown, the oscillating blade 63H has a stepper motor 97.

[0166] On the other hand, Figure 22 Air outlet 61A for blowing air into the refrigerator compartment 1, air outlet 62A for blowing air into the ice-making compartment 2, and air outlet 63A for blowing air into the switching compartment 3 are each equipped with a damper (not shown). A thermistor 96 is installed in both the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 for temperature measurement.

[0167] Figure 2 The computer room 8 shown has Figure 24The control unit 9 shown controls the angles of the blades 63H and 62H and the damper 99. The control unit 9 includes a processor 91, RAM 92, ROM 93, and input / output interface (hereinafter referred to as I / O) 95. The processor 91 uses RAM 92 as its working memory to execute the control program stored in ROM 93. RAM 92 functions as the working area of ​​the processor 91, storing the executing program and various data. ROM 93 stores the control program for blades 62H and 63H and the damper 99, as well as fixed data used for this control. As fixed data, a first threshold temperature T1 is included.

[0168] Temperature information is acquired by the thermistors 96, which are installed in the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5, via I / O 95 and stored in RAM 92. The processor 91 compares the threshold temperature stored in ROM 93 with the temperature information of the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 stored in RAM 92.

[0169] When the temperatures in the cold storage compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 are lower than the threshold temperature, a damper control signal is sent to the damper 99, causing the damper 99 to rotate and close. Simultaneously, a swing blade control signal is sent to the stepper motor 97 of the swing blade 63H and the stepper motor 98 of the swing blade 62H, causing the swing blade 63H to face right and the swing blade 62H to face left. Thus, as... Figure 25 As shown, air returning to the cooler chamber 7 through return port 63C flows in obliquely to the right, and air returning to the cooler chamber 7 through return port 62C flows in obliquely to the left. Furthermore, the air 62F and 63F in the freezing temperature zone flows in the area of ​​the cooler 72 with higher cooling capacity and is cooled with higher efficiency.

[0170] When the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 is higher than the threshold temperature, the damper 99 is opened according to the control signal from the processor 91, and the cooled air is delivered to the second storage compartment, which is maintained at the refrigerator temperature, by the blower 71. At the same time, according to the control signal from the processor 91, the stepper motors 97 and 98 are rotated, causing the vanes 62H and 63H to tilt outwards respectively. The air flowing in from the return port 62C or the return port 63C flows to the right side of the right side plate 72AR or the left side of the left side plate 72AL. Similar to Embodiment 1, the air 61F returning from the refrigerator compartment 1 and the vegetable storage compartment 5 flows in the area with higher cooling capacity of the cooler 72, thereby suppressing condensation and icing in the blower 71.

[0171] (Implementation Method 5)

[0172] In embodiments 1 to 4, when viewed from the back of the refrigerator, the return air path 61D from the refrigerator compartment 1 is located at the left end of the partition wall 6. When the refrigerator compartment 1 has a large capacity, the return air path 61D from the refrigerator compartment 1 is located on both the left and right sides of the partition wall 6. Figure 26 The structure and operation of this disclosure under such circumstances are explained.

[0173] Figure 26 This is a view of the refrigerator 100D's cooler compartment 7 and partition wall 6 from the rear side of the refrigerator 100D. Return air passages 61D from the refrigerator compartment 1 are formed on both the left and right sides of the partition wall 6. An example is shown where the airflow in the left-side return air passage 61D is greater than the airflow in the right-side return air passage 61D when viewed in the attached diagram. Preferably, the gap 60A on the side of the left and right return air passages 61D closest to the side with a larger airflow is widened, while the gap 60B on the side with a smaller airflow is narrowed or eliminated. This is because the path of the air 61F returning at the refrigeration temperature zone can be shortened, thereby reducing pressure loss. Since the pressure loss is smaller, it is not necessary to increase the air supply pressure, and the power input to the blower 71 can be minimized. As a result, condensation or icing in the blower 71 can be suppressed, and the power consumption of the refrigerator 100D can be reduced.

[0174] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator that circulates air, using a cooler to cool the circulating air. It can be applied to situations where the cooler has areas with relatively high cooling capacity and areas with relatively low cooling capacity. Air at freezing temperature flows through the areas of the cooler with lower cooling capacity, while relatively hot and humid air flows through the areas of the cooler with higher cooling capacity. For example, not limited to finned tube types, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to refrigerators using Peltier elements as coolers. For example, the cooling capacity at the ends of the Peltier element is relatively low.

[0175] The freezing temperature zone is not limited to temperatures below -17°C as mentioned above. The refrigeration temperature zone is not limited to temperatures between +3°C and +10°C as mentioned above, but refers to the temperature zone in refrigerator 100 that is higher than the freezing temperature zone.

[0176] In this disclosure, although examples of setting the refrigeration temperature and the freezing temperature as the temperature of the storage compartment are disclosed, it is not limited to this, and a refrigerator that can circulate air at the freezing temperature and air at a higher temperature can be applied.

[0177] This disclosure can be implemented in various ways and variations without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are illustrative of this disclosure and do not limit its scope. That is, the scope of this disclosure is defined not by the embodiments, but by the claims. Additionally, various variations implemented within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0178] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-185464, filed on November 5, 2020. The description, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-185464 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0179] Label Explanation

[0180] 1: Refrigeration compartment; 1A: Air outlet; 2: Ice-making compartment; 3: Switching compartment; 4: Freezer compartment; 5: Vegetable storage compartment; 6: Partition wall; 6A: Air outlet; 6B: Front surface; 6C: Return port; 7: Cooler compartment; 8: Machine room; 9: Control unit; 11: Door; 12: Opening; 13: Reinforcing component; 14: Guide; 14a: Leading edge; 15: Storage compartment; 16: Opening; 17: Return air passage; 20: Upper extension; 20a: Leading edge; 21: Lower extension 21a: Leading edge; 22: Guide; 25: Guide; 31: Door; 41: Door; 51: Door; 60: Gap; 60A: Gap; 60B: Gap; 61A: Outlet; 61B: Return port; 61C: Return port; 61D: Return air path; 61F: Air; 62A: Outlet; 62B: Return port; 62C: Return port; 62D: Return air path; 62F: Air; 62H: Oscillating blade; 62DA: Up and down air path; 63A: Blowing... Outlet; 63B: Return port; 63C: Return port; 63D: Return air path; 63F: Air; 63H: Oscillating blade; 63DA: Up and down air path; 64A: Outlet; 64B: Return port; 64C: Return port; 64F: Air; 65A: Outlet; 65B: Return port; 66A: Opening; 66B: Grid component; 67A: Opening; 67B: Grid component; 71: Blower; 72: Cooler; 72A, 72AL, 72AR: Side plate 72B: Refrigerant pipe; 72BA: Pipe; 72BB: U-shaped pipe; 72C: Fin; 73: Defrosting heater; 74: Wall of the cooler compartment; 74A: Inclined surface; 81: Compressor; 91: Processor; 92: RAM; 93: ROM; 96: Thermistor; 97, 98: Stepper motor; 99: Damper; 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D: Refrigerator; 101: Insulated enclosure; 102: Insulated door for storage room.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein, The refrigerator has the following features: A first storage compartment in the freezing temperature zone; a second storage compartment in a second temperature zone higher than the freezing temperature zone; Coolers, whose cooling capacity varies depending on their location, cool the surrounding air; A cooling chamber that houses the cooling unit; A blower is disposed in the cooler chamber; A partition wall that separates at least one of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber from the cooler chamber. A first air path transports air from the cooler chamber to the first storage chamber; a second air path transports air from the cooler chamber to the second storage chamber; a third air path returns air from the first storage chamber to the cooler chamber; and a fourth air path returns air from the second storage chamber to the cooler chamber. A circulation path is formed by the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, the first air duct, the second air duct, the third air duct, the fourth air duct, and the cooler. The blower is positioned downstream of the cooler in the circulation path, supplying air cooled by the cooler to the first and second storage chambers via the first and second air passages, respectively, and drawing air from the first and second storage chambers via the third and fourth air passages. The fourth air duct supplies air drawn from the second storage chamber to the first area of ​​the cooler. The third air duct has at least a portion of an air duct extending vertically in the partition wall, supplying air drawn from the first storage chamber to a second region, whose cooling capacity is lower than that of the first region.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The cooler is a finned tube type cooler having refrigerant tubes with fins arranged in a finned manner, and the arrangement density of the fins in the refrigerant tubes in the second region is lower than that in the first region.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The cooler has a refrigerant tube consisting of a plurality of horizontally arranged straight tubes and a plurality of U-shaped tubes alternately connected in a tortuous manner. A plurality of fins are arranged perpendicularly to and along the refrigerant tubes on the straight tubes. The cooler is supported by two side plates, which are perpendicular to the straight tubes at the boundary between the straight tubes and the U-shaped tubes and have holes that enclose the U-shaped tubes. The first opening of the third air duct facing the cooler chamber is opposite to the area between the side plate and the wall of the cooler chamber.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The third airflow path has two or more components. The area between the first opening of the third air duct and one of the side panels and the wall of the cooler chamber, and the area between the other side panel and the wall of the cooler chamber, are opposite to each other.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The first opening of the third air duct is formed at a position that overlaps with the side plate in the height direction.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The first openings of two or more of the third air passages formed in the partition wall are formed at intervals in the horizontal direction.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The first region is the inner region sandwiched between the two side plates. The second region is the region on the outer side of the two side plates. The first opening of the third air passage formed in the partition wall is positioned opposite at least a portion of the second region from the front, thereby supplying air after passing through the third air passage to the second region. Air from the second storage chamber is supplied to the cooler from below via the fourth air duct, and the air supplied to the second region is blocked from entering the second region and is supplied to the first region.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The first opening of the third air duct is opposite to the lower end of the cooler.

9. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The jet pressure of the air supplied by the third air passage is greater than that of the air supplied by the fourth air passage.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, A grid component is provided at the second opening of the third air duct facing the first storage chamber. The grid component extends vertically and is arranged in multiple ways in the horizontal direction.

11. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, A guide component is provided at the second opening of the third air duct facing the first storage chamber, and this guide component guides the air passing through the second opening. The guide component extends horizontally and is provided in multiple ways at intervals in the vertical direction.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, The guide member is configured to rise at an angle as it moves toward the direction in which the cooler chamber is located.

13. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, Where the partition wall at least separates the cooler chamber from the first storage chamber from each other. The partition wall is provided with an upper protrusion and a lower protrusion. The upper protrusion slopes downward toward the first storage chamber, and the lower protrusion slopes upward toward the first storage chamber. The upper part of the third air duct is defined by the upper extension above the second opening of the first storage chamber, and the lower part of the second opening is defined by the lower extension. The lower protrusion extends beyond the partition wall by a greater amount than the upper protrusion extends beyond the partition wall.

14. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The height of the third air duct formed in the partition wall increases as it moves from the first storage chamber toward the chamber where the cooler is located.

15. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The refrigerator has the following features: The temperature information acquisition unit acquires temperature information representing the temperature of the second storage chamber; The oscillating blades are located in the third airflow path; An air damper, which is installed in the second air passage; and The control unit controls the swing blades and the damper based on the temperature information obtained by the temperature information acquisition unit.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein, When the damper is opened, the blades are tilted to change the direction of airflow, causing the air flowing into the cooler chamber from the third air passage to flow to the area of ​​the cooler with relatively low cooling capacity.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein, When the damper is closed, the blades are tilted to change the direction of airflow, so that the air flowing into the cooler chamber from the third air passage flows to the area of ​​the cooler with relatively high cooling capacity.

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